By Jay Whipple, Trend Magazine Online™

Summer is just around the corner andit’s time to start making plansfor memorable road trips. On your list should be a memorable journey to one of the South’s most popular tourist destinations, Charleston, SC, which has a long and unique history dating back to the Civil War era in the 1860’s and earlier during the period of Slavery in the United States.

In fact, the City of Charleston was once the Capitol of South Carolina and the largest city in the Carolinas until the 1930’s when Charlotte, NC, overtook it as a major distribution, textile, and banking center. The area still boasts some of the most lavished plantations left over from the era of Slavery in the United States as well as the Gullah people who survived to tell their story through art, song, and their very own broken language. In addition, with Fort Fisher nearby, it also serves as a history lesson for the last major war fought on American turf – the Civil War – which ended with the taking of that stronghold in January of 1865.

Our one day journey starts with a light breakfast as we depart from our Eastway Drive location at 6 A.M. sharp for the 3 ½ hour trip. Upon arrival you will be treated to a professional guided tour of the famous Charleston Harbor aboard a double decker paddle wheel boat. This 90-minute cruise/tour takes you around the harbor as the captain recounts centuries of history dating back to the 1700's amid the Revolutionary War, the 1800's amid the Civil War, as well as the 20th and 21st Century. Along the way don't be surprised if you spot a Dolphin or two swimming along side the boat in a drafting mode as the Captain puts it. Cruise by the infamous Fort Fisher as featured in the movie Glory starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman to name a few well-known actors. See the homes of millionaries along the shore of one of the most wealthiest zip codes in the entire State of South Carolina. Check out an old battleship that saw combat during one of countries many battles. Check out the cool harbor breeze as we cruise under one of the newest and most fantastic bridges built in the United States in the 21st Century. Afterwards, dine outdoors near the harbor on a boxed lunch (inlcuded) filled with cold cuts, chips, sweets, and refreshments.

Next up is a tek out to Mt. Pleasant, SC, to the Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens where in 1743, the son of Major John Boone planted live oak trees, arranging them in two evenly spaced rows. This spectacular approach to his home symbolizes southern heritage and will take root in your memory for many years to come. It would take two centuries for the massive, moss-draped branches to meet overhead, forming today's natural corridor and a scene that NBC Daytime television says is "a must see stop on any trip to Charleston, S.C."

You will be treated to a Slave Street and History Presentation which is an informative presentation that begins at the tip of Slave Street located out in the front of the Plantation Home. A Boone Hall guide presents a historical look at the living quarters, historic relics, and lifestyle of the Slaves that lived here at Boone Hall. While this seasonal presentation gives additional background information that is helpful, it is not required for touring the cabins, which are open year round. Please check the tour information sheet received on admission to the plantation for daily times.

Your next treat is the Garden Tour which allows you to see the many various plants, flowers, and trees that are currently growing in the beautiful gardens on the front lawn. One of the main features of the garden is antique roses that are over 100 years old. This tour is self-guided. After that, you will be treated to a tasty boxed lunch prepared locally that will be served on the plantation grounds. After lunch it’s out to sea for a memorable journey in conjunction with your plantation tour.

The trip back includes a Dutch-treat dinner stop along the way to round out your fun day of adventure before we arrive back in the Queen City by about 10 P.M. or so.

Wantto go? Click here for trip info and to sign up!

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