Tag: shopping

The holidays in historic Charleston are full of festive parades, Christmas lights, and holiday art performances!  If you’re planning to visit Charleston during the holidays, you’ve made the right choice.

Visiting Charleston in the winter is a great way to escape the cold, and there is no shortage of fun holiday activities for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you want to relax in a beach vacation rental and sip hot cider or explore historic Charleston and take part in the seasonal festivities, the city is a great place to usher in the magic of the holiday season.

Ready to kick off the holiday season, Holy City-style? Here are some of the best ways to experience the holidays in Historic Charleston:

Charleston Holiday Parades

Craft brews, delicious food, live music, and family-friendly activities can all be found at one of the many holiday parades in Charleston this year. Here are a few that can’t be missed:

City of Charleston Holiday Parade
When: December 3, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Colonial Lake, Broad Street, King Street, and concluding at Marion Square

The Holiday Parade is one of Charleston’s best traditions. Hosted by the City of Charleston and the Charleston Fire Department, the parade will feature bands, performers, floats, and other entertainment to celebrate the season and get your family into the holiday spirit.

Holiday Parade of Boats
When: December 9, 2017, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Charleston Harbor

Another beloved Lowcountry tradition, the 36th Annual Holiday Parade of Boats offers a dazzling display of lights as boats decorated for the season sail past the viewing docks.
Part of the fun is attending the parade’s official viewing party! Located at the Charleston Maritime Center, guests can snack on festive foods and listen as their favorite holiday carols fill the air.

Small Town Beach Parades
Are you staying in a cozy beach vacation rental? You’ll want to experience at least one beach town parade during the holiday season.

One that can’t be missed is the annual Christmas Parade on Folly Beach. On December 9th, Santa will parade through the streets of Folly Beach as candy and other goodies are handed out to the kids.

Staying in the Town of Mount Pleasant? Check out their quaint parade. A tree-lighting and fireworks display will kick things off before more than 100 floats parade down Coleman Boulevard, delighting all who attend.

28th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights
There is no doubt about it—Charleston has some of the best festivals in the country. From Spoleto to the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, there is always something to look forward to, and the Holiday Festival of Lights is no exception.

Now in its 28th year, the Annual Holiday Festival of Lights is back and promises to deliver more excitement than ever before. Held at James Island County Park, the event is known for its three miles of stunning, multicolored light displays, and it has been named one of the “10 Best Holiday Light Shows in America” by USA Today.

The festival is more than just a driving tour; the Holiday Festival of Lights organizers welcome visitors to park their cars and explore the large, decorated walking path, visiting shops and partaking in holiday activities along the way.

The event runs from November 10th to January 1st, giving you ample opportunities to experience a magical evening that will create cherished memories for years to come.

Tree-Lighting Ceremonies in Charleston

Tree-lighting ceremonies mark the beginning of the holiday season for many people, and Charleston kicks things off with multiple tree lightings. From the official Charleston tree lighting to the celebration of Chanukah, the following tree-lighting ceremonies are sure to dazzle and delight the entire family:

Charleston Official Tree Lighting
When: December 3, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Marion Square
If you thought Charleston’s church steeples were a beautiful sight, imagine a 64-foot lighted tree against Charleston’s skyline. Attend early to experience the festive performances from music and arts organizations in Marion Square, which will culminate the lighting of the 64-foot Holiday Tree of Lights.

Chanukah in the Square
When: December 17, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Marion Square
This festive party is free and features music, dancing, and, of course, the lighting of the nine-foot Menorah. Charleston’s local Holocaust survivors continue the tradition of lighting the Menorah in this special Jewish celebration.

With special treats, including potato latkes and other traditional Chanukah foods, you will want to bring your appetite to this event!

Kwanzaa Kinara Lighting
When: December 26, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Marion Square
For more than 40 years, Charleston has kicked off Kwanzaa celebrations with a special lighting of the Kwanzaa Kinara in downtown Charleston at Marion Square. Join the community in the celebrations and enjoy music, dancing, and readings from Lowcountry Kwanzaa leaders.

Light the Lake
When: December 1, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Colonial Lake Park
Stop by one of Charleston’s most popular parks for the Colonial Lake Christmas Tree Lighting! Enjoy food trucks and hot cocoa and a DJ playing your favorite holiday tunes as the famous Charleston Christmas Tree is lit in the middle of the lake, glimmering for all to see.

Holiday Performing Arts

Charleston has boasted a thriving arts scene for years. From improv comedy to musical performances, the Holy City always has fine performances being held in one of its historic venues.

The holidays are the perfect time to catch a festive show with the family. Whether you want a family-friendly musical performance or wish to celebrate the season with your significant other, these shows are sure to be a delight:

Annie – Dec. 1 – 17
For a family-friendly performance, be sure to catch Annie at the Footlight Players Theatre on Queen Street. This musical will warm everyone’s heart with the tale of a little orphan girl’s quest to find her family.

A Christmas Carol –  Nov. 29 – Dec. 20
Presented at the historic Dock Street Theatre, the Charleston Stage brings the critically acclaimed musical adaption of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale to life this year. Prepare to be dazzled by colorful costumes, a live orchestra, and a professional cast that will help you ring in the holidays.

A Christmas Story, The Musical –  Dec. 22 – 24
Laugh along with the entire family with the hilarious tale of Ralphie Parker’s desperate quest to get an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. Directed by Tony Award winner John Rando, this new Broadway musical will be coming to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center just in time for Christmas.

Holiday Strings –  Dec. 13
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra (SCO) string quartet is sure to get you into the holiday spirit with Holiday Strings, a performance featuring your favorite holiday tunes. Held at the historic Charleston Library Society on King Street, don’t miss your chance to mingle with the musicians at the reception following the concert.

Nutcracker – Dec. 2 – 3
This holiday classic has become synonymous with Christmas and is now a treasured holiday tradition for fans of ballet. Take in the magical sights and sounds at the Charleston Gaillard Center this December and witness the adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s famous composition.

Holiday Cabaret, Dec 1-22
Stuffed with your favorite holiday songs, Charleston’s best original Christmas show is bound to get you singing along. Hosted by the Charleston Performing Arts Center, this cheery cabaret brings C-PAC’s signature Reindeer for pure, holiday fun. Check out their “Dinner and a Show” tickets for a mouth-watering 3-course dinner at Edison, followed by the show at the theatre!

Holiday Runs for Charity Organizations

The holidays are a time to partake in charitable giving. What better way to give back than by signing up for a holiday race?Get some healthy exercise and give back this holiday season by participating in one of these holiday runs:

4th Annual Cocoa Cup 5K
Presented by Fleet Feet Sports, the 4th Annual Cocoa Cup 5K is charitable fun for the entire family. Whether you’re running with your kids in the one-mile kid’s fun run or tackling the 5K, you’ll get a warm feeling inside at the end of the race. Whether this feeling is from the complimentary hot cocoa you get at the finish line or from supporting the Lowcountry Food Bank, we can’t be certain.

27th Annual Reindeer Run – Dec. 2
Run through the lower peninsula of downtown Charleston in this family-oriented, pet-friendly race! Presented by Half-Moon Outfitters, the 5K run/walk starts near the corner of East Bay and Queen Street, taking participants along the beautiful Charleston Battery. Funds generated from the Reindeer Run will help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital that will open in 2019.

2017 Jingle Bell Run – Dec. 9
Support the Arthritis Foundation this holiday season by racing in the Jingle Bell Run. This run will help raise awareness and funds for America’s #1 cause of disability.
Held at Riverfront Park, you can run with a team of friends and family or fly solo, with 100 percent of your registration fee going toward a great cause!

Other Holiday Happenings

It’s impossible to list all the fun events during the holidays in historic Charleston.  If you’re looking for a few more festive events to do in the Holy City, these are some of our recommendations:

Holiday Market at Marion Square
Take advantage of Charleston’s mild weather and venture through the Holiday Market at Marion Square. In addition to the regulars, holiday vendors will feature festive foods, art, and produce. Listen to the live band, take part in the Christmas carols, and let the kids get free visits and photos with Santa.

Christmas 1860 at the Edmondston-Alston House
On a regular day, stepping inside the Edmondston-Alston House will have you feeling as though you’ve traveled back in time. On Dec. 1 and 8, the historic house will be decorated like it would have been in 1860, allowing you to experience Christmas in Charleston just before the beginning of the Civil War.
For history buffs, this one is a can’t miss. The theatrical performers are adorned in period costumes and shed light on what life would be like before their lives would forever change.

Family Yuletide in the Stableyards
On Saturday, December 15, historic Middleton Place presents “Family Yuletide in the Stableyards,” a holiday favorite for families in Charleston. Gather around a warm fire for a night of storytelling, caroling, and craft demonstrations. The live nativity scene featuring the plantation’s animals is always a favorite feature, along with the delicious hot cider and seasonal refreshments.

Holiday Market and Craft Show
Whimsical crafts, baked goods, and homemade preserves can all be found at the annual Holiday Market & Craft Show at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion. Stop by on December 9 and find a treasured, holiday keepsake ornament to take home with you from one of the many local craftsmen and artists.

Wine Under the Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation
Looking for a fun date night activity? Buy your tickets to Wine Under the Oaks at Boone Hall and celebrate the season with delicious food and wine pairings, along with wine and cooking demonstrations by some of the finest chefs in Charleston. The plantation looks stunning with all its holiday decorations, making it a night you’ll always remember.

Final Notes

With its mild weather and lighter crowds, the holidays are the perfect time for you to explore everything that Charleston has to offer. Whether you are a local or simply visiting the Holy City, there are many holiday activities that will bring joy to the entire family.

We love to shop, but more importantly we love to shop local! Charleston wasted no time this year — the warm days are upon us and it’s time to do some spring cleaning with the closet. Here are a few places where you can shop unique finds while also supporting local businesses. We’ve even included a place to take your wardrobe’s remnants from years past!

Bashful, 36 Windermere Blvd. West Ashley
There really is no such thing as window shopping at Bashful. The boutique stocks limited amounts of unique, trendy women’s wear, jewelry, and handbags, so you have to buy before it goes “bye!” You may remember it from its old location in Avondale, but the shop has upgraded now to more space in S. Windermere shopping center.

Consigning Women & Men, Photo Courtesy of Instagram User @consigningwomenandmen

Consigning Women, 21 Magnolia Road, West Ashley
Consigning Women & Men, 1055 Crickentree Village, Mt. Pleasant
A Charleston tradition since 1989, Consigning Women stocks only high-quality, name-brand, currently stylish clothing for a fraction of the original price. Bring in your own gently used clothes and not only will you be doing your once-chaotic closet a favor, but you’ll also get in on a very economic exchange. The shops are good for your wallet, but they’re great for the planet!

MOSA Boutique, 420 King Street, Downtown Charleston
From slinky sundresses to lace mini dresses, MOSA on King also has an in-store bar, complete with craft beer on tap, wine, and mimosas — mimosa, MOSA, get it? They’re stocked on both booze and spring styles, and their comfy seating area will ensure the spouse and kids have a place to rest while you shop.

Channels, 507.5 King Street, Downtown Charleston
Channels arrived to King Street in 2014, combining the surf and skate styles that the owners embrace in their everyday lives. You can expect to see a long list of quality brands here, including Citrine Swim, Reef, Boho Me, and Chucktown Inc. Summer styles range from cute and casual to cool and sporty, and their line of sunnies and swimwear is not to be missed.

Candy Shop VIntage, Photo Courtesy of Instagram User @candyshopvintage

Candy Shop Vintage, 9 Cannon St, Downtown Charleston
Since 2009, Deirdre Zahl has sold incredible vintage jewelry and vintage-inspired jewelry as Candy Shop Vintage. Her own Candy Shop Collection consists of vintage-inspired jewelry that reflect the quality and craftsmanship of the vintage jewelry she has collected for many years. Zahl also introduced her own Charleston rice bead necklaces as an homage to flapper-style costume jewelry she’d discovered in her antique store digs. We think the whimsical colors and fun lengths make for a playful spring accessory.

Holy City Vintage Market
Holy City Vintage Market is a roaming pop-up market where many local vintage vendors who typically have online Etsy shops set up for the day and show you their latest wares. The market only pops up every two months or so, and the vendors can vary — and the vendors’ stock always varies! Each shop has a different eye/style so you’re sure to find something that’s you – from Runaround Sue’s vibrant 1960s style to Red Rose Vintage’s (a shop that travels in an updated vintage airstream) casual 80s gear to the boho, floral styles of Little French Dress. The next HCVM is on Easter Sunday April 16 at Park Cafe (730 Rutledge Avenue, downtown Charleston), so you can sip mimosas from the outside bar and shop while you wait for a brunch table!
Where will you shop this spring?

Two Cumberland, right next door to The Real Estate Studio at 216 King Street, is a fun store full of jewelry, trinkets, clothing, and home decor. A self-proclaimed “uniquely Southern” shop, Two Cumberland is located on the second story with an enticing stairwell sitting just between The Real Estate Studio and Savannah Bee Company.

Wondering about the name? They moved from Cumberland and Concord Streets a few months ago and decided to keep their name (which was their original address) when they made the move over to King Street. The new store space is significantly bigger then the Cumberland Street space, and the owner believes the consumer traffic will be higher at the new location.

Two Cumberland is the largest retailer of Bourbon and Boweties

Two Cumberland is the largest retailer of Bourbon & Boweties, a locally owned unique jewelry company that offers handmade bracelets, necklaces, and rings right here in Charleston. Carley Ochs, founder of Bourbon & Boweties, still hand selects every stone, meeting stone suppliers and vendors all over the world.

We recommend stopping in if you’re looking for a gift, a souvenir, or something to spoil yourself. You can’t miss the fashionably dressed mannequin that sits on the sidewalk and the bright baskets lining the stairs.  Two Cumberland also offers monogramming and has a huge selection of jewelry in all shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from. Make sure you tell them their neighbors at dunes properties sent you, and then come in to The Real Estate Studio to show us what you couldn’t live without! Follow Two Cumberland on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

While reading Kristin Walker’s blog last night I just thought of all the most excellent blogs out there in the internet world.  What a wonderful way to meet people you would never otherwise, to learn about other places, and you can even learn about where you live.  In this fast pace, quick bite (byte) world of internet communicating with Twitter, Facebook- sometimes you just want to actually read something with substance and emotion.   These are a few of my favorite local bloggers/websites who feature articles about Charleston and other things as well.

Eat Well Charleston by Melissa Ohlson who is  a registered dietician and all about cardiovascular health and feeding her two sons and husband healthy family meals. She shares recipes, tips, healthy choices at area restaurants and more.

The Digitel – All about Charleston- what is going on and what you should be doing.  An easy to follow and eye catching format.  Hip, cool and all that jazz. A little more than a blog but still. And readers can plant “seeds” and start their own stories.  Truly a community site.

Read Charlie– Art, fashion, music, etc. If it’s social, if it’s happening- it’s on Charlie.

Seersucker & Stilettos – Mostly devoted to fashion and shops- great pictures and recommendations. You’ll  probably find a little shop you never heard of before.

The Party Scene – This is the photo equivalent of a social calendar- but after the events have occurred.  It’s just fun to look through their pictures- you always end up seeing someone you know and  regretting you opted to not go to a certain event because it just looked so beautiful and fun afterthefact.

And finally….

Two Doors Down is a newly created blog by Kari Kim and Liz Ryan to share tips on living locally and simply.  Although it is just starting out, it already includes some wonderful posts and promises to be one to read daily.  The ladies spotlight local artisans, offer reading suggestions, recipes, organizational and decorating tips, and give some serious love to worthy local businesses. We suggest you subscribe!

How about you? What are we missing? What’s your favorite local blog?

Perhaps you’ve seen this logo on the doors or windows of area businesses.

Have you ever wondered what it means? Lowcountry Local First is a group that advocates and promotes the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community support of local independent businesses and farms.  Put simply, area businesses and residents are encouraged to “Shop local and buy local.”

As proud members and supports of Lowcountry Local First, the Dunes Properties Real Estate Studio hosted the Lowcountry Local First membership meeting last week.  The theme for the meeting was  “Show Your Local Love”  in honor of Valentine’s Day and the love was being spread around for sure!

Much lauded and nationally praised  O-Ku  provided various selections of their signature sushi while ICE BOX catering dished out their local love beverages.  Mount Pleasant’s very own YesUmay cookies were also a huge hit!  To keep with the valentines theme, LLF held their version of speed dating…. speed networking.

As a member ourself, it was an absolute pleasure to host LLF and all their guests.  For more information on how to make the shift to a local lifestyle, please visit www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org or find them on Facebook .

Check out the great fun courtesy of Lowcountry Local First’s Facebook page- thanks for sharing the photos!

I have a friend coming to visit this weekend from the cold, snowy trenches of Minneapolis, MN.  We’ve been compiling a list of things to do while she’s in town. This is no easy feat- this list is now three pages long and really it’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg . We’ve only got three days!  She lived in Charleston for several years so we were able to cut out the obvious.

There is our local Firefly Vodka (tastes just like sweet tea) distillery that does tastings and tours of their home on Wadmalaw Island. We’d love to do a tasting there.  The place to grab the best burger (and veggie burger) in town- The Village Tavern (newly reopened w/consulting Chef Daniel Nurick) in Mt. Pleasant.  Another new jewel in Mt. Pleasant must be visited- Yes Umay Cookies  because, well, cookies are the new cupcake and these won’t make you feel too bad indulging after a workout.   Ashley’s cookies which contain the best ingredients- rich chocolates, sea salt, curry and goji berries.

And we would not be true to ourselves if we didn’t hit some great shopping.  Mary Mojo in Mt. Pleasant offers some swanky boutique brands and we will pay a visit to neighboring The Shoe Fairy.  Great sales and fun places to try things on.  There’s also the Tanger Outlet Mall that keeps getting great, new stores.  We must also do some downtown shopping. Antiquing for a bargain (and if we’re lucky there may be an auction) at Page’s Thieves Market is always a good time even if you leave empty handed.  If we’re lucky, Leigh Magar may be in her downtown studio/shop Magar Hatworks– she is not just a milliner but a true artist whose hats are about to be in a Vogue fashion spread.

And we’ll definitely pop into the Real Estate Studio  indowntown Charleston for the Holy City Handmade event this Friday the 10th. It’s a craft show, trunk show, etc with cocktails!

We plan on visiting historic downtown Summerville and just taking in the cozy little town and burning some calories walking. Where locals used to summer. And of course wander about aimlessly downtown. You never know what you’ll discover.  Sometimes it’s just nice to look up at the buildings you see every other day and notice something new. The architecture in Charleston is amazing. You can walk around and just look at buildings and homes appreciating them or you can walk around and discover shops you never knew were there.

So we’re going to eat and shop our way around town. My friend will surely have to check a bag  and don an elastic waistband for the trip home.

Project Runway finalist (and my personal favorite that season) Carol Hannah will be debuting her first wedding gown collection at the upcoming Charleston Fashion Week.

The Bridal Couture Show will be held 11am-2pm on Saturday, March 20 . There will be seven shows and it features three local designers.  Click here  for tickets.

Carol hannah is the 2008 winner of the Charleston Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer competition and an alumni of College of Charleston.

And our friend Marysia Reeves will be a featured designer at the Saturday evening finale fashion show.  Her show will start at 8:25pm.  Marysia is the winner of Charleston Fashion Week Emerging Designer Southeast  2009 award.  Marysia’s high fashion bathing suits can be found at Anthropologie and Urban Outfitter’s online shops.

We’re so proud of our local ladies!