The Sand and The Surf....Our Home Away From Home.

Well, our annual trek to the Charleston/Mt. Pleasant/Sullivan's Island area was once again VERY enjoyable. My wife's family have been taking this trip since the early 1980's. There are usually 20+ family members (cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.) that meet for the week. This makes the 20+ trip for me since I've been in the family.


My wife and the kids enjoy the beach and the ocean. I try to take in the beach a couple of days and do some golfing as well. We also try to take in some of the area history (i.e. start of the Civil War, Blackbeard, Slave trade, Rainbow Row, Old Charleston, Historic Plantations, etc.). And certainly enjoy many of the area restaurants each evening.


I am usually a bit disappointed as I haven't seen too many "interesting" vehicles over the years during our stays. A few years ago, I did find a Hudson pickup truck at an antique store I like to visit. It was in "barn fresh" condition. If I had had a trailer to bring it home, the price was "right".

This year, I was pleasantly surprised on the first day as we drove back from the beach. I stopped and looked at this 1960 Nash Rambler 2-door Wagon that was sitting out by the road. The car was really solid, but I think the price was a bit high. At any rate, give "Moon-Doggie" a call "dude" if you are interested!

If you are planning to visit the Charleston/Mt. Pleasant/Sullivan's Island area, here is my Top 10 List of dining establishments:

1. Queen Anne's Revenge - named after Blackbeard's ship, this place has some interesting decor. The owner has his personal collection of pirate artifacts on display throughout. Dueling pistols, swords, cannons, etc. One room even looks like the inside of a pirate ship. (check out their t-shirts....very cool!)

2. California Dreaming - Located on the river, this restaurant looks like a large castle. The food is excellent. Take a stroll through the neighboring docks after your meal. (only one t-shirt design....a bit disappointing)

3. Sticky Fingers - There are two in the area, one in Mt. Pleasant, and one in downtown Charlestown. The ribs and pulled pork our OUTSTANDING! Check them out on the web. They can ship sauce and ribs anywhere! (Lots of cool t-shirts and cool FREE decals for your hotrod!)

4. Poogan's Porch - named after the owner's now deceased dog, this place is in an historical home in old Charleston. Great place to get lunch when shopping on King's street or taking in the Market. (Again, a few t-shirt designs)

5. Gilligan's Oyster Bar and Grill - Great place to get various seafood. All meals are served with all you can eat baskets of Hush Puppies.

6. Sully's - located on Sullivan's Island, this place has the charm of a locally owned establishment. Bucket's conveniently located in holes in the center of the tables allow you to discard your crab exoskeletons, shrimp tails, and oyster shells.

7. The Vickery - A cool little bar and grill located on Shem Creek. Go there late at night and get a table near the open porches to watch fishing boats coming in for the evening.

8. Harbor Cruise - Schedule this event a couple days ahead to ensure you get a table. Get a meal and a scenic view of the Charleston harbor on this boat cruise. Live entertainment throughout the meal. Go ahead a buy his CD if you like his "Kenny Rogers/Jimmy Buffet" mix.

9. RB's - another great place to eat on Shem Creek. Great seafood. Get the She-Crab soup...it's incredible.

10. Magnolias - A great place with wonderful old Charleston atmosphere.