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.

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.