Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

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

Fun Things To Do in June on the Coast

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In the Coastal Companion Calendar of our TV show “I Know Jax” broadcasting on CW17 on Saturdays at 11 pm,  we take a look at what’s happening on the coast in the area.  

Savannah Asian Festival in June

One of the most popular cultural festivals on the coast is coming up in June, the Savannah Asian Festival. This yearly one-day festival attracts about 60,000 people, so you know it’s a popular event.

Here you can sample exotic cuisines from across the continent. Local restaurants, will be cooking up favorite dishes from Polynesia, China, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. In addition, there’s a variety of martial arts and dance performances, and live music on stage from artists representing different countries.

There’s also traditional arts, crafts, fashions and treasures unique to each nation. From hand made jewelry to calligraphy sets, paintings, hand-beaded clothing, henna body painting, and even a workshop on Asian and Middle Eastern Tea Ceremonies. The festival takes place on June 23 at the Savannah Civic Center, located at Montgomery and Liberty Streets. Parking at the Civic Center is free for the day. Read more about Savannah Asian Festival here.

Greek Festival

Greek Landing Day Festival – St. Augustine, Fl

Maybe you already know that St Augustine, Florida has a strong historic tie with Greece and Greek culture. In June the community celebrates the 244th anniversary of the arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Greeks, Menorcans and Corsicans arrived in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768 and went on to establish what was called the New Smyrna Colony.

If you haven’t tried greek food before, this is your chance. My favorite is baklava, but I also enjoy spanakopita and mousaka.

Visit the so called “Glendi” for a celebration of music, food and dancing during the Greek Landing Day Festival June 22 – 24, 2012. Admission is free.

The St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine is located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine.

For more information, call 904-829-8205

 

Daufuskie Day in South Carolina

Another heritage festival in our area is the annual Daufuskie Day in South Carolina. This festival was organized by islanders to preserve the gullah heritage. this year it’s the 36th year for the festival where you can taste authentic Gullah cuisine, and learn more about the culture.

You can take a boat from Savannah or from Hilton Head Island.  Daufuskie day takes place on June 23.

For more information visit www.daufuskieislandfoundation.com

National Get Outdoors Day – Free Admission

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America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.* This is part of the promotion to get families outdoors more often, so maybe this would be a good time for you to pack a picnic and go visit a park with your family or group of friends. National Get Outdoors Day takes place on June 9, 2012, you can visit some of our parks for free. 

Please check with each park for operating hours and event schedules.

South Carolina
Fort Sumter National Monument

Florida
Canaveral National Seashore
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
Gulf Islands National Seashore

Georgia
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

Read More:

National Outdoors Day at Fort Pulaski in Savannah, GA

Fleet Week in Mount Pleasant, SC

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Fleet Week is Mount Pleasant is an action packed gathering of events with a pelican sculpture unveiling, cooking demonstrations, free shagging lessons, wine and painting on the pier, Beer Week, Shaggin’ on the Cooper and a Starlight Pops Concert will lead up to the 25th Annual Town of Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival.

Fleet Week focuses on activities centering on the shrimping industry.

About Fleet Week Activity Schedule

• Old Village Post House Shrimp Cooking Demonstration Tuesday, April 24, 5:00 p.m.
One of Mount Pleasant’s favorite restaurants, the Old Village Post House will offer a shrimp cooking demonstration using farm-fresh ingredients at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market. Farmers Market Pavilion, Moultrie Middle School, Coleman Boulevard FREE Admission

• Pelican Sculpture Unveiling Wednesday, April 25, 5:00 p.m.
Shem Creek Park will be the permanent home for an educational art nine-foot tall Pelican Sculpture created by School of the Arts students using marine debris collected in local waterways. The unveiling will include SOA students who created the sculpture, along with Mount Pleasant residents and students who played a role in its creation. Mount Pleasant Shem Creek Park, Shrimp Boat Lane FREE Admission

• Charleston Craft Beer Week Event Wednesday, April 25, 5:00 p.m.
A tasting of German beers & food followed by a showing of the film “Beerfest” Cinebarre Movie Theater FREE Admission. Food and beverages available for purchase • Wine & Design Painting on the Pier Thursday, April 26, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Paint your own masterpiece with step-by-step instruction. Wine & Design has created a new painting especially for the Blessing of the Fleet. No experience necessary. Refreshments will be available. Memorial Waterfront Park & Pier $40/person (Reservations required) – 843-388-7857

• Free Shag Lessons on the Pier Friday, April 27, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Mary Kennerty, Director of Mount Pleasant Junior Cotillions and a business etiquette consultant, will teach the Charleston Shag on the pier. Come enjoy sunset in the park and get ready for a great weekend with free dance lessons. Memorial Waterfront Park & Pier FREE Admission

• Starlight Pops Concert – Charleston Symphony Orchestra Saturday, April 28,
Gates 5:30p.m., Picnic Judging 7:00 p.m., sunset show
Bring beach chairs/blankets and a picnic for this annual favorite, in a new venue this year! Great food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets on sale now in all area First Federal offices and The Grove at Patriots Point $15 adults, $10 First Federal customers (in-bank purchase only), $5 children

• Shaggin’ on the Cooper Saturday, April 28, 8:00 p.m.
(Gates open at 7:00 p.m.) Dance the night away under the stars while enjoying live classic oldies and beach music by Local Motion on the Mount Pleasant Pier. Beverages available for purchase onsite. Mount Pleasant Pier $10 per person (only 800 tickets available for this event!) Call 843-795-4FUN (4386) or visit www.ccprc.com