Travel Series
Johns Island, SC with Haskell Harris
First off, tell us a little about yourself:
Before that I worked for what was then Time Inc. at several shelter (interior design) magazines, including one that really spoke to covering design in an unpretentious way, called Cottage Living (it folded right around the time I joined G&G and moved to Charleston). Working on two start-ups from the beginning shaped my creative brain because those sorts of projects require every member of a staff to wear a lot of hats and learn quickly about every subject the title covers. Both were very exciting and very formative in those early days. And launching a magazine is so similar to launching a brand and being an entrepreneur I think. It’s all storytelling.
So when I had my little boy I also went part time in my role at the magazine to start a consulting business for small, emerging, female-led brands called Haskell Harris Creative. And I also wrote my first book, a love note to all the houses I’ve loved and my friends in the business, called The House Romantic! Most recently, I started a Substack to corral all my favorite finds, called Gander. So I think you can say I’m very busy!
What makes Johns Island special to you?
After living in downtown Charleston for over a decade, I saw the city change and grow so much, and I found myself driving the long, winding, beautiful road through a tunnel of live oak trees to visit Johns Island more and more. It’s just outside of town but feels like a world away. I think I was drawn to it because I grew up in a small town, so it makes sense that I ended up out here. When I first moved to Charleston it had that sort of small town spirit but it’s so big now, and so crowded downtown! The pace here is very slow and things are quiet and peaceful and rural. And I can still pop downtown whenever I want, because it’s a short fifteen minute drive. So as I hit mid-life it’s such a win-win. Peace and proximity=perfect.
How do you typically spend a Saturday in Johns Island?
On a typical Saturday I’m either at home in my garden
-or-
I hit a new coffee spot and restaurant that’s like five feet from my house called The Heyday and then head to the Sea Island Farmer’s Market, also about five feet from my house.
The Heyday opened a few months ago and it’s helmed by the owners of Island Provisions which is a tiny specialty shop and eatery that has a wonderful location out here and downtown now.
The Sea Island Farmer’s Market happens every Saturday morning and it’s open all year long, even in winter. Lots of hardcore foodie types from downtown make the trek out to buy local produce from spots like Fire Ant Farms. I love all the vendors, but especially Counter Cheese Mongers (their butter and ham and focaccia sandwiches are perfect for taking on the boat later in the day!), and a new-to-the-market floral farm called Urb Farm. Her flowers sell out so quickly because she grows such unusual and gorgeous things and they are always changing. She sells to a lot of event designers and floral designers in town, so it’s very special to see her at the market every weekend. Such a gem!
And sometimes, if I’m feeling extra energetic, I take a good book to the Dunlin for an afternoon cocktail (they do mocktails, too!) or a pot of tea to enjoy downstairs. It’s a hotel and restaurant that has the feel of a cozy island house, and it’s such a wonderful spot to take in the Kiawah River in all its seasons.
After that I sometimes walk down to the end of the dock near Coastal Expeditions (which is right next door to the Dunlin) to see what all the wildlife is up to. At the end of the day, if the weather permits, dinner at Lost Isle is about as charming and low-key as it gets.
How would you style Sunshine Tienda for a day in Johns Island?
Johns Island, like Charleston, is a resort town; a beach place. And it’s even more informal and outdoorsy and down-to-earth than what you might see people wearing on the peninsula.
I styled one of the Sunshine Tienda floral cover ups as a top by tucking it into vintage Levis. As a mom I need to be hands free so I’m rarely without my Clare V bag (it’s basically an emotional support accessory, ha!). And since spring here involves layers because it shifts from hot to cold-ish, I also styled another, longer cover up with a sweatshirt. I live in waterproof Birkenstocks out here because they go from the beach to the boat to the garden to…wherever. And you can just spray them off.
Five Quick Tips:
Go-to coffee spot
Best place for a cocktail
Kid-Friendly Activity
Favorite Place to Get Pampered
Favorite spot for a Scenic Stroll
Photos by Charlotte Elizabeth