Monday, November 30, 2009

It's Christmas time in the Lowcountry!

What better way to celebrate the holidays than a trip to Middleton Place! 

Bring the family and celebrate Family Yuletide at Middleton Place Stableyards on Saturday, December 12th, 5:30 - 8pm.

Storytelling around a warm fire, Christmas caroling, and craftspeople working in their shops by candlelight set the scene of the plantation's preparations for Christmas. A live nativity scene will feature many of the plantation's animals.

Families who visit on December 12th will be able to go home with their own special holiday decorations. Fresh greenery, berries and other natural items gathered from the plantation will be provided for visitors to make their own holiday wreaths.

Reservations are required and tickets can be purchased on-line at www.middletonplace.org.  Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children (7-15), children 6 and under are free.

Transportation to Seabrook and Kiawah Islands

Ok, I confess.  When I get out on Seabrook Island, I don't ever want to leave...even to pick up family members from the Charleston airport.  Call me selfish.

Last Tuesday (yes, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving; the Tuesday that is one of the most traveled days of the year), I woke up dreading having to drive to the airport to pick up my daughter and my mil.  Heck,  they weren't scheduled to arrive after dark and everyone knows I don't do well at night (uh, did I mention I had a party to attend that night?).

Anyhow, I got the brilliant idea to try to find a limo service or taxi.  A quick perusal of the internet reminded me of the thing Charleston is lacking--transportation.  I was about to give up when I remembered the name of a transportation service someone had mentioned to me in passing.

I quickly dialed the number for Compass Transportation (843-559-0410).  After leaving a voice message, I felt defeated. 

Lo, and behold, less than two minutes later, Jason Cronen, the owner/operator of Compass Transportation returned my call.  It seems he was busy driving other people to and from Seabrook Island.  Even on such short notice, Jason assured me "the girls" would be picked up on time and delivery to our home on Seabrook. 

With flight information in hand, Jason kept up with the changing arrival time AND kept me posted via text messages and a phone call.  Finally, a little after midnight, my daughter and mil were safely at our home (they reported Jason gave them little history lessons and restaurant reviews along the drive.  The report also included that Jason was "really nice").

Thanks Jason Cronen and Compass Transportation!  The best $85.00 I've spent in the Charleston area in a long while.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Blue Bicycle Books--Charleston

Guess who's coming home for a visit?  Author Pat Conroy!  Saturday, December 12, 2009, Pat Conroy will be visiting Blue Bicycle Books (420 King Street).  His latest book, South of Broad, has been well received by fans.

If you haven't already purchased South of Broad, now's your chance.  Drop by Blue Bicycle Books on December 12th  and get your book autographed by the author.  The book signing will take place from 1-3:30 pm.

*This will be Mr. Conroy's only announced book signing for the Charleston Peninsula. 

While we're talking about Pat Conroy, there's a new walking tour in Charleston based on the places written about in South of Broad.

The two-hour tour departs at 11 am Tuesday-Saturday from the lobby of the Mills House Hotel at 115 Meeting St., and ends outside the Gibbes Museum of Art at 135 Meeting St.

Restaurants-A new restaurant opens in Charleston

Can I get an AMEN?  Amen Street Restaurant, that is.

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar, located at 205 East Bay Street, is Charleston's newest restaurant.  At Amen, you'll enjoy great atmosphere and great food.  The menu consists of traditional Lowcountry fare featuring fresh local seafood, lobster, oysters, clams and more.

Open daily for dining from 11 am until 10 pm; Full bar until 2 am.  To learn more about Amen Street, visit http://amenstreet.com/.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Kiawah Island-50% off

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort is having a "fire sale."

Actually, it's a 48 hour sale--7 am Wednesday, November 11 'til -7 am Friday, November 13, 2009. Accommodations (that's ALL-villas, homes, and The Sanctuary!!) are being offered at 50% rack rates.

The special 50% off rates are good for dates from November 11 through December 30, 2009 (excluding the KI Marathon weekend of Dec. 11-12).

Hurry this offer lasts until Friday, November 13, 2009!  For more infomation, visit LifeatKiawah or call 1-800-654-2924.

Monday, November 9, 2009

7th Annual Blessing of the Vine-Wadmalaw Island, SC

Load up the car and head out to Wadmalaw Island on Saturday, November 14, 2009.  It's time for the 7th Annual Blessing of the Vine at Irvin House Vineyards.    Admission is $5.00 per car.  

The fun starts at 1 p.m.   The Blessing will be at 2 p.m.

Other activities will include live music by Smoky Weiner and the Hot Links, children's activities, food and wine for purchase.  

New this year a chili cook-off contest.  Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets.  It's shaping up to be a great weekend!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

12th Annual Kiawah Island Tour of Homes

Saturday, November 7, 2009, get a glimpse of some of the most exclusive homes on Kiawah Island. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League has planned a day of magnificent homes, music, and "munchies."

The fun-packed day begins at 9:30 am  at Freshfields Village with the ticket pick-up and concert by the Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry.  The home tour on Kiawah Island begins at 10:00 am.  Music will serenade tour guests at several of the homes.

Lunch will be available at nearby restaurants.  Please note lunch is not included in the ticket price (some of the homes will provide light refreshments).

The day comes to a close with a free concert by The Charleston Symphony Orchestra on the green at Freshfields Village.

Tickets for the home tour are $40 in advance or $45 on the day of the tour. For details and advance ticket sales, visit www.csolinc.org.  Tickets can also be purchased at Kiawah Island Visitors Center, Indigo Books or by calling the CSO office at 843-723-7528 x110.

Restaurants-A new restaurant opens on Seabrook

A new restaurant recently opened in Freshfield Village on Seabrook Island, South Carolina.  Le Tela Pizzeria serves pizza and so much more.  Handmade pasta and breads will have you thinking you are in Italy (or in the kitchen of an Italian cook!).

Le Tela fills a void in the Seabrook Island restaurant scene.  Need someplace causal to take the children?  Perhaps, you want a good dinner out without the fuss of getting dressed to the nines?  Le Tela Pizzeria should do nicely.



* Le Tela is located in Freshfields Village in the spot where Pizzeria Venti used to occupy.

Seabrook Island Equestrian Center

What better way to enjoy the fall weather and a beautiful lowcountry island than with a horseback ride!  During November and December, the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center is offering a deal on  beginner walking trail rides.  Two people can ride for $100.

For more information call the Equestrian Center at 843-768-7541.