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History Discovered: Charleston

Cradled on South Carolina’s eastern curve — carved from a network of rivers and peninsular tides — is Charleston. This charming city (which boasts colonial architecture and a harbor history) was established in 1770. Its conception echoes the evolution of America, with explorers seeking its diverse geography and consistent climate. Progress was common within the streets; and the area quickly became the most noted trade center of its time. Ships flocked to its ports, bringing influences from all over the world.

And these influences are seen still today — chronicled in the Charleston Museum.

Began in 1773, the Charleston Museum is the first of its kind within the United States. It was founded as a way to capture the changes that were occurring throughout the country (as well to offer credence to the area, branding it as more than a mere colony); and its displays now detail centuries of information.

Guests entering the museum will be greeted by diversity. Lowcountry History Hall explains the origins of Charleston, providing glimpses into Native American lives, as well as its original English settlers. The Armory offers an astounding collection of weapons and military strategies. The Civil War: City Under Siege area examines the causes of the country’s most tragic years. The Loeblein Gallery of Charleston Silver boasts impeccable examples of local craftsmanship. And the Kidstory Gallery allows children of all ages to play among the past (interactive exhibits, educational workshops and more are available).

Through the Charleston Museum individuals can experience the world as it was — and as it will possibly become. It’s a can’t-miss attraction: one of many found within the city.

Filed Under: Entertainment, History Tagged With: Charleston South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

Solving Emergency Situations with the Help of Payday Loans

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that puts you in a financial crunch? Maybe your paycheck was less than you expected and you’re unable to make a car payment or maybe you are experiencing a medical emergency and need to pay back medical bills in order to avoid late fees. Whatever the reason emergencies can happen to any South Carolina resident at any point in time, which is why it is important to know what solutions you have in case you find yourself in this type of situation.

A payday loan company known as Payday One is a great solution for those in South Carolina who are facing emergencies and have a need for fast cash to handle their situation. This company is an Internet-based payday loan service with retail chain stores located right in South Carolina. It also stated licensed which allows it to provide a level of credibility to those that are thinking of using it for a payday loan service. The services that are offered through Payday One can help you out in an emergency situation because it provides you with access to quick money without having to wait a long time to get the money.

If you are a South Carolina resident who is considering using Payday One, there are some lending terms that you will need to meet in order to qualify. Some of those terms include:

You cannot take out more than $550 in one loan.
You cannot borrow the money again to pay off the loan, and you must wait one business day to take out a loan again.
You cannot have a loan that is more than 31 days outstanding. Payment plans and installments are available but you cannot take out a loan during that period of time.
You cannot take out more than eight loans in a year.

If you meet these terms you might qualify to get a payday loan.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Late fee, Payday loan, South Carolina

Cannons Fire in Charleston Harbor

January 9th is actually a memorable time–specifically for South Carolina residents. It marked the time in history when the soldiers of South Carolina took up arms, stood up, and fought the Union–which allegedly began the American Civil War.

The year was 1861 when cannons were fired on a non-military ship attempting to reinforce troops in Fort Sumter. Although most historians wouldn’t agree that this was indeed the start of the War, residents of South Carolina would stick to the proverbial guns (and not REAL guns, although in their reenactment of the event this January 9th, the guns were REAL) and say that this was the beginning of a period in history that would forever be defined in school textbooks.

It was a Saturday on the 9th when Citadel cadets recreated the event with their cannons and fired off a few shots to commemorate the occasion when a state began a war that would shape the nation to what it is today.

However, these students asked to ‘fire off’ the memories of battalions with friends and relatives facing each other on their own soil weren’t doing it as a celebration, nor simply as an experiment to mark a certain ‘holiday’. Make no mistake: these students in South Carolina were not necessarily ‘happy’ to do this. The commemoration was a solemn remembrance of the day the South entered one of the most dismal times ever faced when over 600,000 soldiers died at the point of guns held by the Union.

The school holding this commemorative event is the Citadel in South Carolina, and it’s something very emotionally important to them. Even James Elliott, a Citadel senior from Walterboro who had manned one of the cannons, stated that it “wasn’t just a game for them”, purely confident that the intentions of these historical soldiers were actually to start the war.

It’s not a light matter. And, like Citadel officials would say, it’s a matter that should be remembered.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Fort Sumter, South Carolina, The Citadel The Military College of South Carolina, United States

South Carolina: The Way It Was

: Image via Wikipedia

Remembering where you came from is important before ever knowing who you are and where you’re heading. That’s history. And every American needs to know about his or her American History–from the Revolution to the Persian Gulf War, without a doubt.

Particularly in South Carolina, history decorates that part of the original American nation with some of the accented events during the Revolution and the Civil War. From the very beginning, this is how it all started….

In 1521, the Spaniard Francisco de Gordillo explored the coast which would later be called “Carolina” to establish (however, failingly) a colony near present-day Georgetown in 1526. Furthermore, the French weren’t lucky to hit the ground either at Parris Island near Fort Royal in 1562. It was only on 1670 that the English settled at Albemarle Point on the Ashley River, but remarkably poor conditions struck them enough to move them toward the future site of Charleston, originally titled “Charles Town”.

After the Revolution, the state of Carolina, which was mostly the center of military action between colonists and British, split into two–”North Carolina” and “South Carolina”, one of three splits, the other two being Virginia (Virginia and West Virginia) and the Dakotas (North and South). That was the year of 1729. Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor was the cornerstone of the Civil War when confederates fired on the stronghold, effectively–at least to some historians, regarded as true–beginning the American Civil War. South Carolina was actually the first state to secede from the Union, creating the great divide in a nation already shadowed by so much history in so little time.

Whenever you walk through the lands deep in South Carolina, remember the history. Remember the lessons learned. Many soldiers in our American history died right under your feet. And that is what shapes your life today, is the history of souls passed on to fight for the movement of a great nation, the United States of America.

Filed Under: History, News Tagged With: Fort Sumter, South Carolina, United States

Hit the Off-Road in South Carolina

That’s not something you see everyday–is an amusement park for ATVs and motorbikes. And you’ll find it right in South Carolina, off the 77 highway and west on highway 97 leading a little road called “Brown Rd.”. It’s called the TNT Motorsports Park, Inc. If you like ripping the mud with wheels and wearing the helmets with the visors on them and full-body suits and boots, then definitely check out this veritable testosterone-driven and oozin’ obstacle course of thrills and engines.

Open seven days a week except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, whenever the desire hits you to graze the dirt with your horsepower, go for it. From beginner to advanced levels, they have everything you need to enjoy a day of ATV or motorbike riding–a Kids Track and Tot Lot for the smaller bikes and less-experienced learners, a Flat Oval for practice sessions on your ATV or bike, the Intermediate Track in case you want to up the ante on your skills, the ‘Tween Track where both ATVs and bikes play together (not for beginners), and the last and greatest National MX Track and Supercross Track for riders who’ve done it since they could learn to walk. There’s a place for everyone at TNT.

If tracks are a little too structured for you, TNT even has TRAILS! You really want riding freedom? Try the trails such as the “Pathfinder” and the “Caldwell”. The wilderness is all yours on your speed demon, free and clear.

Even better, it’s not just a day excursion at TNT. They have camping grounds and lodging, too. So bring your tents, trailers, mobile homes, whatever you like. The space is yours. But make sure to hold a spot for your prized ATV or bike.

Right in South Carolina, see it to believe it. It’s the TNT Motorsports Park, Inc., an amusement park for off-roaders!

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Christmas, Motorcycle, South Carolina, United States

A Modern-Day “Jurassic Park”

: Cover via Amazon

Everyone loves a good zoo. Even aquariums are fun, if you’re more into the sea life. But raise your hand if you’ve heard of this type of park…. (willing to bet no one will). A Serpentarium. Anyone? Anyone? Can you say “Ferris Beuhler”? Beuhler? Beuhler? Beuhler? No. Many might know particular film, but this article won’t go into detail on the adventures of a rebellious teen and his trip to skip school. No, sir.

However, allow this particular writer the chance to talk about the remarkable “Jurassic Park”, a movie of stunning scientific thought and philosophy. Would you believe that we actually have our own “Jurassic Park”? A crazy thought, indeed. Just know this–

The beasts in this park are maybe slightly different from those lovable dinosaurs of yester-millennium.

A Serpentarium is essentially a park solely dedicated to reptiles. And while dinosaurs aren’t necessarily reptiles (they’re actually related to birds, but that’s beside the point), the idea of specialization of a certain type of animal fits.

Enter: the Edisto Island Serpentarium right in South Carolina. One of only a few reptilian parks in the States today.

Opened to the public in 1999 on the month of July, the Serpentarium carries with it a complete 50-year adventure of snake hunting from founders Ted and Heyward Clamp of Edisto Island, South Carolina. It’s an indoor facility that houses anything and everything reptilian; and trust that none of these beasts will bite you. Hours of operation are 10-3 PM, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; and rates for adults 13 and up are $12.95 followed by seniors at $11.95, children ages 6-12 with a price of $9.95 and youth ages 4 and 5 for $5.95. Children under 3 are FREE!

Be captivated by your very own modern-day Jurassic Park, the Edisto Island Serpentarium in South Carolina.

Filed Under: History, News Tagged With: Fridays, Jurassic Park, South Carolina, Telltale Games

South Carolina: Home of the ‘Exotic Park’

This is not to say that South Carolina is the only state carrying the exotic. But this particularly park you’re going to learn about ranks up there, possibly at the top. Hailing from Holly Ridge Lane in Cottageville, South Carolina, a few breaths away from the radiant Edisto River and three miles north of Givhans State Park between Summerville and Walterboro sits the Bee City Honeybee Farm & Petting Zoo with Bee City Cafe. A truly exotic place where you find the world’s wildest creatures–including honeybees!

This isn’t your everyday zoo stuff. Bee City offers a basic class with all the essentials: standard beekeeping gear and learning materials, plus your very own glass observation beehive. After learning about the workers, drones, and queen of the hive, head for Bee City’s Petting Zoo and watch in awe some of the domesticated and exotic creatures they have–such as deer, monkeys, lemurs, wallabies, alpacas, and llamas. Even their nature center houses lizards, turtles, frogs and alligators. And they call it a ‘bee farm’!

The thing is the Bee City Honeybee Farm emphasizes the importance of wildlife; and bees are a direct portion of that cycle. You learn that in the session you purchase, so not only is it for entertainment, but education. As a matter of fact, field trip packages are available for schools on a school-daily basis! Not your everyday trip for a student, and that’s a big reason for scheduling Bee City into the year.

Even their gift shop is stocked to the brim with all kinds of products, such as locally produced honey, bee pollen, and beeswax. One of the best parts about their products is that Bee City actually makes their own cream, lotion, balm, candles and figurines all out of beeswax.

Visit the Bee City Farm and witness one of the greatest parts of nature, the starting cycle of life. That’s the ‘Exotic Park’ Mentality to a tee. South Carolina’s got it.

Filed Under: Climate, News Tagged With: Alabama, Republican Party (United States), South Carolina

How the Freedom of Africa is Brought to You at Hollywild Animal Park

: Image via Wikipedia

So you have your exotics, and your traditionals. Parks vary usually between the two; and to be even more accurate, when you’re dealing with animals, they’re generally called ‘zoos’. But would you be surprised if that wasn’t always the case with certain venues? Sure, you have your zoos, and even public farms. And if you go around the Midwest, you actually might find what are commonly called wildlife parks or sanctuaries. Trust that those venues are probably even more of an experience for the seasoned animal lover (although kids have been known to love those sort of places, too).

Please understand that there is a ‘wildlife park’ (for lack of a better label) that surpasses all. In essence, it ‘brings Africa to you’ once you enter. And you’ll only find this place right in South Carolina.

It is called the Hollywild Animal Park, located on Hampton Road in Wellford. And it’ll blow you away.

Only available on weekends starting in November to February and then open from 9 to 1 weekdays and 9 to 5 on weekends the rest of the year, one would think the Hollywild Park is only an upscale entertainment spot. You’re partly right. The rates aren’t terribly high, but the reason why the hours tend to be limited is the fact that you’re up close and personal with these animals. It’s about the closest thing you can get to a safari! As said before: it brings Africa to you.

You can have picnics there, birthday parties–all sorts of things. But the best part is the ‘Safari Ride’ feature where you actually trek over their wilderness, over 70 acres worth of it. These animals roam free–we’re talking Fallows, Sika and White-tail Deer, Zebras, Bison, Watusi, Scottish Highlander Cattle, even Donkeys and Emus! And that’s only some of the animals they have roaming their fields.

Check it out in South Carolina. You won’t be disappointed!

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Africa, Bison, South Carolina, White-tailed deer

Huck Finn, Eat Your Heart Out: A Trip on the Beaufort River Tour

Straight out of South Carolina, enjoy the spectacle of dolphins playing in the crystal waters of the ocean off of Downtown Marina of Beaufort, and you’ll touch on some good ol’ American Dream, coupled with that river boat adventure making you feel like a little orphan boy escaping with a Negro slave. That’s the taste of the Palmetto State, thanks to the Beaufort River Tours.

It’s a breezy trip of relaxation on the boat, running through the river and then out into the ocean to watch the sea life. But the best part of it, really, is the feeling that you have peace of mind on your own, whisked away on sheer whim. Rides on the boat do that to you, you know? On your tour, you’ll get to view the salty marshes of South Carolina as well as the osprey gliding overhead. Numerous other bird species reveal themselves to you with astounding beauty and sanctity as you almost forget time exists in the heart of the Carolina coast.

The actual boat itself is named the Prince of Tides, a 24-passenger ride, and rates are as follows: $18.00 for adults, $12.00 for children of ages 12 and under. The whole tour actually takes about an hour and twenty minutes, so the truth is you’re never bored. There’s always something to see.

When you’re in South Carolina, everything seems pure and simple, real and historical. But nothing compares to the utter silence and tranquility of the sea; and South Carolina carries it with the Beaufort River Tours, a true tourist gem marking the state as a worthwhile place to visit. Come visit one of the oldest states known to Americans someday soon and witness one of the greatest rides of peace on the Prince of Tides. Your royalty on water awaits….

Filed Under: Entertainment, News Tagged With: Negro, Prince of Tides, South Carolina, United States

Carriage Rides in Carolina

Sounds like a romance book title! It might as well be a headliner for a real-life story, because you can almost be sure a relationship flourishes on any carriage ride, specifically in the beautiful Palmetto State of South Carolina. Beauty flourishes there. And you can’t go wrong with the Camden Carriage Company, one of the most luxurious carriage rides you’ll ever take with your sweetheart, fiance(e), or spouse.

Why would such a relatively short trip be so romantic and wonderful? Think Venice and the boat rides. Just the two of you. A carriage ride is just like that. And when you have the ambience of South Carolina at your fingertips, that’s double the romantic desire and love to boot. As said before, it’s all about ambiance. If you ever had been on a carriage, the close quarters makes for an intimate setting, and when the sun sets over the coast and you’re in the carriage led by a wonderfully suited carriage rider with a pleasing smile on his or her face.

Located right in Camden, South Carolina, you not only have the majesty of nature in the state, but also the budding vintage city life to admire as you see all the little shops, stores, beautiful streets and lamps, numerous palmettos and the skies decorated with many birds flying high. It’s obvious: there’s nothing better anywhere.

But then again, any carriage ride, no matter what, is a must for any romantic couple. This writer, however, promises this: if you’re going to choose a carriage ride that’ll wow you with passion and music in your head reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”, among your choices, be sure to hit South Carolina’s Camden Carriage Company. The trip will be worth the gas money, time, energy, and extended stay. Who knows? It might actually lead to an engagement ring if it hasn’t already come to that….

Filed Under: Entertainment, News Tagged With: Carriage, Peter Gabriel, South Carolina, Venice