Yesterday, I had the opportunity to golf Charleston National in Mt. Pleasant with my regular golfing buddies. The weather was perfect, in the high seventies. The wind was somewhat brisk, adding an ingredient of challenge. It was Charleston sunshine throughout the whole day. While the weather was perfect, my game was far less than perfect or to put it aptly, not up to par. I had a good day driving off the tee, but my second and third shots were contributing factors to my downfall.

The course was crowded. Everyone obviously had the same idea. It was a Friday and a game of golf looked more appealing than a day in the office. Alot of out-of-state plates lined the parking lot as well. The picturesque fairways were pleasant and the greens were well groomed. At first glance, the fairways at Charleston National are more forgiving than other golf courses, until you get to the back nine, especially from fifteen to eighteen.

There you cross the weedy marshes over bridges to arrive at the next tee box. An ominous warning sign posted along the edge stated, "Spiders, snakes, and alligators inhabit the marshes, do not enter." I think its real intent was to discourage golfers from retrieving their badly placed balls because if you didn't hit a good tee shot, your ball would be swallowed up by the natural wetlands the course is carved out of. You can look at it two ways, either the course designer wanted to save the worst for last or the best for last. It would depend on your point of view.

Adjacent to the tee box on seventeen, overlooking the waterway, was a beautiful mansion-like home. The owner was out manicuring what appeared to be a man-made beach that ran along the side and back of his beautifully landscaped property. The hole itself was a sharp dog-leg to the left with the marsh in front and bunkers lining the fairway beyond. Too short, you were in the weeds, too long, your were in the sand. The eighteenth hole was a complete surprise. I have never golfed a course that ended with a par three. Overlooking the intra-coastal waters, the eighteenth green was about 140 yards on the otherside of a marshy channel of water with the flag placement close to its front edge.

Sulking somewhat over the muffed three wood shots and failed excecution of some easy putts throughout the afternoon, I was anticipating the end to the misery and cracking open a Yuengling for a final farewell. I pulled out my eight iron and watched my fellow golfers pitch their balls into the grassy waters short of the green. I then decided to switch to the five. I set myself, took a final gaze at the flag, and let it rip. The ball sailed high into the air with a slight draw to the right. It was a thing of beauty to watch as it landed and rolled about 14 feet passed the flag. Finishing the day with a par on a tough hole helped in recovering some of my battered pride. The final analysis proved once again a bad day of golf is better than a good day at work.

Charleston National is a Rees Jones designed championship golf course that is open to the public year round. Rated by Golf Digest as the best non-resort course in the Charleston area. Another course close by is Rivertowne Country Club, an Arnold Palmer’s signature design with low country hospitality. It is given high 4.5 Star Rating by Golf Digest’s Places to Play. Still another is Dunes West Golf Club,  an Arthur Hills design located on the site of the historic Lexington Plantation.-Courtesy Vacation Rick Travel.

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on blog Vacation Rick of Charleston. I invite you to become a follower.

One of my favorite movies through the years was "The Time Machine", not the new version, but the old version. Possessing the ability or technology to step back in time is a fascinating concept, impossible, but none-the-less fascinating. We have only bits and pieces in the form of paintings, reliefs, historical writings, books, artifacts, ruins, photos, and homes left to us that have stood the test of time and give us a glimpse of what preceeded us. But most often we have to fill in the missing blanks using our own imaginations to complete the picture of a by-gone era. Imagining is the fun part.

As I rode for the first time one of the many historical carriage rides Charleston had to offer, I listened intently to the tour guide convey the collection of stories associated with each passing landmark. I was fortunate to get the tour that runs along the waterfront. We were at the junction of East Battery and South Battery. I mentally transported myself back to an earlier period of time. It was April 12, 1861. I was on the porch of the old home at the corner where Battery Park now resides witnessing the bombardment of Fort Sumter. It was pre-dawn. I was up early enjoying the spring quiet of the morning. The first burst of mortar came from the direction of Fort Johnson. Then the air over Fort Sumter turned black from subsequent streams of the countless vollies of exploding shells. I wondered what my expectations would've been as I scrutinized the telling event. Would it have been one of awe or one of fear for what was yet to come?

Charleston is an easy place to experience life as it once was, especially during its most popular antebellum era, because you are surrounded by it everywhere you go on its streets. It's in every stone, rock, timber, rail, window, and street post. The 64th Annual Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens makes it even easier to experience the intimate charm and elegance of the Holy City. The Festival offers you the opportunity to step through the iron gates into the private gardens and cross the sacred threshholds of Charleston's most beautiful historic residences. The Festival is set to take place March 17 to April 16. It coincides with the peak of the city's blooming season making it extra special.

There will be period concerts, oyster roasts at Drayton Hall, Harbor Cruise, and plenty of wine and spirits. The main attraction is the award winning tours showcasing the architecture, the history, and the culture going back to the early colonial period. Featured each day will be 7-10 properties in one of 11 neighborhoods. Neighborhoods include Meeting Street, King Street, Church Street, East Battery, and South Battery to name a few. Each Thursday is reserved for the Glorious Garden Tours, which include a wine and lemonade reception at the Nathaniel Russell House. Tickets are now available for purchase.-Courtesy of Vacation Rick Travel.

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on vacation blog Vacation Rick of Charleston. I invite you to become a follower and check out all the things to see and do in Charleston and beyond.

Yoga Classes begin at

The City Gallery at Waterfront Park

For more information:

City Gallery at Waterfront Park

34 Prioleau Street, Unit A

Charleston, SC 29401

843-958-6484

www.CityGalleryatWaterfrontPark.com

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City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs

180 Meeting Street, Suite 200

Charleston, South Carolina 29401

843-724-7305

www.CharlestonArts.sc

Unfortunately it seems as though everyone has been affected by cancer in one way shape or form.  Whether we know someone, have lost someone, or are battling it right now, it’s there… without a cure.  Chase Ringler and Cooper Cates are two little boys far too familiar with the disease.  They’re survivors of Neuroblastoma: an aggressive pediatric cancer that started in their nerve tissue and spread in tumor form metastasizing through their little bodies.  Fortunately, their cancer is in remission and minus the hearing aids and faded memories, these families are living fairly normal lives.

Everyone wonders what they can do or how one person can make a difference.  Well, here’s your chance.

You can volunteer donations of time, money, and efforts to Chase After a Cure.  All donations are sincerely appreciated and every penny goes directly to the MUSC Children’s Hospital Cancer Research Center.

The 3rd Annual Chase After a Cure Gala is Friday February 19th at the Marriott on Lockwood Blvd

Write up in the Post and Courier

Stay tuned to see inside the MUSC Children’s Hospital Darby Children’s Research Center with Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist Dr. Jackie Kraveka

What list contains names like Jeroboam, Rehoboam, Methuselah, Salmanazar, Balthazar, Nebuchadnezzar, and Sovereign? No, it doesn't have anything to do with the Bible. These are designated names for wine bottle sizes. The most well known wine bottle size is the Magnum, which is the equivalent of two standard size bottles of 1.5 liters. There are hundreds of wine types in the world, each with its own flavors and styles. Most people know about the popular varieties, such as chardonnay, cabernet, zinfandel, muscadel, pinot blanc, and merlot. Even more daunting is the glossary of wine terminology. When I take a glass of wine, I don't ask to sniff the cork, role it around in the glass, smell it, or swish it throughout my mouth. I just drink it. One could very well say I seriously lack the cultural sophistication and elegance required in wine selection and recognition.

Wines were first introduced to the United States as early as the 17th century. On the East Coast, early settlers were disappointed by the native wine varieties, which made strong and earthy wine, so they imported wine cuttings from their European homelands. Unfortunately, disease and severe weather took their toll on the fledgling vines, and they didn't survive. In the 19th century, due to the work of horticulturist Thomas Munson, growers discovered that by grafting European varieties to American rootstock, they could produce flavorful wine. This process also saved the European wine industry from extinction when American rootstock was taken over to England infected with phylloxera.

On the west coast, 18th century Spanish missionaries planted vines at each mission to produce sacramental wine. The 1849 Gold Rush brought a growing number of immigrants, mostly of the Italian descent, who planted in the Napa and Sonoma valleys and the Sierra foothills to satisfy the increased demands of the thirsty miners. Prohibition in 1919 nearly decimated the American winemaking industry. It was illegal to produce wine except for medicinal, sacramental, or home winemaking purposes. A handful of California winemakers survived by making sacramental wine. It wasn't repealed until 1933. In the following years quality wines were produced, but had difficulty marketing them. Then, in 1976, two California wines beat their French counterparts in a blind taste test in Paris. The ancient European wineland's rigid grip on the hiearchy of quality wine was broken. Now, California is the largest producer in the country, producing 90 per cent of the nation's wine. Other top wine-producing states include New York, Oregon, and Washington. The United States is the third largest wine-consuming country in the world, following only France and Italy.

The hot and humid summers of South Carolina make it a challenge to grow grapes for wine production. It requires viticulturalists to adapt their canopy(the parts of the vine visible aboveground) to minimize direct sunlight on the grapes, which are often harvested early in the summer. South Carolina is not a designated American Viticultural Area. An American Viticultural Area is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States distinguishable by geographic features, with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the United States Department of the Treasury.

Still, there are numerous wineries in SC, one of which is in Charleston, the Market Street Winery. Charleston is also host to a four day event called "one of the top five food and wine festivals in the U.S." by Forbes Traveler, the annual BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival. This year it will take place March 3-6. March 4, at Marion Square, the 6 Top Chefs Challenge will take place. The Festival for the first time will celebrate the Bravo hit TV show, Top Chef, with a bash and “Lowcountry Ingredient” challenge. A fan favorite from each season will be on-hand to serve a small plate of their signature recipe. Tickets are still available. This is just one of the numerous events scheduled throughout the four days. Click for the complete list. In conclusion, "If your heart is warm with happiness, you'll need a glass of wine-if sorrow chills your heart, have two!"

Other wine and food festivals:
Coastal Uncorked Food and Wine Festival
Beaufort Wine and Food Weekend
High Museum Wine Auction
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
Cincinnati Wine Festival
South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Looking for accommodations or flights go to Vacation Rick Travel (Priceline affiliate)

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(ARA) - Going to a far-flung destination is always exciting, but today's travelers demand a bit more from their experiences. Trends indicate that as people start to plan and embark on their 2011 vacations, the central goal, for many travelers, is getting a real sense of place. This emerging breed of traveler makes a point of seeing the major sights, but also wants a local view of each destination to experience the most fulfilling getaway possible.

If you're new to a destination, with no contacts on the ground, it's difficult to get an authentic impression - at least, not without logging countless hours of research. And even if you do put in the months of research necessary, you might still face problems like language barriers. For instance, if you want to travel to Europe and visit a few different countries, crossing borders is relatively easy, but researching hotspots in German, French and Italian isn't.

For many people, all-in-one vacation packages are the ideal way to avoid the hassles of endless research while still getting a true-to-life impression of a destination. Today's travel packages are far more customizable than ever before, so those inclined to independent travel will have the freedom they crave, with the support that makes exploring a new place easier.

However, not all travel companies are created equal - make sure you know what you're in for before you go. One company, Monograms, not only takes care of the logistics of travel (booking flights, hotels, car rentals and other necessities), but is the only travel company that offers the added bonus of an on-site Local Host. With their extensive knowledge of local customs and the best-kept secrets, these travel hosts not only arrange guided sightseeing, they provide the advice and knowledgeable support that get you into the heart of your destination.

Having someone with you who can speak the local language is a huge help, particularly if you want to experience something more exotic, like South America. Monograms' vacation packages allow you to select from multiple destinations on whichever continent you want to visit, so whether you long to experience Asia, South America or Europe, you're able to choose multiple sites and create your own customized itinerary.

Keep these additional tips in mind to help you experience local gems in the destinations to which you travel.

* Have an adventurous palate. Getting to know a place often means getting to know its indigenous foods. Let go of preconceptions and don't be afraid to try something new - you might find a new favorite flavor or recipe.

* Watch the locals. If you're out on your own, strolling in a new destination, pay attention to which shops and restaurants are crowded with locals. Follow their lead to see what it's all about - don't worry about doing something "wrong." Your curiosity might just lead to making a new acquaintance who can show you the ropes.

* Try local transportation. While most major transportation should be left in the hands of experts, taking a ride on the local mass transit system, like the Metro in Paris or the Underground in London, can be fun.

* Find souvenirs that say something about the place you've visited, but not literally. Skip the shirts or bags that have your destination's name on them, in favor of something that is made there, or something locals use like Parisian perfumes, Italian olive oils or a even a handmade alpaca shawl in Peru.

There is a chill in the air and the fires are ablaze in Charleston. There is nothing more soothing to the body and soul than to be wrapped in a blanket of warmth from the glowing ambers and aroma of burning wood accompanied by the synchronized popping and crackling. Add to that a special someone and the scene is set for a romantic interlude. Ah, less we not forget some necessary complimentary components of a Marilyn Merlot or Cuvée Sublime to lubricate the path to passion accented by a plate of almonds, some decadent buttery foie gras, mouth watering raw oysters sucked right out of their shells, or asparagus.

Everyone knows the benefits of raw oysters as an aphrodisiac since it is very high in zinc. They were the favorites of both Cleopatra and Casanova, who ate 50 raw oysters every day. Asparagus is a member of the Lily family. It "stirs up lust in man and woman," wrote English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper in the 17th century. In 19th-century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of the risque' spears at their prenuptial dinner. The aroma of almonds supposedly arouses passion in females. Alexandre Dumas slurped on almond soup every night before slinking off to his mistress. Buttery foie gras is associated with fine living and sought the world over.

Two other fruits you might consider are the voluptuous avacado and shapely banana. Avacados have been associated with male sexuality. The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl," or "testicle tree." The Spanish found avocados so obscenely sexy, that Catholic priests forbade them to their parishioners. Bananas contain chelating minerals and the bromelain enzyme and are said to enhance the male libido. Central Americans drink the sap of the red banana as an aphrodisiac.

Now to the wine selection. Marilyn Merlot may sound ficticious, but it is a bottle of wine named after Marilyn Monroe. If you were perseptive enough to have bought a bottle of the 1985 stock, you'd be laughing all the way to the bank. You could peddle that particular collector’s item for about $3,000. The Blonde Bombshell's Velvet Collection features a “peel and peek” label. Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime is a sweet sparkler from the champagne family. A bottle of the bubbly goes for $38. You may have your own preferences for such occassions. You got to go with what works for you, but at least give the aforementioned suggestions a try.

Here is a list of hotels and resorts in Charleston featuring specials and packages for romantic getaways. Click on the hotel link to check out what their package offers.

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Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on vacation blog Vacation Rick of Charleston.

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CHARLESTON-The Charleston Academy of Music (CAM) is excited to start a new semester on January 10, 2011. CAM believes giving young students an instrument is like giving them a tool to open their inner voices. Many young students do not know about this tool which can help them to recognize who they are, allowing them to reach their highest potential in life. CAM offers the highest quality of music instruction for all skill levels in piano, violin, viola, cello, classical guitar, and voice. Included in the private instruction are Strings Workshops, Guitar Ensembles, Performance Classes, Theory Classes, and Master Classes. CAM also hosts a variety of programs such as the Honors Program and Outreach Program, which includes the Satellite Program at Charleston Day School and Meeting Street Academy, home of the Kidzymphony Orchestra Program. CAM accepts students of all ages, regardless of financial status. CAM is equipped to offer a complete music education to prepare serious students for professional careers as musicians and music educators, and to create lifelong promoters of classical music.

CAM’s various programs are possible thanks to kind supporters, including: National Endowment for the Arts, SC Arts Commission, Coastal Community Foundation, Jerry & Anita Zucker Foundation, Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation, Hertzman-Fishman Foundation, Joanna Foundation, Bakker Family Fund, Harriet & Linda Ripinsky Foundation, Post & Courier Foundation, and private donors. CAM students continue to excel musically and academically, winning major competitions, participating in recognized music festivals and concerts, and being accepted as scholarship recipients into the major universities. To be a part of CAM, register now! Registration forms are available on the CAM website at www.charlestonmusic.org and at the CAM office located at 189 Rutledge Avenue. For more information regarding spring semester and CAM, contact the office at 843-805-7794 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

When it gets cold in Charleston, like it has been this week with nighttime temps dipping into the teens and day time highs barely reaching 40, there isn't much to do in the way of outdoor activity. Beach and coats don't make good postcards. Fishing rods and gloves are not compatable. A walk in the open air Old Market isn't as appealing. A stroll along the Battery with the waves crashing the waterfront from the nippy brisk wind loses its nostalgia. A carriage ride through the historic French Quarter loses some of its luster. Even the nighttime ghostly tours leaves you with a chill in more ways than one. There is no snow. You can't ski, tobbagan, or sled ride. You can't make a snow fort with the kids and then destroy it with a snowball fight. Which brings me to a subtle fact that only Northeners can appreciate, snow makes the cold more fun, and when it's cold here, it's just cold. So, what do you do in Charleston when the temperature takes a dip?

You can wait until it warms up because it will surely do that. Cold snaps don't last for long, although this year they have come early and have lasted longer. In the meantime, here are some of the things on tap during these chillier months.
 
Flowertown Players-Theatre on the Square in Summerville-Presenting Same Time, Next Year a Romantic Comedy for ages 18 and up.-January 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 PM, January 16, 23 and 30 at 2 PM.-Purchase tickets
Dock Street Theater-"America's First Theatre" presents A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas December 3 - 19, 2010. Charleston Stage's acclaimed original adaptation magically returns with a wonderful story of Scrooge and his Christmas Eve encounter with three ghoulish spectres. With colorful period costumes, stunning Christmas card sets, magical special effects and scores of actors, singers, dancers and musicians.-Purchase tickets
Footlight Theater-"White Christmas"  by Irving Berlin playing December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 8 PM; December 5, 12 (sold out), and 19 at 3 PM. This brand new musical shines with classic Berlin hits like "Blue Skies," "How Deep is the Ocean?" and, of course, the unforgettable title song, "White Christmas."-Purchase tickets
North Charleston Coliseum Performing Arts Center-Charleston Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker Dec 17 at 7:30 PM and Dec 18 at 3:00 PM. Charleston Ballet Theatre unwraps its glittering holiday treat with performances that have become the centerpiece of holiday tradition for families throughout the region. Adult tickets are $45.00, $40.00, $35.00, and $25.00. Children 2-12 tickets are $35.00, $30.00, $25.00, and $15.-Purchase tickets
Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” is the one performance this season you shouldn’t miss! Tickets are $88.50, $68.50, $48.50, $38.50, & $28.50 plus applicable fees. Limited Premium Seating and VIP seating avaiable.-Purchase tickets
Holiday Festival of Lights-James Island County Park hosts November 12, 2010-January 2, 2011. Your journey begins with a 3-mile drive through millions of sparkling lights and hundreds of light displays. They also offer a marshmallow roast and a 54 passenger train ride through the park to view the lights. To tour the lights in your car is $10/car and if you'd like you can ride the train around the lake for approximately $2/person and children under 2 are free if they sit in the lap of an adult.
South Carolina Aquarium- Learn all about the animals that call the ocean home at the South Carolina Aquarium. Here there are a large number of hands on exhibits that include information on both ocean animals, and those that call the beach home. Learn in the discovery lab, and then watch a movie about the creatures of the Amazon.-(843) 720-1990
Southern Comfort Lowcountry Blues Bash-21st annual Lowcountry Blues Bash 12 days, 25+ venues, 50+ acts Bars, restaurants, hotels, many all-ages venues. Blues performances day & night. Reasonable cover charges and many free shows. February 3-13, 2011 Metro Charleston, South Carolina.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival-Selected By the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event. January 30, 2011, Boone Hall Plantation.(843) 577-4030
The 26th Annual Charleston Boat Show at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex held January 21-23, 2011. Boats and water equipment from 30 of the most popular dealers in America.
Southeastern Tourism Society-Charleston Wildlife Exposition-When: February 18 - 20, 2011. Where: Charleston, South Carolina. What: The largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation, SEWE offers something for everyone.-Purchase tickets
Old City Jail-Good stories and a great tour located at 21 Magazine St, Charleston, SC. Bulldog Tours is located at 40 North Market St, Charleston, SC or call 843-722-8687

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on Charleston blog Vacation Rick of Charleston. Become a follower and subscriber. Thank you.