Today marks the official reopening of Fort Sumter. This comes as national parks across the nation undergo a gradual reopening process. Of course, Fort Sumter is where the Civil War began. It’s a standard must-do on the classic Charleston visitor’s list. A trip to Fort Sumter also involves a lovely harbor cruise to get there, so you can easily cross off two things at once from your to-do list. Fort Sumter and other national park sites in South Carolina have been closed since March 18th due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thus, this comes as welcome news.
Fort Sumter Reopening Guidelines
- Ferry tours to Fort Sumter will resume starting Friday, June 5th with “limited capacity,” for the health and safety of visitors (150 passengers per boat, about 40 percent of the capacity allowed by the U.S. Coast Guard);
- Ferries depart from Liberty Square downtown at 9:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- The Liberty Square Visitor Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., also with limited capacity;
- Ferries depart from the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.;
- Fort Sumter Tours, part of SpiritLine Cruises, runs the ferry service to Fort Sumter. Here are its COVID-19 guidelines for passengers.
- They’ve installed hand sanitizing stations in boarding areas and on the ferries.
- Fort Sumter itself will undergo a phased reopening, with the indoor museum, store and water fountains reopening at a later time.
Read more about Fort Sumter’s reopening here.
A Takeout/Delivery Guide for CHS Restaurants
Restaurants during COVID have had to adapt to a constantly shifting landscape. Many are gradually opening outdoor dining areas when possible. But the most convenient and perhaps all-around best option for getting their food is takeout and delivery. The Post and Courier has pulled together a handy guide for Charleston restaurants, covering just this very thing. It’s huge. They’ve grouped restaurants by these geographic areas: Downtown Charleston, Charleston/Wando, Daniel Island, Folly Beach, Goose Creek, Isle of Palms, James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah Island, Ladson, McClellanville, Monck’s Corner, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, Summerville, and West Ashley. You can access the whole guide here. By the way, the Post & Courier is offering free access to news coverage about anything having to do with the coronavirus crisis, as a public service. You just have to sign up with an email for access. So head out into Charleston Harbor to see Fort Sumter, where the War Between the States started. And while you’re here in one of our beach rentals Charleston, check out the handy guide for a myriad of takeout or delivery options. And give us a call at EP if you need anything while here, or if you’re ready to schedule a stay down the road. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger