Kiawah island, located approximately 30 minutes south of Charleston, is one of my favorite spots on the planet! I had the good fortune of spending time here as a teen. A gated island, Kiawah is a blend of exclusive, yet down to earth escape mecca for inland southerners and snow-maxed northerners in April.
Kiawah is slightly southward facing which makes it slightly sunnier than the average east coast beach. At least it feels that way to me :). You will enjoy grassy dunes with flowering native shrubbery while accessing the beach on the various boardwalks.
The general public cannot access Kiawah unless staying on the island either in the posh Sanctuary Resort or one of the many beach side or inland condos and cottages. A trick to accessing Kiawah without spending the night is to dine or use spa services at the Sanctuary. The 10 mile long beach is located right off of the main lobby (sorry JK, for dishing out the Secret!).
The rest of the island is quite quaint, in that 'golf and tennis sort of quaint/snobby' way. It feels like a very safe island with the various gates and security one must pass through. Kiawah is best navigated on a rented bicycle. Once children reach the 'tween' stage, they can easily be turned loose to be independent for the day navigating the paved bike paths to tennis, beach and groceries while adults take their tennis lessons, golf, or whatever! I recall most evenings spent as a teen trapsing all over the beach and boardwalks from one bonfire to the next. It was good clean fun. I do not recall kids drinking or using other paraphernalia. I left Kiawah with my innocence fully intact, at 14 and 15 years old. I made lifelong friends in Kiawah, as many families returned year after year (and thanks to Facebook). An idyllic place for a teen's first summer romance! {blushing}...
Most of the condos are located on gorgeous lagoons like this one with draping wisteria that threads itself through the trees! Alligators galore! Be careful!
Be sure to enjoy a yummy pizza at the Market at Town Center, Kiawah’s neighborhood market, and is located in the East Beach Village. Enjoy daily specials in a causal atmosphere. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Specials include sandwiches, salads, pizza, steaks, seafood and pasta. Dine in or take-out is perfect for families or groups. The Market also offers a wide variety of grocery items, beer and wine, cigars, newspapers and gifts. Wireless internet!
I plot my next escape there! ciao!
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