When it comes to natural, whole-body wellness, chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to heal your body. Unfortunately, in today's society, people with neck and back pain settle for addictive pain medication or invasive surgeries over chiropractic treatments. At Kiawah Island Spine & Disc Center, we specialize in correcting pain through non-invasive, quality chiropractic work. Rather than treat symptoms that return over time, we address your body's underlying conditions. That way, we can provide you with real results and a long-term solution to your pain problems.
No surgery. No strange meds. No aggressive sales tactics or fine print.
Whether your journey to wellness involves light chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, or custom shoe insoles, we can help. We're proud to be your trusted chiropractor near Kiawah Island and treat every client with the utmost respect and compassion, whether it's their first or fiftieth visit. Unlike some chiropractors in South Carolina, we believe in a client-centric approach based on real results and one-on-one service. We strive to foster a positive environment with a community feel. You won't ever be judged or shamed at our practice. On the contrary, we will communicate with you in a friendly, encouraging manner, empowering you to live your best life.
At Kiawah Island Spine & Disc Center, we offer our valued clients a wide range of chiropractic services that solve serious symptoms like:
If you are always in pain and have given up on your doctor's suggested therapies, we've got great news - a permanent solution to your back and foot pain may be closer than you might think.
We like to think there's a simple reason why so many clients return to our chiropractic office near Kiawah Island. Sure, our state-of-the-art, modern equipment and technology are leaps and bounds above the rest. But what truly sets us apart is our dedication to you, the client.
We see you as so much more than a financial transaction. Our team knows that no two people are the same. As such, we never use "cookie-cutter" plans in our chiropractic treatments - we use a personalized approach, focusing on your long-term pain relief and wellness.
As doctors and specialists, we hold true to our core values:
We want you to feel comfortable knowing that from your first visit, you will be treated with the care and compassion you would expect from a team of professionals.
At Kiawah Island Spine & Disc Center, our doctors are not just experts. They're people, too, and understand how pain and back problems can be crippling. Our goal is to get you well as soon as possible, without drugs or surgeries. That way, you can get back to a normal, healthy living for years to come.
We pair cutting-edge technology with advanced chiropractic services like spinal decompression to get your life back on track.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to see a chiropractor as soon as possible, we're here for you. Our chiropractors have treated thousands of patients, and we can treat you too.
Our office offers a robust range of chiropractic services near Kiawah Island, from custom shoe insoles for your feet to adjustments and massages for your back.
For many patients suffering from serious disc problems in the past, the path to pain-free living often involved addictive medicines and invasive spinal surgeries. Thankfully, those days are gone, and today, patients benefit greatly from spinal decompression services.
This powerful treatment was developed for patients with herniated or degenerated discs and treats sciatica and lower back pain better than other more dangerous solutions. Spinal Decompression Therapy not only reduces back pain and nerve pain - it allows patients the chance to reclaim their lives and enjoy activities that they thought were impossible to experience.
Thousands of people, including athletes and elderly patients, are choosing spinal decompression over surgery and medication. They're sick of masking their pain with strange medicines that cause horrible side effects. They're frustrated by ineffective shots and costly surgeries, which result in weeks of downtime and scarring. Spinal decompression is safe, effective, and non-invasive, but it's not right for everyone. For that reason, it's essential to work closely with your chiropractic doctor at Kiawah Island Spine & Disc to ensure successful treatment. Our doctors will work with other applicable health professionals in your care network to discover the exact nature of your back pain and which treatments are best.
While physical therapy, traction, and traditional chiropractic manipulation reduce disc pressure, only spinal decompression near Kiawah Island can elicit negative spinal pressure. Clinical trials show that spinal decompression techniques create negative pressure as low as -110 mm HG3. Usually, when pulls are exerted on your spine, it triggers your sensory receptors, which cause your back to tighten the muscles around your vertebrae and discs. Your body does this to prevent injury. However, spinal decompression circumvents this natural response by pulling on the spine slowly, which relaxes your back over time. This process, performed by experienced physicians at Kiawah Island Spine & Disc Center, lets your discs be repositioned without muscle guarding or spasms.
Most often, spinal decompression patients do not experience any major, negative side effects. One common side effect occurs after the first couple of treatments, which can include dull aches or soreness. It feels similar to working out for the first time in a very long time. Patients rarely suffer from pain worse than the injury that caused them to seek treatment. Some patients with severe, acute herniations can experience mild back pain during the first couple weeks of treatment. That's because the disc herniation needs to retract, eliminating nerve pressure. Despite some minor aches and pains, most spinal decompression patients enjoy up to 50% relief after only a few sessions. At the end of the day, spinal decompression from Kiawah Island Spine and Disc Center is a comfortable, safe treatment.
Prior to treatment, patients are examined manually with advanced imaging technology, to determine if spinal decompression is suitable and which spinal discs are compressed. Once you're approved for spinal decompression treatment, the patient is placed in a comfortable position on the decompression table. A specific force is applied to your compressed discs while a computer alternates decompression and relaxation cycles. Typically, we apply a series of 18 one-minute alternating decompression and relaxation cycles, which takes approximately 30 minutes. During this process, your spine is gently elongated, creating a vacuum that pulls your discs back into proper position. Realigning the discs in this manner reduces pain and promotes healing. Our spinal decompression treatments are not "one and done" - most patients need up to 24 treatments over a six-week period to completely relieve pain.
If you suffer from one or more of the following signs, spinal decompression may be a suitable treatment for you. Remember, you should always consult with your chiropractic doctor before moving forward.
If you're ready to get started on the path to pain-free living, contact our office today to schedule your no-cost spinal decompression consultation.
Custom shoe insoles sound exactly like what they are: shoe inserts that are custom-made for your feet. They are specially crafted to fit your foot shape perfectly and treat foot and body conditions that cause pain and discomfort. Our custom insoles are calibrated using your intended use and weight, providing incredible support during weight-bearing activities like standing and running.
Our custom shoe insoles help anyone experiencing pain from walking or imbalances in the body that are known to cause pain. One tremendous benefit of custom orthotics is that you can wear them on a daily basis, so you can enjoy normal activities without pain.
Unlike some chiropractors near Kiawah Island, we offer custom shoe insoles that are clinically proven to improve your body's total wellness. Our insoles also reduce pain by balancing your body from the ground up. After all, your feet are your body's foundation.
When you suffer from structural imbalances in your feet, you may be suffering from symptoms like:
Plantar Fasciitis: Also called heel pain syndrome, this malady is considered the most common type of heel pain. It becomes apparent after a gradual degeneration of your plantar fascia or when sudden trauma occurs. It feels like a deep ache or sharp stab and often happens in the morning when you first take a step.
Lower Back Pain: Low back pain is very common, especially in hardworking men and women. It can be caused by an unusual "gait" or walk, which imbalances your lower extremities like your knees, feet, and ankles. This causes pain throughout the body, but particularly in your lower back.
Sciatica: If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness that starts in your lower back and shoots down your leg, you might have sciatica. When combined with chiropractic treatments, custom shoe insoles can solve your sciatica issues.
Plastic Deformation: The soft tissues that make up the three arches in your feet are stretched every day. However, over the years, your arches suffer from decreased elasticity when they're pushed beyond their limits. Once your feet's arches are stretched beyond their limits, they will never be the same. Custom shoe insoles from Kiawah Island Spine & Disc Center give you more stability and shock absorption. This helps support the structure of your feet and provides pain relief daily.
Knee Pain: Knee pain is a very common problem for adults in the U.S. It can come about through sudden injuries or may be part of an underlying condition, like arthritis. In many cases, successfully treating your knee pain requires a comprehensive treatment plan from your chiropractor, starting with custom insoles for your shoes.
You might be asking yourself, "how do I get started with orthotics?"
We start with a one-on-one consultation to discover your pain points. Once we have learned everything possible about your problems and symptoms, we'll take a foot impression or scan to show imbalances in your feet, which lead to problems within your body. Once we have a proper foot scan, we get to work crafting your insoles.
Our team pulls together our collective training and experience to build you a custom insole for enhanced support and long-term pain relief. That way, you can get back to enjoying an active life.
At Kiawah Island Spine & Disc Center, we're proud to use Foot Levelers custom insoles for our patients. Only Foot Levelers support all three arches in your feet. Your arches give your feet the strength to keep your body balanced. Balancing your foundation helps relieve pain and prevents future issues.
Q.Who Are Custom Shoe Insoles Right For?
A.Custom-made insoles are necessary for many athletes, diabetics, and people with debilitating injuries. They often suffer from Achilles tendinitis, lower back pain, overpronation, hip pain, knee pain, etc. But not all shoe insoles are created equal. You can count on our team to select the ideal materials for your insoles while ensuring a perfect fit tailored to your body for maximum comfort.
Are you looking for a chiropractor near Kiawah Island, SC who treats more than just symptoms? If you're sick of chiropractic services that aren't tailored to your needs and body, it's time to make a change. Our expert chiropractors at Kiawah Island Spine & Disc Center focus on your needs, not an idealized version of you. From chiropractic adjustments to custom shoe inserts and spinal decompression, we have the services and treatments you need to live life to the fullest.
Ready to live your best life free of pain? Contact our office today or explore our site to learn more about the Kiawah Island Spine & Disc Center difference. We want you to feel comfortable knowing that you will be treated with care, compassion, and excellence every time you visit our office.
A 15 minute conversation with one of our doctors before agreeing to treatment
There are 34 islands off the coast of South Carolina, including six major landforms. This well-known chain of islands is famous for its rich history, breathtaking views, and abundant activities. In this southern state, visitors can find everything from popular resort islands to small, secluded paradises. Check out this list of the five must-visit islands in South Carolina, including things...
There are 34 islands off the coast of South Carolina, including six major landforms. This well-known chain of islands is famous for its rich history, breathtaking views, and abundant activities. In this southern state, visitors can find everything from popular resort islands to small, secluded paradises. Check out this list of the five must-visit islands in South Carolina, including things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.
Part of the Lowcountry region, Hilton Head Island is just north of the Georgia border and about a two-hour drive south of Charleston. This resort island is known for its laidback, family-friendly atmosphere, featuring spectacular beaches, golf courses, and abundant wildlife. And it has a small-town charm with plenty of delicious food and comfortable lodging options. Hilton Head is 12 miles long and five miles wide and contains more than 100 miles of walking and biking trails. You can get to the island via car, boat, or plane.
Things to do and see: Coligny Beach Park, Harbour Town Lighthouse, Coastal Discovery Museum, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Folly Field Beach Park, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Burkes Beach, Stoney Baynard Ruins
Where to stay: Sonesta Resort (sleek 4-star lodge), Beach House Resort (casual 3-star beachfront hotel)
Where to eat: Hudon’s Seafood House on the Docks (downhome fish eatery on the water), Old Oyster Factory (seafood restaurant with scenic views)
This barrier island is near Charleston and features some of the best beaches in the area. Folly Island is 12 square miles of endless things to do, see, and eat. And it’s only a few minutes’ drive from Charleston’s historic downtown area. This charming beach community features shopping, restaurants, outdoor activities, and stylish waterfront resorts. And its scenic beach features a famous 1,000-foot fishing pier, where you can stroll and take pictures way out in the water.
Things to do and see: Folly Beach County Park, Morris Island Lighthouse, Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, Folly Beach Pier, boat and sea kayak tours, Graffiti Boat
Where to stay: Tides Folly Beach (3-star beachfront hotel with scenic dining), Beachside Boutique Inn (whimsical inn near the beach)
Where to eat: Rita’s Seaside Grill (traditional American food with live music), The Crab Shack (casual local seafood)
Edisto is a hidden sea island just south of Charleston but north of Hilton Head. It’s in Lowcountry and features a rich history and unique experience. Despite its secluded location, Edisto Island is a popular beach getaway. Edisto Beach is 4.5 miles. You can swim, lounge on the beach, and go shelling.
Things to do and see: Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island Serpentarium, Botany Bay Heritage Preserve, King’s Farm Market, Boat tours, fishing, watersports, golfing, Edisto Island Historic Preservation
Where to stay: Wyndham Ocean Ridge (laidback all-villa resort with multiple pools)
Where to eat: Seacow Eatery (all-day diner with a focus on seafood), The Waterfront Restaurant (nautical-themed diner with seafood and steaks)
Located 25 miles southwest of Charleston, Kiawah Island is a primarily private community with a lush resort, golf courses, restaurants, and shopping. Visitors can check out the beachfront park and walk or bike to shops and restaurants. But some parts of the island are only accessible to residents or those with reservations for golf or dinner. You can also get a renter’s pass if you book a stay at one of the condos or villas.
Things to do and see: Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Turtle Point Golf Resort, Night Heron Park, Cougar Point Golf Course, kayaking, fishing, biking
Where to stay: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (luxury 5-star beachfront resort), rent a private condo
Where to eat: Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary (elegant Southern dining at the resort), The Ocean Room (steakhouse and sushi lounge)
This town and island are in Charleston County, north of Folly Island. This charming community features award-winning restaurants and beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy the warm water at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, where you can swim and participate in watersports. Even though this island is only two and a half miles long, there is plenty to do.
Things to do and see: Fort Moultrie National Park, Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, Fort Sumter National Monument, Thomson Park, Sullivan’s Island Beach, Shem Creek Park, Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail
Where to stay: There are no hotels on the island, but you can stay in nearby Charleston.
Where to eat: Poe’s Tavern (Literary-themed bar with American food), The Obstinate Daughter (eclectic menu and brews)
Nestled between the incredible beaches of South Carolina lies a true gem of Kiawah Island, known for its stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, and abundant wildlife. However, beyond its natural beauty and luxurious amenities, this charming island offers numerous activities and experiences that will make the trip even more memorable. From exploring the island's rich history to indulging in local cuisine, the article lists some of the ...
Nestled between the incredible beaches of South Carolina lies a true gem of Kiawah Island, known for its stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, and abundant wildlife. However, beyond its natural beauty and luxurious amenities, this charming island offers numerous activities and experiences that will make the trip even more memorable. From exploring the island's rich history to indulging in local cuisine, the article lists some of the best things to do in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, to make one's trip to this stunning spot all the more memorable.
Located on the western end of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a public beach and one of the many popular and magical island getaways in the US, thanks to its pristine white sand shoreline and all-year-round recreational activities. The park features outdoor showers, picnic areas, and a beautiful boardwalk with an observation deck offering incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the park is a popular spot to enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, birdwatching, swimming, and playing volleyball at the beach.
With over 30 miles of paved bike trails and countless scenic beaches, biking is a great way to explore the island's natural beauty and unique ecology. Tourists can rent a bike from several places on the island to ride through the beautiful trails winding through the island's beautiful parks and golf courses with incredible views of the beach and island skyline. The most popular biking routes on the island include the Marsh View Trail, Beachwalker Park Trail, Night Heron Park trail, and Ocean Course Loop, offering visitors a glimpse of the island's beautiful landscape.
Located on Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Golf Club is a world-renowned golf resort known for its five championship golf courses, namely the Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Oak Point, and Cougar Point. Besides the beautiful golf courses, the resort has several other amenities for visitors, including a pro shop, practice facilities, and various dining options serving delicious local and continental cuisines. Guests can also enjoy various recreational activities while taking nature tours around the resort to explore the island's natural beauty.
Related: 10 Reasons South Carolina Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
Mingo Point is a popular fishing point and outdoor event venue on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, featuring beautiful views of the scenic marshes, surrounded by tall grass and live oak trees, with gleaming waters of the Kiawah River. During summer, Mingo Point hosts weekly events, such as oyster roasts, barbecues, and live music performances, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, crabbing, and kayaking. The venue also has an outdoor restaurant that serves classic Lowcountry cuisine for guests to enjoy scrumptious meals under the shade of lush green trees, overlooking the stagnant waters of the river.
Kayaking is a popular and enjoyable activity in watersports on Kiawah island for visitors of all ages. There are several kayaking tour companies and rentals on Kiawah island, offering visitors a unique perspective on the area's abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. The popular kayaking destinations on the island include the Kiawah River, the Stono River, Bohicket Creek, and Folly Beach (which is beautiful in the fall), winding its way through marshes and creeks, offering an opportunity to see dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species, including, pelicans, egrets, and ospreys.
Taking a sunset cruise from Kiawah Island is one of the best ways to experience the island's natural beauty while soaking in the breathtaking views of the sunset and local wildlife on the coast of South Carolina, including various seabirds and marine animals such as sea turtles and dolphins. During the cruise, the guests can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery while sipping a drink with light snacks. Some companies even offer dinner or dessert cruises, allowing passengers to enjoy a full meal while relaxing with the incredible sunset vistas.
Related: 10 Awesome Things That You Can Do In South Carolina
Located on the southern end of Wadmalaw Island, just a few minutes' drive from Kiawah Island, Rockville Historic District is one of the well-preserved and beautiful 19th-century towns in South Carolina. Established in the 1800s, the district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, giving visitors a glimpse into the early life of the inhabitants of the region. Some of the main attractions in the district include the Rockville Presbyterian Church and the Toogoodoo Plantation House, and the Rockville Center, a popular spot for visitors to purchase local goods and souvenirs.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort features a luxurious spa offering a wide range of treatments and services designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate, making the vacation even more memorable. The spa facility has a serene and relaxing ambiance featuring various treatment rooms, a couple's suite, a relaxation room, a sauna facility, and whirlpools. The spa offers various services, including facials, body treatments, and other salon treatments, for the visitors to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing retreat after a tiring sightseeing seeing session at Kiawah island.
Freshfields Village is a shopping and dining destination on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, offering a diverse food scene. The place is a pedestrian-friendly, open-air district offering a variety of upscale restaurants and casual eateries, including Ladles Soups and King Street Grille, and Obstinate Daughter. Visitors can also enjoy a number of other activities, including live music, concert holiday celebrations, and seasonal festivals taking place throughout the year.
Related: These Waterfalls In South Carolina Are Some Of The Most Stunning
Marsh Island Park is a small island on the Kiawah River, accessible only by boat or kayak, featuring a boardwalk and hiking trails winding through the island's natural marshland and forested areas. The highlight of the park is a wooden lookout tower offering panoramic views of the beautiful salt marshes and surrounding landscape. Visitors to the park can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, crabbing, and other outdoor activities with various picnic tables and benches to relax and enjoy the scenic views, making for a peaceful spot for nature lovers and enthusiasts.
One of South Carolina's favorite spots along the coast has been ranked among the top 10 beaches in the country.Kiawah Island's Beachwalker Park in Charleston County is listed as No. 8 on the 2023 list of best U.S. beaches released this week by “Dr. Beach,” aka coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman.(Above video is the Friday morning headlines.)The pristine beach is on the west end of Kiawah...
One of South Carolina's favorite spots along the coast has been ranked among the top 10 beaches in the country.
Kiawah Island's Beachwalker Park in Charleston County is listed as No. 8 on the 2023 list of best U.S. beaches released this week by “Dr. Beach,” aka coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman.
(Above video is the Friday morning headlines.)
The pristine beach is on the west end of Kiawah Island, and gives visitors ocean and river views, according to the Charleston County Parks website.
Charleston County Parks
Beachwalker is also the only public beach access on Kiawah Island, which is a 45-minute drive south of Charleston between Folly and Edisto beaches.
The park is operated through a cooperative agreement among Kiawah Development Partners, Charleston County Council, and the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission.
Upstate woman dies following crash in Spartanburg County, coroner says
North Carolina's Lighthouse Beach, in Buxton on the Outer Banks, came in at No. 5 on the list.
Located along Highway 12, Lighthouse Beach is about a six-hour drive from Myrtle Beach.
National Parks Service
Once the site of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the beach is convenient and renowned for its good shelling and great waves, according to the National Parks Service.
Florida’s St. George Island State Park earned the top slot on the best beach list.
The barrier island park offers nine miles of pristine beaches along the Gulf Coast.
With nature trails for biking and hiking, plus birding, fishing, boating and camping, St. George offers excellent swimming and sunbathing and is also a prime spot for stargazing with limited light pollution, the list says.
Leatherman has been ranking America’s best beaches since 1991.
He uses 50 criteria to evaluate hundreds of public beaches in the United States. The criteria include beach width, sand softness, water temperature and color, wildlife and more.
Half of the top 10 beaches in the United States for 2023 are in Florida and Hawaii.
None of Florida’s Atlantic beaches appear in the 2023 top 10; Leatherman pointed out that the Atlantic coastline is being affected this year by sargassum seaweed.
Top 10 U.S. Beaches for 2023
A low-key conference that brings together high-level global executives from the sports, media, technology and finance industries has returned to the South Carolina coast for its second go-round.The corporate summit, organized by the investment firm Bruin Capital and the Sportico online news outlet, kicked off April 11 on Kiawah Island.More than a dozen commissioners of professional sports leagues and about 40 team owners from around the world are expected to be in attendance, among other movers and shakers. Boris Johnson, Brita...
A low-key conference that brings together high-level global executives from the sports, media, technology and finance industries has returned to the South Carolina coast for its second go-round.
The corporate summit, organized by the investment firm Bruin Capital and the Sportico online news outlet, kicked off April 11 on Kiawah Island.
More than a dozen commissioners of professional sports leagues and about 40 team owners from around the world are expected to be in attendance, among other movers and shakers. Boris Johnson, Britain’s former prime minister, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy were set to speak at early sessions.
The only publicly identified participant other than the CEOs of the sponsors was financier Marc Lasry of Avenue Capital Group, who is a co-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.
The conference is described as an off-the record gathering but not entirely. CNBC was granted access to the first event held last May at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and again this week.
A beachfront interview with Lasry that aired on the cable news network Wednesday was devoted not to basketball but the banking crisis.
A separate discussion with summit organizers George Pyne of New York-based Bruin Capital and Jay Penske of Sportico parent Penske Media Corp. touched on the fast-rising values of professional sports franchises, the likely sale of the NFL’s Washington Commanders and the use of artificial intelligence in newsrooms.
In a December profile of Pyne, the Boston Globe described the Kiawah conference as a “super-sized” version of an annual luncheon he put together for 13 years in the private dining room at Le Bernardin in New York City.
The South Carolina summit last spring included “14 commissioners, 30 team owners and about 50 others … . Former President George W. Bush headlined a list of VIP speakers,” according to a copy of the article posted on Bruin Capital’s website.
The moderator of a talk with cryptocurrency experts last year offered a few more details.
“I host panels at conferences all the time, but this event was a little different: the attendees included the biggest power brokers in sports and finance,” wrote Dan Robert, editor-in-chief of Decrypt.
He added that Bruin Capital and Sportico are “aiming for the event to become the Sun Valley or Davos of sports business,” he added, referring, respectively, to a long-running media finance summit held in Idaho and a global economic forum in Switzerland.
They seem to be well on their way.
“NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, and more than a dozen team owners were there,” according to Roberts.
South Carolina has 35 barrier islands (also called sea islands,) more than any other state except Florida. Barrier islands run paralle...
South Carolina has 35 barrier islands (also called sea islands,) more than any other state except Florida. Barrier islands run parallel to the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and shield the mainland from the brunt of sea storms. The islands are home to wide sandy beaches, sea grass beds, vegetated uplands, and Lowcountry marshes.
At 84 square miles in area, St. Johns is the largest Island in South Carolina. Located in Charleston County, it’s the fourth largest island on the East Coast. Situated between the city of Charleston and the barrier island beaches that border the Atlantic Coast, a portion of the island is located within the city limits of Charleston.
Technically an island, yet not bordered by the open sea, the Stono and Kiawah Rivers are what separates Johns Island from its border islands and the mainland.
Colonialists arrived on Johns Island from English settlements in the Caribbean and named it after Saint John Parish in Barbados. However, Native American tribes, including the Stono, Bohicket, and Kiawah Indians, were already living on the island.
The settlers brought the crop, indigo, from Barbados and cultivated it in the Lowcountry of Johns Island. By the mid-1700s, indigo became the main export for the island. A popular bright blue dye, indigo grown on Johns Island was commonly sold to England. During the height of indigo production, the Stono Rebellion occurred. The settlers relied on slaves to grow and produce their crops. In 1739, a group of slaves on Johns Island rebelled and attempted to escape to Florida, which was under the rule of the Spanish at the time.
However, the uprising was unsuccessful and plantation owners captured the slaves before they could reach freedom. During the Revolutionary War, the British market for indigo was disrupted, and England began to turn to India for its indigo supply. By the 1800s, indigo was no longer listed as a crop for Johns Island.
Johns Island has been the site of several important historical events. Occupied by British troops during the Revolutionary War, Johns Island also endured the Battle of Bloody Bridge during the Civil War. Today, visitors can view the historical site marking the Civil War battle at the Burdens Causeway.
Currently, Johns Island has a population of 21,500 and growing. The nearness of downtown Charleston, the beautiful scenery of the Lowcountry, and the nearby sandy beaches of the barrier islands make Johns Island a popular spot for new development.
Today, Johns Island is known for local farmers’ markets, historical parks, and towering oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Although new developments are cropping up on the island, about 75% of the island remains rural with agricultural and horse farms, large acreage estates, and waterfront communities. Just a few miles south is the resort community of Kiawah Island.
One of the main attractions on Johns Island is the Angel Oak, a live oak tree that is thought to be the largest living oak tree east of the Mississippi River. Estimated to be around 400 years old, it’s the oldest tree in South Carolina. The massive tree is 65 feet tall and 25.5 feet around. Further, it provides shade to a staggering 17,000 square foot area. Surrounding the tree is a small park with a visitor’s center and a gift shop.
Another popular activity on the island is shopping at the Freshfields Village, an open-air shopping center with over 30 shops, numerous restaurants, and a boutique hotel.
The Goatery at Kiawah River is a small artisan goat dairy farm specializing in goat cheese and soaps. The farm offers private tours, classes for children, and goat yoga. The farm also doubles as a goat sanctuary, offering many goats a forever home.
Johns Island is in between Charleston and the barrier islands. It’s surrounded by Kiawah, Seabrook, Wadmalaw, Edisto, James, and Folly Islands. The Stono and Kiawah Rivers separate Johns Island from the mainland and the barrier islands.
Johns Island is teeming with wildlife. Although there are many homes, shops, and restaurants on the island, much of the land remains undeveloped, providing habitat for numerous species. On the island, it’s common to see deer, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, otters, wild hogs, and even alligators.
The rivers and marshes on the island are abundant with oysters, trout, black sea bass, bluefish, and bottlenose dolphins. Birds found in the area include many species such as osprey, bald eagles, wild turkeys, and egrets.