Your ultimate guide to the coast
Here is the latest episode of Coastal Companion’s Weekly show.
Find out what our pick of the week is for South Carolina – and find out what our viewers suggested for Jourth of July.
Make sure to send us your suggestions for your favorite events for South Carolina. Right now, we’re working on August and September. Just email info@coastalcompanion.com
The stories of glory and triumph that shaped our country really come to life at Patriots Point in Charleston. This is even more so on the 4th of July.
Every year the 4th of July Blast draws a huge crowd to Patriots Point on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor. Last year 27,500 people attended the event, and this year the organizers hope to break that record.
The 13th Annual Fourth of July Blast is hosted by Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum and the Town of Mount Pleasant and the event is the ultimate 4th of July celebration.
USS YORKTOWN
The festivities include a fireworks display launched from the flight deck of the USS YORKTOWN, a World War II-era aircraft carrier. The USS YORKTOWN saw action in the battles of the Philippine Sea and Iwo Jima, now it is an attraction belonging to the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.
During the event, make sure to visit the USS YORKTOWN. Tickets are only $5 after 5 PM (for those over the age of 5). On board the ship you’ll meet veterans from the WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq Wars who will share their stories.
The festival on the landside at Patriots Point takes place from 4 PM to Midnight with lots of activities for the whole family. There will be live music on two stages; a ‘Kidz Zone’ play area featuring eight attractions, including an 83-foot inflatable replica of an aircraft carrier.
Fireworks & Music
An Independence Day celebration would not be complete without fireworks, and the 4th of July Blast has an absolutely spectacular firework show. Fireworks begin at 10:05 PM. The fireworks show is set to patriotic music and has been named “Top 5 Independence Day Celebrations†by the New York Times. Fireworks are launched from the deck of the
U.S.S. Yorktown with the Charleston Harbor as a backdrop. It’s hard to top that.
This year’s event will also honor a very special Unit stationed in Taji, Iraq. Three of Charleston’s own belong to the Unit and they are scheduled to remain in Iraq until September. Festival attendees can record a personal message that will be sent over to the 856th Engineer Company in a special Independence Day care package.
There is free admission to the festival, and free parking. Festival goers can bring lawn chairs and blankets but personal coolers and pets are not allowed. Click here for more information about the 4th of July Blast at Patriots Point in South Carolina
The British royal family has a long history and tradition. Part of the tradition is embodied in the British Crown Jewels. The Crown Jewels have been kept at the Tower of London since 1303. The Crown Jewels are kept in a part of the Tower known as Jewel House, where armed guards defend them.
While the jewels never leave the Tower of London, the only existing sanctioned replicas will be on display at the Amelia Island Museum of History, April 22nd through July 24th.
Amelia Island is a suitable place for the exhibit, since the island itself is names after King George II’s daughter Amelia Sophia.
In 1733, James Oglethorpe founded the 13th British colony in America naming it Georgia after King George II. Later on he name Amelia Island after George’s daughter. The experts are not sure why. Some believe that Oglethorpe was trying to get support from George II in his endeavor to add Florida to the British colonies, while others think that Amelia Sophia and Oglethorpe might have been romantically involved.
Now you can experience a little bit of royal history right here on the coast. The Crown Jewel exhibit continues at Amelia Island Museum of History until July 24th.
Admission is free for museum members and $5 for non-members.
Amelia Island Museum, 233 South Third Street, Fernandina, Florida 32034
Phone: 904-261-7378
Ben Stiller is not the only one who can experience “Night at the Museum”. But instead of a battle at the Smithsonian it will be a “battle at Charleston Museum”. On June 5th you can participate in this real life adventure from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, if you dare.
When lights are out and the museum is empty, no joke, the whole museum comes to life.
Who knows, you might run into a band of pirates, bump into a unit of Revolutionary War soldiers, a Viking, George Washington, or even some wild animals! This event is for brave kids and adults only. We strongly recommend bringing your flash light, since it can come in handy and even double up as a weapon.
Museum curators and staff will share stories about the collections and maybe even entertain you with a tall tale or two. Visitors are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing as your favorite animal or in historical costume. I’ll have to remember to tell Joe about that, he loves dress up!
This event is not just for kids – big-kids-at-heart are welcome! Reservations required – register online or call 722-2996 x264.
Members – $10/adult, $5/child. Non-members – $20/adult, $10/child
If you haven’t been to Gibbes before — this is your chance. It’s Community Day on Saturday, May 16 at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina. That means complimentary admission and family activities from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Normally, admission is $9.00 so why not take advantage of this special offer.
Junior League of Charleston Community Days are held quarterly to offer visitors the opportunity to experience the Gibbes’ dynamic programming free of charge.
The Art Discoveries Community Day will include art-making activities for children as well as musical performances. Exhibitions currently on view include The Charleston Story, Prop Master: An Installation by Juan Logan and Susan Harbage Page and Jeff Whetstone: Post-Pleistocene. Beverages will be provided by Rising High Café.
GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART
Established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858, the Gibbes Museum of Art opened its doors to the public in 1905.
Located in Charleston’s historic district, the Gibbes houses a premier collection of over 10,000 works of fine art, principally American works with a Charleston or Southern connection and presents special exhibitions annually. In addition, the museum offers an extensive complement of public programming and educational outreach initiatives.