Charleston SC Real Estate Blog - Charleston SC Events and Attractions

Kiawah Island is Ranked the Top Tennis Resort Community in the World

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:48:00 -0400

The Charleston, South Carolina area is a great place to live or have a vacation home. The weather is great, the beaches are fantastic, golf courses are abundant, there are many historical sites, the architecture is unbelievable, the dining is unbeatable, and the people are the friendliest in the country. It is because of these reasons that I believe Charleston SC Real Estate is truly unique. I look forward to helping you with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs in Charleston, Berkeley, or Dorchester counties. Today’s article is titled:

Kiawah Island is Ranked the Top Tennis Resort Community in the World

Kiawah Island has been ranked number one in the world by Tennisresortsonline.com in May 2010. The source of rankings comes from vacationers who are asked to assess resorts in twenty categories. Those include not only all aspects of the tennis experience but also such diverse off-court characteristics as the quality of lodging, restaurants, children's programs, spa, etc.

During the busy March-to-October season, both clubs offer a weekly menu of programs including instructional clinics, drill sessions, adult and junior singles and doubles round robins, parent-child doubles round robins, and private lessons (from November-February activity slows, to the point that the West Beach club closes for part of December and January). Activity reaches its zenith in summer when the resort adds a weekly pro doubles exhibition at East Beach as well as three-day junior camps, junior tournament tough workouts and a Tiny Tots program. On selected weekends during every month except July and August, the resort adds a 3-day doubles mini camp, which consists of 8 hours of instruction covering all aspects of the game, including basic strokes, strategy, angles, visualization, and supervised doubles play. Participants also receive a copy of Barth's instructional manual, "Tips for Better Tennis."
Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s two featured world class Tennis Centers are The West Beach Tennis Club, and the Roy Barth Tennis Center.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s two featured world class Tennis Centers are The West Beach Tennis Club, and the Roy Barth Tennis Center.

WEST BEACH TENNIS CLUB

The West Beach Tennis Club is conveniently located in the West Beach Village just across Shipwatch Road from the Straw Market. West Beach Tennis Club features 14 Har Tru courts and 1 lighted hard court along with a fully stocked pro shop. For additional information call (843) 768-2820

ROY BARTH TENNIS CENTER

Roy Barth Tennis Center is located along Tennis Club Lane across from the East Beach Village and just a short walk from the Sanctuary Hotel. The Roy Barth Tennis Center features 9 Har Tru courts, one of which is lighted; three hard courts, one of which is lighted, and a practice zone with a ball machine and automated retrieval. Roy Barth also has a stocked pro shop. For additional information call 843-768-2838.

You can visit Kiawah Golf Resort online for additional information.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

The 2010 Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens in Historic Charleston

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:07:00 -0400

The 2010 Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens in Historic Charleston

The 34th annual 2010 Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens will be held from September 23rd, 2010 through October 24th, 2010. The Fall Tour of Homes in historic downtown Charleston is sponsored by the Preservation Society of Charleston. Most of the homes and gardens on the tour are privately owned and open to the public exclusively for the Preservation Society of Charleston.

TICKETS ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE!!!!

Experience the 2010 Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens and you will see Charleston’s unique architecture, culture and history firsthand. You will see secluded intimate gardens, beautiful private homes, and architecturally important public buildings and churches. The 2010 Fall Tour of homes features homes from the Georgian period through the twentieth century. You will discover Charleston’s culture from colonial times to the present. Historic Downtown Charleston homes are the best.

Tickets are $45 per person for each individual tour. A special weekend rate of $120 per person is available. (Includes Thursday, Friday, Saturday OR Friday, Saturday, Sunday tours of the same weekend ONLY.)

To learn more about the 2010 Fall Tour of Homes specific homes and gardens being seen along with ticket pricing visit the 2010 Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens Brochure.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

Downtown Charleston's Historic Battery Park

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:27:00 -0400

Downtown Charleston’s Historic Battery Park

Known by the locals as The Battery opened to the public in 1837. Battery Park located at the end of the Charleston Peninsula and runs from the Cooper river to the Ashley river, Battery Park is one of the best places to just sit down on a park bench to relax and soak up what Charleston really is and what Charleston was in the past. At The Battery you can get the Lowcountry waterfront feel at its best with southern Colonial and Antebellum mansions, large live oaks, cannons, cannon balls, palmetto trees, statues, and a fountain, a gazebo along with breathtaking views of the Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, and the USS Yorktown.

Just as all of Downtown Charleston seeps with history, so dose The Battery Park. The Charleston Battery has played a significant roll in the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. The cannons were placed there during the War of 1812 as a last line of defense for Charleston against the British. Fort Sumter was out of the range of the cannons and they were not used during the attack. During the Civil War evacuation of Charleston the Confederates detonated tons of explosives here to prevent them from falling in to the Union’s hands.

In addition to the wartime history of the Battery, White Point has a history of pirates. Dozens of pirates were hanged from oak trees and gallows in the early 1700s and left dangling from their nooses for days as a deterrent to prevent other pirates from entering Charleston Harbor. Legends abound about sunken treasure just waiting to be discovered in the waters.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

Melvin Bessinger?s Barb-B-Que Restaurant at James Island and Mount Pleasant

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 08:03:00 -0400

Melvin Bessinger’s Barb-B-Que Restaurant at James Island and Mount Pleasant

Melvin Bessinger's Barb-B-Que Restaurants, known simply as “Melvin’s” to the locals, have been a South Carolina Landmark since 1939. We have become famous for the best St. Louis Style Pork Ribs, Chicken and "All Ham" Bar-B-Que in the South. But don't take our word for it, come on down and experience the flavor. We have 2 locations, Mt Pleasant and James Island.

I have eaten at Melvin’s at both the James Island location and the Mount Pleasant location several times with both friends and clients. The selections are vast, the food is excellent and the service is fast, even at the busiest times, and the prices are very reasonable. Melvin’s is an excellent choice for both the local residents and visitors of Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and James Island.

Melvin Bessinger’s Barb-B-Que features its pork bar-b-que, ribs, chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, oysters, frogmore stew and much more. Melvin Bessinger’s Bar-B-Que will cater all or your events and ship any bar-b-que sauces by mail. For additional information visit Melvin Bessinger’s Bar-B-Que.

Melvin Bessinger’s Bar-B-Que is located at:

538 Folly Road
Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-0511

925 Houston Northcutt Blvd.
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 881-0549

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

West Ashley?s Bluerose Café? near Downtown Charleston

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:52:00 -0400

West Ashley’s Bluerose Café’ near Downtown Charleston

The Bluerose Café’ is located on Saint Andrews Boulevard less than five minutes from downtown historic Charleston. The Bluerose Café’ features many authentic Irish and seafood dishes,along with gourmet salads and sandwiches that have southern Lowcounrty flair to them. In the Bluerose Café’ Chef and owner Denis O'Doherty, a native of Ireland, has created a restaurant with the feel of a genuine Irish Restaurant serving both Irish and Lowcountry dishes.

Lois and I have eaten here several times since the Bluerose Café’ opened in 2004. We have never been disappointed with the food or the service. Residents and visitors in West Ashley and downtown Charleston should try the breakfast and lunch specials and the Sunday Brunch. They are outstanding and the prices are extremely moderate and the service is excellent.

The Bluerose Café’ is located at 652 Saint Andrews Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29407. For additional information call 843-225-2583 or visit The Bluerose Café’ here.

Hours:

Monday – Saturday: 7 AM to 3 PM
Sunday Bruch: 9 AM to 2 PM
Dinner: Thursday – Saturday only: 5 PM to 9 PM

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

The Buccaneer Restaurant in Historic Downtown Charleston

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 07:37:00 -0400

The Buccaneer Restaurant in Historic Downtown Charleston

Lois and I dined at the Buccaneer Restaurant this past week to check out the pirate artifacts for our second grade grandson who is a pirate fanatic and will be visiting next week. The Buccaneer boasts of having the largest collection of authentic pirate artifacts in the USA. They didn’t let us down. If you like pirates you have got to check out the Buccaneer Restaurant in historic Charleston and her sister Restaurant Queen Anne’s Revenge on Daniel Island.

My two favorite artifacts were a small cannon also know as a swivel gun and the gibbet. The swivel gun is a small mobile cannon that can be moved to wherever it is needed on a pirate’s ship, slipped into a pre-mounted bracket and fired. The gibbet is a metal crafted full body cage that port cities sometimes place executed pirates in and placed them at the mouth of port as a deterrent to other pirates. Sometimes they tarred and feathered the executed bodies as well.

As good as the Buccaneer’s Pirate Museum is the food was even better. We took advantage of the early bird menu (4-6 PM). I had the fish and chips and Lois had the grilled chicken breast. The food was outstanding and the service was just as good. The Buccaneer Restaurant is an ideal place to take the whole family for excellent food at very reasonable prices and the Buccaneer’s location off of Cumberland Street between East Bay Street and Concord Street is central to all the activities in historic downtown Charleston.

The Buccaneer Restaurant is located in the heart of historic Charleston at 5 Faber Street, Charleston, SC 29401-2101. For additional information call (843) 805-5065 or visit the Buccaneer Restaurant online.

The Buccaneer’s hours are:

Lunch:

Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Dinner:

Monday - Thursday, 4 - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday, 4 - 11 p.m.
Sunday, 4 - 9 p.m.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

Seabrook Island Dining Guide

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:54:00 -0400

Seabrook Island Dining Guide

Dining within the gate is confined to The Pelican’s Nest and is open only to Seabrook Island Club members. Below are the dining options forSeabrook Island residents and guest outside of the gates:

1. Lucy’s Red Sky Grill is located in the Village Center at 1001 Landfall Way on Seabrook Island just before getting to the gates. Red Sky Grill serves a good variety of American cuisine. Red Sky Grill is open Monday-Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Bar, Dinner served from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Call: 843-768-8118 for additional information.

2. Fischer’s Sports Bar & Pub is a friendly neighborhood tavern and grill with great food along with a colorful sport and rock & roll decorum. Fischer’s Pub and Grill is is one of the best casual dining options that the area has to offer. The menu is filled with classic pub fare like cheese fries, nachos, mozzarella cheese sticks, burgers and pulled pork sandwiches, and all prices are reasonable.

Fischer’s Pub is located at Bohicket Marina off of Andell Bluff Blvd. They are open 7 days a week. The kitchen closes at 9:00pmand the bar closes at
2:00 AM. For additional information call (843)243-0210.

3. The Bistro at Bohicket is located at Bohicket Marina is a casual dining atmosphere that has something for everyone at a very reasonable price. The menu includes many German dishes, pizza, subs, sandwiches, and other entrees. The service is quick and the help is very pleasant. I have eaten there many times and have never been disappointed

Hours of operation: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 2;00 PM and 5PM – closing and Saturday & Sunday from 5:00 PM – closing.

For additional information call 843-768-2424.

4. Rosebank Farms Cafe’ is located at Bohicket Marina and overlooking Bohicket Creek on Seabrook Island and just minutes from Kiawah Island. My family has been going there since they opened and I believe they are among the best restaurants on Seabrook and Kiawah Islands.

Rosebank Farms Cafe’ is open for lunch and dinner for more information call 843-768-1807.

5. Red’s Ice House is located at Bohicket Marina overlooking Bohicket Creek. The menu include a good selection of fish, seafood, burgers, and sandwiches. Red’s Ice House serves locally caught seafood. There is a wide selection of sides and salads. The seating was excellent with your choice of setting inside and having a great view of Bohicket Marina and Bohicket Creek, or outside on the patio overlooking Bohicket Marina and enjoying the ocean breeze. The wait staff was friendly and the service quick. Prices were very reasonable. There is live music outside on a regular basis

Phone number is 843-518-5515. Red’s Ice House is a great choice to eat for residents and vacationers alike on Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, and Johns Island.

There are several other excellent dining options at nearby Freshfields Village and Kiawah Island.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

The Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:13:00 -0400

The Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island

If you haven’t been to the Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island, I highly recommend a visit to the Charleston Tea Plantation. You can ride a trolley for a 25 minute guided tour through the tea farm and also tour the tea leaf processing factory. After your tours, you can enjoy browsing the gift shop and drink samples of American Classic Tea, the tea brand of Charleston Tea Plantation.

The Charleston Tea Plantation, which encompasses 127 acres, is the site of the only tea growing and tea harvesting operation in North America. The tea plant (camellia sinensis) grows best in well drained soils at temperatures close to 100 degrees with at least 52 inches of rainfall annually, making Wadmalaw Island an ideal site.

The Charleston Tea Plantation was started in 1969 by Lipton Tea. The ideal plant source was found in Summerville where Dr. Charles Shepherd had planted over 300 varieties of tea he had ordered from China in the late 1800’s. By 1969 these plants were up to 50 feet tall. Lipton used cuttings from these plants to establish a research plot with 327 varieties of tea plants at the Charleston Tea Plantation. This field is still thriving today.

Charleston Tea Plantation is now owned by Bigelow Tea. Charleston Tea Plantation uses 8 varieties of tea plants in each tea plan plot to get their unique flavor of tea. The Charleston Tea Plantation produces an average of 50,000 pounds of refined tea leaves annually. A typical tea plantation this size in other parts of the world emplyees 500 laborers to hand pick the tea leaves while at the Charleston Tea Plantation there are only 3 outside employees thanks to custom made harvester know as the 'big green machine".

The Charleston Tea Plantation is located at 6617 Maybank Highway on Wadmalaw Island about 45 minutes from downtown Charleston. For additional information call 843-559-0383 or visit the Charleston Tea Plantation here.

These pictures were taken by Linda Vodzak, a past client and good friend. Linda is a great photographer. If you have a photography need let me know and I can have Linda contact you.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

Fishing with Friends at Palmetto Lake on Seabrook Island

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:58:00 -0400

Fishing with Friends at Palmetto Lake on Seabrook Island

Lois and I went fishing at Palmetto Lake near the Lake House on Seabrook Island last evening with our very dear friends who live on Seabrook Island. The seven acre Palmetto Lake was stocked with bluegill and largemouth bass in early summer 2009 and is open to fish for residents and their guests. Seabrook Island is located about 30 minuets from downtown Charleston and just to the west of Kiawah Island.

We had a grand time fishing with friends this evening. The catch was bountiful. However there is an alarming trend this year with my fishing outings. This is the second time Lois has accompanied me and it is the second time she has caught the largest fish. I may need to restrict her fishing activities or improve my fishing skills.

The backdrop to Palmetto Lake is the new 24,000 square feet Lake House which opened in August 2009 and a large outdoor pool. The Lake House consists of an exercise room, an all-purpose room for group classes such as yoga and general conditioning, a lounge, a deli, and a heated pool. Outside is another pool along with a jogging/walking/biking trail that encircles Palmetto Lake.

The Lake House and Palmetto Lake are located at 2319 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455. For additional information call (843) 725-2182, or visit the Lake House online.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

West Ashley Icon, The Coburg Cow

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:54:00 -0400

West Ashley Icon, The Coburg Cow

I believe the most definitive landmark in West Ashley is the Coburg Cow Sign. Personally it is my favorite advertising sign in all of Charleston. The Coburg Cow is located at the corner of Savannah Highway and Coburg Road and is at the site of the original Coburg Dairy in West Ashley. This alone is a testament to West Ashley’s growth. Where there was once a dairy with pastures and cornfields now is home to many residential subdivisions and commercial businesses today.

The Coburg Dairy sign was first erected in the 1920’s and evolved to the three dimensional Coburg Cow sign by the 1960’s. The Coburg Cow was in storage at the time of Hugo. The neon sign present at that time was totally destroy. The sign was rebuilt and the Coburg Cow was restored to its place of prominence and has been there ever since. The Coburg Cow changes her decorum for each of the major holidays and is a Chocolate Cow most of the time between holidays. My favorite is the Christmas Eggnog Coburg Cow.

In the spring of 2001 the City of Charleston in its infinite wisdom decreed that the Coburg Cow was in violation of a signage/zoning regulation and that it had to be demolished. The outcry from the public was immediate, loud, and persistent. In response to the outpouring of public support the City of Charleston issued a permanent wavier for the Coburg Cow sign allowing it to remain a major Icon ov West Ashley and the City of Charleston.
As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

Charleston Waterfront Park

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:22:00 -0400

Charleston Waterfront Park

Charleston Waterfront Park which opened in 1989 covers about 8 acres and 0.5 miles of frontage on the Cooper River in historic downtown Charleston. The largest portion of Charleston Waterfront Park, between Vendue Range to the north and Exchange St. to the south, is itself made of two distinct sections. Running along Concord St. and Prioleau St. for approximately one-quarter mile is a dense canopy of oak trees and many benches. Parallel the shady urban park and immediately adjacent to the riverfront is an open lawn landscaped with palmetto trees. The 1,200 foot palmetto lined esplanade follows the natural water line ensuring public access to the water’s edge. In the middle of the grassy lawn is the Pineapple Fountain, a large fountain shaped like a pineapple located immediately in front of the City Gallery.

At the southern end of Charleston Waterfront Park, the formal esplanade follows the curve of the shore and turns back toward Concord Street. At Exchange Street, the park merges into restored salt marshes, creating valuable maritime habitat. Pedestrians can walk to the edge of the river at this point from Exchange Street to North Adger's Wharf. At the riverfront end of North Adger's Wharf, the 17th century pier was rebuilt in the original footprint with the original granite which was fished out of the river and reused. The pier was reconstructed using log cribbing construction of native palmetto trees to last for many generations. The pier marks the southern edge of the park.

Charleston Waterfront Park masterfully combines spectacular fountains, spacious lawns, intimate garden "rooms", walking and jogging path and a long pier with picnic tables and wooden swings. Charleston Waterfront Park is a great place just to relax while soaking up the refreshing ocean breeze, watch a sunrise in the morning, or a moonrise in the evening.

Charleston Waterfront Park is located at 34 Prioleau Street
Charleston, SC 29401.

Learn a little about the local neighborhood here.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

The Nature Center at Night Heron Park on Kiawah Island

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 07:57:00 -0400

The Nature Center at Night Heron Park on Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Nature Center is located at the heart of Night Heron Park adjacent to the Night Heron Park Pavilion and pool. The Nature Center is the focal point for all of Kiawah Island Golf Resorts nature programs which include kayak and canoe rentals and launching, guided paddling excursions, outdoor walking tours, ocean seining, alligator adventure, island birding, nature photography, biking tours, wetland tours, classroom programs covering may diverse topics, fishing charters and clinics, motorboat excursions, sunset cruses, and much more.

The Nature Center at Night Heron Park opens daily at 8:30 AM and is a place where both Kiawah Island guests and Kiawah Island residents can come to see live wild animal exhibits, posting boards for the latest “wild animal” sightings, talk with a Kiawah Island Naturalist, and obtain information on future “nature events” occurring on Kiawah Island.

The Kiawah Nature Shop is located within the Nature Center at Night Heron Park and is the place on Kiawah Island to purchase unique Kiawah Island gifts, Kiawah Island friendly apparel, field guides, books on nature, toys, games and much more.

For additional information call 843-768-6001. A Kiawah Island naturalist is there waiting to answer your question.

Kiawah Island is a great place to vacation or call home. I know because I came here on vacation for many years before making it my home. Whether you like the outstanding beach, the bike paths, golfing, tennis, inshore and surf fishing, fine dining, or relaxing in a nice ocean breeze Kiawah Island has something for you.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

Music On the Green at Freshfields Village near the Junction of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 06:59:00 -0400

Music On the Green at Freshfields Village near the Junction of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island

This past Friday evening my wife and I went to Music On the Green at Freshfields Village to listen to the Rum Punch Bandits band. Music On the Green, which is sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island, occurs weekly June through August on Fridays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

It was a warm evening that began with a gentle ocean breeze and ended with a full moon overhead. The Rum Punch Bandit Band played several Jimmy Buffet hits, as well as those from the Grateful Dead, rock and roll hits from the early 70’s, and Caribbean style music. The music was truly enjoyed by one of the largest crowds of the season.

I highly recommend to all residents and guests on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Johns Island to come to Freshfields Village on a Friday evening in August and check out the shops at Freshfields Village or eat at one of the great restaurants at Freshfields Village, Bohicket Marina, or Kiawah Island.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman

La Tela Pizzeria at Freshfields Village by Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:58:00 -0400

La Tela Pizzeria at Freshfields Village by Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island

La Tela Pizzeria opened earlier this year. Lois and I have eaten there several times. We have never been disappointed, the food is excellent, the service is exceptional and the prices are extremely good.

La Tela Pizzeria at Freshfields is a casual Neapolitan pizzeria with and open kitchen along with both inside and patio dining options. La Tela Pizzeria is a family-owned and operated Neapolitan style pizzeria focusing on the fundamentals of Italian Cuisine. At La Tela classic Italian dishes are created using only the freshest local and finest imported ingredients. Between the imported wood-fired pizza oven and pasta machine, both from Italy, La Tela is as traditional as it gets. Freshly baked bread, hand-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and freshly ground espresso to top it off. La Tela Pizzeria is truly bringing a taste of Italy to Freshfields Village. La Tela also offers a wide selection of Italian wines, dessert wines, wine pairings, domestic, imported, and craft beers.

Lois had La Tela’s featured pasta Ricotta Cavatelli which has pasta mad from ricotta cheese and a rich savory tomato sauce with fresh herbs. Los said the Ricotta Cavatelli was excellent. The homemade bread was very good. I had a pepperoni and Italian sausage pizza. La Tela’s pizza is among the best in the Charleston area.

La Tela Pizzeria is located at 133 Village Green Lane in Freshfields Village at the junction of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island. La Tela Pizzeria is open 7 days a week from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. For additional information call 843-768-1951 or visit La Tella Pizzeria here.

All vacationers, guests, and residents of Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Johns Island can enjoy great authentic Italian cuisine at Le Tela Pizzeria. Before or after eating be sure to check out all the shops at Freshfields Village.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com

The Charleston Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:09:00 -0400

The Charleston Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

The Charleston Karpeles Manuscript Library is one of ten Karpeles Museums in the United States. The Karpeles Manuscript Library is dedicated to the preservation of the original handwritten documents of great men and women of the past who have helped shape out history.

The Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, is housed in a grand and bold Greek Revival structure of the Corinthian order after the Temple of Jupiter in Rome. The history dates back to 1791 when William Hammet and a group of Methodist dissenters decided to form their own Methodist congregation. The new congregation grew over the period of 65 years until 1856 when a larger sanctuary was needed. Property was purchased and the cornerstone was laid on June 24, 1856. The church was called St. James’ Chapel, "as he was the great Apostle of practical piety".

During the Civil War the Confederate forces in Charleston used the building as a medical storehouse and hospital until the Union Army attacked and Charleston was evacuated. The building was one of the first attacked in an effort to capture the water supply held in the large cisterns on the ground floor.

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum is located at 66 Spring Street in downtown Charleston. For additional information call 843-853-4651. No admission.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com