Happy July 4th, aka Independence Day - considered the peak of peak weeks for beach rentals. If you’re driving to or around South Carolina, you are also enjoying the lowest gas prices in the nation, as I covered in this blog. There is no shortage of nice ways to celebrate the July 4th holiday, officially happening tomorrow. Most are close to the Isle of Palms. In fact, you’ll probably be able to see pyrotechnics from the decks and porches of your Charleston beach house. Before we get to the fireworks, first up is a really neat way to show your patriotism and colors on July 4th, right on the sand of the shore. This year marks the 9th anniversary of Salute from the Shore - where you can show your love of country while also being on the beach itself. Salute from the Shore is a cool flyover of the South Carolina coastline by current and vintage U.S. military planes. As always, the flyover will start at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 4th at Cherry Point, SC, just north of Myrtle Beach. It’ll be led by two F-16s from the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base. Vintage airplanes include privately owned aircraft. This year, the lineup includes:
- P-51 Mustang
- T-28 Trojan
- AT-6 Texan
- BT-13 Vultee
- L-19 Birddog
- AT-11 Expeditor
- Globe Swift
- CJ-6 Nanchang
- P-3 Pilatus
The planes will head down the coast and circle around Patriot’s Point in Mount Pleasant before continuing south past Hilton Head. They’ll travel at different speeds, since the vintage aircraft tend to lag behind the F-16s. But they will be visible along the coast between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. You’re encouraged to show your colors and share your photos and videos. Just email them to salute@salutefromtheshore.org and tag images with #SalutefromtheShore. Here’s the full scoop at the official website.
July 4th Fireworks
Fireworks displays will take place all over the area, so you’ll have an overchoice, really. Charleston/Mount Pleasant - Fireworks will be shot off a barge in the harbor after the sun sets, in what’s officially known as the “4th of July Fireworks Blast.” Great views abound on both sides of the harbor. Patriot’s Point will again open the flight decks of the USS Yorktown, which is probably the best view of all. You can watch for free from the land (parking $10), or if you want to be on deck, there are two options including VIP tickets, but as of this blog onboard spots are all sold out. Over at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, there’s a special “Uncle Sam Jam” happening out on the pier - also a great location to watch the fireworks. There will be live music by Ellen Drive, hand-spun milkshakes and fresh sandwiches at the Riverwatch Café. Gates open at 7:00 and the music starts at 8:00. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as it will no doubt sell out fast, and tickets are limited. $8 advance, $10 at the door, if any are left. Kids three and under are free. Also, July 4th is a home game for the Charleston Riverdogs. A great option is to head out to the Joe to take in America’s favorite pastime while munching on an all-American hot dog. There will be a fireworks display after the game. The Joe is a beautiful stadium located at 360 Fishburne Street downtown, an easy drive from your beach house Charleston.
Fireworks on the beaches…
Isle of Palms The fun starts around 8:00 p.m. near Front Beach. The City will launch fireworks from the Isle of Palms pier after dark. Just a quick reminder - individual fireworks are prohibited on the Isle of Palms. So if you are in a luxury house on Isle of Palms, leave the hassle to others and just watch the official town show. Sullivan’s Island They celebrate July 4th all day, starting with the annual bike and golf cart parade from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m., a community cookout and picnic at 6:00 p.m. It’s at Stith Park playground next to the firehouse in “downtown” Sullivan’s. There will be live music by Permanent Vacation (beach music and classic rock) with a fireworks display when it gets dark. Folly Beach They’ll shoot off fireworks from the beach at Third Block West, beginning about 9:30. So happy birthday, America. And remember to call Exclusive for the best beach houses near Charleston. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger