Sailor's Rest Airbnb Archives - Cindy Goes Beyond

July 10, 2022July 13, 2022

What I Learned Traveling Solo on Johns Island SC

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Last fall I experienced my first bigger solo adventure in the Charleston, South Carolina area. I loved the experience and learned so much about traveling solo and discovered new things about myself as well.

When the invitation came to travel back to South Carolina and explore the sea islands just outside of Charleston, I happily accepted. There is, I found, a difference between staying in Charleston’s historic downtown area…and island life.

Here’s what I learned traveling solo on Johns Island.

Johns Island South Carolina

Shortly after I returned home from Charleston, one of the owners of Sailor’s Rest Airbnb contacted me about hosting my stay at their wonderful property. Located on Johns Island, Sailor’s Rest is situated to offer unique experiences on the sea islands while being close enough to Charleston for further explorations there. I said a grateful “Yes!”

Johns Island is the largest of the South Carolina sea islands. Located about 11 miles from Charleston, Johns Island was named after Saint John Parish in Barbados, by the first English colonial setters who arrived from there. Before the settlers, nomadic Native American tribes, such as the Kiawah, hunted and fished there.

By the late 1600s, colonists developed plantations along the banks of the Stono River. The plantations relied on enslaved people to grow crops of indigo, prized for its rich blue dye. During the Revolutionary War a small force of British troops camped on the island, with the purpose of laying siege to Charleston. British troops successfully besieged the city in 1780. Occupation lasted until 1782.

During the Civil War the island was the site of the Battle of Bloody Bridge in 1864. During a three day siege, 2,000 southern troops held off 8,000 union soldiers. After the war the island experienced a time of change and redevelopment.

Today, Johns Island offers guests lush landscapes, fun attractions and laid back vibes.

What I Learned Traveling Solo on Johns Island

Following are my six biggest “takeaways” from this solo trip.

Research Pays Off

I’m sure I’m not the only one who does extensive research before leaving on a trip. Perhaps because of traveling solo, I spend a great deal of time researching the area I’m visiting and familiarizing myself with it.

Studying maps of Johns Island and the other sea islands helped me visualize my travels and delivered my first surprises. I discovered two places I wanted to visit during my first trip to Charleston…Angel Oak Tree and Charleston Tea Garden…located within minutes of my accommodations.

Learning the roads and plotting out travel routes eased my slight anxiety about renting a car and driving in the area alone. I also developed a loose itinerary, with built in times for spontaneous explorations, so that I could make the most of my time on Johns Island.

All of this planning pays off when I arrive at my destination. I know where I am at all times, even though it’s a new to me area, and I know what I am doing so I don’t miss experiences that are important to me.

I knew from my research that a bamboo tunnel leads to the Sailor’s Rest property. When I drove through that tunnel I felt such a sense of excitement that I had arrived!

What I Learned Traveling Solo on Johns Island bamboo tunnel — What I learned traveling solo on Johns Island – the bamboo tunnel leads into Sailor’s Rest

A Car is Essential

When I flew to Charleston the first time, I took a cab from the airport to Meeting Street Inn downtown. From that location, I could walk to all the places I wanted to see, or take the city’s free hop on/hop off trolley.

Taxis and ride providers such as Uber don’t go to Johns Island, or at least not without very high fees. I knew this trip I’d need to rent a car to get around.

This is where I experienced the most personal growth during my solo trip. I’ve never rented a car on my own before…or driven from a major airport through a large busy city to an island. I admit to feeling some mild anxiety and also excitement over that adventure. I made rental car arrangements before the trip and picked the car up at the Charleston International Airport.

The Mitsubishi Mirage was perfect for my needs. I loved the large screen on the dash. When I plugged in my iPhone and pulled up the maps feature, it displayed on the screen, making it so much easier for me to navigate. And I spent very little on gas during the four days I drove the car, thanks to it being a hybrid.

A car truly is essential for getting around the islands or driving back into Charleston. I’m glad staying on the island forced me to do something I might not have otherwise. I think I strutted a bit walking back into the airport terminal, after handing the car keys over to the attendant. What a sense of accomplishment. And the next time I need to rent a car, it won’t be a big deal.

What I Learned Traveling Solo on Johns Island rental car — What I Learned Traveling Solo on Johns Island – a car is essential

Staying on the Island is the Best Way to Experience It

It is certainly possible to stay in Charleston and spend a day exploring the sea islands. However, I’m so glad I stayed on Johns Island for this trip. And while I did spend half a day in Charleston, I enjoyed the rest of my stay exploring what the island has to offer.

I highly recommend Sailor’s Rest Airbnb as the perfect accommodations for an island visit. You can read more about the features of Sailor’s Rest HERE. I loved having the whole property to myself. And I loved just as much knowing that the hosts live above the airbnb, in case I needed them or had questions. They showed me incredible kindness and graciously shared their story with me. Otherwise, they left me to enjoy the house, the beautiful grounds, the pool and the many amenities, in solitude.

Although I spent each day out exploring, I arrived back at Sailor’s Rest by late afternoon so that I could experience the property, swim, fix an evening meal and savor downtime. Island life invites reflection and practicing the art of doing nothing. There’s such a unique, slower paced vibe there and I happily aligned with it.

What I Learned Traveling Solo on Johns Island arbor — What I Learned Traveling Solo on Johns Island – align with the slower paced island lifestyle

It’s Okay to Join a Group

I adore solo travel. I’m naturally a solitary person and alone time is never lonely for me. However, I also discovered that it’s okay to connect with others and join a group, when necessary.

At the Charleston Tea Garden, on Wadmalaw Island, I highly recommend the factory tour and the trolley tour of the tea farm. I joined a large group of lively, talkative women…and a couple of men…for both tours. On the trolley, I sat next to a woman I did not know and got acquainted as we toured the property. These ladies laughed, a lot, and made me feel like part of the group. In fact, they even invited me to join them for lunch when we got back to the gift shop. I had other plans for lunch, but I thanked them and we all wished each other well on our adventures for the day.

And here’s the thing. I almost waited for another trolley tour rather than join that boisterous group. I’m glad though that I spent 45 fun minutes with them. Had I hesitated, I might have waited much longer to board another trolley. I bought one of the last seats available with the fun group… and the next trolley tour sold out immediately as more and more visitors arrived at the tea garden.

What I Learned Traveling Solo on Johns Island group — What I learned traveling solo on Johns Island – it’s okay to go with a crowd

Adapt

Since I had a full kitchen at my disposal, I prepared breakfasts and suppers at the airbnb. That left lunches out, while exploring. Before the trip I picked cafés to try that offered vegan options.

And since I arrived on Johns Island late on Sunday afternoon, I selected a food market with a restaurant for carry out so I could take my meal to Sailor’s Rest.

Wouldn’t you know….the food market and restaurant wasn’t open on Sunday and every café that I selected was closed for lunch. For someone who does extensive research, I somehow didn’t check open times.

Adapting is an important part of solo travel. I carry a notebook full of my ideas and fortunately, I jotted down alternative places to eat. And you know what? They were so good. The food market in Freshfields Village not only provided groceries and my first carry out meal on the island, the trip there inspired me to return to explore the village more a couple of days later. And I enjoyed lunch there at Café Eugenia after I found that the other restaurant I’d selected on Johns Island only opens in the evening.

I revisited Brown Dog Deli in Charleston for an amazing vegan meal after I discovered my initial choice also only opens in the evening and my second choice did not have enough vegan options.

What I Learned Traveling Solo on Johns Island cafe eugenia — Interior shot of Café Eugenia in Freshfields Village

Go With the Flow

Going with the flow is a crucial life lesson I learned years ago. And it is an important aspect of solo travel for me. Even with all the planning, unexpected things happen…like closed restaurants…or opportunities appear. Resistance not only takes me out of the high level energy flow, it can also flip me into disappointment or cause me to struggle. I don’t want either…in life or on my travels.

I found other wonderful places to eat lunch. And because the restaurant/food market I intended to stop at on my way to the airbnb was closed I needed to find another place to stock up on groceries and grab a quick meal. My host recommended Freshfields Village and I’m so glad she did. Going there Sunday afternoon led to the visit later in the week.

Additionally, going with the flow secured me an ideal parking spot in Charleston. Using Google Maps, I located a parking garage in the downtown area. However, arriving in the city I felt drawn to drive by Waterfront Park first. The sight of a cruise ship docked in the bay drew my attention. I didn’t see any cruise ships last September. As I slowly drove along the street toward that cruise ship, I literally found myself coming to a stop in front of a parking lot with an attendant motioning me in. It was cheaper than the downtown parking garage and the perfect starting point for my explorations.

What I Learned Traveling Solo on Johns Island cruise ship — What I learned traveling solo on Johns Island – go with the flow

What Are Your Takeaways from Your Last Trip?

Do you love traveling…and the experiences you have? What about the lessons you learn?

Every time I travel, I learn and experience something new. Solo travel ramps that up, as I also discover new things about myself and what I am capable of.

Each solo adventure inspires me to go again, to another place I’ve never been.

Share with me your takeaways from your most recent adventure.

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May 22, 2022

Sailor’s Rest Airbnb Johns Island South Carolina

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

Thank you to Sailor’s Rest Airbnb for the hosted stay. All opinions are my own.

What a joy, to return to the Charleston area recently. I traveled to that charming, historic city for the first time last September, so there was a sense of familiarity this visit. However, this trip also provided opportunities for new experiences, something I dearly love.

Sailor’s Rest Airbnb served as home base for this adventure. Located on Johns Island, just outside of Charleston, this incredible property housed me during my stay and also offered beauty, sanctuary and restoration.

I’m excited to share this gem with you!

The Story Behind Sailor’s Rest Airbnb

Neil and Ginny lived aboard a sailboat in the Caribbean and Bahamas for many years, island hopping and flowing with the ocean currents, literally. With hearts turned toward helping others, they sailed where they were most needed and gave freely from their resources and wisdom.

After daughter Sarah arrived, they decided to settle on Johns Island, South Carolina, to establish a permanent home and raise their child.

Neil and Ginny built a house reminiscent of those on the islands they so loved. They occupy the upper floor of the round house and offer the lower level as an Airbnb. Sarah co-hosts the Airbnb with her mother Ginny, while Neil continually works on the grounds, creating a hidden oasis.

Together, through Sailor’s Rest, they beautifully fulfill their desire to offer the gift of hospitality to others.

Sailor’s Rest Airbnb

The Airbnb apartment offers two spacious bedrooms, a full bath, a dining area, living room and a fully equipped kitchen.

As the welcome sign indicates, guests enter through the blue door, where a key awaits on the kitchen counter. The accommodations are all on one level, making it easily accessible.

The apartment is suitable for an individual, couple, two couples, or a family. Plus there’s a portable pack-n-play for a baby along with a highchair and a countertop bathtub. The property is kid friendly.

The apartment feels very secure. And while the owners live upstairs, and may be seen working on the property, they allow guests privacy and the freedom to enjoy the entire property. They are friendly, down to earth people who are willing to chat and share their fascinating story.

Take a Peek Inside

Let me give you a tour of the unique and inviting apartment.

Kitchen

The blue door opens into the large, fully equipped kitchen. To the right is a utility closet with a stacked washer and dryer unit. The kitchen provides everything needed to create meals onsite, with a full sized refrigerator and electric stove, microwave and cooking supplies, pots, pans and utensils. Essentials such as cooking oil, salt and pepper, plates, bowls, glassware and silverware are all there.

A kitchen is so important to me. Sarah graciously shared the location of the nearest grocery store, before I arrived. After dropping off my luggage at the Airbnb, I picked up groceries for my stay. I made full use of this kitchen and enjoyed the large windows above the sink. The views of the gardens and grounds inspired me to carry my meals outdoors to eat.

Sailor's Rest Airbnb kitchen — Sailor’s Rest Airbnb – full kitchen with a walk in pantry

Sailor's Rest Airbnb breakfast — What a view during breakfast!

Dining Area and Living Room

A dining area with table and chairs for four opens onto the large patio outdoors. Adirondack chairs in front of a fireplace provide additional seating and make a great spot for reading, sipping wine or toasting marshmallows in the evening.

Beyond the dining area a cozy living room invites guests to curl up with a good book and read or watch television. Artwork by Sarah and Ginny hang on the walls. These beautiful pieces are for sale.

Sailor's Rest Airbnb dining area and living room — Dining area sits in front of double glass doors that look out onto the large, flagstone patio with outdoor fireplace. Comfy living room beyond.

Bathroom

The full bath contains a walk in shower. The Airbnb provides conditioning shampoo, shower gel and lotion along with washcloths and towels. A toothbrush/toothpaste set is available if you forget to bring yours. And I found it so helpful that when I needed a small bandaid, the first aid kit in the bathroom had them.

For convenience, a second bathroom and infrared sauna room are located outdoors, between the pool area and covered biergarten. There’s also an outdoor shower by the pool.

Sailor's Rest Airbnb bathroom — Full bath with walk in shower.

Bedrooms

Two spacious bedrooms offer queen sized beds, closets and dressers with drawer space. I didn’t sleep in the second bedroom, however the bed in the room I slept in was extremely comfortable.

I chose the bedroom with the sliding glass door leading to a private patio…and a hammock! That hammock provided an ideal spot to relax, daydream and read. A table and chairs set on the patio gives another place to dine or sip a cup of hot tea while enjoying the view.

Sailor's Rest Airbnb bedroom — Bedroom with private patio.

Sailor's Rest Airbnb hammock — I think I clapped my hands when I saw the hammock! Enjoyed it very much.

Sailor’s Rest Gardens and Grounds

I’ve stayed at other Airbnbs. However, I’ve never stayed at one like Sailor’s Rest! The property surrounding the Airbnb is whimsical, exotic and so beautiful. I felt like I had an entire lush paradise all to myself.

Paths wind through tropical plants and beneath arbors and trellises covered with flowering jasmine. Water features splash and gurgle. Intimate nooks invite the wanderer to sit and reflect and little surprises wait around every bend in the path. I so enjoyed exploring the grounds and sitting on all the benches, chairs and swings.

Zen Garden and Bistro Table

The Zen Garden with its wall of towering bamboo plants, water feature and stain glass art is a serene place to reflect, meditate, journal and express gratitudes. A perfectly placed bench provides a spot to sit and appreciate the surroundings.

The bistro table set is tucked into a garden space near a play area for children. A cornhole set invites kids of all ages to play.

Sailor's Rest Airbnb zen garden — Sailor’s Rest Airbnb – Zen Garden

Sailor's Rest Airbnb bistro table — Bistro table and chairs

Patio Area

Just outside the apartment, the large patio offers multiple places to sit and visit, eat a meal, journal, read or reflect. I loved carrying meals out here to enjoy while surrounded by nature.

Koi fish occupy a large pond on the patio and an outdoor fireplace is the perfect spot for the evening.

Sailor's Rest Airbnb fireplace — Such a wonderful spot for sipping wine or hot tea while reading a book.

The Biergarten and Pool

Walk by the fun yellow door and through the passageway to reach the covered biergarten. This space makes a great outdoor dining area, gathering spot or a place to play board games. The outdoor bathroom and sauna are located next to the biergarten.

Follow the path to the pool area for fun in the sun. And rinse off in the outdoor shower after a swim.

Covered Biergarten — Covered biergarten lit up in the evenings. The whole property lights up at night!

Sailor's Rest Airbnb pool — Enjoy a swim in the pool.

My Experience at Sailor’s Rest Airbnb

I’m so grateful for the days I spent at Sailor’s Rest. While I used the mornings to explore Charleston and the islands, I spent my afternoons and evenings at the Airbnb.

The apartment is clean, comfortable and charming. Everything I needed was there to make healthy meals and enjoy downtime.

And the gardens and pool provided hours of enchantment. Creating this post and looking at the photos brought tears to my eyes as I remembered my time at Sailor’s Rest. The warm spirit of hospitality that permeates the property invited me to rest and to focus on myself.

And the beauty of the grounds called to me, “Come play and seek and find”. It was a call I joyfully answered.

Tree house — Get a higher view from the treehouse. And there’s a swing below.

Stay at Sailor’s Rest

I don’t want to keep this place a secret! In fact, I want everyone to know about this beautiful oasis on Johns Island.

Sailor’s Rest is conveniently located. Historic downtown Charleston is about a 25 minute drive from the property and the airport, 30 minutes away. I rented a car from the Alamo airport location and drove to Johns Island.

And it’s the perfect vantage point for discovering all that the islands have to offer. See the Angel Tree on Johns Island. Visit the Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island. Nearby Freshfields Village is the place to go for shopping and dining. And Kiawah Island offers golf courses and beaches. Watch for my upcoming post for a list of things to do while on Johns Island.

Ready to enjoy a bit of paradise on earth? Check out Sailor’s Rest on the Airbnb site HERE. Plan that trip. Ask me questions about Sailor’s Rest, Charleston or the islands.

And when you visit, tell Neil, Ginny and Sarah “hello” from me!

Sailor's Rest Airbnb night view — All lit up at night!