The Palmetto Breeze--Soak in the Intoxicating Ambience of the Charleston Harbor

Thunderstorms were scattered about the Charleston area but the Harbor around Mt. Pleasant's popular waterside mecca of watering holes at Shem Creek was luckily spared and basking in a moisture-rich late afternoon sun. Departure time had arrived.

With a full compliment of passengers, the catamaran's crew loosened the moorings and it eased away from the dock into the gentle out-going current. The age-diverse crowd of passengers gave out cheers of approval. We waved to the patrons lining the weatherworn rails along the waters edge of Tavern and Table and Red's Ice House as they gave us a Titanic send off. The party was now officially underway.

While navigating the narrow waters around recreational crafts of all sizes, the captain introduced himself and shouted out some pertinent instructions. It was Firefly Friday. Complimentary glasses of a Firefly Vodka laced drink were passed out. We crossed glasses and caught a glimpse of a shrimper dancing to some island music as our vessel passed-by. The bird sanctuary called Crab Bank Island came into view and the open waters of Charleston Harbor spread before us like a sparkling glass of wine. The sails were unfurled and the stimulating harbor breeze softly embraced our host, the Palmetto Breeze.

The Palmetto Breeze was built in Charleston and is the largest capacity catamaran north of Ft. Lauderdale accommodating 100 passengers plus crew. It featured a spacious wooden deck and covered seating by the bar with elevated seating across the back. In the front of the catamaran under the jib sail, three rows of eight leg-less chairs each were set up across the deck. If you were among the first to board, you had the ideal option of choosing one of these chairs. They were actually very comfortable and afforded a great view.

There was by far more passengers than there was seating. Most of the passengers, which consisted of families, couples, and one bachelorette party, sat wherever it was convenient or stood along the roped edges.

With the Ravenel Bridge towering over Patriots Point and the Yorktown in the near distance, the Breeze crossed the harbor waters passed Castle Pinckney toward White Point Gardens and sailed along the waterfront from the Battery to the South Carolina Aquarium.

The earlier storms had moved out of the area and through breaks in the slow moving marine blue clouds, the descending sun afforded some beautiful shots. Passing the port docks, next was the Ravenel Bridge where the Breeze briefly lingered under the soaring cabled-spires and then made the turn towards the Yorktown and Patriots Point. By then, the near-full moon had made its appearance, adding to the splendor of the darkening azure skies.

Finally, after four glasses of Firefly and one glass of wine, it was time to head back to port. The sun had disappeared below the clouds and the fading Charleston horizon. There was no mistaking Shem Creek. It was colorfully lit like a theater marquee--resplendent.

The harbor tour aboard the Palmetto Breeze is well worth the ticket. It was comfortable, it was relaxing, and it was enjoyably fun. There is no narrative. History is not on the agenda. It is all about soaking in the romance of the Charleston Harbor ambiance--salt water, ocean breezes, and the unrivaled, beautiful waterfront of Charleston. Firefly Vodka was complimentary. Water and soft drinks were provided along with a cash bar as refreshments.

April-October, reserve your ticket at Palmetto Breeze Schedule.

The Firefly Friday cruise is no longer available. It has been replaced with the Pure Gold Friday Sunset cruise which includes wine and beer products. The following list is available cruises, times, and prices.

Sunday Funday at 3 pm for $25 - $35

Mermaid Monday at 7 pm for $30 - $40

Tribute Tuesday Charity Sail benefitting lowcountryfoodbank.org at 7 pm for $25 - $35

Windsday Harbor Sail beverages included at 7 pm for $45

Pure Gold Friday Sunset at 7 pm for $30 - $40

Saturday Afternoon Charleston Harbor Sail at 4 pm for $25 - $35

Harbor Dolphin Sunset Saturday at 7 pm for $30 - $40

Dine Like French and Italian Royalty with Chef Vince Dodson--Summerville's Historical Dining

Palace of Versailles

Would you like to experience a culinary extravaganza fit for a king of 1600s France? One of the most famous kings of this country reigned during this period of time, Louis XIV. Besides his wild hair-do, he was known for the architectural design and building of the palace of Versailles, which is rumored to have ruined the nation due to its cost. You can only imagine the dinners that were served there.

Dinner with Louis XIV was an odd affair. It was a prestigious honor to feast at the palace of Versailles, but here is the enigma, it did not mean you got to eat at his table. An invitation to dine with the king was an invite to watch him eat. It was a kind of reality show of the 1600s. The time was 10 pm. Close members of the royal family accompanied the king at the table in his antechamber. Depending on your relevance as an attendee, you were either permitted to sit on something or stand while you observed.

Louis XIV's antechamber at Versailles

The food was in abundance, and meals included courses, upon courses, upon courses. The king would start his meal with four different types of soup. L'Oille was popular at this time, a kind of soup served as amuse-bouche composed of various meats and vegetables. Entrees were next, which would include three or four other dishes. The meat was traditionally served plain, spit-roasted. Sauces, salads, and sides would come as separate courses. Then he would finish with what we would call dessert. By the time it was over, the king will have tasted 20 to 30 different dishes.

The whole affair was quite a spectacle, which brings me back to the original question. Would you like to be immersed into a culinary extravaganza where you are the catered royal? Historical Dining offers such a unique opportunity where the fine dining experience is merged with history, focusing on French and Italian cuisine with recipes from the 1500s to the 1900s.

Historical Dining's personal chef is Vince Dodson. Vince has been a chef for 20 plus years. He started his venture about five years ago and is having the time of his life. Trained in the European Way and using recipes from famous chefs of the past, his distinctive style is perceived from opening handmade breads all the way to chocolate desserts. "It gives me a chance to express everything that I've learned from the history and taste of French and Italian cuisine. My only wish: To cook for you and the ones closest to you," stated Vince.

Historical Dining will host you at your home or any formal venue setting, including outdoors. Rehearsal dinners, romantic dinners for two, business socials, and even a "Girl's Night In" are available.

The Historical Dining experience comes to you fully equipped with linens, china, utensils, and food to prepare. You are both spectator and partaker throughout your personalized dining experience. You will taste the same dishes prepared for royalty and created by celebrity chefs with an added bonus, you learn about the history behind your dish.

Lowcountry Pianist and Company LLC often partner with Chef Vince to enhance intimate dining experiences by providing live music. Their creative team is able to go above and beyond, even pairing the music style with the menu.

Check out Historical Dining's website for all necessary information and pictures. You can also read the reviews from previous clients.

You can meet and see Chef Vince Dodson in action every Saturday morning. Stop by the Historical Dining tent at the Summerville Farmer's Market and sample his culinary expertise.

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.

Middleton Place Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting April 13, 2022--Gratifying

Middleton Place takes on an altogether different look and feel in the subdued light of the early evening hours. Its impressive garden's shadows lengthen, and the shaded hues lighten under the setting sun's penetrating rays filtering through the lower branches of its thick tea olive hedges and taller oaks and magnolias. Peace and serenity abound. It is the perfect setting for sipping on a glass of wine as you engage in intimate conversation with your chosen group of close friends or that special someone while you stroll the garden's quiet walkways.

Middleton Place's Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting is a 2-hour weekly event occurring on Wednesday beginning at 5:30 pm. On April 13, the evening I attended, three tables were located in different areas of the expansive gardens. You receive eight tickets--one ticket equaling one pour for each wine offering. You can double or triple each pour with one additional ticket each. At the end, a bonus pour was available at the Farm of Middleton Place. Each week the locations change, so if you attend more than one through the spring, your vantage point will not be the same. Some attendees bring their own glasses.

The first table was at the Crane Pool, which overlooks Rice Mill Pond, one of the more stunning views on the property. There were three offerings. My first choice was a double pour from Australia called Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rose'--easier printed than pronounced. I just said, "I'll try the one from Australia to start." I am not a wine connoisseur. My second choice at this table was also a double pour of Borsao Macabeo Chardonnay from Spain. Both were very good, but I favor the Rose' since one of its more prominent flavors was pomegranate.

A table filled with appetizers was at this location consisting of cheeses, crackers, fresh vegetables, chocolates, and finger foods, such as meat-filled empanadas.

The second table was in the Small Secret Garden. Navigating the gardens can be similar to walking a maze, so I just followed the sound of conversation to find the table, which was hidden at the end of a secluded path that opened into an enclosed area surrounded by tall, thick hedges. There were three offerings at this table also. Underwood The Bubbles was a Champaign and Sparkling Wine from Oregon. Lapostolle Grand Selection Sauvignon Blanc from Chile was a second choice. I chose a double pour of the third offering, a Christopher Michael Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington. If I were to use a word to describe it, my simple palate would respond with one word, "smooth."

The third table was the least popular with the crowd. It was located at the Wood Nymph Statue at the far end of the gardens in-between the Reflection Pond and the flooded rice fields. The Sangrias were placed here, and I did a double pour of the red. Sangria is what it is.

It was my third wine tasting at Middleton Place over the years. A substantial crowd attended this event. The stroll through the famous gardens was picturesque as usual. The wine was fine. The weather was ideal, a very comfortable temperature tempered by a slight breeze. The sunlight was perfect. I always enjoy meeting people who read my articles. I had the opportunity to meet a group from my original state, Ohio. I had brief conversations with numerous others while standing in line. I also met three local Summerville ladies, one of whom told me she is a dedicated reader and fan of my blog. There was one annoying guest, but a spray was available to make its presence tolerable. The Middleton Place Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting is all about the above. Mission accomplished.

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Cost: $25.00 – $30.00

Charleston's Tradd Street and Simmons' Alley--A Charleston Lady with Unfulfilled Expectations

The pillars at the entrance to the townhouse

This is a true Charleston tale. Maybe you have already heard it while on a tour in Charleston or while reading one its many books or maybe you are hearing it for the first time. Simmons' Alley is more than just a tale because the names are real and the homes and plantations the people lived in are real.

However, the truth of this story lies somewhere between certainty and uncertainty. The reasons why have been often speculated, but never verified. A situation that was agreed upon by both from the very beginning. Attempts have been made to fill the void between certainty and uncertainty. One explanation has prevailed. I begin with the tale. 

The townhouse in this story is long gone, but people believe the long, narrow alley on Tradd Street with an entrance marked by tall, brick columns is haunted. It is said, during the late hours of the night, the pounding of horse's hoofs and the rumbling of coach wheels can be heard passing on this section of the street and down the dark alley. The carriage is carrying one occupant. The narrow pathway is called Simmons' Alley.

The two main characters are a Charleston lady with unfulfilled expectations and a Southern gentleman who would become a victim of an honor system void of mercy, both imprisoned by social norms of the cruelest nature. Ruth Lowndes Simmons was her name, and this is their journey into the dark side of self-serving love.

Ruth was the daughter of Rawlins Lowndes, an American lawyer, politician, and president/governor of South Carolina in the 1700s. She was in love with a childhood friend and John's Island planter named Francis Simmons. Over time, Ruth made the unwitting mistake of introducing Francis to her closest friend, Sabina Smith. Francis fell in love with Sabina immediately.

In a desperate move to counteract this unintended turn in fortune, Ruth conceived a plan incorporating deception. She told Francis Sabina was planning on announcing her engagement to another gentleman by the name of Dick Johnston. Heartbroken, Francis stepped aside.

Francis showed a handkerchief with his initials on it during a visit to Ruth sometime later and said, "Wouldn't you like to have such beautiful initials?" Ruth took that as a proposal. Next, Rawlins Lowndes called Francis to his home to discuss the proposal. Assuming Sabina would never be his wife, Francis accepted and made arrangements for his marriage to Ruth.

The wedding was now one day away, and Francis was walking down Church Street, which took him passed the Smith house and a happenchance rendezvous with Sabina. Ruth's deception comes to light during their resulting conversation. Sabina told Francis she never intended on marrying Dick Johnston. She entertained the hope that one day she might be his bride. Now those hopes were dashed, for tomorrow was his wedding day.

Outraged by what he now knew was a lie, Francis confronted Ruth Lowndes. The argument was the talk of Charleston. He expressed his contempt for her while she sobbed and pretended not to know what he meant. Raised an honorable southern gentleman, he resentfully honored his word and stuck to the agreement, thus losing Sabina forever. Bitter about the trickery, he told Ruth she would be his wife in name only.

November 15, 1796, was the date of their wedding. The place was the home of Ruth's father. Francis arrived late to the ceremony. As they exchanged vows, he didn't even look at her nor did he kiss her. He maintained that cold behavior throughout the reception. After the reception, they went to their new townhouse at 131 Tradd Street, purchased by Rawlins Lowndes as a wedding gift. Francis escorted Ruth to the door, told her with icy politeness that he hoped she would find the accommodations to her liking, and then departed to his plantation on John's Island, where he stayed for the next five years, seldom coming into Charleston.

Then, he purchased the property at 14 Legare Street and built the house that would later become known as the "Pineapple Gates House." His continued vengeance was unspeakable. He would show up for his estranged wife's dinner parties, sit at the long dining table opposite her but never spent a single night in her company. He lived in his house on Legare Street until his death twenty years after marrying Ruth, leaving their union unconsummated.

Charleston's long history provides the ideal plots for stories like this one, and its streets and alleys offer the perfect backdrop. You can choose from a variety of tours offered by the numerous hosts located throughout the historic Charleston Peninsula. Before or after your selected tour, be sure to make a stop at the Market Pavilion Hotel on E Bay Street and order the ghostly drink called the Nitrotini.

Azalea Bar and Garden--Summerville's New Hot Spot with the "It" Factor

The Azalea Bar and Garden rises over S Cedar Street like a welcoming evening blue sky, inviting you to steal away a few moments of time to soothe your soul while you schmooze with your closest of friends in its aura. Enter through its door, and you step through what seems like an Einstein–Rosen bridge whisking you to the kind of parlor room you would have experienced at the Pine Forest Inn.

For a brief moment, I imagined seeing Teddy Roosevelt seated at one of its small tables in front of the full wall hand-crafted bookcase filled with an assortment of old books and various figurines, reading the News and Courier. Across from Teddy, Dr. Shepard sipping on one of the bar's signature cocktails on its green couch. At the bar, Edna St. Vincent Millay discussing literature and fragrances with Florence Nightingale Graham over a glass of wine. Then, I saw a cell phone, and I was back to 2022.

Thursday was the highly anticipated grand opening for the Azalea Bar and Garden. The opening time was 4 pm. I arrived around 6 pm. By then, almost every table was occupied, including the seating at its intimate, fully stocked bar. My friend, local lead guitarist Dave Keller, and myself were escorted to a table near an ornately mantled fireplace. Our server introduced herself and placed an elegant menu with a feel of leather on our table accompanied by a complimentary bowl of caramel glazed popcorn, which proved to be quite tasty to munch on while I perused the list of offerings and waited for the arrival of my selections.

For a drink, I chose from the list of ten Signature Cocktails. Dr. Shepard was a blend of Sweet Tea Vodka, ruby port, pink lemonade, and fresh mint for $12. From the list of small plates, I chose the Pimiento Cheese with Flatbread Wedges, which was house-made chilled pimiento cheese with warm flatbread wedges for $8. Other choices on the menu included a list of six Classic Cocktails. From that list, the Hemingway Daiquiri caught my attention. It was a mixture of white rum, lime juice, Maraschino liquor, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and lime twist for $12. For those who wanted to skip the buzz, there was an assortment of non-alcoholic cocktails and desserts.

The Azalea Bar and Garden is a well-thought-out, intimate space with hints of Summerville's past spread throughout its furnishings and menu. The good times had by all were unmistakably heard in the conversation and laughter that filled the air. Owner Will Rizzo visited the various tables to extend a welcoming handshake, gauge customer satisfaction, and clear tables. Our server, Katie, was priceless (I hope I got the spelling of her name correct). She was hospitable, attentive to our questions, and happily willing to indulge in small talk. For patrons wanting to enjoy Summerville's pleasant evening weather, the garden area in the back offered plenty of seating on a brick-accented patio surrounded by plants.

There is no doubt the Azalea Bar and Garden is the Birthplace of Sweet Tea's new hot spot for residents and visitors to gather to refresh old friendships and start new ones. A place where you can soothe your soul and uplift your spirit. I raise my pleasing glass of Dr. Shepard in congratulation to this new winner for Summerville. The big

definitely has the "It" Factor.

219 S Cedar Street, Summerville, SC

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