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.

Fall is here. The air has cooled signicantly since the hot and humid summer ended and Charleston area residents are packing out the events around town. Activities at Boone Hall have seen large, overwhelming crowds from The Taste of Charleston to the Boone Hall Fright Nights. Next in line, The 2010 Coastal Carolina Fair is set to kickoff beginning October 28. Fun, food(get your gyros and elephant ears), rides, and live entertainment will be non-stop all the way to the end on November 6.

It is the 54th edition of the fair, the first fair was in 1957. It is run by the Exchange Club of Charleston and through its 250+ active members, donates over 20,000 volunteer hours each year to maintain and operate the fair. Home to the Coastal Carolina Fair is the Exchange Park in Ladson off of Highway 78 which is owned and operated by the Exchange Club of Charleston. There will be 67 ride attractions provided by Amusements of America & The Exchange Club of Charleston. Also, various stages throughout the park where live entertainment is scheduled. Not to leave unmentioned are the countless vendors who will be displaying their wares from the hot and spicy to the sweet and cold.

Events and Attractions:

Lake front Stage-Thurs. Oct. 28 country singer Phil Vassar. Easton Corbin Sat. Oct. 30. On Halloween, Colt Ford. The schedule also features Uncle Kracker, Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder, former American Idol contestant Danny Gokey, classic Southern rock band .38 Special, and Percy Sledge. The Coasters, the Platters, and the Marvelettes-close the concert series on Sat. Nov. 6. Dates and times

Parkway Stage-Featured everyday is the Coastal Carolina Fair talent Search. The Best Legs Contest on Wednesday November 3rd at 1:00pm. Raiders Cheerleaders On November 1st at 6:00pm. Click here for the long list of events.

The Gazebo Lawn will feature Sea Lion Splash and The Gazebo Stage will feature comedic hypnotist Terrance B.

Photography Contest with three divisions. Division I-professional photographers (those who work full or part time in photography) and accomplished amateurs. Division II-amateurs of all ages. Division III-high school, middle school and elementary school age. Rules and awards.

Fireworks over the lake nightly.

Ticket prices

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

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.

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.

One of my favorite Seinfeld episodes was the "Soup Nazi". "No Soup for you!" When I recall that I think of Ladles and not because of the catch phrase, but because their soup is so good it makes you knees go weak, or maybe just a little bit weak. Anyways, if you haven't visited Ladles and sampled the soups as of yet, give it a try. I have been a regular customer since I discovered them and Ladles wedding soup has been a personal favorite.

Ladles Homemade Soups is a locally owned and operated restaurant filling a special niche in the areas market. Stop in at one of several locations throughout the Charleston area. The Summerville location is convenient for me, at the corner of Main and West Richardson, next to Town Hall. The restaurant is small and unpretentious. The menus are simple and uncluddered. You can sit down or take it with you. You can order combination soup/salad or soup/sandwich. You can order whole sandwiches and salads.

An informal setting ideal for meeting up with someone for a chat and a quick lunch. Afterwards, do a little shopping or just take a relaxing stroll around downtown Summerville. The old Summerville Theater on the Square is right across the street. The historic plantations on 61 are about twenty-five minutes away. Woodlands Resort and Inn is only five minutes away.

Other Ladles locations around Charleston include West Ashley: 3125 Bees Ferry Road located at the corner of Bees Ferry Road and Highway 61, John's Island: 190 Gardeners Circle in Freshfields Village at the crossroads of Kiawah & Seabrook, and soon to open in Mt Pleasant. If you are interested they are offering franchises. "Yes, there is soup for you."-Vacation Rick Travel

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

Charleston has become a favored tourist attraction and destination over the years. Rich with history, sandy beaches, walking tours, ghost tours, carriage rides, galleries, museums, shopping, and of course, fine dining. Charleston has become "one of the South's important culinary capitals."

It has a long list of restaurants and eateries offering a variety of cuisines blended with Charleston's own multicultural heritage. Bocci's has become one of my favorite and for a nice lunch and brew outside on the sidewalk, Southend Brewery. The Pavilion Bar on the rooftop of the Market Pavilion Hotel offers a scenic view of the Market and Charleston Bay at night. The night breeze, the achoholic tease, some light conversation please, are all a part of the experience. No doubt you have your own favorite, but the common fascination is Charleston.

Charleston at one time was not the bustling attraction it is today. Here are some interesting facts you may not know. The Vendue Inn and Rooftop Bar in the lengendary French Quarter was a warehouse. The Magnolias on East Bay Street was a building with its windows knocked out and full of debris before its renovation. Charleston Place and Charleston Grill on Meeting Street was a huge, sandy lot where a JCPenney once stood. Bocci's was built in 1867-1868 by the Molony family and home to Charleston’s first Irish Pub. Hurricane Hugo came calling on Sept. 21, 1989, hammering the Lowcountry with 135-mph winds and washing through downtown with 15 feet of seawater. Since Hugo, Charleston rapidly was transformed into the attraction-destination it is today. Between 1995 and 2000, some 2,600 new hotel rooms opened in Charleston County giving proof of that growth in the travel market.

Cypress, Robert's, Magnolias, SNOB, High Cotton, Grill 225 are just a small sampling from a long list of fine dining Charleston offers to its visitors. What I like is how each establishment utilized the old characteristics of its buildings interior and structure to create the feeling that its heritage was respected and thoughtfully preserved along with a balanced blend of the new. SNOB, Post and Courier's "Restaurant of the Year" 2006, did not get that name because it is uppity and presumptuous. The service is friendly and top notch. It is the acronym for Slightly North of Broad.

SNOB features an open kitchen, but don't be dissappointed if you don't get a table with a view, the food is all the same. Award-winning executive chef Frank Lee and his staff's use of local and seasonal ingredients make the Maverick brand of southern cooking what you will come to love and bring you back time and time again.

If you read the reviews on SNOB the majority are upbeat and positive spattered with a few negatives. C'est la vie, you can't please everyone, and let's face the facts, not all palates are the same. Oh, by-the-way, SNOB was an old 19th century warehouse. Location: 192 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC. Also, try High Cotton and Old Village Post House. Bon appetit. Suggestion, check out  Pat Conroy's South of Broad Walking Tour .-Vacation Rick Travel

Article first written by Rick Dunbar on Vacation Rick blog. Check out all the other articles and travel ads.

Top down drive to the beach weather is here. Folly Beach is a favorite destination for sun bathers and surfers alike. Locals refer to it as the "Edge of America", which makes sense since it is on the coast of Eastern United States. It is more than just sand to park yourself on to get a tan or a place to catch a curl in the wild blue, it is rich with history, good food, and good times.

When we think of the word folly foolishness comes to mind as a likely meaning, but folly actually is an English word meaning an area of dense foilage. Folly was referred to as "Coffin Land" on a 1780 map, but a map dated 1800 shows "Coffin Land" as the western end of Folly Island where the State Park is now. It was customary for ships with plague or cholera victims to leave the ill travelers on barrier islands before they entered the Charleston port and pick them up later if they were still alive. The ship Amelia wrecked on Folly Island while sailing from New York to New Orleans in 1832. In 1930’s the new Atlantic Pavilion, Boardwalk, Pier and Oceanfront Hotel were built, but in 1957 The Oceanfront Hotel and Pavilion and Joe’s Restaurant burned. The Holiday Inn now stands on the spot. The island played a part in the Civil War. The first surfboard on the island was introduced by Pat Thomas.

Now the fun begins. If you like to fish there is a 1,045 foot fishing pier that hosts fishing tournaments...and you can rent everything you need at the shop on the Pier. Plenty of sand to place you towel or chair upon to take in the rays or read a book. If you are so inclined, take a walk to the tip of the island past the state park and watch the fast moving currents flow in and out of the channel. You may catch a glimpse of a dolphin cruising the rapidly surging waters appearing as if it is stationary in the current. If you have a boat or a jet ski, beach it on the backside of the island and have a picnic. The surfing is some of the best on the east coast and Folly hosts a number of surf events throughout the year.

Looking for a place to stay for more than a day? Accommodations range from charming cottages, modern beach houses, to affordable condominiums and a luxury hotel. You can stay at Water's Edge Inn, top rated by Conde Nast Traveler, or the Holiday Inn. Plenty of ocean front vacation homes to choose from for the all-around package.

When hunger strikes you after a day on the beach there are a variety of restaurants such as Rita's Seaside Grille, Locklear's Beach City Grill, Folly Beach Crab Shack, and BLU Restaurant with an ocean view and delectable food. Folly Beach recreational activities include kayaking, jet ski rentals, parasailing, boat charters, and whatever else.

Charleston is only minutes away with one of America’s premier downtown historic districts. Angel Oak Park, just a short drive from Folly Beach, is home to "the oldest tree east of the Mississippi." Well, you get the picture. Visit Folly Beach for a day or a week. You may see me there, Vacation Rick. Please don't forget to say hello, southern style.

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on Vacation Rick blog. Check out all my past blogs or just say hello.-Visit Vacation Rick Travel

When I moved to the Summerville area of South Carolina and first heard the name Cypress Gardens mentioned as a place to visit, Florida automatically came to mind. Little did I know, at the time, there was a Cypress Gardens right here in the surrounding area of Charleston. So, I checked it out. No glass bottom boats will you find there and if you are also thinking the Florida connection, I have come to learn the Cypress Gardens of Florida is now closed, but the Cypress Gardens of South Carolina, is alive and doing great.

Spring is an ideal time to visit Cypress Gardens with its beautiful azaleas in bloom along with a host of other wildflowers common to the area. Birds and butterflies too numerous to mention in a blog also begin to make their presense known as the weather begins to warm in the month of March and continuing on into April when the azaleas are at their peek and the dogwoods abundant with color. Every month from there on out will bring its own steady procession of plants in bloom and new arrivals of the bird kingdom as well as butterflies and a host of other wildlife, including the earth-shaking bellowings of the territorial, breeding alligator in June.

Cypress Gardens is composed of approximately 80 acres of open swamp filled with bald cypress and water tupelo trees and 3.5 miles of beautiful nature trails for you to explore. Flat-bottom boats that hold 4-6 people are provided for your use to be paddled along a marked route through the shallow swamp. You can listen to a guide tell about the swamps history and its aquatic residents. A large greenhouse called the Butterfly House filled with flowering plants, live butterflies, birds, a pond, an arthropod exhibit, and an observation beehive is located on sight along with the Swamparium, an aquarium/reptile center, with tanks and terrariums featuring fish, amphibians, and reptiles (including venomous snakes) native to the swamp and nearby waterways. As you leisurely walk the trails you will find interpretive and plant identification signs all along their route widing around the black water swamp.

Cypress Gardens has been featured in numerous national magazines. It has hosted over 16 major movies and television series. While taking the guided tour through the swamp I learned various swamp scenes in the movie, "The Patriot", were filmed there. Other notable movies were "North and South", "Cold Mountain", and "The Notebook". On the humerous side, who would have thought "Swamp Thing" was also filmed in its swamp. Go figure. Engage youself in a challenge. Visit Cypress Gardens and then rent the movies out to see if you can identify those particular scenes.

Beautiful Cypress Gardens in Berkeley County, South Carolina is worth your time and be sure to bring your camera. Check upcoming events, admission, and directions. Located at 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd., Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Phone: 843-553-0515.-Vacation Rick Travel

Article by Rick Dunbar first featured on blog Vacation Rick-Check out more places to go and things to do.