|
|
Kiawah Island
is known for its golf. There are four world-class golf courses on Kiawah that are open to the public, and another is located just off the Island. Biking on Kiawah's thirty-plus miles of asphalt bike paths is one of the best ways to tour the island. There is a ten-mile bike path that runs for the full length of the island, and most bike paths are generally set off the main roads and are delightful to ride. Other activities on Kiawah Island include fishing, shrimping and crabbing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking. Charter boats are also available for deep-sea fishing. A couple of great picnicking spots on the island include the nature trail off Sparrow Road and at the gazebo located at the tip of the west end of the island at Beachwalker Park. This park offers a wide, sandy beach with lifeguards on duty in summer, dressing areas, outdoor showers, picnic area with grills and a seasonal snack bar. Night Heron Park is a 21-acre park that is located in the center of the island and offers an Olympic-sized pool, a children’s playground, recreation pavilion, sand volleyball court, lighted basketball court and a playing field. There is also a Nature Center located in the Park where you can view snakes, spiders and other small critters up close (children, especially, find the Center fascinating.) The James County Park is just 15 minutes from the island and has paved trails for walking, biking, hiking and skating.
Of course, Kiawah Island is only a short drive to Charleston and all this entire lovely city has to offer. Visit Charles Towne Landing, the site where the original settlement was established in 1670, and the Charleston Museum, America’s first museum. Patriots Point is the world's largest naval and maritime museum and Fort Moultrie was the scene of the first decisive American victory of the Revolution, and a mainstay of shore defense until 1947. In Charleston, you can take a scenic boat tour to Fort Sumter, the man-made island fortress where the Civil War began. Grand plantations and gardens offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into life during the antebellum era, and historic tours of the Charleston area are offered daily. The following are just a few of the other attractions in the Kiawah Island area.
The Angel Oak Tree is considered the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi - believed to be over 1400 years old. Access is off Bohicket Road and Maybank Highway near their intersection.
Cypress Gardens is a 3,000-acre estate featuring flower gardens, a swamp garden and more. You can rent flat bottom boats and explore the cypress swamp.
Drayton Hall is circa 1742. This is the oldest and finest example of Georgian-Palladio architecture and the sole survivor of the 1865 rampage by Union troops who burned nearly every other plantation along the Ashley River. Today it is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Irvin House Vineyards is Charleston’s only vineyard and winery. Sample the five varieties of muscadine wines, tour the grounds, and bring your own picnic for a relaxing afternoon. Specially led winery tours are every Saturday at 2 p.m.
|
|
|
