Drayton Hall-Standing Triumphantly Over The Test Of Time

Drayton Hall is an example of what Charleston is all about. One of elegance, charm, and a profound connection with its past coupled with a strong resolution towards its preservation and gaining a sense of itself. After ascending the plantation home's porch stairs and entering its doors, you will experience for a brief moment the good times and bad times, the years of prosperity and tranquility as well as the tumultuous years, which is the beating heart of Charleston.

The construction of Drayton Hall was started in 1738 and took some years for its completion. It is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in the United States, likely one of the earliest Palladian buildings in America. A unique feature of Drayton Hall's interior spaces is it grows progressively taller, meaning the ceiling heights change from the raised basement to the first floor and up to the second floor where it is the highest, which went contrary to Palladian design. Climate played a role in this diversion from the norm.

Drayton Hall has survived wars, an earthquake, hurricanes, and aging. It was taken over by the British in the American Revolution and the North in the Civil War. While other plantations were destroyed by Sherman and Union troops, Drayton Hall for some mysterious reason escaped the rampage. Although, there are several theories on the books.

You must take a tour of this magnificent example of plantation homes to appreciate the design of hand-carved poplar and mahogany reliefs found within from the spaces used for entertaining to the private family rooms. To people of antiquity, shapes and figures were more than just design, but had deeper meaning. You will also learn about that on the tour. You will hear all the fascinating details of Drayton Hall's rich history, which can only be appreciated first hand. You will be able to visually connect with what you are hearing or have heard.

Drayton Hall-3/1/2010 - 10/31/2010: Main gate opens at 8:30am; first house tour of the day at 9:00am. Tours approximately 30-60 minutes and begin every hour on the hour.
A Day on the Ashley-7/16/2010 - 12/1/2011: A package that invites groups to tour Drayton Hall and Middleton Place, and enjoy an authentic Lowcountry Lunch.
Location: 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414. Phone: 843-769-2600

The Blue Ocean Waters of Folly Beach and BLU Restaurant and Bar Team Up

The locals call it "The Edge of America". Geographically they are correct because Folly Beach is on the east coast shoreline of the U.S., which would put it on the edge. But I think the reference is to more than just its proximity.

Folly Beach is six miles of sand and surf sporting the longest fishing pier on the East Coast. When it comes to surfing many consider its waves to be the best on the East Coast. You can boat, fish, swim, bicycle, jet ski, parasail, and kayak, your choice. Its quaint seaside village includes small locally owned shops and a variety of casual dining spots and watering holes featuring the best of local entertainment. Conveniently located right smack dab in the middle of all these fabulous amenities is the Folly Beach Holiday Inn.

Newly renovated and rejuvinated, the Folly Beach Holiday Inn at One Center Street has been beautifully enhanced to an island hideaway offering new rooms, meeting spaces, and dining options that include the BLU Restaurant and Bar with indoor and outdoor bar areas, a patio, and an incredible view of the oceanfront. Very few restaurants in Charleston can boast those perks. It has a breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late night menu. Sunrise to sunset your dining needs are covered quite elagantly.

BLU Restaurant and Bar won the the title of Charleston’s Next Top Cocktail in January with a concoction called the Skinny Goose. The Tru Blu Martini and the Island Mai Tai are two other popular alchoholic blends. BLU was also Awarded Platinum Status, the highest level possible by the South Carolina Aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Initiative, a program designed to promote the use of local and sustainable seafood in South Carolina restaurants. Only five other Charleston restaurants carry the certification.

So, go ahead and take a sneek peak at the full menu of fresh local seafood showcasing the finest in contemporary coastal cuisine to whet your appetite. Then imagine a relaxing stroll on the beach to wet your feet, sunrise or sunset, it doesn't matter, and chase your blues away. No pun intended.-Vacation Rick Travel

Tru Blu Martini-Grey Goose Vodka, Hypnotiq, white cranberry juice, lemon twist
Skinny Goose-Grey Goose vodka, pomegranate juice, Triple Sec, and lime; the enticing drink also features VeeV Acai Spirit.

Folly Beach Events:
Bluegrass at Folly Beach Crabshack Jam every Thursday 7-10:30 pm. Bring your instrument down to Folly Beach Crab Shack and join in for an open jam hoe-down.
Moonlight Mixers Shaggin' on the Pier August 13 at 7-11 pm. Shag the night away at the Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, where Jim Bowers of 1340 The Boardwalk will be spinning the hottest oldies and beach music-$10.00 admission

Search Amazon.com for Folly Beach

Poogan's Porch-A Southern Institution Serving Lowcountry Cuisine

I thought this to be a rather unusual designation for a restaurant. After all, Poogan is an uncommon name in itself. But when I did some research into the matter, the name made perfect sense.

The story is both exceptional and endearing. Its the American Dream at its best and its telling will warm your heart and put a smile on your face because Poogan was a bit of a wanderer who finally found his place in society and a permanent residence in an old house that was built in 1888 and in 1976, turned into a restaurant bearing his name.

Poogan presided over the renovations and greeted the first happy customers. Like many Charlestonians, the porch was his favorite part of the house, thus the name Poogan's Porch.

Poogan is no longer here and if he could speak, he would tell you, "To succeed in life, never bite the hand that feeds you." Poogan was a scruffy, neighborhood dog.

Poogan isn't the only story that is part of this house-turned-restaurant's rich history. It seems there is a previous owner that likes to make unannounced, surprise visits from time to time. Her name is Zoe St. Amand. She waves at hotel guests across the street at the Mills House and wanders around making mischief in the kitchen bagging on pots and pans--so the story goes.

The Travel Channel voted the restaurant "Third Haunted Place in America" in 2003. It has been a hot spot for celebrities and politicians. In 1989, scenes from the movie "Champagne Charlie" were filmed at Poogan's Porch.

There's something appealing and fun about dining in a restaurant that once was a home.Poogan's Porch is all of that and boasts the credentials that makes it Charleston’s oldest and most reputable culinary establishments. Since opening, it has upgraded the interior of the restaurant. A 1500-bottle wine cellar was built in 2005, which has tripled since opening. It has been given numerous awards.

A dinner for two will average around $75 without wine. Open 365 days a year, Poogan’s Porch serves a Lowcountry lunch from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner from 5-9:30 p.m. and weekend brunch from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The restaurant closes for one dinner seating on Super Bowl Sunday--a family tradition. It is located at 72 Queen Street, just down the street from the Dock Street Theater. Menus and reviews.

The Dock Street Theater-Where Charleston Meets Broadway

"Tickets please." "May I show you to your seat." "Enjoy the performance." There is something nostalgic and exhilarating about attending live stage performances at old theaters. Originally from Northeastern Ohio, I periodically took the short, thirty mile trek into the theater district of Cleveland called Playhouse Square and saw performances like the Lion King, Phantom Of the Opera, Cats, Starlight Express, and the Invisible Man. The architecture was stunning, the atmosphere was electric, everything exudes the feel of cultural distinction and gratification.

If you are willing to step out of the box when it comes to movie entertainment and cinema to try some live theater, look no further than the Dock Street Theater in the French Quarter of Charleston. The Dock Street Theater had been closed since 2007 and for the past three years underwent a multi-million dollar transformation and re-opened March 2010 ready to dazzle and gratify its patrons with a taste of Broadway.

The original Dock Street Theater opened in 1736. It was the first building designed for theatrical use in the Americas. Quite a privileged distinction that sets it apart from all other theaters. One month after the theater was opened, Dock Street was officially changed to Queen Street, but the theater retained its original name. The site had numerous uses during the next 200 years. The original Dock Street Theatre was probably destroyed by the Great Fire of 1740. In the early19th-century, it was replaced by Planter's Hotel where wealthy planters stayed during Charleston's horse-racing season, but in time became a derelict building and nothing more than a shell. In the 1930's it went through a restoration and the theater was in business again until it closed in 2007 when a full-scale renovation brought the historic theater into the 21st century with state-of-the-art lighting and sound.

There will be a benefit performance for Charleston Stage July 31st starring Michael Emerson of ABC's "Lost" and Carrie Preston of HBO's sizzling show "True Blood" in the Broadway hit "Love Letters". This will mark their return to the theater and kickoff the 2010-11 season with a full list of scheduled performances such as "Hairspray" in September, Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" in October, "Blue" in January, and "The Original Peter Pan" in March and April of 2011.

Put on your best, rent a limo, pop some bubbly, and strut your stuff for an evening of enchantment at the historic Dock Street Theater. Make it a complete package by reserving a place at one of the tables of Charleston's fine restaurants such as Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Mercato, Halls Chophouse, Bocci's, High Cotton Maverick Bar and Grill, or Magnolias to name a few. Dock Street Theater is located at 135 Church Street.

Three Historic Landmarks In Charleston Worth a Picture Or Two

It is the most photographed and painted tourist attraction in Charleston. It was an undesireable part of town following the Civil War, but now is a very sought after landmark synonymous with the name of Charleston. Painted in an array of Caribbean inspired pastel hues resulted in the name by which it has become identified. Sea captains, traders, townsfolk and pirates shopped, traded, and sold their goods in this stretch of realestate located on East Bay Street. Walk through the Old Market and you will find it on plates, switch covers, shells, and just about anything with a flat surface, even bricks. It is a group of buildings called Rainbow Row. If you are a resident it is a been there, done that, but if you are a first-timer the Row should be on your must-see list.

Originally Half Moon Battery, this landmark is considered to be one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States. The structure stands proudly at the foot of Broad Street. It is the Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon. All the employees dress the part. You will see them standing at the top of the steps along the front in colonial dress waving and greeting tourists. Inside are three floors of Charleston history highlighting the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. The artifacts displayed help you get a picture of the events and people that influenced and shaped the history of Charleston or specifically, Charles Towne. The Provost Dungeon, still dank and without sunlight, highlights a tour that speaks of pirates and patriots in chains, of a siezed tea shipment and General Moultrie's hidden gunpowder, and ghosts lurking within its walls.

The Powder Magazine located at 79 Cumberland Street is Carolina's oldest public building. A small brick building with walls three feet thick and four groin arches designed to implode in case of an explosion was used as a powder magazine from 1713-1770 and again briefly during the Revolutionary War. Its other uses were as a stable, a wine cellar, a print shop and now, a museum. It offers free of charge living historic presentations and showcases different period interpreters, local crafters, artists, musicians, and other historical novelties. Every Saturday in June and July there is a live performance scheduled called The Gentleman Pirate at 3:30pm – 4:30pm.

While in the area check out Johnson's Pub & Pizzeria or the Blind Tiger Pub for some cool drinks and creative dishes.-Vacation Rick Travel

Kayaking The Intercoastal Waters Of Charleston And Its Backwaters

I have rented kayaks on the Isle of Palms and paddled around the intercoastal waters near the Wild Dunes area. It was a great experience and alot of fun. Kayaking the tidal creeks can get tricky with the changing tides. Everything looks different when the waters are high as opposed to low. Very easy to lose your bearings and get sidetracked in the grasses. At one point of our excursion we were quite positive we confronted an alligator in the thick grasses because of its distinct low bellowing growl. We took it to be a warning and boogied out of there.

We cruised past huge villas that lined the sides, each one with its own boat dock and overlooking beautiful pools. Tried some fishing along the way, but didn't have much success. We absorbed the sights and sounds and raced one another to see who was the fastest. We made it back to the marina despite our perils fully satisfied and happy.

Charleston has plenty of coast from the IOP to Folly filled with rivers, salt creeks and backwaters to explore. But the intercoastal waters are not the only place in the Lowcountry you can adventure around with kayaks and canoes. Recently I read an article about three places where you and the whole family can experience the beauty of South Carolina in the Charleston Lowcountry: The Edisto River Trail, Givans Ferry State Park, and Francis Beidler Forest.

Edisto River Trail is a stretch of the longest, free flowing blackwater river in North America. Carolina Heritage Outfitters will help you with all your necessities and equipement for a fun and safe outing. They offer trips of a few hours or a two-day experience of 22 miles to include an overnight stay in one of the treehouses or you can just camp out anywhere along the way.

Givans Ferry State Park was voted one of the "Top 15 paddling spots in America". It is part of the 56 mile long Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail and is at the end of a 21 mile downstream paddle from Colleton State Park. It has campgrounds and rustic cabins.

Francis Beidler Forest is located in Four Holes Swamp, SC, 45,000 acres of blackwater and swamp. Four Holes Swamp is a major tributary of the Edisto river. Francis Beidler Forest is 15,000 acres of forest and swamp containing bald cypress and tupelo gum trees and the only two stands of old growth still left in the state. A visitor center is there for your convenience and guided canoe trips are offered.-Vacation Rick Travel

Slip Sliding Away-Charleston's Waterparks

It's summer in Charleston. It's hot, it's humid, and people are looking for ways to cool themselves off. The good ole garden hose could be one way to do it or the common backyard pool could be another. Charleston residents are blessed with an alternative. It has beautiful beaches where you can stake out your claim to a plot of sand for a day next to the Big Blue in which you can cool yourself in its salty waters when the urge strikes.

But if you are looking to occassionally stray from the norm, Charleston also offers three of the waterpark variety to soak your body in when the temperatures are on the rise: Splash Island Waterpark, Splash Zone Waterpark, and Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark. Water slides, lazy rivers, a giant bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water on you, wave pool action, sprays, and soaking pools of varying sizes are all a part of the experience.

Splash Island Waterpark is located within Mt. Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. All of the water attractions here are designed for toddlers to pre-teen children. Great place for Moms and Dads to take their little ones for a low-key water experience. There are also trails and paddleboats in the park for kids and adults alike to enjoy. It is off of Long Point Road on Needlerush Parkway near Boone Hall Plantation.

Splash Zone Waterpark is located within James Island County Park on Riverland Drive. This park features a Caribbean style structure with slides, wheels, and sprays and a 500-foot lazy river with an adventure channel with sprays and a waterfall. Two water slides are featured here, both 200-feet long.

Finally, Charleston's big daddy of its waterparks, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark is located in North Charleston within Wannamaker County Park. You will get wet, afterall that is the objective, isn't it. Some of its attractions include the Big Splash Tree House, a play structure that has a giant bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water, a 870-foot lazy river, that's almost three football fields of cool relaxation, and a multi-slide complex with 3 different selections of thrilling spills, each approximately 300-feet long. It also has a wave pool with 27,000 square feet of different types of wave action.

All three parks feature what they call extra value days: Military Monday, Two for Tuesdays, and Wet and Wild Wednesdays and you can use your Greenbax.

A final bit of trivia on water slides. Blizzard Beach Water Park in Walt Disney World boasts to have one of the world's tallest, fastest water slides, Summit Plummet. Height of slide is 120 feet and top speed varies according to rider-approximately 60 mph for adults and 50 mph for kids. It sends riders zooming through a short tunnel pelted by a curtain of water where they will begin the descent and may momentarily float into the air and freefall as if the slide vanishes hitting the straightaway at the bottom where they create a huge plume of water and possibly, an industrial-strength wedgie.-Vacation Rick Travel