Shenanigans with the Schifanis
Bill Schifani is quick to praise the Isle of Palms as his family’s favorite destination. “As far-flung as we are, nobody has missed our week on IOP in 10 years. It’s our favorite family time.”
Bill comes to our fair isle from Albuquerque, New Mexico, every summer, usually in June with his family. His daughter first discovered the Isle of Palms when her husband was starting as a professor at Francis Marion University and they began coming to the beach for long weekends. With another daughter in Miami, the Isle of Palms seemed a perfect locale for getting everyone together. That trip soon became a tradition for the Schifani family.
“Exclusive Properties does a spectacular job of anticipating our every need and providing just the right touches for a perfect family reunion spot time after time,” said Bill. His family enjoys spirited competitions while vacationing on the island. From ping pong and soccer tournaments to wagering on how many trips to Harris Teeter the family will ﾭerally don’t miss an opportunity to have fun together. “Last year it was 48! Forty-eight trips to Harris Teeter in seven days!” laughed Bill.
“Long Island Café is a must for one delicious meal of our trip and the other nights we take turns making dinner. I volunteer to babysit for the younger kids so the grownups can enjoy a night out at The Dinghy,” said Bill. He went on to explain that their family reunions on IOP are casual, low-key affairs with no schedule or agenda.
“You want to hang out at the pool all day? Fine! You want to read a book on the beach? Great! Every aspect of our time is individualized while being together. The most important thing is for all of us to be together in this beautiful place,” shared Bill.
The Schifani family doesn’t even rent a car when they land in Charleston. “We rent two golf carts; we don’t need a car,” he added. “You have Harris Teeter, New York Butcher Shoppe, Simmons Seafood and wonderful restaurants; there is no need to go any farther. We’ve rented boats to go dolphin watching and we did venture off island to go bowling one year, but mostly we spend our time on the island, walking the beach and hanging out at the pool.”
Bill also marveled at the beach chair rental companies and the expertise with which they place chairs and umbrellas near the beach access path of whichever rental his family happens to be in for the week. “It’s such a beautiful place; gracious, accommodating, just wonderful. We are thankful for all the time we have spent and will continue to spend here.”
By Laura Fogarty
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