Through June 15
New Exhibits at Brookgreen Gardens
Two new exhibits are on display at Brookgreen Gardens: “Good Things Come in Small Packages: Medallic and Relief Sculpture” and “The Bronze Zoo: Anna Hyatt Huntington and Exotic Animals.” Enjoy the artistry set amidst the lush summer foliage of this garden museum.
Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet. Daily, 9:30am-5pm. Regular admission: $12; $10 ages 65 & older; $5 ages six-12; free for member/child five & under. (843) 235-6019, www.brookgreen.org
May 22 & 29, June 5, 12, 19, & 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, august 7, 14, 21, & 28, & September 4, 11, 18, & 25
North Charleston/Hanahan Farmers Market
Help support Lowcountry farmers and growers while stocking up on fresh produce, herbs, jellies, jams, and other delicacies. Browse the community information booths, enjoy breakfast or lunch beneath the shade trees, and take part in cooking demonstrations, nutrition classes, and free health screenings. With face painting, pony rides, a jump castle, and a playground, this is one shopping trip that won’t get complaints from the kids.
Westvaco Park, Remount Rd. & North Rhett Ave., North Charleston. Thursday, 8am-3pm. Free. (843) 745-1028, www.northcharleston.org
May 23-25, 30, & 31, June 1, 6-8, 14, 21, & 28, July 5, 12, 19, 21, & 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30,
& September 6, 13, 20, & 27
Charleston Farmers Market
A perfect Saturday outing for the family, downtown Charleston’s 20th annual farmers market proves one of a kind for its fresh flowers and produce, delectable brunch and lunch options, quality entertainment, and offerings by an array of local artisans.
Marion Square, corner of King & Calhoun sts. Saturday, 8am-2pm. Free. (843) 724-7305, www.charlestoncity.info
May 24
A Day of Wine & Roses
Celebrate rose season with Rosebank Farms owners Sidi Limehouse and Louise Bennett. At 11 a.m., Bennett demonstrates how to use the blooms in table centerpieces. At noon, sit down to a lunch of Limehouse’s barbecue, farm-fresh vegetables, and wine. At 1:30 p.m., Limehouse shows how to plant and care for roses to maximize their beauty. Guests can also wander the grounds admiring more than 400 roses and take a guided tour of the gardens.
Rosebank Farms, 4455 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy., John’s Island. Saturday, 11am. Free admission; $10 for lunch. (843) 768-0508, www.rosebankfarms.com
May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, July 6, 13, 20, & 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, & september 7, 14, 21, & 28
Bird Walks at Magnolia Plantation
More than 250 migratory and year-round bird species reside at Magnolia Plantation, earning it national attention from various ornithological authorities. To see as many of these species as possible, spend a Sunday morning traversing the gorgeous plantation grounds with Perry Nugent, who has been studying birds for more than 50 years, with 32 of them spent in the Charleston area. The price of the walk includes general gardens and grounds admission all day plus one additional day within a week of ticket purchase.
Magnolia Plantation, 3550 Ashley River Rd. Sunday, 8:30-11am. $17; $6 member. (800) 367-3517, www.magnoliaplantation.com
May 27, June 3, 10, 17, & 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, August 5, 12, 19, & 26, & September 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
A shopping experience you’re sure to enjoy, this charming open-air market boasts a wide variety of food and farm vendors offering fresh-baked goods, flowers, produce, and more. Enjoy live music and bring your gardening questions, as Clemson Extension Master Gardeners are on hand for consultation.
Moultrie Middle site, 1560 Mathis Ferry Rd., Mt. Pleasant. Tuesday, 3pm until dark. Free. (843) 884-8517, www.townofmountpleasant.com
May 31 & July 5
Step & Steep—A Tea Farm Tea Party
Though no longer grown commercially at Caw Caw, tea plants still thrive under oak and pine trees at the Interpretive Center. Visitors are invited to explore the plants and sample tea made from them while learning more about South Carolina tea history and cultivation. Pre-registration is required.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Exhibit Area, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel. Saturday, May 31, 11am-1pm; Saturday, July 5, 10am-12pm. $9; $7 CCR member. (843) 795-4386, www.ccprc.com
June 6, July 4, August 1, & september 5
First Fridays On Broad
Through November, a selection of shops on Broad Street’s Gallery Row will stay open late on the first Friday evening of every month. With a different theme for each event, galleries like Mary Martin, John Doyle, and Ella Richardson offer wine and hors d’oeuvres while you browse and socialize.
Participating galleries on Broad St. Friday, 5-7pm or later. Free. (843) 723-9474, www.charlestonlowcountry.com
June 6 & 7
Sweetgrass Basket Cultural Arts Festival
Weave your place into history at this fourth annual festival organized in conjunction with Piccolo Spoleto. During this celebration of the distinctively Lowcountry art form of sweetgrass basket making, more than 100 basket makers display their wares and demonstrate their skills alongside a number of artists, crafters, and quilters. Bring your appetite for some delicious Gullah/Geechee cuisine, and enjoy live performances by cultural musical groups, as well as praise dancing, storytelling, and fun family activities. Don’t miss the documentary film that will be shown intermittently throughout the weekend, with a discussion session among members of the public, scholars, basket makers, and historians taking place after each viewing.
Laing Middle School, 2213 Hwy. 17 N., Mt. Pleasant, Friday, 3-8pm; Saturday, 12-8pm. Free. (843) 856-9732, www.piccolospoleto.com
June 7
Artists Under the Arcade
Shop for unique crafts for the home at gorgeous Brookgreen Gardens. The artists, including sweetgrass basket makers, photographers, and painters, who were invited to sell their works at this day-long festival also demonstrate their craftsmanship and are available to meet with visitors.
Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet. Saturday, 9:30am-4pm. Regular admission: $12; $10 ages 65 & older; $5 ages six-12; free for member/child five & under. (843) 235-6019, www.brookgreen.org
June 7
Koi Pond Tour
During this self-guided tour, explore more than 40 ponds, including Grant Patton’s 30,000-gallon masterpiece, home to a number of giant show fish. After the tour, mingle with other koi enthusiasts at the grand finale party, enjoying refreshments and fun prizes. Purchase your tour booklet at Tideline Aquatics at 1271 Yeamans Hall Road in Hanahan.
Various locations. Saturday, 9:30am-4pm; finale, 5pm. $10; free for child under 12. (843) 830-7677, (843) 556-1541
June 8
Spoleto Finale
Help bring the 32nd Spoleto season to its traditional close at Middleton Place, where you can stroll America’s oldest landscaped gardens and picnic on the grounds before enjoying a concert under the stars by the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra. A spectacular fireworks display over the Ashley River caps off the enchanting evening.
Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Rd. Sunday, gates open at 3:30pm; concert begins at 8:30pm. $35; $32 advance. (843) 556-6020, www.spoletousa.org
June 14 & 15
Hydrangea Festival
At this third annual festival, expert growers lead walking tours through Rosebank Farms’ overflowing hydrangea fields. The gorgeous Southern blooms will also be for sale, and guests can enjoy lunch and question-and-answer sessions with experts.
Rosebank Farms, 4455 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy., John’s Island. Saturday, farm opens at 9am; tours begin at 10am. Free. (843) 768-0508, www.rosebankfarms.com
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June 14 & July 19
The Landscape of Slavery
In conjunction with the Gibbes Museum of Art exhibit “The Landscape of Slavery: The Plantation in American Art,” senior staff members at Drayton Hall lead an in-depth guided tour that explores existing landscape features, archaeological sites, maps, and documents in an attempt to reveal the actual landscape of slavery as it existed centuries ago. Oral history from Drayton Hall’s own African-American population offers further insight into the roles and contributions of plantation slaves. Participation is limited.
Drayton Hall, 3380 Ashley River Rd. Saturday, 10:30am-12pm. $25; free for Friends of Drayton Hall. (843) 769-2638, www.draytonhall.org
June 18-20 & 25-27, July 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30, & 31, & August 6-8 & 13-15
Cool Summer Evenings
Enjoy the grounds in a whole new light when Brookgreen Gardens stays open until 9 p.m. to offer a fun lineup of outdoor entertainment. With evening boat cruises down the creeks and nightly programs for the whole family, you’ll want to make it this summer’s weekly tradition.
Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet. Wednesday-Friday, 5-9pm. $12; $10 ages 65 & older; $5 ages six-12; free for member/child five & under. (843) 235-6019, www.brookgreen.org
June 19, July 17, August 21, & September 18
DREAMfest
On the third Thursday of every month until September, DREAMfest showcases the best of what Summerville has to offer. Join in the art walk, bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the concerts on Hutchinson Square, grab dinner at one of the delicious restaurants, and stop into the shops that are staying open late for the event. Community organizations offer information at booths throughout downtown.
Downtown Summerville, Hutchinson Square, corner of Main and Doty Ave., Summerville. Thursday, 5-8pm;
concert starts at 6:30pm. Free. (843) 821-7260, www.summervilledream.org
June 21 & 22, July 19 & 20, & August 16 & 17
Lowcountry Antiques & Collectibles Show
Is there anything more satisfying than a great flea market find? Once a month, more than 50 dealers from several states converge on Charleston to offer items ranging from fine antiques to estate furniture and silver.
Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St. Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. $3; free for ages 12 & under.
(843) 849-1949
July 4
Red, White, & Blue on the Green
This community celebration puts your family into the Fourth of July spirit. Join in the non-motorized parade that marches through beautiful downtown Summerville, and enter the contest for the most patriotically attired people and pets. After a day of live music, jump castles, and food, head to Gahagan Sports Complex for the 9 p.m. fireworks display.
Historic downtown Summerville; Gahagan Sports Complex, 104 Civic Center Rd. Friday, 4-7pm. Free.
(843) 851-5211, www.summervilletourism.com
July 4
Sizzling Summer Celebration
The John Wentworth Mansion and Circa 1886 host an alternative to the typical Fourth of July festivities. Hear tunes from a live jazz soloist and sip champagne during an exquisite grilled dinner. Afterwards, head to the
mansion’s cupola for the fireworks display.
John Wentworth Mansion, 149 Wentworth St. Friday, 7:30pm. Various prices. (843) 853-1886, www.wentworthmansion.com
July 6
An Evening at Prospect Hill
In the idyllic setting of Prospect Hill Plantation, shop the wares of talented artisans and feast on fare from local chefs while enjoying live bluegrass music. A fireworks finale over Prospect Hill offers a spectacular end to this annual event benefiting the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society.
Prospect Hill Plantation, 2695 Laurel Hill Rd., Edisto Island. Sunday, 5-9pm. $15; $10 advance; free for ages 12 & under. (843) 869-1954, www.edistomuseum.org
July 11-20
Beaufort Water Festival
From its inception as afternoon races on the river, these 53-year-old festivities in beautiful historic Beaufort have evolved into a 10-day event dedicated to celebrating the area’s rich history and Southern hospitality. In addition to activities ranging from musical performances to sporting competitions, the festival offers great finds for the home at the Crafts Market and Antique Show & Sale.
Various locations, times, & prices. (843) 524-0600, www.bftwaterfestival.com
July 11
Palette & Palate Stroll
Join the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association for a night of art and delicious cuisine as you stroll through the city’s finest galleries. At each location, one of Charleston’s prestigious chefs—from restaurants such as Oak Steakhouse, McCrady’s, and Carolina’s—will be preparing and serving their delectable fare. Proceeds from this cultured evening benefit the visual arts scholarship of the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association’s Studio Series. Reservations are required.
Various locations, Charleston. Friday, 5:30pm. $40. (843) 722-3660, www.cfada.com
August 22 & 23
Boone Hall Bluegrass & BBQ Festival
A Lowcountry barbecue and sounds of the South—who could ask for more? Professional barbecue teams compete in a cook-off that yields the winner more than $10,000 in cash and prizes. Amateurs are welcome to enter, and everyone who comes to the festival can enjoy the delicious results. Pony rides, a jump castle, and more offer entertainment for the kids, and people of all ages are sure to enjoy tunes by some of the region’s best bluegrass bands.
Boone Hall Plantation, 1235 Long Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant. Friday, 4-8pm; Saturday, 10am-7pm. $17.50; $7 ages six-12; free for child under six. (843) 884-4371 ext. 221, www.boonehallplantation.com
August 30
Irvin~House Vineyards Grape Stomp Festival
Listen to live music, taste five varieties of muscadine wine, and participate in a traditional grape stomping at Charleston’s only winery, Irvin~House Vineyards. Bring your own lawn chairs and spend the afternoon at this family-oriented event, offering games for the kids, delicious barbecue, and a chance to tour the vineyards.
Irvin~House Vineyards, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw Island. Saturday, 2-6pm. Call for prices. (843) 559-6867, www.charlestonwine.com
September 6, 13, 20, & 27
Rice Walks
For the sixth consecutive year, Carolina Gold rice—the crop once responsible for making Charleston one of the richest cities in America—is being replanted at Middleton Place. Enjoy a guided tour through the Garden Rice Field, where you’ll learn how slaves planted, maintained, and harvested the rice.
Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Rd. Saturday, tours begin at 11am. $25; $5 ages seven-15; free for ages six & under. (843) 556-6062, www.middletonplace.org
September 8
Charleston Lowcountry Rose Society Meeting
Offering opportunities to meet and learn from friends who share your love for roses, the Charleston Lowcountry Rose Society of South Carolina holds
meetings on the first Monday of most months, but on the second Monday of September due to Labor Day.
Village Church of Christ, 763 Savage Rd. Monday, 7:30pm. Free. www.charlestonrose.com
September 25-October 26
Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens
Revel in Charleston’s traditions and history as you visit some of the city’s most elegant homes, public buildings, and gardens in a captivating evening setting. Guides at each location share facts about its history as well as its current condition. All proceeds benefit the Preservation Society of Charleston.
Various locations. Thursday-Saturday, 7-10pm; Sunday, 2-5pm. $45. (843) 722-4630, www.preservationsociety.org
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