johns & Wadmalaw islands

JOHNS ISLAND has seen a proliferation of development in housing and new businesses over the past few years, making it one of the most sought-after places to live in the Charleston area. With suburbs sprawling over the sea island, as you make your way east to WADMALAW ISLAND, there still exist pockets of farms that produce extraordinary produce for restaurants and residents, a vibrant Gullah Geechee community, waterways in every direction, and a Spanish moss paradise of live oak trees, including the Angel Oak tree, the largest east of the Mississippi. At the end of Maybank Highway, the inquisitive traveler is rewarded by the tiny circa-1784 town of Rockville, the entirety of which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Every August, Rockville’s Sea Island Yacht Club hosts the annual Rockville Regatta.

EAT + DRINK
NEW & NOTEWORTHY

BLU OYSTER SUSHI & SEAFOOD

There are many reasons locals keep coming back to this bastion of fresh, local seafood: sushi rolls and sashimi, seafood entrees like scallops succotash, lobster cioppino, and Thai salmon, expertly paired with hard-to-find sakes. bluoystersushi.com

MINERO
GROWFOOD PARTNER

The coastal Mexican restaurant that once sat downtown has reopened on Johns Island. The menu includes fan favorites like Valentina-soaked wings and fish tacos, while other dishes, like the ceviche, showcase a Caribbean influence from executive chef Shamil Velazquez's childhood in Puerto Rico. minerorestaurant.com

THE NATURAL

Located on Maybank Highway, this classy sports bar serves local craft beer on tap and housemade bar fare like pizza and wings. With 34 televisions and an arcade area, the Natural is your recipe for a perfect Sunday afternoon. thenaturalchs.com

SOMM WINE BAR

Sommelier and owner Jordan Hooker's appealing, bright, and airy space is matched by a simple menu of charcuterie and plates like homemade blinis with, of course, a worldwide selection of wine. sommchs.com

WEEZY'S ICE CREAM & COCKTAILS

One-stop shop Weezy's offers craft cocktails, flatbreads, charcuterie boards, and 36 ice cream flavors to choose from. Order a boozy milkshake or float, for the best of both worlds. weezysicecreambar.com

TRIED & TRUE

BLACKBIRD MARKET

Among other grocery items, Blackbird sells local produce, meat, seafood, and beer and wine, but it also slings divinities out of the kitchen, like po' boys, plus a dozen sides like macaroni salad and vinegar slaw. The menu changes daily. blackbirdmarket.net

CABANA BURGERS & SHAKES