Just an hour or so from downtown Charleston, Edisto is a great option for those seeking a classic Lowcountry summer day while avoiding some of the increasingly crowded spots closer to town. Here are some of my favorite stops on a day trip to Edisto. 

Open and free to the public since 2008, Botany Bay Plantation is SC Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area with over 3,000 acres. A nature lover's paradise, Botany Bay is best known for its stretch of beach with trees that rise out of the sand and waves (bring your camera, as you will want to take some photos!). While swimming is permitted off Botany Bay beach, those looking for a "day at the beach" would be better served setting up your towel and umbrella at Edisto Beach, just a few miles past the turn off to Botany Bay.  More on Botany Bay. 

If you have ever wondered where to find the best pimento cheese in the Charleston area , look no further--Kings has you covered! Seriously amazing pimento cheese aside, Kings is a favorite stop for fresh veggies, grab-and-go sandwiches, boiled peanuts, and a homemade fruit popsicle. For a souvenir of your day on Edisto, consider taking home some of Kings' jams and relishes or a bouquet of fresh cut flowers. Visit King's Farm Market on the web.

Many long-time Charleston residents fondly recall the days of affordable beach homes, when the drinking water on Sullivan's Island still tasted like sulfur and Kiawah was sprinkled with wood-paneled 50's beach shacks. While those days may be long gone, many are surprised to find that beach real estate is not as far out of reach one might think. Here's a look at currently available Charleston-area single family beach homes under 600k.