Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook Tour, in Charleston, SC

Prepare to step into the enchanting world of Noah and Allie as On Location Tours proudly announces the launch of its newest walking tour, Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook Tour, in Charleston, South Carolina. Fans of Nicholas Sparks are invited to explore the charming streets and iconic film locations that served as the backdrop for this beloved romance. 

Highlights of the tour include:

Dance along King Street where Allie and Noah slow dance in the middle of the road

Take a photo in front of the William Aiken House, where Allie tries on her wedding dress for her wedding with Lon

Stop by the American Theater where Noah and Allie have their very first date

Pack your books and head over to Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston, where Allie attends school during WWII

Peer through the window at the restaurant High Cotton, just like Noah does when he sees Allie with Lon for the first time

And more! 

Their expert guide, well-versed in the film's history and production, will provide behind-the-scenes anecdotes and fascinating trivia, making this tour a must for die-hard fans and those seeking a touch of romance in the charming streets of Charleston. 

On Location Tours is thrilled to offer this unique and romantic experience, celebrating the enduring love story depicted in "The Notebook." Whether you're a fan of the film or simply seeking a romantic escape, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the enchanting locations that brought Noah and Allie's love story to life. 

To book your spot on the 'The Notebook' Tour, visit onlocationtours.com or contact Erin at erin@onlocationtours.com. The tour launches on Sunday, February 25th at 10am, and is approx. 2 hours long. The cost of the tour is $30/person. 

About On Location Tours: On Location Tours is a leading provider of TV and movie filming location tours, with tours in New York City, Boston, Chicago, LA and South Carolina. The tours feature sites from the hottest and latest on the big and small screen. Founded in 1999, it is one of the East Coast’s most popular tourist attractions. Some of the tours include: New York TV & Movie Sites, Sex and the City Hotspots, Gossip Girl Sites, Sopranos Sites, Central Park TV & Movie Sites and Boston TV & Movie Sites.

South Carolina Aquarium’s Shark Week Begins with Dive Shows and More

The South Carolina Aquarium celebrates Shark Week tomorrow, July 8 through Sunday, July 16. Visitors can experience a JAWesome lineup of shark-themed programs and activities as they learn more about these incredible creatures of the deep. 

                                            Image credit: South Carolina Aquarium

The Aquarium is home to many species of sharks, all of which are native to the waters of South Carolina. During their visit, guests can seek out the largest cartilaginous creatures that reside in the Great Ocean Tank, the deepest tank in North America at 42 feet deep. At its deepest point, large nurse sharks swim in and out of the reef caves before dazzling a few lucky guests by swimming flat against the windows, just inches from the hands of those reaching toward the tank. In the water column above, blacknose sharks and sandbar sharks glide slowly past, showcasing their rigid, triangular dorsal fins characteristic of many species of sharks. In one of several touch tank exhibits, guests can reach into the water to feel the rough scales of chain dogfish, a smaller species with a uniquely patterned body.

Throughout the week, special education programs will feature these cartilaginous creatures front and center. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about shark biology and behavior and even witness shark feedings. There will be plenty of opportunities to get hands-on through a shark scavenger hunt and a crowd favorite: the shark tooth dig, where guests will sift through sandy substrate to discover real shark teeth to take home as keepsakes.

"Sharks are so often misunderstood and have a notorious reputation that deters many from understanding the critical role they play in the health and wellbeing of our oceans," says Drew Heyward, senior visitor engagement manager. "By celebrating Shark Week — and catering our guest programming to share what truly makes sharks so special and influential— we hope to dispel common myths about sharks and create a greater appreciation of their purpose in our worlds oceans."

Shark Week at the Aquarium is the perfect place to escape the summer heat with a myriad of shark-themed experiences, all included with general admission. 

About the South Carolina Aquarium:

The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston's No.1 family attraction, is home to more than 5,000 animals, from river otters and sharks to sea turtles and shorebirds, and represents the rich biodiversity of our state — from the mountains to the sea. Visitors can also get an inside look at the Sea Turtle Care Center™, a working hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured sea turtles. While fulfilling its mission to promote education, conservation, and an exceptional visitor experience, the Aquarium also presents sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor along with interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages. 

The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with the last entry at 3:30 p.m. The Aquarium is open seven days a week with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and a half day on December 24 (open 9 a.m.–noon). Annual Aquarium membership with unlimited visits starts at $99. For more information, call (843) 577-FISH (3474) or visit scaquarium.org.

Planning A Family Trip To South Carolina

If you’re looking for a family fun vacation spot to take your loved ones, South Carolina is the best place to visit! If it’s your first time here, there are several fun areas you’ll be excited to check out that offer relaxation, fun, privacy and just an overall wonderful experience! Our state is home to some incredible breathtaking beach resorts which will allow you to have fun in the sun, get pampered at a local spa and try new activities with your children. Below are fun unforgettable areas to visit.

1. Myrtle Beach - If you have small children, chances are they’ve expressed their excitement about visiting this location before! This is a classic and iconic beach destination which offers more than 12 million people that visit the city each year, the opportunity to enjoy it’s 10 miles of sandy beaches as well as attractions. It’s not like what you would find in other boardwalk locations because it offers such a variety of fun things to do!

Some of these include nightclubs, shops, water parks, miniature golf courses, amusement parks and rides, outlet malls and many restaurants! If your children are younger, Myrtle Beach lends itself to them by providing an interactive museum called Wonderworks! If you’re planning your trip, try to beat the crowds and visit in May or September or watch surfers emerge from June to August when the weather is perfect.

2. Hilton Head - This incredible area is one that you’ll probably wish you could come visit once a year! You can enjoy year round golf or tennis at more than 33 locations, take a beach cruiser down to Hilton Head Island and visit their trails or spend a full day playing and building sand castles at the beach. They also have a variety of activities to do such as a lighthouse museum, art galleries and metal workshops. It also has incredible restaurants and delicious places to sit and take in the views of the water. The vibe and feel of Hilton Head is a little slower than other areas so take note as you’re planning your trip!

3. Charleston - What makes South Carolina such a unique state is it’s modern locations as well as it’s historical ones. Charleston is no stranger to so many tourists year round especially those who are looking to get a new taste of the south. It’s called the “gem of the south” and for good reason. You can stroll through the downtown area and pass by hidden fountains or gorgeous gardens homeowners take such good care of year round.

They also offer historical house tours and monuments to keep you busy. There are several great places to visit for fresh food at their market or look for other more trendy restaurants which can then be an easy walk to some of the hippest bars in town. Charleston is extremely easy to walk or bike ride too with it’s small flat terrain area which is perfect to bring your little ones to explore and get some exercise in before a long nap!

Image: Lowcountry Valet and Shuttle Co

Now that you have a few locations picked out to visit, you'll also need to figure out a way to get to visit each spot with your family. Lowcountry Valet and Shuttle Co. This company is your one stop shop to help you get to any destination in style or just for your convenience for your family. At Lowcountry Valet and Shuttle, they offer a variety of services to help meet the needs for you and your family. The company provides a detailed list of options to keep within your budget and price range as well as suggest ways to affordably accomplish your idea. They even can go a bit further to reach out to other quality companies in the area to make sure they are giving you all the options you are looking for your family or large extended family. Most quotes are provided within 24 hours or less so you can keep going throughout your day.

The company offers airport transportation and unlike other regular shuttle services, you do not have to wait for co-passengers. You can carry more luggage and are driven straight to the airport or from the airport to your destination. No waiting time or stopovers for any booking. Their express and non-stop are popular among busy families waiting and anxious to begin their  vacation. You can also request child seats, extra luggage facility and more spacious or private transportation to meet your needs.

What are some fun and exciting places your family is expected to travel this year?

 Are you making South Carolina one of them? 

How To Get The Very Best Deal For Your Insurance

Here in America, we like to own stuff. That's a very simplistic way of saying that, to a very large degree, we measure our self worth and our accomplishments in life by our ability to provide the necessities of life for our families.

On top of providing the basic needs for ourselves and others, we also like to enjoy plenty of luxury and recreational items. Our possessions are a very large of what makes us what we are. So it's no surprise that we have a strong urge to protect our possessions and maintain them in the highest state of quality.

Insuring Your Most Precious Possessions Reliably

Naturally, when it comes to getting insurance for your possessions, your home and health should be at the top of your list of priorities. While your place of employment can no doubt provide excellent health coverage for selected areas, you'll be well advised to seek supplemental coverage for the areas that your job won't cover. This could be anything from short term medical coverage to an all encompassing medical life plan.

In addition, you'll want to make sure that your place of residence is fully covered by the most comprehensive and up to date policy that your budget can afford. Topics such as fire and hurricane insurance are bound to be important areas of coverage, especially if you live in the South Carolina area.

How To Choose The Best Policy For Your Needs

Depending on how much actually needs to be covered, you should be able to form a quick and reliable estimate of the policies you need to be fully safe and insured. In some cases, bundling your policies (taking out several coverage policies with the same insurance company) can save you a great deal of effort, time, and money in the long run.

It's an excellent idea to make an inventory of all your possessions that require insurance. Of course, your home and vehicles will top the list, but there are bound to be other items that need to be on there as well. Bring the list to your agent and talk it over. He or she can help you come to an arrangement that satisfies your requirements without breaking your family budget.

Being adequately insured is the best way to sleep safely at night. If you're ready to enjoy the feeling of having the best insurance in Charleston, contact your local agent today.