Lowcountry Oyster Roasts

If you've never had oysters or think you don't like them, you must experience a Lowcountry oyster roast! Attending a roast is almost as much fun as eating the oysters.

The last couple of summers we've headed over to Mingo Point on Kiawah Island to partake in its oyster roasts held on Monday evenings.

The Mingo Point oyster roast is an experience. The marsh views are spectacular and there's plenty of food to go around. While the main attraction are the oysters, a full buffet of pulled pork, bar-b-qued chicken, salads, veggies, and desserts are enough to fill any empty stomach.

Once you've had your fill of eats, work off the calories by dancing along with the music. Kids, young and old, will enjoy hearing the musical sounds of the Lowcountry.

For Summer 2009, the Mingo Point oyster roasts will start on Saturday, May 23. During June, July, and August, oyster roasts will be held every Monday from 6-9:30. A closing oyster roast will be held Saturday, September 5.

Prices for the Mingo Point oyster roast are $34.95 + tax for adults, $18.95 + tax for children (6-12), children under 6 are free. Call 1-800-654-2924 to make reservations for the "Mingo Point Oyster Roast."

View overlooking the Marsh

Shucking oysters!
**Tip--invite someone who doesn't like to eat oysters to help you shuck. Tell 'em it's all part of the experience;-)

The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow...

And the next day and the next day!

Are you headed to Seabrook Island, Kiawah, or some other sunny locale soon? If you haven't purchased your skin protection, here's a great alternative--sun protective clothing.

Lands End has come out with a line of protective clothing called Sun.Life. The Sun.Life clothing contains UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ranging from 30-50. Other sun protective clothing can be found at Alex and Me Co., The SPF Store, and Coolibar(**You still need to slather up the uncovered parts of your body with sunscreen).

Don't want to buy a whole new wardrobe? Try Rit's SunGuard, a laundry wash-in aid. SunGuard lets you add UPF to your own clothing. A plain white cotton tee shirt has an UPF rating of 5. Wash in SunGuard and you will increase your sun protection 6 times, providing a UPF rating of 30. Order SunGuard from its website.

For additional on protective clothing, visit the Skin Cancer Foundation's website.

Seabrook Island Earth Days 2009

Ahhh, celebrating Earth Day for only ONE day is not good enough for Seabrook Island, SC. A week of activities will make up this year's Earth Days 2009, April 22-25, 2009.

The theme for this year's Earth Days is Sustainable Seabrook. All the events will take place on the lawn of the Seabrook Island Real Estate office (unless noted otherwise on the schedule of events). The event is sponsored by the Town of Seabrook Island and organized by the SIPOA Environmental Committee.

• Wednesday, April 22: RECYCLING DAY
  
• Thursday, April 23: ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION DAY
  
• Friday, April 24: EXPLORATION DAY
• Saturday, April 25: FLORA & FAUNA DAY

To download the full schedule of events, visit SIPOA.org.

Sight-seeing + Running = Fun!

Here's an unique way to see the sights of Charleston, City Running Tours. Sign up for one of City Running Tours guided tours and choose from three designed downtown Charleston routes or have a running route specially designed for you.

Prices start at $60.00 per person. Each running tour includes:

• A City Running Tours guide
• Choice of an existing route or a custom designed route
• City Running Tours tee shirt
• Souvenir photo

Running tours through Charleston begin at distances of 3 miles. For those who are interested in longer runs, there are tours to the barrier islands around Charleston.

Lace up those running shoes! There's no better way to see Charleston AND get fit.

A day at the beach with your dog!

With warmer weather (hopefully) ahead, more owners and their dogs will be heading out of doors. Regardless if you’re a visitor or a full-time islander, now is a great time to brush up on the local leash laws before you head to the beach with your four-legged friend. Below is a recap of the leash laws for Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, and Sullivan’s Island:

• Folly Beach: Dogs are welcome on the beach but must be kept on a leash at all times. From Memorial Day through Sept. 30 dogs are prohibited from being on the public beach at any time between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  
• Isle of Palms: Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach year round. Leash laws are in effect daily, except 5 a.m.-8 a.m. when dogs must be under voice command and the owner must have a leash in hand. If cited for non-compliance, fees range from $100-$500.
• Kiawah Island: Dogs must be on a leash at all times from March 16 to October 31 except east of the Beach Club & west of Beachwalker Park. From November 1 to March 15, dogs can be unleashed for the entirety of the beach so long as the animal is under voice control.
  
• Seabrook Island: Seabrook Island has designated an area east of the Property Owners’ Community Center boardwalk to the Atlantic Ocean for dogs. From May 1 until October 31 within the Designated area, dogs are allowed off leashes daily before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. provided they remain under voice control. From November 1 until April 30, dogs are allowed off leashes at all times during the day. In all other beach areas outside of the Designated Area from May 1 until October 31, all dogs must be on leads. From November 1 until April 30, dogs can be off lead prior to 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Sullivan's Island: Dogs can be on the beach from April 1, 2009- October 31, 2009. Off-leash from 5 a.m.-10 a.m.; on-leash from 6 p.m.-5 a.m. NO DOGS on the beach from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets island-wide.
  
  An additional pet requirement for Sullivan’s Island is: All dogs kept by residents and visitors within the town limits must have a town-issued tag and collar. This tag is required for all dogs whether on the beach or throughout any other part of Sullivan’s Island. Tags can be purchased for a $25 annual fee at Town Hall, 1610 Middle St. Monday- Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For information call 843-883-3198. The fine for non-compliance is a hefty $500.00.