The Low Country Reunion
Charleston, SC
by Del Esguerra

As those of you who attended the reunion in Las Vegas know, next year we’ll be in the city of Charleston, SC, heart of the Low Country. I’m pleased to tell you that we’ve completed negotiations and have locked in the Francis Marion Hotel, downtown Old Charleston, from Monday, September 13th, through Thursday, September 16th.

The hotel opened in 1924 and, while several renovations over the years have brought 21st century comfort and convenience, it has managed to maintain its 1920’s style and grace. I wish I could report that we were able to negotiate the great rate that Ed Kitt got us in Vegas, but unfortunately Charleston is a tourist town and prices run accordingly. I will guarantee, however, that you won’t leave any money on the tables or slots, “cuz we ain’t got none of them in the Holy City”. But for some of you, it still may be a bargain compared to what you may have left in Vegas. Also, we tried to accommodate everyone’s desires for specific dates; the week we agreed on gave us the best rates we could get and still keep it in September. It’s in the “lull” between Labor Day and the Fall tourist surge.

Named for the Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox”, the hotel is located on King Street in the heart of old Charleston. It’s within walking distance of many of Charleston’s major attractions, i.e., museums, art galleries, antique stores, the aquarium, shopping, fine restaurants and the famed Slave Market. For those of you who would rather ride than walk, five dollars gets you unlimited rides on the Carta bus, which you can catch right outside the hotel. We also have Pedi-cabs located pretty much on every corner of downtown Charleston; they’re handy when you have to haul all those shopping bags back to the room, or late at night after an evening of frolicking. If you have time, I encourage you to grab the ferry (located just a few blocks from the hotel), or drive across Charleston Bay to Patriots Point to spend some time on the USS Yorktown, CV 10. The Yorktown is also headquarters for the Museum of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. For you Civil War (or as I’ve learned to call it here in the South, the ‘War Between the States) buffs, I’d recommend a trip to the Hundley in North Charleston, the world’s first successful combat submarine, which is currently being restored and preserved, and/or a boat ride for a tour of Fort Sumter, where it all started. And, of course, we have courses everywhere for you Golfers, at all levels of difficulty, and with reasonable greens fees.

For scheduled social events, in addition to the usual President’s Reception, Members Lunch and Banquet, we’re planning a dinner cruise on Charleston Bay and a day trip to MCRD, Parris Island. And, while the men are participating in membership activities, we’re planning events for the ladies, as well.

More to come in the next edition. In the meantime, you can contact me with comments, questions or suggestions at: del.esguerra @comcast.net.