Day 6: The Windjammer

 It's going to be your last night in Charleston, so why not make it special. The Windjammer provides live music and great eats, for a night that you and your buddies will enjoy while having the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. From sandwiches to burgers, to Alaskan Snow Crab, to delicious peel and eat shrimp, the Windjammer doesn't just offer incredible live music; it has great food that will have you feeling relaxed, as you enjoy the live music right in front of you. A place like this makes for great memories as you and your friends reminisce about the great shots you hit during your rounds of golf, or even the amazing things you did in Charleston. The $20 general admission ticket is worth the cost 5x over, as this venue is situated on a great lot and has the best views you can ask for. The Windjammer has such a wonderful beach atmosphere that will make you consider staying a few more nights in the Charleston area, and proves that this area is truly one of the best vacation destinations in America. In terms of distance, the Windjammer is roughy 30 minutes from the City of Charleston Golf Course, and is about a 45 minute drive to John's Island and the Beachside Boutique Inn, and about 55 minutes to the Andell Inn. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my itinerary. I hope you will utilize this on your next budget friendly Kiawah Island/Charleston vacation! 

Photo Credits: https://the-windjammer.com/event/jerrod-niemann/

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Day 6: City of Charleston Municipal Golf Course

 Last but not least on our itinerary is the City Of Charleston Municipal Golf Course. While it may not have the creative or beautiful name name like some of the other surrounding courses do, this historic golf course designed by Seth Raynor has undergone a very recent redesign and is in immaculate shape for any golf course, let alone a municipal track. I can confidently say it is one of, if not the best city owned golf course in the state of South Carolina, and you will see why when you play it. Built on the edge of James Island situated right along the edge of the Stone River, this Yeamans Hall inspired golf course was renovated with the "Golden Era" of golf course architecture in mind, as the city wanted this golf course to be the staple of Charleston public golf. You and your playing partners will love the sweeping views of the Savannas and Stono River, and will be surprised at the pure greens and immaculate bunkers that resemble that of a private club, even though more than 50,000 rounds are played on this golf course every year. This par 72 golf course is only about 6500 yards from the tips and will definitely be the one of the more relaxing rounds of golf played on this trip, as the par 5's offer very good scoring opportunities; all being under 520 yards. With that being said, the course rating still plays over par, as the fairways are relatively narrow and the greens runoff very easily. This course will pleasantly surprise anybody playing it and is a great way to relax and enjoy your last day in the Charleston area: it makes it much easier to relax when rates range from $60-80 per person. In terms of distance, this golf course is 28 minutes from the Andell Inn, 18 minutes from the Beachside Boutique Inn, and 19 minutes from the center of John's Island. 

Photo Credits: https://www.linksmagazine.com/charleston-muni/

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Day 5: Red's Ice House and Shem Creek

 Luckily, Patriot's Point golf links is only a 5 minute drive from one of the coolest entertainment areas in all of South Carolina. Shem Creek is a waterfront area lined with some amazing seafood restaurants and bars, so if you give it a visit it is a guaranteed night of good food and fun. What makes Shem Creek so good is its location; it has amazing views of the Charleston Harbor and is a really nice walk, as it has boardwalks that allows you to catch all of the great fish and even see the beautiful dolphins that South Carolina has to offer. I recommend walking around Shem Creek and checking it out, and then heading over to Red's Ice House. Red's has an amazing atmosphere and is a great spot for a group of guys, as it has a plethora of tv's to watch sports and a great selection of beer as well. Red's also has some of the best seafood I have personally ever experienced. Whether it is their killer shrimp, shrimp and grits, or Lowcountry boil, Red's offers the freshest seafood you will find, as they catch everything locally. Not to mention, their key lime pie and Hershey bar pie are must-haves, even if you aren't in the mood for desert. High quality fresh seafood and an awesome waterfront atmosphere for $25 max sounds like a pretty good deal to me, as this is my go to restaurant when I am in the Charleston/Mount Pleasant area. No matter the circumstance, I recommend going to Shem Creek and giving Red's a try, it will throughly impress you like it impressed me. Because it is in the Mount Pleasant area, the drive is roughly 28 minutes to the Beachside Boutique Inn, 31 minutes to John's Island, and 42 minutes to the Andell Inn.

Photo credits: https://www.scpictureproject.org/charleston-county/shem-creek.html

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Day 5: Patriot's Point Golf Links

While Patriot's Point is not the most glamorous or well maintained golf course you will play on this trip, it is an absolute bargain and is worth every dollar spent. Located right on Charleston Harbor, Patriot's Point is the golf course to play if you are looking for expansive water and city views, as it is located on a spectacular point that allows you to view the northeastern part of Charleston. You can even see Fort Sumter from multiple holes and use it as an aiming point on some of your tee shots. Patriot's Point is not a short and easy par 70 public golf course like most, it offers some real challenge and shotmaking as it has tees that can be played up to 7,000 yards. This par 72 can get windy as well, due to the fact that it is right on the water and doesn't have many trees. Not to mention, there is water in play on 16 out of the 18 holes, so no matter what level of golfer you are, you will be challenged. This golf course has also been awarded "Best Par 3 in the Lowcountry," which is hole number 17, a short par 3 to an island green that has sweeping views of Charleston, Shem Creek, and Fort Sumter. Patriot's Point ranges from $45-$100 for 18 hole rates and will leave you in awe once you experience its amazing waterfront views. The golf course is a 45 minute drive from the Andell Inn, a 30 minute drive from the Beachside Boutique Inn, and a 28 minute drive from John's Island. 

Photo Credits: https://citadelsports.com/facilities/patriots-point-links/27

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Day 4: Folly Beach and Loggerhead's Beach Grill

 You may feel like you have explored all of South Carolina after walking through Magnolia Gardens, but South Carolina's Folly Beach, also known as the "Edge of America," is a destination that must be visited. If you are staying at the Beachside Boutique Inn, then you are familiar with Folly Beach and all of its amazing beaches and restaurants, but those who are staying in John's Island and Kiawah Island must pay a visit. There is so much to do here, but for a nice relaxing afternoon, I would recommend renting a Kayak of Paddleboard and enjoying a beautiful afternoon on The Atlantic Ocean. If you would rather walk and explore the beach, I recommend going to the north end of the beach and checking out the Morris Island Lighthouse, one of the coolest sights in South Carolina. Once you have explored the amazing white sand beaches that Folly Beach has to offer, stop in at Loggerhead's Beach Grill, for some amazing casual island dining. Loggerhead's Grill is the definition of island food; surrounded by palm trees, you will feel like you are on vacation when enter the restaurant, as it screams "tropical". Not only is the vibe great and casual, the food is amazing as well. Their fried shrimp and oysters is amazing, but so is everything else on their seafood menu, as it is some of the best local seafood in all of low-country. Loggerhead Grill is an amazing way to end your relaxing day in the Charleston area, as the tropical feel along with the amazing seafood will make you feel like you are in paradise. In terms of distance, Folly Beach is 39 minutes from the Andell Inn, and 25 minutes from John's Island. 

Photo credits: https://www.loggerheadsbg.com/home

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Day 4: Sunrise Bistro and Magnolia Gardens

 Three days of tiring golf can get to you, although it may be hard for some to take a day off after the amazing golf that was experienced. A perfect way to start your day off is with some nice local low country breakfast. I recommend Sunrise Bistro for a high quality inexpensive breakfast, as they have fantastic chicken and waffles (a Southern classic), great French toast, burritos, burgers, etc. Also, every main dish comes with a side of their amazing grits, which makes the meal so much better. As I said, Sunrise Bistro is budget friendly, ranging from $8-14 per person forbid portions that will fill you up. Sunrise Bistro is located in central John's Island, so it is roughly a 15 minute drive from the Andell Inn and a 25-30 minute drive from the Beachside Boutique Inn. If you are willing to explore some of the scenic and historic beauty that Charleston has to offer, I recommend visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Magnolia Plantation spans 464 beautiful acres located right on the Ashley River and was founded in 1676. Magnolia's beautiful gardens are truly one with nature, as some sections of the gardens are 325 years old of unrestored nature, making it the oldest in America. While you are here, you can also get an interactive tour of The Plantation House, or take a tour of the Ashley River on the nature boat. Magnolia Gardens has so much to offer, it's the perfect way to spend a couple hours and relax while experiencing all the beauty low country has to offer. Magnolia Plantation is roughly a 25 minute drive north from Sunrise Bistro. 

Photo credit: https://www.scpictureproject.org/charleston-county/magnolia-plantation.html

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Day 3: D'Allesandro's Pizza

 Ensuing a beautiful yet windy and tough round of golf at Osprey Point, will be an equally satisfying meal in downtown Charleston. No, its not more soul food, its pizza, something that never fails to cheer me up, so I can guarantee it will do the same for you. Located conveniently on the corner of Bogard and Saint Phillip Street is a cozy, yet modern pizza shop, named D'Allesandro's Pizza. D'Allesandro's Pizza has nearly every flavor of pizza you can imagine: from Margarita to Pesto to pizza with every cheese imaginable, D'Allesandro's will fulfill any and all of your pizza craving desires. This is a great spot to sit down and hang out with the boys, as you guys can order beer for a reasonable price and eat a large amount of pizza, for a low price. Pizza here ranges form a little over $8 for a 10" pie, to a little over $25 for a 16" greek pie, but keep in mind this can feed 2 people. This is the best all around pizza shop in Charleston: from the low prices, to the amazing service, to the great pizza, nothing else in the area beats it. D'Allesandros' is roughly 26 minutes from John's Island, 38 minutes from the Andell Inn, and 25 minutes from the Beachside Boutique Inn. If the sun hasn't set and your group wants to do something fun, I recommend making the drive over to Fort Moultrie a beautiful and fascinating fort that was captured by the British in 1780. This fort was used to protect Charleston in times of crisis, and contains 16, 12 inch mortars, which are really fascinating to see up close. Not only is this fort a great way to see some old fashioned artillery, it is conveniently located on the Atlantic Ocean and offers incredible views of Charleston and Fort Sumter. Fort Moultrie has a small $10 entrance fee for adults, but is extremely worth it as the views alone are breathtaking. In terms of distance from D'Allesandro's Pizza, Fort Moultrie is a scenic 22 minute drive. 

Photo credits: https://findyourpark.com/park/fort-sumter-and-fort-moultrie-national-historical-park

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Day 3: Osprey Point Golf Course

 Hopefully you will be warmed up and ready to play some challenging golf, because Osprey Point will give you that challenge, especially if the wind is consistently blowing. This Tom Fazio designed golf course, completely renovated in 2014, has some of the best and most challenging par 3s I have personally ever played on, with incredible bunker complexes that make it extremely penal if you miss the green. Holes 1 and 2 are extremely demanding off the tee, as the first hole has water all along the left side, while the second hole requires a forced carry over a large pond that plays a factor from tee to green. If the wind is whipping in its usual direction, all holes facing north will pose a great challenge; an example of this is the 9th hole, a 460 yard par 4 from the tips that can play upwards of 500 yards and requires not only a forced carry over water, but a spectacular second shot that both misses the driving range on the right and water hazard on the left. Osprey Point is an amazing and beautiful challenge from start to finish, as it is consists of beautiful ponds and homes, while having extremely well manicured paspalum greens and fairways. This incredible golf course is also roughly 6900 yards from the tips, but can play much longer when the wind is howling. This course ranges from $170 in the winter to $262 in the prime season, and is roughly an 18 minute drive from the Andell Inn a 30 mince drive from John's Island, and a 57 minute drive from the Beachside Boutique Inn. 

Photo credits: https://www.charlestoncvb.com/plan-your-trip/sports-recreation~207/golf~1181/kiawah-island-osprey-point-golf-club~5655.html

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Day 2: Rodney Scott's BBQ

 After a beautiful day of beachfront golf at Turtle Point, Rodney Scott's BBQ offers great pit cooked meals  that will not disappoint. Being one of the most iconic barbecue chains in the southern United States, Rodney Scott has whole hog smoked barbecue food that will make you happy, no matter what you shot on the golf course. Between the bbq pork, pulled chicken, spare ribs, and the classic sides, Rodney Scott's has everything you would possibly dream of in a southern bbq dinner. You may be thinking that such incredible food comes at a little bit of a high price, at least for barbecue food, but no; the food at Rodney's Scott's will cost you no more than $15 for a sandwich and sides, and $20 for a plate, which is very inexpensive for this quality of food. If you are looking for something to do after dinner, I recommend visiting King Street and simply walking around and exploring downtown Charleston. Downtown Charleston is one of the most friendly and walkable areas in the United States, as there are tons of shops and beautiful buildings to look at: if you happen to visit on the second Sunday of the month, you will get to experience King Street with no cars and live music, which enhances the already great atmosphere of King Street. Both Rodney's Scott's BBQ and King Street are in downtown Charleston, which is roughly 35 minutes from the Andell Inn and 25 minutes from John's Island and Folly Beach. 

Rodney Scott's BBQ

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Day 2: Turtle Point

You may feel that you have experienced the best of Kiawah golf through Cougar Point, but trust me, it gets better. Turtle Point golf course is a Jack Niklaus design that will test every skill you have, while making for an enjoyable and beautiful test of golf. This newly reestablished golf course always exceeds expectations, and is consistently in amazing shape no matter the time of year you play it. Turtle Point is another water lined golf course that forces you to be accurate off the tee, although there aren't many forced carries over water. The fairways at Turtle Point are exceptional, they are cut very tight and are some of the best Bermuda fairways I have personally ever played on. This course stretches out to roughly 6900 yards from the tips, with the longest holes being on the front nine; this doesn't mean the back is easier though, as it has 3 oceanfront holes that demand extreme precision, especially with the ocean breeze being a factor. These holes really define the course golf course and are great for pictures with the buddies, I am convinced there is no better feeling in golf than playing an oceanfront course with your friends. This golf course will not disappoint with its lush fairways and firm but manageable greens, and will give spectacular views of the ocean on the 14-16th holes. In terms of proximity to where you are lodging: Turtle Point is 11 minutes from the Andell Inn, 22 minutes from John's Island, and 44 minutes from the Beachside Boutique Inn. 

Turtle Point Golf Course

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Day 1: Hannibal's Kitchen

 After a beautiful day of golf at Cougar Point, what's better than a trip into downtown Charleston for some sightseeing and soul food. Hannibal's kitchen is an amazing option for inexpensive yet mouthwatering food that give you comfort, hence the name comfort food. Hannibal's kitchen is what Charleston is about, people coming together and eating delicious seafood and bbq dishes, while eating outside and enjoying the beautiful South Carolina weather. I recommend their chicken meal and their crab with rice and shrimp, but anything on that menu is mouthwatering. The meal should also be extremely cheap, no more than $15 for an entree and a drink. If you are still looking for something else to do in the Charleston area after dinner, go to the Riverfront Park in North Charleston. It is a 15 minute drive from Hannibal's kitchen, and is truly a great place to see the sunset over the Cooper River. If you are there at the right time, you may be lucky enough to receive some live entertainment; which is always a great way to end your first day on vacation. As far as the drive to Charleston is concerned, it is roughly 35 minutes from the Andell Inn, 25 minutes from the center of John's Island, and 25 minutes from Folly Beach. 

Hannibal's Kitchen

Image from Afar Magazine: https://www.afar.com/places/hannibals-soul-kitchen

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Day 1: Cougar Point

Whether you are playing Cougar Point the day of your arrival, or you have already spent the night, Cougar  Point Golf Course is a good way to get your Kiawah golf vacation started right. This course is always in immaculate shape no matter what time of year, and is a great course that sums up Kiawah golf at its finest. This Gary Player design stretches out to roughly 6800 yards, and can be a gentle handshake for some due to its short length and relatively easy greens, but may give the average golfer some trouble being that the fairways are tight and there is water on 16 holes. The course condition is excellent, which is what you would expect from Kiawah Island golf, the fairways are like carpet and the greens are pure but aren't too quick, which makes the course more playable for the average golfer. The fifth and sixth holes are two of the best golf holes on the island, as they have expansive views spanning across the Kiawah river. Cougar point is a fantastic first course to play, introducing all first timers to the incredible caliber of golf that Kiawah Island has to offer. This golf course is a quick 7 minute drive from the Charleston Andell Inn, roughly 18 minutes from the center of John's Island, and 40 minutes from the Beachside Boutique Inn. Rates range from $180-262 depending on the season, but this course is worth every penny.

Click here to book a tee time: Cougar Point Golf Course

Image from Golf.com https://golf.com/travel/kiawah-island-golf-resort-other-4-courses/

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Where to Stay

 On a $1500 all inclusive per person budget, there are not many lodging options in the Kiawah area. The most luxurious lodging option on this budget is staying at the Residence Inn Charleston Kiawah Island/Andell Inn. Their rooms range from $200-300 a night which may sound expensive, but when splitting it with three other guys, $50-75 a night doesn't sound so bad. These accommodations are luxurious, modern, and extremely convenient to Kiawah Island's world class golf courses. Another great lodging option is the Beachside Boutique Inn, located in the heart of Folly Beach, SC. These accommodations are more spacious and more budget friendly. The Beachside Boutique Inn is walking distance to all the wonderful restaurants in Folly Beach, as well as the beautiful white sand beaches this island has to offer. Rooms here are much less modern than the Residence Inn Andell, but range from $130 to $170 a night depending on the season, which is extremely budget friendly for its location and spaciousness. While this option is much farther away from Kiawah Island and all it has to offer, it is more convenient to Charleston which has a multitude of world class restaurants and attractions. Lastly, there are many budget friendly VRBO and Airbnb options in John's Island SC, which can range from $80-400 dollars for 1-3 bedroom apartments and homes. These options are the most spacious and are relatively convenient to Kiawah Island, although they are not as close to restaurants and beaches as the other options are. This is a good option if you want more space, and don't mind driving to dinner every night. The links for these lodging options are listed down below. 

Lodging options: https://beachsideboutiqueinn.com

https://www.airbnb.com/johns-island-sc/stays

https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/south-carolina/johns-island

(Andell Inn linked below)

Image by Andell Inn: https://andellinn.com

Why Kiawah Island?

 When looking for an inexpensive golf trip with a couple of buddies, Kiawah Island definitely doesn’t pop up in most young golfers. Why? Because it is has amazing weather and is home to some of the best public golf in the entire world, which also means some of the most expensive golf in the entire world. Although this is the case, a Kiawah Island golf trip can be done on a reasonable budget, as long as the hotel and food and travel expenses are monitored carefully. Thankfully, the Charleston and Kiawah area is home to some exceptional, inexpensive food and world class forts that can be accessed for free. Inexpensive lodging is also within relatively close proximity to the Kiawah Island golf courses, although it doesn’t provide the convenience of being right on the Island like the 5 star Sanctuary Resort does. Throughout my itinerary, I will stick to a strict $1500 per person budget and provide helpful insight on both dining, lodging, and golf recommendations in the Kiawah Island area. Be aware, this is not an itinerary I would recommend to a group of established businessmen looking for a Kiawah golf trip; it is intended for young men in their mid to late twenties looking for a world class golf trip on a strict budget. With that being said, the lodging options with prices are on the next page. 

Link to find the best lodging options: https://budgetgolfkiawah.blogspot.com/2021/10/where-to-stay.html