Ready for summer? Us too.
Daniel Island School will soon ring its last dismal bell and exuberant children will race to their bicycles and jovially peddle home to the start of summer vacation. Residing in the number one city in the United States and number two city in the world (Travel + Leisure, 2017), many Charleston children will enjoy a summer staycation on Daniel Island. This year, the Daniel Island community has several activities and events scheduled to keep energetic kids entertained all summer. Additionally, the island has numerous amenities and attractions, ensuring hours of family fun outdoors. “Daniel Island development is centered around outdoor recreation and lowcountry nature,” says NV Realty Group professional Lynn Barber, who specializes in Daniel Island real estate. Recently, Coastal Living magazine ranked Daniel Island in the top 20 places to live, a fact that does not surprise Lynn. “Interestingly, when I first started selling real estate here, the island still had cotton fields in Etiwan Park, corn fields along Smythe Park, and grazing cattle around Daniel Island Park. The development’s original vision has come to fruition, and now Daniel Island has a host of commercial and retail businesses as well as continuous events and activities for families to enjoy.” she adds. To keep boredom at bay for kids, teens, and adults, let’s explore some summer events happening on Daniel Island.
Rich History with Hidden Treasures
Historically, Daniel Island property was home to the Etiwan Indian tribe. Artifacts from this tribe are commonly found along Daniel Island Beach and the banks of the Wando River. In fact, nearly 15 years ago, a major Native American discovery was made along the west bank of Ralston Creek. Here, archeologists found a burial site, four dwellings, a hearth site, and a trash pit. Today, children enjoy exploring the creek banks themselves in search of Indian ceramic, arrowheads, bent trees, and other artifacts. The four ancient cemeteries are another landmark treasure for young islanders to explore. Dating back to the 1700s, the Lesesne Cemetery is located off the walking trail behind Volvo Stadium. The other three---Groves, Alston, and Simmons---are located along the edges of the tidal creeks or Wando River. Lynn also recommends exploring Bellinger Island off Beresford Creek, a nature preserve and walkable island, or biking the scenic trails along the Wando River. For the more adventurous, two secretive, scavenger-style excursions include hiking to Shark Tooth Island and finding the Daniel Island Bus, an abandoned vehicle linked to some wildly creative ghost stories. The locations for both landmarks are only passed down orally to ensure its mystery and low threaded isolation. For those who want to explore without putting on muck boots, Daniel Island has unique geocaching all around its premise, specifically the Children’s Park on River Landing Drive.
Remember Your Vitamin D
Daniel Island has three community pools, each with its own unique features and amenities. The Scott Street Pool is ideal for birthday parties, playdates, and lap swimming. This pool features an adjoining playground, picnic and grill area, separate baby pool, and restroom facilities. With views of the Wando River, Pierce Park Pool is a large, 25-meter pool that features several lap lanes, a splash pad, covered pavilion, picnic tables, restrooms, playground, and nearby walking trails. Be mindful that the Daniel Island Flying Fish summer swim team utilizes this pool for early morning and early evening practices during the week. Additionally, the swim team will occasionally host meets during the months of June of July. The newest pool, known as the Crow’s Nest, is located in the Edgefield subdivision and boasts a walk-in entrance, lap lanes, splash pool, and a separate, second-story pavilion that showcases spectacular views of the marsh. The Crow’s Nest is the only saltwater pool. For members of Daniel Island Country Club, the private club pool has an expansive sundeck, water slide, and food and beverage service.
Socialize Under the Stars
The Annual Concert in the Park will take place on May 26 from 6 - 10 p.m. at Smythe Park. This year’s musical headline is the Joe Clarke Big Band, a local favorite known for infusing big band instruments and crooning to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Sammy Davis Jr. A free event, residents are encouraged to bring their own picnic and their own swag. Prizes will be awarded for the most elaborate displays. “This Memorial Day Celebration in Smythe Park is by far one of my favorite yearly events,” says Lynn. “It’s basically an elaborate tailgate with neighbors, and you always meet new people,” she adds. The Summer Soiree, a ticketed event, is set for June 9th from 7 - 10 p.m. at the Crow’s Nest Pool and Pavilion. This fun night includes dinner, drinks, and live music by the exuberant East Coast Party Band.
Family Friendly Fishing
Hosted by the Daniel Island Inshore Fishing Club and sponsored by Scout Boats, the DI Kids’ Fishing Tournament is another annual event that embraces the lure of children and their parents spending time together outdoors. Held at Smythe Lake on Saturday, June 16th from 9 - 11 a.m., the tournament pre-registration cost is only $5 per child and includes a tackle box, fishing lure, and more. Awards are presented for first, second, and third largest caught fish as well as a “mystery fish” award.
Kickback with Our Local Soccer Team
The Charleston Battery Men’s Soccer Team regularly play at the home field on Daniel Island, the MUSC Health Stadium. The Battery typically plays on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. General admission tickets are $18; however, the team frequently offers discounts to children, military personnel, and college students. From dollar beer nights to post-game fireworks displays, the promotional-themed Battery soccer games provide entertainment for the entire family.
Send the Kids to Camp
Children need not travel far to experience some of Charleston’s best summer camps. Not only are the Battery Soccer games fun for the family, but their full and half day soccer camps will surely leave your little Tim Howard begging to return. For tennis aficionados, the Family Circle Tennis Center hosts MW Tennis Camps all summer, which caters its instruction for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Children with a bent for music, art, and theater will enjoy the rotating camps at Black Tie Music Academy, which is conveniently located off Seven Farms Road across from the Volvo Stadium. Not far down the street, Bishop England High School offers a wide range of summer sports camps such as dance, cheerleading, football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and volleyball to name a few. Parents in the surrounding neighborhoods of Codner’s Ferry, Center Park, Etiwan Park, and Smythe Park appreciate that their children can easily bike to and from the half day camp each day. Finally, the Japan Karate Institute of Daniel Island offers a summer camp each week as well. These camps are not in the Daniel Island Dojo; rather, they consist of daily field trips and activities around the Charleston region. Currently, the camp is at full capacity, but interested campers can join the waitlist.
Hang Out with Hometown Heroes
Summer on Daniel Island concludes with the annual Hootie & Blowfish Concert at the Volvo Stadium. Led by Charleston resident and country music star Darius Rucker, formerly known as Hootie, this highly anticipated concert series is set for Friday, August 10th and Saturday, August 11th. The Blue Dogs, another local favorite band, will open the concert, and proceeds will benefit Charleston area schools. As an advantage of living on Daniel Island, residents who did not score tickets back in April are able to relax and hear the music from the Pierce Park Pool, Daniel Island Grille, or even their own backyard. With all the stately homes, tranquil scenery, well-appointed amenities, and abundance of activities, it is no wonder so many people choose to call Daniel Island home. “Being the only traditional master planned community in South Carolina, Daniel Island real estate does not compare to other communities in Mt. Pleasant or North Charleston,” says Lynn. “When you buy a home on Daniel Island, you buy because of the lifestyle.” These summer events only partially illustrate Daniel Island’s character and charm. For more information about the island or to take a personal tour, contact Lynn Barber at NV Realty Group.
Looking to make a move? Check out these available listings on Daniel Island.