Tree Servicein Wild Dunes, SC

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Wild Dunes Resort on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the Isle of Palms (IOP) for enacting ordinances which limit the resort’s development.

Five ordinances were passed in November which proponents said protected the city’s greenspaces. The ordinances amend stipulations of a Planned Residential Development (PRD) zoning district contract created in 1975 when the development of the resort began. It was previously amended in 2016 to reduce the number of units permitted.

The most recent changes were brought about amid fears that Wild Dunes was planning to build additional condos/hotels where current golf courses and recreation spaces exist. However, in a statement to News 2, a representative for the developer said “the developer did not propose to build on existing golf courses/green spaces.”

In a series of public meetings, residents expressed concern about the overpopulation that the additional development could bring as well as the damage it could cause to the environment.

Despite initial worries about how long the process could take, councilmembers acted quickly to pass the amendments, which Wild Dunes claims violated the city’s own protocol.

“The City failed to comply with the requisite procedure. As detailed above, the Planning Commission reviewed and recommended the Subject Ordinances on or around November 9, 2022, which was after the public hearings on the Subject Ordinances had already been held on October 18 and November 1, 2022. Thus, the City violated the procedural requirements of Section 5-4-39 of the City’s Code for amending PDD zoning districts.”

Likewise, Wild Dunes claims the city failed to meaningfully engage with stakeholders — despite a representative publicly appealing to council members at a November 15 meeting — and left them no option but to take legal action.

The lawsuit also argues that the city’s reasoning for passing the ordinances is misguided, stating that Wild Dunes has brought “measured and positive growth to the City for decades,” and would continue to do so with any new development.

It cites the many rehabilitation and renovation projects undertaken by Wild Dunes over the years — sometimes in partnership with the city — to improve the shoreline, golf courses, and other recreation facilities.

Regarding overpopulation, Wild Dunes noted that the existing PRD allowed for another 330 dwelling units and 53 inn units to be built, but Wild Dunes had no plans to build them all at once. Instead, developers said they would be “completed over time based upon real estate market conditions and other factors.” The lawsuit goes on to claim that individual rental properties bring far more traffic to the island, and that taking away property rights should not be used as a solution to regulate traffic.

Ultimately, the lawsuit claims that the ordinances prevent “economically viable and productive uses of [Wild Dunes’] property,” which effectively amounts to “the regulatory taking of [the] property.” Thus, according to the lawsuit, the city should compensate Wild Dunes for the land it took, or return the property rights to the owners.

News 2 has reached out to IOP for comment.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from the developer.

When it comes to resorts, South Carolina does it right. Whether you're looking to relax at a luxurious spa, stroll a sandy beachfront, or enjoy memorable meals, there's a resort in the Palmetto State with your name on it. Browse the amenities at these properties, and find what speaks to you. (There's plenty to choose from at each one.) The next step is booking a stay, packing your gear, and—finally—setting out on an adventure to a resort that feels like an oasis, whether a home away from home or just a break from the day-to-day. Rent bikes and pedal the sands. Order room service and enjoy the view from your windows. Find the poolside bar and relax. Memories, and a whole lot of fun, await. Want to continue traveling? Check out some of the best places to stay in every Southern state.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

This waterfront retreat is a consistently celebrated stay near Charleston. Palmetto trees welcome you to the property, where you'll find wraparound porches, the serenity-inducing Estuary Spa, and a water taxi for ferrying you to downtown adventures. The abundance of patios and porches means you'll get your fill of harbor breezes (and handcrafted cocktails to enjoy while relaxing outdoors).

20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, charlestonharborresort.com

02

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town

Book a stay at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, part of The Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, for a warm welcome and rooms with a view. The boutique luxury hotel has 60 guest rooms and offers opportunities for rounds of golf, swings on the tennis courts, and relaxation at the pool. You can also book private fishing charters, cruises, and boat tours at the nearby full-service marina.

7 Lighthouse Ln., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, seapines.com

03

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes

Find pools galore at this Myrtle Beach resort. Sun, sand, and plenty of bright blue umbrellas and loungers await when you book a beachfront stay at this inviting spot. There are indoor and outdoor pools, beach access, and opportunities for pampering at Hibiscus Spa. Open your windows to the beach air, enjoy a meal at the resort's restaurants, or stroll outside to the pool deck—there is fun all around here.

8400 Costa Verde Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, marriott.com

04

Montage Palmetto Bluff

This Lowcountry property is situated along the May River in Bluffton, which means it has instant appeal—and a marina on the waterfront. Located between Hilton Head and the Georgia border, this resort is equal parts relaxation and adventure. It has fantastic restaurants, a nature preserve, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

477 Mt Pelia Rd., Bluffton, SC 29910, montagehotels.com

05

The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Book a stay at The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, and enjoy the sea breezes. This resort has something for everyone, including dining, swimming, golfing, and lounging on the sands. In addition to the resort's amenities, you can book packages (like the Family Fun Package with bike and kite rentals) to complement your stay.

23 Ocean Ln., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, omnihotels.com

06

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Find a barrier island getaway at Kiawah Island Golf Resort—an oasis of sandy beachfront and championship golf courses near Charleston. There's also decadent dining at the resort's many stellar restaurants, including Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room. With so much to enjoy, you don't want to miss the opportunity to stay at this luxury property.

1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island, SC 29455, kiawahresort.com

07

Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort

Head to Isle of Palms for a stay at Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre property near Charleston that's a destination for golfing (the Links Course has Atlantic views) and enjoying the coastline. With plenty of pools, bike rentals, and opportunities to relax (check out the Spa at Sweetgrass, where you can contact the spa concierge to customize your stay), you'll never want your vacation to end.

5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451, destinationhotels.com

08

The Willcox

While not necessarily classified as a resort, you can find the epitome of South Carolina hospitality at this historic hotel, nestled in the resort town of Aiken. In addition to gracious accommodations, it has fantastic dining offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a relaxing spa, and easy access to the town's shopping, antiquing, arts, equestrian, and cycling opportunities.

100 Colleton Ave. SW, Aiken, SC 29801, thewillcox.com

Though coyote sightings were significantly down on the Isle of Palms in 2022, this largely has to do with the way sightings are recorded. The coyote dens, particularly in the Wild Dunes area of the island, are still active and coexistence is key when it comes to protecting property and pets, animal control officials said.

According to Ryan Warren, an animal control officer for the City of the Isle of Palms, there were 17 reports of coyote sightings in 2020, 107 in 2021 and 31 in 2022. The significant spike in 2021 was mostly due to a change in record-keeping on animal control’s part. Officers began to note coyote sightings posted on Facebook in 2021, but it quickly became too much for the officers to keep up with.

“It was too much for us. So we reverted to recording whoever calls about coyote sightings or if they see any footprints or scat, it’s recorded,” Warren said.

There was a single report of a coyote attacking a dog in 2022. Most reports come from calls about spotting the animal on the beach or near wooded areas. Though IOP has not recorded any coyote sightings in 2023 so far, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Biologist Jay Butfiloski said sightings may increase during the winter months.

“It’s not uncommon to see an increase in sightings during this time of the year as it coincides with breeding season, less foliage on some of the trees and shrubs making it a little easier to see farther into the woods in some places,” Butfiloski said.

Warren said that it’s common to see the coyotes in the early hours of the morning and later in the evenings on the beaches and in the dunes, especially near 26th Avenue. The coyotes are typically on the hunt for small rodents and rabbits. During the summer months, coyotes prey on Loggerhead turtle eggs.

Coyotes weigh around 30 to 45 pounds and have the appearance of a small dog. The animals are not native to the state and first appeared in South Carolina in the 1970s in the upstate. Since then, they have made their way to the Lowcountry, and now coyote populations are present in every county in the state. Warren said that coyotes are good swimmers, and will sometimes swim over from Dewees Island. This has created the “hotspot” in Wild Dunes.

The city of Isle of Palms, as well as the towns of Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island, have coyote management plans to address the wild animal populations. “Hazing” is a method of deterring coyotes by making loud noises or throwing objects at the animals to instill fear. This fear of humans is key to coexisting peacefully and safely, as it will make coyotes less likely to attack or approach a human.

Butfiloski said that food is sparse, so coyotes may have to search more for something to eat, resulting in more sightings. It’s best to keep trash and small pets locked up to decrease the chances of a run-in with the animal.

“Keep pets and pet food indoors. If your pets are left outside, put their food or any food bowls away during the night as the residual smells can be an attractant to coyotes. Take down your bird feeders. Coyotes will not only eat the birdseed but also small mammals that visit these feeders,” Butfiloski said.

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Isle of Palms is just 30 minutes from Charleston and may just be the area’s best kept secret.

Swaths of uninterrupted white-sand beach, the smell of salty spray, warm sun on your skin, and the rustle of palm fronds gently blowing in the wind—these are the sights, sounds, and scents of Isle of Palms. The South Carolina barrier island packs a lot of relaxation and big fun into a vacation destination that's just seven miles long and one mile wide. The island's proximity to Charleston (just 18 miles by car), make it a preferred summer hideout for locals. An abundance of vacation rentals and the iconic Wild Dunes resort have been drawing visitors from across the country since the early 1970s.

With the deep blue Atlantic on one side and marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, Isle of Palms offers the best of the Lowcountry and the beach in one stunning setting that's begging to be added to your vacation calendar.

Beach Activities

Six of Isle of Palms' seven total miles are occupied by public beaches, which means you'll have your pick of the litter when looking for a sandy spot where you can post up for the day—or the week. Once you've staked your claim, all the normal beach activities are yours for the choosing, from splashing around in the surprisingly calm seas to building the ultimate sandcastle or playing a game of beach volleyball.

For families, the Isle of Palms County Park, located in the middle of the island's coastline, is ideal. The public beach has lifeguards, outdoor showers, chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, and even a playground for little ones retreat to once they tire of the sun and surf.

On The Water

Make the most of a visit to Isle of Palms by scheduling a charter to take you offshore. Get your sea legs at the Isle of Palms Marina, where you can easily rent a boat and spend a day exploring the island's bays and waterways. Fishing charters are plentiful and offer both reef fishing and Gulf Stream fishing.

Consider a twilight fishing charter for the family, when sea life such as sharks are more active. Create indelible memories as your party witnesses the sunset over the Atlantic while casting a line for those fish that inhabit the bottom of the depths. Try booking through Barrier Island Fishing Charters for just the right adventure.

Wildlife Viewing

For adventure enthusiasts or wildlife lovers, Barrier Island Eco Tours hosts a range of naturalist-guided tours that take visitors through winding salt marshes, tidal creeks, and the Intracoastal Waterway on the way to uninhabited Capers Island. Animals you might see along the way include loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and every shape and size of coastal birds.

Nets and traps are employed as your excursion unfolds for close-up viewing of some of the marine life that thrives just below the surface. When you arrive on the island, exploring the astonishing natural landscape is top priority. Take a slow walk along “Boneyard Beach,”and wander on the interior trails that provide excellent viewing of untouched ponds, vibrant with the wildlife that call this sanctuary home.

A Culinary Sweet Spot

Breakfast is noteworthy at Sea Biscuit Café. The tiny beachside shack has been dishing out delicious morning meals since 1968. While they offer all the classics, the daily specials are where the magic happens. Past offerings have included chocolate banana challah French toast, lemon lavender pancakes, and tomato pie.

When you need a mid-day refuel for the whole family, Coconut Joe's is the obvious choice. Located on Isle of Palms' main drag, you won't have to venture far to get fresh seafood and impeccable vibes. The open-air covered deck is the ideal spot for munching on the restaurant's namesake shrimp, while rocking sandy toes and sun-bleached hair. When happy hour hits, venture to the rooftop bar for a frozen cocktail or painkiller. Nothing will put you on island time faster.

By the time you're finally ready to come in from the sun and go out to dinner, Isle of Palms will be waiting with plenty of options. The Boathouse and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen are island staples that have stood the test of time thanks to excellent quality food and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. For a special night out, try Coda del Pesce, a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Italian with lots of influence (and fresh catch) from the nearby seas.

All trips to Isle of Palms must include at least one visit to The Windjammer at Front Beach. The legendary local music venue is known for its incredible live shows, stellar views of the water, cold drinks, and unbeatable fried pickles.

Your Dream Accommodations

The obvious choice for places to stay in Isle of Palms is Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre family-friendly resort that offers everything from rooms and suites at two inns, to private beach condos and home rentals. In addition to a more-than-comfortable stay, the resort also features several resort-style pools, a spa, and two championship golf courses.

If you're hoping for a cozier stay, the newly renovated Palms Oceanfront Hotel consists of 68 modern rooms with gorgeous views of the sparkling Atlantic. There are also plenty of rentals through Airbnb and VRBO for everything from multifamily waterfront homes to one-bedroom condos.

Whether you book for a long weekend or stay for an entire week, the memories and magic of Isle of Palms will stay with you for months and years to come—maybe even until you have a chance to make another trip back!

Grandmother and granddaughter hung onto every word while learning the fine art of sweetgrass basket weaving at Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, South Carolina.

Sarah Edwards-Hammond, a noted Lowcountry artist, teaches this traditional art form to guests at the resort. Participants leave with their own one-of-a kind woven basket and a new appreciation of the African-American culture in this part of the country.

The skill of sewing sweetgrass baskets, brought to the New World by enslaved West Africans, has been practiced in the Lowcountry — South Carolina’s southernmost coastal counties — for 300 years. The baskets are sewn from grasses such as palm, bulrush and pine needles.

Wild Dunes Resort is on Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina 30 minutes from the historic charm of downtown Charleston. The resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with a long beachfront boardwalk.

Wild Dunes is ideal for a multi-generational family getaway, offering activities and events for all ages. Drop-in sports, cornhole, table tennis, bingo and arts and crafts workshops are popular, as are movie and game nights.

The new Sweetgrass Inn features an eye-catching, expansive pool deck with a zero-entry pool, hot tub and kids splash pad. The new rooftop bar, The Nest, offers views of the Intracoastal Waterway on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

The inn’s décor reflects the outdoors and sea life — open, airy and light. Nautical themes abound, such as a rope chandelier and one entire wall designed with fanciful sailors’ knots.

Multi-gen travel tops the vacation wish list for families who are eager to get together and experience hospitality after a long, hard pandemic. Resorts and hotels are trying to appeal to varied interests and attention spans.

Emeline, a glamorous boutique hotel in downtown Charleston, is ideal for a girls’ getaway. Located in the historic district, the 212-room property is steps away from the aquarium and shopping at the city market.

In the age of COVID-19, the expansive courtyard and greenhouse are a welcome retreat. The social garden is filled with layers of storied charm with couches and chairs to relax. Emeline offers house bikes and cars for getting around town, as well as city travel guides.

For many multi-gen travelers, animals are an important part of their lives. Pets are welcome at Emeline. A Pawsome Package offers CBD-infused pet treats, mat, bowl and comfy bed.

For friends groups or couples, the Four Diamond-rated Westin Poinsett Hotel in Greenville, S.C., three hours northwest of Charleston, is steps away from the excitement and buzz of a downtown cityscape filled with chic restaurants and the Peace Center, a stellar performing arts venue. Guests can leave their car and walk to Falls Park on the Reedy River. This elegant landmark hotel dates to 1925 and is named after Joel Poinsett, a U.S. ambassador to Mexico. He brought back a bright red flowering plant to South Carolina, the poinsettia.

In North Carolina, The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge is a luxury four-star getaway minutes from downtown Charlotte. The hotel’s delightful afternoon high tea service on weekends is an exciting treat for all ages. Reminiscent of the English custom, pastries and candied delicacies are elegantly presented on three-tiered cake plates. A glass of champagne is included.

The Ballantyne is a chic American classic with 244 rooms in the main building and 35 in the lodge. It showcases the works of local and regional artists in its carefully curated art collection on display in the Gallery Restaurant. The pink rose painting over the lobby fireplace is a favorite of guests and staff alike.