Chimney Sweep in Sullivan’s Island, SC

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - After around eight months of closure, the Edgar Allan Poe Library on Sullivan’s Island will officially reopen Tuesday morning with a brand-new look.

The library has been closed for renovations as part of the $108.5 million referendum project passed by Charleston County voters back in 2014 to build five new libraries and renovate all existing branches. This library is the last branch to be renovated before work begins on the Main Library in downtown Charleston.

The renovations to the Edgar Allan Poe Library include refurbished bathrooms with new flooring, all new paint and furniture and upgraded IT systems.

The building has been around for almost 120 years, so it was in definite need of a refresh.

As part of the renovations, the library was completely rewired with all new outlets, so library leaders say they are excited that there will no longer be any dead zones in the library and the Wi-Fi will reach every corner.

The branch manager for the library, Delores Schweitzer, says they have also given their collection a complete refresh, so patrons can expect to see a lot of brand-new books.

The library was named after Edgar Allan Poe who was stationed on Sullivan’s Island with the U.S. Army in the 1800s.

Schweitzer says she can’t wait to continue sharing the fun stories and history of the library.

“I think what I’m most excited about is to see our patrons and our visitors again. We get so many people that come in and wander into our building because they just are really intrigued by the building, or they see that it’s got Edgar Allan Poe on it and they know that there’s a story there and we are a place of stories,” she says. “This building itself being as old as it is, it has lots of stories to tell and we get to share those here so that makes it really fun.”

For Schweitzer, it means the world to her that county taxpayers have chosen the libraries as a priority, as the libraries offer so many things beyond books.

The libraries include all kinds of technology and resources and programs for county residents to enjoy. She says she loves to see people enjoy the new, refurbished libraries.

“I think it is just the delight in the faces of the people from the county that come in and they see refreshed spaces, better functionality, excited staff who are happy to share programs and services with them and they’re able to do that easier now because of the investment that the county taxpayers have made for us. It’s been phenomenal to see that kind of excitement in libraries that they just, you know, buzz with energy when you go into any of our libraries,” Schweitzer says.

Schweitzer says she has missed being in the library after it was closed for such a long period of time. She is eager to open it back up and to continue engaging with the community. She says she can’t wait for everyone to see all the new parts of the library that they can enjoy.

“I think you know a lot of our programs that we run here, like our memoir and poetry groups and our book clubs and all they celebrate stories and so we get a chance to share stories with people but also engage and hear their own and so that’s one of the things I’m really excited [about]. I’ve missed that a lot in the last several months not being able to do that. So, I’m glad to be back for it,” she says.

The grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovated Edgar Allan Poe Sullivan’s Island Library will take place at the library’s location, 1921 Ion Avenue, Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Speakers from Charleston County government, elected officials and the library will all be in attendance to honor the grand reopening with a special guest appearance from Owlbert, the library mascot.

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With spring right around the corner, South Carolina residents can feel the days growing warmer and the sun shining brighter. If this wonderful weather has gotten you in the mood to travel, you will not have to go far. In fact, some of the state’s most incredible destinations are right in your backyard. Whether you want to savor fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, chase waterfalls in the mountains, or spot rare birds in a coastal wildlife refuge, these seven vacation spots promise an unforgettable getaway this year.

Edisto Island

Although Edisto Island is just over 40 miles from Charleston, it offers a complete change of pace, filled with serene beaches and rustic shops. Edisto Beach State Park, for example, is one of the state’s quietest beach parks, spanning 1,255 acres and featuring beautiful beaches and trails that stretch through maritime forests, salt marshes, and palmetto trees. Those looking to camp can do so at the park’s Live Oak Campground as well. Botany Bay, a coastal wildlife management area, is a great place to watch wildlife, home to species like the threatened least tern, loggerhead sea turtles, and neo-tropical songbirds. While Edisto Island does not have a shopping district, there are several local shops worth checking out. For a souvenir made by a local artisan, travelers can stop by With These Hands Gallery, which sells paintings, pottery, jewelry, vases, and more.

Murrells Inlet

Affectionately referred to as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina”, Murrells Inlet is the ultimate travel destination for food lovers. The MarshWalk is the perfect place to grab some fresh seafood, lined with waterfront restaurants. The Claw House, along the walk, features a waterfront patio and serves fresh oysters, shrimp, crabs, and other flavorful seafood dishes. Those wanting to lounge on the beach can visit Huntington Beach State Park, a 2,500-acre nature reserve with a pristine beach, 170 campsites, and three picnic shelters. For a waterfront stay, travelers can spend the night at Murrells Inlet Bed & Breakfast, which sits right along the inlet waterways. You may even spot an egret gliding by as you sip on your morning coffee on the porch!

Kiawah Island

Home to the famed Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island is the ideal vacation destination for a weekend of golfing, wellness, and relaxation. Those looking to spend their time golfing can choose from five resort courses which have hosted the prestigious 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships. The resort also offers 10 miles of private sandy shoreline, a highly rated spa, resort villas, and an oceanfront hotel so that you never need to leave the premises! However, if you want to explore other parts of the island, consider dining at one of its upscale restaurants, like FortyEight - Wine Bar & Kitchen, which has a selection of 48 wines by the glass, craft beers, and seasonal menus. For a taste of Kiawah Island’s art scene, travelers can check out the town’s event calendar, which includes events like piano bar performances, blues festivals, and film screenings.

Walhalla

Unlike coastal towns like Edisto Island and Murrells Inlet, Walhalla offers a mountain experience surrounded by forests and waterfalls. Waterfall lovers won’t want to miss Issaqueena Falls, a stunning 100-foot cascade fed by Cane Creek. The hike to view the fall is less than half a mile long. Next to the falls, Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park offers 14 miles of trails suitable for all skill levels. Even beginners can enjoy features like rollers, big berms, rock gardens, and tables. After exploring the area’s natural beauty, travelers can head back into town and take a stroll along Main Street before popping into one of the cozy local restaurants. Pete's Drive-In is a local favorite with a 1950s atmosphere, featuring records on the walls, checkered floors, and retro booths and chairs.

Travelers Rest

Located in the northwestern part of the state, Travelers Rest is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is also one of the state’s most bike-friendly towns, so make sure to bring your bike! The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is the perfect place to bike, a 22-mile greenway that runs from Main Street to the neighboring town of Greenville. Along the trail, travelers will find trailside restaurants, park benches, and gazebos, giving you plenty of places to rest. The Poinsett Bridge is an interesting historic landmark to check out. This bridge, made of stone, is the oldest in the state, dating back to 1820. If you want to spend the night in town, consider reserving a night or two in the Swamp Rabbit Inn, a modern bed and breakfast that is located along Main Street.

Sullivan's Island

Sullivan’s Island, at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, is the perfect beach getaway for Charleston locals. For a day of swimming and sunbathing, travelers can enjoy Sullivan’s Island Beach, which offers 2.5 miles of sandy beaches. Fort Moultrie also lies on Sullivan’s Island, a Revolutionary War Fort that played a major role in defeating the Royal Navy in 1776. There are several local restaurants in town to try out. If you are craving seafood, Sullivan's Seafood & Bar is a great option, established in 1988 and serving everything from shrimp to snapper. If you're in the mood for South Carolina-style barbecue, Home Team Barbecue offers pulled pork, brisket, sausage, and wings.

Hilton Head Island

Known as 'America’s Favorite Island,' Hilton Head is one of the state's top travel destinations. In addition to spending the day on the beach, visitors can partake in a variety of water activities. Those wanting to go kayaking or paddleboarding can reserve a guided tour or rental with Island Water Sports. The Sea Pines Resort is another excellent way to appreciate the island’s nature, spanning 605 acres and featuring boardwalks, fishing docks, and bridges to explore the scenic wetlands. The island also has an exciting art scene to explore. If you enjoy live performances, make sure to check out the schedule for the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, which frequently hosts musicals and plays.

Final Thoughts

South Carolinians are fortunate to have so many beautiful destinations so close to home. Not only is the state home to some incredible islands, but towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains also offer ample places to go hiking or mountain biking. Whether you prefer to spend your vacation relaxing on a beach or hiking on a remote forest trail, you can rest assured that these vacation spots will leave you feeling rested and rejuvenated.

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Sullivan’s Island’s stormwater drainage system, installed decades ago by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, is now struggling to keep pace with modern environmental challenges. Much of the infrastructure is clogged, deteriorating or simply not designed to handle the increasing volume of rainfall and high tides the island has experienced in recent years—issues expected to worsen with climate change and vertical land subsidence.

To address these concerns, the civil engineering firm SeamonWhiteside (SW+) was tasked with developing an island-wide stormwater master plan and infrastructure improvement strategy. Aaron Aiken of SW+ presented the firm’s findings to Town Council on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

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The report revealed that much of the island’s drainage infrastructure is significantly undersized, with large portions rendered ineffective due to clogging. As part of their research, the firm gathered photos and feedback from residents, which they say provided invaluable data for validating their findings and could bolster future federal and state grant applications.

Currently, Sullivan’s Island has approximately 55,000 linear feet of stormwater pipes. If SW+’s recommendations are fully implemented, that figure will nearly double to 92,000 feet. The proposed improvements are designed to extend the functionality of the island’s stormwater system through 2074, ensuring effective flood mitigation for the next 50 years. SW+ estimates an annual maintenance cost of $4 million in today’s dollars.

The plan recommends 18 projects, categorized into two groups: high-priority improvements that require immediate action and future extensions to expand the system’s surface area over time.

“It’s no surprise to me as an engineer that Osceola Avenue ranks high on this priority list,” Aiken said. “Much of that is due to tidal intrusion, which comes over the roadway—and as time goes on, it’s only going to get worse.”

To address this, SW+ recommends raising Osceola Avenue by 18 inches at its lowest point and installing a new stormwater collection system that will channel water to a pump station at Station 10. The estimated cost for this segment is $9.8 million.

Other high-priority areas include Station 22 ½ and Station 26 ½, both of which require upgrades to larger pipes and the installation of a tidal backflow preventer, estimated at $1.8 million and $7 million, respectively.