Charleston Weekly

August 31, 2012 - In Charleston and its surrounding provinces, every day is chock full of activities and adventure for both residents and visitors.

This particular day begins with a predawn stroll through the streets of old Mount Pleasant village, nestled along the north bank of Shem Creek. The early morning silence is broken by the strains of Hank Williams singing “Jambalaya” as they float across the water from a radio on the trawlers chugging out to sea on their quest for fresh shrimp. Later, we partake of their bounty in a bowl of spicy jambalaya during lunch at the Shem Creek Bar & Grill.

We check the tide tables and hit the beach for one last frolic in the sun. My favorite spot is a tidal pool at the northern tip of Sullivan’s Island. Protected by a sandbar, it is safe for children and geezers like me to wade in without being swept over by the waves. Surf sailors skim across the open water beyond. At low tide, a beachcomber dances with the surf as it ebbs and flows to the relentless rhythm of the ocean. She prances to and fro on tip toes, then dips and scoops a shell with the grace of a ballerina, before performing a perfect pirouette and quickly retreating from an oncoming wave.

After a quick shower, we take a tour of historic architecture along the streets of Charleston, stopping at Husk Restaurant on Queen Street to savor some of its famous southern cuisine, featuring a skillet of Smoky Benton’s bacon cornbread. While waiting for a table to become available, we’ll relax on their joggling bench.

After dinner, we’re off to the Moonlight Mixer on the pier at Folly Beach. DJ Rob Duren spins all the old beach music favorites, and the patrons shag the night away under the winking stars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8jVRO03X4w

There is a cover charge of $10.00, but the music pours over to the beach below, so bystanders can also enjoy some shagging in the sand.

The Carolina beaches beckon me
to take my leading lady by the hand
and journey with her down by the sea.
The Carolina beaches beckon me
to do what will transform “me” into “we,”
while spending the night shagging in the sand.
The Carolina beaches beckon me
to take my leading lady by the hand.

Tomorrow is another day, another adventure.