SIDG: Events for the Second Weekend of July 2014

It’s always a great weekend to enjoy the beach, live music, indie film, farmers markets, family fun, and often, help some local charities at the same time.

On with this weekend’s events… For where to catch World Cup action, scroll down to ALL WEEKEND LONG. For the Terrace Theater’s newest offerings, also scroll down to ALL WEEKEND LONG.

FRIDAY (the 11th):

8am: On Folly, Planet Follywood is serving breakfast until 11:30, there’s also the elegant Folly’s Blu Restaurant and casual Rita’s Seaside Grille serving breakfast. James’ Three Little Birds, Cory’s Grilled Cheese, How Art Thou Cafe, Heart Woodfire, The Lot, Med Bistro, John’s Sunrise Bistro and Stono Market and Tomato Shed Cafe have breakfast. For healthy breakfast on the go, there’s The Juice Joint‘s truck n Folly or their storefront on James. On Johns, breakfast to go can be found at Southern Brews Coffee. In West Ashley near Johns, there’s Angel Oak Restaurant. For bigger budgets, check out John’s Fat Hen and Wild Olive, Kiawah’s Ocean Room or Jasmine Porch.

9am: On Wadmalaw, at Ambrose Family Farm it’s “you-pick blackberries and blueberries” time. Click the link to see the freshest picks, check out their booth at the Downtown Farmers Market on Saturday (and Sunday mornings during Spoleto), or call 843.559.0988 if you want to go to the farm and pick something up.

10am: **Hey Parents** On Edisto, the Serpentarium is open until 4pm. This is an indoor zoo dedicated to all the Lowcountry’s cold-blooded natives like snakes, alligators, and turtles. Demonstrations allow kids to “pet” these creatures safely as they held by trained handlers.

11am: On Johns (Main Road heading to Savannah Highway), the Main Road Farmers Market, brought to you by Charleston Petal Pushers, is open until 6pm. The produce is here, including peaches, tomatoes, and other produce on the way as we speak. MRFM’s regular inventory includes fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, frozen prepared food (like yummy Bertolini pasta and pasta dishes), natural compost fertilizer, muscadine wreaths, tropical plants, local grits, local honey, Amish jams, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and homemade boiled peanuts. Please bring cash or check to make purchases. I had the privilege to talk to the owners Chris DeStefano and Lindsay Dickson this spring, and the story appeared in the West Of Newspaper.

3pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, Tyler Boone band is playing until 6pm. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!

3pm: On Johns, Kiawah Spirits has happy hour now until 7pm every Friday. Today’s feature brand is Cathead Vodka, Mississippi’s first legal distillery.

4pm: On James, Charleston Pour House, it’s BYOG on the deck. This is a free show. If you haven’t already, check out the Lot’s new deck menu.

5pm: On Johns, at Freshfields, Andell Inn has happy hour 5-7pm: $5 porchside punch (house painkillers), $5 frozen coladas, $5 rosemary chicken flatbreads. Over at Freshfields, take in some shopping at Coastal Footwear, Coastal Palms Island Apparel, and Seacoast Outfitters all have July sales going on this month, they are open until 8pm.

6pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, the Soulfish Duo band is playing until 9pm. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!

8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, The Lowhills band is playing. This bar doesn’t serve food, but you can order Southern General food from your barstool. The General also has two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7pm, and a second one at 10.

8pm: On Johns, at Freshfields, it’s party band Plane Jane rocking on the Village Green. Check out Carolina Clay Gallery for a reception with local artists.

8pm: On James, at the County Park, it’s Reggae Nights featuring Da Gullah Rootz.

10pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, it’s the Swim the Wild band on the inside stage. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!

10pm: On Folly, at Planet Follywood, The Jimmies band takes the stage.

10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has the Funkness Monster band.

10pm: Are you a Maneater? Is One on One your game? ‘Like Sarah’s Smile? Are you a Rich Girl goin’ too far? On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Mr. Holland’s Oats: A Tribute to Hall & Oates. This show features Andy Greenberg of Runaway Gin, Trey Francis of Dead 27s, Dave Grimm of Dumpstaphunk, Phillip Noland and Alan Brisendine of Outervention, Jesse Anderson of Louie D Project, and Daniel Crider of Mount Pleasant’s Music Unlimited school. Tickets are $10 in advance and at the door. Doors open at 9pm.

SATURDAY (the 12th):

8am: On Folly, Planet Follywood is serving breakfast until 11:30, there’s also the elegant Folly’s Blu Restaurant and casual Rita’s Seaside Grille serving breakfast. James’ Three Little Birds, Cory’s Grilled Cheese, How Art Thou Cafe, Heart Woodfire, The Lot, Med Bistro, John’s Sunrise Bistro, Sweeney’s, and Stono Market and Tomato Shed Cafe have breakfast. For healthy breakfast on the go, there’s The Juice Joint‘s truck on Folly or their storefront on James. On Johns, breakfast to go can be found at Southern Brews Coffee. In West Ashley near Johns, there’s Angel Oak Restaurant. For bigger budgets, check out John’s Fat Hen and Wild Olive, Kiawah’s Ocean Room or Jasmine Porch.

8:15am: **Hey Parents!**On James Island, Splash Zone at the James Island County Park is open today until 6pm. General admission is $20, Seniors 60 and up $9.99, under 48″ $14.99 a person, children 2 and under free. If you anticipate multiple visits all summer long, check out the splash pass. [NOTE: the 48″ height is required for several large slides, see the splash pass link for details.] In North Charleston, at Wannamaker County Park, Whirlin’ Waters is open today until 6pm, and in Mount Pleasant, at Palmetto Islands County Park, Splash Island is open today until 6pm.

9am: On Wadmalaw, at Ambrose Family Farm it’s “you-pick blackberries and blueberries” time. Click the link to see the freshest picks, check out their booth at the Downtown Farmers Market on Saturday (and Sunday mornings during Spoleto), or call 843.559.0988 if you want to go to the farm and pick something up.

9am: On Johns (Main Road heading to Savannah Highway), the Main Road Farmers Market brought to you by Charleston Petal Pushers is open until 6pm. Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, frozen pasta and pasta meals, Amish roll butter, amish bacon, natural compost fertilizer, Dirt in a Sock (for small gardens), wreaths, bedding plants, tropical plants, local grits, local honey, Amish jams, and homemade boiled peanuts are just some of the goodies you will find here. I had the privilege to talk to owners Chris DeStefano and Lindsay Dickson recently, here’s the link.

9am: On Johns, at the Homegrown Farmers Market, it has 40+ vendors, including local farms, artisans, and specialty food products. There are also food trucks and live music. The farm is open until 1pm.

11am: In North Charleston at Frothy Beard Brewery (off Ashley Phosphate), it’s a summer party featuring entertainment by Awendaw Green regulars, the Dunder Chiefs, and Deer Creek Sharp Shooters, the beer is the new Andale Pale Ale, and food by Grill Kings. This party runs until 3pm.

12pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s all day Americana music fest.  The deck show is just $5 and features Flatt City, Cane Creek String Band, Dallas Baker and Friends, Travelin’ Kine, and She Goes He Goes.

3pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, Dave Gillease band is playing until 9pm. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!

5pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, it’s Whiskey Happy Hour. Half-price on all whiskies under $20 until 6pm.

6pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, Howard Dlugasch is playing. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!

8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, blues & soul piano man Ed Porkchop Meyer is playing. This bar doesn’t serve food, but you can order Southern General food from your barstool. The General also has two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7 pm, and a second one at 10.

8pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s part two of their Americana music fest, featuring Dom Flemons (of Carolina Chocolate Drops), The Hungry Monks, and the PoHo Roots Grass AllStars. This show is $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

8pm: In North Charleston, at Wannamaker County Park, it’s the Little Mermaid. Admission is $1. Bring your chairs.

10pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, DJ MooMoo hits the sound booth for a full moon dance party. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!

10pm: On Folly, at Planet Follywood, Champagne with Friends takes the stage.

10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has live music by Yellowknife. ( I will update when I get the info) PS-Don’t forget, the Bohemian Bull serves food late into the evening.

SUNDAY (the 13th):

8am: On Folly, Planet Follywood is serving breakfast until 11:30, there’s also the elegant Folly’s Blu Restaurant and casual Rita’s Seaside Grille serving breakfast. James’ Three Little Birds, Cory’s Grilled Cheese, Heart Woodfire, The Lot, Med Bistro, John’s Sunrise Bistro and Sweeney’s have breakfast. For healthy breakfast on the go, there’s The Juice Joint‘s truck on Folly or their storefront on James. In West Ashley near Johns, there’s Angel Oak Restaurant. For bigger budgets, check out John’s Fat Hen and Wild Olive, Kiawah’s Ocean Room or Jasmine Porch.

10am: **Hey Parents!**On James Island, Splash Zone at the James Island County Park is open today until 6pm. General admission is $20, Seniors 60 and up $9.99, under 48″ $14.99 a person, children 2 and under free. If you anticipate multiple visits all summer long, check out the splash pass. [NOTE: the 48″ height is required for several large slides, see the splash pass link for details.] In North Charleston, at Wannamaker County Park, Whirlin’ Waters is open today until 6pm, and in Mount Pleasant, at Palmetto Islands County Park, Splash Island is open today until 6pm.

3pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, the Yellowknife band is playing.

3pm: On Folly, at Planet Follywood, Eddy Boston takes the stage.

3pm: Downtown at the Joe Riley (Riverdogs) Stadium, it’s Raise de Roof, a gospel sing off, gumbo cookoff. Click here for tickets.

4pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Sunday Phunday with Runaway Gin playing Phish covers and Roti Rolls food truck.

4pm: On Johns, Kiawah Wine has happy hour now until 7pm every Sunday.

5pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, it’s Whiskey Happy Hour. Half-price on all whiskies under $20 until 6pm.

6pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, One Kool Blow band is playing.

6pm: On Folly, at the Grill and Island Bar, it’s Jazz on the Edge, featuring food specials and a jazz jam.

9pm: On Folly, at Planet Follywood, Jess Strickland and the Acoustic Tiger takes the stage.

10pm: On Folly, at Surf Bar, The Royal Tinfoil is playing.

10pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, there is no band scheduled on the main stage.

10pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, The Travelin’ Kine band is playing.

ALL WEEKEND LONG

WORLD CUP HOTSPOTS (barring special events at these spots) On Johns, check out New Moon Pizzeria, the Southern General, or King Street Grille at Freshfields. On James, check out Stag Erin, Max & Henry’s, Smoky Oak Taproom, Yo Bo Cantina Fresca, the Lowdown Oven and Bar. In West Ashley, check out Mueller’s Pub, Manny’s Greek, 3 Matadors Tequileria, Southside 17 Bar & Grill, or Senor Tequila. On Daniel Island, Three Lions Pub at the Charleston Battery stadium or DIG in the Park. As a general rule, seek out Irish, British, or German-themed pubs, or any authentic Mexican restaurant: there’s a La Hacienda in every corner of Charleston (it’s local nickname is “LaHa”.) There’s also Señor Tequila’s and Los Arcos with several locations, and La Norteña and Los Reyes in North Charleston. Mellow Mushroom locations (West Ashley, Downtown, Summerville, and Wild Wing Cafes are also a pretty good bet.

On James, at the Terrace Theater, the following films opens today: romantic dramedy Begin Again (Kiera Knightley, Mark Ruffalo), post-global-warming dystopian action film Snowpiercer, and the small town dramedy The Grand Seduction. [If you are familiar with the premise of the 1990s US show Northern Exposure, you will probably like the Grand Seduction.]

Other movies currently playing are Ida, a Polish film about a young nun about to make her vows when she learns about things that happened twenty years earlier in the pre-WWII era, and the comedy Tammy (Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon). Click titles for the trailers. The Terrace now has expanded parking options in front of the laundromat and nail salon next door.

For a bite to eat before or after, Zia Taqueria, Crust WoodFired Pizza (check out my interview), and How Art Thou Café are just steps away. If you take a quick sprint across the street, you’ll find Charleston’s best indie music spot, The Pour House, and its excellent farm to table restaurant, The Lot.

For dawn and dusk hours, bring bug spray as the “no-see-ums” (a.k.a sand flies, midgies) and the mosquitos are out in full force.

The Charleston County Public Library kicked off its 2014 summer reading programs for all ages in June. Fizz Boom Read is for babies through age 11, Spark a Reaction is for teens, and Reading Wave and Book On Downtown are for adults 18 and up. Click the links for details. Please sign up at any location or online.

As always, whatever you get into, have fun and please be safe. If I see other happenings I will update this post.

For events coming up this week and future weekends, watch for Monday’s post!

SIDG: Events for the First Weekend of April

It’s a huge weekend for tourism. Summerville’s Flowertown Festival starts that Friday and runs through Sunday, The Cooper River Bridge Run (CRBR) is Saturday morning, and Daniel Island’s Family Circle Cup (FCC) is all-day. The CRBR and the FCC have all-day outside festivals happening in conjunction with them.

The Sea Islands are no exception for activity:

FRIDAY (the 4th)

4pm: On James, Charleston Pour House, it’s  Jimmy Landry on the deck. This is a free show. Check out the new deck bar.

5pm: Downtown, James Island’s own Mudd Pie Girl Bakery will be appearing alongside other local businesses at Taste of the Bridge Run.

8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, Folly Beach Rhythm Section are playing. This bar doesn’t serve food, but you can order Southern General food from your barstool. The General also has two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7pm, and a second one at 10.

10pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Mike Quinn and Rusty Cole: The Power of Love: A Huey Lewis & the News Tribute Show. The doors open at 9pm. It’s $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has Pick n’ Roll playing. PS-Don’t forget, Bohemian Bull serves food late into the evening.

SATURDAY (the 5th)

9am: On Johns (Main Road heading to Savannah Highway), the Main Road Farmers Market is back. Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, frozen prepared food, wreaths, plants, local grits, local honey, Amish jams, and boiled peanuts are just some of the goodies you will find here.

10am: In West Ashley, just over the Wappoo Bridge from James Island, Earthfare is holding a Charleston Crafts Spring Artisans Market.

10am: On Johns, The Johns Island Farmers Market is held near the Main and Maybank intersection next to Dr. Anthony Ross’ Island Chiropractic. It has 53 vendors, including local farms, artisans, specialty food products. There are also food trucks, and live music. If you wanted to put together a basket of homemade goodies for yourself or someone else, you could easily do all your shopping here. New vendors this week include Chef Ann’s Gourmet to You- All Natural Chicken Salad, Pimento Cheese, Avocado Soup, Corn Relish, Sauces; Coffee Cabana & Java Jazz- Coffees, Teas, All Natural Smoothies; Shabby Shell- Shell Embelished Hand Crafted Goods, Handmade Scented Candles; and Fiddle Farms- Flowers, Veggies, Herbs, Wreaths.

11am: On James, Bohemian Bull is serving Brunch specials until 3. Brunch isn’t always easy to find on the islands, but you’ll definitely want to check out Johns Island spots like Wild Olive, Fat Hen, Sweeneys, Angel Oak Restaurant, and James and Folly spots like Heart Woodfire Kitchen, La Tabella, Blu Restaurant (Folly). Three Little Birds is a good pick in West Ashley just over the Wappoo bridge. Starting tomorrow, the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market will let you create your own brunch via food truck.

12pm: On James, Tradesman Brewing opens today with live music, tours and tastings. Click link for details. Charleston’s breweries now number even closer to 10 (not counting restaurants that brew their own in-house beers). They are Coast, Palmetto, Frothy Beard, Westbrook, Freehouse, Holy City, Tradesman, and Revelry is on the way soon.

12pm: On Wadmalaw, it’s Sippin’ Saturday at Irvin House Vineyards, featuring food by Stono Café and live music by the Lowhills. Please bring lawn chairs, blankets, and cash for food. No coolers, please.

1:30pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s a Food Truck Court with the Steel Rollers playing.

2pm: On Johns, the Southern General is hosting their first anniversary party. Live music with JI3, hot rod and bike show, drink and BBQ specials.

8pm: On James, at the Brickhouse Kitchen, Ordinary Men: A Tribute to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon is playing, with sound and lighting effects by N8 Audio & Lighting. Doors open at 7. $10 in advance, $15 day of show.

8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, Castle Crossing is playing. 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.

10pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s the Fritz. This show is $5 at the door, the first 20 guests get in FREE. Doors open at 9pm. See website for tickets and more information.

10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has BBC Bluegrass Trio playing. Don’t forget, the Bohemian Bull serves food late into the evening.

SUNDAY (the 6th)

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.

11am: On James, the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market features food trucks, local farmers, and local vendors. Live music is also on site.

11am: In Mt. Pleasant at Cinebarre, CABA (Charleston Area Bee Keepers) are holding their annual Expo, educating the public about how important honeybees are to our survival and how to get involved in apiary (beekeeping). I had the privilege to interview one of Charleston’s well-known apiarists, Larry Sexton, last year. Click his name for the story.

12pm: It’s the Cajun Festival at the James Island County Park. Music starts at 1pm with Shelly Waters, the “Swamp Pop Princess“. She is followed by Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Felix y Los Gatos, and Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble. Food spotlights ‘Nawlins classics like jambalaya, alligator, étouffé, andouille sausage and crawfish.

12pm: On Johns, Freshfields Village is having a Food Truck Rodeo.

1:30pm: In West Ashley at Magnolia Plantation, there’s a French Tea today. The azaleas will be blooming, live classical music will be playing, and gourmet delicacies will be served at this event reviving a Charleston Renaissance tradition. Proceeds benefit a Garden project named for André Michaux, a botanist who collected samples here for the French government in the colonial era. See link for more information. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

4pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Sunday Phunday with Runaway Gin playing Phish covers on the deck. Roti Rolls food truck will be in attendance. This show is free. Check out the new deck bar. There is no later act scheduled at this time. 

6pm: On Folly, at the Grill and Island Bar, it’s Jazz on the Edge. Food and drink specials, and an open jazz jam by 22 or more local jazz talents. Click link for details.

ALL WEEKEND LONG AND BEYOND 

On James, at the Terrace Theater the following films are playing: Stalingrad (six Russian brothers-in-arms fighting at Stalingrad during WWII), Enemy (Jake Gyllenhaal, Isabella Rossellini) is a psychological thriller, Le Week-end (Jim Broadbent,  Jeff Goldblum, Lindsey Duncan) is about a mature couple returning to their honeymoon spot, Paris, to rekindle their spark, Beyond Sight: The Derek Rabelo Story (PG, A young Brazilian man honors his father’s wishes and becomes a surfer in spite of being born blind), and The Grand Budapest Hotel  (too many actors to name). Click title links for the trailers.

For a bite to eat before or after, Zia Taqueria, Crust WoodFired Pizza (check out my interview here), and How Art Thou Café are just steps away. If you take a quick sprint across the street, you’ll find Charleston’s best indie music spot, The Pour House, and its excellent farm to table restaurant, The Lot. The Lot’s Chef Lira has really made a name for himself in our area since relocating from New York in 2012. He recently showcased his talents at last month’s Wine and Food Festival Downtown.

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. Tuesdays are also a drum circle followed by a Graham Whorley show and an artist’s market.

WEEKLY: On James, ChaCha’s Bar and Grill holds wicked Wednesdays, feat. $2 Vodka, trivia, then DJ United mixing it up until late night. Every week they give away a $50 gift certificate to Roses & Ruins Tattoo Shop.

WEEKLY: On James, at Smoky Oak Taproom, Mexi-Mondays mean margarita pitchers and steak and shrimp fajitas. There are budget friendly dinner specials all week long, see @SeaIslands101 on twitter for updates.

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. Every Tuesday is food and beverage (F&B) workers night, with late night appetizer specials, happy hour 4-7pm, $2 vodkas, and Hank Futch & Friends playing live acoustic music. Oyster roasts are on Thursdays, it’s just $12 for a bucket of oysters and two Buds.

WEEKLY: Melvin’s Barbeque on James Island has half-price burgers on Tuesdays. One kid eats free per purchased adult meal on Wednesdays.

April 7th: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, its the Spring session of Dinner on the Deck. $50 for four courses, $20 for a wine pairing, live music by Ziggymoto. Click link for details.

April 7th: Downtown, the Charleston Riverdogs hold their first 2014 home game tonight.

April 11th: On Kiawah, its the Gibbes Museum Kiawah Art & House tour from 1-5pm. $55 admission includes the tour, refreshments, and future admission to the Gibbes Museum of Art. Click the link to purchase tickets.

On April 11th-13th, On Folly, it’s the Sea and Sand Festival benefitting Folly Beach Parks & Recreation. Saturday, there’s the Coffin Island 5K. Click links for event information.

April 12th: On Johns, it’s Legare Farms’ Mega Mud Run Challenge. Per their website, its destination is Insanity Island. This is a true test of balance and stability!!! The tight rope walk is a 70′ trek over the infamous Turtle Creek with only an overhead rope to hold on to for stability. Click the link for more information.

April 13th: At Freshfields, it’s the 10th annual Blues by the Sea. This is a free show. Acts include Beverly Guitar Watkins, Tinsley Ellis, Shelly Waters, and Spider John Koerner. Bring a beach chair. Click the link for ticket information or call (843) 762-9125.

April 19th: In West Ashley, Magnolia Plantation is holding an Easter Egg Hunt.

May 1st: In West Ashley, Charlestowne Landing is holding the first of several 5ks throughout May and into June. Click the link for more information.

May 3rd: On Johns, at Legare Farms, it’s Foam Fest 5k. Click link for more information.

May 24th: The Charleston Tea Plantation will be holding its First Flush Festeaval. Details coming in April.

May 31st: Keep Charleston Beautiful’s Green and Lean 5k is happening at Brittlebank Park. Right now they are reaching out for auction donations. Click the link for more info. Keep Charleston Beautiful is an anti-litter organization, hosting cleanups all over town, all year long.

As always, whatever you get into, have fun and please be safe. . It’s the most beautiful season we have in this area–the trees are covered in seed pods and blooms, the bushes are covered in blooms. If this season tends to aggravate your allergies, don’t forget the tissues, allergy meds, and eye drops. For dawn and dusk hours, bring bug spray as the “no-see-ums”  (a.k.a sand flies, midgies) are already back.

If I see other events happening, I will update this post.

Events for the Final Weekend of 2013

I hope you had a beautiful Christmas, wherever you spent it. Here on Johns Island, it was mostly sunny and chilly. Here are some Sea Island activities for the final weekend of 2013:

FRIDAY (TODAY):

On James, the Brickhouse Coastal Kitchen & Bar has live music by Jordan Igoe starting at 8pm.

Also on James, The Charleston Pour House has bluegrass on the deck with the June Apples starting at 4pm; there is no cover for the deck show. Later that night, the main stage has Cameron and the Funk Dumplins for $8 cover. Doors open at 9pm. Click the link to buy tickets on the website.

On James, the Terrace Theater has posted showtimes for this week. Click the link to check out 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:

It’s Sippin’ Saturday at Irwin House Vineyards from 12-4pm. This week, music is by the Lowhills, and the food truck on-site is Cilantro’s Rolling Gourmet. [If you have time off during the week, note the Lowcountry Loop Trolley has an Island Sip and See trip every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30am. Riders get to see the Charleston Tea Plantation, Irwin House Vineyards, and Firefly Distillery, and enjoy a catered lunch by the Stono Cafe. This trolley tour embarks from the Visitor Center Downtown. Tickets are $46/adult, $12 (for children 5-12), and children under 5 ride free.]

Also on James, The Charleston Pour House has Schema playing on the deck, starting at 4pm. There is no cover for the deck show. Later that night, the main stage has ’90s alternative fave Drivin’ and Cryin’ (singles include Fly Me Courageous, Straight to Hell, The Innocent). Doors open at 8:30pm, and there’s a $20 cover ($18 if bought in advance of show). Click the link to buy tickets on the website.

SUNDAY:

The Sunday Brunch Farmers Market will be back in mid-March.  

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in nearby West Ashley has a bird walk at 8:30am on Sundays. Since it is winter, you will want to check out lovely camellia flowers this time of year at the plantations as well. They are typically white, soft pale pink, and deep fuchsia; some are multi-colored. It’s also a good time of year to keep an eye out for amaryllis (red-orange, shaped like a lily), narcissus (daffodil cousin), and Iceland poppies.

AND BEYOND:

Kiawah Island Golf Resort restaurants has a full New Years Eve and New Years Day lineup in store. Click link for details.

At James Island County Park, the Holiday Festival of Lights concludes on December 31st.

On James, the Bohemian Bull has a New Years Eve Spectacular for $20. Music by Louie D Project and DJ Thematik. There will be champagne toasts at midnight, Shots w/ Santa, Hulihoopers, and Dancing. Purchase tickets now by clicking the link.

On James, The Charleston Pour House has two nights of Sol Driven Train on December 30th and 31st. Click the link to buy tickets on the website.

Do you ring in the New Year with a Polar Bear Plunge? Over on Folly, there’s a Bill Murray-themed Polar Bear Plunge in front of the Tides Hotel scheduled for 1pm. It benefits the Surfers Healing Camp charity. Get a $4 bloody mary at any one of these Center Street restaurants before taking the plunge: Woody’s, Rita’s Seaside Grille, Folly Beach Shrimp Company, The Grill & Island Bar, Folly Beach Crab Shack, Loggerheads, Drop In Deli, Planet Follywood, Blu, Locklear’s and Snapper Jack’s. Wear a Bill Murray-themed costume with the chance at winning a prize for best girl, best guy, best team. Over on Sullivan’s Island (East of Charleston), Dunleavy’s has their Polar Bear Plunge at 2pm. Click links for more information.

The first Charleston Restaurant Week  of 2014 begins January 8th. This event is not just Downtown affair. There’s participating eateries East, West, and North of Downtown, and the Sea Islands are no exception. 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.

Come January 11th, Johns Island will have a Farmers Market.

If I see more activities, I will update this post post-haste. If you don’t already know, this blog’s twitter account is @SeaIslands101.

I hope if you get the chance to enjoy some collards and hoppin’ john (red beans and rice) at New Years, you will. That is another Lowcountry food tradition, and it’s for prosperity in the new year.