Thursday, October 28, 2010

The King Of Charleston Shopping-The King Street District

Are you up to the challenge Charleston presents to its visitors and residents? What is that challenge? The challenge isn't in trying to find something to do, the challenge is in deciding which something-to-do you want to do first because the list is long and diverse. Attractions, tours, museums, shopping, restaurants, and theaters are abundant and when the weather is hot, the kind involving sand and water is everywhere. The top ten list includes such favorites as the South Carolina Aquarium, The Battery/White Point Gardens, Old City Market, Rainbow Row, Middleton Place, Waterfront Park, and Folly Beach. But in that list is also the King Street Shopping District.

From as early as the 1700's, craftsmen of such trades as cabinet makers, silversmiths, and others often had King Street addresses. In the 19th century, hundreds of small businesses also traded along King Street. Unfortunately, the Civil War greatly affected this once bustling area and it fell into ruin. Charleston struggled through all kinds of disasters, but its craftsmen still had the attention of buyers and the antique industry was gaining strength even though King Street still largely remained abandoned, until the restoration of Charleston was in full swing in the 20th century. What remained of the old shops and businesses along King were restored and reopened during this time. What is now called Lower King is a shoppers paradise of fine art, clothing, home furnishings and décor, toys, jewelry, flowers, gifts, inns and restaurants.

Locals have dubbed one section of Lower King Street, between Beaufain and Queen Streets, “The Antiques District”. At the corner of King and Broad Streets is Berlin's. Saks Fifth Avenue is a highlight at the northern corner of King and Market Streets. Charleston Place on the northeast corner of King and Market just above "antiques row" is where the eager shopper can find trendy stores featuring jewelry, shoes and fine clothiers. Charleston Farmer's Market is located in Marion Square on King Street between Calhoun and Hutson streets.

Places to eat and drink, such as the Charleston Grill, Halls Chophouse, Juanita Greenberg’s Nacho Royal, King Street Grille, Mellow Mushroom, Old Town Grille and Seafood, Torch Velvet Lounge, and Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, are all located on King Street. Other choices close by are Blind Tiger, High Cotton, McCrady’s, Mistral, and Vendue's Roof Top Bar and Restaurant. Port City Java is there if a coffee is what you desire. A host of other eating establishments from the expensive to the reasonable are all within walking distance. So go ahead and "shop until you drop" as they say.

Monday, October 18, 2010

The 2010 Coastal Carolina Fair-Set To Rock Oct 28-Nov 6

Fall is here. The air has cooled signicantly since the hot and humid summer ended and Charleston area residents are packing out the events around town. Activities at Boone Hall have seen large, overwhelming crowds from The Taste of Charleston to the Boone Hall Fright Nights. Next in line, The 2010 Coastal Carolina Fair is set to kickoff beginning October 28. Fun, food(get your gyros and elephant ears), rides, and live entertainment will be non-stop all the way to the end on November 6.

It is the 54th edition of the fair, the first fair was in 1957. It is run by the Exchange Club of Charleston and through its 250+ active members, donates over 20,000 volunteer hours each year to maintain and operate the fair. Home to the Coastal Carolina Fair is the Exchange Park in Ladson off of Highway 78 which is owned and operated by the Exchange Club of Charleston. There will be 67 ride attractions provided by Amusements of America & The Exchange Club of Charleston. Also, various stages throughout the park where live entertainment is scheduled. Not to leave unmentioned are the countless vendors who will be displaying their wares from the hot and spicy to the sweet and cold.

Events and Attractions:
Lake front Stage-Thurs. Oct. 28 country singer Phil Vassar. Easton Corbin Sat. Oct. 30. On Halloween, Colt Ford. The schedule also features Uncle Kracker, Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder, former American Idol contestant Danny Gokey, classic Southern rock band .38 Special, and Percy Sledge. The Coasters, the Platters, and the Marvelettes-close the concert series on Sat. Nov. 6. Dates and times.
Parkway Stage-Featured everyday is the Coastal Carolina Fair talent Search. The Best Legs Contest on Wednesday November 3rd at 1:00pm. Raiders Cheerleaders On November 1st at 6:00pm. Click here for the long list of events.
The Gazebo Lawn will feature Sea Lion Splash and The Gazebo Stage will feature comedic hypnotist Terrance B.
Photography Contest with three divisions. Division I-professional photographers (those who work full or part time in photography) and accomplished amateurs. Division II-amateurs of all ages. Division III-high school, middle school and elementary school age. Rules and awards.
Fireworks over the lake nightly.
Ticket prices.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Charleston's Cooled Down But Still Hot With Things To Do

Things have cooled down quite nicely in the Holy City this past week, speaking of the weather. Goodbye to the whopping humidity and dripping wet shirts on the golf course. But that's summer in Charles Towne. I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, Fall activities are heating up and there is still plenty to do out there before winter settles in, that is, what southerners call the period of time between December and February and what visiting northerners call a break from the winter. Here is a short list of upcoming events and activities.

Theater and Shows:
Dock Street Theater-Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps October 29 - November 7, 2010. Prices Adult: $34 - $48 Seniors (60+): $32 - $48 Student: $22 - $48
Footlight Theater-"The Lion In Winter" October 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 8pm; October 10 and 17 at 3pm. $25 adults; $22 seniors; $15 students
Footlight Theater Night Series-"The Weir" October 28, 29 30; November 4, 5, 6 at 9 pm. Price ranges $10-$15.
Jeff Dunham at North Charleston Convention Center October 9, Tickets $44.50 Time 8 pm
Disney On Ice: Princess Wishes at North Charleston Convention Center Oct 21, 2010 7:00 pm Thursday, Oct 22, 2010 7:00 am Friday, and Oct 23, 2010 11:00 am, 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm Saturday, Oct 24, 2010 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm. Prices $12.00-$36.00

Music venues:
North Charleston Convention Center Band of Horses Oct 29, 2010 8:00 pm Friday. Price $27.00
The Music Farm-The Gracious Few w/ American Bang Sat., Oct. 9 pm Price $20.00
The Windjammer Isle of Palm-Dave Mason Guitar Legends Southern Tour with Kal David and The Real Deal featuring Lauri Bono October 22, 8 pm Tickets $20.00 in advance, $25 day of show.

Events:
Folly Beach Challenge Date: 10/16/2010 - 10/17/2010 Where: Folly Beach County Park What is it: The 2nd Annual Folly Beach Challenge is an off-road triathlon featuring paddling, biking, and running.
South Carolina Aquarium-Scary’um Aquarium! Daily, Friday, October 1, 2010 - Sunday, October 31, 2010. Free with general admission or membership.