Patriots Point seeks master plan input

Have the answer to saving a fleet of sinking warships? Hate the suggestion of plopping the male version of Lady Liberty in Charleston Harbor?

Patriots Point Development Authority invites the public to bring its ideas and concerns for the military attraction to an open house 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. Representatives from the Patriots Point and the firm developing its master plan, AECOM (formerly Glatting Jackson), will hold the forum.

The feedback effort is similar to the "listening session" the State Ports Authority held as it developed a master plan for redeveloping its cruise terminal and surrounding waterfront acreage.

The public's overwhelming response drove the agency to extend the planning process so it could incorporate some of the feedback.

The Patriots Point event takes place one day after a press conference showcasing the work to save the Laffey, a World War II destroyer dubbed "The Ship That Would Not Die" for surviving kamikaze attacks.

Patriots Point secured a $9.2 million state loan to repair the ship, which had sprung more than 100 holes, just in time for storm season.

Patriots Point's board of directors, while moving forward in developing a comprehensive master plan for the attraction, recently began discussing whether to cut loose additional warships to save on expenses. The group included the Laffey in those discussions and still must repay the state money it spent fixing the ship.

Win, place, show

The Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau nabbed three prestigious awards at the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association's annual award ceremony in New York.

The CVB won a gold award for marketing the Holy City as a culinary destination, a silver award for scoring an eight-page spread in ForbesLife magazine, and a bronze award for positioning the area as a year-round destination.

This year's competition attracted more than 1,300 entries from around the world.

Stimulus plan

Just days ago, more than 800 Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester County residents showed up either to take a free tour with Palmetto Carriage Works or to check out the world's tallest mule in the company's barn.

Now, Black Cat Tours will offer 10 free historical walks Friday through Sunday for locals and visitors.

Black Cat launched its first "Tourism Stimulation Weekend" last year to coincide with the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and, thanks to a strong response, will offer even more complimentary tours this year. The company will offer free Historic Charleston tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free Haunted Charleston tours at 8 p.m. and free Wicked Charleston tours for adults only at 8 p.m.

All depart from Market Hall at 188 Meeting St.

Reservations required. For more information, visit www.blackcattours.com or call 571-6873.

Reach Allyson Bird at 937-5594 or abird@postandcourier.com.