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.

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. Ascend the plantation home's porch stairs and enter its doors. 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 the house is Drayton Hall's spaces grow progressively taller, meaning the ceiling heights change from the raised basement to the first floor and on 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 unknown 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, and you will also learn 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 8:30 am; 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
Vacation Rick Travel

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on vacation blog Vacation Rick. Check out all the articles on things to see and do in Charleston and everywhere else. Have a great Charlestonian day.

If you are looking for an unusual place to vacation and checking out accommodations think Long Beach, CA and the Queen Mary. This is a cruise ship that never leaves port, so you don't have to worry about getting sea sick. The reason, this vintage ship has been permanently moored in Long Beach since 1967 and was turned into a floating hotel. The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In World War II it was called the "Grey Ghost" and Winston Churchhill stayed on board.

The Queen Mary has 314 staterooms that have been converted into modern guestrooms, but if you want to experience a bit of the past glory of the ship there are suites that retain their original Art Deco ambiance. There are six different award winning restaurants, cafes, and bars on board with views of the ocean and city skyline. The Sir Winston, a five star restaurant, is known for great service and creative cuisine. The Observation Bar is a Southern California landmark with lively entertainment. The Grand Salon, the ship's original first-class dining room, has a special Sunday Brunch. Tibbies Cabaret offers delicious cuisine along with a critically-acclaimed, "Broadway-Cabaret" style show.

Ship attractions include historical tours, and for some scary fun, ghost tours, because the ship has a haunting dark side to its past. Haunted Encounters Tour takes you on a guided tour of the ship's most haunted areas while the tour guide reveals the stories of the Queen Mary's most famous reported ghosts. Queen Mary also has a interactive special effects show called Ghosts & Legends featuring spooky animations of the ship's haunted past. Increase the mystery and fun by taking the nighttime tours.

Since you can leave the ship at your leisure take time and explore the city of Long Beach with its many attractions. Aquarium of the Pacific, Downtown Shoreline Marina and Village, the Pike at Rainbow Harbor are featured places to explore with entertainment, shopping, and restaurants. Long Beach is a bicycle friendly city where you and your family can explore the waterfront and city by bike. Check out Bike Long Beach for biking fun. Upcoming events of notice include the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which takes place April 16-18, 2010. The 15th Annual All Toyotafest is scheduled for May 8, 2010. The Queen Mary Park will be packed with over 370+ Toyota products (including Scion and Lexus). Featured vehicles include- modified, restored, hybrid, and all-original Toyota products.

Long Beach Airport ranked in the top five for lowest average domestic air fares in the nation. So, hop on a jet at your local airport and take off to Long Beach and experience the Queen Mary. Queen Mary can be found at 1126 Queen's Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802.-Vacation Rick Travel for travel information.

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on blog Vacation Rick.