Red Siren Films and a fun group of Charleston locals have come together to create Carolina Shore, a parody of the beloved MTV series Jersey Shore.  With lots of on-screen fights and off-screen love affairs, this series of short films on youtube is chock full of  the kind of characters you’d find waay south of the Mason-Dixon line.  I just happen to be one of the newest additions to the Carolina Shore House.  Here is some behind the scenes footage I was able to snag between takes.  Be sure to watch last “season” down below for a few laughs and to get caught up on the drama that is Carolina Shore.

The resort now caters to everyone and every occassion. Couples who are looking for romance, families looking for together time, tennis players and golfers, meetings, weddings and celebrations. Specials and packages are available throughout the year for your convenience and affordability. Wild Dunes offers many accommodation styles, including condo rentals and vacation homes. Choose from six different dining spots from the simple to the elegant. The Grand Pavilion Café & Bar serves sandwiches, snacks, drinks and cocktails with a panoramic view of the ocean. For a suggestion of activities ranked among the best family recreation programs in the country check out Island Adventures.

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on travel blog Vacation Rick.

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

Article 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.

More than a few years ago, before I became a resident of the Charleston area, I vacationed here on several occasions. One year I rented a beach house on the Isle of Palms in the spring with the family and had a fantastic time. Since then the IOP has been my favorite beach in Charleston and frequent it often on hot days, especially around Coconut Joes, but I am jumping alittle ahead in my story and its objective.

A visit before that I was walking around The Market area for the first time taking in the sights and making arrangements for one of the historic carriage rides offered in Charleston. While waiting for the carriage I saw a man hosing down the street creating a kind of foamy-sudsy appearance on the pavement like you would see while topping off a beer. I jokingly remarked, "What are you brewing?" The man turned to me with a look of disdain that nearly shattered my newly developed concept of Southern hospitality and retorted, "Horse piss. What else do you think it is?" I excused his less than cordial demeanor as being either a bad day or he just didn't appreciate my humor. Well, on the carriage ride I found out what his assigned task was when the guide threw a marker into the street where the horse urinated.

Which now brings me to the intent of this article. If you want to get a quick history lesson of the historic district of Charleston and pinpoint areas to return for a more intimate look-see, the carriage rides are one way to achieve it. They are both entertaining and informative. Old South Carriage Co, Olde Towne Carriage Co, Carolina Polo & Carriage Co, and Classic Carriage Tours are four you can choose between.

Old South Carriage Co is billed as the City's only licensed guides in Confederate uniforms. Old South Carriage Company offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee or your money back. Tours depart every 20 minutes from their barn at 14 Anson St.

Olde Towne Carriage Rides is also located on Anson Street. Their carriage lights are now solar-powered. On their website they pose the question-What happens when a horse gets too old to work? Want the answer, book a tour.

Carolina Polo & Carriage Co says it is the only carriage company in the city owned and operated by Charlestonians whose families have been here since the 1600's. Carriage capacity is up to 16 people comfortably. Located at 181 Church Street and 16 Hayne Street.

Classic Carriage Tours promises you a horse drawn carriage tour experience with an eye on the traditions of the past. They feature award winning Percheron Draft Horses that are South Carolina and Georgia State Grand Champions, and also the city's best-trained horses. They are located at 10 Guignard Street off of East Bay Street.-Vacation Rick Travel Charleston for map.

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

The first beach I went to when I visited here was on the Isle of Palms or IOP. As you approach the island via the connector you get a impressive view from the bridge of the back waters and the ocean straight ahead. Finding a parking spot on Ocean Blvd by the pier is a challenge on a sunny, warm summer day when everyone has the same idea as you, going to the beach. The park lot fills up fast also.  Suggestion, get there early.

The area by the pier near Coconut Joe's has always been my favorite. When not taking in the rays there are alot of little shops in that section to peruse and a couple of places to get a refreshment or an ice cream cone. If you desire a brew, go to the upper deck of Coconut Joe's. There is generally live music and a beautiful view of the beach and ocean. An even better time is towards the evening when the sun is going down.

IOP was originally named Hunting Island and then Long Island. It was purchased in 1899 by J.S. Lawrence, who renamed it the Isle of Palms. Seewwee Indians originally occuppied the island and the only other occupants were the pirates who buried their treasures for safekeeping in the deserted dunes and woods. It remained without permanent inhabitants until the late 19th century when the island became recognized by locals of the area as a refuge from the summer heat and tempo of Charleston. Breach Inlet, separating IOP and Sullivan's Island, was the point of departure for the CSS Hunley, the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel. Numerous ships have sunk off the shores of its beach and during Hugo the barrier island was under water. The Isle of Palms Beach and Racquet Club was built in 1975 and later renamed The Wild Dunes Beach and Racquet Club in 1984 and today is simply called Wild Dunes.

Vacation home rentals on the beach are plenty and spacious from condos to cottages, to oceanfront mansions. There are five different hotels and resorts on the island to choose from when looking for accommodations for a night or several. If you like water sports, the IOP Marina has everything you need and fishing charters too. We rented kayaks at the marina and paddled around the intercoastal waters of the island. You get a good look at the villas and mansions along the waterways and a enjoyable dose of nature.

Wild Dunes, Charleston's Island Resort,  is a 1,600-acre oceanfront paradise that features championship golf, nationally ranked tennis, one of the nation's top-ranked family recreation programs, over two miles of pristine beach, and four outstanding resort restaurants. Whether you are a resident or a non-resident, check out the IOP and its seven miles of beach. Map and location.-Vacation Rick Travel

Article first published by Rick Dunbar on Vacation Rick blog. Check out previous entries and subscribe.