I'On Village Walk Guide Introduction

I'On Village Walk On-line Guide - Introduction

This section of our on-line guide will prepare your for your walk with suggestions and hints on how to really enjoy your visit. It is an expanded version of the first chapter of our printed guide.

This 5 mile walk should take about 2.5—3 hours. It moves generally North for the first half of the walk and then turns towards its start at Shelmore Point (Step 34). You can cut off the back half of the walk by skipping from step 15 to Step 43, resulting in a walk of about 1.8 miles and walk the Northern part of the trail (Steps 15—35) another time. The truncated walk should be possible in slightly over an hour. A trail map can be found on page 16.

We strongly recommend bringing a compass for this walk. I’On was planned as an open grid. Unlike a trail in the woods, there are many possible routes through the community for cars and even more for pedestrians. This avoids concentrating traffic on a few major roads, however it opens the possibility of many wrong turns. Compass directions are referenced throughout this guide. If you do lose the trail, most I’Onians will be happy to redirect you back to your path through their community. Don’t forget to wave and say hello as you pass their porches.

Binoculars will enhance your view of bird life and animals along the trail, particularly in the morning and evening. This walk should only be taken during daylight hours. Do not swim in or take pets into the Rookery. There are alligators there.

A commemorative patch is available to those completing the entire 5 mile walk who answer the questions in the directions correctly. Instructions are on page 32 this booklet with a summary answer sheet. The patch was designed by artist Mark Horton based on a concept by Jason Bell, both of I’On.

When I’On Village is completed, the village walk will be extended to over six miles, taking in the complete planned marsh front path, incorporating a visit to the historic I’On Graveyard and the Indian Shell Mound site to the west of the area covered by this walk.

The Village Walk should be wheel chair accessible. It is fairly level for most of its distance. In a few places on the walk where stairs are mentioned a short and obvious loop will take you around the obstruction.

Posnbury Road, Near Jordan's Way, I'On Village, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina Image, left - Ponsbury Road, near Jordan's Way

Bathrooms are available in the I’On Realty Office. O’Brion’s Pub, on I’On Square maintains restrooms for patrons. O’Brion’s and the Square Onion on I’On Square are great locations for refreshments after your walk. Grace Salon Spa on I’On Square can even provide massage to help adults recover from their exertions after their walk. Check with O’Brions on special offers for groups finishing the walk.

Review the walk checklist on page 5. Several pleasant spots for a picnic or snack are found along the trail, including the amphitheater at steps 17 && 43.

This walk was developed by William J. Hamilton, III, a Cub Scout leader and I’On Resident with the assistance of I’On planner, Vince Graham and I’On Architect, Macky Hill. Joe Barnes, former manager of the I’On Company also provided input.

Persons wishing to learn more about the planning principles used in building I’On may wish to read A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander, The Geography of Nowhere by Kunstler or Suburban Nation by Andres Duany. See our complete Village Walk Reading List.

I’On is most easily reached by traveling to the Intersection of Shelmore Blvd, and Johnnie Dodds Blvd (Highway 17 Byp.) A CVS Pharmacy is on that corner, slightly to the West of 84 Lumber. The outbound #23 CARTA bus from Charleston stops across the busy highway from CVS. The inbound #8 bus to Charleston stops at the intersection of Shelmore Blvd. and the frontage road, behind the CVS. I’On is 1200 feet North of the CVS on Shelmore Blvd. The CARTA website can provide current route and schedule information.

Guided walks are can be arranged. Guide fees help cover project costs and benefit the green space fund. Contact William Hamilton wjhamilton@wjhamilton.com

Persons taking the walk do so at their own risk. The walk goes through the natural, lowcountry environment and is subject to the action of weather, insects and other hazards incident to outdoor activity.

To make arrangements to receive your trail patches before leaving I'On or to make comments on the trial please contact the village walk project.

Go On to the first section of the Walk, I'Onsborough, The Rookery and Ponsbury
Return to the Main Page for the I'On Village Walk