This article I am going to head down along the coast to our southern neighbor. I first heard of this place while watching a fishing program. The place is St. Simons Island. St. Simons Island is one of four barrier islands on the 100 mile-long coast of Georgia on the Atlantic Ocean. Travelers are drawn to the islands for their beaches, wetlands, sub-tropical forests, and water recreation every year. Its elite resorts are frequented by some of the nations wealthiest families.

The first inhabitants of St. Simons lived there during fishing season about 2,000 BCE. Later the island was inhabited by a coastal tribe of Indians who became known as the Timucuan and related groups called Mocama and Guale. They were present when the island saw its first Europeans, likely the Spanish, who founded missions there. With the establishment of Charles Towne, the Spanish influence on the island became threatened and English pirates terrorized the settlements along its coast. Eventually the Timucuans abandoned the island and were absorbed by the Yamassees in Florida. English colonists cultivated the island for rice and cotton that was worked by large populations of African slaves, who created the unique Gullah culture. The island since the early 20th century has been developed as a resort community.

Ocean Lodge, just a few short steps from the ocean, is detailed to give your stay the look and feel of being immersed in the traditions of Old World Italy. It has fifteen spacious and well-appointed ocean view guest rooms. Each room is detailed with the romance and mystique of European villas with a full kitchen, separate bedroom area, and beautifully furnished sitting space all open onto your own private verandahall. All are equiped with large-screen televisions and WiFi. Ocean Lodge also features a rooftop terrace and lounge.

Enjoy a massage from their certified massage therapist, take a bike ride on the beach, enjoy a workout, play a round of golf, or go boating. To top it all off, it is ideally located close to St. Simon’s finest restaurants, and the historic lighthouse. If you decide to venture away from all the luxurious amenities of Ocean Lodge, you can stroll about the shops in the quaint village of St. Simons. Read the reviews from Tripadvisor.-Vacation Rick Travel

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

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.

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.

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.

The other day I was out on the golf course enjoying the warm Charleston sunshine. Once in awhile you cross paths with other golfers going from fairway to fairway at which time you engage in some small talk. As our foursome walked past another group dressed in windbreakers and sweaters one of them said, "Northeners", at which we inquired, "Why do you say so?" "Who else would be wearing shorts and shirts on a cold day," he replied. My companion golphers all chuckled a bit and as we walked to the next tee we looked at each other and said, "Southeners."

Here's a little bit of irony when it comes to southern living. Homes in mild winter climates are especially vulnerable to frozen pipes. Why you may ask? Because they tend to have plumbing in exterior walls, attics, crawl spaces and other unheated or unprotected areas. Already this week nighttime temperatures have dropped down into the 20's. So, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the pipes in your home.

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

Charleston is settling into fall and making preparations for the coming brief southern winter us northeners amusingly refer to as nothing more than a late fall or early spring. People are exchanging bathing suits for sweaters, so the beaches are less crowded. Only the hardy soul is willing to take a dip into the cooling waters at the Isle of Palms or catch one more curl off the shores of Folly Beach. As warm weather activities on shore are winding down the cooler intercoastal waters are creating an opportunity of another sort.

Just ask Captain Marvie Benford of Benford Fishing Charters and he will tell you the time is right. The spottails are going on a frenzie because they too are making preparations for the winter soon to come. Marvie is new to the charter business, but not new to Charleston saltwater fishing. Although a young captain, having fished the Charleston waters for years, he is very familiar and well educated on the hot spots and techniques of Charleston coastal fishing. To top it off, you cannot beat the enthusiasm he brings to the fishing sport business.

Benford Charters first excursion, a group from Wisconsin, was a major success. The group caught 25 spottails. Four reds ranged from 26 inches to 30 inches. As an added bonus, they caught six sheepshead navigating around docks and a few trout. They fished the outgoing tide, in the morning, and all the reds were caught on cut mullet or live shrimp on the bottom and under a cajun thunder popping cork. Personally speaking, I have fished other charters in the Charleston area and have been disappointed. Catching 25 spottails in one morning, I would have been ecstatic.

Charleston waters contain plenty of structure and plenty of opportunity for the enthusiastic angler. Couple that with home grown experience and you have a killer combination. For reservations contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Captain Marvie Benford at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 843-729-8079 and tell him Vacation Rick sent you. Spottail bass or red drum are probably one of South Carolina's most sought after fish and are plentiful in Charleston waters. Set the hook and keep your rod tip up.-Vacation Rick of Charleston.

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

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.

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.