chimiler

My wife, 2 toddlers and I are headed to Seabrook SC for a week. Mainly we'll be hanging out at the beach and pool all day, but wanted to get some suggestions on sites worth seeing and what are some good kid-friendly restaurants. We went to Kiawah last year for a long weekend, but didn't want to take too much time for exploring (had enough time in the car as it was). We had a great time, but we didn't find very many affordable local-flare restaurants -- then again we had little idea where they'd be. I was expecting to find more Southern cooking, BBQ and local sea food at the kind of places that serve everything with corn on the cob. With 2 toddlers I'd like to avoid the 45 minute waits and $20 entries. We ate at Awe Shucks one day, which is close to what I was looking for, but Charleston is a pretty far drive from Seabrook. We spent one afternoon in Charleston and walked around the waterfront park. We didn't have time for a carriage ride but would like to do that this time. Are there any other sites to not miss? Is the aquarium worth a visit if we need a sun (or rain) break? Thanks.

poss

Did you try the restaurants at Bohicket's? (between Seabrook and Kiawah). What abt renting bicycles on Kiawah with the kids-- those bikes where you can pull the kids along? We absolutely love rding on Kiawah, especially doing the beautiful paths in one direction and then the beach in the other direction (can only ride on the beach in low tide, so check..) Great fun!!

woodrob12

You're right, Seabrook is a ways off from Charleston, but there are a few nice spots to eat along Maybank Highway, the main road leading you out to Seabrook. On the corner of Folly Road and Maybank Hwy. is the Charleston Crab House. This is a locally owned and operated restaurant right on the Intracoastal Waterway. If you do find yourself downtown, you might want to try Justines Kitchen on the corner of Wentworth and Meeting Street. This is a "meat and three" type of spot. Not a big hit to the wallet and definitely a Southern restaurant.

Skip the aquarium. The aquarium has been a point of contention here since the early 80's. Nobody wanted to have it built with public funds, and now that it's built, nobody goes to it. It's declined in attendance each year it's been open and if you spend the $17 to tour it, you'll understand why.

Enjoy your stay here!

Gretchen

These are two of the newest and high end resorts on the SC coast.Suggest a different beach. And yes, the Aquarium is EXCELLENt.

dsgmi

When on our annual visit to Kiawah, we took the kids to the Aquarium. They loved it! Especially the touch tanks. It was a perfect activity for a rainy day and 4 kids under the age of 5. Red Sky - right off Seabrook has always been good, but try to hit it off hours as the wait at dinner can get pretty long; it is a small place. We ate at Sidi's last time too. They have pizza and more moderately priced entrees than Rosebank Farms Cafe at Bohicket. There is supposed to be a new restaurant opening in Freshfields right between Seabrook and Kiawah. Newton Farms has a lot of prepared items that you can eat there. I know it's a chain, but our kids like the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Charleston as well as Hyman's. As a special treat, we let the kids go in the fountain in Charleston (at the end of Vendue, I think) after walking around in the heat. Might be fun for your kids after sitting on a carraige. We take their suits and towels with us. In August the tea plantation on Maybank is reopening to visitors. Make sure to pick up some American Classic - the only tea grown in the US (and SC). The tea is much cheaper at the Piggly Wiggly than in the market or at the gift shops near Kiawah/Seabrook.

miller20621

When we travel to Seabrook, we usually dine one night at the restaurant by the Seabrook pool (I think the name is Cap'n Sams), once at Rosebank Farms Cafe, and in Charleston, we usually head for Boccis's (Italian) and AW Shucks. (maye Tommy Condons or SouthEnd Brewery for happy hour- both are loud enough to drown the sound of any toddler). All have entrees under $20. Have heard good things about Sidi's but have not visited there-yet!

We also get some shrimp for steaming one night.

For activites, we visit the Aquarium each year, and my daughter loves it. I've read on this board that there is now a Charleston Childrens Museum, we intend to check that out this summer.

chimiler

Thanks for all your suggestions. This is very helpful -- except trying another beach. We loved the detail to nature that Kiawah and Seabrook have. The quant and low-key feel is exactly what we're looking for. I wouldn't classify either as new or high end. In fact, they are quit affordable comparatively. I am just not a fan of "fine dinning". When we went to the USVI one year our favorite restaurant was a BBQ shack in the center town -- chickens and all.

We did eat at Rosebank Farms Cafe and LOVED the dessert. The prices weren't terrible but more than I'd like to spend for 9 nights. Again the wait was a bit long, but at least there was a nice area to wait outside. Of course this time we'll be staying in Seabrook so I can just drive over and put our names in. Did I mention the desserts! I'll put Charleston Crab House, SIDI's and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (maybe a chain, but not around here) on the list of places to check out. Are there seafood or produce markets near by?

I'll leave the aquarium on our rainy day plan B. We have a nice aquarium here in town that we don't go to. Thanks for the comments though.

dove

Here are some restaurant thoughts for you.

We always have breakfast at the Ocean Course on Kiawah at least once while we are there. It's the only restaurant with an ocean view and it allows you to drive through all the fancy houses behind the second gate. $12 for adults for a buffet with waffles, eggs, etc. Call for reservations. You can walk on the beach after breakfast.

Jestines on Wentworth St. in Charleston is the most authentic southern cooking in the city. Don't miss it but go early for lunch or dinner to avoid the lines. No reservations.

SIDI's is no longer in business but you should not miss St. John Cafe on Maybank, across from the lumber yard. Great breakfasts, lunches and dinners (under $15). It's where the locals go.

Also the Noisy Oyster is another local hangout. Good for kids in that it has an outdoor terrace and lots of ducks to feed. It's hard to find but is in the marina just before you get to the Stono River on Maybank Highway.

There is a good BBQ place in the small shopping center near the Food Lion on Maybank Highway. Real country cooking with collard greens and cornbread.

A favorite seafood place is Gilligans on Main Road, near the intersection with Highway 17. Lots of fried seafood with hushpuppies. About 20 minutes from the Island. Again, lots of locals.

dsgmi

dove, What's the name of the BBQ place near Food Lion? I didn't realize that Sid's closed already. You're very right about Gilligan's. Good place to take kids to. Is the Noisy Oyster where Cappy's used to be? Is it hard to get down to now that the new bridge is there? Have you ever tried the Mustard Seed. I've heard it's good.

dove

I can't for the life of me remember the name of the BBQ place. It's got only a few tables, largely carry out but good. The Noisy Oyster is indeed the old Cappy's. There is a turn off with a light on the causeway over the Stono River Bridge. It's easy to miss. If you get to the golf course heading toward Charleston, you've passed it.

Sidi's closed last Fall and there have been signs saying renovation underway but I heard that it was not going to be another restaurant.

I did not mention the new restaurant, Hege's, in the new Freshfields Center as we have not tried it yet. Other Kiawah residents have praised it but I don't have details.

I should admit that we save our pennies and have eaten three times at the Ocean Room at the Santuary and loved it everytime. Definitely worth a splurge.

dsgmi

dove, Sounds like you're a Kiawah resident. After renting for 25+ years my parents finally have a house there. We are planning our next trip for the end of the month. We ate at the Jasmine Porch at Christmas: Lunch, very good. I had the best cornbread ever at Rosebanks on one trip. Have you found getting into the Ocean Room difficult? The word is that during the summer you can only get same day res. if you're not a guest... We try to be good and cook in most nights but I certainly do enjoy a good meal out!

woodrob12

The b-b-q place is The Hickory Hawg. It's now across the street from its original location but still on the intersection of River and Maybank Roads. It's one of my favorites.

dove

As to using the Kiawah Resort restaurants and pools if you are not a guest of the Resort: New rules as of January 1 restricted use of the Resort pools to guests only. Previously you could buy a day or week use pass. Now you must rent through the Resort to use the Night Heron pool.

It is indeed hard to get reservations at the Ocean Room at the Sanctuary. Resort guests, either at the hotels or in villas, can reserve ahead. Non-guests can only get same-day reservations which are very difficult in the summer. Much concern among those who rent independently who worry that they will lose renters this summer.

mudmom

We've been going to Kiawah for 16 years and leave June 18. What's the best way to get reservations for breakfast at The Ocean Course? We stay in Inlet Cove through a rental agent and enjoy the pool, beach, and sunsets at the dock. It's the best kept secret and a perfect way to avoid the Night Heron crowd. Also, what's the best/most reasonable$$ place to get groceries? We used to go to Piggly Wiggly, but I heard it closed.

dove

No problem getting breakfast reservations for the Ocean Course. Just call the resort and they will help you. This is not a fancy place at all but has a good breakfast or lunch ( no dinner service) and takes you to a part of the Island you might not visit. Allow extra time to walk to the end of the beach after you eat.

The "Little Pig" has closed and is replaced by Newton's in the new Freshfields Shopping Center. Prices are the same as the other Pigs but the choices are more upscale and suited for short-term guests. Many more prepared foods. I think you will be pleased. Lots of fresh veggies and seafood which the Little Pig did not have.

It's 100 degrees at Kiawah today. Take sunscreen!

chimiler

Is there a seafood market near Seabrook? We plan it eat in a few times, but don't want to waste a meal on food we can get in the midwest -- I'm not cooking chicken on an ocean side vacation! What about a good bakery? An early morning dounut run is always fun for the troops when they wake up!

POTC4me

On Seabrook, try Rosebank Farms Cafe, which is located in the Bohicket Marina. Another casual place that's great for lunch or a laid-back dinner is the Pelican's Nest at the Beach Club (which hosts live entertainment on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). Another great restaurant is Chez Fish(3966 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy). Though it's not much from the outside, this restaurant is tasty, family-friendly and well-kept!

The carriage rides that you mentioned are excellent, so be sure to schedule one!

abram

POTC4me, you're giving advice to people who went on a vacation two years ago.