Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for All Things Charleston

Watch “Take Two” by the Charleston Youth Company

January 15, 2014 by

We’d love to announce the Charleston Youth Company’s production of Take Two, an original script written by CYC students.

This lighthearted musical includes tunes from the ‘80s through the present day and is a love story told in flashbacks.

The storyline follows a couple who drifted toward each other and stayed together through life. However, they kept desperately searching for their soul mates, until they finally realized their ideal match was there all this time.

The play runs on January 31 and February 1, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. at the College of Charleston’s Sottile Theatre at 44 George Street in Charleston. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to the show, or you can call the studio at 843-766-4007 Monday–Thursday from 6:00-7:30 p.m. If you prefer, please leave a message any time of the day.

From the website www.charlestonyouthcompany.com:

“Founded in 1978, The Charleston Youth Company celebrates its 35th year as a high quality performing arts company of the Greater Charleston area comprised of 1st through 12th grade students with support of their families and community members. This Company encourages and develops artistic talent through music, voice, dance, art, drama, and technical production. We promote integrity, self-confidence, self-discipline and team work while encouraging appreciation of the arts.”

For more information, contact our own Gail Lanter, CYC’s marketing contact, at 843-834-5191 or 843-766-4007. You can also email her at cycinfo@gmail.com. Please don’t miss this production—we know you’ll love it!

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , ,

Fort Sumter’s Role in the Civil War

January 8, 2014 by

Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor, and is known as the site where the Civil War began. On April 12, 1861, the first shots of the war were fired upon the fort.

Built in 1829 (or should we say construction began in 1829, as the fort wasn’t completed by 1861), Fort Sumter was one of several forts built along the southeastern coastline of the U.S. An imposing structure, it is 190 feet long with five-foot thick walls and was built to house over 600 men and 130 guns when filled to capacity.

South Carolina seceded from the Union in December of 1860, and Union forces held Fort Sumter under the command of Major Robert Anderson. Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard was not amused, and demanded the fort be surrendered. Anderson refused, and early in the morning of April 12, 1861, the Confederates opened fire on the fort.

The battle continued for almost 36 hours, and in the end, the weakened Union forces surrendered without bloodshed. However, the terms of surrender allowed the Union to fire a 100-gun salute before leaving the fort, and an accidental explosion took the life of one gunner and critically wounded a second. Fort Sumter was and still is considered the site upon which the war began.

In 1863, Union forces twice attempted to retake Fort Sumter, once under the command of Rear Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont and once under Major General Quincy A. Gillmore and Rear Admiral John Dahlgren, but both attempts failed. The Confederacy had been busily fortifying and arming the fort with slave labor. The fort boasted over 40 pieces of artillery, including some of the deadliest guns known at the time.

During the war, Fort Sumter had been badly damaged and was restored by the U.S. Army. For a time, it was used as a lighthouse, but is now a popular tourist attraction.

Have you visited the fort?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: ,

Famous Buildings in Charleston

January 1, 2014 by

Charleston is home to many famous buildings that have played a starring role in the city’s rich history. Here are three buildings you may have heard of (or would like to visit!)

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

A National Historic Landmark, this colonial American building was constructed by the British in 1771 due to a growth in trade in Charles Town (Charleston). During the Revolutionary War, patriots were detained in the Provost.

From http://oldexchange.org/:

“…Charleston was the namesake of one of the most hedonistic of English monarchs, and its unspoken mission was to build a miniature aristocratic London in the midst of a recreated English countryside inhabited by a landed gentry.

How did the vulnerable Charles Towne, the only fortified city in English America, become Charlestown, fourth largest, most beautiful, and wealthiest city in colonial America? The answer lies in the shipping trade. Rice, indigo, and slavery (“black ivory”) were the major ingredients in the original Low Country recipe, and it was on that simple but powerful economy that colonial Charlestown was built.” –Robert Rosen, A Short History of Charleston

The Powder Magazine

Known as the oldest public building in the Carolinas, the Powder Magazine was the storehouse for the powder that defended Charleston during the American Revolution. The Magazine has been restored to its original appearance and serves today as a National Historic Landmark.

From http://www.nscda.org/museums2/sc-powdermagazine.html:

“Holding about five tons of gunpowder, this building was dangerous, but necessary. Gunpowder was needed to supply the fortifications that surrounded colonial Charles Town. Early threats included the Spanish, French, pirates, slave rebellion, and native attacks.

The walls of The Powder Magazine are three feet thick solid brick…this facility was used as an arsenal from 1713 – 1748 and then temporarily reinstated by the Continental Army during the American Revolution in 1780.”

Morris Island Lighthouse

The Morris Island Lighthouse is near Folly Beach and is one of Charleston’s best known buildings. It is recognized as one of the top 100 cultural sites in the state of South Carolina, and a brief history is below.

From http://www.savethelight.org:

1673 Three years after Charles Towne (Charleston) was founded, records show a navigation aid on Morris Island consisting of a raised metal pan filled with pitch and set afire at night.

1767 The first lighthouse, 42 feet tall, is built on Morris Island.

1838 A second, taller tower (102 feet tall) replaces the first lighthouse.

1862 The Civil War begins in 1861 and the lighthouse is destroyed in 1862 to prevent its use by Union troops as a lookout tower.

1876 The new Morris Island Lighthouse is illuminated on October 1, 1876.

1938 The Morris Island Lighthouse is now at the water’s edge.

1962 The Lighthouse is decommissioned and replaced by the new Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. 1965 The lighthouse is sold to a private citizen by the Federal Government as surplus property.

1999 Save The Light, Inc. buys the historic lighthouse to preserve it for the people of South Carolina. In 2000, the lighthouse is transferred to the State of South Carolina through the Department of Natural Resources.

2007–2008 Save The Light, Inc. completes Phase I of the Morris Island Lighthouse preservation with the help of the Army Corps of Engineers.

2010 Save The Light, Inc. begins Phase II of the Morris Island Lighthouse preservation.

Have you visited any of these historic places?

 

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , ,

A Holiday Stroll Through Charleston? Go For It!

December 18, 2013 by

Grab a few friends and boost your heart health with a fun holiday stroll through Charleston this season!

Charleston Strolls presents their annual Holiday Walking Tour, which is your chance to see the Holy City in a new way this winter.

Tour where carriages and motorcoaches are not allowed. Enjoy stories and traditions revealing Charleston’s rich history and colorful past. Charleston Strolls has been featured in Southern Living and recommended by both the New York Times and the AAA Tour Book. Throughout December, the finale for this special tour takes place in the gorgeous Mills House Hotel, where you and your friends can enjoy holiday refreshments.

During your stroll you will:

  • Visit Four Corners of Law and The Battery
  • See private neighborhoods dressed in their holiday finery
  • Hear about old Charlestowne from 1670 through the Civil War to the present and enjoy historic highlights and famous landmarks

Parties of 8 adults or more automatically receive $1 off each adult ticket upon purchase! Click here to read more and purchase tickets.

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: ,

Don’t Miss These Charleston Christmas Events

December 11, 2013 by

Charleston South Carolina Christmas eventsChristmas in Charleston is a magical time, and we’ve found some events that you don’t want to miss. For a full lineup of events, visit the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

A Christmas Carol, Woolfe Street Playhouse

December 6–7, 12–13, 14, and 19–21 at 7 p.m.

December 8, 15, and 22 at 3 p.m.

You’ll love this unusual performance of the Christmas classic. Per the CVB website, “Using only Charles Dickens’ extraordinary words and a chameleon ensemble of eight actors, ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a bold theatrical re-imagining of a classic Christmas story.” Ticket prices are $30.00 for adults, $27.00 for seniors, $20.00 for students, and $15.00 for kids 12 and under. For more information, visit http://woolfestreetplayhouse.com/events/a-christmas-carol/.

The Charleston Christmas Special, Charleston Music Hall

December 12–14, 15, 19–22 at 6 p.m.

A Charleston must-see, this year’s show will be chock-full of holiday song and dance, so get your tickets now, as the shows typically sell out. Ticket prices range from $13–$36. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://charlestonmusichall.com/events/the-charleston-christmas-special/.

The Sound of Charleston Holiday Special Edition, Circular Congregational Church

December 13, 20, 26, and 30 at 7 p.m.

With a range of music from Gershwin to gospel and Civil War camp songs to jazz, you’ll hear the sounds of Charleston’s history. You’ll hear holiday songs, have cookies and wassail after the show, and meet the cast. Tickets are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors, $16 for students, and free for children ages 3 to 12. To learn more, visit http://www.soundofcharleston.com/.

Holiday Train Rides at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

Various dates and times, see below

Take a train ride and celebrate the holidays!

For more information and ticket prices, visit http://www.mtpleasanttownecentre.com/

Dates and times:

December 14, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

December 15, noon to 6 p.m.

December 21, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

December 22, noon to 6 p.m.

December 28, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

December 29, noon to 6 p.m.

What are your favorite Charleston holiday traditions?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: ,

Winter Fun in Charleston!

December 4, 2013 by

We’re blessed to have good weather all year here in Charleston, and while we might not have the snow that other places get, we still have plenty of winter fun! Here are a few events we thought you’d like. You can also go to the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website to find out more about events that might interest you.

Farmer’s Markets

Unlike most places, the Charleston area has two farmer’s markets during the first part of winter.

Folly Beach: Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 43 Center Street, through December 18.

Charleston: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at King & Calhoun Streets, through December 21.

Toast of Charleston

Listen to live music from local talent, such as Blake Zahnd and Kevin Church, every Friday and Saturday night through the end of February at the Toast of Charleston. Music begins at 8 p.m. at 145 Meeting Street.

Acoustic Sunset Oyster Roast

On Fridays through February, The Wreckfish hosts the weekly Acoustic Sunset Oyster Roast Series from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come to 7690 Northwoods Blvd for oysters and drink specials to kick off your weekend.

Second Sunday on King Street

King Street is one of the best shopping spots in America, and on the second Sunday afternoon of every month, it becomes a fun festival with live music, food, and incredible shopping.

A range of performances for every taste

The North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center hosts artists ranging from locals to nationally known musicians.

This winter, the music lineup includes:

  • Darius Rucker
  • John Mayer
  • Gabriel Iglesias
  • Tedeschi Trucks Band
  • Barry Manilow
  • Johnny Mathis
  • Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell
  • Merle Haggard
  • Arlo Guthrie

Sporting events include:

  • South Carolina Stingrays hockey

Other performances and events include:

  • Moscow Ballet
  • TV’s Mythbusters
  • Monster Jam
  • The Addams Family
  • Endless Love
  • Southern Bridal Show

Which winter events do you enjoy?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: ,

7 Mall Alternatives In Charleston on Black Friday

November 27, 2013 by

Charleston has many options for Black Friday that don’t involve the mall or getting up at 4 a.m. We went to the Charleston Visitors’ Bureau website and compiled a list of seven places to go and things to see so that you won’t miss fighting the crowds at the store. 

28th Annual Progressive Dinner, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Charming Inns and Circa 1886 Restaurant host their annual Holiday Progressive Dinner, which means you’ll ride a carriage through downtown Charleston and have hors d’oeuvres at the Kings Courtyard Inn, a three-course dinner at Circa 1886 Restaurant, and dessert at the John Rutledge House Inn. The cost is $95 per person and covers all but beverages.

Middleton Place Holiday Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Garden Market & Nursery and Museum Shop host a Holiday Market with refreshments, live music, plenty to see, and holiday spirit. Admission is free.

Mingo Point Oyster Roast and Barbecue, 6–9 p.m.

Come out at sunset for some roasted oysters, Southern barbecue and buffet, and a concert by The Island Trio. Plenty of fun for the kids too! Admission is $40.95 per adult and $22.95 per child (5-12 years old).

Sweet T. Christmas, 8:30 p.m.

Come to the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre and watch the story of a “heavenly stranger, a hapless handyman, a hopeless hostess, a hopping-mad Santa, and their hysterical hunt for the holy grail of wish granting, a winning lottery ticket!”

Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for college and military, and $15 for children under 12.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Sanctuary, 5 p.m.

Watch the staff decorate the Grand Lobby Christmas tree and grand staircases, and be there for the tree lighting during this special night.

5th Annual Holiday Pub Crawl, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Visit four of Charleston’s historic pubs for Christmas beverages, treats, and cheer. Admission is $30 per adult, with proceeds going to MUSC Children’s Hospital and Toys for Tots. Reservations are required.

2013 Holiday Festival of Lights, call 843-795-4386 for time and admission fees

Charleston’s Festival of Lights has plenty of fun for everyone! This driving tour has over 700 holiday displays, along with events such as marshmallow roasting, train rides, dancing light displays, a 50-ton sand sculpture, a climbing wall, and an old-time carousel.

What’s your favorite Black Friday non-shopping activity?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , ,

Enjoy a Few of Charleston’s Vegetarian Restaurants

November 13, 2013 by

Now that the farmers markets are closed, if you’re craving fresh vegetables, try some of Charleston’s top vegetarian restaurants. Charleston is home to some creative and delicious vegetarian fare.

Alluette’s Café – Vegetarian Friendly (Ovo, Lacto)

80 A Reid St (at Meeting St), Charleston 29403. Phone: 843-577-6926

Reservations required.

Moderate pricing for lunch, more for dinner.

Alluette’s is the place to take your friends, as it serves not only vegan- and vegetarian-friendly cuisine, but also American, Southern, organic, and non-vegetarian fare. Meat is available, but pork is not on the menu. Typically, it has a couple of vegan or vegetarian choices for lunch and dinner as well as vegan desserts.

Dellz Uptown – Vegetarian (Ovo)

511 Rutledge Ave, Charleston 29403. Phone: 843-641-0352

Open Monday through Saturday until 8 p.m., closed between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Casual atmosphere and moderate pricing.

You’ll love the variety of cuisine ranging from American to International, with take-out. All food can be made vegan. The house specialty is the My Thai Bowl, which is also gluten free. Enjoy wi-fi with your meal.

Five Loaves Café – Vegetarian Friendly (Lacto)

Three locations:

43 Cannon St (at Coming St), Charleston 29403. Phone: 843-937-4303

372 King St, Charleston 29403. Phone: 843-805-7977

1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd # 50, Mt Pleasant 29464. Phone: 843-849-1043

Closed Sunday.

Moderate pricing.

Another restaurant that you can take anyone to, Five Loaves has multiple locations in the Charleston area and offers meat options along with some vegetarian-only dishes.

Nirlep Indian Restaurant – Vegetarian Friendly

908 Savannah Hwy, Charleston 29407. Phone: 843-763-9923

Inexpensive pricing.

This Indian restaurant is also vegan friendly and has a lunch buffet six days a week. Feel free to order from the menu, as the wait staff can make any dish vegan.

Three Little Birds Café – Vegetarian Friendly (Ovo, Lacto)

65 Windermere Blvd (at Folly Rd), Charleston 29407. Phone: 843-225-3065

Open Tuesday through Saturday until 3 p.m., Sunday until 2 p.m., closed Monday.

Inexpensive pricing.

Enjoy vegetarian- and vegan-friendly food, along with American cuisine, a juice bar, catering, and take-out. Typical food includes spelt bread, salads, and veggie burgers. You can have breakfast any time and eat outdoors.

What’s your favorite vegetarian or vegan restaurant in Charleston?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , ,

Civil War Charleston: 3 Ways to Observe the Sesquicentennial

November 6, 2013 by

Charleston played a major role in the Civil War, and as we continue to commemorate the sesquicentennial years, we remember the soldiers who gave all. Here are just a few ways to discover more about these epic battles and the people who played a role.

Charleston’s Civil War Walking Tours

Experience Charleston during the war through the stories and photos from local historian Jack Thomson at Civil War Walking Tours. From the website:

“Walk with Jack and his associates as they take you on a trip through Charleston’s history that is much more fun than any van or bus tour. This beautiful city has been bombarded for eighteen months by Union forces. Devastation and destruction are everywhere. Heavy smoke lingers in the air. And yet this city where the Ordinance of Secession was signed in 1860 survives…now more beautiful than ever…

…You will meet people like Gus Smythe, the young Confederate Signal Corps Sergeant up in St. Michael’s steeple with a bird’s eye view of the Union shells raining down from Charleston Harbor. You will also be introduced to Jane Wightman, a free person of color with her own slaves and a beautiful brick house on cobblestoned Chalmers Street.

Jack uses his collection of 118 photographs from 1865 to set the mood and illustrate his stories. Step back in time with Civil War Walking Tours and experience Charleston’s wartime society like never before. Your adventure awaits you!”

The Charleston Museum

The museum’s tribute to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War is constantly evolving, so be sure to check the website frequently. Here is just one example of an exhibition from the museum’s website.

“City Under Siege: Charleston in the Civil War: This permanent exhibition provides a rich overview of events in and around Charleston from secession to 1865. Including the Federal naval blockade, Union bombardment, social dislocations, privations, and five major Union attempts to capture the “Queen City of the South,” the war and its effects changed the lives of Charleston’s residents forever.

Their story—one of suffering, sacrifice, initiative and tenacity—is told with extensive images and artifacts from the Museum’s collections. These include uniforms, artillery shells, firearms, “gunboat china,” the watch of a fallen South Carolina soldier, and the recently-acquired prosthesis of Colonel Peter Gaillard, who lost his hand in action against Union forces on Morris Island.”

Fort Sumter National Monument

One of the most famous forts of the Civil War, Fort Sumter is a popular destination for Civil War and history buffs. Here is a short description of the battle:

“…During the early-morning hours of April 12, 1861, Confederate gunners fired the first shots of the Civil War at this Union bastion in the middle of Charleston Harbor. After 34 hours of pounding, the fort’s commander, Maj. Robert Anderson, surrendered. The victorious Confederates occupied, using the strategic location to keep the Union navy from the harbor and to protect blockade runners.

After an unsuccessful Union attempt to bypass the fort by water, Union land-based guns were brought within range, eventually pounding Sumter into rubble. The advance of Union General William T. Sherman forced the Confederates to evacuate the fort Feb. 17, 1865.”

Feel free to visit any of these places and soak up the rich history of the Civil War.

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , ,

3 Cozy, Romantic Spots for Fall

October 30, 2013 by

Charleston is a city full of romance and history. Here are a few of our favorite cozy, romantic spots. Warm up on a chilly night here.

Sunset Cruises 
Snuggle with your honey, feel the cool, fragrant ocean breeze, and enjoy a relaxing and romantic sunset cruise along Charleston’s gorgeous waterways. You’ll love the breathtaking views of the skyline as you take in the sights as the sun sets.

Some comments about this cruise:

“…The views on this cruise were beautiful. The staff was also excellent. They were very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.”

“…The captain even stopped the boat when we spotted dolphins so we could watch them in the water. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone.”

“…It was a peaceful boat ride through the harbor hitting some landmarks and watching the sunset over Charleston. There was some background on the landmarks and the guides would answer questions but for the most part, they let you sit and enjoy the ride and scenery. I highly recommend it!”

 

The Inn at Woodlands Mansion
Restored over a hundred years ago, The Inn at Woodlands Mansion is a stately turn-of-the-century plantation. Surrounded by lush oak trees and magnolias, you’ll feel like you’re back in the 1850s when you enter this grand property. The Inn is the perfect combination of Old South grandeur and modern luxuries.

From the website:

“At Woodlands Mansion, we want all of our guests to feel at home from the moment they arrive. Our Inn combines the intricate luxuries of a resort with the tranquility of a bed and breakfast, allowing guests to relax in the casually refined elegance of the property.”

 

Olde Towne Carriage Company
When the chill is in the air, bring your favorite cozy blanket and your special someone to Olde Towne Carriage Company for a carriage ride.

Read about where you’ll ride in this excerpt from the website:

“You will see the historic old market area where commerce has taken place for over 250 years, historical houses maintained in timeless fashion, beautiful gardens, artistic wrought iron gates, and decorative entrances to the many mansions as the tour winds through the 25–30 block area.

In addition, you will see parts of the old walled city and several of the many churches that give Charleston its nickname of the “Holy City”. Your tour guide will acquaint you with the history and architecture that make Charleston one of the truly grand jewels of the South. Most importantly you will gain a better understanding of the people that lived and traversed over the past three hundred years, on the very streets you are traveling.”

What is your favorite romantic spot in Charleston?

 

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »