Posted on 3 May 2018
Category: Tours, Historic Sites, Did You Know?
Author: Steve Vail
When most of us think about World War II history, the SC Lowcountry, and southern coastal regions of the US do not immediately come to mind. Yet as I delved deeper into this part of our history, my discoveries brought me to a place of intrigue and amazement.
Posted on 13 Jul 2017
Category: Trails, Tours, Parks, Historic Sites, Family Entertainment
Author: Steve Vail
This spectacular and historic plantation with its beautiful gardens is still owned and meticulously preserved by the family that started it over 300 years ago, which is something that sets it apart from other historic plantations of the SC Lowcountry. Overrun and ravaged by enemy troops during both the Revolutionary and Civil wars, Magnolia Gardens has not only survived but has continued to thrive. While the original plantation house may not have survived these wars, it's the gardens and natural beauty of Magnolia that have always been the plantation's primary focal point. Many of the plants, trees, and gardens date back to Magnolia Plantation's earliest days.
Posted on 10 Dec 2016
Category: Musical Performance, Family Entertainment, Artists/Artisans
Author: Steve Vail
Two o'clock in the afternoon at Coastal Coffee Roasters in Summerville, That's where I arranged to meet up with the author of one of my favorite Christmas Songs, "I C Christmas". As Eddie Bush began telling about how he got into music at a very young age, it became quite apparent to me that Eddie Bush was far from typical. After 35 years in the music industry and a "major recording label" deal, Eddie continues to write and perform original music as well as provide lessons to a large number of students. Taking into account his ability with the guitar as well as his writing and vocal abilities, it would hardly be a surprise to see him attain another "major recording label" deal in the not too distant future.
Posted on 4 Oct 2016
Category: Tours, Historic Sites, Family Entertainment, Beaches and Islands
Author: Steve Vail
Saturday night October 1, 2016, at 7:30pm, the Morris Island Lighthouse once again pierced the darkness and illuminated the north end of folly beach and surrounding areas. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1962 and has remained dark since. This ceremonial lighting was the first time the Morris Island Lighthouse beacon has been lit since that time. Realizing the historic significance of this lighting, I began making plans to attend as soon as I heard about it. My first plan was to walk down the old Coast Guard Road at the end of north Folly Beach and view the lighting from the beach there. However, anticipating the crowd my wife began looking into tour boats that might be covering the event. Charleston Outdoor Adventures (COA) fit the bill perfectly. We reserved our seats online and...
Posted on 3 Aug 2016
Category: Trails, Tours, Parks
Author: Steve Vail
I recall when Charles Towne Landing first opened to the general public. It was 1970 and the park's opening commemorated the city of Charleston's as well as the state of South Carolina's tricentennial. Six years later the U.S. would be celebrating its bicentennial. As a youngster visiting the park for the first time I was impressed, to say the least.
Posted on 9 Aug 2015
Category: Tours, Historic Sites, Beaches and Islands
Author: Steve Vail
It's unique, it's classic, and it's all American. In the heart of the Lowcountry nestled in the midst of the Lowcountry's protected and pristine Wadmalaw Island is the home of the only commercially producing tea farm in America - The Charleston Tea Plantation.
Posted on 18 May 2015
Category: Historic Sites
Author: Steve Vail
Is Charleston a part of the Lowcountry, or is the Lowcountry a part of Charleston? I hear questions like these frequently, especially from folks that aren't from...
Posted on 13 Apr 2015
Category: Historic Sites, Family Entertainment
Author: Steve Vail
Imagine Summerville 100 years ago. Hardly any paved roads existed, and horse travel was still a primary means of transportation. Only 50 years prior marked the end of the civil war. In 1888, just 21 years after the end of the war, the International Congress of Physicians in Paris...