Monday, September 20, 2010
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.
Friday, August 6, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
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!
Friday, March 5, 2010
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!
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