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.

Serenity

Kiawah is known for its gorgeous, private beach.  There really isn't anything better than the short, serene walk from the Eugenia home to the Atlantic Ocean. This walk is less than three minutes from the front door to your beach chair. 

These pictures were taken in June.  A beautiful summer day was before me.  All I needed to bring was my book.  Enjoy the "walk" to the beach with me....

Your beach chair awaits....

What are you waiting for?  Book your next vaction on Kiawah Island by visiting www.vrbo.com/230630

Vanderhorst Plantation

After ten years of working on Kiawah Island, I finally had the unique and rare opportunity to tour the Vanderhorst mansion.  I might have done a little happy dance when I realized that not only was I permitted on the grounds BUT I was going to get a tour of the INSIDE!  I was like a little kid in a candy shop.  I took over 100 pictures, but scaled them down to a cool 80.  I definately felt transported back in time when touring the entire property.  From the amazing tree lined drive, to the expansive mansion, to the perfectly manicured lawns, to the gorgeous river view, there isn't a thing I would change about this place.  (Except the owners-I'd love to own this piece of land)

If I am not mistaken, this house dates back to 1736.  What I wouldn't give to go back in time for just one day.  (I couldn't be away from modern technology for too long!)

Enjoy the tour:

The River House-b/c the main house isn't large enough.....

Spring Wildlife

Wildlife is very active in springtime and the naturalists are having a great time showing it to island guests! Here is an update about what's going on in the world of Kiawah's wildlife during the spring and early summer season, along with safety tips and protocol for wildlife encounters.

Alligators

Gators are on the move, in search of food, mates, or a safe place to hide from a big boss male. To stay safe around alligators, follow these four common-sense rules:

- Always stay at least 20 yards (4 car lengths) away from alligators.


- Never feed alligators, throw objects at alligators, or harass them in any way

- Stay away from nests and baby alligators, as their mother may defend them.

Wild alligators are naturally shy, but alligators that have been feed or harassed may become aggressive towards people. Please help us keep guests and employees safe by never feeding or harassing alligators, and educating others on the danger of doing so.

Snakes

Almost all snakes encountered on Kiawah are non-venomous. Our most commonly encountered species are black racers (long, black, and fast) and yellow rat snakes (striped). While we do have three venomous species, they are very rarely encountered and can be recognized by a triangle-shaped head. No snakes, venomous or non-venomous, want to eat or attack a person, and will only bite out of self defense. The best way to avoid a snake bite is to leave the snake alone and walk away; most snake bites occur when an attempt is made to pick up or kill the snake.

Baby Animals


Spring is also baby animal season, and at the nature center we receive many calls about young animals found both on and off the island. While baby wild animals are cute, the best mother is one of their own species, who can teach them how to survive in the wild. If you find a baby animal:


- The most important thing you can do is to return it to the nest. Despite the commonly held belief, mothers won't reject their young even if they smell a human on it!

- If the nest can't be found or reached, put the baby under a nearby bush and give the mother 6 hours to return to pick up or feed her baby. Keep people and pets away so she won't be scared off.

- If the mother doesn't return, call the nature center for advice.  843.768.6000


- Never give a baby animal food or water, as the wrong foods or even the wrong amounts can kill it.

Remember, nature is what makes Kiawah Island so unique. Respect our island and all of the gifts that Mother Nature has given us. Now get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather!