One Of Charleston's Most Popular And Absorbing Tours--Patriots Point Naval And Maritime Museum

At one time, a monstrous steel behemoth prowling the Pacific high seas in the likeness of Herman Melville's Moby Dick, the USS Yorktown has long since its glory days been permanently anchored in the tidal sands of Patriots Point in Charleston. A floating military menace to the opposing forces of World War II, it is now a fascinating attraction that gives the ordinary citizen a glimpse into the military technology of the day and what life was like for those who manned its broad decks and armaments.

The USS Yorktown was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy, commissioned on April 15, 1943. This Essex-class carrier was built in 16 1/2 months and renamed in honor of the Yorktown (CV-5) sunk at the epic Battle of Midway in 1942. It received the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 11 battle stars for its service from its commission date to the defeat of Japan in 1945.

Yorktown was modernized to operate jet aircraft as an attack carrier (CVA) in the 1950s, re-designated an anti-submarine aircraft carrier (CVS) in 1957, and later earned five battle stars for service off Vietnam from 1965-68. The ship also recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in December of 1968 before being decommissioned in 1970.

Yorktown's displacement was over 27,000 tons and 872 feet in length at the time it was built. When upgraded in 1956, it increased to over 30,000 tons and 888 feet. As with all American carriers of the time, the Yorktown originally had a flight deck made of teak wood instead of armored plating, which gave the carrier greater striking power with more aircraft. Yorktown was towed from Bayonne, NJ to Charleston in 1975 to become the centerpiece of Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, later joined by the destroyer USS Laffey in 1981 and the submarine USS Clamagore that same year. You enter the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum at the Visitors Center through a turnstile, where there is a gift shop and ticket booths. Regular adult admission is $24, children 6-11 is $16, and senior tickets are $19.

I purchased my tickets and headed down a long walkway to where Yorktown was moored along with the Laffey. I then ascended wide steps to the large entrance leading into the ship's immense hangar deck where there was an information center flanked by historical displays and vintage aircraft running the length of the deck to the ship's theater at the end. You can choose several different tours. I was interested in checking out the new Engine Room Experience first and entered at the designated start point to begin my descent into the lower decks abyss. I descended steep steel ladder stairs with limited headroom to the deck where the galley was, along with medical quarters and rooms with dental chairs. I was greeted by an overwhelming pungent metallic diesel odor and wondered how anyone could get used to the inexorable noxious smell. Beyond the galley were the sleeping quarters with multilevel berths for a crew of almost 3,000.

After exploring this deck, I descended more steep confining latter stairs ducking my head so as not to bang it on the low steel beams to the lower decks and entered the glass doors to the new Engine Room Experience. The newly-renovated space used the latest technology to bring the story of the engine room to life and makes it easier for guests to understand the duties and purpose of this integral part of an aircraft carrier. It includes 15 unique halo-lit images, a virtual tour station of the lower decks of the engine room, a touchscreen kiosk using animation to explain how the engine of the USS Yorktown functions, and "holobox" scene showing a sailor lighting a boiler and another of him finding a steam leak--an unseeable danger to anyone who would walk into its path.

From the Engine Room Experience, I descended a series of steep ladders to reach the engine room. The pungent smell was beginning to affect me and exiting the lower decks was becoming mandatory, but I toughed it out to check out the massive boilers mounted with a plethora of valves and gauges. Satisfied, I quickly exited for the upper decks and fresh air.

My next move was ascending to the flight deck for a tour of the bridge, the command center, and air-traffic control--the strategic brains of the ship. On the flight deck were numerous aircraft, helicopters, and a stunning view of the surrounding Charleston landscape. It was breezy the day I stepped onto the flight deck, so hold onto your hat.

 

I ended my visit with a quick tour of the destroyer, USS Laffey--nicknamed 'The Ship That Would Not Die.' Two very absorbing features are the Combat Information Center and Mount 53. Upon entering the new CIC exhibit, a dual hologram appears and radar repeaters show a sweeping motion as they "search" for enemy submarines. Radio transmissions recreate one of the many tense moments from the Cold War. In the Mount 53 exhibit, you will take a step back in time to April 16, 1945 during an historic kamikaze attack and witness what it was like for the brave men serving in the gun mount. Entering the gun mount is challenging and the experience is very intense. I did not tour the Submarine. I will do that on my next visit.

Patriots Point has become one of South Carolina's most popular tourist attractions. It is informative, absorbing, and entertaining. Other attractions are the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, Medal of Honor Museum, and Flight Academy. Parking is $5 for the day.

Five Charleston Lowcountry Events You Want To Experience Before July

As the "number one tourist destination in America", Charleston embraces its lofty claim to fame by providing an endless summer of things to do. Its sun-drenched beaches, beautiful parks, historic landmarks, and hospitable communities are its pride and joy. From the heart of its Old City Market to all points of its surrounding Lowcountry, it is a multifaceted topography jam packed with interesting tours, yearly festivals, tasty cuisine, fashionable shopping, rooftop bars, and an active nightlife to fill your days and evenings.

From Charleston's expansive catalog of things to do, I have picked five events you will want to do before July arrives.

Spoleto Festival Finale
Internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival, the 17-day Spoleto Festival is a celebration dedicated to showcasing and honoring the artists and performers while providing high caliber entertainment from beginning to end for all its patrons.

Beautiful, historic Middleton Place Plantation, home of "the oldest gardens in America", is the host and the backdrop for the finale. The setting is unmatched, the music is entertaining, and the fireworks at the close are spectacular. This is one of my top must-do events.

The 3rd Annual Beer Garden begins at 3:30 p.m. with local craft beers, gourmet picnic fare, and music from the best local and regional bands--4:15pm - 5:00pm Johnny Delaware, and 5:15pm - 6:00pm Steven Fiore. At dusk, the attention turns toward the main stage performance featuring the Alabama-based seven-piece soul band, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, at 8:30pm.

Patrons are welcome to bring their own chairs, blankets, and picnics; food and beverage will also be available for purchase until 7:30pm. Adult Advance ($35.00), Senior ($31.50), Military ($31.50), Child ($15.00). Video of fireworks from 2014. Purchase tickets.

Party at the Point
Charleston Harbor Resort on Patriots Point hosts this beach party every Friday from April to July. You can kick off whatever foot wear you are wearing and sink your toes into its soft, cool sand while listening to the tunes of local bands--one of the top ten on my list of things to do.

Connected to the beach, a long walking pier provides you with a great view of the whole harbor while its balmy breezes wash over you with a splash of salt water scent. It is the only beach in Charleston where you can drink a brew.

The schedule--Seven Handle Circus with The Kenny George Band - May 29th, Banana Pancakes - June 5th, Sol Driven Train with Jordan Igoe June 12th, Reggae Night with The Dubplates - June 19th, and Season Finale with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band - June 26th. Party begins at 5:30pm with a cover charge of $7. More pictures.

Party in the Park
With a stunning view of the Ravenel Bridge towering over the pier at beautiful Memorial Waterfront Park, the Party in the Park offers free music concerts featuring national country music recording artists every Tuesday evening in June at 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The Firefly red pick-up truck is always a welcome sight for me. I always enjoy Firefly's Sweet Tea Vodkas and Moonshine mixes.

The complete lineup: JUNE 2ND--Dan and Shay, JUNE 9TH--Kelsea Ballerini and John King, JUNE 16TH--Canaan Smith and Mo Pitney, JUNE 23RD--Chase Bryant and Craig Wayne Boyd, JUNE 30TH--Kristian Bush and Mickey Guyton.

It is highly recommended you park offsite and hop on a Lowcountry Loop Trolley for a free ride. No coolers allowed; food and beverage are available for purchase.

Wednesday Wine Stroll
The weather and the setting were perfect. There was but a whisper of a breeze playing on the long branches of the old oaks. The fading sun cast a tranquil shade of pleasant over the beautified gardens. The numerous reflective ponds, alive with the chatter of its amphibious residents, were one with the surroundings. Their mirror like surfaces disturbed only by the watchful eyes of the long-toothed reptiles common to these Lowcountry waters.

Beyond the gated ruins and overlooking the Ashley, the four strategically placed tables were elegantly set, two bottles of vino on each, servers in place. Friends, relatives, acquaintances, and couples with cups in hand soaked in the ambiance and engaged in light conversation as they walked from table to table and strolled the numerous intertwined paths of the plantation landscape. All this is courtesy of Middleton Place and its Wednesday Wine Stroll--More pictures. Purchase tickets.

The final stroll is May 27th beginning at 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Record Smashing Tea Party
The annual celebration of National Iced Tea Day occurs on June 10th. The day is set aside to celebrate the summer drink that has become one of the most popular ways to quench one's thirst in the United States. As an alternative to carbonated soft drinks, iced tea makes up about 85% of all tea consumed. It can be enjoyed sweetened or unsweetened, but here, in the South, sweetened is infused, and the historical concoction is proudly called sweet tea.

On June 10th, the Birthplace of Sweet Tea is going to celebrate the day by attempting to set a new World Record for the World's Largest Glass of Iced Tea, and you are invited to participate. Summerville will be making from scratch a single 1,400 gallon glass of sweet tea, brewed with local tea leaves from America's only tea grower, the Charleston Tea Plantation, and the brew will be sweetened by Dixie Crystals--the sugar of the south.

An Adjudicator from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand to oversee, verify and present the record for the 'World's Largest Iced Tea'. It all takes place at 5:00pm - 8:00pm at the southern end of Hutchinson Square in front of Town Hall.

Beautiful Charleston Harbor--See It From Land, See It From The Water

Like the ocean tides, history has flowed in and out of Charleston Harbor since its inception. An inlet formed by the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, it was the perfect location to start a colony and establish what has become the charming and hospitable city of Charleston. From Oyster Point on the peninsula to Fort Sumter at the entrance and back, its coastline offers roughly 10 miles of scenic beauty and rich history.

Boasting the deepest water in the southeast region, huge ocean going container vessels enter the harbor on a daily basis--one of the busiest ports on the east coast. You will also on occasion see the cruise ship Carnival Fantasy arriving and departing year-round bound for the Bahamas and back. Tour boats from Charleston Harbor Tours and Spirit Line Cruises criss-cross the waters every day carrying locals and visitors on narrative tours around the harbor past 75 different landmarks and points of interests. Two of the points of interest connected to Charleston Harbor are my favorite places to hang out--Patriots Point and Shem Creek.

On the edge of the harbor, Patriots Point is the place for spectacular views. The Charleston Harbor Resort hosts a beach party every Friday from April to July. You can kick off whatever foot wear you are wearing and sink your toes into its soft, cool sand while listening to the tunes of local bands--one of the top ten on my list of things to do. Connected to the beach, a long walking pier provides you with a great view of the whole harbor while its balmy breezes wash over you with a splash of salt water scent. Nearby, the Fish House Restaurant overlooks the marina where the Yorktown is permanently moored and the Ravenel Bridge towers over the Cooper River. Spiritline Cruises dock on the Point as well.

 

Shem Creek is a restaurant/bar mecca with a gallimaufry of warm weather activity. Historically a safe haven for a fleet of shrimp trawlers to unload their catch and mend their nets, it is also a docking and launch point for pleasure craft of all sizes from cabin cruisers to kayaks. The waterfront bars at Water's Edge, Red's Ice House, Vickery's and RB's are popular gathering places for watersport enthusiasts to meet and greet. Also great for picture taking and for viewing the Charleston sunset. For me, the lazy waters of the creek is the perfect place to dangle my feet and launch a paddleboard. With dolphin frequenting these waters along with an occasional manatee, you just may have a once in lifetime experience similar to mine.

I had just paddled past RB's and was in the area near Vickery's. Straight ahead from my position, I saw two dolphins seemingly moving in my direction. At a point of twenty feet from me, they submerged. I ceased paddling with hopes they would continue on their course. I waited and watched, watched and waited. Looking toward the water on the right side of my paddleboard, I saw the outline of the grey mammals just below the water's surface swimming to the edge of my board. The board rocked gently from the shifting waters. It was that precise moment I experienced an epiphany. We stared into each other's eyes, locked in a mutual gaze. Even though the exchange was brief and words were not spoken, I felt a connection was made in that rarest of moments--unfortunately, to quick for a picture. It was surreal. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Shem Creek is also where the Palmetto Breeze docks. Built in Charleston, it is the largest capacity sailing catamaran north of Ft. Lauderdale with room for more than 100 crew and passengers. It features a spacious wooden deck with covered seating by the "barefoot" bar. You will find two bathrooms below, and speakers throughout. Dolphin Sails, Pirate Adventures, Historic Charleston Harbor Cruises, Sunset Sails are on its itinerary. All charters, public and private, include complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. Cash bar is open for scheduled public sails and some include free adult beverage.

Here are some ways to enjoy the beauty of historical Charleston Harbor:

FIREFLY Friday Charleston Harbor Dolphin Sunset Sail
July 11, 7:00pm-9:00pm
100 Church Street
Mt. Pleasant, SC
General admission $35.00 Children $20.00
http://aqua-safaris.com/discover/charleston/palmetto-breeze/firefly-friday-charleston-harbor-dolphin-sunset-sail/

Charleston Harbor Tours Presents a Murder Mystery Cruise
07/09/2014
City Marina
17 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29401
843.722.1112
http://www.charlestonharbortours.com/

Craft Brews Cruise
07/04/2014
The Carolina Queen at the City Marina
17 Lockwood Dr.
Charleston, SC 29403
843.722.1112
http://www.charlestonharbortours.com/

PALMETTO BREEZE Margarita Monday!
July 7, 2014 7:00 PM
100 Church Street
Mt. Pleasant, SC
General admission $35.00 Ladies $25.00

PALMETTO BREEZE "2 for Tuesday" Sunset Sail
July 8, 7:00 PM
100 Church Street
Mt. Pleasant, SC
General admission $35.00

The Fish House On Patriots Point-Superb Food And A View Second To None

It was to be an unusual day for me. I would be stepping out of my comfort zone. Store hopping was in the works. This is a rare event and the kind of activity I generally shy away from, but is at times knowingly necessary. There was this space that needed filling and an idea for a wall arrangement. I was joined by a friend who, by the way, loves to shop and is both talented and knowledgeable when it comes to designing spaces. Coleman Blvd in Mt. Pleasant was to be our destination, a mecca of antique stores.

The first order of business with the noon hour approaching was food. Mixing some pleasure with the business of the day was also part of the plan, but an ordinary lunch it would not be. Coleman Blvd is also a gateway to a mecca of outstanding water-side eateries and watering holes. The Fish House for one, Patriots Point's newest culinary attraction and the first to come in view while crossing the Cooper River from Charleston to Mt. Pleasant via the Ravenel Bridge.

The Fish House has been open for a little over a month and has created plenty of buzz since. From atop the bridge, the view of the restaurant on the Point, in the distance, was impressive, but standing on location, at the restaurant's waterfront setting, the view was even more extraordinary.

We entered the restaurant. The rooftop bar was our desired destination but upon arrival we found out it would not be open to patrons until 3 pm. We were so interested in having lunch in an open-air setting. As we mulled over the options, the bartender on duty heard our conversation with the hostess and offered his assistance. He summoned the manager and had the roll-up windows, which were presently down, opened. We were seated at our table fully satisfied with the warm Charleston Bay breeze surrounding us. The bartender offered to whip me up a special island drink. I accepted and the server delivered the concocted Rum Runner and my friend's Cranberry Vodka.

According to the rules for proper use of napkins, I appropriately laid it in my lap. My friend, very fussy about proper etiquette, was impressed. We sipped our drinks, soaked in the awesome view, and surveyed the lunch menu. My friend inquired of the server, "I'm interested in the Fish Sandwich. What kind of fish is it?" "It is mahi-mahi," answered the server. "I'll take it." I was going to keep it light and selected the Caesar Salad. I normally wouldn't choose salad as a main dish. I'll blame it on the sea air or maybe I wasn't really that hungry after snacking through the morning. Regardless, I am glad I did. You don't hear me use the adjective "superb" often. In this case, it is appropriate.

The Caesar Salad was a dish of prosciutto-wrapped romaine lettuce hearts, parmesan cheese tulle and sourdough croutons. The prosciutto was a pleasantly mouth-watering touch and the whole wrap appeared to be slightly charred, which gave it a smoky flavor. I savored every slice. Yes, I used a knife to eat a salad. My friend said the fish sandwich was very good.

The restaurant's numerous large windows and high ceilings give the seating areas an open, airy atmosphere. The wood beams, black lights and black fans hang from above in contrast to the lighter ceiling. Pictures and replicas of local saltwater specimens are everywhere, reminding you of the reason you are here, a good fish dinner. The historic Charleston skyline, the USS Yorktown, and the Charleston Harbor Resort Marina can be seen from literally every table and the rooftop bar's view is second to none. A point of interest-The bar top on the first floor is made from broken bottles of Sky Blue Vodka. It's an awesome centerpiece to gather around for a cocktail.

 

The staff from first contact to receipt was hospitable, friendly and helpful. The bartender went above and beyond his duties and that impressed me. Finally, thank you to Charles Arena, Jr. and the kitchen staff for an excellent culinary experience. I will be returning for the dinner menu.

We spent more money in the Fish House store and then bid farewell to Captain Morgan. Next stop, Shem Creek and the Water's Edge. We sat at a table next to the docks and watched the dolphin, the paddleboarders, and boaters while sipping on one more Rum Runner. I was now primed and ready to take on the exhausting task of store hopping for decorative accessories.

A Beer Tasting, A Beach Party, And Third Thursday-An Eventful Week All On Video

The weather was beautiful this past week. It was summer warm and summer sunny. Finally got in some laps in the pool and some suntan soaking. A busy week. It began with the Holy City Beer Tasting at Coastal Coffee Roasters, followed by Third Thursday and then Party at the Point at the Charleston Harbor Resort.

It has been written, "A picture is worth a thousand words." With that been said, I will let the pictures and video tell the story. They are a collection of smiles and good times I shared with the friends and visitors of the Lowcountry.

Summerville hot spot, Coastal Coffee Roasters, hosted the beer tasting - the second in two months. It was a sell out once again. Holy City Brewing provided the brews, five to be exact. Of the five, two of them were standouts for me, Chucktown Follicle Brown and Manuel Fantastico Barley Wine. But if I were to pick a favorite between the two, I would lean toward Fantastico. Famulari's provided the pizza and did a great job matching the right pizza to each brew. Joseph Tedesco and his friend Dano provided the musical entertainment.

Third Thursday is Summerville's monthly, premier event. I almost never miss it. Its mission is promoting and supporting the businesses of Summerville. The restaurants and establishments were overflowing with residents and visitors. Busker provided the musical entertainment on Short Central. I spent most of the evening overseeing the sound for Busker, so I did not get around to the other highlights around town. The special unveiling of the first BIRDS statue took place at Town Hall. There was an open blue grass jam on Hutchinson Square and blue grass groups located at various locations throughout historic downtown Summerville.

The Party at the Point is a family friendly event hosted at one of the hottest beachfront properties on the Charleston Bay. It has it all. Water, sand, and Charleston for a backdrop. The Blue Dogs entertained the party crowd. It was my first exposure to this Charleston based band. I arrived when the opening band, Adalya, was on their last song. So, I didn't get any video of their performance. The gathering is a great opportunity to meet new friends from the Charleston scene.

Friday, May 24th, the Dave Matthews Tribute Band will jam at the Party at the Point, kicking off the official start to summer in Charleston. It all starts at 5:30pm.

Thursday is Open Mic Night at Coastal Coffee Roasters, 7-9pm. Talented musicians from all over the area come and share their gifts. Saturday at 7-9pm, T. Champagne will delight the crowd with his love of funk, roots rock, and island grooves into a danceable blend of music that utilizes percussive phrasing and catchy lyrics.

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.

"Get To The Point"-North to South, It's All A Great Time For Everyone

When someone we are engaged with in conversation rambles on about where they are going on a particular subject matter, we often say, "Get to the point." If you are from Ohio, like myself, getting to the point could mean something entirely different. "Get to the Point" was also an advertising slogan for Cedar Point, a world class amusement park located at the tip of a peninsula on Lake Erie in Sandusky. When I lived in Ohio, going to Cedar Point was a tradition I eagerly looked forward to every year.

We lived about two hours driving time from the park, so it was a always a full day excursion. We would get up at the crack of dawn to leave with enough time to make it for the opening and would stay until near closing. A complete day of flips, dips, over the top high-speed gut-wrenching plunges, and tennis shoe water-soaking rides accompanied by an entertaining dose of shows, games, and attractions.

Cedar Point has been around long time. It opened in 1870. It is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the United States. It features a world-record 72 rides, including 15 roller coasters making it the park with the third-most roller coasters in the world. It is the only amusement park in the world with four roller coasters taller than 200 ft - Magnum XL-200 at 205 ft, Millennium Force at 310 ft, Wicked Twister at 215 ft, and Top Thrill Dragster at 420 ft. It received the Golden Ticket Award for "Best Amusement Park in the World" from Amusement Today for the past 15 years. It is the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World". This year it will open with a 16th roller coaster called the GateKeeper at 174 ft. If you are a roller coaster enthusiast, Cedar Point is a must do.

I no longer live in Ohio. It has been some time since I have been to beautiful Sandusky and Cedar Point. I now live in South Carolina and beautiful Charleston, but getting to the point is still a priority, that is to say Patriots Point. There are no world class roller coasters on this point. Patriots Point is home to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, including the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. The old carrier has become one the state's major tourist attractions with more than 270,000 visitors each year.

Patriots Point also has a golf course, a hotel, and a collegiate athletic complex. The hotel is the Charleston Harbor Resort. It is host to the main reason I get to the Point, the Party at the Point.

The first installment of the weekly event for 2013 begins April 26th. The beach party offers you an opportunity to stick your feet into the cool sands of the resorts waterfront beach, revitalize yourself with a cool drink after a long day of whatever, and enjoy some music with Charleston Harbor as the backdrop. A long pier stretching out into the bay is perfect for taking a relaxing stroll to soak in the gentle, salty ocean breezes and viewing the shipping activities of one of the largest and busiest ports in the United States. Maybe, you will catch a glimpse of one of the many huge container ships passing close by.

  
The featured band on April 26th will be Blue Monday. The band is a 5 piece female fronted band performing music from the cool and fun music of the 80's. Music from bands like Journey, U2, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and others. The band relocated from New York City after a successful 10 year run. The bands hard hitting classics will take you back into a 30 year old time machine. It is billed as a tribute to the MTV revolution of music. On May 3rd Daggermuffin, a Folly Beach based trio, will be the featured band along with Old You. May 10th will be the CofC Graduation Party with Long Miles. For the complete schedule go to Party on the Point.

This is a family friendly event. The gates open at 5:30 pm, and the bands start at around 6:30. Bring cash for admission and for the bar, and bring your friends too. See you on the beach.

Fun Night At Pages Okra Grill And Winterfest 2013 On The Point

It was a busy weekend in Charleston with all the festivities. The Boat Show started on Friday at the Charleston Convention Center, Winterfest at Patriots Point on Saturday, and the worlds largest oyster festival on Sunday at Boone Hall Plantation. If I went to the boat show, I would probably end up buying one. For now, that folly is reserved for the near future. On my radar was the Winterfest and Lowcountry Oyster Festival. So, my weekend plans were set, but an added surprise entered the picture. Meeting a friend at Pages Okra Grill in Mt Pleasant came into the mix. I had been wanting to check out this restaurant for some time now and its location on Coleman Blvd was perfect.

Reservations are not necessary but for larger groups it is expected. The time was set for 6 pm. We were seated immediately upon entrance and handed our menus, which were well-arranged and colorful. We perused the menu while sipping on our drinks, wine for my friend and sweet tea for me, which is my most common selection when I am searching for a quick choice. I was reserving the harder stuff for the Winterfest.

Our choice for the main entree was the Fried Flounder. You can choose between two fillets for $8.99 or one for $6.99. My friend asked, "Is it fresh?" The waitress replied back, "We only serve fresh." "You can always tell fresh fish from fish that is not," my friend noted. The challenge was on, is it or isn't it? We would soon find out. It comes with two hush puppies and a choice of two sides. This is where the fun came in for me. The list consisted of southern sides. I have to admit, I am a Northerner and not overly familiar yet with all the particular southern delicacies. We had a little discussion about okra and collard greens. My friend, Beth, is an okra lover, so I went with her instincts and ordered the fried okra. We parted ways on the collard greens. I chose green beans, and not because I had anything against collard greens. I will venture there on the next opportunity.

We settled into some good conversation and before we knew it, our entrees were delivered. The coating was light and the flounder was flaky. It passed the scrutiny. It was determined to be fresh. Not a single hint of fishiness or the smell of it. The hush puppies were very good, and I can knowledgeably comment on this because I've had hush puppies before. I was pleased with the fried okra and the green beans. My friend confirmed. The final analysis: Beth said, "I am stuffed." And asked me, "How about you?" I smiled and said, "I am satisfied."

Our waitress was cheerful and polite. She engaged herself in conversation by asking me if I brought her a box of chocolates. There is a story there. She kept our glasses full and the table cleared of empty dishes. The interior and decor was simple and undramatic, but pleasant. There is a large outdoor seating area, but on this chilly 40 degree night the inside was the better choice. I will return to Pages Okra Grill, maybe next time to try their breakfast menu. I heard it is good.

The time had come to make the short trip to Patriots Point. It was advertised there would be 25 tons of snow transforming the Lookout Pavilion into a ski lodge. So, I envisioned mounds and mounds of snow, plenty enough for a good northern type snowball fight or a snow angel or two. When we arrived and paid the ten dollars to enter, the 25 tons looked like you could cover a yard with it, and a very small one at that. Granted, the snow was dumped earlier in the day and began melting in the Charleston sun, but 25 tons disappeared that fast? Beth observed, "You are going to have a hard time coming up with something to write about on this event."

So, here it goes. I had a beer, Beth had wine; the bartenders were somewhat stingy on the wine. We listened to dance music and watched the fun seekers do a line dance. Stood by the fire to warm our backsides and listened to more music. At various intervals swayed to the beat and entertained a few dance moves. A Rail Jam demonstration was one of the highlights. Snowboarders slid down a man-made ramp with flashing lights onto a small patch of slushy snow at the bottom. I had another beer, Beth had another wine. Listened to more music and at the end I made one snowball.

 

 

This is the thing. I am a simple person and it doesn't take much to keep me happy. I like music and I like dance. More snow would have been ideal. If I wanted to see more snow, earlier would have been wiser. I believe most everybody that came after 8 pm was there for the music, dance, and booze. In the final analysis, I had a great time because I was sharing it with a friend. Hope you enjoy the pictures. I am Looking forward to seeing everyone in warmer weather and this years editions of Party on the Point.