The Yorktown is an aircraft carrier packed with history, and for me, memory. This grand lady is on display in the Charleston Harbor and can be seen while you cross the Arthur Ravenel Bridge or while you take in some sea air from Waterfront Park in Historic Downtown Charleston. I have been to the Yorktown a few times and every time I go the sense of thankfulness, awe and sadness fill me from head to toe. My family on both sides are military and I have had many experiences with people who serve and have served our country. All of these experiences come back to me while I walk through the halls of remembrance that they have tastefully set up.
Watch our video walk through of just some of the things you will see when you visit the Yorktown!
They have several experiences available for the $22 admission fee. Beside the Yorktown low and stealthy is the submarine USS Clamagore. If you want to experience a cold war era sub, don't skip this! They also have The Vietnam Experience that gives you an idea of what our boys went through during that troublesome war. They sometimes also have the USS Laffey. This destroyer was given the nickname, "The Ship That Would Not Die", and is named after a civil war medal of honor recipient. All of these are covered under the $22 admission fee.
Something you should not skip when you go is the documentary that plays in the theater to the right of the entrance. In this movie they interview people who served on the Yorktown. In those shared experiences what stuck with me was the way the men called the ship mother. For them, it was a steady area of safety that could always be relied upon. To these men the Yorktown kept them safe and brought them home. When you go remember, as I do, the people who now sit on ships. Whose metal mother glides through the waves keeping them safe and bringing them home to us.
Important tidbits:
The Yorktown is located: 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
Bathrooms are located in the gift shop.
It is wheelchair accessable, to a point.
There are no water fountians
Except for certain special occasions, pets are off limits.
I participated in my first heart walk this year. The walk itself is only three miles, 1.5 one way and the same 1.5 back all along some of the most well known areas of Downtown Charleston. This walk is dedicated to survivors of heart disease, raising money to help fight heart disease and stroke, and raising awareness for living a healthy lifestyle. I went with three friends and had a good time trying to beat their time from last year and waving at the volunteers that cheered us on while we walked. Film crews from local news stations and college students recording for film class were also present. We had several photo opportunities which included Batman, the Heart walk Heart and the Stingrays mascot. We got our picture with Batman! :)
Enjoy the video below!
When you go you want to get there early as traffic was crazy! You are allowed free parking in the parking garage of the Aquarium util 12pm that day, it is suggested that you carpool if you can. According to my friends there are a bunch of freebies that are also given away before you start the walk. Those include but are not limited to: free water for the duration of the walk, cookies and coupons provided by Subway, face painting and bounce castle for the kids and more! This event is open to everyone and is pet friendly. You don't have to pay to walk and it's a good way to see the iconic places of Downtown Charleston.
Important tips:
Water is provided free of charge to walkers and bathrooms are located in the parking garage
Parking is free in the Aquarium garage.
This is a pet friendly event. Your pet must be leashed and you must pick up after said pet.
This event is handicap accessible. Watching the video you will see everyone is included in this walk.
Get there early!! Traffic is terrible for this event as thousands of people are going. Plus you want to get in on these freebies :)
Be aware that there are many people filming and taking pictures.
To find out more about the Charleston Heart Walk visit there website: Charleston Heart Walk
Our final thoughts on this free event is that we will be back next year and early!
Mepkin Abbey is an active Trappist monk monastery located on the Cooper River. It has lovely gardens, a small contemplative maze and, of course; a reception center gift shop. The history of Mepkin is tied into the plantation land that it sits on. You can find graveyards, old oak trees that stretch across the water, statuary, a large pond and several picnic worthy areas.
Mepkin Abbey is a former rice plantation. At 7,000 acres there is more than enough room for anyone who wants a peaceful and reflective time in nature. People of all faiths are welcome to enjoy the grounds and hold discourse with the monks. It has been owned by three families and was eventually passed on to the church in the 1950's.
The first summer I went on this adventure, I went back four times. It's serenity and beauty calls me back every year. As I wander the grounds, look at the flowers, statues, visit the gift shop area and enjoy the rows of angel oak trees peace overwhelms my soul. When you go, you seem to be able to forget about the big wide world outside and just exist in that moment with nature. We can not wait to go back!
Bathrooms, waterfoutains and bottled waters for purchase are all available at the gift shop.
This area is wheelchair accessible for most of it. They have built up roads for a good portion and the views from the top where you can not access from the wheel chair are stunning. Everyone will have a great time.
Don't forget your sunscreen, water, and possibly even a hat if you are out here during the summer. You may be covered by trees, but it still gets plenty hot.
The monastary does have various times it is closed, multiple events during the year and tours you can take. Don't be shy and ask at the gift shop for a list of all of these events.
Final conclusion: we will return every year. There is always something small but different to see when you go, and the peace of the area never changes.
I recently had the pleasure to revisit Colonial Lake Park. Before it was redone by the Charleston Park Conservancy it was basically a tidal pond with some cement around it. There were a few palm trees here and there, but to my recollection there was no seating and the area around the pond was very hot. My husband and I found it by accident one day. We could find no sign for the area and had no idea what we had really come across. With the improvements made to the area by the conservancy I now think of it as a park, rather than the cement pond we found. Images of the pond in it's different forms can be found here. This park has been around since the late 1700's and has it's history wrapped up in the changing shape and ideas of freedom that molded Charleston since it's founding.
What I most liked about the revamp of the park was the greening of it. Now you can walk around this pond, get some sun, and then rest in the gathering cool of the trees that are on the corner and sides of the pond itself. In doing research for this park I came across several articles that showed the people of the area are heavily invested in what happens to it. They have, several times, stopped different types of beautification from happening siting many reasons it should not be done. For us this means the park is dearly loved by many people. It's not a place that was changed solely to attract to visitors, but, to be agreeable to those who live around it. I have read stories that people regale about coming to this tidal pond and swimming, taking picnics and just generally enjoying themselves outdoors at the park across the street called Moultrie Playground.
I would recommend this area for a good half hour walk to stretch the legs. It has some very nice green spaces, you are surrounded on all sides by the classic Charleston homes, and when the wind is right, you have the smell of the sea with the lapping of the water making for a very relaxing area. We plan to visit it again with our dog.
Now down to the important wonderings:
Colonial Lake Park is located at 41 Ashley Ave., Charleston, South Carolina 29401 {This is actually the address to Moultrie Playground, when I put in the original address, it takes you to someones home. If you are using a different GPS system change the 41 to a 42}
This park is wheelchair accessable. The park is level and well kept so no extra planning is needed.
There are no public bathrooms available. Plan accordingly.
Although the water is said to be swimmable, we can find nothing that says it's ok and nothing that says don't do it. Swim at your own risk.
We could find two water fountains, so no worries there.
Thank you for reading and joining us on this wander! If you want to learn more about this historic Park, click here.
Deep Water Vineyard is located on Wadmalaw Island at 6775 Bears Bluff Rd. I've never been to a wine tasting before that was from the winery itself and I wasn't sure what to expect , especially being someone who doesn't drink. Why go to a wine tasting then? Because Deep Water Vineyard makes everyone feel at home. I took my friend who loves a good wine and we had a great time. I know some might be worried about going to a place like this at first. Am I going to be around a lot of loud drunks who can't respect my personal space? Is this a safe place to go being way out on the islands? I can tell you it definitely is safe and your personal space is definitely respected. If I were looking for a place to wind down from my week, this would be the place I would go. It has southern style and charm and even with all the people there, you are not crowded in the least.
The drive out there takes about an hour from the Charleston area. It is a serene escape hatch that really starts to get you into the mood for an island adventure with an oak lined road that keeps the southern heat at bay. On our way there we came across other interesting sites such as the Angel Oak and when you go further down the road you run into the Tea Plantation.
Deep Water Vineyard is best described as a big backyard that they have invited everyone to come and enjoy. The vineyards are open to everyone to walk through with a breeze that is sweet and light. They have animals to interact with and we actually got a chance to sample the food trucks that we missed out on before (you can read about that here). The wine tasting and moonshine tasting costs you a total of 11$ and they card you at the table where you buy your tickets. With that cost you are given: a wine glass and a shot glass, a sampling of four wines and six flavors of the famous Firefly moonshine.
They do events as well!
The wine tasting was informative, fun and lasts about 30 minutes. We then moved on to the moonshine tasting which had a significant line. Be prepared to wait in this line for a little over 20 minutes because the moonshine tasting takes about as long the wine tasting. All of their products are for sale and they also have a gift shop with wine or southern related things on display.
Tips and tricks for this adventure:
This area is wheel chair accessible. It is not on ground that is developed so plan accordingly.
It can be tough to find the entrance. Go slow down the road and be on the look out for a black gate with a wine glass on it. It also has two different signs on the sides of the gate. One for firefly and the other for the former name of the Deep Water Vineyard which is Irvin House Vineyard. This sign will be changed in the next couple of years, but until then that is your marker.
It is hot out there so be sure to bring water with you.
They do allow dogs as long as they are well trained and on a leash.
When you go I would recommend the event they have called Weekend Wine-Down. This is the event that my friend and I attended. I will be going back to this idealic area as soon as possible! To learn more about Deep Water Vineyards visit their website or Facebook Page.
T.I.G.E.R.S is an experience I had been waiting to attend for about a year. I went with a friend and my husband expecting to hold or pet baby tigers and interact with larger ones. This is something I expected because of the way a couple of brochures I was able to find read. However, when you get there it's not exactly what you might expect. Don't get this traveler wrong; it was still a great experience. It was simply dampened a bit by my dashed hopes of interaction.
T.I.G.E.R.S Preservation Station is located at Barefoot Landing Hwy 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, in what we unofficially dubbed, a mini Broadway at the Beach. It's a lovely area with dining, shopping and no crowds. Perfect for anyone who wants to do basically the same kind of thing, but in a low key setting. The tiger show starts at 5 p.m. and is designed to be a preview of the Myrtle Beach Safari. As a result you will be able to see and hear two adult tigers, several baby tigers, a baby wolf cub and a monkey. If you would like to hold the babies the price for the first person is $100 and any subsequent person is $25. This is where the brochure and initial website reading gets tricky. The website clearly states that holding and feeding cost a fee; however, the brochure reads little different. It can lead you to believe that you may pet said animals without a fee, but holding them and getting a picture costs money. And so, therein, lies our disappointment.
Enjoy the slideshow below of the tigers!:
Even with said disappointment, we stayed a good half hour just listening to the baby tigers mini roars and watching the adults nap, play, and generally do tigery things. You can see the baby wolf and monkey when they bring them out for pictures.
Tips for finding the tiger viewing:
there are no signs for it so the closest thing you find for a sign to indicate you are in the right area is the one for Alligator Adventure.
Once you turn there, go down the road till you hit a parking lot and your tiger destination is on the left.
Another way to know you are in the right area is to find the Longhorn Steakhouse and make the turn directly across the street from that restaurant.
This adventure is wheel chair accessible and they have plenty of parking and bathrooms. Be aware that people do bring their dogs and small children here. They also have an unofficial Facebook page that contain more reviews for the safari: Myrtle Beach Safari Wild Encounters.
My final conclusion is that I would go there again. It wasn't what I expected, but, it was awesome to see these animals as close as I was able to and to hear the babies and watch them play. You will definitely find the trip worth your time.
This beautiful resort like park is admission free and one of a just a few places for families to enjoy the view of the Cooper River and International Waterway that South Carolina is known for. Mount Pleasant Waterfront Memorial Park is located at 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd in Mt. Pleasant South Carolina. Directly across the street from Patriots Point, it's an area that boasts many different experiences for every visitor! Here you will find structured areas of play for children, grassy areas for more free form play (for adults and children alike) and a pier that gives you some amazing views.
The pictures that I have taken simply don't do it justice. Here you can find cultural events, dancing and fishing all on the same day. It is located just outside the area of Mt. Pleasant with relaxed fine dining. So, our suggestion: have a meal in any one of Mt. Pleasants' great eateries and then take your dessert on the go for a lovely breezy walk about the pier and enjoy the sites and sounds of this lovely area.
Don't forget to stop by the welcome center! They have friendly staff that can direct you to the events happening that day as well as provide you with coupons and information about the general Mt. Pleasant area. This is a stop you can not afford to skip! This park is wheel chair accessible and pet friendly. There is plenty of parking and the only downside that I could think of for this adventure was the gnats. When you go be sure to take sunscreen and some bug repellent. If you forget those things the gift shop at the pier carries all those things and more.
Take our virtual walk and learn more about this resort like park by watching the video below. You can also see more photos by taking a look at our slideshow!
Sheldon church is one of the earliest churches built in the low country. Not in use today it sits about an hour and ten minutes outside of Summerville, South Carolina. Sheldon church sits directly off Highway 17. Parking can be awkward, as there is only space to parallel park in front of the church. Also, there is parking across the street in a cleared graveled area. Be careful, if you aren't looking for it, you will drive right by it because there are no clear signs to the church before you get there. Using Google maps my husband and I were able to get there with no problems, but you will still have to keep an eye out.
Once onto the grounds a strange sort of hush falls over the area. The sounds of the road fade away and you are instantly swept into, what I can only describe as, a different time. The church itself seems to whisper about the love and tragedy that it has seen. Standing still to remind us that though the names and places may change, we all still face the same challenges. Love, Loss and standing for beliefs that weave our choices into the history of mankind.
Sheldon church is wheel chair accessible onto the church grounds. The grounds are not developed so plan accordingly. Sheldon church is admission free and also has picnic tables perfect for a light lunch there. The trees and over all area provide wonderful photo ops so be sure to bring your camera or camcorder you don't want to miss out!
Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area is a state preserve on Edisto Island, South Carolina. About an hour away from Summerville, this is one of the many nature areas that just take your breath away. Like most adventures in the south, your drive to this enchanting spot is one of older back (but paved) roads and through small towns whose charm is worth stopping to look at. The road off of 165 to Botany Bay is dirt and of course has the iconic angel oak drive which is cool in temperature and really begins to set the mood for your visit.
Once you approach the gate you will see an information board to the right along with a volunteer who will give you a parking pass and the rules for the area. The volunteer will also give you a map that you must return on your way out. You can have a guided tour through an app that is downloaded through the google play app store or the apple store. You are not allowed to remove anything from Botany Bay! This keeps the area as beautiful and natural as possible.
The pictures in my slideshow just don't do it justice. The first thing I thought upon entering the beach is: this must be where all the selkies come to dance. It's quiet and almost secret nature lend the area to fairy tales. I was swept away by how clean it was, except for all the shells, and enchanted by the dolphins we saw playing just off the shore line. If you are looking for a day trip this is definitely one that I would recommend many times over. As with many natural fairy tale places, it is different every time you visit.
