Winter Fun in Charleston!

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?

7 Mall Alternatives In Charleston on Black Friday

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?

The Perfect Rainy Day in Charleston: What to Do for Fun

Charleston is one of those places that has so much to do and see that you can have fun even on a rainy day. From the South Carolina Aquarium to the Charleston City Market, here are our favorite dreary day activities.

South Carolina Aquarium

With a daily dive show and exhibits galore, the South Carolina Aquarium is the perfect rainy day activity for all ages. The exhibits take you from the mountains to the sea, and the first one you’ll see, the mountain forest exhibit, features majestic eagles and playful otters frolicking in the hilly forest. You’ll see the flora and fauna in the piedmont, coastal plain, and salt marsh areas before you hit the coast and ocean to have close encounters with sharks and pufferfish.

The Touch Tank allows you to see and touch water creatures such as stingrays and sea urchins. In February, the Aquarium will hold a birdhouse building workshop and a Love under the Sea Valentine’s Day dinner.

Tour the Yorktown

The focal point of the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. The museum is home to a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships and the Cold War Memorial. Patriots Point also houses the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Medal of Honor Museum.

Aboard the Yorktown, you can tour the flight deck and bridge, living quarters, brig, and engine room. The Charleston Navy Shipyard Museum and Medal of Honor Museum are on board, and individual memorials are scattered around the ship. The hangar bay holds vintage aircraft, and if you’d like to try flying yourself, you’ll want to try the flight simulator.

Kiln Time

If you’re artistically inclined and would like to paint your own pottery—or your kids would—Kiln Time is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. You’ll find a large collection of pottery that you can decorate or paint, and then Kiln Time will fire them and have them ready in just a few days. What a fun way to spend some family time!

Historical Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market has been part of Charleston’s history for over two centuries. The majestic Market Hall building houses the Daughters of the Confederacy museum. Grab your umbrella and head to this amazing open-air market that sells everything from jewelry to food to sweetgrass baskets. With over 100 vendors, the market has something for everyone, and is the perfect place to have a coffee and watch people. Take a carriage ride, relax, and enjoy Charleston.

Do you have any suggestions for a perfect way to spend a rainy day in Charleston?

 

 

Dining Out in The Charleston Area: Mount Pleasant

charleston restaurantsCharleston is famous for its restaurants! From succulent Lowcountry fine dining to zesty Italian bistros, and quaint barbecue hot spots to vibrant Mexican eateries, Charleston truly is a culinary melting pot.

For many of you who are visiting from out of state, you may not be aware that Charleston is segmented into various different areas that include downtown Charleston, Folly Beach, James Island, Johns Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, West Ashley, and Daniel Island (there are a few other neighboring cities, towns, and islands thrown in there, but these are the main ones). Each and every area in Charleston is home to exciting restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs that naming them all in one blog post would be way too much. This is why we’ve decided to create a series on Charleston restaurants. Each post in the series will focus on a different area of Charleston and some of the best restaurants found in that area.

This first post will focus on Mount Pleasant, which is located right across the Ravenel Bridge from downtown Charleston.

Below are just 5 of our favorite restaurants and cafes in Mount Pleasant:

Crave: Serving up artisan sandwiches, pasta, steak, and seafood, Crave provides an eclectic mix of various foods that are sure to delight your palette. The atmosphere is casual and the food is moderately priced. One of our favorite dishes is the turkey club sandwich complimented by a mermaid martini!

1968 Riviera Dr # O, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 / (843) 884-1177 / brunch, lunch, dinner

Mustard seed: For some great food, a casual atmosphere, and excellent service, take a trip to the Mustard Seed. This quaint restaurant features everything from creamy pasta dishes to fresh salads, chicken entrees to mussels and linguine, and much more. The bread that they put on your table at the beginning of dinner is also exceptional and is covered in seasoning and cheese.

1036 Chuck Dawley Boulevard,Mount Pleasant, SC 29464-4178 / (843) 849-0050 / lunch, dinner (not open Sundays)

Yamato: If you love Hibachi-style cooking as much as we do then you’ll definitely want to check out Yamato. With a fun and social atmosphere, great food, huge portions, and silly chefs, Yamato will instantly steal your heart. This restaurant is particularly great for larger groups.

1993 Riviera Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 / (843) 881-1190 / dinner

Red Drum: With somewhat of a Tex-Mex thing going on Red Drum will add a flair to your night. Serving up excellent culinary masterpieces such as lamb shank, fresh seafood, and enchilada appetizers this elegant restaurant is sure to knock your socks off. Note that Red Drum is considered fine dining and we suggest calling in advance to book a reservation.

803 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 / (843) 849-0313 / sunday brunch, dinner (closed Mondays)

Mozzo: This deli is a must when visiting the Charleston area. With a huge selection of artisan sandwiches, pasta salads, cole slaws, and desserts, it can be easy to go overboard when dining at Mozzo. They’re a deli that definitely knows what they’re doing. Some of our favorite sandwiches include the Roma, The Godfather, Fusion, Dig the Fig, and Fat Boy.

730 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 / (843) 388-5755 / breakfast, lunch

Some other Mount Pleasant restaurants that we love include Opal, Langdon’s, Jacob’s Kitchen, Basil, Next Door, Sette, and Uno Mas (great margaritas).

Have you ever been to Mount Pleasant? What’s your favorite restaurant in the area?