april–june 2012
TRAVELER
®
of Charleston
Visitor Magazine Tours Attractions Restaurants Shopping Arts Antiques Events Articles Coupons Maps
COMPLIMENTARY www.travelerofcharleston.com THE SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS CHARLESTON
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Photo: Faith McDavid
Departing from the “RED BARN” Charleston’s Oldest Carriage Company
Present this Ad for
FREE PARKING or Discounted Tickets! We also offer a combination Harbor and Carriage tour for one low price
Tickets: 40 N. Market Street (in Rainbow Market)
www.palmettocarriage.com | 843.723.8145
Contents 10
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
DEPARTMENTS 8 14 40 44 52 54 58 62 69 70
Welcome to Charleston See + Do Shop + Savor Eat + Drink Art + Music Featured Events Calendar of Events Maps Visitor 411 Directory of Advertisers
FEATURES 10 28 39 51 68
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The Great Outdoors Spotlight: Carolina Queen Spotlight: Water Taxi Recipe: Peaches and Cream Muffins Things to Love about the Lowcountry
travelerofcharleston.com april-june 2012
From the Publisher...
WELCOME TO CHARLESTON!
Contributors
The azaleas are in bloom, the pollen is covering our cars and the allergy medicine is flying off the store shelves. It’s official: spring is upon us. Those of us who live in Charleston agree this may be the very best time of year. Springtime festivals and events fill our weekend calendars and the smell of salt air pulls us to the beaches like the moon controls the tides.
Keith Simmons has an extensive publishing, marketing and advertising background and founded Traveler Magazine in 2005. His purpose was to develop an affordable and effective visitor medium where businesses could advertise their service. Traveler is now one of the leading visitor resources in the city. Keith lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife and they welcomed their first child last July. He enjoys fishing, kayaking, spending time with his family and is working toward earning his private pilot license.
We think you’ll agree it’s a busy and beautiful time of year here. Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto showcase world-class artists. The farmers’ markets open, ushering in a renewed focus on eating local and farm-to-table cooking embraced by many of our chefs and restaurants. For those of you with a more adventurous streak, Charleston has more than antebellum plantations and history tours. Hit the water by board or boat, learn to kayak or explore the barrier islands around Charleston. Let us know the best part of your visit and stay connected with us between trips. Stop by TravelerofCharleston.com to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and for regular updates on our blog. All the best,
TRAVELER
®
of Charleston
Member of: Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Charleston Restaurant Association; Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce.
Holly Fisher is a long-time writer and editor with a love of telling stories. She has lived in Charleston more than a decade and enjoys sharing the tales of the Holy City with visitors and newcomers to the area. Holly lives in the Mt. Pleasant area with her husband, daughter and two Labrador retrievers. When she isn’t at her computer writing for work and for fun, you can find her reading, doing CrossFit and piddling in her flower beds. Sally Heineman honed her knack for graphic design at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA where she received a BFA in Graphic Design. Drawn to the South and the love of everything Lowcountry, Sally opened the doors of Heineman Design in 1992. She lives on James Island and loves the outdoors; is an avid golfer, cyclist and cook.
Publisher/Founder.................... Keith Simmons Editor........................................... Holly Fisher Graphic Designer...................... Heineman Design Distribution................................ Mike Derrick Distribution................................ Brian Bean Distribution................................ Debbi Farrell
info@travelerofcharleston.com | 843-580-9054 | www.travelerofcharleston.com TRAVELER of Charleston is produced by the Traveler Communications Group, LLC, and is published four times yearly and distributed to various locations throughout the Charleston area, including all visitors centers, hotels, beach rentals, grocery stores, high-traffic areas, advertiser locations and many other points throughout the surrounding area. Concept, design and contents of TRAVELER of Charleston are copyrighted and may not be reproduced. www.travelerofcharleston.com.
The copy and advertising deadline for the next issue is May 31, 2012. 8
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The Great Outdoors Charleston is perfect blend of nature, adventure BY HOLLY FISHER
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cKevlin’s Surf Shop on Folly Beach rents hundreds of surf boards each day during the busy summer season. Some people take surfing lessons while others just paddle around in the waves. Either way, shop manager Brian Eichelman said interest in more adventurous activities is growing. “The amount of interest in (surfing) has grown in the last five years,” he said. “It’s in the mainstream media now. Even in the Midwest, they are featuring surfing and now everyone wants to try it. The image is more popular.” Visitors coming to Charleston with outdoor activities on their minds have come to the right place. The Lowcountry has all the makings for an adventurous vacation – water, nature and an unparalleled ecosystem ripe for exploration. Last year Outside magazine ranked Charleston No. 6 on its “Best Town Ever” list. Charleston also made it on the magazine’s list of best towns for surfing (East Coast) in 2010, noting “the Charleston area, especially Folly Beach, is home to one of the East Coast’s most vibrant surf scenes.” But surfing the Washout at Folly is just one of many local adventures visitors are soaking up; others are trying their hand at parasailing, fishing, running, kayaking or one of the many adventure or nature tours.
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photo credit: Nature Adventures Kayak & Canoe Outfitters, Inc.
In 2006, residents and visitors spent a combined $2.5 billion on wildlife recreation in South Carolina, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including $844 million of that for trip-related expenditures. So, not only is recreation fun for South Carolina, it’s an important piece of the state’s economy.
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Kathie Livingston, an ecologist and master naturalist, owns Nature Adventures Outfitters, offering kayak and canoe tours and instruction. With equipment for all ages and experience levels, Livingston can take families kayaking in Shem Creek for some quality time with the dolphins that frequent the creek and the manatees that visit during warm weather. Also the president of the state’s Nature-Based Tourism Association, Livingston said the area’s wildlife and eco-tours are becoming very popular thanks to spots like Capers Island, Bulls Island, Cape Romain Natural Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest. “There’s just a plethora of things,” she said. Travel to the outskirts of Mount Pleasant to Awendaw and take advantage of the miles of hiking trails as well as the Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center, which supports Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest. Cape Romain was established in 1932 as a migratory bird refuge so it’s a good place to spot some of the more than 200 bird species in this area.
“Morris Island, with nothing manmade built on it, is a gift,” he said. “It’s the nicest beach around – you just have to get there by boat. There is treasure all over the beach.”
“The cool thing about Charleston is it has the perfect balance of cultural and natural history,” Livingston said. That blend is just what keeps business booming at Adventure Harbor Tours. Owner Howie Weil takes boatloads of people on a more than two-hour tour of Morris Island where they stop for a history lesson and a chance to collect shark teeth. Entering just his third season, Weil said he never imagined how quickly business would grow, but eco-tours are on the rise, he said. Plus, people love his hands-on tours where they can look for shells, shark teeth and see jelly fish up close.
Resources Here are a few resources for planning an adventure in Charleston Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center 5821 Highway 17 North Awendaw, SC 29429 843-928-3368 www.fws.gov/seweecenter S.C. Paddlesports Industry Association paddlesouthcarolina.org S.C. Nature-Based Tourism Association www.scnatureadventures.com
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See + Do Charleston is known for its beauty, history and fantastic harbor. Many experienced touring companies are ready to show you a great time.
THE WEATHER IS PERFECT, THE FLOWERS ARE IN BLOOM AND THE DAYS ARE LONGER SO GET OUT AND EXPLORE THE HOLY CITY. Tour a plantation or historic home, let the kids run through the pineapple fountain at Waterfront Park or get up close to dolphins while kayaking Shem Creek. The possibilities for adventure and activities are endless.
How to use this magazine: You’ll find each type of tour and attraction categorized for easy reference. Many listings include a map grid locator. Find the grid location, then reference the maps on pages 62 through 67.
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Art Activities............................................. 16 Aquariums................................................. 16 Carriage Tours............................................ 16 Combo Tours............................................. 18 Museums and Parks.................................. 19 Plantations................................................ 20 Rentals / Motorized Tours....................... 22 Walking Tours........................................... 23 Water Tours.............. 24, 26, 27, 30, 34, 38
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ART ACTIVITIES
AQUARIUMS
Fear No Easel
South Carolina Aquarium
1960 Riviera • Ste E • Mount Pleasant (Map N:4) 843-284-3327 • www.fearnoeasel.com Take a piece of Charleston home that you created! In one fun evening join your friends, sip some wine or beer and create your own work of art. We will guide you step by step to paint a work of art using acrylic paint on canvas. Voted a top date night destination in Charleston.
100 Aquarium Wharf • Charleston • (Map: K:3) 843-720-1990 • www.scaquarium.org Discover jaw-dropping creatures and eye-opening exhibits at Charleston's #1 family attraction! Get up-close to a rare albino alligator; try your hand at feeding stingrays; see several toothy shark species of the great ocean; touch coastal creatures in the Touch Tank; or go behind-thescenes in the state's only Sea Turtle Hospital. Starting in May, journey in Madagascar and come eye to eye with ring-tailed lemurs!
CARRIAGE TOURS Palmetto Carriage Works 40 N. Market St. • (Map: H/I:5) • 843-723-8145 www.palmettocarriage.com • Charleston’s premier carriage company! We leave from The Big Red Barn every 15 to 20 minutes, rain or shine, beginning at 9 a.m. Tours are one hour long, covering about 25-30 blocks of the residential and historic district. All of our guides are citylicensed, entertaining and informative. See our ad on the inside front cover.
SC Aquarium www.scaquarium.org
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Market Hall was built in the 1830s and houses the Museum of the Confederacy.
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COMBO TOURS Harbor & Carriage Combination Tour Harbor Tours • 10 Wharfside St. • (Map: K:4) Palmetto Carriage • 40 N. Market St. • (Map: I:5) 843-723-8145 • For tickets: www.charlestonharbortours.com • 800-979-3370 or 843-722-1112. Adults $35.50, Chidren 4-11 $24 • Charleston Harbor Tours departs from the Maritime Center three times daily with a 90-minute live narrated sightseeing cruise aboard the 1920s style Bay Steamer – Carolina Belle. Palmetto Carriage tour departs from the Big Red Barn every 20-30 minutes beginning at 9am. The one-hour tour covers 25-30 blocks of the Historic District.
Harbor & Plantation Combination Tour For tickets: 10 Wharfside St. • (Map: K:4) online at www.charlestonharbortours.com or Zerve ticketing: 800-979-3370 or 843-722-1112 Adults $34 • Tour a spectacular Southern plantation, the new Slave Museum and beautiful grounds paired with a 90-minute “Harbor of History” tour. Fort Sumter, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the Battery and downtown landmarks. Tours may be taken on different days.
In 1886, the city was nearly destroyed by an earthquake which damaged 2,000 buildings.
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MUSEUMS AND PARKS
Audubon Center At Beidler Forest
Fort Sumter Tours
843-462-2150 • www.beidlerforest.com The Lowcountry’s “real swamp” experience! The Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forest contains the largest stand of virgin bald cypress and tupelo gum swamp forest left in the world. 1,000-year old trees, native wildlife abound in this untouched sanctuary. 1.75-mile boardwalk allows the chance to venture deep into the heart of the swamp. Tues-Sun, 9 a.m-5 p.m. Harleyville, S.C., I-26 W to exit 187, follow “Beidler Forest” signs.
Departs from two locations: Liberty Square, Charleston • (Map K:3) or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant (Map P:1) • 843-722-2628 www.spiritlinecruises.com • Charleston is full of history at every turn, and one of its most famous claims to fame is Fort Sumter National Monument, the site where the Civil War began. We provide the only commercial boat transportation to Fort Sumter, departing from both Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston. Tours include a 30-minute narrated cruise through Charleston Harbor and back, as well as an hour to tour the fort and its on-site museum.
Children’s Museum Of The Lowcountry 25 Ann St. • Charleston • (Map: G:2) 843-853-8962 • www.explorecml.org Charleston’s #1 destination for children and their families - Race boats down rapids, climb aboard our Lowcountry Pirate Ship or explore the towers of our Medieval Castle. These are experiences found only at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. Eight interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and programming for children 3 months to 10 years. Open Tues-Sat, 9 a.m-5 p.m and Sun, 1 p.m-5 p.m. Closed Mon. Admission $7 and children under 1 are free.
Edisto Island Serpentarium 1374 Hwy. 174 • Edisto Island • 843-869-1171 www.edistoserpentarium.com • The first true serpentarium in SC! The facility is dedicated to the recognition, preservation and study of the world of reptiles. Educational and exciting displays of reptiles from around the world and the region. Alligators & turtles play in large outdoor ponds and gardens, while others bask in the large indoor solarium. See coupon in ad in this section.
Town of Summerville Visitor Center • 402 N. Main St. • Summerville (Map CC:3) • 843-873-8535 www.visitsummerville.com • It's true. Southern hospitality began in Summerville, South Carolina - just 24 miles from Charleston. We invite you to experience our original Southern hospitality for yourself. But please take your time - and enjoy all that this charming, historic town has to offer. You'll soon find yourself feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and thinking this is exactly how life should be.
North Charleston/American LaFrance Fire Museum 4975 Centre Point Dr - North Charleston • (Map U:3) • 843-740-5550 • www.legacyofheroes.org The Fire Museum, located adjacent to Tanger Outlet Mall, is home to the largest collection of fully restored American LaFrance fire trucks and antique fire equipment in the country. It is a wonderful museum for the firefighter in all of us. Great demonstration for kids and people of all ages!
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site 1500 Old Towne Rd. • Charleston • (area map) 843-852-4200 • Hours: daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Web: www.charlestownelanding.travel • Charles Towne Landing is the birthplace of Charleston and South Carolina. Established in 1670, this is where your visit to historic Charleston begins. Today, Charles Towne Landing SHS experiences include a museum, outdoor exhibits along the History Trail with an accompanying audio tour, cannon demonstrations and special events, the Adventure, a reproduction 17th century trading vessel, and the Animal Forest zoo.
Edmondston-Alston House 21 East Battery • Charleston • (Map: G:9) 843-722-7171 • www.middletonplace.org Built in 1825 on Charleston’s High Battery. A witness to many dramatic events in Charleston’s history, the house is a classic example of the city’s architecture. The house is a repository of family treasures, including Alston family silver, furniture, books and paintings that remain in place much as they have been for over a century and a half. Look seaward from the second floor piazza, where Gen. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter.
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MUSEUMS AND PARKS
SEE + DO
PLANTATIONS Boone Hall Plantation 1235 Long Point Rd. • Mount Pleasant (Map: M:4) • 843-884-4371 www.boonehallplantation.com • “One of America’s Oldest Plantations,” with more than 320 years of history and heritage, is located only eight miles north of Charleston on Hwy. 17. The famous “Avenue of Oaks,” nine original slave cabins, house tours and shows are all offered for one price. Mon-Sat: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m; Sun: 1-5 p.m.
Charleston Tea Plantation 6617 Maybank Hwy. • Wadmalaw Island • 843559-0383 www.charlestonteaplantation.com The Charleston Tea Plantation is located on quiet and beautiful Wadmalaw Island, just 25 miles outside downtown Charleston. Traveling through the tranquil beauty and endless sea of green, visitors can experience how tea is planted, grown, nurtured and harvested from the raw leaf to finished black tea – made possible by the farm’s several hundred thousand historic tea bushes.
Drayton Hall 3380 Ashley River Rd. (Hwy 61) • Charleston, 843-769-2600 • www.draytonhall.org • Circa 1738 • Drayton Hall has survived the centuries and is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America open to the public. Admission includes hourly tours and daily programs, river and marsh walks, the African-American Cemetery, rental of an interactive Landscape Tour on DVD and artisan-inspired Museum Shop. A National Historic Landmark and a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Open to the public daily except major holidays.
Middleton Place National Historic Landmark • 4300 Ashley River Rd. (Hwy 61) • Charleston • 843-556-6020 www.middletonplace.org • An 18th-century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark comprising 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. A tour of the House Museum highlights family collections and the Middletons’ role in American history. Explore the stable yards, where craftspeople re-create the activities of a self-sustaining Lowcountry plantation. African-American focus tours, carriage rides, garden market & nursery. Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Middleton Place is home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens that the Garden Club of America has called “the most important and most interesting garden in America.” 20
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RENTALS/MOTORIZED TOURS Charleston Scooter Rentals 843-693-4900 www.charlestonscooterrentals.com Come cruise the streets of Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, or take a ride down Notebook Street in Old Mount Pleasant on our Italian style scooters! You will find parking a breeze at your favorite island restaurants. Get our exclusive map and check out historical sights on Sullivan’s Island.
Segway Tours of Charleston Call for reservations 843-730-3464 or visit www.segwayofcharleston.com • Come ride a Segway! Segway of Charleston offers guided historic/scenic tours, rentals and sales. Experience something fun, safe, unique and eco-friendly. This is a very different way to see the incredible views and learn about beautiful Charleston, SC. Tours held daily at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., as well as half and full day rentals. No experience is needed and training is included!
Livability.com listed Charleston No. 3 on its list of top spring break vacation destinations for families, calling Charleston one of the “most family friendly cities on the East Coast.”
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WALKING TOURS Bulldog Tours 40 North Market St. • Charleston • (Map: I:5) 843-722-TOUR • www.bulldogtours.com As seen on the Travel Channel’s “America’s Most Haunted Places,” this premier walking tour company will have you exhilarated and entertained at the same time. There are four tours to choose from, such as the Ghost & Graveyard, The Dark Side of Charleston, Ghost Dungeon and Haunted Jail Tour.
Charleston History Photo Tours 843-901-9283 • CharlestonPhotoTours.com Experience Charleston’s incomparable beauty, unique history, flourishing preservation with your guide. This 2 hour walking tour includes mansions, graveyards, gardens, famous war sites, hidden passageways, cobblestone streets - at various locations to capture unique photographs and tips on how to compose the perfect shot. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.
Charleston Strolls Walk With History 843-766-2080 • Charleston www.charlestonstrolls.com • As featured in The New York Times, this-two hour walking tour is the best way to see Charleston’s Historic District. Discover famous landmarks, historic highlights, antebellum mansions, quaint alleys and hidden gardens. Every day at 10 a.m. Departs from the Mills House Hotel (corner of Meeting & Queen). Reservations.
Culinary Tours Of Charleston 40 N. Market St. • Charleston • (Map: I:5) • 843727-1100 • www.culinarytoursofcharleston.com Come join us as we walk, talk and taste our way through Charleston and experience the history through our Lowcountry cuisine. Daily tasting tours introduce guests to tasty bites at many great “food finds.” Go behind the scenes and visit with chefs, bakers, artisan food producers, chocolatiers and specialty shops.
Holy City Tours 843-860-6808 • Charleston www.holycitytours.com • Stroll past antebellum mansions, live oaks, and cobblestone streets during our two-hour Walk Through History tour. Experienced guides will lead patrons through this historic district and regale tour goers with stories of the city’s captivating and notorious past. In the evening join the ghost tour and venture to paranormal hotspots in town.
Strange History Walking Tours 843-304-3285 – Reservations required – Call or book online - www.strangehistorytours.com Presented by StrangeHistory.org, the premier website for bizarre, interesting and true history in America – has two new and exciting walking tours for the visitors of Charleston. The Strange History Tour takes visitors on a two hour journey through the deeper side of Charleston’s history. On the Murder & Mystery Pub Tour, guests will hear tales of murder, mayhem, mystery and intrigue while visiting four historic pubs. april-june 2012 travelerofcharleston.com
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WATER TOURS Absolute Reel Screamer Charters Tours depart from: Crosby’s Seafood 3222 Folly Rd. • Folly Beach • 843-270-4464 www.follybeachcharters.com This private, two-hour boat adventure is what Folly Beach & Charleston are all about! Cruise through calm rivers and estuaries, go shelling, catch shrimp and harvest oysters with a native Captain. Encounter bottlenose dolphins and the famous Morris Island Lighthouse where Civil War Soldiers fought, died and are still buried.Reservations required – mention ad in this section for $10 off!
Adventure Harbor Tours Tours Depart from the Charleston Harbor Marina • 20 Patriots Point Rd. • (Map P:1) 843-442-9455 • www.adventureharbortours.com Family fun for everyone! Tours include our popular “Stormin’ the Beach”, (55.00/25.00) 2.5 hour shell and sharks teeth expeditions to Morris Island, and “Off the Beaten Path” (75.00/50.00) Civil War tours in the backwaters of Charleston (includes 1 hour on Morris Island). Want more action? Schedule a day of inshore fishing with one of our pros. Coupons, pics, directions and more info available on our website. Reservations encouraged, Come see us!
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WATER TOURS AquaSafaris 24 Patriot’s Pt. Road, A-Dock at Charleston Harbor Marina • Mount Pleasant (Map P:1) 843-886-8133 • www.aqua-safaris.com Whether you want to enjoy a day of fishing, a yacht cruise for your private or corporate event, or simply relax on a sunset sail, AquaSafaris has the perfect vessel awaiting you. Dolphin sunset sails, pirate adventures, inshore and offshore fishing, and excursions are available on the s pacious Palmetto Breeze catamaran. Whatever the occasion, life on the water is oh so good with AquaSafaris!
Angler Management Fishing 843-259-1489 • www.AnglerManagement SC.com • Custom, year-round saltwater inshore fishing charters that cater to families, groups, beginners and professionals. Fish in the Intracoastal Waterway, Harbor and tidal creeks, catching redfish, trout, flounder, kings, jacks, sharks and more. U.S. Coast Guard Certified licensed and insured, Captain Ethan will provide all licenses, bait, tackle and ice to pack up the day’s catch. Eco and harbor tours are available as well. See ad in this section.
Barrier Island Eco-Tours 50 41st Ave. • Isle of Palms Marina • (Map: P:5) 843-886-5000 • www.nature-tours.com Naturalist guided boat excursions to Capers Island Preserve. Explore salt marsh creeks, see dolphins and wildlife up-close, the “boneyard beach” and walk inland trails. Morning and sunset eco-tours, creek fishing, crabbing, kayaking or beach-side cookouts.
Carolina Queen Riverboat 17 Lockwood Blvd at the City Marina • (Map B:3) 800-344-4483 • www.charlestonharbortours.com Charleston’s only authentic Paddle Wheel vessel! This riverboat style vessel boasts 3 decks, 2 bars, an enclosed main salon, and plenty of room for dining and dancing! Thurs nights: Murder Mystery Cruise. Friday nights: Music and Craft Beer. Sat nights: Luncheon Cruises and Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruises.Call to reserve your next event! 400 passengers!
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church is located on Church Street. 26
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WATER TOURS Charleston Coastal Excursions 24 Patriots Point Rd • Mount Pleasant at Harbor Resort Marina • (Map P:1) • 843- 323-9010 www.bbonthesea.com • Take their daily water tour aboard this luxurious yacht! This tour is limited to six people at a time which ensures their goal of quality. Get up close to dolphins, historical sites, take in the beautiful Charleston skyline and twinkling lights of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Local light fare and beverage. $79 Adults and $39 Children.
Charleston Harbor Tours Charleston Maritime Cntr. • 10 Wharfside St., Charleston • (Map: K:4) • 800-979-3370 or 843-722-1112 • www.CharlestonHarborTours.com Board the Carolina Belle for Charleston’s only live narrated Harbor History Tour. Relax and enjoy a beverage from the snack bar as the captain informs you about the forts and landmarks that shaped Charleston’s historic harbor. Private charters and group dinner cruises are available. $17.50 Adult, $16.50 senior and $13 child 4-11, under 4 are free.
The first game of golf played in the United States took place in Charleston.
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Spotlight
Music, mystery moonlight on the Carolina Queen As the Carolina Queen floats into the Charleston Harbor this spring, it brings with it multiple options for visitors who want to experience dining, music and entertainment on the water. Charleston Harbor Tours takes visitors on tours aboard the Carolina Belle as well as hosting regular Blues & BBQ cruises, but the Carolina Queen provides an additional venue for specialty cruises and private events. Built in 1982, Charleston Harbor Tours bought the vessel from a company in Texas and has spent the last year refurbishing the 400-passenger boat and readying it for Charleston’s peak spring and summer season. It’s the city’s only true paddlewheel vessel offering that river boat-style atmosphere perfect for a jazz brunch or murder mystery cruise. With two covered decks and an air-conditioned main salon guests will be able to take in those harbor sunsets and views of the majestic Cooper River Bridge. And with a top third deck stretching more than 35 feet above the water the vantage point is perfect for watching dolphins play in the harbor. Beginning in mid-April, Charleston Harbor Tours will offer regular specialty cruises on the Carolina Queen Thursday through Sunday, including a murder mystery cruise on Thursday nights and craft beer cruises on Friday. Lunch cruises will be available on Saturday and Sunday. If you’re in town for Mother’s Day, be sure to book a Mother’s Day Brunch cruise.
CAROLINA QUEEN Charleston City Marina 17 Lockwood Drive Charleston, S.C. For a complete schedule of events and ticket information,
800-344-4483 charlestonharbortours.com
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WATER TOURS Isle of Palms Marina 50 41st Ave. • Isle of Palms • (Map O:5) 843-886-0209 • www.iopmarina.com A full service marina with 50 slips, a full service store with a deli where groceries, beer, wine, bait and tackle can be found. Powerboat rentals and also customized excursions, group outings and fishing charters can be booked here.
Nature Adventure Tours 325 W. Coleman Blvd. • Mount Pleasant (Map P:2 at Shem Creek, on the water) 843-568-3222 • www.kayakcharlestonsc.com Charleston’s outstanding naturalist-guided kayak, canoe and paddle-board tour service. Tour salt-water marshes, swamps, rice plantations. See dolphins, pelicans and a wide variety of wildlife. Families and beginners are welcome – rentals also available, See coupon in ad!
Ondeck Charleston 24 Patriots Point Rd • Mount Pleasant at Harbor Resort Marina (Map P:1) • 843-971-0700 www.ondecksailing.us• Ondeck Charleston is the premiere US Sailing Certified sailing school in the southeast. Enjoy Ondeck's wide range of services that range from 1/2 day introductory lessons, catered sunset cruises, professional 3day certified courses, to corporate entertaining. Explore Charleston Harbor while experiencing the thrill of sailing. No experience required.
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WATER TOURS Prevailing Winds Sailing Charter 10 Wharfside St. • Charleston • (Map K:4) 843-277-9019 • www.sailprevailingwinds.com Come aboard this 27’ Stiletto Catamaran Sailboat that sets sail daily from the Charleston Maritime Center. The environmentally friendly way to explore historic Charleston Harbor! Fast and stable and is fun for all ages. Experience close encounters with dolphins and other marine wildlife. Five trips are offered daily. Tours are limited to six passengers for a highly customized experience. See $4 off per person coupon in ad!
Sandlapper Water Tours Tours depart from the Maritime Cntr. (by Aquarium) • 10 Wharfside St. • Charleston • (Map K:4) 843-849-8687 for info, call 800-979-3370 for tickets • www.sandlappertours.com • Come aboard the only haunted “Ghost & Pirate Tour” on the water by night, or experience the Charleston harbor by day on the “History Tour”! Go shelling on Morris Island and see dolphins with a naturalist guide on the “Nature Tour”. Relax and take in the sights on the “Sunset Cruise”. Private charters & group rates avail reservations recommended - See ad for coupon.
Summerville’s nickname is “Flowertown in the Pines.”
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SEE + DO
WATER TOURS Schooner Pride – Charleston's Tall Ship 360 Concord St. • Charleston • (Map: K:3) 800-979-3370 or 843-722-1112 www.schoonerpride.com • Marvel at the Holy City’s unique skyline as we sail by the forts, going where history was made. Listen to the wind filling the sails, see dolphins frolicking, and experience the magnificent colors of a Charleston sunset. Sail aboard the “Pride” for an afternoon Dolphin Sail or a Sunset Sail. Available for private charter or event booking.
Sharkin Charleston 1 Shrimp Boat Lane • Mount Pleasant (pick-up point behind Waters Edge Restaurant • Map P:2) 843-557-6627 • www.sharkincharleston.com Feel the pull of the line and the scream of the reel dragging as you catch 3-6 foot Sharks on light tackle. Only $89 per person with up to six anglers on the boat! No experience is necessary - families and kids love it. Shark charters are carried out in the protected waters of the harbor which is just minutes from the pick-up point.
SpiritLine Charleston Harbor Tour Departs from two locations: Aquarium Wharf, Charleston • (Map K:3) or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant • (Map P:1) • 843-722-2628 www.spiritlinecruises.com • Hour and 30 minutes. Cruise past the Charleston’s famous Battery, the Cooper River Bridge, Waterfront Park, Patriots Point, Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie.
Thriller Charleston Tours depart from 1313 Shrimp Boat Lane Mount Pleasant • (Map P:2) • 843-276-4203 www.ThrillerCharleston.com • Experience Charleston’s only offshore adventure tour boat. Feel the rush of adrenaline as we burst through the jetties and surf the waves on our way to the Morris Island Lighthouse. Feel the wind, sun and spray on your face as our stereo system plays great music and you see and hear about five forts, the Lighthouse and Charleston.
Tidalwave Watersports 69 41st Ave. • Isle of Palms at the Marina (Map O:5) • 843-886-8456 www.tidalwavewatersports.com • Choose a day and have a great time on the water parasailing, wake-boarding, guided and self-guided waverunner safaris, water skiing, banana-boat rides, powerboat rentals, fishing charters or a harbor cruise. Conveniently located at the Isle of Palms Marina – only a 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston. See their ad for coupon offer!
“It is impossible for me to enter Charleston from any side, whether by land or by sea, and not feel that here the land is precious; here is a place worth keeping...” – Charleston native Elizabeth O'Neill Verner 38
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Spotlight
The Gem of Mount Pleasant: Shem Creek Visitors who want to see Charleston the way the locals do should head to Shem Creek where shrimp boats dock daily, dolphins are always playing and restaurants are serving up shrimp and grits and ice cold beverages. Shem Creek – located in the heart of Mount Pleasant – is home to water tour companies, restaurants and bars along with a new town park and boardwalk. “It’s the gem of Mount Pleasant,” said Chip Deaton, co-owner of Charleston Water Taxi, which has started offering taxi service from downtown Charleston to Shem Creek in addition to their Patriots Point to downtown run. At $15 per person roundtrip, it’s affordable transportation plus provides a beautiful view of the Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River Bridge. Last fall, the town of Mount Pleasant opened Shem Creek Park, which provides spectacular views of the Charleston Harbor from the 2,200-foot boardwalk through the marsh and stretching almost into the harbor itself.
Charleston Water Taxi runs on a continuous loop around Charleston Harbor between Patriots Point and downtown Charleston in addition to its new Shem Creek stop. Evening sunset cruises are offered daily along with private charters. Park your car so you can experience Charleston like a local – pulling up to Shem Creek in a boat and enjoying the salt air-tinged nightlife. april-june 2012 travelerofcharleston.com
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Shop + Savor Charleston was founded in the late 1600s as a port city, and it has remained a thriving place to buy goods ever since! Buy local and enjoy the rewards.
WHETHER YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIRS, A DRESS FOR DINNER OR A TASTE OF SOUTH IN A BOX OF BENNE WAFERS, YOU’LL FIND JUST WHAT YOU WANT IN THE CITY’S MANY RETAIL OUTLETS. The Charleston peninsula has boutiques, national retailers and a market full of Southern charm. Areas outside Charleston like Summerville, North Charleston and Mount Pleasant also offer retail outlets and plenty of opportunities for a day of shopping.
About Charleston South Carolina has two state mottoes: ‘Dum Spiro Spero’ (‘While I breathe I hope’) and ‘Animis Opibusque Parati (‘Ready in Soul and Resource’).
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SHOP + SAVOR
SHOPPING Dacuba’s Fine Jewelry 84 North Market St. • Charleston (Map: H:5) • 843-853-0103 www.dacubasjewelry.citymax.com • Nestled in the heart of Charleston ... Dacuba’s is a unique fine jewelry store with a wonderful selection of Sterling Silver and 14kt Gold Jewelry. Their featured “Southern Gate” collection is fashioned after the wrought-iron work seen throughout this historical city. Custom-made Charleston charms are just some of the many treasures you’ll find in their shop. They strive to bring beautiful custom quality jewelry to their customers! (See ads on pages 4-5 for more info).
Nice Ice Fine Jewelry 145 Market St. • Charleston • (Map: G:4/5) 843-577-7029 • Exclusive boutique to such renowned designers: Slane & Slane, Charriol, Jude Frances, Philip Stein Watches, Marco Bicego, Dominique Cohen and Bellarri. We also offer an extensive and unique collection of fine jewelry, engagement rings and pearls. Custom designs are a specialty for this charming shop with a knowledgeable, friendly staff and extraordinary customer service. See their ad on the inside back cover.
Northwoods/Citadel Malls Northwoods: 2150 Northwoods Blvd. • North Charleston • www.shopnorthwoodsmall.com Mon-Sat: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun: Noon-6 p.m. Northwoods Mall is home to all your favorite stores like Belk, Dillard’s, Sears, JCPenney, and the Lowcountry’s only Sephora, Hollister Co and Hot Topic plus all of your favorites. A great shopping place with over 100 fabulous stores, 20 eateries including King Street Grille, Jason’s Deli, Olive Garden, O’Charleys, an indoor play area and a thirteen-screen stadium theater, making it truly a total experience. Citadel: Sam Rittenberg Blvd & I-526 • 843-7668511 • www.citadelmall.net • Fabulous stores like Belk, Dillards, Sears, Target and JCPenney, not to mention other great shops like American Eagle, The Limited, Aeropostale, King Street Grille, Ann Taylor Loft and the Citadel Mall Stadium 16 IMAX Theater.
Palmettoville 51 S. Market St. Shops at French Quarter Palmettoville has a large assortment of Sunglasses, postcards, handmade soaps and lotions, shot glasses, hand painted tee towels, slap watches, local images, hats and the best selection of Charleston tee shirts for both adults and children, produced locally by our family for over 30 years, at prices no one can match. Trust that you will only find the best selection and quality here at Palmettoville.
The Notebook, 2004, starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, was filmed in Charleston. The American theatre on King Street was Allie and Noah’s first date spot. april-june 2012 travelerofcharleston.com
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SHOP + SAVOR
SHOPPING Spice & Tea Exchange 170-A Church St. • Charleston • (Map: H:5) (corner of S. Market & Church Sts.) 843-965-8300 • A truly unique sensory experience! Their cooking herbs, spice blends and rubs are hand-selected for your cooking needs, and gourmet teas are enjoyed by tea lovers across the nation. Combine traditional and exotic gourmet spices, cooking herbs and seasonings from around the globe in the preparation of our 60+ hand-mixed signature blends and rubs. Packaging by the ounce allows you to experiment as you journey through our vast selection of spices and seasonings.
Town of Mount Pleasant Mount Pleasant, South Carolina is not just your average place to visit. Offering an escape from your everyday life, the taste you crave, and the relaxation you desire - Mount Pleasant won’t disappoint. Filled with an unbelievable array of restaurants, taverns, activities, and accommodations, the vacation you’re anticipating will be more than just a trip from home; it will be an experience of indescribable magic and warmth.
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is 2.5 miles long.
The first shot of the American Civil War didn't hit anything. It was a 10-inch mortar shell fired from Fort Johnson that exploded above Fort Sumter as a signal for Confederate artillery to open fire on the Union-held fort. (Fort Sumter National Monument, S.C.)
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Eat + Drink Charleston’s diverse culinary scene is amazing. Innovative chefs and their dishes will dazzle the taste buds and warm the heart. Charleston has great taste!
TRUST US, YOU WON’T LEAVE CHARLESTON HUNGRY. In fact you might spend half your vacation simply deciding which delectable restaurant to try next. Our city has world-class chefs cooking up plates filled with Southern goodness. Spots like Avondale in the West Ashley area of Charleston and Park Circle in North Charleston also are home to tasty local restaurants and bars.
How to best utilize this section: For organizational purposes, the text listings are broken up into fine dining, casual dining and nightlife.
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FINE DINING
Bocci’s
Middleton Place Restaurant
158 Church St. • Charleston • (Map: H:5) 843-720-2121 • www.boccis.com • Located just off the historic Market area, a favorite among locals, Bocci’s is known for their fresh pastas, homemade sauces, veal, chicken and seafood. When combined with an excellent wine list, a variety of gourmet coffees, and desserts to die for, Bocci’s fresh creations deliver an Italian dining experience unique to Charleston. Lunch 11 a.m., Dinner 4:30 p.m.
4300 Ashley River Rd. • Charleston 843-556-6020 • www.middletonplace.org Savor Lowcountry cuisine while taking in views of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. For lunch, visitors enjoy a three-course, prix fixe menu. Lunch served daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner guests pay no admission after 5:30 p.m. and can stroll through the gardens prior to an elegant, candlelit evening. Dinner served Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cru Cafe´ 18 Pinckney St. • Charleston • (Map: I:4/5) 843-534-2434 • www.crucafe.com • In an 18th-century home on Pinckney Street, Charlestonians sip mint julep tea on the porch and dine on upscale comfort food at John Zucker’s Cru Cafe. “Do it right and use the best posssible ingredients” is his mantra. Serving lunch Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m to 3 p.m and dinner Tues.-Sat., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SpiritLine Dinner Cruise Departs from 40 Patriots Point Blvd • Mount Pleasant • (Map P:1) • 843-722-2628 • www.spiritlinecruises.com • The SpiritLine Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina features fine cuisine prepared to order onboard, entertainment, dancing, fully stocked bar, and a magnificent cruise on Charleston Harbor. Departs Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mt. Pleasant. Call for information and reservations.
CASUAL DINING 17 North Roadside Kitchen 3563 Highway 17 North • Mount Pleasant (Map K:5) • 843-606-2144 • www.roadsidekitchens.com • Roadside Kitchens features classic comfort food and some elevated new takes on traditional favorites, built around the area’s demographics with fresh and local ingredients. Our chefs, staff, and restaurants provide the best dining experiences through upscale service and food in a casual, relaxed and welcoming environment. Serving lunch and dinner - see coupons in ad.
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EAT + DRINK
FINE DINING
EAT + DRINK
CASUAL DINING Charleston Crab House 41 S. Market St. • Charleston • (Map H:6) 843-853-2900 • 145 Wappoo Creek Dr. James Island • 843-762-4507 www.charlestoncrabhouse.com • Serving Lunch & Dinner daily. Celebrating 20 years, the Charleston Crab House serves fresh local seafood including S.C. shrimp year-round. A favorite for locals and visitors with roof-top dining downtown and a waterfront patio in James Island.
Cupcake 433 King St. • Charleston • (Map: G:2) 843-853-8181 • 644 Long Point Rd., Belle Hall Shopping Center • Mount Pleasant (Map: M:3) • 843-856-7080 • www.freshcupcakes.com • Featured by USA Today, Martha Stewart and also by Ellen as “the best cupcakes in America!” Cupcakes: they’re sweet and delicious... tiny works of art that bring back the delights of childhood. Baked fresh daily, our cupcakes are concocted from the finest all-natural ingredients, like real vanilla beans, sweet cream butter, fresh fruit, and rich chocolate – finished off with homemade icing and an assortment of toppings, creating a fun, swanky update of a vintage favorite.
East Bay Deli 334 East Bay St. • Charleston • (Map: J:4) 843-216-5473 • 1120 Oakland Market Rd. Mount Pleasant • (Map: M:5) • 843-216-5473 9135 University Blvd. N. Charleston • 843-5537374 • 4405 Dorchester Rd. • N. Charleston (Map: X:4) • 843-747-1235 • Charleston’s real New York-style deli slices sandwich meats fresh every morning and uses only quality products such as Thumann’s deli meats and Hebrew National deli dogs. The varied menu comes with many options from which to choose: soups, chili, both hearty and heart-healthy sandwiches, wraps, giant spuds and desserts.
Hyman’s Seafood 215 Meeting St. • Charleston • (Map H:5) 843-723-6000 • hymanseafood.com Hyman’s Seafood is a must when visiting Charleston. Reviewed by over 30 national publications and voted No. 1 seafood restaurant in the Southeast by Southern Living magazine nine years in a row. Lunch and dinner served 7 days a week. Parking and back entrance from Charleston Place. No reservations, come early to avoid the wait. See coupon in ad for free crab dip or shrimp salad!
Joe Pasta 428 King (Corner of King & John St.) • Charleston (Map: E:5) • 843-965-5252 • Joe Pasta specializes in great Italian food at a great price for both lunch and dinner. Their menu features fantastic soups, salads, Parmesan sandwiches, pizza, superb pastas, exquisite desserts, and a full liquor, wine, and beer bar. The restaurant provides a laid-back and cozy atmosphere that is family friendly. See coupon in ad! 46
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EAT + DRINK
CASUAL DINING A.W. Shuck’s
FREE Appetizer w/ Purchase of 2 Entrees! up to $10.99 value Not Valid w/other Offers - Traveler Magazine
Great Italian Food Family Friendly Atmosphere 428 King Street & John Downtown Charleston 843-965-5252
35 South Market St. • Charleston • (Map: I:5) 843-723-1151 • www.a-w-shucks.com Charleston’s original raw bar and restaurant right on historic Market Street. A.W. Shucks has created a new menu inspired by classic Charleston tradition that includes award-winning stuffed shrimp, the Lowcountry’s best she-crab soup, and seafood casserole that’s a legend among locals! The only thing you’ll enjoy as much as the food is the company of friends and the extensive selection of craft beers from our bar. Lunch and dinner served daily beginning at 11 a.m.
Tommy Condon’s 160 Church St. • Charleston • (Map: H:5/6) 843-577-3818 • www.tommycondons.com Located one block from the historic Market area, Tommy Condon’s is a longtime Charleston tradition. Here you’ll find an experience crafted after a true Irish pub, offering an atmosphere appropriate for families, couples and folks just looking to hoist a pint! Serving an innovative new pub menu daily beginning at 11 a.m. Dining is available in the pub or on our outdoor deck. Live Irish music Wednesday–Sunday nights.
Did you know that riding the downtown trolley or bus service is free? To see the available routes, refer to our downtown map page.
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EAT + DRINK
Charleston Recipe Peaches and Cream Muffins with Cinnamon Butter South Carolina ranks No. 2 in the country for peach production, growing some 60,000 tons of peaches a year.
Ingredients: 2 cups self-rising flour 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 (15-ounce) can sliced peaches, drained and chopped into 1/4 inch pieces.
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 18 muffin cups with liners. In a mixing bowl, mix flour, butter, sour cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Fold in the peaches. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan. Meanwhile, mix 1/2 stick softened butter with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 Tablespoon brown sugar. Serve muffins warm from oven with cinnamon butter. – Jessica Geren (adapted from a Paula Deen recipe)
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Art + Music Explore Charleston’s art scene and experience the city's culture. Charleston offers some of the finest selections of authentic 18th and 19th century antiques.
THE SPRING SEASON USHERS IN ARTS WALKS AND EVENTS ALONG BROAD STREET AND THE FRENCH QUARTER. Sip some wine and take in some of the South’s best in painting, sculpture and photography. Music is a part of Charleston’s culture with everything from jazz, to orchestra to rock and country.
Explore the galleries in the French Quarter at one of the monthly art walks. The next one is May 4. For details, visit www.frenchquarterarts.com. The French Quarter is bordered by the waterfront, S. Market, Meeting and Tradd streets.
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ART + MUSIC
ANTIQUES Terrace Oaks Antique Mall 2037 Maybank (Hwy. 700) • James Island 843-795-9689 • Mon-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. www.terraceoaksantiques.com • Since 1988, Terrace Oaks Antique Mall has been the leader in the Charleston area for multi-dealer antique shops. Their 10,000-square-foot, climate-controlled shop houses 90+ booths with all different tastes and styles. When it comes to antiques, they have just about anything your heart desires.
ARTS Theatre Charleston 843-813-8578 • www.theatrecharleston.com Theatre Charleston, a non-profit organization comprised of the area’s leading local theaters, is dedicated to helping you easily find out what’s playing when and where. For a full calendar of this season’s live productions, check us out at www.theatrecharleston.com
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Featured Events Ready, set, spring! Our calendar is overflowing April – June 2012 These featured events highlight some of the season’s top events and festivals. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more events. 65th annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens March 22-April 21 Get an insider’s view of some of Charleston’s most elegant and charming historic homes and gardens. This tour showcases the city’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. Guests have the rare opportunity to go inside private homes and gardens, some dating to the 18th century. Tours feature seven to 10 properties each day in one of 11 neighborhoods, dating from the American colonial period, through the antebellum and Victorian eras, to early 20th century. These tours also take place during the peak blooming season so the gardens will be flush with color. For more information or tickets, visit www.historiccharleston.org.
Family Circle Cup March 31-April 8 The Family Circle Cup is the largest women’s only tennis tournament in the world. This year’s event includes players from 24 countries and includes six former Cup champions, including Samantha Stosur, Sabine Lisicki, Serena Williams, Jelena Jankovic, Nadia Petrova and Venus Williams. This year’s event marks 40 years of tennis for the Family Circle Cup. To celebrate, tennis legends will gather for a special evening featuring a reunion of the “Original 9,” including Billie Jean King and first-ever Family Circle Cup champion Rosie Casals. “40Love: A Night of Empowerment Celebrating 40 Years of the Family Circle Cup” features honorary coaches King and Virginia Wade leading a star-studded World Team Tennis-style exhibition with Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis and Rennae Stubbs, along with tennis legend Jimmy Connors and American standout Aaron Krickstein. This special event is set for April 7 at the Family Circle Stadium. For more information or tickets, visit www.familycirclecup.com.
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FEATURED EVENTS
photo credit: Leigh Handal, Historic Charleston Foundation
Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens www.historiccharleston.org
Founders’ Day Festival
photo credit: Chris Smith
April 14 Travel back in time at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site and celebrate the birth of South Carolina. Living history staff will bring to life the site’s history through a variety of programs and activities. Several groups of 17th-century reenactors will interact with visitors in authentic encampments located within the reconstructed palisade wall that protected Charles Towne in the 1670s. Demonstrations will include the firing of blackpowder cannons and muskets, as well as cooking and other daily chores crucial to the colony’s survival. Site archaeologists will be available at the current excavation site to show visitors the latest research discoveries. For more information, visit www.charlestownelanding.travel.
Family Circle Cup www.familycirclecup.com april-june 2012 travelerofcharleston.com
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FEATURED EVENTS
First Flush Festival www.charlestonteaplantation.com
Carolina Dirt Fair April 27-April 29 Celebrate farming and food in this interactive and educational event designed to connect local farms and businesses to the community. Events include cooking demonstrations, a farm-to-table dinner and hoedown as well as plenty of workshops on gardening, backyard chickens, joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, putting that CSA box to good use, composting, canning, preserving, food storage and water conservation. Events are located at various venues around Charleston. For more information, visit www.dirtfair.com.
Sculpture in the South May 19-20 World-class sculpture will be on display and available for sale at this annual event in the heart of downtown Summerville. Recognized as one of the state’s premier outdoor arts events, it offers collectors and first-time art enthusiasts a chance to interact with 35 leading fine art sculptors, representing a wide range of original artwork. All artwork is available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Summerville’s Permanent Public Sculpture Program, which has funded the purchase and installation of 21 pieces of bronze sculpture throughout the town. For more information, visit www.sculptureinthesouth.com.
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FEATURED EVENTS
First Flush Festival May 20 This sixth annual event at the Charleston Tea Plantation is a celebration of America’s own tea garden right here in the Lowcountry. The “first flush” is defined as the growth of new leaves on the tea plants in the springtime after a winter of rest. That first flush of new growth is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers claim is the most unique, fresh and amazing cup of tea. This event on Wadmalaw Island celebrates that first flush with music, entertainment, art and local cuisine. For more information, please visit www.charlestonteaplantation.com.
Spoleto Festival USA May 25-June 10 For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Now approaching its 36th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For more information, visit spoletousa.org. Complementing Spoleto is Piccolo Spoleto, a companion festival highlighting Southeastern artists and performers as well as offering children’s programming. For more information, visit www.piccolospoleto.com.
Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series
photo credit: Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission
June 9, 30 Good music and good vibes – that’s the focus of this summer concert series that blends old school roots reggae with a new school attitude. Bring a chair or blanket and soak up the music and the scenery at James Island County Park. Food and beverages available for purchase. Jahson & The Natty Vibes will perform June 9, and Da’Gullah Rootz will take the stage on June 30. Music begins at 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit ccprc.com.
Reggae Nights www.ccprc.com april-june 2012 travelerofcharleston.com
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Calendar of Events April – June 2012
Classical Kids www.chambermusiccharleston.org
APRIL 2012 1
Flowertown Festival – Arts and crafts festival in the heart of downtown Summerville. flowertownfestival.org
1
Lowcountry Cajun Festival – A full day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, children’s activities and Cajun entertainment. www.ccprc.com/cajun
7
Hat Ladies Easter Promenade – Annual stroll down Meeting Street between Broad Street and White Point Gardens. hatladies.org
7
Easter Eggstravaganza – Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt on the grounds of Middleton Place plus activities at the Plantation Stableyards. www.middletonplace.org
11-15
Charleston International Film Festival – Watch the latest sneak previews and premieres of features, documentaries, shorts and animations from local, national and international filmmakers. www.charlestoninternationalfilmfestival.org
13
Kiawah Island Art and House Tour – Five island homes will be open for public viewing; proceeds benefit outreach programs at the Gibbes Museum of Art. www.gibbesetc.org
13-14
Charleston Horticultural Society’s Plantasia – Plants and garden items for sale; workshops and volunteers on hand to answer questions. www.charlestonhorticulturalsociety.org
13-15
World Grits Festival – Celebrate this Southern staple in the Grits Capital of the World. Enjoy food, music and even a rolling-in-the-grits contest. www.worldgritsfestival.com
14
Founders’ Day Festival at Charles Towne Landing – Featured event, see page 55.
14
The Music of John Williams: A Night at the Movies – The Charleston Symphony Orchestra performs movie scores from “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” “Harry Potter” and more. ww.charlestonsymphony.org
14-15
Pet Fest – Music, exhibitors, contests, children’s activities and rescue groups with adoptable animals. www.ccprc.com/petfest
19
Gibbes Museum of Art Renovation Celebration – Party in front of the museum to celebrate the museum’s future renovation plans with an evening of food, fun and music. www.gibbesmuseum.org
21
Cultural Dance Festival – Traditional dances from around the globe on stage at Cypress Gardens. www.cypressgardens.info
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Symphony Under the Stars – Outdoor concert at the Marguerite H. Brown Municipal Center in Goose Creek. www.goosecreekrecreation.com
22
Old Village Home, Garden & Art Tour – Visit 10 homes and gardens in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant; proceeds benefit the American Red Cross. www.lowcountryredcross.org
22
Teddy Bear Picnic – Free family event and children’s activities in Hampton Park. www.charlestonparksconservancy.org
27-29
Carolina Dirt Fair – Featured event, see page 56.
26
Beach Music on the Boardwalk – Live beach music, boardwalk food and drinks plus a live auction; benefits the Charleston Museum. www.charlestonmuseum.org
28
Classical Kids Concert – Interactive concert, “America’s White Table” for string quartet, specifically for younger audiences. www.chambermusiccharleston.org
28
Chamber Music Charleston – Musicians perform Gershwin’s “Summertime” and Ives String Quartet No. 1 (From the Salvation Army). www.chambermusiccharleston.org
28
Chamber Music Charleston – “A Celebration of France” with music of Gershwin, Ives and Trevor Weston. www.chambermusiccharleston.org
29
Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival – Celebrate the beginning of shrimp season and honor local shrimpers at this event with music, arts and craft, shrimp-eating contest and a boat parade. townofmountpleasant.com
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
21
Through
4/8
Family Circle Cup – Featured event, see page 54.
Through
4/21
65th annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens – Featured event, see page 54.
Easter Eggstravaganza www.middletonplace.org
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Blessing of the Fleet www.townofmountpleasant.com
MAY 2012 4-6
Gourmet and Grapes – Local and national culinary talent along with award-winning wineries create a truly unique culinary experience at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. www.kiawahresort.com
12
Moms’ Run + Family Fun Day – 5K race followed by family event with activities for children on Daniel Island. www.ppdsupport.org
16
Rice Planting – Learn how Carolina Gold rice was planted on Lowcountry plantations and about the African origins of rice and its cultivation in South Carolina. www.middletonplace.org
17-19
Arthur Smith Fishing Tournament & Music Festival – Open to all fishing enthusiasts, offshore and inshore. The Waterfront Bash includes family activities, food, boat show and music. www.arthursmithfishing.com
19
Charleston Jazz Orchestra – Localopus is a celebration of jazz talent in Charleston. jazzartistsofcharleston.org
19-20
Sculpture in the South – Featured event, see page 56.
20
First Flush Festival – Featured event, see page 57.
25
Spoleto Festival USA – Featured event, see page 57.
through
6/10 26-27
Living History Days – Learn about the beginning of the planter’s agricultural year and the culture and traditions of a bygone era. www.middletonplace.org
4-6, 11-13, 18-20
“Charley’s Aunt” – Performed by the Flowertown Players, this comedy is a story of romance and mistaken identity. www.flowertownplayers.org
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JUNE 2012 2
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival – Waterfront Memorial Park in Mount Pleasant Noon to 8 p.m. www.sweetgrassfestival.org
9, 30
Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series – Featured event, see page 57.
10
Spoleto Finale at Middleton Place – Finale performance by Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole; arrive early to picnic and stay afterward for a fireworks displays to close out the 2012 Spoleto season. SpoletoUSA.org.
15
Movies at the Pier – Watch “Back to the Future” (1985) on the Great Lawn of the Mount Pleasant Pier. ccprc.com
16
Siempre Mujer Music Festival – Family activities, live entertainment, celerity meet and greet, seminars, speakers and Latin cuisine. www.siempremujer.com/festival2012
23-
Charleston's Annual Beer Garden Festival – Inspired by the festive biergartens of Germany. 1-8 p.m. at Brittlebank Park. www.charlestonbeergarden.com
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival www.sweetgrassfestival.org
ONGOING EVENTS April 7, May 5, June 2 – On select Saturdays throughout the year, take a nighttime walk through Francis Beidler Forest’s swamp. sc.audubon.org April 19; May 3, 17, 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28 – Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise – A two-hour cruise around the Charleston harbor with a barbecue buffet and lives blues music. www.charlestonharbortours.com First Saturday of the Month – 17th-century musket demonstrations at Charles Towne Landing. www.CharlesTowneLanding.travel Third Saturday of the Month – 17th-century cannon demonstrations at Charles Towne Landing. www.CharlesTowneLanding.travel Each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning April 7 – Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square, downtown Charleston. www.charlestonarts.org Each Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. until dusk beginning April 10 – Mount Pleasant Farmers Market at the Farmers Market Pavilion on Coleman Boulevard. www.comeonovermp.com Each Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. beginning in mid-April – North Charleston Farmers Market at Park Circle’s Felix C. Davis Community Center. www.northcharleston.org Each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning April 7 – Summerville Farmers Market in the First Citizens parking lot adjacent to Summerville Town Hall. www.summerville.sc.us
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To West Ashley, Plantations Charles Towne Landing Johns Island, Kiawah
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Aiken-Rhett House . . . . . . H:2
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HISTORIC BUILDINGS
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Charleston Museum. . . . . H:2
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MUSEUMS
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Rainbow Row. . . . . . . . . . . . I:7
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Dock Street Theatre. . . . . H:6 Gaillard Auditorium . . . . . . I:3 Sottile Theatre . . . . . . . . G:3/4
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Charleston Place . . . . . . . H:5 The Citadel . . . . . . . . . . . . . D:1 City Marina. . . . . . . . . . . . . C:3 College of Charleston . . . G:3
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Joe Riley Park. . . . . . . . . . . C:1 Maritime Center. . . . . . . . . K:4 MUSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D:2 SC Aquarium . . . . . . . . . . . K:3 The Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . F:10 The City Market . . . . . . . H/I:5 Visitors Center . . . . . . . . . G:2 Waterfront Park . . . . . . . . . J:7
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MAPS
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THINGS TO LOVE
Things to Love about the Lowcountry ■
In our own backyard we have the Grits Capital of the World. It’s the tiny town of St. George’s claim to fame!
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Beaches, beaches and even more beaches.
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Spring: It’s the best time of year here before the humidity and mosquitoes have taken up residence.
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Philip Simmons: His amazing ironwork is sprinkled all around Charelston.
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Parks: The city of Charleston has more than 120 public parks and green spaces.
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VISITOR 411
Visitor 411 Population:
Estimated to be 124,500 in 2009 – Charleston is the second largest city in the state. Population for the metro area estimates a total population of 664,607, the largest in the state.
Climate: Charleston’s subtropical climate is known for mild winters, warm temperatures in the spring and fall with hot and humid summer seasons. Hurricanes are a threat during summer and early fall.
Emergency Services: Dial 911
Area Information Visitor Centers: 1. DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON: 375 Meeting St. 2. MOUNT PLEASANT: 99 Harry Hallman Jr. Blvd. 3. NORTH CHARLESTON: 4975 Centre Point Dr. 4. SUMMERVILLE: 402 N. Main St.
Parking:
There are numerous parking garages in downtown Charleston which can be found on our downtown map. Metered street parking is an option throughout the city as well.
Transportation:
1. DOWNTOWN TROLLEY: Free transportation (see map for routes). Ridecarta.com 2. CARTA: Bus system transports every where from the beach and beyond. Ridecarta.com 3. AIRPORT: Charleston International, International Blvd (off of I-526), North Charleston 4. AMTRAK: Gaynor Ave, North Charleston. amtrak.com 5. WATER TAXI: Transports visitors from downtown to the USS Yorktown & Mount Pleasant. 843-330-2989
Travel + Leisure named Charleston No. 2 city in its World’s Best Poll (2011) Outside magazine named Charleston No. 6 Best Town Ever (2011)
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DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS
Directory Of Advertisers SEE + DO Absolute Reel Screamer Charters Adventure Harbor Tours Angler Management Charters AquaSafaris Audubon Center at Beidler Forest Barrier Island Eco Tours Boone Hall Plantation Bulldog Walking Tours Carolina Queen Riverboat Carriage & Harbor Tour Combo Charles Towne Landing Charleston Coastal Excursions Charleston Harbor Tours Charleston History Photo Tours Charleston Scooter Rentals Charleston Strolls Charleston Tea Plantation Children's Museum Culinary Tours of Charleston Drayton Hall Edisto Island Serpentarium Edmondston-Alston House Fear No Easel Fort Sumter Tours Holy City Walking Tours Isle of Palms Marina Middleton Place Nature Adventures Kayak North Charleston Fire Museum Ondeck Charleston Sailing Palmetto Carriage Plantation & Harbor Tour Combo Prevailing Winds Sailing Sandlapper Water Tours Schooner Pride Sailing Segway of Charleston Sharkin Charleston Charters South Carolina Aquarium SpiritLine Harbor Tour Strange History Walking Tours Summerville South Carolina Thriller Charleston Tidalwave Watersports Tour Video Network
27 34 24 30 19 24 7 17 29 37 35 32 3, 37 23 38 23 72 16 15 20 34 18 38 9 22 21 18 31 25 27 2 21 30 31 36 22 32 25 9 23 26 33 21 70
SHOP + SAVOR Citadel/Northwoods Malls Dacuba’s Jewelry Nice Ice Jewelry Palmettoville Spice & Tea Exchange The Brass Pirate Town of Mount Pleasant
43 4 71 41 41 41 42
EAT + DRINK 17 North Roadside Kitchen A.W. Shuck's Bocci's Charleston Crab House Cru Café Cupcake East Bay Deli Hyman's Seafood Joe Pasta Middleton Place Restaurant SpiritLine Dinner Cruise Tommy Condon's
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ART + MUSIC
Terrace Oaks Antique Mall Theatre Charleston 70
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