2025 Dunleavy's Polar Bear Plunge on Sullivan's Island--A Real Cool Time

Every year on January 1, after a night of celebration, Lowcountry residents gather on the beaches of Charleston's barrier islands to take a plunge into the Atlantic's cooler waters. I say cooler waters because in the heat of the summer months the ocean around Charleston reaches a temperature of 83.5 degrees, which was the high temperature this past August 2024. The ocean temperature on Jan 1, 2025, was 57 degrees.

The two barrier islands who host a polar bear plunge are Folly Beach near its famous pier and Tides Hotel, and Sullivan's Islands at Station 22 1/2 and Dunleavy's Pub. Over the years I have attended both, but most of the time I have favored Folly Beach's Bill Murray Look-a-Like Polar Bear Plunge.

I had initially planned on going to Folly Beach this year. However, I inadvertently missed the exit for Folly on I26 and ended up on the Ravenel Bridge, where I decided not to turn around but to keep on going to Sullivan's Island, and I was glad I did. It was one of the largest crowds to attend Dunleavy's Polar Bear Plunge that I have seen.

Lowcountry residents came to have a good time, and they certainly did. Many participated in the traditional practice of wearing a costume, and there was an assortment of creative ones ranging from the unusually imaginative to the outrageously funny.

I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. It was a beautiful day on Charleston's historic Sullivan's Island, once the home of Edgar Allan Poe when he served in the military at Fort Moultrie and wrote his short story The Gold Bug. Thank you to Dunleavy's Pub for hosting their 30th charity event for the Special Olympics. Here's to everyone having a great 2025.

A Bit of Bar Crawl History to Sip on During Summerville’s “Hold My Tea Bar Crawl”

Frothy Beard Off World

Why is it called a “bar crawl”? It sounds like people are moving from bar to bar on their hands and knees—an outrageous thought but not necessarily inconceivable. The same could be said about the term “bar hoping”. You are not literally hoping from bar to bar. The answer is quite simply, it is one of those nonsensical idioms we use to describe a night out patronizing local drinking holes whether planned or not.

Ironically, in this case, there is a sobering truth in this idiom. It is possible that crawling from bar to bar could happen if a person drank too much at one bar and found walking to the next to be a bit challenging, an embarrassing picture for the person, but since when are the intoxicated rational. Upon investigation, it turns out the term originated in the United Kingdom in 1645 or was it the 19th century? Leave it to the pub-loving Brits to come up with this thought provoking expression.

As one story tells, a group of hooligans led by Sir Geoffrey Toppenbottom decided to go out drinking one night and hit the local taverns. When it came to drinking ale, they were a hardy group of heavy-weights and drank the local tavern dry. Three villages and four taverns later, Sir Toppenbottom and his drinking mates forgot where they left their horses and managed to crawl their way home. From the experience, they coined the term “pub crawl”. After a few tall ones, you just might find this tall tale easier to swallow.

For a more believable story, we go to the Oxford English Dictionary. The 19th century was when British towns and cities exploded in size. As the towns grew, so did the number of public drinking houses, many in close proximity to one another. For a single night of fun and socializing with friends, patrons moved from pub to pub at a slow and steady pace as opposed to rushing. Thus, the term “crawl” became the descriptive for the event.

Five Flowers

Amaret-Tea

I am glad to report I did not see anyone crawling from drinking establishment to drinking establishment in Summerville for the Sweet Tea Festival’s “Hold My Tea Bar Crawl”, but I did observe local residents and visitors having a good time socializing and evaluating the bar’s cocktail entry so as to vote for their favorite. The winning bartender will receive the People’s Choice recognition after the conclusion of the event on Sunday.

There was one question I put to the competing bartenders as I went from bar to bar. By observation, and this is just my opinion, women tend to socialize and engage in local events in groups more than men, unless it has to do with a sporting event. I asked them, “Have there been more women participating in the bar crawl than men or visa versa?” The overwhelming consensus was, “It has been about even.” It was great to hear the bar crawl was being so well supported.

Sweet Tea Mojito

Bubbly Bee Tea

Flowertown Mojito

Summerville’s competing bars and restaurants are Hilton Garden Inn—Sweet Tea Mojito—Ashlee Circelli, Five Loaves Cafe—Flowertown Mojito—Kacie Bankers, The Azalea Bar and Garden—Five Flowers—Elizabeth Cureton, Frothy Beard Off World—InfiniTEA—Brennen Walters, Sweetwater One Twenty Three—Amaret-Tea—Chelsea Cronk, The IceHouse—Bubbly Bee Tea—Jeana Masula, and Godwin’s Beer Hall—Shepard’s Shandy—Austin Willard. All of the cocktails have been very good, and picture perfect. It will be a difficult decision in choosing my favorite, and my vote is just one. Summerville will decide.

Shepard’s Shandy

The “Hold My Tea Bar Crawl” has become a regular part of Sweet Tea Festival Week. It has been fun enjoying a quality cocktail made by local, talented bartenders and socializing with friends and making new acquaintances. Be sure to take it slow and easy and savor the moment, that is what it is all about. Added to that, you are supporting Summerville’s local businesses, and don’t forget the t-shirt you get after you succeed in filling out your bingo card.

Visit Summerville

Home of Charleston's Sand Sculpting Contest--The Ever Popular Beach Mecca, Isle of Palms

It was the first beach I stayed at when vacationing in the Charleston area. A famous inlet separating it from a neighboring island is my favorite place to kayak at low tide. Sand islands appear offshore, where you can park to hang out and watch the kite surfers on a breezy day. The island is called the IOP by locals, and the inlet is Breach Inlet.

The Isle of Palms boasts seven miles of wide, pristine beaches great for swimming, lounging, fishing, biking, and kayaking. An equal amount of estuary waters connected to the Intracoastal waterway grace its backside like an unconquerable maze. It is an excellent place for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Once a year, the island's main stretch of sand called Front Beach is transformed into an ocean art show when it hosts the ever-popular Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Contest. It was the 33rd year for the event, and News2's Rob Fowler has been a regular judge through those years.

Participants include teams of families and individuals, children and adults from all over the Lowcountry. Hundreds of happy beach-goers strolled back and forth for three hours to watch the transformations rise from the sand, attempting to guess the object and the theme of the sculpture. The overall winner of the contest this year was a play on words and a sign of our times, Pain in the Gas. Congratulations to everyone who participated. Enjoy the pictures.

Spoleto Festival 2022--Don't Miss the Finale

The name Spoleto comes from an ancient city situated in the province of Perugia in east-central Umbria on a foothill of the Apennines in Italy, 131 miles southeast of Florence and 78 miles north of Rome.

Spoleto is home to the "Festival dei Due Mondi," also known as the "Festival of the Two Worlds," first organized and founded by Gian Carlo Menotti. The festival has developed into one of the most important cultural manifestations with a three-week schedule of music, theater, and dance performances.

Gian Carlo Menotti wanted to establish a counterpart of the festival in the USA. So, the organizers searched the US for a city that would offer the same charm and hospitality as Spoleto, Italy, and a wealth of theaters, churches, and other performance spaces. Charleston was rightly selected, and held its first festival in 1977. Spoleto Festival USA produces its own operas, which are rarely performed masterpieces by well-known composers, and also presents theater, dance, and music ranging from classical to jazz. It is now one of the world's major performing arts festivals. This year it begins May 27.

One of my regularly attended events of the festival is the finale with its impressive fireworks display. In previous years, the Spoleto Finale was always scheduled at Middleton Place. This is my favorite fireworks show in 2014 paired with a song performed by Pink Floyd called On The Turning Away. This year the Wells Fargo Spoleto Finale will held at the Firefly Distillery with Shakey Graves.

Shakey Graves is a Texas theater-kid-turned-Americana-rocker. He will bring to the event his unique "distinct stage presence, strong vocals, insightful lyricism, and melodies that linger." (The Post and Courier) Check out one of his sessions.

Pack a picnic, gather your blankets and chairs, and head to the new Firefly Distillery grounds in North Charleston on Sunday, June 12, with gates opening at 5:00pm. Adult beverages will be sold on site, so do not bring any alcohol in from the outside. Performances will begin at 6:00pm. The rousing fireworks display closes out the affair. You don't want to miss it.

Click on for complete Spoleto schedule.

Wednesday Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting at Middleton Place--A Collaboration of Nature's Bounty

Schedule for 2022

With the Ashley River lazily meandering in the distance, a peaceful easy feeling came over me as I sat on a wooden bench leisurely sipping on a plastic cup of red wine. I was in the company of one of the oldest oak trees in the Charleston Lowcountry. Greyed from age and bearing the scars of a sometimes tumultuous past, the Great Oak's long, broad branches majestically overshadowed the calming waters of the Rice Fields where fish launched themselves into the air like mortar shells and alligators prowled the surface like the H. L. Hunley in search of an unwary prey.

Clinging to the tree's weather-beaten bark, a cardinal curiously watched my every move. We weren't alone. With the Octagonal Garden to the right and the Sundial Garden behind, the soft, intimate chatter and light laughter of fellow strollers navigating the garden's preened pathways filled the warm evening air. The occasion is Wednesday Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting at Middleton Place.

The Wednesday Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting was started as a way for visitors to experience the beauty of Middleton Place in the early evening light and a more relaxed atmosphere--no tour guides needed. It is just you, the gardens, and a world renowned vino. The Wine Strolls are an invitation to drink in the incomparable natural beauty of the plantations 274 year old gardens--the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Each week, samples of specially selected wines from around the world are uncorked by the Middleton Place Restaurant for you to savor. A different wine region and beautiful garden location in bloom is chosen for the stroll.

Enjoy the following story of a previous wine stroll.

This week's selected location was the southern magnolia-lined walkway along the spring-fed Reflection Pond. The four white-cloth covered tables were evenly spread out under the tall trees the full distance of the pond and strategically located at pathway entrances for easy access into the sprawling gardens. On each table were two bottles of wine--one red and one white. Each setting was accompanied by a basket of crackers for cleansing the palette between tastings.

The wine region selected was South America. At Table One, Tomero Torrontes 2013 from Mendoza, Argentina was the white offering and Malma Malbec 2012 from Patagonia, Argentina was the red. At Table Two, the white offering was Cautivo Chardonnay 2014 from Mendoza and the red was Errazuric Max Reserva Carmenere from the Villa de Aconcagua, Chile 2011. Moving to Table Three, Arido Moscato 2013 from Mendoza was the white and Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Clasico 2013 from Mendoza was the red. Table Four topped off the selections with a Sangria Blanco and a Sangria Roja.

The correct pronunciations I leave to you to figure out--some Spanish required. The Cautivo Chardonnay was my white wine favorite and the Bonarda Clasico was the red I sipped under the Great Oak. After a few glasses of the South American vino and a dash of imagination, I found myself rubbing shoulders and clinking glasses with Henry and Mary as a guest of their garden party. Blame my whimsical tryst to the past on the wine.

If you want to get that peaceful easy feeling, Middleton's Wednesday Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting is where you want to be. It is a perfect blend of fine wine and floral gardens accented with the aroma of magnolias and oaks interlaced with a tremendous concentration of gentle sunlight. This event is elegant and well-balanced. Extend the evening with an overnight stay at the Inn at Middleton Place and/or dinner at the Middleton Place Restaurant .

Now, create your own story with a visit to Middleton Place on one of the scheduled dates.

Tickets are $30 online and $35 at event.

Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

New Year's Day Charleston Area Polar Bear Plunges--Join in on the Fun

Come Freeze Your Bills Off - 8th Annual "Bill Murray Look-A-Like Polar Bear Plunge"

We will pay homage to one of Charleston's funniest residents, Bill Murray. All attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Bill Murray character and "freeze their Bills off." Murray's Bob Wiley character in "What About Bob" is my favorite followed by Phil Connors of "Ground Hog Day." The Polar Bear Plunge rounds out the weekend of New Year festivities of Folly Beach including the Flip Flop Drop and Fireworks on New Year's Eve.

The annual plunge will take place beachside at the Tides Hotel and will include a costume contest, commemorative t-shirts, and of course, a plunge into the "chilly" Atlantic! All attendees are encouraged to come in costume, especially as your favorite Bill Murray character, and be ready to 'freeze your bills off'. See you there.

Saturday, January 1, 2022, 11 am - 2 pm

Beachside at the Tides Hotel

Dunleavy's New Year's Day Polar Plunge

Kick off the New Year in the COOLEST way ever. Proceeds benefit 30,000 athletes in SC.

The "Dunleavy's Pub Polar Plunge" has been around for 19 years and since 2003 the Pub and their patrons have helped raise thousands of dollars for Special Olympics South Carolina. Dunleavy's Pub on Sullivan's Island will open at 9:00 am and the plunge takes place at 2:00 pm. For this cold dip, you are encouraged to create a costume for this one or simply show up in your favorite swim suit.

Jan 1, 9 am

Dunleavy's Pub

2213 Middle St # B, Sullivan's Island, SC

Polar Bear Plunge at Kiawah Island

Plunge into the New Year at Kiawah Island Golf Resort's Polar Bear Plunge. Come and celebrate new beginnings with us as we gather on Kiawah's beach, just in front of the hotel to take a dip into The Atlantic. All participants must bring their own towel to this event.

This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required.

January 1, 2022 at 11:45 am - 12:45 pm

The 2016 Sea And Sand Festival On Folly Beach--Fun Was Had By All

The word folly is most commonly recognized as meaning a foolish idea or act, such as in the case of the purchase of Alaska, which some thought at the time was a mistake and called it Seward's Folly, named for then Secretary of State, William H. Seward. But in the case of Charleston's southern barrier island once-upon-a-time named Folly, home of today's Folly Beach, the word takes on a whole different meaning. Truthfully, Folly was named for its coastline, which was once densely packed with trees and undergrowth, as the Old English name for such an area was "Folly."

I only mention this because before I became aware of this point of fact and I mean this with no disrespect to the wonderful residents of Folly, I wondered why an island would be called a place of foolishness. But then, it made perfect sense to me. Folly Beach is where people go to escape reality and engage in music, dance, and spirits, which are often equated with foolishness, and so, Folly Beach. Alas, truth is stranger than fiction and between me and you, I still like my original misguided take because I go to Folly Beach to have fun. And that is what everybody had at this years Sea and Sand Festival.

The Sea and Sand Festival is Folly Beach's longest running and biggest street party. If I was to make a comparison, the Sea and Sand Festival is to Folly Beach what the Flowertown Festival is to Summerville. In its 26th year, it is a family friendly event with live music, art vendors, food and drink specials from participating restaurants, fun activities for the kids and a host of other entertainment.

In all, it is a two day event. Festivities kicked off on Friday with the Annual Miss Sea and Sand Pageant at the Folly River Park. Then on Saturday, the festival began at 8:30 am with the 6th Annual Coffin Island 5k Race at the Folly Beach Pier where the runners were encouraged to dress as a pirate (Pirates were known to sail along the South Carolina coast and the many inlets, sounds, bays formed by barrier islands and sea islands like Folly Island. Two of the most memorable were Edward Teach, known as Black Beard, and Stede Bonnet). Then at 11 am, four blocks from Huron Street to Ashley Avenue on Center Street were closed to car traffic and the actual festival began.

  Thousands of locals and visitors from California to South Carolina were in attendance and foolishness was had by everyone. There was two stages of live music featuring James Justin and Co., Sunflowers and Sin, Shakin' Martinis, Don't Mess with the Tiger, Island Trio, and Folly Bluegrass Society with a third set up at Huron Street. Other activities included a mechanical bull ride and a kid's activity zone with a four-station bungee jump trampoline, carnival games, face painting, and more. There was also a silent auction, a sand castle contest, a photo booth and a book signing. And of course, there was the beautiful beach to take a relaxing walk on.

The Sea and Sand Festival is a great way to soak in the eclectic beach flavor and easy island vibe that is Folly Beach. The music, food, and drink specials all combined together to give everyone that let's hang out and stay awhile feeling. Like Folly Beach's famous Lost Dog Cafe, the festival is also dog friendly. So, if you missed this year's fun, make it a point to attend next year's festivities. Enjoy the pictures and video.

19 Restaurant Facts For Charleston Restaurant Week Beginning September 9-20, 2015--Bon Appetit

Charleston Restaurant Week is the ideal opportunity to sample the culinary creations of the finest chefs in the Holy City at a reasonable cost and the perfect occasion to critique a new restaurant. From September 9-20, the City's downtown streets and alleys will be saturated with a bouquet of captivating aromas and ravenous restaurant patrons.

For your convenience, the Charleston Restaurant Association has provided a full list of participating restaurants, their menus, and their websites for you to peruse and be seduced. In some cases, a link is included to reserve a table. Survey the many choices, take your time, think it through, a reviewed decision usually is better than one reached at the last moment. But don't take too long. Before you know it, September 9th will be here and the table reservations are going fast. Once you make a decision, the universe will conspire to make it happen.

To assist you in making a final determination, following is a list of Charleston restaurants I have had the pleasure of dining at and written articles about. Click on the 'Read Review' links for the articles, which also include pictures of the restaurants. Happy hunting.

82 Queen 82 Queen St
Call for Reservations (843) 723-7591 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

39 Rue de Jean 39 John Street
Call for Reservations (843) 722-8881
Read Review

Eli's Table 129 Meeting St
Call for Reservations (843) 405-5115 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

Five Loaves Café(Summerville) 214 N Cedar St
Call for Reservations (843) 804-9410
Read Review

High Cotton 199 East Bay Street
Call for Reservations (843) 724-3815 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

Husk 76 Queen Street
Call for Reservations (843) 577-2500 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

Leaf 15 Beaufain Street
Call for Reservations (843) 793-2230 or Book Reservations Online
Read Article

Poogan's Porch72 Queen Street
Call for Reservations (843) 577-2337 or Book Reservations Online
Read Article

Sermets Downtown 276 King Street
Call for Reservations (843) 853-7775
Read Review

Slightly North of Broad 192 East Bay St
Call for Reservations (843) 723-3424 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

Stars Restaurant 495 King Street
Call for Reservations (843) 577-0100
Read Article

Charleston Harbor Fish House 32 Patriots Point Road
Call for Reservation (843) 284-7070 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

Pages Okra Grill 302 Coleman Blvd
Call for Reservations (843) 881-3333
Read Review

RB's Seafood Restaurant 97 Church Street
Call for Reservations (843) 881-0466
Read Review

Red's Ice House 98 Church Street
Call for Reservations (843) 388-0003
Read Article

Boathouse at Breech Inlet 101 Palm Boulevard
Call for Reservations (843) 886-8000 Book Reservations Online
Read Review

And as you think about your choices for the upcoming Restaurant Week, listed below are 19 interesting facts about the restaurant industry and its more prominent establishments from Charleston and beyond for you to savor and digest.

1) Restaurant industry sales are expected to hit a record high of $709.2 billion in 2015.
2) The restaurant industry remains the nation's second-largest private sector employer with a workforce of 14 million.
3) In 2014, there were 8,535 eating and drinking places in South Carolina.
4) In 2015, South Carolina’s restaurants were projected to register $8 billion in sales.
5) In 2015, restaurants account for 213,100 jobs in South Carolina--11% of employment in the state.
6) Restaurants in South Carolina are projected to employ 252,800 people in 2016. (18.6% job growth--or 39,700 jobs over 2015).
7) Serving classic Charleston seafood since 1930, Henry's hands-down holds the record as the city's (and state's) longest running restaurant.
8) McCrady's, at Two Unity Alley, has been the home of famous Charleston eateries since the 18th century, when Edward McCrady opened the original tavern. George Washington dined in The Longroom during his Southern tour in 1791.

9) Serving up Southern comfort food since 1976 in an elegant restored Victorian house, Poogan's Porch has served locals and visitors with old fashioned hospitality and charm. The family owned restaurant boasts a 1500 bottle wine cellar.
10) The most expensive restaurant in Charleston, SC (and this is subjective) is Grill 225 at the Market Pavilion Hotel, also famous for Charleston's only cocktail infused with liquid nitrogen, the Nitrotini.
11) The most popular day to eat out in the U.S. is Saturday. Second is Friday and third is Sunday. Monday is the slowest day for restaurants.
12) Americans spend about $1.7 billion per day on restaurant food.
13) First restaurant chain in the U.S. was the Harvey Houses, which started in 1876 to serve railroad travelers.
14) According to the Guinness Book of World Records Botin Restaurant in Madrid, Spain is the world’s oldest operating restaurant, which has been in business since 1725.
15) The Oldest Restaurant in the United States is in Boston. The Union Oyster House has been serving up fresh oysters and more since 1826.

16) The most expensive restaurant in the world is the Aragawa in Tokyo, Japan at around $600 a person.
17) The most expensive restaurant in the U.S. is the Masa in New York City at a cost of $585 a person.

18) World's largest restaurant is in Syria. Bawabet Dimashq Restaurant, which translates to Damascus Gate Restaurant, has 6,014 seats and is located in Damascus, Syria.
19) The largest restaurant in the U.S. is Zehnder’s in Frankenmuth, Michigan outfitted with a total of nine dining rooms with a combined capacity to accommodate more than 1,500 guests.

Charleston Restaurant Week is one of my favorite Charleston events. My choices are the Drawing Room at the Vendue and Michaels On The Alley. See you around town and Bon Appetit.