For most of the country Labor Day Weekend represents the end of
summer. This year we decided to celebrate the end of summer at Wild
Dunes, as a family. Below is a recap of the long weekend (toddlers
included) as well as a review of our stay at Wild Dunes Resort on the
Isle of Palms.
Wild Dunes
Let me start by saying, I was nervous to have 5 adults and 2 kids
staying all under one roof (cue anxiety). BUT Wild Dunes to the
rescue, they upgraded us to a 4 bedroom 4 bath home on the boardwalk
with plenty of space for everyone. For those of you not familiar with
Wild Dunes, the boardwalk is the walkway that leads you out to the
pools and the beach (very central location). The house we stayed at
was Boardwalk home 100 and it was stunning. Featuring two master
suites, and two additional rooms each containing two queen beds. Each
family had their own room and of course Blake also had her own room
because she needs to sleep in a pitch black cave. In addition to the
house being awesome the ease of access to the pools and beach was
amazing. We could walk right out of our door, up a ramp and we were
on the boardwalk. The boardwalk contains Duney’s Ice Cream Shop, Surf
Shop (to buy toys, sunscreen, etc), a restaurant, a bar, and two
pools. This is key when you have toddlers (Blake 22 months, Lex 4
years) as they need multiple things to keep them busy. After the
girls had swam all they could swim, we would load them up in the the
wagon (rented by OTS baby gear) and take them on long walks around the
property, and even up to Hudson’s Market where they each picked out
stuffed animals as souvenirs. The girls even got to feed the turtles
because the staff at Hudon’s gave them bread (they loved it). I would
recommend getting a house on property at Wild Dunes for anyone looking
to have a (not cramped) family vacation. We had a blast and
everything was wonderful. Stay tuned for another post about our
family pictures with the amazing and talented Kelly Vann Calaway. We
will definitely be making this an annual trip.
The Aquarium
In addition to spending time out at Wild Dunes, we also took the girls
downtown to the South Carolina Aquarium – it was a big hit. This
aquarium is {so} kid friendly and very interactive. The girls got to
pet an alligator and sit in a bald eagle nest. My brother and I even
stood in a hurricane simulator to feel what 80 mile an hour winds feel
like (fun for everyone). When you are leaving the aquarium there is a
sting ray exhibit outside where you can feed and pet them – Blake
loved it. Warning: they splash and you will get wet.
The Food
By now, I think everyone knows I love food. And going to restaurants
is one of my favorite things to do on vacation. Below is a list of the
places we ate this trip (not at Wild Dunes):
The Rarebit – I love this place. I had only every been for brunch, but
we tried it for dinner and it was tasty. They also have amazing
drinks.
Halls Chophouse – A tradition. I don’t think I have every been to
Charleston and not eaten here. My favorite restaurant for sure.
Fleet Landing – Fleet is touristy but good. We only went because it
wasn’t busy and we had the girls. They don’t have a written kids menu
but they were very accommodating at making the girls pasta and chicken
fingers.
Fuji – This place is a new sushi spot downtown. There is another one
out at Kiawah. The sushi was delicious and so was the hibachi (yes, I
got both). Located on Upper King.
Shelter – We were looking for a brunch spot to take the girls after
family pictures and Shelter was open. I can honestly say I had only
ever had drinks at this place, but the fried french toast was AMAZING.
Located in Shem Creek.
All said and done, this was a much needed family vacation. Everyone
had a blast, and we will be going back again as a family next year.
Huge thank you to Wild Dunes for the amazing house, OTS for the baby
rentals (toys, gates, wagon etc), and of course Kelly Calaway for
documenting the memories.
As always send me a note with any questions.
Happy Traveling!
AK
The Blake Rose Life 