Daniel Island Welcomes The Zac Brown Band For Three Days Of Festivities

Daniel Island, a 4,000 acre island, is located within 15 miles of Downtown Charleston between the Cooper and Wando Rivers. The recently developed island, starting in the 1990's, was once used for farming, cattle ranching, and a private hunting retreat. The developement of I-526 changed all that. Daniel Island now offers residents access to hundreds of acres of parks, 23 miles of rivers and creeks and more than 12 miles of leisure trails.

It has been called a “pedestrian-friendly island town located within historic Charleston,” recognized as One of America’s 100 Best Master-Planned Communities by Where to Retire, and a recipient of the Urban Land Institute’s prestigious “Awards for Excellence”. There are two professional sports facilities, the Family Circle Tennis Center and Blackbaud Stadium, located on the island, along with a private country club, the Daniel Island Club, with golf courses by Tom Fazio and Rees Jones. The island’s downtown is a popular address for a growing array of schools, churches, shops, restaurants, medical offices and other conveniences, as well as a destination for area festivals and special events.

The Southern Ground Music and Food Festival is one of those events hosted at Blackbaud Stadium you will want to seriously consider attending. The three-day event will feature several well-known artists from different genres, including country star Eric Church, rock/pop band Train, and rock group My Morning Jacket, among others. The main attraction all three days, October 21-23, will be the Zac Brown Band.

Along with the music you will be able to sample some local cuisine. The festival will provide high quality concessions with a variety of different local Charleston Vendors.  Zac Brown Band Executive Chef Rusty Hamlin will also be serving up items featuring Zac and Rusty’s signature recipes. Click here for ticket information. Click here for travel packages. Click here to preview the lineup for all three days.

So, the temperatures have cooled and the humidity has faded, but the action is just beginning and there is plenty to do in Charleston in the weeks to come. Let's do it.

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.

Charleston Restaurant Week-Celebrate Eating

I was checking out what is considered the top ten activities people love to do and the results totally surprised me. There was one activity missing I thought should have easily been included hands down and considered number one. This was the list: Sleeping, listening to music, reading, watching a movie, playing, gossiping, arranging their home, visiting old friends, shopping, and idling. At this point, it must be acknowledged this list is subjective and depends on who you talk to, but these were the most common responses.

This huge faux pas is just eating me up. As you scan that list, do you see what's missing? It is an activity most likely incorporated in some way, shape, or form either before, during, or after stated activities. In fact, you may be engaging in that activity presently, at this very moment, while you are on the computer, and I must point out, I am doing it as I write this article. This huge oversight is just all too consuming. Are you now digesting my references as to what I am all stirred up about? Everyone does it and everyone loves it. The overlooked, most popular activity is eating.

Which brings me to the subject of this article. Places where people go to enjoy this activity, restaurants. And not just any restaurant, but the top ten in the world according to the Michelin Guide, and that doesn't have anything to do with tires. You may already had the privelege of dining at one of these establishments or maybe you would like to consider it. I am only going to briefly talk about the first four.

Number one is a two Michelin star restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark called Noma run by Chef René Redzepi. He is noted for his work for the reinvention and refinement of a new Nordic cuisine and food that is characterized by inventiveness and clean flavors, which leads to an emotive, intense, liberating way of eating, unlike any other. Put simply in layman's terms, food visually stunning that makes your mouth water profusely and your taste buds dance. Number two is El Celler De Can Roca in Girona, Catalonia Spain. Founded in 1986 by the three Roca brothers, Joan Roca is the head chef. They have created some dishes and desserts based on famous perfumes. So, no matter how much the temptation may be, try to avoid smearing it on your body.

Number three is Mugaritz in Errenteria, Spain. Chef Andoni Aduriz uses the term "techno-emotional cuisine" or "culinary physics", as some like to refer to it, to describe applying science to his way of cooking. "Culinary physics" is the study of how ingredients are changed by different cooking methods and the unconventional innovation in its preparation and presentation. Now that is a mouth full. Number four is Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy run by Chef Massimo Bottura. His kitchen offers a menu of traditional food alongside more left-field creations inspired by the art world. After leaving his establishment you will see the Mona Lisa in a different way. The rest of top ten are The Fat Duck in UK, Alinea in Chicago, D.O.M. in Brazil, Arzak in Spain, Le Chateaubriand in France, and Per Se in New York.

So, go out and celebrate eating. It is Restaurant Week. Charleston Restaurant Week is an opportunity for diners to take advantage of special discounted menus, a price fixed menu of three items for either $20, $30 or $40, from Charleston area restaurants. All your favorite places to eat in Charleston are participating. Click on restaurant for a complete list. The event runs from September 7 to 18.

Travel Traditions And Legends Abroad And Here In Charleston

Would you like to have the ability to deceive without offending? If you do, this ability can be acquired by simply kissing a stone, but not just any stone, a particularly popular stone, and simply is an understatement when it comes to the dangers involved in doing so. If you are a resident of the Lowcountry, you will have to travel over 3700 miles to do this.

The place is Cork, Ireland where Blarney Castle is located and the infamous stone is the Blarney Stone. People from all over the world descend upon this castle to kiss the stone built high into its battlements. Of course, all of this supposed ability obtained by caressing a stone with one's lips is in itself nothing but a bunch of blarney, so to speak.

Still, visitors to this castle brave the dangers involved in this practice. To touch the stone with one's lips, you must ascend to the castle's peak, then lean over backwards on the parapet's edge to reach the bluestone. Presently, bars you can grasp have been installed to make it safer, but before safeguards were installed, the kiss was performed with real risk to your life. Participants were held by the ankles and dangled bodily from the height. Another sobering thought is the idea of putting your lips on something millions of other people have planted their lips on. Before doing so, you may want to ponder this question: Did all past participants brush their teeth and goggle with mouthwash before performing the ritual?

This is just one of many practices or traditions travelers engage in for fun. Another famous allegory involves the practice of throwing coins into Trevi Fountain in Rome. The traditional legend states if a person throws a coin into the fountain they will return to Rome, throw two and you will experience new romance, a third and you will get married. Depending on what results you want, the idea would be knowing when to stop.

Charleston has a fountain of its own located in Waterfront Park called Pineapple Fountain, which represents the welcoming hospitality for which Charleston is so well known, but I don't know of any practice of throwing coins into it, and to take it a step further, I don't know of any practice of kissing any stones either. However, I have become aware of one tradition in Charleston, if that is what you want to call it.

The place is the Vendue Inn and the custom is writing a letter and sticking it into one of the bedposts in the room. The specific room I will leave a mystery. I first heard of this while sitting at the pool in my neighborhood talking to a lady whose daughter was staying there.

The Vendue Inn is a downtown Charleston hotel located right in the heart of the French Quarter of the Historic District not far from the Battery and Waterfront Park. It is a small boutique hotel with wrought iron beds, exposed brick walls, and Egyptian cotton sheets, to name just a few of its unique features. It is host to a popular rooftop bar that overlooks Charleston Harbor, which is a local hot spot in the evenings. There is live music six nights a week with no cover charge. Hotel specials and packages are available including a "Charleston Romance Package" and a "Hysterical History Package".

So, make your mark in history. Stay at the Vendue Inn and write a letter to stick in the bedpost for future occupants to read, but try not to get too personal or descriptive. If you know of any other customs or practices unique to Charleston, I would like to hear about them. Send me an email describing it.

Hurricane Irene Will Be Kicking Up The Surf on The Shores Of Folly Beach

All eyes are on Hurricane Irene as she makes her slow trek toward the East Coast of the USA. When and where Irene makes her turn is crucial as to where she may be headed. The predictions have been fast and furious and the scenarios changing everyday. The latest prediction, as I write this article, puts landfall in North Carolina near the Outer Banks, taking Charleston out of the danger zone. This would be good news for the surfing crowd, particularly the most hardy of the group, who are always looking to the next big wave. Hurricane Irene's presence offshore will make Folly Beach their focus of attention.

Folly Beach, referred to by locals as the "Edge of America," is Charleston's premier beach for surfing. The most popular spot on Folly Beach for surfing is an area called the Washout, where the biggest waves are to be found. In fact, experienced East Coast surfers tend to agree that the Washout is one of the top 30 surf spots on the East Coast. Another popular spot is near the Folly Beach Pier.

The beach on Folly is six miles long and easily accessed anywhere on the island. The most beautiful area of untouched beach is at the Folly Beach County Park at the west end of Folly. There is plenty of parking, a snack bar, retail area, and all the necessary amenities needed for a day at the beach. From the park, you can walk to the end of the island where the waters rush in and out of the channel with tremendous force at the beginning and end of high tide. Often, you are able to watch dolphins riding the fast moving currents. Center Street Beach is located on both sides of the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. In season, this is always a very busy beach. Here you can rent jet skis and boogie boards, purchase food and beverages from the Holiday Inn's Tiki Bar and restaurant or the Starfish Grille on the Pier, take a walk on the Folly Pier or watch the surfers.

If you looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of beach homes with the best of everything for a comfortable stay and cozy cottages with a more simple touch located up and down the island. Charleston's only full-service oceanfront hotel, Tides of Folly Beach, is a newly renovated hotel located right on the beach. The hotel has 132 ocean front rooms with private balcony overlooking the ocean. It is also host to the BLU restaurant with oceanfront dining. What will it be? The choice is yours to make. There are many other places to dine and some have entertainment scheduled throughout the week.

Just a final side note. Where did Folly get its name? It doesn't have anything to do with an act or instance of foolishness. Folly comes from an old English word meaning clump of trees or thicket.

There Is Still Alot Of Summer To Enjoy In Charleston And Its Beaches

School is in, but the beaches are still hot. I spent Friday afternoon on the Isle of Palms near Coconut Joe's taking pictures. The beach was lined with sunbathers as far as you could see. The beach houses appeared to be occupied. There were some decent waves breaking offshore for the surfers, and tide was up, so skimboarders were taking advantage of the surf along the shoreline, skimming the waves as they rolled on shore.

Although, Folly beach is the better choice when it comes to surfing, the Isle of Palms offers the beachgoer a lot of sand and a shoreline for swimming, particularly when the tide is up. This day's crowd mainly consisted of older teens and adults soaking in the afternoons hot sun with a few throwing the football around. As I perused the beach for some good photos, I zeroed in on three skimboarders near the pier, Lizzy, Simone, and Matt, who were willing to show me what they could do with their boards. Simone, who appeared to be the more skilled of the three, executed a near perfect 360. Then, upon request from me, the three of them attempted to jump a wave at the same time, of which I was able to get a good shot of the result. Good execution and form by Lizzy and Simone, but it was Matt who stole the show.

Isle of Palms is a seven mile long island with approximately six miles of beach access for residents and visitors throughout the island. Isle of Palms County Park, located at the center of the island as you get off the connector, offers beautiful ocean frontage with lifeguards on duty seasonally along a beachfront designated swimming area. Parasailing and wave runners are available for the more adventurous beach goers to rent. For those who would like to explore the intercoastal waters, kayaks are just the ticket and available for rent at the marina. The IOP Marina is also where you can charter both offshore and inshore fishing trips as well as eco tours of nearby uninhabited islands.

Isle of Palms is also home to the Wild Dunes Resort that occupies 1,500 acres on the northern end of the island and offers residents and visitors two 18 hole Tom Fazio golf courses, 17 har tru tennis courts, and numerous pools. Wild Dunes has many private residences as well as condominiums often rented on the vacation rental market. Other options available are the many colorful beach houses with waterfront views for friends and family to relax in and enjoy the sand and surf.

For entertainment, the Windjammer is a popular hot spot on the beach offering good food and live music with a view. Three suggestions that top the restaurant list are the Boathouse at Breech Inlet where you can enjoy sunset and a drink on its rooftop bar before seafood dinner, Long Island Cafe on IOP, and Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island famed for its burgers and casual party atmosphere.

What Goes Together?-Hootie and the Blowfish Return To Charleston

"Love and marriage, love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage." These famous lyrics are from a song written by Sammy Cahn and music by Jimmy Van Heusen. Not many today would remember those names. Later, the song was introduced by Frank Sinatra in the 1955 television production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" that aired on Producers' Showcase and recorded by Capital Records. Now, Sinatra is a name many no doubt still remember. The lyrics were also chosen as the theme song for the sitcom "Married with Children". The lyrics play on the idea that some things are just made for each other or to put it another way, go hand-in-hand. Although, the couple in "Married with Children" defied that simple logic.
 
There is an endless list of things you can think of that go together and they don't have to be just inanimate objects. Peanut butter and jelly, peas and carrots, salt and pepper, rum and coke, Jack and Jill, Rhett and Scarlett, Bogey and Bacall, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, stock market and bankruptcy(thought I would just non-chalantly sneek this one in), and we get the picture. You probably could come up with many, many more of your own than this quick list. This can also apply to places, like New York and Broadway, Seattle and Pike Place Market, Orlando and Disney, LA and Kodak Theatre, San Francisco and Golden Gate, and Rainbow Row and Charleston.

Well, there are many things I can think of that go with Charleston, and one of them is Hootie and the Blowfish with lead singer Darius Rucker. Hootie and the Blowfish formed in 1986 when the quartet met when they were freshmen at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. There origin may not have been Charleston, but Rucker is home grown Charleston talent. They will be in Charleston this weekend for the "Hootie and the Blowfish Homegrown Weekend" event at the Family Circle Stadium.

This will be their ninth anniversary at Family Circle Stadium and come together for a two-night musical engagement kicking off Friday, August 12th. The opening act will be Toad the Wet Sprocket. Don't know who Toad the Wet Sprocket is? They are an American alternative rock band that formed in 1986. Then Saturday, August 13 beginning at 2 PM, Ken Block and Andrew Copeland of Sister Hazel as well as other national and regional acts (TBD) will be featured. Hootie and the Blowfish will wrap up the festival with a performance Saturday night at 7 pm. Ticket information and times.