Category: Slow Boat to Florida (SBFL) Series

Sailing into the historic charm of Savannah, GA – A boater’s passport to Georgia’s oldest city and its southern elegance

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes – SBFL* Stop 34 – Planning to visit  – As I imagined easing the wheel starboard, navigating our vessel along the snaking route of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) from Thunderbolt, I chuckled at an old boating joke, “Why don’t secrets work on a boat? Because they always leak!” Yes, friends, the puns are as abundant as the natural beauty on the ICW, and I promise they’ll get better as we get closer to our next destination: the enchanting city of Savannah, Georgia. Docking at Savannah would be a pleasure. From the bustling Savannah City Dock to the quieter Thunderbolt Marina just a little further downriver, Savannah is an inviting city. ...

In the Heart of Thunderbolt, GA – Where Southern hospitality meets the supernatural

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes – SBFL* Stop 33 –  All the thunder and whispers started when the Hampton Lillibridge House, number 310 East Bryan Street in Thunderbolt, Georgia, was moved to a new location. Welcome aboard, fellow travelers and thrill-seekers! As we continue our Slow Boat to Florida* trip tracing the path of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), we’re about to dive into a chapter of our adventure that’s sure to send chills down your spine. Our Slow Boat to Florida series, inspired by the work of National Geographic authors Allan C. Fisher, Jr. (published in 1973*) and his colleagues Dorothea and Stuart E. Jones (published in 1958*) has taken us to many fascinating locations...

Dock, dine, and dive into the endless summer – Hilton Head Island, SC 

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes – SBFL* Stop 32 – Prepare to be enchanted as you drop anchor at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. With sun-kissed, 70-degree days caressed by the Gulf Stream’s embrace, this alluring, semi-tropical paradise will tempt you to linger longer than expected. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sailing away only to pack your bags and return, forever captivated by the island’s irresistible charm. You will be in a place where the sand is golden, the waters are warm, and the laughter is contagious! A place where flip-flops are the official footwear, sunburns (please don’t get one) are a badge of honor, and “island time” isn’t just an expression but...

Take a break from your ICW voyage and indulge in the charms of Charleston, SC

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes – SBFL* Stop 30 – Planned – As we depart from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we find ourselves faced with a decision: to Georgetown or not to Georgetown?  The next logical stop is Georgetown, SC.  This charming town may be a hidden gem, well worth the 60-mile trek from Myrtle Beach. Alternatively, for those feeling particularly adventurous, you can continue on to Charleston, which is about 100 miles away. It’s like choosing between a juicy ribeye and a succulent lobster tail – both are delectable, but you can only have one. Of course, there’s always the option of surf and turf for those who can’t decide. Ultimately, the choice is...