The Lowcountry makes a perfect escape. Families can reconnect as the pace slows down. But, there are still plenty of ways to get your heart racing.
Depending on the Sweetgrass vacation rental visitors choose, guests have access to amenities at Kiawah Island Resort, Wild Dunes Resort or Seabrook Island Club (though some, like golf or tennis, may require an additional fee).
Shoot Hoops
On Nov. 29, for example, a 3v3 Basketball Tournament takes place at Night Heron courts in Kiawah Island with divisions in youth, teen and adult. There’s a $2 per player registration fee. Earlier in the day, players can work on their court skills at a Basketball Clinic with a local high school coach.
Work on your Backhand
Whether you want to improve your tennis game or just hit some balls, you’ve come to the right place. The Wild Dunes Resort Tennis Center, Kiawah Island Resort Roy Barth Tennis Center and Seabrook Island Racquet Club offer state-of-the-art facilities, daily instruction and special clinics during the winter.
Golf, Golf, and More Golf
This region is known for great golf with several top-rated golf courses, including five at Kiawah Island Resort. Get in on one of the special winter events like Kiawah Island Resort’s Women’s Golf Getaway for beginner and intermediate level golfers on Feb. 15-18 and Feb. 20-23, or its Family Tee Program on Nov. 25-Dec. 1 and Dec. 21-Jan. 1.
It's a great way for beginner golfers in the family to get in nine holes, and children under 17 are free of charge. Seabrook Resort has two courses: Crooked Oaks and Ocean Winds. The Links and Harbour Course at Wild Dunes are open to the public and offer challenging golf for all levels.
Swing for the Cure
On Feb. 7-8, Wild Dunes Resort hosts the Swing for the Cure weekend golf and tennis tournaments supporting Susan G. Komen Low Country and the fight against breast cancer.
Lace-Up Your Running Shoes
If you’re a runner, register for one of several winter runs set, including the Glow in the Dark Color Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Dec. 13. It's an out-and-back course on the beach and features blacklight bubble stations and glow in the dark color throw stations. The next day is the 42nd Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon & Half Marathon on Dec. 14. It’s a beautiful course with spectacular views of maritime forests, marshes and grand homes.
See 2019 out with the New Year’s 5K at Wild Dunes Resort on Dec. 31. The run starts at the Grand Pavilion Beachfront.
Ring in 2020 with the New Year’s Day 5K at 11 a.m. on Jan. 1 at the Sanctuary beach access on Kiawah Island. There’s no entry fee.
Make A Splash: Polar Bear Plunge
After your run take the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge at 11:45 a.m. also at the Sanctuary Beach Access in Kiawah Resort. What better way to head into the new year than with an icy splash in the Atlantic Ocean?
Wheelin’ Around
Winter is the perfect time to get around on two wheels. There are plenty of great bike trails to explore and bike rentals available. Ride along a section of the East Coast Greenway from Isle of Palms to Mt. Pleasant.
Ride the Waves
Always wanted to learn how to surf? Don’t let winter keep you from it. Isla Surf School in Folly Beach offers lessons all year ‘round. Or, sharpen your skills with winter training at Odyssey Board Shop in Mt. Pleasant. You’ll need to don a wetsuit, but with fewer crowds and good waves, it’s a fun ride.
Book a comfortable home-away-from-home for your winter stay. Then get outside and enjoy all the great winter sports along the South Carolina coast.