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Six Picture Perfect Apple Orchards in South Carolina

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It’s finally beginning to feel like fall in the Palmetto State and as the temperatures drop and leaves scatter on the ground, nothing sounds better than cozying up with a glass of hot cider. The only thing that would make it better is picking the apples ourselves. Too bad we don’t live in New England? Turns out there are plenty of picture perfect apple orchards right here in South Carolina.

Blue Haven Orchards, Long Creek

Blue Haven Orchards grow, pick, and sell 30 acres of some of the best apples around. The season starts in July with eight dazzling varieties of apples including red & golden delicious, Stayman Winesap, Cameo, Granny Smith, Fuji, Romes, Arkansas Blacks and Yates (sometimes called a Christmas apple). he fruit stand is open seven days a week and all these flavors are available at an affordable cost with a “half-pick” selection at $7 and a complete bushel for $30. For more than 85 years the full-service packing house has sold fresh, raw cider, local honey, jellies and jams, baked goods, and vegetables. There’s also a homemade slushie machine on premise, as if you need another reason to make the trip.

Bryson’s Apple Orchard, Mountain Rest

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by Lakes Keowee, Jocassee,and Hartwell, along with over twenty waterfalls, and many marked hiking trails, Bryson’s Apple Orchard is the perfect setting for apple picking, tasting and sampling. Plan on spending a full day wandering the orchard. The u-pick apple season is in the fall, but apples and peaches are available year-round. Bryson’s has fresh pressed cider, a wide selection of jams and jellies, canned good, honey, sorghum syrup and local vegetables for sampling and purchase!

Chattooga Belle Farm, Long Creek

This delightful 198 acre farm in the upstate offers U-pick apples, farm tours and lunch at Belle’s Bistro.

sit and stare at the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and the gorgeous orchard. Once the largest apple producing area east of the Mississippi River, Chattooga Belle is a working farm, distillery and event barn that grows several varieties of fruit, adding more each year. The award winning distillery makes award winning spirits and is always open for tours and tastings. In addition to apples, you can look forward to peaches, muscadines, scuppernongs, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, persimmons, paw paws, Asian pears and figs.

Hollifield’s Orchard, Long Creek

Like many of the orchards and farms in South Carolina, Hollifield’s is family orchard that has been run for more than four generations. It is located off of Hwy. 76 in Long Creek, SC where the largest amount of apples and apple products in the state are produced. Apples, peaches, honey, pasteurized cider, fresh cider, jelly and apple cider vinegar are available Saturday from 9:30am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm.

Perdeaux Fruit Farm, Travelers Rest

Peaches, blueberries, blackberries, corn, melons, muscadines, pears and plums are a few of the fruits this farm grows year-round. In the fall, it is all about the apples in their orchard. Products like apple cider and jellies are made from the freshly picked apples. There are 12 varieties of preserves and sauces to choose from. They are open from June through November, Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm, and Sunday from 12:30pm to 6pm. Perdeaux Fruit Farm is a South Carolina Certified Roadside Market and you can check out their Facebook page for daily changes and offerings.

Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill, York

This family owned and operated boutique apple orchard and Hard Cider producer located in the upstate is the picture perfect fall day. The owners grew up on apple cider in New England before they brought their passion and a wooden apple cider press to South Carolina. Their specialty is hot cider doughnuts. The award-winning orchard and cider mill is open from mid-August until Christmas. Pick your own apples, indulge in apple cider and enjoy other fresh made apple products. The 2018 season will see events such as Friday night fire pits, hard cider tastings at The Cider Bar, live music and hayrides.

Featured

9 Must Visit Art Museums in South Carolina

Image Source: gibbesmuseum.org

Art Museums are not just for the metropolitan areas. There are so many wonderful artists and exhibitions throughout South Carolina. November 9th was Go to an Art Museum Day and you don’t have to go far to celebrate. It’s the perfect excuse to hit up any one of these local spots for a crash course in regional, national and international art and history.

Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston

The Gibbes Museum, opened in 1905, has curated a collection of American art that reflects the story of Charleston. The work displayed in the museum connects the region’s past to its vibrant contemporary art scene. The Gibbes museum has an impressive permanent collection that spans four centuries full of paintings, sculptures, miniature portraits, works on paper, decorative art objects, and multimedia installations, created by American artists, and expressing the evolving aesthetic tastes in Charleston. Special exhibitions are designed as an experimental platform. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with six to eight per year. Check the website for current exhibitions and enjoy all this lovely museum has to offer.

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art – College of Charleston, Charleston

Also located in downtown Charleston, the Halsey Institute is connected to the College of Charleston School of Arts. It aims to provide a multidisciplinary space for production and presentation of visual artists from around the world. The Halsey Institute hosts five to seven innovative exhibitions per year, many of which travel nationally. The museum also hosts a schedule of lectures, panels, symposia, screenings, discussions, and special events, with coinciding documentaries and publications. The museum’s commitment to providing access to the creative process and building on Charleston’s remarkable history makes it worthy of a visit to see their diverse exhibitions. Always free and open to the public, get lost interpreting the large dissemination of so much inspirational art.

Columbia Museum of Art – Downtown Columbia, Columbia

The Columbia Museum of Art can be found in the cultural heart of downtown Columbia. The modern museum is among the leading art institutions in the country, housing more than 25 galleries full of art that spans 5,000 years of history. The award-winning museum sees more than 150,000 visitors a year. They also host fun programs such as art classes, tours, lectures and children’s programs. The dynamic exhibitions change every few months, so there is always something unique and captivating to wander through.

Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville

A premier American art museum in the South, the Greenville County Museum of Art has some of the most exclusive collections in the world. It is home to the largest public collection of watercolors by Andrew Wyeth, paintings and prints by Jasper Johns and so much more ranging from Federal portraits to contemporary abstractions. Alongside the permanent collection are cycles of traveling exhibitions. This museum gives patrons the chance to absorb the region’s artistic history with a Southern Collection from colonial times to present, ranging from 1726 pastel portraits and Civil War vistas to American Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, American Scene, and contemporary works.

Spartanburg Art Museum, Spartanburg

Spartanburg is home to another regional, contemporary art museum. The museum began as the The Spartanburg Arts and Crafts Council and continues to promote engagement through inspiration with its exhibitions and education for people of all ages. Over the past 110 years, the museum has grown to reside in a 3,000 square foot space located in the Chapman Cultural Center. Whether you’re local or visiting, take a look around their diverse range of contemporary exhibitions and wide variety of educational and community programs.

Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, Myrtle Beach

This unique and interactive art museum is dedicated to being one of the finest visual arts museums in the Carolinas. Although a relatively young museum, opening in 1997, it has made a large impact on the area, winning the State of South Carolina’s prestigious Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award for Outstanding Arts Organization. The visionaries behind the museum strive to engage the community and visitors alike with educational and creative programs. Admission is free so there is no reason to say no to this cultural excursion.

McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina, Columbia

The collections at the McKissick Museum date back to 1801, providing insight into the history of the university and the community, culture, and environment of the American South. Since 1976, it has been located at the historic Horseshoe on the University of South Carolina’s campus. The museum’s permanent collections in material culture, natural science, decorative and fine arts support its mission to foster awareness and appreciation through original research, collaboration with the university and safekeeping of historical artifacts. The exhibitions, based on research, aim to education visitors on the rich heritage and natural environment of South Carolina and the Southeast.

Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery, Greenville

Somewhat of a hidden gem in the Greenville area, located on the campus of Bob Jones University, this open and accessible space holds a collection of religion art from Medieval and Renaissance eras with a primary focus on European Old master paintings. A fabulous experience, you will also find nearly 200 pieces of Gothic to nineteenth century furniture, approximately 100 works of sculpture, some 60 textiles, over 1,000 ancient artifacts, and approximately 130 architectural elements that range from stained glass windows to fireplace mantels. Make your way over throughout the year for tours and events.

Pickens County Museum of Art & History, Pickens

This one’s under construction so make a note and be sure to revisit when it’s open again as it is well worth the visit. It is a small town museum full of quality displays and regular shows, historical items and a natural garden that is maintained by the local garden society. They temporarily showcase local artists, changing it up regularly, so visitors can enjoy all levels of artists and different styles of work. The gift shop is also worth a mention, as it is full of crafts from local artists. This museum truly encompasses all the community has to offer.

Featured

Veterans Day Deals in South Carolina

Veterans Day celebrates those who have served our country in war and peace – dead and alive – intended to thank veterans for their sacrifices. The holiday was originally designated to commemorate World War II, the war to end all wars. It now recognizes every who has served or continues to serve. Here are a places honoring veterans on Sunday and Monday with deals, freebies and events.

Restaurants

Burro Loco, Myrtle Beach – Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée.
California Dreaming, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach – Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée.
Carolina Road House, Myrtle Beach – Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée.
Chophouse ‘47, Greenville – Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée.
Gulfstream Cafe, Garden City – Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée.
New York Prime, Myrtle Beach – Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée.
Arby’s – All veterans and active duty receive a free roast beef classic sandwich on Sunday
Applebees – One free meal from a limited menu for veterans and active military members on Sunday
Backyard Burgers – All veterans and active duty receive a Free burgers on Sunday.
Bonefish Grill – All veterans and active duty receive f ree appetizers on Sunday.
Buffalo Wild Wings – Free order of small boneless or traditional wings, and a side of fries on Sunday
Chili’s – Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée.
Chophouse 47 – Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée.
Chuck E. Cheese’s – All veterans and active duty receive a free individual 1-topping pizza on Sunday.
Cracker Barrel – All veterans and active duty receive a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake on Sunday.
Dunkin Donuts – Free doughnut on Sunday for veterans and active duty military.
Fatz Southern Kitchen – All veterans and active military receive free Calabash Chicken on Monday
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – 15% off the bill for all veterans and active military on Sunday.
Golden Corral – Free dinner on Monday from 5pm to 9pm for all veterans and active duty.
IHOP – Free pancakes on Sunday from 7am to 7pm for all veterans and active duty.
Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut and small coffee on Sunday for all veterans and active duty.
Little Caesar’s Pizza – Free $5 lunch combo on Sunday from 11am to 2pm for all veterans and active duty.
Longhorn Steakhouse – Free appetizer and desserts on Sunday for all veterans and active duty.
Olive Garden – Free entree from a special menu on Sunday for all veterans and active duty.
On the Border – Free meal from the Create Your Own Combo menu on Sunday for all veterans and active duty.
Outback Steakhouse – 20% off meals Nov. 8th to 10th and a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage on Sunday for all veterans and active duty.
Red Lobster – Free appetizer and dessert on Sunday and Monday for all veterans and active duty.
Red Robin – Free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Sunday.
Texas Roadhouse – Free special veterans lunch menu including beverage and sides on Sunday.
TGI Fridays – Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée.

Activities

OldSouth Carriage Co, Charleston – use the code VETERAN to book a free carriage ride on Monday.
Patriots Point Naval & Marine Museum, Mount Pleasant – free admission to all veterans and active duty military on Sunday and Monday.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia – Free admission to all veterans and active duty military on Sunday.
Joseph Manigault House, Charleston – Veterans and active duty military receive free admission from 12am to 5pm on Veterans Day.
Friends of the Hunley, North Charleston – All active and retired military personnel receive free tours of the submarine exhibit from noon to 6pm on Saturday and sunday.
South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston – Free admission to all veterans and active duty military on Sunday. Immediate family members receive half off admission.
Chimney Rock State Park – Free admission for veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with military ID or proof of service from Nov. 7th to Nov. 11th.

Events

1. Red, White & Blue Festival, Hanahan

The sixth annual Red, White & Blue Veterans day festival will feature military displays, WWII re-enactors from the 36th infantry division, food and craft vendors, kids’ activities, magicians, local bands and more. Head to the Hanahan Amphitheater on Saturday from 9am to 5pm to celebrate. Admission is free to everyone.

2. ‘A Salute to Our Veterans’

What: This concert will feature patriotic music in celebration of those who served our country, performed by the Charleston Community Band and the Charleston Community Band Jazz Ensemble.

When: Noon-4 p.m. Nov. 11

Where: Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant

Price: Included with general admission

3. Veteran’s Day Parades

Cities throughout South Carolina are celebrating veterans with parades, check where and when your local parade is to show your support!

Featured

Zombie Bob’s: Charleston’s Real Life Zombie!

Featured Image Credit: Zombie Bob’s Pizza

Zombie Bob’s Pizza takes its name dead serious. Call it coincidence or an omen. As fate would have it, the local pizza truck’s owner, Ryan Dedrickson, is Charleston’s very own real-life zombie.

Back in October 2015 while prepping for an upcoming festival, Dedrickson was electrocuted in a freak accident. While connecting his truck to its power source, over 220 amps of electricity went through his body, causing his heart to stop.

After being rushed to MUSC, admitted to the ICU, and undergoing hypothermic treatment to prevent as much brain damage as possible, the initial prognosis was less than optimistic. The doctors prepared his family for the worst. To theirs, and everyone else’s surprise, Ryan survived, and is in some ways now Charleston’s own real-life “zombie”. Although more than three years have passed since the incident, it is still a large part of who he is and what he does. Dedrickson considers himself extremely fortunate to be alive.

Wonderfully stubborn, according to his family, Ryan has made a miracle comeback. Just four days after the incident, he passed all tests allowing him to breathe on his own. Over the next few days, he started waking up, whispering, got out of bed and eventually took a stroll– right on over to a regular hospital bed when he was kicked out of the ICU for simply being too healthy.

The recovery process was long and daunting, and still continues, but it would not have been possible without the people who came around to help. People like Karen Moran, a fellow food truck owner and friend, who brought him a Superman costume while he was in the hospital to represent his great spirit.

To raise money for hospital bills, his family created a GoFundMe in addition to other fundraisers throughout Charleston’s food and bev community, such as a food truck rodeo. The GoFundMe raised $9,216 from 86 people. The food and beverage community gave Zombie Ryan the drive to continue, something that is reflected in the mission of Zombie Bob’s Pizza, to keep customers happy and to give back as much as possible.

In May 2016, a little over six months post-zombification, Zombie Bob’s Pizza opened its first brick-and-mortar location inside Frothy Beard Brewing Company’s new structure. The building is also home to a digital communications firm, Push Digital, whose CEO, Wesley Donehue, invested in and created the trifecta that now resides in West Ashley on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard.

The opening of Zombie Bob’s Pizza’s first location was the ultimate rally for Dedrickson after sustaining the significant electrical shock and making a miraculous recovery. It’s not quite the walking dead in there, but he has been using Frothy Beard’s Back From The Dead Porter to infuse his pizza crust, ultimately making his affordable, jumbo slice pizzas that much more killer.

His bizarre, incredible story serves as a reminder to himself and to those around the Charleston community that when you’re truly doing something you love for people you love, you will continue to do it no matter what. It also serves as a reminder to eat some truly delicious pizza and frothy brews– it might just bring you back from the dead.

Featured

Did You Know These Celebrities Are From South Carolina?

If you’re from South Carolina you might already know some of these prominent people, or you might be surprised to find out just how many celebrities are in fact from the Palmetto State. Either way, here’s a list of just a few famous folks from the Palmetto State.

Darius Rucker

Image Credit: usga.org

A Charleston native, Daris began his career as the lead singer and guitarist for Hootie & the Blowfish (who came together at the University of South Carolina). Since then, he has reintroduced himself as a country artist, and has released four albums to top the Billboard Country albums chart. But singing isn’t all he does. He also holds a benefit concert, “Darius and Friends”, to benefit thousands of children at St. Jude’s. This year’s concert, along with an auction and golf tournament, raised $404,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His dedication to supporting medicine reflects his single mother’s occupation as a nurse at MUSC. Ever showing love the place in which he was born and raised, he currently lives in Mt. Pleasant with his wife and three children. He is a die-hard Gamecock and often holds concerts and events throughout South Carolina.

2. James Brown

Image Credit: Jesse Frohman, morrisonhotelgallery.com

It’s hard to believe that James Brown spent the early days of his childhood in a one-room shack in Barnwell, South Carolina. All through his tumultuous upbringing in extreme poverty, including being dismissed from seventh grade for insufficient clothing and a three-year prison sentence, he continued to educate himself in music. Determinedly pursuing his passion, he even organized a gospel choir of inmates. He eventually worked his way out of some of the harshest of conditions into the top of the funk and R&B music earning the title “The Godfather of Soul.” Not only did his music save him, it helped him save others, breaking racial boundaries and segregation. He was loved for his unique style and turbulent personal life. He was a social activist and he showed that through his songs “America is My Home” and “Black and Proud”, as well as he advocated for the benefits of education to children.

3. Chadwick Boseman

Image Credit: Chadwick Boseman News

Before landing gigs on TV shows like Lincoln Heights, Boseman began his journey with big screen portrayals of baseball player Jackie Robinson in ‘42’ and in soul singer, previously mentioned, James Brown in ‘Get on Up’. Boseman has recently risen to the ranks of elite stardom with the role of Black Panther for a series of Marvel superhero films. His first dalliance with theater, however, began in his hometown of Anderson, South Carolina where he wrote his first play, Crossroads. The play was staged at his alma mater, T.L. Hanna High School, after a student was shot and killed. According to Boseman, his childhood was a happy one, but not without lingering racism. He is an advocate for change within that social climate, but has credited both white and black supporters from his home state for the love and support he received for Black Panther. In likewise support, he bought tickets for over 300 underprivileged youth from Anderson to attend a showing of his film. They were accompanied by 460 family members and close friends. He is an honorable representative of South Carolina.

4. Chris Rock

Image Credit: GQ

Although Chris spent most of his life in Brooklyn, his birthplace, Andrews, South Carolina still has instilled in him a bit of that southern charm. His mother, who resides in Georgetown County, has it in spades and her son has been lucky enough to glean some of that wit and wisdom. At the age of 18 that charm (and his sense of humor) won the attention of Eddie Murphy at New York’s Comedy Strip. He went on to appear in a few films and on Saturday Night Live. His biggest successes include an Emmy award-winning HBO special, two Grammy award-winning comedy albums and the popular sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. Like any true South Carolinian, he still comes home for his mama’s smothered chicken and biscuits.

4. Lee Brice

Image Credit: wbmn.com

Lee grew up playing piano and guitar, singing in his church choir and writing music in Sumter, South Carolina. His unique musical upbringing, made up primarily of gospel quartets and a few cassettes, has led to his dedication to making authentic music with no artificial sounds. He credits his hometown with his rough edges. The tiny town that made him tough taught him how to work hard and do right. During his teenage years, Lee attended Clemson University on a football scholarship. He played special teams as the long snapper, but after an arm injury, he decided to focus on a country music career instead. By 2007, he began working as a songwriter, with cuts by Jason Aldean, Keith Gattis and Cowboy Crush among others. To date, he has released four albums of his own and broke a 62-year-old record for the longest-running song on the country music chart with “Love Like Crazy.”

5. Bill Murray

Image Credit: pipocamoderna.com

Although he was born and raised in Chicago suburbs, Bill Murray found a home in Charleston and is now an active member in the community. In addition to his restaurant ventures in Harold’s Cabin and newly opened Container Bar, he is also the co-owner of the Charleston Riverdogs and proudly cheered on the Cougars in their CAA Championship run. With the amount of time he spends in the Holy City, it’s no wonder most locals have an account of a run-in with the legendary actor.

6. Stephen Colbert

Image Credit: hollywoodreporter.com

Political satirist Stephen Colbert may lay claim to his birthplace of Washington D.C., but as it turns out his father’s position as vice president of academic affairs at MUSC landed him in Charleston for the majority of his upbringing. Originally on James Island, his mother relocated the family downtown after his father and two of his brothers passed away in a plane crash, to run a B&B South of Broad. After leaving his roots behind, he has climbed the comedic talk show ladder from the Daily Show to the Colbert Report, all the way to his current post at the Late Show. Although he has distanced himself from what he refers to as a “sleepy, southern town,” it remains one of his favorite vacation spots and has even shared his suggestions for a perfect weekend in his hometown.

7. Aziz Ansari

Image Credit: thefamouspeople.com

Comedic actor/writer known for his role on Parks and Recreation, for which he won a Golden Globe, Aziz Ansari’s childhood home has shaped his comedy. His unlikely Southern roots have provided him with plenty of material for his stand-up and emmy-winning Netflix series Master of None. The Columbia, SC native was born to two doctors and attended the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics. After moving to New York for college, his time in the Palmetto State has been limited. He performed stand-up in his home state for the first time this year in Charleston at the Gaillard Center. He also performed at a benefit concert in Asheville for those affected by Hurricane Florence.

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6 Best Hotels in Downtown Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Zerogeorge.com

For the sixth year in a row, Charleston was voted the best city in the United States by Travel & Leisure. As the best city, whether you are a local or a tourist, a weekend stay in this charming city will be worth your while. The only thing is: Where should you stay? Charleston is home to many hotels and bed and breakfast locations, so here are a few favorite places to stay in the Holy City:

Zero George Street: 0 George Street, Charleston SC 29401 $399/night*
Zero George is home to sixteen beautiful guest rooms and studios in three restored historic residences as well as two brick carriage houses that surround the private garden. Exhibiting a sense of intimacy and warmth, while honoring the buildings historic structure and architecture. At Zero George, you’ll be submerged in the beauty of Charleston’s most loved contemporary art and decoration. Included in your stay is daily European breakfast, bicycles, evening wine and cheese, and 24 hour coffee service.

2. Belmond Charleston Place: 205 Meeting Street, Charleston SC 29401 $369/night*

Home being the heart of downtown Charleston’s historic district, within walking distance of the major attractions, Belmond Charleston Place is the perfect place to stay during your adventure in the city. With 434 rooms and suites, a Spa, and fitness center, you will never feel like you have nothing to do. Stay a night or two, or maybe a few, to experience the gentile charm of the beauty Holy City.

3. Harbourview Inn: 2 Vendue Range, Charleston SC 29401 $299/night*

Harbourview Inn is the prime location to escape Charleston’s busy streets and relax in a waterfront oasis. Experience Charleston’s intimate side at this location by gathering with your closest friends for evening wine and cheese or relaxing at the private, rooftop terrace. Thanks to the exceptional experience and amenities, your stay will make you feel as if you have lived there forever. Enjoy your stay with complimentary wi-fi, a mini fridge, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, and complimentary breakfast.

4. Planters Inn: 112 North Market Street, Charleston SC 29401 $279/night*

Overlooking the historic Charleston City Market, home to the best cultural attractions, shopping, and dining, Planters Inn luxury boutique hotel has the best location in downtown Charleston. With 64 private rooms, this hotel combines elegant style with contemporary pieces.As the only hotel furnished with decor from Baker’s Historic Charleston Collection, which includes a four-poster bed in every room. Each day will begin with a coffee service in the parlor, mid-morning will bring orange and mango tea. Planters Inn is known for its extraordinary service. It embodies charm, courtesy, character, cuisine, and calmness.

5. The Vendue Hotel: 19 Vendue Range, Charleston SC 29401 $229/night*

The Vendue is a combination of two hotels, 19 Vendue Range and 26 Vendue Range, located in walking distance of each other. Of their 84 rooms, no two will look alike due to the historic nature of the building. Each room is decorated with different period reproductions furniture and antiques. In 2014, The Vendue was reborn to create Charleston’s only hotel dedicated to the arts, with over 300 pieces of original art. Your stay will include: complimentary coffee and daily breakfast, a lobby lounge serving cocktails and wine, The Rooftop bar, and a working art studio.

6. The Elliott House Inn: 78 Queen Street, Charleston SC 29401 $199/night*

A hidden treasure of Charleston, The Elliott House Inn is a hotel that encaptures the intimacy of a bed and breakfast. This historic 26 room location is located in close range of Charleston’s famous shopping, exploring, and dining. Thanks to the complementary experiences like daily breakfast, evening wine and cheese, and historical tours, you may never want to leave. Decorated with original hardwood floors and custom shutters, the space balances charm and sophistication with ease. Your stay will include: bicycles, room service from 82 Queen, and valet laundry service.

*Price may vary

Eat & Drink

Party for the Parks is Back Again and Groovier Than Ever

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Party for the Parks is just around the corner and this year things are heating up with a disco inferno for a good cause. Can you dig it? Hosted by the Charleston Parks Conservancy along with over 75 sponsors, Party for the Parks is the annual celebration of Charleston’s parks. In its 8th year, the event will take place at Colonial Lake on Saturday, Nov. 3rd.

From 6 pm to 10 pm, the area will be transformed into a groovy street festival full of flashing lights, spinning disco balls, and pumping music. Party-goers are encouraged to adorn themselves in some superfly 70’s getup for the full disco experience. The party will feature disco beats spun by DJ Moo Moo as well as other entertainment, open bars, cocktail stations, street-fair food provided by local restaurants and dancing in the streets. A silent auction with about a dozen curated packages and exclusive experiences will also take place.

If you missed the early bird special tickets, general admission for $115 are still available and include food and the open bar. The $250 Studio 54 VIP ticket includes access to a private lounge with bar, signature cocktails, hors-d’oeuvres, and entertainment. This party sells out every year so advanced ticket purchase is advised.

The Conservancy and the City of Charleston along with community organizations, neighborhoods and engaged citizens work together to transform and activate the city’s parks and green spaces. Proceeds of this signature fundraiser directly benefit this mission in 25 public parks like Colonial Lake, Allan Park, Corrine Jones Playground, McMahon Playground at Hampton Park, Wragg Square, and Medway Community Garden.

This year’s goal is to raise $125,000 for park renovations, continuous park care, and maintenance and park programs like Garden in the Parks and Community Gardening, as well as community events like Teddy Bear Picnic, Movies at Magnolia and Jazz Brunches at Hampton Park.

An all-night boogie while enjoying food, beer, wine, and spirits thanks to the generosity of some of Charleston’s finest is reason enough to attend, but more than that the event brings the Charleston community together in support of the city. Aiming to inspire the people of the Holy City to connect with their parks and together create stunning public spaces and a strong community eager to beautify public parks and green spaces.

To learn more about the event and/or purchase tickets, visit www.partyfortheparks.com. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

Featured

Garden and Gun Made in the South Weekend

Search High Wire Distilling Co., White Oak Pastures Iberico Pancetta, Hollifield Bamboo Fly Rods, Boyd’s of Texas Eau de Parfum, Skylar Morgan Furniture + Design Sofa and Ole Mason Jar Sport Coat and you’ll find they have two things in common: All are products of Southern craftsmanship and all are winners of Garden & Gun’s 2018 Made in the South Awards.

Each year, Garden & Gun honors Southern artisans who raise the bar on design and style with their Made in the South Awards. And each year, subsequently honors those finalists with a weekend celebrating all things Made in the South.

For its ninth year, the Awards recognize standouts in six categories. The winners and runners-up comprise the tastemakers of the south in food, drink, style, home, crafts, and outdoors. The highly anticipated editorial feature celebrates the unparalleled design, craftsmanship, and ingenuity that are alive and well in the region today. Garden & Gun’s Made in the South Weekend is a three-day experience in Charleston to showcase these innovative artisans and their craft.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, Nov. 9th at the Charleston Music Hall with concert performances by Amanda Shires and Aaron Lee Tasjan. The magazine’s editor in chief David DiBenedetto and president and CEO Rebecca Darwin will be present for a VIP meet-and-greet cocktail party with Amanda Shires at the home of Rebecca Darwin prior to the show.

On Saturday, Nov. 10th, award winners and finalists gather at G&G’s headquarters in the Cigar Factory for an all-day Made in the South Marketplace and Conversations with the Editors. Taste, sip, shop, and learn from the best of the South. Additionally, patrons can enjoy the various Cigar Factory Pop-Ups around the building.

The Marketplace showcases the award winners, giving guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the new class of 2018 Made in the South artisans and their award-winning products. Garden & Gun’s offices will be home to southern fare featured in the magazine. Attendees can bounce around as they sample cocktails and southern fare from pimento cheese to Bloody Marys. This event is a good place to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping with signature items from Fieldshop by Garden & Gun, before settling in to listen as editors talk about the latest trends in Southern-made products.

Two sessions, each hosting three categories, take place throughout the day. The schedule is as follows:

Session 1: 9am to 12pm

Food, 9:30am

Phillip Rhodes, executive managing editor, Garden & Gun

Asha Gomez, chef and cookbook author, My Two Souths

Vivian Howard, head chef and owner, Chef & The Farmer

Crafts, 10:15am

Elizabeth Hutchison, contributing editor, Garden & Gun

Susan Hable Smith + Katharine Hable Sweeney,

founders, Hable Construction

Style | 11:00am

Haskell Harris, style director, Garden & Gun

Stacy Smallwood, owner, Hampden

Laura Vinroot Poole, owner, Capitol

Session 2, 1pm to 4pm

Drink, 1:30pm

Amanda Heckert, deputy editor, Garden & Gun

Miles Macquarrie, co-owner and beverage director,

Kimball House

Brooks Reitz, owner, Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop, Little Jack‘s Tavern, Melfi’s, Jack Rudy Cocktail Co.

Outdoors, 2:15pm

David DiBenedetto, senior vice president & editor in chief, Garden & Gun

Radcliff Menge, founder, Tom Beckbe

Home, 3:00pm

Haskell Harris, style director, Garden & Gun

Bobby McAlpine, founder, McALPINE

Jon Carloftis, designer, Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens

A special, (unfortunately) sold out Awards Dinner with acclaimed Southern chef Asha Gomez will take place that evening at Aiken-Rhett House. The festive dinner will encapsulate Made in the South as it honors the winners with a globally inspired meal, live music and cocktails by mixologist Miles Macquarrie.

The weekend culminates in a Sunday pop-up brunch and sip & shop at Henrietta‘s in the Dewberry Hotel from 10am to 2pm. In conjunction, any and all are welcome to explore an expanded assortment of products from some of the South’s best artisans and artists at the sip & shop. A special discount offered for Henrietta’s brunch attendees. Atlanta-based restaurant, Garden & Gun Club, and its executive chef, Ann Kim, will host the brunch pop-up with a Garden & Gun Club–inspired menu full cocktails and dishes that characterize what it means to be Made in the South.