Jasper County South Carolina

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A beautiful reminder. This magnificent cross commemorates the site of Purrysburgh. Established in 1733, hundreds of German speaking and French speaking Swiss colonists arrived with the dream of establishing a silk trade in the new colony. But malaria and other hardships proved fatal to the European colonists, and the settlement died a slow death. Today, the river landing and the cemetery there are still in use, and several fine, new homes are being built near the site.

The Savannah River plays a huge role in the life of Jasper County. Ideal for recreation, the scenery is lovely and serene, and the wildlife abundant.

The rural life is much beloved by residents of Jasper County. Friendly, yet laid-back, visitors are discovering that a short detour off of I-95 brings them close to recreation, history, great shopping and fabulous food.

Go ahead and sit a spell. Ridgeland is the county seat of Jasper County, and it’s got its own share of history. You’ll find historical markers that will bring early Lowcountry life into focus. You’ll enjoy the drive, too.


	Jasper County Highlight

	Jasper County Chamber

	Ridgeland

	Hardeeville


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Day Trippin’ 36 Hours
in Jasper County, SC

Room to breathe, relax
and enjoy life

ou’ve probably driven through Jasper County a dozen times or more – always on your way to somewhere like Savannah, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Charleston, or perhaps to and from Florida.

When you’re planning your next getaway, consider Jasper County as a destination in itself, where you can step away from the fast-paced world and enjoy a slower, more relaxing pace (and a comfortable respite during longer travels).


ith fewer than 24,000 residents in an area of almost 700 square miles, there’s a distinctly rural feel to the southernmost county in SC, and that’s a good thing to longtime residents, recent transplants and folks searching for a laid-back vacation. First accommodations. There are many fine hotels along the I-95 corridor that slices the county, and you can’t go wrong with choosing your favorite national chain, but if you’re searching for something a bit different, consider Palm Key, an award-winning group of cottages combining the advantages of a B&B with a retreat center and world-class resort. Located about 17 miles from the Atlantic Ocean at the head of the Broad River, Palm Key is filled with salt marshes, live oak trees, wildlife, fresh water lakes and woodlands. It’s perfect for kayaking, nature walks, fishing, birding and more. Forty cottages are available for rent, each with a full kitchen and one-to-five bedrooms. Televisions and telephones are not part of the décor. Cottages that are “handi-capable” and pet-friendly are available upon request. After dropping your bags, we suggest you drive around the county, visiting historical sites and enjoying the rural countryside. Ridgeland is the county seat and contains the Jasper County Courthouse. Listed on the national Register of Historic Places, it is an impressive building and worth a visit. Make sure to stop at the nearby Pauline Pratt Webel Museum and the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center. The museum will treat you to artifacts and other items documenting people who have lived here, including Native American objects and Civil War Memorabilia. The friendly staff at the Chamber and Visitors Center will be glad to direct you to restaurants and fun-filled vacation activities (or additional accommodations). At the intersection of Main Street and Railroad Avenue, (and the heart of Ridgeland’s downtown business district), is a community park reminiscent of those found in small towns at the turn of the nineteenth century. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a concert, or witness a special event. Outside of Ridgeland is the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, which was built in 1855. It was used as a headquarters for Federal troops during the Civil War, and thus was spared during General Sherman’s march through here. You’ll be very close to Gillisonville, which was the governmental seat of Beaufort District. Completed in 1838, the pulpit was originally a judge’s seat. Box pews and a slave gallery remain, and a communion plate, still in use is inscribed: “War of 1861-2-3-4. Feb. 1865 This done by a Yankee soldier.” There are almost 50 plantations that have been identified in Jasper County. Some are accessible, while others lie in ruins, or are privately owned. Check out South Carolina Plantations to plot your preferred route. One must-see is the tomb of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of four SC signers of the Declaration of Independence and a well-respected statesman who was named a delegate to the Continental Congress of 1776 before he was 30. The burial site is off Highway 462, across the creek from the site of White Hall Plantation, where Heyward lived. As you are touring, if you drive through Coosawhatchie, it’s fascinating to know that General Robert E. Lee was headquartered here while he was fortifying the coastal defenses of South Carolina and Georgia during late 1861 and early 1862. It was in this community that Lee bought and named his horse Traveller. By now it’s probably lunchtime and Ridgeland is where you’ll find several excellent restaurants. Try Jasper’s Porch, where children can enjoy the lake, feed the turtles, and perhaps pet a kitten or two. The food is American, and very family-friendly. Even the she-crab soup is a favorite with all ages, and the coconut cream pie is a yummy splurge. You can also find them on Facebook, where travelers rave about their hush puppies, rock shrimp and other delectables. Next door is the Blue Heron Nature Trail where a short walk takes you beside Lowcountry wetlands. The protected green space is lovely and appealing after lunch. You’ve gotten a peak at nature’s bounty in Jasper County. Now it’s time to enjoy one of her finest displays. The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, found on SC-170, approximately six miles south of Hardeeville. The Visitor Center is open Monday - Saturday from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed on all federal holidays) and offers an 11-minute video about the refuge, a museum-quality exhibit hall, and a nature store operated by Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1927, Savannah NWR covers more than 29,000 acres of freshwater marshes, tidal rivers and creeks, and bottomland hardwoods. Known for its rich flora during the humid summer months, the region also supports a diverse wildlife population. The variety of birdlife is enhanced by its location on the Atlantic Flyway. During the winter months, thousands of ring-necked, teal, pintails, and as many as ten other species of ducks migrate into the area, joining resident wood ducks on the refuge. In the spring and fall, transient songbirds stop briefly on their journey to and from northern nesting grounds. Wilderness Southeast Tours, 912.236.8115, located in nearby Savannah, provides knowledgeable and entertaining guided tours of the area. You’ll discover alligators basking in the sun while purple gallinules enjoy the lily pads. Raptors soar above you and live oaks dripping with Spanish moss are truly majestic. This is a unique tidal fresh water habitat, and you’ll get so much more from the experience with naturalists from this non-profit organization who can point out the hidden treasures around you. Even if you don’t have time for a tour, take time to enjoy the very popular drive through the refuge. The day is winding down. Time to search for authentic, family-friendly food. Fiddler’s Seafood in Ridgeland is popular with locals and visitors who find it as they are replenishing their coolers at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store just around the corner. (Yes, that’s the name. It’s a southern thing.) Back to your room. It’s been a long, but satisfying day. Any children with you have undoubtedly seen critters and sites that are new to them. You may have seen new plants and animals as well. Stress has diminished. It’s time to rest. Day Two You may want to return to some of those small communities for antique and collectible shopping. Treasures abound for sure. If it’s Friday between 1 pm and 6 pm, from May – early December, consider a stop at the Jasper County Farmers Market. Hosting a variety of vendors, including produce, baked goods, prepared meals, arts, crafts and estate sales, the market is a showcase of Lowcountry products. It’s located at 9935 South Jacob Smart Boulevard, Highway 17, ½ mile south of downtown Ridgeland. Another pleasant stop is at Sergeant Jasper Park in Hardeeville. This county facility, off I-95’s exit 8, is perfect for playing a round of Frisbee golf (try it, you’ll love it), fishing, letting the kids loose on the playground, or enjoying the ½ mile walking trail. You may find it more enjoyable than a rest stop, and certainly more fun. Hardeeville’s own Millstone Landing overlooks the beautiful Savannah River, offering boaters and anglers access to one of the South’s best fishing spots. To reach Millstone Landing, turn west at the intersection of U.S. 17 and S.C. 46, cross the tracks, and continue straight across U.S. 321. Follow Church Road to its T-intersection with Purrysburg Road and turn left; the landing will be on your right. If lunchtime arrives and you’re still exploring Hardeeville, consider the Cripple Crab, where most folks rave about the flounder, shrimp and desserts. Your family will thank you and you’ll understand all the fuss about wonderful Lowcountry cooking in all its glorious forms. The Pink Pig (843.784.3635), featured in Southern Living, FoodTV and national publications, is another possibility. There are four sauces worth taking home if they’re on the shelves: Original Honey Mustard, Traditional Gullah Spice, Lowcountry Fire and Sweet Vermont. Bright pink walls and cherub-like piglets with golden wings hover over diners. In addition to the reasonably-priced sauces ($4), you may want a “Think Pink” T-shirt to remind you of the visit. After lunch, you’re on your own for more Jasper County adventures. Further south, at Point South, is Frampton House Museum, part of an original King’s Grant to the Frampton family in the 1700s. In 1865, General Sherman’s troops burned the plantation and its out-buildings, but in 1868, John Frampton rebuilt the charming Lowcountry farm house that stands today. Efforts by a variety of civic leaders resulted in the donation of the house to the Lowcountry Tourism Commission for the creation of the Lowcountry Visitors Center and Museum, assuring that the farm house and its beautiful live oak trees will remain accessible to the public. Make sure you visit, off I-95 at exit 33. You’ll find a recreated plantation room as well as displays from ten museums in the four-county Lowcountry region. You may find yourself headed to another special location where history lives and friendly staff help you continue your adventure. If you decide, however reluctantly, to move on, Savannah, Hilton Head, and Beaufort are very close. Or, you may choose to spend another day or two right here, in the great outdoors of the Lowcountry, South Carolina. Related Reading More About Jasper County Read more




Katherine Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and public relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business and management.