Read our post about the Sea Turtle Walk at Edisto Beach State Park. Here you can also get ideas about other year round programs on the coast about the endangered species.
Free Weekend at National Parks on the Coast
Visit one of our national parks on Saturday July 17th or Sunday July 18th without paying admission. The National Park Service offers a couple of free weekends every year, and one of those weekends is coming up in July.
It’s the perfect opportunity to take family and friends out to a state park for a visit. This weekend you can for example visit Fort Moultrie, the Castillo de San Marco or Fort Pulaski.
Below is a complete list of participating National Parks in our area:
SOUTH CAROLINA
Fort Moultrie National Monument – Charleston, South Carolina
The National Park Service’s fee-free weekends apply to Fort Moultrie, a unit of Fort Sumter National Monument. Fort Moultrie is a unit of Fort Sumter National Monument. The site is located on Sullivan’s Island and is accessible by car. Fort Sumter is always free – but there is a fee for the ferry boat ride to the fort.
For more information about Fort Sumter visit http://www.nps.gov/fosu
GEORGIA
Fort Frederica National Monument – St Simon’s Island, Georgia
Spanish and British forces clashed on St. Simons Island in 1792. Fort Frederica’s troops defeated the Spanish troops. Georgia remained a British colony.
For more information about Fort Frederica visit http://www.nps.gov/fofr
Fort Pulaski National Monument – Savannah, Georgia
The Battle of Fort Pulaski in April 1862 featured the first significant use of rifled cannons in combat. The fort surrendered, which was a turning point, signaling the end of masonry fortifications.
For more information about Fort Pulaski http://www.nps.gov/fopu
Cumberland Island National Seashore – St Marys, Georgia
Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island.
For more information about Cumberland Island http://www.nps.gov/cuis
FLORIDA
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – St Augustine, Florida
The Castillo was constructed to defend Spain’s claims in the New World. It was never defeated in battle. The Castillo witness to over 330 years of history and culture and is an impressive place to visit.
For more information about Castillo de San Marcos http://www.nps.gov/casa
It’s a Frog-Strangling Downpour in Charleston
It’s not raining cats and dogs, it’s more of a frog strangler when the new sculpture exhibit is opening at the Hamlet Gallery for Charles Smith and sons, Zan and Beau. The exhibit is called “It’s Raining Frogs†and consists of a new collection of human-size copper frog sculptures.
The Humble Beginning
The beginning of the human-size copper frog emerged in 1974 when Charles Smith started making metal sculptures(following a career in science and engineering). His first subjects were clowns and dancers made with sheet copper overlaid with brass from one to two feet tall.
“Natural subject matter, coupled with the basic desire to render the life size image of the human form in metal are the forces that led to the copper frog†says Charles. The frogs have evolved over the years, first sitting on the ground, then standing, holding a wine bottle, martini glass, reading a book, playing an instrument and other various human activities. Sizes have varied also, large to small and back to the human-size again. The “Spoleto Dancing†frogs in the courtyard stand around 7 feet tall and are perfectly asymmetrical.
Charles’ sons, Beau and Zan, learned metal sculpture while growing up, and became “Frogsmiths†after their father.  The sons continue to contribute in the development of the medium and collaborate on the art and craft of the human size copper frog. Charles and Zan each have a studio in a natural setting on a small, family island in the South Carolina Lowcountry, south of Charleston. Beau works independently in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Art of Expression and Body Language
Each frog is made individually and has its own character in expression and body language. They do not use templates, or helpers. The artists primarily use copper, brass and stainless steel, and have developed over the years a special process for initiating the verdigris patina. Each frog is signed, dated and copyrighted on a stainless steel plate near the foot of the frog statue. “These frog creatures have “soul†and are “crowd pleasersâ€, making people smile†says Stephanie Shuler Hamlet of the Hamlet Fine Art Gallery.
The reception takes place on  Friday, August 7th , 5-8 pm. The exhibit continues the whole month of August. For more information, contact the Hamlet Fine art Gallery at 843-722-1944 or www.hamletgallery.com
Wine Stroll at Middleton Place All Summer – Charleston, SC
How about spending a relaxing Wednesday evening at one of Charleston’s most beautiful gardens? Now you can enjoy a leisurely walk through America’s oldest landscaped gardens while sampling a variety of summer wines at Middleton Place. Each Wednesday, Middleton Place will host the wine tasting in a different garden location.
Wine tasting in the Gardens of Middleton Place takes place on Wednesdays from from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Cost is $10.00 per person.
Summer Wine Strolls every Wednesday through September.
Wine strollers can also make a complete evening by including a dinner at the Middleton Place Restaurant. Just call (843) 266-7477.
Visit our events calendar for additional information about the Wine Stroll
Moonlight Mixers at Folly Beach Fishing Pier, SC – July 2009
Looking for a romantic place to dance the night away under the stars? If so, the Moonlight Mixers at Folly Beach Fishing Pier might be the perfect fit for you and your sweetheart. Enjoy the sunset and cool off in the ocean breeze. Local DJ Rob Duren will turn up the heat on the pier with the hottest oldies and beach music around.
In the month of July the Moonlight mixers take place on July 10th and July 31st from 7pm – 11pm.
Beverages are available for purchase on-site and food and snacks will be available for purchase at Locklear’s Beach City Grill and the Gangplank Gift & Tackle Shop.
You have to purchase tickets, and these tickets often sell out, so make sure to buy yours in advance.
Advance tickets are $10 and $8 for Charleston County residents. If available, tickets purchased on-site are $10. Only 600 tickets will be sold for this event. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com for more information and additional Mixer dates.
