Few places in the South have more mystique than South Carolina's Lowcountry. The name itself has an alluring ring to it, even if you have no idea where—or what—it actually is. And like another geographic wonder in its neighboring state, the South Carolina Lowcountry can be as tricky to define as North Carolina's Outer Banks. There's even a Low Country vs. Lowcountry debate.

Where Is The Lowcountry?

Generally, it's defined as four counties in South Carolina: Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton. However, some sources push it farther up to include Charleston and Pawleys Island (we're fine with that), while others take it all the way up to the geological Fall Line that separates the Appalachian Piedmont from the Atlantic Coastal Plain.

A Lowcountry Christmas: Celebrate the Season on St. Simons Island and Sea Island

Why Do We Call It The Lowcountry?

Bounded by the Atlantic on one side and the Savannah River on the other, the Lowcountry is one watery place, and the marshlands and sea islands that buffer the mainland coast from the throes of the Atlantic make for the kind of vistas that will have you taking pictures of everything. Geographically it is in the lowest corner of the state, making Lowcountry an obvious moniker.1 South Carolinians refer to the Fall Line or Sand Hills in the central part of the state as the Midlands. The northeastern part of the state is known as Pee Dee and the mountainous northwestern region as Upcountry or Upstate.23

What Is Lowcountry Culture?

The Lowcountry is identified as much by its character as it is a precise spot on the map. You'll know it when you see it: Saltwater and marshlands thick with cordgrass; live oaks and Spanish moss; sweetgrass baskets; she-crab soup and shrimp and grits and all kinds of seafood deliciousness over rice; raised houses with deep porches and tall shuttered windows; pluff mud and palmettos. The Lowcountry is the heart of Gullah culture, with a strong West African influence on the area's cuisine, crafts, stories, and arts.

The Lowcountry is also a beautiful coastal area with plenty to do. Hilton Head is on every golfer's bucket list. And then there's Charleston and its nearby islands. Enough said. Except for this: You should go.

Visit The Lowcountry

Whether you're looking to tee off on a carpet of green, spot sea turtles, or chill in a rocking chair on a front porch with watery views to die for, South Carolina has your ideal spot. Take in the rich history, gorgeous homes, charming postage-stamp gardens, and foodie scene in Charleston; or stay nearby at one of 10 peaceful, scenic beach towns and islands. Kiawah Island is a popular destination for riding bikes on the beach, joining oyster roasts, and getting in a game of golf. For a quiet retreat and inspiring natural wonders, visit the wild and windswept Sea Islands near Beaufort.

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ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) — A court hearing has been rescheduled in the ongoing conflict between state health officials and an Isle of Palms homeowner.

In February, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) and petition for injunctive relief in the South Carolina Administrative Law Court against Rom Reddy, the property owner on the Isle of Palms who built a wall to protect his property from beach erosion.

DHEC claims the structure is in a critical area and issued Reddy cease-and-desist directives related to the structure. In its Administrative Law Court filing, attorneys for the state agency say Reddy disregarded the directives, and DHEC “has no adequate remedy at law other than to seek judicial intervention to compel the Respondents to immediately cease their unauthorized actions in the critical area.”

In response, Reddy’s attorneys requested the judge deny the motion for a TRO and petition for injunctive relief. They claim Reddy’s structure is not in a critical area and is outside the state’s jurisdiction. Additionally, they say the wall was necessary because of a failure from DHEC and the city of Isle of Palms to protect the beach/dune system and renourish the beaches.

A hearing on the matter was scheduled for Thursday, April 18; however, on April 11, DHEC filed a motion for continuance to push back the hearing “due to its extremely heavy workload and to allow the parties adequate time to prepare for the trial and conduct full discovery.”

Chief Administrative Law Judge, Ralph Anderson, granted that motion on Tuesday, April 16.

In their response to DHEC’s initial court filing, Reddy’s team also requested that the case be removed and handled in circuit court by jury trial, rather than Administrative Law Court. On March 26, Judge Anderson denied that motion. Reddy’s attorneys then filed a separate lawsuit against DHEC and the city of Isle of Palms in Charleston County Circuit Court on March 29.

Additionally, Judge Anderson granted a motion from the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League to intervene in the case, which will allow the group to provide its own arguments against Reddy. Judge Anderson, however, noted their intervention is “limited to the presentation of arguments that are different and unique compared to the Department’s [DHEC] arguments in this case.

The new Administrative Law Court hearing has been rescheduled to Monday, Aug. 12.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Isle of Palms residents will have the chance to meet with local leaders on Wednesday to discuss a possible shoal management project that could relocate sand across the shoreline.

The island has applied for permits to move sand to the northwest side of the island, but local leaders say sand is needed in front of some of the houses at the Wild Dunes Resort. But, where they get that sand is why residents and officials are meeting Wednesday.

With hurricane season approaching, Isle of Palms city leaders say this project is working to prevent erosional issues along the shoreline.

According to the Isle of Palms city council, there are two main options on where sand is pulled from that would be added to parts of the beach surrounding the Wild Dunes.

The first would be from a shoal or sandbank right in front of Wild Dunes. Still, if there’s not enough sand to do that, Isle of Palms leaders say the second option would look at taking sand from a healthier part of the shoreline, possibly between 44th and 53rd Ave, and moving it in front of the needed location.

News 2 heard from Isle of Palms City Councilmember Blair Hahn, who says Wednesday’s meeting is important before any decisions are made surrounding this project’s permits.

“The permits are not without controversy and that’s why we’re having a meeting to get public opinion,” he said. “I think it’s an educational meeting, people need to understand what the permit process is and what the permits are asking for, and once they understand that, they can make their own decisions and can then be vocal through the permitting process.,” said Hahn.

If you want to join in on Wednesday’s community meeting for Isle of Palms residents, it begins at 5 pm at the recreation center on 28th Ave.

Officials say if the shoal management project is approved construction could begin as early as the end of 2024 and early 2025.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCIV) — The legal battle over a sea wall on the Isle of Palms continues.

A judge has granted the Coastal Conservation League’s motion to intervene in the ongoing lawsuit between the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and a homeowner. The hearing was originally scheduled for April 18 but has been pushed back until August.

Both agencies want the structure permanently removed, but the Coastal Conservation League explains the two agencies have separate arguments.

“I think it's DHEC’s job to argue with the laws are in South Carolina; those are the laws they're charged with implementing and enforcing in circumstances like these. Whereas I think it's the league's job in this scenario to argue about the potential impacts or consequences of something like a structure that is in conflict with those laws,” said Emily Cedzo, the league’s director of conservation programs and policy.

READ MORE: "Unauthorized seawall on Isle of Palms sparks DHEC intervention."

Cedzo said these consequences impact all users of our beaches.

The Coastal Conservation League argues that while a structure like a sea wall is made to protect what’s behind it from erosion, it worsens erosion on the ocean side. They fear over time it will eat away at the beach altogether.

“It's making public access incredibly difficult, particularly at high tide. Which also not only makes it difficult for you and I to walk the beach but certainly for wildlife to forage, for sea turtles to nest when they're in season,” Cedzo said.

She said the league worked with the state’s real estate commission last year to better educate beachfront homeowners about the possible risks where they live.

READ MORE: "Coastal Conservation League joins battle over Isle of Palms seawall conflict."

“I think that's imperative that when people first walk into these transactions and buy properties on the beach, they understand the vulnerability of those properties. The fact that beaches can be erosional, you might have these sorts of issues pop up.”

A temporary emergency city ordinance allowing sea walls in a designated area of the Isle of Palms is set to expire on April 19.

In its meeting on April 23, the city council will vote to either extend it or let it expire.

When it comes to resorts, South Carolina does it right. Whether you're looking to relax at a luxurious spa, stroll a sandy beachfront, or enjoy memorable meals, there's a resort in the Palmetto State with your name on it. Browse the amenities at these properties, and find what speaks to you. (There's plenty to choose from at each one.) The next step is booking a stay, packing your gear, and—finally—setting out on an adventure to a resort that feels like an oasis, whether a home away from home or just a break from the day-to-day. Rent bikes and pedal the sands. Order room service and enjoy the view from your windows. Find the poolside bar and relax. Memories, and a whole lot of fun, await. Want to continue traveling? Check out some of the best places to stay in every Southern state.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

This waterfront retreat is a consistently celebrated stay near Charleston. Palmetto trees welcome you to the property, where you'll find wraparound porches, the serenity-inducing Estuary Spa, and a water taxi for ferrying you to downtown adventures. The abundance of patios and porches means you'll get your fill of harbor breezes (and handcrafted cocktails to enjoy while relaxing outdoors).

charlestonharborresort.com; 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town

Book a stay at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, part of The Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, for a warm welcome and rooms with a view. The boutique luxury hotel has 60 guest rooms and offers opportunities for rounds of golf, swings on the tennis courts, and relaxation at the pool. You can also book private fishing charters, cruises, and boat tours at the nearby full-service marina.

seapines.com; 7 Lighthouse Ln., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes

Find pools galore at this Myrtle Beach resort. Sun, sand, and plenty of bright blue umbrellas and loungers await when you book a beachfront stay at this inviting spot. There are indoor and outdoor pools, beach access, and opportunities for pampering at Hibiscus Spa. Open your windows to the beach air, enjoy a meal at the resort's restaurants, or stroll outside to the pool deck—there is fun all around here.

marriott.com; 8400 Costa Verde Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Montage Palmetto Bluff

This Lowcountry property is situated along the May River in Bluffton, which means it has instant appeal—and a marina on the waterfront. Located between Hilton Head and the Georgia border, this resort is equal parts relaxation and adventure. It has fantastic restaurants, a nature preserve, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

montagehotels.com; 477 Mt Pelia Rd., Bluffton, SC 29910

The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Book a stay at The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, and enjoy the sea breezes. This resort has something for everyone, including dining, swimming, golfing, and lounging on the sands. In addition to the resort's amenities, you can book packages (like the Family Fun Package with bike and kite rentals) to complement your stay.

omnihotels.com; 23 Ocean Ln., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Find a barrier island getaway at Kiawah Island Golf Resort—an oasis of sandy beachfront and championship golf courses near Charleston. There's also decadent dining at the resort's many stellar restaurants, including Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room. With so much to enjoy, you don't want to miss the opportunity to stay at this luxury property.

kiawahresort.com; 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island, SC 29455

Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort

Head to Isle of Palms for a stay at Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre property near Charleston that's a destination for golfing (the Links Course has Atlantic views) and enjoying the coastline. With plenty of pools, bike rentals, and opportunities to relax (check out the Spa at Sweetgrass, where you can contact the spa concierge to customize your stay), you'll never want your vacation to end.

destinationhotels.com; 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451

The Willcox

While not necessarily classified as a resort, you can find the epitome of South Carolina hospitality at this historic hotel, nestled in the resort town of Aiken. In addition to gracious accommodations, it has fantastic dining offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a relaxing spa, and easy access to the town's shopping, antiquing, arts, equestrian, and cycling opportunities.

thewillcox.com; 100 Colleton Ave. SW, Aiken, SC 29801