Southwest Airlines = Charleston Buzz

Starting March 13, 2011, Charleston will have 7 direct daily flights coming from 4 key feeder destinations (3 daily flights from Baltimore,MD (Washington D.C. area) 2 daily flights from Chicago,IL; 1 daily flight from Houston, TX & 1 daily flight from Nashville, TN). Those are direct flights, so if you think about connections via those cities it really opens it up to 60+ new destinations flying into to Charleston. Given that Charleston, SC was recently named the # 2 Top American Destination for the 18th consecutive year, by Conde Nast Traveler - it is truly exciting to have much better and lower-cost airline access to this Historic city on the way. In addition, the other competing airlines to Charleston's hub will need to now lower their rates. This is wonderful, as Charleston has had historically high rates - even causing some visitors to fly in and out of nearby cities in order to visit Charleston. Other discount airlines have come to Charleston over the last decades, but, have not stayed. Southwest is by far the largest discounter to come to Charleston, SC. Southwest has never pulled out of a destination since they started business in 1971, so are confident they are truly going to be serving the Lowcountry for a long time and will be here to say. More exciting news is that Southwest is planning to acquire AirTran which should open up Atlanta direct flights in a year or so - among other destinations. The best news is that Southwest has no bag fees! Things are looking great for Charleston, South Carolina - the accolades for this historic city keep coming and airline access is about to get much better and less expensive.

Tip Top East Coast 'Surf's Up' Town - Charleston, SC

Not only did Charleston, South Carolina recently win the title of 'Best Tennis Town' by the USTA (United States Tennis Association),Outside Magazine and Outside Online have named Charleston the Best Town for Surfing - East Coast. The city is surrounded on all 3 sides by the Cooper River, Ashley River and Charleston Harbor opening to the Atlantic Ocean. The Charlestonian oldtimers like to say "The Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet to form the Atlantic Ocean." Isle of Palms is a barrier island only 15 to 20 minutes from Historic Charleston, SC. Isle of Palms and neighboring island, Sullivan's Island, are classic beachfront communities of the Carolinas with lodging accommodations from one-bedroom villas to very large private homes. On the other side of Charleston, Folly Island is a six-mile-long-barrier island that has some of the best surf at an area the locals call 'The Washout'. There are a consistent crew of local surfers around Charleston and they are happy to share their knowledge and vibrant surfing scenes with the percentage of the over four million people that surf when visiting the lowcountry annually as vacationers. The water is warm enough to trunk it for about seven months a year. The continental shelf sucks some of the power out of the waves, but, they remain consistent rides and are occasionally astonishing when passing hurricanes brush the edge of East Coast. Longboarders especially enjoy the Isle of Palms area. When it is too flat or windy to surf, you can stand-up-paddleboard enjoying the surrounding marshes and sounds. And, Charleston is more than fun for surfers. It has a thriving arts and music scene. Great shopping and world-class dining for serious foodies - or - swimsuit and flipflop seafood eateries. It is a great city to try and enjoy both the city and its surfing scene - especially during one of the half a dozen annual surfing contests. Check out this East Coast jewel where water is a way of life for Charlestonians.

Top Tennis Town - Charleston, SC

Charleston now Top 3 in Best Tennis Town Contest!


Charlestonians and Sea Island residents and visiting guests that love Charleston are excited that -The USTA announced that Charleston, SC has been selected as a Top 3 finalist in their second annual “Best Tennis Town in America” contest. Representatives from the Lowcountry tennis community were notified today of this honor, and will be present at the public unveiling of the “Best Tennis Town” winner at the US Open.

The US Open is a Grand Slam Event, which will be held from August 30 through September 12 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. In addition to the title of “Best Tennis Town in America”, the Grand Prize winner will receive a $100,000 grant, second place will receive $50,000, and third place will receive $25,000, with each grant mandated for community tennis development.
The USTA’s “Best Tennis Town in America” contest began in late May when a collaborative tennis committee from the Lowcountry area submitted a video describing the tennis attributes of their respective areas. In total, 82 cities entered the contest, and Charleston was notified by the USTA of its Top 10 status on July 15th, and then began to aggressively market itself and solicit votes from across the country and around the world.

“The USTA is excited to see the passion and commitment to tennis that these towns have showcased through the ‘Best Tennis Town’ competition,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “All three finalists are great ambassadors for the sport and would be a worthy recipient of the title of ‘Best Tennis Town.”
The Charleston committee made strong use of social media, e-newsletters, tennis and resort industry contacts, local and regional media outlets, as well as word-of-mouth marketing. Since Charleston was the only city in the Top 10 with a professional women’s tennis event, the Family Circle Cup and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour were also instrumental in promoting Charleston during the voting process. Votes were cast throughout a 10-day window spanning July 16th - 26th at www.BestTennisTown.com. Voting tallies will remain undisclosed by the USTA, both throughout and after the contest.

“I want to congratulate all of the local tennis entities who collaborated in the effort to bring this accolade to the Lowcountry,” said Joseph P. Riley, Mayor, City of Charleston. “Placing in the Top 10, and now the Top 3, has been a major victory in itself, bringing national attention and immense pride to Charleston.”

“This contest has really shown the cohesiveness of the Lowcountry tennis community,” commented Billy Swails, Mayor, Town of Mount Pleasant. “Looking back over the many years I’ve spent in the Charleston area, I’ve never seen such a unified and collaborative team come together to benefit the sport of tennis.”

The Charleston community put 100% of its support behind this initiative,” noted Bob Moran, General Manager, Family Circle Tennis Center. “Our Top 3 status is a direct result of a complete and comprehensive effort by countless entities who truly believe that Charleston is the Best Tennis Town in America. The Family Circle Cup is proud to be located here, and our fans and players alike attend this event because of what this city has to offer.”

“Congratulations to Charleston for advancing to the Top 3 in the USTA’s Best Tennis Town competition,” said Samantha Stosur, 2010 Family Circle Cup Champion. “Charleston certainly felt like the Best Tennis Town in America when I won the title in April, and it’s definitely one of my favorite events on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour because the city is so beautiful, and the fans are very knowledgeable and supportive of the sport.”

Charleston was named as one of the nation’s top-10 best cities for strong infrastructure, attractive economy and savvy urban planning last year by Forbes Magazine, the city has more than 13,000 local players who take to the courts every year, including more than 7,500 who play USTA League tennis. In addition, the city houses more than 580 tennis courts within its 485 square mile radius, and is home to the annual Family Circle Cup, a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Premier Event.

For we amateur players it is important to note that Tennis is a sport that requires a solid foundation of strength, power, speed, agility, flexibility and balance. All of these areas need to be trained in some form during a training week. Structuring a weekly schedule to ensure that all these components are appropriately trained can be challenging. It is recommended that players consult a certified strength and conditioning specialist who has experience training tennis players and will go through extensive training in planning and implementing programs to maximize performance

Good 'Ole Summertime

I am a local and am amazed every Summer 'high season' at the amount of activities, many free-of-charge, that can be enjoyed on Charleston's Sea Islands. Visitors and residents alike have a plethora of options. Clearly limitless in choice for quality 'paid' enjoyment - inshore and offshore fishing charters, paddling and kayaking eco-tours, nature tours and shelling excursions, sailing and motorboating, jet ski and banana boat rentals, water-skiing and kneeboarding to name some of the many on-the-water activities. Landlubbers have an abundance, too - plantation tours, walking or motorcoach tours, the Aquarium, touring Patriots Point, or simply walking the historic streets of Charleston, the Battery and marveling at the scenery of White Point Gardens and the ocean vistas it provides. And, what family would not enjoy a romping splash in the Waterfront Park fountains on a hot Summer day? Charleston is a treasure trove of fun including family options that are unique such as a visit to the Lowcountry Children's Museum. But, what really is amazing are the amount of Free Activities families can enjoy!
Just a few examples include: Bringing your beach blanket and beach chairs to the 'Village Green' betwixt the adorable shops of Freshfields Village between Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. On Monday nights from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. visitors can enjoy the colorful, fresh and fun to stroll stands of Lowcountry Farmers, Food Vendors and Artisan's wares. On Wednesday nights are great free Outdoor Movies. On Friday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. are wonderful live bands. 'Music on the Green' can be enjoyed while strolling the shops of Freshfields Village and maybe sampling a low-key or high-end bite to eat.
For only $5, children ages 5 to 13 can try fishing from Bohicket Marina on Wednesdays, all Summer at 9:00 a.m., for an entry fee of only $5 - Rods and Baits provided.
Over on the Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and Wild Dunes side for island guests...nearby Mt. Pleasant's beautiful new Memorial Waterfront Park Pier is a not-to-be-missed photo-op! Starting at the Mt. Pleasant Visitor's Center - guests and residents can enjoy walking to the end of the Pier and literally be looking at Historic Charleston on the right, Patriots Point on the left, and all the varied boating activity in between! On Monday night at 9:00 p.m. on July 24th - all it takes is bringing your beach chair and one can enjoy a delightful Free Movie. Viva Summer in Charleston, SC!

Southwest is coming to the Southeast

Charleston, South Carolina is a major tourist destination, in fact, one of the 'must-do's'. History, hospitality, scenery, the sea, and delectable dining and libations. Charleston is delighted that a major lowfare air carrier is about to be adding Charleston to its long list of destinations. Southwest Airlines will be soon gracing Charleston International Airport thanks to the tireless efforts of Charleston County Council and the Charleston Area Legislative Delegation. This addition will be a boon to area residents and certainly to Charleston's tourism guests.
Charleston is now homeport for Carnival's Fantasy and the addition of both cruising and reasonable airline rates serving many feeder cities into this historic Southeastern city of charm are both great advantages to the already robust hospitality industry.
Charlestonians love their genteel, pastel-painted South Carolina port city. And, Charlestonians love to share her with visiting guests. Especially since they have everything they need right in their own 'homeport'. The Charlestonian question is "Why would I ever travel, my dear? I'm already here." The genteel Charlestonians love to share their fondness for both city and heritage with visitors.
A charming town with brick streets lit by cast-iron street lamps, it is perched like a jewel on a small finger of land between the softly flowing Cooper and Ashley Rivers. Its seven square miles of skyline have hardly changed in more than a century. No new building can be higher than the steeple of St. Michael's Church, built in 1761. Fly on down on Southwest Airlines and see for yourself.

Bohicket Marina Billfish Tournament May 12th - 15th

It is exciting that the South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series is returning to Bohicket Marina. The Cup is part of South Carolina's fishing tradition and part of the original "Triple Crown" of SC Billfish competitions. Since this is the first tournament in the Governor's Cup Series, boats will be vying to get in the lead position and stay there for such awards as Outstanding Billfish Conservationist, Oustanding Billfish, Top Female Angler, and Top Youth Angler of the Year. And, no worries - the majestic Billfish population is not depleted. It is all 'Tag & Release'. But, more on that in a moment.

Adding to the excitement of the returning Cup are new venues arriving at Bohicket Marina - such as Red's Ice House - a fun, relaxing, kickback and have a cold one, seafood eatery. Red's will be a great addition to the Marina which already has some wonderful food and drink. Rosebank Farms is also not-to-be-missed. A meal of its delicious fresh-from-the-farm fare will be discussed around your non-Lowcountry table back home, for some time! Fischer's Pub is another fun place with great libations and food. During the Billfish Tournament, Fischer's will be having karaoke one of the evenings.

Bohicket Marina itself is celebrating the return of the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series with nightly live music. Bohicket Marina, nestled between Kiawah and Seabrook Islands is an ideal hosting location for the May 12th-15th, 2010 Cup. Bohicket Marina provides access to some of the most environmentally pristine waters on the Eastern Seaboard. The Marina offers scenic water tours and a full range of offshore and inshore fishing options.

The great thing about the Billfishing Series is that it helps to ensure the health and future of South Carolina's natural resources and coastal economy by promoting the management and preservation of billfish stocks for future generations. Over ninety percent of the billfish caught each year are released alive, making South Carolina recognized as a world leader in marine fisheries conservation.

Prior to the Governor's Cup, less than ten percent of billfish caught were released. Inspired by the conservation message of the Series, anglers are now tagging and releasing record numbers of billfish caught in South Carolina waters. By encouraging tag and release, the Series has focused attention on the sharp decline of Atlantic billfish and encouraged conservation of all marine resources.

Charleston International Film Festival

Right on the heels of Charleston Fashion week - tourists and residents of the historic city of Charleston, SC can look forward to an International Film Festival. It seems Charleston has gained the international attention of both fashionistas and filmbuffs alike. Wonderful! Charleston's old world European ambiance, top cuisine, and ocean vistas make her a perfect backdrop. It's not 'All the World's a Stage'...it is 'Charleston's the Stage'. And, she has been for years with the city-wide Spoleto Festival. The 'new wrinkle' of a Film Festival is fun, however. The 3rd annual Charleston International Film Festival will be based at the American Theater (446 King St.) April 8-11, 2010. This landmark art-deco style building will be screening over 50 films. The films will showcase the very best work of veteran and emerging filmmakers, including shorts, features, documentaries and animations of all genre and subject matter. Films will hale from 6 different countries - mostly from the United States - and 14 will be from filmmakers in the southeast region and the Lowcountry.The official selection will represent the pinnacle of independent filmmaking talent from around the world. The full schedule and tickets will be online soon ($8 in advance online and $9 at the door). www.CharlestonIFF.com. The Charleston International Film Festival is the Reel Deal...enjoy and don't miss local filmmaker, Kevin Harrison's documentary "Haunted Charleston" - fun!

Fresh from the Farm Event

Freshfields Village is nestled between Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, South Carolina, about 30 minutes from historic Charleston. Freshfields Village is a welcoming daytrip from Charleston, or 'must-visit' site if staying on the Sea Islands. Freshfields welcomes browsers, diners, people-watchers and socializers where visitors will find the downhome friendliness of Mayberry and the downtown convenience of Main Street. A great upcoming reason to visit the Village will be on March 11th....

Freshfields Village has been asked to stage a Farmer's Market for a food segment on a Travel Channel show! The Farmers Market will be setup on the green in the Village on March 11th with Newton Farms, Java Java and the Lollipop Shop having agreed to be the food vendors. It will be fun to walk the Village, maybe appear in the crowd on the Travel Channel show, and get fresh vegetables - something for which the Lowcountry is quite famous.

The biggest difference between grocery store and fresh produce is taste. Food sold at a Farmers Market or through a CSA program has been grown for vibrant color and flavorful taste, rather than for shipping across the country. Children are a lot more likely to get excited about 'eating their vegetables' if they have great flavor. Locally produced products have not travelled thousands of bumpy miles before arriving at table.

Lowcountry residents have the ability to take advantage of farm fresh bounty often. Families cans start gardens of their own, visit a Farmers Market like what will be at Freshfields Village, or joining a CSA - Community Supported Agriculture program. These are a great option as they provide a direct connection between Farmer and Consumer. Seasonally, the vegetables can be picked up weekly and recipients receive in their bag the great surprise of what is most ripe for that given week! And, the cost is no more on average than what one would pay at a grocery store. What fun and the 'unknown' causes excitement within the family and more creative cooking coming to the tables. Mothers have often said their children have tried, and loved, vegetables they never knew existed before as a result of a CSA membership.

So if you are a resident of Kiawah, Seabrook or nearby Johns or James or Wadmalaw Islands, or visitors to the area - check out the Farmers Market at Freshfields Village on March 11, 2010 and maybe 'spot yourself' on the Travel Channel later!

Charleston Fashion Week - March 16-20

It is so fun that Charleston, SC - is doing a Southern 'mirrored' version of New York City's famous Fashion Week! 2010 marks the fourth year of this successful Event dubbed a 'Top 20' Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. This five-night celebration will be held March 16-20th in various locations around Historic Charleston, SC. Fashionistas not only have a great Event to attend - but, will also be in one of America's most beautiful cities as the backdrop to the beautiful people and beautiful fashions. Charleston is dressed in her glory in the Spring, too. All of the camellias, azaleas, and more are in bloom and the scents of jasmine and wisteria waft thru her cobble stoned streets. Hosted by Charleston Magazine and presented by the Art Institute of Charleston (right downtown on the Market and Waterfront) the featured presentations of the Event are much fun. The main Event is the Emerging Designer Competition of the Southeast judged by a Fashion Panel boasting the likes of Anne Sley of Elle Magazine (Fashion News Director), Cynthia Rowley (Renowned Fashion Designer), Mychael Knight (Celebrity Designer) and more. The Style Lounge, Catwalk for Kids auction and luncheon, the Bridal Couture Show are former successes of the Event. New this year is the Rock the Runaway Model Competition and the Stiletto Stampede - both sure to be runaway hits! Come to Charleston this Spring to enjoy this fun Event and historic Charleston and her sea Islands - what a fun Spring Break. For Event information, scoop on the Designers, tickets and more go to charlestonfashionweek.com.

Treasure Hunt ResortQuest SKI Vacation Winner!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Denver Woman wins $5,500 Ski Vacation in ResortQuest $1-A-Day Vacation Treasure Hunt
FORT WALTON BEACH, FLA. (Feb. 15, 2010) -- Lisa H. of Denver, Colo., is only going to spend $5 on her husband's anniversary present this year because she won the latest ResortQuest Vacation Treasure Hunt contest Tuesday, Feb. 9. Lisa won a five-night stay for $1 a day at the Torian Plum Creekside Resort, one of the premier ski-in/ski-out properties in Steamboat Springs, Colo. The vacation at the gold-rated two-bedroom, three-bath condo is valued at $5,500."I am from Denver and am somewhat familiar with the local resorts," said Lisa. "I decided to study all the ResortQuest Web sites so I could learn what each resort had to offer, and familiarize myself with the resort properties located outside Colorado. I started studying the sites when I didn't get the "catch-em‚ clue from a couple weeks ago that would have been a big clue!"Lisa says the timing of her five-day ski vacation couldn't have been better, as it is just a couple of weeks before her third wedding anniversary."I love scavenger hunts and have been trying for the last three weeks to win this one," she said. "For me, this contest was more for the adventure than the prize. but now that I won, I am very excited about the trip!"Tuesday's contest was the fourth of 11 weekly promotions featuring a different ResortQuest vacation rental property,a condo, vacation home or hotel suite, at a ski destination in Aspen, Breckenridge/Keystone or Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Park City, Utah, or Sun Valley, Idaho.Torian Plum Creekside Resort‚s #316 features two bedrooms and three baths, and sleeps six. The ski-in/ski-out condo is close to a six-person chairlift and just 100 yards from the Steamboat Ski Resort Gondola. The condominium is located near exclusive shops and restaurants, including Café Diva and Saketumi, as well as the popular après-ski scene at Slopeside Bar. ResortQuest offers on-call shuttle service at Torian Plum Creekside from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily during ski season.The Treasure Hunt is held every week until March 30.The next contest starts Tuesday, Feb. 16, at noon EST.To participate, treasure hunters navigate through ResortQuest's ski-destination Web sites to locate a hidden treasure map icon. The treasure map reveals the toll-free number and promotion code needed to call and claim the prize. The Web site offers clues to help treasure hunters find the location of the map. New clues are continually added until someone finds the map and calls to claim the treasure.To learn more about contest rules and how to participate in ResortQuest's Vacation Treasure Hunt, visit www.VacationTreasureHunt.
Posted by ResortQuest Vaction Rentals at 6:52 AM
Labels: Colorado, resortquest, ski vacation, treasure hunt

Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Visitors to Charleston's barrier Islands of Kiawah, Seabrook, Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island typically spend 2 full days of a week-long visit in historic Charleston, SC. The reasons are many - history, architecture, antiques and haute couture boutiques. The top reason to spend time in historic Charleston, SC? No surprise - the food! Charleston's cuisine hearkens from a French Heritage as a large percentage of her first inhabitants were of French Huguenot descent. The original inhabitants were wealthy and wanted fame, fortune and plenty of their fine French cuisine. Then, the 'war-between-the-states' and its aftermath changed things a bit to include a financial need to take advantage of the basic bounty of the lowcountry - seafood, fresh vegetables and more. The results is a delectable cuisine that today marries these historic influences. Charleston is said to boast 'more fine dining, per capita, than any city in America'. Hence, you will not want to miss the annual Charleston Food + Wine Festival, March 4 - 7th, 2010. The Festival's mission is 'to enhance Charleston's culinary reputation and support important charitable endeavors by focusing national attention on the entertainment, education and gastronomical gratification opportunities presented by world-class culinary professionals and wine experts.' Sounds good! Mmmmm. There are many interesting exhibitors such as Slow Food Charleston. This non-profit organization has over 83,000 members internationally that advocate for good, clean and fair food. They push for high quality of taste, environmental sustainability and social justice. During its 3 days the Events of the Food + Wine Festival take place in wonderful restaurants and venues all over Charleston. The Events go on throughout the day, so you can pick your time. Your taste buds won't be sorry!

Vacation Treasure Hunt

Everyone loves a Treasure Hunt and ResortQuest has a fun and exciting one happening - starting today - January 19th, 2010! ResortQuest's Vacation Treasure Hunt is a challenging test of skill where a great reward awaits - a 5-night stay for just $1 a day at a luxurious ResortQuest vacation rental property in one of Colorado's most popular ski-vacation destinations: Aspen, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Steamboat or Sun Valley.

Value-seekers who successfully solve clues in ResortQuest's Vacation Treasure Hunt will earn a chance to win a five-night stay in one of Colorado's premier ski destinations for just $1 a day. The Treasure Hunt will feature a different destination each week for 11 weeks, beginning January 19th and ending March 30th, 2010.

A new contest starts at noon EST every Tuesday. To discover the week's treasure, participants navigate through ResortQuest's ski destination websites to locate a hidden Treasure Map Icon. The Treasure Map will reveal the Toll-Free number and Promotion Code needed to call and claim the prize. The Web site will offer clues that, when unraveled, will help Treasure Hunters figure out the location of the week's Treasure Map. New clues will be added until someone find the Map and calls to claim the Treasure. Happy Hunting. http://www.resortquest.com/vacation-treasure-hunt/

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition - Charleston, SC

The 28th annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition will again be hosted by Historic Charleston, South Carolina. February 12-14, 2010.Charleston was recently ranked by Lonely Planet in the Top 10 cities in the world as 'must-visit'. Attracting over 35,000 visitors, the Exposition is the largest of its kind. Gifted sculptors, wood carvers, custom knife makers, painters and other artists of the wildlife genre are showcased. Educational outreach is another key element of the Exposition. Exhibitors like the Charleston Center for Birds of Prey host programs offering the public a rare glimpse of wild animals and the opportunity to learn about nature up close and personal. Wildlife and habitat conservation are encouraged by the public witnessing demonstrations while enjoying lectures by trained handlers. The importance of both wild and domestic animals is showcased by observing great presentations live 'Living with Wolves' and 'Retriever' demonstrations. Historic Charleston and the surrounding barrier islands are all about the sea and visitors to the Exposition will also be treated to demonstrations like how to 'Cast Net' and 'Fly fish' and the whole family will learn a lot from the 'Fish Lady'. 'Dock Dogs' is a not-to-be-missed demonstration of some four-legged jumpers who can really make a big splash! Children are welcome guests to the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. There is a special 'Children's Square' dedicated to fun and educational activities for kids of any age. Examples of kid-friendly doings at the Expo are: Exotic Petting Zoo, Pony & Camel rides, Power Rock Climbing, Craft making and science station, Spider Jump and a special tent by the Edisto Island Serpentarium. New this year, SEWE is proud to partner with Brookgreen Gardens with works by sculptures showcased. So, don't miss your chance to stay-at-the-beach and treat the entire family to a fun & educational event about the Earth's Creatures! If you stay on Kiawah or Seabrook Islands you can purchase your advance tickets right at the Kiawah Visitors Center. Tickets for Isle of Palms guests can be purchased at the Mt. Pleasant Visitors Center.