Charleston And Sacramento-Similar In Many Ways But Different Histories

The most pleasant thing happened to me recently. I reconnected with an old girl friend. Pleasant, in that we have alot of shared history, and old, in that we first met when I was nineteen and she was seventeen. The last time we saw each other was 24 years ago back in Ohio. It has been enjoyable and enlightening catching up on the missed years and recalling past events. Unfortunately, all of this has thus far transpired over the phone because she lives in the Sacramento area of California. I have been to California, but not Sacramento. So, I decided to do some research on what Sacramento offers to the vacationer. I know this takes me out of the boundaries of Charleston and the Southeast, but it was worth a look-see and may be useful information to anyone interested in visiting the Sacramento area.

The first thing that caught my attention as I began to research, and I should have known this, was the fact Sacramento is the capital city of California. I pride myself on knowing the capitals of each of the states and this threw me for a loop because it somehow escaped my notice. In its early years, John Sutter played a large part in its establishment with the contruction of Sutter's Fort in 1839. Sacramento grew quickly and during the California Gold Rush was a major distribution point, a commercial and agricultural center, and a terminus for wagon trains, stagecoaches, riverboats, the telegraph, the Pony Express, and the First Transcontinental Railroad. In 2002, Time magazine featured an article recognizing Sacramento as the most diverse and integrated city in America.

In one of our conversations, my friend told me about an old part of Sacramento located along the Sacramento River where there are carriage rides and riverboat excursions. It is rightfully called Old Sacramento and is one of the top points of interest you would not want to miss when visiting the city. Old Sacramento consists of historical attractions and world-renowned museums set within the time of the California Gold Rush. There are also Underground Tours, Steam-Powered Excursion Train Rides, plenty of shopping, and plenty of dining with a river view. The Firehouse Restaurant is a popular Sacramento dining spot and is rated among the best in the city. The Melting Pot is considered one of the top romantic dinner restaurants and Biba's is highly rated for Italian cuisine. For a complete list check these out. Places to stay, check these accommodations.

Golfland Sunsplash is a popular family fun center located in Roseville outside of Sacramento. The main attractions at the park are the miniature golf courses and the water park. The water park contains some of the top water thrill rides called the Vortex, Revolution and StormRider. Other must-sees include the Tower Bridge, Sacramento Zoo, McKinley Park, Crocker Art Museum, Fairytale Town, Sutter's Fort, and Miller Park.

Sacramento is also centrally located near other places of interest in California such as Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and San Francisco, each within a two hours drive. One of its biggest celebrations will occur 9/2/2011 when more than 200 tons of dirt will be dumped on the streets of Old Sacramento as the annual festival, Gold Rush Days in Old Sacramento, "turns back the clock," transforming Sacramento’s historic district into a scene straight out of the 1850s with costumed re-enactors and gun fights.

Sacramento is similar to Charleston in many ways including its weather, with hot summers and no snow, but with different histories that influenced its growth and culture. I hope to be visiting soon.

Seinfeld Paying Charleston A Visit For Some Lowcountry Laughs

Very few half hour sitcoms have ever grabbed my attention, but there was this one that caught my interest and to this day remains my all-time top favorite. I can watch rerun episodes over and over and still find something to laugh at. That being said, I must be completely forthcoming on my total feelings at this point. When it first began I thought the script was alittle slow and the characters somewhat unbelievable, but after the actors began to meld together as one cohesive group, with their own distinct personalities, I couldn't stop watching. The name of the show was "Seinfeld".

The premise of the sitcom evolved around the idea that life is meaningless. Many of its episodes focused on the minutiae of everyday life, minor or incidental daily happenings that when all is said and done mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme. Often it is these little minor happenings we find humorous because they are the spontaneous, unscripted part of our lives we don't plan for, requiring nothing more than a knee jerk response from us.

Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer were a cross section of our society that displayed qualities we are often repulsed by. Individuals who are at times completely without any moral conscience, superficial in their relationships with other people, often lying about what they do for a living, unappreciative of gifts given to them, rude, inconsiderate, and a host of other social abnormalities. Despite their disturbing behavior, you couldn't help but laugh. We see these quirks in our own acquaintances and if we are honest, in ourselves. I often find myself referring to various episodes when I see something simuliar happen in my own insignificant, mundane, everyday existence and yada, yada, yada, no explanation needed.

Jerry Seinfeld, prior to his popular sitcom, was a successful stand-up comedian and since has returned to his roots. He has written several books, the most notable being "Seinlanguage". He has received numerous awards, all associated with his sitcom. Recently he was hailed as 'the master stand-up comic of his generation' and 'the best comedian of our time' in a Washington Post article by Tom Shales. If you are a Lowcountry Seinfeld fan, he will be appearing at the North Charleston Coliseum Performing Arts Center August 12, time 7:00 PM. You can click on this link for ticket information.

Don't forget American Idol is coming to the North Charleston Coliseum July 20-22. Fun for everyone.

Charleston Is An Attractive Place To Play In More Ways Than One

One recent Friday night I sat outside of the Southend Brewery to watch the crowds of people go by. As a refresher, I ordered the popular beer sampler the brewery makes available and sat back. The purpose behind this was to satisfy my curiosity that Charleston is the city with the most attractive people. My rather insignificant study evolved around the female gender because in my narrow male thinking the poll done by "Travel and Leisure" based their results on women only. The reason for that conclusion was derived from the fact that pictures published in articles about this study showed exclusively women, but the usage of the word "people" would seem to imply including both genders. Anyways, it goes against my grain to see it any other way.

The female nightlife crowd did not disappoint. The challenge was distinguishing between vacationers and locals. Vacationers obviously wouldn't count since they are not from Charleston. Groups of four dressed to the hilt and around the same age was pretty much a given they were locals. Other groups consisting of various ages were more difficult, but there are obvious indicators that give away visitors, one being cameras and another alot of pointing. Couples presented the greatest challenge. With the sampler polished off and my evaluations completed, my final summation was ready. The poll done by "Travel and Leisure" in my thinking was verified, if attractive was based solely on looks. Other cities may disagree, like Miami and San Diego, but somebody had to be number one and it might as well be Charleston.

Other top honors pulled in by Charleston were in categories such as antiques shopping, cool boutique hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts and awesome neighborhoods. These results were based on what visitors had to say. Charleston was also ranked number one in friendly. Like every thing in life, these findings are subjective. I am also from Northeast Ohio and if you were to plant yourself outside of Playhouse Square in Cleveland or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame you may come to the same conclusion. Although, there is a huge difference in what you may call a city, because I do not consider Charleston a city type city, meaning high rise buildings, concrete structures, huge city streets, business people focused completely on self, and all else.

So, what do the attractive people of Charleston do on a Friday night? There is no shortage of partying in Charleston. Vacationers looking for a good time, college students looking to blow off some steam, and knowledgeable locals all converge on the downtown area where the watering-holes and sports bars are willing cater to their needs. If you are seeking a more sophisticated release the district's higher-end restaurants, such as High Cotton and McCrady's, and swanky cocktail joints like Torch Velvet Lounge are there to please. Also, local bars and music halls offer an enviable lineup of live entertainment. Topping out the long list are Pavillion Bar and Cafe, King Street Grille, Henry's on the Market, Rooftop at the Vendue, Music Farm, Torch Lounge, Blind Tiger Pub, Windjammer, McGrady's, and JB Pivot's Beach Club.

Fishing For The Ultimate Catch Both Fresh and Saltwater-Ohio and Charleston

The digital clock just flipped to 5:00 AM. I was already awake due to anticipation. I got dressed in the usual attire for what I was about to embark on and grabbed an old pair of tennis shoes. I gathered up my fishing gear, which consisted of a sturdy rod, a silver spoon with a purple twister tail, pliers, and some backup bait. It was still dark, with a hint of light beginning to filter through the trees, when I hopped into my pickup.

It was a short drive to my favorite part of the river. My pulse quickened as my anticipation peaked now that I was nearing the final destination. I flipped off my shoes and slipped on the old pair. Gear now flung over my shoulder, pliers in my pocket, I breathed in the rivers scent and was ready to push on. I had to cross a smaller creek to get over to the main body. The rapidly surging waters cooled my feet as I stepped across the river rock and shale. Small bass scurried away, but they had nothing to fear from me. I was in search of a more fearful predator.

I climbed over some old tree trunks of fallen giant maples. Previous storms or even old age had done its handiwork, but circumnavigating the rugged terrain was part of the excitement. The river was now in view. The river mist created by slightly warmer waters than the morning air was kissing the surface of the slow moving currents. This was a deeper section of the Grand River in Northern Ohio. It had to be to accomadate the most highly prized fresh water fish of the North. I ducked under branches and forced my way throw the thick foilage a few hundred more feet and stepped into the water with my already soaked old pair of tennis shoes. It was a required part of the attire to avoid picking up leaches along the mucky banks. I waded through the waist high water to an island. I stepped onto its shores. It was a strategic location, ripe for an ambush by the raveness nemisis that prowled its bank and shoals.

My cast hit the river's surface. The first splash was in the books. Above me circled a hawk. Peering over my shoulder to where the waters were shallower down river, a group of dear were lazily making their way across, keeping a wary eye on me at the same time. My second cast hit the water and immediately the line went taunt. You have to be careful of what you did next because the numerous submerged rocks could play you a fool. I returned the rod tip with equal force. A few seconds later the waters swurled violently and the king of the river exited into the air. The battle of wits was on. Days before this I had lost a trophy after it had bitten through my line, so played this one carefully. The 40 inch muskie broke the surface several more times before he surrendered to my will twenty minutes later. I carefully dislodged the bent up hooks, calculated its size, and sent the vanquished ruler on his way. I took a deep breath of satisfaction and watched the proud monarch of the river disappear.

That was a magical year, one of my best fishing experiences. All in all I caught seven muskies in and around the same location in a two month period. One thing I learned that year while fishing that part of the river, when the muskies are prominent the small mouth are nowhere to be found. Years have passed since then and I now live in South Carolina, but when I return to Ohio, visiting family and friends, I make every effort to return to my favorite fishing hole.
  
Charleston doesn't have muskie or pike, both prized catches of the North, but it does have great fishing of another kind, salt water fishing, and size has no limits, meaning bigger fish, depending on what you are going after. The prized catch of the inner coastal waters around Charleston is the spottail bass. Of Course, to catch them, you need a boat or a good friend with a boat. If you are looking for a less expensive mode of transportation, kayak fishing is becoming quite popular. This type of fishing takes alittle getting use to, but it pays off both in expense and excitement. If you want to learn more about kayak fishing you can read this article in the Azalea Magazine. A great way to fly fish.

The other way to chase the spottails is by a fishing charter. Finding a charter with a experienced guide is important. A charter I went on while vacationing in the Charleston area didn't catch a single thing all morning, not even one hit. The guide couldn't even catch a shark in the Charleston Bay. Needless to say, we were not happy anglers. One suggestion for a dependable charter is Benford Fishing Charters. The operator is a new captain, but very knowledgeable of Charleston waters. Captain Marvie Benford specializes in shallow water light tackle fishing, and also offshore, harbor tours and cruises. Call or email (benfordfishingcharters@hotmail.com) for pricing and trip details-(843 729 8079) or email me at vacationrick@hotmail.com.

Charleston Will Be Getting Its Idol On

Could the next American Idol be from Charleston? Next month, and that would be July, American Idol is coming to the best town around. The wanna-be's and could-be's will compete for the opportunity to fulfill a dream by securing a spot that would take them to "Hollywood, Baby". Well, for a select few it will be a dream come true, for others a disappointment turned darkest nightmare. Idol fans have seen it season after season, tears of ecstasy  and tears of agony. Thousands will audition, few will be chosen. Keep your expectations reasonable and it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity of fun and the ultimate experience, but never the end of the world. Talent is discovered in many ways.

Charleston has produced outstanding talent before. One Charleston singer/songwriter, who had a dream to sing, has deep roots in the Lowcountry. The performer's family goes back many generations and first gained fame as a lead singer and rhythm guitarist in a rock band founded in 1986 with a fishy name. The band charted six top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. In time the singer went solo and then country. This Charleston performer is described as having a rich baritone voice. The sentimental ballads and bright hooks that are a part of his recordings made this person the most successful African-American country singer since Charley Pride. The band's name was Hootie and the Blowfish, and its lead singer, Darius Rucker. Many of his songs were inspired by his own life experiences.

Rucker’s success in the country music format was recently recognized at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards when he received the Top New Artist title and again with ACM, Teen Choice, and AMA Award nominations. His 2008 Album release, Learn To Live, produced three consecutive No. 1 singles and Top 5 smash, “History In The Making.” His second country album, Charleston, SC 1966, a title which pays tribute to one of Rucker's biggest influences, Radney Foster, includes the multiple-week #1 hit single, "Come Back Song," and his Top 10 single, "This."

The registration for American Idol will occur July 20 and July 21 and auditions will take place July 22 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Potential contestants will be coming from all over South Carolina and no doubt other states, but not only contestants will be coming, their families and supporters will be accompanying them. How does that all add up? Charleston will be rocking that week, heavy with inspiration and perspiration. The beaches will be heating up, the restaurants will be cooking, and the nightlife will be sizzling. It will be an opportunity to see the diversity that is built into this country. Expect the crowd to be predominantly young and ambitious. That's what it is all about, with an emphasis on having a good time. Get your Charleston on, the best town around.

North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Dr, North Charleston. Directions-Charleston map. Looking for things to do? Check out all the articles on my blog.

Summerville's Third Thursday June 16, 2011-A Great Place To Be

It wasn't your ordinary, nothing special Thursday in Summerville. It was the Third Thursday in Summerville. The Third thursday is an event sponsored by Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management), which is a "non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the historic identity, ensuring the economic vitality, and promoting a sense of community in the heart of Downtown Summerville". By my own definition, Third Thursday is where people come together to look, watch, listen, and talk.

It is an event where the various businesses and entrepreneurs have an opportunity to showcase their goods, their skills and their services to the people who visit their shops. But for the owners, it is far more than just that. The patrons who visited their establishments were more than just another tranaction, they were friends, and if your were not a former acquaintance, they treated you as such.

When I first arrived, around 5 PM, I made a quick assessment of the layout. Since it was my firt visit to the event, a guide was needed to point me in the right direction and inform me about the events key features, like where all the free stuff was at. That is where Kathy came in, my gracious hostess and experienced Third Thursday patron.

Our first stop was "Aura Lee's Jewelry Handbags" at 140 W Richardson Ave. I must include at this point, I was not there for the handbags. I was informed there would be free beer and sure enough, while I was standing near the front entrance on the patio, a courteous gentleman introduced himself and offered me a beer. His name was William Summers. He slipped me his card, which informed me he was the director and VP of VFG. Surprisingly, the beer William offered me was one of my favorite brands. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, I discovered he was from Pittsburgh, which meant he was a Steeler fan. It seems like I run into a Steeler fan everywhere I go. As a former resident of Northeast Ohio and a former season ticket holder in the Dawg Pound, that put us on an uncommonly common ground.

As I drank my beer and watched people come and go, a young girl was setting up her guitar and equipment to entertain the gathering crowd. She sang her first song and American Idol came to mind. I introduced myself and inquired of her name. I asked her if she ever thought of trying out for American Idol. She informed me American Idol is coming to Charleston in July and plans to audition. I took video, drank another beer, and listened to two more songs completely convinced she has the potential to be someone who is going places. Her name is Chelsea Summers and she is a singer/songwriter. I hope to hear from her in future Third Thursdays.

It was time to check out the festivities over at the "Summerville Got Talent" show on the square. There was a decent crowd both sitting and standing around the makeshift stage. One of the contestants was a 14 year girl, who played the guitar and sang. I listened and took video of four different performers and she stood out the most. It was a good venue for hometown folk young and old to showcase their talent.

The Art Walk was next. Various displays of art work and handcrafted goods lined an unfinished part of Central Rd off W. Richardson. More live music filled the humid air and spreads of free goodies were set up in the various shops along the way, such as cheeses, crackers, deserts, and wine. The art gallery and the quilting shop were packed and noisy with the chatter of friends having a good time. At the end of the road I met Douglas Edwards and his wife. A tent was set up displaying a collection of his works. They were paintings of local landmarks and beaches done in oils and acrylics. I listened to the story of his journey and we exchanged thoughts on a common interest.

I met up with my hostess and her family. We walked to a business on West Richardson next to Aura Lee's. It was filled with numerous paintings, old collectables, and more hospitality. The owner said hello and offered me a choice between beer or wine. I opted for the beer, which she agreed was the right choice.

We finished out the night back at Aura Lee's. A young man was doing riffs on Chelsea's guitar and playing pieces of familiar rock songs. I met some more new acquaintances and another Steeler fan. Conversations ranged from what you did for an occupation to Facebook. It was a successful night of looking, watching, listening, and talking. You are cordially invited to the next Third Thursday in July starting at 5 PM. You will have a good time.

A Charleston Icon Of The Past-The Charleston Hotel

Charleston Hotel

Charleston, like many other cities in America, has both joyously celebrated and tragically suffered through changes inflicted either by planned design or forces beyond its control.

Time, the most unrelenting force, mercilessly moves in only one direction and either you seize the moment and prepare for the next or you end up a "decaying American city", likened to a "poisoned ecosystem", doomed to becoming a ghost town. (No pun intended, Charleston lives off of its ghosts.) Joe Riley, mayor of Charleston, unflatteringly characterized the downtown district by those words, and then, seized the moment. Charleston Place rose from a huge, sandy lot where a JCPenney once stood. The Holy City celebrated and was reborn.

Charleston has on various occasions been tried and tested by the uncontrollable forces wielded by nature in form of earth, wind, and fire. An earthquake devastated the city on August 31, 1886 damaging 2,000 of its buildings. Three-quarters of the homes in the historic district sustained damage of varying degrees when Hurricane Hugo struck the city September, 1989 causing over $2.8 billion in losses. Five major fires have been documented throughout its history, which occurred in 1740, 1778, 1796, 1838, and 1861. Through these upheavals, Charleston licked its wounds and rebounded fairly quickly to become what it is today, one of the most popular destinations to visit.

City icons have been systematically dismantled and others have risen in their place. In recent years, residents watched as the two aged, stately bridges traversing the Cooper River gracefully met their planned demise and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge ascended in their place - becoming the second longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It now stands in the Charleston skyline as a shining beacon of progressive evolution. In early spring, tens of thousands descend upon it for the Cooper River Bridge Run to tread their way into the very heart of Historic Charleston.

Some icons of the past are now only footnotes in history and few Charlestonians are around to even recall where they once stood. They can only be seen in places containing the city archives or photos floating around the Internet, and only if you are looking. The Charleston Hotel was one such icon. It proudly graced Meeting Street for over 120 years and was a cornerstone near the Old Market area. I only happened to stumble upon it while searching through old pictures of Charleston. It carried the distinction of being counted among the first major buildings to be constructed in the Greek revival style in America.

A compelling part of the Charleston Hotel's story revolves around a little known fact due to a lack of a photographic record - there were two Charleston Hotels. The original Charleston Hotel went up in smoke along with a large section of the city’s Ansonborough neighborhood in the famous fire of 1838. It stood less than two years. The second rose from its ashes but in 1960, it met the wrecking ball. Some of the iron works that were part of the old hotel's decor is rumored to be displayed at other places in Charleston. Its address was 200 Meeting Street.

Bank of America

When you are walking in the area of Hymans Restaurant, look across the street. The Bank of America building occupies the sacred ground where the Charleston Hotel once previously stood 52 years ago. The Bank of America building was built in the early 1990's. 

While standing at the front of Hymans, close your eyes and do a "Somewhere in Time." Maybe, if you concentrate hard enough, upon opening your eyes you will find yourself in 1840 dressed in a hoop skirt or a gentleman's suit of the day sipping on mint julep. It certainly would help the transition, the mint julep that is.