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 It wasn't repealed until 1933.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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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.

FIREFLY VODKA SERVING UP "COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE" WITH THE SPA AT CHARLESTON PLACE
TO INCREASE MELANOMA AWARENESS 


Charleston, S.C. (November 24,2010) --  Cocktails anyone? Firefly Vodka is teaming up with The Spa at Charleston Place to raise awareness about melanoma and skin cancer on Thursday, December 2 from 5:30-8:00 p.m at "Cocktails for a Cause" at The Spa at Charleston Place. The soiree cocktail party is part of the “I Will Reflect” Melanoma Awareness and Prevention Initiative to help educate Charleston residents about the dangers of melanoma and tips for prevention.

Cost of admission is $25 per person and a limited number of tickets available with all proceeds from the ticket sales and auction to benefit the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation’s Department of Dermatology. To purchase tickets call The Spa at Charleston Place call 843-937-8522 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The event will include the unveiling of a signature Spa at Charleston Place Firefly Cocktail, a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences and items, signature nail polish change and more. The Spa at Charleston Place and Firefly Vodka have set a fundraising goal of $5,000 for the event. If the goal is reached, Firefly co-founder Scott Newitt and his wife will donate an additional $2,500 to the cause.

What: Cocktails for a Cause
When: Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Where: The Spa at Charleston Place, 4th Floor, Charleston Place Hotel, 205 Meeting Street
Tickets: 843-937-8522 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve your tickets today, limited number available

The Spa at Charleston Place’s “I Will Reflect” initiative is part of a worldwide cause founded by SpaFinder in response to the fact that nearly every hour one American dies of melanoma, yet early detection increases a person’s survival rate significantly. In its third year, the campaign has expanded its efforts to create widespread awareness about prevention and early melanoma detection throughout Charleston.

According to www.cancer.net, "In 2010, an estimated 68,130 adults (38,870 men and 29,260 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma. It is estimated that 8,700 deaths (5,670 men and 3,030 women) from this disease will occur this year.Melanoma accounts for less than 5% of skin cancer cases and a majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer among men and the seventh most common cancer in women. Sometimes, melanoma is found in children and teenagers. Melanoma rates are more than 10 times higher in white people than black people, and has been increasing in young white women (ages 15-39) and in white adults older than 65."

Please join us for this great event on December 2, 2010.

About Firefly Distillery
Firefly Distillery is located on Wadmalaw Island, thirty miles South of Charleston, South Carolina and is the largest distillery in the state. The distillery currently produces Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, four Sweet Tea Vodka Flavors: Lemon, Raspberry, Mint and Peach, Firefly Handcrafted Vodka, Sweet Tea Bourbon and Sea Island Rums. Remember this ain’t your Grandma’s Sweet Tea!
For more information visit:  www.fireflyvodka.com.

The rythmic clip-clop of the horses hoofs sets the tone for a nostalgic trip back to simpler, more gential times of Charleston's past. The horse drawn carriage makes its way onto East Battery. The elevated walkway along the waterfront of East Battery stretches on ahead, a beautiful vantage point for taking in the scenery of Charleston Bay. Our attention is quickly diverted to a house on the right of us, a house with a split personality. Half is Roman architecture and the other half Greek. All listen intently as the story is told about how this unusual collaboration came about.

This is only a brief description of what the Charleston waterfront from The South Carolina Aquarium to White Point Gardens in Battery Park offers in the way of entertaining activity, relaxing sightseeing strolls, and historic tours. The panarama includes the Ravenal Bridge, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown docked at Patriot's Point, Sullivan's Island and Fort Moultrie, Pinckney Castle, Fort Sumter, and on around South Battery overlooking James Island.

South Carolina Aquarium-Visitors can explore Southern aquatic life in an attraction filled with thousands of enchanting creatures and plants in amazing habitats, from five major regions of the Appalachian Watershed. Meet the Aquarium’s newest reptile resident, an albino alligator.

Fort Sumter Tours/SpiritLine Cruises-Offers a tour of Fort Sumter beginning with a museum tour detailing the history, cruises of Charleston Bay, and three-hour dinner cruises.

Waterfront Park-An eight-acre park and pier along the Charleston Harbor entry. The park masterfully combines spectacular fountains, spacious lawns, intimate garden "rooms", walking and jogging path and a long pier with picnic tables and wooden swings. The Pineapple Fountain located here represents the welcoming hospitality for which Charleston is so well known.

Battery and White Point Gardens-Provides a spectacular view of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor. It boasts many large oak trees, a bandstand, a few memorials, and pieces of artillery. Historical point: Scene of some famous hangings of pirates.

Edmondston-Alston House-Offers tours and a sweeping view of the harbor from its location on Charleston's High Battery. Built in 1825 by merchant Charles Edmondston, Greek revival details were added in 1838 by Charles Alston.

Two Meeting Street Inn-A Charleston bed and breakfast hotel advertised as the oldest and most recognized Charleston inn. Located in prestigious South Battery at White Point Gardens.

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on travel blog Vacation Rick of Charleston. Check out all the articles on things to see and do in Charleston and everywhere else.

Passport 72 invites you to join us on Friday, October 29th in the ballroom of the prestigious Harbour Club in downtown Charleston for an exciting evening of mystery, intrigue and giving we are calling A Global Masquerade.

The event will mix the allure of an elegant, internationally-themed masquerade ball with exciting silent and live auctions offering unique gifts including exotic travel vacations, local college sports memorabilia and adventurous outings. Throughout the evening, a delicious array of pastas, salads, seafood and hand-carved meats will be served. The combination of good food, spirited auctions and generous people is sure to make A Global Masquerade the event to attend this Halloween season.

The doors to the Harbour Club ballroom will swing open promptly at 7:00 p.m., inviting you to step back into a forgotten time of elegance and intrigue. In step with the events theme, masks and internationally-themed costumes are highly encouraged. Ticket prices are $50 per person, which includes entry to the event, delicious fare and one free drink ticket, redeemable for wine, beer or mixed drinks. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will also be available. Your ticket will also enter you into an exclusive door prize raffle!

I hope you’ll join us on October 29th.. Your attendance at this event will create a life-cycle of giving that benefits several charities right here in the lowcountry – many of which will be on hand the night of the event to share their diverse causes and experiences with our guests.

Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for tickets or more information

Charleston has carriage rides, sightseeing helicopter rides, scenic harbor cruises, and a host of ghost tours. All of them are dedicated to acquainting you to the charm and wonder that is historic Charleston. But if you want to get an intimate, up close look at the Holy City, the walking tours are the best way to go. The guides are knowledgeable and entertaining.

It was on a walking tour I first learned about the strange green bouncy rocking boards found all over Charleston called the joggling board. Also learned some of the more intimate details of the homes and families of Charleston past that I didn't get on the carriage rides.

The Nathaniel Russell House has a self-supporting elliptical spiral staircase that ascends three floors and is an example of the ingenuity and craftmanship typical of early Charleston. There are two notable stories associated with the Edmondston-Alston House. I will only tell you one has to do with Fort Sumter and the other Robert E. Lee. Book the tour for the fine points. Both houses are part of the walking tours.

Ednondston-Alston House

Want to learn about and sample Charleston cuisine? Schedule a culinary tour featured by Bulldog Tours. The guides will immerse you in the history of Charlestons unique southern cuisine while you walk and taste your way through local eateries, markets, bakeries, restaurants, and culinary landmarks. You will also get a behind the scenes look into top chef’s kitchens and the fine dining establishments at which they conjour up their own unique creations. Bulldog Tours offer two different culinary tours.

There are tours aplenty, something for everyone. Tours designed to raise the hairs on the back of your neck from a little innocent scare and tours to raise your eyebrows as your learn about the seedier side of Charleston's history laced with stories of brothels, prostitutes, corruption, crime, scandal, and sordid affairs, an uncensored glimpse meant for adults only. Also, a tour where you can raise a glass of cold brew. All have one common thread, to inform and entertain. All tours last anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.-Vacation Rick Travel

-Bulldog Tours-Savor the Flavors Tours of Downtown Charleston and Chef's Kitchen Tours of Charleston

-The Original Charleston Walks-offer the greatest variety of routes, historical themes, utter historical accuracy, and the most outstanding guides in Charleston.

-Charleston Strolls-Home to Charleston's first and finest walking tour.

-Dark Side of Charleston-Take an uncensored look at Charleston's true history.

-“Charleston – Behind The Scenes Tour” with John LaVerne - $1,000 per person-This is really decadent.

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on travel blog Vacation Rick. Check all the articles on things to see and do in Charleston and beyond.

We all like to be entertained with a good scare once in awhile. Remember the fun times sitting in a semi-dark room on a stormy night or around a crackling campfire taking turns at telling scary stories and seeing who could come up with the most sinister plot. That was how Mary Shelley gave birth to her first novel now known as "Frankenstein".

Sorrel-Weed House

While vacationing on Lake Geneva, Switzerland, Mary and her friends amused themselves by reading German ghost stories, prompting a suggestion they each write their own supernatural tale. Mary's scary tale was conceived in a waking dream she had one night. She wrote a short story about her horrific dream and later expanded it into the famous novel. Needless to say, her story took the honor of being the scariest tale that infamous night.

Looking for inspiration for a winning scary novel? Savannah was dubbed by The American Institute of Parapsychology as "America's Most Haunted City". The Sorrel-Weed House at 6 W Harris Street at Madison Square was featured on Ghost Hunters and is one of the top ten creepiest places in America. Be sure to take the 10:30pm tour for the greatest affect, if you dare.

Charleston's darker side can most certainly fuel the imagination and inspiration for a winning frightful tale. Travel Channel designated Charleston "America's Most Haunted Places". Take an inside look at Charleston's haunted Old City Jail, enter the Provost Dungeon, or visit Poogan's Porch where Zoe makes her presence known. Walk the streets, bars, and cemeteries while the guides of Bulldog Tours amuse you with the tales and stories of the not so holy side of the Holy City.

Take your search for nighttime fun and storytelling entertainment a step further and consider what the Footlight Theatre has to offer October 28, 29 30 and November 4, 5, 6 at 9pm. "The Weir" by Conor McPherson will be presented by the Footlight Players. "The Weir" takes place in a small tavern in rural Ireland where local men swap spook stories in an attempt to impress a young woman who recently moved into a nearby "haunted" house, but the tables get turned on them when she tells a tale of her own. Old-fashioned story telling guaranteed to send chills up your spine. Ticket price ranges $10-$15. Footlight Players Theatre is located at 20 Queen Street.-Vacation Rick Travel Charleston

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on travel blog Vacation Rick. Check out all the articles on things to see and do in Charleston and beyond.

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

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on travel blog Vacation Rick of Charleston. Check out all the articles on things to see and do in Charleston and beyond.

Charleston Jaycees present 3rd Annual Bachelor Bid Bash on Saturday, August 7  from 7pm-11pm...

Where:Music Farm, 32 Ann St.,Downtown Charleston

Why:To Benefit Jaycee Camp Hope supports Mentally Challenged kids and Adults since 1969 with a unique summer camp experience.*Auctioning off hottest guys and gals of the Lowcountry includes silent auction*

Ticket Prices include Hors d’oeuvres

General Admission (CASH Bar)-In Advance: $10-At Door: $15

VIP Ticket: $35 (OPEN Bar)

Buy your tickets today thru ETIX!

www.bachelorbidbash.org

Facebook/Charleston Bachelor Bid Bash

“After PARTY at O-Ku”

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. It 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 the old house that was built in 1888 turned restaurant in 1976 bearing his name. He presided over the renovations and greeted the first happy customers. The porch was his favorite part of the house, like alot of Charlestonians, so the name Poogan's Porch. Its the American Dream at its best. 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 way and wanders around making mischief in the kitchen bagging pots and pans, so the story goes. The Travel Channel voted the restaurant "Third Haunted Place in America" in 2003. It has become 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 bit fun about dining in a restaurant that once was a home. Poogan's Porch is all 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 carries 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.-Vacation Rick Travel

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on vacation blog Vacation Rick. Check out all the articles on things to see and do in Charleston and beyond.