“What's New For Meetings” In The Charleston, SC Area Winter 2004
For Immediate Release, November 2004
“What’s New Meetings” lists new venues, activities, and services in the Charleston Area for meetings. For more general information, you can find “What’s New in Charleston” at www.charlestoncvb.com on the Media section. To download Charleston Area images, visit www.charlestoncvb.com and enter the user id: media and password: welcome.
NEW FLIGHTS
Independence Air Introduces New Low-Fare Service to Charleston
Charleston welcomes Independence Air’s innovative approach along with new low-fare service to Charleston International Airport (CHS). The schedule began July 17th with six daily non-stop flights to Washington Dulles International Airport, and quickly grew to seven flights soon after. Connections to 25 cities are also available now. All flights are available for sale exclusively on the Independence Air web site at www.FLYi.com.
Delta Launches New Nonstop Services To Charleston
Delta now offers customers one daily, round-trip, nonstop flight each between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Charleston International Airport (CHS). On Nov. 1, Delta began two daily, nonstop flights each between Tampa, FL, and Charleston as well as one between Orlando and Charleston. For more information, visit www.delta.com.
NEW HONORS AND AWARDS
Charleston Ranked a Top American Destinations for 12th Consecutive Year
Charleston earns honors with a No. 4 ranking among travel destinations in North America by readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Kiawah Island garnered additional recognition for the Charleston area, ranking No. 4 on the list of “Top Ten North American Islands”. The John Rutledge House Inn captured the attention and approval of magazine readers and came in at No. 54 for favorite hotel in the “TOP 75 U.S. Hotels” category for the 2004 awards. In the same category, honors once again went to Charleston Place Hotel which placed No. 17 and Planter’s Inn at No. 21. Charleston Place Hotel and Planter’s Inn also made “The Best of the Best 04” list, with Charleston Place ranking No. 84 and Planter’s Inn ranking No. 98. Visit www.cntraveler.com.
Charleston Named One of America’s Hottest Historic Destinations
Charleston now carries the honor of being one of “America’s Hottest Historic Destinations” according to Family Tree Magazine. In the December 2004 issue, the magazine selected 28 towns that best represent the country’s diverse historical, cultural, and geographic backgrounds. The magazine states that “Charleston, known for its Southern charm, stands out as a place where yesterday is as vibrant as today.” With a circulation of 75,000, Family Tree Magazine is America’s largest-circulation genealogy magazine. For more information, visit www.familytreemagazine.com.
Kiawah Island Ranked #1 U.S. Tennis Resort by Tennis Magazine
It's the first time Kiawah Island has held the top spot in the rankings, which are published once every two years. The magazine bases its decision on the overall tennis program including instruction, teaching staff, facilities, as well as other resort features. Kiawah placed sixth in the 2002 rankings, but since then has made significant capital improvements to its tennis facilities and its storied golf courses. Call 843-768-2121 or visit www.kiawahresort.com.
NEW PROPERTIES
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
Built at a cost of $125 million, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island represents the crowning jewel of a resort island already known for its championship golf and pristine beach. Just 35 minutes from downtown Charleston, The Sanctuary reflects the style and charm of a 19th century grand seaside mansion. The hotel features 255 spacious guestrooms, expansive meeting and event space and spectacular oceanfront dining and a nature-oriented spa. Call 843-768-2912 or visit www.thesanctuary.com.
Residence Inn by Marriott - Charleston Airport
This colorful new hotel completes the 500 room block adjacent to the Charleston Area Convention Center. It’s convenient to the Charleston Airport, historic downtown, and many area attractions. The all-suite property includes full kitchens in every guest room. Complimentary deluxe breakfast served daily, free high speed internet, and complimentary evening social Mon-Thurs. Extended stay rates available. Call 843-266-3434 or visit www.northcharlestonresidenceinn.com.
NEW EVENT FACILITIES
Historic Francis Marion Hotel 7,000 square foot conference center
Located on Marion Square on the peninsula in downtown Charleston, the 227 room Francis Marion Hotel accommodates groups in grand style, especially since the September opening of a new conference center with the 5000 square foot Carolina Ballroom. The historic Francis Marion hotel was originally built in 1927 and restored to its original splendor and reopened in 1996. Call 843.937.8689, via email at gayle.karolczyk@thefrancismarion.com www.francismarioncharleston.com.
Legare-Waring House at Charles Towne Landing where Charleston began
This 1840’s cottage survived the burning of the main plantation house in 1865 and was moved and renovated to become an elegant representation of an antebellum plantation home, complete with an avenue of stately oaks. The Legare- (say “LeGREE”) Waring House welcomes groups for special events indoors or outdoors at the site first settled by 150 English colonists, indentured servants and slaves in 1670. The house has been used by governors, historians and preservationists. Call 843-805-3063 or visit www.legarewaringhouse.com
NEW RENOVATIONS
Like New: Sheraton North Charleston Hotel
Multi-million-dollar renovations have given a new shine to the Sheraton North Charleston Hotel and its 12,000 + square feet of event space. Located near the Airport & Convention Center, the Sheraton offers complimentary airport shuttle, restaurant, Lounge, Room Service, Wireless Internet, Business Center, Fitness Room, Indoor/Outdoor Pool & free parking. Call 888-747-1900 (toll free) or visit www.sheratoncharleston.com.
History and Luxury Combine for Enhanced Getaway at New Spa at Wentworth Mansion®
Small groups looking for a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of life will find it in a historic setting at a new spa opening Oct. 26 at the Wentworth Mansion®, the city's only AAA Five Diamond hotel. The Spa at Wentworth Mansion®, a partnership between popular Charleston day spa Urban Nirvana and the historic hotel, will offer massages, wraps, scrubs, skin care treatments and waxing services in one of three treatment rooms. Wentworth Mansion® offers 21 guest rooms and meeting space and is housed in the former home of a wealthy cotton merchant built in 1886, and the spa will be located in the same building as the hotel's restaurant, Circa 1886, which originally served as stables for the mansion. Call (843) 388-8376 or visit www.charminginns.com.
Stella Nova Spa and Salon
Stella Nova Spa and Salon, 78 Society Street, is getting a makeover. Soon it will be renovated and split so that the spa will remain at 78 Society and the salon will transform to a Salon and Advanced Education Center at 84 1/2 Society. The spa will be redecorated to enhance the customers experience from the moment they arrive to the time the leave, relaxed, refreshed, renewed and revived. This will enable the new facility at 78 Society to be more serene and make use of the beautiful gardens and landscaping. Call 843-723-0909 or visit www.stella-nova.com.
NEW FOOD NEWS
First Annual Food and Wine Festival
Culinary connoisseurs, cooking critics, and epicureans, hold on to your spatula! The first ever Food and Wine Festival in Charleston is slated for March 3-5, 2006. The event is being organized by a group of local area residents looking to bring the Charleston culinary delights to a new high. They also hope to attract attention to the rich and award winning array of dining opportunities in the area. For more information, contact Angel Postell at 843-225-8333.
Charleston Cooks!
Discover the Lowcountry's unique culinary traditions. Visit the retail store, 194 East Bay Street, for regional foods, kitchen tools, and advice about them. Expand culinary horizons in a variety of demonstration and participation classes available to individuals and groups. Their talented kitchen professionals will help guests enjoy Lowcountry cuisine at home. Call 843-724-3808 or visit www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com.
Boathouse Caters
Crew Carolina, the culinary group that consists of the Boathouse at Breach Inlet, The Boathouse on East Bay, The Boathouse on Lake Julian and Carolina's has launched a full service off premises catering company, Carolina Catering. Phil Corr, former executive chef of Atlanticville is heading up this venture with the support, experience and talent of the Crew Carolina team. Whether it’s a party for twenty-five or a wedding for 500, our endless options and flexibility are just another way to express the unique spirit of your event to your guests. Phil Corr is eager to design a menu for your next private function. Call 577-7188, www.carolinacaters.com
Encore Catering
Encore Catering and Events is a full service catering and event management company. Their vast catering expertise and passion for excellence will ensure that clients receive the highest quality of food and service. Let the expert staff and extraordinary cuisine make a wedding or special occasion an event to remember. Call 843-532-7029.
Good Food Catering
From the creators of restaurants Rue de Jean and COAST comes Good Food Catering. Executive Chef Fred Neuville is taking advantage of his extensive culinary experience in both restaurants and catering to offer restaurant quality food and service in a catered environment. Every great event starts with GOOD FOOD. Call 723.7952.
NEW TOURS
Capt. Bo Gator’s Boat Tours, Inc.
Come take a ride on the wild side with Capt. Bo Gator’s Boat Tours. Experience a unique glimpse into the wildlife and history of the Historic Cooper River. Venture deep into the wilds of Lowcountry swamps where participants can witness alligators, egrets, bald eagles, turtles, and more in their natural habitats. Guests will learn about various plantations, rice fields and about the Swamp Fox (General Francis Marion) – all while enjoying a scenic boat tour along this historical waterway. Call 843-797-5553 or visit www.captbogators.com.
Carolina FoodPros Dresses-Up Culinary Tours for the Holidays
This holiday season, visitors will enjoy a “taste” of holiday food and traditions as they experience Christmas in Charleston on holiday culinary tours. Carolina FoodPros, a Charleston based company that promotes regional foods, is “dressing up” its culinary tours in celebration of the holidays. Visitors will go behind the scenes to learn about local foods and traditions, sample Southern holiday treats and shop for specialty items to bring home. Call 843-723-3366 or visit www.carolinafoodpros.com.
"Heartsteps" -- Historic Wedding Tours
A marriage in Charleston's churches or synagogues is a special part of history. Today's couples stand at the very altars where founders of our nation were united. The spirit of this history touches ceremonies. Feel this spirit up-close in the stories of history's brides and grooms. Hear descriptions of historic wedding days, the ongoing legacies of their families, the courage to conquer their trials. These special tours are lead by the city's griot (an oral historian and guide). Call 571-0049 or visit www.charleston-tours.com.
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Mission Statement:
“The mission of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is to unify and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area as an individual, meeting, incentive and
group destination to both the domestic and international markets.”
