Kiawah Island SC Lifestyle

The Luxurious Island Lifestyle Adds To The Appeal Of Kiawah Island Real Estate

Joys of Nature
Since Kiawah Island abounds with protected wetlands and marshes, it isn’t any wonder that life for residents and Kiawah Island real estate owners often revolves around the island's rich natural environment. Evidence of the strong commitment from locals and Kiawah Island real estate owners to its wildlife can be found in their Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Program. Members of Kiawah Island's Turtle Patrol work diligently to protect these magnificent sea creatures during both nesting and hatching seasons. Sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Kiawah Island’s Turtle Patrol volunteer program is one of the largest in the U.S.

Kiawah Island real estate owners also appreciate the Kiawah Island Nature Program, a year-round effort that provides many opportunities to explore Kiawah Island's natural habitats. Program offerings include bird walks, reptile classes, and alligator walks, as well as canoeing in the salt marshes and kayaking in the ocean.

The Town of Kiawah Island recently designated critical habitat areas on both ends of the island for piping plovers, small shorebirds that visit Kiawah Island during the fall and winter months. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service defines critical habitats as “specific geographic areas that contain habitat features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species.” Kiawah Island real estate buyers and locals of Kiawah Island watch in wonder as they take special precautions to observe these unique birds.

Volunteerism and Charity
Kiawah Island real estate owners and residents are known throughout the Lowcountry for their charitable giving and volunteer involvement. One outstanding example is the annual Kiawah Island Art and House Tour to Benefit The Gibbes Museum of Art. Hosted by Gibbes, etc., a group of Kiawah Island women dedicated to supporting The Gibbes Museum of Art, the only fine art museum in the Charleston area. Held each spring since 2001, the tour provides a singular opportunity for the entire Charleston SC community to experience art on many levels: in the natural beauty of Kiawah Island; in the innovative architecture in the featured homes; and in the way homeowners have woven their vision of Lowcountry beauty into their personal art collections. The tours have allowed Gibbes, etc. to present the museum with more than $250,000 earmarked for traveling exhibitions.

Community Fun
Kiawah Island's Night Heron Park offers many programs to keep Kiawah Island real estate owners busy and fully involved in the island lifestyle. Blues by the Sea, Discovery Series and Safari Night, Kiawah Karnival Night, Family Crafts programs, Holiday Festivals and Parades, and Rick Hubbard and his World Famous Kazoo Band are just a small sample of the fun activities available at the popular park.

Freshfields Village, located just before the entrance to Kiawah Island, offers many more entertainment options for residents and owners of Kiawah Island SC real estate. They can enjoy a movie under the stars, a rock or blues performance, a Charleston Symphony Orchestra concert, and much more. Freshfields is also the prime shopping destination for Kiawah Island locals and proprietors of Kiawah Island real estate. The village features a collection of locally-owned retail shops, restaurants and service businesses.

One highlight of Freshfields Village is Newton Farms, an upscale supermarket inspired by open-air European markets. Newton Farms offers a blend of Southern hospitality and thoughtful food selection to the delight if its patrons. Each summer, the Farmer’s Market at Freshfields Village offers local produce from neighboring John’s Island, the agricultural heart of the area. In fact, much of the produce that distinguishes the unique flavors of Lowcountry Cuisine is grown on John’s Island. The Farmer’s Market also features authentic Southern crafts, including Gullah arts and crafts, jewelry, hand-woven wraps, and sweetgrass baskets.

On the Water
Bohicket Marina & Yacht Club, located on the Intracoastal Waterway, is just minutes from the entrance to Kiawah Island. For the boating enthusiast, Bohicket has 125 deep-water slips available for sale, as well as 60 slips available for long- and short-term rental. Bohicket also features a number of unique shops and restaurants, as well as a variety of charter services including sunset cruises, river tours and boat rentals.

Dining Out
On-island dining abounds at Kiawah Island's eight dining establishments. The Atlantic Room and The Dining Room at Osprey Point both carry the AAA Four Diamond rating. For the ultimate in island living, many buyers of Kiawah Island real estate choose to become members of The Kiawah Island Club. Membership benefits include exclusive access to two championship golf courses and clubhouses, a members-only spa designed by the world-renowned architect Clodagh, and elegant dining at the Club’s private restaurant, Voysey’s at Cassique.