Divorce Attorney in Sullivan's Island, SC

Ask any Charlestonian about their preferred local beach, and there’s a good chance they’ll immediately dive into the attributes of Sullivan’s Island. As a former resident of the Holy City, I can attest that this slice of paradise is one of the Lowcountry’s best places to go for rest, relaxation, and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality.

“It's seen hundreds of years of American history (Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is at one end of the island), has beautiful public beaches, and is home to some of the area's best restaurants that are located just a short walk from the sand,” says Elizabeth Rhodes, senior editor at Travel + Leisure and a South Carolina native.

While its culinary footprint may be impressive, it’s even more admirable when you consider the size of the island itself. “Sullivan’s Island is only 2.5 miles long, so it’s quite smaller than most people think,” says Ben Towill, co-founder of Basic Projects, a Charleston-based hospitality and design firm he runs with his wife, Kate. Small it may be, but its glorious scenery, family-friendly atmosphere, and unique local businesses create an inviting beach town experience that should be on every traveler’s to-do list when in Charleston.

Read on to start planning your trip to Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina.

Where to Stay

Rhodes notes there are “no hotels or major chains” on the island, so finding accommodations through Airbnb, Vrbo, or another short-term rental service will be your best bet. Below, we rounded up a few of the area’s top-rated properties.

Up to 10 guests can make this four-bedroom, three-bath property their Sullivan’s Island home away from home. The open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, full-sized ping pong table, outdoor shower, and easy access to the beach make it ideal for large family gatherings, especially those with little kids in tow.

If something smaller is more your speed, take a look at this one-bedroom condo overlooking Sullivan’s Island’s hub of activity. At this rental, location is everything; you can walk to the shops, restaurants, and the beach—you’ll only have to get in your car if you need to go to the grocery store or want to explore the neighboring communities.

Best Things to Do

Beach days are always on the schedule on Sullivan’s Island, even when the temperatures fall below 70. The beaches are “perfectly secluded during the off-season,” says Rhodes, and you can snuggle up with a picnic basket, blanket, and book before watching the sunset. Public beach access points can be found all along the south side of the island.

Kate Towill, who recommends Sealand Adventure Sports for bike rentals, says her typical route involves the following: “You can start with a quick bike ride through town, and then we love going through the neighborhoods. We then head over to the Breach Inlet to Isle of Palms and loop back to Sullivan’s to grab a seat on the patio of Sullivan’s Fish Camp.”

You can’t go inside Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, also known as “Charleston Light,” but it makes for a great photo opp. It’s also easy to spot, thanks to its two black and white color blocks and its position near Station 18 (a public beach access spot).

Part history lesson, part scenic stop, Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is a must-do for anyone looking for an educational activity in the area. Its roots go back to the 1700s, but today’s fort has been restored to show different periods between 1809 and 1947. “We love walking the perimeter of the park, which is filled with beautiful wildflowers, and then looping back toward the ocean where you can see Fort Sumter,” says Kate Towill.

On the hottest summer days, the only thing that can bring any relief—besides a dip in the ocean—is an extra-cold drink. And on Sullivan’s Island, that means heading to The Co-Op. “The Co-Op is a must for stocking up on frosé,” says Rhodes, referring to the popular frozen alcoholic beverage the cafe is popular for. Pro tip: It’s best served alongside one of the in-house gourmet breakfast or lunch sandwiches.

Best Restaurants

“Home Team is a great casual spot, perfect for families or large groups of friends. Whether you're coming off the beach after a long day in the sun or heading out to the Island for an early dinner, their famous Gamechangers are not to be missed,” says Ben Towill. If you do indulge in the restaurant's signature frozen rum cocktail, proceed with caution—the Gamechanger's strength shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Poe's Tavern—inspired by poet Edgar Allen Poe, who was stationed on Sullivan's Island during his stint in the military—serves up delicious burgers and perfectly crispy hand-cut fries,” says Rhodes. When the weather permits, grab a table out front or on the porch, where you can appreciate the liveliness of Middle Street.

For “a more refined dinner option on the island,” Rhodes suggests The Obstinate Daughter. At this Southern restaurant with Italian, Spanish, and French influences, the menu consists of items like grilled octopus, peel-and-eat shrimp, ricotta gnocchi, and house-made pizzas. Due to its popularity, a reservation is highly recommended.

Sullivan’s Fish Camp’s history on the island stretches back to 1988. The restaurant is the sibling property of Charleston’s Basic Kitchen and Post House in Mount Pleasant—from the Towills’ company, Basic Projects—but it stands on its own in terms of its narrative and menu offerings. Highlights include jalapeño and Gouda hushpuppies, the Fish Camp Sandwich, and the frozen piña colada. Kate Towill also recommends the New England lobster roll.

Ben Towill describes High Thyme as a “local spot with a laid-back atmosphere and delicious American fare dishes.” Think shrimp and grits, seared scallops, and pan-fried crab and shrimp cakes, all washed down with a selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Note that High Thyme doesn’t take reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best Shopping

Local art makes for a great souvenir or present for a loved one, and Sandpiper Gallery offers an impressive selection of paintings, jewelry, pottery, and other pieces made in a variety of mediums. It’s also conveniently located next door to Home Team BBQ and Mex 1 Coastal Cocina.

It’s hard to walk into Goldbug and not leave with something in hand, especially if you’re looking for something shiny or sparkly. Along with her locally made jewelry, owner and designer Ashley Reid Martin curates a tempting selection of swimwear, resort wear, beauty products, greeting cards, and candles, among other items.

Travelers who prefer active vacations to reading a book on the beach will more than appreciate the inventory at Sealand Adventure Sports. The kite, surf, skate, and paddle shop provides a range of rentals—including beach cruisers, chairs, and umbrellas—and carries apparel brands like Roxy, Huk, and O’Neill.

Best Time to Visit

Summer on Sullivan’s Island is definitely a crowd favorite, so you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly. “Sullivan's Island gets incredibly busy during the weekends once the weather warms up,” says Rhodes. “I recommend visiting during the weekdays to avoid the crowds of locals who flock here during the weekends.”

If you want to avoid peak season—and have an easier time parking—consider the fall. “Late fall is idyllic on Sullivan’s. The mornings are brisk, and the beach is filled with locals walking their dogs,” says Ben Towill. “In late October, you’ll also start to see monarch butterflies migrating to the coast, which is pretty incredible.” Another sign of autumn? The blooming pink muhly grass, a sight that begs to be photographed.

To enhance your trip to Sullivan's Island, consider booking accommodations through rental services like Airbnb or Vrbo for a more personalized and local experience, as there are no major hotel chains on the island.

How to Get There

“Sullivan’s Island is the closest beach from downtown Charleston, about 15 to 20 minutes [away],” says Kate Towill. This convenient proximity makes it a great day trip from the peninsula; just be sure to head out on the earlier side if you want a better chance of finding a parking space. If you’re coming straight from Charleston International Airport (CHS), though, the drive takes about 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

How to Get Around

Driving isn’t a prerequisite for exploring Sullivan’s Island. Instead, you can take advantage of the sidewalks and paved bike paths, which allow pedestrians and bikers to easily get around, or rent a golf cart. If you choose the latter option, be sure to have a thorough understanding of where you can and cannot drive on the island.

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND – Vacation rentals on this island have been banned for over two decades, but the state Court of Appeals has ruled that a home co-owned by up to eight families doesn’t quite fit the definition of one.

In a 2-1 ruling, the state appellate court ruled Feb. 18 that a home owned by the SC Lighthouse LLC and managed through a company called Pacaso isn’t a commercial short-term rental. In an opinion authored by Chief Appellate Judge H. Bruce Williams, the court found that the town’s decision to bar Pacaso from operating on the island in 2022 was wrong.

Pacaso is a platform that offers fractional ownership of homes in popular vacation destinations. On its website, the company boasts it is the “best way to own a luxury second home.”

The website has active listings for nearly two dozen homes in South Carolina. Prospective buyers can co-own a home in Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms and Hilton Head — where homes are bought and sold for several million dollars — for a fraction of the cost.

There’s one caveat — a buyer’s interest in the property is fractional, too.

Homes are purchased with an LLC, and then those interested can buy one-fourth or one-eighth shares in the property. Homeowners are able to stay in the home for up to 28 nights, in spans of one to two weeks at a time. Owners pay Pacaso a $99 fee each month for a scheduling application to facilitate stays.

“We find SC Lighthouse’s method of ownership, while uncommon in the Town, does not constitute commercial use of the property,” Williams wrote. “Only the owners and their guests ever use the property, and the owners do not pay to stay at their own property.”

Legal battle between town, Pacaso spans years

In October 2022, the town’s Zoning Administrator Charles Drayton notified Pacaso that operating a timeshare at the I’on Avenue property was against town ordinances.

Sullivan’s Island hasn’t allowed short term rentals to operate on the island since 2001, and Drayton told Pacaso that the town considered the company to be operating the home as a timeshare vacation rental so they could not continue.

Pacaso, represented by local attorney and Charleston City Councilman Ross Appel, sought to overturn that decision in a well-attended Board of Zoning Appeals meeting in 2023.

Residents who lived next to the Pacaso property urged the board to side with the zoning administrator’s denial. Leading up to the BZA hearing, signs cropped up in lawns and yards with glaring red stop signs urging that Sullivan’s Island to “stop Pacaso now.” Residents shared their worries with the zoning board at the time that timeshares would slowly take over the island if the I’on Avenue property was allowed to stay.

But Pacaso’s attorney argued that the business doesn’t advertise its properties on short-term rental sites like VRBO or Airbnb, and that only owners and their guests can use the property.

The zoning board disagreed and moved to uphold the denial, and a circuit court decision later affirmed it again in 2023.

Pacaso appealed once more in 2024, this time finding success at the S.C. Court of Appeals. In a statement to The Post and Courier, the company said it welcomes the reversal.

“Pacaso co-owned homes on Sullivan's Island are not vacation rentals. The reality is, co-ownership is a decades-long tradition on Sullivan’s Island and across South Carolina, where people enjoy visiting for weeks or months out of the year, contributing to the local economy, and can afford to own a home by sharing the cost with other families and friends,” the company shared in its statement. “We are thankful that the Court of Appeals stood up against the overreach by Sullivan’s Island and protected the property rights of our owners.”

Sullivan’s Island resident Tim Emrich was a staunch opponent to Pacaso’s presence in the community, and still is. He called the court’s decision disappointing.

“This is a close legal question that deserves a definitive answer from the South Carolina Supreme Court. Pacaso's model walks, talks, and operates like a timeshare, and we're confident the Supreme Court will see it that way. The stakes here go far beyond Sullivan's Island — communities across the state are watching. We're urging the town to appeal, and we'll be standing right beside them,” Emrich said.

Sullivan’s Island Town Administrator Joe Henderson declined to comment on the outcome, noting that litigation is ongoing. The town will have a chance to petition the court for a rehearing.

The South Carolina Semiquincentennial Commission is seeking permission from the Town of Sullivan’s Island to construct a temporary replica of the historic palmetto log fort as part of the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

SC250, chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2018, was created to recognize and promote South Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War through public education, engagement and historical interpretation.

Brett Bennett, president of the Charleston County SC250 committee, presented the proposal to Sullivan’s Island Town Council on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The plan calls for a historically accurate reproduction of the original palmetto log fort that defended the island during the 1776 Battle of Fort Sullivan.

SC250 is requesting permission to use Battery Butler/Capron, commonly known as “the Mound,” as the site for the structure. During the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, a similar exhibit was constructed on National Park Service property adjacent to Fort Moultrie. Bennett said that option was explored extensively, but the National Park Service is unable to accommodate the project due to ground-disturbance restrictions and limited resources.

The Mound offers several logistical advantages, including available field space, nearby parking, public restrooms, and proximity to law enforcement and emergency services.

The original fort measured approximately 500 feet on each side. The proposed structure would represent only a fraction of that size but would be built to scale in terms of design, materials and height. The replica would feature 20-foot-tall walls constructed from palmetto logs salvaged after Dominion Energy removed trees near power lines on the island. The walls are expected to be filled with sand to reflect historical construction methods that helped absorb cannon fire. The structure would also be ADA-accessible.

All construction costs would be covered by SC250 through sponsorships, grants or private donations. Sullivan’s Island would not be responsible for any construction expenses associated with the project.

The structure would be temporary and remain in place through September 2027. Bennett said the extended timeline would give residents and visitors ample opportunity to experience the exhibit.

“Anybody who has interest in this structure or the exhibit itself will have ample opportunity over about a 15-month period to see it,” Bennett said.

SC250 would also assume responsibility for maintenance, dismantling and removal of the structure at the conclusion of the exhibit.

Mayor Patrick O’Neil voiced support for the educational potential of the project.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunity for education with this,” O’Neil said. “I think we owe it to our very unique history on this island and the Battle of Fort Sullivan.”

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND — Town leaders officially settled on the phrase that would greet visitors as they cross the Ben Sawyer Bridge onto the island months after an August proposal for the commemorative slogan fell flat.

Sullivan’s Island Town Council voted to have “Battle of Sullivan’s Island 1776” presented atop the welcome sign as part of the community’s ongoing efforts to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Last summer, the slogan “Gateway to Liberty since 1776” was presented as a front-runner for the addition to the sign, but islanders and history buffs were quick to shoot it down.

The tagline drew displeasure from residents who prickled at using the “liberty” motif, given that Sullivan’s Island was used a quarantine site for enslaved Africans kidnapped and brought to the Americas in the 18th century.

It’s not clear exactly how many enslaved people were held on the island before being sold in Charleston, but visitors to the island are reminded of their experiences through a marker erected on Poe Avenue. It describes the “extreme conditions of human bondage and degradation” Africans faced when brought to the Americas.

The idea that Sullivan’s Island was a gateway to liberty for all those who passed through rang hollow for some.

So, the working group that consisted of local historians and town leaders nixed it, acknowledging the tagline’s insensitivity, and solicited ideas from the general public in a survey. From there, they whittled it down to two options: “History lives here” and “History lives here since 1776.”

Town councilmembers weighed the two options on Jan. 20, but ultimately went in another direction.

Councilwoman Melanie Burkhold proposed a straightforward suggestion for the sign: “Battle of Sullivan’s Island 1776.”

“That's why everybody's coming here, to see the fort, and that's what we're known for,” Burkhold said.

The Battle of Sullivan’s Island, which culminated in victory for then-Col. William Moultrie and his troops on June 28, 1776, was a decisive success for the Americans during the Revolutionary War. It featured the iconic fort constructed of palmetto logs that led to the tree being featured on the state flag. Sgt. William Jasper’s flag-raising moment of fame is now commemorated on South Carolina’s new license plates.

A reference to those moments would help visitors learn about Sullivan’s Island’s place in the American Revolution, and highlight a piece of history that’s been “underplayed at the national stage,” Councilman Justin Novak said at the Jan. 20 meeting.

“There's a rich history on Sullivan’s Island outside of the Battle of Sullivan's Island,” Novak said. “But we are trying to highlight South Carolina and Sullivan's Island's important role in the Battle of Sullivan's Island in the early victory of the Revolutionary War.”

Town Council also voted not to move forward with creating a second welcome sign, which was originally proposed to be built of hard Styrofoam or brick at Breach Inlet. The money allocated for building the second sign, around $11,000, will be repurposed for other SC250-related expenses, like banners or events.

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND — A unique forest on this barrier island will stay wild with minimal intervention.

The South Carolina’s Appeals Court rejected efforts from a pair of homeowners to enforce a “selective thinning” plan that would have required an unprecedented number of trees in the lush forest to come down.

The Feb. 25 decision closes the door on a 2020 settlement between Sullivan’s Island and property owners who live near the wooded area that’s cropped up on accreted land over the past 70 years. The agreement laid out a maintenance plan that included removing small trees and clearing vegetation in areas near homes and beach paths throughout the forest.

In 2023, the settlement was tossed but two property owners, Nathan Bluestein and Theodore Albenesius, III, filed an appeal to restore the agreement and push the town to maintain the forest.

Attorneys for the town and the homeowners argued their cases before the state’s appellate court last fall.

The homeowners’ attorney, James Hood, told The Post and Courier shortly after oral arguments were heard last October that he and his clients were “hopeful that the Court of Appeals will order the town of Sullivan's Island to do what it agreed to do.”

But the court ultimately sided with the town.

In an opinion authored by Judge John Geathers, the court found that the agreement would bind future town councils to the terms of the settlement.

“As a result of this settlement agreement, the decision of the current or future town councils to alter or stop the selective thinning plan … would require and be conditioned upon the consent of private individuals,” Geathers wrote.

Attorneys for the homeowners did not immediately respond to requests for comment in time for publication. Town Administrator Joe Henderson declined to comment on the Feb. 25 outcome.

The decision brings to close another chapter in the maritime forest’s highly-litigated history.

Maritime forest dispute spans over 15 years

The forest is somewhat of a novelty in South Carolina. Where many beaches are eroding faster than sand can be replaced, Sullivan’s Island is growing. The placement of the Charleston Harbor Jetties blocks sand that would flow away from the town’s shores keep much of the sediment in place on the island’s south end.

The accretion of sand and sediment has become the site of a lush, young forest where visitors can trek through a shaded trail system to access the beach, the Charleston Light overlooking the path.

The town purchased the 200-plus acres from the Lowcountry Land Trust in 1991. Under the property’s deed restrictions, town leaders are able to trim vegetation to maintain public access and keep mosquitoes under control. However, the forest was to largely remain in its natural state.

Some residents view the forest as a revered resource. Others are less-than-thrilled by its untrimmed nature. Overgrowth and mosquitoes, coyotes and rats, loss of both beach access and ocean views were among the chief complaints from neighbors of the lush forest listed in a 2010 lawsuit filed by a handful of homeowners against the town of Sullivan’s Island.

Litigation dragged on for years. It seemed the matter was all but settled in 2020, when the town agreed to maintain the maritime forest through “selective thinning.” The thinning would remove trees in specific areas near homes, with some exceptions, and clearcut vegetation near beach paths.

Some, though, called for the conservation of the forest with a desire for it to remain wild. Sullivan’s Island For All, a group formed by concerned residents in support of preserving the maritime forest, lobbied for the town to re-examine the agreement.

It took a new slate of town council members, led by current Sullivan’s Island Mayor Pat O’Neil, to do so. In 2021, town leaders voted to hire an outside attorney to conduct a legal review of the settlement.

In 2023, Charleston County Circuit Judge Jennifer McCoy deemed the agreement “unenforceable.” The agreement restricted council from adopting future regulations preserving or maintaining the land as public interests change, McCoy determined.

The Feb. 25 decision from the appeals court affirmed that judgment.