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The Holiday Inn Express Charleston is largely like every other Holiday Inn Express on earth. Our large group did have a substantial number of difficulties checking in. "Non-smoking" rooms, though...
The Holiday Inn Express Charleston is largely like every other Holiday Inn Express on earth. Our large group did have a substantial number of difficulties checking in. "Non-smoking" rooms, though marked non-smoking, reeked of smoke, and we were assigned to one room people were already staying in. At the end, we had to wait an extra half-hour to check out in order for someone who could take a credit card different than the one we had reserved the room with to arrive. On the plus side, the location was easy to find and convenient, and it's hard to hate anywhere that has free warm cookies in the lobby in the evenings. The continental breakfast is relatively nice - several things you could heat up in the toaster, tasty cinnamon rolls, etc - and actually included in the group rate. Free wireless access is a definate plus!
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Fort Sumter National Park is based, on the mainland, at Liberty Square. There is a quite nice, if small, exhibition hall giving context to Fort Sumter and it's meaning. This hall is free. If...
Fort Sumter National Park is based, on the mainland, at Liberty Square. There is a quite nice, if small, exhibition hall giving context to Fort Sumter and it's meaning. This hall is free. If you'd like to visit Fort Sumter itself, the price is quite hefty. The Park service has a contract with Spiritline cruises to provide transportation to and from the park. You pay ~$13 to ride back and forth from the island on the Park Service boat. There is a recorded narration that plays on the way to and from, but it basically gets drowned out by people (schoolchildren especially) running around and talking. The ride is quite cold, even if the weather seems nice for the day. When you arrive at the fort, you're given one hour before the boat departs to go back to the mainland, which is in no way enough time to listen to a Park Service guide give an overview of the place, go through and read the exhibits in the museum, and observe the ruins and explanations that are posted near them. My roommate and I (prolific readers) perhaps only got 40% through the fort in the time we were allotted. Quite a disappointment.
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The South Carolina Aquarium is an excellent aquarium...if you're an aquarium sort of person. If you're inclined to run through exhibits and therefore need acres and acres of area to keep you...
The South Carolina Aquarium is an excellent aquarium...if you're an aquarium sort of person. If you're inclined to run through exhibits and therefore need acres and acres of area to keep you entertained for an hour or two, this is not a good deal for you. If you more enjoy closely observing marine life, then you can make an entire day of the SC Aquarium. It is divided into areas based on the geography of South Carolina, starting first in the mountains (the star of this exhibit is the river otters, who are adorable - check ahead and try to be there for their feeding time, then to watch them play with the burst of energy aftewards), then the Piedmont, then marshes, then coast. The botanical life within the aquarium is also very interesting - I took a "plant tour" (no extra cost) lead by one of the plant curators and it was a very cool look at what it takes to maintain the plant life in the aquarium. A friend with me watched a cooking demonstration and was able to sample some delights cooked up by a local chef. The ocean life, at the end, is perhaps the most "traditional" thing people think of when they consider aquariums, and it does not disappoint. There are sea turtles, sharks, a very very large ocean tank, jellyfish (2 varieties), sea horses, and much more. The only disadvantage is that the aquarium is pretty far away from most restaurants, etc., but they do allow stamp-out re-entry.
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We stopped at the Wild Wing Cafe based simply off reading the menu outside. We weren't after wings but we did want somewhere affordable where we could sit down (not easy to find in the Market...
We stopped at the Wild Wing Cafe based simply off reading the menu outside. We weren't after wings but we did want somewhere affordable where we could sit down (not easy to find in the Market Street area at noon, even on a chilly spring weekday). My friend and I both ordered the Godfather and very much enjoyed it - I would visit the same store again both in the area and if I were to encounter one elsewhere. My only complaint about the restaurant is that the women's bathroom was horribly laid out - the stall I used didn't have a latch on it and there wasn't room to stand up in front of the toilet. Aside from that, great place.
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Normally, I'm not a big fan of chain restaurants. And, actually, I don't eat seafood either. I recently went to Charleston with a large group, however, and we dined here. We made arrangements in...
Normally, I'm not a big fan of chain restaurants. And, actually, I don't eat seafood either. I recently went to Charleston with a large group, however, and we dined here. We made arrangements in advance to visit as a group and they really did a spectacular job of it. They emailed us the group menu in advance, giving adequate time to plan for different people's dietary needs. When we arrived, they had us arranged at several tables close to each other - not one giant rammed together table - which was much more conducive to conversation. Each place had a menu that was personalized to welcome our group. The group package contained one appetizer per four people, a salad and dessert for each person, and a choice of entrees (there were six or so to choose from, both seafood and non-seafood). During the evening, a server ran a trivia game based on "Forrest Gump", handing out prizes to the group. I'd definately visit again, especially if I needed a place to feed a group!
Note: don't pass up the opportunity to race the rubber ducks on the patio out front!
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Even though The Shoe Dept may initally appear sort of small for a shoe store, I always have great luck finding shoes I love there (even more luck than I have at the huge Rack Room!). The shoes seem...
Even though The Shoe Dept may initally appear sort of small for a shoe store, I always have great luck finding shoes I love there (even more luck than I have at the huge Rack Room!). The shoes seem to be picked for a combination of style and practicality, and the result is cute shoes that you can totally see yourself in. They carry men's, women's, and children's shoes and I have good luck finding large and wide women's sizes there. It's one of my first stops in Cary when I need to buy a new pair of shoes!
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Lily's pizza is not for those seeking a pedestrian pizza experience - it's where to go when you're ready for a pizza adventure! Be bold, be wild, choose toppings you never dreamed off and you will...
Lily's pizza is not for those seeking a pedestrian pizza experience - it's where to go when you're ready for a pizza adventure! Be bold, be wild, choose toppings you never dreamed off and you will leave more than satisfied. Though pricier than getting a traditional pizza at I Love NY Pizza, Lily's pizza is worth the expense. I absolutely recommend trying it at least once - those who love the place are totally hooked, and if it's not for you, at least you did something different with your life for one evening.
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If you're someone who expects a thick-crust deep-dish Chicago style pizza, stay far away from Mellow Mushroom. If, on the other hand, you're one of the many who enjoy pizzas that revel in their...
If you're someone who expects a thick-crust deep-dish Chicago style pizza, stay far away from Mellow Mushroom. If, on the other hand, you're one of the many who enjoy pizzas that revel in their thin crust and don't try to drown everything else under sauce and cheese, welcome home. Mellow Mushroom pizzas have an amazing crust and you can choose from a wide variety of toppings (hint: this is not the place to order a pepperoni pizza!). If you're looking for a run-of-the-mill pizza joint, call a chain and have them deliver. If you want something different and more out of your pizza, visit Mellow Mushroom. Caveat: They're always busy on Friday nights. Get there early or pick a different day to find parking!
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It's closeby, and that's about the most this KMart has for it. When you don't have time to drive to a Wal-Mart that's 15-20 minutes away, this will fit the bill if you're desperate. They do have a...
It's closeby, and that's about the most this KMart has for it. When you don't have time to drive to a Wal-Mart that's 15-20 minutes away, this will fit the bill if you're desperate. They do have a *very* large selection of NC State memorabilia and apparel, and stock most "dorm decor" items that you would desire. I run in here when I need to grab something in a rush. The employees are often wandering around the store and are helpful in finding what you need, but they could stand to have a few more at the register - there's only ever one open and the line is always long. Rather run down, closes early, but better than nothing.
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A C Moore
Category:
Arts & Crafts
429 Crossroads Blvd
Cary, North Carolina 27511
(919) 816-8100
AC Moore carries a very comprehensive range of craft supplies, with particular strengths in yarn crafts, scrapbooking, floral crafts, wood products, and cake decorating. They carry a much wider...
AC Moore carries a very comprehensive range of craft supplies, with particular strengths in yarn crafts, scrapbooking, floral crafts, wood products, and cake decorating. They carry a much wider selection of high-quality yarns and needles than other chains in the area do (an extensive selection of clover needles and hooks, natural fiber yarns in addition to the acrylics, etc). They also tend to be priced under Michael's. Pay attention to the newspaper - there's a 40% off any regular price coupon in the paper every Wednesday, and one Sunday night every month or so they will stay open late and you can get 25% off your entire purchase that evening.
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