Charleston Fashion Week is a five night multimedia event celebrating design and retail. Come catch the action under the tents in Marion Square. The event showcases more than 30 runway shows, live entertainment, celebrity designers, rock and of course the popular Runway Modeling Competition.

Project Runway’s finalist Carol Hannah Whitfield and Mychael Knight will both be debuting collections. Other CFW alum, featured designers, and celebrity judges to return to the tents in Marion Square this spring include: designer Cynthia Rowley, ELLE magazine’s Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, Project Runway’s Gordana Gehlhausen,and 2009 Emerging Designer Competition winner Marysia Reeves, whose Spring/Summer 2010 line has been picked up by Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.

Set for March 16-20, the highly anticipated five-night multimedia event
celebrates the regions flourishing design and retail communities.

The premier fashion event also includes the first annual Rock the Runway competition in which the top models compete to win a fashion spread, modeling contract, and the opportunity to appear before the top modeling scouts in the country. With a cast of celebrity designers in attendance, live entertainment, chic after parties, on-site shopping in the Style Lounge, more than 30 retail runway shows, plus an afternoon of Bridal Couture, Charleston Fashion Week® is ready to prove why “Glam Rocks!” for 2010.

Named a Top 20 Event for March by the Southeast Tourism Society, Charleston Fashion Week will also feature the Style Lounge, the Catwalk for Kids auction and luncheon and the Bridal Couture Show. I also have to point out one special event that sounds like a lot of fun, at least for spectators is the Stiletto Stampede – a wacky 100 yard dash in high heels, this is a sight you don’t want to miss!

Call Etix at 1800-514-ETIX or visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com. for more information.

Read our previous post about Charleston Fashion Week

In Old Santee Canal Park it’s again time for the 11th Annual Shuckin’ in the Park Oyster Roast on Saturday March 13, 2010 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
There will be lots of fun for the whole family. Enjoy oysters, food tickets can be purchased inside the gate.
But great food  is not the only thing offered, you can also enjoy live music. The Custom 4+2 Band will be performing featuring beach music, oldies and popular music.

There is also fun activities for the children, including a jump castle. The fee is $5.00

The Old Santee Canal Park is located in Moncks Corner, SC.
Click here for directions.
For more information, visit Old Santee Canal Park website

Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Gates Open
at 7pm. Live music begins at 8pm. On Saturday, March 13, 2010, the band 17 South is performing. 17 South’s music range from Motown, Beach cover tunes, and R&B.

Only 800 tickets will be sold, no advance purchase. But tickets ($10 per person) will be available for purchase at the Pier shop beginning at 4pm on the day of each event.

For more information, visit www.ccprc.com

At the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival you get an opportunity to sample and learn about Southern cuisine as well as Lowcountry cuisine. The Lowcountry refers to the low-lying coastal region stretching from Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia. This area is known for its regional cooking style that evolved from a multitude of influences from early settlers. The English, French, Spanish, Irish, Italians, Africans, and Caribbean Islanders settled across the South beginning over three centuries ago and they brought influences from their native lands. This created what we know refer to as Lowcountry cuisine.

“The goal for our fifth year anniversary was to expand our events beyond the downtown area,” said Executive Director, Angel Postell. “Guests will have the opportunity to see one of America’s oldest landscaped gardens at Middleton Plantation, enjoy the city skyline from the new waterfront park in neighboring Mt. Pleasant, and take a culinary journey through Wadmalaw Island.”

Thursday March 4, 2010
Wine Pairing Luncheon and Opening Night
Start the weekend off early with a new event on this years’ schedule, The Perfect Pairing Winemaker Luncheons. Already on Thursday afternoon, two of Charleston’s premier downtown restaurants, MUSE and 82 Queen, will host a three-course lunch paired with carefully selected wines. Here wine professionals share the art of pairing wines with food in a casual setting.

The Food and Wine Festival goes into full swing at the Opening Night Party with Salute to Charleston Chefs, on Thursday, March 4, from 7-10 pm. This soiree features 19+ local culinary icons serving small plates from their restaurant specialties, as well as a sampling of wines from across the country. The Opening Night Party will be a foodie’s delight, with interactive food stations, followed by the sounds of The Quentin Baxter Jazz Septets. This celebration will feature hand-rolled cigars, a cabana lounge with a silent auction, and black-and-white contemporary décor.

Friday March 5, 2010
Tea, Wine, Vegetables and Gullah Traditions
On Friday March 5, the Wadmalaw Farm-to-Table Excursion will begin at the Charleston Tea Plantation where travelers will enjoy a tour and farm-to-table luncheon made from vegetables from Wadmalaw Island. Guests will then travel on to Irvin-House Vineyards, the only domestic winery in Charleston, South Carolina, where they will stroll through the vineyards and have a private tasting with the owner. The final stop is Thackery Farms, where local farmers will give guests a tour of their fields, share insight about organic farming and their relationship with local restaurants.

On Friday afternoon the Gullah community is honored with a Gullah Tribute Luncheon in Marion Square Park. This special fifth year anniversary gathering, from 12-2 pm, will recognize the Gullah culture that began with the migration of African slaves to the Sea Islands of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Coming from different regions of Africa, they brought with them their languages, cultures, traditions and cuisines, and these creolized into one form known as Gullah, which has been integral to the Lowcountry ever since. During the luncheon, the best local and regional Gullah cooks will partner with national chefs to create a menu that pays homage to traditional Gullah fare. Guests will have the opportunity to taste and learn about this indigenous cuisine from the cooks themselves, while they enjoy Southern-style cocktails and beverages, live entertainers, and more.

The Culinary Village
On Friday afternoon, the Culinary Village + Grand Tasting Tents, will officially open its doors. The culinary village is the heart and soul of the festival, and a visit is an absolute must. The village will feature two exclusive Grand Tasting Tents, each highlighting delectable cuisine, wine, and spirits from across the country, an SCE&G Celebrity Kitchen Demonstration Tent, Charleston Cooks! Book Signing Tent, Certified Angus Beef & Piggly Wiggly Outdoor Living + Grilling Area, a BB&T Hospitality Tent and live musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday. This year’s FedEx Grand Tasting Tents are set to be the best yet, with guests benefiting from fewer tickets sold per session, the “Taste of the Festival” Signature Charity Tent and one-on-one interaction with esteemed chefs and beverage professionals.

Wine Around The Garden
There’s also an opportunity to explore beyond the downtown area and venture beyond Marion Square during the “Wine” Around the Garden” event at Middleton Place. Here you can stroll through the historic, charming gardens of Middleton Place, America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Old world meets new as winemakers of the modern era pour varietals reflective of European wine-making traditions. Wine professionals will be stationed at designated locations throughout the gardens. Guests will finish their stimulating tour with a spread of farm-to-table dishes from local chefs.

Restaurant Dine-Around
The evening comes to an end at one of most relished events throughout the Festival weekend, the Restaurant Dine-Arounds. Treat your taste buds to a luscious once-in-a-lifetime culinary indulgence at one Charleston’s eighteen finest restaurants- Ben Berryhill’s Red Drum, Carolina’s, Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Cypress Lowcountry Grill, FIG, Fish, Hominy Grill, High Cotton, Introdaqua, Lana, Magnolias, McCrady’s, Monza, Oak Steakhouse, Peninsula Grill, Slightly North of Broad and Tristan- many known for their 4-star reviews and James Beard Award winning talent. In the ambience of these restaurants each local chef will unite with a national chef to create a unique five-course meal that partners the culinary styles of each chef for a menu unlike any other, highlighted by wines carefully selected by a winemaker to enhance your dining experience.

Saturday March 6, 2010
Iron Chef Competition at the Village
On Saturday, March 6, it’s time for the ever popular Iron-Chef style Cooking Competitions, starting at 12 pm at the culinary village. It’s a competition where local culinary chefs face off against national chefs in a fierce Iron Chef cooking contest. Members of the audience decide the winner. The Season Five Next Food Network Star Runner-up, Jeffrey Saad, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and a special fifth anniversary grand finale surprise will leave audience members on a high note.

Winemaker and Celebrity Authors Receptions
For the first time in the history of the festival, the Winemaker Receptions in Private Homes also goes to sea.
Guest can enjoy the Charleston’s unique architecture by visiting one of the historical downtown homes or view the city skyline as they dock-hop aboard private yachts. Each location will be hosted by a wine professional pouring samples of wines and a local chef or caterer serving creative small plates.

New for this year is the Celebrity Authors Reception, taking place from 4-6 pm on Saturday. Join the Festival’s featured guest authors in a private residence and garden in historical downtown Charleston for wine, and hors d’ oeuvres from MUSE restaurant.

Food and Wine with Daniel Boulud
The most exclusive event of the Festival weekend is: Food + Wine with a View: A Night with Daniel Boulud. This event brings sixty privileged guests together for the ULTIMATE dinner, set in a private penthouse downtown. The city skyline is breathtaking as the stellar talent of the one of the nation’s top chefs/restaurateurs, Daniel Boulud, of famed Daniel, are presented to create an intimate five-course dinner matched with the finest wines in the world.

Bubbles and Sweets!
Saturday night will come to a sweet finish as Marion Square is transformed into Bubbles & Sweets…with a Twist, sponsored by The Art Institute of Charleston and Charleston Magazine. This soiree is sure to be the hottest of the weekend with oases of delightful confections created by top local and celebrated pastry chefs, sparkling and dessert wines, and–new to the event–guest bartenders pouring their signature cocktail creations! Four mixology bars, a bubble bar, a ”candylicious” theme, and music are sure to make this event the talk of the town.

From Gullah Gospel to BBQ, Blues and Brew
Sunday morning, March 7, brings the Lowcountry Gospel Brunch, at 11am to the Holy City. The sounds of Gullah Gospel Ensemble fill the air as some of Charleston’s top restaurants and caterers serve the best brunch in town. A special blessing will welcome guests as traditional cocktails are served along with a three-course menu of miraculous adaptations of a true Lowcountry brunch.

The grand finale of the weekend, BBQ, Blues & Brew, from 5-8 pm, is a local’s favorite way to end the weekend. Top southern pit masters and “que” professionals serve a variety of barbeque favorites–whole hog, brisket, ribs, shoulder and chicken alongside all the fixin’s. The Blue Dogs are back to rock the main tent as guests enjoy cold libations and a true Southern celebration while seated at community tables. Our special Fifth Year Anniversary celebration will include the return of the pitmaster’s rigs!

For the entire event schedule, more information or tickets to the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival, please visit the web site, www.charlestonwineandfood.com or call (843) 727-9998 ext. 4.

The evening will begin with Megan Westmeyer, the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sustainable Seafood Coordinator, who will provide information on fisheries, seafood sustainability, as well as useful tips on how to buy fresh fish.

This is not your traditional seated dinner, instead there are  six sustainable seafood stations, and food can be paired with an organic and sustainable wine. To set the right atmosphere there will be roaring fires inside and out, and music by Charleston-based singer and blues rock guitarist Graham Whorley.

Dinner reservations are $45 per person in advance (all inclusive) or $50 per person at the door (based on availability), and this is really not a bad deal if you consider what you get for the money. Just take a look at the menu below.

At the six stations, you can enjoy:

• Station 1: seared scallops with coined fingerling potatoes, caramelized onions, crispy lardons  and a balsamic-cherry glaze paired with a Mommessin Pinot Noir
• Station 2: oysters on the half with Boursin cheese, teardrop tomatoes and micro arugula paired with a Chateau Recougne Blanc
• Station 3: benne seared yellowfin tuna with pineapple-basil chutney over wild rice paired with a Bishop’s Peak Pinot Noir ‘07
• Station 4: Prince Edward Island mussels with country ham cracklin’s and scallions in a coconut-saffron broth paired with a Chateau de la Muscadet ‘07
• Station 5: buttery local shrimp with southern succotash and white truffle corn puree paired with a Villa Wolf Gris ‘07
• Station 6: yellowfin tuna tartar with wasabi aioli, crisp taro root and a citrus soy drizzle paired with a L.D. Petit Chablis

A portion of the proceeds from the dinner will benefit the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sustainable Seafood Initiative. Space for the event is limited. For reservations, contact Middleton Place Plantation at (843) 266-7477 or purchase online at MiddletonPlace.org.

After months of anticipation and planning, Charleston Fashion Week® proudly announces the schedule of events and runway show participants for the fourth annual event “Glam Rocks!” March 16-20, 2010. Hailed by industry leaders as the next Bryant Park, Charleston magazine has confirmed that among the list of this year’s highlights, Project Runway’s finalist Carol Hannah Whitfield and Mychael Knight will both be debuting collections. Other CFW alum, featured designers, and celebrity judges to return to the tents in Marion Square this spring include: designer Cynthia Rowley, ELLE magazine’s Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, Project Runway’s Gordana Gehlhausen, and 2009 Emerging Designer Competition winner Marysia Reeves, whose Spring/Summer 2010 line has been picked up by Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.

The premier fashion event tucked in historic Charleston, SC, will also include the 1st annual Rock the Runway competition in which the top models will strut their stuff to win a fashion spread, modeling contract, and the opportunity to appear before the top modeling scouts in the country. With a cast of celebrity designers in attendance, live entertainment, chic after parties, on-site shopping in the Style Lounge, more than 30 retail runway shows, plus an afternoon of Bridal Couture, Charleston Fashion Week® is ready to prove why “Glam Rocks!” for 2010. Charitable partners for the week long fashion extravaganza proudly include: MUSC Children’s Hospital, The Center for Women, and Lowcountry AIDS Services. To catch all the action and drama of the 2010 Emerging Designer Competition LIVE and check out the latest looks in stores for spring 2010, visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com and purchase your tickets soon. Named a Top 20 Event for March by the Southeast Tourism Society, a guaranteed seat at this event could possibly be one of the hottest tickets of the year!

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is traditionally held in the weekend before President’s Day. The popular event attracts over 35,000 attendees to Charleston, South Carolina. During the event attendees get the opportunity to enjoy world-class original art, a wide variety exhibits and presentations.

For more information, tickets and detailed schedule, visit www.sewe.com or call 843-723-1748.

This festival is produced by Theatre 99 and the Charleston City Paper.
Several artists are slated to perform in this year’s festival, including Cook County Social Club, an improv and sketch comedy group from Chicago that played to packed houses in 2009. Cook County will team up with The Dangerous Strangers of Cabaret Kiki, the band behind Charleston’s favorite burlesque show who will reunite for a one-night only performance.

Another Comedy festival favorite is Elephant Larry, an NYC sketch comedy troupe who debuted at the Comedy Fest in 2006 and returned for that year’s Piccolo Fringe Festival in May. The Uprights Citizen Brigade Touring Company makes its semi-annual performance with Pangea 3000, a four-man sketch comedy group comprised of writers and contributors to The Onion, and Sidecar, a group that will perform a compilation of their greatest sketches.

Many stand-up comedians will be taking the stage during the festival. Kenny Zimlinghaus, a former 96Wave deejay who is now on Cosmo Radio on XM and Sirius, will return to perform and emcee the annual Charleston Stand-Up Competition.

Venues for the festival this year include Theatre 99 (280 Meeting St. above the Bicycle Shoppe), The American Theater and Stars Bar (446 King St.), Charleston Ballet Theatre (477 King St.), Trio Club
(139 Calhoun St.), the Music Farm (32 Ann St.), and Eye Level Art 103 Gallery (103 Spring St.). The festival has expanded to the suburbs with two new venues: the Charleston Pour House on James Island (1977 Maybank Hwy.) and Centre Pointe Bar & Grill in North Charleston (4950 Centre Pointe Dr.)

Ticket prices range from $5 – $20 and are available at www.charlestoncomedyfestival.com or by calling Etix at 1-800-514-ETIX. Tickets will be sold at Theatre 99 (280 Meeting St.) the week of the festival.

The Greater Charleston Restaurant Association is hosting the Lowcountry Oyster Festival’s on the grounds of historic Boone Hall Plantation on Sunday, January 31st. This festival is an oyster-lover’s dream. About 65,000 pounds of oysters will arrive at Boone Hall Plantation to be served at the festival. Highlights of Sunday’s “rain or shine” event include the famous “Oyster Shucking & Eating Contest”, live bands on the Main Stage and a Kids Corner complete with pony rides and jump castles.

The city has an impressive culinary scene worthy of showcasing, so we think it’s a great idea. Those who participate will have an opportunity to sample special discounted dinner menus from over 30 participating Charleston area restaurants, ranging from casual to fine dining.

Tickets are not required; however, reservations are strongly advised. For more information and list of participating restaurants, please visit www.restaurantweekcharleston.com.

On the main stage – entertainment from drumming to sing-a-longs and at 8:00 pm the headliner “Total Package” takes the stage.
Fireworks at 10:15 pm!!

Kidsfest Under the Tent
There’s a special tent at Marion Square for kids with everything from face painting, arts and crafts, balloon art and sing-a-longs.

At 4:50 pm a bagpiper will lead the way to the Second Presbyterian church for free concerts. At 5:00 pm there’s a special concert for kids called “The Velveteen Rabbit”

• 6:30 pm Baroque Splendor: music of Bach, Handel, Vivaldi
• 8:00 pm Chamber Music of Charleston
• 9:00 pm, Brass Concert performed by Charles Towne Brass with Julia Harlow

This event is presented by the City of Charleston.
The concerts take place at Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting Street.
For more information call (843) 724-7305

Crazy quilts are characterized by the use of lavish fabrics such as velvets, satins, and silks, as well as commemorative pieces, symbols, and needlework embellishments.

“Crazy quilts were not unlike modern day scrapbooks,” notes curator of textiles Jan Hiester. “They were highly personalized, marked special moments in the maker’s life, and preserved memories.”

Crazy quilts were comprised of an array of colors, elaborate embroidery, and were usually fairly small and decorative rather than functional. Oddly shaped scraps sewn to a foundation fabric with diverse stitches are the basics of crazy quilt manufacture. The random, irregular shapes throughout the quilts are “crazed” to resemble
cracked ice and crackled Japanese and Chinese ceramics popular with Victorians. Crazy quilts were also known as kaleidoscope and Japanese patchwork.

For more information about the Crazy Quilt exhibit, please visit www.charlestonmuseum.org or call 722-2996.

The Charleston Museum will offer special programming in conjunction with the crazy quilt exhibit. Quilters and non-quilters alike can explore the basics of crazy quilting with Museum staff during a one-day workshop. For a twist on crazy quilting, the Museum will partner with Blue Heron Glass once again for a fused glass workshop. Program details will be available at the beginning of the year. Please visit www.charlestonmuseum.org for more information.

Photos courtesy of The Charleston Museum, Charleston, SC.

Sat. Dec. 5, 2009 from 4:30-6:30p.m.
Marion Square, Calhoun & King Streets
Admission is free!

COCO VIVO Fine Art & Design will highlight a special art show featuring the work of plein air artist Roger Milinowski of Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Hamlet Fine Art Gallery will feature new paintings by Stephanie Shuler Hamlet, Kellie Jacobs and Melinda Lewin of St. Simons Island. The mother and daughters spent a week recently at St. Simon painting on site or en plein air with renown pastel artist, Albert Handell from Santa Fe, also featuring new copper frogs by Charles and Zan Smith.

Edward Dare Gallery will be featuring new work by Beth McLean during the month of December. The gallery will also be showcasing new pottery tableware and garden accessories for the holidays.
The Spencer Art Gallery at 55 Broad street will be hosting a reception for an exhibit of new art works by Marlene Rosenthal entitled “Charleston Shadows” and The Spencer Art Gallery at 57 Broad Street will be hosting a reception for Anne Thames exhibit entitled “New Works”.
Mary Martin will be hosting a workshop for Randall LaGro on Dec 1,2,& 3rd. LaGro is known for his intuitive poetic expressionism.

Participating merchants for Historic Broad Street on December 4th, 2009 from 5 pm – 8pm.include: Ellis-Nicholson Gallery, Hamlet Fine Art, Edward Dare Gallery, COCO VIVO, Mary Martin Fine Art, UTOPIA, Atmah Ja’s, Spencer Galleries, Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art, Martin Gallery, SCOOP Studios, Jake’s, Blind Tiger and the Oak Steak House.

For information please contact Charlestongalleryrow.com or for questions, please call Stephanie Hamlet at 843-722-1944.

The name Secessionville did not come from the secession of South Carolina, but for an earlier attempt of some plantation owners to rebel.

The re-enactment, serves to remind visitors about this pivotal battle and to honor the lives lost. Proceeds from the battle re-enactment go to preservation efforts for the H.L. Hunley submarine and other projects initiated by the Confederate Heritage Trust.

Living History Weekend is also known as a fun and educational experience for families as Boone Hall Plantation is transformed into the color and lifestyle of the antebellum era.

The Re-enactment of The Battle Of Secessionville
Sat. Nov. 14, 2009 – 3PM
Sun. Nov. 15, 2009 – 2PM

Click here for a discount coupon on admission.  At the bottom right of the webpage there is a coupon for $5.00 off admission for this event.

TICKETS TO THE RE-ENACTMENT ARE REGULAR ADMISSION PRICES TO BOONE HALL PLANTATION
Regular Adult Admission – $17.50

Schedule of Events

Friday, November 13, 2009

9am-3pm   School Day Presentation

Saturday, November 14, 2009

8:30 am      Parade / Colors

9:00 am      Infantry Drill – Drill Field

9am-Noon  Black Confederate – Oak Tree

9:30 am      Medical Presentation – Confederate Camp

10:00 am    Provost Presentation – Oak Tree

10:00 am    Officers Call – Fort Lamar

10:30 am    Infantry Demonstration – Oak Tree

11:00 am    Confederate Army stacks arms on Sutler Row

11:30 am    2:00 pm – Black Oak Ladies Feed the Troops

12:30 pm    Confederate Army leaves Sutler Row

12:30 pm    Federal Army leaves Camp for Sutler Row

12:30 pm    Ladies Dress Presentation – Wall in front of mansion

1:30 pm      Weapons inspection – Confederate Camp

2:00 pm      Federal Army falls in for Weapons Inspection – Sutler Row

3:00 pm     Battle of Secessionville

4:00 pm     Armies pass in Review – Battlefield

6:00 pm     Camps close to public

Sunday, November 15, 2009

8:30 am      Parade / Colors / Change of Command Ceremony

9am-Noon  Black Confederate – Oak Tree

9:30 am      Medical Presentation – Confederate Camp

10:00 am    Provost Demonstration – Oak Tree

10:30 am    Infantry Demonstration – Oak Tree

11:00 am    Church Services – Front Porch of Mansion

11:00 am    Ladies Dress Presentation – Oak Tree

12:30 pm    Federal Army Weapons Inspection – Avenue Of Oaks

12:30 pm    Weapons Inspection – Confederate Camp

2:00 pm     Battle of Secessionville

3:00 pm     Armies pass in Review – Battlefield

But the Festival of Lights is more than a driving tour. Make sure to park the car and experience the other holiday attractions. This event is sure to be a hit with the younger crowd.

Santa’s Village

Take an evening walk through Santa’s Village to see the meticulously crafted holiday sand sculpture. This sculpture has been constructed by hand with 50-tons of sand. Pretty impressive! You also don’t want to miss the amazing gingerbread house competition.

The aroma of coffee, cookies and fudge fill the air, you’re just going to have to stop by Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. After all, it is the holiday season, and isn’t that the time of year when parents are nice? You can also make s’mores at the marshmallow roasting pits, take a snapshot with Santa and then hop aboard the train for an up-close look at the light displays.

Winter Wonderland

In Winter Wonderland there is a traditional 18-animal carousel ride. Also, take a look at the beautiful gigantic 4-by-8 foot holiday cards designed by local school students.

20 Nights of Celebrating 20 Years

This is a special 20th Anniversary series of activities featuring a variety of events and live entertainers during the first 20 days of December. Kick off takes place on December 1 with the Tree-Lighting ceremony. The rest of the schedule is listed below.

December 1
Mrs. Claus Storytelling 6pm-9pm

December 2
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.
Santa Paws Bring your favorite furry friend to have a photo taken with Santa Claus.
6pm – 8:00pm & 8:20pm – 9:30pm.

December 3
Outdoor Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Grab a chair and a warm blanket to see one of your favorite holiday flicks.
6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm at Winter Wonderland.

December 4
The Cooper School Choir featuring The Hungry Monks
7pm-9pm

December 5
The Palmetto Bronze Handbell Choir
7pm-9pm

December 6
The Hungry Monks
7pm-9pm

December 7
Lowcountry Power Brass
7pm-9pm
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of theLowcountry.

December 8
Franklin Hodge and Band
6pm-9pm

December 9
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.
Santa Paws Photo Sessions 6pm – 8:00pm & 8:20pm – 9:30pm.

December 10
Outdoor Movie: A Christmas Story
6pm and 8pm at Winter Wonderland.

December 11
Mrs. Claus Storytelling
6pm-9pm

December 12
Lowcountry Power Brass

7pm-9pm

December 13
Franklin Hodge and Band
6pm-9pm

December 14
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.

December 15
Franklin Hodge and Band
6pm-9pm

December 16
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.

Santa Paws photo sessions
6pm – 8:00pm & 8:20pm – 9:30pm.

December 17
Outdoor Movie: The Polar Express
6pm and 8pm at Winter Wonderland.

December 18
Lowcountry Power Brass
7pm-9pm

December 19
The Hungry Monks
7pm-9pm

December 20
Mrs. Claus Storytelling
6pm-9pm

Don’t forget to comment on the video! Just scroll down the page below the video for the comment form. Thanks!

We produce three different shows every week, one for each state. To find out more about the show, visit the weekly show page.

Come on down from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and lend your ears to foot-stompin’, live blue-grass music from five local bluegrass bands. There is plenty of fun things to do for the whole family from hay rides, a stick pony corral, pumpkin decorating, penny diving, lasso demonstrations, and scarecrow making contests. Feast on finger-lickin’ Carolina barbeque, turkey legs, roasted corn on the cob, kettle korn, and creamy stone-ground grits.

Admission is $5 per person. Kids 12 and under and Annual Gold Pass holders are admitted free. For more information, please call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

“It’s an honor to continue ranking so highly among the most notable destinations in the U.S.,” said Frank Fredericks, Marketing Chairman of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This designation shows that our visitors continue to be extremely pleased with their experience in Charleston. Whether their primary interest is culinary, heritage, culture, or recreation, the Charleston area offers a multitude of reasons to visit – and to keep coming back.”

In other local rankings, Kiawah Island was lauded as the No. 1 island in North America, while The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort took home top honors as No. 1 resort in the mainland U.S.

A number of the top 100 hotels in the U.S. are located in the Charleston area. Properties honored include: Charleston Place Hotel, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Market Pavilion Hotel, John Rutledge House Inn, French Quarter Inn and Planters Inn.

Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. stated, “Charleston is a distinctive destination, offering history, architecture, the arts, incomparable food, beautiful hotels and inns and unique recreation opportunities. I consistently hear from visitors that Charleston is their favorite place to visit and repeat visits seem to be the norm. Our human scale architecture combined with the natural environment of rivers, marsh and ocean offer a level of comfort and ease which we love to share. We are honored to have been at the top of the travel list for so many years.”

Condé Nast Traveler, whose credo is “Truth in Travel,” is a monthly publication that caters to the experienced, discerning and frequent traveler. Condé Nast Traveler’s correspondents, as far as possible, travel anonymously. The magazine has an audience of 3.1 million. For more information and details on this year’s Readers Choice Awards visit http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/.

Here you will find anything that a child would want at a festival including climbing wall, inflatables, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, clowns and more.

There will also be special performances by local dance and gymnastics academies, karate schools and cheerleading squads. But wait, there’s more. Also unicyclist and juggler Mark Lippard, King of Kazoo Rick Hubbard, and Roarks Reptiles will participate.
Kids always have a great time at the Mount Pleasant Children’s Day Festival, and parents like the fact that admission and parking are free.

Concessions will be available for sale, with proceeds benefiting participating local East Cooper schools. The theme of this year’s festival is “Space and the anniversary of Man’s First Walk on the Moon.”

For more information, please contact Su McManus-Frost at 843-884-8517 or visit the website at www.townofmountpleasant.com.

(Watch the video from The Disney Train in Jacksonville now!)

The Disney train features four custom-designed vintage rail cars with interactive entertainment. At each train stop along the way, a 3D Theatre will be set up, where visitors can get a sneak peek of the movie and see other exclusive behind-the-scenes materials from the movie. There are authentic artifacts on loan from the Charles Dickens Museum of London, artwork, costumes and props from the film. The capture technology used for the movie will also be demonstrated, and you will even get the opportunity to have your face morph into one of the film’s characters. This family event is for guests of all ages and is free to the public.

Pulling Out All the Stops
The train will make 40 stops in 36 states, as it travels its way across more than 16,000 miles of track. Amtrak locomotives and engineers will lead the four-car Train Tour (plus a private car), across the US, with stops ranging from 1-3 days along the way. Each train station will be themed with holiday decorations, and feature artwork from the film, Christmas Carolers, fun activities for the entire family, and snow!

The grand finale of the train tour takes place at New York’s Grand Central Terminal over the weekend of October 30th through November 1st.
At every tour stop, Radio Disney will invite kids to enter for a chance to become a Movie Surfer representing their hometown. Each Hometown Movie Surfer will get a chance to appear on Disney Channel by filming their very own Movie Surfer’s segment, and receive a prize package of exclusive Movie Surfer and “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” gear. ABC television stations across the country will run local promotions. At each stop, visitors will have the chance to win an HP TouchSmart PC and an HP Photosmart wireless printer.

Starring Jim Carrey and directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” opens in theatres November 6 in Disney Digital 3D™ and in IMAX 3D®.

Coastal Train Tour
The first stop on the coast is at the Amtrak Station in Savannah on Tuesday October 13, 2009. Then the train continues to Miami and comes back up to its next stop in our area, Jacksonville. It will be at the Amtrak Station in Jacksonville on Tuesday October 20, 2009. Then the Disney train heads north to Charleston, SC, where it will make a stop at Ansonborough Field, Friday October 23rd – Sunday October 25th, 2009.

Below is the schedule:

SAVANNAH
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13
9 AM – 7 PM
Savannah Amtrak Station
2611 Seaboard Coastline Dr
Savannah GA 31415

JACKSONVILLE
OCTOBER 20, 2009
Jacksonville Amtrak Station
3570 Clifford Lane
Jacksonville FL 32209

CHARLESTON
Saturday, October 24, 9 AM – 7 PM
Sunday, October 25, 9 AM – 4 PM
Ansonborough Field
Between Concord & Washington Streets Charleston SC 29401

Read more about Halloween in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston Oktoberfest also has authentic German dancers performing, a big selection of German beers and a wide variety of delicious food. Come early, because the first 1000 festival attendees will receive a free commemorative beer stein.

Blackbaud Stadium will be transformed into an authentic Bavarian-style beer hall for the festival with big tents and beer trestle-tables. The main beer vendors will be placed on the concourse. Oktoberfesters are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn-chairs.
This Oktoberfest is organized by Charleston Battery, and they have remembered the children as well. Kid’s activities include mini-soccer games on the stadium field, a Mountain Slide, an inflatable combination game, a Hot-Shot Power-Kick game and a jump castle. Charleston Oktoberfest will benefit a local charity with a portion of the proceeds going to Live 5 News’ Debi’s Kids and The Salvation Army Angel Tree.

The 2009 Oktoberfest Corporate Challenge, the German Cup, will take place with local teams competing in tug-o-war, barrel races, three-legged races and bratwurst eating competitions. This sounds like great entertainment!

Tickets to Charleston Oktoberfest 2009 are only $5 in advance ($7 day of event) and can be purchased at the Blackbaud Stadium box office or by calling (843) 971-4625 (843) 971-4625, tickets are also available online at www.charlestonbattery.com. There is no charge for parking; for more information or for directions to Blackbaud Stadium call 971-4625 or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

Charleston Oktoberfest is presented by The Charleston Battery with additional support from 95 SX, The Wolf 96.9 and WTMA 1250.

Reggae Infinity was formed in 1996 in Columbia, SC and consists of four members who hail from all around the Caribbean islands. They have four upcoming events in October alone including their stop in North Charleston for Reggae Nights. They have recorded a number of original songs with a strong spiritual foundation and are appropriate for all age groups.

The gates open at 7:30 pm and music starts at 8:30 pm. Admission is $8.00 or 5 books of Greenbax. Children 12 and under enjoy free admission. Annual Gold Passes will be honored.

For more information and detailed schedules and locations visit www.ccprc.com or call 843-795-4Fun.