If you think traffic is a problem now, you better start saving up for that helicopter you were longing for. After all, most areas experience urban growth sooner or later, but how state and local governments plan for, and later handle that growth, directly affects whether or not that self-fulfilled prophecy “build and they will come” ever takes place.

To view a slideshow of urban growth projections for the Charleston area, click the link or image provided, but be warned, if you think traffic is bad now, “you ain’t seen nuttin’ yet!”

Mayor Riley is now talking about using rail cars to alleviate some of the dreaded highway traffic we see around here every workday. Charleston paying to benefit Mt. Pleasant? Now that’s a sign of the times…

And it’s a good thing too, because when Mt. Pleasant finishes last for walkers in S.C., you know it’s time for the local government to get things fixed. I mean, have you ever tried to cross Johnnie Dodds on foot? Good luck!

With all the hub-bub in town about American Idol being filmed at Boone Hall Plantation for the show this week, it reminded me that the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival should be coming up pretty soon.

This is always a great event to go to, and unless something unexpected comes up, I’ll be there shucking plenty of oysters and clicking away with the camera.

For those coming in from out of town (since this always draws a big crowd), I’ve included an aerial shot below to give you an idea of the size of this place (which I stretched out to Hwy 41 for reference). Don’t worry though, Boone Hall Plantation is an easy find. Usually everybody enters from Long Point Run off 17N just north of the Isle of Palms connector (notice the green arrow in the lower left corner). For those that need further assistance, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of Mt. Pleasant’s finest around directing traffic.

Advance tickets for the 25th Annual Oyster Festival are on sale for $10.00 and are available at all Charleston area Applebee’s Restaurants, and through the Association Office. Tickets can also be purchased at the event for $12.00 (kids 10 and younger are admitted free when accompanied with an adult).

And don’t let a little wet weather scare you away. I can’t count how many times we’ve been there in the past with overcast skies and patches of mud around us, so wear warm clothes and boots if you can. No matter what the weather is though, we always have a blast, and I’m sure you will too! Have fun and see you there.