Ideal Family Photo locations on Kiawah Island

Kiawah has numerous picturesque settings to snap some really great photos of the family. A family gathering in the low country is not complete without capturing the moment with several memorable photos. The ideal island photo spots include the ocean/beach area, the river marsh, golf courses and the hotel/resort grounds. If there are no constraints with money or time, consider hiring an island photographer to capture the moment. Most of the Charleston area photographers are accustomed to meeting you at Kiawah or Seabrook to take some awesome family photos. We have outsourced our picture taking twice in the eleven years I have traveled to Kiawah. All the other times, we snap the pictures ourselves. We typically set up a tripod or enlist the help of in-laws or strangers to take the family photos. I put together a list of my favorite places to shoot family photos.


Beach – A sunset setting on the beach is one of the best places to get a picture of the family. We hail from the Midwest and the warm Atlantic is one of our main draws to coming back to this beautiful prestine beach every year. Beach front is accessible through numerous paths throughout the island. We usually come out along the beachfront in front of the Sanctuary hotel. If you choose to do photos on the beach, try and arrange to get there an hour or two before sunset. This extra time will allow numerous shots.

Marsh – Another great location for taking family photos is along the Kiawah river marsh. This large open setting is one of the crown jewels when approaching the island. One can travel all along the eastern seaboard of the United States and see beautiful coastal views of the ocean, however the sunset views over the inter-coastal marshes are the real treat for some amazing panoramic pictures. A dusk picture session by the Kiawah River bridge or Mingo Point will make for some awesome sunset photos. If your stay on Kiawah includes a family canoe or kayak trip along the river, make sure to bring the camera (as long as it is strapped around your neck so it doesn’t fall in the water). The water voyage may even include a dolphin sighting or two.

Golf Courses – Take the family out for round of golf at any one of the great resort courses and bring along a camera when you go. These courses are some of the finest around and also provide great colorful backgrounds for some good portraits. The Ocean course is one of the best courses for family pictures.

Resorts – Take a walk over the Sanctuary for some great photo shoots. The gardens, lawn and walkways provide some excellent backdrops for family portraits. Beautiful landscaping includes numerous palmettos, ancient oaks, Spanish moss, and lovely flower gardens along the walkway to the hotel.

Kiawah Island site of 2013 Dream Home

As if the 2012 PGA Championship is not enough to put Kiawah in the spotlight, along comes the well known cable channel HGTV to set up camp on the Island. That’s right; Kiawah will be the site of the 2013 HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes. The site of the home’s construction will be at the new development of Indigo Park which is located in a secluded eastern section of Kiawah just off Governors Drive near the River Course. I have biked past this beautiful stretch of marsh and river on numerous occasions and can easily see why Kiawah would develop a quaint neighborhood in such a picturesque setting. The Indigo Park developers are keeping the marsh environment and scenery intact as these homes are built with the marsh still as a focal point of the neighborhood.  This dream home like the others within Indigo Park are built upon LEED concept guidelines, which means every facet of environmental stewardship and sustainability will factor into construction.  I am excited to see how this environmentally friendly project turns out and will definitely enter this contest as many chances as I can get. Keep the pictures coming, HGTV!

Kayaking the Kiawah River

While we were down in Kiawah this past June, I picked a balmy evening to take a post dinner bike ride out to Freshfield’s. The bike is one of my favorite modes of transportation on the Island and allows me to burn some calories as I tend to eat more while I am down here. The ride was peaceful and gave me a great opportunity to soak in Kiawah’s wildlife. The round trip excursion took about an hour but included spotting a bobcat (climbing up a tree at Cougar golf club), a few deer running across the fairways, and finally a dolphin spotting. The bike trail pretty much follows Kiawah Island Parkway (getting on and off the island). One great stopping point along this trail for pictures is the bridge over the Kiawah River. This river is a good place to stop and take in some great sunset views over the picturesque salt marsh. It isn’t uncommon to spot a few photographers setting up for some dusk shots just about every evening. The bridge over the river is also a great place to observe fish and an occasional dolphin coming in to feed. I witnessed a few dolphins that seemed to enjoy the company of neighborly kayakers that just departed Mingo point (just down the road).

While I swear by the bicycle being the best way to navigate the island; I would add the canoe or kayak to that statement. Small boats whether canoe or kayak appears to be the only way to get into those unreachable but picturesque places along the marsh. It also affords the opportunity to pal around with the dolphins. I did notice the fifteen minutes spent on the bridge dolphin watching included the nuisance of the no see ums that can be relentless, and I was unarmed with pest repellent lotion. I will definitely have to add a Kayak excursion to my itinerary next time I am down in the lowcountry.

Review of Patriots Point Naval Museum

One of the highlights to our Kiawah summer vacation back in June was a trip to Patriots Point naval museum featuring the USS Yorktown and USS Laffey. The Yorktown is a retired WWII aircraft carrier located just off the Cooper river bridge in nearby Mount Pleasant. It is the first exit right off highway 17. It is pretty tough to miss the turnoff as there is signage indicating the exit just after crossing the river. The aircraft carrier along with other historical naval craft is located in the Patriot’s Point area right across the river from downtown Charleston. The Patriot’s point area is also located adjacent to the Charleston Harbor Marina.
The cost of admission to the USS Yorktown exhibit is $18 for adults. The admission for children is eleven dollars with those under age six being free. I would recommend seeking out a coupon found throughout various downtown Charleston establishments to save a little extra money. Also consider looking on the website for specials or discounts when making advance purchase. If living in the area or plan on being in Charleston area more than once during the year, there is a seasonal pass that is reasonably priced and may be ideal to really take your time exploring the ship.
This was my first visit on an aircraft carrier. The tour immediately captured my attention when walking upon the top deck for a fantastic view of Charleston harbor and the Cooper River Bridge. The tour turned even more impressive as we navigated through the various galleys, sleeping quarters, and strategic mission rooms that were once inhabited by the brave US sailors that fought in World War II. The information comes at you through numerous plaques, aircraft displays, movies, models, artifacts, and audio clips located throughout this floating city.
To really explore the ship, I would recommend a good pair of walking shoes and be prepared to ascend and descend several stairs. Be warned that though some stairwells are gradual ascent, there are a few that go straight up and down through narrow openings. Keep these physical demands in mind if you plan on taking this tour with young children, the elderly, or have a member in your group that is disabled.
This tour has it all and even includes a “mess hall” that actually serves meals. (We had to pass up the mess hall in favor of some southern barbecue in Charleston later that day). There is so much to see between the USS Arizona and the adjacent destroyer across the pier. This exhibit could technically require more than one day to really absorb all the information and appreciate the history of this amazing carrier. The views off the deck of the Cooper river bridge also make for a great photo. Overall, I highly recommend a visit to Patriots Point.

Summer Vacation at Kiawah Island

This past June marked my eleventh year of visiting the low country. Of all the visits, this one was the first time I have experienced Kiawah and Charleston in the month of June. My fears of extreme southern heat and humidity were put to rest as we had very agreeable temperatures in the mid eighties all week long. There were actually four days of which my native Chicago area was much hotter than Charleston. The highlight of the trip was enjoying very warm Atlantic Ocean temperatures of eighty degrees. Without a doubt, the kids (and parents) enjoyed the beach and surf every day. The kids had a blast as did I catching waves and riding them back into shore on the little boogie boards. Not sure where the boogie comes in, but these little boards (a mere five dollar item purchased at the dime store) proved to be a fun way to enjoy the waves. As fun as the beach and water was, we found the uv rays to be pretty extreme so I cannot emphasize enough, plenty of sun block and swim shirts! The swim shirts are great as they reduce the amount of time spent re-applying block or sunscreen.

Kiawah 2012 was a fun time for all that included golfing, bicycling and walking the streets of Charleston. The trip was not without the obligatory Thursday visit to Sticky Fingers and also to Bessingers Barbecue. If going to Bessingers with kids, I would recommend visit on Thursday nights as the little monsters get to eat for free! This is the place to go for some delicious pulled pork served in a tasty Carolina mustard based sauce. The commonly ordered sandwich known as the Big Joe has a signature sweet donut battered onion ring served along as a side kick…….to die for.
The other perk to visiting the low country in June was the numerous farm stands positioned off Bohicket road when venturing to and from the Kiawah and Seabrook area. The produce was plentiful whether shopping for tomatoes, melon, or greens. I strongly recommend the locally grown heirloom tomatoes; while not pretty to look at, they are very delicious and full of flavor.

Did I mention we played golf? Yes, kudos to the Kiawah Island golf courses that have a twi-light parent and child rate for around fifty bucks. My father in law and I partnered up with my two children and played nine holds at Turtle point for the low price of $100. The youth and parent format is as follows; play is from a specially marked “youth” tee that is approximately 100 to 160 yards from each hole (depending on the hole). Everyone takes their turn teeing off from a designated youth tee box and the rest is played in best ball format thereafter. Everyone had a blast and the kids really enjoy the ride in the cart and a cold drink. I believe the evening golf was a definite highlight for the kids (aside from playing on the boogie board in the surf all week).

The other fun day trip we squeezed in was a trip to the USS Yorktown. This was a fun and educational visit that merits its own post which I will write fairly soon. I highly recommend this tour. Unlike past visits to the lowcountry, we did not squeeze in a plantation tour, dolphin cruise, or even a ghost tour. We have taken those excursions in the past and prioritized lots of beach time for this trip.

June is one of the best times of the year to visit Kiawah. The water is perfect and the summer extreme heat does not appear until the months of July and August. Just remember to bring the boogie board, a beach umbrella, SPF 50 and golf clubs.

Common Wildlife on Kiawah Island

After a day or two spent in Kiawah, one gets quickly acquainted to the island wildlife. These inhabitants include the friendly (and not so friendly) faces of alligators, herons, egrets, bobcats, turtles, and deer. These critters meander daily throughout the coastal marshes. Even the “once a year” tourist (like myself) stands a great chance to view them all with the exception of the bobcat which I have only been fortunate enough to spy once in my previous eleven trips to South Carolina. Hopefully this year I will spot one again.

Alligators are typically found sunbathing on the various golf courses next to the water hazards. They appear pretty docile unless approached closely. If one is startled, he or she may begin to hiss or growl and turn their bodies. If you shank golf ball on one of the Kiawah fairways close to an alligator, best to let it alone and give yourself a free drop somewhere safer. Also keep your eyes open when trekking down the bike paths; I had to take a bike trail detour by Night Heron when one of the gators was camped out on the bike path right in front of a bridge crossing. I have also spotted these large reptiles swimming in the various lagoons on the island. As menacing as these gators appear, I find their prehistoric demeanor fascinating. My kids also enjoy them, from a distance. Small gators can also be found during a visit to the Night Heron Nature Center.

Herons can be spotted throughout the numerous lagoons and salt marshes on Kiawah and Seabrook. They have a pretty white or gray coat and stand about three to four feet high. The snowy white egrets (or small white heron) are also found in these areas. The American crow also is found throughout the island and can be distinctively identified by its “uh-oh” call. These birds are pleasant to watch and hear during a morning cup of coffee on the patio.

Turtles are spotted in the various lagoons. They are usually perched upon rocks and large fallen trees that emerge out of the water. They can also be found sunning themselves on some of the golf courses. For being labeled a slow creature, they can move remarkably fast when started and will jump into the water upon surprise.
There are a handful of bobcats on Kiawah. I w as shocked to learn that the bobcat is not really that large of a cat as its weight out at about 30 pounds and do not stand much taller than the domestic tabby cat. They have a pretty leopard pattern on their coat. Several of these bobcats have been tagged by local conservationists and their population is being constantly monitored. I hope to see more of these critters soon.
Deer are prevalent on Kiawah. Where you spot one, you may usually spot many others not too far behind. Take extra caution when driving down Kiawah Island Parkway early in the morning and late at night. These mammals are busy out and about. They are not as timid as they deer we have back here in Illinois. Some deer on the island will venture very close to homes and villas. My kids always seem to spot them before I do.
The coastline and inlets of Kiawah and Seabrook will occasionally be a good place to spot dolphins. These animals are sometimes mistaken for sharks given the grey appearance and similar body size. I have spotted these playful creatures a handful of times during afternoons on the beach. One also stands a good chance of spotting a dolphin during a kayak or canoe trek down the Kiawah River.

Five Tips for Saving Money When Visiting Charleston, South Carolina

A trip to Charleston, South Carolina and the surrounding low country can be a rewarding and fun experience whether visiting for the first time or thirty-first time. The city is ripe with opportunities for great dining, tours, and local attractions such as plantation visits and local museums. The experience will be much more enjoyed when one is able to save money in the process. There are numerous ways to save a buck here and there before you visit the area. Check out these great money saving tips before your next visit to Charleston.

1. Use Groupon and Living Social for Charleston Deals

I became a member of Groupon and Living Social a few years back to take advantage of dining and golf deals in the Chicago area (as that is where I live). The good news is that these sites cover just about every location across the globe. Groupon and Living Social do not require any money to become a registered user. You simple create a login and password and provide the site with your personal interests, which will include geographic places of interest, whether it is your hometown or vacation destination, or both. These sites will then e-mail you daily specials on extreme coupons for dining, accommodations and many other fun activities. For the Charleston area, I will get occasional groupon deals on two for one dinner specials, discounts on tours and golfing, and accommodations discounts.

2. Save money on vacation by using Retailer websites for printable coupons

If you have a pretty good idea of those places you expect to visit during your trip to Charleston or, Kiawah, or any surrounding cities, consider visiting the retailer websites. If your itinerary includes specific restaurants, golf courses, and tours, go ahead and check out their websites for discounts or coupons. These sites occasionally have printable coupons that can save the tourist some serious money. I usually come down to the low country with printed coupons for the various walking tours (Ghost tours) which saves me anywhere from $12 to $15 for our group five.

3. Save Money on Vacation Events or Tours by knowing the discount Days

There are always those days of the week for which customers are charged a higher price than others. A great example is golfing. Just about every golf course will charge a premium to play on weekends. Consider booking your vacation tee time whether it is at Patriot’s Point or Stono Ferry on a weekday. Also consider the time of day as the golfing tends to be cheaper also during twilight rounds which start anywhere between 2 pm and 4pm n the afternoon. Consider the costs associated with restaurant reservations and times. Some restaurants may offer a happy hour or complimentary appetizer depending on the time of your visit.

4. Purchase Coupon Books or Entertainment books for Charleston visit

Last year I purchased a Charleston Golf Directory Book that saved me some serious money and allowed me to play some great Kiawah Courses at a significantly discounted rate. The coupon book serves numerous Charleston area golf courses. Also consider purchasing the Entertainment Coupon (www.entertainment.com) books that usually retail for about $25 but provide good savings for local entertainment and dining. Entertainment also has online membership that provides printable coupons and deals for $19.99.

5. Purchase Souvenirs at the Market

One of the best places to peruse t shirts, sweat shirts, towels, and other touristy items is the Charleston downtown market. Usually the vendors will undersell the same shirt you would buy at a resort gift shop or downtown store. A trip down in Charleston is not complete without taking an hour to peruse the market for knick knacks. If you do not see any eye catching deals at the market, the visit the Target located at the Citadel Mall.

Review of Cougar Point on Kiawah Island

Last year I finally seized the opportunity to play Kiawah Island’s Cougar Point after several visits to the island in the past eleven years. The resort courses I had played up this point were Osprey Point, Turtle Point and Oak Point. One of these days I will bite the financial bullet and play the famous Pete Dye Ocean course.
This Gary Player designed course was initially known as Marsh Point built back in 1976 during an era of Kiawah’s golf course development infancy. Criticism and drawbacks led Player to comeback in 1996 to change the course by adding yardage to a total of 6,875 yards (distance from gold markers or back tees). This par 72 bermuda grass course has a slope rating of 134 and course rating of 73 (from the golds). Water plays in on every hole with the exception of #4,# 6,# 11 and #16. The crown jewel of playing Cougar are holes #4, #5, and #6 that run alongside the Kiawah River and tidal marshes. Regardless of skill level, it is hard not to enjoy the awesome scenery of the Kiawah wildlife just off the fairways and greens. The holes are as pretty if not prettier than the ocean view holes of #15, #16, and #17 at Turtle Point. The most entertaining hole at Cougar Point is number 17 that is a shorter par 4, but offers up a healthy dose of water along the right side (tee box to pin) along with fairway bunkers that can be avoided with a healthy straight drive off the box. I don’t really see any downside to this course other than the few holes that run along Kiawah Island Parkway. The accompanying road noise is easily forgotten once you get away from this hole. The clubhouse staff, ranger, and beverage cart service were all friendly and accommodating. The clubhouse seemed modest in comparison to Turtle Point, Osprey and the other resort courses.

Like all other resort courses on Kiawah, you will pay through the nose on greens fees, so consider purchasing the Charleston Golf directory book for a discount, or just bite the bullet and play this one just once. I played Cougar last spring and fell in love with this course ever since.

Easy Tips for Skimboarding on Sand

Skimboarding is a relatively new beach and surf craze that appears to be gathering steam with each passing summer. I have seen children and teens at the Kiawah beach try their luck with these boards. Skimboards are larger than bodyboards but smaller than the traditional surf board. The beauty of skimming sand and water is that there are numerous locations throughout the U.S. where you can find t low (almost flat) pitches of sand meeting water which is ideal for skimboarding. I have seen numerous beaches in Florida and the Carolinas (e.g. Kiawah Island) that are ideal places to try this sport. The equipment needed is the flat sand skimboard. Most of these boards are made of either wood or fiberglass. The wood options tend to be heavier but also go at a much more reasonable price. For sand skimming, choose a board that is relative small and flat. The longer curved boards are better served for skimboarding in deeper water and turning into a wave which requires more experience and master of the sand skimming. If you are interested in trying out this sport ask a fellow beachcomber if you can try his or her board for one turn before heading to the store. I would consider checking out used options at local surf or sporting goods shop. The first step to sand skimming is the board drop. As I mentioned before, the best beaches to skim are those which have relatively low pitch where the sand and waves meet. Find the area of sand that has a very low level of water on it and drop or slide the board out in front. Now, give yourself a running start and run on and with the board. Avoid a sudden jump on the board as you will wipeout. It is crucial to remember you are trying to skim the sand and water and try and propel the board forward instead of straight down. I have attached a video of a Kiawah beachcomber trying his luck out at skimboarding on sand. Give it some practice and you will be ready to start skimming the waves!

Where Does One Grocery Shop When Staying on Kiawah or Seabrook?

When staying on Kiawah or Seabrook for the week, one needs to consider stocking the fridge with the necessities. Yes there will be dining out options, but there are those days when eating a quick self prepared meal is the better option when coming back from the beach or golf course. When I am down here in the low country on vacation, I usually pick two spots to buy my weekly provisions. The first is Newton Farms. This market is located in the Freshfield’s Village between Kiawah and Seabrook. It is the largest retailer of the village so it is pretty easy to find. A visit to Newton Farms will take you to some really good quality produce, meats, and tasty bakery items. The large salad bar is the excellent way to go if you want to stop in for a healthy meal on the run; or even eat out on the Newton Farms patio. I love this store because it is a convenient five minute drive from our villa or about a fifteen minute bike ride along the Kiawah Parkway bike path. I would recommend against the bike ride to the store if you are staying on the island during the hot summer or plan on purchasing perishables or ice cream.

The other location I prefer to shop for food is Publix in the West Ashley. This Publix is a fairly new store (under five years old) that is about twenty minutes off the island. The store is located by taking Bohicket or (Main road) straight back towards Charleston. The store is located one block past the stop light of where Bohicket and Savannah Highway intersect and on the left side. The prices at Publix are significantly lower than Newton Farms which really justifies the extra time spent driving. The store is large and has a pretty friendly staff. The store even offers up its own Publix brand of items whether shopping for bread, cookies, cheese……whatever. The Publix brand cheesecake is to die for. I typically purchase the majority of my week long needed items at this store, and the remaining 10% from Newton Farms. When driving out to Publix during the summer, I would highly recommend bringing along a large cooler for the trunk to keep items cold for the trip back.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The House on Tradd Street by Karen White: A Review

At the urging of my wife and my appreciation for Charleston, I borrowed her book, The House on Tradd Street by Karen White. This mystery was a fairly quick read on my daily train ride into work as it was just over 300 pages. The book had its pro’s and con’s which I will elaborate on in a bit, but overall I would recommend it to those that love a good southern ghost tale with a little humor and southern charm mixed in. There is no plot spoiler here, so feel free to read on as I do not give too much away in my review.

One of the main benefits of this read was White’s ability to successfully transplant the reader to walking down the streets of Charleston whether on King, Meeting, or even Tradd streets. I always felt that the best time in Charleston can be spent with a “to go” cup of coffee and spending an evening walking through this great city. White spares no opportunity to mention the highlights of the city such as St. Michaels, the circular church, Copper River Bridge, and several local eateries such as Ansons and Jestines. She mentions the main character’s affinity to a local bakery known as Ruth’s, though I am unsure if this location is fictional or not.

White excels with the development of the main characters Melanie Middleton, and Jack Trenholm. Some could criticize Melanie’s rather brash or abrasive personality, but that is excusable considering her childhood past. Yes, Melanie is protective and guarded with emotions, though White skillfully plays out Melanie’s vulnerability a few times throughout the book during interactions with the Colonel (Melanie’s father) and even Jack Trenholm.

Jack Trenholm, author and Charlestonian takes an interest in the mystery of the house on Tradd and becomes a likable sort right from the beginning of the book. He comes off arrogant, though likable and becomes a good friend, borderline love interest of Melanie.

The other great attribute to this book was the ghost factor. The haunting of this home sounded quite typical of the ghost stories one will hear as they experience the bulldog ghost tours of Charleston. Most of the ghost stories in Charleston usually stem from tragedy involving parent to child losses or even love triangles that ended up in murder which pre-empted hauntings to occur. Karen White seems to hold true to that storyline and does a decent job of it.
Some of the things that could have been left out of the book were the historic name dropping in the book. I realize to this day, one can go through downtown Charleston and surrounding areas and still find descendants of the great Charleston names. White seemed to run up the tab with dropping the names of Middleton, Drayton, Vanderhorst, and a few others. I think the same effect could have been achieved with Smith, Walker, and Jones.

The side character development also appeared rather weak as Melanie’s best friend, a teacher at the college of Charleston came across as overly stereotyped as was the teacher/yoga instructor Chad that is Sophie’s friend. Their involvement to the book did not add too much significance and their quirkiness bordered on being a tad cheesy. Just my two cents.

Overall, I enjoyed Karen White’s The House on Tradd Street and found this read to be a good escape to almost being in Charleston; though without the desire of being in the presence of the supernatural.