A hand-painted sign off South Carolina Highway 174 stands out among the other sites along the scenic route, including the Presbyterian Church on Edisto, Trinity Episcopal Church, and the old Bailey’s Store. The bright pink lettering points the way down Edingsville Beach Road, a dirt lane named for the nineteenth-century planters’ resort that eroded over time with the help of several hurricanes. Not too far down the dirt road a nearly identical hand-painted sign stands in front of a rustic plywood building, letting people know that they have reached their destination: George and Pink’s.
The name George and Pink refers to Edisto farmer George Brown and his daughter, Pink, pictured below. The Browns have been operating a farm on the island, known for its ability to grow delectable, prolific produce, for 50 years. While the family business bears the name of father and daughter, today Pink’s brother, Robert, is the family’s primary farmer. Once a roadside market where produce was sold in baskets, today a simple enclosure with an easy-maintenance dirt floor houses bins of mouth-watering island treasures.
Twenty-five acres of fertile Edisto soil comprise the Browns’ farm, which abounds with seasonal fruits and vegetables all year round. Harvests range from pumpkins and winter squashes in the cold months to watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, and famous Edisto tomatoes in the summer. Worth the short drive down the rural road, stock up for a trip to Edisto Beach with authentic island fare or take some on the way home as an edible Edisto souvenir.
More Pictures of George and Pink’s
Reflections on George and Pink’s
Contributor Brandon Coffey, who took the wonderful images above, shares this poetic description of George and Pink’s: “When turning off of Highway 174 onto Eddingsville Beach Road on Edisto Island you are immediately transported to another time. Wiry oak trees stretch across the road forming a tunnel of shade and serenity. Progressing down this ancient sandy path you come across this quaint and picturesque produce stand, known as George & Pink. Outside is a modest structure dotted with handmade signs noting some of the treasures you can expect to find inside. Inside you are greeted with a warm smile, the whirring of fans scattered about and swept dirt floors with items stocked in every direction. Birdhouses, flowers, pies of all sorts; blackberry, apple, sweet potato, tomato. Squash, heirloom tomatoes, potatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, boiled peanuts, ice cream and Blenheim ginger ale are just a small portion of the products offered. Locals and tourists alike come to George & Pink for the atmosphere, friendly service and great prices on local products. When visiting Edisto Island do not pass up the opportunity to make a detour and visit this family-run business that has been in operation for over 40 years – you won’t regret it. If you appreciate buying locally, tradition and genuine nostalgia then this place is for you. This is a place for getting back to simpler ways – no credit cards at this place; they’re old school – cash or check only.”
Interesting, but the descriptions do not sound like Edisto.
My husband and I jeeped (old no ac) to Edisto going over the narrow causeway, I looked left across the water. We saw a lot of boats anchored, a wharf, pier, a lot of white buildings looking like a little hamlet/village. As soon as we got to Edisto on the right was a real estate office. Went in asked about white buildings drawing a blank then mentioned the boats. Realism dawned. Boats were confiscated, drug boats, ready to be auctioned out from an abandoned oyster processing plant. People were buying old churches, abandoned field artillery buildings (Sullivan’s Island). I said to Charlie let’s buy it and live there. Drove around the Island and had a meal at the still viable restaurant at the Inn on the ocean side. Inn closed but still standing. Mobile homes along canals. World caught up with us. Back in 2010 zilch, no oyster plant, elegance prevailed. No Inn, no restaurant. Haven’t found any history about the oyster plant.
Trying to place these areas historically and am having some questions. Are you positive this was Edisto Island?
Going to Edisto for many years. I used to go with my parents as a small child when Pink and George rode in their truck on the front beach. Whenever I go to Edisto always stop and see Pink.