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When it comes to golfing in the Southeast, Kiawah Island is one of the favorites. This two-time host of the PGA Championship has a global reputation. There are many exceptional courses where you can for tee off in the area. Consider this roundup of 9 great golf courses around Kiawah.

#1 The Ocean Course

This Pete and Alice Dye-designed course is located on the easternmost end of Kiawah Island Golf Resort. That makes it appealing to avid golfers who want the added challenge of golfing seaside holes. Ten of this par-72 course’s holes are exposed to the Atlantic’s unpredictable breezes. It’s a beauty of a course that forces golfers to account for the wind.

#2 Oak Point

Maritime forest surrounds Clyde Johnson’s Oak Point by the Kiawah River. This public course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort takes advantage of natural elements such as a lagoon or a magnificent oak to challenge its players. Voted the 2019 Charleston Golf Course of the Year by the Charleston Golf Owners Association, this Scottish-American design course is just off the island.

#3 Turtle Point

Redesigned by Jack Nicklaus and his architectural team in 2016, this public Kiawah Island Golf Resort course exemplifies Nicklaus’ vision that courses should “make the player use his mind ahead of his muscles—to control his emotions sufficiently to really think through his options before drawing a club from the bag.” The course was also named #14 in Golf Advisor’s Top 25 Friendliest Courses in the U.S. in 2020.

#4 Cougar Point

This is another Kiawah Island Golf Resort course recently renovated, this time by designer Gary Player. Cougar Point starts out relatively easy with a par 4. But don’t be fooled. By the second hole, you’re playing a par 3 with water running along the entire right side. The risk/reward type of course designs continues over the 18 holes.

#5 Shadowmoss Golf & Country Club

This 18-hole course in north Charleston is our only par 71 on the list. A favorite for city residents and visitors since its opening in 1971, Shadowmoss Plantation is 6,366 yards of lush Bermuda grass fairways designed for play by all levels of golfer. You may get a little overconfident about the absence of water hazards on the front nine, but know that veteran course architect Russell Breeden has challenges ahead for you.

#6 The Links at Stono Ferry

This public course just a few miles from Kiawah Island, is par 72 and 6,816 yards. Combining manicured greens with attractive views, the course aims to challenge players at all levels. This Ron Garl creation also incorporates reminders of the 1779 Battle of Stono Ferry into the course. An earthen fortification from the Revolutionary struggle can impact your tee shot on the 12th hole.

#7 Osprey Point

Completely renovated in 2014 under the direction of Tom Fazio, this is an 18-hole, par 72 public course with 10 par 4s (from 340-461 yards) mixed with four par 3s and four par 5s. You’ll see island swamps, salt marshes, and more natural landscapes as you play this course. The ninth hole’s tee shot over water is considered one of the more challenging on the island.

#8 The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek

One of the members-only courses on Johns Island, The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek opened in 2002. It is one of more than 260 courses Rees Jones had designed or renovated in his renowned career. Expect to play farmland, woodland, and wetlands as this course was designed to accommodate and incorporate Carolina Low country landforms.

#9 Tom Fazio’s River Course & Cassique

We’re combining these two because they deserve mention but are both private to Kiawah Island Club members. Fazio’s River Course earned the #51 spot in Golfweek’s 2023 Top 200 U.S. Residential Golf Courses list, It’s known for offering a highly challenging course that winds along the river’s edge, around ponds, and through savannah and maritime forest

Cassique came in at #43 on Golfweek’s 2023 top residential courses list. Designed by Tom Watson, in his debut North American course, the par-72 Cassique has a walkable layout through maritime forest and along Kiawah River marshes. Atlantic Ocean weather conditions could call for creative play.

You’ll need to be someone’s guest to play the private club courses, but if you’re living in the Kiawah River area you might make someone’s acquaintance. Duffers unite, right?

Restaurants are sweet on Valentine’s Day. After all, table bookings can as much as double in the days leading up to February 14. Since the holiday falls on a Tuesday this year, the restaurants can expect their typical sales for that weeknight to jump dramatically too. You’ll want to reserve soon. Here are 14 great options, in no particular order, to consider for your romantic dinners in Charleston.

#1 Circa 1886 Restaurant

You’ll find this romantic pick on many lists. Located inside the historic downtown Wentworth Mansion, this fine dining restaurant offers a seasonal and local menu with elevated Lowcountry cuisine. Executive Chef Marc Collins and Executive Pastry Chef Ashley Cardona will treat your taste buds. You can pick also from Circa 1866’s extensive wine list.

#2 Halls Chophouse

There are now locations around the Southeast, but this Halls Chophouse is the original. You can enjoy prime steaks and fresh, regional seafood in this fine-dining environment. Expect sizable cuts of meat, but save room for the Decadent Chocolate Cake or the delicious Southern Caramel Cake.

#3 Chez Nous

French is the language of love, so why not try this cozy romantic French restaurant for your tête-à-tête? This is a “pint-sized” place in downtown Charleston featuring food and wine from Southern France, Northern Italy, and Northern Spain. You can choose from a daily tasting menu consisting of appetizers, entreés, and desserts made with local ingredients.

#4 Maison

Maison is a bistro-style option offering what Conde Nast Traveler described as “deftly executed French classics.” You may not be able to fly your loved one to Paris, but they’ll still say “oooh la la” over the steak and seafood options on the menu.

#5 Magnolias

This Charleston staple promises upscale Southern cuisine that elevates traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with “modern flair and artful presentation.” Open since 1990, this Bay Street restaurant is known for its Fried Green Tomatoes, Grilled Filet of Beef and Shellfish over Grits, Bouillabaisse, and Parmesan Crusted Market Catch.

#6 Le Farfalle

Start your evening at Le Farfalle with a classic Italian cocktail (such as a Negroni) and then dig into small plates and pasta options. Of course, there are also mains such as Chicken Parmigiana, or cuts of steak, veal, lamb and more with many sauce options. If you have a sweet tooth, there’s Tiramisu Panna Cotta for dessert.

#7 Pane e Vino

Enjoy Italian comfort food on Warren Street at a cozy, candlelit table at Pane e Vino. House specialties include Penne alla Maremanna or the Gnocchi allo Zola. USA Today’s 10 Best recommends taking your server up on their wine recommendations and exploring the ivy-covered patio with its string lights.

#8 Poogan’s Porch

This culinary landmark sees you enjoying Southern fare in a charming cottage setting on Queen Street. Start your meal with the She Crab Soup, Pimento Cheese Fritters, or Fried Green Tomatoes. Then, you might try the Crispy-Skin Snapper or All Natural Fried Chicken. But trying not to fill up first on the delicious biscuits at Poogan’s Porch is a challenge.

#9 Muse Restaurant & Wine Bar

Another of the Charleston romantic restaurants found in a historic home, Muse has a Mediterranean menu. You might enjoy Lobster Risotto, Pumpkin Ravioli, Tagliatelle Bolognese, or Veal Scaloppini. Of course, the wine menu is extensive as this is a wine bar.

#10 High Cotton

“There’s always cause for celebration” according to High Cotton. This stylish Lowcountry restaurant boasts heart pine floors and antique brick as well as full-on Charleston hospitality. Highlights include the Buttermilk Fried Oysters, Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs, and Braised Elk Osso Bucco.

#11 Estadio Charleston

If you’re looking for something other than Southern fare, you might try the Spanish-style tapas at Estadio Charleston. This intimate 39-seat restaurant serves aromatic paella. Or try the steak grilled in a South American style that the Post and Courier’s critic described as “rich and robust” and one of the restaurant’s edible highlights.

#12 The Establishment

Found near the Rainbow Row of pastel-colored houses, The Establishment is seafood-centric. Located in yet another historic house in downtown Charleston, this restaurant’s romantic offerings are served up amidst rich wood paneling, handcrafted fixtures, and a luxury vibe.

#13 82 Queen

Opened in 1982, this is one of Charleston’s oldest restaurants. 82 Queen started out fusing culturally diverse flavors before it came to be known as Lowcountry fare. Crispy Fried Chicken Livers or Southern Tomato Pie can get you started. The Seafood Gumbo or the Jambalaya mains can make your evening spicy.

#14 Zero Restaurant + Bar

Counterintuitively, we’re putting Zero as number 14. Touting upscale cuisine and an exceptional atmosphere, this New American venue promises to serve up “an experience as much as a meal.” The focus is on flavors and fresh ingredients, with “zero fads, zero smothering sauces.”

The culinary scene in Charleston is just one reason to live in this top city in the Southeast. Being able to call a quality crafted Saussy Burbank house your home is a plus too. Find out what’s available today.

You have the keys in hand. Your furniture has arrived. You can now enjoy home ownership. It’s exciting to buy your first house. Yet, you do have to get used to new responsibilities. Plus, you want to avoid expensive surprises. These top tips for new homeowners can help you to relax and enjoy your new abode.

#1 Get to Know Your Neighborhood

This is part of the fun of your home! If you’ve moved to a new neighborhood, you can go out and explore restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, walking trails, shops and so much more. It’s an opportunity to find new favorites. Find out the fun things to do around you!

Going out and about on foot will make it more likely you’ll get to run into your new neighbors too. You might also look to see if there is a homeowners association that hosts social events. Or participate in community garnering. Being willing to lend a hand and ask for help are other good ways to begin meeting your neighbors.

#2 Budget for Emergencies

Buying a home was a big expense on its own. You may have dipped into savings to pay the down payment. You could have taken on a larger mortgage than you were paying in rent. Still, try to find ways to put some money aside in case of expensive emergencies.

Nothing quashes home ownership enthusiasm more quickly than a major financial setback that you aren’t prepared to address.

#3 Schedule Regular Inspections

Now that you’ve met your neighbors, and started a fund to help you cover any surprises, reach out for local recommendations to help you avoid major home problems.

Ask your neighbors what local contractors they trust. It can help to go to them because they will often be living in homes similar to yours. Once you’ve lined up HVAC repair, plumbers, and electricians, you can also set up a regular inspection calendar. Working with these experts to do preventative maintenance can reduce the chances of a costly crisis.

Inspections to schedule regularly include:

#4 Set Renovation Priorities

Whether or not you moved into a fixer-upper, you may have big plans for the changes you want to make to your new home. Home improvements can be fun, but if you tackle a lot of them at once you’re setting yourself up for stress. Establish what is the most important thing to tackle, considering your budget, and start there.

In fact, it’s often a good idea to live in the home for at least six months before embarking on any major renovations. This can help you decide what you really want to change and what will make the most impact on your life in the home. For example, you might think adding a deck out back is important when you first move in. Then, when you’ve actually been using your laundry room for months, you’ll realize that needs attention more immediately.

#5 Don’t Ignore Maintenance Needs

When you were a renter (or living at home) there was someone else you could expect to deal with any repair needs. Now, any maintenance requirements fall to you. Don’t put off getting problems looked at. They may seem minor now, but they could become much bigger. For example, even an unattended leaking toilet could lead to higher water bills as well as costly water damage and ceiling repairs.

#6 Create a Homeownership File

You might get an accordion folder or a three-ring binder but decide on one place where you will collect all your relevant homeownership paperwork. Storing your homeowner’s insurance policy, repair receipts, home warranty, and other warranties in one place can make things easier for you. Plus, if/when the time comes to sell your house, you’ll have the documents you need to share with potential buyers.

#7 Set up an Energy Audit

Depending on where you live, you may be able to get a free energy audit from your power company. Otherwise, you can pay a couple hundred dollars for an audit of your wiring, HVAC systems, windows, insulation, and doors. You’ll not only cut down on your power bill, but you can help ensure you are living as eco-consciously as possible.

#8 Consider Working with an Accountant

You may have otherwise easy income taxes and typically do your own returns. Yet partnering with a professional accountant could help you maximize the available deductions you get as a new homeowner. One major tax benefit is the mortgage interest deduction.

When you’re selling the home, an accountant can also help you maximize your tax-free earnings on your home’s sale. Especially, if you’ve kept all those repair receipts in the homeownership file mentioned in #6.

#9 Get Outside and Garden

This one can help you with meeting your neighbors. But it’s also good for your health (physical and emotional). Consider what you want from your landscape (Privacy? Room to entertain? Easy upkeep?) and make a plan. Planting shade trees can also help you on the energy efficiency front.

If you’re really not the green thumb type, you can at least ask your neighbors for a landscaping crew recommendation. Then, invite friends over to enjoy your new home both indoors and out.

With these helpful tips, we hope you’re able to settle in quickly and enjoy your new home. Still looking for the perfect house for you? Check out Saussy Burbank’s current quality craftsmanship homes in the Carolinas.

Buying your first home is memorable, but not always easy. For Deborah Donoghue of Charlotte, it didn’t take long to find the perfect place for her family. The first place her realtor took her to 20 years ago was a single-family Saussy Burbank home. She quickly fell in love. That enthusiasm for our homes has continued over her next two purchases as well. This article shares Donoghue’s experience in Saussy Burbank homes.

The first property Donoghue purchased with her husband was located in Blakeney Greens, across from the Blakeney shopping center in South Charlotte. Having decided where they wanted to live, she and her husband visited the Saussy Burbank model home first. “It was absolutely gorgeous,” Donoghue says. The marble countertops, hardwood floors, and raised bathroom countertops made a real impression. “I was in love.”

Not wanting to buy the first house she saw, they went on to look at other homes in the area. But, nothing compared. Even a larger home, also newly built by another builder, with the same price point didn’t sway her. Remembering the quality details at the Saussy Burbank home, such as the wood casings around the windows and doors, she said, “That’s it. We don’t need to see anymore.”

The experience was simple and straightforward. They were able to go to pick out a corner lot and visit the design center to make the house their own. Within six months, Donoghue’s family was able to move into their new home. “It was just simple, no pressure,” she said.

Moving to a Second Saussy Burbank Home

After just three years, Donoghue’s husband wanted to take advantage of the market and sell. Although Donoghue loved her home and was “really heartbroken,” she agreed the decision made sense. The family sold at a profit and rented in the area for a few years until they were ready to buy again.

When Donoghue’s husband mentioned Saussy Burbank was building in the Ardrey Crest neighborhood, she was immediately interested. Being able to get a new Craftsman-style home in the neighborhood with the same attention to detail and features they already knew they loved? They looked again at other homes by other builders, but the Donoghues’ decided on a Saussy Burbank house once more.

“They just make it easy,” she says. They were one of the first families to buy in the development following the housing crash of 2008. Again they could pick their lot. They were also able to upgrade more extensively with attractive incentives offered at the time.

“It was a beautiful house, and it is still a beautiful home,” Donoghue says. In fact, the new homeowner who bought the house in April 2022 texted Donoghue six months later to say how much they were loving the home.

Yet, it wasn’t ultimately the right layout or spot for Donoghue. She’d decided she wanted a downstairs homeowner’s suite and the couple wanted to be in a smaller, quieter neighborhood. That led them to the Cottages at Marvin Gardens.

Enjoying 55+ Living in Marvin

Donoghue actually called Saussy Burbank telling them what she was looking for before the company even announced its Marvin Gardens neighborhood. But, when she learned an age-restricted community (55+) featuring 25 single-family residences was on the horizon, she just kept calling Saussy Burbank for updates.

Although she wasn’t sure at first about the 1 and 1/2 story layout, which she couldn’t quite imagine, she moved into her cottage in May 2022. It helped also that Saussy Burbank homes, she says, “hold their value,” so she was again able to make a good sale of her previous house.

While many people say to downsize when you’re older, Donoghue went up to roughly 3,200 square feet. “I wanted to upsize. This is my final home.” Her new cottage is bigger and just as beautiful. Although she misses the crawl space of her previous homes and didn’t get as much leeway about the lot choice, she is happy with the purchase. Of her new place, she says, “I love it.”

Because the community is smaller, the neighbors really get to know one another. “It’s older and more mature,” she says. Meanwhile, she could walk to the grocery store and is close to the freeway to go do what she wants.

The Saussy Burbank Difference

Asked how she’d recommend Saussy Burbank homes to others, Donoghue mentioned the high quality of the houses. Plus, “they stand by their word,” she says. “They are going to honor their warranty, and you don’t have to hunt them down and call them four or five times.”

While no builder offers carte blanche to let you do whatever you want, she credits Saussy Burbank with being willing to work with buyers. “They are a small, local builder, so they don’t have the big binder attitude of ‘you do what I say.’”

Donoghue values the longstanding relationship she’s developed with Saussy Burbank. The advantages include “knowing what to expect” and “even learning what is standard and what is going to be considered an upgrade.” At this point, she says, with a laugh, “I feel like family and not even a stepchild.”

See what’s available at Saussy Burbank now. You can join the family too.

One of the advantages of living in the South? Winter is not the same cold, crummy stretch of months that our neighbors to the north endure. Still, when it comes to construction, things do change with winter home building. This article shares the pros and cons and covers what you need to know if you plan on winter construction.

Winter home building can have both advantages and disadvantages. On the pro side, winter home construction can be more efficient as the contractors may be more productive with fewer projects competing for their time. Getting permits can also be quicker as regulatory authorities may have fewer requests to process in winter months.

By building in the winter months you may also get the benefit of seeing how your property will handle heavy weather conditions. Plus, you may see less wear and tear on the landscape from workers and their heavy equipment as the ground is harder when frozen. Your construction might also benefit from snow — although this is the Carolinas — as water from snow helps compact newly laid gravel, creating an excellent base for concrete work.

Other considerations for winter home building

At the same time, frost, ice, snow, and sleet can frustrate foundation digging and setting stages. Rough grading, which backfills foundation walls and slants the land surrounding the home to drain water away, calls for dry ground. So, that has to wait if there’s snow.

Your builder might also hold off on creating driveways, building concrete stairs, installing fencing, or exterior painting. It depends on the conditions and the project management. The cold could also affect equipment negatively. Still, snow can actually be easier to deal with than heavy rains.

The weather could mean some higher costs as well. The builder may have to heat water or aggregates to pour concrete, which adds to energy costs. If frozen soil needs rock hammering, framing needs dehumidifiers for drying, or your builder needs to use or rent a ground heater and concrete blankets, that could also push the budget up. On the other hand, you might also save money on costs if your contractors are not as busy and willing to discount their work.

Debunking winter home building myths

 

While we’re at it, you may have heard about some common winter home building. These include:

Since we started out calling these myths, you know they are not true. First, let’s talk about the people doing the work. They are used to working in all sorts of weather conditions. While working outdoors year-round may not be for you, construction workers are professionals.

While we’re talking about hardy resilience, let’s also address the concrete and lumber concerns. Yes, in an ideal world, every home would be built on a perfectly sunny and mild weather day. That’s not going to happen and both concrete and lumber manufacturers know it.

Framing lumber is milled and kiln-dried accordingly. It’s treated to survive weather, sun, wind, and rain for days or weeks, or even months. Plus, builders know to remove any snow before it melts on lumber so as to avoid working with wet wood. Any quality builder is going to protect your home’s materials from any weather conditions.

As for concrete, yes calcium chloride is often added to the concrete mix to accelerate curing in cold weather conditions. However, concrete with additives is not significantly different in strength when fully cured.

Quality home building all year round

The other big myth around winter home building? That construction has to grind to a halt in the colder weather. This entire blog disproves that notion. Good home builders will know how to get their work done all year long. We know you want to be in your home sooner rather than later. So, we work throughout the seasons to have new properties available to you.

Learn more about Saussy Burbank’s high-quality craftsmanship. Contact us today.

When potential homeowners are considering where they want to buy and live, they’re confronted with a variety of architectural styles. Cape Cod? Colonial? Craftsman? And that’s just some of the C’s. This article answers what is a Craftsman home and explores the style’s continued popularity. After all, this architectural approach is also the basis of Saussy Burbank’s signature look.

So, what is a Craftsman home? It’s a style of home that dates back to the early 20th century. The approach developed as a response to the ornate details of Victorian homes and the revolution of industrial manufacturing. Inspired also by the British Arts and Crafts movement, the American Craftsman emphasizes handworked goods and custom buildings over mass-produced goods. One of the big American proponents of the style was Gustav Stickley, who promoted “simplicity in form, use of local materials, and honesty in construction.”

He published a magazine, The Craftsman, selling furniture and house plans embodying these characteristics. The homes were originally customized to Stickley’s plans but became increasingly popular. A century later, in a Harris Poll of more than 2,000 Americans age 18 and older, Trulia found the Craftsman was once again Americans’ favorite home style.

Common characteristics of Craftsman homes

While Craftsman homes were among the 75,000 home kits sold by Sears from 1908 to 1942, they aren’t all cookie-cutter. Nevertheless, there are common characteristics you can look for when trying to identify a Craftsman home. These include:

Four styles of Craftsman home

Just when you thought it was clear how to describe a Craftsman home, we need to point out, there are several main styles of Craftsman house. The four key ones are:

Craftsman a contemporary favorite

We’ve come a ways from the Sears and Roebuck kits for Craftsman homes with up to 30,000 separate pieces shipped to the buyer by boxcar. Yet Craftsman-style homes remain popular across the United States. Even the original Craftsman houses are still widely sought after. Plus, architects and new home builders continue to crib core elements of the style for construction today.

Since 1989, Saussy Burbank has been embodying the Craftsman ethos in its new homes around the Carolinas. Building in Charlotte, NC and Charleston, SC, and Myrtle Beach, SC, our more than 8,000 homes and townhomes combine modern, open floor plans with the quality craftsmanship and architectural touches you’d associate with a Craftsman home.

From foundation to fixtures, Saussy Burbank is dedicated to style and detailed designs that reflect the rich architectural heritage of our region. View our gallery today!

“Winter is coming,” and although that has ominous overtones for Game of Thrones fans, it isn’t always bad. With Thanksgiving and other holidays fast approaching, you could be looking ahead to having family or friends visit you. Prep your home for holiday house guests with these top strategies targeting simplifying things for you. That way you can actually enjoy the festivities.

#1 Declutter

Marie Kondo would recommend her KonMari Method of choosing to keep “what sparks joy” and discarding any items that don’t “speak to your heart.” Still, you don’t have to read up on her philosophy to get the heart of this strategy right. Make your home more welcoming to guests by decluttering.

Taking the time now to clear countertops and declutter public areas such as the kitchen, living room, den, and dining room will also make it easier to keep your home clean with more people living in it. If you leave it too late to sit and see if something sparks joy, simply gather up all that clutter and put it in the attic or garage. Sort through it all later. If you haven’t missed it over the holidays, that may be a good sign it doesn’t need to go back inside.

#2 Add atmosphere

You don’t have to remodel the guest room to make it attractive to prep your home for those holiday guests. Instead, you can make small changes to make the house more welcoming to temporary residents. This could include:

Learn about Home Trends of 2022 to see if there’s a tweak you can make to update your interior before guests arrive.

#3 Prepare for increased use

Having holiday house guests means more people in your home. Meet the uptick in traffic by getting new small rugs to put at doors in and out of your home. This can help cut down on dirt tracked through your house. You can also add coat hooks and clear out your shoe rack and entryway closets of out-of-season apparel to provide room for your guest’s winter wear.

In the kitchen, you’ll want to make sure you have enough coffee mugs and cutlery. You may also need to add a stool or two to your island. In the bathroom, stock up on toilet paper and tissues. Then, make sure your house guests can easily find both!

In the guest room, make sure there is a light by the bed. Also, leaving out a spare phone charger can help in these days of multi-device use.

It can also help you to relax if you plan activities in advance. These foot tours in Charleston or fun winter activities in Charlotte could be a good start.

#4 Stock the pantry

Find out first if your guests have any special dietary requirements. Then, stock up on food and beverages that can make it easy for your visitors to feed themselves if they’re up earlier than you or need a midnight snack.

You might also set up snack stations to keep guests satisfied between meals. You likely don’t want to spend your entire visit in the kitchen preparing food. So, stock up on things that are easy to snack on like dried fruit, popcorn, nuts, and cheese sticks.

#5 Add a holiday touch

Show your family or friends how happy you are to see them by adding a little festive touch to their space. You don’t have to get out your glue gun necessarily. But, it can be a nice addition to the room to:

Check out our Holiday Home Decoration Ideas for the Carolinas.

#6 Clean thoroughly

Once your guests arrive and the fun is in full swing, you’ll be less inclined to clean the house. So, right before guests arrive, try to do a deep clean of your home. Or hire a cleaning crew to do so (but you’ll want to book that well in advance — this is a busy season for professionals).

If you don’t have time to get everything spotless, turn your attention to the high-traffic areas. At a minimum you’ll want to:

Celebrate your holiday home

You have a home you’re proud of and want to share it with family and friends. These tips will help you prep for holiday house guests. The only drawback? If you do it too well, you could become the go-to house for every holiday to come. At least with a Saussy Burbank home, you have a house to celebrate.

Fort Mill is a suburb of Charlotte found across the border in South Carolina. The public schools are highly rated. There are many parks. Residents are diverse and educated, and the majority own their homes. All those are reasons Niche lists this town as a great place to raise a family. We think the many options for family fun in Fort Mill, SC, make a difference too.

Families can take advantage of their ability to be out and about year-round in the South by visiting Anne Springs Close Greenway. This protected natural area has lakes, forests, and pastures where you can hike, bike, kayak, and horseback ride. Come summer, you’ll want to check out the Greenway’s summer camps and the concert series.

For a different type of fun take the family to Carowinds. The amusement park bridges both Charlotte and Fort Mill. In the summer you can enjoy the extensive water park and in fall there’s Scarowinds that combines rollercoasters and other ride fun with frights. The park also has announced, that to celebrate its 50 anniversary, it will be open year-round beginning January 1, 2023.

Sporty kids are sure to enjoy the newly opened Banks Athletic Park. The 25-acre complex opened in October 2022 with a playground, lighted outdoor basketball court, baseball/softball fields, and picnic shelters. Another fun recreational space in Fort Mill is the five acre Steele Street Park which has a lighted basketball court and water spray park as well as swings, slides, and jungle gyms.

The more artistic could enjoy the do-it-yourself fun at Creatif Fort Mill. Kids can create with canvas, ceramics, rocks, unfinished wood, platters, and more at this walk-in art studio.

Town-sponsored Fun

Saturdays from May to October, you can make a family outing to the Fort Mill Farmers Market. Held each Saturday morning in Veterans Park, the market offers local produce, farm/agricultural products, and handmade/handcrafted items.

The town also hosts fun festivals throughout the year. These include:

In 2023, families will also be able to join the town of Fort Mill in celebrating its 150th birthday on February 12.

Family Fun nearby Fort Mill

There are many other opportunities for fun just a short drive away. Of course, there are Charlotte’s museums, festivals, professional sports teams, and more.

In Rock Hill, you might enjoy the Main Street Children’s Museum with its indoor play center, treehouse, puppet area, costume vault, and play kitchen.

Nearby Tega Cay has Mr. Putty’s Fun Park with mini golf and amusement park rides and games. The more extreme options for family activities include axe throwing, bungee jumping, rope, and zip lining.

The Lake Wylie Bowl N Bounce has family bowling (with guards for the little bowlers), a jump and play area, and arcade games. There’s also laser tag. Enjoy unlimited play every Monday and Wednesday from 5 to 10 p.m.

For a longer day trip, you might drive down to Columbia, SC, to see the animals at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. You can see what life’s like for gorillas, koalas, penguins, sharks, and more.

Living in Fort Mill, SC

Fort Mill is an attractive place to live for families. That’s one reason Saussy Burbank has built Nims Village in the area. Located adjacent to the new Catawba Ridge High School, the remaining modern farmhouse-style homes are going up on private, wooded homesites with a serene network of walking trails connecting residents to the community.

Our 50-unit Cottages at Springfield Town Center development will consist of two-story single-family cottages ranging from 1,700-2,200 square feet. The site, located at the corner of US 21 Bypass and Highway 460 (Springfield Parkway), also provides convenient access to uptown Charlotte.

Find out more about Fort Mill from our sales team. Contact us today!

One of the great benefits of living in North Carolina or South Carolina is the proximity to both Atlantic Ocean beaches and the beauty of the mountains. As the weather turns cooler, it’s time to plan a fall foliage road trip away from the coast in the Carolinas. We’ve rounded up some top suggestions for you to enjoy a colorful adventure on the road.

Scenic Drives in North Carolina

Those who have any level of interest in leaf peeping can head out to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this fall foliage road trip covers 469 miles. Linking Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge is also America’s longest linear park.

Doing the entire parkway could take more than a weekend. So, if you are just looking for a day trip, or an overnight adventure, try the twisty, turning roads along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains nearby Linville Gorge.

Linville Gorge is the deepest canyon east of the Grand Canyon. In fact, the rugged, steep terrain was so off-putting that Linville Gorge is one of the few places in the Blue Ridge Mountains where virgin old-growth forest remains. A popular Linville Gorge overlook is from Wiseman’s View on the western rim.

Also along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can enjoy the seven-mile stretch of Linn Cove Viaduct that weaves around Grandfather Mountain. Considered an “engineering marvel” the viaduct was completed in 1987. You can enjoy walking trails from the bridge museum and visitor center at the south end of the viaduct.

Other Gorge-ous North Carolina Drives

The Nantahala Gorge in the Great Smoky Mountains features colorful fall foliage from Maple Trees and Crimson Oaks. Plus, you’ll be right along the water in many places. Stretching 45 miles, the Nantahala Gorge drive is one you can do there and back in a day. You might even stop for some whitewater rafting along the way. Or take a zipline tour in the area.

Or, to take a stunning hike along a part of the Appalachian Trail, you could drive into the Pisgah National Forest to Max Patch Mountain. Near Hot Springs, Max Patch lets you see Mt. Mitchell to the east and the Great Smoky Mountains to the south on a clear day.

Then there’s the Cherohala Skyway in western North Carolina which has 15 different scenic overlooks for taking in the panoramic view. Taking you into Tennessee, this scenic byway is called “a drive about the clouds” as its elevation ranges from 900 feet to over 5,400 feet.

While you’re in the car, talk with your special someone about your ideas for new fall design trends you want to incorporate at home.

Fall Foliage in South Carolina

Right on the border with North Carolina, you can enjoy a drive through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. In the northwest corner of the state, this 10,000-acre area boasts mountains and expansive views. If you want to take in some waterfalls, this area offers you the choice of Raven Cliffs Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Falls Creek Falls.

The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway offers something to see at any time of the year. Yet this 130-mile stretch of road is especially beautiful in the Autumn. On this route, you’ll get the chance to see many notable sites, including:

If you’re in the Charleston area, and just want a day trip, take a trip out to Boone Hall in Mount Pleasant. One of the South’s oldest plantations, this property has a long avenue of massive oaks. In the fall, the Hall also hosts a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and other fall-themed family fun.

Want to enjoy fall weather on a foot tour of Charleston? Check out these favorites.

Carolina Beauty All Year

This year’s fall peak is predicted to be between Oct 12 and 28, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. Driving out to see the leaves changing colors is a lovely way to enjoy the beauty of the Carolinas. But, of course, we see the benefits of living in North Carolina or South Carolina year-round.

Find out more about our quality crafted new homes in and around Charlotte, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach. Or take a virtual tour today!

Charleston is one of the top cities in the South for enjoying history, culture, and culinary greatness all at once. Whether you’re just exploring or welcoming guests, these fun fall foot tours in Charleston, SC, take advantage of the cooling weather and the inherent cool factor of the Holy City.

Horse-drawn carriages are a common site on the aged streets of old Charleston, but Autumn is a good time of year to get around on foot. Walking tours are offered with a historic, cultural, or culinary bent. So, there’s something for everyone on this round-up.

Several longtime locals make use of their longevity in Charleston to lead walking tours of various areas of the city. For example, you might:

Not up for walking around the city? Maybe you’ll want to transform your own home instead with these Fall 2022 Design Trends.

 

Unique Foot Tours in Charleston, SC

Specialty tours are also available which promise a fresh angle on the big Charleston landmarks. Options include:

 

Get a Literal Taste of Charleston

Food is another reason to get out and walk around. Plus, traveling by foot helps you justify sampling the cuisine along the way. Check out:

We’ve suggested ways to enjoy the season in the city of Charlotte, NC, too. Saussy Burbank offers quality crafted modern homes in both of these top two Southern Living cities. We have new homes coming to Myrtle Beach, too. Learn more about our decades of homebuilding mastery in the Carolinas.