Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Ghost Tours in Beaufort, South Carolina

by

Costumed storytellers spellbind tour participants with tales of ghostly happenings in some of Beaufort’s oldest residences located in the historic district and beyond. The oldest ghost in America is said to live in the Castle, a 19th century renovated estate currently on the market. Ghostly visions have been known to appear on past tours which take about 45 minutes to one hour.
Tickets are $10 for the walk and for children (3-11) on the carriages and $18 for adult carriage rides.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Some of Beaufort’s oldest residents have shared stories from their childhood. This event, now in its fourteenth year, attracts hundreds of participants from around the county.

Call 843-52GHOST (524-4678) for reservations or information.
Mastercard and Visa are accepted.
All proceeds will benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Association of Beaufort County.
Evening tours by carriage or walk are available by reservation.

Garden Festival at Middleton Place – Charleston, SC

by

The Garden Festival at Middleton Place is an action-packed garden festival popular with the garden enthusiast. Magnificent gardens, visionary speakers, festival market, food & wine market, music concert, community wide flower – sculpture – photography & event planning competitions, a children’s fantasy area and thousands of guests are what make the Charleston Garden Festival one of the most anticipated and must-see events of the year.

A Variety of Events for the Garden Enthusiast
Visionary speakers will appear for panel discussions, presentations and main stage speaking events. Landscape designers will create unique and innovative themed exhibit gardens. Enjoy gardening demonstrations, horticultural tours of Middleton Place gardens and selected Charleston city gardens, and family-oriented activities including a children’s fantasy area. A new component to CGF this year is The Middleton Masters, competitions spanning all skill sets in the garden, designed to inspire a budding creative genius.

Shop the Festival Market

The Festival Market will feature diverse local and national businesses displaying and selling eco-friendly, fair trade and sustainable products. CGF’s guests are encouraged to stay all day and picnic on The Middleton Place Greensward listening to afternoon concerts. The finest food vendors who are members of Slow Food USA, Lowcountry Local First and the Certified South Carolina Fresh will be catering to guests all day. Organic beer and wine will also be available to make your experience at Middleton Place truly memorable.

October 17 – 19, 2008
Hours of Operation: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
General Admission: $15 in advance / $20 at the gate
Three Day Pass: $30 in advance / $40 at the gate
Children’s Ticket: $5 (ages 6-15, 5 & under free)
Group Discount (15 or more): Call (843) 556-6020

Charleston Farmers Market

by

The best place to buy fresh produce is at the Farmers market. Each Saturday in Charleston, come to Marion Square to enjoy a variety of fresh local produce, crafts, entertainment, and food and drink.

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents the annual 2008 Charleston Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market comes to life each Saturday morning and offers an abundance of the freshest local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers. While Strolling the Charleston Farmer’s Market, a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch may be had while enjoying a variety of live entertainment.The Farmer’s Market offers an amazing assortment of juried arts and crafts, providing the best selection from the most talented local artisans. Admission Free.
04/19/2008 – 11/29/2008

The Charleston Farmers Market is held at Marion Square
Call 843-724-7305 or visit the website for more info.

Halloween Hike with SkyLaser Show – Savannah, GA

by

Take a hike through Oatland’s “Friendly Forest” with your little trick-or-treater. Along the way, meet some friendly critters and collect tasty treats. Put on your costume and enjoy this family friendly event. Other activities include face painting, hay rides and crafts. Treat bags are provided!

Oatland Island Wildlife Center is proud to present the all new SkyLase Laser Show.

This incredible experience features laser lights and images that play in time to Halloween Music. Showtimes will run throughout the Halloween Hike event so check the schedule when you arrive for exact times. This exciting show is not to be missed!

Fri. Oct 24 and Sat. Oct 25, 2008
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$5.00 Adults
$7.00 Children receiving a trick or treat bag
Call (912) 898-3980

St Vincent’s Annual Tour of Homes and Tea – Savannah, Georgia

by

St. Vincent’s Academy is again hosting this popular self-guided tour of the original 1845 Convent building and eight private homes in Savannah’s Historic District.

This year’s tour of homes promises to be a fascinating look inside nine residences in Savannah’s Historic District. Some of the homes reflect their 19th century origin in architectural style, interiors and furnishings, while others offer an exciting contemporary approach to downtown living.

Certainly, the centerpiece of Savannah’s only fall tour of homes is the elegant tea which will be served on the grounds of the Convent. Academy students will serve a delicate repast of tea, homemade confections and traditional tea sandwiches.

St. Vincent’s has enjoyed an enduring relationship with St. Joseph’s since 1875, when the Sisters of Mercy established St. Joseph’s Hospital in downtown Savannah. Proceeds from the Tour & Tea benefit the preservation and restoration of the historic Convent.

Come see for yourself why native Savannahians and out-of-towners alike say this annual fall event is “the best tour in Savannah.”

Tour Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 18, 2008 only

Tickets: $40 per person (includes Tea at the Convent) plus handling charge for online and phone orders. Call (912) 819-7780 for reservations and tickets or visit St Vincents Tour of Homes and Tea website