Brittany & Richard
Things To Do
The Ocean Course At Kiawah Island
The par-72 Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is perhaps the most famous of all Charleston area golf courses, due to its picturesque seaside setting as well as its hosting of the 2007 Senior PG Championships as well as the 2012 PGA Championships. In fact, The Ocean Course has more seaside holes than any other course in North America! Golf enthusiasts from all over the world come to Kiawah Island to visit The Ocean Course, and take on the consistently challenging ocean breezes that are enhanced by the course's elevated position above the beach dunes. Designed in 1991 by Pete Dye, The Ocean Course affords golfers panoramic views of the greens, ocean and skyline from each hole - a truly striking and memorable experience for any golfer.
The Links Course at Wild Dunes
The very first of Tom Fazio's golf course designs, The Links Course at Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms is a favorite local destination among both out of town and visiting golfers. Like its neighboring Harbor Course, The Links are popular for their scenic seaside setting and their challenging ocean breezes. The Links Course is always a beautiful afternoon well spent at the resort, no matter how the actual golf rounds went, and the resort property itself has much more than just golf to offer, including tennis courts and several pools. Golfers and their families can also polish their game at the resort practice facilities, including a driving range putting green, located just across the street from The Links Clubhouse.
Kiawah Island - Turtle Point Golf Course
At home at the prestigious Kiawah Island Golf Resort just a half hour's drive from downtown Charleston, the Turtle Point Course is a beautiful seaside course sure to entertain and challenge any golfer. This par-72 course was designed by Jack Nicklaus in his own classic style, and has hosted the 1990 PGA Cup Matches, the Carolinas' PGA, the Carolinas' Amateur, and the South Carolina Amateur tournaments. All of the courses on Kiawah Island guarantee influential wind variability, though Turtle Point does provide some tree shelter across the course, and is more protected than its neighboring Ocean Course, though winds do still play heavily into Turtle Point golfer strategy. Expect tricky water features and smaller greens on this course, which is one of the longest on the island.
Wild Dunes Harbor Golf Course
I used to live off of this Wild Dunes par-70 course, so I can personally attest to its beauty and challenge. It is designed to take your breath away with its rolling, relaxing green space and panoramic intercoastal waterway views. The Harbor Course at Wild Dunes has oft been referred to as the "Marsh Monster" due to the fact that the course's challenging environment is spread across narrow fairway corridors bordered on both sides by water. Strong ocean breezes also come into play throughout each hole, but the idyllic course layout and landscaping will soothe your golf game frustrations. Brush up on your skills at the nearby practice facilities, including a chipping area, putting green, and driving range.
Magnolias
If you are looking for traditional Southern cooking with a refined spin served in a warm, sophisticated environment, this is the place for you. Dinner and cocktails at this restaurant cannot be beat.
Red's Ice House
If you’re looking for a friendly spot to enjoy a cold beer & fresh local seafood in a laid back setting, you’re going to love Red’s Ice House. Located on historic Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant, the original Red’s is the perfect spot for taking in Lowcountry wildlife and scenic Charleston sunsets. Our Seabrook location is just minutes from Kiawah, where you can enjoy views of Bohicket Creek and the unspoiled barrier island landscape while sipping on your favorite beverage. As a waterfront restaurant, you can literally watch dolphins swim through the creek while you enjoy your basket of all-you-can-eat crab legs (available on Monday nights).
Sea Biscuit Cafe
Sea Biscuit is a bright, cozy cafe with nautical touches serving a simple menu of homestyle breakfast & lunch. This was my FAVORITE spot to go for breakfast! I can't say enough great things about their food - their omelettes, french toast, biscuits and coffee are absolutely delectable!
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen combines upscale, yet casual elements of traditional coastal cuisine with classic fare. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a casual beach atmosphere with flavor profiles that exemplify fresh local ingredients and sustainable seafood. Their shrimp and pimento cheese grits are to die for!
Home Team BBQ
Seriously the BEST barbecue you will EVER have! This was one of my favorite little casual spots not just for the food, which is amazing, but also for the live music and fun atmosphere.
Water's Edge
Water's Edge is a, you guessed it!, waterfront property that is a sophisticated operation serving freshly caught fish, with outdoor seating & a casual downstairs bar. They're brunch is delicious!
The Shops at Belmond Charleston Place
Shop 'til you drop! But be prepared to bring your wallet, unless you just plan on window shopping! Located within Belmond Charleston Place’s grand lobby and along King Street, The Shops at Belmond Charleston Place are an eclectic collection of world-renowned stores nestled in the heart of Charleston’s downtown shopping district. From Godiva to Gucci to St. John, it is the ultimate shopping experience. The hotel’s signature Belmond Boutique features unique gifts from its sister property, the renowned Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, as well as one-of-a-kind items from local artisans. Store Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 10am-6pm Thursday-Saturday: 10am-8pm Sunday: 12pm-5pm. Some stores have extended hours.
Historic Charleston City Market
The Charleston City Market is one of the nation's oldest public markets and the cultural heart of Charleston. It is home to more than 300 vibrant entrepreneurs, and is open every day of the year except December 25th. No matter what time of day or season you plan to visit, there is something to see, do, taste, and take home as a souvenir from the Charleston City Market! The Charleston City Day Market operates daily from 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and the Charleston City Night Market operates on Fridays & Saturdays (April - December) from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. Enjoy great food and locally made items from the Charleston area in both indoor and outdoor shopping spaces!
Palmetto Carriage Works
Palmetto Carriage Company is the oldest carriage tour company in town! Come tour historic downtown Charleston by horse-drawn carriage with some of the most experienced personnel in the Charleston carriage industry. They are a family-owned company and pride themselves on providing authentic carriage tours that your family and friends will remember for years to come, plus it's a great way to learn about the charming city of Charleston.
Fort Sumter Tours
Fort Sumter Tours provides the ONLY tour that actually stops at Fort Sumter and disembarks visitors to spend roughly an hour on the historic National Monument. Stand on the grounds where America’s deadliest war began at Fort Sumter National Monument. The first shots were fired here, igniting a conflict that saw more than 700,000 casualties. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War and explore its origins with a National Park ranger. Your approximate one-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins. The first shots of the American Civil War were fired on Fort Sumter at approximately 4:30 a.m. on April 12th, 1861. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later, and Union forces tried for nearly four years to take it back. Walk in the steps of those who shaped this nation alongside a National Park Ranger guide, and take in the stunning scene of historic Charleston as you cruise the harbor en route to the fort.
Rainbow Row
The famous Rainbow Row is the name for a series of thirteen colorful historic houses in Charleston, South Carolina. It represents the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States. The houses are located north of Tradd St. and south of Elliott St. on East Bay Street, that is, 79 to 107 East Bay Street.
Angel Oak Tree
The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be in excess of 400-500 years old, stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). From tip to tip Its longest branch distance is 187 ft. There is considerable debate about the age of the Angel Oak. Some contend that it is 1,500 years old. Most believe that the more conservative estimates are more accurate. It is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Charleston South Carolina. It is on everyone’s top ten list of things to do in Charleston. Despite being located on John’s Island, the Angel Oak has come to symbolize Charleston South Carolina. A large number of people search for “Angel Oak Charleston South Carolina” even though this tree is on John’s Island. It is a southern live oak located in Angel Oak Park, on Johns Island SC. For those visiting Kiawah or Seabrook islands, you will drive right past the Angel Oak.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia has been selected as one of "America's Most Beautiful Gardens" (Travel + Leisure Magazine), and is the only garden honored with this distinction in the State of South Carolina! Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.
Aiken-Rhett House
Built in 1820 by merchant John Robinson, the Aiken-Rhett House is nationally significant as one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the nation. Vastly expanded by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the 1830s and again in the 1850s, the house and its outbuildings include a kitchen, the original slave quarters, carriage block and back lot. The house and its surviving furnishings offer a compelling portrait of urban life in antebellum Charleston, as well as a Southern politician, slaveholder and industrialist. The house spent 142 years in the Aiken family's hands before being sold to the Charleston Museum and opened as a museum house in 1975.
Nathaniel Russell House
A National Historic Landmark, this museum was built over a 5 year period and completed in 1808 by Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell. The house cost $80,000 to build when the average value of a home was $262. The home’s graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel with each cantilevered step supporting the one above and below it. The interiors with elaborate plasterwork ornamentation, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charleston’s elite in the early days of the American Republic.