Thanksgiving

It is hard to believe that is time for me to post about the holidays already.  I feel like it has only been a few months since Christmas, but according to the calendar, that is not true. 

Today is November 6th and that means it is officially 18 days until Thanksgiving.  Typically weather for turkey day is beautiful, hovering right around 70+.   You want to wear your fall clothes, but there have been some Thanksgivings that I wore a summer dress.  Crazy right?  But that just means that it is a perfect day to feed yourself silly and then go walk it off on the beach.  Or you could wake up early, do the Turkey Trot on Kiawah that starts at 9:30 am at Boardwalk 5, and then go eat until your heart is content!  (The Turkey Trot is either a one mile walk or a one to three mile run)

Your dining options on Kiawah are endless.  My suggestions would be to go to the hotel, The Sanctuary, and eat at either their grand buffet or in Jasmine Porch.    The food is endless and delicious, and you don't have to worry about the clean up.  (Who likes to clean up on their vacation anyways??)

The Grand Oaks Buffet offers two seatings at either 12:00 Noon or 3 PM and also includes an adorable children's room adjacent to the Grand Oaks Ballroom.  Children can sit at mini tables and chairs and enjoy kid friendly meal items.  $70 per adult, $28 per child (plus tax and gratuity)

The Grand Buffet at Jasmine Porch offers a more traditional restaurant style Thanksgiving meal and is $62 per adult and $24 per child.  They begin taking reservations at 12 Noon until 8 PM.

Live music is offered at all dining options in the hotel.  It really is a beautiful display of very delicious food made by talented chefs.  You don't want to miss out.

New this year is The Sanctuary offering Thanksgiving Pies To Go.   For $15 you can pre-order a pie and pick it up straight from the hotel.    Who wouldn't want a couple of these to nibble on either prior to Thanksgiving or the day or two after?

For a complete listing of Thanksgiving activities, visit the resort's website HERE.

Today's Beach Weather....

A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y. GORGEOUS!!!   Hardly a cloud in the sky, a nice cool breeze and 70 degrees outside.  Could you ask for more perfect beach weather in October?

I took a bike ride down the beach from the Kiawah Island Beach Club to boardwalk 32.  Here is what I saw along the way:

Romeo & Juliet Horseshoe Crabs

Romeo

This little bird didn't want me taking his picture eating the insides of the crab

"Lady-seriously-quit takin' my picture!"

Gorgeous

Kiawah is such an amazing island.  If you haven't been here yet, you are missing out.  Come visit us and see what it means when people say, "Nature at its Finest."

#1 City in America

How excited was Charleston when we were awarded the #1 City in America by Travel and Leisure Magazine?  Two words-SUPER EXCITED!  Charleston is an absolutely gorgeous place and to be on the list was amazing, but to be #1-that was awesome.  The top ten looks like this:

1-Charleston

2-San Francisco

3-Santa Fe

4-Chicago


5-Honolulu

6-New York City

7-Savannah

8-Carmel (CA)

9-Seattle

10-Boston

Pictures courtesy of Google Images....  

In addition to the best city in the US, the LowCountry made another list.......Travel & Leisure voted Kiawah Island the #3 Island in the US.  Maui & Kauai led the top two spots.

It really doesn't surprise me that Charleston and Kiawah made the list.  Of all the beautiful places that we have been lucky enough to visit, we can't think of two prettier places to call home.   When you are making your plans for your next vacation, Kiawah Island should be on your list.  I promise you that you will not be disappointed.

Hyde Park Polo Club

Recently, I was invited to a function at a place I had not heard of in Ravanel, SC called Hyde Park Polo Club.  It is about 45 minutes from Kiawah Island and is it ever a gorgeous location.  Set on about 380 acres, this farm has been in the family since 1896.  It is available for weddings, corporate events, and social events.  The old family farmhouse was moved piece by piece from Summerville, SC and the inside is warm, inviting, and absolutely tranquil.  Their amazing pool is set amongst live oaks and I can just imagine how beautiful it would be for a wedding. 

In addition to the function space, they also offer lessons in Polo.  I learned a lot from an 8 year old future Polo player while watching the game.  Their quarters are called Chuckers, each Polo player typically brings between 4 and 6 horses and changes them out each chucker.  The horses are amazing athletes-not an ounce of fat on any of these animals.  Horses are truly majestic animals. 

They are pleased to announce a Polo match for charity on November 9th.  The McDaniels Audi of Charleston Fall Polo Classic benefiting Rein & Shine, an amazing organziation that provides horseback riding as therapy for those in need.  Visit Rein & Shine's website and I think you'll be as moved as I was.  So mark your calendars for November 9th, visit Hyde Park Polo Farm, enjoy cocktails, great food, and a beautiful sport and leave knowing you are giving back to the local community. 

Carriage Tours

Carriage tours are probably the best and most popular way to see the city.  There are many carriage companies in downtown Charleston, however, we always recommend Palmetto Carriage.  Their tour guides are professional, well versed in city history and they treat their animals really well. 

The city of Charleston controls all of the tours going into the historic district.  Therefore, when you sign up for any tour (regardless of what company) you are at the mercy of the lottery system.  Each carriage must pull up and register at the city carriage office prior to starting the tour.  A lotto ball will determine what route the carriage is to take.  No matter what number ball falls, any route that you take through the city is gorgeous.  Most people want the most popular route, The Battery, but I promise, any other route is just as unique.  Each part of the city has its own rich history.  You won't be disappointed.  Here are some pictures of carriage tours we've been on. 

(PS-It is absolutely gorgeous on Kiawah in the fall.  Have you booked your stay at our amazing property?  www.vrbo.com/230630)

Charleston Restaurant Week

Please forgive my tardiness in posting this important annoucement, but September snuck up on me!  With that said, IT IS RESTAURANT WEEK IN CHARLESTON!!!!

Can you handle that?  Seriously?  One of the best weeks in Charleston.  Diners can go enjoy menus from some of the best restaurants in town for $20, $30, or $40.  SERIOUSLY!! 

From September 7-18th, you can stuff yourself silly at a different restaurant each night and experience the vast culinary delights in the Holy City! SIGN ME UP!  (You do need reservations at most restaurants in town, so be sure to let us know where you want to eat or pick up the phone and call your fav restaurant now!)

My fav menus are from:
Old Village Posthouse, Magnolias, 39 Rue de Jean, Fat Hen, & Husk

If I was going to try a few new restuarants they would be:
Trattoria Luca, Muse, La Fourchette, and Toast 

Visit this website to see all of the restaurants and their menus!
http://www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/charleston-restaurant-week/

LowCountry Wine & Beer Festival

Looking for something fun to do this Labor Day weekend that gives back to our local community?  Then head on out to Freshfield's Village this Sunday, September 4th at 7:30 for the 5th Annual LowCountry Wine & Beer Festival.    Enjoy wines from around the world, craft beers and food from Hege's restaurant. 

This event benefits The Barrier Island Free Medical Clinc.   This is a non-profit organization that provides health care services at no cost to eligible individuals in the Charleton area.  It is a volunteer based clinic that relies on the stewardship of others and fundraisers such as this to remain open.  Come out out to a beautiful location, enjoy fabulous food and drink and donate to an organization that helps those in need. 

For more information visit:  http://freshfieldsvillage.com/events/view/5th-annual-lowcountry-wine-beer-festival

Hurricane Irene

Kiawah Island and South Carolina were fortunate that Hurricane Irene decided to take a more northly approach to the United States.  We were certainly relieved that we were spared the devastation that our northern neighbors received.  A lot of work goes into preparing not only your home, but the homes we manage in case of an impending hurricane.  We'd much rather go through the motions of getting everything prepared and watching it skim by us than coming back to damage.  So note to everyone-take hurricane prepardness very seriously.  A little pre-planning will save you a lot of headaches. 

However, we did still feel some effects of the hurricane.  We did get some bands of rain, some high wind gusts and some pretty cool surf.  Typically the beach at Kiawah is very docile, however, I did step out of the hotel and take some shots of The Sanctuary beach and also down at The Ocean Course.  I hope you enjoy the pictures.