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June Charleston Activities You Don’t Want to Miss

May 30, 2017 by

 

Between the beaches and historic sites, world-class restaurants and shopping galore, Charleston has a lot to offer. With so much constantly going on in this city, it’s easy to miss some of the best Charleston activities when they pop up on the calendar.
For that reason, we decided to share some of our favorite Charleston events that happen in the month of June. Regardless of whether you live here full-time, or are planning to visit, we hope you’ll add some of these suggestions to your itinerary if you’ll be around in the month of June.
Enjoy!

Carolina Lady Anglers Fishing for the Cure Tournament – May 31 through June 4

The Carolina Lady Anglers raise funds for breast cancer every year with a Fishing for the Cure Tournament. This year, we are honored to be a Species Sponsor for the event.

This fun, family-friendly tournament is a great way to help an important cause while making many memories along the way. If you’re in the area, we encourage you to grab a fishing rod and sign up!
Each team that participates must select a captain to attend the Captain’s meeting on May 31, at 6:00 p.m. at Charleston Maritime Center. The fish weigh-in is on June 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the same location.
For registrations costs, prize details, and other info, please visit the Carolina Lady Anglers website.
Spoleto Festival USA – Runs through June 11
If you love art, music, and theater, the Spoleto Festival is an event you’ll want to put on your calendar.
Technically this festival started at the end of May, but it’s still in full swing. Live events for this festival will continue on through June 11, so be sure to find a day to enjoy the festival with your family.
Between art galleries, dance shows, theater performances, and more, there’s bound to be something at this festival for every member of your family—kids included!
Check out the Spoleto Festival calendar here.
Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise – June 8, 15, 22, or 29
If you love ocean views and Lowcountry blues, you definitely need to get yourself signed up for a Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise.
This dinner cruise is a wonderful way to experience Charleston while listening to the musical stylings of well-known blues pianist Shrimp City Slim and his band.
On this 2-hour cruise, you’ll enjoy a full all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet with access to a cash bar. Yum!
Find out more about tickets and pricing here. 
Sunset at Fort Sumter – June 9, 16, 23, and 30
Charleston is rich in history. So, if you’re here for a visit or live in town, we highly recommend spending an evening taking a step back in time with a Sunset at Fort Sumter tour.
On this tour, you will interact with period-dressed Civil War historians and learn about the Civil War. Once at the fort, enjoy the rich history provided by the National Park Service Rangers and spectacular views of the city, harbor, and Atlantic Ocean from the top of the fort.
This tour also includes a return cruise where you will relax and take in the spectacular views of the harbor and the marine life while dining on southern BBQ cuisine. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase at the fort and during the cruise.
Advance reservations are recommended. Call 843-722-BOAT to purchase tickets.
Moonlight Mixers – June 16
Moonlight Mixers is a family-friendly event that’s fun for both adults and children. All ages are invited to celebrate the arrival of summertime weather with some shag dancing on the Folly Beach Pier.
During this event, DJ Jim Bowers will keep your feet moving with the hottest oldies and beach music. This even runs from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Admission is $8 per person when tickets are purchased in advanced online. On-site tickets cost $10 per person.
Purchase your ticket now!

 

Charleston Carifest – June 22, 23, 24, and 25

Charleston Carifest is a Caribbean Carnival celebration in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month.
This festival is four days long and is full of food, fun, music, and costumes. When you attend this event, you will instantly be submerged in education and culture.
Join in on the festivities and embrace Unity in Diversity.
Visit the website for more information.

Do you have a favorite Charleston event you attend in June?

Comment below and let us know what it is!

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Fort Sumter’s Role in the Civil War

January 8, 2014 by

Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor, and is known as the site where the Civil War began. On April 12, 1861, the first shots of the war were fired upon the fort.

Built in 1829 (or should we say construction began in 1829, as the fort wasn’t completed by 1861), Fort Sumter was one of several forts built along the southeastern coastline of the U.S. An imposing structure, it is 190 feet long with five-foot thick walls and was built to house over 600 men and 130 guns when filled to capacity.

South Carolina seceded from the Union in December of 1860, and Union forces held Fort Sumter under the command of Major Robert Anderson. Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard was not amused, and demanded the fort be surrendered. Anderson refused, and early in the morning of April 12, 1861, the Confederates opened fire on the fort.

The battle continued for almost 36 hours, and in the end, the weakened Union forces surrendered without bloodshed. However, the terms of surrender allowed the Union to fire a 100-gun salute before leaving the fort, and an accidental explosion took the life of one gunner and critically wounded a second. Fort Sumter was and still is considered the site upon which the war began.

In 1863, Union forces twice attempted to retake Fort Sumter, once under the command of Rear Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont and once under Major General Quincy A. Gillmore and Rear Admiral John Dahlgren, but both attempts failed. The Confederacy had been busily fortifying and arming the fort with slave labor. The fort boasted over 40 pieces of artillery, including some of the deadliest guns known at the time.

During the war, Fort Sumter had been badly damaged and was restored by the U.S. Army. For a time, it was used as a lighthouse, but is now a popular tourist attraction.

Have you visited the fort?

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