Charleston is bursting at the seams with things to see and do, "its where history lives". That's what so appealing about it, the way Charleston has preserved its heritage. Even though fall has settled in on the Holy City and winter will be slipping in from behind, January is an ideal time for residents to get reaquainted with their local favorites, and at discounted prices. Its time to Be A Tourist In Your Own Town.

Be A Tourist In Your Own Town is free one-time admission to 28 area attractions and discounts at 22 restaurants during the month of January 2011. The program is designed for South Carolina residents of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. You can buy individual passes for $20 or family passes for $50. The family pass is good for four people of any age. The odd thing about the family pass is the four people don't even have to be related to each other, but they do have to be locals. The only other catch is all four must also be present to take advantage of the program. You can purchase your pass at official Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston, or Kiawah Island Visitor Centers.

So, take advantage of this yearly opportunity to re-visit your favorites such as Cypress Gardens where January is the peak of the camellia bloom and winter-nesting bald eagles are often sighted overhead. How about taking another walk in the gardens of Magnolia Plantation, stroll the grounds of Middleton Place, and tour Drayton Hall. You would normally associate bisan with the west, but when you visit the natural habitat zoo at Charles Towne Landing you will learn they were indigenous to South Carolina at one time. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, The Powder Magazine, Charleston Tea Plantation, and The Center for Birds of Prey are all on the list including some you may not yet had the opportunity to visit.

How about picking one restuarant a week to dine at such as Blu Restaurant & Bar, Bocci's Italian Restaurant, Tommy Condon's Irish Pub, 82 Queen, or Southend Brewery and Smokehouse to name a few and enjoy the savings. For complete list of restaurants and attractions click here. It's an exceptional value for newer residents who want to get acquainted with Charleston and its history. See you around town.

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

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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.