For Immediate Release, July 2010
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Charleston, S.C., This Fall
As the lazy days of summer make way for mild, sunny days and cool, crisp evenings, the Charleston, S.C. area prepares for its biggest fall season yet. Cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings and moss-laden oak trees provide a charming backdrop to more than 70 music festivals, food events and historic tours taking place this fall, making it the perfect time for travelers to visit. For those hoping to enjoy the very best this season, the following is a list of Charleston’s most anticipated festivals and events. Visitors can easily pair any one of the following events with several year-round cultural attractions, such as the famed Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum or Middleton Plantation. Savvy travelers can also visit www.explorecharleston.com to peruse numerous value-added packages at some of the area’s most distinguished hotels.
Conveniently located no more than a five-hour drive from most metropolitan areas in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, Charleston is also serviced by non-stop flights from 10 U.S. cities, including a recently launched route on American Airlines from Miami. Starting soon, Southwest Airlines will also provide service to the Charleston International Airport.
Charleston, S.C.’s Top 10 Festivals and Events for Fall 2010
(In Chronological Order)
1. Forever Summer Packages
Now thru September 30, 2010
Free bicycle rentals, water park passes, baseball game tickets and barbecue are a few of the perks included in the late summer value-added packages available on www.charlestonthissummer.com.
2. Sunset Blues and BBQ Cruises
September 2, 16 & 30, and October 14 & 28, 2010
For only $39.50 a ticket, guests can enjoy live blues from Shrimp City Slim, Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ buffet and a two-hour harbor cruise aboard the Carolina Belle. The trip leaves from the Maritime Center Dock downtown. For more information or reservations (recommended) please visit www.charlestonharbortours.com or call (800) 979-3370.
3. 2nd Annual Lowcountry Jazz Festival
September 3-5, 2010
The city will come alive as local and international artists join forces at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and other locations around the city. Confirmed artists include legendary contemporary jazz band Spyro Gyra; saxophone journeyman Euge Groove, formerly of Tower of Power; Paul “Shilts” Weimar, former bandleader of Down To The Bone; and noted Charleston jazz musician Charlton Singleton. All proceeds from the festival will benefit “Closing The Gap In Healthcare Inc.” For more information please visit www.lowcountryjazz.com or call (704) 534-4228.
4. Charleston Restaurant Week
September 8 – September 19, 2010
After the success of a statewide restaurant week in January 2010, Charleston will launch its own Restaurant Week this fall. The 12-day event allows diners to enjoy the city’s impressive culinary scene without overextending the wallet. A three-course meal will be $30 at fine dining restaurants and $20 at casual dining restaurants. More than 50 restaurants are expected to participate. For more information, please visit www.restaurantweekcharleston.com.
5. 2010 MOJA Arts Festival: A Celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts
September 23 - October 3, 2010
MOJA, a Swahili word meaning “One,” is recognized for its ability to bring people together through a celebration of Western and world cultures. Highlighting African-American and Caribbean fine arts, the festival showcases gospel, dance, poetry, storytelling, theatre, children's activities, traditional crafts and food. Pattie LaBelle and Boys II Men will perform on October 2. For more information, please call (843) 724-7305 or visit www.mojafestival.com.
6. 34th Annual Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens
September 23 – October 24, 2010
Sponsored by the Preservation Society of Charleston, visitors are given the opportunity to tour breathtaking gardens, private homes, churches and public buildings, while experiencing Charleston’s unique history, culture and Colonial architecture. Tickets are $45 per person for each individual tour or $120 for a special weekend rate. For more information, please call (843) 722-4630 or visit www.preservationsociety.org.
7. Museum Mile Weekend
September 25 – September 26, 2010
A single pass grants admission to 13 sites along the one-mile section of Meeting Street in historic downtown Charleston. Visitors can explore museums, historic homes, houses of worship, scenic parks and more. The Weekend Pass is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Passes are available at all Charleston Visitor Center locations and online at www.charlestonsmuseummile.org. For more information, please call (843) 722-2996.
8. 30th Annual Taste of Charleston
October 8 – 10, 2010
Visitors can indulge their taste buds during this three-day gastronomical extravaganza highlighting indigenous cuisine. The event features some of the Lowcountry’s finest, nationally recognized chefs as well as their creations. The event also features an Iron Chef competition, wine and beer classes, an art walk and live music. For more information, please visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com or call (843) 577-4030.
9. Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island
October 25 – 31, 2010
One of only three PGA events offering a $1 million purse, this tournament draws 20,000 spectators to the idyllic sea island located a short drive from downtown Charleston. While all play will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel, there’s nothing like seeing par in person, so purchase tickets today. Please visit
www.nationwidetourchampionship.com or call (800) 677-2293.
10. Earl Klugh's 1st Annual Weekend of Jazz at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
November 11-13, 2010
Grammy®-winning guitarist Earl Klugh brings his renowned 'Weekend of Jazz' to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The event includes three nights of music from chart-topping musicians, including jazz group Fourplay, three-time Grammy®-nominated saxophonist Boney James, bassist Kyle Eastwood, Latin-jazz saxophonist-vocalist Jessy J, and trumpeter-vocalist-composer Joe Gransden. For more information, please visit http://www.kiawahresort.com/jazz-weekend-at-kiawah.php.
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