Bask In The Aura Of Historic Charleston Harbor On The Wind And A Sail--Schooner Pride

Standing in the shade of the Aquarium Wharf's brick retaining walls dockside, while waiting to board the 84 foot tall ship, the soothing breeze coming off the water was a welcome relief to the sultry heat of the mid-afternoon Charleston sun. On the deck of the three mast schooner, the able crew of three were making final preparations for our groups 4pm departure on a sailing tour described as a way "to escape the crowded streets and sweltering heat of downtown Charleston" to "take in the Holy City the way it was meant to be seen, from the peaceful waters of Charleston Harbor."

With the humid air brimming with excited anticipation, the appointed time arrived. After being checked off the passenger list one by one, we boarded the green and white vessel and took our preferred seats. With everyone aboard, the ship was filled from stem to stern. The captain gave some final departing instructions and immediately after the command, "Let's shove off."

The mooring lines were loosened and we drifted away from the murky tidal waters of the docks. The captain fired-up the Schooner Pride's cruising engine and we entered the bluer, deeper waters of the harbor where the crew, with the help of volunteers, unfurled the canvas sails and secured the running rigging beginning with the jib.

You could feel the forward thrust as the sails scooped up the moist, salty harbor breeze, splitting the rolling surf and bowing to one side in submission. The experience was everything I expected and more as we basked in the aura of the Charleston Harbor waterfront to the consoling sounds of splashing water, creaking masts and bay breezes rushing by.

Not a narrated tour, the Schooner Pride's daily sails offer its passengers a unique way to enjoy the serenity of Charleston Harbor and the soft breezes and beautiful views without having to take in nonstop information. When not busy adjusting the sails and serving refreshments, the knowledgeable crew are happy to point out the numerous landmarks and answer questions you may choose to ask. Landmarks like the storied WWII air craft carrier, USS Yorktown, docked at Patriot's Point, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Fort Johnston, Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, the East Battery, White Point Gardens and along the shores of James Island into the entrance of the Ashley River and the waterfront of the South Battery to the Charleston Marina.

Each day, three different tours are offered: an Afternoon Dolphin Sail($37 for 2 hours), a Sunset Sail on Charleston Harbor($47 adult for 2 hours), and a Moonlight Sail on Charleston Harbor($40 adult for one and a half hours). There are three special event sails: a Sunset Wine Tasting Cruise($60 adult), Ghost Tour on the Schooner Pride($32), and Christmas Parade of Boats Evening Sail. For each cruise, there are rates for children ages 11 and under. Refreshments include wine, soft drinks and packaged goods such as chips and pretzels.

There is no experience comparable to skimming through open waters on the wind and a sail serenaded by the soul-soothing chorus of taunt rigging and a rolling sea with the unmatched scenery of the Charleston waterfront as the backdrop. All you have to do is sit back, soak it in, and let the crew of the Schooner Pride do their thing. If you have not as of yet done this, I highly recommend you give it serious consideration. It will be worth your while to book a cruise.

For an added pleasure, park your car at the Charleston Harbor Resort Marina and take the water taxi to the Aquarium Wharf for $10 a person round trip, all day. It makes four stops every 15 minutes. To view all the pictures, go to Schooner Pride Afternoon Dolphin Tour.

The Party At The Point April 26, 2013 Rocked-Blue Monday Made It A Red-Letter Friday

Last night, if you got to the Point, it was no disappoint. The Party At The Point was attended by a record crowd for an opening night and the featured band,  Blue Monday, rocked. The great weather made it near perfect. I say near perfect because the no-see-ums made an appearance early on, but when the dancing started they departed.

I arrived around 6:45 pm from Summerville. The parking lot at the resort was already full. So, going in I knew it was shaping up to be a large crowd and a big night. Blue Monday had already took to the stage on the beach and were just beginning to warm-up. By the time the sunset, they were sizzling. While I was recording video, I got pulled into the dancing crowd by a couple of ladies by the name of Jules and Vicky and imprinted a few steps of my own into the cool sands.

Lizette, the lead singer for the group, was a definite crowd pleaser and motivator. At one point, she stepped down from the stage into the crowd. It was a move that impressed me. Her vocals were powerful and her range was expansive. In her bio, Lizette credits a friend with her move into singing where she relates, "It's all my friend's fault. Colette got me into this beautiful mess when I was nineteen." Matt, Joe, Woody, and Mike provide the instrumentals and accompanying vocals. The group flowed from one song to the next with precision.

 

Friends, family, kids and dogs all had a great time. A walk on the pier, which is a must, is always a relaxing and refreshing pause from the crowds and high energy on the beach.

I got some good pictures of the passing container ships that come close to the pier.

Couples use the pier as a place to take in a few moments to connect. "Mon amour pour toi est aussi grand que le monde."

After taking in the bay breezes and skyline of historic Charleston in the setting sun with the USS Yorktown and the Ravenel Bridge nearby, I was ready to rejoin the party on the sandy beach and get another cool one to place in the free koozie that was passed out upon entry.

The Party At The Point has everything we love about Charleston-water, sand, history, and southern charm. The fun has just begun. Every Friday at the same time each week the Point will be the place you will want to close out the work week and kick-off the weekend. Click on Party At The Point for the complete schedule. Enjoy the pictures and video. Then make it a point to join the fun.

Historic Charleston Harbor Is Picturesque From All Points Of View And Parks

Walkway along E. Battery

The scenic view of Charleston Harbor is alluring to amateur photographers and armchair historians alike because it is beautifully picturesque and enchantingly historical. As you survey the coastal layout of Charleston Bay, you will find there are many idyllic vantage points from which to soak in the ambiance of Charleston's long lived harbor. Each point of reference offering a different line of sight both visually and factually. Anywhere along the promenade walkway on E. Battery ending at White Point Gardens would be one such location, Waterfront Park another, and the South Carolina Aquarium yet another.

White Point Gardens was once occupied at different times by two forts, first Fort Broughton in 1735 and then Fort Wilkins in 1812. At that time this area at the point of the peninsula was called White or Oyster Point because of the piles of bleached oyster shells, which Charleston waters have an abundance of, oysters that is. In time it became a park and a placement for artillery during the Civil War. Today, the park is occupied by a gazebo, some memorials, cannons and mortars used in the Civil War, and all under a canopy of large southern live oaks. Across the street are some of Charleston's most beautiful mansions, including the Battery Carriage House Inn and Two Meeting Street Inn. But now, we come to the reason for its mention in this article. It boasts unprecedented views of Charleston Harbor. In the distance you can see Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, Fort Moultrie, and Sullivan's Island. Bet you can't resist having your picture taken standing by one of the cannons.

Southern live oaks at White Point Gardens

Mortar and shells

View of Charleston Harbor from White Point Gardens

Charleston mansion across from White Point Gardens

Waterfront Park was deemed “this generation’s gift to the future” by Mayor Riley. The park is an eight-acre linear park. It masterfully combines spectacular fountains, spacious lawns for kids to play on, walking and jogging paths. You can sit on one of several family-sized swings on the pavilion and watch ships come and go. You will enjoy the swings. The two artfully designed enormous fountains are a tempting invitation to children to splash and play, including adventurous adults who are so inclined to indulge. The famous Charleston Pineapple Fountain is a focal point of the park. More specifically, it highlights a pier spanning over 1,000 feet along Charleston Harbor. Relax, take pictures, imagine the history. You can see the Arthur Ravenel Bridge to the left, panning right Patriot's Point comes into view with the U.S.S. Yorktown, and beyond, Fort Sumter. It is Located in the Vendue Range on Concord Street.

Waterfront Park pier

Arthur Ravenel Bridge viewed from Waterfront Park pier

The South Carolina Aquarium needs no introductions. It is the number one attraction in Charleston. The mission of the South Carolina Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research, and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. You can view shoreline favorites such as herons, diamondback terrapins, and puffer fish as well as the all-new stingray exhibit with more than 25 stingrays in the Saltmarsh Aviary. Catch a glimpse of a rare albino American alligator in the Albino Alligator Experience. It is home to four ring-tailed lemurs in the new Madagascar Journey exhibit. The aquarium has a massive, two-story Great Ocean Tank which holds 385,000 gallons of salt water and contains hundreds of fish, invertebrates, sea turtles and marine mammals. The 4-D Theater combines 3-D imagery, interactive seating and waves of special effects such as gusts of wind, splashes of water and movement under your feet. This is only a sampling. Noteworthy is the Great Hall, which features two-story windows offering one of the best views in town of Charleston Harbor.

These are all great places to visit for exceptional views of the harbor, but none is better than the pier at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina located right on the banks of the harbor on Patriot's Point. The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina offers a full service marina, complete with fishing charters, sailing excursions and lessons. For the golpher, there is a challenging 18-hole championship golf course located adjacent to the hotel called Patriot Point's Links. As a complimentary service, the resort Trolley or the Charleston Water Taxi (seasonal) will give you a quick ride to historic Charleston for a day of shopping, dining and sight seeing, eliminating the frustration of finding a parking spot for your car. As to the view of the harbor, the resort has a walking pier that extends far out into the bay. From the end of the pier you can see everything in the harbor, including Charleston. The huge container-carrying ships coming and going throughout the day cruise so close you feel as though you could reach out and touch them.

Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina pier

The U.S.S. Yorktown viewed from the pier

Charleston Harbor Resort viewed from the pier

The Charleston Harbor Resort is also the host of the Party at the Point scheduled every Friday from April to the end of June. It starts at 5:30pm and ends at 9:30pm. Live music performed by some of the areas best local and regional bands usually begins around 6:30pm. The event is billed as Charleston's premiere happy hour concert with drink specials and $2 draft beer. It is right on the beach where you can relax with friends or dance to the music in your bare feet. I always have a great time, you will too. Ticket prices range from $5-$7. Parking is free except valet parking is $5. So, do you get the point, get to the point.

Party at the Point schedule:
June 8: Simplified  w/Of Good Nature
June 15: Beatles Night w/Sgt. Submarine
June 22: Sol Driven Train w/Fowler’s Mustache
June 29: Drivin N Cryin w/ Luke Cunningham