"Tickets please." "May I show you to your seat." "Enjoy the performance." There is something nostalgic and exhilarating about attending live stage performances at old theaters. Originally from Northeastern Ohio, I periodically took the short thirty mile trek into the theater district of Cleveland called Playhouse Square and saw performances like the Lion King, Phantom Of the Opera, Cats, Starlight Express, and the Invisible Man. The architecture was stunning, the atmosphere was electric, everything exudes the feel of cultural distinction and gratification.

If you are willing to step out of the box when it comes to movie entertainment and cinema going to try some live theater look no further than the Dock Street Theater in the French Quarter of Charleston. The Dock Street Theater had been closed since 2007 and for the past three years underwent a multi-million dollar transformation and re-opened March 2010 ready to dazzle and gratify its patrons with a taste of Broadway.

The original Dock Street Theater opened in 1736. It was the the first building designed for theatrical use in the Americas. Quite a privileged distinction that sets it apart from all other theaters. One month after the theater was opened the name of Dock Street was officially changed to Queen Street, but the theater retained its original name. The building had numerous uses during the next 200 years. In the 19th-century it was replaced by Planter's Hotel where wealthy planters stayed during Charleston's horse-racing season, but in time became a derelict building and nothing more than a shell. In the 1930's it went through a restoration and the theater was in business again until it closed in 2007 when a full-scale renovation brought the historic theater into the 21st century with state-of-the-art lighting and sound.

There will be a benefit performance for Charleston Stage July 31st starring Michael Emerson of ABC's "Lost" and Carrie Preston of HBO's sizzling show "True Blood" in the Broadway hit "Love Letters". This will mark their return to the theater and kickoff the 2010-11 season with a full list of scheduled performances such as "Hairspray" in September, Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" in October, "Blue" in January, and "The Original Peter Pan" in March and April of 2011.

Put on your best, rent a limo, pop some bubbly, and strut your stuff for an evening of enchantment at the historic Dock Streeet Theater. Make it a complete package by reserving a place at one of the tables of Charleston's fine restaurants such as Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Mercato, Halls Chophouse, Bocci's, High Cotton Maverick Bar & Grill, or Magnolias to name a few. Dock Street Theater is located at 135 Church Street.-Vacation Rick Travel

Can you answer: What drink was first introduced at the Planter's Hotel?

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. 

Some of the best fishing in the Lowcountry can be found right off the shores of our very own Charleston. Just ask Marvie Benford, a local fisherman, who knows the waters like the back of his hand. When not working you will find him cruising the big blue looking for the next big strike. But with today's technology finding it can be easy, the challenge is catching it. No problem for Marvie. If it lives in the ocean and has gills and scales he will find it and catch it.

When I first came to Charleston I spent three hundred dollars for a fishing charter that took us around the inner coastal waters by the Isle of Palms. It turned out to be a huge disappointment because we didn't get a single strike, not even a nibble the whole three hours. The guide even tried for some shark and we still came up empty handed. "We are going to catch something?", was the constant inquiry. Probably could have caught something right off the pier for the price of a dozen shrimp or a bucket of menhaden where the boat was moored. The disappointment was not due to the fact there wasn't any fish, there was plenty of fish. It unfortunately was our guide whom we came to find out was from Boston and new to the area.

Three years later I was invited to go on another charter. This time it was free because my friend payed for it, so if I didn't catch anything, at least I wouldn't feel like I just got my pockets picked. When we headed down to the pier the boat looked eerily familiar and, lo and behold, it was the same guide. I didn't say a word about our previous encounter, but the look of concern on my face was evident to my friend. At least this time he looked more like a fishing guide than a salesman from Boston and we did catch alot of shark in the bay that day trailing behind the shrimp trollers scourering the waters. So, the lesson is make sure you get a good charter with an experienced guide like Marvie, and you will not be disappointed.

Spot-tail Bass are probably one of South Carolina's most sought after fish and are plentiful in Charleston waters. Spanish Mackerel arrive in the spring and stay until fall. From spring through fall, the Flounder is a highly prized catch. King Mackerel are excellent fighters on light tackle and are caught trolling the offshore structure and wrecks. The Jack Crevalle show up in Charleston around the beginning of June. Other species are Bluefish, Bonito, Spotted Seatrout, and Sheepshead. Set the hook and keep your rod tip up. For detailed information on fishing in Charleston and a list of charters visit Charleston Fishing.-Vacation Rick Travel

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on blog Vacation Rick. Check out all the other articles.