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

Charleston And The Grand Hotel On Mackinac Island-Somewhere In Time

In 1980, Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour starred in the romantic science fiction film "Somewhere in Time." To make a long story shorter, Reeves portrayed a playwright who receives a watch from a mysterious woman many years his age accompanied with the plea, "Come back to me." Eight years later, he becomes obsessed with her after finding out who she was in earlier times while staying at the famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. An obsession that would take him on a journey back in time.

No machine, like the kind you would see in other movies of this genre and subject matter, was employed to carry him back. All he needed to do was dress himself in clothing of the era, close his eyes, and with complete concentration immerse his thoughts and psyche into the time and place he desired to be at, which was 1912, where Jane Seymour awaited his coming. The story has both a tragic and happy ending, if you believe in such things as life after death.

I have always been fascinated with the theory of time travel, though I do not believe it to be attainable and theoretically is impossible for us mortals. It still boggles my mind that when you look at a mirror you are looking into your past because it took time for the light to move from the mirror back to your eyes, no matter how minute that movement is perceived to be. It all has something to do with gravity and the speed of light spattered with quantum physics. Perception plays a key role both in the movie and this article.

The Grand Hotel was the perfect setting for this film because it possesses a mystique that has the ability to capture your imagination and for the brief moments you are there transplant you into its charming and elegant past. Built in 1887, it has accommodated presidents, foreign dignitaries, and famous inventors and writers. It is visually stunning. The hotel boasts having one of the longest porches in the world at 660 ft. At its opening, nightly rates ranged from $3 to $5. No two of the 385 guest rooms are designed alike. Rates today range from $433 for a guest room to 798 for a named room, which include a full breakfast, Grand Luncheon Buffet, and five-course dinner daily.

The Hotel possesses a long list of honorable mentions from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure including the designation as a four-diamond resort and one of the top 10 U.S. historic hotels. If the credentials don't peak your interest, every October the hotel hosts an annual convention for fans of the cult-classic "Somewhere in Time."

Charleston, like the Grand Hotel, possesses that mystique. Position yourself at any entranceway or street corner in the historic district and merge your senses into the surroundings. If you concentrate hard enough, you will be able to hear the commotion and sounds of its storied past and for that brief interim of time, maybe have an experience like the one in the movie. Just close your eyes. You will hear it. You will smell it. You will feel it.

Families chattering about the days activities while sipping afternoon tea and basking in the coastal breeze on their porches along the waterfront of the Battery. Breathe in the nostalgic smells of the produce and goods while strolling through the Old Market area. Looking out over the harbor and seeing the tall masts and sails of the ships entering and leaving the busy port. The spectacle of cannon and mortar fire bursting over Fort Sumter that early April morning. The snapping of the rope on which Stede Bonnet, the Gentleman Pirate, was hung in 1718 at White Point. Lavinia Fisher crying out before her hanging at the Old City Jail, "If anyone has a message for hell, give it to me-I'll deliver it," so the story goes. We will need verification of this one, so if you actually do travel back in time, send me an email.

The history of Charleston was not always charming and glamorous. There was a time when Charleston had fallen into near decay. A time when many of the restaurants, hotels, taverns, and buildings we enjoy today were empty and disintegrating structures foreboding doom, until a rebirth to preserve the past for posterity became the prime objective of city planning and historic Charleston was rescued.

Now, Charleston is the top destination in the nation among this countries many cities. No, Charleston doesn't have a hotel with a 660 foot porch like the Grand Hotel, but the Market Pavilion Hotel and Venue Inns both have roof top bars and enough hospitality to go around.

You don't actually have to close your eyes to experience the past, in Charleston you are surrounded by it. The clip-clop of horses hooves and the rattling of carriages from the numerous tours are everywhere. Women in hooped skirts greet you with a southern smile at the many historic plantations and dastardly pirates with their tall tales will amuse you. Its Antebellum history will inform you and its residents will invite you into their homes and gardens for a glimpse of its style and grace.

Charleston also has a savvy nightlife with its many theaters and nightspots for drinks, music and dancing. While you are here, make sure you say hello to Alabaster, he resides at the South Carolina Aquarium.

Where Have The Alligators Gone And Alabaster-The Rarest Of Gators

Look closely for the alligator

With the end of summer and the advent of fall, we no longer see the alligators that once inhabited our ponds here in White Gables. Have you ever wondered where they go? Do they migrate to a warmer place? The answer to the second question is no. The answer to the first question is as follows. Just because you don't see them doesn't mean they are not there. That being said, alligators can travel over land or through rivers for several miles, so it is possible the alligators of White Gables could have moved to a more accommodating place to hunker down for the winter.

Alligators are just as much a part of Charleston culture as sweet tea. They fascinate us. We take are kids down to the ponds to watch them. We grab our cameras to photograph them. So, since they are fellow residents and neighbors, we need to know something about them.

Alligators can and do eat just about anything. Sticks, stones, bricks, and even aluminum cans have been found in the stomachs of mature alligators. Their stomachs are the most acidic of any vertebrate. I guess you could call them liter-debuggers. Still, that is not their preferred cuisine. They are carnivores, meat eaters that feed at night. If you think you are safe in a tree, think again. Alligators can leap 5 feet or more out of the water if they see something to their liking. They can even snatch a bird out of the air.

An alligator is not considered sexually active until it reaches 6 feet. In cooler regions of their habitat, such as North Carolina, that could take 16-20 years, and in warmer climates, 8-9 years. When they do reach maturity, alligators restrict their breeding and nesting activities to the warm summer months. Temperature is very important for the first half of incubation of the 40-60 eggs the female lays in built up mounds. Temperatures in the nest less than 86 degrees produce only females, temperatures above 90 degrees produce only males.

American alligators are cold-blooded animals, generally are active year round in South Carolina. They do not hibernate in the true sense, they do undergo periods of dormancy in cold weather months, November to March. They excavate a cave in the bank of a waterway and enlarge the inner chamber so a portion of it is above the water level, allowing them to surface occasionally to breathe. On exceptionally warm days they may pop theirs heads up to see what is going on.

Alligators can hold their breath up to an hour. So, if you see one and it dips below the water, getting its picture may involve a long wait. We should keep in mind that an alligator should NEVER, NEVER, NEVER be fed! The alligators get accustomed to people and, instead of fearing humans, they begin to expect people to feed them. This can lead to alligators being aggressive and a “nuisance species." Bad for them, bad for us. The American alligators habitat ranges from coastal North Carolina to the Everglades in Florida.

Visit the South Carolina Aquarium for a rare treat, an albino alligator. Its name is Alabaster. Alabaster is very rare because in the wild, albino alligators only have about a 24-hour survival rate. Alabaster is the newest addition to the Blackwater Swamp Exhibit. Visit the Aquarium and learn about this rare creature. See you there. Ticket prices for the Aquarium and 4-D theater.

When The Weather Outside Gets Frightfully Cold-Charleston Winter Events

When it gets cold in Charleston, like it has been this week with nighttime temps dipping into the teens and day time highs barely reaching 40, there isn't much to do in the way of outdoor activity. Beach and coats don't make good postcards. Fishing rods and gloves are not compatable. A walk in the open air Old Market isn't as appealing. A stroll along the Battery with the waves crashing the waterfront from the nippy brisk wind loses its nostalgia. A carriage ride through the historic French Quarter loses some of its luster. Even the nighttime ghostly tours leaves you with a chill in more ways than one. There is no snow. You can't ski, tobbagan, or sled ride. You can't make a snow fort with the kids and then destroy it with a snowball fight. Which brings me to a subtle fact that only Northeners can appreciate, snow makes the cold more fun, and when it's cold here, it's just cold. So, what do you do in Charleston when the temperature takes a dip?

You can wait until it warms up because it will surely do that. Cold snaps don't last for long, although this year they have come early and have lasted longer. In the meantime, here are some of the things on tap during these chillier months.
 
Flowertown Players-Theatre on the Square in Summerville-Presenting Same Time, Next Year a Romantic Comedy for ages 18 and up.-January 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 PM, January 16, 23 and 30 at 2 PM.-Purchase tickets
Dock Street Theater-"America's First Theatre" presents A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas December 3 - 19, 2010. Charleston Stage's acclaimed original adaptation magically returns with a wonderful story of Scrooge and his Christmas Eve encounter with three ghoulish spectres. With colorful period costumes, stunning Christmas card sets, magical special effects and scores of actors, singers, dancers and musicians.-Purchase tickets
Footlight Theater-"White Christmas"  by Irving Berlin playing December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 8 PM; December 5, 12 (sold out), and 19 at 3 PM. This brand new musical shines with classic Berlin hits like "Blue Skies," "How Deep is the Ocean?" and, of course, the unforgettable title song, "White Christmas."-Purchase tickets
North Charleston Coliseum Performing Arts Center-Charleston Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker Dec 17 at 7:30 PM and Dec 18 at 3:00 PM. Charleston Ballet Theatre unwraps its glittering holiday treat with performances that have become the centerpiece of holiday tradition for families throughout the region. Adult tickets are $45.00, $40.00, $35.00, and $25.00. Children 2-12 tickets are $35.00, $30.00, $25.00, and $15.-Purchase tickets
Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” is the one performance this season you shouldn’t miss! Tickets are $88.50, $68.50, $48.50, $38.50, & $28.50 plus applicable fees. Limited Premium Seating and VIP seating avaiable.-Purchase tickets
Holiday Festival of Lights-James Island County Park hosts November 12, 2010-January 2, 2011. Your journey begins with a 3-mile drive through millions of sparkling lights and hundreds of light displays. They also offer a marshmallow roast and a 54 passenger train ride through the park to view the lights. To tour the lights in your car is $10/car and if you'd like you can ride the train around the lake for approximately $2/person and children under 2 are free if they sit in the lap of an adult.
South Carolina Aquarium- Learn all about the animals that call the ocean home at the South Carolina Aquarium. Here there are a large number of hands on exhibits that include information on both ocean animals, and those that call the beach home. Learn in the discovery lab, and then watch a movie about the creatures of the Amazon.-(843) 720-1990
Southern Comfort Lowcountry Blues Bash-21st annual Lowcountry Blues Bash 12 days, 25+ venues, 50+ acts Bars, restaurants, hotels, many all-ages venues. Blues performances day & night. Reasonable cover charges and many free shows. February 3-13, 2011 Metro Charleston, South Carolina.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival-Selected By the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event. January 30, 2011, Boone Hall Plantation.(843) 577-4030
The 26th Annual Charleston Boat Show at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex held January 21-23, 2011. Boats and water equipment from 30 of the most popular dealers in America.
Southeastern Tourism Society-Charleston Wildlife Exposition-When: February 18 - 20, 2011. Where: Charleston, South Carolina. What: The largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation, SEWE offers something for everyone.-Purchase tickets
Old City Jail-Good stories and a great tour located at 21 Magazine St, Charleston, SC. Bulldog Tours is located at 40 North Market St, Charleston, SC or call 843-722-8687

What's New At The South Carolina Aquarium-Penguin Planet

The South Carolina Aquarium is one of the most visited attractions in Charleston, SC. The newest addition to its numerous exhibits is Penguin Planet. The South Carolina Aquarium is drawing attention to the fact that many penguin species are in peril. Of the17 species of penguins worldwide, 13 of them are declining in population and three species are already listed as endangered. It would be a shame to see these magnificent creatures disappear. Some of the things that endanger them are overfishing, oil spills, and climate change. Overfishing is depleating their food supply for their young. Climate change, warming ocean temperatures, causes the small fish and krill the penguins feed on to change their migration patterns and habitats. Visit the Aquarium to learn more about penguins and what we can do to ensure they will always be here. Meet Waddle, a Magellanic penguin or go online and view the Penguin Cam. Visit Vacation Rick Travel.

Charleston's Most Visited Attraction

When visiting Charleston make sure The South Carolina Aquarium is one of your top choices to see. The latest addition of exibits was on March 21, 2009-Penguin Planet. On August 20, 2009 6p.m. to 10p.m. you can participate in a Vacation-style Sustainable Seafood Dinner with the South Carolina Aquarium and Wild Dunes Resort. An evening of seaside dining and sustainable education. Enjoy not one, but two, well-known restaurants that are part of the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sustainable Seafood Initiative at Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms. More event information here. What else can you do? You can relax on the Riverside Terrace as you take in the magnificent views of the Charleston Harbor or dine with hundreds of aquatic guests beside their two-story Great Ocean Tank. What else? Much, much, more and then some. See South Carolina's landscape and wildlife as you follow the path through the Aquarium Galleries. You have a great vacation. More information on Charleston at Vacation Rick Travel.