Escape to Kiawah!

Dining

Please see a more detailed list of our favorites in the coffee table in the living room.  Here is a quick guide.

Rosebank Farms Café is our favorite place to eat when we visit.  The café serves eclectic Southern cuisine featuring locally-grown vegetables, the finest beef available and seafood harvested from the waters off Kiawah in a casual atmosphere overlooking Bohicket Creek. Order the local shrimp and grits and the fantastic Key lime pie (the best we’ve ever had).  Located in the Waterfront Marketplace at Bohicket Marina, Rosebank is located just off the island on Seabrook Island.  

Chez Fish has a great selection of dishes featuring fresh local shrimp, fish, scallops and lobster, plus gourmet and Lowcountry accompaniments. Visit the adjacent seafood store for fresh fish, shellfish, soups, dips, sauces, cooking herbs and spices, artisan-made breads, grits, wine and beer. They also have great desserts and Greenwood Ice Cream. Chez Fish is located about a mile from the main gate on the left (heading off-island) at 3966 Betsy Kerrison Pky.

Southern Kitchen, a traditional Southern-style, casual kitchen serving Lowcountry favorites such as country fried steak and pork chops with traditional side choices including fried okra, collard greens, and macaroni & cheese. Every dish is prepared in true Southern style with the freshest of ingredients. Relax in the bar with a bucket of beer or kick back on the screened porch with one of their signature frozen cocktails. Located in The Straw Market in the West Beach Village. Serving lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. 

The Ocean Room is Kiawah's signature restaurant. An updated menu debuted in 2009 with an emphasis on steaks and chops. However, the pampering service and dramatic ocean views did not change. Located at The Sanctuary Hotel, two private dining rooms and an elegant lounge furnished in mahogany and leather enhance this incomparable oceanfront dining room.   We enjoyed a spectacular Thanksgiving meal in 2007 and highly recommend this restaurant for a special dinner.  They have also recently added a sushi lounge featuring fresh catch-of-the-day and seasonal items.

Hege's Kiawah features a recently revamped menu with classic, French-inspired cuisine in a casual and inviting atmosphere. Hege’s menu features fresh and seasonal local products and they also offer a children's menu. This is a great place for a really nice dinner and a great bottle of wine.  Located in Freshfield’s Village.

Most of the golf courses also have grills or restaurants, so be sure to check them out as well!

There are many wonderful restaurants off the island in Charleston. Please see the list provided in the coffee table in the living room.

Shopping

Freshfields Village- Located at the entrance to the island, just off the traffic circle, this shopping area is a can’t-miss destination.  Whether you need to pick up some bagels and coffee for breakfast, or to shop for that special Lowcountry souvenir to take back home, you can find it at Freshfields. It has all the basics, such as a deluxe grocery store, (Newton Farms, which has a Starbucks and a wine shop), a Bank of America branch, a drug store, ice cream parlor and a coffee place, as well as many other wonderful shops, restaurants, antique stores and art galleries.  Two new restaurants opened in 2008.  If you decide to try them, leave us a note and let us know what you think!  Please see the map and guide for more details.

Freshfields Farmers Market is held every Tuesday in the summer.

The Shops at The Sanctuary - Seven stores at the island's 4-star hotel include an art gallery, a pro shop, a gourmet shop, a logo shop as well as a few clothing boutiques.

The Shops at Kiawah– Also known as The Straw Market and located at the West Village, it has everything from resort shopping to ice cream.

Bohicket Marina- More stores that greatly resemble The Straw Market, but you'll also find restaurants and a nice place to walk around after sunset with great views of the marina.  Located on Seabrook Island on the other side of the roundabout.

The General Store is located right next to the main Kiawah Island security gate.  It has the essentials: beer, chips, fried chicken, sunscreen, beach supplies, etc. They also have gas pumps.

Please see the 2011 Kiawah Island Vacation Guide located in the coffee table for more detailed information on activities and amenities.

Ice Cream! 

There are three places to find ice cream on the island:

• Marble Slab Creamery is in Freshfield's Village and is open year-round.
• Inn-Side Scoop is in the West Beach Village and is open in the summer.
• Finally there is an ice cream shop at The Sanctuary Hotel called Beaches and Cream which is also open seasonally.