EDISTO BEACH STATE PARK

ISLE OF PALMS COUNTY PARK - MT. PLEASANT, SC

One of the first beaches we explored, after we moved to Charleston, was The Isle of Palms.  We parked in the County Park Facility, which was very nice.  The park offered palm tree lined paved sidewalks (as opposed to gravel at other places we have visited), showers and changing areas, picnic areas with grills, and a beachfront children's playground.  They also offered umbrella and chair rentals.  We rented an umbrella for $10, which includes beach set-up. 

We picked our spot, got our gear set-up and kicked back to enjoy a beautiful evening.  We were lucky enough to be there while the South Carolina Aquarium was releasing sea turtles back in the Atlantic.  The kids really enjoyed this.  The turtles had been rescued and cared for at the Aquarium before their release back into the wild.  There were a lot of people who came out to watch the turtle release, and it was really fun to be apart of. 

After the turtle release, a lot of the crowd cleared out, and we enjoyed a really nice evening ocean side.  The kids had fun playing in the surf, and building sand castles.  We typically head out to the beaches early, but we found on this trip that going later in the day, was less crowded, and more relaxing. 

If you are interested in learning more about the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program, visit their link below.
http://scaquarium.org/STR/default.html

 

ISLE OF PALMS PIER

PATRIOTS POINT - MOUNT PLEASANT, SC

FOLLY BEACH - MARCH 2011

One of the nice things about moving South, is of course the warmer climate.  This past March, while my family and friends were still dealing with snow, rain, and ice back home, we were hitting the beach.  The nicest thing to me about Charleston, is that we still have winter, however, the winter months are much milder and February and March here are warming up, and the best time for beach excursions without tourist traffic.  This past March we were getting a bit stir crazy from our Winter routine, so decided to head to Folly Beach for the day.  Along the way I spotted Jack's Cosmic Dogs.  The surf boards sticking out of the building grabbed my attention, so we decided to stop.  To be a Sunday afternoon, in March, the place was hopping.  We enjoyed our cosmic dogs (minus the spicy mustard), and homemade french fries, then helped ourselves to some soft-serve sundaes.  The atmosphere was very laid back, and a perfect place to stop on the way to or from the beach.

   
After our stop at Jack's, we headed on to the beach. We stopped at one of the beachside parking lots.  The cost is $1.00/ per hour.  So we stayed for a couple of hours.  We enjoyed collecting shells, flying kites, and just relaxing by the ocean.  I have found the ocean to be majestic, and peaceful since I was a child.  So living within an hour of such beautiful beaches, makes the Charleston area such a nice choice for myself and my family.

Kaylee and Aunt Tam - Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant, SC

Boone Hall Plantation

My Sister, Daughter, and I recently took a day trip to Boone Hall Plantation, in Mount Pleasant, SC.  Upon entering the grounds, we merged right which took us around a circle driveway which led us through the Avenue of the Oaks, which was quite impressive.  The mile long gravel drive way was lined on each side by hundred year old large oak trees, which had spanish moss hanging through.  This was a very beautiful sight.

The driveway led up the the main house.  Along the road leading to the main quarters were rows of former slave cabins.  Our first stop on our visit was to hop on the tram.  Our tour guide drove us around the plantation and told us the stories of the previous and current owners, and how the plantation came to be.  I found it interesting that the plantation is currently privately owned, and the land is a working farm.  There is a market set-up where you can buy fresh produce grown right on the plantation.  They also host weddings, concerts, and seasonal festivals, like the strawberry festival. 

After our tram tour, we explored the former slave quarters.  Each cabin was set-up with artifacts, and displays depicting life as a slave on a Southern Plantation.  Each cabin had a different theme and narrated exhibits, or videos.  After we toured the cabins, we walked through the butterfly gardens which were in front of the main house.  Even though it was late November, there were still roses and other flowers growing.  I believe the gardens would be a beautiful sight late Spring.

Next on our tour was the main house.  The house is privately owned so we weren't allowed to take pictures of the inside of the house and they only take you on a tour of a few rooms on the bottom floor.  We were taken through the library/music room, which was used for entertaining or family evenings.  The room was filled with old furniture, and a large piano.  The room also had built in book shelves, which housed hundreds of old books.  We then toured the dining area and den.  We exited out the den which led to an outside sitting area, and a large open green space behind the house, which was where the previous owners had people over for polo matches.

After touring the main house, we went for ice cream at the butterfly cafe before heading home.

If you are interested in learning more about Boone Hall Plantation, or thinking about planning a visit.  Their website is:  http://boonehallplantation.com/  Enjoy!