Monday, October 17, 2011

Don't Miss SWIG - the Free Charleston Bar Guide

The Charleston City Paper has done it again!

SWIG, their new free online guide to Charleston's bars, pubs and clubs, is a must see for anyone interested in the Charleston bar scene.

The new site is both informative and fun:
- Find out about a bar (or Happy Hour Deal!) by neighborhood or venue type
- Read interesting articles about Charleston nightlife
- Vote for Charleston's hottest bartender
- Keep up to date on nightlife news

Whether you are a tourist or a local, you definitely don't want to miss
SWIG:CharlestonBarGuide.com




Mr. Beer - Makes A Great Gift!

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Friday, October 14, 2011

Run with the Wild Things 5K Race: November 2011

Run With the Wild Things 5K Race
Saturday, Nov. 12
Caw Caw Interperetive Center

Charleston County Parks & Recreation is hosting this 1st Annual race which will allow nature enthusiasts and athletes to enjoy an off-road run through the scenic paths of one of Charleston's premier nature preserves.

For more information and to register online:
Where the Wild Things Run 2011



Fun Fitness Ride
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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Conde Nast Names Charleston Top City in US 2011

We are #1. How sweet it is!

After 18 years of playing second fiddle to San Francisco, Charleston, SC has received by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's Reader's Choice Award as America's top tourist city.







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Friday, September 23, 2011

October Festivals in the Lowcountry

Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate the end of summer in the Lowcountry.

Here is a list of upcoming Charleston October festivals.


Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens presented by the Preservation Society of Charleston
September 22 - October 23
Latin American Festival in North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
October 2
MOJA Arts Festival
September 29 - October 9
Southern Living Taste of Charleston
October 8 - October 9
Coastal Carolina Fair in Ladson
October 27 - November 5
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
September 30 - October 1
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Monday, September 19, 2011

Charleston Green Fair 2011

One of the highlights of the year for green businesses in Charleston and the eco-minded people who know a good time when they see one is the annual Charleston Green Fair.

This year's Green Fair promises to be the biggest ever with over 5000 people expected to attend!

WHEN: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

WHERE: MARION SQUARE

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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Free Tickets: 1st Annual Rub My Rib Contest 2011

Oh Yeah!

It's bout time Charleston launched a Lowcountry rib-cookin showdown.

You won't wanna miss this weekend's first annual Rub My Rib Contest!

When:
Saturday, Sept. 17
4-8 pm

Where:
Maritime Center

The event will feature live music and lots of activities for kids and proceeds benefit Communities in Schools.

So come on down and and help us decide who has the best ribs in Charleston!

Tickets are $5 at the door but you can get FREE tickets in advance:
Rub My Ribs Contest Tickets
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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Charleston's Best Beer, Breweries & Brew Pubs

Charleston is an awesome town for eating and drinking, no doubt about it. So it should be no surprise that we are the home to

great breweries and a growing craft beer movement. If your are looking for the perfect spot to settle down for a cold one, you can't go wrong in Chucktown.

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Sunday, August 28, 2011

Husk Restaurant : Bon Appetit's Best New Restaurant 2011

Husk Restaurant in Charleston has once again put Charleston's name at the top of another national ranking, recently winning Bon Appetit's coveted award for Best New Restaurant 2011!

In a town known for great food, it would be enough to be considered the best new local restaurant, but Husk has taken fine Southern food to a whole new level with its focus fresh food from local suppliers and a fabulous wine list.

So is it all it's cracked up to be? The best way to find out would be to try it for yourself but until then, here are some points of view to consider.





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Monday, August 22, 2011

Charleston Sports Teams & Major Sporting Events

Charleston SC is a serious. While we don't have any major league teams, we have some of the best minor league teams in the country and 3 local colleges to root for. We also were recently voted the best tennis town in America. So whatever your sports preference, we think we have the team or event to entertain you.

Charleston Professional Sports
  • Charleston Battery Soccer - United Soccer League
  • Charleston Riverdogs - Class A New York Yankees Affiliate
  • Stingrays Hockey - ECHL, Washington Capitals Affiliate
  • SC Commanders - Semi-pro Football

    Charleston Collegiate Sports
  • College of Charleston Sports
  • Citadel Sports
  • Charleston Southern University Sports

    Charleston Major Sports Events
  • Family Circle Cup - Tennis
  • Charleston Race Week - Sailing
  • Charleston Harbor Fest - Tall Ships Sailing
  • Cooper River Bridge Run
  • Charleston Classic - College Basketball Tournament
  • Charleston Cup Gymnastics Meet
  • Charleston Marathon
  • Nationwide Tour Championship - Golf


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    Saturday, August 20, 2011

    Charleston History: Civil War Photography

    Charleston SC has played an important role throughout American history.

    Here are some historic photos of Charleston and related subjects from the Civil War era.


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    Thursday, August 18, 2011

    Charleston SC Transportation - Planes, Trains, Taxis, Bicycle Cabs & More!

    With so much to see and do in Charleston, you've got to have good ways to get around. Fortunmately, we've got plenty to suit your preferences. Whether you are enjoying the bus, relaxing in a limo or feeling the breeze in your hair in a bicycle or water taxi, we'll get you where you want to go.



    Charleston SC Public Transit
  • CARTA Bus System - includes the FREE DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle)

    Charleston SC Bicycle Taxis
  • Charleston Pedicab
  • Charleston Bike Taxi
  • Charleston Rickshaw

    Charleston SC Water Taxis
  • Charleston Water Taxi - travel between the Aquarium and Patriot's Point

    Charleston SC Taxis
  • Charleston Green Taxi
  • Yellow Cab of Charleston
  • Airport Association of Limo & Taxi Drivers

    Charleston SC Limos, Charters & Shuttles
  • Top Notch Transportation
  • Absolutely Charleston
  • Charleston Black Cab Company
  • Charleston Downtown Limo
  • Charleston Executive
  • Mt. Pleasant Shuttle

    Charleston SC Car Rentals
  • Budget - Best rates in Charleston
  • Alamo Rent a Car
  • AVIS
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
  • National
  • Thrifty Car Rental

    Charleston SC Trains
  • Amtrak - North Charleston Station

    Charleston SC Airports
  • Charleston International Airport
  • Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport
  • Charleston Executive Airport
  • Pluff Mud Field Airport



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    Wednesday, August 17, 2011

    Charleston Area Beach Rentals

    Fall is a great time to rent a beach house in Charleston! The weather is still great and most of the tourists have gone home.
    Here are some quick links to some of the best Charleston SC beach rentals.



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    Monday, August 15, 2011

    Charleston SC News

    Before you make your trip to Charleston, SC you can find out what is happening locally by checking out some of our Charleston News web sites.

    Here are links to Charleston Newspapers and TV Stations.

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    Monday, August 8, 2011

    Charleston Area Parks, Playgrounds, Gardens & More: A Big List

    Charleston SC is a nature lover's paradise. Yes, it sounds trite, but when you take a close look at all the beautiful natural resources, and human-maintained parks, playgrounds and gardens in Charleston and the surrounding areas, paradise is a word that readily comes to mind.

    While we are blessed with stunning beaches, forests, swamps, and other natural wonders, we are also proud of the time, energy and money our community has put into developing and preserving our natural resources.

    Here is a partial list of parks, playgrounds, gardens and nature areas for all of our enjoyment.


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    Saturday, August 6, 2011

    Great Day Trip: Mepkin Abbey

    If you are looking for a unique Charleston day trip, Mepkin Abbey might be just the place!

    Mepkin Abbey is the home to a group of Roman Catholic Trappist monks. In addition to walking through the beautiful Nancy Bryan Luce Gardens, visitors are invited to take a guided tour of the church. There is also a gift shop featuring compost and mushrooms harvested by the Mepkin brothers as well as other gifts and educational materials.

    For organizations wishing to host a retreat or meeting of their own at the Abbey, there is a lovely conference center on the property that is available for rent.


    Hours of Operation

    Mondays: Closed
    Tuesday - Friday: 9AM - 4:30PM
    Saturday: 9AM - 4PM
    Sunday: 1PM - 4:30PM
    Guided Tours: 11:30AM & 3PM, during open hours


    Location

    1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461


    Contact

    (843) 761 8509

    Find out more about Mepkin Abbey at MepkinAbbey.org






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    Tuesday, August 2, 2011

    Charleston Events: A Big List

    Charleston SC is a great place to have a good time and there always seems to be a big event going on somewhere in town. As you can see we like to work hard and play hard.

    Here is our growing list of annual events to help you better plan your trip, or your weekend if you are a local!

    CHARLESTON SC ANNUAL EVENTS:

    JANUARY


  • Music & Oysters For Wildlife
  • Charleston Marathon
  • Resolution Run and Walk for Rides - 5K
  • New Years Day Resolution 5K Run / Walk
  • Be a Tourist in Your Own Town (locals only)

    FEBRUARY


  • Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
  • Lowcountry Oyster Festival
  • Charleston Brewvival
  • Chef's Feast
  • Lowcountry Blues Bash
  • Messa 8K for H2O - Folly Beach - 8K Run & 5K Walk

    MARCH


  • Charleston Film Festival
  • Charleston Food & Wine Festival
  • Charleston Fashion Week
  • Lowcountry Cajun Festival
  • Battle of Charleston reenactment
  • Masters of the Building Arts Festival
  • Charleston Road Rally
  • Mount Pleasant Arts Festival
  • Catch the Leprechaun 5K
  • Charleston Art & Antiques Forum
  • Charleston International Antiques Show
  • Festival of Houses and Gardens
  • Garden Club of Charleston Walking Tour of Private Houses and Gardens

    APRIL


  • Cooper River Bridge Run
  • Family Circle Cup
  • Sea & Sand Festival
  • East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival
  • Flowertown Festival
  • Charleston International Film Festival
  • Kulture Klash Arts Festival
  • Pet Fest
  • World Grits Festival
  • Charleston Race Week
  • Charleston Air Expo
  • Lowcountry Shrimp Festival & Blessing of the Fleet
  • Charleston Farmers Market (Apr-Dec)

    MAY


  • Charleston Harbor Fest
  • Angel Walk
  • Charleston Dog Show
  • Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival
  • North Charleston Arts Festival
  • Sculpture in the South
  • Piccolo Spoleto Festival
  • Spoleto Festival USA
  • Charleston Maritime Festival
  • Knology's Charity Golf Classic
  • Dragon Boat Charleston Festival
  • Charleston Lindy Exchange
  • Spring Social
  • Family Circle Tennis Center Triathlon
  • First Flush Festival at the Charleston Tea Plantation
  • Grace Episcopal Church Tea Room
  • Greek Festival
  • Charleston Farmers Market (Apr-Dec)

    JUNE


  • Charleston Carifest
  • Carolina Day
  • Spoleto Festival Finale
  • Green and Lean 5K Run/Walk
  • Folly Beach Wahine Classic
  • Rice Planters Amateur Golf Tournament
  • Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival
  • Charleston Farmers Market (Apr-Dec)

    JULY


  • Palette and Palate Stroll
  • Patriots Point 4th of July Blast
  • Bluegrass & BBQ Festival
  • HMY-Viking-MEGADOCK Billfishing Tournament
  • North Charleston 4th of July Festival
  • Charleston Farmers Market (Apr-Dec)

    AUGUST


  • First Day Festival
  • Fishing for Miracles King Mackerel Tournament
  • Race for the ARK
  • Charleston Farmers Market (Apr-Dec)

    SEPTEMBER


  • Fall Candlelight Tours of Homes and Gardens
  • Moja Arts Festival
  • Scottish Games and Highland Gathering
  • Mozart in the South
  • Original Charleston Beach Music and Shag Festival
  • Undy 500 Motorcycle Charity Ride
  • Waves and Wishes
  • Charleston Farmers Market (Apr-Dec)

    OCTOBER


  • Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure
  • Coastal Carolina Fair
  • Edisto & Beyond Tour
  • Fall Garden Tour
  • Park Day on Daniel Island
  • Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
  • Taste of Charleston
  • Isle of Palms Connector Run / Walk
  • Latin American Festival
  • Mt. Pleasant Children’s Day Festival
  • Charleston Garden Festival
  • Charleston Farmers Market (Apr-Dec)

    NOVEMBER


  • Harvest Fest
  • Holiday Festival of Lights (Nov-Dec)
  • Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble
  • Battle of Secessionville reenactment
  • Castra Romana
  • Summerville Taste of the Town
  • James Island Connector Run
  • FestiVELO de Charleston
  • Fine Art Weekend
  • Charleston's Holiday Market
  • Charleston Fine Art Annual Event
  • Whale of a Sale
  • Plantation Days at Middleton Place
  • Charleston Farmers Market (Apr-Dec)

    DECEMBER


  • Charleston Christmas Events
  • Christmas Parade
  • Annual Spirituals Concert
  • Chanukah Menorah Lighting
  • Charleston Parade of Boats
  • Family Yuletide
  • Happy New Year Charleston!
  • Mount Pleasant Holiday Extravaganza
  • Reindeer Run - 5K race and walk
  • Holiday Festival of Lights (Nov-Dec)
  • Marion Square Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • Kwanzaa Festival
  • Mt. Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
  • Charleston Farmers Market (Apr-Dec)

    CHARLESTON EVENT CALENDARS:


  • City Paper Events
  • Post & Courier Events

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    Wednesday, July 27, 2011

    Charleston Art Galleries: A Big List

    Charleston, SC is an amazing town for anyone interested in art. Charleston is the home to over 100 art galleries, exhibits, and installations, all of which are free to visit.

    Here is a short list of some of our favorite galleries and a long list of other art galleries that might peak your interest.

    NOTABLE GALLERIES

    French Quarter Art Galleries
    30 galleries located near the Old City Market area - stop by for a free gallery map
    Gallery Chuma
    home of internationally acclaimed Lowcountry artist, Jonathan Green
    Gallery Row on Historic Broad Street
    15 galleries in a 2 block area
    City Gallery at Waterfront Park
    contemporary art in with a view
    Robert Lange Studios
    a superb collection of Lowcountry artists
    Ship Shapes Maritime Gallery
    exquisite model ships for the kid in all of us
    Halsey Institute for Contemporary Art
    impressive exhibitions in a sleek modern setting
    Eye Level Art
    cutting edge contemporary art
    Redux Contemporary Arts Center
    modern art with an attitude
    Artistic Spirit Gallery
    Southern folk art

    KING STREET GALLERIES

  • Allison Sprock's Amazing Art
  • Audubon Gallery
  • Sylvan Gallery
  • Alison Sprock Fine Art
  • Rebekah Jacob Gallery
  • Imaging Arts Gallery
    • CHURCH STREET GALLERIES
  • Birds I View Gallery
  • Margaret Petterson Gallery
  • Shelby Lee Gallery
  • Dog & Horse Fine Art & Portraiture and Sculpture Garden
  • John Dunnan Gallery
  • Indigo Fine Art Gallery
  • Coleman Fine Art
  • Carolina Galleries
  • Charleston Crafts Cooperative
    • EAST BAY STREET GALLERIES
  • Lowcountry Artists Ltd
  • Eva Carter Gallery
  • Charleston Artist Guild Gallery
  • Courtyard Art Gallery
  • Studio 151 Fine Art Gallery
    • BROAD STREET GALLERIES
  • Martin Gallery
  • Edward Dare Gallery
  • Mary Martin a Gallery of Fine Art
  • Ann Long Fine Art
  • Hamlet Gallery
  • Bernie Horton Originals Gallery
  • Edward Dare Gallery
    • MORE DOWNTOWN GALLERIES
  • Helena Fox Fine Art
  • Corrigan Gallery
  • Charleston Art Gallery & Portrait Studio
  • Cobblestone Studios
  • Peter O'Neill Galleries
  • William McCullough Studio
    • MORE LOCAL ART GALLERIES
  • North Charleston City Gallery
  • Islands Art Gallery
  • Madeline Carol Gallery
  • fotopopART


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    50+ Free Things to Do & See in Charleston

    Charleston SC is a great town to visit but being a tourist, especially with a family can get pretty expensive. Fortunately, there are many free activities you can enjoy in Charleston that won't hurt your budget.

    Here is our list of 50+ great things to see and do for free in Charleston.

    1. Hit the surf or walk the pier at Folly Beach
    2. Learn about African American history at the Avery Research Center for African American History & Culture
    3. Take a free tour at the College of Charleston
    4. Cool off in the fountain at Waterfront Park
    5. Ponder history while walking the Battery & White Point Gardens
    6. Browse fine art galleries in the French Quarter
    7. Stroll the Farmer's Market at Marion Square
    8. Experience the majesty of our giant Angel Oak Tree
    9. Catch Friday Night* Fireworks at Brittle Bank Park (*after home games)
    10. Check out contemporary art at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park
    11. Feed the Ducks at Hampton Park
    12. Relax with a book at the Charleston County Public Library
    13. Soak up the pageantry at the Citadel Dress Parades
    14. Appreciate the historic beauty of unique iron work at Philip Simmons Gardens
    15. Commune with nature at the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
    16. Read History first hand at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum
    17. Walk, run or bicycle across the Cooper River Bridge
    18. Investigate Charleston's oldest surviving public building: The Powder magazine
    19. Delve into Civi War history at the Fort Sumter National Monument Exhibit Hall at Liberty Square
    20. Take a peak inside historic John Rutledge House
    21. Find 30 minutes of peace at the St. Lukes Chapel Recital Series
    22. Search for ghosts at the Battery Carriage House Inn gardens
    23. Look back on technology at the John Rivers Communications Museum
    24. Run around or kick back at Charleston city parks and playgrounds
    25. Marvel at the renovations at The Dock Street Theatre
    26. Enjoy the free tour at Irvin-House Vineyards
    27. Brush up on your military history at the Citadel Museum
    28. Mingle with the chickens, goats, and miniature at the Red Barn
    29. Enter our own secret garden at the Gateway Garden Walk
    30. Connect with the ghosts of the Civil War at Magnolia Cemetery
    31. Take advantage of outdoor education at The Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
    32. Chill out in centrally-located Marion Square
    33. Wander through National Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition at Riverfront Park
    34. Sit in on some music with Chamber Music of Charleston
    35. Frolic under the bridge at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
    36. Scout out history and science at Fort Johnson & the Marine Resources Center
    37. Hop on the DASH (Downtown Area SHuttle) for a free ride through historic Charleston
    38. Find your inner peace in the beautiful gardens at Mepkin Abbey

      Explore Charleston's many historic, religious and cultural buildings:

    39. Charleston City Hall
    40. Charleston County Court House
    41. The Customs House
    42. The Old Jail
    43. French Huguenot Church
    44. Charleston Library Society
    45. The Fireproof Building
    46. South Carolina State Arsenal
    47. US Post Office & Courthouse
    48. St. Michael's Episcopal Church
    49. First Scots Presbyterian Church
    50. South Carolina Bank of Charleston
    51. First Baptist Church
    52. Porter Military Academy
    53. Central Baptist Church
    54. Old Bethel UM Church
    55. Bethel Methodist Church
    56. St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church
    57. Emanuel A.M.E. Church
    58. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue
    59. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
    60. Circular Congregational Church
    61. Unitarian Church
    62. St. Philip's Episcopal Church


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    Sunday, July 24, 2011

    Beat the Heat at Charleston Waterparks

    Charleston, SC is known for its amazing beaches but we've also been blessed with a superb parks system that boasts three amazing water parks to help everyone beat the heat during the late Spring and Summer.

    • Splash Island Waterpark
      Located in Palmetto Islands County Park in Mt. Pleasant, Splash Island features slides, waterfalls and a swirling cyclone water ride.

    • Splash Zone Waterpark
      Located in James Island County Park, Splash Island features 2 tube slides, a relaxing lazy river and a Caribbean play structure for kids of all ages.

    • Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark
      Located in Wannamaker County Park in North Charelston, Whirlin' Waters features over 15 acres of wonderful wetness including a Big Splash tree house, toddler pools, a lazy river, a wave pool and 3 tube slides.

    For those of you not interested in investing the time and money for a day at the waterparks, we suggest a stop at downtown Charleston's Waterfront Park which features a large fountain where kids are encouraged to get soaked in a beautiful setting. While you are there, you can take a wlak along the Charleston battery or out to the end of the pier at Charleston's wharf where you will also find shaded giant swings for the whole family to enjoy.


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    Charleston SC Maps

    Here are a collection of interactive maps and printable maps of the Charleston, SC area.

    We know y'all got GPS and can navigate your way around Charleston, SC without a printed map, but some of us like things the old-fashioned way. Besides, you never know when your battery might die so print out a map for yourself just in case.

    Charleston SC Area Maps:

  • Greater Charleston area map
  • Greater Charleston map
  • Charleston metro area map
  • Interactive map of Charleston parks & recreation areas
  • Greater Charleston regional area map
    • Downtown Peninsula Charleston SC Maps:
  • Downtown Charleston map
  • Peninsula Charleston map
  • Downtown Charleston Parks & Playgrounds Map
  • Downtown Charleston SC map
  • Map of Historic Charleston City Market area
    • Folly Beach SC Map:
  • Folly Beach SC map
  • Folly Beach map
    • Isle of Palms Map:
  • IOP map
    • North Charleston SC Maps:
  • North Charleston City map
    • Mt. Pleasant SC Maps:
  • Mt. Pleasant Map
    • Charleston Hotels Maps:
  • Map of Charleston hotels
  • Map of Charleston beach hotels
    • Specialty Maps:
  • Charleston area historic buildings map
  • Downtown Charleston historic buildings map
  • Historical maps of Charleston SC

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    Saturday, July 23, 2011

    Sidewalk Curator - Photographer

    Meet Joan Perry, Charleston's "Sidewalk Curator."

    We decided to launch our new blog with a link to Joan's site because we love how she captures the spirit of Charleston so lovingly through her art.





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