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Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Waterparks in Charleston, SC

June 18, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

Adding on to the park’s two additional extra value days – Military Mondays and Two For Tuesdays – Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark is now introducing Tropical Thursdays to the mix of the waterpark’s discounted admission days. With the slogan that “it’s 3 o’clock somewhere,” the waterpark will now offer its after 3:00 p.m. reduced rates all day every Thursday.

Regularly, attendees who enter Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays receive a discounted rate of $10.99 per person ($9 off the general admission price for adults). Now, park-goers can enjoy the after 3:00 p.m. pricing all day on Thursdays. On this new value day dubbed “Tropical Thursdays,” the water park will also undergo a tropical transformation as island-style music fills the air, staff wear Hawaiian attire, and the park’s food and drink also go tropical. The Calypso Kitchen will serve island and Caribbean-style foods, with a rotating menu featuring items such as sweet potato fries, Mojo burgers, Hawaiian pizza, Cuban sandwiches and jerk chicken wraps. Park-goers will also be able to purchase a variety of fruity, non-alcoholic drinks.

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark is located in North Charleston at Wannamaker County Park. The largest water-park in the Charleston area, Whirlin’ Waters features unique activities for all ages – from curious little ones to thrill-seeking adults. Young children enjoy hours of fun at Otter Bay, a kiddie pool area with a six-lane racer slide, and Lily Pad Lagoon, a toddler play section with a shallow pool and spray geysers. The Big Splash Tree House is great for all ages and features racer slides, sprays, tons of interactive play elements and a giant bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water. Adults and kids can unwind while drifting down Rollin’ River, a lazy river hosting 870 feet of relaxation. The Big Kahuna wave pool is a family favorite with 27,000 square feet of wave action. Looking for thrills? The slides of Riptide Run and the Tubular Twister are guaranteed to provide a rush of excitement.

Whirlin’ Waters also offers a full range of amenities including concessions, lockers for securing items, lounge chairs, showers and restrooms. Plus, the park is staffed with trained lifeguards to provide a safe experience.

Tropical Thursday’s discounted admission prices are valid every Thursday throughout the park’s hours of operation, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Whirlin’ Waters is open every day now through August 18, and then on weekends only through Labor Day.

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission also offers two other area waterparks – Splash Island at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant, and Splash Zone at James Island County Park. Tropical Thursdays are offered at Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark only. Special days at all three county waterparks include Military Mondays, during which all active duty, retirees, and their dependents receive discounted admission on Mondays with a valid Military ID (one discount per ID), and Two for Tuesdays, featuring buy one, get one free admission of equal or lesser value on Tuesdays. Waterpark season passes are also available for purchase. For details on waterpark passes and the extra value days at the waterparks, visit www.splashparks.com or call 843-795-4386.

Fun Things To Do in June – Charleston, SC

June 11, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

Wine Stroll

Charleston, SC, is always a beautiful place to visit in the Summer and there is always a lot going on in Charleston. One of our favorite places to visit is Middleton Place, and Arthur Middleton was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, so this is the time of year when a visit seems appropriate. There’s even a special naturalization ceremony to celebrate Independence Day.

There is of course a lot of other things to do in Charleston. Just walking around in the downtown district is an experience, and you might also want to visit Patriot’s Point. This is where the big 4th of July celebration is taking place. 

Here are some of the events in Charleston in June.

Wine Stroll Wednesdays
June 13, 20, 27
Middleton Place

Sip and stroll in a different garden location each week while sampling old and new world wine vintages. Special themed strolls are scheduled throughout the season.  The Wine Strolls take place from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Cost $15. Call  (800) 782-3608 for more information.

Movies at the Mount Pleasant Pier
Friday, June 15. Movie begins around sundown.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and Pier

Come to the Great Lawn at the Town of Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park for movies under the stars!This time Back To The Future is screening. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a family-friendly film. Event admission is free.

Charleston Farmer’s Market
June 15, 22, 29 – Saturdays 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Marion Square, Downtown Charleston 

Visit Charleston Farmers Market at Marion Square on Saturday mornings. Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, plants, arts and crafts and more. This is an excellent place for people watching, or to have breakfast or brunch.

Read more about the Charleston Farmers Market here.

Folly Beach Pier

Folly Pier Fishing Tournament
Saturday, June 16, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Come to a great fishing event at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, the second largest pier on the East Coast. Online registration open through June 14. On-site registration available June 16 beginning at 6 a.m. Tournament ends at 4 p.m. and prizes are awarded at 4:15. Prizes are awarded for the largest catch in the King Mackerel category and the three largest catches in the Big Fish category. For additional information, call the Folly Beach Fishing Pier at (843) 588-3474. Ages 3 & up. An adult chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Tournament held rain or shine.

Mt Pleasant, SC
Dance the night away in Mount Plesant, SC

Shaggin’ on the Cooper: The Cruiseomatics
Saturday, June 16, 7 – 11 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Pier

Dance the night away under the stars at the new Mount Pleasant Pier while enjoying live classic oldies and beach music performed by The Cruiseomatics. Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. As only 800 tickets will be sold for this event, advance purchase is recommended. Age: 3 & up. Fee: $10/$8 CCR Discount/$10 on-site if still available

Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series
Sunday, June 17, 7:15 a.m. race start
James Island County Park

Now in its 22nd year, the series will consist of five triathlons and will include a .3-mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run. To register, contact Paul King at (843) 881-8872, or go to www.ccprc.com/csts. Open to ages 16 and up.

Moonlight Mixer
Friday, June 22, 7 – 11 p.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Dance the night away under the stars at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. DJ Jim Bowers of 1340 The Boardwalk will play the hottest oldies and beach music classics! Beverages, food, and snacks will be available for purchase. Tickets are limited, so advance purchase is recommended. No refunds or exchanges. Tickets: $10/$8 CCR (Charleston County Resident) Discount/$10 on-site if still available

middleton place charleston south carolina
Middleton Place

Naturalization Ceremony
June 26, 2012 – 10 a.m.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC 

Celebrate Arthur Middleton’s 270th birthday and welcome America’s newest citizens as they take the oath of citizenship at the home of an ardent patriot who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Reggae Concert Series: Da Gullah Rootz
Saturday, June 30, 7:30 – 11 p.m.
James Island County Park

Enjoy traditional old school roots reggae with a new school attitude in the beautiful outdoor setting of James Island County Park. Bring your chair or blanket and rock the night away to live music by Da Gullah Rootz! Food, beverage, and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited. No advance tickets will be sold. Bands are subject to change. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.; music begins at 8:30 p.m. Fee: $8/Free: Gold Pass Holders & ages 12 & under. For more information about upcoming Reggae Nights, click here.

For more information about what to do in Charleston, visit www.charlestoncvb.com

REGGAE NIGHTS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES CHARLESTON

Fleet Week in Mount Pleasant, SC

April 22, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

Fleet Week is Mount Pleasant is an action packed gathering of events with a pelican sculpture unveiling, cooking demonstrations, free shagging lessons, wine and painting on the pier, Beer Week, Shaggin’ on the Cooper and a Starlight Pops Concert will lead up to the 25th Annual Town of Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival.

Fleet Week focuses on activities centering on the shrimping industry.

About Fleet Week Activity Schedule

• Old Village Post House Shrimp Cooking Demonstration Tuesday, April 24, 5:00 p.m.
One of Mount Pleasant’s favorite restaurants, the Old Village Post House will offer a shrimp cooking demonstration using farm-fresh ingredients at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market. Farmers Market Pavilion, Moultrie Middle School, Coleman Boulevard FREE Admission

• Pelican Sculpture Unveiling Wednesday, April 25, 5:00 p.m.
Shem Creek Park will be the permanent home for an educational art nine-foot tall Pelican Sculpture created by School of the Arts students using marine debris collected in local waterways. The unveiling will include SOA students who created the sculpture, along with Mount Pleasant residents and students who played a role in its creation. Mount Pleasant Shem Creek Park, Shrimp Boat Lane FREE Admission

• Charleston Craft Beer Week Event Wednesday, April 25, 5:00 p.m.
A tasting of German beers & food followed by a showing of the film “Beerfest” Cinebarre Movie Theater FREE Admission. Food and beverages available for purchase • Wine & Design Painting on the Pier Thursday, April 26, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Paint your own masterpiece with step-by-step instruction. Wine & Design has created a new painting especially for the Blessing of the Fleet. No experience necessary. Refreshments will be available. Memorial Waterfront Park & Pier $40/person (Reservations required) – 843-388-7857

• Free Shag Lessons on the Pier Friday, April 27, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Mary Kennerty, Director of Mount Pleasant Junior Cotillions and a business etiquette consultant, will teach the Charleston Shag on the pier. Come enjoy sunset in the park and get ready for a great weekend with free dance lessons. Memorial Waterfront Park & Pier FREE Admission

• Starlight Pops Concert – Charleston Symphony Orchestra Saturday, April 28,
Gates 5:30p.m., Picnic Judging 7:00 p.m., sunset show
Bring beach chairs/blankets and a picnic for this annual favorite, in a new venue this year! Great food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets on sale now in all area First Federal offices and The Grove at Patriots Point $15 adults, $10 First Federal customers (in-bank purchase only), $5 children

• Shaggin’ on the Cooper Saturday, April 28, 8:00 p.m.
(Gates open at 7:00 p.m.) Dance the night away under the stars while enjoying live classic oldies and beach music by Local Motion on the Mount Pleasant Pier. Beverages available for purchase onsite. Mount Pleasant Pier $10 per person (only 800 tickets available for this event!) Call 843-795-4FUN (4386) or visit www.ccprc.com

Things to do in South Carolina – April 2012

April 3, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

It is spring, and actually Summer is right around the corner. The weather is beautiful, and it’s perfect to spend time outdoors. Luckily for us, there are plenty of events and festivals in the coastal South Carolina area to choose from. Here are some of the upcoming events for the month of April 2012.

Charleston has lots of events this month

First Friday on Broad – Charleston, S.C.
April 6, 2012
Stroll from one gallery to another on Broad Street and take in the Southern charms of blooming hidden courtyards and gardens, and old architecture.
Participating merchants include: Ellis-Nicholson Gallery, Hamlet Fine Art, Edward Dare Gallery, COCO VIVO, Mary Martin Fine Art, UTOPIA, Spencer Galleries, Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art, Martin Gallery, SCOOP Studios, Bernie Horton, Lambert GrayFine Art Studio, Jake’s, Blind Tiger and the Oak Steak House.

Farmers Market – Hilton Head Island, S.C.
April 6, 13, 20, 27
This farmers market is located at Honey Horn and is open on Fridays. April 6, 2012, is the opening day for the season and the mayor is coming out to ring the bell at 8:30 am and declare the farmers market open.

Hat Ladies Easter Parade – Charleston, S.C
April 7, 2012
The Hat Ladies will stroll down Meeting Street, between Broad and White on April 7th, 2012 at 11:00 am. Sounds like a great photo op!

The Farmers Market is open for the season

Charleston Farmers Market
April 7, 14, 21, 28 2012
This market is open from April 7 – December 16, 2012 at Marion Square in downtown Charleston. It is the perfect place to come and hang out, have a cup of coffee, watch people pass by and enjoy the downtown atmosphere.

2nd Sunday on King Street
April 8, 2012
Food, music, shopping and fun from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, April 8, Queen Street to Calhoun.
Gary Erwin of Shrimp City Slim fame and one of the best blues musicians around will grace 2nd Sunday along with Austin Fitzhenry, The Honeybees, South Carolina Broadcasters, Dan Mackey, Bianca & Page and Peter Kiral of Charleston Virtuosi.

Ken Burger will be on hand at the 2nd Sunday Info Tent at Wentworth to talk Charleston and sign copies of his latest book, Baptized in Sweet Tea.

Come to the Information Tent for your free parking vouchers, good in most City Garages downtown. (click here for the voucher)

Charleston International Film Festival in April

Charleston International Film Festival
April 11 – 15, 2012
Every year the city of Charleston, South Carolina, holds a film festival in the dowtown area. This festival offers a variety of programs for the cinema enthusiast as well as the film maker. Lots of independent films, short films, animations and documentaries. Check out the full program at www.charlestoninternationalfilmfestival.org 

The World Grits Festival – St. George, SC
April 13 – 15, 2012
The little town of St. George is world famous for its grits consumption. This festival celebrates grits in all its forms. You can have grits for breakfast, lunch and dinner at this event, participate in grit eating contests and most importantly roll in grits. Read more about the World Grits Festival here.

Plantasia 2012 – Charleston, SC
The Horticulture Society of Charleston holds Plantasia Friday, April 13, 11am -5pm. and Saturday, April 14, 8am – 2pm. at Wragg Square, 342 Meeting Street, in front of Second Presbyterian Church. Horticulturally-trained garden docents and volunteers will be available to help with plant selection and answer questions. Workshops will be offered every hour on the hour from topics ranging from basic garden to having chickens in the city. In addition, a wide selection of “Member’s Favorites”, plants grown and donated by Charleston Horticultural Society members, will be on sale at bargain prices. There will be a “Real Yard Sale” featuring previously loved garden items such as pots, furniture and ornamental items. “Member’s Favorites” and “Real Yard Sale” will only be available for purchase Saturday. For a complete listing of events, workshops, tours, and vendors, please check out our website at www.charlestonhorticulturalsociety.org.

Festival of House and Gardens
The 65th Annual Festival continues until April 21, 2012. This spring festival celebrates Charleston’s magnificent spring season. Right now, the city is in full bloom. During this event you have an opportunity to go on garden tours and visit some of the most beautiful Charleston Homes. Find out more here.

Colleton County Rice Festival
April 27 – 29, 2012
This festival in downtown Walterboror, S.C., is a celebration of the rice planting heritage that helped found Colleton County. The focus is family entertainment that includes a fireworks display, live entertainment, arts and crafts, food concessions, cultural displays and performances depicting our local heritage. Call 843-549-1079 for more information.

 

Mt Pleasant, SC
Dance the night away in Mount Plesant, SC

Shaggin’ on the Cooper
April 28, 2012
This is the first Shaggin’ of the season. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for summer and Shaggin’ on the Mount Pleasant Pier. Live music will fill the air with local bands performing throughout the season at the Mount Pleasant Pier. Gates open at 7:00pm and the music begins at 8:00pm. All ages are invited to let loose, breathe in the ocean breeze and dance the night away under the stars. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

Art & Craft Show – Hilton Head Island, SC
April 28 – 29, 2012
The Art Market at Historic Honey Horn, a juried fine art and craft show, is set for April 28 and 29, 2012 on Hilton Head Island. The Coastal Discovery Museum will jury in artists in media that includes: clay, wood, fibers, metals, glass, jewelry, watercolors, oil, mixed media and photography. All work will be on display and for sale.
This event host artists from 13 states annually and well-known local artists share the spotlight during this weekend-long event, as they compete for prizes.
The show is open to the public on Saturday, from 10 am until 5 pm and on Sunday, from 11 am until 4 pm. There is a $6.00 per car parking donation, while admission to the show is free. Demonstrations throughout the weekend will be held in glass, pine needle basketry, clay and much more. Food and beverage are for sale during the event. . Show admission is free, parking is $6 per vehicle.
The Art Market is presented by the Coastal Discovery Museum.

Town of Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival
April 29, 2012

This spring festival takes place at the new Memorial Waterfront Park at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. About 12,000 people attend this festival every year. The festival takes place Sunday April 29th from 11:30 am – 6:00 pm. for more information, please call (843) 884-8517

Camellias at Middleton Place – Charleston, SC

February 14, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

The beautiful Camellias are blooming in the middle of winter at Middleton Place in Charleston, SC. The camellias enhance the Middleton Place Gardens with thousands of blossoms, from white to all shades of red and pink. The Camellia is a southern landscape favorite, and it show off an amazing variety of color throughout the winter months. It is said that the French botanist Andrè Michaux gave the Middletons some of the first camellias to be planted in an American garden. Some 50 years later, in 1838, a Middleton daughter wrote, “Papa called me to the terrace to admire the Camellias which I found in great beauty both the white and variegated…”

Now, the gardens at Middleton Place has over 3,500 camellias including many rare varieties as well as one of the four original Michaux plants, fondly referred to as the “Reine des Fleurs” or “Queen of Flowers”, and during this time Middleton Place offers special Camellia Walks to learn more about the fascinating plant. 

Enjoy the beauty of the blooming camellias while learning more about its history during a Camellia Walk. These tours are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday beginning February 11th and continuing through March 24th, 2012. The special guided tours will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Garden Market & Nursery and last approximately an hour and a half.

There is no additional fee for the Camellia Walks but reservations are required. Adult admission is $25, students are $15, children (6-13) are $10 and 5 years old and under are free. For reservations and additional information, call (843) 556-6020 or visit www.middletonplace.org.

The camellia will also be the topic of a Free Seminar to be held at the Middleton Place Garden Market and Nursery on Saturday, February 18th at 1:00 pm. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the care of camellias, when and where to plant them and what varieties work best in the southern garden. Sidney Frazier, VP Horticulture will conduct the informative seminar.

02/14/2012
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02/23/2012
02/25/2012
02/28/2012
03/01/2012
03/03/2012
03/06/2012
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03/10/2012
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