Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Fun things to do in South Carolina in October

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There is a lot to do in South Carolina during the month of October when fall festival season is in full swing. Just take a look at some of the events we have come up with. 

First Friday on Broad – Charleston, SC

October 5, 2012

First Friday on Broad in Charleston

On the first Friday of each month for “First Fridays on Broad” and enjoy fine art and refreshments in the boutiques, fine art galleries, and bodegas on Historic Broad Street in Charleston, South Carolina.  More information here – First Friday on Broad

Beaufort Shrimp Festival – Beaufort, SC

October 5 – 6, 2012
This shrimp festival takes place at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in historic Beaufort, South Carolina. There’s a lot going on for the whole family at this event – more details on our page for Beaufort Shrimp Festival.

Latin American Festival – Charleston, SC

October 7, 2012
Spice things up with a Latin American Festival in Wannamaker County Park. This popular festival has been going on for over 20 years now. Read more about the Latin American Festival here.

Little River Shrimp Festival

October 13 -14, 2012
Little River in South Carolina puts up a big shrimp festival every year with fun for the whole family. Find out more on the page for Little River Shrimp Festival

Art in the Park – Myrtle Beach, SC

October 6, 2012
This event takes place several times throughout the year. Come to Chapin Park to take a look at fascinating art objects and to mingle. More details – Art in the Park, Myrtle Beach

Look Dad!

Children’s Day Festival – Mt Pleasant, SC

October 16, 2012
This event is for the kids and here you will find anything that a child would want from a festival including climbing wall, inflatables, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, clowns and much, much more. Get the scoop here. Children’s Day Festival

Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival

October 14 – 21, 2012
Many cities on the coast holds seafood festivals in the fall, but Bluffton combines seafood with another favorite type of festival – the arts festival. At this event you can get a little bit of both. Read more here – Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival.

Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens – Beaufort, SC

October 26 – 28, 2012
During this event you get the opportunity to tour private homes and plantations in the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District and surrounding Lowcountry. Find out more here – Beaufort Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens

Hilton Head Concourse d’Elegance & Motoring Festival – Hilton Head Island, SC

October 26 – November 4, 2012
If you like vintage cars, or cars in general, this is a festival you don’t want to miss. The event consists of several events in both Hilton Head and Savannah, GA. You can find more information on our page for Hilton Head Concourse d’Elegance

Wait… There is more to read…

Charleston Farmers Market

 

Fun Things To Do in June on the Coast

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In the Coastal Companion Calendar of our TV show “I Know Jax” broadcasting on CW17 on Saturdays at 11 pm,  we take a look at what’s happening on the coast in the area.  

Savannah Asian Festival in June

One of the most popular cultural festivals on the coast is coming up in June, the Savannah Asian Festival. This yearly one-day festival attracts about 60,000 people, so you know it’s a popular event.

Here you can sample exotic cuisines from across the continent. Local restaurants, will be cooking up favorite dishes from Polynesia, China, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. In addition, there’s a variety of martial arts and dance performances, and live music on stage from artists representing different countries.

There’s also traditional arts, crafts, fashions and treasures unique to each nation. From hand made jewelry to calligraphy sets, paintings, hand-beaded clothing, henna body painting, and even a workshop on Asian and Middle Eastern Tea Ceremonies. The festival takes place on June 23 at the Savannah Civic Center, located at Montgomery and Liberty Streets. Parking at the Civic Center is free for the day. Read more about Savannah Asian Festival here.

Greek Festival

Greek Landing Day Festival – St. Augustine, Fl

Maybe you already know that St Augustine, Florida has a strong historic tie with Greece and Greek culture. In June the community celebrates the 244th anniversary of the arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Greeks, Menorcans and Corsicans arrived in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768 and went on to establish what was called the New Smyrna Colony.

If you haven’t tried greek food before, this is your chance. My favorite is baklava, but I also enjoy spanakopita and mousaka.

Visit the so called “Glendi” for a celebration of music, food and dancing during the Greek Landing Day Festival June 22 – 24, 2012. Admission is free.

The St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine is located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine.

For more information, call 904-829-8205

 

Daufuskie Day in South Carolina

Another heritage festival in our area is the annual Daufuskie Day in South Carolina. This festival was organized by islanders to preserve the gullah heritage. this year it’s the 36th year for the festival where you can taste authentic Gullah cuisine, and learn more about the culture.

You can take a boat from Savannah or from Hilton Head Island.  Daufuskie day takes place on June 23.

For more information visit www.daufuskieislandfoundation.com

Things to do in South Carolina – April 2012

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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

Things to do in South Carolina – October 2010

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There is a lot to do in South Carolina during the month of October. Just take a look at some of the events we have come up with. (Also, don’t forget to check out our weekly video Podcast with the October Events episode)

First Friday on Broad

October 1, 2010

First Friday on Broad in Charleston

On the first Friday of each month for “First Fridays on Broad” and enjoy fine art and refreshments in the boutiques, fine art galleries, and bodegas on Historic Broad Street in Charleston, South Carolina.  More information here – First Friday on Broad

Beaufort Shrimp Festival – Beaufort, SC

October 1 – 2, 2010
This shrimp festival takes place at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in historic Beaufort, South Carolina. There’s a lot going on for the whole family at this event – more details on our page for Beaufort Shrimp Festival.

Latin American Festival – Charleston, SC

October 3, 2010
Spice things up with a Latin American Festival in Wannamaker County Park. This popular festival has been going on for 19 years now. Read more about the Latin American Festival here.

Taste of Charleston

Taste of Charleston

October 8 – 10, 2010
This is one of most popular festivals in Charleston every year with lots of events around town. Check out the culinary village in Marion Square – but there’s a lot more going on. Read all about the event on our page for Taste of Charleston.

Little River Shrimp Festival

October 9 -10, 2010
Little River in South Carolina puts up a big shrimp festival every year with fun for the whole family. Find out more on the page for Little River Shrimp Festival

Art in the Park – Myrtle Beach, SC

October 9, 2010
This event takes place several times throughout the year. Come to Chapin Park to take a look at fascinating art objects and to mingle. More details – Art in the Park, Myrtle Beach

Shaggin' on the cooper
Bring your dancing shoes!

Shaggin’ on the Cooper – Mt Pleasant, SC

October 9, 2010
If you can’t make it on the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars” you can without doubt make it to Mt Pleasant pier and dance under the stars. The Coopertones are playing. More information here for Shaggin’ on the Cooper

Oktoberfest – Myrtle Beach, SC
October 9, 2010

The Oceanfront Merchants Association and the City of Myrtle Beach will sponsor Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 9, on Ocean Boulevard, from Eighth Avenue North to Mr. Joe White Avenue.  Admission is free!  The festival begins at noon and concludes with a firework show at 10:35 p.m.  Ocean Boulevard will showcase both food and art vendors.

Moonlight Mixer – Folly Beach, SC

October 15, 2010
Enjoy the mild evenings on the pier in Folly Beach where you can dance the night away and listen to the calming sounds of the ocean. This is the last mixer for the season. Read more about the Moonlight Mixer here.

Look Dad!

Children’s Day Festival – Mt Pleasant, SC

October 17, 2010
This event is for the kids and here you will find anything that a child would want from a festival including climbing wall, inflatables, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, clowns and much, much more. Get the scoop here. Children’s Day Festival

Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival

October 17 – 24, 2010
Many cities on the coast holds seafood festivals in the fall, but Bluffton combines seafood with another favorite type of festival – the arts festival. At this event you can get a little bit of both. Read more here – Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival.

Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens – Beaufort, SC

October 22 – 24, 2010
During this event you get the opportunity to tour private homes and plantations in the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District and surrounding Lowcountry. Find out more here – Beaufort Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens

Hilton Head Concourse d’Elegance & Motoring Festival – Hilton Head Island, SC

October 29 – November 7, 2010
If you like vintage cars, or cars in general, this is a festival you don’t want to miss. The event consists of several events in both Hilton Head and Savannah, GA. You can find more information on our page for Hilton Head Concourse d’Elegance

Wait… There is more to read…

Charleston Farmers Market
Art in the Park – Myrtle Beach, SC
The Latest Weekly Podcast Episode

Shrimp Festivals Fall 2010 – Coastal Companion Podcast

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In this episode Joe talks about one of his favorite things – food. Here on the coast seafood is popular, and most people enjoy shrimp.  Maybe that’s why we have a lot of shrimp festivals in our area.

Here is the list of events mentioned in the show:

Rock Shrimp Festival, St Marys, GA

Shrimp & Grits Festival, Jekyll Island, GA

Seafood, Jazz & Brew Fest, Hilton Head Island, SC

Little River Shrimp & Jazz Festival, SC

Bluffton Art & Seafood Festival, SC

Beaufort Shrimp Festival, SC