While Charleston is a liked South Carolina destination, nearby Kiawah Island tends to fly underneath the radar — and that’s precisely what makes it the proper area to unwind for an afternoon.
As quickly as you arrive on the magnolia-coated avenues of Kiawah, serenity units in… Perhaps it truly is why it is continually voted with the aid of T+L readers as one of their favored islands in the U.S. The handiest industrial development you will discover at the island is Freshfields Village, a small metropolis center with an collection of stores and eating places, and the crowds of different coastal retreats are blissfully absent.
One of the principle draws of Kiawah is the award-triumphing golf guides. With 5 public publications to choose from you sincerely received’t run out of holes to work in your chip shot. The simplest chance? Letting the lovely ocean vistas distract you into scoring a double-bogey in preference to a birdie.
Kiawah is a short island getaway that gives pristine natural splendor — with extensive golden beaches, maritime forests, and picturesque marshland — and a laid-returned, Lowcountry vibe. Here’s a way to spend the suitable 24 hours at the captivating island.
8 a.M.: Breakfast at Java Java
Start off the day with — what else — espresso, brewed with beans from award-triumphing King Bean Coffee Roasters in Charleston, or a fresh fruit smoothie if espresso isn’t your preferred morning drink. The cafe additionally serves a delicious selection of breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Take your brew to go as you window shop the more than 30 boutiques in Freshfields.
Nine a.M.: Tee time at the Ocean Course
Of all of the superbly designed courses at the island, Ocean Course is the most well-known — it has hosted several PGA Championship tournaments, and is considered one of the excellent golfing publications within the global. Scoring a tee time at this course guarantees a few high-quality panoramas of the Atlantic surf at the same time as you play. Designed through mythical route dressmaker Pete Dye, the Ocean Course hugs nearly 3 miles of coast, boasting the most beach holes within the Northern hemisphere.
1 p.M.: Lunch at Ryder Cup Bar
Head instantly off the very last hollow to a few post-spherical drinks on the Ocean Course’s Ryder Cup Bar, in which they serve multiplied pub fare with low united states of america aptitude. Order the signature Crispy Shrimp, made with American white shrimp caught by the trawlers you will see on the horizon. Ask to take a seat on the veranda so you can soak in the ocean breeze.
2:30 p.M.: Relax on the sand at Beachwalker Park
One of the most particular characteristics of Kiawah is that it runs east-west in place of north-south, so even as many different barrier islands war seashore erosion, Kiawah’s 10 miles of beaches are honestly growing wider with each passing yr. Building policies on Kiawah maintain houses well beyond the second row of dunes, leaving the seashores non violent and pristine.
Head to Beachwalker Park, a yearly select on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America listing. Despite the accolades, the beach stays uncrowded even at some stage in high season. And with its calm surf and amenities (lifeguards, restrooms and converting rooms, snack stand), it’s a terrific beach for families with youngsters of all ages. Didn’t % beach gear? Chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and stand-up paddle forums are available to rent from Island Beach Services. They even provide surf lessons in case you’re simply feeling adventurous.
4:30 p.M.: Bike experience along the character paths
After playing the island’s stunning Atlantic coast, it’s time to take in some other facet of Kiawah: its indoors, dense with sprawling stay alrighttrees draped with Spanish moss, towering palmettos, stout yucca vegetation, and expansive marshlands with sea grasses and river tributaries. The pleasant way to explore is thru the island’s 30 miles of motorcycle paths.
Don’t be surprised to come upon some of the island’s abundant wildlife: bobcats, alligators, herons, deer, bottlenose dolphins, and loggerhead sea turtles are just a number of the charming animals that make up the island’s surroundings. (Just do not forget to constantly keep your distance and to by no means feed wild animals.) If you’re hoping to take part inside the Turtle Patrol volunteer program to help track turtle nesting and hatching, plan your journey for July thru October. Bikes are available to rent from Kiawah Island Golf Resort and SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters in Freshfields Village.
6:30 p.M.: Oysters at Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ
End your bike trip at Mingo Point at the island’s western give up, in which Kiawah’s longest strolling culture takes place each Monday night time all summer season long: a network dinner party of oysters roasted over an open fire; barbecued ribs, pulled red meat, fowl, and steak; in conjunction with an collection of conventional Southern facet dishes like mac ‘n cheese, collard vegetables, and Lowcountry pink rice and sausage. Live track and watching the solar set over Kiawah River make it the precise way to shut out the night.
7:30 p.M.: Dinner at The Ocean Room
For a memorable meal to cease your stay, make a reservation at the upscale Ocean Room at the Sanctuary resort, which gives excellent coastal perspectives as you dine. The stylish, timber-paneled steakhouse is perennially offered both Forbes four-Star and AAA four-Diamond rankings. Dining right here promises exceptional food and impeccable service, so get dressed up (t-shirts, denims, shorts, and sandals aren’t allowed) and indulge.
The menu displays chef Kyle Bowling’s willpower to the usage of locally-sourced, seasonal components, with 5 cuts of steak from cows raised on a nearby circle of relatives farm raised particularly for the Ocean Room, as well as expertly-prepared nearby seafood. Those extra willing toward surf than turf will approve of the restaurant’s extraordinary sushi living room. Be positive to also enjoy a variety from the 1,000-bottle wine listing to complement your meal.
