Dolphin Watching in Kiawah

One of the local wildlife treasures in the Charleston area are the dolphins that can be spotted swimming the Atlantic coastline. It is pretty common to view these amazing creatures up close whether sailing the Charleston harbor, taking a ferry to Fort Sumter, or even walking the beaches of Kiawah and Seabrook. One ideal location to try and spot dolphins is over in the Captain Sam’s Inlet area. This inlet is at the beginning of the island where the Kiawah River feeds into the Atlantic. One can get access to the inlet area at Beachwalker County Park which is just before the Kiawah security gate. It is this location that is teeming with abundance of fish, birds, and of course dolphins. For those that want to dedicate a few hours to really seek out dolphins, there are a few local guides that will take you on a dolphin watching cruise . These cruises are a great way to explore the salt water community and see numerous animals besides dolphins, and view some really pretty homes that are situated along this vibrant inter-coastal waterway.

Usually when you see one dolphin walking along the beach, you will surely see a few more. Dolphin pods are sometimes mistaken for sharks until you get a closer look at the fins. Here is a fun video of dolphins beaching or “stranding” themselves along the Kiawah River. Dolphin or whales stranding typically means the mammal has beached itself with intent to die due to disease or orientation complications with sonar. These critters seem to be just acting playful perhaps in pursuit of a mid day lunch of small fish swimming along the shoreline.

I'm writing lenses on Squidoo and would love you to join me

I'm writing lenses on Squidoo and would love you to join me.When I am not posting travel tips and lowcountry news at this site, I can be found over at squidoo writing numerous lenses about some of my favorite things. Those that like to blog, or simply share ideas about some of their favorite interests should come check out Squidoo!

Review of Charleston International Airport

Getting in and out of the Charleston airport is a pretty darn quick process. That process holds true for public parking, check in, baggage claim, and car rental. I usually make my excursion to the low country via minivan (ala fifteen hour road trip), but there have been those times when a two hour flight from Chicago to Charleston is the ideal way to travel. While the selection of carriers flying to and from this smaller market destination can be limited, I find it encouraging that the popular discount carrier, Southwest airlines has added Charleston to their list of cities for travel. This no frills airline has stood behind their reputation of keeping rates competitive and not gouging the customer with baggage fees as all other carriers seem to be doing. Other airlines traveling into Charleston include US Airways, United, Continental, Delta, and American Airlines.
Coming into Charleston from a larger airport such as O’Hare, I am amused, if not intrigued by the small jet way stairs that greet the passenger as you depart the plane. The quick walk to the gate has you getting to baggage area for clubs and suitcase in only a minute or so. Then there is the matter of car rental if you do not have someone there to pick you up.
There are seven rental companies represented at the car rental counter located within the arrivals area of the terminal. I have rented cars from Enterprise and Avis and experienced good overall service. The car rental lot is located just outside the terminal baggage area. No need for a shuttle, train or long walk to get your rental car and get out; this fleet of cars are about a minute’s walk away. Leaving this airport, it is pretty easy to get your bearings when heading out on International Drive and into the Charleston area via interstate 26.
The public parking lot is also a breeze to find as it is located just across from the terminal. The parking deck allows pickups and overnights to park at $15 per day with a surface lot located behind it at $8 per day. Excess parking can be found on busy travel days as these overflow lots are located at the end of the circle (proceeding away from the terminal drop off area). Here is a web link and map of the airport.
If I did not have a large family, I would most likely opt to fly instead of drive to the lowcounrty for every annual visit.

Vacationing in Seabrook and Kiawah in 2012

Merry Christmas! As we approach another year end, it is time to start thinking about making those vacation plans whether they are for Spring break or even during the summer season. It is never too early to start looking at rentals whether through vrbo.com, resort quest, or the Kiawah golf resort. The villas, condos and vacation homes get reserved early; especially when considering popular getaway dates such as Memorial Day weekend and the week of the Fourth of July. Also remember the August 2012 season will the time of the year when Kiawah Island hosts the PGA Championship. Rentals will be practically impossible to find if you have not reserved one already for this big event.

Don’t overlook the early season of February and March to come down to the lowcountry for a nice relaxing visit. The temperatures are cooler to borderline cold, (though not even close to the cold that I experience up here in the Chicago area!) The early season also offers some of the lowest rates of the year for rental accommodations. The Carolina coast is also susceptible to a few warm sunny days during these months where a nice round of golf or two is definitely possible. This is also good season for doing a few walking tours and exploring the sites and sounds of downtown Charleston and Savannah.

Play Kiawah and Charleston Golf Courses at a Discount

One of the big let downs when visiting the Charleston/ Kiawah area is the hefty prices of the resort golf courses. For example, a round of golf at Kiawah’s Turtle Point or any resort course (aside from Ocean) is going to run a fee of approximately $225. A round at the Ocean course will hit you at $300 and that does not include gratuity for caddies which are required on that course. If you book your accommodations through the Kiawah Golf Resort, you may get discounted golf rates with complimentary shuttle service to the courses, but it is difficult to tell if you are catching a deal because other amenities are rolled up into the cost such as accommodations, a meal voucher or two, and perhaps a spa visit. Still, the prices of these beautiful courses remain painfully high and receive minimal play. It is this reason alone that my one week of visiting the low country is spent playing courses off the island.

That is until I found out about the Charleston Tee Times Golf Passbook last year. This site sells a coupon book which provides significant discounts to all resort courses (Kiawah & Seabrook) as well as those courses found off the island including courses such as Stono Ferry, Patriot’s Point, and courses as far away as Summerville. There are about eighteen Charleston area courses in the book that offer significant discounts. The concept of this coupon book is that you pay $169 (shipping not included) for a one time visit to numerous courses. The coupon or voucher does not cover cart fees. There really isn’t a “catch” other than there is only one coupon per course, and the coupon must be mentioned when booking tee time at the resort courses. I was able to use this coupon last year during my one week vacation stay in Kiawah. I had the luxury of playing Cougar and Oak Point. I had to shell out about $85 in greens fees total for those courses ($50 for Cougar/$35 for Oak Point), but I was okay with that as I played both courses way under the normal price. The other course I played was Legend Oaks in Summerville. I saved a lot of money and more importantly, I saved vacation time as I didn’t have to drive far off the island for two of the rounds played during the week. That was extra time given back to me to enjoy beach time with the family. I highly recommend this book to those that are going to get in least three to four rounds during the year to get the return on investment. The coupon book is only valid for one year and the coupons cannot be transferred to another individual. The pro shops will request identification when you provide coupon for payment. For those interested in purchasing the 2012 Charleston Golf directory book please visit the website.

December 2011 Events – Charleston South Carolina

As the temperatures slide down a bit in the low country the spirits remain high with the forthcoming holiday season right around the corner. The area will be lively with numerous holiday festivities, a local marathon, and several fun holiday light displays. The downtown Charleston area will be adorned in beautiful holiday lights at Marion Square which will celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, and Kwanzaa. The lighting of the town square Christmas tree will be held on December 3 at dusk. Whether you are a local or visitor to the Charleston area, take time out to soak up the holiday magic the low country has to offer. If a night out is in your plans for New Years Eve, make your reservations early and one of the many great restaurants in the Charleston area.

December 1 – 31
Holiday Festival of Lights
Where: James Island County Park
What: Three mile tour of over 500,000 twinkling lights around the lake. Tour by car for a $10 fee or get a ticket for a train ride to view this spectacular show. A train ride ticket will cost two dollars for adults and children under the age of two are free.
For more information contact: (843) 795-7275

December 4
Charleston Christmas Parade
Where: Calhoun and Meeting Streets (proceeds down King)
Between the hours of 2 pm to 4 pm the downtown Charleston area will play host to bands, floats and numerous holiday entertainers. Stick around; you may even see an appearance by Santa Claus.

December 8 – 10; 15-16; 17-31
Charleston Christmas Sleigh Ride
Where: Charleston Harbor
Ride aboard the Thriller and check out the beautiful lights of coastal Charleston as you cruise along the waterfront spying the decorations of Charleston, Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant, and James Island listening to Christmas music. Riders over the age of 3 will get to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate during the ride.
Contact: www.thrillercharleston.com or call (843) 276-4203

December 10
Kiawah Island Marathon (34th Annual)
Where: Kiawah Island (East Beach Village Conference Center)
Kiawah Island will once again play host to annual December marathon and half marathon. The race begins at 8 am. For more information on registration or volunteering, please contact Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon at (843) 768- 2780 or e-mail Kiawah_Marathon@kiawahresort.com.

December 20
Hege’s Annual Christmas Cocktail Party – Freshfield’s Village
Where: Kiawah Island (Freshfield’s)
Hege’s will be hosting a holiday party from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm which will include drinks, buffet and door prizes. Reservations will be required and fee is $38.95 per person.

December 31
New Year’s Eve - Kiawah
Where; Kiawah Island – Night Heron Park
Night Heron Park will be host to full New Year’s Eve southern style dinner from 5:30 until 9:00 pm. The event will also include live music, games for the whole family and fireworks.

December 31
New Year’s Eve – Charleston
Where: Marion Square – Charleston
From 4 pm to 10:30 on New Year’s Eve, Marion Square will be hosting family fun celebration which includes live music, dance and games. For more information, call (843) 724-7305.

Good Barbecue Restaurants in Charleston South Carolina Area

When visiting the Charleston area, it is imperative to take in at least one barbecue meal. There are plenty of options to choose regardless of location whether in the city or on the outskirts. I put together a quick list of some very good bbq joints located downtown Charleston as well as the surrounding areas. Of this list, I have tried Sticky Fingers, Bessingers, and JB’s. The other location Hickory Hawg ,comes highly recommended from friends and family. I have not tried Fiery Ron's and Jim ‘N Nicks in Charleston to date. I will have to test out these establishments in my future visits to the low country.

Charleston

Sticky Fingers
Sticky Fingers is located at 235 Meeting Street in the downtown district. (There is also a location in Mt. Pleasant and in Columbia). These guys are a chain located throughout southeastern United States. This rib joint has some really tasty ribs with a myriad of sauce selections that include Carolina sweet, mustard, Memphis, habanero hot, and a few others. I purposely eat a light breakfast and lunch on rib day, so I can easily knock down a slab of Carolina Sweet with a side of sweet potatoes and a few cold Palmettos. I would definitely recommend this place for a great slab of ribs, but for true barbecue (pulled pork, chopped pork, pulled chicken), I would defer to one of the stops mentioned below.

Bessingers

This is another Charleston favorite located in the West Ashley area on Savannah highway (Hwy 17). This restaurant is one of many owned by the Bessinger family; Maurice’s and Melvin’s being the others. The pulled pork sandwich known as the “Big Joe” has a one of kind mustard based flavor that I have yet to find anywhere in my northern origin. The Carolina mustard flavor is always difficult to describe to my fellow yanks when I explain how unique and delicious this sauce is doused over pork. The sandwich comes with a choice of side and has a delicious sweet battered dipped onion ring. The homemade macaroni and cheese is to die for. We have tried to get the recipe from the counter help, but they insist on keeping this secret in the vault. Take time out to have a tasty barbecue lunch at this stop. There are numerous dishes for the younger ones. Just about every trip to the Charleston area requires a stop at Bessingers for a Big Joe, Mac and cheese and a grape Nehi.

James Island

JB’s Smokeshack

A few years ago we were heading back to Kiawah on Maybank from a long day in Charleston; we sort of stumbled upon this restaurant on accident as the restaurant choices got pretty lean the further we drove away from Charleston. This little diner located at 3406 Maybank Highway has a modest smoke house appearance that one could easily drive past if it weren’t for the numerous cars and trucks parked in front of this joint. We stopped in for what appeared to be a buffet night which made the place packed. We opted for a large order of pulled pork sandwiches and slaw and headed back home as the seats were pretty jammed. This place captures the essence of what a good barbecue joint should be with the small dining area tables covered in the red and white checkered table cloths, a large steel kettle of ice cold sweet tea in the corner, and the aroma of smokiness throughout. My conclusion of this place was the smoky barbecue meat was very tasty and slaw made an excellent sandwich topper. I give JB’s big thumbs up!

John’s Island

Hickory Hawg

This is one of the more recently added barbecue restaurants in Charleston area located in a strip mall at 2817 Maybank Highway on John’s Island. This restaurant is actually not too far from JB’s Smokeshack. I have not tried this restaurant but have spoken to relatives and other low country vacationers that absolutely love this place. The ribs are hickory smoked; as their restaurant name implies. This establishment is on my “to do” list with respect to barbecue joints to visit on my next voyage to the low country. The style of barbecue is known as east Carolina or Lexington style with vinegar and tomato base. The main fare includes pulled pork, ribs and burgers.

Appropriate Golf Attire For Cold Weather Golf

I have a deep admiration for those die hard golfers that are determined to prolong the golf season by playing through the colder months of November through March. Living in the Chicago area, I typically hang up the clubs right around Thanksgiving after the thermometer teeters in the high thirties; as forties is pretty much my cutoff. Though winter golf is pretty much non-existent in the north, there are some ways to keep the game alive for those living (or visiting) the Carolinas and other southeastern states that are typically free of snow, but still exhibit cold golf conditions at times. The success of extending the golf season year around depends on staying comfortable on the course during these colder months. If you are determined to keep the season alive into January and February, don’t let the colder temps deter you by following these easy cold weather golf attire tips.

Keep the Head Warm

The old saying that most body heat is lost through the head is no myth. Just about any decent winter hat will serve you well when playing a round in thirties and forties. Be sure the hat of choice is capable of covering the ears as well as the head. Some popular headgear includes the typical ski hat, a balaclava, or hat with ear flaps. Avoid simply using a baseball style hat or “old duffer style” top as this type of headgear leaves ears exposed to wind.

Body

An absolute must for cold weather golf gear is going with the Under Armour body wear for legs and torso. This extra layer of thermal protection is lightweight and works magic underneath the pants and sweatshirt. Try to keep the layers over the Under Armour shell to be free flowing, water resistant and not too restricting so that the golf swing is not compromised. I would recommend some loose fitting sweaters or sweatshirts followed up with wind repelling jacket. For lower body covering, consider golf wind pants for the outer shell.

Feet

Keeping the game fun and comfortable means keeping the feet dry and warm. The options are limited with footwear as you need to still wear the basic golf shoe with spikes when playing the course. Feet can gain extra protection by opting for heavier sock that will insulate the feet from the cold. If cold soggy conditions ensue on the course, keep the feet dry by wrapping them in plastic baggies before sliding on the golf shoe. If the golf shoes are waterproof, all the better.

Hands

One of the easiest ways to keep hands warm during the colder November weather play is to go with golf gloves on both hands. If a golf glove on the opposite hand does not sit well with your game, simply cover your hands with regular winter or ski gloves in between shots. Another useful aide for hand warmth is to bring along a disposable hand warmers during your round.

Extra Cold Weather Golf Tips

Keep the blood flowing and body warm by walking the course. A course ride in the cart with a cold beverage will drop your body temperature and comfort level down in a hurry. The added benefit to walking the course may include paying reduced fees as well as the benefit of getting a little exercise.

November 2011 Events in Charleston Lowcountry

Temperatures tend to dip noticeably lower in South Carolina in November, though the weather is still cooperative enough to take in some golf, fishing, biking and all sort of coastal fun as the extremes vary from mid seventies to mid fifties. The area comes alive with fun fall festivals and preparation for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. The rental rates at several Kiawah and Seabrook accommodations are reduced considerably starting in November which makes this month another ideal time to visit.

In nearby John’s Island County Park, the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center will be host to Harvest Festival 2011 on November 5th. Aside from the horse demonstrations, pony rides and wagon rides, the festival will be offering up some tasty barbecue, kettle corn and a variety of fall sweet treats. Stick around for some clever pumpkin decorating and other fun fall crafts. For more information, call (843) 795 -4FUN.

Starting November 10th through New Years Day, James County Park will be displaying the Holiday Festival of Lights drive through tour. This three mile tour displays over two million twinkling lights and is a great way to end a cool fall evening. The cost of the drive-through tour is $10 per car.

The weekend of November 11th – November 13th will be a good time to take a drive out to North Charleston’s Coliseum for the Charleston Holiday Market to browse and shop for holiday crafts, tasty food, holiday ornaments, toys and jewelry. Santa Claus will also be on site for pictures.

Come out to Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant on November 12th and November 13th to witness a Reenactment of the Battle of Secessionville. This historic Civil War battle will display heroic efforts by Confederate position (courtesy of Edisto Rifles) held at Fort Lamar repelling Federal troop advancement into Charleston. For more information, call (843) 884-4371.

Thanksgiving is a day of tremendous indulgence, so why not start out the morning with a good run? Kiawah Island will be hosting annual Kiawah Turkey Trot on November 24th from 9:30 am to 11:30 am for those staying on the island during Thanksgiving week. Morning registration will be at Strawmarket beach access with no fee.

You know you are in Charleston South Carolina When.....

There is something definitely magical about taking a stroll through the streets of Charleston and taking in all the sights, sounds, and aroma of the city. The way to really see this city is by foot though a carriage ride should not be passed up when given the chance. I put together a quick list of things that immediately come to mind when visiting this great City.

1. The Market – This historic shopping venue has been around for quite some time and is always a fun three block stroll whether perusing beautiful sweet grass baskets, Charleston t-shirts, or some really off the wall hot sauce. The market has all sorts of knick knacks that appeal to just about anyone. The Market now has a new look and feel as it was recently in the summer of 2011.
2. Pralines – Those that walk down Market Street know what I mean. A stroll up and down the street and you will eventually capture a few good praline samples. The aroma of this delicious confection is enough to lure you into the shop. Pralines are a sweetness of the south that I am only too happy to enjoy.
3. Cemeteries and Churches – The history of this city would not be acknowledged without browsing the local churches and cemeteries found throughout the holy city. My walking tours of Charleston recall the round Huguenot church and St. Philips.
4. Ghost Tours – Our family has a strange fascination with the dark side of Charleston. We have succumbed to three or four walking ghost tours that are always a fun way to burn an hour after dining out in Charleston. Most of these tours are even suitable for children to enjoy.
5. Seafood – The restaurants are teeming with sensational seafood whether the destination is Hymans, Hanks, or the Charleston Crab House. My trip into Charleston once or twice during my vacation week always requires a seafood stop.
6. Cadets – Call it the west point of the south since the “War Between the States”. One is always going to see the traditional and sharp looking uniform of the local Citadel cadets walking the streets of Charleston.
7. Pineapple Fountain – This has been a destination for as long as I have been coming to Charleston the past ten years. This fountain situated on the waterfront is an excellent place for family pictures and for scenic walks along the bay.
8. Hominy Grill – This restaurant though not in the heart of the downtown Charleston area, is in my opinion one of the best stops for eats. The food is incredibly tasty and local. Eating outside in the courtyard even makes the meal more special. Don’t pass up an opportunity to catch a meal here. The chocolate pudding is to die for.
9. Southend Brewery – Okay, so I have had much better microbrews at other cities. A long afternoon spent shopping with the rest of our traveling company requires a reward of freshly brewed ale at Southend. The upstairs is apparently haunted and you may learn more about this upon participating in a ghost tour (See #4).
10. Sticky Fingers – Just down the street from Hyman’s. This restaurant is a chain that started in Tennessee and has grown quite a bit since. I love ribs and this place does them right. This is another must stop place for me to dine when I am in town. They even give you real terry cloth towels to capture the saucy mess. Yum!