Charleston / West
Stroll: Encompassing more than 36 acres on James Island, recently-opened McLeod Plantation (www.ccprc.com) boasts a riverside outdoor pavilion and avenue of oak trees, including the McLeod Oak, which is believed to be more than 600 years old. The plantation is open for tours and pays tribute to the enslaved Africans who had lived on the grounds from the 1800s. Among the many opportunities to learn about the relationships between those who lived and worked on the plantation, guests may also tour homes built for enslaved families and view a display of antiques owned by former slave owners.
Magnolia Plantation (www.magnoliaplantation.com) the 17th-century estate of the Drayton family in 1676. holds groves of azaleas and camellias that are among the largest collections in the nation. The oldest public gardens in America (circa 1680) showcases the rich horticultural history, with different nature tours aboard a train and a boat.
Folly Beach County Park (at www.ccprc.com, type “Folly” in the search window) is Charleston’s closest beach and strolling there is a favorite pastime. Picnic shelters provide shade for post-stroll picnics, while outdoor showers wash the sand and crumbs away.
The landmark 1,045-foot Folly Beach Fishing Pier (www.ccprc.com) features saltwater fishing, walking, birding, dining and breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Special events and tournaments are held seasonally.
Shop: First up when driving onto Kiawah Island (www.kiawahresort.com) is Freshfields Village, anchored by Newton Farms, a gourmet food market with deli service and an upscale grocery selection. Other shopping stops there can include Java, Ladles Homemade Soups, Marble Slab Creamery, Vincent’s Soda Foundation, Hege’s Bistro, Carolina Clay Gallery, Indigo Books, Islands Mercantile, Kiawah Fine Jewelry and The Resort Shop.
Hike: James Island County Park (www.ccprc.com) offers 643 acres of possibilities, including miles of paved trails for hiking, biking, and skating. There’s also saltwater fishing and crabbing, pedal boat rentals, picnic areas, a campground, vacation cottages and the state’s highest climbing wall. Kiawah Beachwalker Park (www.ccprc.com) is an oceanfront park ideal for beachfront hiking with or without boots. Keep an eye out for dolphins in the river adjacent to the park.
Bike: Kiawah Island’s Kiawah Resort (www.kiawahresort.com) has miles of paved biking trails, while the island’s Kiawah Beachwalker Park is also great for biking on packed sand (especially at low tide).
Lynn Seldon
Eat
Varied dining options at Kiawah Resort (www.kiawahresort.com) include oceanfront Jasmine Porch – where chef Jason Cote offers a seasonal menu using fresh seafood and garden-fresh produce sources from farms located nearby. Near the beach and Folly Beach Fishing Pier, Rita’s Seaside Grille (www.ritasseasidegrille.com) has a menu that overflows with the area’s freshest seafood whenever possible, including local fish and shrimp tacos and crab cakes. Located at The Tides Hotel on Folly Beach, oceanfront BLU Restaurant and Bar (www.blufollybeach.com) features local favorites and seasonal specialties.
Sip
Kiawah Island’s Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House at Osprey Point (www.kiawahresort.com) pairs tasty ’cue and views with an extensive beer list. King Street Grillecq Kiawah (www.thekingstreetgrille.com) is an upscale sports bar with another lengthy beer list. Lean more toward wines? The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary (www.kiawahresort.com) showcases 1,000-plus. For more spirited options, head to Wadmalaw Island’s Firefly Distillery (www.fireflyvodka.com), including their trademark sweet tea-flavored vodka. Also on Wadmalaw Island, teetotalers and tea enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Charleston Tea Plantation (www.charlestonteaplantation.com).
This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 7:59 AM with the headline "Charleston / West."