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Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Greater Charleston — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:11:19 +0000

The Folly Beach Fishing Pier at Dusk (click to zoom)

Of all the sites we’ve placed in the “off the beaten path” section of our Must See destinations, the Folly Beach Fishing Pier (and public beach) is probably second only to the Ravenel Bridge for number of annual visitors. Like the bridge, the Folly Beach Pier deserves this designation for the relative lack of visitors considering the beauty and function of this first class structure and public facilities. This is not your grandpa’s fishing pier… though he’d surely love it. Fully equipped with fish cleaning stations, pole holders, and an abundance of benches, the facility is a pier fisherman’s dream. But don’t get us wrong, as the pier is hugely popular with fishing enthusiasts and tourists alike. It simply never feels as crowded as it should be, and it always has plenty of room for visitors to enjoy the sights from the two story observation gazebo that stands tall over the Atlantic at the end of the pier.

The Pier is a fully equipped surfside fisherman's paradise (click to zoom)

And with full public facilities, showers, restaurants, fishing rod rentals, and easy access to Folly Beach in front of the Holiday Inn, there are few reasons not to visit Greater Charleston’s largest and greatest fishing pier. So drive out to Folly and swing by for a walk on the pier on your way to see the Lighthouse… definitely a pair of Must See destinations, and they’re just a couple miles apart. Enjoy the ocean air!

Click Here for full details on the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Click here to see photos of the Folly Beach Fishing Pier in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!

The “Secret” Church

Greater Charleston — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:01:55 +0000

St. James Goose Creek Church is a hidden treasure (click to zoom)

Of all the historic churches in the Greater Charleston area, many are surprised to learn that the most historically interesting and possibly the best preserved of them all is the tiny and obscure Goose Creek Church, also known as St. James Church, as it was originally named when constructed between 1713 and 1719. Walking into the stunning little church is an absolutely amazing experience. Everything is tiny, and proper, and grand, and downright ancient feeling. The small graveyard is equally interesting, and despite being a stone’s throw from a well-traveled Goose Creek thoroughfare (Snake Road), the church and its grounds genuinely feel like they are out in the middle nowhere… in a Carolina swampland, 300 years removed from the cars that zoom by every day.

This same Royal Brittish Coat of Arms above the pulpit saved the church from destruction during the Revolution. (click to zoom)

The church was built by powerful British plantation owners who came to South Carolina from Barbados. They were a politically powerful group who became known as “Goose Creek Men” who contrtolled the major Indian trading post for historic Greater Charlestowne, and their proper little church was clearly made with loving care. The high pew boards and elaborate alter seem strangely imposing for such a tiny building, while the contrasting rough-cut slate floor looks ruggedly sturdy despite it’s arbitrary uneveness. It looks every bit its age. Not only does the structure offer an extraordinary glimpse into early colonial architecture, but the overwhelmingly rich history of the church can truly be “felt” inside and out, giving rise to some of Charleston’s most colorful ghost stories. It is believed that during the revolutionary war circa 1778 the church was saved from destruction by the British Army only because the Royal Brittish Coat of Arms was prominently displayed over the altar directly above the pulpit. Those same exact Coat of Arms are still there today, colorfully on display after nearly three centuries. Even more dramatic, on July 15, 1781 the famous Patriot Wade Hampton made a shocking raid on the church in the middle of Sunday service and arrested several British Loyalists who were members of the congregation. Thanks to the remote and rare authenticity of all the elements of the site, simply standing in the courtyard it’s easy to see and feel that unfold. The church is a registered National Historic Landmark, yet it is part of no tour and is fairly difficult to find… unless of course you use the map below to navigate your way onto Old Snake Road in Goose Creek and venture part of the way by foot.

The carving of a Pelican feeding her young (over the door) symbolized the teaching the Gospel for the early American Church(click to zoom)

We’ve yet to determine when if ever the church is open for “official” tours, but we’re working on that information… so please let us know if you have it! We’re told that the philanthropic group who cares for and sustains the site holds one service in the church every year, surely to celebrate the grand history of the tiny gem, and we’ll do our best to be there the next time that mysterious service takes place.

Click here to see photos of the historic St. James Goose Creek Church in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!

Click Here for encyclopedic information about Goose Creek’s St. James Church

The “Full” Moultrie Experience

Greater Charleston — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:58:55 +0000

Charleston Harbor as Viewed from the beach at Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island (click to zoom)

While many tourists visit the Fort Moultrie National Historic Site and Museum, most fail to venture over the rocks onto the harbor side beachfront, and thereby miss out on the amazing sites this location has to offer. The views from the high dune beach head in front of Fort Moultrie are in our opinion the best offered by any other single location in the entire Greater Charleston area. With a direct view westward far across the harbor to the Charleston Battery and Charleston’s romantic skyline, it offers the best sunsets in the state. To the Northeast is the iconic black and white Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, a modern structure that is in direct contrast to the Morris Island Lighthouse (1876) to the South, just to the left of Fort Sumter. All the while ambling by are constant streams of leisure vessels and ocean going ships alike. Many completing their journey from the other side of the world. And in the waters of the harbor you’re sure to see families of dolphins fishing and playing, often just a few feet from the beach and walk-able jetties. And of course there are views of the Ravenel Bridge that are totally unique to that spot. All of this and you’ll be standing in front of one of the most important National Historic Museums in Fort Moultrie, and just off to its left is the beautiful little sanctuary that is the historic Stella Maris Church (1873), that was built to replace the war torn Church of St. John the Baptist, that was by no coincidence the only building on the entire island that was left standing after the Civil War. One cannot help but to be moved when visiting this overwhelmingly historic island, making the beachhead at Fort Moultrie our number one off the beaten path Must See location.

Click Here to jump to our post on Fort Moultrie

Click here to see photos of Charleston Harbor from the beach at Fort Moultrie in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!

Click Here to get encyclopedic details about the Fort Moultrie at Wikipedia.com

Hiking Mount Ravenel

Greater Charleston — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:12:46 +0000

The Ravenel Bridge Bike and Pedestrian Path Towers over Greater Charleston (click to zoom)

A true 21st century marvel, the Arthur Ravenel Bridge is awe inspiring from any perspective, but none of those compare to scaling in on foot or by bike. When bridge planners attempted to cut the foot bridge from the Ravenel’s budget, the cycling and running communities rose up and demanded the 12 foot wide dual lane (pedestrians on the outer lane, bikes on the inner lane) additon go through as planned, so today visitors can thank the healthy folks of Greater Charleston for one of the great vantage points in America. Some would argue that there are “prettier” views, or more spiritually moving, or more historically impressive, but no one will ever say there is a bigger, bolder, more awesome spot anywhere in South Carolina. Touching and seeing at point blank distance the high-tech masterpiece that is the weave of cables and finely crafted concrete and steel is a very cool experience in itself. After all, this is the most massive cable stay suspension bridge on this side of the planet. But to find yourself standing nearly 200 feet over the Cooper River, hanging by the same cables that hold up the bridge, while enjoying a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the entire Greater Charleston area – is an unforgettable experience.

The views from the Ravenel Bridge towers are spectacular (click to zoom)

You see Fort Sumter, and Fort Moultrie, both lighthouses, all the major rivers, Patriot’s Point golf course, a bird’s eye view of the USS Yorktown, and other ships and sailboats on the harbor, and an unobstructed view of the downtown historic district, all from one spot. Factor in the outstanding workout you’ll get in this legitimate uphill hike, and downhill run, both of which are in your future when you find yourself joining the bridge runners in training and bikers on a joyride and grandmas on a stroll and tourists on a sight see. It’s just a great time, and an absolute Must See. There’s a major park under construction on the Mt. Pleasant side that will firmly place this trek on the beaten path once complete, but for now you’ll simply park somewhere on the Mt. Pleasant side, either along the Road to Patriots Point or at one of the local shopping centers along Coleman Boulevard for a bit longer trek, and the foot of the path will be easy to find. The Charleston side is a little less clear right now, but being less than a mile from Market Street, it’s a relatively easy adventure to transverse the full bridge, which is a little under 2.4 miles long. For an abbreviated adventure, many folks will climb to one of the two observation towers, take a breather on the park benches looking out over the seascape, and then return the way they came. It’s still a workout, but nothing strenuous. We’ll see you at the top!

Click here to see photos of The Ravenel Bridge Observation Towers and Bikeway in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!

Click Here to get encyclopedic details about the Ravenel Bridge at Wikipedia.com

Angel Oak and Bohicket Road

Greater Charleston — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:53:50 +0000

During the 4th Century Ad, the Roman Empire was reaching it’s pinnacle era under the rule of Constantine, Christianity had suddenly become the only official religion for the entire Roman world, and Johns Island’s famous Angel Oak was born.

While it may seem odd to visit an oak tree in an area where massive oaks are common, Angel Oak is far more than the greatest oak tree in the land of oaks. It is most likely the most ancient object – living or man-made – this side of the Rocky Mountains. At an estimated age of 1400 to 1600 years, the tree might have been reaching for sunlight 1000 years before Columbus discovered the new world, making it one of the oldest trees on the planet. Yes, there are older objects in the world, but this tree is right here, and it’s rather shocking how few locals have ever visited the appropriately named oak. We’d rattle off some stats on how large it is, but that wouldn’t help you grasp its size. It absolutely must be seen to believe, but the size is nowhere near as impressive as its age… or should we say “youth?” A drive out to Johns Island to see Angel Oak should also be combined with a visit to Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island or a lunch/shopping trip to Freshfields Village. To make the trip you’ll have to travel the oak-canopied masterpiece that is Bohicket Road, an historic old drive that’s populated by numerous horse ranches and small family farms – making the road one of the most scenic in Greater Charleston, and a genuine Must See. Use the map below to map your course and to get step by step driving directions to Angel Oak and Bohicket Road.

Click here to see photos of Angel Oak in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!

Click Here to get encyclopedic details about Angel Oak at Wikipedia.com

The Round Holiday Inn on the Ashley

Greater Charleston — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:14:19 +0000

Aside from the gorgeous views of the Ashley River and Downtown skyline, visitors can clearly see Fort Sumter and the many ships sailing in from the Atlantic and up the Cooper River (click to zoom)

Everyone knows the Round Holiday Inn on the west bank of the Ashley River, and nearly everyone who lives in West Ashley or James Island or Johns Island and its little resort neighbors of Kiawah and Seabrook Islands drives by the round little hotel every week. Yet, as is true of all the other “off the beaten path” must see locations, very few locals have ever stood in its 15^th floor restaurant to take in the outrageous views – a true skyline panorama that offers the dramatic views of Greater Charleston that exceed even those offered by the Ravenel Bridge. For this, just as the photo essay linked below will show, the restaurant of the Round Holiday Inn is a legitimate Greater Charleston Must See. And while the hotel invites all to visit at no cost, you’ll certainly want to take advantage of their full restaurant and bar… great place for happy hour… and it’s almost never crowded. Enjoy!

The Round Holiday Inn gives many views unique to this location, including this shot of the Ravenel Bridge from across the historic Ashley River drawbridges (click to zoom)

Anyone who wonders where the Citadel Campus is hidden away, it's easy to see from this site, as are the Joe Riley and Johnson Haygood Stadiums (out of frame, just to the right of the campus)

The wide and pristine Ashley River can be seen snaking its way past North Charleston's Naval Hospital, proving that the northern city offers more than just business and infrastructure (click to zoom)

Great view of the full span of the James Island Connector, the Intracoastal Waterway, Ripley Marina, and of course the California Dreaming restaurant (click to zoom)

Click Here to see our full album of photos from this vantage point as shown in our Gallery

Albemarle Point at Ripley Light Marina

Greater Charleston — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:40:40 +0000

Ripley Light Marina at Albemarle Pointe on the West side of the Ashley River (click to zoom)

Okay, we might be stretching a bit to say Ripley Light Marina is off the beaten path, but despite its status as one of the most visited places in Greater Charleston (thanks to the hugely popular California Dreaming restaurant), we have to include it in this list for the simple fact that few visit for the scenery alone — though they should. Many have appreciated the outrageously beautiful river, bridge, and marina views while dining at California Dreaming, but hardly anyone thinks to stroll the docks of Ripley Light Marina or the marsh walks along the river in front of the restaurant, despite the numerous impressive views and overall beauty of the location. A quick glimpse of our photo gallery for this Must See location should certainly inspire you to take the stroll with camera in tow. It’s maybe the coolest modern view of downtown Charleston, but it’s definitely the most nautical. And while there, you might as well enjoy California Dreaming for some of the best baby back ribs in the US.

Click here to see photos of Albemarle Point at Ripley Light Marina in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!

Station 28: They Fly Here

Greater Charleston — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:37:53 +0000

Station 28 on Sullivans Island is especially popular with ocean sports enthusiasts and locals looking for uncrowded, truly natural beaches (click to zoom)

For locals, there are no finer beaches than those on Sullivan’s (aka Sully or Sully’s I). The views and angles are spectacular, the sands are white and broad, and the sandbars and inlets offer the best wind boarding and kite boarding on the South Carolina coast. While the Washout on Folly Beach is the land of the skimmers, Station 28 is where they come to fly. When you get a few avid boarders in the air, it is quite a show. Even more, the sandbar at 28 is an absolute Must See for anyone who loves a great beach , that’s populated primarily by seasoned beachgoers who really love great beaches! Depending on the shifting currents, the beach’s main sandbar can reach a quarter mile into the Atlantic, offering one of the coolest strolls in America. Being the closest beaches to downtown Charleston one would expect Station 28 and the other Sully beaches to suffer large crowds, but not so. There are no public facilities for visitors, and beach access points are difficult to find, as they’re fairly hidden little paths through the long and winding dunes, so Sullivan’s is primarily the favorite of true locals and well-informed visitors. Similarly, the Station 22 beachfront which is just 6 blocks south of 28, has been popular with College of Charleston Students for several generations. It’s also a bit closer to the popular pubs and restaurants of Sully’s I, which makes perfect sense.

Please check with the Town of Sullivan’s Island (contacts below) for leash laws and hours and dates when pets are allowed. Likewise, take note that there is no public parking area, but plenty of road side parking. Just be sure to obey the clearly marked parking signs and do your best to get all four wheels off the pavement. Zoom in on the map below to locate Station 28 and Station 22, each of which are streets that cross Atlantic Avenue at the beachfront.

Click Here to see a slide show featuring adventure sports and the pristine conditions of Station 28 on Sullivan’s Island during various seasons.

Morris Island Lighthouse, North End of Folly Beach

Greater Charleston — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:20:10 +0000

Morris Island "Charleston Light" Lighthouse (click to zoom)

While the famous Morris Island Lighthouse, aka “Charleston Light,” is a spectacular sight from any distance, until you cruise up to it on a boat or view it from the ultra-remote northern beach head of Folly Beach, then you really haven’t seen the Light. While boating to the landmark is not an easy adventure to arrange, anyone can drive to the north end of Folly on East Ashley Avenue. Simply drive past the “washout” to the very end of East Ashley, where you’ll have a short quarter mile walk along the beach for what is to many locals – especially sea lovers with a global perspective — the most impressive oceanfront location in all of Greater Charleston. Most would say this is due to the startling proximity to the sea-captured tower, and they would be right. It’s so close you can distinguish the individual bricks under the alternating red and white stripes, as well as the intricate wrought iron work at the crown of the historic tower. And with the waves crashing against its base, the same waves that washed away the island and complex array of buildings that once stood strong with the Lighthouse, there are few more dramatic sights on the East Coast – especially in rough seas. It is, to say the least, very cool.

Even if you’re not into history or in any way moved by the romantic symbolism of the great Atlantic lighthouses, you will not want to miss this location. And while all agree that the Lighthouse deserves most of the credit for making this spot so magical, many would insist that it is the unusual organic nature of the eroding beach head and its island forest, massive sea oat crested dunes (among the tallest in Greater Charleston), and large rock jetties extending into the ocean that makes the spot more than just a sight to see, but also an adventure.

Bring a picnic basket and a shell bucket… you won’t be sorry. And do not forget your camera. The location also offers one of the more surprisingly impressive perspectives of the Ravenel Bridge from anywhere in Greater Charleston, as the remote location makes the bridge appear to tower over a wilderness far from any civilization, as vast tidal flats block any direct views of the low rising skylines to the north. This location is almost too cool to be true. And with a front row seat to watch ocean going vessels starting or completing their long journey as the modern Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse flashes its powerful beacon across the harbor, and white-capped waves from competing swells crash into each other just offshore… it’s a moving experience if you take it all in. Don’t forget your blanket. And while it’s fine to splash around in the shallows, it’s not a recommended beach for swimming, as the currents can be treacherous!

Added all up it’s easy to see why this vantage point of the Morris Island Lighthouse is an absolute Must See! Take a look at the map below and use the “get directions” tool to chart your course!

See the contact info below if you’d like to help save Morris Island’s “Charleston Light” Lighthouse for future generations to enjoy!

Click here to see photos of the Morris Island Lighthouse in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!

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Greater Charleston — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:39:00 +0000

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Views from the IOP Connector

Greater Charleston — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:46:23 +0000

The IOP connector offers a stunning drive-up view of the Atlantic Ocean (click to zoom)

While the beaches of the Isle of Palms are long and popular, the vast marsh views from the IOP Connector are unrivaled, especially at the crest of the bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway where views of water-locked Goat Island and the Wild Dunes Marina make for breathtaking land & seascape, especially with the sparkling Atlantic Ocean dominating the eastern horizon just a couple hundred yards away. You’ll have to be on foot or on bike to truly take in the views from the top of the connector (which explains why a spot along a major highway could be categorized as being off the beaten path), so we encourage you to get out and just do it. It’s a definite Must See, and your heart will enjoy the mild exercise. But if you’d rather tour the island in your car, the connector is still an incredibly scenic drive as it seems to plop you right on the beach with the clearest unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean you will find anywhere in Greater Charleston.

Click Here to view our full album of shots from atop the IOP Connector as found in our Gallery

Fort Johnson and Fort Johnson Road

Greater Charleston — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:57:05 +0000

The Powder Magazine and two adjacent cisterns still stand at the edge of the Harbor (click to zoom)

While Fort Johnson hasn’t left much evidence of its military existence, there is just enough there to make even the most demanding history buff’s trip worth their while, the views and imposing sense of history one can see and feel are unique to this James Island location. This is not a public park, so few tourists or locals visit this site. It’s actually home to a collection of government research facilities, including the College of Charleston’s Grice Marine Laboratory, so don’t be scared away by all the “do not enter” signs you’ll see as you approach the site, as those refer to side roads and facilities, not the scenic point or historic site. Once you reach the end of Fort Johnson Road, you’ll drive by the two red brick cisterns and matching powder building three remaining structures of historic Fort Johnson. If you blink you might miss them… but the photo below should help you recognize them. But be sure to walk out to the point looking out at the harbor, as that’s where the real importance of this site will strike a definite chord, as you’ll be standing at the very spot where the newly formed Confederate Militia fired their cannons on Fort Sumter, which as you can imagine is very close, yet most visitors are surprised to learn that a Civil War era canon could lob a shell so far across the harbor. It’s a definite must see, “must feel” experience.

The view of Fort Sumter from where the historic canons fired to start the Civil War (click to zoom)

Likewise, the views of the Ravenel Bridge, Patriots Point, and downtown Charleston are spectacular and rare, especially in the morning hours, so bring your camera! And be sure to approach the site from Folly Road using Fort Johnson Road, or else if you approach using Harborview, be sure to drive down Fort Johnson all the way to Folly Road, as the high oak canopy and suburban neighborhood gardens along the long and winding road are among the most beautiful in Greater Charleston.

Click here to read about the amphibious attack on Fort Johnson during the Civil War, at awod.com

Click here to see photos of Fort Johnson and Fort Johnson Road in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!

Thanks for participating in our “Beta” launch!

Greater Charleston — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:36:02 +0000

Welcome! In the internet, “beta” simply means “sneak-preview,” with advanced opportunities to gain premium exposure as we perfect the system behind the scenes.

You now have the opportunity to be among the first visitors to submit your writing or business profile for featured placement, or to replace an existing profile, or to review existing business profiles to establish their ranking! To post your profile or writing, simply click Submit Here and fill in the blanks once you get there. It’s that easy! To review an existing profile, simply scroll to the bottom of that page and you’ll be able to click up to five stars! While registering as a user is not required for you to make your submission or write reviews, it will give you greater privileges, and it’s absolutely free, so we encourage you to register soon. For security reasons, we cannot give instant publishing or other site priveleges unless we can contact you and verify who you are, so you can trust registration is purely for the integrity and protection of the family-friendly content of GreaterCharleston.com, and nothing more. Registered users also have instant review/rating priveleges that automatically insert your screen name, so it can also make for a more enjoyable business reviewing effort. The Register link is on the right side of every page, or you can click here to register now. Likewise, you’ll want to register at the Gallery and at GreaterCharleston.tv for similar reasons. You can use the same username and password, or create new ones for each registration, but for security reasons we keep the databases separate so you will need to register for each that you intend to use for submissions. Once we know who you are, we give you increasing freedom and power to move around, and will eventually offer you contributing editor status, which is loaded with even more power and privileges… both in the site and around town! If you have any questions, feel free to email us at Submissions@GreaterCharleston.com anytime.

While we have our own team of writers and multi-media production folks who will be publishing articles, stories, and gallery albums in magazine format, we are also a publicly-driven publishing site. You may have heard the terms Wiki, open-source, and Web 2.0… well all of those aptly describe the organic strengths of this site. But few terms better describe GreaterCharleston.com than “totally free,” always and forever, with no limits to your publishing opportunities. Surf the menu again… we’re sure you’ll see categories where you’d like to be found.

Even now, all of your submissions will be searchable on Google, Yahoo, and all the other major search engines, and you’ll be able to start inviting your friends, your fans, and/or your clients to join others who will be commenting and/or reviewing your submissions. We will publish all business profiles, both those submitted by the public and those produced by our own staff, so if you represent a business be sure you submit as soon as possible so that your competition doesn’t gain all the early traffic. Cheers!