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The Revolutionary War, Lowcountry Traditions and Culture, the Joys of Celtic and American Folk Music

Program Number: 8747RJ
Start and End Dates:
4/28/2013 - 5/3/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Price starting at: $589.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Multi-Topic; History & Culture; African American Studies Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    

Activity Particulars

Minimal walking and standing on this program.



Coordinated by Coastal Retreat Center.



The Revolutionary War in South Carolina

America’s fight for independence comes to life as a charismatic presenter in authentic military clothing leads you through tales of revolution from both sides of the line. Learn about weapons, battles, the “Swamp Fox” fashion and Colonial life.



Lowcountry Traditions and Culture

Explore firsthand the history, folklore, and crafts native to coastal South Carolina. Learn the poignant stories of the Gullah people (descendants of enslaved West Africans), whose culture and influence impact South Carolina even today. See a sweet-grass basket-making demonstration.



The Joys of Celtic and American Folk Music

Enjoy the delightful sounds of Celtic and American folk music from a classically trained husband-and-wife duo, proficient in a wide variety of musical instruments, as they share their knowledge of this music through live performance and classroom discussions.




Charleston (South Carolina)

Founded in 1670, Charleston is an old colonial city brimming with museums and historical attractions. In its early days, it was a cosmopolitan trading center whose wealth is on display today in the well-preserved architecture and cultural institutions. Picturesque tree-lined streets and a lovely coastline make it a tourist Mecca.
Accommodations
Retreat center one block from ocean on Isle of Palms with excellent Southern meals.
Meals and Lodgings
   Coastal Retreat center
  Isle of Palms/Charleston, SC 5 nights
 Coastal Retreat center
Type: Conference Center
  Description: Two story brick building, dedicated in 1982, it is owned and operated by the South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  Contact info: 2101 Palm Blvd
Isle of Palms, SC 29451 USA
phone: 843-886-4630
web: www.sclrc.com/coastal
  Room amenities: Plantation shutters, private baths (shower only) in each room. Thermostats for heating and air conditioning in each room. Clock radio, bed and bath linens, soap, provided. Participants kindly make their beds upon arrival.
  Facility amenities: One television on each level, with cable and DVD/VCR. Free long distance telephone and wireless internet access available in lounge on first level.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $70 Double; $60 Single Contact resident director about reservations (based on availability) before or after an Road Scholar program week, at 843.886.4630.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $70 Double; $60 Single Contact resident director about reservations (based on availability) before or after an Road Scholar program week, at 843.886.4630.
  Check out time: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Coastal Retreat Center Sunday at 4 PM You will be staying at Coastal Retreat center that night.
  End of Program:
Coastal Retreat Center Friday at 11:30 AM You will be staying at Coastal Retreat center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
On site at no charge.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Isle of Palms/Charleston, SC
  Nearest city or town:  Mount Pleasant 5 miles, Charleston 12 miles.
  Nearest highway: Highway 517 known as the Isle of Palms Connector, US Highway 17; I-526 (Mark Clark Expressway); and Interstate 26.
  Nearest airport:  Charleston International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Isle of Palms/Charleston, SC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Charleston Airport to Coastal Retreat Center

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Mount Pleasant Shuttle
phone: 866-223-7226
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx $70 for up to 2 people (price subject to change)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

half hour (30 minutes) 
 

Distance:

 

21 miles
   

This is our recommended taxi/shuttle service to take if you are looking to get your own private shuttle from the airport to the Coastal Retreat Center. Call to reserve prior to your arrival. Mount Pleasant Shuttle service will arrive any time you request. Courteous, prompt, and safe drivers. Cost is approx $65 for up to two people, one way, not including tip. Additional people will cost extra. Discuss pricing and payment with MPS. There are other taxi services available from airport.
 
Driving Directions
  From Savannah, other areas south of Charleston, using Highway 17 North Take US Highway 17 North, crossing the peninsula of Charleston. Follow signs to cross over the new (2005) Arthur Ravenel cable-stay bridge to Mount Pleasant. Follow US Highway 17 North to the intersection with Highway 517, the Isle of Palms Connector. Turn right, This Highway 517 (Isle of Palms Connector) will take you across a causeway and an Intracoastal Waterway bridge, arriving at the Isle of Palms. At the foot of the bridge is a traffic light. Get into the left turn lane closest to the center line. Take a left at the traffic light. Stay in this left lane (Palm Blvd.) You will see a Methodist Church straight ahead. Follow this road, Palm Blvd., as it turns to the right and then back to the left. A brick crosswalk is located immediately before the left turn entrance into the retreat center parking lot. The retreat center is adjacent to the Methodist Church property.
  From upper SC, I-95 North or South; from I-77 South, via I-26 Eastbound Take Interstate 26 East toward Charleston, to Exit 212C. Enter onto Interstate 526, (the Mark Clark Expressway), East to Mount Pleasant. Continue approximately 12 miles to the Highway 17 North, (Exit 29) ramp. At the foot of the ramp is a traffic light. Get into the center lane. Continue straight (crossing Highway 17) following Hungry Neck Blvd. as it bends to the left. At the fourth traffic light, turn right onto Highway 517 (Isle of Palms Connector). This road will cross over a causeway and a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, arriving at the Isle of Palms. At the foot of the bridge, get into left turn lane closest to center line. Take a left at the traffic light. Stay in the left lane, follow this road (Palm Blvd.) for about 1/4 mile. You will see a Methodist Church straight ahead. Follow Palm Blvd. as it turns to the right then back to the left. A brick crosswalk is located immediately before the left turn entrance to the retreat center parking lot. The retreat center is adjacent to the Methodist Church property.
  From upper coastal SC, Myrtle Beach/Grand Strand areas, using Highway 17 South Take Highway 17 South to the junction of Hwy 17 South and Highway 517 (Isle of Palms Connector). This is a major intersection with traffic lights. Get into the far left turning lane. Signs for the Isle of Palms will be posted at this intersection. Turn left on to Highway 517 (Isle of Palms Connector) and continue through all traffic lights. Cross over the causeway and Intracoastal Waterway bridge. At the base of the bridge is a traffic light. Turn left at the light. You will see a Methodist Church straight ahead. Follow this road (Palm Blvd.) as it bends to the right then back to the left. The retreat center is the first driveway on your left after the road bends back to the left. A brick crosswalk is located immediately before the entrance to the retreat center parking lot. The retreat center is adjacent to the Methodist Church property.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration and Greetings/Orientation and Official Welcome
(Sunday, April 28)
   
 Afternoon: Registration begins in Coastal Retreat Center lobby. Coffee, tea, water, fruit, snacks provided upon arrival.
 Dinner: Guests may choose from two entrées for dinner after the first day. Catered meals receive rave reviews, especially the seafood fare. Dietary restrictions accommodated.
 Evening: Road Scholar coordinator and resident manager offer you a warm Southern welcome, along with orientation to the retreat center and program. Enjoy fellowship with other participants.
   
Accommodations: Coastal Retreat center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Revolutionary War and Music Presentations/Bus Excursion to Historic Charleston/Gullah Culture
(Monday, April 29)
   
 Breakfast: Copies of local paper and USA Today available each morning.
 Morning: Revolutionary War historian and re-enactor wears period uniforms as he recounts the various battles during the Revolutionary War in South Carolina. During the second presentation a husband and wife duo educate and perform with a variety of instruments from Renaissance to Celtic to contemporary American folk music.
 Lunch: A variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, and cookies are served. Menu varies daily.
 Afternoon: Receive a comprehensive three-hour overview of historic Charleston by a licensed guide. Learn about The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and the Charleston Visitors Center, with rest stops at each of these sites. Group will also tour historic St. Michael's Episcopal Church at the famous "Four Corners of Law" in downtown Charleston. This excursion will whet your appetite for sights to see during free periods.
 Dinner: All meals are eaten at the retreat center. Our chef knows how to please.
 Evening: The history of enslaved West Africans during the 17th and 18th centuries in the SC Lowcountry and Sea Islands is described. Learn about the origins of the Gullah people and their unique language with our engaging presenter who worked with the College of Charleston's Avery Institute. Also learn about the role of slaves in South Carolina's cash crops rice and indigo and how these affected the culture of the Gullah people.
   
Accommodations: Coastal Retreat center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Revolutionary War and Music Education/Free Afternoon/Dinner at Sullivan's/The Gullah Experience
(Tuesday, April 30)
   
 Breakfast: "Early Bird" coffee is available after 6:15 AM.
 Morning: The Revolutionary War in SC story continues. Presenter also addresses british customs that helped to mold American culture! You will find him charming and knowledgeable. During second presentation, musicians educate about early Celtic and American music.
 Lunch: Our light lunches include cookies for your dessert. Fresh fruit always available.
 Afternoon: After lunch, you are free to explore the Charleston area. Check out the web site: "www.charlestoncvb.com" for local sights, tours, gardens. You may enjoy walks on the beach, which is about 150 yards from the retreat center.
 Dinner: Tonight we will visit Sullivan's Restaurant, known for its exceptional seafood selection, for dinner this evening! Enjoy being served with the finest southern hospitality!
 Evening: Gain a deeper understanding of the Gullah people through a documentary titled "God's Gonna Trouble the Water." Hear the stories of those working to preserve the culture and legacy of the Gullah people.
   
Accommodations: Coastal Retreat center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Morning Presentations/Choose your afternoon adventure/Gullah Storytelling
(Wednesday, May 1)
   
 Breakfast: You may choose a hot or cold breakfast, along with juices, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
 Morning: Story of Revolutionary War in SC from the British side is presented in authentic manner. Musicians continue to engage their audiences in delightful ways.
 Lunch: Enjoy "deli" type sandwiches, fresh fruit, salads.
 Afternoon: After lunch, you will have the option of your afternoon adventure. Choose from a variety of activities including a historic downtown house museum, taking a ferry boat to explore Fort Sumter or meet the marine life at the SC Aquarium. Transportation and admission fees are provided.
 Dinner: The chef has a delicious meal waiting for you.
 Evening: Experience more of the Gullah language and culture with a lively storytelling session with our dynamic Gullah presenter! Be enlightened and entertained as you discover the folklore and spirit of the Gullah people. You'll also be delighted to learn about the flavorful foods that are signature dishes of the lowcountry that originated with the Gullah people.
   
Accommodations: Coastal Retreat center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Revolutionary War in SC, Music/Educational Excursion/"Graduation" and Entertainment
(Thursday, May 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is always good, especially when prepared by our resident director.
 Morning: Historian continues to capture his audience with accurate descriptions of impact of the Revolutionary War in SC. Musicians are able to delight participants even if they aren't especially music lovers.
 Lunch: Lunch is ready when morning presentations are over.
 Afternoon: Staff arranges an educational trip to a local historic place of interest, such as Fort Moultrie and the Charles Pickney Historic Site. If you prefer to have a free afternoon to explore Charleston on your own, you may do so as well. Then, return to the retreat center for a Sweetgrass Basket Demonstration and Narrative. Learn the history of sweetgrass baskets of the Gullah people, and see a basketmaker demonstrate this unique craft that was handed down from her parents. The Sweetgrass baskets were once used as a working tool of the slaves, but has transformed into a treasured lowcountry artform.
 Dinner: Enjoy another fine meal at the Coastal Retreat Center.
 Evening: All of your hard work has paid off, and we will celebrate your week of lifelong learning with a "Graduation Celebration!" After graduation you will enjoy special entertainment. Then, to top off a special evening, make your own ice cream sundae at our ice cream bar as we gather for fun and fellowship.
   
Accommodations: Coastal Retreat center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Program Conclusion/Lunch and Farewell
(Friday, May 3)
   
 Breakfast: Some like a brisk morning walk on the beach before breakfast.
 Morning: Morning presentations are for one hour, beginning at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Check out of rooms between 9:30 and 10:30 AM. Turn in keys, evaluations. All participants must be out of rooms by 10:00 AM. For those using public transportation, a secure area is provided for baggage.
 Lunch: Lunch will be served at 11:30 AM. However, you may request a "To Go" box and take lunch with you. "To Go" boxes not available until 11:30 AM. Good luck and safe travels to all!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Isle of Palms/Charleston, SC Historic Charleston
Pick up brochures during the Monday afternoon stop at the Charleston Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Tourist information also available at the retreat center. Staff available to assist with local details. Enjoy this world class destination known as Historic Charleston. There are many helpful web sites about Charleston, including SC Parks, Retreation, and Tourism, www.scprt.com. For additional information, visit www.charlestoncvb.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

What’s included in this Road Scholar program?



Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:


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