June is coming to a close. Thankfully I haven’t heard about a single hurricane, but it’s early in the season. As a native, I feel our more intense storms tend to happen between late August through early October.
As for other weather, we’ve had occasional thunderstorms from the heat. As 90 degree and above temps are becoming the norm, expect sun showers and possible thunderstorms between 4-7pm. What’s nice about these storms is the likelihood of a gorgeous rainbow afterwards. If you have to travel, take it slow and easy, and merge early for your exit.
The mimosa trees are in bloom with their unique peachy-pink feather flowers. And it’s another busy weekend out on the Sea Islands and around Charleston.
This week, my interview with Alex Mueller of Mueller’s Pub, a World Cup hotspot and the only place to find authentic wienerschnitzel in Charleston appeared in the West Of Newspaper.
It’s a great weekend to enjoy the beach, live music, indie film, farmers markets, family fun and help some local charities.
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, scroll down to ALL WEEKEND LONG.
FRIDAY (the 20th):
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.
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.
4pm: In North Charleston, at the Southside 17 at Tanger, it’s a Party with a Purpose, a Lowcountry Orphan Relief benefit.
5pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, it’s Whiskey Happy Hour. Half-price on all whiskies under $20 until 6pm.
6pm: On Johns, at Freshfields Village, it’s the Coconut Groove band onstage. Bring beach chairs, blankets, and bugspray. If it rains, this event will not happen. Carolina Clay Gallery, just across the green with lots of cute frog sculptures, has a wine tasting and “meet the artists” session every Friday starting at 6 as well. Kiawah Fine Jewelry has a B1G1 offer on their earrings.
6pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, Soulfish Duo is playing until 9pm. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!
8pm: On James, at the Brick House Kitchen, it’s Weigh Station band. $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, the Rusty Hook Ramblers 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.
10pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s a Led Zepplin tribute Wax Groove Revival performing Physical Grafitti. Show is $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Doors open at 9. See website for tickets and more information. Check out the Lot’s new deck menu!
10pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, it’s Swim in the Wild. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!
10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has live music by the Artful Dodgers. PS-Don’t forget, the Bohemian Bull serves food late into the evening.
SATURDAY (the 21st):
8am: On Johns, at Freshfields, it’s Cars and Coffee at Java Java. Car enthusiasts bring their sweetest rides for a show. Pick up a coffee (may I suggest iced?) to enjoy while you look around.
9am: ROADTRIP The Catawba Art & Agriculture Tour kicks off today in York, Lancaster, Fairfield, and Chester, it’s a self-guided tour of art, farms, and farmers markets. It’s free, and its the largest free farm tour in the nation.
June 21st: All over the world, teams are joining together for their favorite activity to raise money for Alzheimers’ research. Click here for more information.
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.
12pm: On Wadmalaw, it’s Sippin’ Saturday with live music by Kristi Starr and Gary Hewitt and food by Home Team BBQ.
12pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Summer Solstice Muffin festival. Shows start at 1:3o pm. Tickets are $5 for the deck shows, $10 in advance for all shows all day. Acts include Dallas Baker, Wallace Mullinax, Bobby Hogg, Deer Creek, and Les Racquet. Scroll down to see indoor shows starting at 9.
12:30pm: On Johns, at Legare Farms, it’s the Solust Music Festival, featuring acts like the Dirty Guvnahs, Huey Mack, Robbie Hunter Band, Timmy D, Cisco Adler, the Executives, Dank Sinatra, Dead 27s, Stereo Reform. This event benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Click link for details.
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, the V-Tones 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 4-7 pm, and a second one at 10.
8pm: On James, at the Brick House Kitchen, it’s the Brushfires band. $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
9pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Summer Solstice Muffin festival, Moonshine stage. Tickets are $10, $12 at the door. Bands are Dangermuffin and Mama’s Love. Shows start at 9:45.
10pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, DJ Moo Moo is mixing music. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!
10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has live music by Regina Ferguson and Friends. PS-Don’t forget, the Bohemian Bull serves food late into the evening.
10pm: On Folly, at Surf Bar, Americana act Letters to Abigail band is playing.
SUNDAY (the 22nd):
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.
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.
11am: On James, the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market features food trucks, local farmers, and local vendors. Live music is also on site. Now open until 2pm.
11am: In McClellanville (east of Charleston, north of Mount Pleasant) it’s the Lowcountry Blueberry Festival at Blue Pearl Farms until 7pm.
1pm: ROADTRIP The Catawba Art & Agriculture Tour kicks off today in York, Lancaster, Fairfield, and Chester, it’s a self-guided tour of art, farms, and farmers markets. It’s free, and its the largest free farm tour in the nation.
2pm: On James, at ChaCha’s Mexican Grill, it’s a Sip and Slide Day. Drink specials and giant waterslides are just part of the fun. $500 cash bikini contest, $150 for most patriotic. Music by 40 Acres & a White Girl and Collin Gibson.
3pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, the Yellowknife band is playing.
4pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Sunday Phunday with Runaway Gin playing Phish covers on the deck. AutoBanh food truck will be in attendance. This show is free. Check out the Lot’s new deck menu! There is no later act scheduled at this time.
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.
7pm: On James, at the Brick House Kitchen, it’s Cinema Purgatorio band as part of a film premiere. $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
8pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Asheville Music Hall presents a free show feat. Eddie Roberts, Ike Stubbefield, Jermal Watson w/ The Key of Q. Tickets are $10, $12 at the door. Bands are Dangermuffin and Mama’s Love. Shows start at 9:45.
10pm: On Folly, at Surf Bar, the Sweet T n’A 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 film opens today: Jersey Boys, a biopic about 1960s vocal group The Four Seasons. This movie is based on the recent hit Broadway play of the same name.
Other movies currently playing are the police comedy 22 Jump Street, (Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill), Belle, an autobiographical account of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Emily Watson, Matthew Goode), and Chef, a film about a chef who leaves his glamorous restaurant post in search of something new (Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau). Click titles 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.
For dawn and dusk hours, bring bug spray as the “no-see-ums” (a.k.a sand flies, midgies) are already back and spring rains (like we had just this week) mean the mosquitos aren’t far behind.
The Charleston County Public Library kicked off its 2014 summer reading programs for all ages this month. 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!
Sea Islands Dining Guide 