March 2005

Known for: Casual seaside restaurants, sand dunes feathered by waving sea oats, and Lowcountry charm

Active pursuits: If you're the traveler who likes everything at your fingertips, Wild Dunes is a one-stop resort. Spend a day at the beach or playing tennis, followed by a beachfront massage at the Wellness Center (843-886-2249). You can also learn how to use a cast net to catch shrimp on an Eco-Tours (843-886-2292) kayak trip through the marshes and creeks, stopping for a stroll on the uninhabited Capers Island, where at low tide, you can beachcomb for shells and other sea treasures.

Must-see sights: Charleston, just 20 minutes away, is full of potential: Festivals, art walks, and house and garden tours pack the city's spring calendar. The handwoven baskets made by local artisans from sweetgrass, palm leaf, pine needles, and bulrush are worth a look along bustling Market Street and north of town along Highway 17.

Tempt your taste buds: Lowcountry fare like she-crab soup and fresh-shucked oysters and clams star in Sea Island Grill's menu (843-886-2200). To hang with the locals, go to Dunleavy's Pub (843-883-9646), just a block from the beach, and scoop some popcorn, order a quesadilla or burger and a cold beer, and head outside to one of the picnic tables. The best spot to watch the sunset is on the top deck of the Boathouse at Breach Inlet (843-886-8000, www.boathouserestaurants.com). In Charleston, stop for lunch at Jestine's Kitchen (843-722-7224), known for its heaping portions of authentic Southern soul food—the menu features bread-and-butter pickles, and meat loaf with sweet peas.

Rest your head here: The Boardwalk Inn (843-886-6000) is the place to stay if you're looking for the amenities of a full-service hotel. Another popular option is to book one of the 365 one-to-four-bedroom villas that dot the shoreline, and pretend you're a local (call Wild Dunes Resort at 800-845-8880 for reservations, or visit www.wilddunes.com).

For information on Wild Dunes: 888-845-8915 or 843-886-6000; www.wilddunes.com