On Monday, Isle of Palms welcomed large crowds as parking lots filled up early, traffic backed up along Palm Boulevard, and local restaurants stayed busy with tourists and families. Visitors arrived with chairs, umbrellas, and coolers, filling the shoreline with vibrant colors.
Special Celebrations for Beachgoers
For some, the day held extra significance. “It’s our anniversary, so 17 years, and we thought we’d celebrate at the beach,” said beachgoer Peter Novotny. “It’s amazing out there.”
Impact on Local Businesses
Local businesses reported a busier-than-usual day, with many tourists and area families making their way to the beach. “It’s definitely been more than usual,” said Christopher Tiller, a host at Lawrence’s Seafood Company. “Lot of tourists, lot of family from inside the area coming up.”
Traffic Challenges and Economic Boost
Despite the crowds, former Isle of Palms councilmember Ryan Buckhannon noted that the holiday traffic, while heavy, is nothing new. “It’s good for the economy… but you’ve got to have patience with the traffic, and there’s only two ways on this island, and you know it will back up,” he said. Local residents and business owners agree that while the holiday weekend brings traffic challenges, it also provides a vital economic boost before the slower fall season.
Unusual Sights and Local Charm
The holiday weekend also brought some unique sights, like the “Rabbit Man,” a longtime local resident known for walking his dog and rabbit on a leash. He shared that busy days like Labor Day make it hard to get to the beach boardwalk without being stopped for photos or to pet his animals.
“Everybody knows me as the Rabbit Man. They don’t even know my name,” he laughed. “I can’t take one without the other.”
Despite his ongoing battle with cancer, the Rabbit Man found comfort in his pets and the joy they brought to beachgoers. “It relieves me of the stress that I’m going through, you know, the worrying about what’s going to happen next,” he said. “I got two little friends here. They keep me happy, keep me laughing.”
