This year, spring break was split into two separate trips. The boys headed to Ireland for a wild ride across the country. We, chose to stay a little closer to home. Our adventure started and ended with golf; then we added some sand, shopping, and school visits in the middle. The week began with a trip to Augusta to watch the Masters and concluded at the Ocean Course on Kiawah. In the days between, we took a quick trip down to Greenville. There, we enjoyed one of our favorite walks on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, explored the campus of Furman University and enjoyed a fun meal at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Travelers Rest. I’m sure that I have recommended this before, but if you find yourself in Greenville, South Carolina, enjoy the charm of the downtown area including Falls Park. If time allows, I also recommend either biking or walking the trail out to Travelers Rest. The next destination on our whirlwind spring break tour was Charleston and the surrounding area. We started in the city and made our way through the beautiful streets that surround the battery before touring the College of Charleston. Our jaunt around the school gave us a much better appreciation for this lush urban campus. We also took the opportunity to try a few new restaurants in this city, brimming with southern charm. We tried three establishments that we hadn’t been to before Indaco, Bourbon & Bubbles, and Chubby Fish. We would go back to all three. However, the culinary highlight of the week for us was having the entire courtyard to ourselves at Frannie and the Fox in the Emeline Hotel. We booked a table in the courtyard, which we highly recommend. Due to rain showers in the area, we were the only group seated in the courtyard before a passing shower closed their outdoor space. What an absolute treat it was to enjoy that typically bubbling venue in serene, rain-washed quiet. It was like being in a scene from a movie. The next few days were spent exploring the city, its galleries, cafes, and bookstores, as well as participating in some retail therapy on King Street (mostly window shopping). From there, we branched out to explore the surrounding area. We soaked in the sun and sand on the Isle of Palms, learned about the history of Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, and toured the beautiful new community of Kiawah River on John’s Island. Our last stop was Kiawah Island. If you enjoy the serenity of a private beach, Kiawah offers a pristine and quiet refuge. We also took the opportunity to enjoy a delightful cocktail at the Sanctuary hotel lounge, which is like taking a step back in time to an elegant seaside mansion. It may seem simple, but a delicious cocktail paired with delicate sweet and savory snacks was another lovely high point. It was the perfect pre-dinner treat before heading down to the Ryder Cup Bar. There we were dazzled by a magnificent sunset over the golf course. Just in case you are wondering, this trip did start and end with golf, but we were only spectators at both venues this time around. What a Spring Break whirlwind.
Adventures/Travel
Snow Chasers…
Skiing is a sport that doesn’t always come naturally to everyone, but with a bit of determination and practice, it can become a beloved winter activity. Many people don’t grow up skiing, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn to enjoy it later in life. For some, it takes a few tries before the thrill of downhill skiing really starts to take hold. Living in California for several years provided the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the sport. The abundance of ski resorts and the opportunity to practice regularly helped turn a basic understanding into a true passion. And like many who find themselves captivated by the slopes, skiing quickly became a favorite winter pastime. Having a supportive partner who grew up skiing certainly helped. With years of experience skiing in the Lake Tahoe area, my husband provided helpful instruction and also a sense of humor that made learning fun. That patience and encouragement not only improved my skills but have also been passed down to our children, who took to the sport like naturals. Today, skiing is a family affair, with one son who skied at the collegiate level and a daughter who excelled as a competitive downhill racer. It’s true that skiing can be an expensive sport, which might make it seem out of reach for some. However, there are many affordable ways to get started. ‘Learn to Ski’ packages offered by resorts provide an excellent entry point for beginners. These packages, often available for less than $30 per person, include rental equipment, lessons, and lift tickets. For families, it’s a wonderful way to introduce everyone to the sport without breaking the bank. Ski.com is a great resource for finding these beginner-friendly options. Family ski trips have become a cherished tradition, offering the chance to explore beautiful terrains and enjoy the breathtaking views that only the mountains can offer. Beyond the skiing itself, these trips are filled with new adventures and quality family time. Make sure you have the appropriate winter gear to stay warm. Exploring local activities and resort amenities together adds to the fun and creates memories that last a lifetime. Skiing may not be something everyone is born into, but with a little perseverance and the right support, you too may become a snow chaser. Then, this love can become a lifelong passion that brings joy, adventure, and cherished family moments.
