“WHAT’S NEW” IN THE CHARLESTON, SC AREA Winter 2009
For Immediate Release, November 2009Contact:
Katie Chapman, Director of Media Relations, 843-805-3074
Liz Rennie, Assistant Director of Communications, 843-805-3006
Laura Huff, Marketing Assistant, 843-805-3637
Jess Sonders, Media Relations Assistant, 843-805-3044
“WHAT’S NEW” IN THE CHARLESTON, SC AREA
Winter 2009
NEW PACKAGES
The Good Neighbors, Great Getaways program includes a number of value-added packages for residents of South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. The packages are valid from January 1 – March 31, 2010 and can be found by visiting www.GoodNeighborGetaways.com.
Before you set sail from the Port of Charleston or after the ship's anchor has lowered again in the Lowcountry, spend a night or two in the Charleston area. Area lodging providers make the stay extra enticing by offering special values to cruise-bound visitors like free parking, special rates or even door to dock transportation. www.charlestoncruisepackages.com
Girlfriend Getaways are a chance to relax and unwind with friends. Find excellent options for a girls’ only retreat and other themed travel ideas at www.explorecharleston.com .
NEW HONORS & AWARDS
Forbes, formerly known as Mobil, announced the following local properties as winners of four and five stars: Woodlands Resort and Inn, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, Charleston Place, Dining Room at the Woodlands, Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Peninsula Grill, The Ocean Room and the Spa at The Sanctuary. www.forbestravelguide.com
Charleston was lauded as the only US destination on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 list for 2010. www.lonelyplanet.com
Charleston was recently named the No. 2 Top American Destination by Conde Nast Traveler. www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest
Travel + Leisure chose Charleston in several categories in America’s Favorite Cities Poll. www.travelandleisure.com
NEW VENUES
Founders Hall, a brand new event venue located on the grounds of Charles Towne Landing, provides space for large receptions and meetings. The venue invites guests and attendees to relax on a large screen porch while soaking up the Lowcountry atmosphere. Website coming Fall 2009. www.foundershallcharleston.com
The Mount Pleasant Visitor Center houses the Cooper River Room which can seat 150 people and boasts an impressive catering kitchen. Perched on the banks of the Cooper River, this a perfect space for receptions and meetings of all types. Contact Julie Ann Oldham, info@lowcountryparkvenues.com or 843-852-2965 for more information.
Ideally located at the foot of the cooper River Bridge between the Isle of Palms and Historic Charleston, the new Holiday Inn Express is the first LEED certified hotel in South Carolina, providing southern hospitality to business and leisure travelers alike. http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/chsgr?stopredirect=true
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
American Airlines is now offering direct flights between Charleston and Miami. Visit www.aa.com for more.
Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, is introducing the first year-round cruise schedule from Charleston, S.C., with the deployment of the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy in May 2010. Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages to The Bahamas and Key West from the Passenger Terminal in historic downtown Charleston beginning May 18, 2010. www.carnival.com
The BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival celebrates its fifth year in 2010. Guests to the festival can expect to find new events by both land and sea. www.charlestonwineandfood.com
In 1998, the City of Charleston began the planning of the King Street Streetscape construction project which was to be completed in three phases. The final phase is now complete. The Lower King Street Streetscape has provided Lower King Street with new granite curbing with ADA accessibility, bluestone sidewalks, new street trees and lights, undergrounding of utilities in the public right of way and a newly paved street. www.kingstreetantiquedistrict.com
The Gibbes Museum of Art recently remodeled its 1,000 sq. ft. Museum Store. The Store, open free to the public during museum hours (Tuesday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 1pm – 5pm), has been refurbished and re-merchandised in time for the holiday season. The merchandise mix now includes home décor, art-related gift items and books, unique jewelry, wool throws and reading glasses, as well as stunning evening handbags and more. www.gibbesmuseum.org
Start planning now for the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition February 12-14, 2010. New options for guests include wild game cooking demonstrations with Charleston Cooks!, unique experiences with Jack Hanna and Saturday brunch with Birds of Prey. www.sewe.com
NEW EVENTS
Middleton Place will give visitors a chance to experience the plantation by torchlight, candlelight, and starlight. On December 18th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, join costumed interpreters as they harken back to Christmas, 1782. The evening will conclude on the Greensward with live music, warm fires and seasonal refreshments. www.middletonplace.org
Visitors to Middleton Place can now see two Guinea hogs, a rare and almost extinct breed, recently added to the Stableyards animal population. Guinea hogs were once the most numerous pig breed in the Southeast. They were likely to be found on plantations throughout the Low Country including Middleton Place, but in 2006 there were fewer than 200 in existence. www.middletonplace.org
ESPN brings exciting college basketball back to Charleston for the Charleston Classic at the new Carolina First Arena at the College of Charleston November 19, 20 & 22. www.charlestonclassic.com
Drayton Hall’s Spirituals Concerts includes three performances by Ann Caldwell & The Magnolia Singers, December 5 and 6, at 5:30pm with an additional matinee concert on Sunday at 3:00pm. This is a rare opportunity to gather in the candlelit great hall and hear music that could have been heard centuries ago in the surrounding fields and praise houses. Reservations required. Call 843-769-2605 for information and reservations. www.draytonhall.org
NEW EXHIBITS
Now on display in conjunction with Aisle Style: 150 Years of Wedding Fashion is Preciousness Preserved: Jewelry from the Charleston Museum's Collections from Antiquity to Today. www.charlestonmuseum.org
Gibbes Museum of Art will soon be exhibiting Lure of the Lowcountry in the Main Gallery from January 22, 2010 through April 18, 2010. This exhibition features sixteen large scale mixed-media photographs by artist John Folsom (American, b. 1967) selected from his series. www.gibbesmuseum.org
NEW FOOD NEWS
Broad Street Merchants Association will host a Broad Street Brunch Sunday, November 29. Galleries will have their courtyards open from 11-2 serving light refreshments to kick off the holiday season. Many will have artists in residence, music, fine gifts and more. www.charlestongalleryrow.com
39 Rue de Jean offers an all-local menu as Chef Aaron Lemieux highlights local growers with Farm to Table menu every Sunday night. www.39ruedejean.com
Amen Street is open on East Bay. The restaurant specializes in a wide variety of oysters, clams, and other items from the raw bar, the full kitchen will serve an abundance of Lowcountry dishes and fresh local fish. www.amenstreet.com
Muse is now serving a mouthwatering lunch daily from 11:30am to 2:00pm. Additional brunch items are available on Sundays when doors open at 10:30am. www.charlestonmuse.com
17 North is Chef Brett McKee’s new venture in Mount Pleasant. He’s taking the success of Oak Steakhouse northward, just over the bridge. The establishment boasts an eclectic menu featuring farm-to-plate fare at reasonable prices. www.17north.net
Cork is now open in Park Circle. Located in the Olde Village of North Charleston, Cork is a small neighborhood eatery serving fresh, simple, eclectic, local fare with a French twist. Homemade soups, pasta dishes, fresh sandwiches and salads. www.corkbistro.com
NEW TOURS
In the month of December, THRILLER transforms from a fast boat ride to a leisurely holiday excursion perfect for couples and families looking to spend some quality time together. Sip hot chocolate from a travel mug and listen to holiday music and stories about Christmas in Charleston. www.thrillercharleston.com,
In conjunction with the release of Pat Conroy’s new bestseller, South of Broad tours and packages are now available. Visit the packages section of www.explorecharelston.com to learn more.
Firefly Distillery is now offering tours and tastings on Wadmalaw Island. Visitors can also tour the IrvinHouse Vineyards and Winery located at the same site. For more information, please visit www.fireflyvodka.com.
Charleston Art Tours offers two-hour walking tours guided by professional artists. Meet dealers and artists, visit six to eight galleries, enjoy champagne, sparkling water, chocolates and a gift bag. www.CharlestonArtTours.com
Based upon the popular pub tours in Europe, The Original Pub Tour of Charleston is the first European style pub tour ever to be established in the Holy City. www.pubtourcharleston.com
New Charleston Pirate Tours are now available. A pirate dressed in an authentic costume and accompanied by Captain Bob, the blue & gold macaw, will lead explorers of all ages around Charleston in search of great tales. www.CharlestonPirateTour.com.
NEW PROGRAMS
Bulldog Tours has launched a donation program to help parents of children with disabilities. The program raises money for Family Connection South Carolina. Bulldog Tours is donating $1 for each mile walked by guides on tours. The program will continue through Spring 2010. www.bulldogtours.com
The Old South Barber Spa announces “Clean Up, Shine Up, and Relax”. Visit the spa during the hours of 7 A.M. to 9 A.M. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to take advantage of a special introductory $20.00 haircut offer. This offer is valid for an Old South Signature Haircut which includes invigorating shampoo, conditioning scalp massage, style cut and hot lather neck shave. www.oldsouthbarberspa.com
Stay aboard a floating Bed & Breakfast with an overnight on a sailboat in the Charleston Harbor. Ocean Sailing Academy is now offering a romantic getaway unlike any other. www.osasailing.com
