Spring will be here before you know it and Charleston, SC is making sure it's prepared to offer visitors a host of spring activities and new developments.
First, cruisers will be happy to know that Carnival Cruise Lines is introducing a year-round schedule from Charleston aboard the Carnival Fantasy. The vessel will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages to the Bahamas and Key West beginning May 18.
Wild in the Kitchen at SEWE will be located on the lawn of the Gaillard Auditorium February 12 through 14. Attendees will have a chance to experience different culinary delights while watching live cooking demos from some of Charleston's top chefs.
Charleston Race Week is an annual premier regatta for inshore and offshore racing sailboats. The 15th edition will be held at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina April 8-11.
Tickets for the 2010 Fashion Week are now available. The runway event will take place March 16 through 20.
Gibbes Museum of Art is welcoming world-renowned artist, Christo, for a presentation and dialogue on April 13.
February's First Fridays on Gallery Row on Historic Broad presents Blues on Broad. Fourteen different venues are participating on February 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Charleston International Festival of Choirs, in conjunction with Music Contact International, will host the 2010 Massed Sing Festival Concert on April 24, at 7:00 p.m. at Citadel Square Baptist Church. Choirs from across North America and Germany will perform. Contact Jodi Breckenridge for more information.
The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum now has ticket packages on sale. The forum will be held March 17-21 and will focus on a lecture series entitled E. Pluribus Unum: Thirteen Colonies, One New Nation.
On February 18 the Charleston Museum will host a workshop titled “Sweetgrass Baskets: Hands-On History Workshop.”
20th Annual Lowcountry Blues Bash to be held in venues all over the Charleston area February 5-16. 12 days, 25 venues, more than 50 acts and 90 shows.
Author and art consultant Barbara Guggenheim will discuss the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of collecting art at an event titled How the Art World Works: New Twists on the World’s Second Oldest Profession on February 4 at the Gibbes Museum of Art.
New Exhibits
Gibbes Museum of Art will soon be exhibiting Lure of the Lowcountry in the Main Gallery through April 18. This exhibition features sixteen large scale mixed-media photographs by artist John Folsom (American, b. 1967) selected from his series.
March 20 the South Carolina Aquarium will add a rare ghost of the swamp, an albino alligator, to their exhibit collection.
Plum Elements has In Her Nature on display through February 28. The show explores a side by side comparison of expressions inspired by nature.
Traveling Gourmet
Wentworth Mansion’s Circa 1886 is offering a five-course dinner and a stay at the historic property with two special seatings for Valentine’s Day and month-long Sweetheart Packages for two.
The MoonPie General Store will display the world’s first giant camouflage MoonPie during the Southeastern Wildlife Expo February 12-14.
Home Team BBQ now has two locations serving up weekly specials. The original in West Ashley and the newer locale at 2209 Middle Street on Sullivan’s Island.
Blossom is launching a $9 lunch menu showcasing both variety and value.
McCrady’s is offering romantic options for Valentine’s Day. Chose from five- or three-course menus.
Hall’s Chophouse introduces ala carte brunch on Sundays starting February 7. Full bar available and entertainment every Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
New Tours
10th Annual Kiawah Island Art and House Tour will be held April 9 to benefit the Gibbes Museum of Art. Six stunning Kiawah Island homes that showcase spectacular art collections and dramatic views will give touring guests a myriad of visual experiences.
Sea and Save at the South Carolina Aquarium will grant all South Carolina residents child-admission rates, a savings of $7. Additionally, penguin feedings can be viewed at regular times each day beginning in February.
Bulldog Tours has partnered with the Junior League of Charleston to offer the exciting and educational interactive walking tour called Joseph’s Charleston Adventure, based on a picture book of a boy who happens upon a lost dog in Charleston and their ensuing adventures.
Black Cat Tours announces their 2nd Annual Free Weekend taking place February 12-14. Authors and tour guides Mark Jones and Rebel Sinclair are proud to offer this opportunity for locals and visitors to discover the rich history of Charleston at no cost. The free walking tours are being offered for three days on a first-come, first served basis.