Events to Raise Awareness

Whew!  Breast Cancer Awareness month is off to a running start here in Charleston!  Just a few events we’re going to mention where we’ve lent our support – there are so many that I hope you can find your way to one of them to show your support of our sisters (and brothers) who have been affected by breast cancer.

 

warriors pink approved-signed

 

 

 

Tonight! October 8, 2014 – 2nd Annual Warriors Wear Pink Event at ALOFT Charleston Hotel & Convention Center from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.   Click the event flyer thumbnail for more details.

 

October 15, 2014BRA Day USA!!  Learn more……

October 18, 2014 Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure –  Family Circle Cup Stadium – Daniel Island, S.C.

Shana Brown Event Flyer

October 19, 2014A Tickled Pink Reception:  T-shirts & Stillettos –  Presented by the Folly Road Church of Christ.  3:30 p.m.  Experience a fun filled afternoon celebrating breast cancer survivors.  Click the event flyer for more details.

 

 

 

Columbia Friends – SC FORCE Support Group GatheringOctober 26, 2014, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Richland country Main Library – Irwin Kahn Conference Room – 1431 Assembly Street – Columbia, S.C. 29201.   Do you have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer?  Have you tested positive for a BRCA mutation or are you considering genetic testing?  You are not alone and we invite you to join us to find out more.  http://www.facingourrisk.org/get-support/local-groups/south-carolina.php

Worship in Pink – Worship in Pink is a breast health education initiative for the Affiliate’s faith-based communities in an effort to reduce disparities seen in African-American, Hispanic and rural communities.  The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is thrilled to be the Promise Partner for the Komen Lowcountry initiative again this year.   Find out more….

What events do you plan to attend?  We’d love to feature them on our next “Upcoming Events” or “All Things Charleston”  post.

Last-Minute Weekend Activities Before The Summer Ends

<alt="sail boat"/>Are you the type of person who likes to eat every last crumb on the plate, drink the last drop of milk, or watch a movie until the credits finish?

If so, then you like to get the most value out of any given situation. While most people do a decent to good job at saving time and maximizing money, people like you do it better.

With this short guide below, you can make the most of your time and money and squeeze every last drop out of the Charleston summer!

Here are several ways to enjoy last-minute weekend trips in the area before the summer ends.

Ride the Waves

Surfing, like skydiving, is one of those “bucket list” activities everyone wants to try, but few take the time to do. The benefits of surfing include getting exercise, having fun, and immersing yourself in the beach culture. Don’t waste another minute procrastinating by thinking about surfing — get yourself a board, head out to Folly Beach, and hit the water while you can.

With one-on-one lessons as low as $45, you can consider yourself a surfer by the end of the day. You’ll learn ocean awareness and safety, surfing etiquette (which includes more than calling people “dude”), and enjoy one full hour of guided wave riding fun.

Surf on over to this website for more info about Charleston Surf Lessons.

Become a Prisoner!

And no, we don’t mean you commit a crime and literally get yourself in trouble. That would not be fun and it would totally ruin your summer …and winter, spring, and fall. We’d like to suggest something that’s almost as scary, yet much safer.

If exploring Charleston dungeons appeal to you, then you’ll love the Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour. During this guided walkthrough of historical cemeteries, alleyways, and churches, you’ll learn about the criminals, pirates, and patriots who once spent time behind bars—and if you listen closely, you may realize they’re still there…

This tour is available until November; the ghosts in these dungeons are like bears, so during winter, they like to hibernate.

Scare yourself with a Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour.

Go On an Adventure

Before summer ends, you still have time to pack your bags, tent, and camping supplies and head out to the great outdoors. Summer is the perfect time to experience the wilderness because the weather’s just right. No matter if you take your entire family or you go with friends, South Carolina has 47 state parks for you to choose from.

With this handy website, you can search and choose a camping ground that meets your exact needs.

Live It Up

Take a moment and think about one thing you can do for yourself and your family this summer. It doesn’t have to be one of these recommendations — you may have your own activites planned for transitioning from the warm summer days to the cool autumn nights. Maybe you’ll rotate what you’re growing in your garden. Maybe you’ll take a trip. Maybe you’ll redecorate your home, or even try a new sport. Whatever you do, live it up this summer. It’ll be an entire year before she returns.

Photo Credit: globetraveler2

Date Night in Charleston: Romantic Spots for Two

<alt="red rose"/>You don’t need to go to Paris to experience a city of romance. If you know where to look, Charleston has all the warmth, love, and coziness you need. Maybe the heart of Charleston beats stronger because of the city’s rich history. Or perhaps it’s the culture of the city that makes visitors welcome each other with open arms. Whatever the reason, there are many places to go, things to see, and experiences to share with your special someone in Charleston.

 

In this post, we’ll look at some popular — and some hidden — places to go to have a fun and unique date (on a related note, our top 5 restaurants and bars post may serve you well on date night).

 

You may have heard of the recommendations on this post before, but you just haven’t had the time to pursue them. Let this list below be your motivation to get out there and share a day of fun or evening of romance with someone special.

 

Cocktails By the Fireplace

 

If you like this idea of sipping your favorite drink next to your favorite person, while enjoying the warmth of a cozy fireplace, then you’ll love this recommendation. A little investigative research on Google and Yelp will uncover many cozy evening bars.

 

Want to save time searching? No problem. We found this place that we believe provides the perfect date night. It has a fireplace you can snuggle up next to, and a dimly lit setting to relax in.

 

Be sure to call in McCrady’s in advance to research your seat. They also have an online reservation tool, so you have no excuse not to plan ahead for this special place.

 

Celebrate New Milestones

 

In a relationship, new milestones can mean different things. It could mean getting married, moving in together, or eating at a new restaurant. With this upcoming recommendation, you can surprise your partner by saying you want to celebrate something BIG.

 

Chances are, they’ll look at you confused. But when you tell them you want to have drinks and enjoy the skyline and harbor views at the Market Pavilion Hotel, they’ll likely laugh at your corny joke. Laughter and good times will continue when you enjoy the charming rooftop bar and pool area while sipping a cocktail as you the two of you watch the sun go down. Plus – the Market Pavilion Hotel earned a number 1 ranking as the best small city hotel in the U.S. and Canada. What could be better? Your sweetheart will love your venue choice.

 

Walk the Path of Love

 

Take a break from the stoplights and city noise and reconnect with nature. You and you partner deserve it. Surround yourself with majestic oaks and ancient beauty at the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a place where you can tune out from the city and tune in to each other.

 

Best Dates Charleston Facebook Page

 

On this Best Dates Charleston Facebook page, you will find regular updates about things to do in Charleston. We love lesser known yet valuable links like this. Do you have any to share? Let us know in the comments below.

 

Live and Love in Charleston

Did you know Travel and Leisure magazine rated Charleston the 10th best city in the world for romance? Personally, we think it’s the #1 city, but we’ll take the 10th place IN THE WORLD. We love how the magazine says, “Every corner seems to stage a proposal-worthy scene, form the Battery with its moss-draped oaks and antebellum mansions to Waterfront Park’s picturesque Cooper River views.”

 

We completely agree with that statement – and we know you do too.

 

Photo Credit: Parvin

10 Breast Cancer Fundraising Ideas

<alt="fundraising"/>If you’re looking for a different approach to raising awareness for breast cancer, we’ve got you covered. The list of ideas below will help you get interested people to participate in a worthy and very important cause. Use these tips for yourself, or forward this list to your favorite business, colleagues, loved ones, and friends, and get them involved in the fight against breast cancer.

 

  1. Get active. You will see plenty of 5k runs and walkathons for breast cancer, but those are not the only physical activities you can participate in or host to support this cause. You can also swim, play tennis, or even golf for breast cancer. The more people who support breast cancer, the more money your community can raise for research.
  2.  Dress up. Get your office to wear pink for an entire week. Surely this will get the attention of clients, guests, and coworkers. It also gives a great chance for you to explain why’re everyone has pink clothes on, allowing you the perfect opportunity to ask for a donation. Make sure to post photos of your group on social media, in company emails, etc. to spread the word. Maybe your office isn’t onboard with this idea? Do this with a group of friends.
  3.  Check Meetup. Meetup is a website for people to form groups and participate in face-to-face activities. Check Meetup for breast cancer fundraising activities in your city, and get involved with your community.
  4.  Have a yard sale. Have a lot of stuff piling in your garage? With a yard sale, you can get rid of things you don’t need, make money, and forward all profits to a breast cancer organization of your choice. Plus, people are more likely to buy your stuff when you support a fantastic cause!
  5.  Create fliers. Fliers are great way to raise awareness. You can make thousands of them for just pennies, and you’ll reap the rewards in a big way. You can use fliers to show that your business or organization supports the fight against breast cancer, and you can promote upcoming awareness events, 5Ks, walks, and fundraisers.
  6.  Organize with your local Chamber of Commerce. Create partnerships with other local businesses and groups who support breast cancer. Doing so will broaden your message to a larger group of people. Referrals a great way to get people to donate.
  7.  Have a car wash. Get your neighborhood together and get the word out about a donation based car wash. Offer to wash cars for free and mention that you’re raising funds for breast cancer research. People will love the idea of having a clean car, and they’ll thank you for your commitment to raising awareness for breast cancer and donate to your cause.
  8.  Volunteer. You don’t have to start your own fundraising movement—there are many fundraising organizations out there who need help and lots of volunteers! This is something to keep in mind if you’re struggling to come up with an original breast cancer fundraising strategy, or you don’t have the time to create your own event.
  9.  Have a BBQ. Ask a local BBQ place to offer food at a significant discount in support of breast cancer. Tell them you will organize the event, and they just need to bring the grub! They’ll be able to support a good cause, you’ll raise money, and they now have new customers who have tasted their food. They get free marketing and PR for partnering with you at your event.
  10.  Create a trend. Surely you’ve seen the popular ice bucket challenge happening right now. The sensation has currently raised $44 million dollars for ALS! You can create a similar trend for breast cancer. If it catches on, you could be responsible for millions of dollars for breast cancer research!

The most important thing to keep in mind when starting a fundraiser is to take action. Someone has to get out there and get the ball rolling—it could be you.

 

Photo Credit: HowardLake

Play Ball: Charleston Sporting Events for Every Season

<alt="Balls"/>Do you love sports? We do!

In Charleston, you have plenty of places to enjoy a sporting event, no matter what season or what sports you prefer.

Here are some of our favorite sporting events you can attend in our great city:

Baseball with The RiverDogs

Every Charleston resident knows where to find family-friendly, affordable (tickets start at $6), and fun entertainment: Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, home of the Charleston RiverDogs. The Charleston RiverDogs are a professional minor league baseball team and Class-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.

Wondering what a RiverDog is? The name says it all. A RiverDog is a dog that lives within a half-mile radius of a river. Makes perfect sense for team in Charleston, right?

Hockey With the Stingrays

Enjoy hockey? Then you’ll love spending time watching the three-time Kelly Cup Champion South Carolina Stingrays play a game. Their home stadium is the Ice Palace, which probably is the coolest name for a hockey stadium—ever.

Family Circle Tennis Center

The Family Circle Tennis Center provides public tennis courts year-round. Owned by the City of Charleston, and operated by Meredith Corporation, it’s also the location of the Family Circle Cup: the largest women-only event in tennis.

Charleston Sports and Social Club

It is possible to get in shape, crave your competitive hunger, and make friends — all at the same time — thanks to the Charleston Sports and Social Club. You don’t need to be a professional to have fun playing sports. There are thousands of active people and professionals in the CSSC who participate in actives like kickball, basketball, flag football, softball, volleyball, dodgeball, bowling, and cornhole. Yes—we said cornhole!

College Sports in Charleston

If you’re a fan of college sports, you can enjoy events of all types with the University of Charleston and the College of Charleston Athletics. Each college has over 20 different varsity-level teams, so you can enjoy watching sports like baseball, soccer, dodgeball.

Always a Place to Play Ball

Some people like to watch sports. Others like to play them. Perhaps you like to do both! In Charleston, there’s a place for you to do it all.

Who’s your favorite Charleston team? What’s your favorite sport to watch or play in our great city? Share with us below.

September: Charleston Events Roundup

<alt="arial act"/>The year is almost over! Time goes by quickly when you’re having fun, right? Thanks to these exciting Charleston events for September, it will be October before you know it. Don’t miss these opportunities to have some fun!

 

September 1: Beating the Surf

Join Capt. Ben Floyd at 6:30 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant shop, as he covers everything from rod & reel selection, to bait and tackle, to which tides work in your favor. Surf Fishing is a great way to get anglers of all ages catching fish. Whether it’s bull redfish or bull sharks, the surf has it all.

Come enjoy a few drinks, learn some new skills and enjoy 10% off everything during the night of the seminar.

To register, please e-mail jj@thecharlestonangler.com. For more information, please visit this website.  

 

September 2, 7, 9, 14, 17, 21, 26, 30: Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery

Join Sherlock Holmes for an Historical City Tour truly for everyone — where without ever leaving your theatre seat you will explore Charleston’s past, present, and … other worlds. Should you choose to volunteer, you may actually participate and play a victim, villain, or vile vision in The Case of Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery!

$24 Adults, $22 College/Military, $15 Children 12 and Under.

Please see the website for showtimes and to purchase tickets.

 

September – Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Evenings in the Market

The weekly event, designed to showcase local artists, food vendors and designers, is from 6:30-10:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from March through December.

For additional information, please visit this website.  

 

September 6: Downward Facing RiverDog

Come and enjoy some yoga at the Joe! International Yoga Instructor, Kathryn Budig, will be at the Joe teaching some yoga moves on the field. Gates open at 9 a.m. Yoga on the field is from 10-11 a.m. There will be free parking, live music by Estee Gabay and a cash bar featuring mimosas and bloody marys. All levels are welcome. The class will be playful and enjoyable for all. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

For more information, please visit the website.  

 

September – Every Wednesday: Fall Wine Strolls

Sip and stroll in a different garden location each week while sampling old and new world wines. The season ends with a Masquerade Wine Stroll Finale on October 29!

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Cost: $20/online, $25/gate ($5 off for Foundation members).

For more information, please visit the website.

 

September 14: Dance with Dragons

The 2nd Annual Dance with Dragons offers a beautiful evening of outdoor circus arts performances including hooping, acroyoga, serial silks, slacklining, and juggling playshops. Spectate, play, perform, gawk, share, and make new friends. You might be tempted to run away to the circus afterwards!

This year’s even benefits Dragon Boat Charleston, a non-profit that promotes physical and mental wellness among local cancer survivors and their community.

4:00 p.m .- 8:00 p.m.

$5 for adults, kids attend free.

For more information, please visit the website.

 

September 20: 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Held annually in more than 650 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions. The Charleston walk will take place at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina.

Registration at 8:00 a.m. | Ceremony at 8:45 a. m. | Walk at 9:00 a.m.

Route Length: 3 miles.

To register, please visit the website.

 

September 19-21: 7th Annual Autumn on the Ashley

The Tri-County Master Gardeners will host the 7th Annual Autumn on the Ashley open-air craft fair Sept. 19-21 at Magnolia. More than 50 vendors are expected to exhibit wood cravings, paintings, textiles, pottery, jewelry, culinary oils, and photographs. The Philip Simmons Artists Blacksmith Guild will demonstrate their craft while dancers entertain the crowd.

Autumn on the Ashley, which is free to the public, opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. A $100 vendor fee will be charged for a vendor booth space to display handcrafted items. No retail items will be allowed. Vendors are responsible for their own pop-up tent, tables and chairs. Vendors who require electricity are encouraged to register early. Eight spaces with electricity are available.

The Master Gardeners will answer gardening questions and provide soil samples. The cost for a soil analysis is $6 each. Call 843-722-5940 to get tips on how to collect a sample. Plants and gardening books will be on sale.

For information and to reserve a booth, call Magnolia’s operations manager Mary Ann Johnson at 843-571-1266, extension 229. You can also visit this website.

Charleston Events for August

<alt="ocean scene"/>Happy August! Looking for something to do this month? Want to have some fun before the kids head back to school? Here are some great events everyone will enjoy this month—and they’re happening in our backyard:

August 2, 16, 23, 30: Charleston Summer Concert Series

This family friendly evening of music is held on Saturdays on the Grand Lawn of The Sanctuary. These concerts will feature local and regional bands. Admission is free and this event is sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island. Guests are welcome to bring beach chairs or blankets.

August 2 – Quiana Parlor & The Shiny Disco Ball Band

August 16 – Common Ground

August 23 – The Travis Allison Band

August 30 – Palmetto Soul

For additional information, call the Lobby Bar at 843-768-6301.

 August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Firefly Friday: Charleston Harbor Dolphin Sunset Sail

Set sail for a dolphin sunset sail with the Palmetto Breeze. Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen fight against breast cancer. You’ll set sail from Shem Creek, next to Red’s Ice House on the Charleston Harbor. Admission is $35 for adults, $20 for children 12 and under. Adults will receive a free Firefly Vodka cocktail. Complimentary water and sodas are on board, and a cash bar will serve beer, wine, and margaritas.

For more information or to purchase tickets, check out the website. 

 August 8: Love Painting at The Wells Gallery

The Wells Gallery is the premier gallery of The Sanctuary Resort. Join them for their live painting event, featuring at least one of their 20 nationally renowned artists. Rick McClure and Junko Ono Rothwell will be painting in the gallery on August 8 from 1-6 pm.

For additional information, please visit the website, or call 843-576-1290. 

August 10: Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series

Celebrating its 24th year, the 5-race Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series features a .3-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride, and 5K run. This event has featured over 30,000 athletes over the years, and it has been named as one of the Top 10 Charleston Signature Sport Events.

Single Race Entry Feeds: $60/$50 Charleston County Residents

Entire Race Series: $245/$204 Charleston County Residents

For all racing information, please visit the website

August 12: Crosby Stills & Nash in Concert

Crosby Stills & Nash will be performing live at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on August 12. Celebrating more than 4 decades since the group formed, its members continue to create music that crosses generations and endures in the music world. Its members have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

For more information and tickets, please visit the website

August 22: Loretta Lynn in Concert

Loretta Lynn has been the “rule breakin’ record setting queen of country music” for over 50 years. She continues to entertain audiences with her distinctive, ground-breaking style. Loretta Lynn will be performing her greatest hits in concert at Boone Hall Plantation. Gates open at 5 pm. Beer, wine, and food are available for purchase.

For more information regarding the series, please visit the website

August 24: 4th Annual Steel Pony Ride and Car Show

Enjoy a great car and truck show to help the Charleston Tea Plantation in its mission to provide counseling and support for our Lowcountry firefighters and their families. This event will have food, music by Eddie Bush, games for the whole family, and cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display. The event will also host a display of antique and modern fire apparatus.

For additional information, please visit the website

August 30: Shrimp and Grits Cook-Off

Finish the summer with the #1 shrimp and grits cookoff where you can eat, drink, and be a food judge! Enjoy the best of local Charleston, and taste our chefs’ interpretations of a Lowcountry classic. Fifteen renowned Charleston chefs will compete to support the Charleston Animal Society, while locals can enjoy food, drinks, and music. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, $12 for children 12 and under. The $30 ticket price includes shrimp and grits, alcohol, live music, book signings, and more. Event runs from 7 pm to 10 pm.

To get tickets, please visit the website.

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

 Photo Credit: Ron Cogswell

 

3 Charleston Itineraries for 3 Different People

<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

It Was Another Amazing Dragon Boat Festival!

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.

Charleston Events for May: Roundup

<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!