Anyone trying to make a dinner reservation for their sweetheart has learned in the last few years that you better not delay. The Southeastern Wildlife Expo is usually right around the same time and with over 40,000 outdoor enthusiasts hitting town, it can cause quite a logjam. It’s back for the 30th year, fair warning.

    The weather has been so warm that tulip trees are blooming around town. Let’s just hope there’s no repeat of the late snow from last year. We want to be looking good when all our visitors start to show up.  Fodor’s, famous for its guide books, is predicting a banner travel year. “From worldwide spectacles like the London Olympics to buzzy destinations like foodie-focused Charleston…” we are on the GO List-21 Places to Go in 2012. We are one of only two US locations, joining Oahu on the list.

     The travelers linked with Trip Advisors have decided on their picks for the Top Hotels in the US. We have three of the top 25 here in our town. The French Quarter Inn came in at number seven and The Restoration on King debuted at number 19. The Wentworth Mansion was on the list at 24.

      Not only do we have Valentine’s Day this month, but President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday of the month.  February 20th is the date this year. It is a federal and state holiday. It’s fitting that we should celebrate it between the Republican Primary and the statewide Democratic Primary which will be held on the 28th.

     February is Black History Month. Since 1976, it has been celebrated in the US and Canada. The Avery Institute is showcasing the Smithsonian exhibit Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Dow Turner.  Dr. Turner cracked the linguistic code of the Gullah language bringing international attention to the Sea Islands. The exhibit opens the 12th.

     Each Saturday during February and March at 2pm the Charles Pinckney Historical Site on Mt Pleasant will host the 2012 Gullah Cultural Series. The programs are different each week and free of charge.

     There’s lots of music to choose from this month, a little something for everyone.  The Welcome to Fin Land Tour 2012 with Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band will hit the Coliseum on the 2nd at 8pm.

     The N.Chas Performing Arts Center will be the place for the family favorite Mary Poppins from the Best of Broadway Series on the 1st and 2nd.

     On the 3rd, Gallery Row celebrates Blues on Broad: from Memphis to Mardi Gras. Each gallery will provide “a gumbo of live music and fine art.”

     The CSO Spiritual Ensemble performs its 4th Anniversary Performance,  Moses: Let my People Go-A Tribute to Moses Hogan, at Trinity United Methodist Church on Meeting St on the 4th.

     Another anniversary on tap this month:  82 Queen celebrates 30 years of serving fresh, local food and delivering a true Charleston experience. They are honoring their past by re-creating some old favorites in the kitchen and coming up with special surprises the 6th-11th.

     On the 8th, ease yourself into the Lowcountry Blues Bash. 14 days, 24 venues, 60 acts and 98 shows all over town, it runs til the 21st.

     Or take a wacky walk down the street of life with Avenue Q, a Musical by the Charleston Stage Company at the Dock Street the 10th-26th.

     Darius Rucker will romance us with the Songs of Frank Sinatra at the North Charleston Center for the Performing Arts on the 13th paving the way for a romantic Valentine’s Day.

     What began in 1993 as a ‘small winter diversion’ with 100 exhibitors and 5,000 attendees has grown into its own as the largest annual event held in SC. It’s the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the largest event of its kind in the country. The three day show now attracts over 500 artists and exhibitors and 40,000 visitors and will run from Feb 17th-19th.

     It’s another Brewvival in North Charleston on the 25th. New Belgium Brewmaster Peter Boukaert will be a distinguished presenter. Shuttles  available.

     Leave room for Chef’s Fest on the 26th at 6pm at Embassy Suites North Charleston Convention Center. Thirty exceptional chefs from some of the best restaurants in the area led by local Chef Robert Carter, the program raises funds for the Lowcountry Food Bank children’s programs serving 3,000 children weekly. 

     Aggie Zed has opened an exhibit of her work at the Halsey Gallery. Aggie went to Bishop England with me so tell her hi if she’s at the gallery. Zed grew up on Sullivan’s Island at a time when animals were allowed to roam your property.  Animal images recur in her unique artistry in Keeper’s Keep til March 10.  

    Power from animal waste? That idea tops our Business Watch. It’s one direction Santee-Cooper is exploring. They have contracted with Green Energy Systems to purchase 25 megawatts of green power. The first anaerobic digester plant will open near Manning in 2013.

      Local businesses Deytens Shipyard, Marinex and Construction Services Group have been awarded major contracts from the Dept. of Defense and the Army Corps of Engineers. In another win, Marinex also got the nod to restore the beach at St Augustine.

     Greenville-Spartanburg won the number one spot for the largest decrease in airfare nationally last year, clocking an impressive 14.3% drop in prices while Charleston came in second. We apparently saw a 7.2% drop in our prices.

     BMW will be hiring. The upscale automobile manufacturer located in Greer has announced they are adding the new X4 sports activity vehicle to its roster. The plant is currently home to the X3, X5 and X6 manufacture.

     Michelin recently unveiled its new 90,000 mile tread all season passenger tire. The Defender will be manufactured, among other locations, at it’s North American headquarters in Greenville.

     General Dynamics is bringing work for their new Stryker to the Force Protection plant in Ladson. There’s another new bank besides TD making its entry into South Carolina. Cincinnati-based Third Fifth Bank is debuting in the upstate.

     The Charleston-area homes sales market posted a 6% increase in the number of closing in 2011 over 2010.  These numbers came in just after we experienced the strongest December sales since 2006. That’s good news to everyone.

     Charleston Girl, a new fragrance inspired by Charleston and the women who  make it their home, has made its debut.  Former journalist, Kelly Gaskins, joined with Alpha Aromatics to create the scent.

     From the Chef’s Table comes the news that Brett McKee has joined Charleston Hospitality Group and recently opened Eli’s Table next to the Gibbes Art Gallery on Meeting Street. If you go, say hello to my friend Raymond in the front of the house.

     The Boulevard Diner was the setting for John King’s show on CNN. The Republican primary had reporters everywhere.

     Cypress was featured on the Cooking Channel. Unique Eats visited Chef  Craig Deihl’s kitchen to highlight some of the menu items there and to check out some of Chef’s favorite dishes

     Ben Arnold has begun distribution of Virgil Kaine’s Bourbon and Ginger, a hand crafted concoction using all natural ginger. Here’s to another local product taking off!

Time for sports in February.

There’s a Tennis Tournament going on at The Legends in Summerville. The Championship at Legends Oaks Plantation will run the 2nd through the 5th.

Schools get into the competition zone on the 4th. The Nativity School Flapjack 5K will be held at the Stono Shelter at the James Island County Park beginning at 8:30.  Ashley Ridge High School will have
their annual Fox Trot 5K the same morning at 8am on the school grounds.

The Go Red Heart 5K Run and Walk will begin and end at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina at Patriots Point on the 11th . If you’d like a weekend away with your half marathon, try the Hilton
Head Island Half Marathon on the 11th. The scenic run/race will take you through Jarvis Park, Crossing Park and over Broad Creek.

The Soccer Six Memorial Tournament will be on HHI on the 18th. The 2nd Annual Eagle Endurance Almost Nine Miler Trail Run is at the Buck Hall Recreation Center in McClellanville on the
18th also. The Family Circle Junior Cup Tennis Tournament (formerly the SMASH Jr. Cup) will be that weekend. The 19th is the Capers ECOrun 5K and 10K. Boat leaves the IOP Marina at 11 for the island.

The 10th Messa 8K for H2O will start at the Folly Pier at 9am on the 25th. The Master of Environmental Studies Student Assn. is all about improving water quality in Charleston area. The 7th
Annual Life Point Gift of Life 5K at the James Island County Park begins at 9am on the 25th to raise awareness of organ donation.

On the 25th and 26th is the Grand Prix Swim Championship at the W.L. Stephens Pool in St Andrews.   Don’t Miss the Race and Roast at Oakland Plantation on the 26th. The 5K trail run and oyster roast benefits the Land Conservancy. Do one or both.  It all fun!

For your well-heeled friends coming into town for the PGA in August, Wild Dunes Resort has proposed a VVIP package. Luxury round trip airport transportation, complete with champagne and Cohiba Robusto cigars, penthouse accommodations for six at their AAA 4 Diamond Village at Wild Dunes, one private chef’s table dinner and a round of golf. The piece de resistance? All six will travel back and forth to the
tournament daily by private helicopter.

Price tag for the package?
$15,000 and you must book by June 25th.

Enjoy the month, Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy President’s Day.

Lilla

    The Folly Beach Boat says it all!!

      Hope your New Year celebration was a safe and happy one. No matter if you took advantage of the family style event arranged by the City of Charleston or something a little more raucous , I do hope your menu plans included some greens for folding green and some hoppin’ john for good luck. The economy can use a little injection of Lowcountry luck.

      The non-partisan Milliken Group has just released their annual rankings of the economic health of metropolitan areas around the country. The Charleston-North Charleston market moved up to 11th place nationwide, up from 19th last year and 30th in 2009. Praised not only for our move into aerospace, the report also highlighted the stable military and high level technology industry already in place and growing.

      Move over LA, the votes are in. The most attractive people live in …drum roll please, Charleston? Yes, the hottest of the hots are in Charleston followed by San Diego, San Juan, Denver, Austin, Miami, Savannah, Honolulu, Phoenix and last, but not least, Nashville.

      Of course, right on the heels of this news comes the US News and World Report Health Page that states Charleston is the fifth (no pun intended) booziest city in the country. The ranking further explained that 8.7% of our residents drink heavily. This put us just behind Austin, Boulder, Melbourne and Reno.

      But the Travel Section of the same magazine named King Street one of the country’s top ten places to shop.  They state that while Atlanta has always been thought of as the shopping Mecca of the southeast, “Charleston is more appealing. …Buckhead’s mega-malls can’t compete with the charms of King Street…” The article applauds our Southern hospitality and the mix of big names with family-owned boutiques and clothiers. Mentioned in particular were the third generation landmarks like Bob Ellis and M. Dumas.

      While the collards are cooking on the first, head down to Dunleavy’s Pub, on Sullivan’s Island, hosts of the Polar Bear Plunge. Freezin’ for a Reason benefits Special Olympics and has to be one of the wildest around.

      The Dock Street Theatre will host “Time Machine-Mozart in Prague” on the 7th at 7:30 pm with the Charleston Symphony performing.

      If you’ve wanted to try different restaurants but your pockets weren’t deep enough, you are in luck. Charleston Restaurant Week is back. January 12-22. Enjoy prix-fixe 3 course menus for $20, $30 and $40.

      On the 12th, follow up that great meal with an evening of music. The Charleston Symphony will present Scheherazade at the Gaillard at 7:30 pm

      Blasted: Assorted Projectiles and Explosives of the Civil War is a unique exhibit opening on the 13th at the Charleston Museum. Shown are the varied, sometimes revolutionary and downright rare shells and small arms projectiles used in the conflict.

      The Museum celebrates its 239th birthday with an oyster roast at the Dill Sanctuary on the 14th from 2-5. Oysters, bluegrass and curator-led tours, all on the banks of the Stono River make for an enjoyable day.

      Locked and Loaded, the 2012 Comedy Festival is set to go. Hosted by Theatre 99 and the Charleston City Paper, the four day festival has booked some big names to fill our grey winter days with lots of laughs. The festival venues are spread across town and the fun starts on the 18th.

      The art scene has a new exhibit heading our way. The Art of Alfred Hutty: Woodstock to Charleston, sixty evocative pieces, landscapes and life studies will open on the 20th.  Lectures on Rebirth, Refinement and Rivalry: A Charleston Renaissance Symposium will accompany the opening… A curator-led tour will be held February 2nd and March 1st.

      Don’t forget the 7th Annual Music and Oysters for Wildlife January 21st at the Seewee Outpost   2-4 PM.

      The new year means it’s time to be thinking of a new healthier you. So, head over to the Total Health Fair at Omar Shrine Convention Center in Mt P on the 21st and 22nd.  Antoine Dove from the Biggest Loser will be the guest speaker. If he doesn’t motivate you…..well….

      Winter is the best time to enjoy your home. If you’re like most folks you also start looking closely and see things that need some work. Just in time, it’s the 9th Annual Charleston Home + Design Show on the 27th-28h at the Gaillard. (psst…on Friday Jan 27th, admission is free from 11-6).

      The 32nd Charleston Boat Show is at the Charleston Area Convention Center on the 27th-28th with boats, accessories and fishing classes. 

      A Night in the Valley, a black tie wine dinner event with a Spanish theme will be held at the College Center at Trident Tech at 6:30 on the 27th. The dinner /auction will support scholarships & academic programs.

      The Charleston Jazz Orchestra presents Symphonic Swing at the Charleston Jazz house 185 B St Philip St on the 28th. 

      Music of a different sort on the 28th and 29th when Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day tickles your funny bone at the Dock Street Theatre.

      The world’s largest Oyster Festival is back on the 29th with its shucking contest, oyster eating contest and all round good time at Boone Hall.

      Not too much in sports in January. On the 7th is the Bulldog Breakaway New Year’s 5 K at the Citadel.

      The Charleston Marathon for Youth Endowment for the Arts covers the weekend of the 13th. The Youth Marathon is at 3:30 on the 13th. Saturday has the Marathon and Half Marathon starting downtown. Sunday at 8am is the start to the 30 and 60 mile bike ride. All events are at the Navy Yard at Noisette unless otherwise noted.

       Tryouts for the Lowcountry Elite basketball teams will be on the 12, 14th and 15th at the Salvation Army Gym on Ashley River Road.

      Women’s Tennis Weekends at Kiawah will be held the 20th-22nd and the 27-29th,

      On the 28th is the Charlie Post Classic. Named for Dr. Post, an avid endurance athlete, he died from injuries from a bicycle accident in 1984.  The 15K and the 5K are run on Sullivan’s Island beginning at the Fire House at 8:30.

      Dancing is big in Myrtle Beach in January. There’s a 4 day event called the 12th SOS Mid Winter Break. Learn all you ever wanted to know about the shag on the 28th and the SC Square & Round Dance Convention. in Myrtle Beach on the 27th.

     28th is the Hilton Head Snow day, make a snow angel or a snow man.

     The PGA Championships will be played on the Ocean Course at Kiawah August 6-12th. The Pete Dye course was named by Golf Magazine as the toughest in America in its January 2012 issue.

     Martin Luther King Day is the 16th, both a federal and state holiday.

 In business news, we have some good news to talk about.

     Sportsman Boats is planning a new facility in Dorchester County. The $2 million facility will create 30 jobs. Sportsman Boats build salt water boats 20 to 25 feet in length with deep v hulls and center consoles.

     The first SC-built Dreamliner is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2012. Boeing also opened its Interiors Responsibility Group. The plant began with undeveloped land in Ladson and the project was finished on schedule and under budget. The plant will employ 150 people chosen from a pool of 50,000 applicants.

     SCE&G has just finished the largest single rooftop solar installation in the southeast.  Made up of more than 18,000 thin-film solar laminates, the 2.6 megawatt system covers 10 acres on the roof of Boeing’s 14 acre final assembly plant. This makes the plant the only one in the world able to assemble commercial aircraft with 100% green power.

     MUSC has been busy collecting grants.  The NIH has awarded the Hollings Cancer Center an $800 K grant to study the disparities in cancer.  African Americans from the Sea Islands are deal subjects for this study because they are the most homogeneous black population in the country.

      Also, MUSC has been awarded a $10.5 million research grant from the NIH to fund a biomedical research center. The inter-college grant is the first of its kind  at MUSC. It is a joint effort by the Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine.

        TWL, a maker of precision automotive parts will expand its location here. The $5million investment will create 35 jobs bringing the total of 90 workers.

     Cargo Composites, a maker of air cargo containers, has announced the creation of its new headquarters and assembly facility in Berkeley County. The $700,000 investment will generate 40.jobs.

     Keep your fingers crossed this is the wave of the future for the Lowcountry.

     The buzz around the holiday season seems to be a little different this year. Instead of the mad dashing around from store to store, party to party, I’ve noticed friends scaling back and spending more time than money. Not to the Ebenezer Scrooge degree, of course, but slowing down enough to really enjoy time with friends and family. I guess it’s more of a quality over quantity decision. I’ve got to say I like it. Spending time with friends who are actually present in mind and body and not dashing around is the best gift there is.

     If you are trying hard to get in the spirit, there are plenty of holiday- themed events coming your way. Trees will be lit, carols sung and good cheer will be in the air as the holiday season kicks off.

     Looking for some sand with your Christmas? IOP will light their tree on the first at 6pm on the front beach. Downtown Charleston’s festivities center around Marion Square and kick off with the Tree Lighting on the 3rd from 4:30-6:30.

     The Parade of Boats begins along the Mt Pleasant waterfront at 5:30 and will be visible from downtown right about when the Marion Square festivities are ending. The CSO Gospel Choir will present their Christmas program at the Gaillard beginning at 7:30.  

     Fair Warning: the Reindeer Run will be held on the Lower Peninsula on the morning of the 3rd. Last year over 3,000 folks took part in the 5K Run and Walk. Beginning and ending at the Southend Brewery for a post race party, you might as well join in and not try to get around it!     

     The 4th will see the Charleston Parade from 2-4pm. A free Christmas Concert will be held afterwards at the Gaillard Auditorium at 7pm. The Arrival is presented by the East Cooper Baptist Church.

                  North Charleston is filling the weekend with lots of treats for the kids. A free pre-school program will be held at Amory Park from 10-noon on the 2nd and 3rd. The festivities continue on the 3rd from 4-9pm with the Christmas Parade beginning at 6pm at Mixon and Montague, proceeding around Park Circle and ending at the Armory where the Tree Lighting ceremony will take place.

     The Garden Club of Charleston will deck the halls of the Joseph Manigault House for the month of December beginning on the 3rd. Boone Hall will do the same. No plastic at either location!

     There are more festivities throughout the month. Dressed in all the trappings of the season, the Charleston Stage’s A Christmas Carol runs at the Dock Street Theatre from the 2nd to the 18th.

     If you need a break from your shopping, stop by Wine under the Oaks at Boone Hall on the afternoon of the 4th, noon to 5pm.

     A mother, a daughter and three possible dads…add a trip down the aisle and you have the favorite, Mama Mia! Part of the Best of Broadway series, the show runs the 6th and 7th at the N Chas Performing Arts.

     Back to holiday festivities, the 6th Annual Festival of Wreathes will be at Charleston Place on the 8th from 6-9. Bring a toy, receive a discount on admission.

     Family Yuletide at Middleton Place features storytelling around the campfire, wreath & ornament making on the 10th from 5:30-8pm.

     The Sanctuary at Kiawah has a few new twists on the season.  Saturdays are special at the Sanctuary. Mornings at 11 will be your chance to learn all about decorating Christmas cookies. Who wouldn’t love that project? Then at 2:30, enjoy some hot cocoa while Mr. Claus listens to your wish list during the Storybook Tea with Mrs. Claus.  On the 11th, enjoy the jazz brunch and an exhibition and “how to” seminar on historic holiday tablescapes with the “Charleston Silver Lady.”

     Also on the 11th, the Charleston Men’s Chorus will present their Christmas Concert at the Sottile Auditorium at the College of Charleston at 3 pm. A great way to take a break and get in the mood for the holidays.

     Mt. Pleasant will open their holiday season on the 11th with over 100 floats filling Coleman Blvd. The tree lighting and fireworks will follow at Moultrie Middle School.      

          The Citadel invites you to a free holiday musical concert at their Summerall Chapel on the 13th at 7pm. A hand bell choir and a flute choir, a bagpiper and soloists will be on hand to entertain you.

     If you’re on IOP on the 14th at 4pm and would like your youngster under 12 to learn to decorate cookies, the Rec Center is your place. The 19th will be a day to build Gingerbread Houses.

          Later that day, go back in time and experience the 10th Annual Dickens Dinner at Circa 1886 with a four course meal inspired by “A Christmas Carol” and a retelling of the story at 6:30pm.

     The season wouldn’t be complete without the magic of the Nutcracker. Charleston Ballet will present the seasonal favorite on the 10, 11, 16 and 17th at the Gaillard. Talk about smart! The CBT is joining with the Charleston Animal Society to help find homes for their dogs. Called Muttcracker, the scheme will add dogs needing homes to the Nutcracker’s opening scenes and possibly the party scene. You can meet the “stars” during intermission. The Animal Society will be on hand to make sure it goes off without a hitch.

     Join the Charleston Symphony Gospel Choir at the Gaillard on the 17th at 7:30pm for a wonderful evening of holiday music.

     The Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker will be at the N Chas Performing Arts Center on the 20th at 7:30. No dogs at this one!
     It’s Chanukah in the Square from 4-6pm at Marion Square on the 20th. Enjoy traditional foods, music and dance and witness the lighting of the nine foot tall menorah by Holocaust survivors.

     Find out exactly “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the IOP Rec Center at 1pm on the 21st. It’s free and so is the popcorn!

     It’s Back! Happy New Years Charleston!!! This high energy celebration is a non-alcoholic event featuring family oriented concerts and presentations to mark the beginning of a new year. Held at Marion Square, the free event runs from 4pm-10:30pm on the 31st.

     If you need a respite from the hustle and bustle, the City Gallery has the Watermedia exhibit, works of water by 62 award winning artists from across the state and the Corrigan Gallery has Kristi Ryba’s The Art and Science of Memory, an interesting reconstruction of reality.

      So what’s the world saying about Charleston lately? The CBS Early Show was here recently, touring the town to find out just what there is about us that makes Conde Nast Traveler readers select us as the best town around.

     New Yorker magazine had an interesting article on Husk. It centered on Chef Brock and his farm that preserves and reintroduces heirloom crops and pigs to new audiences.

     Departures, a deluxe American Express venture, did a full spread on “An Insiders Tour: A look at Charleston’s red-hot restaurants, boutiques and historic sites.

     If snow is a must to make your holiday complete and traveling just doesn’t fit your schedule, try the Blizzard at Blue Heron Trail in Ridgeland. According to CNN the Blizzard will hit on the 2nd from 6-9pm.

     Tennis anyone? The Annual Holiday Classic benefitting the Hollings Cancer Center is slated for the 2nd-4th at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Isl.   

     Don’t forget the Reindeer Run on the 3rd start and finish at the Southend Brewery with a big party at the finish.

     The Jingle Bell Run and Walk will be on the 10th in Mt Pleasant and the 34th Annual Kiawah Island Golf Club Marathon will also be held that day.

     The Citadel’s Bulldog Breakaway Christmas 5K will begin at 8 am at the track, move through a lap around the campus, Hampton Park and back.

     In business news….Streit USA Armoring is expanding its Lowcountry operations and adding about 51 jobs…General Dynamics will acquire Force Protection…Westinghouse will move parts weighing up to 700 tons each through the port here for the Fairfield nuclear plant expansion… and Cummins Technical Center will double its capacity at its Charleston County center and add 31 jobs. They design and make parts for diesel engines.

 Have a safe Holiday season and Be careful on the roads!

Can you believe that November is upon us again? The stores are stocking up on Christmas decorations and holiday minds are turning towards Thanksgiving dinner plans. First, we will slog our way through local elections. On the 11th, we have a national holiday that gives us a chance to formally honor our veterans and those in uniform around the world. Then, we sneak up on Thanksgiving, a state and federal holiday. The day after, Black Friday, is a state holiday.

I’m sure we all saw Charleston native Stephen Colbert announcing the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Awards a few weeks ago. What a funny guy! Yes, Charleston broke free of its perpetual number two slot to dethrone San Francisco as the number one tourist destination, a spot they had held for 18 years! We topped San Fran, Santa Fe, Chicago, Honolulu, NYC, Savannah, Carmel, Seattle and Boston in that order…pretty lofty company.

Conde Nast Traveler also gave the Holy City another nod. We were ranked #3 Best City in the World behind Sydney, Australia and Florence, Italy.

Trip Advisors Travelers Choice Awards have been announced. The Top Ten Food and Wine Destinations in the US? Topping the list is New Orleans, then Nappa, Chicago, Charleston, San Francisco (I’ll bet someone’s nose is out of joint), NYC, Savannah, Santa Fe, Las Vegas and Ashville.

Forbes has us pegged as one of the best US places to visit on a long weekend. We were listed first, followed by New Orleans, Boston, San Diego and Denver.

But we aren’t just another pretty face. The Census Bureau noted that we were one of the metro areas with the biggest growth in % of adults with college degrees. Charleston has also been recognized for its efforts to make children a priority. We have been named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance a national group of organizations dedicated to improving children’s lives.

The knowledge-based economy is expanding in our area, adding higher-than-average-paying jobs into the economy. In its Annual Wage and Job Growth Survey, the Digital Corridor says that 88% of their companies have or will add jobs this year; 38% have doubled in size.

The Charleston Museum is responding to the increased fascination with quilts with a nine-part documentary. The 4th and 6th : Gee Bend: The Most Famous Quilts in America and How Quilts have been Viewed and Collected. On the 11th and 13th: Empowering Women One Quilt at a Time, Quilt Nation: 20,000,000 and Counting and Quilt Scholarship, Romance and Reality. Also on view is an exhibit of botanical quilts from 19th century Lowcounty homes.

Charleston’s 13th Fine Art Annual takes place the first week of the month throughout the Historic District. Billed as Charleston’s premier fine art weekend, the event is one of many in the art field this month. The Broad Street Galleries First Friday event will be on the 4th.

As part of the weekend, the Gibbes will present artist Mary Whyte giving her insight on the upcoming exhibit Mary Whyte: Working South 6pm on the 2nd.

Beginning the 5th, the City will host the 34th Annual Watermedia Exhibit at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park. 62 original pieces from award-winning artists from across the state were selected to be shown.

Opera and Art join forces in the Gibbes Rotunda on the 6th. Breaking Down Walls: 300 Years of Women in Art will be complemented by the Charleston Chamber Opera’s The Divas Come Undone at 3pm.

The Gibbes continues its 3rd Annual Women in Art Lecture Series with speakers on John Singer Sargent’s The Daughters of Dr. Edward D. Boit on the 9th at 6pm and on the16th, the NY based interior designer to the stars, Mario Buatta, will share his thoughts on home décor.

And for a show of a different kind, it’s your chance to show your design finds from the Whale of a Sale at the Gaillard Auditorium on the 5th, 8-1pm, Free.

Are you a horse owner and looking for something different to do? Bring your gear and enjoy 2 nights of camping and riding the trails during the Fall Festival Trail Ride at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center the 4th-6th. On Saturday, enjoy the 10th Annual Harvest Festival from 11-5.

It’s that time of year! The Charitable Society will hold its annual Fall Oyster Roast at Bowen’s Island to benefit SC LEEP on the 6th from 3-6pm.

Taking advantage of the cooler weather , it’s the Fall Classic Polo Match at Hyde Park Farm and Polo Club in Ravenel also on the 6th. The gate opens at 1pm and the match begins at 3pm.

The James Island County Park Holiday Festival of Lights opens on the 11th and will run through New Years. It’s a great place to take holiday guests for a family evening. The traditional pre-opening fun run/walk through the park has been expanded to two nights (9th and 10th) to accommodate everyone. The park will close to vehicles at 6:30 pm and the event will start at 6:45.

All the glitter of the season will be at the Charleston Holiday Market at the North Charleston Convention Center on the 11th-13th.

This looks like fun for young adult readers. The Blue Bicycle Book Store is hosting the YALL Fest, a spinoff of the popular Capitol Bookfest. Twenty-two top young adult fiction writers from across the country will converge on Charleston for panels, lectures and discussions at the College of Charleston on Fun Friday, the 11th, and a Super Saturday fun event at the Blue Bicycle Books.

The Blessing of the Vines will take place at the Irvin House Vineyards on Wadmalaw on the 12th. The not-so-solemn occasion will have wine-aritas, bluegrass music and food.

Speaking of music, Beethoven Left His Mark is a Charleston Symphony offering at the Dock Street Theatre on the 15th at 7:30. They will serve a little Wagner and Strauss alongside that Beethoven.

Following the 16 year success of the Jewish Studies Program’s Three Rabbi Panels, the Greater Charleston Christian Jewish Council presents another first. The Three Clergy Panel will be held on the 17th at the Stern Center in the College of Charleston at 7:00pm. It will explore the Bible’s call for the pursuit of justice. Free.

The 11th Annual Darkness to Light Circle of Light Gala will be at the Gaillard Auditorium on the 17th also. Havana Nights-themed, the black tie event is sponsored by CNN and First Federal.13 local top chefs will create a multi- course dinner and dessert, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, great entertainment.

Black water kayaking at Hampton Plantation is back on the 26th. Don’t miss this rare chance to explore and visit Archibald Rutledge’s home.

After Thanksgiving, it’s open season for Christmas shopping. Don’t forget to visit the Charleston Farmer’s Market on Marion Square Saturdays til December 18th, 8am-2pm. There are plenty of gifts by local artisans available to put under the tree and it’s a great way to entertain out of town guests.

Did you Hear? 

…MUSC  has been given a huge grant to develop three centers to train health professionals to work with developmental disabilities,

…BMW is the largest vehicle exporter from the US to non-NAFTA countries. BMW Spartanburg was given the Exporter of the Year award. They will produce more than 260,000 vehicles this year and export approximately 70% to more than 130 global market

…while they may be the exclusive exporter of vehicles through our Port, the one export making giant leaps is grain. A new bulk transloader facility, which allows truck or train transported grain to be loaded into shipping containers, was recently built. Demand for grain in Asia is driving this trend.

…I guess we’ve all heard of the first commercial flight of the first Boeing Dreamliner. The maiden voyage from Tokyo to Hong Kong was a pricey affair. The plane was loaded with reporters and aviation aficionados, one reportedly paid $34,000 for the four hour eight minute flight! Congratulations to Boeing and all the Charleston folks that had a part in this great big adventure.

Here’s more on tap in the Trident area and around the state:

11/1   Captain’s Golf Tournament at Daniel Island benefiting SC Maritime

11/3   Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry Child at Heart Gala

11/5   Festivelo de Charleston holiday bicycle festival for families

            S.C. Pecan Festival in Florence where you can ‘run like a nut’

            Motoring Festival and Concours d’Elegance in Hilton Head

            AIDS Walk in Hampton Park 9:00 am

            SMRT Grand Prix Swim Meet at WLS Pool in West Ashley

           13th Annual James Island Connector Run/Walk 8:30 am

11/11 Veterans Day and 3rd Annual 437th Airlift Wing Run on the Runway 5K Chas AFB

            Battle of Secessionville re-enactment

            Castra Romana, a Roman Imperial Army encampment, Givhans

11/12 12th Annual Old Village 5K Run and Walk in Mt Pleasant 8:30am

            Run for the Yorktown 8:00 am at Patriots Point

           Oyster Festival in Hilton Head

          Where the Wild Things Run 5k at Caw Caw County Park

           Folly Beach 10 Mile Run and 5 Mile Walk at The Tides 8:00 am

11/13 Wine and Art Under the Pines in Summerville

             13th Annual Charleston Cup steeplechase at Stono Ferry

 11/14 Golf Tournament on Daniel Is. to benefit College of Chas.’s REACH Program

11/17 Charleston Classic  4 days of prime college hoops with Ga Tech/

                                                      LSU/N’Western/St Joe’s/Seton Hall/Tulsa/

                                                      Va Commonwealth and Western KY–

11/19 Colonial Cup Steeplechase in Camden

            Charleston’s Mazing Race based on the TV show in Marion Square 9am

            Pajama Run 5K at The Joe beginning at a respectable 10am

            Waves and Wishes 5K at the Folly Pier 8 am

 11/24 Thanksgiving Day

            Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble starts and ends at Southend Brewery

11/26 Chitlin Strut in Salley

11/30 Fish and Grits Festival in Loris

WHEW!! That’s a lot of stuff!! It’s a big month in the Holy City enjoy it, stay safe and have some turkey for me!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Lilla

     There have been a few mentions of our fair town in the big city papers and magazines. Of course, we all know that HUSK was named the Best New Restaurant in Bon Appétit last month. It’s quite an accolade for Sean Brock.

     Sophisticated Living, a high end Louisville, KY magazine similar to our Charleston Magazine, had a tasty feature on the Holy City. It began saying that it had been months, but Charleston was still with the author…in pounds! She raved about the food at Charleston Place, Magnolias, Carolinas, Cypress, Tristan, Charleston Grill, HUSK and Dixie Supply. After reading about each meal in detail, it’s no wonder the memories are lingering. She signed off with a nod to Taste of Charleston, Spoleto and Fashion Week.

     The New York Times travel section came out with an article on the new City Market, “Charleston’s (Now) Great Hall.”  The 18 month renovation was touted as a move to bring locals to the once tourist spot. It said we locals were obvious in our muted, non-cruise ship apparel. Hank Holliday, one of the developers who has the lease, spent a year traveling to famous locals markets around the world to see what tied them to the community. He was quoted as saying that the primary goal was to bring Charlestonians back. There are 4 buildings within the market. The Great Hall is the air conditioned, sky-lit new home to Historic Charleston’s Shop, Chuma Gullah Gallery, old favorite Gita’s Gourmet, two dining establishments and micro boutiques, all in an open floor plan. It sounds like it’s worth stopping, not just sending your visitors from off. The photography in both pieces was really startling in the richness of the images.

     Let’s move on to MOJA. Yes, the 10 day Caribbean festival is back in town til the 9th celebrating jazz, reggae, dance storytelling and visual arts.

     Here’s something new. The Charleston Museum is offering a beginners weaving class for adults and mature children on the morning of the 1st.

     Music is all around town this month. Rockers 4 Knockers, the first annual breast cancer fete to honor Bette Griffith, will be held on the 1st at the Bus Shed at 375 Meeting St beginning at 6pm: A good cause in memory of a beautiful woman.

     Spending time outdoors is never as beautiful as on the Charleston Horticultural Society’s 2011 Gardens for Gardeners Tour. Based around Hampton Park, site of the Charleston Exposition in 1901, the tour will be on the 2nd from 1-4:30pm.

     If you’re a fan of small bouquets, learn the art of hand-tied stems at Charleston Stems on Coming Street on the 5th.

     More music, this time on the 2nd.  North Charleston’s Wannamaker Park will host the 20th Annual Latin American Festival from noon to 6. A high energy mix of music, food, and family fun. Also on the 2nd, Rain, the internationally-acclaimed “Beatles” concert, returns to the North Chas. Performing Arts Center.

    It’ll take a few days to recover from all the festivities and paint is the theme for the next group of outings. DAYGLOW, the World’s Largest Paint Party began on college campuses in Florida in 2006 and has exploded around the country. It fuses high energy music, art, dance and paint into one show on the 6th at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center at 8pm.

          On the 7th, celebrate First Fridays on Broad Street. Enjoy the artwork on display and the refreshments as you stroll the historic shops. The Wells Gallery opens Lotto Icons, a show by Earl Lewis on the 7th also. And The City Gallery is hosting a MOJA exhibit, Special Moments: works from the Collection of Dr Harold Rhodes til the 19th.

     Here’s a week long event combining the art of food with art. It the 2011 Southern Living Taste of Charleston. On the 7th is the Taste: Iron Chef Competition to be held at the Culinary Institute’s Palmer Campus from 6-9pm. On the 8th is Taste of the Arts on Gallery Row. From 6-8pm the art galleries on Broad Street will combine Lowcountry art with culinary art. Taste: The Main Event will take place the 9th and 10th at Boone Hall Plantation where 50 of the area’s top restaurants will serve sample portions of their signature dishes. Entertainment, the legendary Waiter Race and a beer garden with 40+ craft and specialty beers. The Southern Living area will have demonstrations, editor appearances and giveaways.

     For something a little closer to nature, the Women’s Outdoor Wildlife Retreat will be at the Sewee Center in Awendaw the 7th-9th. Speaking of Sewee Center, on the 1st is the Blue Crab Festival, the 2nd is the Cape Romain Lighthouse Tour. On the 9th Rudy Mancke will lead a nature walk on Bulls Island. On the 15th learn about the Indian shell rings and on the 22nd is a lecture on the Refuge.

      What’s on stage? How about Theatre 99’s opening on the 6th-8th of What if? Durang, Durang & Durang.   Comedy for the Cure is at the Hippodrome for two shows on the 8th. The 6th Annual American Music Celebration at Freshfields Village is a free open-air roots music festival from 2-7pm.

     In keeping with the season, beginning the 16th, Charleston Stage presents the original true blood bad boy, Dracula at the Dock Street Theatre through the 28th.

     The Columbia City Ballet will present Off the Wall and onto the Stage: Dancing the Art of Jonathan Green at the Gaillard on the 14th and 15th. If you’d rather a movie under the stars, go the James Island County Park on the 14th for Billy Madison or the 28th for Beetlejuice. 8-10pm.

     The 15th is the College for the Day: Marine Biology program by the College of Charleston and Grice Marine Lab. A harbor trawl begins your “school” day. Not feeling adventurous? How about knitting dolls from a 19th century pattern at the Museum instead?

     House hunting? The Preservation Society is hosting its 35th Annual Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens through the 23rd of this month.

     For a different kind of visit to a plantation, here are two options. Kiawah is hosting a tour of Vanderhorst Plantation, circa 1801, now privately owned. A very rare treat on the 2nd.

     Then it’s a paddle down the Lower Wambaw to Hampton Island and the rice fields of Hampton Plantation on October 29th and on Nov. 26th. You can also visit the plantation house. Pack a lunch and enjoy from 9:30-2pm. Easy Paddling.

     Five exhibits and events for the Civil War historian in the family: With a nod to the Sesquicentennial anniversary of the Civil War and in conjunction with the new textile hall, the Charleston Museum is showcasing Threads of War: Clothing and Textiles of the Civil War Era til the end of the month.  An exhibit also at the Museum explores life in Charleston from secession to 1865.

     Secessionists, Soldiers and Slaves: The Alston Family’s Civil War. The Edmondston Alston House showcases one family’s war experience with exhibits changing to follow family and slaves during the progression of the war.

     The Middleton Family’s experiences during the Civil War are also chronicled at Middleton Place. The exhibit not only follows the war but the rice culture during the war, the building of the City’s defenses, experimental “seegar boats” and the underground railway.

     On the 28th, the Curator of History of the Charleston Museum will lead a walk through Battery Pringle, one of four Confederate fortifications located on the Dill Sanctuary on James Island. Located on the Stono River, it was the cornerstone of Beauregard’s New Lines and proved a formidable defense. Battery Pringle is one of the best preserved examples of Confederate Earthworks extant today. 

     We open the month with the 19th IOP Connector Run for the Child on the 1st.

     The Charleston Pro Tennis League, a Davis Cup style team tennis league focusing on creating a competitive environment for high level local players will finish its program this month.

On the 7th, play will be at the Family Circle Center, the match on the 14th will be at Wild Dunes Resort. On the 21st, The Championships will be at the Charleston Tennis Center. Free.

     The Fleming will once again be held at the Seabrook Island Tennis Club on the 7th-9th. In its 21st year, the event raises money for Hospice of Charleston.

     The 16th TREK Breast Cancer Awareness Ride will be in Awendaw on the 8th.On the 22nd, there’s the Crowfield Plantation 5K in Goose Creek and the Avondale 5K West Ashley.

     The K Swiss Jr. Clay Court Championships will be held at Kiawah on the 14-17th.   

     The SC Lowcountry Bicycle Tour takes off on the 23rd with 25-50 mile a day rides to tour the Lowcountry, it runs til the 28th. Speaking of another kind of riding, on the 22nd the Ride of Valor comes to the area. Departing Mt. Pleasant at around 1pm, 40 riders will front the motorcycle-cade to honor the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93. It will travel 93 miles from Patriots Point to Pine Ridge Fire Department in Summerville. Anyone can ride after the group of 40 and the law enforcement riders with them.

     Also on the 22nd is the Folly Beach Challenge, a non traditional triathlon featuring a 3 mile paddle, an 8.5 mile bike and a 3 mile run.

     Here’s a new way to look at the historic area. How about the 1st Annual Swim Around Charleston. The event is being used to introduce marathon swimming to the area. On the 23rd at 10:30 am swimmers will enter the water at Remley’s Point, cross the harbor, proceed around the peninsula and up the Ashley River. The event ends at the boat landing at 526. Wow! The race is open to all over 14 yrs of age and solo, 2 and 4 man relay teams are invited.

     The Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island the 24th-30th is the Tour’s season-ending event. The top 60 money winners will compete for 25 PGA TOUR cards and a spot on the 2012 PGA Tour. There will also be a concert featuring Mark Bryan of Hootie fame and a Special Pro Am with 23 celebrities.

     The Fight for Air 5K will be on Folly on the 29th and the Jerry Zucker Charleston Ride for Hope will be in Mt Pleasant on the 30th.

  Don’t forget Halloween, get lots of candy! Be safe!

http://s943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/Lillafolsom/Nova%20Scotia%20Cottage/?albumview=slideshow#/grid

Enjoy the show!

     Now there is an app to save us from ourselves. You can choose from services that are automatically engaged when the car is turned on or exceeds 10mph. They can disable service (emergency overrides are in place, as is passenger usage allowed). Or, instead of checking email services, it will read your email to you and allow you to compose replies. Hands free services are also available. But the basic problem remains, distraction from the job of driving. Many states now require drivers to pull off the road to use a cell phone. Cell phone usage was involved in 22% of car accidents in 2009. So steer clear of those cars with wildly gesturing drivers creeping down the road with their hands to their head.

     A few new accolades for our fair city. GQ magazine’s website ran a feature on The Coolest Small Cities in America…8 Reasons to downsize your vacation. Charleston was Number one! Among other items, the Wentworth Mansion, the Shrimp ‘n Grits at Hominy Grill and the surf scene at Folly Beach were highlighted. They did note that southern hospitality extends to the water. Listen up, watermen and women! Who else was honored? Santa Fe, Portland, ME, Raleigh-Durham, Louisville, Providence, RI, Boulder and Athens, GA.

     The College of Charleston and four other SC colleges were among those chosen as the countries top schools. The Princeton Review also gave the nod to Clemson, Furman, USC and Wofford. 

     Husk and Chef Sean Brock have landed the Best New Restaurant in America label from Bon Appétit Magazine along with inclusion in their Top Ten Restaurants in America list.  Husk is known for using only foods from the south, locally sourcing as much as possible and telling the growers stories along with the dish.

      The first weekend of the month we have the chance to revisit the tropics at the Barbados Comes Back to Charleston Celebration. The most interesting day looks like Saturday at Charles Towne Landing for the Bridgetown Market: entertainers, fashion, cooking demos and a Carnival parade straight from the island to you.

     Freshfields Village celebrates Labor Day with the David Archer Band. Bring a chair and enjoy Friday-Monday 6-9pm.

     Want to spend some time with your inner cowboy? The  Mullet Hall Open Trail Labor Day Weekend Ride is scheduled to depart on Friday at noon. You must bring camping supplies for 2 nights. Showers and stalls available.

     We first found Michael Franks’ music with the debut of “Popsicle Toes” in 1976. He has recorded with and by a who’s who of musicians. He’s at the N Chas Coliseum on the 2nd.

     If your feet are itching to dance, go to the Folly Pier for the Moonlight Mixer from 7-11 on the 2nd.  The next day head over to the Mt Pleasant Pier for their Fishing Tournament for ages 3 and up. It begins at 6 am and runs til 4pm.

     On the 4th, you can enjoy the Lowcountry Beer and Wine Festival at Freshfields to benefit The Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic.  

     Charleston Restaurant Week is back 7th-18th with 90+ casual to five star restaurants waiting to serve you. Special prix fixe menus are $20, $30 and $40.

     Last year over 21,000 people in the tri-county area pitched in on over 380 projects to celebrate the Trident United Way’s Day of Caring. Join them on the 9th.

     Learn to knit a Miser’s Purse at the Charleston Museum on the 10th. The pattern is from the Art of Knitting, 1892.

        Looking for something outdoors? On Saturday mornings and Wednesday after school, Charleston County Parks and Recreation will begin their Junior Naturalist program  this month on the 10th.September will cover Barrier Island Exploration at IOP (10th), Edible and Medicinal Plants at Caw Caw (14th), Feathered Friends at James Island  (24th) and Salt Marsh Investigation at Palmetto Island. (28th)

     The Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts introduces you to area possibilities  at the Region’s Only Art Expo at Memminger Hall on the 10th. It’s free.

     This is the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th disaster. The CSC Spiritual Ensemble and the Summerville Orchestra will mark the day with a free commemoration at the Summerville Baptist Church at 7pm. on the 10th. The City of Charleston will honor the day on the 11th at Marion Square at 6pm .

     If you’d like to spend some quality time with your best friend, try Dog Day Afternoon on the 11th at the Whirlin’ Waters section of Wannamaker  Park 12-5.

     Have some fun for a good cause at the Rally for the Cure Golf Tournament at the Daniel Island. Club on the 13th.

     Then on the 14th, do it again! The 16th Annual Habitat for Humanity Golf Event will be held at the Golf Club at Briar’s Creek.

      It’s a celebration of all things green at Founder’s Hall in Charles Towne Landing for the Charleston Green Fair Kickoff on the 15th.

     It’s time for Mozart in the South!  The Opening Concert will be at the Cathedral of St  Luke and Paul (126 Coming Street) at 7 pm. on the 15th. The Little Mozart Circus will be in Marion Square on the 17th. It’s a free fun outdoor family event. The Grand Finale will be on the 18th at 7pm at Middleton Place.

     Art Uncorked is the newest art (Wells Gallery) and food event scheduled for Thursdays in September and October at the Jasmine Porch on Kiawah Island. 

     It’s City Slickers on the big outdoor screen at the JI County Park on the 16th .

     If you feel the need to toss a caber, drop by the Scottish Games at Boone Hall on the 17th. It’s always a fun day!

     The Spirit of America Show is celebrating our history at the N Chas Coliseum with 2 shows on both the 16th and 17th. The US Army show has soldiers in historic garb reenacting key moments in our history. It’s free.

     The 3rd Annual Paws and Claws Pet Expo will be at the Exchange Park in Ladson on the 17th. Don’t forget Yappy Hour at James Is County Park (22nd.)

     The Center for Women invites you to meet  more than 30 local women writers. They will be signing their books at the Center on Canon Street on the 18th.

     The Undy 500 Motorcycle Charity Ride will take place on the 18th. The 100 mile ride will provide basic necessities to the Charleston homeless.

     There’s a Knitalong  at the Charleston Museum on the 17th. The project is based on a 19th century doll pattern from the archives.

     The 35th Annual Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens begins on the 22nd and runs til the 23rd of October. Perfect time of year to tour.

     The musical “Glorious Gershwin” celebrates the songs of brothers George and Ira at the Montague Terrace on the 22nd –25th.

     Don’t forget 27th MOJA Festival beginning on the 29th– 9th of October.

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Some events happening around the state this month:

Sept 1-4 Williams Muscadine Festival – Nesmith, Williamsburg County 

3rd         Fried Green Tomato Festival – Beech Island

Monday, September 5 is Labor Day, a state and federal holiday

               Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival – Hilton Head and

               South Carolina Apple Festival – Westminster

16th       Lee County Cotton Festival – Bishopville  and

              TheYemassee Shrimp Festival—in Yemassee,of course

Friday, September 23 is theAutumnal Equinox – 5:05 AM EDT

23rd       Okra Strut, Irmo, 2-day event

              Raylrode Daze Festivul – Branchville – 3-days

September isn’t just about football…Hilton Head Island hosts its Celebrity Golf Tournament on Labor Day weekend.  Amateurs pair with celebrities from actors to pro football players, ballerinas , models and musicians. Round 1 on the 2^nd is at Palmetto Bay, followed on the 3rd by a Pete Dye course on the Colleton River and the on the 4^th, Harbour Town.

    The Metroathlon will be held at the N Chas Coliseum on the 3rd. at 9 am. The sprint consists of 25-30 obstacles like rope swings and monkey bars. Solo or teams of 4 can compete.   The World Fast Pitch Connection will have a One Day Challenge at Gahagan Park in Summerville on the 3rd. Ages 8,10,12,14,16and 18 years and under.

     The Charleston Sharkfest Swim will be held on the 4th at 9:15. The contestants in the inaugural event will swim the 1.5 miles from Castle Pinckney across the harbor to the dock at Waterfront Park near the Aquarium.

     The  East Coast team trials for the 2011World Championship of Surf Kayaking will be at the Washout on Folly Beach on the 10th and 11th.

     The Super Hero 5K on the West Ashley Greenway on the 17th. beginning and ending at So. Windermere. Wear your favorite super hero costume.

     The Bridge Ride is a 70 mile outdoor cycling ride and an outdoor spin marathon on the 17th at Mt Pleasant Waterfront park to support the ECO dental clinic. Spins til noon.

     The Lt. Dan Ride beginning at 10am on the 17th at the Marine Air Base in Beaufort will put cyclists of all levels on an 11 mile loop sharing the road with severely wounded veterans.

     Race for the Roof 5K invites all ages to run or walk the James Island County Park starting at 9am on the 17th to benefit the Women Build program of Habitat for Humanity. 

     Capers Beach ECOrun and Walk will take place on the 18th. The ferry will leave the IOP Marina at 7am. This is a 10 and 5K run with a 5K walk.

     Beachwalker County Park is the venue on the 18th for the Kiawah Triathlon, a 1.5K ocean swim, 45K bike and 10K run on beach and paved road. Individuals, Athenas (female 150 lbs and up), Clydesdales (men 200 lbs and up), all male, all female or coed teams can participate.

     The 7th Annual Troy Knight Memorial Golf Tournament will be held at the Legends Gold Course on the 30th. The event will benefit Dorchester Children in Crisis, an agency the protects children suffering from neglect or abuse.

Enjoy, stay safe, see you next month!

     South Carolina will have a Tax Free Weekend on August 5th-7th to help take the sting out of a back to school wardrobe and school supply requirements. The tax break covers clothing, shoes, accessories, school supplies, computers and computer equipment.

     It seems Georgia’s legislature didn’t vote to renew their holiday this year, but North Carolina made up for it and set 2 tax free weekends. The first is for general merchandise including sports equipment under $50 on the same weekend as ours. In addition, they have instituted an Energy Star product tax incentive on November 4th-6th.

     For the ninth season, Hootie and the Blowfish will partner with Charleston schools to provide to area children the basic supplies needed to start the school year. Expanding the effort, the band, in their only 2011 appearance, will hold a two day music festival at the Family Circle Tennis Complex. The 13th will also mark the fifth Hootie’s Homegrown Round-up: Back to School Basics event. This will be held at Burke High School, 244 President St., from 11am to 3pm.

      Still on back to school news, the First Day Celebration will take place on the 14th at Liberty Square near the SC Aquarium. Created to stir up excitement for the upcoming school year, kids can enjoy boat rides, exhibits and get school supplies too!

     The outdoor movie craze continues. Just bring a chair to Freshfields  on Wednesday evenings at 8:30pm. Showing this month is Finding Nemo, Marmaduke, Tangled, Apollo 13 and Field of Dreams. It’s free!

     Mt Pleasant Waterfront Park will be showing Toy Story 3 on the 26th at 8:30. The movies switch to James Island County Park next month.

     The Loggerhead Dive In is open. Float around the pool at the Sanctuary and watch movies on Thursdays in August, starting at 8:45. The shows will be Marmaduke, Percy Jackson Lightning Thief, the Last Song and Secretariat

     But it’s still summer and time to enjoy no school and sunshine. Want to explore the creeks and ponds that make up the Lowcountry? Visit the SEWE Center in Awendaw for some fun. Standup Paddleboard the SEWE pond at 10 am on the 6th. Guides will be there on the pond with you. Then on the 13th, kids 6-12 can celebrate All Thing FROGS.

      Citizen Science: the Swallow Tail Kite part of the SEWE lecture series will be at 10am on the 20th.  A visit to the Cape Romain Lighthouse is on tap for the 21st at 10am and explore the Beaver Pond on the 27th at 10am.

     Think you want to take your canoe and kayak skills to the next level? The American Canoe Association is offering their Instructor Training course on August 3-7 from 9am-3pm. If you enjoy kayaking the coastal waters, you might want to join the Coastal Expedition’s Full Red Moon Paddle on the 13th. Leaving Crosby’s on Folly Road at 6:30, it should be a real adventure.

     The Folly Pier Fishing Tournament is on the 20th. Registration begins at 6am and the tournament lasts til 4pm for anglers 3 and up.

     If your favorite pooch is feeling left out this summer, you can fix that on the 25th. Yappy Hour is back at the James Island County Park. Bring your best friend for some after work socializing. If your dog needs something more to look forward to, how about the Dog Daze Afternoon at the Whirlin’ Waters Water Park? Look for that on September 11.

      If you’re looking for some music to relax by after all this activity, there’s plenty on tap. The Sound of Charleston will be presented on the 5th, 11th and 18th at the historic Circular Congregational Church. The concerts showcase the musical history of Charleston from jazz to gospel, Gershwin to camp songs. Concerts are 7-8:15pm

    If you’re looking for an island beat, be sure to visit Wannamaker Park on the 6th and James Island County Park on the 20th for their

Outdoor Reggae Concert Series. Bring a chair or blanket, the gates open at 7:30pm.

     The 2011 Summer Concert Series on the Grand Lawn at the Sanctuary continues with their complimentary shows beginning at 6pm. On the 12th enjoy the Pianos Rock Dueling Pianos Show. On the 26th, the Blues Factor will entertain.

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     Around the State, there are a few events to note:

12th    The SC Peanut Party in Pellion– it’s all about boiled peanuts

13th     The SE Toy Soldier Show in Columbia

25-27th    Spitoono The Redneck Performing Arts Association once            again presents its live music festival in Clemson

26th   The Spring Water Festival in Williamston

27th    The Main Street Latin Festival in Columbia

26th and 27th  2011 Sooie-t Relief BBQ event in Greer. It’s a fully sanctioned Kansas City BBQ Society event for charity.

27th Summerfest is celebrated in historic York

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     With school starting and tuition, books, and uniform purchases hanging over everyone’s head, it’s hard to get into that giving mode. Think about becoming a volunteer instead. It’s the most precious gift you could give someone is your valuable time.

     Weekly in August we celebrate Simplify Your Life Week, then National Smile Week, Friendship Week and lastly, Be Kind to Human Kind Week. Daily highlights are: the 7th is Friendship Day, the 10th is Lazy Day. It follows that the 15th would be Relaxation Day and the 16th Tell a Joke Day. The 25th is Kiss and Make Up Day and don’t forget Global Forgiveness Day on the 27th. Enjoy your friends everyday!

      August is designated as National Golf Month and we have a tournament this month that fills the bill. The 4th Annual Tripp Page Classic will be held on the Harbor Course at Wild Dunes Resort on IOP on the 27th.

     The Big League Baseball World Series will showcase 8 days of the best young ballplayers in the world (16-18) in Easley, SC the 27th of July –Aug 3rd. Teams from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Canada and the US  compete.   

     On the weekend of the 5th, the 2011 Soccer Six National Championships will be held in HHI. Male and female, all ages will be on the field.

     The 1st Annual Folly to Cali Ride for the Kids will be held on the 6th for Louie’s Kids. Ride from Center St to Cali(fornia Dreaming).

     The Sprint Triathlon Race #5 will be at James Island County Park on the 14th.

     The YMCA Youth Triathlon will be held at the Ponds in Summerville on the 13th. If you need to cool off after that, zip up to Surfside Beach for their Ocean Expo and Surf Off the 13th and 14th.

     Speaking of surfing, the SC Governors Cup of Surfing will be at the Washout on the 20th and 21st. The following Wednesday, the 24th, Surfers Healing will convene at the Tides beach at 1 Center St on Folly This event brings almost 200 children with Autism together to experience the calming of wave riding. Volunteers are needed for this worthwhile event.

     The World Fastball Connection will put on the WFC Lowcountry Flaming Classic in Summerville on the 21st on West Boundary Street.

     Remember playing half rubber when you were a kid? The best beach game there is! All you need is a half rubber ball and a thin bat. Felling nostalgic? There’s a Half Rubber Tournament on Isle of Palms on the 20th. Stop by and enjoy it!

      Flight of the Dove, a cycling event, will be held in Clinton on the 20th.

Be safe and stay cool, remember the sunscreen and lots of water!!!

Remember to be safe, there are lots of celebrations over the weekend. Drive defensively and remember to have updated insurance proof in your car. There will be lots of traffic checks this weekend.

Take a moment from the celebrations to think about what an honor it is to have freedom like we do here. Our country has its faults, but to have the opportunities we have is truly something special.

So Happy Birthday America from sea to shining sea. And thanks to this great homeowner on the tip of Broad Street for their lovely show of patriotism.

    I guess there’s a reason why an   additional holiday to the fourth’s Independence Day is Sidewalk Egg Frying Day.  There are so many ways to celebrate 4th of July from a sparkler in a cupcake to the big fireworks extravaganzas planned by the towns that make up the Lowcountry. One caution: please be careful, it is so dry this year that all it would take was one errant bottle rocket to start a fire. The smoke from the forest fires burning down south has been really strong east of Hwy. 17.

     We have a small cottage in Nova Scotia and they are busy getting ready for Canada Day on the 1st. I was struck by their resolve that as many people are free to celebrate as possible. Only vital businesses are allowed to be open and with a skeleton crew. If you violate the rule, it is such a hefty fine that it really isn’t worth what you’d make being open.

     I just got back from riding up there to open the house. The temperatures were in the 50s. What a treat! It’s a 35 hour drive but every mile the air got cooler. The renovations on the house should be finished in about two weeks, it’s really wonderful as those of you that know Foster’s talents can imagine! 

     So much is going on in our area. There’s the big flap about property taxes and the controversy over reassessment. Last done in 2005, some are saying that prices shouldn’t show too much of an increase. Then there are those who live(d) in the Town of James Island getting ready for another try for independence.  Timed right, I’d say.

     Congratulations to Boeing, they had big ribbon cutting ceremonies recently.  What a great addition to our community.

    If you’re looking for music in the outdoors, the Reggae Concert Series continues at the county parks. Wannamaker is the spot on the 9th and James Island hosts the concert series on the 16th. 

     Also there’s free outdoor music at Freshfields, just outside Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, each Friday through Labor Day from 6-9pm. 

     If you are intrigued by the sweetgrass baskets that are so much a part of the area, drop by the Museum and learn to make them on the 9th.

     If you need so help in figuring out what makes us tick here in the Lowcountry, Harriet McLeod will sign her new book, Good Morning Lowcountry at the Woodland s on the 12th.

     It’s a Blast from the Past– an original rock ‘n roll musical at the Charleston Music Hall on the 15th. It’s the perfect follow up to the Shaggin on the Cooper celebration at the Mt Pleasant Pier on the 9th.

     The 15th is also the 6th Annual Palette and Palate Stroll of downtown art venues. “A Food Show about Art Tasting” from 5:30-8:30 showcases beautiful seasonal offerings on canvas and plate.

     Looking for something free to enjoy with your family? On the 22nd it’s movie night at the Mt Pleasant Waterfront Park. That night’s movie is Raiders of the Lost Ark. Each month there’s something new. 8/26 will be Toy Story 3 Then the movies move to James Island County Park with 9/16—City Slickers, 10/14—Billy Madison and 10. /28 — Beetlejuice.

     The Sanctuary gets into movie magic with Movies at the Dive In. The pool sports a 12’ inflatable screen on Thursdays and this month will feature: Yogi Bear, Despicable Me, Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader and Ramona and Beesus.

    In business news, the old Channel 5 building near Calhoun and East Bay has been converted to a hi tech business incubator to be called the Flagship 2. Adjacent to Flagship 1, the building is geared to start up or relocating  knowledge-based businesses. Just about filled, the 13,700 square foot building has leased most of its 17 offices.

     The Citadel’s School of Education has begun an accelerated Masters Program in Math and Science. Usually it takes 2 years to get the degree. The institution is offering a streamlined program which not only allows a student to work while attending, but also finish in 15 months.

 The Clemson Restoration Institute’s Wind Turbine Drivetrain test facility is getting closer to reality. Contracts are being finalized for the design and construction phase of the project. Locally Choate is in negotiations on a construction management contract. They have recently completed a wind tunnel facility in NC used by NASCAR race teams to test the aerodynamics of their vehicles.

     July Calendar 

 Around the world and in your own backyard, here are some reasons to celebrate.  July is dedicated to the Blueberry. The second week is devoted to, believe it or not, Nude Recreation Week.

Something for everyone, I guess.

Daily celebrations 

1 Canada Day, International Joke Day

2 I Forgot Day, World UFO Day

3Stay out of the Sun Day and Compliment your Mirror Day

4 Independence Day, National Country Music Day

5 Workaholics Day     6 Fried Chicken Day

7 Chocolate Day and Strawberry Sundae Day

8Video Games Day    9 Sugar Cookie Day 10 Teddy Bear Picnic Day

11Cheer up the Lonely Day

12 Pecan Pie Day, 12-18th Jr. SOS shagging in Myrtle Beach

13 Embrace your Geekness Day

14Bastille Day (French Independence Day) also begins the 3 day               Peach Festival in Gaffney

15 Cow Appreciation Day, Beaufort Water Festival

16 Tasty Tomato Fest in Cola. and Pageland Watermelon Festival

18 Caviar Day   19 Raspberry Cake Day

20 Moon Day, Ugly Truck day, Junk Food Day

21 Ahhh! Hammock Day

22 Ratcatchers Day and National Hot Dog Day   Scary combination!

23 Vanilla Ice Cream Day   24 Amelia Earhart Day, Cousins day

25 Culinarians Day   26 All or Nothing Day  

27 Take your Pants for a Walk Day   28 Milk Chocolate Day

29 Lasagna Day   30 Cheesecake Day   31 Mutt’s Day

 It seems there is nothing on the 17th so claim it as your own. Enjoy!

        The Clemson Restoration Institute’s Wind Turbine Drivetrain test facility is getting closer to reality. Contracts are being finalized for the design and construction phase of the project. Locally Choate is in negotiations on a construction management contract. They have recently completed a wind tunnel facility in NC used by NASCAR race teams to test the aerodynamics of their vehicles.

      The PGA Championship in 2012 at Kiawah Island is expected to draw over 50,000 visitors to our town. How does that affect us?  According to the Chas. Regional Development Alliance, the CofC School of Business made some predictions:

Overall it should generate about $193 million overall for the state:

C of C calculated the 7 day event would yield $92 million+ in direct spending.

The estimate of increased labor income to support the 832 jobs is $26 million.

Value of the media exposure? Not priceless…the 154 hours of TV coverage is expected to be viewed in 580 million households in 200 countries. Add in the recaps and local news around the country and the estimate comes in at  $75 million.

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    The 1st Annual Chas. Harbor Marina Billfish Tourney is slated for the 13-16th. If those fish a too big there’s the Folly Fishing Pier Tournament on the 23rd. Ages 3 and up can participate in the 6am-4pm tournament.

…….Looking for a run in July?

The Daniel Island Twilight Fun Run is on the 7th.

SOAR Folly 5K is on the 9th.

Sprint Triathlon Series #3 continues on the 10th at James Island County Park.

North Charleston’s Last Chance Run is scheduled on the 13th.

IOP Beach Run begins at the Windjammer on the 23rd at 8am………

2nd Annual Shem Creek SUP Shootout 8th-10th

The City of Charleston Junior Hardcourt Championships 15th-17th

World Team Tennis finals at the Family Circle Stadium. East Coast Championships on the 21st, West Coast on the 22nd and the Championships on the 23rd. This is a tournament full of big name players. It might surprise you.

Wakefest at Trophy Lakes-11-4 on the 30th Wakeboarder demos+local music+local food . The event is free, but there is a per car parking charge.