Sullivan's Island, SC-History and a Sandy Beach

Sullivan’s Island is a barrier island north of Charleston Harbor. The island was called O'Sullivan's Island prior because of Captain Florence O'Sullivan, who was stationed there as a lighthouse keeper in the late seventeenth century. The Town of Sullivan’s Island was formed when Atlanticville, a community on the north-east of the islands, and Moultrieville, located on the south-west half of the island, merged. Moultrieville was incorporated in 1817.

The history of the island has been dominated by Fort Moultrie, previously named Fort Sullivan during the American Revolution where a major battle was fought on June 28, 1776. The fort is now closed, but you can tour the remains and learn of its history. The remains of the Civil War sub the Hunley, which was the first submarine in history to sink an enemy ship, was discovered over 3.5 miles off the island’s shore.

The famous writer Edgar Allen Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie from November 1827 to December 1828. His now famous short story “The Gold Bug” uses Sullivan’s Island as its setting for most of the story. You should pick it up sometime and read it. You can visit Poe’s Tavern near the Town of Sullivan’s Island where you will learn about his time there and enjoy an excellent meal too.

There are no hotels or motels on the island itself, but there are plenty of beautiful ocean front vacation rentals to choose from. The Isle of Palms is close by and has motels, resorts, and vacation rentals for your convienence and pleasure. In addition, the beautiful historic city of Charleston is across the Ben Sawyer Bridge and down the road where there are numerous places for you to stay. Plenty of sandy beaches, water activity, golf, shopping, and history to keep you pleasantly occupied for the duration of your visit. Vacation Rick Travel Charleston

Royal Caribbean Debuted The Largest Ship In December

The Oasis of the Seas has 16 decks and holds 6296 guests. The ship is nearly five times the gross tonnage of the Titanic and one and a half times longer than the U.S. Capitol building. Let's put it into perspective. The U.S. Capitol building is over 751 feet in length making the Oasis of the Seas approximately 1184 feet long. A long walk by anyones standards on a ship.

The ship features seven distinct neighborhoods and four pools. It has a rock wall, sports deck, a beautiful boardwalk, the Aqua Theater on the back, and take a stroll through Central Park, but that is only a fraction of its compliment of entertainment and amenities.

Its home port is Fort Lauderdale departing from Port Everglades. The ship offers weeklong sailings in the eastern and western Caribbean. You can check the search results for dates and prices for the coming months and choose your next cruise on the largest ship afloat.

Savor Japanese Style Cuisine at Wasabi

I recently visited the Japanese hibachi style restaurant called Wasabi located just behind the Azalea Square Theater in Summerville. There were no available parking spaces at Wasabi to park in  and the surrounding stores were packed with shoppers, so parking the car was a challenge.

I was surprised upon entering the establishment to see there were not alot of people waiting for a table. The restaurant was spacious and didn't give you the feeling of being a sardine. The wait for a seat at one of the teppan grills was not long, maybe ten minutes. A total of seven people were seated at our teppan grill, three in my party. It's not hard to strike up a conversation with the other patrons at your grill and I was surprised to find out they were all original residents of Ohio like myself.

The waitress was helpfull and courteous from beginning to end. The chef was very entertaining with a good sense of humor, the food was seasoned and sauced with the usual Japanese touch, Wasabi style, and the portions were generous, more than I could eat in a single sitting. The whole affair didn't put too bad a dent in my already battered wallet. Interested, check out Wasabi's menus on their web site where you can also get the exact address of their location in Summerville. Domo arigato Vacation Rick Travel.

Interesting trivia: Wasabi is a plant and its root is used as a spice and has an extremely strong flavor.

Charleston's Only Five Star and Five Diamond Hotel and Restaurant

The Woodlands Inn, experience South Carolina charm and hospitality at its best. One of only four lodging properties in the United States to receive the Five Star and Five Diamond hotel awards for both lodging and dining, recognition as a top “resort hideaway” and the World’s Best Service. Charleston SC's highly acclaimed hotel & restaurant was also named "2009 Restaurant of the Year" - by The (Charleston) Post and Courier. The inn sits on 42 acres and the main house offers 18 splendid and recently enhanced guest rooms and suites tastefully decorated with six different color schemes. There is also a cozy two-bedroom Country Cottage a short walk from the main house. An assortment of packages and specials to choose from are available. As you drive through the entrance to the inn you will be transported back in time. As you walk through the doors of the main entrance you will be greeted with the elegance and charm of Charleston's yesterday. You are invited, accept the invitation. Vacation Rick Travel

Summerville, SC-Picture Perfect Getaway

Summerville was the place Charlestonians went to get away from the malaria carrying mosquitoes, yellow fever, and the oppressive heat of early Charleston. It gained a reputation of being a health resort during the mid 1800's because of that. Interestingly, there were no Civil War battles fought in Summerville.

In recent years there has been an explosion in growth and population. Just talk to a local and they will reminisce on the good old days. For those who want a true taste of the South today and where history has been preserved, Summerville is the place where it all comes together.

There are some places you will not want to miss when considering a visit to "The Birthplace of Sweet Tea", Summerville. For a start, schedule a stop at the Summerville Visitor Center, everything about what to see and do is there. Refresh yourself with a glass of sweet tea. Next, visit the Summerville Dorchester Museum, home of everything you would want to know about its history--schedule an informative and entertaining tour on the Lowcountry Loop Trolley.

Want to enjoy the intimacy of a bed and breakfast, consider the historic Linwood Bed and Breakfast. If you like plays and the theater; the James F. Dean Theatre--home of the Flowertown Players will delight you. Visit the locally owned shops on Hutchinson Square, Short Central and surrounding areas. You will be treated royally with some good ole' southern hospitality. Relax a bit at Azalea Park and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Just a short drive from Summerville are the ever popular historic plantations along Route 61, Magnolia Gardens and Plantation, Middleton Place, and Drayton Hall. And of course, Historic Charleston is close by and tons to do. Beaches, restaurants, historic tours, carriage rides, its all there for your pleasure. See you there.

Theater on the Square-Summerville's Community Theater

Experience the intimate atmosphere of the 209 seat Theater on the Square renamed James F. Dean Theatre. The theater was built in 1935 and served as a movie house in Downtown Summerville until the 1960's. The Flowertown Players bought and renovated the theater. It has state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipement. You can purchase special packages provided on its website Flowertown Players. WHODUNNIT is coming January 22, 23, 28, 29, 20, February 4, 5, & 6 at 8 PM. Sunday Matinees: Jan. 31 & Feb. 7 at 2 PM. BRILLIANT TRACES, THE ODD COUPLE, and N.O.W. are other plays coming to the theater. Check website for dates and times. You can even audition to be in the plays. Located on 133 South Main Street Summerville, SC 29483 (843) 875-9251 Vacation Rick Travel

The Wizard Of Oz Coming To Charleston

This family classic is coming to the North Charleston Coliseum Performing Arts Center January 9th and 10th. We have all seen the iconic 1939 MGM film The Wizard of Oz at one time or another and probably countless times through the years. We loved it when we were kids and still love it as adults. "There is no place like home" is a memorable phrase repeated often by many. The movie is colorful and spectacular and this Broadway version is also. This Best of Broadway feature will present all your favorites from start to finish. Re-live the experience of The Wizard of Oz with your family and friends. More information go to The Wizard of Oz.

The North Charleston Coliseum is the largest entertainment venue in the Lowcountry for over ten years with over 7 million visitors. Concerts, sporting events, and family shows arer scheduled every month throughout the year. The Coliseum/Convention Center area is located between International Blvd and Montague Avenue at Interstate 526 in North Charleston, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC. Vacation Rick Travel