Traveling to Kiawah in the month of October

A fall visit to Kiawah and Seabrook Islands during October is probably one of the best times of the year to go. The temperatures begin to finally get into the comfortable eighty degree range with much less humidity of which golfing, tennis, and horseback riding become much more enjoyable. In addition to cooler air temperature, the water temperature of the Atlantic Ocean remains quite warm given the long summer months of gradual heating up. I usually prefer the months of May and October to be optimal times to visit the low country. The other benefit to travelling during October is the reduced rental rates offered from some resorts and private owners. Before settling down to one particular villa or rental home, shop around to see which property management company or resort offers the lower rates as some will begin to lower prices effective October 1st, while others maintain the “summer rate” until November.

The other benefit to October travel is the reduced population on the island, though I have never really seen this island congested with tourists. I suppose the quiet peaceful tranquility will hit a snag next summer with the 2012 PGA tournament coming to the island. The availability of golf tee times also appear more plentiful during this fall season which allows one to get in that round of eighteen much quicker and with greater flexibility in scheduling.

If perusing Southeastern U.S. travel destinations to visit in the month of October, consider the Charleston area as one of prime areas to visit.

How to Make Carolina Sweet Tea using an Iced Tea Maker

One of the most commonly offered beverages in most dining establishments throughout the low country is the Carolina sweet tea. When the server asks you if you would like iced tea, rest assured he or she thinks you are interested in the sweet variety. For those that do not like sweet tea, it would be wise to tell your waiter or waitress you want a glass of iced tea unsweetened. Don’t assume anything or you are in for a sweet shock. I tend to like both options, but really enjoy a glass of Carolina sweet tea when sitting down to some local fare such as barbecue or locally caught fish or shrimp.

Because I am such a lover of iced tea, I typically brew this beverage in a two quart iced tea brewer. These appliances are a great investment for those that like this beverage and want to save money from buying the prepared bottled teas such as Lipton, Honest Tea, or Tradewinds. Those brands are all good tasting black teas, but nothing beats the flavor of home brewed using the Luzianne or Lipton bags. If you can get the tea from the Carolina tea plantation near Charleston, even better! I have a really good tea recipe for y’all for making Carolina Sweet Tea using an iced tea brewer.

Carolina Iced Tea
7 regular size bags of black tea
Water
Ice
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 mint sprig

Method
1. Make simple syrup by bringing one cup of water and one cup of sugar to a boil.
2. Make sure sugar completed dissolved and set aside to cool to room temperature.
3. Fill iced tea brewer with water (per brewer instructions) and fill ice to appropriate fill line.
4. Place tea bags into container and set brew cycle.
5. When completed pour brewed tea and simple syrup into larger serving pitcher and mix with whisk incorporating simple syrup throughout tea.
6. Serve over glasses with ice and dash with spring of mint.