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 South Carolina in September

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September on the coast is usually a great month, as far as events are concerned. The whole kicks off with a busy Labor Day Weekend packed with fun events for the family and lots of things to do all over the coast. Reality is, Labor Day, is only the beginning. In September we hit the hight of the Fall festival season – just take a look at the massive list of festival, events and happenings below.

 

Restaurant Week – Charleston, SC

September 5 – 16, 2012

Who doesn’t love to go out and eat? All of us do, and during this event you have the opportunity to get a three course meal at a fixed price. It’s a good deal, and a great time to explore and find new places to eat in Charleston.

Read more about the event here – Charleston Restaurant Week

 

 

Largest Garage Sale – Myrtle Beach, SC

September 8, 2012

This is the 23rd year for  this huge garage sale held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Exhibit Hall. The sale features 280 vendor booths and thousands of shoppers.  

Read more about the Largest Garage Sale in Myrtle Beach, SC here.

 

Dog Day AfternoonDog Day Afternoon – Charleston, SC

September 9, 2012

Let your dog enjoy the last days of Summer with a special doggy play day at Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park.  Read more about the event here.

 

Shaggin’ on the Cooper – Charleston, SC

September 8 & September 29, 2012

The last dance for the season on the Cooper i coming up in September! It’s a bittersweet goodbye because it means that Summer is ending and Fall is knocking on our door. Read more about Shaggin’ on the Cooper here.

 

Scottish Games & Highland Gathering – Charleston, SC

September 17, 2012

This festival offers has a little bit of everything and is great fun for the whole family. Here you can enjoy Scottish heavy athletics, from caber toss to hammer throwing and much more. The festival also holds the largest drum and pipe competition in the Southeast. Visit our special events page to watch the video from the event. 

Just click here.

 

Fall Tour of Home & Gardens – Charleston, SC

September 27 – October 28, 2012

During this event you get a chance to stroll through intimate gardens and architecturally significant private homes, churches and public buildings. Tours highlight American architecture from the early Georgian Period into the 20th century. You will enjoy unique neighborhoods that represent Charleston’s flourishing culture from the Colonial era to the present. Visit the website.

 

Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival – Huntington Beach State Park, SC

September 28 – 30, 2012

Atalaya is a Moorish-style “castle” built in the Great Depression as a winter home and sculpture studio by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington at Huntington Beach State Park. This is the location of a great yearly Arts & Crafts Festival that draws a crowd from all over. 

Watch the video and get the link to the dollar off coupon from our special events page.

Click here for more about the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival.

 

Moonlight Mixer – Charleston, SC

September 21, 2012

The Moonlight Mixer series is also wrapping up. The next Moonlight Mixer at Folly Beach Pier is coming up on September 21, 2012. Tickets are available first come first serve – at the gate for $10. More information www.ccprc.com

 

Museum Mile Weekend – Charleston, SC

September 21 – 23, 2012

The Annual Museum Mile Weekend is scheduled for September 21 – 23, 2012. Many of the cultural sites along Charleston’s Museum Mile have joined forces and created this event. This year you can visit 13 sites for only $25.  Read more about the Museum Mile Weekend

 

MOJA Arts Festival – Charleston, SC

September 27 – October 7, 2012

The MOJA Arts Festival is a colorful festival with a variety of performances. You can experience everything from visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B music, to storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and much, much more.

For tickets and updated information visit www.MOJAfestival.com

 

Other stories to read:

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19

 

 

 

Fun things to do for Labor Day Weekend in South Carolina

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For us here in the south, the warm weather will linger well after Labor Day weekend, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to turn down an opportunity for a party.  Especially if the party involves lots of fun for the whole family – and going to the beach.  This weekend there are lots of festivals to choose from in the low country involving the beach, live music and also good food.

 

 

Low Country Jazz

Jazz has always held a special place in our hearts here on the coast. The Low Country Jazz Festival on August 31 – September 3, 2012, is quickly becoming a highly anticipated event in the Carolinas attracting festival attendees from North, South Carolina and abroad. More details on our special events page for the Low Country Jazz Festival.

 

 

 

Lowcountry Wine and Beer Festival

On Sunday, September 2, 2012, from 4.00 pm to 7.30 pm you can sample more than wines from around the globe, as well as craft beers. There is also a Lowcountry buffet from Hege’s Restaurant on the Village Green at Freshfield Village.All proceeds will support Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, which provides free medical care to those in need on Johns, James and Wadmalaw islands. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at the gate.
 
Freshfields Village, 149 Village Green Lane John’s Island, SC 29455.
Call 843.768.6491   or visit www.Freshfieldsvillage.com for more information.

Beach, Boogie and BBQ – Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach always celebrates the end of the summer season with a big party combining three of our favorite pastimes – Beach fun, music and good food!
 
 
 
 

Fourth of July in South Carolina

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4th of July in Coastal South Carolina

Since Independence Day is a national holiday,  many families get together and for a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of extra time off to spend time with relatives. The first week of July is usually one of the busiest travel times of the year. Many people are heading to South Carolina for the Fourth of July, and there are a lot of events going on.

Here are a few suggestions:

 

Fourth of July F-16 Fly Over – Pawleys Island
July 4, 2012

Turn your eyes to the eastern sky on the Fourth of July to wave to the F-16s of the 77th Fighter Squadron. “The Gamblers” of the 20th Fighter Wing stationed at Shaw Air Force Base will conduct a flyover of the South Carolina Coast. Listen to the sound of freedom as the F-16s roar along our shoreline. Spectators are urged to wear and wave the red, white and blue along the beaches during the flyover. The flyover, which is organized by the non-profit organization, Salute from the Shore, and the Town of Pawleys Island.

Murrels Inlet 4th of july boat parade
Boat Parade, Murrells Inlet, SC

 

Murrells Inlet 4th of July Boat Parade
July 4, 2012

The 29th Annual July 4th Boat Parade kicks off at 9am (high tide) from Garden City Point.  This year’s parade theme is “Red, White & View!  Inlet-style Tried and True.”  The parade will head over to the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk and then follow the Murrells Inlet shoreline down to the Hot Fish Club.  Best public viewing points are the Marshwalk, Belin Methodist Church, Nance’s Restaurant, Captain Pooh’s Restaurant and the Hot Fish Club.  Click here to visit our page.

 

Patriot's Point Charleston, SCFourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point – Mount Pleasant, SC
July 4, 2012

This is without doubt the biggest Fourth of July celebration in South Carolina every year. Patriot’s Point in Charleston, SC, hosts a big firework display. The fireworks are shot from the deck of USS Yorktown. You can get all the details about the Fourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point right here.

Shaggin’ on the Cooper
July 4, 2012

Dance the night away at the Cooper. This is one of the most popular events for the Summer in the Charleston area. Read more about this recurring event here.

27th Annual Firecracker 5000 – Hilton Head Island,SC
July 4, 2012

The 5K (3.1 miles) Hilton Head Firecracker 5000 course starts and finishes behind the Mall at Shelter Cove at Shelter Cove Community Park and takes participants through the fast and flat roads around Shelter Cove Harbour. The festive post-race celebration features music, fresh fruit, ice cold refreshments, door prizes and more. For more details about where to watch fireworks on Hilton Head Island, SC, just visit our special page for 4th of July Hilton Head Island.

Summerville, SC, parade
Non-motorized parade in Summerville, SC.

 

Red, White and Blue on the Green – Summerville, SC
July 1, 2012 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Historic downtown Summerville will be transformed into an Independence Day street festival. Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management) will be hosting the Annual Red, White & Blue On the Green with children’s activity stations, jump castles, live music and food stands. Summerville’s free family and community celebration! There is a special non-motorized parade, featuring kids on bikes, in wagons, on rollerblades, in strollers – all decked out for America!! Music and concessions start at 5 p.m. Please note that Summerville is celebrating Fourth of July a little bit earlier this year, which is perfect. You can make it to Summerville for the celebration on July 1 and then celebrate again in Charleston for July 4th. Get all the details for the Red, White and Blue on the Green in Summerville right here.

 North Charleston 4th of July

The City of North Charleston is hosting the July 4th celebration at the Riverfront Park on July 4, 2011 from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM. This year’s event features Common Ground, Coastrunners, Atlanta Pleasure Band, and Ruben Studdard, along with other activities throughout the event, ending a wonderful day with a spectacular fireworks display at dark, coordinated with live music from Equinox Jazz Band. The North Charleston 4th of July Festival boasts the largest fireworks show in the State of South Carolina. The Festival is presented free of charge to the public with all general admission for attendees. Guests attending the Festival are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there is no seating provided. No alcohol is permissible within the park. A wide variety of food vendors are always on site. Children activities are available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain. The City of North Charleston’s 4th of July Festival is our largest sponsored event. Annually held at Riverfront Park, the Festival features nationally renowned performers, such as Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Marshall Tucker Band, and Lee Greenwood.

Waterparks in Charleston, SC

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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.