The Charleston Area CVB, along with its partners, is giving away an all-inclusive Charleston destination wedding. The picturesque, oceanfront Wild Dunes Resort will host the ceremony and reception with elements such as floral arrangements, cake and wedding planner provided by local vendors. Once three finalists have been chosen by our panelists, their stories will be posted on the site so that the world may vote for the couple best suited to wed in Charleston. To learn more, please visit www.CharlestonWeddingGiveaway.com.

• The Inn at Middleton Place was among only two hotels in South Carolina to make National Geographic Traveler’s first-ever “Stay List”. The April 2008 issue celebrated 150 hotels in the US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean that are among the best at blending location-inspired architecture, ambience and amenities, eco-stewardship and an ethic of giving back to the community. To learn more or to book a reservation, visit www.middletonplace.org or call 843.556.0500.

 
• Charleston was chosen as a best destination in two categories by TripAdvisor® in the 2008 Travelers’ Choice® Destinations Awards. In its inaugural year, the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards honor the world’s top destinations, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. The Holy City received a No. 18 ranking for Top United States Destinations and a No. 98 slot in the Top World Destinations. For the complete 2008 Travelers’ Choice list, go to www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations.

 
• Charleston was named No. 1 Spring Vacation in the April issue of Southern Living. Visit www.southernliving.com to learn more.

 
• McCrady’s Restaurant was selected by Modern American Cuisine as the No. 5 restaurant in North America. Learn more at www.mccradysrestaurant.com.

 
• American Style ranked Charleston No. 6 Arts Destination among mid-size metros in the US. This is a slot above the No. 7 ranking last year. To see other winning cities, visit www.americanstyle.com.

• After establishing a comprehensive program of medical care, educational outreach and conservation research focused on birds, the Center for Birds of Prey, part of the Avian Conservation Center, will open for public tours. Visitors will have the chance to see live birds of prey in a natural setting, watch regularly scheduled flight demonstrations and learn more about the role these birds play in our environment. Beginning June 5, the center will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Guided walking tours and flight demonstrations will be available To learn more, visit www.avianconservationcenter.org or call 843.928.3494.

• Summer Wine Strolls at Middleton Place will continue through September and will be held every Wednesday evening 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. and will include an assortment of fine cheeses. Enjoy strolling through America’s oldest landscaped gardens while sampling a variety of summer wines. Each week the wine tastings will move to a different garden location. Featured wines will be available for purchase through the Middleton Place Restaurant. Call 843.556.6020 or visit www.middletonplace.org for more information.

 
• Spoleto Festival USA will take place May 23 – June 8. Tickets are on sale now for the myriad of artistic performances. The Boston Ballet, Hip-Hop artists, new faces in the Bank of America Chamber Series, the US premier of Monkey: Journey to the West, and much, much more. Additionally, the USA Spoleto Festival recently announced that it will establish an artistic relationship with the newly restructured Festival of Two Worlds beginning in 2009. Visit www.spoletousa.org to order tickets and learn more.

 
• USA Rugby announced its plans to host Clermont Auvergne Rugby in what should prove to be a hard fought match featuring the U.S. Men’s National Team against the French rugby union club from Clermont-Ferrand at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, in Charleston, S.C. The event, which is not only the first of its kind for the city of Charleston, but also the state of South Carolina, will be hosted in part by the founder of ASM Clermont Auvergne, Michelin, and the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium, and is set to be broadcast live on ESPN Classic. Tickets are available beginning May 30 through Tickets.com and Blackbaud Stadium 843.971.4625. For more on USA Rugby, visit www.usarugby.org.

 
• The Charleston Harbor Fest hosted by the South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation will take place May 16 – 18. The Charleston Maritime Center will serve as the hub to this three-day extravaganza. The event offers opportunities to sail, row and peruse a large collection of classic wooden boats. The Palmetto state’s very own Spirit of South Carolina tall ship will be joined by the recently launched Schooner Virginia and the Corwith Cramer, both beautiful tall ships measuring more than 125 feet. Additionally, HarborFest’s authentic pirate camp will prompt children and adults alike to bellow their best “Argh!” Great food, live music and the chance to walk the docks and admire the classic beauty of traditional boats-grand and petite-will draw a crowd from near and far. For additional information and event updates, visit www.charlestonharborfest.org or call 843.722.1030 ext. 12.

 
• Charleston Bridal Show will be held June 13 from noon until 5:00 p.m. at The Gaillard Auditorium. The Charleston Bridal Show features some of Charleston’s and the Lowcountry’s most sought after wedding professionals. This exclusive show prides itself on the screening of all vendors presenting to the customer the competency of their trade. These professionals have proven themselves over and over to be the best of the best. For more information, call 843.452.3950 or visit www.awonderfulwedding.com.

 
• The following children’s programs are new at The Charleston Museum: Hands on History Workshops for ages five and up, Yoga, Clay Creations, Diamond Del’s Gem Mining Experience and Doll Daze. Additionally, Kid Tours are available the first Wednesday or every month and every Wednesday in June and July. Each program will consist of a discussion and a craft project or activity. The whole family can join in the fun with special Saturday programs dedicated to educating and exciting families about different aspects of history. Upcoming themes include: Pirates of Charleston, History Girl Party, A Country Fair at The Charleston Museum and Around the World. For more, visit www.charlestonmuseum.org or call 843.722.2996.

 
• Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner is offering Swamp Things on May 24. The class focuses on the importance of the fragile swamp ecosystem. On June 12, toddlers can make crafts for Father’s Day. On June 21, park guests can sign up to search for their family roots in a Genealogy Workshop. To learn more about participating, visit www.oldsanteecanalpark.org or call 843.899.5200.

 
• The Footlight Players, located on Queen Street in Downtown Charleston, have announced their new season. Productions include: Biloxi Blues, Puttin’ on the Ritz, Inspecting Carol, Match, Sordid Lives, La Cage Aux Folles, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, Autobahn and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. For tickets and more information, visit www.footlightplayers.net or call 843.722.7521.

• This Father’s Day children can give their dads a day to explore an amazing journey from the mountains to the sea at the South Carolina Aquarium. By bringing a special coupon available on scaquarium.org, fathers can get in for FREE. The coupon provides free admission to the Aquarium for all fathers with a paying guest or child. For more visit www.scaquarium.org or call 843.577.3474.

 
• Several interesting developments from Charming Inns’ properties: Circa 1886 will open a half-hour earlier at 5 p.m. and close a half-hour later with the last seating at 10 p.m. to accommodate those who are attending Spoleto events May 23- June 7. And, Circa 1886 is looking for a new ice cream flavor to help Charleston cool down in the August heat. Patrons are invited to submit their top flavor suggestions by July 25, and the winning flavor chosen by the chefs will be served at Circa 1886 throughout August. The winner will receive a complimentary dinner for four and bragging rights for the “coolest” recipe. On July 4, join Wentworth Mansion and Circa 1886 in celebrating Independence Day in true southern fashion with libations and delicacies hot off the grill, accompanied by a live jazz soloist. Afterward, head to the Mansion’s cupola with panoramic views of the city to watch Charleston’s fireworks display. An overnight package is also available. For prices and more information, visit www.charminginns.com.

 
• The Francis Marion Hotel has several new specials this season. For those booking events, extras such as complimentary hour-long beer and wine receptions and evening turndown service with a treat are available. Contact 843.937.8690 or visit www.francismarionhotel.com to learn more.

 
• To celebrate the Wentworth Mansion’s 10th anniversary, the luxury hotel is offering a special 10 Luxuries of the Mansion package. Guests who book the package, available June 9 - Aug. 28 Sunday through Friday (with a handful of dates excluded), will receive 10 luxuries that include a Mansion room, dinner at on-site AAA Four Diamond, Mobil Four Star restaurant Circa 1886, bath products from the AlchemistsApprentice.com, a couple’s massage at the on-site spa, a tour of the mansion, champagne in the room, turndown with house-made truffles from Circa 1886, breakfast in bed and more. Call 1888-INN-1886 or visit www.wentworthmansion.com for reservations or more information.

• Camp Carolina is the South Carolina Aquarium’s new exhibit. Grab your gear and prepare for an outdoor adventure! Explore the wilderness of the mountains in a whole new way – Barn owls, skunks, freshwater fish, snakes and even a bald eagle will be on hand for this adventure in nature. For more visit www.scaquarium.org or call 843.577.3474.

 
• The Charleston Museum presents an original exhibition called Bustles, Bicycles and Ballgowns: Beginnings of Change in the Late 19th Century. The exhibit will run through January 4, 2009 and offers a full range of garments, accessories and even equipment for late 19th century Charleston. In addition to women’s undergarments, walking clothing and formal attire, guests will see an 1890s bicycle, typewriter and shorthand machine. The exhibit also features a try-on station complete with a period-appropriate corset, bustle and drawers. For more, visit www.charlestonmuseum.org or call 843.722.2996.

 
• Julie Goldstein’s artwork has been exhibited internationally in Australia, Japan and Brazil, as well as throughout the US. Her work is now on display at Plum Elements on King Street in Charleston. For more information, visit www.plumelements.com or call 843.727.3747.

 
• In conjunction with the 2008 Spoleto Festival USA, galleries of the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association, renowned for bringing the fine art of excellence from all over the globe to Charleston, will join the city in celebrating world culture with special exhibitions and events. For a full list of CFADA Member Galleries and their special exhibits, please visit www.cfada.com.

 
• The Gibbes Museum of Art has organized a groundbreaking exhibition entitled Landscape of Slavery: The Plantation in American Art to offer a comprehensive, interdisciplinary examination of plantation images in the American South. The exhibition is currently on view at the Gibbes and will run through August 3, 2008. The exhibition features over 100 paintings, works on paper, photographs, mixed media and installation works. A complete list of objects in the exhibition is available at www.gibbesmuseum.org.

 
• The Charleston Museum will present an original exhibition to commemorate the bicentennial of the abolition of the international slave trade in the United States and the British Empire. From Slave to Sharecropper: African Americans in the Lowcountry after the Civil War, on exhibit June 12, 2008 - February 28, 2009, will be centered around the recollections and memories of Lowcountry descendants of slaves and sharecroppers. The exhibit will include artifacts and images of African American experiences in the Lowcountry after the Civil War from the Museum’s collection. For more, visit www.charlestonmuseum.org or call 843.722.2996.

• Pegasus Charters is proud to announce the arrival of its newest charter boat|–|THRILLER Charleston is a 55 foot Coast Guard inspected 43 passenger vessel that will be offering harbor tours covering 25 miles of South Carolina coastline. THRILLER is operating daily out of Ripley Light Marina and is available for private charter. For more, contact Barbara Fox at bjfox@foxrose.com or call 843.276.4203.

 
• Charleston native, Mary Norton, is now offering her shoe collection online at Nordstrom. Visit www.nordstrom.com and shop the Designer Collections Department. To learn more about Mary Norton’s many products, visit www.MaryNorton.com or call1.866.666.7661.

 
• Hampden Clothing and Maddison Row are now selling Marysia Swimwear. Many of Charleston’s fashionistas will be sporting these suits this summer. For more check out www.hampdenclothing.com and www.maddisonrow.com.

 
• The U.S. folding kayak manufacturer, Folbot, has created a new model that is perfectly suited for urban dwellers. The Citibot, the lightest weight boat in the 75-year old company’s line of quality kayaks, has been unveiled. The Citibot weighs 24 pounds and is designed to fit easily in the relatively confined spaces like apartments and condos, while still providing a quality kayak paddling experience. The Citibot can be assembled in 10 minutes once paddlers arrive at their favorite launch site. Folbot has built dependable kayaks in North Charleston, SC since 1953. To learn more, visit www.folbot.com or call 800.533.5099.

 
• FireFly Distillery, which produces FireFly-Southern Premium Vodka, has launched a new flavored spirit, Sweet Tea Vodka. This new vodka, made from five-time distilled muscadine grapes, is handcrafted in small batches and infused with American tea grown on Wadmalaw Island and sugar cane grown in Louisiana. Sweet Tea Vodka can be consumed watered down or pure. To learn more and quench your thirst, visit www.fireflyvodka.com.

• Fish Restaurant has launched its printemps (Spring) dinner menu. Executive Chef Nico Romo’s inspiration for the menu comes from Provence, a region of his native France. Chef Nico also continues to find delicious inspiration from an array of local growers. Arugula and radishes from Rita’s Roots on Wadmalaw Island, goat cheese from Split Creek Farm in Anderson and Bibb lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers from Moncks Corner. Highlights from the new menu include petite plates: spring rolls with dried fruit, goat cheese and honey, ginger glaze, lamb meatballs with Swiss cheese and mint and much more. To learn more, visit www.fishrestaurant.net or call 843.722.FISH.

 
• Summer’s bounty takes center stage on the new seasonal menu at Circa 1886. Executive Chef, Marc Collins, gives a modern nod to traditional southern summer favorites. The new menu offers eight featured entrees, including fresh catches like striped bass with artichoke potato cake, watercress, crawfish hollandaise and black olive cucumber pimento piccalilli, as well as grouper served with lobster butter sous vide, fennel pollen grits, grilled okra, red grapefruit and toasted coriander salad. The antelope loin is served with stewed southern beans, cast iron Vidalia onion, merlot peach jus lie and white cheddar waffle. Chef Collins is also offering a tomato tasting that includes yellow tomato pie, “mac n’ cheese,” bell pepper-stuffed plum tomato and an orange tomato shooter. For more on these delicacies and much more, visit www.circa1886.com or call 843.853.7828.

• The Museum Mile exhibit at the Charleston Area Visitors Center is a display not to be missed! The easy-to-follow directions help visitors chart their course. To learn more, visit www.charlestonsmuseummile.org.

 
• Nestled on 14 acres along the banks of the Ashley River, Lowndes Grove has undergone an extensive renovation since its purchase by Patrick Properties in July 2007. The property includes the River House, a circa 1786 Main House and a carriage house. The property is now open for events. For more information, visit www.patpropevents.com.

• Charleston Photo Tours and History Walks are back! Joyce Aungst has reinstated the popular tours that lead photographers of all skill levels on educational tours of Charleston. Call 1.800.981.8585 or 843.901.9283 or click www.charlestonphototours.com for more information.

• Dave Brown, CEO of Coastal Cigars, Charleston’s own cigar company, has recently launched his own blog. Through this medium, Dave informs readers of the company’s recent and upcoming events, the everyday experiences of the company and attacks relevant to cigar culture and topics. And, the new “Boss Box” is now available. Read more at www.coastalcigars.blogspot.com.