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Camping Around Charleston

June 18, 2014 by

KOACharleston is a beautiful place to visit and explore, especially during the summer months. There are countless activities, wonderful views, plentiful sunshine, and gorgeous scenery. Many people come to Charleston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the Southern hospitality, but did you know that we also have some great camping grounds in our area?

If you’re an avid camper, or if you’ve never gone camping before, consider taking a trip this summer or fall to Charleston for some camping fun! Whether you enjoy camping in a tent, or you have an RV, here are some of the local camping sites and parks to check out this summer:

Campgrounds at James Island County Park

For those who love the simplicity of tent camping, to those who want the comfort of a cottage, the James Island County Park campgrounds have it all. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the lovely paved walking trails around the park. James Island County Park offers fully furnished camping options for people who prefer to stay in a cottage. These amenities include full kitchens, bathrooms, televisions, Internet, multiple bedrooms, and gorgeous porches to take in all of the meadow and river views. If you prefer to stay in your own tent and stay closer to nature, there are lush grounds to set up camp, have picnics, and enjoy the scenery. All visitors have access to water fountains, biking, skating, and boat and bike rentals.

For more information, call 843-795-9884.

Fain’s RV Park

If you love RV camping, you’ll truly enjoy your stay at Fain’s RV Park. Loved and recommended by all in Charleston, these camping grounds are well-maintained and close to all kinds of local attractions to keep you and your family busy during your stay. The grounds are close to outdoor recreational activites, Givhans Ferry State Park, the Fort Moultrie National Monument, the Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club, and Devils Fork State Park. With so many options for activities and fun, Fain’s RV Park is the perfect spot for people with a variety of interests and hobbies.
For more information, call 843-744-1005.

KOA of Mt. Pleasant

This KOA in Mt. Pleasant sits on the grounds of a true antebellum plantation. You can relax and enjoy your time on 377 acres of privately owned South Carolina Low Country land! Set up camp by the lake and then check out the area’s other plantations and beautiful gardens. The KOA offers hayride tours that are fun for the entire family. Take a walk to the Blackbeard’s Cove Family Fun Park for mini gold, ride the go-karts, or hang out at the lakefront.

For more information, call 843-849-5177.

Oak Plantation Campground

The Oak Plantation Campground has plenty of space for RVs and traditional camping alike. Enjoy true southern charm and a friendly welcome from the staff. Just a short walk from Charleston, you can explore the historic plantations, the downtown district, shopping, golfing, and our beautiful beaches during your stay. There’s plenty of great amenities at Oak Plantation, including 250 campsites, modern facilities, a park, a clean pool, a convenience store to grab your essentials, and more.

For more information, call 843-766-5936.

Do you love camping? Share your favorite campsites and parks around Charleston with us below!

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Gift Shops & Tasty Treasures in Charleston

June 11, 2014 by

Butterfly ConsignmentIf you’re visiting Charleston soon, or you’re a local that’s searching for some new shopping options, here’s a list of great shops in our beautiful downtown district.

Whether you love shopping for clothes, one-of-a-kind treasures, gourmet treats, and more, or you’re looking for a new unique class to take, Charleston has it all. You’ll love visiting these lovely stores in our town:

Charleston Cooks!

This kitchen retail store offers the best in kitchen equipment, gadgets, tools, and everything you need to make your low country kitchen great. Charleston Cooks! also features a teaching kitchen and offers weekly cooking classes for all residents of Charleston.

Butterfly Consignment Boutique

Our favorite consignment shop in Charleston offers designer and couture consignment pieces. You can find inexpensive fashions and affordable yet chic clothing, shoes, jewelry, bags, and more. When you join the boutique in the afternoon, you’ll also receive a complimentary glass of wine to sip as you shop!

Bottles ‘n Brushes

This is Charleston’s perennial favorite! Bottles ‘n Brushes has been voted “Best Art Instruction” again. Join the friendly and experienced staff for a night of painting fun and delicious drinks. No matter what level of art experience you have, you’ll be able to create a gorgeous work of art while enjoying local beers, wines, or your favorite libations.

Carolina on King

This store serves as Charleston’s local welcome center! Stop by Carolina on King for information about the University of South Carolina, the athletics schedule, authentic USC merchandise, and unique Charleston gifts. Everyone is a Gamecock fan by the time they leave Charleston!

Colonial Candle

Colonial Candle offers handmade candles, made in the USA. This Charleston-based company has been proudly crafting candles for over 100 years! Find candles in over 75 signature fragrances and stored in Colonial’s signature oval jars.

Palmetto Moon

Looking for a true South Carolina gift or keepsake for a friend or loved one? Stop by Palmetto Moon for regional specialties, Carolina gifts, lifestyle apparel, and countless other affordable gifts.

Pink Dot Beauty Bar

Find the most popular beauty products, cosmetics, fragrances, and skin care lines at this historic Charleston store. Bring your next “girls’ night out,” bridal shower, or birthday party in the Beauty Bar’s gorgeous Special Events studio.

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Patissier

Third generation French Chocolatier, Christophe Paume, creates one-of-a-kind, breathtaking chocolate sculptures, treats, and gifts. This store also serves as a stunning café, featuring sandwiches, baguette, locally roasted coffees, French pastries, hand-painted chocolates, chocolate bars, and much more. Treat yourself with handmade chocolate from Charleston!

What are some of your favorite spots to shop, sip, and eat in Charleston? Share them with us below!

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Charleston Events for June: Roundup

June 4, 2014 by

Downtown CharlestonSummertime is here! June is an exciting time to explore Charleston and all that it has to offer. Here’s a list of this month’s fun events and activities:

June 4: Freshfields Village Starlight Cinema

Head to the Village Green at Freshfields Village for Starlight Cinema, a free outdoor movies series. Beginning May 28, Starlight Cinema will take place every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. until August 27. Attendees are welcome to pack a picnic, bring blankets, or lounge in beach chairs to enjoy the movies!

On June 4, Freshfields Village will be screening Hook (PG, 145 min, 1991) starring Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman.

For additional information, call 843-768-6491 or visit their website. 

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Freshfields Village Farmers Market

The Freshfields Village Farmers Market features the best Lowcountry produce, prepared foods, crafts, specialty products and more.

Taste local seafood, delicious sweets, artisan cheeses, and flavored olive oil. Visitors can purchase crafts and handmade products, including soaps, Sweetgrass baskets, handmade dog collars, and custom clay silhouettes. The Farmers Market vendors will also offer homemade BBQ, pierogies, cookies, and more.

The Market opens June 2 and takes place every Monday from 4-8 p.m. until August 25.

June 3 & 17: Yoga Under the Oaks

The Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site will host Yoga Under the Oaks from 6-7 p.m. on June 3 and 17. Happy hour will follow at the Legare-Waring House from 7 – 8 p.m. In case of rain, yoga will be moved to Founders Hall.

Admission is $10 (cash only). Catering is provided by Coastal Crust.

June 6: 2014 Loading Dock Live Music Series

Head over to Palmetto Brewery every Friday for the 2014 Loading Dock Live Music Series! They’ll be serving $5 pints of any flavor of Palmetto beer and admission is free for attendees. For more information on the bands and schedule, please visit the Facebook page.

Doors open at 5:30. Performances are from 6-9 p.m.

June 7: 26th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Contest

Join us at Front Beach on Isle of Palms for the 26th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Contest. Sculpt your own masterpiece and enter the contest as an individual or a team (maximum 4 people on a team). Registration will be offered at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Free t-shirts will be given to the first 200 pre-register participants!

The event runs from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. To register, call 843-886-8294 or visit the website.

June 13: Circa 1886 Craft Beer Dinner

You’re invited to join Chef Marc Collins at Circa 1886 for an informal and fun 4-course Craft Beer Dinner. Chef Collins will showcase the craft beer from Freehouse Brewery paired with his renowned Southern fare.

Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $55 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. For more information, check out the Circa 1886 website.

June 5, 12, 19, 26: Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise

Every Thursday in June, you can hop aboard the Carolina Queen for a Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Charleston City Marina (17 Lockwood Drive). The cruise lasts from 7-9 p.m. and the Shrimp City Slim Band will be performing live music aboard the boat.

For details, go to the Charleston Harbor Tours website.

June 21: Fly Fishing 201 School

Join Captain John for Fly Fishing 201 class! Each class is typically offered once a month for a $75 fee. The class will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Your course fee includes lunch as well as any necessary tackle required.

Captain John will cover everything from fly casting to knots to flies selection for Lowcountry species.

Class sizes are limited to 10 participants. For details, click here.

June 28: Carolina Day 2014

Carolina Day celebrates the American victory at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. The first Carolina Day was celebrated in 1777, after the Battle was won on June 28, 1776. The Palmetto Society and the South Carolina Historical Society continue that commemoration today. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. C.L. “Chip” Bragg. Bragg is a native of Sumter, South Carolina.

The schedule of events includes:

10:00 AM – Church Service at St. Michael’s Church (71 Broad Street)
11:00 AM – Procession from Washington Park to White Point Garden
11:30 AM – Wreath-laying ceremony at Jasper Monument in White Point Garden

For additional information please contact Virginia Ellison at 843-723-3225 ext. 11 or visit the South Carolina Historical Society website.

If you know of any Charleston events happening this month, please let us know below!

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3 Charleston Itineraries for 3 Different People

May 28, 2014 by

<img src="image.gif" alt="An historic building in Charleston" />Charleston is a place anyone can visit, no matter what they enjoy doing. Here are three sample 3-day itineraries for the adventurer, the history buff, and the beach lover.

Adventurer or Thrill Seeker

Day 1

Morning: Awendaw Passage Hike—The northernmost “tropical trail” in the country.

Afternoon: Charleston Sailing School—Learn to command your own boat. 

Evening: Overnight Blackwater Expedition—Enjoy the adventure and the calm.

Day 2

Morning: Marsh View Fishing Charter—Fish for sharks, cobia, and trout 

Afternoon: Mullet Hall Equestrian Center—Trail riding for everyone [Link to

Evening: Pavilion Bar—Al fresco dining [Link to

Day 3

Morning: Kayak Tour—Ultimate in water adventure.

Afternoon: Climbing Wall and Challenge Course at James Island—Scale the 50-foot wall and more. 

Evening: Overnight Saltwater Expedition—Explore the sea. 

 

History Buff

Day 1

Morning: Fort Sumter—Where the Civil War began.

Afternoon: Middleton Equestrian Center—History and horses.

Evening: Ghosts and Legends of Charleston Tour—Spooky stories.

Day 2

Morning: Hunley Tour—Explore the famous submarine.

Afternoon: Civil War Walk—Charleston 150 years ago. 

Evening: Haunted Jail Tour—Where infamous criminals spent their last days. 

Day 3

Morning: Patriots of Charleston—Step into their shoes. 

Afternoon: Charleston Museum—America’s First. 

Evening: Carriage Tour of the Commercial District—See what life was like years ago. 

 

Beach Lover or Water Baby

Day 1

Morning: Seabrook Island Beach—Serene and private. 

Afternoon: Isle of Palms Beach—Endless sand and water. 

Evening: Sunset Cruise—Blues and BBQ Harbor Cruise with plenty of food and drink [Link to

Day 2

Morning: Folly Beach—Friendly and laid back. 

Afternoon: Kiawah Island Beach—10 miles of pristine beach, dunes, and marshes. 

Evening: Kiawah Resort for dinner—Breathtaking views. 

Day 3

Morning: Sullivan’s Island—Go shopping and sailing.

Afternoon: Tidal Wave Water Sports—Parasailing and more

Evening: Live and Local Spiritline Dinner Cruise—Languish among the stars

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It Was Another Amazing Dragon Boat Festival!

May 13, 2014 by

We were honored to serve as sponsors for the Dragon Boat Festival on May 3 at Brittlebank Park. This was the seventh year of the Festival, and it’s a unique event we’re proud to be part of.

There’s nothing like seeing cancer survivors get on the water to compete and have fun! The event benefits the cancer survivor programs of Dragon Boat Charleston, complete with colorful costumes, vendors offering all kinds of food and drink. We heard plenty of laughter and stories, which is why we love going every year.

2014 Charleston Dragonboat Festival from Liz Oakley Productions on Vimeo.

The Charleston Dragon Boat Festival has four classes of paddleboat racers: cancer survivors, men, women, and mixed-sex. Teams decorate their tents and wear team t-shirts, which are always creative and original. The entry fees for the Festival pay for cancer survivors to participate, yoga and nutrition workshops, a two-month outreach session for survivors, a Spring Camp, and year-round paddling 4-5 times per week.

According to Dragon Boat Charleston, “Since 2003, Dragon Boat Charleston has been paddling the waters of the Ashley River with the mission to promote physical and mental wellness among cancer survivors and their community through dragon boating. The organization strives to encourage healthy healing and healthy lifestyles through goal oriented exercise, good nutrition, education and fellowship and to support the beneficial effects of physical activity in survivorship through research. The club has over 160 members, some of which paddle in races throughout the country.”

We know that physical activity is beneficial to cancer survivors during and after cancer treatment, and thanks to events like the Dragon Boat Festival, wellness programs designed for cancer survivors have been developed across the country. We were privileged to join in this effort.

For more information, visit the Dragon Boat website.

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Charleston Events for May: Roundup

May 7, 2014 by

<img src="filename.gif" alt="Musical Notes">We love Charleston because so many fun and exciting events happen every month, and we like to let you know about those you might enjoy. From the Charleston Convention and Visitors’ Bureau website, here are some highlights for May.

May 9
2014 Movies in Marion Square
Charleston City Paper is excited for this year’s Movies in the Park in Marion Square!

On May 9, join us for a previously unreleased movie (Yes, it’s a surprise!) Local vendors, such as Cory’s Grilled Cheese, Roti Rolls, The Orange Spot, and T&T Kettle Korn supply the refreshments. Admission is free, and has been for the past 11 years.

For additional information, please visit the Charleston City Paper website.

Every Saturday in May
Special $5 Pancake Breakfast at Southerly
Set your alarms for Southerly’s $5 Pancake Breakfast every Saturday from 7:30-10 a.m.

Each week features a “Pancake of the Week,” with classics like Apple Cinnamon or fun new dishes like Peanut Butter & Jelly!

Kids six and under eat free (offer valid with an adult purchase; offer limited to two children).

To learn more, visit the Southern Season website.

May 16, 17, and 19
Explore Bulls Island—Multi-Day Adventure with Coastal Expeditions
Offered only eight times each year, don’t miss your chance to spend the night in a National Wildlife Refuge.

All meals are included, as are transportation to the island, accommodations, and guide service. Each day, your guide will take you around the beach and its trails as they share the history of the refuge, help you to spy wildlife, pick up shells along the shoreline, and leave you with an appreciation the refuge’s importance. This trip is ideal for all nature lovers.

Remaining 2014 trip dates:
October 17–19
November 14–16
December 5–7

Price: $415 per person ($200 deposit at time of booking)

For more information, visit the Bull’s Island website.

May 24
First Flush FesTEAval
The First Flush FesTEAval is a celebration of America’s own tea garden and its popular product line, American Classic Tea.

The festival name, First Flush, is defined as the growth of new leaves on the tea plants in the springtime after a winter of rest. Their “first flush” of new growth is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers deem to be the most unique, fresh, and amazing cup of tea.

The festival is not just about tea. Residents from Charleston and all neighboring towns trek to picturesque Wadmalaw Island to enjoy music, entertainment, art, and local cuisine. Fun for the whole family!

Please visit the Charleston Tea Plantation website for more details.

May 26
Charleston Men’s Chorus to Honor Servicemen and Servicewomen at Memorial Day Concert
As part of the Piccolo Spoleto Special Events Series, the Charleston Men’s Chorus will pay tribute to veterans and armed forces members at its annual Memorial Day Concert on May 26 at noon at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

Admission is $20 for adults, seniors, and students. For additional information and tickets, please visit the Piccolo Spoleto website.

If you know of any Charleston events, please let us know below!

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This Weekend: Charleston Dragon Boat Festival

April 30, 2014 by

Join us this Saturday, May 3rd as we proudly sponsor the Paddles & Pearls team in the 7th annual Charleston Dragon Boat Festival!

Since 2003, the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival has taken over the waters of the Ashley River with friendly competition, fabulous decorations and costumes, and a strong spirit of community to raise awareness for cancer survivors. It is definitely an event unlike any other! If you haven’t experienced the Dragon Boat Festival yet, we highly recommend you attend this one. Whether participating on a team or just watching from the sidelines, it’s a great time for amateur paddlers to push their strength and team building to the next level. The spirit of togetherness is almost palpable when the Festival is finished.

For an inside look at the Festival, check out this video:

For more info, visit the festival’s website, where you will find directions, times, and FAQs. Pack a picnic or bring grill items! Keep your fingers crossed for good weather, and come join the fun!

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5 Spas of Charleston to Visit Now

April 23, 2014 by

Who doesn’t love a nice pampering spa day? We’ve tried several spas in Charleston, and here are our top picks along with a snippet from their websites so you can get a feel for each one and its people. 

 

Urban Nirvana Day Spa 

In every culture, and in every age, doors have done more than facilitate our physical coming and going. They have also served as powerful symbols of protection and as valuable touchstones for all who seek a deeper sense of themselves and their world.

Doors extend a greeting to all who open themselves up to hear it: Come in, they say, come into a new place, to a new awareness, to a new you.

Urban Nirvana’s team is committed to providing expert, professional spa and salon services. Every team member is trained to listen to the guest, first and foremost. From the first phone call or visit to the end of a reinvigorating session, Urban Nirvana’s team of massage therapists, skin care therapists and client services personnel are focused on exceptional service, quality products and responsive treatments.

 

Simply Your Spa  

As you enter the spa, take a deep breath and begin to relax. Let us pamper you as we take care of the most important thing in your life…simply… you.

Our professional staff will exceed your expectations in customer service, experiences provided and professional knowledge. Whether you visit us one time for a special occasion, or receive frequent services for health and wellness, we will treat you like you deserve to be treated. We encourage you to stay as long as you like and relax in our spa lounge, sip on herbal tea and just take time for…you.

 

Moedim Day Spa

At Moedim Day Spa, we believe there’s a natural state of wellness and energy that we were all born to have and maintain. However, the way we think, eat, and live in this civilization can often be in direct conflict with optimum mental, physical, and spiritual health. There is a way to return to yourself well and more powerful than ever before.

Moedim Day Spa was created to be an oasis from the pace and stressors of your busy life – a place for your mind, body and spirit to rest, be healed and rejuvenated. Your mind is calmed and your energy replenished through a combination of modern and ancient techniques. Through the power of touch, herbal remedies, and naturally designed products, we miraculously see client after client be transformed closer to their natural state and return to themselves healed and energized.

 

Stella Nova

We invite you to unlock your senses, body, and spirit with any of our indulgent spa services. We offer a variety of treatments, but whichever you choose, all of our services are designed to rejuvenate, refresh, and relax.

Explore our spa services in each category and mix and match services to provide your perfect spa getaway, or feel free to choose from our spa packages. Whether your service is 15 minutes or as long as you choose, any visit to a Stella Nova spa will send you for a walk in the clouds.

 

Seeking Indigo

Our intention is to create an ever-evolving creative environment where transformation takes place for each individual that enters Seeking Indigo… A doorway to infinite possibility.

We provide a comprehensive holistic platform to support mind, body and spirit evolution through the products, services, and workshops that we offer.

Our mission is to spark and aid one’s awakening! Welcome to our world of wonder – a true playground for the soul. May all your dreams come true! Enjoy!

 

Which Charleston spa is your favorite? Let us know!

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Join Us At the Komen Survivor Celebration!

April 22, 2014 by

pink directWe are so proud to sponsor the 2014 Survivor Celebration for Susan B. Komen Lowcountry. Please join us on Sunday, April 27 from 3-5 pm for food, fellowship and fun. We will share our stories, as well as honor those we have lost in the battle against cancer.

Check-in time is between 2-3 pm. For more details, visit the website. See you there!

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Unusual Facts about Charleston

April 16, 2014 by

We love living here in Charleston, partly because the history of the city is so fascinating. For example, did you know that Charleston has survived the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War as well as pirates and hurricanes? All three wars had battles that took place in or near Charleston, and the city has survived to tell the tale.  

Read on for more fascinating, unusual, and fun facts about Charleston and South Carolina.

  The Isle of Palms is thought to be at least 25,000 years old and first inhabited by the Seewee Indians.

  • Four men from Charleston signed the Declaration of Independence: Thomas Heyward Jr., Thomas Lynch Jr., Arthur Middleton, and Edward Rutledge.
  • Charleston is known as “The Holy City” because of the number of churches.
  • South Carolina was the eighth state to join and the first state to secede from the U.S. It had to print its own stamps and money because it couldn’t participate in the federal postal system.
  • In 1736, the Dock Street Theater was America’s first. In 1773, the Charleston Museum, America’s first, opened.
  • The first golf game in the U.S. took place in Charleston.
  • The city’s baseball team, the Charleston Riverdogs, is partly owned by actor Bill Murray.
  • The Arthur J. Ravenel Jr. Bridge is North America’s longest cable bridge and connects Charleston with Mount Pleasant.
  • Charleston, which became a city in 1783, is about halfway between Washington, D.C. and Miami, Florida.
  • Citadel Cadets on Morris Island fired the first shot of the Civil War.
  • Some buildings in downtown Charleston have metal circles about the size of a plate on the exterior. They are the ends of earthquake rods, which were added to buildings after the Charleston earthquake of 1886.
  • South Carolina has two state mottoes: ‘Dum Spiro Spero’ (‘While I breathe I hope’) and ‘Animis Opibusque Parati (‘Ready in Soul and Resource’).
  • The Port of Charleston is the largest on the southeast Atlantic coast. Close to 10 million tons of cargo go through the port every year.
  • The first significant victory in the American Revolution was the Battle of Fort Sullivan.
  • Charleston’s first female newspaper publisher and editor was Elizabeth Timothy.
  • Sweetgrass basket making has taken place in the Mount Pleasant community for more than 300 years.
  • Historic Charleston homes and buildings have decks that face south or west to ensure a breeze in the summer, as air conditioning didn’t exist then.
  • On Nov. 2, 1954, Strom Thurmond became the first U.S. senator elected by write-in vote. Thurmond received 139,106 votes to Edgar Brown’s 80,956 votes.
  • When slaves were sold at the Old Exchange Building, they had to wear tags with their assigned number and skills.

Do you have a little-known fact about Charleston to share below?

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