From Hilton Head you can take a 45-minute ferry ride to nearby Daufuskie Island, the setting for Pat Conroy's novel The Water Is Wide, which was made into the movie Conrack. A few descendants of former slaves live on small farms here, among remnants of churches, homes, and schools -- all reminders of antebellum times. Once on the island, you can rent a golf cart or take guided tours that include sights such as a 200-year-old cemetery, former slave quarters, a local winery, and the Haig Point Lighthouse. The scenic boat ride and the physically beautiful island itself will become etched in your memory bank.

Staying at the Daufuskie Island Club & Resort (Embarkation Center, 421 Squire Pope Rd., North End. 843/341-4820 or 800/648-6778. www.daufuskieresort.com) -- with an oceanfront inn, cottages, golf courses, tennis, spa, pools, water sports, and several restaurants -- is a wonderful getaway. Calibogue Cruises (Broad Creek Marina, 164B Palmetto Bay Rd., Mid-Island. 843/342-8687. www.freeport-marina.com) has several Daufuskie tour options, including guided tours with lunch and gospel-music performances starting at $40. Vagabond Cruises (Harbour Town Marina, South End. 843/785-2662. www.vagabondcruise.com) conducts daytime boat rides, from dolphin tours to runs to Savannah, sails on the Stars & Stripes, of America's Cup fame, and dinner cruises.