Groupons!

I must say when I first got an email about www.groupon.com I was like, yeah, what a scam this is. After taking about ten minutes to read online what it is all about, I must say I am 100% addicted. I miiiiiiight just be Charleston’s biggest groupon fan. The best thing about Groupons (other than being in a bunch of cities and countries) is that when you travel you can see if your destination city has Groupons. Then just watch for really cool “groupons” to be featured in that city that you would enjoy. We are traveling soon to Colorado and I have already made a really cool purchase for a small little restaurant that we probably would have never heard of or gone too. It is totally unique, a little funky, and a little out there, but I just know we are going to love it. So join Groupons today and then watch for fun savings to come your way! You can find all kinds of great Charleston hot spots on this site!

Oak Point

Oak Point may be located just off of the island, but don't mistake this course for being sub par.  Oak plays 6701 yards long and is actually one of the more difficult courses.  Clyde Johnston built this course with rolling hills and a lot of water hazards, Oak Point is a great course to challenge beginniner golfers and also more skilled golfers.  For the strategist golfer, this is your course! 

A little history on Oak Point-it was built on old tomato and indigo farms.  If you look closely into the woods of the course, you may get a glimpse of history.  Oak Point is definately worth the 10 minute drive from the main gate and I certainly recommend playing here.  A beautiful clubhouse overlooks Haulover Creek, where you might get lucky enough to see a few bottlenose porpoises playing in the evenings.  Insider tip-Oak is the least expensive course to play.  So if you are looking to stretch your dollar, play here!  You won't be disappointed.

Cougar Point

Welcome to the Gary Player course.  Re-designed in 1996, this golf course plays 6875 yards.  It is full of long par fours and challenging par threes.  The front 9 runs along the Kiawah River offering spectacular marsh and river views.  Be sure to have your camera ready when you get to hole 17.  It is one of the most scenic holes on the island.  Cougar Point was recently awarded 4.5 stars in Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play." 

Golf on Kiawah

Fall brings a different type of feeling to the island.  Most families have returned to their home states; another summer gone by.  Children are back in school and the island quiets down a bit.  The hot, scorching temperatures break, and all of us Southerners breathe a sigh of relief as the humidity falls. 

We can now enjoy being outdoors, be it on our porches, in our yards, and on the golf course!  Charleston is full of amazing golf courses.  Courses that challenge the most expert golfer to courses for beginners.  Kiawah in particular has an amazing array of golf courses.  This week I'll highlight each course.  No matter what golf course you choose, you will not be disappointed.  Kiawah sets the bar for golf.

Fall Tour of Homes & Gardens-Charleston

Have you ever walked around downtown Charleston and thought "Gosh I'd love to see the inside of these gorgeous historic homes."  How about the beautiful gardens hidden behind these houses-little courtyards that lead you to a true southern garden. 

Each year the Preservation Society of Charleston offers fantastic walking tours of downtown homes.  From September 23rd-October 24th, you have the opportunity to see these homes up close and personal.  Enjoy unique neighborhoods that represent Charleston's amazing culture from the Colonial era to the present.  Most of these homes are privately owned and are only open exclusively for this event. 

Tours are Thursday and Friday evenings from 7pm-10pm; Saturday & Sunday afternoon from 2pm-5pm. 

Tickets are $45.  Visit http://www.preservationsociety.org/ for ticket details.

Kiawah's Natural Beauty

One of the most beautiful things about this island is its natual beauty.  You won't see tall skyscrapers or huge vertical hotels on Kiawah Island.  Everything is built to certain standards to enhance, not take away, from Mother Nature.

Each year, millions of tourists come through Kiawah-either staying for the day, a weekend, or a a week.  (Some are lucky enough to stay for several weeks)  Why do they love coming here?-because of its beauty, peacefulness, and tranquility.  So we have one request to ask you.  Respect our island.  Respect the wildlife, the beaches, the bike trails and other public spaces. 

So many times I will see children filling up beach buckets with wildlife from the beaches.  LIVE wildlife.  Starfish, hermit crabs, sand dollars etc.  And while, yes, I realize that they are children having fun on the beach, take this unique opportunity to TEACH them about the wildlife.  Teach them to throw back a starfish or observe the hermit crab.  Don't allow them to stick them in a bucket to bring back to your home or villa.  9 times out of 10, they are left outside to die and are then thrown away.  What a waste. 

The Nature Center offers so many amazing, hands on, classroom sessions on the wildlife.  Why not sign your children or yourself up for one of the sessions or tours!

You can't miss this!

Jasmine Porch is at it again!  They are featuring their summer "Stone's Throw Dinner."  Every single ingredient for every single dish is within a "stone's throw."  100 miles or less-Yes-ok you'd have to be Hercules to throw a stone that far-but how amazing is it that they are using FRESH, ORGANIC, and SC GROWN products?   What a fantastic way to support the local farmers and fishermen in the region.  Could it get any better?  Why yes, yes it can.  Part of the proceeds will benefit the local Ronald McDonald House in Charleston.

You need to book now for this amazing event! 
August 26th
Four courses with wine pairings and live music all for $70 per person plus taxes and gratuities. 
For reservations dial 843.768.6253