Updated 2/17/11
Charleston, SC ~ October 19th - 22nd, 2011
Welcome to Charleston
One of America’s top five most popular cities, Charleston is America’s most beautifully preserved architectural and historic treasure, with a rich 300-year heritage. Described as a “living museum”, the city boasts beautiful homes, tree lined cobblestone streets, and many formal gardens. The USS LCS 2011 Reunion will provide many opportunities to experience all this historic city has to offer. Reunion tours include a Historic Charleston City Tour on board a horse-drawn 16 passenger carriage, which will provide a wonderful opportunity to get a first hand look at this city, and the chance to browse some of the unique shops and boutiques. A special Memorial Service, lunch and tour have been arranged at Patriots Point, the world’s largest maritime and naval museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit historic Fort Sumter, and the tour at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. There will be many opportunities to spend time with your friends and family. This is going to be a great reunion in a great city. Don’t miss it!
Hotel Information
The reunion officially runs from Wednesday, October 19th through Sunday, October 23rd. You will be staying at the full service full-service Crowne Plaza Hotel Charleston located at 4831 Tanger Outlet Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29418. This brand new hotel is conveniently located close to many of the area’s top attractions.
The room rate is just $119.00 plus tax per night. This includes full breakfast buffet daily served in the hotel restaurant. For those of you who choose to arrive early or stay late, the same room rate is available three days prior and three days after, based on availability. Please make your hotel reservations NOW by calling the hotel directly at the following number 843-744-4422 or central reservations at 877-227-6963. Be sure to ask for the USS LCS l-130 reunion rate. You may request specific room types when you call to make your reservations (handicap accessible room, etc.). Hotel check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Please, do not expect to get into your room before then. Make your reservations NOW; you may cancel your hotel room up to 72 hours prior to arrival and not be charged. You will be asked for a deposit or credit card number to guarantee your room reservation. The hotel is holding rooms until they sell out or September 9th, 2011, whichever comes first.
Airport Transportation & Parking
If you are flying to the reunion, the Crowne Plaza Hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from the Charleston Airport (CHS). Upon arrival at the airport, call using the free courtesy phone in the baggage claim area. For those of you driving, the hotel offers plenty of free parking.
Since next year is the 25th anniversary reunion, we're hoping for a good turnout.
USS LCS 1-130 ~ 2011 REUNION EVENTS
GROUP WELCOME DINNER Wednesday, October 19th (7:00pm at the Hotel)
Join your friends for a casual Welcome Dinner, at the Hotel, featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner. This is a wonderful opportunity to see who is here this year, and your first chance to re-connect with your friends.
EVENT A: FORT SUMTER CRUISE & TOUR Thursday, October 20th (8:30am -12:30pm)
On April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter was occupied by Union troops who refused to vacate the fort as demanded by the Confederates. Confederate batteries commenced a massive bombardment of Fort Sumter, and America's “War between the States” began. The fort is only accessible by boat and boasts an excellent museum containing priceless exhibits. In addition to a visit of Fort Sumter, you will enjoy a complete narrated tour of the Charleston Harbor.
If you are interested in both the Carriage Tour & the Group Dinner, please select only Event D
EVENT B: CHARLESTON CARRIAGE TOUR ONLY Thursday, October 20th (2:00pm-5:30pm)
Enjoy a journey back in time as your guide relates interesting anecdotes, while you experience the beauty and charm of one of America's most historic cities on board your 19th Century Carriage. Over 300 years of American history come alive with stories of the American Revolution and the “War between the States”. Some of the sites you will see include Rainbow Row, cobblestone streets, and quaint gardens, and hundreds of 18th and 19th century homes, buildings and churches. Following your 1 hour carriage tour, you will have time on your own in downtown Charleston to explore the shops and attractions. The motor coach will depart from the drop off location at 5:00pm to return to the hotel, dinner and evening will be on your own.
EVENT C: GROUP DINNER ONLY Thursday, October 20th (5:30pm-9:00pm)
For those who do not want to spend the afternoon in Charleston, but want to join your friends for dinner, this is your chance. The bus will pick you up at the hotel at 5:30pm; you will meet your friends at the AW Shucks Restaurant for dinner. Located in the heart of the market area, the building in which the restaurant is located was once the warehouse belonging to the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco). Today, the restaurant is famous for its seafood dishes. You will have the chance to sample some of the seafood the Charleston area is known for (Chicken will be available for those who do not want seafood).
EVENT D: CHARLESTON CARRIAGE TOUR & GROUP DINNER Thursday, October 20th (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Enjoy a journey back in time as your guide relates interesting anecdotes, while you experience the beauty and charm of one of America's most historic cities on board your 19th Century Carriage. Over 300 years of American history come alive with stories of the American Revolution and the “War between the States”. Some of the sites you will see include Rainbow Row, cobblestone streets, and quaint gardens, and hundreds of 18th and 19th century homes, buildings and churches. Following your 1 hour carriage tour, you will have time on your own in downtown Charleston to explore the shops and attractions. Meet everyone at AW Schucks for dinner at 6:00pm. Located in the heart of the market area, the building in which the restaurant is located was once the warehouse belonging to the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco). Today, the restaurant is famous for the seafood dishes. You will have the chance to sample some of the seafood the Charleston area is known for (Chicken will be available for those who do not want seafood). Please note: The carriage station is located 1 block from the AW Schucks Restaurant. You will be provided a map of the downtown area which will help you navigate back to the restaurant after you have time to explore the downtown area on your own.
EVENT E: PATRIOTS POINT TOUR, MEMORIAL SERVICE & LUNCH Friday, October 21st (10:00am-4:30pm)
You will spend the day at the world's largest naval and maritime museum. Tour the centerpiece of Patriots Point; the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, a heavily decorated warship that was at the “tip of the spear” in America’s victory in the Pacific during WWII. You will also have time to discover the submarine “CLAMAGORE”, and the Coast Guard cutter “INGRAM”. The day begins with a special Memorial Service on board the USS Yorktown. Following the service, lunch (included in the tour price), will be served on board the USS Yorktown. After lunch, there will be time to tour the ship, docent led tours are available, or if you prefer you can tour on your own. Don’t forget your camera!
EVENT F: MAGNOLIA PLANTATION & GARDENS Saturday, October 22nd (10:00am-4:00pm)
Step back 325 years as you visit Charleston, South Carolina's premier plantation, founded in 1676. Stately Magnolia Plantation has, for over three centuries, been the original ancestral home of the Drayton family, whose many sons have played important roles throughout American history. It is believed that no other plantation in South Carolina is still under original family ownership from that early date. Your visit begins with a guided tour of the Plantation House; you will then have plenty of time on your own to visit the grounds. Take some time to walk through the oldest major Garden in America, continually planted since the 1680s, and affording year-round color. Also, allow additional time to visit the Swamp Garden, Barbados Tropical Greenhouse, the Antebellum Cabin, and the Horticultural Maze. You may want to consider the narrated tram ride (this is an additional cost of $7.00 not included in the price of the tour). The “Peacock Café” offers a variety of items for a snack or full lunch. Be sure to wear your walking shoes on this tour.
FARWELL BANQUET Saturday, October 22nd (7:00pm at Hotel)
Join your friends for the Farewell Banquet at the Hotel. Cocktails will be available from the cash bar at 6:00pm; dinner will be served at 7:00pm. Please make your entrée selection on the reservation form.
TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE
Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses caused by sickness, injury or any other causes that impact your travel plans. This insurance enables a refund of Tour & Banquet expenses up until three (3) days before the start of your reunion. If you need to cancel – please call our office immediately (817-251-3551) for a cancellation number. If you have not purchased cancellation insurance all tour and meal money is non-refundable 6 weeks prior to the reunion.
Important Reunion Notes:
~ Tours may be cancelled if a minimum of 30 people per bus is not met. In this case, full refunds will be given.
~ Please understand that a certain amount of walking is necessary from the bus to attractions and in some instances, to also see the attractions. Please consider your abilities before purchasing tours.
~ Be sure to bring photo identification (like a driver’s license) on all events.
~ All tour times are subject to change. A final itinerary is available at registration.
Reservations are due by September 9th, 2011. Follow this pointer to the Reservation Form. Late reservations accepted on a space available basis with a non refundable $10 per person late fee. You should make a copy of this form for your records. For information call weekdays: 817-251-3551 or Email: info@MilitaryReunionPlanners.com. Requests for refunds must be made in writing and postmarked before due date above. No refunds will be made after this date, unless you have purchased Tour Cancellation Insurance. Sorry, no refunds will be given starting 3 days before the reunion for any reason. There is a $10 per person refund processing fee. Your cancelled check is your receipt and proof of purchase. There is a $25 return check fee for NSF. For a written confirmation please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. MRP will not be held liable for failure of vendors to provide contracted services or any injuries/accidents that may occur during the reunion. Tours require a minimum of 30 people in order to operate. Full refunds given for any cancelled Event.
Travel safely and we will ….
We’ll see you in Charleston!
Reunion Coordinator: