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Fripp Island is a 6.546 sq mi (16.954 km²) barrier island located along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. state of South Carolina, about 20 miles (30 km) from Beaufort. The most seaward of the South Carolina Sea Islands, Fripp Island (often shortened to "Fripp") is renowned for its resort amenities and natural conservation.
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History
Although it has had several names over its history, the island's presently is named after Captain Johannes Fripp, a British sailor charged with protecting the Carolina colony from Spanish attacks. Local folklore and dedicated history have long suspected Fripp to be the location where the pirate Blackbeard had stowed away some of his treasures and bounty.
Due to its distant nature, the island was utilized primarily as a private hunting range for most of its history. In the mid-20th century, completion of bridges connecting Beaufort with nearby Hunting Island State Park, investors looked to develop a residential resort community on Fripp. Upon securing bonds and establishing a public service district, a bridge was in 1961 that connected Fripp with Hunting Island, U.S. Highway 21, and nearby Beaufort and began to stimulate residential development. Within 10 years, the island had built the Ocean Point Golf Links, a Racquet Club for tennis, a marina, and a variety of homes and condominium units that would serve as the benchmark for development for the next thirty years.
In 1994, the island underwent its final major development phase on its southwestern end. An additional golf course designed by Davis Love III was built, as well as a new amenities center. Additional housing styles were offered and the marina expanded. Though the island will not undergo any future expansion, nearly one-third of the lots on the island remain undeveloped.
Geography
Geologically speaking, Fripp Island is considered to be a barrier island. The island is the most seaward of the Sea Islands and forms a de facto cape. Located halfway between Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia along the coast, it is locally positioned between Hunting Island State Park to the north and Pritchards Island to the southwest. A wide marsh and estuarine system separates these islands from the larger St. Helena's Island to the northwest. The upland acreage of the island is approximately 3,000 acres. Fripp has approximately three miles of beachfront along the Atlantic, though some parts of beach are fully submerged at high tide.
Fripp Island is located approximately 20 miles (30 km) from Beaufort and is connected with the city via U.S. 21. Savannah is approximately a 75 minute drive by car while Charleston is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes away. Bermuda lies 900 miles (1,450 km) due east of Fripp.
Population & Governance
According to the 2000 census, Fripp Island has a year-round primary population of 887 residents. The realistic figure is likely higher than reported because many homeowners consider Fripp Island property as second homes and may spend weeks or months on the island, but do not consider it their primary residence. In summer months the island's population can rise to about 5,000 due to an increase in visitors.
Fripp Island is a private, gated community. It is not a municipality or a census designated place, though it maintains island operations via a public service district and property owners association. In addition to providing a security force and fire/rescue squad, the island also maintains its own bridges, roads, paths, parks, and beach access routes. Meetings and gatherings are typically held at the Fripp Island Community Centre. An all-faiths chapel is also located nearby.
Amenities
Often seen as an alternative, affordable, and less "touristy" destination compared with its large neighbor Hilton Head Island, Fripp has garnered national attention as a leading beach destination in South Carolina. It still remains relatively uncrowded in comparison to Hilton Head and commercial activity is heavily restricted. Several neighborhoods and condominium complexes have additional neighborhood control and may operate certain facilities such as swimming pools.
The Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort maintains several of the resort amenities, including the Beach Club, both golf courses and the Racquet Club facility. The Resort is also the leading rental provider on the island, though it is possible to rent units directly through homeowners or through an off-island company.
Resort Amenities
Fripp Island boasts two golf courses, the older Ocean Point Golf Links designed by George Cobb and the newer Ocean Creek Golf Course, designed by Davis Love III. Both courses are rated highly by major golf media. Although the courses were once open to the public, they have been restricted to island property owners, guests, and resort guests as of 2008. Both courses are known to host several local and state-wide tournaments on a frequent basis.
The Racquet Club provides eight fast-dry clay courts and two hard courts, all of which are used for outdoor tennis play. The Club offers tournaments, instruction, and social events throughout the year.
Centrally located on the island is The Beach Club, which has three pools that are primarily utilized by resort guests. The Ocean Creek Cabana Club is also a very popular location that also boasts three pools and a sprinkler cave that is extremely popular with children. Additional pools are located in specific neighborhoods or condominium complexes and are restricted to residents and guests of the respective area.
Marina
The Fripp Island Marina is a full-service facility along Old House Creek, a smaller estuary that connects with the Fripp Inlet, the Harbor River, and the Intracoastal Waterway. The facility has a tackle shop and convenience store, 65 wet slips, 120 dry slips, and a boathouse restaurant that overlooks the docks and the nearby marsh. The facility is home to fishing charters and rents out water equipment to visitors.
Transportation
Although cars and trucks are allowed on roads and streets, golf carts are the prevailing method of transportation on the island. Bicycles are also popular used among residents and visitors alike, and several streets offer parallel bike trails to separate bicyclists from motor vehicles.
Restaurants & Shopping
There are six dining establishments and about a dozen small boutique stores scattered across the island.
Nature
Flora
Most of the island's trees are hardwood loblolly pine, though there are some live oak and magnolia stands located throughout the island. Spanish moss is a prevalent feature as well.
Fauna
Prior to human development, the island was fertile ground for several wild animals, including wild hogs. Development though has been carefully undertaken to preserve much of the wildlife habitat that existed beforehand. It is common to see deer in any area across the island, and population control of deer has been a major concern for the island. There are several small mammals that inhabit Fripp, including squirrels, raccoons, bats, and armadillos. Most interior lagoons contain an alligator population.
Fripp and its surrounding areas are home to dozens of species of birds. Among the most striking include populations of egrets, herons, osprey, and pelicans, though seagulls are the most common. Island residents established an Audubon Club in 1978 and the entire island is an Audubon-designated bird preserve.
The island is a major loggerhead turtle hatchery and an active group of residents works to make the beaches safe for the laying turtles by observing outside lighting precautions during nesting seasons and protecting nests from predation by humans, raccoons and other animals.
Numerous fish and crustacean species can be found in the waterways and estuaries that surround the island, and the island remains a popular destination for fishing and crabbing. Fiddler crab is the most common of crab species, while blue crab is the most common species caught.
Media
Fripp has also been featured in several Hollywood films, including Forrest Gump, The Prince of Tides, and Disney's live-action The Jungle Book.
The Pat Conroy novel "Beach Music" makes reference to the "Isle of Orion", which is a fictional stand-in for Fripp Island. Conroy himself is a full-time resident of the island.
References
- Miller, Page Putnam. Fripp island: A History. The History Press, 2006. 190 pp.
- Fripp Island: Block Group 2, Census Tract 12, Beaufort County, South Carolina United States Census Bureau
External links
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
