Bloody Point, Daufuskie – Photo credit – Tour Daufuskie www.tourdaufuskie.com
Living on Hilton Head Island for as long as we have, we have spent more than our fair share of time over on Daufuskie Island. It’s a really amazing place and the total “Yin” to Hilton Head’s “Yang”.
We thought it would be a great idea to give anyone thinking about visiting Daufuskie the inside scoop on from one of the most visible and knowledgeable island residents, Hollie Thompson – Lloyd. Not only is Hollie the Director of Operations for Tour Daufuskie, she also works as a Firefighter for the Daufuskie Island Fire Company. In this rapid-fire Q&A, we ask Hollie a wide range of questions on Daufuskie.
How did you discover Daufuskie?
Hollie: I was actually living in Charleston and working for the Fire Company and EMS. I just kind of got to know the whole low country area and discovered Daufuskie that way. This is actually my second time living on the Island and I have been back here on the island since 2021.
In your opinion, what makes Daufuskie Island so magical?
Hollie: I think the secret sauce for this island is actually the people. I mean, Daufuskie is such an amazing place period. But the thing that really took me by surprise was the people and the tight-knit community that they form together. At the end of the day, everybody that lives here for the same reason – just to experience Daufuskie and all that it is.
Neil: What is the difference between Daufuskie and Hilton Head for those that have never been?
Hollie: I think this island takes you a step back in time. You know, we have lots of dirt roads and golf carts here so everything just kind of slows you down a little bit. Which gives you time to really take things in and enjoy them. Daufuskie is probably what Hilton Head Island was 75 years ago before it became the populous destination island that it is today.
Neil: So, tell me about Tour Daufuskie. What services do you provide?
Hollie: We are probably one of the largest tour companies on the island and we offer a lot of different experiences for short- and long-term visitors. We offer things like golf cart rentals, History and Artisan Tours, Eco Tours, paddle boarding, kayaking, Dolphin Tours and Sunset tours, and corporate outings as well.
Neil: What is your role with Tour Daufuskie?
Hollie: So, my role consists of just making sure the daily operations functions, formulating partnerships and generate new ideas in growth and development and just seeing what we can do to provide the best service possible to those who were coming to the island.
What are Tour Daufuskie’ s most popular offers?
Hollie: Definitely our History and Artisan Tour and the Eco Tour.
What are some of your newest offerings that you think people would be interested in and why?
Hollie: We saw a lot of Hilton Head Dolphin Tour trips and Sunset cruises last year. We also recently added parasailing as well. These activities are great for groups that are staying on the island for more than a few days and they also open the door to hop over to Hilton Head and take advantage of that.
We also have a super remote beach where we give you everything you need – people really love that offering.
What are some of the do’s and do not do’s when you are over on the island in the eyes of a local?
Hollie: Definitely bring sunscreen and bug spray. Most importantly, don’t have more than three Scrap Iron’s at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company.
Neil: I love it and I couldn’t agree more – being a Hilton Head Boat Tour operator, we have seen more than a few highly questionable decisions made on the Freeport dock and I’m sure that Scrap Iron figured in more than a few. What do they say about Scrap Iron? 1,2,3 – Floor!
What is your favorite thing to do on the island that is non work related?
Hollie: When I do have downtime, I appreciate getting in a golf cart and just riding the island and hitting different spots. Like for instance, sitting at Freeport and watching people get off the boat and just people watching or driving down the Avenue of the Oaks in Melrose, or just sitting on the beach at Haig Point, staring at the Harbour Town Lighthouse and watching the boats go across the Calibogue Sound.
So, this might be a trick question but who is your favorite Hilton Head Boat Tour Hilton Head Boat Tour company and why do you like Hilton Head Boat Charters so much?
Hollie: I like how you slipped that question in there. Hilton Head Boat Charters is my favorite of course. You guys are the best and we absolutely enjoy the partnership that we’ve developed.
How do people make reservations with Tour Daufuskie?
Hollie: The easiest way is to book online. You can do that if you are two weeks out from your visit date. If you are inside of two weeks, you can just give one of our reservationists a call.
Where do people pick up their Golf Carts?
Hollie: We have moved our kiosk from the County Dock and our primary base of operations is over at the Melrose Dock right next to Freeport Marina.
How many golf carts do you have for rent?
Hollie: We currently have about 65 in our fleet and we’re going to be adding more within the next two months.
When is the best time of year to visit Daufuskie?
Hollie: If you want to visit Daufuskie at its best, I will definitely say anytime between April and September. If you are looking for something a little lower key, October is your month.
How do people get to Daufuskie?
Hollie: We’re a bridgeless island, so people have to access Daufuskie by boat.
Neil: When are they building a bridge over to Daufuskie?
Hollie: I hope never.
It’s 5pm on a Daufuskie Friday – where are we finding you and what are you doing?
Hollie: My backyard by the firepit or at D*Fuskies grabbing some pizza.
Nice! What toppings are you getting on that Pizza?
Hollie: Mushrooms pepper cheese and pepperoni.
What are the best events on Daufuskie?
Hollie: There’s a half-marathon and a full marathon that happen annually. There’s also Daufuskie Day which I believe is in June every year – that’s a big day that really taps into the culture of the island.
What are you mixing with your Hair of the Dog when you’re having it?
Daufuskie Island Distillery Hair of the Dog – Blueberry Lavender Vodka. Photo Credit Hilton head Boat Charters.
Hollie: I would say lemonade is probably the biggest thing over here that well that one goes with the blueberry lavender vodka. When you see somebody leaving the rum company it’s very likely you’re going to see them with a bottle or two of blueberry lavender vodka.
Neil: Insiders Tip, when you’re over on Daufuskie in the dead of summer, the only place that you are going to find air conditioning that is open to the public is the Daufuskie Island Rum Company.
Hilton Head Sunset Cruise or Hilton Head Dolphin Cruise?
Hollie: Definitely the Sunset Cruise.
You have 10 seconds to pitch somebody on visiting Daufuskie for the first time ever – go!
Hollie: So, I would say that if you are looking for a place that is very low key that takes you back a step-in time and that allows you to just get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Daufuskie is the ticket for you.
