Charleston Real Estate Market

     Just as we’re getting settled after the excess of Thanksgiving dinner, the month of December and all of the attendant holiday events hit us square in the face. The shopper’s pace picks up and lists get longer not shorter. We may try to take things a little slower this year and savor each part of the holiday season, but the march of time seems to be against us.

    December is a mixed bag of reasons to celebrate or commemorate. We remember on Pearl Harbor Day on the 7th. The beginning of a terrible stretch in history. Chanukah begins on the 9th and runs through the 16th. I have never seen a celebration of Mountain Day here, understandably, but you may toast them on the 11th.

     We dip our wings to the Wright Brothers on the 17th and watch daylight come and go quickly on the 21st, the December Solstice. December 25th brings Christmas. The day after and until the first of the year, we can celebrate Kwanzaa. The day after Christmas is celebrated as Boxing Day in the UK. It’s the traditional day set aside for all the worker bees to have their celebration.

     Then we all head for the ‘out with the old (whew!) and in with a New Year’ on the first of January. It’s the international do over day, your day to wipe the slate and try again for a better, healthier and more prosperous 365 days, no matter how that looks to you. Don’t forget to eat Hoppin’ John for good luck and some collard greens for folding green. Those old superstitions don’t last all these centuries without some basis in fact.

     If you’re in the mood to have some fun and show off you healthy approach to life, join in the Reindeer Run on the first. It starts at the Southend Brewery on East Bay and winds through the downtown area, returning to the brewery for a cool down brew. This annual event has grown to over three thousand walkers, runners and dogs. Oh, don’t forget the costumes, seasonal attire is encouraged!

     MPLS St Paul magazine gave our town a four page spread taking in many of the high points and festivals. Virtuoso Life talks about Two Boroughs Larder, Butcher and Bee and Circa 1886 and the Farmer’s Market.

     Of course we were all over the networks after being chosen as the best, the number one, the ultimate place to be by Conde Nast’s Travel+Leisure magazine. Now to defend the title!

      The first is a big event day and the official start to Charleston’s Holiday Season. The Marion Square Tree Lighting ceremony is the lead-in for the Boat Parade. Events are coordinated so that you have ample time to get harborside to watch after the tree lighting.

     The Festival for the Rest of Us is held at Holy City Brewery to benefit the St Andrews Firefighter Community Assistance Program. The family afternoon event will feature a Kid’s Combat Challenge and a Seinfeld-style Tug o’ War.

     A Merry Medieval Holiday Show will be at the N Chas Performing Arts Center on the 2nd at 4pm.

     The City of Charleston Parade is on the 2nd. It will begin at Calhoun and Meeting. Plan your route around it.   

     If you need some holiday cheer to go with all this holiday cheer, head over to Boone Hall and the Wine Under the Oaks event that evening. Fifteen distributors, 8 wineries, a champagne and dessert tent  and food and wine pairings should cheer you right up. 

     To get into the mood of the season, how about the free King of Glory Christmas Concert for Charleston at the N Chas Performing Arts Center on the 3rd at 7pm. 

     Enjoy a Stroll in Search of the Perfect Treasure lead by fine and decorative art appraisers and an interior decorator. Start at the Gibbes Museum of Art. 

     Four times a year, the first Friday in March, May, October and December, you’ll find wine, food and art taking over the French Quarter. Galleries open up from 5-8.

It’s First Friday on the 6th and it’s free.

     On the 7th it’s the 23rd Annual Cabooty Holiday for Camp Happy Days. Join in the fun at Memminger Auditorium.

     A special holiday Sounds of Charleston event will take place every Friday in December at the Circular Congregational Church 7-8:15pm. Join the cast for hot wassail and cookies after the performance.

     On a different note, Keb Mo will be at the Charleston Music Hall on the 7th.

     The Mt Pleasant Annual Holiday Farmers Market & Craft Show will showcase food, ornaments, glasswork & art from locals. Moultrie Middle on the 8th.

     Escape the shopping rush at Charleston’s only winery, Irvin HouseVineyards for two Holiday Open Houses on the 8th and 15th 1-5.   

     Or you can escape to the beach and visit the Isle of Palms Holiday Fair on the 8th from 3-7pm. Kick off their season and help light the 22 foot tree.

     Also on the 8th, the North Charleston Pops will salute the season with Larnelle Harris at the Performing Arts Center.

     It’s Second Sunday on King Street. Enjoy one of the best shopping streets in America while the cars are re-routed and pedestrians have the roads! Celebrate with outdoor dining and music or just stroll the shops and enjoy looking around and not dodging vehicles. It’s on the 9th.

      Step back in time to Christmas past. It’s a Christmas Tea with Mr. Dickens at Cypress Gardens with storyteller Tim Lowry and his Dickens friends. Delicacies from the era, parlor games, dancing & cheer are all on tap on the 8th.

     More parades to tell you about. The Summerville Parade will be on the 9th,as well as Mt Pleasant’s. Keep in mind the traffic will be tough, there will be road closures and don’t forget the stranglehold at the assembly points.

     A break in the festivities comes on the 11th with An Evening with Andre Dubus III, bestselling author, on the 11th at the Sottile.

     The Charleston Community Band will do its best to keep you entertained at the Citadel’s Summerall Chapel on the 11th at 7pm.

     Middleton Place will celebrate the season with a Grand Illumination and Dinner. See the plantation as it looked in 1782 in the glow of candlelight  on the 13th and 14th 6-8pm.

     The Holiday Hoedown at Wannamaker State Park, a cowboy themed holiday event for special needs people, their families and friends is on the 13th.

     How about a break for bird watching at the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve on the north end of Folly Beach on the 14th.

     Caw Caw’s December programs will help you create using nature as a guide. Their Family Artisan Series kicks off on the 1st making pine needle baskets, the 8th Taper Candle Dipping, the 15th Fire and Clay (turn lumps of clay into decorative beads.)    

     Handel’s Messiah will ring through the Holy City on the 18th at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, the 20th St Theresa’s in Summerville and on the 21st at St. Benedict’s in Mount Pleasant.

     If you’re in the neighborhood, stop in for the Downtown Summerville Open House on the 20th 5-8pm.

     An interactive 45 minute concert for children brings the magic of storytelling and music to the Sotille Theatre’s “The Night Before Christmas” on the 22nd.

     Hertitage to Habitat-canoe the rice fields at Caw Caw on the 23rd.

     The Dock Street Theatre hosts Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales on the 23rd. It’s a collaboration between Chamber Music Charleston and Actors Theatre of South Carolina.  

Some Sporting News?

      Over 30 of your favorite smackdown superstars will be at the final WWE Smackdown event of the year at the NChas Performing Arts Center on the 4th

     Don’t miss the 35th Kiawah Island Marathon on the 8th featuring new courses for the half and full marathon (a new single loop), a more open starting line, organized pace groups and a post-race party with a carbo reload buffet.          Here’s an interesting day for the fisherperson on your list. The Orvis Fly Fishing class will be held at Charleston Angler in Mt P on the 8th from 9-3.

     What to do to bring in the New Year?     

     Who says you have to wait til night time to celebrate? Whoever said that New Year’s Eve  was just for adults has never been to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry on that special day! With a glittery, glitzy ball drop at noon, rainbows of confetti, sparkly art projects it’s where your family needs to be from 9-2

     The Holiday Festival Of Lights Winter Carnival runs from 6-10pm at the James Island County Park. Thousands of lights will greet you as you enjoy amusement rides, old-fashioned carousel, climbing walls and inflatables just to start. Ring in a family New Year at 9pm with a spectacular fireworks show.

     Marion Square is the setting once again for a community celebration of the New Year. It’s family oriented, non-alcoholic and free. The program features comedy, African dancing, lots of music including gospel, jazz and classical and children’s activities. It’s all at Marion Square on the 31st 4-10:30pm.

     If you’re looking for something a little more grown up, there are two events to tempt you. If you’d like to party in style, head to the Hippodrome for the 3rd Annual Platinum Ball New Years Eve Party. Doors open at 9pm and close at 2am.

     Then there’s the Charleston Rose Ball, a collaboration between the Ice Box Bar and Charleston After Dark. The event will be held at Johnson Hagood Stadium Club Level and Suites. Guests will enjoy a fashionable upscale New Years Eve Ball, all-inclusive bar service and different genres of entertainment, visual and artistic productions on the football field.

    After the parties and the hoppin’ john and greens have all settled, treat the little ones aged 3-10 to Winter Wonderland Camp at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. It might be the best present you could give yourself.

****************************************************************************

 When you are putting your shopping list together, be sure to remember how much good you can do for your community when you shop local. Whether it’s the corner store, a mom and pop business downtown or an artisan stand at a local market, the money you spend locally stays in our community and we all benefit.

 

 Have a great holiday and a safe New Year. 

 Lilla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Just as we’re getting settled after the excess of Thanksgiving dinner, the month of December and all of the attendant holiday events hit us square in the face. The shopper’s pace picks up and lists get longer not shorter. We may try to take things a little slower this year and savor each part of the holiday season, but the march of time seems to be against us.

 

    December is a mixed bag of reasons to celebrate or commemorate. We remember on Pearl Harbor Day on the 7th. The beginning of a terrible stretch in history. Chanukah begins on the 9th and runs through the 16th. I have never seen a celebration of Mountain Day here, understandably, but you may toast them on the 11th.

 

     We dip our wings to the Wright Brothers on the 17th and watch daylight come and go quickly on the 21st, the December Solstice. December 25th brings Christmas. The day after and until the first of the year, we can celebrate Kwanzaa. The day after Christmas is celebrated as Boxing Day in the UK. It’s the traditional day set aside for all the worker bees to have their celebration.

 

     Then we all head for the ‘out with the old (whew!) and in with a New Year’ on the first of January. It’s the international do over day, your day to wipe the slate and try again for a better, healthier and more prosperous 365 days, no matter how that looks to you. Don’t forget to eat Hoppin’ John for good luck and some collard greens for folding green. Those old superstitions don’t last all these centuries without some basis in fact.

 

     If you’re in the mood to have some fun and show off you healthy approach to life, join in the Reindeer Run on the first. It starts at the Southend Brewery on East Bay and winds through the downtown area, returning to the brewery for a cool down brew. This annual event has grown to over three thousand walkers, runners and dogs. Oh, don’t forget the costumes, seasonal attire is encouraged!

 

     MPLS St Paul magazine gave our town a four page spread taking in many of the high points and festivals. Virtuoso Life talks about Two Boroughs Larder, Butcher and Bee and Circa 1886 and the Farmer’s Market.

 

     Of course we were all over the networks after being chosen as the best, the number one, the ultimate place to be by Conde Nast’s Travel+Leisure magazine. Now to defend the title!

 

      The first is a big event day and the official start to Charleston’s Holiday Season. The Marion Square Tree Lighting ceremony is the lead-in for the Boat Parade. Events are coordinated so that you have ample time to get harborside to watch after the tree lighting.

 

     The Festival for the Rest of Us is held at Holy City Brewery to benefit the St Andrews Firefighter Community Assistance Program. The family afternoon event will feature a Kid’s Combat Challenge and a Seinfeld-style Tug o’ War.

 

     A Merry Medieval Holiday Show will be at the N Chas Performing Arts Center on the 2nd at 4pm.

 

     The City of Charleston Parade is on the 2nd. It will begin at Calhoun and Meeting. Plan your route around it.   

 

     If you need some holiday cheer to go with all this holiday cheer, head over to Boone Hall and the Wine Under the Oaks event that evening. Fifteen distributors, 8 wineries, a champagne and dessert tent  and food and wine pairings should cheer you right up. 

 

     To get into the mood of the season, how about the free King of Glory Christmas Concert for Charleston at the N Chas Performing Arts Center on the 3rd at 7pm. 

 

     Enjoy a Stroll in Search of the Perfect Treasure lead by fine and decorative art appraisers and an interior decorator. Start at the Gibbes Museum of Art. 

 

     Four times a year, the first Friday in March, May, October and December, you’ll find wine, food and art taking over the French Quarter. Galleries open up from 5-8.

 

It’s First Friday on the 6th and it’s free.

 

     On the 7th it’s the 23rd Annual Cabooty Holiday for Camp Happy Days. Join in the fun at Memminger Auditorium.

 

     A special holiday Sounds of Charleston event will take place every Friday in December at the Circular Congregational Church 7-8:15pm. Join the cast for hot wassail and cookies after the performance.

 

     On a different note, Keb Mo will be at the Charleston Music Hall on the 7th.

 

     The Mt Pleasant Annual Holiday Farmers Market & Craft Show will showcase food, ornaments, glasswork & art from locals. Moultrie Middle on the 8th.

 

     Escape the shopping rush at Charleston’s only winery, Irvin HouseVineyards for two Holiday Open Houses on the 8th and 15th 1-5.   

 

     Or you can escape to the beach and visit the Isle of Palms Holiday Fair on the 8th from 3-7pm. Kick off their season and help light the 22 foot tree.

 

     Also on the 8th, the North Charleston Pops will salute the season with Larnelle Harris at the Performing Arts Center.

 

     It’s Second Sunday on King Street. Enjoy one of the best shopping streets in America while the cars are re-routed and pedestrians have the roads! Celebrate with outdoor dining and music or just stroll the shops and enjoy looking around and not dodging vehicles. It’s on the 9th.

 

      Step back in time to Christmas past. It’s a Christmas Tea with Mr. Dickens at Cypress Gardens with storyteller Tim Lowry and his Dickens friends. Delicacies from the era, parlor games, dancing & cheer are all on tap on the 8th.

 

     More parades to tell you about. The Summerville Parade will be on the 9th,as well as Mt Pleasant’s. Keep in mind the traffic will be tough, there will be road closures and don’t forget the stranglehold at the assembly points.

 

     A break in the festivities comes on the 11th with An Evening with Andre Dubus III, bestselling author, on the 11th at the Sottile.

 

     The Charleston Community Band will do its best to keep you entertained at the Citadel’s Summerall Chapel on the 11th at 7pm.

 

     Middleton Place will celebrate the season with a Grand Illumination and Dinner. See the plantation as it looked in 1782 in the glow of candlelight  on the 13th and 14th 6-8pm.

 

     The Holiday Hoedown at Wannamaker State Park, a cowboy themed holiday event for special needs people, their families and friends is on the 13th.

 

     How about a break for bird watching at the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve on the north end of Folly Beach on the 14th.

 

     Caw Caw’s December programs will help you create using nature as a guide. Their Family Artisan Series kicks off on the 1st making pine needle baskets, the 8th Taper Candle Dipping, the 15th Fire and Clay (turn lumps of clay into decorative beads.)    

 

     Handel’s Messiah will ring through the Holy City on the 18th at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, the 20th St Theresa’s in Summerville and on the 21st at St. Benedict’s in Mount Pleasant.

 

     If you’re in the neighborhood, stop in for the Downtown Summerville Open House on the 20th 5-8pm.

 

     An interactive 45 minute concert for children brings the magic of storytelling and music to the Sotille Theatre’s “The Night Before Christmas” on the 22nd.

 

     Hertitage to Habitat-canoe the rice fields at Caw Caw on the 23rd.

 

     The Dock Street Theatre hosts Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales on the 23rd. It’s a collaboration between Chamber Music Charleston and Actors Theatre of South Carolina.  

 

Some Sporting News?

 

      Over 30 of your favorite smackdown superstars will be at the final WWE Smackdown event of the year at the NChas Performing Arts Center on the 4th

 

     Don’t miss the 35th Kiawah Island Marathon on the 8th featuring new courses for the half and full marathon (a new single loop), a more open starting line, organized pace groups and a post-race party with a carbo reload buffet.          Here’s an interesting day for the fisherperson on your list. The Orvis Fly Fishing class will be held at Charleston Angler in Mt P on the 8th from 9-3.

 

     What to do to bring in the New Year?     

 

     Who says you have to wait til night time to celebrate? Whoever said that New Year’s Eve  was just for adults has never been to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry on that special day! With a glittery, glitzy ball drop at noon, rainbows of confetti, sparkly art projects it’s where your family needs to be from 9-2

 

     The Holiday Festival Of Lights Winter Carnival runs from 6-10pm at the James Island County Park. Thousands of lights will greet you as you enjoy amusement rides, old-fashioned carousel, climbing walls and inflatables just to start. Ring in a family New Year at 9pm with a spectacular fireworks show.

 

     Marion Square is the setting once again for a community celebration of the New Year. It’s family oriented, non-alcoholic and free. The program features comedy, African dancing, lots of music including gospel, jazz and classical and children’s activities. It’s all at Marion Square on the 31st 4-10:30pm.

 

     If you’re looking for something a little more grown up, there are two events to tempt you. If you’d like to party in style, head to the Hippodrome for the 3rd Annual Platinum Ball New Years Eve Party. Doors open at 9pm and close at 2am.

 

     Then there’s the Charleston Rose Ball, a collaboration between the Ice Box Bar and Charleston After Dark. The event will be held at Johnson Hagood Stadium Club Level and Suites. Guests will enjoy a fashionable upscale New Years Eve Ball, all-inclusive bar service and different genres of entertainment, visual and artistic productions on the football field.

 

    After the parties and the hoppin’ john and greens have all settled, treat the little ones aged 3-10 to Winter Wonderland Camp at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. It might be the best present you could give yourself.

 

****************************************************************************

 

 When you are putting your shopping list together, be sure to remember how much good you can do for your community when you shop local. Whether it’s the corner store, a mom and pop business downtown or an artisan stand at a local market, the money you spend locally stays in our community and we all benefit. Have a great holiday and a safe New Year. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under: Around Town, Business News, Health and Fitness, Life Tips, Lowcountry Lifestyle, Lowcountry Today, Real Estate News, Uncategorized on December 1st, 2012 | No Comments »

I guess if you don’t set your clocks back on the 4th someone will let you know that you’re an hour ahead of the rest of us. Or you’ll figure it out when you’re the lonely person at church or knocking on the restaurant doors and wondering why you’re first in line.

 

I hope you will practice what makes our country so great and vote your conscience on Election Day. As I always say, if you don’t, you can’t complain for four years. Veteran’s Day comes on the 11th; please thanks those that fought so hard to preserve this right for us.

 

I dug and I dug and found more Thanksgiving trivia than you will need to keep a conversation going with old Aunt Susie during the big feast. The early pilgrims apparently didn’t experience the thrill of the turkey hotline, but instead dined on what was available. Lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squash, beans, chestnuts, onions, maple syrup, cabbage and eggs seems to have been on their tables. No forks, they used spoons, knives and fingers.

 

• In the US, about 280 million turkeys are sold for Thanksgiving celebrations.

·  Yearly, the average American eats between 16 – 18 pounds of turkey.

·  Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States.

·  Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the US, the second Monday in October in Canada.

·  Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, where it is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season.

Fun Turkey Facts

·  The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.

·  The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, the size of a large dog.

·  A 15 pound turkey has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark.

·  Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.

·  Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at maturity.

·  Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. They make a clucking noise.

• Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly.

·  Turkeys have heart attacks. The United States Air Force was doing test runs and breaking the sound barrier. Nearby turkeys dropped dead with heart attacks.

·  A group of turkeys is called a flock and they have very poor night vision.

·  It takes 75-80 pounds of feed to raise a 30 pound tom turkey.

·  A 16-week-old turkey is called a fryer. A five to seven month old turkey is called a young roaster.  Enough, enough I don’t want you to have to go lay on the couch and nap!

     There are a few good snippets of news about our fair town. Broad Street was named a Top Ten Great Street by the American Planning Association. They noted that the 12 block area had survived the British Invasion, Civil War, a killer earthquake, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes and still retained its charm, architectural heritage and diversity.

Esquire magazine has published its Best New Restaurants of the Year list. Listed in the “The South Is Having A Moment, Praise Jesus” section are two Charleston fast favorites Robert Carter’s new venture, Carter’s Kitchen, in I’On and The Macintosh Restaurant with Jeremiah Bacon on King St. Sean Brock will take Husk on the road to Nashville locating in an 1895 Mansion.

Community Day sponsored by the Historic Charleston Foundation on the 3rd will  celebrate their 65th year of commitment to Charleston with free admission to its museum houses.

Charleston Symphony will perform at the end of their five home tour on Kiawah on the 3rd.

On the same day, Mullet Hall will be the setting for the Harvest Fest, a return of the tradition of celebrating a bountiful harvest, with bluegrass, BBQ and a 2 day trail/camp ride from the equestrian center.

Not up to a long drive? Daniel Island will host their annual Park Day at Governor’s Park with entertainment overlooking the Wando.

Art on the Beach and Chefs in the Kitchen is an afternoon house tour, art showing, music and culinary demonstration on Sullivan’s Island the 4th.

Slow Food Charleston presents a Harvest Potluck on the Geechie dock on Magwood Drive, Shem Creek on the 4th. Come learn about Community Sustainable Fishery similar to the CSAs here that support farmers. Bring a dish and chair, 4-7pm, music too!

Chamber Music House Concert will be at the John Rutledge House Inn on Broad street on the 5th. Then on the 6th, they’re at the Sudzina Residence on Daniel Island.

‘Chasing Venus: The Race to Measure the Heavens’ Author Andrea Wulf will be at the Edmondston-Alston House on the 8th to discuss her research and book on the1760s global scientific collaboration to attempt to measure cosmic distances. Charleston scientists played a part in the effort.

The Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry will kick off their 40th season with “Absolutely Andrew”, a musical tribute to legendary Broadway composer Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Sottile Theatre on the 9th and 10th.

 

Each November, Living History Day is held at Boone Hall in conjunction with the re-enactment of the Battle of Secessionville. Learn about daily life in the 1860s plus see “Exploring the Gullah Culture” a live presentation.

 

The 23rd Annual Holiday Festival of Lights opens on the 9th for cars to drive by the 700 lighted decorations at the James Island County Park. On the 7th and 8th from 6:30-8:30, join in the fun run/walk and check out the displays close up. Lots to do afterwards each night til year’s end.

 

If you’re there on the 9th, you might as well stop by the Shuckin’ for a Cause oyster roast at the Wappoo Shelter in the park. The 3rd annual roast tickets include admission for the Festival of Lights.

 

On the 10th, Irvin-House presents the Blessing of the Vines at the vineyards on Wadmalaw with music, local food, even a gumbo cook off.

 

The Dorchester Seniors are having their 9th Annual Craft Fair and silent auction on the 10th at the Center on Laurel St in Summerville.

 

Veterans Day is a state and federal holiday. Since the 11th is on a Sunday, it will be observed on the 12th.

 

It’s Second Sunday on the 11th. Part of King Street is closed to car traffic and becomes a pedestrian fair.

 

The 11th is also the day for the nineteenth running of the Charleston Cup at Stono Ferry. Live horse racing, sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Assoc, combines flat racing for speed with the danger of jumps and a very social event.

 

Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers bring their a capella program of spirituals, Gullah poetry and stories to the Circular Congregational Church on the 13th, 20th and 27th at 7:15pm

 

Feel like celebrating like a Roman? Head out to Givhans to the Castra Romana XI, a living history festival of Imperial Rome on the 9th-12th.

 

Earl Klugh’s Weekend of Jazz will be the 15th-17th at the Sanctuary

 

The Miss SC USA and Miss SC Teen USA Pageants will be on the 16th and 17th at the N Chas Performing Arts Center.

 

Charleston Harbor Resort at Patriots Point takes on the world of Q at The First Smoke on the Harbor BBQ Throwdown on 16th &17th also.

 

Charleston Ballet’s 12 Days of Christmas at Chas. Music Hall on 17th

and Chas Jazz Orchestra presents Holiday Swing there on the 21st.

 

Thanksgiving Day is the 22nd and we already know enough about that. Black Friday which is a state holiday and the official beginning of the Christmas shopping season is on the 23rd.

 

12th Annual CSO Gospel Christmas with the Symphony and Gospel Choir is at the Sottile Theater 11/30 and 12/1 at 7:30 pm

 

The Sounds of Charleston, a Special Holiday Edition will be at the Circular Congregational Church on the 30^th

 

Candlelight tours of the Edmondston-Alston House will re-create the 1860s last opulent holiday season before the Civil War on the 30th.

 

 

Light the Night Walk Charleston on the 1st at Mt P Waterfront Park

 

Try Hockey For Free Day at the Carolina Ice Palace on the 3rd at noon.

 

     14th Annual James Island Connector Run hits the ground on the 3rd.

 

     Tees and Turtles Golf Tournament at the Daniel island Club on the 13th.

 

FestiVELO, recreational cycling, a 4 day family style tour around the state begins in Moncks Corner with 11 ride options the 7th-12th.

 

The Carrier Classic will take place on the Yorktown on the 9th. This will be the second ever basketball game on an aircraft carrier, last year was the first. The women’s game will see Ohio State vs. Notre Dame and the men’s will feature Ohio State and Marquette. Last year charities received about $500,000 from the game.

 

The 2nd Annual Veterans Day 5K Run for the Yorktown on the 10th at Patriots Pt.

 

13th Annual Old Village 5K at Alhambra, Mt P on the 10^th

 

A local version of the network game, Charleston’s Mazing Race takes off from Marion Square on the 17th at 9am.

 

Over 6,000 runners/walkers join in on Thanksgiving morning for the state’s largest 5K. Assembling at Marion Square, it’s the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble

 

     Kiawah has their version, the Turkey Trot, on the beach the same morning.

 

Nov 15, 16 & 18th is the Charleston Classic at the TD Arena. 8 men’s college basketball teams in 12 games over the 3 days of play in a bracket tournament format.

 

Christmas schedules in advance: plan your travel throughout the area

11/17 Towne Center Tree Lighting, Mt P

11/23 Tree Lighting and events at the Sanctuary, Kiawah

11/27 Summerville Tree Lighting in the Square

12/1   The Reindeer Run begins Southend Brewery, costumes encouraged

Marion Square Holiday Magic opens 10 am

          N. Chas Christmas Festival 4:30-9pm

Charleston Tree Lighting  at Marion Square 4:30-6 pm

          Parade of Boats begins about 6:30pm

12/2   Charleston Christmas Parade, 2-5pm

12/10 Folly Beach Parade 1-3 pm no access to beach during this time

Have a great Thanksgiving and when you’re looking around the table at the squabbling children, sour faced Aunt Susie and old Uncle Fred who’s had too much holiday cheer, remember this is your family and be thankful for them…they could be alot worse!  Be thankful for all the blessings we take for granted each day and the people who make our lives run as smoothly as they do…from the trash men to the firemen and police, teachers and those that protect us…say a thank you to them.

Lilla

 

 

Filed under: Around Town, Business News, Health and Fitness, Life Tips, Lowcountry Lifestyle, Lowcountry Today, Real Estate News, Uncategorized on November 1st, 2012 | No Comments »

Charlestonians know the secret…this is the best time of the year: warms days and a slight snap to the evening air. The perfect weather for a wedding and Charleston put on her very best face for a celebrity wedding at Boone Hall . Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have reportedly been in and out of town for quick visits, apparently we are a particular favorite of the 2010 Sexiest Man Alive. The Green Lantern stars wed in a quiet and secret ceremony that surprised many Hollywood insiders.

Southern Hospitality crossed paths with Hollywood glamour once more when actress Eva Aurie and NBC Soccer commentator Kyle Martino wed here at the Confederate Home on Broad Street.

The bride walked down the aisle with her mother, Susan Sarandon and stepfather Tim Robbins. Martha Stewart Weddings magazine had great details. I’m always curious how people choose us a wedding destination. It seems Kyle’s family used to vacation here and all of his siblings have been married here.

Brides Magazine had a Charleston Area Wedding Guide insert in the September issue. A well done compilation showed off venues, cakes, dresses, flowers, planners, photographers and caterers with lovely pictures

Speaking of cakes, Caroline Reutter of Caroline’s Cakes is in Budapest filming a documentary of the creator of the 7 layer confection known to all as a Dobos Torte. Caroline’s version, a caramel delight was featured in The Help.

Travel was on a lot of minds recently. The Today Show recently featured Kiawah Island as one their favorite Labor Day travel deals.

HNL Morning Express Money Matters recently highlighted Alphonse Brown and his Gullah Tours. The Small Business Success feature interviewed Browne on the bus as he told of seeing a void and becoming successful filling it.

It’s been announced that Army Wives has been renewed for a 7th season. The show has dedicated fans. I recently saw a blog where a young woman came and searched out all of the spots in the area used in the show. She took photos and posted them all.

FIG’s always cool chef, Mike Lata was a guest on CBS This Morning recently. He dished on the local sea bass/Capers Inlet clam plate that he presented on the show, cooking seafood, his switch from broadcast journalism to cooking in college (Thank you, Julia Child) and his new seafood restaurant The Ordinary, an oyster bar and seafood hall rumored to be opening here in December. Chefs and food are always good for our reputation!

US Airways Magazine spoke with a few James Beard award-winning chefs about summer entertaining. Mike Lata was one of the few chosen for the honor. He was asked how he liked to spend time with friends during the heat wave, who are three people he’d like to get together for a meal…one of them being local Bill Murray. He even gave his recipe for a Negroni.

Newsweek gathered 53 “luminary chefs” to pick the Top 101 Places to Eat Around the World. We seemed to possess two, HUSK and McCrady’s, a nice nod to Sean Brock and team..

Just when you thought we were done! The City Market has received the 2012 Phoenix Award from the Society of American Travel Writers. A well-deserved honor from the pros.

US News and World Reports has been ranking the country’s colleges and universities. Of the public regional universities the Citadel ranked #1 with the College of Charleston coming in at #4. Clemson was rated 25th in the top public/national schools with USC rated #1 in undergraduate international business programs. National Universities pegged Clemson at #68, USC at #115 and SC State at #147.

Liberal Arts colleges put Furman at 49th, Wofford at 63rd, Presbyterian at #121 and Erskine at #156. Clemson also rated #7 for up and coming national schools and 77th best engineering school. On the graduate  school level USC was rated #64 for best business schools, #3 for international business schools and #25 for part-time MBA programs.

Bette Midler was tweeting about the heat here the other day, saying she mistakenly wore clothes and not a muumuu with ice bags underneath. She also tweeted about her visit saying, “Just got back from a tour of Boeing plant in SC. A great experience; great folks making a great product!” You’ve probably heard that Jet Blue will begin nonstop flights from JFK and Boston’s Logan airport on February 28th.  They are already promoting the flights with some amazing fares.

So, with all of this bringing people into town, what is there to do? Let’s take a look. MOJA Arts Festival opens the month, celebrating African-American and Caribbean roots at venues throughout the city.

That Big Book Sale is on for the 12th-14th at the Omar Shrine Auditorium. A great spot to pick up early holiday gifts.

           The Charleston Heritage Symposium will begin its inaugural year with a weekend of international experts, tours and private visits to three special Charleston homes. Coinciding with the Symposium is the Historic Preservation Society’s Fall Tour of Homes throughout the month.

It’s HOT HOT HOT! The 21st Latin American Festival at Wannamaker Park on the 7th, a great family event from noon to 6pm. Spice up your day with this homage to the culture, food, music and dance of Latin America.

Columbus Day on the 8th is a federal holiday.

It’s the 2nd Sunday on King Street on the 14th. A chance to wander the shops and streets without car traffic comes along only once a month. Take advantage of one of the best “Main Streets” in the country.

Upper King Street has its time to shine also. Explore Calhoun to the Crosstown on the 18th. During the biannual, after hours Upper King St. Walks, you can stroll the emerging design and foodie haven.

You may think of October as a month made to honor beer and brats, but on the 20th you and your best friend can celebrate Dogtoberfest Wine Tasting and Pet Expo at Freshfields. There’s even a chance for your pets to show off their Halloween costumes in a very special contest.

Grammy award winning Zac Brown Band’s second annual Southern Ground Music and Food Festival heads back to Blackbaud Stadium on the 20th and 21st. The two day celebration of southern music and cuisine will also highlight craft beers.

On the 21st, spend the afternoon exploring 10 beautiful gardens at Kiawah during the Gardens for Gardeners Tour by the Charleston Horticultural Society.

The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmakers and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art present independent films at the Simons Center. On the 25th, the film, A Matter of Taste: Serving up Paul Liebrandt,

takes an intimate look at ten years of the creative processes of a talented much loved or much hated young chef. Emmy nominated 2012.

Native American Know-how: Hands on History Weekend at the Dill Sanctuary, will celebrate some of their culture and traditions. Learn to make rope from plants & shoot Cherokee-style blowguns on the 27th.

The end of October is all about Halloween. There are so many corn mazes, pumpkin patches and fall fests springing up around the area, it’s hard to highlight only a few. There are organized events to take the place of random trick or treating and more days to celebrate the pranksters holiday than ever before. But however you celebrate the holiday, please be careful and watch for those ghouls and goblins running the streets on a sugar high.

Folly Beach, and Charleston as a whole, got a great spread in Surfers Journal, an international high-end surfing magazine, thanks to local writer Chris Dixon. It shows a different side of Charleston that not many outsiders discover. Good work, Chris!

Especially that part about Lilla and Foster Folsom!!!!!

• Looking for a golf tournament? On the 5th is the 8th Annual Troy Knight Memorial  Tournament held at Legend Oaks in Summerville.
• After visiting the Farmers Market in Marion Square on the 6th, head over to the Yoga Marathon from noon-3.
• Looking for some peace? How about a 2-3 hour creek kayak tour for Breast Cancer by Sea Kayak Tours on James Island. Suitable for beginners on the 7th.
• Don’t miss the 20th IOP Connector Run for the Child the same day.
• The Charleston Green Fair Eco-Carnival will be held at Marion Square 13th & 14th
• The Charleston Stingrays begin their season with a home game on the 13th.
• Also on the 13th is the Crowfield Plantation Run and Walk
• And the Avondale 5K  at the Triangle Char and Bar at 8:30am
• And the 2012  TREK Breast Cancer Awareness Bike Ride at Awendaw Green
• Paddle, bike and run the beach at the Folly Triathlon on the 20th.
• The 2012 Fight For Air Run/Walk is at the Folly Pier on the 27th.
• The rUNDEAD 5K …the grueling Zombie Challenge will take over the Holy City on the 27th demanding brawn, blood and maybe even brains! As the sun sets, so begins your race to survive at Old Town Creek, Charleston County Parks’ newest.

Around the state: It’s the perfect weather to venture forth and find some fun…..    

• 6th The Beaufort Shrimp Festival  5K Run and Walk
• The 2012 Historic Georgetown Bridge 2 Bridge  Half Marathon and 5K on the 13th begins on Front Street and spans the Historic area
• The Islands Charities 3rd Annual10K/5K will run all of Cat Island and you’ll see some of the newly redone Sanctuary Golf Course on Cat Island, Island Causeway in Beaufort on the 20th
• 21st-26th S.C. Lowcountry Bicycle Tour beginning in Beaufort
• 28th-11/2 Second Chance SC Lowcountry Bicycle Tour

 

Have a great October!

 

Lilla

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under: Around Town, Business News, Charleston Green, Food Bubba, Health and Fitness, Life Tips, Lowcountry Lifestyle, Lowcountry Today, Real Estate News, Uncategorized on September 28th, 2012 | No Comments »

The summer’s not quite over, but school supplies have started appearing in stores and ads are targeting a distinctly youthful audience.  A  Sales Tax holiday has once again been declared to help with outfitting returning students. You will find a bit of a break on sales slips on the weekend of August 3-5th.

 

Filed under: Around Town, Business News, Charleston Green, Lowcountry Lifestyle, Lowcountry Today, Real Estate News, Uncategorized on July 23rd, 2012 | No Comments »

Ah June! A month that brings vacations, warm days at the beach and freedom to mind. Midway between Memorial Day and the 4th of July celebrations, we honor the flag. The first Flag Day supposedly was in 1885, when a Wisconsin schoolteacher celebrated the flag’s “birthday” on the 14th.

The idea caught on and in honor of the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, National Flag Day was designated June 14th by President Truman signing an Act of Congress in 1949.

We follow up that special day with Father’s Day on the 17th.    In the early 1900s, the idea was not well received. Men saw the holiday’s “sentimental approach as an attempt to domesticate manliness with flowers and gifts.” Eventually, the idea finally caught on and Richard Nixon made it a federal holiday in 1972.

Another celebration this month is Carolina Day on the 28th. The day honors the successful defense of Charleston by General Moultrie and his troops against British forces on June 28, 1776. The palmetto tree and sandbag fort on Sullivan’s Island was the scene of our first decisive victory of the Revolutionary War. The day is marked by a parade from Washington Park to White Point Gardens for a wreath-laying ceremony. You’ll hear the noon bells across the Peninsula.

Rand on Real Estate on Fox Business News stated just the other day that 2 cities in the US were top options for real estate investing, Charleston and some city up in Michigan. The CEO of Own America cited quality of life, low cost of living and lots of jobs as his reasons. We know that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

Charleston County has two of the state’s four schools named to Newsweek’s Best Public High Schools in America rankings. The six criteria: graduation rates, college graduations, Advanced Placement tests offered per student, taken per student and their average scores, plus the average SAT and ACT scores.

Academic Magnet High School placed 22nd on the list with a 100% graduation rate and average SAT scores of 1880. The School of the Arts placed 788th of the 1000 schools honored. Congratulations! Now let’s bring the rest of the schools up there!

There’s plenty to do in Charleston in June. Just trying to keep up with the Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto events is really tough. The best way is to visit their websites at www.SpoletoUSA.org and www.PiccoloSpoleto.com.

June 1st brings the opening of the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival at the Mt P Waterfront Park. The baskets are an integral part of our heritage here in the Lowcountry and the SE Tourism Society has designated this Festival as one of their Top 20 Events. On the evening of the 1st, The Real Taste of Gullah will feature Jonathan Green and a fashion show, basket making and of course food. The 2nd will be a full Festival at the same venue from 12-8. Come celebrate the Gullah Geechee heritage.

If you should see a yellow ducky making its way out to sea on the 2nd, it’s an escapee from the Rotary Club’s Charity Duck Race at the Daniel Island Park from 10-2pm.Adopt a Duck-Win a Million Bucks!

You may just snag one of these runaways during the Mt Pleasant Pier Fishing Tournament from 6am-4pm at the Waterfront Park. Prizes for game fish only, no ducks!

Want to take your fishing to the next level? The Carolina Lady Anglers are Fishing for a Cure on the 2nd. Weigh in is 4pm at the Maritime Center.

Sunday the 3rd brings a new service to the Circular Congregational Church on Meeting Street. The Blessing of the Bikes will be held at 11 am after the service.

Learn all about catching Charleston’s best swimmer. It’s the Blue Crab Spectacular with the Charleston Parks Conservancy at Daniel Island Waterfront Park early on the 5th and 6th. Get a net and catch your own.

Thirsty? The Bacardi Classic should slake your thirst. The Aquarium will be the stage where 18 of the best local bartenders will compete for the crown. All for a good cause, of course.

Need to spend some quality time with your pooch? Is spot feeling neglected? Head to the James Island County Park for Yappy Hour on the 7th, 4-8pm. live music and beverages, too!

The Carolina Burlesque Festival hits town the weekend of the 8-10th. The annual event shows the best of burlesque, vaudeville, variety and live music at the South of Broadway Theatre Co., 1080 E Montague.

Need some fresh air? How about heading up Hwy 17 on the 9th for Get Outdoors Day. The parking fee is waived at Buckhall Recreation Site in the Francis Marion National Forest.

Scouts, mark your calendars! The 10th is Scouts Day at Whirlin’ Waters at Wannamaker County Park from 10-6.

Attention all cooks! There’s a Charity Knife Sharpening at the Coastal Cupboard in Mt P slated for the 8th-10th. $1 per knife and the benefits go to Backpack Buddies.

The Piccolo Spoleto Finale is free at Hampton Park on the 9th.The Spoleto USA Finale is the next day at Middleton Plantation with a Beer Garden from 3:30 til 8, the Big Show begins at 8:30. Tickets.

Carifest 2012 celebrates Jamaica this year the on the 14th-16th.

The Big Chef/Little Chef Challenge to find good healthy dishes is at the Lighthouse on the Creek on the 14th 6-9pm. On the other extreme, The Flag Day Burger and Brewfest brings the best burger joints and local breweries together at Holy City Brewing at 5:30 the same day.

The piers are getting a workout. On the 16th Folly Pier is having a Fishing Tournament 6am-4pm. The Pier at Mt P Waterfront Park is Shaggin on the Cooper that night from 7-11. The Shag moves to the Folly Pier on the 22nd for Moonlight Mixers.

Celebrate Arthur Middleton’s 270th birthday at the Naturalization Ceremony of our newest citizens at Middleton at 10am on the 26th.

Something to get your kids primed for…Y’all Fest! The Young Adult market in books is hot and Y’all Fest celebrates it on November 10^th. I know it’s pretty far in advance but your children will want to be up on the latest by these authors. Blue Bicycle Books has announced the lineup:  Pseudonymous Bosh (the Secret Series) joins Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz (Beautiful Creatures), Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments), Holly Beck (The Spiderwick Chronicles), Trenton Lee Stewart (The Mysterious Benedict Society) and Kathy Reichs of Bones fame They won’t want to be left out so get them to the Library now.

 In Business News: Create Space, a division of Amazon, has leased the old North Charleston Jail space. This is Project X that is bringing 200 jobs initially then adding about 150 more later.//Chief Executive Magazine has named SC to the top ten in its 8th annual survey of the Best/Worst States in which to do business. Number 1 was Texas; Number 50 was California and Number 7? S.C.! // Forbes’ annual survey of the Best Places for Jobs in the US is out. The Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville region places #5 out of the 91 mid- sized regions and 29th overall out of all 398 areas studied.

      At the Table: Steve Kish, a member of the 82 Queen family for decades, has opened the Lowcountry Bistro in the market. //Looking for a great local taste? Try Cannonborough Beverage Co’s seasonal sodas, divine//Robert Carter is ensconced in his new venue, Carter’s Kitchen, over in I’On with a more bistro-oriented approach to food!// Craftsman Kitchen Tap House is creating its space on Cumberland. 48 taps reported, 12 local and 12 pale!//Iron Brew, the Mellow Mushroom/Holy City Brewing collaboration for the home brewers is on. Mid-June the home boys and girls will get their secret ingredient, then  home to work. They will have 6-8 weeks to come up with the Best of the Home Brews.

Lots on tap outdoors in June:

• On the 2nd, it’s called Bikinis and Boardshorts 5K. The runners at the Laurel Hill Plantation event are invited to cool down on the giant waterslide afterwards.
• Engineers without Borders are hosting a golf tournament at Wild Dunes to raise money for a water treatment plant in Central America on the 2nd at 1 pm.
• Also on the 2nd, the Green and Lean 5K Run departs Brittlebank Park at 8am.
• The Palmetto Roost Golf Tournament will be held on the 7th at Patriot’s Point.  The 9:30 am match will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
• June 9th &10th is the Folly Beach Wahine Surf Classic at the Pier at Folly Beach.
• The 12th Annual A.L.S. Hope  5K will be run at 6PM at Isle of Palms on the 9th.
• Sweat’n for a Reason 5k will benefit the Phoenix Athletes and the Wounded Warrior Project. held at the Ponds in Summerville, 8am on the 9th.
• The Brave Soldier Challenge Charleston will be held at James Island County   Park starting at 10am on the 16th.
• The SC State Time Trial Championships will be at the Sewee Outpost at 9am
• The Floppin’ Flounder 5K Run and Walk on Sullivan’s Island is on the 16th.
• Charleston Nine-Shane Albers Memorial Golf Tournament will be at the      Shadowmoss Golf Club on the 17th beginning at 1pm.
• The Longest Day is a sunrise to sunset relay to raise funds for Alzheimer’s. You and your team will test your limits with 16 hours of endurance activities on the 20th
• Carolina Inner City Baseball Classic will be held on the 23rd and 24th at theCollege Park Baseball Facility (Rutledge and Grove Sts.)
• The New Primal Games 2012  presented by Earth Fare, is on the 23rd at Wando Fields at 8:30am.The kids event will take place first and will be a trail run/obstacle course. The adult games will consist of multiple events, each containing its own set of tasks. Events include trail run/obstacle course, sandbag “carcass” carry, “stone” lift, “log” cross, jumping and climbing; all put together to test your overall “primal” fitness. The team competition will be with teams of 4 and can be coed. The team element will be a culmination of the day’s events where each team will come together and work as a group. Good Luck!

 

 

 

 

Filed under: Around Town, Business News, Charleston Green, Health and Fitness, Life Tips, Lowcountry Lifestyle, Lowcountry Today, Real Estate News, Uncategorized on May 22nd, 2012 | No Comments »

 

The weather is behaving oddly.  It seems we are getting March winds along with the usual April showers, then some summer thrown in and back to chilly, chilly evenings. No wonder there’s sniffles all around!

 

May has finally arrived, much to the school children’s delight. Boaters are sprucing up their rides and the lines to the beach are growing on the weekends. We have a special day set aside in May to honor Moms, on the 13th, so be sure to remember.

 

Graduations will fill the town early in the month. Trident Tech starts us out at the college level on the 4th t the N. Charleston Coliseum. Then comes Charleston Southern filling the Coliseum on the 5th at 10am. A double whammy day, the Citadel will graduate the Corps at 9 am on the 5th and the Graduate School at 4pm. Watch out on Friday though, the “Long Gray Line” parade will begin at 3pm on the Citadel grounds. The College of Charleston makes its presence known on the 12th with a downtown service at 10am and 4pm lasting about 2 to 3 hours each.

 

We honor our Armed Forces on the 19th and remember those who fell on Memorial Day on the 28th. This marks the unofficial beginning of summer too and is a federal and state holiday.

 

From Afar magazine’s article “The New South,” we learn that “A colonial classic, Charleston may initially come off as ye olde…” but we redeem ourselves with Mike Latta’s Lowcountry fare at FIG and his favorite re-invented cocktails from around town. Also highlighted are the Heirloom Book Company, Planter’s Inn and the Peninsula Grill, Brett Carron’s Indigo and Cotton Men’s Shop and Spoleto. 

 

     Jennet Robinson Alterman, well-known Charleston presence and Executive Director of the Center for Women, was profiled in the April -May issue of Roots magazine. Bravo, Jennet.

 

South Carolina Aquarium officials were pleased by the announcement of their accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Only 10% of wildlife exhibitors in the country are given this honor.

 

North Charleston will open the month with their nine day Arts Festival. The main events will take place on the 4th and 5th, but continue at various venues throughout the City until the12th.

 

The French Quarter Art Walk will take place on the 4th downtown.

 

Don’t forget the Farmers Market on Marion Square is open. This is Eat Local Month and what better way than to meet the person who grew your dinner or raised the chickens that gave you your eggs?

 

The 5th is a big day at Marion Square. It’s the 9th Annual Charleston Dog Show from 9-2. Head over after your shopping.

 

The Robert Smalls Commemorative Weekend, beginning the 12th, has numerous events planned to honor this slave turned sea captain and politician. He was a member of the SC Legislature and the US House of Representatives. In SC, he authored the bill establishing a free, mandatory public school system, the first in the US. He also founded the SC Republican Party.

 

The Charleston Jazz Orchestra will wow you while celebrating its members’ own compositions in Local Opus on the 19th at the Charleston Music Hall. Their 5th Annual Jazz Series will return to Spoleto 2012 later in the month.

 

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art will premiere a major traveling exhibition of new work by Japanese artist Motoi Yananoto called Salt Works on the 25th. The creation of the salt centerpiece of the exhibit during the two weeks prior to the exhibit’s opening is open to the public.

 

Which brings us to threshold of Spoleto USA and sister festival, Piccolo Spoleto. 17 days of theatre, ballet, dance, music, art, opera in just about every variation will fill the city with lovers of the arts from all over the world. A major highlight is the first fully staged presentation of Philip Glass’ opera, Kepler. There’s cabaret circus, K.D. Lang, Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theatre, The Requiem by the Westminster Choir, Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, Joy Kills Sorrow as well as flamenco, gospel and Brazilian music. There’s even international ukulele sensation, Jake Shimbukuro. Ketch and Critter from the Old Crow Medicine Show will be there too. The famous Finale will feature Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole.

 

Marion Square will be full of entertainment from Piccolo Spoleto with many free family events including the Children’s Festival, “Once Upon a Time” on the 26th from 10-3. Porgy and Bess will come alive in concert form on the steps of the Custom House on the 25th from 8-9:30pm. The Finale of the Piccolo Festival will be at Hampton Park on the 9th from 5-10pm. The first half is reggae with Roots Music’s Osei Chandler on hand. Then, move on to Mowtown Madness for the second half of the show.

 

The next time you complain about traffic and the numbers of tourists around town, think about these numbers. According to the College of Charleston, 38,000 visitors attended SEWE this year and they spent big! Their daily spending jumped to $194 a day per. The Flowertown Festival came in at over 250,000 people with an estimated $22 million economic impact felt locally.

 

Both the Cooper River Bridge Run and Charleston Fashion Week broke attendance records. The BB&T Wine and Food Festival had over 20,000 folks sloshing through Marion Square and enjoying every minute of it, rain or shine. Then we have our two largest events coming up. As we know, this month is Spoleto USA and Piccolo Spoleto. In August, Kiawah will host the PGA Championship. It’s anybody’s guess how much of a financial boon these well-heeled events will generate in the Lowcountry.

 

Speaking of the Cooper River Bridge Run, I have to tip my hat to the Race Director and staff. They have put together an amazing experience for thousands and thousands of participants each year. Usually, it goes off without a hitch. It looks easy. This year there were some problems, yes. It is very easy to Monday morning quarterback a situation like this and point fingers. They should be ashamed of themselves.

 

One positive thing to come out of the Bridge Run is the “Ridiculously Photogenic Guy.” Native Charlestonian and current NYC resident, Zeddie Little’s photo was randomly taken by amateur photographer, Will King. After it went viral, the man with the perfect smile and perfect hair became an overnight sensation, over 1.5 million hits in just a couple of days! They were invited onto a morning network show and asked to tell the story. Anyone seeing his photo would have to smile too.

 

The Milliken Institute’s 25 Best Performing Cities list is out. It measures jobs, salaries and tech output over the previous 5 years. Although the list seemed heavy in Texan towns, Charleston-North Charleston was slotted 11, up from 19 last year and 30th in 2009. “The vibrant aerospace sector combined with a stable military presence contributed to an overall job growth of 1.2%” The report went on to say the Weapons Station and the Air Force Base contribute 18,000 jobs.

 

Aerospace and data processing (hosting) services boosted us to 16th overall in hi tech output. Noted was the ripple effect from Boeing, such as InterTech, moving into the area bringing 350 highly skills jobs. The steady influx of retirees will continue to boost health care and support services, the report stated.

 

Year-to-date sales in our market seem to agree. They are tracking up 7% from the same period last year and prices are up 4%.

 

Meanwhile outside……..

 

We start the month with Race the Landings, a best four of five runs happening at Charles Towne Landing. The first two will be this month on the 3rd and 10th, Thursday evenings at 6:30pm.

 

Time for some golf? How about the Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament “Drive Against Crime” at Coosaw Creek on the 4th.

 

The 12th is a busy day for runners. The 4th Annual Leslie McCreavy Memorial 5K to benefit Pet Helpers will be held at Folly Beach. Also, the 9th Annual Mom’s Run at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniels Island will be run to honor all Moms on Mother’s Day weekend. Another way to honor Mom is the 6th Hazel Gammons Run For Your Mother in Summerville. Also in Summerville on the 12th is the Steps to Stop Cancer Run.

 

Following on the 19th you can Run Forrest Run with the Riverdogs at the Joe. Or if you’re looking for a cool down, try the Lowcountry Splash. It’s a 2.4 mile open water swim starting at Hobcaw and finishing at the Patriot’s Point Naval Maritime Center.

 

The Swamp Fox Ranger Ride will be on the 19th: your choice of a 23, 45 or 75 mile cycle race through the Francis Marion National Forest  Of course, if your bike is the motorized variety, Murrels Inlet has your interests at heart. Their Bike Week will begin on the 11th.

 

The Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series begins its 2012 season on the 20th at James Island County Park.

 

If you want to combine your run with a day at the beach and a day in the boat, there’s the Capers Island ECO 10K and 5K Beach Run and Walk on the 20th Leaving from the IOP Marina.

 

The WFC Annual Memorial Day Fastpitch Classic, Remember our Troops, will be held in Summerville on the 25th-27th

 

And, I know is a stretch, but the sport of growing facial hair seems to have been left out the last few years. The Holy City Beard and Moustache Society is bringing its 4th Annual Southeastern Championship to the Music Farm on the 26th at 6pm.

 

     I’d like to welcome the Paretti’s and the Pitts’ to Charleston and thank them for letting me help them find their wonderful new homes.

Talk to you soon I hope,

 

Lilla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under: Around Town, Business News, Charleston Green, Health and Fitness, Life Tips, Lowcountry Lifestyle, Lowcountry Today, Real Estate News, Uncategorized on April 21st, 2012 | No Comments »

It has happened again! Spring has sprung, the clocks have jumped forward, the flowers are blooming and all is right in our world! Remember there’s April Fool’s Day on the first. Be the first one in your house to pull a prank.

Have you driven downtown lately? Good thing we are used to the sights, it takes every bit of our concentration to avoid the tourists standing in the streets looking around.

Speaking of driving, this is the craziest month to try navigating the Lowcountry. Don’t forget to schedule around the Cooper River Bridge Run on the 31st of March. Most of the Mt Pleasant and downtown traffic arteries will be closed to car traffic. What’s open will be crowded. The Bridge Run is sold out except for some charity slots still available for a donation. Check the website for the route map, www.BridgeRun.com.

Good Friday is on the 6th, Passover begins on the next day, followed by Easter on the 8th. Easter always falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox on March 21st. Did you know that 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made each year?

Lots of people in town for the month and a lot is happening to keep them entertained. Other than the dreaded Tax Day, April seems like a pretty wonderful month. We honor the Earth on the 22nd and try to plant something on Arbor Day on the 27th.

Spend time in Marion Square? Now, you’ll be able to do more while you are there. The City has partnered with Google to launch the Charleston Free WiFi Network, free hi speed access for the Square. Four nodes are located there, each with a 200’ radius of signal.

Southern Living recently planned a day around food in Charleston. Beginning with the Big Nasty Biscuit at Hominy Grill, they proceeded to the Glass Onion for lunch. There, they dove into Shrimp and Grits. A  Gin and Basil Smash at the Gin Joint preceded a homegrown dinner at Husk. What’s a meal without dessert? How about the Ultimate Coconut Cake at the Peninsula Grill? In reality, you could plan that for months and not repeat yourself! There are that many good spots to eat in the Lowcountry

The first weekend of the month has us hopping! (no pun intended) There’s the Flowertown Festival in Summerville. Attracting over 200,000 people, it’s a full-family event benefitting the YMCA. The Family Circle Tennis Tournament begins this weekend. Billed as a festival with some world class tennis thrown in, it runs til the 8th on Daniel Island.

Where would we bee without the honey bee? Come to the Charleston Honey and Bee Expo on the first from 11-5 at the Cinebarre Theatre in Mt Pleasant for all things bee. There’s even a movie, Queen of the Sun.

Looking for some Cajun-style fun? Try the Cajun Festival at James Island County Park on the 1st. Plenty of Zydeco and etoufee to go around. Switching gears, the Sewee Outpost is hosting the Charleston Bluegrass Festival on the 6th (6pm-10) and the 7th (noon til 10pm). A full line up of music, it looks like alot of fun.

You’ll still have time to catch the 11th Annual Easter Promenade by the Charleston Hat Ladies. It starts at 11am on the 7th on Broad Street. If you decide to stay in town, don’t miss the opening day of the Charleston Farmer’s Market at Marion Square. Not only the freshest vegetables, but it’s a great place to meet up with friends for coffee and some good food. There’s a talented assortment of locals represented from silversmiths to wood carvers and kettle corn makers with their giant cauldron.

If you’re a fan of Dorothy, Toto and the Flying Monkeys, this is your month. The Charleston Stage is opening the Wiz on the 6th and it will run til the 28th at the Dock Street Theatre. If you want more…Wicked, the pre-Dorothy story of 2 girls who grow up to be the Wicked Witch and the Good Witch, will be at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on the 18th and the 19th. I’m melting………

Need more escape? The Charleston International Film Festival kicks off on the 11th. Cinebarre and other venues downtown will host the event through the 16th.

Magnolia Gardens has just been recognized by the International Camellia Society as a Camellia Garden of Excellence, one of 30 in the world. One of their historic camellias can be traced back to its original shipment from China to England in 1792!

You can learn about your own garden at the Charleston Horticultural Society’s Plantasia 2012 on the 13th and 14th at Wragg Square. Tours, workshops and the Real Yard Sale are the highlights.

There’s something special on tap for your most loyal companion on the 14th and 15th. The 2012 Pet Fest is open for owners and pets at the Palmetto Islands County Park on Mt Pleasant from 11-5 both days. There’s a lot going on to keep you and Fido happy.

If you want an adventure of a different sort, the 12th Annual Kiawah Island Art and House Tour will be on the 13th. Five homes will be open in the gated community 1-5pm.

Don’t forget the 64th Annual Festival of Houses & Gardens varies its tours daily so there’s always something new (old) to see. Until the end of April, seven to ten homes will be open in eleven neighborhoods, dating from the American colonial period, through the antebellum and Victorian eras to the early 20th century.

The Charleston Museum has a treat for archeology buffs. Find out what was learned about the original walled town of Charleston during a recent excavation of the redan near Tradd St. A redan, I have found out, is a V shaped protrusion on a walled fortification. The Curator of Historical Archeology will discuss the dig of the only walled city in the British Colonial North America at the Museum on the 17th.

If your bucket list would not be complete without a good roll in a vat of grits to see how much would stick, you are in luck the 13th- 15th at the St George 2012 World Grits Festival. All things grits, all weekend long.

      Chef Jeremiah Bacon recently sat down with GQ to dish on his favorite spots in his hometown. Starting with his own Upper King Street, to Folly, to McClellanville, there may be a few spots that you haven’t yet discovered. The Upper King Street Design District Walks on the third Thursday of April and October will give you some time to nose around and meet the people bringing this neighborhood to life after 5.

Kayaks have found an entirely new following in the past few years. The East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival at the James Island County Park will be the place to be on the 20th-22nd. A full weekend of history, technique, hands-on experience and fun is on tap.

Is your inner self craving something a little more relaxing? How about the Old Village of Mt Pleasant Home Tour? Ten homes, 2 gardens, 2 historical sites and an art show with chef’s samplings of food are on the program on the 22nd from 1-6.

We’re back on the water on the 29th. It’s the 25th Annual Town of Mt Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet. The festival, held at the Waterfront Park, is dedicated to a safe and prosperous shrimping season.

Don’t miss the Carolina Dirt Fair at Mullet Hall on the 29th. It’s all about local food, local farms and showcasing the South’s finest chefs in demos and competitions, info on CSAs, gardening and water conservation too. There’s something for everyone who loves food and local flavors.

A few business notes: Nexans, a high voltage cable manufacturer plans to bring as many as 200 jobs to the area. Headquartered in France, the Berkeley County facility should open in 2014.

Boeing has received a high honor from the National Aeronautic Assn. for the 787 Dreamliner. The award for excellence was for the air or space vehicle that represented the greatest aeronautic achievement in America.

Boeing also received certification of two new world records set by the Dreamliner. Late in 2011, the 787 broke the record for the longest flight for an airplane of its weight when it flew from Seattle to Bangladesh.

After re-fueling, the crew took the plane eastward, returning to Seattle 42 hours and 26 minutes after the initial departure. This set an around the world speed record of 470 knots.  No previous record was held for the 787 weight class.

The Spartanberg BMW plant has been recognized as the country’s leading auto exporter. The value of the vehicles exported through Charleston was announced at $7.4 billion in 2011. Exports increased 68% during that time period to more than 192,000 vehicles from the SC plant.

At present, the company makes 1,000 vehicles a day. They have announced they will hire an additional 300 workers to increase their output to 300,000 vehicles.  By 2014 they are planning to add an additional 700 workers and boost the output to 350,000 vehicles.

Michelin has put S.C. on the map as the top tire exported in the country. They ship industrial tires for mining operations through Charleston and Savannah. Bridgestone is planning a new automobile tire manufacturing plant in Aiken and expanding a light-tire manufacturing plant there. The German manufacturer Continental is poised to build a $500 million plant in Sumter aiming for a 2017 opening.

That’s all good news for us.  Did you know that except for the first week of the year, we’ve had over 200 homes go under contract every week?

      April always brings people outside and what better time to have some fun: We’ve already mentioned the Cooper River Bridge Run on the 31st of March. That starts our month out with a bang, literally, and that is just the beginning.

Coastal Cyclists’ After the Bridge Run Ride will launch from Awendaw Green at 8am on the 1st. No Foolin’! If you think you need to stretch your legs after the Run, they have 10, 25, 45, 63 and 100 mile routes to help you out.

Need a little more? The Santee Endurance Adventure Race on the 7th will be held in and around the waters, swamps, beaches and upland forests of the Lake Moultrie. Designed for both novice and veteran adventure racers, the course covers 35-45 miles of challenging landscape.

The 2012 Hootie and the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro Am plays on the 9th at the Dye Club at the Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach. Don’t forget the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, building to a big finish at Harbor Towne on the15th.

The 14th is a big day. There’s the TRY Sports Mt. P Sprint Triathlon held in Park West, plus the 3rd Annual MPSC Kids Triathlon. Mark your calendar for the Urban Bike Adventure: 1 part road race +1 part obstacle course + 1 part scavenger hunt starting at noon downtown at the Blind Tiger on Broad St.

You could win the coveted Golden Doughnut on the 14th! It’s the 3rd Annual Most Delicious Doughnut 5K: run the West Ashley Greenway, stop halfway, eat a dozen, and then run back. Or, there’s a more rational version of the race available.

The Third Annual Bed Race, billed as the 2nd most fun you can have in a bed, will be at Hampton Park on the 15th at 1pm. It has also been called a “little bit of bedlam” by Charleston Magazine. There’s a Grand Parade of Beds with judging on Best Decorated, Most Outrageously Decorated, What Were You Thinking? And of course the race winner is crowned. Krispy Kreme will be there to defend their title.

A local favorite, the iFive K Run, Walk or Shuffle’s course is ‘5 K though 300 years of history.’ The streets downtown are clear for you to enjoy at 6pm on the 19th. The event starts and finishes at the Maritime Center.

The Bohicket Marina 5 and 10K at Seabrook and the Pinewood Back Nine 5K at the Legend Oaks Golf Course both take off early on the 21st.

Charleston Race Week fills out the month with offshore and inshore sailboat races and lots of on shore events for fun.

 

Enjoy the incredible days ahead, you can’t find better anywhere on Earth…

Ok maybe I am prejudiced. After all, this IS my hometown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under: Around Town, Business News, Charleston Green, Food Bubba, Health and Fitness, Life Tips, Lowcountry Lifestyle, Real Estate News, Uncategorized on March 24th, 2012 | No Comments »

Filed under: Lowcountry Today, Uncategorized on May 8th, 2011 | No Comments »

How could I almost miss it! My neice Ali just emailed me a Happy Pancake Day card and I admit I did come close to losing the chance to let you know!  Other than that it’s a beautiful breezy day in the Lowcountry and I’m finally feeling fine.

The loropetalum is blooming and boy is it beautiful!

Filed under: Lowcountry Today, Uncategorized on March 8th, 2011 | No Comments »

I found something fun and useful. There’s a site www.taaz.com  where you can do a virtual makeover. You can upload a photo of yourself and get to work trying new hair, eyes, blush and lip color. I’m trying it and will post the results.

Filed under: Lowcountry Today, Uncategorized on March 2nd, 2011 | No Comments »