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!
Flashback Friday: Celebrating at My Youngest Brother’s Graduation
My youngest brother Josh and my parents
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to my brother Josh’s High School graduation in May 2005. It was also the girls first trip to Kansas. It was a lot of fun being able to celebrate with my brother on his special day. A lot has happened in the past ten years, but it is neat to look back on this fun day.
Thankful for a chance to spend a long weekend in Kansas with my family. It was an adventure and exhausting with two little ones in tow, but we had a great time. It’s not every year your little brother graduates from High School.
Josh with Grandma Doris and Grandpa Verlyn!
Josh with Grandma Willa and Grandpa CE
Grandpa Russell and Jake handing the girls for Josh to hold.
My oldest brother Jeremy and his wife Amber (who was pregnant with Brandon at the time) with my youngest brother Josh.
Jake, and I with my two younger brothers Josh and Lee.
Jake, Josh, Karlie, Brina, and I at Josh’s High School Graduation celebration
Congratulations Josh!
As you can see Karlie and Brina were SUPER thrilled to be celebrating with Uncle Josh!
Cousins – Lee, Alecia, Josh, myself, Jordan, and Rachel
Siblings – Lee, Josh, Me, Jeremy
Josh with Uncle Sam and Uncle Paul Uncle Sam recently passed away (about a month ago). Thankful for the memories and times together. Cherish the time you have with your family while you can.
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:
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Fun Around Town: Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
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Fun Around Town: Safari Bus Ride & Beautiful Peacocks at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
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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):
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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.
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