Travel & Vacation: Rainbow Row (Charleston, SC)
When we go into downtown Charleston, SC the kids always try to see who is the first one to spot Rainbow Row. Rainbow Row is a popular architectural landmark in Charleston, SC along East Bay Street. It is a row of brightly colored 18th century buildings in Charleston.
The buildings were given their name due to their beautiful Colonial Caribbean color scheme. Originally, the buildings were businesses that serviced the Charleston docks. The oldest one of the buildings was built in 1748. The buildings had stores on the bottom floors with the business owners and their families living on the second floor. Currently the buildings are private residences, however, they continue to resemble their historical style and colors. If you are on that side of Charleston go ahead and snap a photo of these colorful houses on Rainbow Row.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Daniel Island Historical Markers & Bike Path (Daniel Island, SC)
Beautiful paved Daniel Island bike and walking path
We love visiting Daniel Island! Over the past few years we have been several times and it seems like every time we find something new to explore on this island on the outskirts of Charleston, SC. On one of our trips we took our bikes with us and found a lot of neat places to ride around town. The kids favorite place to ride their bikes was around the cement and paved path in Smythe Lake Park around a little lake in near the Pirates Cove Playground. The last time we brought our bikes we would ride around the lake, play for a little bit at the playground, and ride around the lake again.
The scenery around the lake is beautiful. On our first pass around the bike and walking trail we noticed Daniel Island Historical Markers along the way. It was a lot of fun to stop at each one and read about the history of Daniel Island. We saw some wildlife on our adventures too from alligators to ducks and more! We got our exercise and learn more about Daniel Island throughout our excursions that day.
Biking around the lake
On of the historical signs along the biking and walking path – “A Proprietary Governor“
“Slave Life on Daniel Island”
We had a friend sunning himself along the biking trail. Needless to say we didn’t stop to see if he wanted to play. Always best to leave the wildlife alone!
“Making Bricks”
“Tenants & Truck Farmers”
“Harry Frank Guggenheim”
Friendly ducks swimming and finding little fish to eat.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Charleston, SC)
The sun is setting and birds are flying by as we go over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston
We typically go over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge as we head into downtown Charleston, SC. Usually if we are in the area for a few days we go over the bridge several times. My favorite time to go over the bridge is around sunset. It is beautiful and you get a great view of the sunset from the top of the bridge. We typically drive over the bridge, but there is a walkway where you can walk as well as a bicycle path over the bridge. We often see people walking, jogging, or biking across the bridge during the day or early in the evenings.
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge first opened its 8 lanes back in 2005. It is a cable bridge with two diamond shaped towers. It is lit up at night and you can see it for miles (it looks pretty neat). The bridge was built so that ocean freighters and other large boats could get into the Port of Charleston. Every Spring they have the Cooper River Bridge Run that crosses over this bridge. Back in 2013 Jake, the girls, and I were in town the day before the run so we did the Cooper River Bridge Kids Run together which was a lot of fun. Not only did they have the kids run, but a lot of great family friendly activities for the kids throughout the day. We haven’t timed it right to participate again, but maybe some day we’ll get the timing right.
If you have kids another cool thing about the bridge is the shaded playground directly under it. The playground is fenced and gated which makes it nice for the younger kids. The kids enjoy going to the playground, walking through the park, or swinging on the swings positioned along the pier under the bridge. The park and playground is called Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. It is one of the few playgrounds you can go to if it is a rainy day because it is almost completely covered. Also, on hot days it is a perfect place to find a shady place to play that has a little breeze. The Mount Pleasant Visitor’s Center is located at the front of the park where you can pick up tickets to a variety of activities in and around Charleston without having to go all the way to downtown Charleston’s Visitor Center. We typically go here if we want tickets to local events or tours because it is closer to where we are staying, faster (not as crowded with people or traffic), and the parking is free.
You will often encounter a fisherman on the pier too (usually they are very happy to show the kids their “catch” for the day). The pier was made from leftover pieces of the old Silas N. Pearman Bridge which was the bridge used prior to the building of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. There is the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop that sells souvenirs, fishing supplies, ice cream, and more. There are clean bathrooms and water fountains located near the Welcome Center and the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop. The park has always been very clean. Sometimes we’ll grab a pizza, eat it in the park, let the kids play for a little bit, then go for a nice walk before heading back to the hotel. During the summer months (a some other times of the year) they do special events in the park, like Movies in the Park, Music events, Fishing Tournaments, and more.
Crossing over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Big bridge
Passing directly under the first tower
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Look Out the Car Window (Charleston, SC)
Through the leaves in the blue sky and you’ll see a plane coming into Charleston
Whether you are flying into Charleston, SC or driving there is always plenty to see. Our family always sees something new or different every time we go to Charleston. There are a lot of learning and teaching opportunities if you just look out your car window while going down the roads. Sometimes we take the little stuff for granted. When the kids see something they will often ask about it.
I did not grow up near the ocean or port so I learned about more of these things later in life. The first time I saw the ocean was when I got engaged to my sweetheart. Yes, that’s what happens when you grow up in Kansas (the middle of the 48 states) and about as far away from the ocean as you can get.
Some really nice private boats are docked in one of the inlets nearby
We usually see this factory when driving to and from Charleston. You can tell when they are doing certain things because there will be a faint “wet paper” odor in the air. Usually that smell will be coming from KapStone Kraft Paper Corporation in North Charleston. It’s not a bad smell just unique which peaks the curiosity of the kids riding in the car with you.
The kids are always on the lookout for the cargo containers being moved around. If you time it just right you can see the huge crane picking up cargo containers and loading (or unloading) them from the ships. They think it is neat to watch.
One of the cargo ships coming as we cross over the bridge.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant (Charleston, SC)
Noisy Oyster Restaurant
When we are traveling to various places we enjoy trying out a couple of the local restaurants. We’ve been to Charleston several times and have found some ones that we really like. Since Charleston is so close to the Atlantic Ocean we like to try different seafood places occasionally when we are in the area. Our family has eaten at both of the Noisy Oyster locations, one in North Charleston and the other one in Downtown Charleston.
Both Noisy Oyster restaurants have great food and a unique atmosphere that is fun for the whole family. The one in Downtown Charleston is right along Market St and it has open windows so you can enjoy your dinner while watching the various activities going on downtown. It is pretty common to see horse drawn carriages or pedicabs (or bike taxi) during your meal. After you eat you can take a stroll through the Charleston’s City Market or browse through one of the many neat shops nearby to find a unique souvenir.
The Noisy Oyster in North Charleston has a different setting, but still great food. It is in a little quieter part of town and doesn’t have the open windows. It looks more like a traditional seafood restaurant. If you want to relax or stretch your legs after dinner you can go to Barnes & Noble or the local mall nearby.
If you are looking for a good family restaurant that serves seafood in the Charleston area you should check out Noisy Oyster. We have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Sometimes its fun to try something new when you are on vacation!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Isle of Palms Beach (Charleston, SC)
Isle of Palms Beach
Our family enjoys going to the Isle of Palms Beach while we are in the Charleston, SC area. We don’t always get a chance to go to the beach, but when we do go we typically go to the Isle of Palms. It is a big beach, has public parking, restrooms nearby, a life guard near the entrance, and outside showers to rinse off the sand before heading back to the vehicle. Even with the showers somehow we always manage to bring home some sand with us, but we are getting better.
You can usually find a good spot to set up your tent, umbrella, or place your cooler. There is a lot of good sand for digging sand castles. You can usually find some nice sea shells. Plus there are usually some nice waves to enjoy a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean. It has always been a really clean beach too. We have been to a couple of the other beaches in the area, but since we are usually on the Isle of Palms side of Charleston and we enjoy going there we usually end up at this beach. If you are looking for a good, family friendly beach this is a great place to go.
Scampering quickly out of our way along the sand.
Waves are rolling in nice. Great day to go swimming.
Relaxing at Isle of Palms
Nice beach and pretty beach houses. There are a variety of stores and restaurants to go to while at Isle of Palms.
Waves continue rolling in peacefully as the day ends.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Beautiful Charleston Sunsets (Charleston, SC)
Beautiful sunset
There is something peaceful about sitting on a swing next to the ocean watching the sunset. A light breeze and the sound of the ocean waves hitting the shore. Some of the parks in Charleston have swings or benches you can sit on and watch the sun set in the sky. Our family has enjoyed several of the Charleston sunsets. If you are in Charleston and have the time to relax for a few minutes you may be blessed by a beautiful sunset too.
Watching the sunset over the dock area where they bring the huge cargo barges.
This one was taken from under the big Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Our family decided to take a walk after dinner around the park and were able to catch the sunset.
The sun has set and the moon is out over Charleston. You can see the small sliver of the moon between the Palm Trees against the dark blue sky. This picture was taken at Battery Park.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Major General William Moultrie’s Statue in White Point Garden (Charleston, SC)
Major General William Moultrie Statue in White Point Garden
Our family enjoys going to Charleston, South Carolina. One of the places the girls always love to go is to Battery Park and White Point Garden. They love looking at all the cool cannons and other items at Battery Park. One of the people that they studied in Social Studies was Major General William Moultrie so it was neat seeing this statue in White Point Gardens.
If you enjoy history White Point Gardens and Battery Park is a great place to visit if you are in downtown Charleston. Major General William Moultrie is most well known for fighting off a British attack when they tried to take over Charles Town Harbor during the American Revolution. Moultrie and his men at Fort Sullivan, which was made out of Palmetto logs, held back the British attack. It was one of the first big victories for the United States during the American Revolution. Later they renamed Fort Sullivan to Fort Moultrie.
Later in the American Revolution Moultrie was captured by British soliders. He was released later during a prisoner exchange. Moultrie also served twice as a governor of South Carolina. While Moultrie was governor South Carolina’s state capital was moved from Charleston to it’s present day location of Columbia.
The statue has a 7 foot pedestal and the statue of Moultrie is 8 feet high. It portrays Moultrie in his uniform with his sword in his sheath, holding his hat at his side, and looking out over the Charleston Harbor.
Moultrie Statue
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Fun Around Town: Big Celebrity Cats at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
“Mandela” the white lion!
Our family had a great time at Hollywild Animal Park. Upon entering the park I was given a packet with a very nice “Welcome” letter from Kim along with a map, her business card, a bracelet for each of us to wear, and other park information. The workers from the Safari Bus driver to the Creature Feature Show to the Gift Shop Clerk and the various ones we encountered throughout our journey through the park were always willing to answer any questions we had along the way (most of the questions were the kids asking about various animals). It was a wonderful activity to do with the family.
As I have mentioned in a couple other posts several of the animals that reside at Hollywild have been stars in Movies, Commercials, Print Ads, Sport Events, TV Shows, events, and much more. The animals seemed friendly, content, and interactive with the people passing through the park.
It was great that even the lions were up and active while we were at Hollywild! Usually at the zoo and other places you don’t often see the lions moving or playing around too much in their pens. The white lion paused while moving around so we were able to get some shots of him, but the brown lion didn’t ever stop moving for a good picture.
We ended our trip through the park about the time they were getting ready to close. The workers were starting to feed the animals their dinners so that was pretty cool to watch some of the animals munching down on one of their favorites treats.
For more information about our adventure at Hollywild you can check out our other blog posts:
-
Fun Around Town: Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
-
Fun Around Town: Safari Bus Ride & Beautiful Peacocks at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
-
Fun Around Town: Baby Animal Barn & Creature Feature Show at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
He looks very serious!
He hears the worker getting his dinner meal ready and started pacing.
On the move!
Relaxing on his rock
Look at the length of those whiskers!
Peaceful and relaxing
Beautiful tiger
Love how his tail is sitting on the rock below him. He was curious about us watching him though!
Those eyes are looking directly at us!
Siberian Tigers – he looked so serious, but colorful up on the rock. Not an animal I would want to meet in the wild though he looks amazing. Featured in the following:
- Movie – Man Hunter
- Movie – Betsy’s Wedding
- Movie – Reversal of Fortune
- Movie – Price of Tides
- Movie – The Real McCoy
- TV Ad Campaign – Land Rover
- Gallery Portraits – Valerie Shaff Photography
- Countless live appearances at special events
Cougars were out and walking around. These cougars featured in following:
- Commercials – Lincoln-Mercury (1983 to 1991)
- Movie – Date With an Angel
- TV Program – Rescue 911
- Movie – Reversal of Fortune
- Movie – Last of the Mohicans
- Movie – Miracle on the Mountain
- Commercial(s) – Coca-Cola
Black Leopard was busy eating its dinner time treat. Not sure what it is, but fresh meat of some kind. Seeing it’s eyes watching us through the grass gives me goose bumps. The leopards were featured in the following:
- Calendar – Great Cats
- Print Ad Campaign – Kemdura Paper
- Audiovisual Production – Leslie Advertising
- Score Boards – Carolina Panther
- Caesar, a Black Panther, has been a star in the National Football League for the Carolina Panthers
The white tiger just finished his dinner and is taking a walk around his pen.
So pretty!
Hollywild Animal Park Coupon Discount (Free Child’s Admission):
-
Print off the coupon for Free Child’s Admission with purchase of an Adult Admission and bring it to the park with you. Limit one per family. $8 Value. This coupon is valid during our Park Season which is open Weekends in March, Daily April through Labor Day, and Weekends from Labor Day through the end of October. Please visit our website for seasonal hours prior to your visit. Coupon not valid during our Holiday Lights Safari Benefit. Expires: 10/24/2015.
A special thanks to U.S. Family Guide and Hollywild Animal Park for offering a special discount to our readers. Any specific product information was provided by Hollywild Animal Park and U.S. Family Guide, however, the opinions expressed in this post are our own. We did receive tickets so our family could visit and share our experience.
-
Fun Around Town: Baby Animal Barn & Creature Feature Show at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
Someone came to say “hi” to me!
It is no great surprise to us that the Baby Animal Barn and the Creature Feature Show at Hollywild Animal Park were a big hit with the kids. There is something extra sweet about interacting with a soft fluffy baby animal. The girls could have spent even longer petting and feeding the goats. They were very entertained by them.
It was fun to watch them bottle feed the goats. Several of the little goats had obviously had some red juice earlier that day because their faces and mouths were covered with red drips. It was a great spot to have the kids interact a little more with the animals. You can’t pet every animal (like the lions, tigers, and bears for obvious reasons), but you could pet and feed some of them which made the experience more fun for the kids.
For more information about our adventure at Hollywild you can check out our other blog posts:
-
Fun Around Town: Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
-
Fun Around Town: Safari Bus Ride & Beautiful Peacocks at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
They had the most beautiful face and big eyes!
One of the parents with the little baby named “Marshmallow” they were so soft!
Saying “hi” to the crowd of goats!
Brina petting and talking with a friendly goat!
Jake got the girls bottles to feed the goats. They loved it!
Love the pink/red bottle drippings all over the face of this little goat. Too cute!!!
“Hey, do you have any treats for me!”
The hot pink tongue cracks me up. So adorable even with the hot pink spots on its face!
Karlie feeding a little one.
Brina feeding one of the goats while chatting and laughing at some of the other goats in the pen.
Brina feeding and petting the baby goat at the same time.
She probably could have stayed all day. Brina loves her goats and they are pretty entertaining to watch!
No matter where you stood there was always a goat friend nearby to greet you and see if you had any more treats to share!
Karlie loving it!
Having fun with my family. Thankful for a good time together learning about a variety of animals at Hollywild.
Brina would be content to do this everyday. She loves animals!
Trying to make sure everyone gets their turn with the treat!
This one looks super soft! He must have gotten enough to eat and is now taking a little rest.
Bottle feeding the goat.
Karlie giving a little goat a treat!
Smart goat! A kid dropped a bottle inside the pen which got kicked around a few times to where it was unreachable. This goat picked up the bottle off the ground walked over to the fence and propped it up so it could easily drink from the bottle. Hilarious watching it, but very resourceful if you want a little sip.
The newest baby in the group. Super soft and cute!
The little guy decided to take a rest in the feed bucket.
Karlie petting the zebras and animals next to the goats
Brina giving him a good rub!
It was cute hearing the girls talking with the animals. I really liked how the animals were very active and friendly. All the ones you could pet always came to the fence which made the kids happy.
We got there a few minutes early so relaxing for a minute while we wait for the Creature Feature Show to start.
“Speedy” the turtle!
“Marshmallow” not sure about all the people looking at her. She was still a little bit timid.
Talking about Marshmallow
Another soft one to learn about and pet.
Petting the turtle
Petting the turtle and talking with the worker about the animals.
Hollywild Animal Park Coupon Discount (Free Child’s Admission):
-
Print off the coupon for Free Child’s Admission with purchase of an Adult Admission and bring it to the park with you. Limit one per family. $8 Value. This coupon is valid during our Park Season which is open Weekends in March, Daily April through Labor Day, and Weekends from Labor Day through the end of October. Please visit our website for seasonal hours prior to your visit. Coupon not valid during our Holiday Lights Safari Benefit. Expires: 10/24/2015.
A special thanks to U.S. Family Guide and Hollywild Animal Park for offering a special discount to our readers. Any specific product information was provided by Hollywild Animal Park and U.S. Family Guide, however, the opinions expressed in this post are our own. We did receive tickets so our family could visit and share our experience.
-
