The Bitter End

The Lowcountry

By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill

Photo by Captain Gator

What’s the first thing that goes through your mind when He referred to this area as Los Bajo, or basically low and flat; in you hear the term lowcountry? It seems the lowcountry means essence, the lowcountry. As I have mentioned in other writings many things to many people. For some, it’s pretty straight forward: here in Southern Tides, Spain played a very prominent role in early it’s the flat, marsh-covered wetlands, extending from about the midsettlements along the lowcountry coast, from Saint Simons, to Saint portion of South Carolina to the Florida-Georgia state line. Helena.

For others, it’s more cultural, as we’re blessed to have a rich and In Savannah, General James Oglethorpe played a key role in diverse melting pot of nationalities. Going back to the early days asserting the British as the dominant force to be reckoned with. A this land was peopled by folks from Africa, such as the Gullah and nine-foot statue erected in Chippewa Square has the notable figure Geechee, to those of European descent, from Ireland, Scotland, facing Southward, keeping an ever-vigilant eye on Spanish incursion England and Germany. coming from the south.

The lowcountry, to some, is art, such as classical sweetgrass How could I close without touching on cuisine? The ol’ Gator baskets and bowls from the many talented Gullah artisans of South loves to eat and for the consummate foodie, the lowcountry offers Carolina. These wares are often offered for sale in roadside stands a cornucopia of flavors to entice the palate. From lowcountry boils along what has been deemed the Sweetgrass Highway, a stretch of to a treasure trove of other seafoods, to Gullah and other fare with Highway 17, or Coastal Highway 17, from Charleston, northward roots in Africa, nothing says lowcountry like sitting down to a table towards Georgetown. From bottle trees found in yard art to haint loaded with these cultural delicacies. blue paint used on door and window frames, it’s a mixing bowl of So take a little time to explore this magical place, from Penn color and texture. Center on St. Helena Island to Pinpoint Heritage Museum near

Whether your roots are European, African, a combination of Skidaway Island, and Sapelo’s Hog Hammock. Better yet take the the two, or elsewhere entirely, the lowcountry is a magical place. kids and really educate them on what lowcountry truly means.

Technically speaking, lowcountry is also a geographical term. In I'll see you on the water — be safe out there! South Carolina, the area extends out from below the fall line or what is sometimes referred to as the Sandhills region. Basically speaking, Peace and love, shrimp and grits ... and wash your hands! the area where the Atlantic Coastal Plain meets the Piedmont Plain, extending just south of Aiken eastward to the Charleston area. Some people extend this somewhat northward to the Pawleys Island area, though this has also been dubbed the PeeDee region. One major difference I’ve found is in the soil composition; once you get into the Peedee or the Myrtle Beach areas you find more sand versus the pluff mud of our lowcountry area.

I encountered more information some time ago while reading about Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón, a Spanish magistrate and explorer who explored the east coast of America from as far south as north Florida to as far north as the Chesapeake area of Virginia. Email: TheOriginalCaptainGator@gmail.com 22 Southern Tides Magazine August 2020

101 Edgewood Road

Gordonston

This wonderful Craftsman home is located on a huge corner lot with welcoming open arms. The main home has four bedrooms and two baths. Large open floor plan. Living Room with FP opens to the DR and then Kitchen with breakfast room. A wonderful full wrap around screened porch. Beautiful staircase to upstairs with two large bedrooms and a full bath. To add to all this, there is a carriage house that is ready for your guests. Studio apartment on second floor of garage. Washer/dryer hookups for main house on one side and for apartment on the other. Secret gardens every where you turn. Gordonston neighborhood is one of the most charming and exclusive areas. Enjoy the community park, Brownie Park, all of the sweeping oaks lining the streets, and lots of area for walking and biking. Very close to downtown Savannah. And close to the beach as well.$479,000

WHITEMARSH ISLAND

This incredible Low Country home sits on a secluded 3+ acre lot on the edge of Tom Thumb Creek in the Savannah Yacht Club area. Chef kitchen has a Wolf gas cooktop, Viking ovens, porcelain farm sink and new counter tops. The sunroom was recently updated with tile floors and new windows. New carpet in the 4 bedrooms on the top floor. The multi-level deck has a private gazebo to enjoy the views of creek. Heart pine floors through out this open floor plan. Added bo105 Bradley Point Road nus is the Briggs and Stratton Generator. $795,500 REDUCED BULL RIVER Unending views of the marsh and water. This 3 BR, 3 BA unit is on the far side and upper level. It is waiting for you to enjoy the balcony deck for dinner or drinks. Once you enter the property you will see water from every angle. The high end finishes just top it off. Welcome to the best view with privacy to boot. Enjoy the July 4th Fireworks at Tybee from your private unit or come up one floor for rooftop amenities in the pool.

Recently updated and Secure building and parking. Coded entry to the unit. This is the property for the discerning buyer. It has it all. interior painted Views, privacy, lock and leave potential, upgrades galore Bull River Yacht Club, Unit 704 et all. $674,000

1 Emmet Court

!! NEW !!

GEORGETOWN

Spacious 3BR and 2BA home on corner lot. This neighborhood is located close to all roadways. Shopping and amenites close by. Georgetown amentites very close. Elementary school even closer. This home has a very open floorplan with a separate master on one side and the other three bedrooms on the other. Easy access to the hall bath from all three secondary bedrooms. One has a double entry door which would be a great office if needed but has a closet. The neighbors are looking for some amazing new next door buyers. Great community. $245,000

THUNDERBOLT

Excellent buildable lot in Thunderbolt. Build a single family home and have the conveniences of living in Thunderbolt.

$55,000 6349 Abercorn St. Savannah, GA 912.352.1222

Find me on: Lyn McCuen

912.224.0927 lyn@coldwellbanker.com www.lynmccuen.com @lynmccuen

TYBEE ISLAND

Relax and enjoy in this recently converted 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom vacation condo. All new updates including a brand new King-Sized Bed, and a new in-unit Washer and Dryer. The living area features updated furnishings and a well-equipped kitchen with breakfast bar seating for 2, additional table seating for 4, stovetop and oven and full sized fridge/freezer. The living room is furnished with a sleeper sofa and a 32in flatscreen TV, with DVD player. Furnished private balcony with a glimpse of the ocean. $239,900 !! NEW !!

1217 Bay Street, Unit A 232

DOWNTOWN

The exterior has a distinct Southern Victorian look with a wrap-around veranda and pillars. Enjoy a nice evening outside. Inside, you’ll continue to feel the rich Southern charm of this property with a living room right out of a novel. Glossy wood floors, brick and wood decorative fireplace, elaborate chandelier, leather furniture and an antique coffee table. Modern conveniences are not forgotten and you’ll also find a large TV in an entertainment center. The galley kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, a double sink and ample counter space. A small laundry room with stacked machines. Two Bedrooms are nicely appointed with lots of windows. Two full baths, 4 years of STVR history. $425,000

109 Park Avenue

MONTGOMERY

Cute and recently updated 3BR 2BA Bungalow, located on a cul-de-sac with a huge pie shaped yard. Rear yard partially fenced. Great open floor plan. Master bedroom on first floor. Conveniently located to Truman Parkway for easy access to shopping and all venues. Nice quiet family neighborhood.

$184,500

RICHMOND HILL

Buckhead North is loaded with amenities. From the community pool, playground, ball field, tennis courts to a large peaceful lake. This home is full brick on all sides. Four true bedrooms and two full baths all on the first floor with a split plan to boot. Large bonus room over garage. Extra storage in garage. Full fenced rear yard with grilling patio and a wonderful sun room. Raised beds in place for gardening if you choose. Fireplace in the family room. Separate dining room and an additional breakfast room. Space for everybody. $305,000

3 Maple Court

We Prepare and Install Living Shorelines

Living shorelines provide a natural and stable alternative to rip rap and sea walls. Zulu is pleased to offer installation where stabilization and shoreline restoration is needed. • Assembled with bags of recycled oyster shells • Stabilizes eroding shorelines or failing bulkheads • Plantings of native grasses enhance stabilization • Encourages growth of oysters, which provides water filtration • Provides habitat for multiple fish and crustacean species • Increases resistance to flooding

For more information or to discuss your shoreline stabilization project, email us at: rusty.batey@zuludiscovery.com.