Review of Publix Super Market in West Ashley – Johns Island South Carolina

In my thirteen plus years of vacationing in Kiawah, I have spent most of those visits doing my grocery shopping either at the Newton farms store (now a Harris Teeter) or at the local Piggly Wiggly (Johns Island). Those plans changed when the Publix store was built about five years ago within West Ashley Place shopping center (3642 Savannah Highway). My trip to this Publix from the Kiawah villa takes about twenty to twenty five minutes depending on traffic. 

Not sure if it is due to this store still being somewhat new, but cleanliness appears to be a priority of this Publix store; inside and out. The aisles always appear to be easy to navigate. The check out belts and deli counters are always spotless. Even the parking lot appears to be tidy.

Most store associates are extremely friendly. The deli help is super friendly as they occasionally offer up a shaving of sliced meat to sample. I also find it courteous that the check out attendants will sometimes point out store savings when I could be potentially getting ripped off because I overlooked a sale. Thanks guys.

It is a challenge for me to do any comparison pricing when measuring up Publix against  Johns Island Newton Farms (now a Harris Teeter). The island store price markup makes most items at Publix appear very inexpensive.  The real measurement would be comparing Publix to the local Piggly Wiggly (“The Pig”) or Food Lion. I can’t make that comparison because I do not shop at those other locations. Still, I like Publix prices and find pricing comparable to some of the items I can purchase at my home store in the Chicago suburbs.

Aside from being super clean, I really adore the Publix store brand items. Since first walking into a Publix, I have found most of their labeled goods such as their cheesecake, wheat bread, and cinnamon French toast sticks to be the best. If we could find away to bring home numerous cheesecakes back to Illinois in the dog days of summer, we would do it.

All in all, I would highly recommend those staying anywhere relatively close to West Ashley area (within thirty minute drive) to do their weekly shopping there.  You will save a bundle. Just remember to bring a really well insulated cooler if purchasing perishables.

How to Prevent Swim Trunk Rash at the Beach

There is nothing better than spending quality summer time with the family on the South Carolina beaches. Sand and surf can be pleasing to the senses until someone gets a bad rash from playing in the ocean and beach. There are plenty of reasons why people get sand rash in the trunks. Some fall victim to exposure to sand lice or sand fleas, though most rash issues are attributed to the salt water and sand and their abrasiveness to legs and groin area. The unpleasantness of such a bad rash can be a vacation game changer. At that point, even the simple activity of walking becomes a miserable experience.  This actually happened to me a few years ago down in Kiawah as my inner thigh became raw from a day at the beach.  A little detective work revealed there are ways to prevent this from happening. Here are a few tips to try and avoid getting rash when spending a day (or week) at the beach.

1.       Remove mesh lining from swim suit to prevent rash. Most people swear that removing the netting or mesh liner inside the suit will go a long way to keeping away unwanted sand. Of course, the removal of the netting will leave potential for possible “exposure” so consider first putting on a layer of cotton briefs before wearing the altered swim trunks. Those that wear the lengthier board shorts can wear tight fitting spandex bike shorts underneath.

2.       Use outdoor beach showers to prevent skin rash. Many beaches have a nearby beach house with showers or even outdoor hoses to rinse off. Take advantage of such amenities whenever possible and rinse all sand and salt water away from the body and suit. This will go along way into preventing sand rash.

3.       Avoid starting the day wearing a damp suit to the beach.  If planning on swimming every day at the beach, then consider packing a second suit. Many rashes are created by wearing yesterday’s swim trunks that have not had adequate time to dry. Kids will run to the beach and the wet suit will soon get a head start on aggravating the skin before they have even set foot into the water. Make sure the suit is entirely dry to start the day or choose the backup trunks.

4.       Apply Protective Skin Barrier to Prevent Rash – Take precautionary measures before putting on swimsuit by applying a protective barrier to your inner thigh and groin area with skin barriers such as Body Glide, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, or A&D. You might scoff at the idea of walking around smelling “baby fresh”, but you will be re-assured to keep away the rash later on.

If you do fall victim to sand rash, then apply a coating of A&D or Gold Bond medicated powder to the affected area and it should be pretty cleared up the next day. Just remember then to follow the four tips above.

How to Protect Beach Cruiser Bicycles From Salt Water Damage

Spending time down in the Carolinas on vacation, I have seen a lot of bicycles suffer tremendous wear and tear due to sand, salt, water, and other elements. The salt air alone can quickly degrade a bicycle to an unusable state if not properly cared for. Most bicycles no matter how much TLC you offer them will eventually show some rust. Given the humidity and the salt air conditions, surface rust can appear in as little as a few weeks after bringing a new bike to the coast.  Rust on the surface will eventually slow down and serve more as an appearance nuisance than hinder your ability to ride the bike. If one is really afraid of getting rust on the bike, then consider rust proofing the bike starting with the inside tubing of the frame. That process involves taking the bike apart. That also is a prime reason why people on the coast ride beach cruisers obtained for a few hundred bucks knowing they will have a shorter life span. Those that have bikes on the coast can follow some of these easy tips to keep the bike in decent shape.

1.       Storage - Even if you don’t ride the beach cruiser on the sand or in the sea, there is a tremendous amount of humidity that can wreak havoc on the bike. Store the bike in a garage when not in use.  Keeping that bike out on the porch all season will expose it to salt spray in the air created by the nearby surf.

2.       Rinsing & Drying - Rinse salt and sand off bike with fresh water hose after going for a seaside ride. The worst thing you can do is leave the salt or sand on the bike for long periods of time which can wear away at the bike. Dry the bike off with towel or compressed air after rinsing.

3.       Tires  - Keep tires properly inflated. Bike tires underinflated can cause damage to rims if the bike manages to hit a deep hole or crack. Pedaling is also much less of a chore when tires are properly inflated.

4.       Chain - After finishing a beach or trail ride, remove any grit or debris attached to chain and relubricate if necessary. Bike chains are usually the first integral bike part to be destroyed by salt. Plan on going through a few chains if you are planning on having the bike for a long time.

Variety of Condominiums on Kiawah Island

 Those that vacation in Kiawah often ask the question, how much does it cost to live there? Well, that all depends on what one is looking for. The accommodation size can range from a one bedroom condominium all the way to twelve bedroom mansion with breathtaking views of the ocean and river marshes. In between these sizes are numerous smaller single family homes and tree house style cottages located all over the island. Condominiums or “Villas” will range in price anywhere from two hundred thousand upwards to over two million dollars depending upon the buyers preferences. Keep in mind these numbers are approximate of market conditions in 2014. Someone that reads this post fifteen years from now may see different numbers. Prospective condo buyers must also consider the HOA monthly assessments, taxes and insurance. This condominium guide for Kiawah is broken out between two groups or locations: East Beach and West Beach. The East Beach area includes immediate area surrounding the Sanctuary, Night Heron Park, and Turtle Point area. The West Beach is the area near the Straw Market and Cougar Point golf course. Regardless of choosing East or West beach locations, all condos are a close walk to the beach with some units having living room/bedroom views of the ocean.

Styles and Comparisons of Kiawah Villas

Tennis Club – East Beach

Every year we visit Kiawah, we rent a two bedroom villa; specifically one of the tennis club villas near the Sanctuary and Roy Barth Tennis Center. These residential buildings contain four condos: two units on first floor and two units above. Those condo units vary in size from one to three bedrooms. The floor plan is sectioned off with separate living room, dining area, kitchen, etc. A listing for a one bedroom villa could go anywhere between low 200’s to low 400’s all depending on condition and extras. The larger two or three bedroom villas go up in price but even that price will vary depending on how updated the unit is. These villas seem to be a good purchase for those looking for a second home without the maintenance headaches. The other factor to consider when shopping for a villa is the views. Most of these villas have relaxing screened in back porches that overlook lagoon, woods, or tennis courts. Expect to pay slightly higher price for lagoon views.

Mariners Watch – East Beach

These units seem lovely, though I have never stayed in one, their listing prices start in the in the low $200’s. These units have an open floor plan where the kitchen, dining, and living room are all open to one another, and only the bedroom and deck/patio are separated. The Mariner’s Watch condos are located in East Beach village.

Parkside Villas – East Beach

These condos are situated along lagoon adjacent to Night Heron Park. The location is perfect for park/pool access with the beach only a short walk away. The Parkside Villas are all two and three bedroom units with several of these units having a decks overhanging lagoon with pier access. The two bedroom units are priced around the mid $300’s.

Turtle Point Villas – East Beach

These condos also located in East beach are a style similar to Tennis club Villa in appearance and price. Most of the Turtle Point villas are situated along Green Dolphin way. Prices for Turtle Point range from $200s to 400’s.

Windswept Villas - East Beach

These condos are located off Sea Forest Drive situated dune side facing the Atlantic (water approximately 75 yards away). Five story condo/townhome style building consisting of 1 through 3 bedroom units with shingle style siding. Close proximity to Night Heron Park. These tree house style units range in prices from $300K upwards to $2 Million. Like the Sanctuary, the height of these condo buildings makes them highly visible when walking along the beach.

Courtside Villas - West Beach

Open efficiency floor plan style layout with screened in porch. Mostly one bedrooms approximately 615 sf. Units are located close proximity to West Beach pool and Straw Market. Prices for one bedroom condos average in $200’s.

Duneside Villas – West Beach

These townhome style units are closest proximity to Ocean in West Beach. Villas located off Duneside drive between boardwalk markers #1 and #2. These villas range in size from three to five bedrooms.

Fairway Oaks Villas – West Beach

Condo units located along Dunelin Court in West Beach situated along Cougar Point golf course. Villas range from two to four bedroom units; with prices ranging from $300K upwards to $700’s.

Inlet Cove - West Beach

These are 3 bedroom “raised cottages” with wide open floor plan that is approximately 1,300 sf. They are raised, meaning you park your vehicle below the unit. These units are within close proximity to beach, pools, and fishing/crabbing pier. Price range from $400 through $900K. I probably should not have included these in a post about condos, but these fun tree house style homes have a unique feature and appearance worthy of mention.

Seascape Villas – West Beach

1 to 4 bedroom condos located in West Beach are a stone’s throw to Ocean with several units having ocean views. Close proximity to West Beach pool. Price ranges are from the low 200’s upwards to over $1.5M for three bedroom units.

Shipwatch Villas – West Beach

Shipwatch includes one and two bedroom units that overlook the Ocean. Each bedroom has its own private balcony. Amenities are very close with pool and children’s playground located across from the condos. Units are currently priced in $300K to $400K range.

Review of Rita's at Folly Beach

While we were down in the Charleston low country back in the later part of June, we had decided to spend a day at Folly Beach. As we have traveled to the Carolina coast for the past twelve years, this was our first time making it out to Folly. As you pull into town, there is a sense of fishing meets surfer meets college spring break atmosphere. We parked in a pay lot close to the pier of which I recall being approximately eight bucks for the afternoon. The downtown shopping district is pretty small and the retailers consist primarily of t-shirt & surf shops, bars and restaurants. It only takes about an hour or so to stroll downtown and cover most stores. I am not a big shopper so after one or two shops of seeing the same thing (t-shirts, shells, sharks teeth, beach toys and towels), I waited outside the stores with my kids while the wife looked at the merchandise.

The highlight to the day was a stroll down the grand pier, checking out Morris Island lighthouse and finally stopping for lunch. As newcomers to Folly, we did not know one restaurant from another thus we chose Rita's (2 Center Street) as it was closest to our car in the nearby lot. Rita's is a very open airy restaurant that has a wall of open doors/windows that can easily open in times of cooperative weather. The day we visited it was pretty hot thus the large doors were down so we appreciated the a/c environment to escape the Carolina heat. We were easily able to find a table as we were only the second group of customers for a later lunch. The menu was to our liking as the main features included burgers, sandwiches and salads. Appetizers had a couple seafood options which include peel and eat shrimp, crab and artichoke dip and several other decent finger food selections. The deep fried pickles caught my eye but I didn’t find any other takers in the group willing to go along and order with me. Overall the menu was pretty small and basic, but I was okay with that as I was looking for a sandwich and a cold drink.

   

The orders from our table included the likes of burgers, sandwiches, salads and kids meals. My choice was the flounder BLT which was a mile high assembly of tasty flounder, bacon, juicy tomatoes, and lettuce on thick “French toast” style bread covered with a pimento mayo. The addition of bacon to this fish themed sandwich was a huge bonus. I didn’t expect it but I never shy away if someone wants to add throw some bacon on my plate. This alternative to a “BLT” was amazing and cured my desire for a quick seafood fix. The other bonus to the meal was the homemade seasoned fries. Delicious. I can’t form an opinion on the others meals, though they looked pretty decent.

RITAS – THE SERVICE -

The young woman that waited our table seemed efficient and prompt with the iced tea refills, though I would have been shocked had she been slow; given there were only two tables occupied at the time. Not sure why there weren’t more patrons, unless they were all at the beach. I would expect the big rush to be during evening hours up through close. This joint appears to have live music and I was even amused to see a cigarette machine next to the restrooms. I can’t remember the last time I had seen one of those!

All in all, in my next stop in Folly, I will most likely pay another visit to Rita's again for a flounder BLT or a pimento burger, delicious fries, and perhaps a frozen cocktail to beat the heat.

Importance of Knowing Tide Schedules

When spending time on the coast one cannot ignore the daily effects of the tides that roll in and out a few times throughout the day. In fact, the low country tides hit their “highs” and “lows” twice a day.  Science tells us the ebb and flow of the tidal water levels is nothing more than gravitational influences of the sun and moon. It can be really important to know the approximate times during a twenty four span as to when tides are peaking or at the lowest point. Let’s put the science of gravitational pull aside for a minute and understand how the tide can impact our day at beach and having fun on the water.

Going to the Beach at low tide

Be alert to daily tide schedules and plan your trip accordingly. If you are looking for lots of beach space to play bocce ball, volleyball or build a sand castle, then you may want to consider going out to the beach when tide is low. The downside to going to the beach at low tide is that you will have to walk a lot further to the water’s edge to get your feet wet! You may also have to swim out quite a ways to get to get into the deeper water to body surf or use a wave board.  On the flipside, another beach benefit to low tide can be those leftover tide pools that often leave behind sea treasures and occasional critters such as a horseshoe crabs, fish, and plenty of shells. These small pools also can be ideal places for young little swimmers to cool off without fear of getting knocked over by waves in the ocean.

Going to the Beach at high tide

Going to the beach at high tide can also be eventful, but exercise caution. High tide may bring the water’s edge all the way up the entrance to the beach or sand dunes. That doesn’t leave much room for spreading out a spot on the beach and planting your chair and umbrella. The high tide can also bring about more turbulent waves with potential for dangerous rip currents.

Dolphins Behavior and Tides

Tides can also influence dolphin and fish movement between the ocean and inter coastal tributaries. In Kiawah, the tidal schedule does not necessary mean more or less dolphin sightings in the Kiawah River.  However, a low tide may increase potential to see dolphins pursuing smaller bait fish by beaching themselves on river banks and strand feeding.  While I have witnessed dolphins escorting kayaks and canoes on the river, I have not had the luxury of witnessing a dolphin feeding on the banks.

Boating and Tides

Fisherman and pleasure boaters departing inter coastal docks in the direction of the ocean should also be familiar with the tide schedule.  Not being familiar with tide levels during the day and evening can be challenging when navigating under bridges, over sand bars, and through narrow channels. 

For future reference, I added a link on this site to monitor daily tides whether in Kiawah or anywhere  in U.S.

Is a Cockroach also a Palmetto Bug?

Working in restaurants a good portion of my younger days, I recall a few kitchen visits by cock roaches here and there that came in with produce deliveries and by other wayward means. These critters can disarm you when you see them scaling a wall showing off their giant antennas. Their ability to breed quickly and spread germs is the worry of most restaurateurs and property managers. The image created by these critters is an environment created by uncleanliness coupled with bad sanitation practices. While dirty conditions can encourage roaches to thrive; there is often a misconception that these pests are the automatic creation of uncleanliness. Take a warm climate such as the southeastern U.S, and you will likely see a large amount of these roaches in the wild whether in fields, lawns, parking lots, just about anywhere. Though in Dixie, they are referred to as Palmetto bugs. I have seen plenty of them in Florida up through the Carolinas. These critters definitely keep the exterminators busy and profitable. My trips to the south have really changed my opinion on the stereotyping of their presence as being “unclean”. While on vacation on Kiawah, I will take my dog for a night time walk and see plenty of them scurrying across the sidewalks. Stay at a hotel, rent a villa or home in the south, and you may one or you may not see one scurrying across the floor. If you do see one, please do not indict the property owner or manager as running a dirty “house”. Tourists leaving doors and windows slightly ajar will likely provide an opportunity for these critters to take up residency at which point the presence of the bug is not the landlords fault, though it becomes his or her problem. So are they Palmetto bugs or Cock roaches? Well, up here in the north, I still refer to them as Cock Roaches since we do not have palms. Down in the low country or Florida, I call them Palmetto bugs. Regardless of the label, just remember to keep an open mind that these critters are prevalent down south. Their ambition is to get inside your lodging looking for a wayward crumb or two. Keep your place clean and keep doors and windows shut.

Sun Protection Tips: From a Carolina Beach Traveler

Every visit to Kiawah Island usually involves a painful lesson in sunburn. These “ouch” moments always return to rear their ugly head despite bringing adequate supplies and varieties of sun block and sunscreens. While lotions are most common, I will pause and give kudos to the sunscreen manufacturers for coming out with canned “sprays” that make application a slam dunk time saver.  These easy spray-on applications go on evenly and oily messes are avoided. The process is great for families as kids can be lined up and sprayed in a matter of a minute. The spray on style of sunscreen also makes it easier to spray one’s own back when there is no assistance available. That being said, we still packed our thick 50 spf lotion as “back up”. The lotion is much cheaper, but I will still gladly spend the extra money to get the spray on stuff. Stores will usually carry these items on sale early spring (right before spring break). I was able to get two cans of spray on SPF50 for about eleven bucks back in March.

The painful lesson learned on our beach trip last year was getting a sun burned back. On my first trip to the beach that year I was under the false pretense I was adequately coated  with block all afternoon. The return to the umbrella was met with gasps from others stating how red my back was. It was evident the salty and sandy surf had washed away the lotion off my back leaving it exposed for a few hours. Sleep was a challenge for two nights during that trip. This year, I went into our vacation prepared with a u/v protected swim shirt.  The shirt set me back a measly nine dollars and did the job. Trying to find a swim shirt for kids is a snap at large retailers such as Target, Kohl’s, or Wal-Mart. Trying to find swim shirts for adults is not as easy.  Search engine pursuits under adult swim shirts had me directed to upscale beach attire e-stores that were pretty pricey, though a little over the top. I resorted to purchasing a black u/v protected workout shirt at Meijer for a paltry nine bucks. It did the job all week!

This June 2013 trip to South Carolina did not disappoint. I got burned again but in a different spot, my head and feet. The feet and head seem to be the last places I would have considered “covering up”, but they were exposed. My head was exposed as I had worn a visor to the beach. My feet were never sprayed so they were lobsters at the end of the day. Taking away a few burns from the past few years I have managed to highlight key reminders to myself to stay burn free at the beach:

Keys to staying burn free on the beach:

1.       Umbrella – Spend adequate time under the umbrella.  Bring one or rent one if you have to. It is money well spent and you will return home burn free. It is also a great way to catch up on your reading and keep your snacks and beverages cool.

2.       Sun block Sprays – This is a great way to quickly and frequently stay protected from solar rays. Perspiration and frequent trips in and out of the water will remove the initial application of block. Spray on screens or blocks will make this step a breeze. Many people get burned because they avoid re-applying protection when it involves creams or lotions because it is such a hassle.

3.       Sun block on Hands and Feet – The two most forgotten areas must be protected. Remember to apply block on tops of feet. Sandals and water socks are not enough protection as they still allow small holes to expose feet. Keep the head protected by wearing a light breathable hat. Leave the visor at home. Also spending adequate time under the umbrella will protect the head.

4.       Use Water Resistant Sun Screens and Blocks – Opt for the lotions and sprays that hold up to water. Some of these products will resist water for up to eighty or ninety minutes. In the Carolina sun and surf, I would reapply every hour. Reapplication is also mandatory when salt and sand remove the protective screens.

5.       Swim Shirt – This extra protection from the sun will be a lifesaver for the shoulders, back and chest. Go with a swim shirt or workout shirt that has u/v protection label. Light t-shirts or undershirts will not work as they allow harmful rays to penetrate the skin, especially if the top gets wet.

2013 Summer Trip to Kiawah

The 2013 family trip to Kiawah was fun as always and included a few new activities.  The temperature for the last week in June averaged a high eighty degrees Fahrenheit and was extremely humid. The water temperature of the Atlantic appeared in the low 80’s and the tidal pools were even warmer. It is interesting as the tide recedes and leaves behind several of these little pools for the kids to play in. One of these tidal pools left behind several horseshoe crabs resting on the pool bottoms. These crabs sort of camouflage themselves by burying themselves on the sand bottom floor and are very difficult to spot. These prehistoric looking crabs are very sinister looking, but totally harmless as they do not bite or sting.

As fun as the beach was, I had my limits with a very hot low country summer sun. Day one of vacation was spent almost entirely on the beach. Despite the constant re-applying of sun block, I managed to get the tops of my feet and my head (was wearing a visor) burnt. Next time I will dedicate more time under the umbrella.

We managed to get in some biking on day two. We biked the trails in the East Beach area through Tennis Club, Turtle Point, and up along Dolphin Way. We found a few golf balls by the Turtle point golf course as we biked. We also managed to circle back by Night Heron Park. We took a stroll through the Night Heron Nature center to show our youngest the cool island critters on display. He was enamored with the Alligator pen featuring four young gators. This trip also allowed me to check out the recently added Night Heron water park which was very impressive. The downside to this water attraction is that the resort does not allow non resort guests to pay daily admission for use of the pool. You have to rent though the resort to get access to the pool. Biking back to the villa, we saw several species of birds along the trail including Osprey and a few herons.

The golfing for the week included a trip to Kiawah’s Oak Point just off the island. The course was in pretty decent shape and played very quickly as there were not too many golfers pushing us during mid day. It was a very hot round of golf, though we had a cooler of several bottles of ice water to keep hydrated. Our other round of golf for the week was at Legend Oaks in Summerville (over an hour from Kiawah).  That course is also in decent shape due to numerous rains the low country has experienced in June.

One of the highlights of week was the Wednesday trip to Bohicket Marina for the Children’s fishing derby. The marina hosts this event every Wednesday in the summer. The derby lasts one hour and costs only five dollars. The admission includes use of fishing poles that are already baited with squid. The top anglers in their respective age category receive a t-shirt. I am proud to say two of my three kids won. My youngest caught a 13 inch Whiting and my daughter caught an eleven inch toad fish. Toad fish are very ugly and seem to have numerous teeth. I was happy that the staff unhooked  that little monster and spared  me that unfortunate task. Our middle child came up empty at the fishing derby and was a little upset. He was a good sport congratulating his siblings, but I felt I had to make it up to him. His grandfather and I took him to Rhett’s bluff pier/boat launch later that day to try and catch him a fish.  His good sportsmanship paid off as he caught a baby shark off the pier. He was elated to finally land a fish.   

This was our 12^th or 13^th trip to Kiawah (I have lost count) and it was as fun as our previous trips. We added a few twists and turns this time around such as Kiawah River fishing, Marina fishing, and a half day trip to Folly Beach.  I am already missing the low country and look forward to the next trip and creating more family memories.

Seven Fun Things to do on the Beach when the Water is Too Cold

February and especially March start to get much warmer in the low country with temperatures teasing from sixties to occasional eighty degrees Fahrenheit. The weather is optimal for biking, golfing, tennis and whatever else a coastal Carolina visitor fancies. The beach can also be a fun retreat, but the colder Atlantic can put a damper on things if you plan on going swimming. The water temperature usually hovers in the fifties in February and March. That is a bit cold for a Spring break plunge. I have been down to Kiawah Island for Spring break numerous times and have seen the brave and willing go for a dip (head to toe) into the water.

No thanks, I make it as far as walking maybe knee deep into t he water then turn back. The cold ocean temps should not deter anyone from visiting the beach. The miles and miles of sand allow the perfect environment for warming up from a cold winter. I put together a list of five fun things to do on the beach when the water is too cold:

1.       Sun Bathe – Yes. This is obvious! Bring a towel or your favorite chair and a good book. The water may be cold but the sand is usually warm and feels good on the feet. Even consider a nap to the sleepy sound of the waves. Just don’t forget to bring the sun block. You do not want to wake up red like a lobster. Quiet time on the beach allows for an opportunity to clear the mind and worries.

2.       Search for Treasures in the Sand – Bring an old bucket and walk along the surf and set out to find that one in a million sand dollar or conch shell. I am not sure why but the shell selection seems better during the spring months as opposed to my visits in the warmer months. Another popular way to search for treasurers is to roam the beach with a metal detector.

3.       Sand Art – Test your abilities to make your very best sand castle or sculpture. The beach is your canvas ready for the perfect masterpiece. Just bring some assistants along to help tote the water and tools.

4.       Volleyball – Bring a net, a ball, and some friends for a fun afternoon of seaside volleyball. Volleyball is always much more enjoyable in the sand. Just don’t forget the cold drinks and a snack.

5.       Bicycling – Depending upon which beach you are at, consider bicycling along the waterfront. Kiawah beaches are ideal for bicycling as the sand is densely packed. Just be cognizant of the wind conditions. What may appear to be an easy glide or coast in one direction (courtesy of the wind) could turn out to be a very tiring pedal on the way back.

6.       Fishing the Atlantic from the Beach – Consider shore fishing. I have never fished the surf, but will occassionally spot a shore fisherman during the morning bike rides. The Atlantic is teeming with a variety of fish just waiting to be caught. No boat needed.

7.       Running and Walking the Beach – Running in sand is a great workout. Taking a jog or long walk along the seashore is a great way to get the mind off the exercise and keep your vision on the sand and surf ahead of you. I usually combine a run/walk over a few miles which allows for great opportunities to look at some really nice homes and golf courses along the oceanfront.

2013 HGTV Dreamhome Sweepstakes: Blessing or a Tax Burden?

Okay. If you haven’t heard so far this winter, HGTV is running their annual dream home giveaway. This year the special home is in Kiawah. I have been entering to win this home ever since the Sweepstakes was launched back on December 28^th. I enter twice a day (once on HGTV and secondly on Frontdoor.com). I have viewed this home numerous times observing the different panoramic photos and wishing daily I will be the lucky winner. A 3,000 square foot coastal retreat seems like the great getaway from the rat race. As much as I covet winning this contest, the numbers guy in me encouraged a further drill down of the prize (benefits and costs). This analysis revealed painful expenses that hide within this too good to be true prize.

What does the lucky winner get? Grand prize is of course the Indigo Park dream home on Kiawah Island ($1.700,000.00 approximate value). Adding to this prize is $500,000 cash and a GMC Arcadia valued at $53,565. The total prize package is valued at $2,253,565. Then there is the cash option in lieu of accepting the home. The Cash option substitutes $1,000,000 for home, additional cash prize of $500,000 and the GMC Arcadia valued at $53,565. The total prize package valued at $1,553,565. The substitute cash option is a difference of $700,000.

But, there is more to it than that. The federal government is going to get their fair cut. Sweepstakes always appear sexy and enticing, but the winners will surely get gouged by federal taxes. This lucrative prize is considered taxable income. For simplicity, let’s say the feds will tax about one third. We will ignore the additional possibility that you have to pay state income tax (depending upon your native state).  Let’s revise the prize picture.

You just won the HGTV dream home in Kiawah, $500,000 cash and a vehicle. You can expect to pay in taxes about $743,676 (one third of $2.2 million). That is an extremely heavy tax burden requiring liquid cash immediately. You already have $500,000 covered per the cash prize, but now you need an additional $243,676 to pay that immediate tax burden. I guess one option is to sell your other home and move to Kiawah full time or take equity out (cash out refinance) on the new Kiawah home to pay the initial taxes. Now you have a mortgage payment again. Then there are the excessive real estate taxes and payments for assessments and services (Kiawah fees).  Seems like a lot of stress to endure that gets lost in the beauty of that large expansive deck, pool, game room, and beautiful marsh view from the back..

So suppose you opt for the cash option. Your total winnings are $1.5M (car included) but you will get hit with tax of about $512,676 which leaves you almost a million.

As dreamy as this Indigo Park home is, I think I will take the $1.5 million cash option. Even with the tax hit, I would still have  close to a million bucks to spruce up my current home, purchase a Kiawah villa (for about a quarter of the dream home price) and enjoy driving down to the low country three or four times a year in my new SUV. So I will keep entering every day!

Save Money on 2013 Charleston Tee Times

I am pleased to announce that the 2013 Charleston Tee Times Golf Passbook is now on sale. I posted this announcement last year with respect to the 2012 golf season. For those unfamiliar with this passbook, it is a really great deal for Charleston golfers as well as those that visit the low country. What is this deal? Simple, it is a golf passbook or coupon book that gets you a one-time play at nineteen different courses in the Charleston area. (The area consisting of select courses within Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Kiawah, and Seabrook). The passbook runs $169 (not including shipping and handling). The only additional fee you will need to pay is for cart fees which run anywhere from $20 - $50 depending upon where you play. The ocean course on Kiawah will charge a $100 additional fee for caddy services (gratuity not included). All in all, the golf passbook is a great way to save money and even more valuable to those travelers staying on Kiawah or Seabrook and want to play the immediate resort courses in the area without paying a fortune. That’s right, you can play all five Kiawah courses and two Seabrook Courses using the vouchers in this book. The only negative attribute to this golf passbook is that the golf tee times passbook vouchers are not transferrable to another individual, so if you do not use up all your vouchers, you cannot “lend” the unused one to a friend that may plan on going to Charleston area. Each passbook is designated with your name; and the clubhouse attendant will make sure you present identification when presenting voucher to cover green fees. Also, when playing the Kiawah resort courses, the passbook vouchers are only valid when playing after 11:00 am, so early morning play is ruled out.


I would recommend this purchase for those that live in the immediate area and even those that plan on getting in at least three tee times during their time in the Charleston area. (I figured it takes at least three plays to get your money’s worth with this passbook. This 2013 Charleston Tee Times golf book is also a great gift for the upcoming holidays.

Tips for Purchasing a Beach Cart

A beach cart or beach stroller is definitely one of the most useful items to have for those that live near or frequently visit sand and surf. For those that make the back and forth trek from the car or condo to the beach carrying chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, and water gear, you know this is quite exhausting; especially on a hot and humid day. Every time I have visited the Kiawah area, I have had the luck of renting a villa that included a beach cart to tote the family water and sand gear. I would have probably made fewer trips to the beach without this useful cart. . Beach carts simplify the transport process by carrying all these items down to the sand in one simple trip whether traversing sand, gravel, dirt or low standing water.

Shopping for a beach cart can be overwhelming if you are not sure exactly what you are looking for. There are numerous makes and models of beach carts with prices ranging from around $40 upwards to $600 for a giant loader. Before heading off to the store or shopping online, first assess what your beach carts needs are, and then go from there. Are your needs just a simple chair or two and a few towels? Are are you looking to transport lots of sand and surf toys along with a giant cooler for the day? Also consider the cart sizes and how well you can manage storing it. Keep the following criteria in mind when shopping for a beach cart: Size, tires, weight, storage capacity, durability, and of course, price. The two main types of beach carts are the utility carts and the folding cart.

Beach Utility Cart 

Let’s discuss the beach utility cart first. This cart is heavy duty in design and typically has large pneumatic tires, though there are other options for those that fear tire puncture when rolling over sharp objects at the beach. Most of these carts contain large buckets to hold an enormous amount of gear with generally a weight capacity between 100 and 400 pounds (some even heavier).This cart not only comfortably carries umbrellas, chairs, and toys, but usually has enough room to also tote the large cooler and ice. These carts are highly recommended for the frequent beach visitor or for one that lives within a short distance of the water and has room in the garage or crawl space to store this larger cart. This cart also doubles as a garden or yard cart due to its enormous capacity and large tires. Makes and models of Beach Utility carts include the Beach Buggy Cart and Gorilla carts series.  When shopping for these carts. You may need to search these by title of “garden carts” or “fishing carts”. These carts generally start at about $150 and go up. Some commonly sold beach utility carts include the Beach Buggy Cart and the Gorilla cart models.

Folding Beach Cart

If your preference is portable, and a less bulky beach tote, I would recommend a folding beach cart. The design of these carts is usually a lightweight aluminum frame that collapses or folds thin for easy storage in trunk or crawlspace. Some models will even fold into a table! Depending upon make and model, these carts typically have pneumatic tires, though some may be plastic. Tire features also include being removable for easier storage. Generally these carts are recommended for most beach travelers. Do not be fooled that these carts are weak due to being smaller size than utility carts. Folding carts can be very durable with the right frame and tires, though the mesh containment may wear quickly after numerous trips to the beach with sharp objects. These smaller sized carts still have the potential to lug three to four chairs, an umbrella and a few toys and towels. The containment of cargo is usually a strap and mesh bag. Frequent beach visitors may realize wear and tear with these carts and consider stronger baggage capacity or opt for the beach utility cart. Typical folding beach carts include the Rio Beach Wonder Wheeler cart series. Like all other products read the product reviews on Amazon and other sites to get comfortable before purchasing your desired make and model.

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.