SIDG: Events for the Fourth and Final Weekend of February

It’s another busy weekend on the Sea Islands. Make a point to enjoy these sunny days, I hear another cold snap is coming next week.

FRIDAY (the 21st):

4pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s the Steel Rollers on the deck. This is a free show.

8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, its the Rusty Hook Ramblers. Don’t forget, this bar doesn’t serve food, but you can order handcrafted sandwiches, homemade soup or a hearty plate of poutine (Canada’s cheese and gravy fries) from your barstool. At the Southern General, there are two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7pm, the second one starts at 10pm.

9:30pm: On James, at Max & Henry’s, there’s a Pusser’s Rum Painkiller Party. Featuring DJ Rehab, T-shirts, painkiller samples, giveaways, and Pusser’s Rum nauti girls.

10pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, the Larry Keel Power Trio are playing. The doors open at 9. This show is $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has New Galaxy playing. Don’t forget, they serve food late into the evening.

SATURDAY (the 22nd)

9am: On Johns, at SIHH Restore, everything is on sale, 15-50 percent off, and free hotdogs will be served at midday.

10am: Lowcountry Marsh Sweepers will meet at the Red Top Welcome Center at for a Rantowles Creek cleanup. If you are driving South on Hwy. 17 (Red Top zone) please use caution and watch for these pedestrians.

10am: The Johns Island Farmers Market is held near the Main and Maybank intersection next to Dr. Anthony Ross’ Island Chiropractic. It has at 47 vendors.

12pm: On Wadmalaw, it’s Sippin’ Saturday at Irvin-House Vineyards, featuring food by Stono Café and live music by Don Merkle and the Blacksmiths.

1pm: On Folly, A Follygras (Mardi Gras at the Edge of America) parade and party on Center Street is scheduled.

1pm: On Johns, at the Charleston County Public Library, it’s De Gullah Roots Festival at 1pm. See link for details.

UPDATED! 2pm: On Johns, at Sweetgrass Garden, there’s a fundraiser for a barn-raising. There will be live music, fun for kids, and food. Donations are encouraged. Please see Sweetgrass link for details.

5pm: On James, at the Terrace Theater, it’s Costa Presents the Fly Fishing Film Extravaganza. This is the original fly fishing film fest, and a great networking opportunity to meet other ‘fishfolk’. Tickets available at the Charleston Angler and Lowcountry Fly Shop.

5pm: On James, at Town Hall, James Island Pride is holding a Silent Art Auction. Click link for details. Town Hall is in the same general strip mall as the Smoky Oak Taproom.

8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, its Ed Porkchop Meyer. This bar doesn’t serve food, but you can order handcrafted sandwiches, homemade soup or a hearty plate of poutine (Canada’s cheese and gravy fries) from your barstool. At the Southern General, there are two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7pm, the second one starts at 10pm.

8pm: On James, at the Terrace Theater, it’s the second showing of Costa Presents the Fly Fishing Film Extravaganza. This is the original fly fishing film extravaganza, and a great networking opportunity to meet other fishfolk. Tickets available at the Charleston Angler and Lowcountry Fly Shop.

9:30pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s the Mantras on the main stage. This show is $8 in advance, and $10 at the door. See website for tickets and more information.

10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has Funkness Monster. Don’t forget, they serve food late into the evening.

SUNDAY (the 23rd):

8am: The Hideaway Pizza Kitchen now serves breakfast until 12pm on Sundays. Hideaway is at the intersection of Ft. Johnson and Harborview Roads.

8-11am: On James, the Coastal Cyclists will be cycling from James, to Kiawah and back, about 40 miles total. Please drive (and pass) carefully.

1pm: Smoky Oak Taproom & Charleston ZTA Alumane present a chili cookoff benefitting Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness charity. Calhoun’s Calling will be playing live music. There will be a pink fire truck in attendance. Tickets are $10, children 10 and under get in free. Click link for details.

4pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Sunday Phunday with Runaway Gin playing Phish covers. This show is free.

ALL WEEKEND LONG AND BEYOND:

February 20th-25th, if you are eating out, check to see if your restaurant has a “Spayghetti” special. Ordering this entree means part of the proceeds go to Pet Helpers.

On James, the Terrace Theater is showing the following films: The Monuments Men, Her, The Wolf of Wall Street, Philomena, Nebraska, and The Great Beauty (Italian). For showtimes, click the Terrace link.

WEEKLY: On James, the Brick House Kitchen has all you can eat oysters for $14 Tuesdays, and Thursdays-Saturdays. Monday and Wednesdays, it’s just $12.

WEEKLY: On Johns, Red’s Ice House at Bohicket has all you can eat crab legs on Mondays for $29, Happy hour 4-7pm, and Dave Landeo Band performing live. Food and Beverage Workers night is every Tuesday, with late night appetizer specials, happy hour 4-7pm, $2 vodkas, and Hank Futch & Friends playing live acoustic music. Oyster Roasts on Thursdays, just $12 for a bucket of Oysters and 2 Bud Selects.

Monday at 5pm, on James, the Charleston Crab House is hosting a Customer Appreciation Party.

Middleton Place started its daily camellia walks last week. See link for information. Don’t forget your camera and cash for admission to the park. Daffodils, narcissus are also out this time of year. And I’ve actually seen a redbud on Riverland Drive.

March 1st, On Johns at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, the Mullet Hall Run is scheduled. Participants should register at the Mullet Hall link, and don a mullet wig the day of the run unless they sport one naturally.

Also March 1st is PetHelpers’ Shuck Your Paws Off event. It happens at the Visitor Center Bus Shed Downtown from 7-11pm. Food is provided by Mt. Pleasant’s the Shelter Kitchen and Bar. Purchase tickets at the Shuck link above.

Also March 1st, on James, at the Bohemian Bull, a Mardi Gras party is scheduled. Mardi Gras officially happens the following Tuesday, the 4th.

Also March 1st, on James, at Brickhouse Kitchen, its Family Fun Day from 11am-5pm.

Also March 1st, on James, Midtown Theater‘s Pippin opens at 8pm.

On March 13-17, on James, at the Terrace, the Fifth Charleston Film Festival starts showing its films. Click here to see this year’s lineup.

On March 23, on James, the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market begins its spring 2014 season.

On April 6, on Johns, Freshfields Village is having a Food Truck Rodeo.

Whatever you get into, have fun and be safe. If I see something I forgot, I will add it above.

SIDG: Events for the Third Weekend of February

It’s another busy weekend on the Sea Islands. I’ve changed the format a little below. Events are listed by time, and the Terrace’s movies are listed in All Weekend Long section at the bottom.

Monday, February 17th is Presidents Day. Many government operations will not be in service, like the US Mail, garbage, or recycling collection. Yours truly will inevitably check the mail and put out the garbage anyway.

On with the festivities. After another chilly wet midweek interruption, it will be nice to enjoy a sunny day outdoors.

FRIDAY (the 14th):

Happy Valentines Day! It’s great day to remind the people that matter the most to you that they matter, and more importantly, why they matter.

4pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s the Steel Rollers on the deck. This is a free show.

4pm: On Johns, at Freshfields, there’s an Art and Wine Walk. Sip wine while strolling Freshfields’ grounds and listening to jazz. Check out the remodeled Harris Teeter. Pose with the frog statues.

8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, its the Lowhills. Don’t forget, this bar doesn’t serve food, but you can order handcrafted sandwiches, homemade soup or a hearty plate of poutine (Canada’s cheese and gravy fries) from your barstool. At the Southern General, there are two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7pm, the second one starts at 10pm.

8pm: On James, the Midtown Theater has a special V-Day Production. See link for details.

10pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, Dopapod with the Mike Dillon Band. The doors open at 9. This show is $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has Yellowknife. Don’t forget, they serve food late into the evening.

SATURDAY (the 15th):

TBA: The Dee Norton Benefit Celebrity Golf Tournament is happening at the Ocean Course at Kiawah. Bill Murray, Willie Robertson, and Coach Steve Spurrier are just three of the celebs on board. See link for details.

12noon: The Johns Island Farmers Market is held near the Main and Maybank intersection next to Dr. Anthony Ross’ Island Chiropractic. It has at 47 vendors.

12noon: On Folly, it’s the inaugural Cupids Undie Run at Loggerheads. Register here.

12noon: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s the Follywood Annual Oyster Roast. Davis Coen, Gaslight Street, The Piedmont Boys, Guilt-Ridden Troubadour, Cary Hudson, Mac Leaphart and My Ragged Company are playing on the deck. This is show is $10 in advance, and $12 at the door.For an all-day pass, it’s just $22 (see 9:30 show below for the rest of the day’s activities.)

UPDATED! 2pm: On Johns, there’s a Pig Pickin’ at New Moon Pizzeria (corner of Maybank Hwy. and River Rd.) Live music provided by The Mason Dixon Band.

8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, its Ed ‘Porkchop’ Meyer. Don’t forget, this bar doesn’t serve food, but you can order handcrafted sandwiches, homemade soup or a hearty plate of poutine (Canada’s cheese and gravy fries) from your barstool. At the Southern General, there are two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7pm, the second one starts at 10pm.

8pm: On James, the Midtown Theater has a special V-Day Production. See link for details.

9:30pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Toubab Krewe, Jimbo Mathus, and The Tri-State Coalition. This show is $15 in advance, and $17 at the door. See website for tickets and more information.

10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has Dallas Fuller and the Bluegrass Trio. Don’t forget, they serve food late into the evening.

SUNDAY (the 16th):

8-11am: On James, the Coastal Cyclists will be cycling from James, to Kiawah and back, about 40 miles total. Please drive (and pass) carefully.

2:30pm: James Island’s own Cup Fine Coffee & Roasters will host a coffee lecture and tasting at their Roastery on Fleming Road. I had the privilege of talking to the owners, Robbie and Esther Dietrich, for a recent media story.

4pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Sunday Phunday on the deck with Runaway Gin playing Phish covers. This show is free.

ALL WEEKEND LONG AND BEYOND:

On James, the Terrace Theater is showing the following films: The Monuments Men, Her, The Wolf of Wall Street, Philomena, Nebraska, and The Great Beauty (Italian). For showtimes, click the Terrace link.

WEEKLY: On James, the Brick House Kitchen has all you can eat oysters for $14 Tuesdays, and Thursdays-Saturdays. Monday and Wednesdays, it’s just $12.

WEEKLY: On Johns, Red’s Ice House at Bohicket has all you can eat crab legs on Mondays for $29, Happy hour 4-7pm, and Dave Landeo Band performing live. Food and Beverage Workers night is every Tuesday, with late night appetizer specials, happy hour 4-7pm, $2 vodkas, and Hank Futch & Friends playing live acoustic music. Oyster Roasts on Thursdays, just $12 for a bucket of Oysters and 2 Bud Selects.

Middleton Place started its daily camellia walks on Thursday. See link for information, and don’t forget your camera and cash for admission to the park.

On Thursday, February 20, On James, the Bohemian Bull has “Breakfast Sex” Beer Tasting night–8 taps of Foothills and Founders Brewery beers, and chicken and waffles on the menu starting at 6pm.

On Saturday, February 22, at the Johns Island branch of the Charleston County Public Library, it’s De Gullah Roots Festival at 1pm. See link for details.

Also on Saturday, February 22nd, On James, Smoky Oak’s Chili Cookoff is happening. This benefits Breast Cancer Awareness (Zeta Tau Alpha sorority’s charity of choice.)

Also on February 20th-25th, PetHelpers’ Spayghetti event is scheduled at participating restaurants in West Ashley, James Island, and Mount Pleasant on different nights that week. ‘Still waiting on the final list.

Also on February 22nd, on Folly, a Follygras parade and party on Center Street is scheduled.

Also on February 22nd, Lowcountry Marsh Sweepers will meet at the Red Top Welcome Center at 1oam for a Rantowles Creek cleanup. If you are driving South on Hwy. 17 (Red Top zone) please use watch for these pedestrians.

March 1st, On Johns at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, the Mullet Hall Run is scheduled. Participants should register at the Mullet Hall link, and don a mullet wig the day of the run unless they sport one naturally.

Also on March 1st is PetHelpers’ Shuck Your Paws Off event. It happens at the Visitor Center Bus Shed Downtown from 7-11pm. Food is provided by Mt. Pleasant’s the Shelter Kitchen and Bar. Purchase tickets at the Shuck link above.

Also on Saturday March 1st, on James, at the Bohemian Bull, a Mardi Gras party is scheduled. Mardi Gras officially happens the following Tuesday, the 4th.

On March 13-17, on James at the Terrace, the Fifth Charleston Film Festival starts showing its film. See link for details.

Whatever you get into, have fun and be safe. If I see something I forgot, I will add it above.

SIDG: Events for the Second Weekend of February 2014

It’s another busy weekend on the Sea Islands. It might be rainy at times, but I don’t think we have snow coming. Thank goodness.

FRIDAY (the 7th)

On Kiawah, today through Sunday, the sixth The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Gourmet & Grapes event is happening. It benefits MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center.

On James, the Charleston Pour House has two shows. The deck show is The Steel Rollers. It starts at 4pm and is a free show. Later that night on the main stage, the Whigs with the Junior Astronomers start playing at 10pm, doors open at 9. The show is $10 in advance, and $13 at the door. If you haven’t tried Chef Lira’s farm to table delicacies, you will want to.

On James,  The Monuments Men (Matt Damon, George Clooney, Bill Murray, John Goodman) opens tonight at the Terrace Theater. Other films showing include Her, Philomena, Nebraska, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Great Beauty (Italian), and American Hustle. For showtimes, click the Terrace link. For trailer, click the Monuments Men above.

On James, Smoky Oak Taproom has Dave Grunstra and native Blues rocker Sarah Cole from 9pm-12am.

On James, the Bohemian Bull has Don’t Mess the Tiger. Don’t forget, they serve food late into the evening.

On Johns, at Seanachai, its the String Beans starting at 8pm. Don’t forget, this bar doesn’t serve food, but you can order handcrafted sandwiches, homemade soup or a hearty plate of poutine (Canada’s cheese and gravy fries) from your barstool. At the Southern General, there’s two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7pm, the second one starts at 10pm.

SATURDAY (the 8th)

On Johns, the Johns Island Farmers Market starts at 10am. It is being held near the Main and Maybank intersection next to Island Chiropractic. It has at least 30+ vendors. Two new ones this week are Porizo’s Pizza Sauce and Austin’s Sweetgrass Baskets.

On Wadmalaw, Irwin House Vineyards reopens today at 1pm for the Cork Shuckin’ Festival. See link for details. Please bring cash for food and drink, and chairs or blankets for hanging out.

On James, the Charleston Pour House, on the deck, its BYOG starting at 4pm. This is a free show. Later tonight on the main stage, its the Everyone Orchestra conducted by Matt Butler. Musicians include Michael Quinn, Eddie Roberts, Mike Healy, Sam Brouse, Jake O’Connor, and DJ Logic. This show starts at 10pm. It is $15 in advance, and $18 at the door. If you haven’t tried Chef Lira’s farm to table delicacies, you will want to.

On Johns, at Seanachai, its the V-Tones starting at 8pm. Don’t forget, this bar doesn’t serve food but you can order delicious handcrafted sandwiches, homemade soup and or a hearty plate of poutine (Canada’s cheese and gravy fries) from the Southern General next door, delivered right to your barstool.

On James, the Bohemian Bull has Whiskey Diablo. Don’t forget they serve their food late into the evening.

SUNDAY (the 9th)

On James, from 8-11am, the Coastal Cyclists will be cycling from James, to Kiawah and back, about 40 miles total. Please drive (and pass) carefully.

On James, the Charleston Pour House,  has Sunday Phunday with Runaway Gin (Phish cover band) on the deck starting at 4pm. This show is free. If you haven’t tried Lira’s farm to table delicacies, you will want to.

Today is the deadline to enter Smoky Oak’s Chili Cookoff on February 22nd. This benefits Breast Cancer Awareness (Zeta Tau Alpha sorority’s charity of choice.) See link. Registration fee is $25.

ALL WEEKEND LONG AND/OR BEYOND: 

WEEKLY: On James, the Brick House Kitchen has all you can eat oysters for $14 Tuesdays, and Thursdays-Saturdays. Monday and Wednesdays, it’s just $12.

On February 12th, on James, Wine and Design has a special event at Smoky Oak Taproom scheduled. See link for details, registration is recommended.

On Thursday, February 13th, in West Ashley,  Middleton Place starts its camellia walks. See link for information, and don’t forget your camera and cash for admission to the park.

On Thursday, February 13th, on James Island, the Terrace Theater will be holding a special screening of Harold and Maude, and the Hitchcock classic To Catch A Thief.

On Friday, February 14th, near Johns, the Angel Oak Restaurant has a three course supper two for $50 add a wine pairing for $50. Please call for reservations.

On Saturday, February 15th, the Dee Norton Benefit Celebrity Golf Tournament is happening at the Ocean Course at Kiawah. Bill Murray, Willie Robertson, and Coach Steve Spurrier are just three of the celebs on board. See link for details.

On Sunday, February 16th, James Island’s own Cup Fine Coffee & Roasters will host a coffee lecture and tasting at their Roastery on Fleming Road from 2-4:30pm. I had the privilege of talking to the owners, Robbie and Esther Dietrich for a recent media story.

On Monday, February 17th is Presidents Day. Many government operations will not be in service, like the US Mail, garbage, or recycling collection. I know I will inevitably check the mail and put out the garbage anyway.

On February 20th-25th, PetHelpers’ Spayghetti event is scheduled at participating restaurants in West Ashley, James Island, and Mount Pleasant on different nights that week. ‘Still waiting on the final list.

On February 22nd, on Folly, a Follygras parade and party on Center Street is scheduled.

On February 22nd, Lowcountry Marsh Sweepers will meet at the Red Top Welcome Center at 1oam for a Rantowles Creek cleanup. If you are driving South on Hwy. 17 (Red Top zone) please use watch for these pedestrians.

March 1st, On Johns at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, the Mullet Hall Run is scheduled. Participants should register at the Mullet Hall link, and don a mullet wig the day of the run unless they sport one naturally.

Also on March 1st is PetHelpers’ Shuck Your Paws Off event. It happens at the Visitor Center Bus Shed Downtown from 7-11pm. Food is provided by Mt. Pleasant’s the Shelter Kitchen and Bar. Purchase tickets at the Shuck link above.

Also on Saturday March 1st, on James, at the Bohemian Bull, a Mardi Gras party is scheduled. Mardi Gras officially happens the following Tuesday, the 4th.

On March 13-17, on James at the Terrace, the Fifth Charleston Film Festival starts showing its film. See link for details.

Whatever you get into, have fun and be safe.

SIDG: Events for the First Weekend of February

It’s another busy weekend on the Sea Islands. I could be wrong, but after being holed up by this winter ice storm, I think people will really want to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

FRIDAY (the 31st)

It’s Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse.

On James, the Charleston Pour House has the Steel Rollers on the Deck from 4-6pm. This is a free show. Cosmic Charlie is on the mainstage, it’s $10 in advance, $12 at the door. They typically start playing at 10.

On James,  Philomena (Dame Judi Dench, Steve Coogan) re-opens at the Terrace Theater. Other films showing include August: Osage County, Inside Llewyn Davis, Captain Phillips, The Hunt (Danish), The Great Beauty (Italian), American Hustle, and Nebraska. For showtimes, click the Terrace link.

On James, the Smoky Oak Taproom has the Weigh Station Duo.

On James, at the Bohemian Bull, Ryan Bonner Dearly Beloved is playing 10pm-1am. Bohemian Bull serves its food late into the evening.

On Johns, at Seanachai, Cane Creek starts playing at 8pm. Don’t forget, you can order delicious Southern General Soup and Sandwiches from your barstool. At the Southern General, there’s two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7pm, the second one starts at 10pm.

SATURDAY (the 1st)

On Maybank Highway a litter pickup is scheduled from 9am-1pm, so please be careful driving through this area, it’s close to the Sea Island Habitat Restore.

On Johns, the Johns Island Farmers Market is being held near the Main and Maybank intersection. It starts at 10am and has at least 30 vendors.

On James, the Charleston Pour House has the Jefferson Coker band on the deck from 4-6pm; this is a free show. On the main stage, it’s Jimmy Landry’s Birthday Jam from 8-9pm. It is $5 at the door.

On Johns, at Seanachai, Castle Crossing starts playing at 8pm. This band is a blend of Celtic and Americana music.

On James, at the Bohemian Bull, Weigh Station is playing 10pm-1am. Bohemian Bull serves its food late into the evening.

Downtown, the 3rd Annual Charleston Food Truck Festival happens 11am-5pm at Marion Square. Cup Fine Coffee of James Island will be there.

SUNDAY (the 2nd)

It’s Superbowl Sunday and Groundhog Day.

On James, from 8-11am, the Coastal Cyclists will be cycling from James, to Kiawah and back, about 40 miles total. Please drive (and pass) carefully.

On James, the Smoky Oak Taproom has lots of gameday specials and kids eat free.

Near Johns, Southside 17 has a Superbowl Buffet planned, tickets are $45 covering food and alcohol, and must be purchased in advance. See link for details.

ALL WEEKEND LONG AND/OR BEYOND

WEEKLY: On James, the Brick House Kitchen has all you can eat oysters for $14 Tuesdays, and Thursdays-Saturdays. Monday and Wednesdays, it’s just $12.

On Kiawah, February 7th-9th, the sixth The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Gourmet & Grapes event. It benefits MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center.

On Wadmalaw, Irwin House Vineyards reopens February 8th with the Cork Shuckin’ Festival. See link for details.

In West Ashley, on February 13th, Middleton Place starts its Camellia Walks.

Friday, February 14th, on James Island, the Terrace Theater will be holding a special screening of Harold and Maude, and the Hitchcock classic To Catch A Thief.

Saturday, February 15th, the Dee Norton Benefit Celebrity Golf Tournament is happening at the Ocean Course at Kiawah. Bill Murray, Willie Robertson, and Coach Steve Spurrier are just three of the celebs on board. See link for details.

Sunday, February 16th, James Island’s own Cup Fine Coffee & Roasters will host a coffee lecture and tasting at their Roastery on Fleming Road from 2-4:30pm. I had the privilege of talking to the owners, Robbie and Esther Dietrich for a recent media story.

Monday, February 17th is Presidents Day. Many government operations will not be in service, like the US Mail, garbage, or recycling collection. I know I will inevitably check the mail and put out the garbage anyway.

Saturday, March 1st is the PetHelpers Shuck Your Paws Off event. It happens at the Visitor Center Bus Shed Downtown from 7-11pm. Food is provided by Mt. Pleasant’s the Shelter Kitchen and Bar. Pirchase tickets at Shuck link above.

Also on Saturday March 1st, On James, at the Bohemian Bull, a Mardi Gras party is scheduled. Mardi Gras officially happens the following Tuesday, the 4th.

The Fifth Charleston Film Festival is happening March 13-17. See link for details.

SIDG: Events for the Fourth Weekend of 2014

It’s an extra-busy weekend in the Sea Islands…

 TODAY, FRIDAY (the 24th)

On Folly, the Taste of Folly event happens on Center Street today and tomorrow. There are 20 vendors, a Bartender Mix-off, live music are just some of the activities included in this event.

On James:

• The Charleston Crab House has a Localist Oyster Roast tonight, benefitting Lowcountry Local First. Tickets are $20 for LLF members, and $25 for everyone else. Click Localist link to purchase tickets, click Lowcountry Local First for more event information.

• The Charleston Pour House has a show on the deck and a mainstage show. The Deck show is The Steel Rollers. It starts at 4pm and is a free show. The main stage is Old You and Weigh Station. It starts at 9pm. It is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. CPH’s restaurant, The Lot, serves excellent, locally-sourced, farm-to-table food; if you have not tried it, check it out.

• The Bohemian Bull, it’s Bringers of the Dawn from 10pm-1am. Don’t forget, the Bohemian Bull serves food late into the evening.

• Today at the Terrace, two foreign films are opening: A Danish film, The Hunt (R) and  an Italian film, The Great Beauty (La Grande Bellezza) (NR). Also showing are the following films: Inside Llewyn Davis, August: Osage County, Captain Phillips, Nebraska, and the Golden Globe and SAG Winning American Hustle. For showtimes, click the Terrace link above.

• Tonight at Midtown Theater, the Willy Russell play Shirley Valentine starts at 8pm.

On Johns:

• Seanachai has the Yeehaw Junction band, they starts playing at 8pm. Don’t forget, not only does Seanachai have a wide array of regular and seasonal craft beers, but you can order delicious Southern General craft sandwiches and other delicious eats from your barstool. The Southern General, there’s two happy hours: one you might expect 4-7pm, the second one starts at 10pm.

SATURDAY (the 25th)

On Folly, the Taste of Folly continues today.

On Johns:

• Legare Farms and Angel Oak Restaurant are holding their special winter breakfast with two seatings, 8:30am and 10am. Tickets must be purchased in advance–$12 for adults, $6 for the little farmers. Click Legare above for the link.

• the Johns Island Farmers Market is being held near the Main and Maybank intersection at Island Chiropractic. It starts at 10am. 

• Sweeney’s is having a chili-cookoff from 12pm-5pm. There will be live music and some crafts for sale. This event supports Crisis Ministries.  If you win, your recipe will be a brunch menu item for a year, and you the chef can eat it free. See link for more information.

• Seanachai has the Travelin’ Kline band, which starts playing at 8pm.

On James:

• The Charleston Pour House has Big John Belly at 4pm on the deck, this is a free show. On the mainstage, doors open at 9pm for DangerMuffin with Big Daddy Love. It’s $10 in advance, $12 at the door, the bands start playing at 9:45pm. Click the CPH link to hear samples from upcoming artists’ work.

• The Bohemian Bull, Eric Culberson is playing from 10pm-1am. Don’t forget, the Bohemian Bull serves food late into the evening.

• Tonight at Midtown Theater, the Willy Russell play Shirley Valentine starts at 8pm.

SUNDAY (the 26th)

On James:

• The Coastal Cyclists will be cycling from James, to Kiawah and back, about 40 miles total. Please drive (and pass) carefully.

• The Charleston Pour House  has Runaway Gin, a Phish cover band, starting at 4pm on the Deck. Deck shows are always free. There is no mainstage show at this time. Click the CPH link to hear samples from upcoming artists’ work.

• Today at Midtown Theater, the Willy Russell play Shirley Valentine starts at 3pm.

AND BEYOND

On James, Brickhouse Kitchen & Bar holds a Food, Beverage and Entertainment worker night every Monday. The bar opens at 6pm, and the music starts at 8pm. On Tuesdays,there’s a Drum Circle from 6-8pm, followed by a Graham Whorley and Friends show at 8pm.

If I see more happenings I will update this post.  Until then, whatever you do have fun and be safe.

SIDG: Events for the Third Weekend of 2014

It’s another busy weekend on the Sea Islands.

Charleston Restaurant Week continues through Sunday the 19th. Many restaurants are participating all over town. Menus have three price points: 3 for $20, 3 for $30, and 3 for $40. Participating Sea Islands restaurants include: Angel Oak Restaurant, Tomasso, La Tabella, Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House, Gilligan’s on Main Rd., J. Paulz James Island, How Art Thou Café, Red’s Icehouse Bohicket, Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the Atlantic Room at the Ocean Course, The Ocean Room at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Fat Hen, Rosebank Farms Cafe, and Sweeney’s.

FRIDAY (the 17th)

On James, the Charleston Pour House has a show on the deck and a mainstage show. The Deck show is the Steel Rollers. It’s free, and it starts at 4pm, The mainstage show Archnemesis + Trick Money + Blkmrkt. It’s starts at 9pm, it’s $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Want to sample some ear candy from any Pour House upcoming show? Click the CPH link to hear samples from upcoming artists’ work.

On James, the Coen Bros. latest, “Inside Llewyn Davis” (John Goodman, Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, F. Murray Abraham, Oscar Isaac) opens at the Terrace Theater today. Other films showing include August:Osage County, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the Golden Globe Winning American Hustle, and Nebraska. For showtimes, click the Terrace link.

On James, at the Brickhouse Kitchen and Bar, it’s the Swamp Gypsies starting at 8pm.

On James, at the Bohemian Bull, Calhoun’s Calling is playing 10pm-1am. Bohemian Bull serves its food late into the evening.

On Johns, at Seanachai, The Green Levels start at 8pm. Don’t forget, not only does Seanachai have a wide array of regular and seasonal craft beers, but you can order delicious Southern General craft sandwiches and other delicious eats from your barstool.

At the Southern General, there’s two happy hours: one you might expect 4-7pm, the second one starts at 10pm.

SATURDAY (the 18th)

On Johns, the second Johns Island Farmers Market is being held near the Main and Maybank intersection. It starts at 10am. Last week had at least 30 vendors.

On James, the Charleston Pour House has Blu Bop, a Bela Fleck & Flecktones tribute band, starting at 9pmon the mainstage. It’s $10 in advance, $12 at the door.Click the CPH link to hear samples from upcoming artists’ work.

On James, at the Brickhouse Kitchen and Bar, it’s Big Daddy Cade and Boogie Chillun’ starting at 8pm.

On James, at the Bohemian Bull, Whiskey Diablo is playing 10pm-1am. Bohemian Bull serves its food late into the evening.

On Johns, at Seanachai, J.A.N.E. starts playing at 8pm.

SUNDAY (the 19th)

Cup Fine Coffee & Roasters will host a coffee lecture and tasting at their Roastery on Fleming Road from 2-4:30pm. I had the privilege of talking to the owners, Robbie and Esther Dietrich for a recent media story.

On James, the Charleston Pour House has a show on the deck and a mainstage show. The Deck show starts at 4pm, it’s Runaway Gin, a Phish cover band. The deck show is free. The mainstage show is McLovin w/ BYOG. The show starts at 9pm, with a $5 cover. Click the CPH link to hear samples from upcoming artists’ work.

On James, from 8-11am, the Coastal Cyclists will be cycling from James, to Kiawah and back, about 40 miles total. Please drive (and pass) carefully.

ALL WEEKEND LONG AND BEYOND

The Tides at Folly Beach recently remodeled their building, reopening just in time for Restaurant Week. If you haven’t stopped by to see the upgrades, check them out.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade is happening Monday, January 20, at 11am, on King Street in Downtown Charleston. To participate in the parade, you must register first. A full roster of MLK related activities starts next weekend, and runs into the following week. See this link for details.

About a month from now (Feb 15th), A Dee Norton Benefit Celebrity Golf Tournament is happening at the Ocean Course at Kiawah. Bill Murray, Willie Robertson, and Coach Steve Spurrier are just three of the celebs on board. See link for details.

I have to say, though it’s not beach season, Winter is hardly dull and boring in the Charleston area. It’s a festival season and oyster season. There’s a comedy festival underway Downtown right now. February means the Southeastern Wildlife Expo, Charleston Film Festival (at the Terrace), remnants of the former Lowcountry Blues Bash.

By March, the flowers–white Bradford pears, azaleas in all shades of white, pink, and red, pink cherries, pink redbuds will be putting on a gorgeous show all their own.

In March, festivals include some Mardi Gras celebrations on/around the 1st, then the Charleston Wine and Food Festival, Charleston Fashion Week, and St. Paddy’s pub crawls.

April means the Bridge Run, Flowertown up in Summerville, and the first 2014 game for Riverdogs baseball.

Before we know it, it will be Spoleto time at the end of May. The magnolias and Star jasmine will be blooming.

At the end of May, Memorial Day Weekend, means the unofficial start of summer. It sure goes by fast when it’s preceded by this much fun.

SIDG: Events for the Second Weekend of 2014

It’s another busy weekend on the Sea Islands.

Charleston Restaurant Week started Wednesday and continues through the 19th. Many restaurants are participating all over town. Menus have three price points: 3 for $20, 3 for $30, and 3 for $40. These Sea Islands restaurants include: Angel Oak Restaurant, Tomasso, La Tabella, Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House, Gilligans on Main Rd., J. Paulz James Island, How Art Thou Cafe, Red’s Icehouse Bohicket, Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the Atlantic Room at the Ocean Course, The Ocean Room at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Fat Hen, Rosebank Farms Cafe, and Sweeneys.

FRIDAY (the 10th)

On James, the Charleston Pour House has a show on the deck and a mainstage show. The Deck show is Dallas Baker and Fuller Condon w/ special guests. It’s free, and it starts at 4pm, The mainstage show starts is Schema and BYOG. It’s starts at 9pm, and it’s $5 at the door. Want to sample some ear candy? Click the CPH link to hear samples from upcoming artists work.

On James, August Osage County (Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan MacGregor, Chris Cooper are just some of this all-star cast) opens at the Terrace Theater today. Other films showing include The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, American Hustle, and Nebraska. For showtimes, click the Terrace link.

On James, at the Bohemian Bull, Gaslight Acoustic is playing 10pm-1am. Bohemian Bull serves its food late into the evening.

On Johns, at Seanachai, the Folly Beach Rhythm Section starts playing at 8pm. The FBRS is made up of three local musicians David Owens, James Coan, and Andy Norman. Don’t forget, not only does Seanachai have a wide array of regular and seasonal craft beers, but you can order delicious Southern General Soup and Sandwiches from your barstool.

At the Southern General, there’s two happy hours: one you might expect 4-7pm, the second one starts at 10pm.

SATURDAY (the 11th)

On Johns, the first Johns Island Farmers Market is being held near the Main and Maybank intersection. It starts at 10am.

On James, the Charleston Pour House has The Buddhist Prodigies, a Phish cover band, starting at 9pmon the mainstage. It’s $8 in advance, $10 at the door.

On Johns, at Seanachai, Ed Porkchop Meyer starts playing at 8:30pm.

SUNDAY (the 12th)

On James, the Save the Light Oyster Roast is happening. Click link for details.

On James, the Charleston Pour House has a show on the deck and a mainstage show. The Deck show starts at 4pm, it’s the Phamily Band with some guests from the Buddhist Prodigies. The deck show is free. The mainstage show (as of this writing) is TBA.

On James, from 8-11am, the Coastal Cyclists will be cycling from James, to Kiawah and back, about 40 miles total. Please drive (and pass) carefully.

Not on the Sea Islands, but for the brides out there, the Charleston Wedding Show is happening Sunday. Click link for details.

ALL WEEKEND LONG AND BEYOND

On James, the Brick House Kitchen has all you can eat oysters for $14 Tuesdays, and Thursdays-Saturdays. Monday and Wednesdays, it’s just $12.

Monday, January 13th, On James, at the Charleston Pour House has the Machine performing Pink Floyd on the mainstage. $20 at the door.

Tuesday, January 14th, the Center for Women hosts the Art and Heart of Philanthropy event at the Sanctuary on Kiawah Island.

Thursday, January 16th, New Moon Pizzeria is hosting Oysterfest Benefitting the South Carolina Sustainability Institute. There will also be chili served, and local bluegrass will be playing. Click the link for tickets.

Sunday, January 18th, Cup Fine Coffee & Roasters will host a coffee lecture and tasting at their Roastery on Fleming Road from 2-4:30pm. I had the privilege of talking to the owners, Robbie and Esther Dietrich for a recent media story.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade is happening Monday, January 20, at 11am, on King Street in Downtown Charleston. To participate in the parade, you must register first. A full roster of MLK related activities starts next weekend, and runs into the following week. See this link for details.

About a month from now (Feb 15th), A Dee Norton Benefit Celebrity Golf Tournament is happening at the Ocean Course at Kiawah. Bill Murray, Willie Robertson, and Coach Steve Spurrier are just three of the celebs on board. See link for details.

SIDG: Events for the First Weekend of 2014

Happy New Year! It’s another busy, albeit chilly, weekend out on the Sea Islands:

TODAY (FRIDAY)

Tonight, Clemson plays Ohio State in the Discover Card Orange Bowl. The game starts at 8:30pm and airs on ESPN. Anticipate seeing this game on many screens in the bars and restaurants tonight, and expect it to get loud. Many Tigers work in the Lowcountry, a lot of Buckeyes have transplanted here in the last 15 years. 

On James, The Lowdown Oven and Bar has a Lowcountry Crab Boil this afternoon. It’s all you can eat for just $12. They will be airing THE game.

Also on James, Smoky Oak Taproom has end of the season bowling starting at 7:30pm. This a great spot for craft beer, and they will be airing THE game.

On Johns, at Seanachai, Dallas Baker and Fuller Condon start playing at 8pm. Don’t forget, you can order The Southern General‘s food when you stop for a pint. Seanachai is a live music and conversation pub, there are no TVs. The Southern General has a large TV behind the bar.

On Main Rd. and Savannah Highway, Southside 17 will be airing THE game. As an official Ohio State bar in this area, you can probably guess who they’re rooting for. Southside 17 recently opened a second location in North Charleston near Tanger Outlets.

On James, at the Charleston Pour House, Treehouse and Jahman Brahman play the main stage starting at 7pm. Tickets are $7, $5 in advance. I see no deck shows listed, and my guess is, it’s too darn cold out.

On James, all weekend long, the Terrace Theater is showing Saving Mr. Banks (the backstory to Mary Poppins the film), The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Nebraska, and American Hustle. The Terrace has the fifth Charleston Film festival coming in March.

SATURDAY

On Johns, at Seanachai, Ed Porkchop Meyer starts playing at 8pm.

On James, the Brick House Kitchen has a Christmas tree burning party, so bring your natural, undecorated, and by now very dry tree if you still have it. And watch the fires from a safe distance, I’m not kidding when I say these things are fully ablaze in a flash.

On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Firetag’s Annual Birthday Bash, featuring acts like the Quasiphonics, Lost Highway, Cattle In The Cane, Jordan Igoe, Skwirl Grinda, and special guests. Doors open at 7, and the cover is $4.

Irvin-House Vineyards takes January off, so there will not be Sippin’ Saturdays for the next 4 weekends. They are getting geared up for Cork-Shuckin’ Festival happening February 8th. See link for details.

SUNDAY

On James, at the Charleston Pour House, the We are the World project starts playing the main stage at 8:30pm, doors open an hour before. Cover charge is $10. This is a gathering of 21 local artists covering the 80s supergroup hit “We Are the World“, representing 80s artists Lionel Ritchie, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers, Michael Jackson, and others who sang the original. Then each local act will cover another song by their famous 80s counterpart. For example, whoever is singing Michael Jackson’s part of WATW will then cover “Billie Jean”, “Thriller”, “Got to Be Startin’ Somethin'”, “Man in the Mirror”, or another Jackson classic.

AND BEYOND:

On Johns, at Seanachai, there’s a Celtic Jam on Wednesday from 7-9pm.

On James, Brick House Kitchen features a Food, Beverage, and Entertainer Appreciation night every Monday night. Bar opens at 6pm, there’s dinner specials and live music.

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON NEXT WEEK AND THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND:

All over town, Charleston Restaurant Week-Winter Edition starts Wednesday, January 8th. Sea Island participating restaurants on Johns, Kiawah, Seabrook, and James (coming soon to the Dining Guide) include: Angel Oak Restaurant, Tomasso, La Tabella, Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House, Gilligans on Main Rd., J. Paulz James Island, How Art Thou Cafe, Red’s Icehouse Bohicket, Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the Atlantic Room at the Ocean Course, The Ocean Room at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Fat Hen, Rosebank Farms Cafe, and Sweeneys.

On Johns, near Main and Maybank intersection, a Johns Island Farmers Market is springing up, starting Saturday, January 11th. It runs from 10am-2pm. See link for details.

In West Ashley (not far from Main Road and Savannah Highway intersection), Creekside Pizza is holding a benefit for Mighty Mack (a young boy fighting leukemia) from 11-5pm on January 12. See link for details. Creekside Pizza, Southside 17, and 3 Matadors are all locally created restaurants. [Restaurateurs Doug Allison and Travis Glen are very committed to giving back to their community.]

On Bowens, (on the right, on the way to Folly), the Bowen’s Island Restaurant is holding its annual Save The Light Oyster Roast, a benefit for the Morris Island Lighthouse preservation. See link for details.

Whatever you get into this weekend, be safe and have fun!

Butterflies at Freshfields, pt. 2

I returned to Freshfields this week, determined to get closeup shots of the Gulf Fritillary butterflies we see in the Lowcountry in early fall. They have delightful coloring. The interior of their wings are orange with black banding and trim;  up near the top of their interior wings, they have a few black and black and white “freckles”. On the outside of their wings, they have paler orange coloring, with large luminescent white spots outlined in black.

Butterflies are in a constant state of motion as they collect nectar and chase other butterflies. I use a fast shutter setting to try to catch them, and it’s still a challenge. I concentrating on shooting in the moment, and left the cropping for when I got home.

   

There was also one of these neon yellow varieties that we see all summer long in this area. I believe they’re called Cloudless Sulphurs:

It’s early October now, and the Fritillaries and Sulphurs have smaller “butter-friends” joining them. These  have thicker, almost moth-like bodies compared to their larger cousins.

I suspect the orange-gold and brown ones below are Salt Marsh Skippers.

Even though it’s a little blurry on the wings, I love this image:

I also saw some mini-butterflies that were taupe and gray, with some iridescent peacock green luminescence on their backs and the interior wings. I think they are called Longtails:

Freshfields has a lot of shopping, but sometimes it’s worthwhile to just stop and watch the butterflies while they are still here, and see the smaller species that drift through in early Fall. They can’t get enough of small clustered flowers (like these fuchsia ones) found in beds near The Station at Freshfields, and some flower beds nearby.

Thanks to The Big Little Book of Butterflies by Jeffrey Glassberg for help identifying these butterflies.

Introducing The Sea Islands Dining Guide, version 1.0

I am so excited to announce that the Sea Islands Dining Guide v1 is available as an e-book! Click the link to check it out!