Bus Charter and Leisure Blog Archive

Walking the Antiques District

If you are one of those people who enjoys seeing a city by foot, then Charleston, South Carolina is a great place to do that. Downtown Charleston offers tons of shops, restaurants, and hotels that you can spend days exploring by foot. One neighborhood you have to check out during one of your leisurely walks is the antiques district, especially if you love the old world feel of antique shops.

The antiques district is pretty self explanatory, it is simply a neighborhood in downtown Charleston that is filled with quaint antique shops along the side of the road. One of the shops you will find in this historic district is Chicora Antiques which specializes in fine 18th and 19th century American antiques. It is located at 102 Church street which is one block south of Broad Street. If you are a fan of American antique furniture then this is the place for you because Chicora deals exclusively in American furniture and accessories. Chicora also has an online catalog with all the merchandise they offer in their store as well as new arrivals so you can pick out what you want before coming to the store.

Anything purchased in the Chicora shop comes with a guarantee of authenticity and quality in writing so you are sure to be getting fine furniture and collectibles in good condition. Many of their clients are so happy with their services that they keep coming back for more developing into a long term relationship. Get more information about the historic antique district and the Chicora antique shop on their website at http://www.chicoraantiques.com.

The Thomas Hepworth House

If you are a person who enjoys a little bit of history and adventure, then you should try to schedule a visit to Beaufort, South Carolina. This is a city that is just filled to the rim with all sorts of wonderfully historical sites and structures. One of these lovely buildings that you can view in Beaufort is the Thomas Hepworth House. A trip to see this great historic house is one that can be enjoyed by your whole entire family or tour group.

It is believed that the Thomas Hepworth House was actually built way back in the year 1717. If this bit of information rings true, then this is the oldest house in all of Beaufort. However, because of the styling of the house, some think that it may have actually been rebuilt or renovated later in the year of 1760. When you sit back and think about the rich history of this house over the years, you realize just how amazing it is that a structure could last so very long.

Back in the beginning of the 1800s, it is said that the Thomas Hepworth House was also the site of a private school for boys. This private school was conducted by a gentleman named William Fickling. Then, much later in the 1950s, the building once again became a single family home that was owned by a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Somers Pringle.

If you would like to catch a glimpse of the Thomas Hepworth House, there are walking tours offered throughout the Beaufort area. Be sure to bring along your camera so that you may snap lots of great pictures.

St. Helena's Episcopal Church

When you are in the area of Beaufort, South Carolina, you are probably going to want to visit all of the wonderful historical structures in the region. One of the great structures that many people love to stop by and view is St. Helena's Episcopal Church, located on 505 Church Street. This church was actually built way back in 1724 and is known to be one of the oldest churches within the United States that is still active.

A docent is available to give tours of St. Helena's Episcopal Church during the week. The times that are available for tours are as follows: Monday the church is closed and tours are led by appointment only, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. During the tour you will be able to hear all about the wonderful story of the parish.

At St. Helena's Episcopal Church there is even a bookstore and library that you can visit that offers a large selection of bibles and other religious items. Here, you can also find great items such as greeting cards, artwork, gifts and sterling silver crosses. The store is completely run by parishioners.

If you would like more information or if you would like to inquire about a tour of St. Helena's Episcopal Church, the Church Office is located on 507 Newcastle Street. The hours that you may stop by the office are from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. If you would prefer to call, the telephone number is (843) 522-1712.

Shopping at the Riviera

Downtown Charleston is a very lively city. There is so much to do. Even though all the shops along the sidewalks may be constantly beckoning you to come in and stay a while and that may be daunting to you, Charleston also has a very laid back atmosphere. One other great thing about Charleston is that it embodies the true meaning of Southern hospitality. The locals are very friendly and are always willing to strike up a conversation with you. If you want advice on the hottest night clubs or best place to grab a bite to eat, then ask a local, they will be more than happy to rattle on about all their favorite haunts.

Because Charleston is also a college town it is very trendy and can be as fast paced as you want it to be. You can find every kind of shop imaginable from trendy women’s clothing to antique shops to gourmet chocolate shops, you will find what you are looking for.

The Riviera is simply another area of downtown Charleston that offers exclusive specialty shops and great places to eat. This, combined with a friendly atmosphere and people and a bit of money in your pocket will ensure that you have a wonderful time in the charming Charleston. Some of the shops that can be found in the Riviera are Gucci, Crabtree and Evelyn, Tommy Bahama, Talbots, and Lacoste.

Whether you are shopping for yourself, friends, or family you will find what you are looking for in the Riviera as well as the rest of downtown Charleston and will probably make a few new friends in the process.

Shopping at Charleston Place

Charleston is a place to shop, eat, and socialize. Downtown Charleston has a laid back atmosphere and offers a true Southern hospitality that allows you to feel like your back at home and conversing with hundreds of strangers who have quickly become new found friends. One of the best places downtown to do all of these things is at the Charleston Place hotel.

You do not need to be a guest at the Charleston Place to appreciate everything it has to offer. The lobby is full of specialty shops where you can purchase fine chocolates, women’s and men’s clothing, and great smelling perfume. After shopping you can sit in the Thoroughbred Club located by the grand staircase admiring all of your latest purchases, listening to the piano player in the background and be served fine coffee or other beverages as well as appetizers. The Thoroughbred Club is open seven days a week from 11am to midnight. This is also the perfect place to people watch and have pleasant conversation with traveling buddies or locals who are always willing to strike up a conversation with you.

The Charleston Place is located at 205 Meeting Street right in the middle of downtown Charleston. On top of shopping, the Charleston Place hotel also offers a world class spa. There are a few restaurant located in the hotel including the Charleston Grill and the Palmetto Café. The grill offers romantic lighting and a super selection of wine. First seating is at 6pm.

The South Carolina Aquarium

There is an entire world of wonders waiting for you when you visit the area of Charleston, South Carolina. Here is where you will find the awesome South Carolina Aquarium, the place that is just perfect for a visit by your entire family. You will be quite amazed at all of the animals that live at the Aquarium that are just waiting to see you! There are also all kinds of great learning experiences everywhere you turn once you walk through the doors.

One of the exhibits at the Aquarium that is quite the crowd favorite would have to be the Touch Tank. This is where you can get up close and personal with various types of sea life such as sea urchins, spider crabs, horseshoe crabs and many more. The Touch Tank is located within the Discovery Lab where you can get all of your questions answered by the well-educated Aquarium staff.

Visit the Coastal Plain exhibit where you can learn all about the marshes and freshwater swamps in South Carolina. The Piedmont Shoals exhibit is an interesting place where you can learn all about the life of creatures that live beneath a rushing stream that flows over a rocky outcrop. In addition to all of the wonderful exhibits at the Aquarium, there is also to great gift shop where you can go for the perfect souvenirs to take home with you.

The hours that you may visit the South Carolina Aquarium vary depending on the season. Summer hours are 9:00 am until 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Sunday. Fall and Winter hours are from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Sunday. The cost of admission is only $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $8 for children ages 3 through 11 and free for children under 3.

A Day At Ocean Point Golf Links

If you are looking for a wonderful place to get in a few rounds of golf when you are in South Carolina, you should look into making time to visit Ocean Point Golf Links. This great oceanfront course is located on Fripp Island, just outside of the Beaufort area. There is nothing quite like playing amidst the refreshing ocean breezes on a beautiful day. This course is the perfect distraction needed from all of the hustle and bustle of sightseeing.

This course is a true golfer's dream, due in part to the newly renovated landscaping that includes elevated tees. One step onto this wonderful course and you will see why it is a favorite amongst all of the locals. If you have never played golf on a course with a links design, then this one is just perfect for you to start out on. Ocean Point Golf Links has truly set the bar when it comes to a great day of golfing by the sea.

Golfers get to enjoy a unique challenge with each and every hole on this course. Ten of the holes on this course actually come into direct contact with water. You really have to stay on your toes, making this quite a fine course for the avid golfer. A trip is truly warranted just so that you can see for yourself why this is considered one of the finest courses in South Carolina.

To get in on a little bit of golfing at Fripp Island, you can call for further information at (843) 838-1576.

Golfing At Ocean Creek

When you are visiting the area of Beaufort, South Carolina, you should think about stopping by for a day of golf at Ocean Creek Golf Course. This amazing golf course is located on scenic Fripp Island, just outside of the Beaufort area. Since the golf course opened back in 1995, many people have had the opportunity to play a few rounds of what has been called the best golf in all of South Carolina.

Many people are quite interested in the fact that this course has actually been used as a backdrop for scenes in such movies as Disney's Jungle Book and Forrest Gump. This is some truly exotic land that will keep you relaxed so that you may play a few great rounds of golf. Ocean Creek Golf Course has even been recognized by Golf Magazine as well as Golf Digest Magazine for its wonderful landscaping and design.

The course itself was designed by a man named Davis Love III. People who stop by for a game on this course always comment on the gorgeous salt marshes and native wetlands that line the perimeter. When you stand amidst the beautiful ridges, you will almost feel as though you have traveled off to a far away land. It is quite amazing what you can find right in your own backyard!

You can find Ocean Creek conveniently located at One-X Tarpon Blvd on Fripp Island. If you are thinking that you may want to enjoy a day of golf at Ocean Creek Golf Course, you can get more information by calling (843) 842-2401.

The Nathaniel Russell House

When visiting the area of Charleston, South Carolina, it is simply unheard of to not take a historical sightseeing tour. There are so many wonderful historic sites and buildings in the area that you really should take in a few tours to see all of the hidden beauty of Charleston. One of the great places that is very popular with tourists is the Nathaniel Russell House.

This house, located in the downtown area at 51 Meeting Street, was constructed way back in 1808. The house was owned by a wealthy Charleston merchant by the name of Nathaniel Russell. It is quite an interesting learning experience to find out all about the family who has lived there as well as the slaves and artisans that put so much work into the house over the years.

One of the most popular points of the house would have to be the stunning interior. The inside of the home is filled with gorgeous plaster work ornamentation and wonderful furnishings such as antiques from an era of long ago. You are going to want to be sure that you bring along a camera with plenty of film so that you may capture the memories of your visit to the Nathaniel Russell House.

The hours of operation when you may stop by for a visit are from Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Be sure to plan accordingly, because the very last tour of the day begins at 4:45 pm. There are closings on all of the major national holidays. Admission to the Nathaniel Russell House is only $10. If you would like further information, you may call (843) 724-8481.

Seeing The Milton Maxey House

For a bit of true South Carolina beauty, one must stop by to see the magnificent Milton Maxey House. This is a gorgeous historical building that was built way back in 1813. It seems as though the foundation even dates back further, all the way back to 1743. A trip to see this wonderful structure, located on Craven Street in Beaufort, is a great excursion for your entire family or tour group.

Many people visit the cities and towns in South Carolina so that they may get an up close and personal view of all of the historical sites and buildings in the area. The same rings true for the city of Beaufort. There are all kinds of great places to visit here, with the Milton Maxey House being of special interest to many travelers. This structure was actually known to be the place where the secession documents for South Carolina were drafted many years ago.

Although the interior of the Milton Maxey House is not open to the public, it is just as wonderful to see from the outside. You can take part in one of the wonderfully interesting walking tours throughout the city of Beaufort to see many of the great historical buildings, including the Milton Maxey House. Be sure that you bring along your camera with plenty of film. These houses are quite extraordinary with the beautiful ornamental detailing and grand style. A walk through to view the Milton Maxey House will make you feel as though you have stepped back in time.

Lovely Middleton Place

Anyone who has ever been to the Charleston, South Carolina area is well aware that there are a great number of wonderful historical sites and buildings that you can tour. However, one of these fabulous places should not be overlooked during your travels. It is called the Middleton Place Plantation and it is located at 4300 Ashley River Road. This is a beautiful spot that is just perfect for a visit with your family or sightseeing group.

The rich history behind this gorgeous 18th century plantation is just amazing and quite interesting to learn about. Middleton Place is now actually known as a National Historical Landmark. During a visit to the Middleton Place Plantation, guests get a chance to walk through and enjoy views from the Gardens as well as the Plantation Stableyards and House Museum. This is the perfect opportunity to learn all about how this marvelous structure was able to survive such trying situations such as and earthquake and the Civil War.

The cost of admission to the Middleton Place Plantation is $25 per adult and $5 for children ages 7 through 15. For an additional cost of $15 per person, you can even take a beautiful horse-drawn carriage ride around the plantation. You will not believe all of the wonders that can be found on the 45-minute carriage tour. If a guided tour of the House Museum is what you are looking for, that can also be arranged at an additional cost of $10 per person.

If you would like more information or to ask questions about special upcoming events, you may call the Middleton Place Plantation at (800) 782-3608.

The John Mark Verdier House

A trip to the lovely state of South Carolina is always amazing, especially if you are going to be hitting the Beaufort area. There are all kinds of different historic structures that you can visit as well as an abundance of walking tours that you can enjoy. You are sure to have a great time when you stop by this wonderful city, no matter what time of year it is. One place in the area that you may want to set aside some time to see is the historical John Mark Verdier House.

This beautiful historic structure is located in the downtown Beaufort area on Bay Street. It was actually built many, many years ago back in the 1800s. The original owner of the house, John Mark Verdier was a soldier in the American Revolution. Later on, he became a bit wealthy by becoming a merchant and was able to occupy this gorgeous piece of architecture positioned in the downtown area.

It is quite simply a joy to see for everyone who gets a chance to stop by this location on Bay Street. Many people love to bring along their cameras so that they can capture its beauty for themselves. The house itself has actually lived through a prior threat of being demolished back in the 1940s. Luckily for all of us, the house is now owned by the Historic Beaufort Foundation so that it can be preserved and enjoyed by many visitors for years to come.

If you are looking to stop by, the hours that the house is open to visitors are from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. There are closings on most of the major national holidays.

Hunting Island Lighthouse

No trip to South Carolina is complete without getting a chance to view some of the majestic, historical lighthouses that line the coast. One of these gorgeous lighthouses that is a must see when you are in the area is the Hunting Island Lighthouse. This wonderful lighthouse is located in Hunting Island State Park, which is just a few miles east of Beaufort, South Carolina. A trip to see this lighthouse would make a great excursion for your entire family or tour group.

It is commonly known that the Hunting Island Lighthouse is actually the only historic lighthouse in all of South Carolina that is open to the public for climbing. You will be amazed at how wonderful it feels to climb up to the top of the lighthouse to the tower area and be able to look out at the wondrous sight of the ocean. This is one sightseeing trip where you will want to be sure and bring along your camera with plenty of film to capture the memories.

If you are interested in staying overnight nearby the lighthouse, Hunting Island State Park offers 14 cabins and 200 well-groomed campsites for visitors. You can take a lighthouse tour when you visit from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm daily. All of the tours are self-guided, however, there are guided tours that are offered only three times per week from March through November. No matter what time of year you visit this area, you are sure to enjoy viewing the fabulous Hunting Island Lighthouse.

Lovely Hunting Island State Park

When you are making travel plans for visiting South Carolina, you may want to think about scheduling a little bit of time at Hunting Island State Park. This is a great place that you can enjoy with your entire family or tour group if you are traveling with one. It is actually fondly known as one of the best beach areas and most popular state parks in the entire state of South Carolina. That is probably why there are so many people who flock to this slice of heaven each and every single year.

If you are a big fan of the beach, Hunting Island State Park offers up about three miles of beautiful, natural beach for your enjoyment. There is even a great fishing pier where you can go out and fish to your little heart's content! This pier actually reaches about 1,120 feet outward into the water of Fripp Inlet. Many people have decent luck catching a wide variety of fish here including bass, shark, trout, and many more.

You may decide that you want to stay at Hunting Island State Park. If that is the case, you have the option of staying at their wonderful campground, which offers 200 sites. All of the campers here enjoy full hookups, bathroom facilities complete with showers and great beach access. If a cabin is more what you are looking for, they also offer up 14 cabins that can accommodate anywhere from 6 to 10 people.

Whatever you decide to do at Hunting Island State Park, you will definitely enjoy your visit. This is South Carolina like you have never seen it before.

The Heyward Washington House

When visiting the historical town of Charleston, South Carolina, many people like to take part in walking tours throughout the area. This is a great way to see the many beautiful historical sites up close and personal. There are many wonderful stories from the area that are quite interesting to hear about while looking around. One of the stops that many people make when sightseeing is the Heyward Washington House.

The Heyward Washington House is located at 87 Church Street, just a bit south of Elliot Street in downtown Charleston. Not only is this home quite beautiful, it also has quite an amazing story behind it. It was built way back in the year 1772 and is filled with all kinds of gorgeous old furnishings that were made years ago right in Charleston. Many of the visitors are quite delighted to see all of the wonderful vegetation in the surrounding gardens as well.

One of the points that happens to make this house so interesting is the original owner. People are generally amazed to find out that it was the home of a man named Thomas Heyward, Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence.

If you are looking to plan a visit to the Heyward Washington House, the price of admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children 3 through 12 and free for children ages 2 and under. The times that the House is open for viewing are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Golfing at Ocean Course

Charleston, South Carolina has two of the best golf courses in the world. This town is the perfect place to play a round of golf because it has not become swarmed by tourist's so you have more flexibility in tee times and can play an unhurried, relaxing game of golf. Charleston has also had some of the world’s best course designers design courses in Charleston including Pete Dye, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, and Rees Jones. These courses are some of the most challenging and physically beautiful in the world.

The Ocean course which is located on Kiawah Island was actually designed by Pete Dye. The course held its first major tournament in 1991 for the Ryder’s Cup. This famous course housed 32 of the world’s best golf players because it was the site for the world cup of golf in 1997. All 18 holes on this beautiful course offer amazing and dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The combination of beauty and world class tournaments that have been held here have made the Ocean Course a very famous golf course. The fairways are wide because there is very little rough on the course. This course also features an island green.

The course is located at 1000 Ocean Course Drive on the eastern side of Kiawah Island and is 2 ¾ miles long. This sought after course is a par 72. They accept all major credit cards including Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, and Diner’s Club.

Golfing at Dunes West

If you enjoy playing golf for either the challenge or the relaxation, then Charleston is a great place to play. Because it is not as touristy as other golf centers, the tee times are more flexible and you can play an unhurried and relaxing game of golf. A great place to play if you’re in the area is the Dunes West Golf Club which is located in the coast marshlands. This course was designed by Arthur Hills and is considered a diamond. The entire course is a total of 6,871 yards. It offers a combination of beauty, history, and great golf.

The 72 par course is set along the cooper river and the clubhouse was built on the Lexington Plantation. Because it is located on a plantation this course has an old war charm that dates back to the pre-civil war days. The wind adds to the challenge of this already challenging course and will add an all new difficulty to it. The combination of water hazards, thick rough, and greenside hazards make this a difficult course that requires an accurate shot.

If you are looking for a world-class course in a beautiful setting then this is the course for you. The golf dunes course is located at 3535 Wando Plantation Way in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Rates for this course vary between $35 and $89 depending on the day of the week you go and your tee time. They accept cash, Visa, Master Card, and American Express. For more information about this beautiful and challenging golf course check out their website at http://www.golfduneswest.com.

The Edgar Fripp House

When you are visiting the area of Beaufort, South Carolina, you will probably be thinking about taking a look around at all of the historical buildings. There are many wonderful sites and structures all around the city that are filled with all kinds of rich history and wonderful stories. Many people like to take advantage of participating in one of the informative walking tours so that they may learn about all of the great buildings.

One of the houses that is included as part of a walking tour throughout Beaufort is the Edgar Fripp House, also fondly known as Tidalholm. This lovely, large home was built way back in the year 1853 as a summer home. The style of the home is quite wonderful and truly amazing to view with its majestic Italianate style.

The story behind this house is just as interesting as its design. At one point, the Edgar Fripp House was actually used as a Union Hospital during the Civil War. If its walls could talk, Tidalholm would also tell stories of how it was a guest house during the period from the 1930s until 1974. There were many types of guests who used to stay there such as professors, artists, statesmen and more.

This house, located on Short Street in Beaufort, has actually been used in a couple different major motion pictures in its time. These movies include The Great Santini filmed in 1978 and then The Big Chill in 1983. You are sure to enjoy a stop by to look at this wonderful house during a walking tour through the area.

Historic Drayton Hall

If you are a history buff, you have probably heard all about Drayton Hall, located in lovely Charleston, South Carolina. That is because this plantation house is actually known to be the oldest to be preserved in the United States that happens to be open to the public for viewing. Only if the walls of this plantation house that completed in 1742 could talk, the stories that they would tell! This is quite a memorable trip to be had by your family or group tour.

You will not believe your eyes when you gaze upon this majestic 630-acre site in the heart of South Carolina. It is quite amazing to hear all about how this house has seen seven generations of the Drayton family throughout the years. This is an amazing Georgian-Palladian structure that sits on some of the most wonderful landscaping in the Low Country. If you would like, there are often tours offered to guests so that you may get the absolute most out of your visit to Drayton Hall.

Be sure that you bring along a camera so that you may capture some of the breathtaking sights on film. The cost of admission to Drayton Hall is $12 for adults, $8 for youth ages 12 through 18, $6 for children ages 6 through 11 and free for children ages 5 and under. Hours of operation tend to vary depending on the time of year that you are planning to visit. To get more information on hours or to inquire further regarding special events, you may call (843) 769-2600.

The Congregation Beth Elohim

When you are visiting the beautiful area of Charleston, South Carolina, you may want to think about stopping by for a visit to the Birthplace of Reform Judaism for the United States. This is the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, located at 90 Hasell Street in downtown Charleston between Meeting and King Streets. It is quite a delight to hear all about this great congregation and how everything got started years ago.

This Jewish congregation is actually known to be the fourth oldest in the entire continental United States. The Greek Revival structure that now stands in the location at Hasell Street was built in 1840 to replace the previous synagogue that was completely burned down in a fire in 1838. Since the new building went up, the congregation has grown steadily over the years. Many people come from miles around to visit this national historic landmark in Charleston.

If you would like, you are more than welcome to stop by Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim for a visit or even a tour. There are guided tours of the Sanctuary available to the general public completely free of charge. The times that you may take a tour are from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon Monday through Friday and from 12:30 pm until 3:45 pm on Sundays. If you are in search of further information, you may call the Temple office at (843) 723-1090.

When you stop by, you will find that there is plenty of parking available to visitors directly across from the temple in the parking garage and on the street as well. You are sure to enjoy your visit and tour of this beautiful, historic location.

Get Carried Away On Callawassie Island

If you are looking for the best way to relax when you are going to be in the area of Beaufort, South Carolina, you should think about making your way over to Callawassie Island. You would be simply amazed at how many great things there are to see and do at Callawassie Island. This is a member-owned golf community where people know what recreation and relaxation is really all about.

The focal point of Callawassie Island is the amazing and award winning 27-hole championship golf course. It is complete with magnificent landscaping, ponds, live oak and magnolia, and marshland. People from every different skill level enjoy playing at this wonderfully challenging course. Many of the visitors also love to head off to the great Clubhouse, which is known to be the heart of the community. There are nice amenities at the Clubhouse including a wonderful swimming pool and cozy cabana area.

If you were looking to take a little bit of a break from playing golf when you visit Callawassie, you can also enjoy other things such as a game or two of tennis. There are a whopping six courts that you can play on, so you are always assured a game. You will also find a great pavilion area and a pro shop where you can get all of the extras that you need to play.

There are plenty of great reasons why you should plan a visit to the Callawassie Island community. This is recreation and relaxation in South Carolina at its best.

The Beaufort Museum

For anyone who enjoys a great museum experience, the Beaufort Museum in South Carolina is the perfect place to visit. The museum itself is located within the historic Arsenal, located at 713 Craven Street. Here at the Beaufort Museum you can find all kinds of really interesting historical information and artifacts. This would make a great trip for your entire family or tour group when in the area of Beaufort.

The building itself that the Museum sits in is quite interesting to learn about. It was built way back in 1798 as a place to make and store ammunition and explosives. Later on in 1861 it was home to the United States Army when the Union forces invaded. After many years passed, the Arsenal then came to hold artifacts and information, becoming the Beaufort Museum.

During your visit to the Beaufort Museum you will be able to view all kinds of interesting items regarding different aspects of the Beaufort area of South Carolina. Some of these items include artifacts from the Civil War era, Native American Settlements, and also information on different local industry such as shrimping, fishing, phosphate mining and truck farming.

If you are planning on making a trip to visit the Beaufort Museum, the days of the week that it is open are Monday through Saturday. Hours of operation are from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. There are regular closings on most of the major national holidays so you may want to check ahead by calling (843) 525-7077 to see if it is open.

Shopping Along Bay Street

If you are going to be heading out to visit the lovely area of Beaufort, South Carolina, you really should not miss your chance to check out the Bay Street hot spots. This is a great part of town that is just loaded to the gills with some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment you could ever imagine. You may want to make sure that you bring along a bit of extra spending money, because once you start to hit Bay Street and all it has to offer, you may never want to leave.

No matter what you are looking for, Bay Street has you covered. For instance, there is a lovely place at 928 Bay Street where you can get some of the best gourmet treats around. The shop is called Cravings By The Bay and they are actually known to be one of the biggest providers of gourmet gift baskets in the entire Low Country region. You can get delicious eats here such as smoked salmon, fine wines, pates and even truffle oils. Whether you are shopping for a gift for someone special or something for yourself, this shop has a great selection to choose from.

For a bit of fine jewelry with a touch of Southern flare, you can head over to The Craftseller at 818 Bay Street. Here, you will find quite an eclectic mix of beautiful jewelry that will make a perfect gift for someone back home. Many of the items here are crafted specially for the store by local Southern craftspeople.

No matter where you go on Bay Street, there is something great everywhere you turn. Whether it is fine antiques, sporting goods, great restaurants or stylish clothing, there are tons of great shopping options to choose from.

Auldbrass Splendor

When you are planning a visit to South Carolina, you simply have to set aside some time so that you may stop by to see the famous Auldbrass Plantation. This is an amazing structure that was designed years ago by the talented Frank Lloyd Wright. The Auldbrass Plantation is now actually included as one of the buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. You simply have to witness the magnificent structure for yourself to believe how wonderful it is! A trip here would be perfect for your entire family or tour group.

The Auldbrass Plantation is quite a sight to behold with all of the interesting slopes and architectural elements. Many people say that it is like nothing that they have ever seen before, especially with the gorgeous cypress boards that line the outside of the structure at an 80 degree angle. Everything from the kennels to the independent kitchen, all blend together like a wonderful architectural puzzle that is quite pleasing to the eye.

In 1987, the house that was actually left unfinished years ago, was purchased by Joel Silver. He took the time to have the home completely restored to its original design plan by Eric Lloyd Wright, grandson of Frank Lloyd Wright. Now that the beautiful Auldbrass Plantation is completed, many people jump at the chance to see the famous structure.

If you are lucky, you will be visiting the South Carolina area during a time when a tour is available. For now, the Aulbrass Plantation is only open to the public for viewing on select dates throughout the year.

An Evening At The American Theater

Many people who visit the area of Charleston, South Carolina are quite impressed with all of the wonderful historic places that they are able to visit. One of these great places, actually located in the historic downtown region, is The American Theater. This is an old, yet completely renovated theater from back in 1942 as a premier movie house.

It is quite amazing to see such a great venue, especially when you take into account all of the wonderful history that surrounds it. This theater was originally set up to seat 900 people at a time. Later on, there were 200 extra seats that were added along with other renovations to the stage area, actually enlarging it quite a bit. Sadly, much later in 1977, the theater had to close its doors due to lack of popularity and patronage.

Luckily, the American Theater opened back up again in February 2003 as a much-welcomed state of the art venue. It has played host to several major events since that time, including various meetings, conferences and corporate events. During some of the holidays, you even get a chance to watch a great movie or two. There is even a catering facility on the premises where you can easily get swept up in the wonders of marrying food and film together.

For more information on the happenings at the American Theater, you are always welcome to take a glance at their website, www.americantheater.com where you will find about current movie times, special events and more!