The Captain's Tour Aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown by Bulldog Tours--Excellent Guide and Narration

While you cross the impressive Ravenel Bridge spanning the Cooper River that separates Mount Pleasant and Charleston, it is impossible to miss. Anchored in the riverbed mud some 20 feet, it towers over the passing tidal currents like an immovable colossus. As a matter of fact, the only threatening force able to move it was Hurricane Hugo, which put a slight lisp in its profile. It has been a centerpiece of Patriots Point since 1975. It is the National Historic Landmark called the U.S.S. Yorktown, an Essex-class carrier of World War II.

Viewing the U.S.S Yorktown from the Cooper River bridge as you pass by in a car doesn't do it any justice. Stand on the pier just below its gaping entrance, and you experience the full scope of its massiveness. However, scale the broad, steel steps and enter its interior, and you will feel like you were just swallowed by a gigantic iron whale. Numerous antique aircraft spanned the total length of the main deck to the right, and to the left, a museum with a restored B-25B Mitchell medium bomber used in the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo just beyond.

We had reserved the Captain's Tour: Steel Canva offered by Bulldog Tours. We checked in at the Information Booth and waited for our guide. There would end up being six people altogether in our group--a very manageable number. Upon arrival, the guide introduced himself and stated his credentials, along with a few humorous statements bunched in to lighten things up. A retired Navy man, Tom Simons had served on several ships as an aviation mechanic. His gentlemanly and personable demeanor was accentuated by a striking military stature.

He led us to a replica of the U.S.S Yorktown housed in a glass case, where he began a detailed history of the ship from its beginnings to its decommission and finally ended up stuck in the mud of Charleston's Cooper River to serve as a Naval and Maritime Museum. He also talked about the ship's first captain, Joseph James "Jocko" Clark--the first Native American to serve in that capacity.

Next, he made a brief stop to highlight a museum dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients and their stories--not a part of the tour but could be viewed anytime before or after. We took a short walk from the museum to the restored B-25 bomber used in the Doolittle Raid, where pictures of the 16 crews that partook in the raid and their stories lined an adjacent wall. We were afforded the opportunity to step aboard the display's bomber called the Ruptured Duck--a unique feature of this tour.

We now descended into the ship's guts to the crew's quarters, torpedo arming area, the galley, food preparation, dental offices, and medical quarters. A highlight was a stop at a drinking fountain, where the guide detailed the story that gave birth to the word "scuttlebutt."

We left the lower decks and trekked across the main deck to ascend several flights of steps at the very front of the ship to where the ship's huge anchor was stored, called the fo'c'sle or anchor room--each link of the long chain weighed 130 pounds with color coding positioned at various points of its length. From the anchor room, our group entered the upscale Captain's Quarter. Pictures of celebrity Ann Margaret, who once stayed on the Yorktown, hung on the wall. From there, we moved to the command centers and the flight deck, which was the end of the tour.

The tour was a total success, and that was because of our tour guide. He made it entertaining and enthralling. He spoke to each of us personally even though we were a group of six. His narrations were a balanced blend of facts and humor. As to the ship, it speaks for itself in many ways as you get an eyewitness look at its splendor and a glimpse into what it was like to live and serve on its decks. You get access to some things self-guided patrons do not on this tour. It is two hours long.

Photographs contributed by Anne-Merle Bryant

Adults: $42

Child (4-12): $29

Senior: $34

Military: $36

3 and under free

Bulldog Tours, 18 Anson Street, Charleston, SC

Four Superb Charleston Walking Tours To Satisfy Your Intellectual Curiosities And Your Culinary Cravings

Broad Street

I love walking the streets of Charleston. It's both educational and inspirational. There is always
something new to learn and always a different angle to photograph. Shadows of the City's celebrated past are everywhere and if your free your imagination, those spectral wisps of antiquity will speak to you. A colorful cityscape that thrives off its past, but flourishes off its present.

Charleston is exceptionally friendly--an attribute that is one of six criteria used by Conde Naste in determining the recipient of its Readers' Choice Award for Top City in the World. So-named several consecutive years running, the bestowing of the Award is a testimony to the warm and generous spirit of hospitality Charleston's residents show to its visitors, and is the exact reason it distinguishes itself from so many other places. But this welcoming spirit is just a portion of the pleasantness equal to the gratification one would draw from savoring a piece of the prized Ultimate Coconut Cake offered by the Peninsula Grill on North Market Street.

Chalmers Street

Charleston's numerous historic streets and alluring alleys are exceedingly walkable. From eclectic Upper King Street to charming South Battery, its famous landmarks, social drinking establishments and outstanding culinary restaurants are easily accessible by simply taking a leisurely stroll. With this in mind, there is no better way to soak in the ambiance of the Downtown District than by booking one of its many culinary walking tours and Bulldog Tours offers four of them.

Meeting Street

Savor The Flavors of Charleston is a 2 ½ hour immersion into the history and culture of the Lowcountry. As you walk, you will learn how Charleston’s unique cuisine has evolved over the past 300 and some years. Including briefs stops at local eateries, markets, bakeries, restaurants, and culinary landmarks, you will be treated to samplings of delicious Southern favorites like Stone Ground Grits, Charleston Benne Wafers, Locally Made Gourmet Chocolates, Southern Pralines, Collard Greens, Lowcountry Barbecue, and Sweet Tea. This tour is offered Monday to Saturday at 9:30 am and 2:00 pm for $60--Information and tickets.

Charleston Dessert Tour is a 2 hour tour where you will indulge in samples of one-of-a-kind treats prepared by some of Charleston's culinary artisans from establishments like Market Street Sweets, Carmella’s Dessert Bar, and Christophe’s on Society Street to name a few. Typical tastings include Huguenot Tort, Lemon Bar, Coconut Cake, Southern Pralines, Chocolate Truffles, and Petit fours. Cost for the tour is $60 and is only offered on Saturday 4 to 6 pm--Information and tickets.

Chef’s Kitchen Tour takes you behind the scenes into the very kitchens of some of Charleston’s best chef’s for a close-up peek at what it takes to produce the fabulous meals residents and visitors have come to love and rave about. On this 2 ½ hour walking tour, you will explore the history of the restaurant, learn about the chef’s approach to culinary excellence, and have the menus interpreted. This tour is only offered on Fridays 9:45 am until Noon for $60--Information and tickets.

Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street is offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays 3 to 6 pm. On this tour, you will explore the growing Upper King Street restaurant district sampling mouth-watering dishes of Lowcountry cuisine from its popular culinary trendsetters. One of your stops will include a visit to Victor's Social Club located in the busy Hutson Alley on John Street. As you step through its doors, you're greeted by a most inviting bar overshadowed by a huge painting of a blue marlin and a boat. Nautical paintings adorn the walls, bar tables line the outer part of the room, and a cozy circular couch is situated in the middle of the room--Information and tickets.

Victor's Social Club

Bulldog Tours was voted best tour company in Charleston by the Charleston City Paper for five years in a row from 2009 to 2013. Its Culinary Tours have been featured by Southern Living, The Food Network, Cooking Light, Michelin Guide, Bon Appetit, Turner South, South Carolina ETV and National Public Radio. The mission of the tours is to promote Charleston area local artisan growers, restaurants, culinary institutions, producers, and to help preserve South Carolina's rich culinary heritage. Bulldog Tours is located at 18 Anson St., but the exact meeting location details for each tour will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.

Charleston's Entertaining Ghostly Side--Landmarks And Stories To Put A Scare In Your Visit

We all like to be entertained with a good scare once in awhile. Remember the fun times sitting in a semi-dark room on a stormy night or around a crackling campfire taking turns telling scary stories and seeing who could come up with the most sinister plot. This was how Mary Shelley gave birth to her first spine tingling novel.

While vacationing on Lake Geneva, Switzerland, Mary and her friends amused themselves by reading German ghost stories, which prompted a suggestion each write a supernatural tale of their own. Mary's scary tale was conceived in a waking dream she had one night. She wrote a short story about her horrific dream and later expanded it into the story of "Frankenstein." Needless to say, her tale took the honor of being the scariest on that infamous night.

Looking for inspiration for a winning scary novel? Charleston's sister city to the south, Savannah, GA, was dubbed by The American Institute of Parapsychology as "America's Most Haunted City." The Sorrel-Weed House at 6 W Harris Street on Madison Square could be a stimulating subject. It was featured on Ghost Hunters and is one of the top ten creepiest places in America. Be sure to take the 10:30 pm tour for the greatest affect--if you dare.

Charleston's darker side most certainly could incite the imagination and inspiration for a winning, frightful tale--Travel Channel designated Charleston "America's Most Haunted Places." It is well-known for its old homes, church graveyards, cobbled streets and intimate alleys--many with bizarre tales of ghostly encounters and things that go bump in the night.

Old City Jail

The Battery Carriage House Inn caters to the "gentleman ghost" and the gruesome headless torso--rumored to occupy room 8. Poogan's Porch's resident apparition is an old lady by the name of Zoe St Amand--often heard banging things in the kitchen or waving to guests staying at the Mill Street Inn. Junius Brutus Booth, father of John Wilkes Booth, is said to appear at the Dock Street Theater and Lavinia Fisher, before being hanged, is famous for saying, "If you have a message you want to send to hell, give it to me-I'll carry it." She haunts the Old City Jail. And then there is the story of Ruth Lowndes Simmons, a Charleston lady with unfulfilled expectations.

Ruth was the daughter of Rawlins Lowndes--an American lawyer, politician, and president/governor of South Carolina in the 1700's. She was in love with a childhood friend and John's Island planter by the name of Francis Simmons. In the course of time, Ruth made the unwitting mistake of introducing Francis to her closest friend, Sabina Smith. Francis fell in love with Sabina immediately.

In a desperate move to counteract this unintended turn in fortune, Ruth put in motion a plan incorporating deception. She told Francis Sabina was planning on announcing her engagement to another gentleman by the name of Dick Johnston. Heartbroken, Francis stepped aside. On a visit to Ruth sometime after, Francis showed her a handkerchief with his initials on it and said, "Wouldn't you like to have such beautiful initials?" Ruth took that as a proposal. Next, Rawlins Lowndes called Francis to his home to discuss the proposal. Assuming Sabina would never be his wife, Francis accepted and arrangements were made for his marriage to Ruth.

The wedding was now one day away and Francis was walking down Church Street, which took him passed the Smith house and a happenchance rendezvous with Sabina. During their resulting conversation, Ruth's deception was uncovered. Sabina told Francis she never intended on marrying Dick Johnston. Raised a honorable southern gentleman, he resentfully honored his word and stuck to the agreement, thus losing Sabina forever. Bitter about the trickery, he told Ruth she would be his wife in name only.

On November 15, 1796, Francis and Ruth exchanged vows at the home of Ruth's father. After the wedding, they went to their new townhouse at 131 Tradd Street. Francis escorted Ruth to the door and then departed. He lived at his plantation on John's Island until purchasing the property at 14 Legare Street where he built the home he lived in until his death twenty years after marrying Ruth, leaving their union unconsummated--in my opinion, very ungentlemanly.

14 Legare Street

The townhouse is long gone, but it is believed Ruth haunts a long, narrow alley on Tradd Street whose entrance is marked by tall, brick columns. In the late hours of the night, the pounding of horses' hoofs and the rumbling of coach wheels can be heard passing by in the dark alley. Charlestonians believe it is Ruth Simmons being driven to her townhouse and her deserted bed. The narrow pathway is rightfully called Simmons' Alley.

It's October, the days are getting shorter and darker, the perfect atmosphere for a scary tale. Charleston's long history provides the ideal plots and its streets and alleys offer the perfect ghostly backdrop. You can choose from a variety of tours offered by the numerous hosts located throughout the historic Charleston Peninsula. Before or after your selected tour, be sure to make a stop at the Pavilion Hotel on E Bay Street and order Grill 225's ghostly Nitrotini.

Tour companies: Black Cat Tours, Bulldog Tours, Ghostwalk, Charleston Ghosts Hunt, Ghosts of the South, Charleston's Best Tours, and Tour Charleston.
Charleston Boo Hag & Brews Walking Ghost and Bar Tour from $35 or any of Charleston's many tours of the ghostly kind.

Charleston's Pirate Past-Colorful History Telling And Family Fun

Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow

Who doesn't remember the unforgettable Seinfeld episode where Jerry unwittingly agreed to wear the puffy shirt. "I don't want to look like a pirate," he lamented. Jerry apparently was not impressed by the fact pirates have become quite fashionable in recent times thanks to the infamous attraction at Disney called "Pirates of the Caribbean", the ride that inspired the creation of the character movie fans and pirate lovers have come to know as Captain Jack Sparrow. Pirate popularity borders on that of cultural icons. There is even a day set aside since 1995 called "International Talk Like a Pirate Day" commemorated on September 19. So, what was it about pirates, speaking of the ones from the Golden Age of Piracy and not the modern version, that makes them appealing enough for people to be willing to fork over $11 to sit and watch two hours of piratical hijinks?

If one is to believe the movie version of pirates, such as what Disney presents, one would envision an individual where a healthy, personal hygiene appears to be lacking as well as an upstanding vocabulary and daily change of wardrobe. Existing in a state of a rum induced coma would have been a common repose along with swinging from ropes with sabres clenched in their rotting teeth pillaging and plundering seaside towns and ocean going vessels as their frowned upon preoccupation. All these apparent characteristics are not what you would exactly call desirable or inspiring, if you are to believe the movies. Actually, the shreads of known reality and imagined myth have been inseparably intertwined by bookwriters and storytellers when it comes to the real pirate life.
   
Still, I think what appeals to the masses on the subject of pirates is the socially unfettered freedom they represented. The pirate lived outside of the social contraints others were bound by either religiously or politically. A freedom to do what you pleased, go where you pleased, and do it when you pleased is appealing to the modern person who rises every morning to an alarm clock and answers to an institution he or she depends upon for economical survival. In reality though, a pirates life was anything but glamorous. Life on the high seas was rigorous and dangerous. Only a few names attained greatness, but their endings were ignominious.

Charleston was no stranger to pirates and piracy. Famous names like Stede Bonnet, Blackbeard, and Calico Jack are recalled and stories recounted in its historic tours and even though the list is male dominated, a few women had made their claim to fame in the annals of pirate legends, Anne Bonny and Mary Read to name a couple. So, the following facts to my knowledge are true because "Dead men tell no lies."

Guard House at Half Moon Battery where Bonnet's crew was imprisoned now the Old Exchange 

Stede Bonnet, also called "the gentleman pirate", figured prominantly in Charleston's pirate past partly because of his association with Blackbeard, but mainly due to the fact he met his demise in 1718 dangling from a rope at White Point Gardens overlooking Charleston Harbor on the end of E. Bay Street. His captor, William Rhett, also had a Charleston connection. In the early days, when Charleston was called Charles Town, Rhett purchased a sugar plantation on Hassel Street where he built a house that was completed in 1716. It still stands today as a tourist attraction. Sullivan's Island was also a part of the Bonnet story. Shortly after his capture by Rhett, Bonnet escaped custody and hid on the island where he was recaptured for the last time.

Blackbeard (Edward Teach)

Blackbeard's real name was Edward Teach. Of all the famous pirates, his legend is the most remembered in Charleston. Blackbeard, in 1718, blockaded the harbor with his fleet and plundered any ship making an attempt to enter its port, thus cutting off any supplies coming into Charleston. He held the entire town hostage with this action and had only one demand, medicines. If the town didn't meet his demands, the captives he took from the pillaged ships would have their heads cut off and the ships burned. Blackbeard sent Mr. Marks and two other pirates to retrieve the medicines. When the entourage didn't return, Blackbeard moved his ships into port and threatened to burn the town. It seemed the two pirates did what pirates do, drank and got drunk. A reporting messenger also claimed Mr. Mark's boat capsized on the way into town, adding to the delay. Finally, they returned with the medicines and Blackbeard honorably held to his side of the bargain by releasing the ships and hostages minus anything of value, including their clothing. After all, he was a pirate. In time, Blackbeard had his head separated from his body and his crew taken in irons to meet their fate.

Pirates have walked the streets of Charleston and drank in its taverns, creating tall tales blended with a mixture of truth and myth. A good example is the Pirate House with its Pirate Courtyard on Church Street next to St. Phillips Church Cemetery. Legend tells it was a boarding house for pirates. There is even another story linked to Blackbeard where it was rumored the top of his skull was sent back to Charleston to be fashioned into a drinking cup. The Pink House on Chalmers Street, once a tavern, was also a likely drinking hole. "Drink up me harties, drink up." You can learn all about the fascinating piratical history at the various tours in Charleston. Check out Charleston Pirate Tours and Tour Charleston.

Pink House on Chalmers Street

Charleston Place-Inspired The Holy City To New Heights

It's hard to imagine some thirty years ago an Atlanta magazine wrote this unflattering sentence about The Holy City, "Downtown Charleston, in many ways, epitomizes the decaying American city." Joe Riley, the mayor at the time, likened the downtown area to a poisoned ecosystem. The Historic District was anything but historic and King Street was a realestate of empty storefronts. Pedestrian traffic was scarce. Tourists were rare.

Something needed to happen to rekindle the historical flame that once burned in Charleston. It would be one single initiative that set in motion the beginning of a revival and Charleston was on her way to being restored to her former glory. The brainstorm was the envisionment of what would become Charleston Place. It was said, "I hate to use the cliche that the hotel put Charleston on the map, but it's certainly accurate." Charleston Place rose from a huge, sandy lot where a JCPenney once stood.

Charleston Place, known for its traditional southern hospitality, sits on Market Street where the entrance to the property is marked by a fountain. The Hotel has 320 deluxe rooms, 80 Club level, which occupies the top two floors and offers a private concierge service along with a wide array of enhanced services, amenities and cuisine. There are 40 suites.

The Spa at Charleston Place, located on the 4th floor, is available by appointment to local visitors and guests. Amenities are a health club, a beautiful indoor/outdoor salt water pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and children's splash pool. Charleston Grill is South Carolina’s most notable Mobil Four-Star restaurant and has received the AAA Four-Diamond award and Distinguished Restaurants of North America Award. On the lighter side is The Thoroughbread Club and Palmetto Cafe.

Top to bottom, the hotel complex has it all. The Shops at Charleston Place are an exclusive collection of world-famous stores located on the ground floor and a pool graces the rooftop. Adjacent to the Old City Market and the renowned King Street, it is situated at the heart of a local economy that considers tourism as its No. 1 industry. All within walking distance of the historic center of the city and major attractions.

Charleston continues to grow and change. In the six years I have been here, I have seen two old icons come down and the Author Ravenel Jr Bridge take their place. It has a vibrant theater scene and an endless list of fine dining establishments. It is well-known across the United States and beyond for its unique culture, which blends traditional southern American, English, French, and West African elements. So, let Charleston Place be your host and guide to all of this and more.-Vacation Rick Ttravel

Spring Is In The Air-Summerville's Flowertown Festival

It's spring in Charleston and it's surrounding areas. Winter has come to an abrupt end. The warmer weather has brought residents out of hibernation and energized the flower buds in a big way. Not even the higher gas prices can put a damper on the festivities. Stiff upper lip and all that there such stuff. Oh well, can't do anything about it, so you might as well just go out and enjoy the activities.

Spring in Summerville brings something else in an abundance. Has all the green haze coating your cars and lawn furniture got you sneezing and wheezing? If it hasn't, you are one of the fortunate. Still, you are faced with the daunting task of combating the green wave and washing your car has become a daily ritual. The culprit is the numerous pine trees. It was all those pine trees growing in Summerville that made it world famous at the beginning to the 20th century. The International Congress of Physicians in 1899 proclaimed Summerville one of the two best places in the world for people suffering from lung disorders. The turpentine scent emitted by the pine trees was considered to be the cure for a variety of respiratory ailments.

Since, Summerville's popularity has grown and is now host to a nationally acclaimed festival called South Carolina's largest Arts & Crafts festival and named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. The event has become known as the Flowertown Festival and is scheduled for April 1-3. The family-oriented 3-day event is staged in Azalea Park. More than 200 craft artisans and vendors will display their creative wares throughout Azalea Park. Food vendors, live entertainment, a children's carnival, a tennis classic, and a tour of historic homes and gardens will ensure that everyone has something to do, see, or eat. Bring your cameras to record the fun. The azalea bloom should make for some colorful pictures.-Vacation Rick Travel

Other events in the area include:
Rockfest 2011-Apr 3, 1:00 pm, Exchange Park Fairground. Tickets
Cooper River Bridge Run-04/02/2011. To register for the Bridge Run, go to bridgerun.com.
Family Circle Cup-April 2-10, 2011
Festival of Houses and Gardens-March 17 - April 16

Charleston's Walking Tours- An Intimate Up Close Look At Its True Personality

Charleston has carriage rides, sightseeing helicopter rides, scenic harbor cruises, and a host of ghost tours. All of them are dedicated to acquainting you to the charm and wonder that is historic Charleston. But if you want to get an intimate, up close look at the Holy City, the walking tours are the best way to go. The guides are knowledgeable and entertaining.

Nathaniel Russell House

It was on a walking tour I first learned about the strange, green, bouncy rocking boards found all over Charleston called the joggling board. Also, learned some of the more intimate details of the homes and families of Charleston past that I didn't get on the carriage rides.

The Nathaniel Russell House has a self-supporting elliptical spiral staircase that ascends three floors and is an example of the ingenuity and craftmanship typical of early Charleston. There are two notable stories associated with the Edmondston-Alston House. I will only tell you one has to do with Fort Sumter and the other Robert E. Lee. Book the tour for the fine points. Both houses are part of the walking tours.

Want to learn about and sample Charleston cuisine? Schedule a culinary tour featured by Bulldog Tours. The guides will immerse you in the history of Charlestons unique southern cuisine while you walk and taste your way through local eateries, markets, bakeries, restaurants, and culinary landmarks. You will also get a behind the scenes look into top chef’s kitchens and the fine dining establishments at which they conjour up their own unique creations. Bulldog Tours offer two different culinary tours.

Ednondston-Alston House

There are tours aplenty, something for everyone. Tours designed to raise the hairs on the back of your neck from a little innocent scare and tours to raise your eyebrows as your learn about the seedier side of Charleston's history laced with stories of brothels, prostitutes, corruption, crime, scandal, and sordid affairs, an uncensored glimpse meant for adults only. Also, a tour where you can raise a glass of cold brew. All have one common thread, to inform and entertain. All tours last anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.

 

-Bulldog Tours-Savor the Flavors Tours of Downtown Charleston and Chef's Kitchen Tours of Charleston

-The Original Charleston Walks-offer the greatest variety of routes, historical themes, utter historical accuracy, and the most outstanding guides in Charleston.

-Charleston Strolls-Home to Charleston's first and finest walking tour.

-Dark Side of Charleston-Take an uncensored look at Charleston's true history.

-“Charleston – Behind The Scenes Tour” with John LaVerne - $1,000 per person-This is really decadent.

Boone Hall Plantation And Gardens-Yesterday And Today

Associated with the discriptions of many of Charleston's historical sites is the word "antebellum". The term refers to pre-Civil War America, especially the pre-Civil War culture in the southern states. Quite simply, the historical site existed before the Civil War. Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens is an antebellum plantation.

The large Colonial Revival house presently standing on the plantation is not the original, so the house is not antebellum. The original house built of wood in 1790 no longer exists, but the famous Avenue of Oaks, a 3/4 of a mile long run of live oaks on both sides from the driveway's beginning to the front house gates created in 1743, are still gracefully towering over Boone Hall's entrance like a portal to the past. NBC Daytime television says is "a must see stop on any trip to Charleston, S.C."

Avenue of Oaks

Throughout the year there is always something going on at Boone Hall besides immersing yourself in Southern culture and the history of the plantation. Festivals and special events are scheduled that include something for everyone. I have attended these events in the past and plan to attend this years upcoming scheduled events, especially the one featuring Charleston's culinary lineup. Love the mahi-mahi morsels.

Piggly Wiggly BBQ Championship & Bluegrass Festival is scheduled for Sunday Sept. 5, 2010 and starts at 12 noon with the gates opening at 11am. Headline performers for this year's event: "The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band" also featuring "The Dillards". Don't know who "The Dillards" are? Watch re-run episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show" and when you come across the episode with a hillbilly family band called the Darlings you will have the answer or click here. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate. For children 6-12 $8 in advance, $10 at the gate.

The Scottish Games & Highland Gathering is featured each September. Experience Olympic type competition of the heavy athletics sporting events or the mastery of Scottish music with over 25 bagpipe bands highlighting Scottish country dancing and fiddling, and Celtic rock dressed in kilts.

Finally, want to see the Lowcountry's largest snow-cone? The 30th Annual Taste of Charleston will be held on October 8-10, with the Main Event at Boone Hall on Sunday where you can see the snow-cone take shape. This yearly event showcases a sampling of culinary treats from more than 45 of Charleston's favorite casual and fine-dining restaurants. Named one of the "Top 20 events in the Southeast" by Southeastern Tourism Society. Food, wine, specialty and imported bears, and live bands. Time: 10:30am-5pm. Tickets: $12.00. Full event tickets and prices.-Vacation Rick Travel Charleston.

Charleston's Nighttime Fun Should Include a Trip To The Footlight Theatre

We all like to be entertained with a good scare once in awhile. Remember the fun times sitting in a semi-dark room on a stormy night or around a crackling campfire taking turns at telling scary stories and seeing who could come up with the most sinister plot. That was how Mary Shelley gave birth to her first novel now known as "Frankenstein".

Sorrel-Weed House

While vacationing on Lake Geneva, Switzerland, Mary and her friends amused themselves by reading German ghost stories, prompting a suggestion they each write their own supernatural tale. Mary's scary tale was conceived in a waking dream she had one night. She wrote a short story about her horrific dream and later expanded it into the famous novel. Needless to say, her story took the honor of being the scariest tale that infamous night.

Looking for inspiration for a winning scary novel? Savannah was dubbed by The American Institute of Parapsychology as "America's Most Haunted City". The Sorrel-Weed House at 6 W Harris Street at Madison Square was featured on Ghost Hunters and is one of the top ten creepiest places in America. Be sure to take the 10:30pm tour for the greatest affect, if you dare.

Charleston's darker side can most certainly fuel the imagination and inspiration for a winning frightful tale. Travel Channel designated Charleston "America's Most Haunted Places". Take an inside look at Charleston's haunted Old City Jail, enter the Provost Dungeon, or visit Poogan's Porch where Zoe makes her presence known. Walk the streets, bars, and cemeteries while the guides of Bulldog Tours amuse you with the tales and stories of the not so holy side of the Holy City.

Footlight Players Theatre

Take your search for nighttime fun and storytelling entertainment a step further and consider what the Footlight Theatre has to offer October 28, 29 30 and November 4, 5, 6 at 9pm. "The Weir" by Conor McPherson will be presented by the Footlight Players. "The Weir" takes place in a small tavern in rural Ireland where local men swap spook stories in an attempt to impress a young woman who recently moved into a nearby "haunted" house, but the tables get turned on them when she tells a tale of her own. Old-fashioned story telling guaranteed to send chills up your spine. Ticket price ranges $10-$15. Footlight Players Theatre is located at 20 Queen Street.-Vacation Rick Travel Charleston

 

Three Historic Landmarks In Charleston Worth a Picture Or Two

It is the most photographed and painted tourist attraction in Charleston. It was an undesireable part of town following the Civil War, but now is a very sought after landmark synonymous with the name of Charleston. Painted in an array of Caribbean inspired pastel hues resulted in the name by which it has become identified. Sea captains, traders, townsfolk and pirates shopped, traded, and sold their goods in this stretch of realestate located on East Bay Street. Walk through the Old Market and you will find it on plates, switch covers, shells, and just about anything with a flat surface, even bricks. It is a group of buildings called Rainbow Row. If you are a resident it is a been there, done that, but if you are a first-timer the Row should be on your must-see list.

Originally Half Moon Battery, this landmark is considered to be one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States. The structure stands proudly at the foot of Broad Street. It is the Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon. All the employees dress the part. You will see them standing at the top of the steps along the front in colonial dress waving and greeting tourists. Inside are three floors of Charleston history highlighting the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. The artifacts displayed help you get a picture of the events and people that influenced and shaped the history of Charleston or specifically, Charles Towne. The Provost Dungeon, still dank and without sunlight, highlights a tour that speaks of pirates and patriots in chains, of a siezed tea shipment and General Moultrie's hidden gunpowder, and ghosts lurking within its walls.

The Powder Magazine located at 79 Cumberland Street is Carolina's oldest public building. A small brick building with walls three feet thick and four groin arches designed to implode in case of an explosion was used as a powder magazine from 1713-1770 and again briefly during the Revolutionary War. Its other uses were as a stable, a wine cellar, a print shop and now, a museum. It offers free of charge living historic presentations and showcases different period interpreters, local crafters, artists, musicians, and other historical novelties. Every Saturday in June and July there is a live performance scheduled called The Gentleman Pirate at 3:30pm – 4:30pm.

While in the area check out Johnson's Pub & Pizzeria or the Blind Tiger Pub for some cool drinks and creative dishes.-Vacation Rick Travel

Old City Jail, Charleston, SC-Take A Walk On The Scary Side Of History

We were looking to do a scary nighttime tour in Charleston one day, so we called Bulldog Tours for some input. Their suggestion was the Haunted Jail Tour. We decided upon the 10 pm tour and were given directions on how to get there. The Old City Jail housed some of Charleston's most infamous criminals, 19th century pirates, and Civil War prisoners.

The weather was perfect and the atmosphere was just right with a slight bit of a haze in the air, no wind blowing, and a dark sky. We took some pictures of the outside of the Old City Jail while waiting for the tour to begin. The weather-worn brick and age-stressed structure crumbling in random places set the mood for the stories to come.

The tour began outside centered around the buildings history and executions by hanging. We entered the building through an old creaky and rusty iron door. The guide talked about the high death rate among the inmates because of the living conditions, disease, and sweltering summer heat. A story about one of the heavy doors flying off its hinges and almost hitting a guide was a bit of a stretch, according to my skeptical estimation.

At one point, the lights were turned off while the guide told the story about one of its only female inmates. You will have to do the tour to the find out the moral and climax of the story. The guide also pointed out the significance of the steps leading to the upper floor. Unfortunately, some areas we passed contained a few reminders of the present, such as ladders and paint cans from some current restoration, which somewhat diminished the eerie aspect of the jail.

It takes a good deal to scare me because I don't believe in ghosts, although the old House on Haunted Hill movie really frightened me. So, how would I answer the question as to whether it was truly scary? I will decline and leave it up to your judgment after you have taken the tour. It is one of the many historical tours offered in Charleston and is billed as one of the scariest.

The Old City Jail's imposing structure and aged condition makes for some good pictures, and if you free your imagination, you will be entertained. It is definitely not a tour to take little children on.

In conclusion, "If you have a message you want to send to hell, give it to me--I'll carry it."

Old City Jail is located at 21 Magazine St, Charleston, SC. Bulldog Tours is located at 40 North Market St, Charleston, SC or call 843-722-8687.