Charleston's Fall Events And Activities-Ramping Up

It's fall in Charleston, although it doesn't feel like it when you factor in the high humidity we have been experiencing these past few days, but it is what it is and it is Charleston weather. Despite summer 2011 having wound itself down and bid us farewell, the activities in Charleston are just beginning to ramp up. Of course, it is still warm enough to catch a few more rays and a few more waves on the beaches, if that is what you want to do, but there are plenty of events scheduled September thru December to keep you and your family happily occupied.

The Fall Tours of Home and Gardens is already underway. It started September 21 and will last to October 22. This is a Top 20 Event as selected by the Southeast Tourism Society. Tours are scheduled Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. This is where owners open up their homes and private gardens to the public for them to enjoy the rich history of Charleston and experience the distinctive architecture built into their historic residences from the Georgian period to the 21st century.

The Moja Festival will take place September 29 to October 9. This is another Top 20 Event. The festival is a celebration of African-American and Caribbean arts. MOJA is a Swahili word meaning "One" and is representative of the Lowcountry where these cultures have been fused into the Charleston culture. Nearly half of MOJA's events are admission-free and the remainder are offered at very modest ticket prices, ranging from $5 - $20. The wide range of events include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel concert, jazz concert, poetry, R&B concert, storytelling, theatre, children's activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and much, much more. One notable event is the Reggae Block Dance. Friday, September 30, 2011 from 6:30-11:00pm at Brittlebank Park, Lockwood Blvd. & Fishburne St. Admission free.

"Ghosts and Pirates OH MY!" is an obvious choice if you are looking for fun and excitement for you or the whole family. It is hosted by Thriller Charleston, a bright yellow power catamaran. You will be introduced to the spooky side of Charleston from the historic front door of the Holy City-beautiful Charleston Harbor. Classic tales of haunted places and infamous battles and the notorious people who were a part of it. This event is scheduled throughout October only, 3pm, Thursdays and Saturdays only and tickets are $35/adult, $25/children 3 – 12, children 1 – 2 are free.

Taste of Charleston will take place October 8, 9 at Boone Hall Plantation, Mt. Pleasant, SC. This celebration of Lowcountry cuisine will feature more than 40 of Charleston’s top casual and fine dining restaurants serving sample size portions of their signature dishes plus beer and wine. There will be live entertainment from Homemade Wine, the legendary Waiters’ Race, Children’s Area and Beer Garden featuring 40 or more craft and specialty beers. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate and are good for admission only. Children 10 and under are free.

This just a sampling. There is much more to come. Get out and enjoy your Charleston.