Charleston/Kiawah First Time

Wife and I will be in Charleston from May 17 to May 21 staying at the Market Pavillion Hotel. I'll have on Auburn hat so look for me.

A few places not on Ray Curado’s list.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie
Magnolias - a restaurant
Get a hot prawline from the shop on N Market St. - I think it is Market Street Sweets.

Middleton Place was in The Patriot, the movie with Mel Gibson. We had lunch there and it was pretty good.

Charleston is a fun place to walk around; lot of history and interesting shops. Find a roof top bar, have a drink and enjoy the view.

At Kiawah are you staying at the Sanctuary hotel or a condo/house? Make sure you rent bikes there is a never ending system of bike trails (Alligator bikes if you’re not staying at hotel). We just like to ride bikes and chill on the beach.

They have an oyster roast/BBQ with live music every couple of weeks. It’s worth considering if you are there on that date. Mingo Point Oyster Roast

As far as food at Kiawah the immediate dining options are limited. Jasmine Porch and the lobby bar are nice at the Santuary. The other close restaurants are at Freshfields shopping center (Hege’s being the nicest). Bohicket Marina has Salty Dogs.

We often rent a small boat at Bohicket and ride around in the rivers. You’ll see tons of dolphins the closer you get to the ocean.

I go to Kiawah twice a year. If you have any specific questions let me know.

Halls is a good choice.
Great service and excellent food.

Include a buggy ride if you can.

Kiawah… Play the ocean course if you golf at all.

We took a guided kayak tour through the marshes which was fun until the tide went out and we had to walk our kayaks back. The college chick guide apparently was pretty new. That was not as much fun.

Gin Joint for drinks before Fleet Landing for dinner. Two of our favorites!

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Halls Chophouse

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Chain restaurant, you can do better.

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Thanks for the info. I’m staying at the Andell Inn while in Kiawah. We won't have a car, so I was thinking we’d rent bikes.

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If you’re staying there you’re definitely going to need bikes. Plan on staying close to your hotel at night. I’m guessing ride shares are nonexistent at Kiawah/Seabrook and it is very dark at night in between your hotel and Kiawah Resort. As in too dark to walk or ride a bike. You’ll be in the Freshfields development so you’ll have dining/bars near by.

You should probably check with your hotel about entry to Kiawah Resort. Technically your hotel isn’t on Kiawah. It’s in between Kiawah and Seabrook. Both are gated communities and you need a pass to enter. I think you’ll be okay entering by bike though.

The beach you’ll be using is the public beach right before you get to the Kiawah gates. It’s an 1 hr walk/15 min bike ride. According to trip advisor they offer a shuttle to the beach upon request which is nice.

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Chain restaurant, you can do better

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I disagree completely. You will probably find similar steaks, sides, drinks, etc. but you will not find a better dining experience than Halls. The customer service is exquisite, the table service is the best and the follow up is unbelievable. Right down to the handwritten thank you note from your waiter when you get back home.

I worked in steakhouses for 13 years, eaten at many and have been to New Orleans best places and the experience at Halls Charleston location beats them all.

Will be there a week from tonight and cannot wait.

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They’ve opened one in Greenville I believe

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There's at least 5 locations in 2 states.