Don't get us wrong; we are aware that the main attractions on this vacation will probably be sun, salt water and sand. But there is so much more to do on and around Kiawah Island than just the beach! You must venture off the sand for a few days and experience everything else that makes our beautiful island a perfect vacation spot for everyone!
1. Check out the food.
Kiawah Island and the surrounding areas are well known for their amazing gourmet cuisine. In this area of South Carolina, we don't only take our BBQ seriously, we take everything we eat to an extreme. It must be a culinary masterpiece if you expect to ever get us back through the door! Need a list of a few great restaurants on our "must try" list? Visit our blog "A Foodie's Dream" for our best suggestions.
2. Experience the Kiawah River.
We know, it's a river. You probably have rivers where you live, too, so what's the big deal? Well, this river is salt water, which means you will see some amazing things that you don't see at home! Locals adore the Kiawah River. Great fishing, great kayaking, great nature watching... you really can't beat it! Take a peek at "Don't Forget About Kiawah River" to read more about the wonders of this waterway.
3. Call Captain Chad.
Ok, so we are cheating a little because you can actually accomplish #2 and #3 at the same time. Captain Chad Hayes is a South Carolina native and has spent the large majority of his life learning about the ecology of his home state. He has far too much experience for us to ever give him justice in just a paragraph, so take a look for yourself at his website! He offers dolphin tours, lighthouse tours, inshore fishing and reef fishing! There is something for the whole family!
4. Visit the Angel Oak.
Experience a piece of nature that will leave you breathless. The Angel Oak is a historical landmark for Johns Island, just minutes from Kiawah. This majestic oak tree is believed to be several centuries old. To stand under this beautiful tree is certainly a humbling experience. This area of South Carolina is serious about preserving nature. To find out just how serious, visit "The Preservation of the Angel Oak."
5. Experience Freshfields Village.
Freshfields Village is right down the road from your Kiawah Island vacation rental and is a great way to spend an afternoon. Start with some shopping for souvenirs for friends, family and - of course - yourself! Freshfields Village also offers dining and nightlife (and one of our favorite restaurants is here - refer to #1). And there are always fun events happening, so check out their website and plan to spend some time at Freshfields Village.
There you have it. Just a few things that we at Akers Ellis believe should be on your "must do" list when you visit Kiawah. The beach isn't all we're about; there is much more offered on our beautiful islands. Enjoy it all!