Rising from the ashes much like the Phoenix, Isle of Palms South Carolina is a survivor city. Only, this reputed pirate-treasure burial site didn't burn, it sank. Rising from the subsiding flood waters of Hurricane Hugo nearly 20 years ago Isle of Palms still bears the marks of the class 5 hurricane.

This does not diminish it's beauty in any way. But, if you only come to this coastal berg for the sun and the sand you would be "missing the forest for the trees." Once called "Long Island" the isle bears all the markings of a great beach resort: Golf, racket clubs, restaurants, parks and sightseeing galore.

It's the extras, the sheer Americana of the island that makes it a special place to visit and tour. First, there's the turtle nesting. For a true glimpse of nature in the making, check out the Island Nesting Team's website of Loggerhead nesting data, pictures and information.

One of the greatest offerings of the island resort is it's fishing. Whether a novice who want to try surf fishing or a serious angler who would like to make use of the many marina tour services, fish are there for the taking. The 6-mile atoll is a natural barrier island and with the expanse of marsh that surrounds it, the waters are rife with bait foods. And this brings in the fish. On a whim, I have fished the piers and brought back some of the best catches of my life.

Speaking of the marshes, they provide some of the best surrounding nature observation in the whole of South Carolina with crabs, birds, vegetation and even alligators easily within camera range. For more serious purists, there are eco-tours available for even more interaction and observation. And of course the Dolphins with be your guide once you get out on the water.

Isle of Palms has been host to many, including English colonists, buccaneers, civil war battlers, the indigenous Seewee Indian tribe and hopefully you will be next.

Learn more about this author, Tac OHara.
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