ensuring that everyone can spend an evening—or more—under a starlit sky. With trailside, equestrian, boat-in, primitive, tent, and RV campsite options, there are enough choices to satisfy any kind of camper. For tips and planning materials, visit southcarolinaparks.com. Don’t forget to pack mosquito repellant!
TUBE THE EDISTO As one of the longest freeflowing blackwater rivers in North America, the Edisto River is a secret treasure tucked away in some of the state’s most rural areas. At over 250 miles long, the Edisto snakes through the landscape, from the red clay-heavy soil of Saluda and Edgefield Counties to the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean near Edisto Beach. Each summer, the waters of this river begin to call to those who are familiar with its charm, welcoming kayakers, swimmers, canoers, and tubers with its gentle current. For Earl Johnson, owner of Edisto River Adventures, warmer weather means helping visitors from near and far make memories on the river, and though he deals in canoes and kayaks, his most popular summer option is, by far, the humble inner tube. Johnson rents them out to bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate outings, and groups of friends large and small, starting them off at his outpost not too far from Givhans Ferry State Park. Tubers bring coolers full of snacks and beverages, waterproof speakers for music, and plenty of sunscreen, and Johnson sends them off, arranging to meet at a pickup spot down the river. The activity is as fun as it is simple, embracing the lazy flow of the Edisto while bringing friends together for a beautiful day on the water. To book your own excursion, visit edistoriveradventures.com. AM
68 AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2018