Part of the Lowcountry's charm always has been its location along the coast. When trying to get a real feel for the local beach atmosphere, one could do no better than The Windjammer.

The legendary Isle of Palms bar is known primarily for summertime fun, where everything under the sun from cans of beer to bikini bashes are enjoyed. But when the weather turns colder, The Windjammer remains one of the Lowcountry's best venues for live music. I've seen so many concerts there over the years that counting them would be impossible, but as a live music fan, it must be said that The Windjammer has not only one of the best sound systems in the area, but longtime manager "Colonel" Bobby Ross is one heck of a soundman. If your favorite band plays The Windjammer, check it out, and you'll instantly hear the difference.

The Windjammer offers a solid menu of bar food and seafood (fried shrimp, Alaskan snow crab legs). My personal favorite remains the Tater Tots.

For tourists and others who have never experienced The Windjammer, a glimpse of the club is only a few keystrokes away. At jammercam.com, there are multiple views of the place, and you can even watch live bands online. But to get the full Windjammer experience requires a drive out to the Isle of Palms, where, hot or cold, for decades customers have found the trip well worth it.