Discover CharlestonCharleston SC: Golfing on The Kiawah River & Fishing on The Ashley

By Terry Bell-Aby, Realtor, CNE, Luxury Simplified Real Estate

In part one of this four part series, I introduced the notion that, although Charleston SC truly is loaded with some of the most beloved and well-known historic sites from the South’s storied past, there are indeed still hidden gems that even long-time Charleston residents have yet to find and explore.  While these locations are not necessarily “secrets, ” they have a lot to offer and are unique for reasons all their own. The following are two delightful neighborhoods you might want to consider, and another great activity hidden in plain sight.

Kiawah River Estates – Would you love the Kiawah Island lifestyle but maybe find it a bit too exclusive? Kiawah River Estates is a great alternative with many of the same great features that Kiawah Island offers at a premium price. This gated community is less than 5 miles from the front gate at Kiawah Island and prices are significantly lower for its executive homes. Kiawah River Estates has tennis, a community pool and party house where I’m told they hold one of the top notch Kentucky Derby Parties! The newly redesigned golf course at Kiawah River Estates is managed by the Kiawah Island Club. There is also a picnic area near the community dock and you’ll see more golf carts than cars on the quiet streets. Perhaps the best feature is that Beachwalker County Park is also just less than 5 miles away and is open to the public. The county park is connected to the beach behind the gate of Kiawah Island and features the same white sand, dunes and dolphins!  Kiawah River Estates offers you a lifestyle where you can enjoy golfing on the Kiawah River, swimming, tennis and one of the finest beaches in the country and live where the homeowner’s costs are thousands less per year. 

Bordeleaux – Looking for a downtown Charleston real estate bargain? The Bourdeleaux condominiums are located between Lowndes Grove Plantation and the Ashley River and showcase fabulous views of the river. This delightful neighborhood on the north end of the peninsula is walking distance to Hampton Park, the Citadel and some of the best new restaurants in town!  Along with a grassy park covering much of the 2.4-acre property, Bordeleaux Condominiums has one of the few swimming pools in the area fronting a tributary. This pedestrian friendly area means you can walk the dog, or bike through the lightly traveled streets. The tidy homes in this older Charleston neighborhood are some of the hottest real estate around right now, so if you haven’t been to Wagener Terrace lately, you are in for a treat. If you are looking for a real sense of neighborhood, a downtown bargain, and the convenience of a condo, Bordeleaux might be right for you.

Northbridge Park – For years I watched people fishing and shrimping off the edge of the Ashley River under the bridge that links West Ashley to North Charleston via Cosgrove Avenue.  Folks would park precariously along the edge of the road to throw in a line or net while cars whizzed past them in four lanes of traffic over the bridge. A couple of year ago, the City of Charleston developed this de facto fishing pier into a charming municipal park with a proper dock, plenty of parking, and a safe ingress and egress for walkers, bikers, and cars. Other amenities include plentiful lighting, security cameras, and restrooms. Put in a kayak, take your fishing pole, pack a picnic, or just sit on a bench and watch the boats and dolphins navigate the waterway at the Northbridge Park. The sunsets are simply spectacular!

Check out my other blogs in this series and discover for yourself some of my favorite “hidden gems ” around Charleston. 

Note: From neighborhoods to parks, there is always a hidden gem to discover in Charleston SC as history and beauty are woven throughout the lowcountry.