Travel Guide to Freshfields Village and Kiawah Island
Thank you to Freshfields Village and Kiawah Island for partnering with me on this post!
This time last week I was waking up in one of the most beautiful homes I have ever stayed in nestled among the palms and pine trees of a gorgeous golf course on the coast of South Carolina. A dream. Growing up, I had heard from families and friends all about this place called Kiawah Island. Every time I heard about it, each person sharing stories about their visit would light up with joy when talking about their trip. I always mentally added it to my bucket list of places I wanted to visit and see for myself but never had the chance until now… and I now fully understand. Kiawah Island is a very special place… to say the least!
A couple months ago I was overjoyed when the Freshfields Village/ Kiawah Island team reached out about partnering on a trip to explore and share all that the area has to offer. Last week I felt very fortunate to see and explore for myself all the beauty of this magical island and coastal town, working with their team as an influencer and photographer, and today I am excited to share all the details of my trip with you!
HOW I GOT THERE
Kiawah Island is located about 45 minutes from Charleston International Airport- which makes it very accessible and easy for others coming in from locations all over the country. I flew into CHS and then had a 45 minute car ride to Kiawah. Just before crossing over to Kiawah Island, you will find Freshfields Village (at the crossroads of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Islands), which is a retail and dining village filled with all the necessities and lots of fun finds (more below!),
FRESHFIELDS VILLAGE
Upon arriving, I went straight to Freshfields Village, which is the most quaint and charming shopping & dining village of all time. It’s kind of a town within itself and a one stop shop for everything you may need. With dozens of retail stores, restaurants, a grocery store, a hotel (a part of the Marriott family), the cutest gas station (complete with a gourmet deli), medical offices, a post office (that ships UPS, Fedex and USPS), and much more… it is a place you could stay all day checking everything off your to-do list and treat yourself to a little shopping as well. I spent nearly 4 hours eating, shopping, and exploring all Freshfields Village has to offer and still had more to see! I loved walking around shooting photos at Freshfields Village and popping in and out of the stores- chatting with some of the local shop owners and hearing about their stores & favorite things in the area.
WHERE I STAYED
After exploring Freshfields Village, we drove just 5 minutes down the road and checked into the rental home for our stay. This home still has me speechless- a magazine worthy home perfectly designed down to every inch. From the light filled entry, to the comfy couches, the rich wood paneling, the striking fireplace, the perfectly appointed bedding, the 2 story windows that greet you at the stairs, luxurious bathrooms… it was nothing short of heaven and only wish we could have stayed longer!
This home is a part of the Cassique Golf Club, which is part of the Kiawah Island Club properties. At this time, I believe this specific rental is available to members of the Cassique Golf Club and their guests. For more rentals, you can book vacation homes through the Kiawah Island Golf Resort here. They have lots and lots of properties of all sizes throughout the island that would be great for couples and families!
WHERE TO SHOP AND DINE AT FRESHFIELDS VILLAGE
As mentioned above, Freshfields Village has something for everyone and below I am highlighting some of my favorites shops and restaurants from my visit!
SHOPPING
MUST STOP SHOPS:
1. Blue Mercury: picked up a new RMS Beauty product to try- they have an amazing assortment of beauty products and the prettiest store front!
2. Faherty: I stopped in and picked up two new cotton sweaters that I know I am going to live in this spring/ summer! I am so picky about fabrics/ comfort, and Faherty gets a 12/10 in that category- their clothing is the softest!
3. Holly and Brooks: a local women’s boutique with lots and lots of my favorite brands like Rails, AG Jeans, Cleobella, On Cloud running shoes, and lots more!
4. J. McLaughlin: always a happy store filled with all the color!
5. Vineyard Vines: they have something for everyone in the family :)
6. Southern Tide: a store filled with activewear and beachy outfits perfect for coastal living.
7. Showroom Kiawah: a women’s boutique filled with elevated designer clothing that will take you from day to night!
DINING
MY TOP PICKS:
JAVA JAVA: best coffee shop that I wish I could have brought home with me!
2. Hege’s: a French restaurant with delicious seafood - open for dinner 6 nights a week.
3. Cantina 76: one of my favorite meals from the trip- the dip trio (queso/ guac/ salsa) and a taco salad from here. Craving it now!
4. Cafe Eugenia: a new cafe that just opened this month! The founder is actually a Southern C Summit Alum, and I was so excited we got to chat with her when we stopped by for breakfast one morning!
KIAWAH ISLAND ACTIVITIES
KIAWAH RIVER BOAT TOUR
TENNIS AT CASSIQUE SPORTS PAVILION
KIAWAH ISLAND BEACH CLUB
KIAWAH ISLAND RIVER CLUB
WHAT I WORE
I am marking down the second week in April as some of the best weather in South Carolina. We could not have asked for more perfect temperatures (high of 75/ low of 65), which made packing pretty easy. I packed dresses, a couple of sweaters for layering, a shorts outfit and a handful of active/athleisure outfits. See more details below!
DRESS: ZARA (OLD) | SANADALS: K. JACQUES | BAG: SIMON MILLER | NECKLACE: WILLOW PARK BOUTIQUE
DRESS: PEARL BY LELA ROSE (C/O) | SANADALS: TORY BURCH | BAG: SIMON MILLER | EARRINGS: SUSAN SHAW | SUNGLASSES: ILLESTEVA
TOP: RALPH LAUREN | SKIRT: LILLY PULITZER (C/O) | TENNIS SHOES: TORY SPORT | SUNGLASSES: ILLESTEVA
SWEATER: FAHERTY | JEANS: HUDSON | NECKLACE: JANE WIN JEWELRY (C/O) | SUNGLASSES: ILLESTEVA
DRESS: BEAUX AND RO (C/O) | SANADALS: TORY BURCH | BAG: TOPSHOP | EARRINGS: SUSAN SHAW
TOP: RENWICK (C/O) | SHORTS: BORN ON FIFTH X ANTONIO MELANI (C/O)
SHOP
