Find upcoming events from Maine to Florida, along with detailed destination reviews of major hubs and lesser-known small towns. If you’re looking for the best cruiser resources, you’ve come to the right place. Each month, Southern Boating posts Regional Reports that cover the Atlantic Coast in detail. Chesapeake, Southeast Seaboard, the Carolinas, and down to Miami, Southern Boating keeps you updated on marinas, events and the resources you’ll need to successfully navigate the U.S. Atlantic.
This marina houses 150 vessels at the luxurious Hyatt Resort on the Chesapeake Bay for comfort and convenience.
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the U.S. with hundreds of miles of shoreline to discover and explore. Located between Virginia and Maryland, its natural beauty makes it a famous vacation spot for cruisers and anglers alike. If Chesapeake is your destination, tie up at the Hyatt Regency Resort’s River Marsh Marina on the Choptank River.
River Marsh Marina has 150 slips for vessels up to 150 feet with water, electricity, cable TV, and wireless internet services. The Quarterdeck Store sells supplies, apparel and a variety of refreshments and alcoholic beverages. Overnight guests can utilize the Hyatt Regency’s many highly rated amenities via the complimentary shuttle to the hotel grounds.
If you opt to stay in one the Hyatt’s 400 cozy guestrooms, you’ll find a plethora of activities to keep you entertained. The most notable attractions are the 18-hole championship golf course, salon and spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and volleyball courts, and game room. Watersports are also offered, as well as a nature trail to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
The Hyatt Regency has seven restaurants to appease your appetite, including the Blue Point Provision for succulent seafood and the Water’s Edge Grill for regional favorites. The hotel caters for special occasions using 35,000 square feet of event space.
Palm Beach, Florida, has been built on its exclusivity and made famous as the indulgent stomping grounds of the “One Percenters.” Just across the Flagler Bridge over the ICW from West Palm Beach this ritzy four-square-mile island has been preserved and celebrated for over 100 years. Perfectly manicured landscapes and Queen Palms line streets named Cherry Lane or Angler Avenue. With easy access to three notable marinas this is a cruiser haven for the likes of those who crave luxury, history and all things fine—even for those of us in the 99 percent group. But it’s when you discover who and what lies behind the prestige of this illustrious island sprinkled with decadent eateries, high-end designer shops and magnificent mansions that Palm Beach leaves a lasting impression.
In 1892, Henry Flagler shifted his focus from Standard Oil to establish this lush coastal area—at the time known as Lake Worth—into a high-end resort town for Northerners. He immediately had investors support the construction of hotels, residences and shops, soon referred to as Palm Beach Island. His expansion of the Florida East Coast Railway tracks provided easy access, and soon the South Florida shore bustled with antsy vacationers—it hasn’t stopped since.
Palm Beach’s rich history is as deep as the checkbooks that frequent Worth Avenue, and while the authentic feel of the posh, resort glamour is preserved, nowadays it adapts to the individual lifestyles of its guests. While it is still geared toward the fortunate few who can treat Worth Avenue as a playground, even the most modest cruiser will enjoy the sightseeing, history, dining, and activities offered on this island that’s bordered by a peach and white scalloped seawall to guard against the Atlantic’s waves.
Today, many visitors grace Palm Beach’s picturesque shores by boat. Two full-service ports––Rybovich Marina and Palm Harbor Marina—are located on North Flagler Drive in the ICW on the West side of “The Island.” Near the heart of both downtown West Palm Beach and historic Palm Beach, these two harbors are just steps away from all the shops, restaurants, beaches, and activities the area is known for. A stone’s throw north of The Island across the Palm Beach Inlet is Sailfish Marina. Don’t miss their weekend breakfast buffet (served 8AM-1PM) with fresh, local seafood. Sailfish Marina is a short boat ride to Peanut Island, a popular place to beach your boat for a sunny day of barbeque and bevvies.
Once your boat is safely docked, start exploring this one-of-a-kind beachfront resort town at the Breakers Palm Beach Hotel (known as the Palm Beach Inn in Flagler’s era) and Flagler’s private home, Whitehall, which is open to the public year-round as the Flagler Museum. The Breakers Palm Beach captures an authentic Italian-Renaissance feel and is set directly on one of the coast’s softest sand beaches. Stunning architectural elegance is displayed throughout each corner of the resort and everywhere you look solidifies why it has been in a class of its own among North American luxury resorts for many years. Even if you plan to stay on your boat, treat yourself to an afternoon exploring the Breakers’ gardens, courtyards, restaurants, and spas.
The fountain at the Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden, a perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic. Photo: Christine Carpenter
Looking for a treat? Check out Sloan’s. Photo: Christine Carpenter
Water fountains dance to lights and music at Cityplace. Photo: Palm Beach County CVB
One of the shop windows on Worth Avenue. Photo: Christine Carpenter
Enjoying a sunset swim at the Breakers in Palm Beach. Photo: Palm Beach County CVB
Sunfest draws crowds each year for music and arts. Photo: Palm Beach County CVB
Visit the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction at South Florida’s Fairgrounds. Photo: Palm Beach County CVB
A romantic treat for couples at The Four Seasons. Photo: Palm Beach County CVB
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Cityplace’s moonlit plaza. Photo: Christine Carpenter
Spend an exciting day watching polo during the Palm Beach International Polo Season. Photo: Palm Beach County CVB
Come and enjoy the Palm Beach Boat Show. Photo: Palm Beach County CVB
Children enjoying the fountains at the end of Clematis Street. Photo: Palm Beach County CVB
Sailfish Marina is the place to anchor and enjoy what Palm Beach has to offer. Photo: Sailfish Marina
The grand entrance to The Breakers Palm Beach. Photo: Christine Carpenter
The Kraviz Center for the Performing Arts. Photo: Palm Beach County CVB
The Flagler Museum is a mega-mansion from the Gilded Age, with an extravagant double-staircase entry cloaked in floor-to-ceiling marble. Elaborate décor, flourishing courtyards, expansive rooms, and authentic memorabilia are all on display. On a warm, sunny day—the norm in Palm Beach—enjoy a bike ride on the Lake Trail to discover the secluded shops and beautiful homes hidden behind lush landscapes. The Society of the Four Arts sculpture garden on Cocoanut Drive is the perfect spot for a picnic and a short walk from the white sand beaches. Phipps Ocean Park has unspoiled snorkeling waters, R. G. Kreusler Park is another perfect picnic setting, and Flagpole Beach is ideal for sunbathing, shell collecting and kite surfing when the wind is just right. The beaches on Palm Beach are different from other tourist areas—you won’t find bars or restaurants fronting them—and are most famous for their pristine sand and seclusion. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be amply entertained. In addition to snorkeling you’ll find kayaking, parasailing, surfing, and jet skiing.
Prepare to be awed as you walk along Worth Avenue’s impressive storefronts, including Brooks Brothers, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Vineyard Vines, and Tiffany’s & Co.––to name a handful. This street displays the type of style, charm and sophistication that earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful and lavish shopping venues in the country. Bentleys, Rolls Royces and Maybachs line the streets, which give way to dozens of lantern-lit alleyways leading to courtyards and secret gardens with European-style restaurants and unique boutiques.
In the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach—just a two-minute drive across Flagler Bridge—is Cityplace, an open-air plaza reminiscent of a European town center. Over 80 shops are tucked inside dramatic Mediterranean architecture––some major retailers and specialty boutiques––each a little more reasonable than the high-end shops on Worth Avenue. The many restaurants feature enough delicious options to satisfy nearly any craving on any budget. As the afternoon turns into evening, swap your iced latte for cocktails. Couples on date nights walk the plaza hand-in-hand while the palm trees light up and the fountains dance to lights and music. Families young and old also frequent Cityplace’s cobblestone sidewalks in hopes of an extra-special treat at Sloan’s Ice Cream and Confections––a South Florida native that turns every sugary fantasy into reality. If you’re looking for entertainment, the Improv Comedy Club, Muvico’s IMAX theater, or the brand-new bowling alley with bar and grill, Revolutions, might do the trick. For something more quaint, take a horsedrawn carriage ride along the twinkling plaza as live bands play at the Blue Martini or BB King’s Blues Club.
If you’re cruising as a couple or the kids are already tucked into bed, Clematis Street is a busy strip known for its eclectic bars and restaurants, and bustling nightlife. Bring your dancing shoes and a little liquid courage for one of the many nightclubs, or grab a slice of pizza from City Girls Pizza and savor a low-key evening swinging on the waterfront benches as the shimmering lights reflect from the many mega-yachts berthed in the ICW harbors. Look across the water to see Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s Palm Beach digs.
For an upscale evening, enjoy dinner at The Palm Beach Grille on Royal Poinciana Way––don’t skip appetizers or dessert; the fire-grilled artichokes and hot fudge sundae take center stage. Afterward, sit front and center for a show at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts—it’s home to the Palm Beach Opera and welcomes a variety of musicians, orchestras, Broadway shows, and plays each month.
Palm Beachers delight in this world-class escape that allows visitors to experience the ultimate lifestyle of beachfront living at its finest. The pristine shores treat you to the luxury, history and entertainment only this unique coastal gem offers. Once you cruise the waters and walk the streets you’ll understand why The Island has been famous for over a century. I won’t be a bit surprised if you plan a return engagement.
By Christine Carpenter, Southern Boating March 2014
The history, well-preserved architecture and mannerly people make Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most adored cities in the world. Locals call it the Lowcountry—because the city is either at or below sea level—or the Holy City since no building can be taller than the tallest church steeple. Charleston’s accolades by well-known travel periodicals include being crowned the “Top Destination in the World,” and for three consecutive years it was named the “Top U.S. City.” Within ten miles of downtown exist three charming beaches: Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach. If the radius is extended by ten miles tack on Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, two world-class golf destinations.
Charleston is the Cooperstown of American history—throw a rock and you’re bound to hit a notable Revolutionary or Civil War landmark. Charleston’s calendar is full with goings-on—sometimes triple booked—so a popular activity for Charlestonians is “staycationing.” April brings four major events, three of which occur on the first weekend of the month: the Family Circle Cup, a WTA Premier Event; the Cooper Bridge Run, the biggest and best organized 10K race in the world; and the Flowertown Festival, one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the South. A week later is Charleston Race Week, one of the best-known regattas in the country.
To vacation in Charleston and not explore her waterways is just wrong—it’s tantamount to counting your layover in the Atlanta Airport as your one and only visit to the South. Charleston’s waterways are paradise. To the south is the Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto (ACE) Basin, while to the north is the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. The ACE Basin is the largest estuary on the Eastern Seaboard. Half of the 66,000 acres in the Cape Romain Refuge are ranked as a Class I Wilderness, a designation reserved for the most pristine places. Boat a little further south or north of these areas and you’ll be in one of Charleston’s Sister Cities, Beaufort or Georgetown, the second and third oldest cities in South Carolina, respectively.
The Charleston Harbor is a confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. The Ashley is a Federally designated Scenic River, and boating the thirty miles of black water swamp and tidal waters is an adventure worth planning. Adorning its pluff-mud and oak-tree lined banks are 26 National Historic Places, of which three notable points of interest are pre-Revolutionary era plantations: Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, and Middleton Place. Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America (built in 1742) and considered one of the best examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in the country. Magnolia and Middleton Plantations have the oldest natural and manicured gardens in America, respectively.
Capers Island is an undeveloped barrier island north of Charleston near ICW Marker 99. During the boating season Capers turns into a boating playground due to its 214 acres of unspoiled beach. A must is to hike through “Boneyard Beach,” a massive graveyard of palms and oaks bleached over time by the harsh marine elements. Camping on the island is permitted year-round.
Foodies will fall in love with Charleston. Year after year its chefs and restaurateurs bring home the coveted James Beard Awards known as “the Oscars of the Food World.” Most of the waterfront restaurants are just east of the city in the towns of Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms. Locals say nothing is more fun than boating to Morgan Creek Grill, but the food, view and good times on the restaurant’s open-air upper deck is only half the story. The boat ride is worthy of five stars as you idle north on the ICW past prime real estate through the beach towns of Sullivan’s and Isle of Palms.
Less swanky but just as interesting is Goat Island, a two-mile strip of sandy bluff with a row of old, quirky beach cottages set in a thicket of trees. According to lore, a married couple expatriated to the island in 1931 to live among the feral goats. Squatters, the Goat Man and his wife lived out their lives on the island in the buff, bleating at intruders.
You can’t visit Charleston without a trip up Shem Creek, a haven for dolphins and manatees. It winds through Mount Pleasant’s Old Village––one of the most historic and prestigious neighborhoods in Charleston––before spilling into the Harbor. Six restaurants on its banks make it a popular, fun waterfront-dining destination. Near its mouth and behind the old shrimp boat Winds of Fortune is one of the best eateries in Charleston. The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene is exactly what you’d imagine, a hole-in-the-wall serving up fresh local seafood. It’s named after the Richard & Charlene, a derelict North Atlantic trawler that Hurricane Hugo impaled on bare pylons, now the site of the restaurant. To access Shem Creek follow the Mount Pleasant Channel located near the Harbor entrance starting at red and green day-beacons 2 and 7. Beside the channel you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the richest real estate in Charleston, the Harbor homes in the Old Village.
Charleston is a fascinating and constantly evolving city I’m proud to call home. Living here feels like a vacation, and if you’re like me you’ll be happiest while cruising her waterways.
