Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Hootie and the Blowfish in Charleston

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Hootie & The Blowfish – In Concert at the Family Circle Cup

 

 

The Family Circle Cup
Daniel Island, SC

Come out to the Lowcountry’s biggest party on August 12 – 13, 2011,  when Charleston’s favorite band returns for the eighth consecutive Homegrown Concert.  Lead singer/guitarist Darius Rucker, lead guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber, and drummer Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, and a variety of  special guests will be on stage August 17-18, 2012, during the Homegrown Concert Series. This Concert Series is designed to raise funds and collect back-to-school supplies for the Charleston County School District.

This concert at Family Circle Stadium is always sold out, so don’t hesitate or wait – you need to buy your tickets today!

Click here to reserve your tickets today!

Hootie & the Blowfish,  Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Darius Rucker, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, have sold more than 25 million albums since they started back in 1994.  The band established the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation to support children of South Carolina through supporting school music programs.

 


Going to the Ritz in Brunswick

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Sometimes when the weather is really hot and humid, it does seem like a wonderful idea to go inside and cool off. The Ritz in downtown Brunswick is one of those old movie theatres that have been restored and brought back to life. Here you can experience movie watching the way it used to be in the good old days. In the Summer, the Ritz brings back some of the most beloved classic movies to the silverscreen with the Summer Movie Classic Series.

Poodle Skirts, Brylcreem and Sing-Alongs

First on the agenda is the clasic movie musical Grease from 1978. Come early, and feel free to break out the poodle skirts and Brylcreem for a fun night downtown when the movie series kicks off for its sixth season on Thursday, July 12, 2012. Cartoons and other shorts begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a costume contest for all ages. The feature begins at 7:00 with the lyrics to all the songs projected right on the screen.

“This is the third year we’ve started the Summer Classics with a sing-along show, and our
audiences always love it,” says Rob Nixon, who coordinates film programming at the Ritz for
Golden Isles Arts and Humanities. “Kids and adults come in costume and really become part of
the musical cast. We think this year is going to be the best sing-along yet since Grease is one of
our most requested movies ever.”

Prizes for the Grease costume contest, which will be awarded in age levels, have been donated
by Glynn Crisis Center (a “Taste of Glynn” cookbook), artist Ian Kaszans, and Color Me Happy.
In addition, door prizes will be given out at the remaining four movies in the series, provided by
such local merchants as Clover Skin Studio, Fox’s Pizza Den Downtown, Glynn Chiropractic,
Hattie’s Books, Stitch in Time monogram shop, and Ned Cash Jewelers.

Dinner and a Movie

Following the Grease Sing-Along on July 12, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will screen the
terrifying blockbuster Jaws on Thursday, July 19, at 7:00 p.m.; the Spencer Tracy-Katharine
Hepburn comedy Adam’s Rib on Thursday, July 26, at 7:00; the perfect election-year movie, Mr.
Smith Goes to Washington on Thursday, August 2, at 7:00; and a matinee of the much-requested
classic The Music Man on Sunday, August 5, at 3:00 p.m.

Every Thursday evening of the series, the public is invited to make a night of it downtown with
food and drink specials in the neighborhood:

Fox’s Pizza Den at 1429 Newcastle St., one block from the Ritz, is offering a great “Dinner and a Movie” special with its new expanded menu. Buy your ticket at the Ritz box office beginning at 5:00 p.m. on show night and take it to Fox’s for 10% offyour bill and priority dining to get you back in time for the movie. On the way back to the theater, stop in at Achin’ 4 Bakin’ across the street from the Ritz and pick up special theme cupcakes for movie snacks. As usual, Angie Aimar and James Laurens ofColdwell Banker Platinum Partners will be serving up piping hot popcorn in the theater lobby (first come, first served).Ticket holders can also show their tickets at Tipsy McSway’s, 1414 Newcastle, for a free draft beer after the show.

“We’re excited to partner with these great local businesses to make Downtown Brunswick the
place to be for a complete, entertaining night out,” Nixon says. “We’re very lucky to have a
historic neighborhood that’s still so vibrant and full of fun places the whole community can
enjoy. And with the terrific line-up we have for this year’s Summer Classics, we look forward
to bringing a lot of people Downtown, not only on Thursday evenings but for the special Music
Man matinee.”

Admission to each show in the Summer Classic Movies series is still only $5 for all ages. The
box office opens at 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 5. Cartoons,
previews, and short subjects begin about 30 minutes before show time. For more information,
please visit goldenislesarts.org or call 912-262-6934.

 

SUMMER CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE RITZ SERIES FOR 2012

Thursday, July 12, 7:00 p.m. – Grease Sing-Along (1978)
It’s the one that you want! The most successful movie musical of all time and one of the most
requested by Ritz film patrons will put a spring in your step and bring a song to your lips. John
Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, and Stockard Channing bring back the 1950s—and so can our
audiences with lyrics printed right on the big screen for you to sing along. Come in costume and
compete for prizes!

Thursday, July 19, 7:00 p.m. – Jaws (1975)
We’re gonna need a bigger boat! The terrifying blockbuster that redefined summer movies and
put a chill into the ocean comes to the big screen just in time for beach season. Richard Dreyfus,
Roy Scheider, and a shark named Bruce star in this Oscar winner for editing, sound, and that
unforgettably frightening music score.

Thursday, July 26, 7:00 p.m. – Adam’s Rib (1949)
Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn were one of the most popular screen teams of all time,
and in this, the sixth of their nine films together, they’re at the top of their form as a married
pair of lawyers squaring off on opposite sides in the trial of a woman accused of shooting her
husband. The delightfully witty Oscar-nominated screenplay gives them plenty of chances to
spar in this hilarious battle-of-the-sexes comedy classic.

Thursday, August 2, 7:00 p.m. – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
No matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on, you’ll love this Oscar winner (Best
Writing) all about an idealistic young man who finds himself in Congress and up to his ears in
political corruption. James Stewart gives a powerful and likable performance as a naïve but
passionate Everyman who takes on the system and wins the heart of cynical reporter Jean Arthur.

Sunday, August 5, 3:00 p.m. – The Music Man (1962)
We got trouble right here in River City! The Tony Award-winning play that became a hit movie
musical is here at the Ritz to entertain and enchant you with such memorable songs as “Good
Night, My Someone,” “Til There Was You,” and, of course, “76 Trombones.” Robert Preston
is all smooth-talking charm as the traveling con man who reforms under the spell of librarian
Shirley Jones and small-town life in early 20th century America.

Fourth of July in South Carolina

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4th of July in Coastal South Carolina

Since Independence Day is a national holiday,  many families get together and for a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of extra time off to spend time with relatives. The first week of July is usually one of the busiest travel times of the year. Many people are heading to South Carolina for the Fourth of July, and there are a lot of events going on.

Here are a few suggestions:

 

Fourth of July F-16 Fly Over – Pawleys Island
July 4, 2012

Turn your eyes to the eastern sky on the Fourth of July to wave to the F-16s of the 77th Fighter Squadron. “The Gamblers” of the 20th Fighter Wing stationed at Shaw Air Force Base will conduct a flyover of the South Carolina Coast. Listen to the sound of freedom as the F-16s roar along our shoreline. Spectators are urged to wear and wave the red, white and blue along the beaches during the flyover. The flyover, which is organized by the non-profit organization, Salute from the Shore, and the Town of Pawleys Island.

Murrels Inlet 4th of july boat parade
Boat Parade, Murrells Inlet, SC

 

Murrells Inlet 4th of July Boat Parade
July 4, 2012

The 29th Annual July 4th Boat Parade kicks off at 9am (high tide) from Garden City Point.  This year’s parade theme is “Red, White & View!  Inlet-style Tried and True.”  The parade will head over to the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk and then follow the Murrells Inlet shoreline down to the Hot Fish Club.  Best public viewing points are the Marshwalk, Belin Methodist Church, Nance’s Restaurant, Captain Pooh’s Restaurant and the Hot Fish Club.  Click here to visit our page.

 

Patriot's Point Charleston, SCFourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point – Mount Pleasant, SC
July 4, 2012

This is without doubt the biggest Fourth of July celebration in South Carolina every year. Patriot’s Point in Charleston, SC, hosts a big firework display. The fireworks are shot from the deck of USS Yorktown. You can get all the details about the Fourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point right here.

Shaggin’ on the Cooper
July 4, 2012

Dance the night away at the Cooper. This is one of the most popular events for the Summer in the Charleston area. Read more about this recurring event here.

27th Annual Firecracker 5000 – Hilton Head Island,SC
July 4, 2012

The 5K (3.1 miles) Hilton Head Firecracker 5000 course starts and finishes behind the Mall at Shelter Cove at Shelter Cove Community Park and takes participants through the fast and flat roads around Shelter Cove Harbour. The festive post-race celebration features music, fresh fruit, ice cold refreshments, door prizes and more. For more details about where to watch fireworks on Hilton Head Island, SC, just visit our special page for 4th of July Hilton Head Island.

Summerville, SC, parade
Non-motorized parade in Summerville, SC.

 

Red, White and Blue on the Green – Summerville, SC
July 1, 2012 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Historic downtown Summerville will be transformed into an Independence Day street festival. Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management) will be hosting the Annual Red, White & Blue On the Green with children’s activity stations, jump castles, live music and food stands. Summerville’s free family and community celebration! There is a special non-motorized parade, featuring kids on bikes, in wagons, on rollerblades, in strollers – all decked out for America!! Music and concessions start at 5 p.m. Please note that Summerville is celebrating Fourth of July a little bit earlier this year, which is perfect. You can make it to Summerville for the celebration on July 1 and then celebrate again in Charleston for July 4th. Get all the details for the Red, White and Blue on the Green in Summerville right here.

 North Charleston 4th of July

The City of North Charleston is hosting the July 4th celebration at the Riverfront Park on July 4, 2011 from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM. This year’s event features Common Ground, Coastrunners, Atlanta Pleasure Band, and Ruben Studdard, along with other activities throughout the event, ending a wonderful day with a spectacular fireworks display at dark, coordinated with live music from Equinox Jazz Band. The North Charleston 4th of July Festival boasts the largest fireworks show in the State of South Carolina. The Festival is presented free of charge to the public with all general admission for attendees. Guests attending the Festival are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there is no seating provided. No alcohol is permissible within the park. A wide variety of food vendors are always on site. Children activities are available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain. The City of North Charleston’s 4th of July Festival is our largest sponsored event. Annually held at Riverfront Park, the Festival features nationally renowned performers, such as Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Marshall Tucker Band, and Lee Greenwood.

Waterparks in Charleston, SC

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Adding on to the park’s two additional extra value days – Military Mondays and Two For Tuesdays – Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark is now introducing Tropical Thursdays to the mix of the waterpark’s discounted admission days. With the slogan that “it’s 3 o’clock somewhere,” the waterpark will now offer its after 3:00 p.m. reduced rates all day every Thursday.

Regularly, attendees who enter Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays receive a discounted rate of $10.99 per person ($9 off the general admission price for adults). Now, park-goers can enjoy the after 3:00 p.m. pricing all day on Thursdays. On this new value day dubbed “Tropical Thursdays,” the water park will also undergo a tropical transformation as island-style music fills the air, staff wear Hawaiian attire, and the park’s food and drink also go tropical. The Calypso Kitchen will serve island and Caribbean-style foods, with a rotating menu featuring items such as sweet potato fries, Mojo burgers, Hawaiian pizza, Cuban sandwiches and jerk chicken wraps. Park-goers will also be able to purchase a variety of fruity, non-alcoholic drinks.

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark is located in North Charleston at Wannamaker County Park. The largest water-park in the Charleston area, Whirlin’ Waters features unique activities for all ages – from curious little ones to thrill-seeking adults. Young children enjoy hours of fun at Otter Bay, a kiddie pool area with a six-lane racer slide, and Lily Pad Lagoon, a toddler play section with a shallow pool and spray geysers. The Big Splash Tree House is great for all ages and features racer slides, sprays, tons of interactive play elements and a giant bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water. Adults and kids can unwind while drifting down Rollin’ River, a lazy river hosting 870 feet of relaxation. The Big Kahuna wave pool is a family favorite with 27,000 square feet of wave action. Looking for thrills? The slides of Riptide Run and the Tubular Twister are guaranteed to provide a rush of excitement.

Whirlin’ Waters also offers a full range of amenities including concessions, lockers for securing items, lounge chairs, showers and restrooms. Plus, the park is staffed with trained lifeguards to provide a safe experience.

Tropical Thursday’s discounted admission prices are valid every Thursday throughout the park’s hours of operation, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Whirlin’ Waters is open every day now through August 18, and then on weekends only through Labor Day.

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission also offers two other area waterparks – Splash Island at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant, and Splash Zone at James Island County Park. Tropical Thursdays are offered at Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark only. Special days at all three county waterparks include Military Mondays, during which all active duty, retirees, and their dependents receive discounted admission on Mondays with a valid Military ID (one discount per ID), and Two for Tuesdays, featuring buy one, get one free admission of equal or lesser value on Tuesdays. Waterpark season passes are also available for purchase. For details on waterpark passes and the extra value days at the waterparks, visit www.splashparks.com or call 843-795-4386.

Fun Things To Do in June – Charleston, SC

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Wine Stroll

Charleston, SC, is always a beautiful place to visit in the Summer and there is always a lot going on in Charleston. One of our favorite places to visit is Middleton Place, and Arthur Middleton was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, so this is the time of year when a visit seems appropriate. There’s even a special naturalization ceremony to celebrate Independence Day.

There is of course a lot of other things to do in Charleston. Just walking around in the downtown district is an experience, and you might also want to visit Patriot’s Point. This is where the big 4th of July celebration is taking place. 

Here are some of the events in Charleston in June.

Wine Stroll Wednesdays
June 13, 20, 27
Middleton Place

Sip and stroll in a different garden location each week while sampling old and new world wine vintages. Special themed strolls are scheduled throughout the season.  The Wine Strolls take place from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Cost $15. Call  (800) 782-3608 for more information.

Movies at the Mount Pleasant Pier
Friday, June 15. Movie begins around sundown.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and Pier

Come to the Great Lawn at the Town of Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park for movies under the stars!This time Back To The Future is screening. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a family-friendly film. Event admission is free.

Charleston Farmer’s Market
June 15, 22, 29 – Saturdays 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Marion Square, Downtown Charleston 

Visit Charleston Farmers Market at Marion Square on Saturday mornings. Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, plants, arts and crafts and more. This is an excellent place for people watching, or to have breakfast or brunch.

Read more about the Charleston Farmers Market here.

Folly Beach Pier

Folly Pier Fishing Tournament
Saturday, June 16, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Come to a great fishing event at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, the second largest pier on the East Coast. Online registration open through June 14. On-site registration available June 16 beginning at 6 a.m. Tournament ends at 4 p.m. and prizes are awarded at 4:15. Prizes are awarded for the largest catch in the King Mackerel category and the three largest catches in the Big Fish category. For additional information, call the Folly Beach Fishing Pier at (843) 588-3474. Ages 3 & up. An adult chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Tournament held rain or shine.

Mt Pleasant, SC
Dance the night away in Mount Plesant, SC

Shaggin’ on the Cooper: The Cruiseomatics
Saturday, June 16, 7 – 11 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Pier

Dance the night away under the stars at the new Mount Pleasant Pier while enjoying live classic oldies and beach music performed by The Cruiseomatics. Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. As only 800 tickets will be sold for this event, advance purchase is recommended. Age: 3 & up. Fee: $10/$8 CCR Discount/$10 on-site if still available

Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series
Sunday, June 17, 7:15 a.m. race start
James Island County Park

Now in its 22nd year, the series will consist of five triathlons and will include a .3-mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run. To register, contact Paul King at (843) 881-8872, or go to www.ccprc.com/csts. Open to ages 16 and up.

Moonlight Mixer
Friday, June 22, 7 – 11 p.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Dance the night away under the stars at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. DJ Jim Bowers of 1340 The Boardwalk will play the hottest oldies and beach music classics! Beverages, food, and snacks will be available for purchase. Tickets are limited, so advance purchase is recommended. No refunds or exchanges. Tickets: $10/$8 CCR (Charleston County Resident) Discount/$10 on-site if still available

middleton place charleston south carolina
Middleton Place

Naturalization Ceremony
June 26, 2012 – 10 a.m.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC 

Celebrate Arthur Middleton’s 270th birthday and welcome America’s newest citizens as they take the oath of citizenship at the home of an ardent patriot who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Reggae Concert Series: Da Gullah Rootz
Saturday, June 30, 7:30 – 11 p.m.
James Island County Park

Enjoy traditional old school roots reggae with a new school attitude in the beautiful outdoor setting of James Island County Park. Bring your chair or blanket and rock the night away to live music by Da Gullah Rootz! Food, beverage, and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited. No advance tickets will be sold. Bands are subject to change. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.; music begins at 8:30 p.m. Fee: $8/Free: Gold Pass Holders & ages 12 & under. For more information about upcoming Reggae Nights, click here.

For more information about what to do in Charleston, visit www.charlestoncvb.com

REGGAE NIGHTS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES CHARLESTON