“Tell me about Spring Island ….”

I get this question so often and it is still a difficult one to answer. A few obvious answers: Spring Island is nestled geographically between the towns of Charleston and Beaufort, South Carolina to the north, and Savannah, Georgia to the south. So plenty of “city” opportunities are easily accessible. It sits on the Port Royal Sound – the deepest natural harbor in the Southeast and is bordered by the tidal creeks of the Chechessee and the Callawassie rivers. Spring Island is roughly 3,000 acres (small!) with about 400 homesites. Here’s a great overview of Spring Island’s history.

A huge appeal of Spring for me is the blend of physical and intellectual activities offered. To keep my aging body moving there is a super cool golf course on the island — Old Tabby Links — said to be one of Arnold Palmer’s finest designs. Yes, I plan on playing this course relentlessly; stay tuned for updates. Tennis, croquet, pickleball, horseback riding, hiking, birding, fishing … the list goes on.

Then, to keep the brain pumping there is an equally impressive list to choose from. A brand new Art Barn offers classes, lectures and studio opportunities for everything from painting through photography. The Club brings in live theatrical and musical performances regularly. The Trust hosts nationally recognized scholars on a bevy to topics. Residents are encouraged to “Be Humble. Be Teachable.” Music to my ears.

All of this is set on island whose residents share a collective mission to preserve the natural surroundings so that they can be continually enjoyed. (The word “continually” used to be mean “by future generations”.) One third of the island is set aside as a natural preserve. The magnificent live oaks are surrounded by endless floral and fauna. I know next to nothing about birds, wildlife and sea creatures but I do know they are wondrous and that I am lucky to get a chance to learn from them and about them. A 6+ acre community farm grows over 30,000 plants in the summer with residents encouraged to engage in the upkeep as well as the fruits of it all. A true “farm to table” experience right in our backyards. I have a feeling that my midwest-Chicago-suburban bubble is about to be popped!