Love Charleston And The Water-Thriller Charleston Combines The Two With Its Fun And Unique Venue Offering

I paid the $35 and boarded the long, sleek, yellow boat, followed by the captain and the narrator. The rear seats were already filled with ticket holders, so I sat about three seats back from the captain. Fair warning was given to those sitting in the back. "You will get wet," Captain Trip stated enthusiastically. He offered them an opportunity to move closer to the front. Nobody was bothered by the warning and stayed put.

I facetiously tested the resolve of the captain's warning, "If I don't get wet, can I get a refund?" He tested my resolve. "I am willing to make a wager with you, you will get wet." I remained silent concerning the wager.

The narrator proceeded with the necessary pre tour instructions. "If your are pregnant, have a bad back, neck or heart problems, or a serious medical condition..." and with a big smile she added, "...or a bad attitude, you must leave the boat at this time." She offered life jackets and concluded, "Let's have some fun," then took her seat. The captain started the engines, turned on the music and backed out of the covered dock on Shem Creek. As it turned out, I was happy I didn't take that wager. I did get wet, and that was part of the fun.

It was Labor day. It was hot, there was a strong, southwest wind, and the ocean was choppy, perfect weather conditions for a wet and wild ride on the Thriller Charleston, Charleston's high speed tour boat. Once we exited the no wake zone of Shem Creek, the captain boosted the throttle and the narration began. It was an informative mix of history and points of interest, beginning with the story of Charleston's beginnings.

The boat cruised up the Cooper River, passed under the Ravenel Bridge, took a high speed sharp turn and sped along the Charleston waterfront and E. Battery Street. We passed White Point Gardens and sped up the Ashley River along Murray Blvd.

On the Ashley, it made another high speed sharp turn, cruised the coastline of James Island and the fortress made famous by the Civil War, Fort Sumter. Leaving the harbor, we passed the jetties and entered the open ocean. Morris Island Lighthouse was now in our sights.

It was full throttle up the Morris Island coast. After we circled the lighthouse, the real fun began. As the speeding boat hit the rough waves of the Atlantic, the clash would send a salty spray into the air and the wind would carry it over the side, covering the occupants. We spent a considerable amount of time bouncing in the wind agitated waters of the ocean, sometimes becoming airborne, which solicited a fair amount of "ooohs" and "aaahs" from the water-soaked, happy occupants.

On the way back into Charleston Harbor, we were told the story of the Hunley, cruised passed Sullivan's Island and Fort Moultrie, viewed the shoreline of Mt. Pleasant and returned to Shem Creek. My shirt was soaking wet, my face was spattered with salty water and I was thoroughly pleased with my one hour, 30 mile adventure tour on the Thriller, which whisked us past 2 lighthouses, 5 forts, the panorama of Charleston Harbor and the Atlantic coastline around Morris Island.

Of course, some people may not like the idea of getting wet, or being bounced around at high speed, but that option depends on the weather. Pick a day with little to no wind and the ride will be smooth and dry. Otherwise, when the captain says, "You will get wet," just believe it. It was also suggested you wear sunglasses or goggles to keep the salty water out of your eyes, which I didn't have. I lost my sunglasses on my last SUP excursion, but that is another story.

The boat ride offers a different and unique venue from which to see Charleston at a quick glance and once again learn about its colorful history, a story that is told in detail many times over through the numerous popular tours Charleston is famous for on the dry peninsula.

The Thriller Charleston is owned by Barbara and Mark Fox. Mark hands out the tickets and Barbara does the narrations. The dock is located on beautiful Shem Creek, in front of Vickery's Bar and Grill. Just turn off of Coleman Blvd onto Shrimp Boat Lane.

Charleston's Fall Events And Activities-Ramping Up

It's fall in Charleston, although it doesn't feel like it when you factor in the high humidity we have been experiencing these past few days, but it is what it is and it is Charleston weather. Despite summer 2011 having wound itself down and bid us farewell, the activities in Charleston are just beginning to ramp up. Of course, it is still warm enough to catch a few more rays and a few more waves on the beaches, if that is what you want to do, but there are plenty of events scheduled September thru December to keep you and your family happily occupied.

The Fall Tours of Home and Gardens is already underway. It started September 21 and will last to October 22. This is a Top 20 Event as selected by the Southeast Tourism Society. Tours are scheduled Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. This is where owners open up their homes and private gardens to the public for them to enjoy the rich history of Charleston and experience the distinctive architecture built into their historic residences from the Georgian period to the 21st century.

The Moja Festival will take place September 29 to October 9. This is another Top 20 Event. The festival is a celebration of African-American and Caribbean arts. MOJA is a Swahili word meaning "One" and is representative of the Lowcountry where these cultures have been fused into the Charleston culture. Nearly half of MOJA's events are admission-free and the remainder are offered at very modest ticket prices, ranging from $5 - $20. The wide range of events include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel concert, jazz concert, poetry, R&B concert, storytelling, theatre, children's activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and much, much more. One notable event is the Reggae Block Dance. Friday, September 30, 2011 from 6:30-11:00pm at Brittlebank Park, Lockwood Blvd. & Fishburne St. Admission free.

"Ghosts and Pirates OH MY!" is an obvious choice if you are looking for fun and excitement for you or the whole family. It is hosted by Thriller Charleston, a bright yellow power catamaran. You will be introduced to the spooky side of Charleston from the historic front door of the Holy City-beautiful Charleston Harbor. Classic tales of haunted places and infamous battles and the notorious people who were a part of it. This event is scheduled throughout October only, 3pm, Thursdays and Saturdays only and tickets are $35/adult, $25/children 3 – 12, children 1 – 2 are free.

Taste of Charleston will take place October 8, 9 at Boone Hall Plantation, Mt. Pleasant, SC. This celebration of Lowcountry cuisine will feature more than 40 of Charleston’s top casual and fine dining restaurants serving sample size portions of their signature dishes plus beer and wine. There will be live entertainment from Homemade Wine, the legendary Waiters’ Race, Children’s Area and Beer Garden featuring 40 or more craft and specialty beers. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate and are good for admission only. Children 10 and under are free.

This just a sampling. There is much more to come. Get out and enjoy your Charleston.