October is here, and that means all things orange and black are filling the stores and decorating front porches.
Charleston in general and the Isle of Palms in particular are a great place to be at this time of year. Temperatures are pleasantly warm but not hot during the day, while nights have a nice coolness to them. The beaches are beautiful and not as crowded as peak summer months. You can get some great deals on Isle of Palms vacation rentals, well discounted off peak summer rates.
The Isle of Palms is a terrific vacation destination, but it’s also a wonderful place to live year-round. It’s quite community-minded, with events on holidays and throughout the year. They’re open to residents and visitors alike. Many are centered at the Rec Center, located more or less in the middle of the island.
You don’t have to wait until the end of the month to enjoy Halloween happenings on or near the Isle of Palms. They’re going on all month long.
Here are the top five.
- Ghostly Tide Tales – First up is a fun annual event sponsored by the City of Isle of Palms and the IOP Rec Department. It’s spooky stories told around a campfire, right on the beach.
It’s described as an eerie but family-friendly telling of ghost stories that are related to the Lowcountry. Talented storytellers and members of Crabpot Players will regale the crowd with tales that are just scary enough to keep you alert.
You’re encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, along with a flashlight and a friend or two, and stake out a spot around the fire barrels. It will take place on Friday, October 23rd, 2020, starting at 6:00 p.m. at Front Beach. You can enter at the IOP beach access next to the Sea Cabins. The fun will last about an hour. It’s a free event that’s open to all ages, and no registration is required. There’s parking available nearby in Municipal Lot B on Pavilion Drive. Call (843) 886-8294 for more information.
- Sunrise Trunk or Treat
Sunrise Church is located just over the Breach Inlet from Isle of Palms, on Sullivan’s Island. Every year they host a popular event that offers plenty treats of Halloween in one safe place.
It’s Sunrise Church Trunk or Treat. You’re encouraged to dress up the kids, pile in the car or golf cart, and head on over. It’ll take place in Saturday, October 24th, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. You can make a whole wholesome Halloween weekend of it. Listen to Ghostly Tide Tales Friday night, then Trunk or Treat the following afternoon!
They’ll have directional arrows and signage laying out the route to go, as you travel from trunk to trunk. Treats and/or trinkets will be individually wrapped and already in to-go goodie bags for the kids to easily pick up. They’ll place the goodie bags on tables next to each car trunk for stress-free pickup. One family at a time will be at each car.
Sunrise is located at 3222 Middle Street on Sullivan’s Island. The event is absolutely free, and no registration is necessary. All ages are welcome. You can reach Sunrise at (843) 883-3888 for more details.
- Halloween Golf Cart Parade and Drive-Thru Haunted House at the Rec
This is the Isle of Palms’ main Halloween celebration, and it takes place on the day itself – Saturday, October 31st, 2020, at the IOP’s Rec Center.
They’ve redesigned this from years past, and it looks to be a lot of fun. First up, they’re hosting a Halloween Costume Golf Cart Parade. There will be prizes for
the top three best decorated golf carts.
Golf cart decorating around these parts can get pretty over-the-top, especially on holidays like July 4th and Christmas. So this Halloween golf cart costume contest and parade should be worth checking out, whether you are taking part or just spectating.
Golf carts will line up at 3:30 p.m. on 27th Avenue, near the Rec Center. The parade will begin at 4:00 p.m. sharp. Here’s the route: 27th Avenue toward Hartnett Boulevard, right on Hartnett, then right on 22nd Avenue, right on Waterway Boulevard, right on 29th Avenue, right on Hartnett, and then right on 28th. All golf carts must register in advance by October 28th in order to take part.
Then there will be a drive-thru haunted house at the end of the parade route. Food trucks will be situated on Hartnett Boulevard between 27th and 28th Avenues for those who want to grab a bite. There will also be trick-or-treat goodie bags for all the kids.
There’s no charge to take part. The Isle of Palms Rec Center is located at 24 28th Avenue on the IOP and can be reached at (843) 886-8294.
- Haunted Trail at the Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is hosting a special new Haunted Trail for Halloween. Come and “get your fill of gills, chills and thrills!”
Once you’re inside the Aquarium, make your way through eight different eerily themed rooms. There are spooky surprises, creepy crawling things and macabre mysteries all along the way, just waiting to be explored. If you’d like to take things to the next level, check out the Scare Control Sensors. They’re marked by special bright LED lights. Just wave your paw in front of the sensors for an extra scary thrill.
Minimum age is eight years old, and kids under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Haunted Trail is taking place every day in October, and it’s included with regular admission to the SC Aquarium. The Aquarium is open seven days a week, Mondays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. and is located at 100 Aquarium Wharf in downtown Charleston. Ring them at (843) 720-1990 for more info.
- Fright Nights at Boone Hall
Boone Hall Plantation is again hosting its annual Fright Nights, on Friday and Saturday nights in October until Halloween. These are pretty scary and are not recommended for kids under the age of 12, or people who don’t like to be frightened.
There are three different attractions this year: Maximum Security, Tiny’s Toy Factory and Scary Tales: The Final Chapter. Admission varies depending on the number of attractions you attend. Advance ticket purchasing is highly recommended, as they often sell out.
You access Fright Nights at Boone Hall along Highway 17 North in Mount Pleasant, about a half mile north of Long Point Road. Call (843) 884-4371 or check their website for more details.
Happy Halloween, stay safe, and enjoy some of the many holiday happenings around the Lowcountry.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger
