Holiday Festival of Lights

Load up the family truckster and drive on out to the James Island County Park for some holiday fun. Charleston County Parks and Rec. puts on a spectacular drive-thru lights festival here every year.

The Holiday Festival of Lights runs through January 4, 2009. Hours are Sunday through Thursday nights 5:30-10 pm; Friday and Saturday nights 5:30-11 pm. Gate fee per vehicle starts at $10.

After you've toured the lights, be sure and visit Winter Wonderland to see the "Big Guy", Mr. Santa Claus, himself. To round out your night, stop by and see what all is happening in Santa's Village.

For all the scoop on the Holiday Festival of Lights, click here.

Holiday Happenings

Charleston’s Reindeer Run is this Saturday, December 6, 2008. Runners go off at 9 a.m. Walkers start at 9:05 a.m. You’ll want to get there early as over 2,500 people participated in 2007.

Reindeer Run is fun for the entire family, even Fido. The 5k course winds through the lower peninsula of downtown Charleston.

What a great way to get the holiday season started! Bring out your family for some fun and exercise, all for a good cause (Proceeds benefit MUSC Children’s Hospital and the Charitable Society of Charleston).

For more info, visit the Reindeer Run website.

The Countdown Begins!

Well, if you're a runner the countdown started about 18 weeks ago. :-)

Saturday, December 6, 2008 is the 31st annual Kiawah Island Marathon (and half marathon). This is a great course--flat, fast, and scenic (my husband and I used parts of the course when training for the Disney Marathon back in 2002).

Because the Kiawah Island Marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon it fills up quickly. Click here for 2008 spectator information and to view forthcoming race photos.

They'rrrre Back...

But how long will they stay? Right whales, a near extinct whale, have been making the Charleston area their winter home for the past several years.

Several recent articles in Charleston's Post & Courier newspaper tell the story of the "tumultuous" waters these whales are swimming into. To read about these magnificent creatures and their plight, click here and here.

Restaurant reminder-Stono Farm Market

How many times have you passed by Stono Farm Market (842 Main Road, Johns Island) on your way to Seabrook Island or Kiawah?

I've been known to zip right by it too. On one occasion where I did stop, I found the most delicious ravioli! Turns out these delectable little morsels are handmade by Brian Bertolini and are served at over 60 of Charleston's finest restaurants. Bring your cooler and load it up with Rio Bertolini's Handmade Pasta.

For those who want to do more than "grab and go" at the Stono Farm Market, pull up a chair and have a meal at the Tomato Shed Cafe. Lunch, consisting of in season produce, is served Monday-Saturday 11AM-2:30PM.

Even better, I discovered Tomato Shed Cafe can prepare holiday meal! Great! This gets you out of the kitchen and enjoying the company of your friends and family.

Charleston Symphony Orchestra League's Home Tour

Round up your girlfriends and come spend the day in the Lowcountry!

Saturday, November 8, 2008, Kiawah Island plays host to the CSOL's 2008 Home Tour. Six private homes will be open for touring from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. As a finale, the symphony orchestra will present a concert at The Sanctuary at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $40.00 in advance; $45.00 day of the event. For more info visit the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League's website .

Charleston self-guided walking tour

Calling all iPhone and Touch iPod owners! There is a great new app for you--Charleston City Slickers.

The walking tour application is available from iTunes for $9.99. What a great price!

Now if only I had an iPhone or iPod...