1300 Hospital Dr #220
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Effective. Proven. Trusted.
Struggling with ED/Erectile Dysfunction that won't improve?
We aren't guaranteed much as adults, but if there's one thing we can count on, it's that our bodies change as we get older. For men, that's especially true. One day you're lifting heavy weights and nailing your cardio regimen without having to stretch before or after. And then, in what seems like the blink of an eye, you start to slow down a little. You begin to notice aches and pains in places that weren't there before. You can't just go out for a night on the town, imbibe until your heart is content, and expect to wake up refreshed.
And while headaches and achy joints can be treated with ice and anti-inflammatory medicine, other aspects of aging aren't as easy to treat. You've probably guessed at this point what we're talking about: erectile dysfunction, or ED for short. When brought up to most men, those are two words that cause a guttural reaction of fear and trepidation.
While just about every man fears ED, millions suffer from it - almost 10% of the male population between the ages of 40 and 70. So, if you're beginning to have trouble performing in the heat of the moment, you're definitely not alone. You may be experiencing symptoms like:
Trouble Achieving an Erection
Trouble Maintaining an Erection
Lower Libido
Less Sexual Pleasure
Premature Ejaculation
Inability to Achieve Orgasm
However, at Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine, we understand that stats won't do anything to address the stress and anxiety you're facing in relation to erectile dysfunction. You need a viable solution - a science-backed treatment that doesn't require strange pills or invasive surgeries. As a fully integrated multidisciplinary clinic in Mount Pleasant, we have what you've been searching for: softwave therapy for ED in Isle of Palms, SC.
To fully grasp the benefits of using soft wave therapy for erectile dysfunction, you must first understand what causes ED to begin with. Put simply, erectile dysfunction is the inability to get an erection and keep it throughout sexual intercourse. You should know that it's not uncommon if you have erection trouble. However, if your inability to "get it up" becomes a common occurrence, you may be suffering from ED.
Erectile dysfunction doesn't just affect your penis - it also affects your wellbeing and relationships. It can lower your confidence, cause a large amount of stress that affects your ability to work, and may even cause contention with your partner.
You hear it all the time - as men get older, they often lose the ability to get erect. But why? As men age, the blood vessels in their penis start to fill up with micro-plaques, causing them to deteriorate. When these blood vessels deteriorate, it's more difficult for them to have steady blood flow. And that's the key to ED - having the constant blood flow to get and keep an erection. That's where the science-backed effectiveness of Softwave therapy swoops in to save the day.
Shockwave technology has been around for decades. It has been used at the highest-level research and medical facilities like the Cleveland Clinic and Memorial Sloan Kettering. However, Softwave therapy is a more refined, effective way to treat erectile dysfunction and also advance tissue healing.
Softwave therapy works by using electrohydraulic spark gap technology at its core. Its innovative design features a parabolic reflector applicator that produces very effective, low-intensity shock waves that are unfocused. Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine's Softwave applicator spreads energy to a large area of both superficial and deep tissue, creating a biological response that kickstarts your body's natural healing process.
For men suffering from ED, it is a revolutionary breakthrough treatment that doesn't require harmful surgeries or side effects from pills. In fact, it has been FDA approved for many uses, including improved blood flow, which is often the root cause of erectile dysfunction.
Book Appointment
Unlike some more traditional treatment options, Softwave therapy gets right to the crux of the ED issue. It uses shock wave technology on a cellular level, helping to naturally heal body parts, like the penis. Some of the most common benefits of Softwave therapy include:
Additionally, Softwave treatments don't require much prep, don't have any sketchy side effects, don't require any numbing agents or anesthesia, and result in little-to-no recovery time. Sound too good to be true? Contact Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine today to learn just how effective Softwave therapy is for our patients!
Softwave therapy works by using efficient, effective shock waves that cause biological regeneration processes that heal your body using its own healing factors. It works like this: Softwaves are created via a high-energy electrical discharge in water. The voltage is discharged between the plus and minus tips of an electrode. The spark gap or arching causes an equalization of voltage between the opposing tips of the electrode, which causes a hot plasma bubble. This bubble explodes and distributes in every direction, compresses the surrounding water, and generates a pressure > 10 MPa within nanoseconds.
To sum up, Softwave therapy uses low-intensity, unfocused energy that is delivered by a reflector in parallel waves. These waves help open up the blood vessels in your penis, allowing more blood to flow. At Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine, our team of expert physicians will develop a personalized Softwave therapy plan based on your body and needs. With the right number of treatments, you should be able to achieve and maintain firm erections as you did in your prime.
A Softwave therapy procedure averages 10-15 minutes but may be longer depending on treatment area and diagnosis. A gel is applied to the surface area to be treated. The applicator produces pulses as the clinician moves around the treatment area. During therapy, communication with your provider is necessary to identify treatment areas and monitor progress.
Once treatment is over, you may resume your normal day-to-day activities. In fact, most patients can have Softwave therapy while on their lunch break. You don't have to worry about recovery time, side effects, or any downtime at all.
More than 50% of men will experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives. If you're over the age of 30, have been suffering from ED, and don't want to rely on pills or surgery, Softwave therapy may be for you. That's doubly true if you've tried traditional treatments like Viagra and even surgery but didn't get the results you hoped for. Many academic studies about shockwave therapy for ED state that this revolutionary technology is successful where PDE5 inhibitors fail.
In fact, many urologists consider Softwave therapy the most promising ED treatment on the market. The truth is, even if you're not battling ED, men can use Softwave therapy as a preventative way to keep the magic flowing in the bedroom. Some of the key reasons to choose Softwave therapy over less effective, traditional treatments include:
If you're curious why Softwave treatments are so popular for ED, the answer is simple. Prescription drugs like Cialis and others that "treat" ED often come with less-that-savory side effects. At best, these effects are just something patients have to deal with. At worst, they can disrupt your day-to-day schedule and may prevent you from enjoying a healthy life. Sure, some men swear by the "little blue pill," but most guys aren't aware of the hidden risks with drugs like Viagra. The following side effects can be common in both short and long-term circumstances:
If you're suffering through erectile dysfunction, it's crucial to understand why it's happening. The primary reason for ED is a lack of blood flow to the penis, which makes erections difficult to get and keep. Rather than relying on prescription and gas station pills for a quick fix, more men are using softwave ED treatment in Isle of Palms, SC for an all-natural solution minus the side effects. With Softwave therapy, you don't have to live with ED, and you don't have to suffer from scary side effects from popping too many pills.
Book Appointment
Softwave therapy is often a more effective solution for men with ED than similar but less effective treatments using pressure waves. Softwave therapy from Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine uses acoustic pulses or unfocused shockwaves with fast and steep rise times and high positive pressure. Our unfocused wave design makes it possible to spread energy to a larger area, which affects deep and superficial tissue. By targeting a larger area, a more potent biological response is often achieved, initiating your body's natural healing factors.
By comparison, radial pressure waves use acoustic pneumatic pulses with low steeping effects, slow rise times, and large negative pressures. Radial waves are shallower than the shockwaves used in Softwave technology and focus energy and pressure at the surface of the applicator.
Here's a quick breakdown of the differences between softwave therapy for ED in Isle of Palms, SC, and radial pressure waves:
If you're new to the world of Softwave therapy, chances are you've got some lingering questions you need answered. We'll do our best to answer a few of those questions here for your convenience.
Q. Has the FDA approved softwave therapy for ED in cityname, state?
A. Yes - Softwave therapy is FDA 510(k) approved for:
Q. Is softwave therapy painful?
A. Softwave therapy does not require surgery or any invasive form of treatment. With that said, some patients describe minimal discomfort or pain during our softwave treatments. Should this occur, your medical specialist will make necessary adjustments. Usually, patients do not have to endure any pain at all and only experience a pulse or tapping feeling on their skin.
Q. How long is a Softwave treatment session?
A. An individual session only takes five to fifteen minutes. It's typically recommended that patients have treatment once a week for three to five weeks. The length and frequency of your Softwave therapy sessions will be determined after you visit our medical clinic for a comprehensive evaluation.
Q. How long does it take for Softwave therapy to work?
A. Every patient we treat is different, and as such, will have different treatment recommendations. Often, patients notice the results of Softwave therapy after the first session. However, for the longest-lasting effects, most patients need between three and four treatments, with a week of non-treatment after every session.
Q. Can I combine Softwave therapy with other treatments from Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine?
A. It's hard to give a definitive answer to this question since every patient is different. It's important for you to have a full evaluation to determine the scope of your needs and the appropriate therapies. However, Softwave therapy often works very well with other treatments. In fact, other therapies offered at our medical clinic like massage therapy and chiropractic care can make Softwave treatment even more effective.
Remember - our team at Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine is always happy to answer any questions you may have about ED or our ED treatments. Give us a call today - it would be our pleasure to get to know you better!
Unlike some wellness clinics, our experienced providers work together to optimize treatment for men suffering from ED. We always strive to make sexual wellbeing an accessible part of your everyday lifestyle.
That's why, at Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine, our mission is simple: to correct the root cause of your erectile dysfunction by taking a comprehensive, total body approach to healing and treatment. We want to address your ED problem without having to resort to chemical-based medications or unnecessary surgeries. Instead, we focus on all-natural, effective solutions like shockwave therapy for ED in Isle of Palms, SC.
By discovering what's best for each person's individual body and needs, we can help create a healthier future for those in our community through our holistic physical medicine practices. Contact our office to learn more about Softwave therapy and how we can solve the underlying causes of your unique ED situation.
Book AppointmentISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Isle of Palms city crews are working diligently to restore the beach after it experienced heavy erosion during Tropical Storm Idalia.The loss of tons of sand to erosion means the drop off between the access points and the beaches can reach several feet, making it dangerous for people to reach the beach from these points.Until the restoration of the beach is completed, Public Beach Access 1B, 2A, and 3A will be closed until further notice.“The cleanup will happen over the next couple of ...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Isle of Palms city crews are working diligently to restore the beach after it experienced heavy erosion during Tropical Storm Idalia.
The loss of tons of sand to erosion means the drop off between the access points and the beaches can reach several feet, making it dangerous for people to reach the beach from these points.
Until the restoration of the beach is completed, Public Beach Access 1B, 2A, and 3A will be closed until further notice.
“The cleanup will happen over the next couple of days and then next week we’ll start doing scrapping at low tide to bring some of the sand back up,” Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds said. “And build a dune in front of these people’s houses to protect them for the rest of the hurricane season.”
Not only is it hurricane season, but it’s also sea turtle nesting season. Inclement weather can leave turtles exposed, but Pounds said the city is doing all it can to keep the turtles protected.
“You’re not in the dunes and hopefully not disturbing the nest,” Pounds said. “Our turtle team does a great as far as marking the nest or moving them when they feel like they’re in harm’s way. So, it’s very coordinated with our local turtle team as well as the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to make sure they’re aware of what’s going, you know?”
Despite the city not receiving federal funding, city leaders have managed to receive an emergency permit from the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management to begin restoration work Tuesday.
Pounds stresses the importance of maintaining safety before heading into Labor Day weekend.
“So, we just ask folks to be respectful of the workers that’ll be coming in and out of here. There’s going to be trucks and bulldozers and all kind of stuff going on. So just watch out and be careful,” Pounds says. “Our guys will be out here next week with the bulldozers when most of our summer crowd is gone. So, the timing is decent from that standpoint, we just need to get protection on the beach for these folk’s home as soon as we can.”
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Isle of Palms is just 30 minutes from Charleston and may just be the area’s best kept secret.Swaths of uninterrupted white-sand beach, the smell of salty spray, warm sun on your skin, and the rustle of palm fronds gently blowing in the wind—these are the sights, sounds, and scents of Isle of Palms. The South Carolina barrier ...
Isle of Palms is just 30 minutes from Charleston and may just be the area’s best kept secret.
Swaths of uninterrupted white-sand beach, the smell of salty spray, warm sun on your skin, and the rustle of palm fronds gently blowing in the wind—these are the sights, sounds, and scents of Isle of Palms. The South Carolina barrier island packs a lot of relaxation and big fun into a vacation destination that's just seven miles long and one mile wide. The island's proximity to Charleston (just 18 miles by car), make it a preferred summer hideout for locals. An abundance of vacation rentals and the iconic Wild Dunes resort have been drawing visitors from across the country since the early 1970s.
With the deep blue Atlantic on one side and marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, Isle of Palms offers the best of the Lowcountry and the beach in one stunning setting that's begging to be added to your vacation calendar.
Six of Isle of Palms' seven total miles are occupied by public beaches, which means you'll have your pick of the litter when looking for a sandy spot where you can post up for the day—or the week. Once you've staked your claim, all the normal beach activities are yours for the choosing, from splashing around in the surprisingly calm seas to building the ultimate sandcastle or playing a game of beach volleyball.
For families, the Isle of Palms County Park, located in the middle of the island's coastline, is ideal. The public beach has lifeguards, outdoor showers, chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, and even a playground for little ones retreat to once they tire of the sun and surf.
Make the most of a visit to Isle of Palms by scheduling a charter to take you offshore. Get your sea legs at the Isle of Palms Marina, where you can easily rent a boat and spend a day exploring the island's bays and waterways. Fishing charters are plentiful and offer both reef fishing and Gulf Stream fishing.
Consider a twilight fishing charter for the family, when sea life such as sharks are more active. Create indelible memories as your party witnesses the sunset over the Atlantic while casting a line for those fish that inhabit the bottom of the depths. Try booking through Barrier Island Fishing Charters for just the right adventure.
For adventure enthusiasts or wildlife lovers, Barrier Island Eco Tours hosts a range of naturalist-guided tours that take visitors through winding salt marshes, tidal creeks, and the Intracoastal Waterway on the way to uninhabited Capers Island. Animals you might see along the way include loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and every shape and size of coastal birds.
Nets and traps are employed as your excursion unfolds for close-up viewing of some of the marine life that thrives just below the surface. When you arrive on the island, exploring the astonishing natural landscape is top priority. Take a slow walk along “Boneyard Beach,”and wander on the interior trails that provide excellent viewing of untouched ponds, vibrant with the wildlife that call this sanctuary home.
Breakfast is noteworthy at Sea Biscuit Café. The tiny beachside shack has been dishing out delicious morning meals since 1968. While they offer all the classics, the daily specials are where the magic happens. Past offerings have included chocolate banana challah French toast, lemon lavender pancakes, and tomato pie.
When you need a mid-day refuel for the whole family, Coconut Joe's is the obvious choice. Located on Isle of Palms' main drag, you won't have to venture far to get fresh seafood and impeccable vibes. The open-air covered deck is the ideal spot for munching on the restaurant's namesake shrimp, while rocking sandy toes and sun-bleached hair. When happy hour hits, venture to the rooftop bar for a frozen cocktail or painkiller. Nothing will put you on island time faster.
By the time you're finally ready to come in from the sun and go out to dinner, Isle of Palms will be waiting with plenty of options. The Boathouse and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen are island staples that have stood the test of time thanks to excellent quality food and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. For a special night out, try Coda del Pesce, a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Italian with lots of influence (and fresh catch) from the nearby seas.
All trips to Isle of Palms must include at least one visit to The Windjammer at Front Beach. The legendary local music venue is known for its incredible live shows, stellar views of the water, cold drinks, and unbeatable fried pickles.
The obvious choice for places to stay in Isle of Palms is Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre family-friendly resort that offers everything from rooms and suites at two inns, to private beach condos and home rentals. In addition to a more-than-comfortable stay, the resort also features several resort-style pools, a spa, and two championship golf courses.
If you're hoping for a cozier stay, the newly renovated Palms Oceanfront Hotel consists of 68 modern rooms with gorgeous views of the sparkling Atlantic. There are also plenty of rentals through Airbnb and VRBO for everything from multifamily waterfront homes to one-bedroom condos.
Whether you book for a long weekend or stay for an entire week, the memories and magic of Isle of Palms will stay with you for months and years to come—maybe even until you have a chance to make another trip back!
If you are planning a family vacation to the SC coast, a stellar beach to visit is Isle of Palms. Things to do at IOP near Charleston are endless. Isle of Palms is convenient, family-friendly, and fun. You can even make a fun day trip out of it! She shares all the information that you need, including things to do, where to eat, and how much parking costs if you’re just planning a quick day trip at this local South Carolina beach. About Isle of PalmsRecently my family traveled to Charleston to ...
If you are planning a family vacation to the SC coast, a stellar beach to visit is Isle of Palms. Things to do at IOP near Charleston are endless. Isle of Palms is convenient, family-friendly, and fun. You can even make a fun day trip out of it! She shares all the information that you need, including things to do, where to eat, and how much parking costs if you’re just planning a quick day trip at this local South Carolina beach.
Recently my family traveled to Charleston to spend the day at Isle of Palms. Yes, you read that right – we went for the day. Isle of Palms is completely doable as a day trip. It’s perfect if you’re like me and live on a budget but long to breathe in the salt air.
Let me tell you, I was so impressed. There’s a quaint beachfront road lined with restaurants and shops. The shops are your typical beach shops filled with t-shirts, trinkets, and every size/shape boogie board to hit the market. You know, the kind of shops full of souvenirs found only on the coast.
There are also plenty of unique places to eat, a wonderful and clean beach, and fun shops to explore!
One of the best things to do while in town is to head to the beach. The beach at IOP is flat, and there is plenty of room, even during high tide. The boys had a great time with boogie and skimboards. You can also spend the day looking for seashells, building sandcastles, or just enjoying the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. You can occasionally catch live music right by the dunes!
South Carolina’s crazy weather pattern has created a more hazardous environment for swimmers, so always be cautious of rip tides. In the midst of your family fun, make sure to keep an eye on the colored flag at the lifeguard stand.
If you park at Isle of Palms County Park, you’ll have restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing rooms available to you. This is a big deal when you’ll have 3 hour plus ride back home!
The beach can get pretty crowded, especially on Saturday, so plan to get there early in the day if you want a large space on the beach to set up camp. If you are in need of chair and umbrella rentals, there is a company for that! You can rent surfboards, bikes, chairs, and umbrellas from IOP Beach Chair Co. They even rent accessible beach wheelchairs.
You’ll also find rentals for chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards available at a cart by the restrooms at Isle of Palms County Park.
Bonus tip: There is a Harris Teeter across the street from Isle of Palms park. It’s a good place to stop before the beach to load up on snacks, fruit, or even some pre-made sandwiches. You’ll save some money here over restaurants and beach carts!
There’s certainly no shortage of food choices. Whether you enjoy live music and seafood, or you’re looking for some good ol’ American burgers and fries, you will find a delicious meal at Isle of Palms. One of the most popular places is Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. They have mostly seafood options and use fresh and local ingredients, which would make for a great dinner after a long day on the beach. They also have a pretty decent kids’ menu, which is always a plus.
If you are looking for something delicious right off Ocean Boulevard, then Smugglers Island Eats and Raw Bar will hit the spot. They pride themselves on a family-friendly atmosphere with a casual vibe. Smugglers, of course, offers seafood like fried shrimp baskets but also has smash burgers and vegetarian options if you want something else. Their frozen daiquiris are delicious by the way!
One of the most popular beach restaurants in IOP is Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill. They have lots of seafood dishes like crabcakes and shrimp and grits that are delicious, but they also have burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant is located by the ocean on Ocean Boulevard and offers a rooftop bar for patrons to enjoy a delicious cocktail while taking in the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
If you are a nature lover, then going on an ecology tour of the waterways and marshes near IOP would be a perfect addition to your trip. Barrier Island Eco Tours has public tours that are guided by a naturalist and include boat excursions, dolphin tours, an exploration of Capers Island, and more. You are certain to see lots of sealife on your excursion, and it is a wonderful way to learn more about the SC coast while also having a blast. The company offers public trips, private charters, school trips, and special events throughout the year.
The beachfront Isle of Palms County Park offers great parking, snack bars, restrooms, and beach access. Admission prices vary depending on the season but car prices do not exceed $15 during the week, and $20 on Saturday. If Saturday is your only option for travel, you’ll want to get an early start. The County Park lot will fill up, I promise. I’m speaking from experience.
Parking on the street is an option, but the spaces are limited on the weekends. There are electronic pay-boxes along the sidewalk, so make sure to have a card handy (it’s inexpensive). We lucked out with a spot on the street directly in front of beach access with a clean bathhouse.
Between the County Park and plenty of public beach access, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Isle of Palms. Whether you are renting a home, having a day trip, staying at Wild Dunes Resort, or vacationing at one of the few hotels in town, you are certain to find your Isle of Palms vacation worthwhile.
Visit the Isle of Palms website for more information on where to eat, what to do, and where to stay if you need more than a day trip.
Use the map below to find the perfect place to stay in Isle of Palms. Kidding Around earns when you book through these links through an affiliate relationship with Stay 22.
What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting the Isle of Palms?
Are you a beach lover?
Check out our list of the 20 Best Beaches in the Southeast!
Grab your bestie and let the games begin.James Brian “Huddy” Hudson did just that when he saw an ad on Twitter advertising a trip of a lifetime to an adult summer camp with your best friends. The Isle of Palms resident didn’t know it was for a new CBS show hosted by “Transformers” actor Josh Duhamel.Hudson and his three best friends from Oklahoma will be among the first six teams to take on the taxing mental and physical challenges in Duhamel’s “Buddy Games.” The first episode of ...
Grab your bestie and let the games begin.
James Brian “Huddy” Hudson did just that when he saw an ad on Twitter advertising a trip of a lifetime to an adult summer camp with your best friends. The Isle of Palms resident didn’t know it was for a new CBS show hosted by “Transformers” actor Josh Duhamel.
Hudson and his three best friends from Oklahoma will be among the first six teams to take on the taxing mental and physical challenges in Duhamel’s “Buddy Games.” The first episode of the new game show airs at 9 p.m. on Sept. 14 on CBS and will stream on Paramount+.
Viewers will watch as Hudson and Team OK will compete against five other teams for a cash prize of a yet-to-be-announced amount, a trophy and bragging rights. Hudson’s team includes Justin Palmer, Stephen Craig and Yue Pun Szeto from Edmond, Okla. Hudson grew up in Oklahoma and has lived in the Charleston area for about a decade. Other team names include Derby Squad, Chicago’s Finest, Team Pride, Pageant Queens and Philly Forever.
The four Oklahomans sport cowboy attire in promotional material for the show filmed in Bogota, Colombia.
“We grew up in Oklahoma so we got a little cowboy in us,” he said.
The new series on CBS adapts Duhamel’s own real life feats of strength he grew up doing every year with his friends into a reality TV game show. The “Las Vegas” actor later turned the experience into the 2019 gross out comedy film of the same name starring himself, Olivia Munn and Dax Shepard. A sequel, “Buddy Games: Spring Awakening,” was released earlier this year. Both were rated R, but the new show on CBS scales back from raunchier bits in the films for network television.
The series has ties to “The Real World” and “The Challenge” through Bunim Murray. Murray, who was a producer on both shows, helped create this show for CBS.
Hudson said a highlight of the trip last November was spending time with Duhamel, who had a habit of getting in trouble for “distracting” the cast offscreen.
The East Cooper barrier islands of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island both sport beautiful beaches, popular restaurants, vacation rentals and some of the most expensive real estate in the Charleston area, but they are different in some important ways.Sullivan’s used to be the only island with a direct connection to mainland Mount Pleasant, and has a long military history that can be seen in the 20th Century ...
The East Cooper barrier islands of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island both sport beautiful beaches, popular restaurants, vacation rentals and some of the most expensive real estate in the Charleston area, but they are different in some important ways.
Sullivan’s used to be the only island with a direct connection to mainland Mount Pleasant, and has a long military history that can be seen in the 20th Century structures that remain, and at historic Fort Moultrie. A trolley once ran to the island, explaining why the streets leading to the 2.5 miles of beach there are still called “stations.”
It’s a mostly residential island with a small-but-vibrant commercial strip, no resorts, no beach facilities (such as bathrooms) and no lifeguards. As a result, the beaches there tend to be less crowded, but not the restaurants.
Isle of Palms, larger with 7 miles of beach, was directly connected to the mainland after Hurricane Hugo, making it the closest beach for most residents of Mount Pleasant. The island is full of vacation rental homes, there’s a county park with a lifeguarded beach, showers and bathrooms are just steps from the sand, as are restaurants, and the Wild Dunes Resort has two public golf courses.
Separating the two islands is Breach Inlet, a scenic spot to walk or fish on the Isle of Palms side, but stay out of the ocean near the inlet due to powerful tidal currents. There are small, free parking lots on both sides of the bridge there.
Both islands prohibit smoking and vaping, alcohol, single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, and foam containers on the beach.
A day at the beach can mean different things for different people; a history tour of Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s, a round of golf at Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms, relaxing on the sand, playing tennis, a casual lunch or a fancy dinner, and maybe some live music.
For families with children, the availability of a lifeguard (daily from May 27 to mid-August), and places to change clothes and use a bathroom, tip the scales in favor of Isle of Palms at or near the county park (14th Avenue, with entrance fee). Both islands have playgrounds and free first-come tennis courts. Isle of Palms also has a dog park (29th Avenue).
During beach season, expect heavy traffic to and from the islands and pay attention to parking rules, which tend to be strictly enforced. The parking rules are:
On the ocean side of Palm Boulevard up to 40th Avenue, and on both sides from 40th to 57th, vehicles must be at least four feet from the pavement. Right-of-way parking is less available on the west end of the island, but there is a small (and often full) parking lot at Breach Inlet off Palm Boulevard.
Those planning to take a canine companion to the beach should be aware that the islands have different rules. They are:
May 1 to Sept. 30, dogs can be off leash on the beach from 5 to 10 a.m., and on leash from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. (No dogs on the beach between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m). From Oct. 1 to April 30 dogs can be off leash from 5 a.m. to noon and on leash all other times.
Shopping is limited on both islands, and particularly on Sullivan’s. Both are a short drive from many shopping centers and shops in Mount Pleasant.
Of the two barrier islands, Isle of Palms has a larger commercial district, just off the Isle of Palms Connector and Palm Boulevard, including a grocery store and a pharmacy. Shops on Sullivan’s can be found along Middle Street.
There’s also a farmers market on Isle of Palms from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, and Oct. 21, at 24 28th Ave.
On Sullivan’s, Dunleavy’s Pub has marked the entrance to the small business strip for more than 30 years (2213 Middle St.). The Irish bar has a small but reasonably-priced menu. Steps away are High Thyme Cuisine (dinner only), Poe’s Tavern (known for burgers), The Longboard (oysters, brunch), Home Team BBQ, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina (tequila!) and Republic Ice Cream.
For a reasonably-priced sandwich or Frosé any time of day, check out the Co-Op (2019 Middle St.), just west of the main business cluster. On the high end, locals like The Obstinate Daughter (2063 Middle St.) Reservations are recommended.
On IOP, there are beach-facing restaurants in the commercial area and more a short walk away, ranging from casual bar burger-and-wings offerings (The Windjammer) and brunch (Sea Biscuit Cafe, cash only) to high-end better-have-a-reservation Coda Del Pesce.
There’s also Papi’s Taqueria, Smuggler’s Island Eats and Rum Shack, Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill (beach views), The Dinghy, and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. Across Palm Boulevard next to the Harris Teeter grocery store is The Refuge. On the marsh side of the island are two waterfront restaurants: Islander 71 at the marina (41st Avenue) and The Boathouse at Breach Inlet, which has a roof deck bar for sunset views.
Also known as the “windows to the soul,” eyes make quite the dynamic photography subject.
This week’s winner is Paul Stone with a photo of a Magnolia Gardens alligator staring down the camera.
The honorable mentions are Richard Hernandez, with a close-up image of a water buffalo’s eye, and Herbert M. Schiller, with a photograph of an elephant’s eye.
Next week’s topic is books; prepare to enter the wonderful world of words.
The rules: Send your best photo to yourphotos@postandcourier.com by noon Thursday. Include your name, town and where the photo was taken. Add your name and the topic to the file. If you want your photo to be eligible to run in the newspaper, it must be at least 1,500 pixels, not have a commercial watermark and not have been published in another publication.
On Fridays, we first announce the editors’ pick of the week at postandcourier.com/yourphotos and declare a topic for the next week. On Saturdays, we publish an online gallery.
On Sunday, the photo pick of the week will appear in this section, Life.
All photos submitted will be considered for publication in The Post and Courier’s yearly magazine, My Charleston. Some images may be selected for other editorial or noncommercial use.
We reserve the right to not publish any photo for any reason.
(843) 936-6238