PlAnning a visit to melrose

We encourage you to visit Melrose and explore the unique environs of Daufuskie Island.  Below is a list of available resources you may want to consult in arranging your trip.  The logistics of visiting Daufuskie Island are a bit complicated, but planning is just another part of the adventure.

The adventure begins with arranging for boat transportation to the island.  Reservations are necessary and schedules and fees may change so visit the listed sites and always confirm.  These are passenger ferries only, so please check on parking arrangements if you are traveling by automobile.

Lodging providers can provide lots of helpful information and several of them offer golf cart rentals for their guests.  A golf cart is a necessity for navigating the island, which is approximately two and a half miles wide and five miles long.  Melrose is an electric golf cart and Low Speed Electric Vehicle community. Property owners, their guests, and their renters must operate electric golf carts within Melrose.  It is property owner's responsibility to notify their guests, renters, rental agency, and service providers of our policy.  

There are several dining options on the island but you may want to bring some food items with you for breakfasts and snacks.  There are no regular grocery stores on the island but some basic supplies are available from the general store at Freeport Marina and D'Fuskie's at the public dock.

So what do you do once you get here?  – As much or as little as you like.  You can try  bike riding, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, kayaking, walking the miles of beach or relaxing in a beach chair and reading a book.  Go out and explore the island and its historical sites, the museum and shops.  Life here moves at a different pace and you soon will find yourself loving Daufuskie time.

Boat Transportation

Daufuskie Island Ferry Company embarks from Buckingham Landing near the bridge to Hilton Head Island and docks at Melrose Landing on Daufuskie Website  www.daufuskieislandferry.com

Email   info@daufuskieislandferry.com

Phone 843-940-7704

Calibogue Cruises embarks from Broad Creek Marina on Hilton Head and docks at Freeport Marina on Daufuskie

Website  www.daufuskiedifference.com

Phone 843-342-8687

May River Excursions offers water taxi and excursions  and embarks from Bluffton and docks at various  docks on Daufuskie

Website  www.mayriverexcursions.com

Email  mayriverexcursions@gmail.com

Phone Capt. Chris Shoemaker 843-304-2878

H2O Sports Harbour Town- water taxi, excursions

Website  www.h2osports.com

Phone 843-671-4386

Land Transportation

Daufuskie Transit  – Stewart Yarborough  Email  daufuskietransit@gmail.com Phone 843-338- 2570

Call for information and reservations.

Electric Cart Rentals

JonBie Maisons
Tammy Jones
(828) 545-1605

Lodging

Island Accommodations, LLC  – Krissy Roberts Website www.daufuskieislandrentals.com

E-mail iaccommodations@gmail.com

Phone  843-785-8021

Daufuskie Rental Group Vacation Homes  –  Deborah Smith Website www.daufuskierentalgroup.com 

E-mail  debdaufuskie@gmail.com

407-414-1282

Restaurants

Bell's at the Beach

https://www.facebook.com/Bellsatthebeach/

Phone 843-785-3700

Old Daufuskie Crab Company at Freeport Marina Website www.daufuskiefreeport.com

Phone 843-785-6652

Lucy Bells Cafe  –  ( lunch only) located  on Benjie’s Point Road

E-mail lucybells@gmail.com

Phone  803-518-0665

School Grounds Coffee   9am to 4pm at Maryfields School on School Road – Pam and Brian Cobb

E-mail  pcobb@me.com

Phone  919-610-8808

Catered Food

Sally Ann Robinson, Gullah Chef Phone 912-604-8210  www.thegullahdiva.com

Ella Mae Jenkins  Phone 843-842-1269   Deviled crab

Ernestine Smith  Phone 843-842-3011   Low country food.  Call for selections and to arrange delivery.

Ethel Mae Wiley Phone 843-842-1259   Deviled crab

Groceries

Freeport Marina General Store –  limited selections of basic items, snacks, beverages, and sundries

Phone 843-342-8242

D'Fuskie's - Located at the public dock - fresh vegetable, fruit, sandwiches, beverages and sundries.  Open Thursday through Monday 11AM to 7:30PM.

Wesley Campbell’s Saturday Shrimp and Produce Market Stand at Freddie Grant’s house on Old Haig Pt. Rd.

Cyber Valet Grocery Delivery Service Bluffton, SC –  www.cybervaletgrocery.com

Groceries shopped and delivered to Daufuskie Island dock

Church Services

The First Union African Baptist Church on School Road welcomes part time residents and visitors. Services are held on Sunday morning at 9:15 for Bible Study and 10:00 for Worship. Alternately, you can take the ferry to Hilton Head Island for services at churches there.

Emergencies

 Daufuskie has a full-time staff of fire fighters and EMTs. Dial 911 if you have an emergency and they will respond. Our local EMTs will assess and stabilize the patient and arrange transportation to Hilton Head or Savannah for further treatment.