Charlotte Lemon ChsIntro2015.pdf

LIVING INISLE OF PALMS & SULLIVAN’S ISLANDbegan construction of what is today the gatedWild Dunes Resort. This exclusive communityfeatures two golf courses, extensive tennis facilitiesand a system of walking and bicycling trails.Hurricane Hugo destroyed 95% of the IOP’sbuildings in 1989 and the influx of insurancecash led to a burst of luxurious gentrification.Today, the island has apopulation of more than 4,500 multimillion-dollarhomes line the water, and itsFront Beach commercial district bustles withrestaurants and shops.The IOP’s Windjammer Lounge is a classicbeachfront bar and music venue, and the annualPolar Bear Swim on Sullivan’s Island, whichdraws thousands of high-spirited bathers everyNew Year’s Day, originates at Dunleavy’s Pub inthe island’s tiny downtown.Life on the islands offers distinct choices forthose who can afford them — the upscale energyof the IOP versus the quirkier charms of Sullivan’sIsland. Residents of both islands benefit fromone of the state’s finest elementary schools, enjoyeasy access to shopping via the Isle of Palms Connectorand can often be spotted tooling around intheir ubiquitous electric golf carts.Above: Poe’s Tavern is one the lively restaurantsSullivan’s Island residents enjoy.Right: Many bird species call these barrierislands their home.Life on the islands offers distinct choices. TheIsle of Palms exudes upscale energy whileSullivan’s Island maintains quirkier charms.Photo/Poe’s TavernPhoto/Leslie BurdenPhoto/City of Isle of PalmsInset: Sea turtles that have been rehabilitated at the S.C. Aquarium are released at the Isle of Palms.Main: Docks line the Intracoastal Waterway on the back side of the Isle of Palms.INTRO | 47