By Brian Sherman for The Island Eye News

Members of the Sullivan’s Island Town Council quickly and unanimously agreed that, despite any differences they might have, they should always maintain “the highest standards of civility, honesty and mutual respect” in both spoken and written communication with one another. They were not nearly as quick to ask town employees and those who volunteer their time to sit on various boards to do the same. With little discussion at its regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 16, the Council passed a resolution noting that “The elected officials of the Council enact this civility pledge to build a stronger and more prosperous community by advocating for civil engagement, respecting others and their viewpoints and finding solutions for the betterment of the town of Sullivan’s Island.” Mayor Pat O’Neil explained that the resolution emerged from a recent meeting of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, “recognizing what seems to be an epidemic of basically bad behavior in a lot of town governments in a lot of places across the country.” The resolution passed by a 7-0 vote, but a similar resolution aimed at town employees and board members faced tougher sledding. “If somebody is found to have violated this pledge because they had a bad day or something, are they not up for promotion?”

Council Member Greg Hammond asked. “I just don’t want to go into something so quickly that impacts many, many town employees and possibly their livelihood without being a little more clear in terms of if this has teeth or not. I’m not opposed to this, but I’d like to kind of put it out for some public comment and hear what people think about it rather than being, in my opinion, a little hasty.”

Council Member Scott Millimet disagreed, pointing out that the resolution isn’t binding and that it’s simply “a pledge to be civil.” “I’m having trouble understanding where you’re coming from in terms of ‘I really think we need to take a pause and determine whether we want to behave in a civil manner or not,’” Millimet asked Hammond. “It does ask new employees to commit to behaving in a civil manner, and I don’t think anybody should object to that. If so, I’d like to know why.” “We’re not passing a law, rule or anything of the sort,” Council Member Bachman Smith added. “There’s no penalty. In my mind, we are trying to promote a more civil discourse and civil decorum. It would be hard to argue against the idea that at the national level we are seeing something less than civil, and it’s growing increasingly concerning on all sides.”

“I’m happy to lead by example, but the libertarian in me is not in favor of requiring everybody else to take a pledge without having a more thorough discussion over it,” Hammond responded. Council Member Justin Novak suggested that since one of his colleagues had “a significant issue” with the resolution, the Council should consider tabling the resolution, but Hammond insisted on a vote. The resolution passed 5-2, with Hammond and Novak voting no and Gary Visser, Kaye Smith, Millimet, Bachman Smith and O’Neil voting yes.

The resolution pointed out that a national survey found that 93% of Americans think incivility is a problem, while 68% consider it to be a major issue and 74% believe incivility is increasing in the United States. It also stated that “the Town Council recognizes that the town would create an improved, more friendly and efficient workplace if all Town Council members, town employees and town-appointed board members made a commitment to civility by taking the civility pledge.”

SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — Monarch butterflies are now on the endangered species list. One college student is trying to raise awareness about the insect through a class project.

"I see the monarch butterflies as a tool to understand a bigger system at work here," says Avery McMurtry, "Migration" project creator.

McMurtry is a senior at Northeastern University in Boston. She was sent home to Sullivan's Island during COVID. That is when inspiration hit.

"I started walking the beach paths and the path through the Maritime Forest and I was very inspired by that landscape and all the little critters and different plant life that would come seasonally."

A class project turned that into a reality.

"I was actually assigned, for one of my design classes, a project to do a site specific installation. I came up with this idea and for a while I just sat on the idea. I was like, oh, this is actually a cool concept. People seem to respond well to it.”

Her project, which includes an enclosure for the insect, has been a year in the making. She has raised and released about 70 monarch butterflies already, and is raising another 40 right now.

"Then they'll be in their chrysalis for a week and you can find them inside here. Then when they hatch, I release them at the end of the day, so they can go out and continue to live in nature and hopefully repopulate the area."

Her ultimate goals are to show people the natural beauty on the Island and get people intrigued.

"I want people to be more supportive of pollinators and of monarch butterflies and I hope that people see the monarchs and find a sense of wonder and a sense of awe in this weird life cycle they have."

She says the best thing people can do to aid pollinators is plant native flowers or milkweed, the only plant monarch caterpillars can feed on.

"Go ask your garden center, they'll tell you what's native. They'll tell you what bees and butterflies like, then plant as much as you can to increase that biodiversity. When you can find local milkweed, definitely buy it because you will see caterpillars and butterflies on your plants. I promise you they'll find it. They will find it."

The enclosure is open until September 3rd, but McMurtry is looking to extend it further since she is still raising so many caterpillars.

You can visit the enclosure for free. It is located along the tree line of the community garden at the Gadsden Battery Cultural Center.

Charleston, South Carolina, has been topping 'the best of lists for years. The historic city has always had a ton to offer, attracting tourists for its southern charm, world-class culinary offerings, antebellum architecture, and lively arts and entertainment scene. Further adding to Charleston's appeal are its beaches.

Sitting just a few miles from downtown Charleston is a series of easily accessible small barrier islands where visitors can enjoy an afternoon at the beach or vice versa. With such close proximity to the city, visitors can choose to base themselves on the beach instead. Each one of the Charleston beaches has its own distinctive vibe and attributes. Here is an overview to help find the perfect fit!

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Isle Of Palms

This popular Charleston beach manages to maintain a balance between upscale and classy, as well as hip yet family-friendly. The island is self-catering with ample accommodation options, an extensive retail district, a diverse range of restaurants, and a full-service grocery store. The beach has lifeguards on duty, and there are dressing rooms, restrooms, and snack bar facilities centrally located at the oceanfront County Park.

There are roughly six miles of beach with over 50 access points, so hitting the sand on Isle of Palms is super convenient. The island's two golf courses, The Links Course and Harbor Course were both designed by a world-renowned golf architect. Visiting the Windjammer is a must. A long-time staple of the island (more than 50 years in business), the Windjammer is an oceanfront sandbar that hosts frequent concerts, beach volleyball tournaments, and more. Oh, and dogs are welcome at the Windjammer too!

Sullivan's Island

This quaint 3.3 square mile island can be summed up by three S's: serenity, slow pace, and simple pleasures. The town has actively worked to preserve its quiet character, and as such, short-term rentals of less than 30 days are prohibited. Nestled between Charleston Harbor and Isle of Palms, it remains close and convenient to explore for the day while staying elsewhere.

One of the oldest-standing forts on the East Coast is located on Sullivan's Island. Fort Moultrie was first constructed as a Revolutionary War defense in the 1700s but was once again put to use during the Civil War. Fort Moultrie is open to the public and remains a top tourist attraction. Fabled author Edgar Allen Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie during his stint in the army, and Sullivan's Island served as the setting for some of his literary works. Nowadays, the quirky and eclectic Poe's Tavern pays homage to its namesake and is one of the most beloved local eateries.

Sullivan's Island is the perfect spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and simply have a relaxing day at the beach. The wide, flat beach is great for strolling along the shore or riding bikes at low tide, and the prevailing winds are excellent for kiteboarding. Ocean enthusiasts can also fish, kayak, and paddleboard, and land-lovers can enjoy the island's several parks and recreation areas too. The restaurants along Middle Street offer wonderful food and alfresco dining in a fun atmosphere, often with live entertainment.

Folly Beach

Affectionately referred to as the 'edge of America', Folly Beach is a funky beach community that has retained much of its charm and unique character. A long-time haven for surfers, College of Charleston students, artists, and salty seafarers, Folly Beach has somewhat of a cult following amongst vacationers too. Folly-devotees return to their beloved beach year after year and rarely venture elsewhere. The island has a relaxed, working-class vibe, and long-time locals foster a palpable sense of community.

Swing by Bert's Market and fill up the cooler before hitting the beach. Bert's is a local institution that adheres to its 'we may doze but we never close' slogan; they are open around the clock and are much more than just a market. Folly Beach is regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in the southeast, and there are two full-service surf shops on Folly. Experienced surfers can head to The Washout section of the beach, or novices can take a surf lesson with one of the several surf schools on the island. Kayaks or stand-up paddleboards are an excellent way to explore Folly's extensive network of marshes and inlets.

The main shopping and dining hub of Folly Beach is Center Street, and it is well worth a stroll. The eclectic shops have lots of local and handcrafted items rather than just tacky souvenirs. Center Street and the surrounding blocks are also packed with dozens of eating and drinking locales for every taste and budget, as well as bars and nightlife. Come as you are - the ambiance everywhere is unpretentious, and flip-flops are always welcome.

Bonus Beach: Kiawah Island

Although Kiawah is a huge vacation destination, it wasn't initially included as one of the main Charleston-area beaches simply because many areas of the island and its beaches are private. Kiawah is gated, and visitors can only access certain restricted areas with a guest or owner's pass; not everything is accessible to the public. Nonetheless, Kiawah is worth a mention as it is a popular vacation spot and has its own unique draw.

As one may expect, Kiawah is a luxury vacation destination. The resort accommodations, vacation home rentals, and amenities are world-class, as are Kiawah's dining options. The island's five golf courses are also top-notch, frequently hosting PGA Tour and other top-level events. Kiawah was also named the #1 tennis resort in the world!

Life Is Better At The Beach

While the Charleston area is surrounded by dozens of barrier islands, these beaches are the main hot spots to stay and play. The beaches make a great addition to any Charleston vacation itinerary, but they each have plenty to offer as a stand-alone destination too. Visitors can settle down, relax, and enjoy the slower pace of island time!

Have you ever seen a shooting star? What about 100?

The Perseid meteor shower — aka the Perseids — is predicted to take place throughout July and August. The shower happens when Earth passes through the trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle, offering spectators across the globe the opportunity to see ~100 meteors per hour when the shower is at its peak.

Ready to go meteor hunting? Check out our guide below.

When to view

The best time to watch the meteor shower is late at night or in the predawn hours during its peak from Thurs., Aug. 11-Sat., Aug. 13. These days will provide the opportunity to see the brightest + most numerous meteors.

However, because of the full Sturgeon moon on Thurs., Aug. 11, the showers are expected to be washed out. On this night, the sky will be darkest right before dawn.

Bonus: Even if you can’t watch the Perseid meteor shower during its peak, you can still catch views of the shower throughout the rest of August.

Where to go

When choosing a spot to watch the Perseids, aim for a location that is away from man-made light. Here are some spots that we suggest:

Sullivan’s Island Beach | Station 18 Street, Sullivan’s Island | Head down to the ocean on Sullivan’s Island to experience waterfront viewing.

Pitt Street Bridge | Pitt Street, Mt. Pleasant | Bring a blanket and explore this historic landmark in the Old Village Historic District with plenty of space for viewing.

Natural Gathering Grounds | 7338 Peirce Rd., Ridgeville | Request a booking on the campgrounds and take a road trip out to this 54-acre communal habitat around 30 miles from Charleston.

Brittlebank Park | 185 Lockwood Dr. | Walk out on the pier at this 10-acre park for unobstructed, waterfront views.

Pro tip: You don’t need binoculars or a telescope to view the Perseids. If you have trouble finding the shower, make sure you are looking at the darkest part of the sky and allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

What to bring

Pro tip: Pick up a bag of Original Charleston Benne Wafers from Olde Colony Bakery in case you get hungry.

We hope you’ve packed your appetite. This month, we’re finishing our Hit the Road series with a flavorful foray into Charleston, SC.

Whether you’re interested in taking a walking food tour, putting your cooking skills to the test at a Zero George class, or trying the award-winning steamed oysters at Bowen’s Island, this driving-distance destination is every foodie’s dream.

Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area, along with our insider recommendations.

Hang out and eat around Folly Beach

The “tattooed bohemian” energy that you know and love in Asheville is palpable at this laid-back beach community. If you deign to leave your perch at the beach, consider visiting Chico Feos for tacos, Cuban sandwiches, and a generous selection of craft beer (and while you’re there, see how many Asheville stickers you can spot behind the bar — we saw about 20).

Two other gems: Bert’s Market, with its 24/7 selection of ice cream, burritos, burgers, paninis, and other casual eats — and the globally-inspired comfort food at Jack of Cups Saloon.

Take a cooking class with Zero George

Gather round this hotel’s professional demo kitchen for an intimate class led by Executive Chef Vinson Petrillo and Sous Chef’s Tyler Chavis. The result? A multi-course meal with wine pairings, plus heaping servings of professional expertise. Book a class.

The Historic Supper Club

This four-course, family-style meal — situated in a lavish French Quarter dining room — offers a rich + historical experience of Charleston’s culinary scene. Make a reservation.

RAW LAB | 99 South Market St.

This three-hour omakase (which translates “to entrust” or “I leave it to you” in Japanese) raw bar dining experience is curated by the world’s first master mermmelier: Chef Kevin Joseph. This 11-course, mind-bending meal of marine cuisine is available by reservation only.

Want an unfussy, heaping pile of oysters, fried shrimp, hushpuppies, and the like? This walk-up, deceptively gourmet sea shack (and the winner of a 2006 James Beard Award) is chock full of character, humility, and life-changing seafood, so long as you’re okay with waiting in line.

Kwei Fei | 1977 Maybank Hwy.

Lamb dumplings, dan dan noodles noodles, and mapo tofu can be yours at this lively, peppery, and exquisitely authentic Sichuan eatery. Pssst, if you’re feeling dare devilish, try your hand at the Sichuan Negroni, made with peppercorn-infused Campari, vermouth, and Beefeater gin.

Sullivan’s Fish Camp | 2019 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island

New to the scene, this chic seaside restaurant is modeled after a 1970s sailboat and offers classic seafood hits like peel-and-eat shrimp + fried seafood baskets — plus sophisticated and higher-end offerings like lobster rolls and tuna tartare with bone marrow.

This playful eatery, housed inside a converted auto shop, knows how to play the hits. Come for the oysters, fried chicken, and shrimp rolls — stay for the soft serve, frozen gin and tonics, and rosé on tap.

A meal at Frannie & The Fox, a wood-fired, Italian-inspired eatery, is reason enough to stay at this boutique hotel. A few other perks: complimentary strong punch cocktails (or house lemonade) upon check-in, Lowcountry curios sprinkled throughout the space, and an impressive collection of 500+ vinyl records.

The Ryder Hotel | 237 Meeting St.

This stylish, boutique hotel — which takes inspiration from the semi-fictional character Japhy Ryder in Jack Kerouac’s “The Dharma Bums” — is centered in the heart of downtown Charleston, which means you’re only a stone’s throw away from two of the Palm City’s most famous restaurants, F.I.G. and Lenoir.

Bonus: If you stay here, you also have an excuse to linger in the sunshine at Little Palm, the hotel’s breezy poolside cafe + cocktail bar.

The Grand Bohemian | 55 Wentworth St.

Come for the funky + eclectic aesthetic (read: crushed velvet headboards and a synthetic turf-covered rooftop bar), stay for the spectacular meals offered at the coastal-inspired Élevé that blends Southern heritage with the finest French culinary techniques.

Hungry for more? Catch up on the last two months’ Hit the Road features: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Black Mountain.