Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Fourth of July in South Carolina

by

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.

Things to Do in Georgia – August 2011

by

August is the month when kids go back to school and life returns to normal for many parents. But here on the coast Summer is far from over. Actually August is usually one of our hottest months, so there is no surprise that the month offers both cool jazz and and a beach music festival.

Savannah is a special place in the summer with its beautiful squares and gorgeous architecture. In the summer, downtown is usually filled with people from all corners of the world and the city takes on an international atmosphere.  

It’s always a pleasure to visit the riverfront in downtown Savannah, especially in the summer.  Lot’s of people, and lots of fun.  

SAVANNAH

2009 Heirloom Tomatoes

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!
August 2, 2011
Restaurant Cha-Bella is inviting all tomato-lovers to the 2nd Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival – a special evening of heirloom tomato celebration. This event offers 14 different kinds of organic heirloom tomatoes. A four course killer tomato meal is available for $29.  Email farmboxharvest@cha-bella.c​om to reserve your seat – space is limited and will fill up fast. Call 912.790.7888 for more information.

 

First Friday Oyster Roast & Fireworks
August 5, 2011 at 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm 

Savannah Westin Hotel, GeorgiaThe Westin Savannah Harbor hosts a riverside evening celebration with live music, libations and hot fresh grill items & oysters for the first Friday every month. Call 912.201.2000 for more information or visit www.westinsavannah.com

Cigar Box Guitar Concert
August 6, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Come to a free concert with local blues/slide guitarists Eric Culberson, Georgia Kyle and Roy Swindell at The Ships of the Sea Museum Garden. The musicians will play Museum-model cigar box guitars in advance of the cigar box guitar making workshop on August 20. Video appearances by Richard Leo Johnson and Scott Ainslie. Refreshments available. More information at www.shipsofthesea.org or call 912.232.1511

 

Jazz it Up on the River
August 13, 2011 at 5 pm. 
Jazz – Just Across The River presents, Barbara Rosene In Johnny Mercer Tribute at the Westin Savannah Harbor. 
Barbara Rosene, who is the vocalist with the Harry James Orchestra will perform a tribute to the master of lyric, Johnny Mercer. Recently Ms. Rosene has been touring with The Harry James Big Band led by Fred Radke. They have been visiting cities all over America and Canada including performances at The Montreal Jazz Festival. 

The concert is free for Coastal Jazz Association members and $10 for non-members. For more info call: 912.920.1317

 

Low Country Boil at the Fort
August 27, 2011 from 6 – 9 pm.

This annual event is the only fundraiser for this National Historic Landmark and Georgia’s oldest brick fortification – Old Fort Jackson in Savannah. The event includes a silent auction, live music, a low country boil, and programming for kids and adults. Admission is free. Call 912.232.3945 for more information.

 

Something Old, Something New…
August 28, 2011 from noon  – 4 pm. 
Planning a wedding soon? This event will feature service providers for limousine, photography, music, flowers and rental furniture and equipment. See the very latest in fashions and wedding attire in the fashion show and experience culinary delights created by the Richmond Hill City Center team. The event takes place in Richmond Hill at the Richmond Hill City Center. Call 912.445.0043 for more information. Tickets $5.00 at the door.

ST SIMONS ISLAND

St. Simons is also busy in the summer.  In the evenings, lots of people walk down to the pier to watch the sunset or the fishermen.  If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two.

Jazz in the Park
August 28, 2011 

The Jazz in the park series at the lawn of St. Simons Lighthouse has become a favorite summer event in the Golden Isles area. This month the concert takes place on Sunday, August 28 when  Just Jazz Quintet is performing. Read more about the event on our page for Jazz in the Park

JEKYLL ISLAND

Beach Music Festival on Jekyll Island, GA
August 12 – 13, 2011  

To me nothing says summer more than beach music.   The Jekyll Island Beach Music festival is held in Great Dunes Park which is the new park that was built on Jekyll Island. Everyone’s favorite beach music band “The Swingin’ Medallions” is performing again this year.  

Check out our video from the event on the special page for Beach Music Festival on Jekyll Island.


 

Fourth of July in South Carolina

by

Since Independence Day is a national holiday, many families get together and for a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of the long weekend 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 weekend.

Here is a list of some of the events:

 

Fourth of July Boat Parade – Murrells Inlet, SC

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

The boat parade in Murrells Inlet draws visitors from near and far to the quaint little fishing village on the inlet. The theme for 2011 is “Ride the Inlet Wave of Freedom”. The boat parade is also followed by fireworks.

 

Make it a day and plan to come early and stay late. There are also lots of nice restaurants and bars in the area. Check out our special events page for Murrells Inlet Boat Parade.

 

4th of July Blast Patriot’s Point – Charleston, SC

Patriot's Point Charleston, SC
Patriot's Point Charleston, SC

This is one of the most popular Fourth of July celebrations in South Carolina. There is a festival at Patriot’s Point with lots of fun for the whole family followed by fireworks.

Patriot’s Point has been named by media as one of the top destinations for Fourth of July.

Read more on our special events page for Patriot’s Point Fourth of July.

 

Red, White and Blue – Summerville, SC

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

The city of Summerville celebrates Independence Day with a festival on Saturday, July 3, 2011 in the downtown area. This event includes all kinds of activities, but something that we noticed is the parade.

 

Many cities have Fourth of July parades, but Summerville’s parade has an additional twist to it. The parade does not allow any motorized vehicles – which brings out all kinds of creative means of transportations from rollerblades to bicycles and more.

You can get all the details about this fun festival on our events page for Red, White and Blue on the Green in Summerville, SC.

 

 

Independence Day at Middleton Place, Charleston, SC

July 2 – 3, 2011,  South Carolina residents receive 1/2 off admission with a valid driver’s license

middleton place charleston south carolina
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC

Visit Arthur Middleton’s home, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. You can listen to fife and drums as reenactors celebrate Independence Weekend at Middleton Place.  During this special event the time period of the American Revolution will  come to life with the Second South Carolina Regiment encampment in the Plantation Stableyards.

You and your family gets an opportunity to see  how the troops lived in their camp. The event also includes both cooking and musket firing demonstrations.  At 1:00 p.m. on both days, you can hear formal readings of the Declaration of Independence.

More information at www.middletonplace.org

 

Mt Pleasant, SC
Mount Plesant, SC
Uncle Sam Jam – Mount Pleasant, SC

A perfect spot to celebrate the 4th of July is the Mount Pleasant Pier at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The fairly new pier stretches 1,250 feet out in the water and is an excellent vantage spot for firework watching. But that’s not the only thing going on at this location. There is also the popular Uncle Sam Jam at the pier.  The band with the suitable name for the season – Permanent Vacation – is performing playing a variety of music from beach music to party music. For $10 you can dance the night away under the stars and watch the fireworks. (The front section of the pier will still be open without admission fee for those who just want to watch the fireworks). Gates open at 7 pm, and music starts at 8 pm. Only 800 tickets will be sold, so visit www.ccprc.com to get purchase your tickets early.

 

 

Italian Festival in Myrtle Beach, SC

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for the Fourth of July weekend and there are lots of different events and fireworks. One of the more unusual events is the Italian Festival in Valor Park.

Even if you are not Italian, but just love good italian food -you are welcome to Valor Park for a special Italian American celebration.

You can read more about Fourth of July in Myrtle Beach on our special events page.

 


Fourth of July Weekend in Georgia

by

Fourth of July Weekend in Coastal Georgia 2011

There are lots of fun things to do in coastal Georgia for the Fourth of July weekend. Many cities start their celebration of Independence Day already on Saturday July 2  this year.  So if you really enjoy fireworks, you  can actually enjoy several fireworks and celebrations and make the weekend an extraordinary birthday bash for our country.

 

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Savannah celebrates Fourth of July in style. The Great American Weekend takes place on River Street July 2 – 4, 2011, with lots of fun things for the whole family. On Monday July 4th, there is of course fireworks over the river as usual.

In the Savannah area you can watch fireworks twice. Start already on Sunday July 3rd, with Tybee Island Fireworks at dusk. Just be prepared to come early and stay late.

Read more about Savannah & Tybee Island’s  Fourth of July Events here.

 

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA

"state of georgia flag"St. Simons Island has a great Arts & Crafts Festival every Fourth of July called the Sunshine Festival.  The festival takes place July 2 – 4, 2011.  As usual, there is also Fourth of July fireworks over the water. The fireworks  on St. Simons Island are scheduled for 9 pm on July 4, 2011.

 


BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA

In downtown Brunswick, Georgia, head to Mary Ross Park for an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration with music, food and fun for the whole family.

 

DARIEN, GEORGIA

The concert Red, White and Blue on the Bluff takes place on Saturday July 2, 2011 at the waterfront park. The concert is followed by fireworks.  Another great family event in Darien is the Cannons Across the Marsh at Fort King George.

Read more about Fourth of July events in St Simons, Brunswick and Darien here.

 

ST. MARYS, GEORGIA

In St. Marys, Georgia, Fourth of July this year is celebrated on Monday July4, 2011, with a customary 4th of July Festival followed by fireworks.

Read all about the St. Marys Fourth of July here.

 

St Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular & Tree Lighting 2010

by

A full day of holiday activities is planned at St Johns Town Center on Saturday November 20, 2010. It all begins around noon with a Holiday Street Festival leading up to the grand finale with Santa, tree lighting and of course fireworks.

The Holiday Street festival includes the Kids’ Family Zone (12 – 7 p.m.) and The Cat in the Hat from WJCT Public Broadcasting will visit. There will also be face-painting, balloon artists and bounce houses. The Holiday Street Festival will feature 40 local artists, boats from Marine Max, the Ashley Furniture SUITE, food vendors,interactive games, obstacle courses and more.

Also, for you arena football fans out there, Jacksonville Sharks players  – and Shark Attack Dancers will be at the event from 2 pm – 7 pm.

Main Stage activities kick off at 6 p.m. with special performances from the Charlie Walker Band, Ryan Star and the University of North Florida Tuba Euphonium Quartet. At 8 p.m., event headliner Vertical Horizon will perform hit songs like their first major release, ” Everything You Want”, as well as seasonal favorites to get everyone into the holiday spirit.

Right after the performance, Santa will lead the countdown to light the dazzling 32-foot Christmas tree followed by a fireworks finale.

During the event, St. John’s Town Center retailers will also offer lots of in-store promotions and specials.

St Johns Town Center – Holiday Spectacular 2010 & Tree Lighting
11/20/2010 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM