Johns Island

The outlying community of Johns Island is where you’ll find Angel Oak Park (3688 Angel Oak Rd., Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 1–5 p.m.) home of a massive live oak, 65 feet in circumference, that’s well over 1,000 years old and commonly considered the oldest tree east of the Mississippi River.

The tree and the park are owned by the city of Charleston, and the grounds are often used for weddings and special events.

Johns Island is also where you’ll find Legare Farms (2620 Hanscombe Point Rd., 843/559-0763, www.legarefarms.com [1]), open to the public for various activities, like its annual pumpkin patch in October, its “sweet corn” festival in June, and bird walks each Saturday morning in autumn (8:30 a.m., $6 adults, $3 children).

If you find your tummy growling on Johns Island, don’t miss Fat Hen (3140 Maybank Hwy., Johns Island, 843/559-9090, Tues.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5:30–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., $15–20), a self-styled “country French bistro” begun by a couple of old Charleston restaurant hands. The fried oysters are a particular specialty. There’s also a bar menu for late-night hours (10 p.m.–2 a.m.).

If barbecue’s more your thing, head straight to JB’s Smokeshack (3406 Maybank Hwy., 843/557-0426, www.jbssmokeshack.com [2], Wed.–Sat. 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m., $8), one of the best ’cue joints in the Lowcountry. They offer a buffet for $8.88 per person ($4.95 for kids 10 and under), or you can opt for a barbecue plate, including hash, rice, and two sides. In a nice twist, the plates include a three-meat option: pork, chicken, ribs, or brisket.

Getting to Johns Island

Get here from Charleston [3] by taking U.S. 17 over the Ashley River, then Highway 171 to Maybank Highway. Take a left onto Bohicket Road near the Piggly Wiggly, and then look for signs on your right.