Charleston Ranked 4th Best City in America
Readers selected Charleston as the #4 Best American City in Travel + Leisure magazine�s 2006 World�s Best Awards survey. Charleston moved up from last year�s ranking of #6 for Best Cities in the U.S. and Canada. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Wentworth Mansion, and Charleston Place Hotel made the Top 100 Hotels in the Continental U.S. + Canada list. Visit www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest.

Charleston Named a Top Art Destination
American Style magazine included Charleston in its list of the Top Five Art Destinations Among Small Cities in the nation. The magazine, which focuses on art, interior design, fine crafts and travel, placed Charleston at No. 4 behind Santa Fe, N.M., (No. 1); Asheville, N.C., (No. 2); and Corning, N.Y., (No. 3). Sedona, Ariz. was listed No. 5. Visit www.americanstyle.com.

Stars Shining Bright at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Readers of Golf Digest magazine bestowed high marks on Kiawah Island Golf Resort and its five golf courses. The Ocean Course maintained its 5-star status, one of only 17 public access golf courses rated 5-stars in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, while all four of the resort�s other courses garnered a near-perfect 4½ star rating. Call 843-768-2121or visit www.KiawahGolf.com.

Healthy SC Challenge Community Award
The Children�s Museum of the Lowcountry (CML) has been named a recipient of Governor and First Lady Sanford�s Healthy SC Challenge Community Award in the category for outstanding Youth Focused Initiatives. The award acknowledges the museum�s efforts to improve the health of children and families in the Lowcountry and throughout the state of South Carolina. Call 843 853-8962 or visit www.explorecml.org.

Market Pavilion Hotel Good Girls Shopping Get-Away
The Market Pavilion Hotel in Charleston has teamed up with a select group of area retailers to showcase the city�s dynamic shopping attractions with a value-added travel package featuring luxury accommodations. Call 843-723-0500 or visit www.MarketPavilion.com.

Wild Dunes After Baby Package
More U.S. babies are born in August than in any other month, according to the National Vital Statistics Report. This annual boom - and the frenzied reality that sets in once the baby arrives � makes Fall the perfect time for new parents to escape to Wild Dunes Resort. Call 843-886-6000 or visit www.wilddunes.com.

Andrew Pinckney Inn Taste of Charleston Package
Experience a truly unique culinary experience. Package includes: taste of Charleston demonstration cooking class for two at Charleston Cooks!, $75 gift certificate to Slightly North of Broad or High Cotton restaurant, Charleston cookbook, and breakfast served on the rooftop terrace daily. Call 843-937-8800 or visit www.andrewpinckneyinn.com.

The Francis Marion Family Adventure Package
Package includes hotel accommodations with double bedding, breakfast buffet at The Swamp Fox Restaurant for the entire family, and your choice from an array of family adventures. Call 843-722-0600 or visit www.francismarioncharleston.com.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island Golf Resort and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston (RMHCC), SC, have teamed together to provide guests with the opportunity to volunteer during their Lowcountry vacation. All visitors to the resort are connected to a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Ronald McDonald House through the resort�s website and pre-vacation planning. Call 843-768-2121 or visit www.kiawahgolf.com/rmhc.htm.

Island Realty
Receive 15% off vacation rentals on the Isle of Palms, Sullivan�s Island, Wild Dunes & Dewees Island. Sandy toes and sunshiny days are just a phone call away. Call 843-886-6871 or visit www.IslandRealty.com.

NotSo Hostel
The Notso Hostel is nestled among three quaint Charleston single homes in historic downtown, providing dormitory-rooms, private-rooms and communal kitchens to guests. The hostel provides the most economical lodging on the peninsula and is a unique way to stay in Charleston. Call 843-722-8383 or visit www.notsohostel.com.

Hawthorn Suites
Located minutes from Historic Downtown Charleston, this all-suite hotel includes an efficiency kitchen in every guestroom. Complimentary amenities include hot breakfast, wireless internet, business center, indoor pool and evening social Mon - Thur. Call 843-225-4411 or visit www.hawthorn.com.

Charleston Harbor Resort Opens New Wing of Deluxe Accommodations
Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina now features new deluxe accommodations. These nautical themed rooms present plush hand-made bedding, deep crown molding, ceiling fan, 37-inch plasma TV and a completely updated bathroom that features a Jacuzzi tub. Call 843-284-7036 or visit www.charlestonharborresort.com.

The Southern Living Cookoff
The Southern Living Cook-Off 2006, the largest annual cook-off in America, will be held this October in Charleston, S.C. The Culinary Institute of Charleston�s state of the art facility will enable finalists to prepare their recipes for judges prior to the main event. Winners will be announced October 5 during the Grand Finale at the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, where finalists also will demonstrate their recipes in front of a live audience. The ticket price for the show is $10 and includes the reception where 14 Charleston area restaurants and vendors will offer hors d�overs samples and beverages. Visit www.southernlivingcookoff.com.

Carolina FoodPros Hosts First Halloween Culinary Tour
On Saturday, October 28, 2006, little goblins, ghosts and witches along with their parents can take pleasure in the city�s most ghastly Halloween traditions while sweetening their taste buds on a walking tour through the city�s spookiest culinary spots. Call 843-723-3366 or visit www.carolinafoodpros.com.

Chazzfest
The first Charleston Music & Heritage Festival will take over the Family Circle Tennis Center on September 15 and 16, 2006 with a broad spectrum of acts including rock, blues, jazz, R&B, bluegrass, funk, hip-hop and beach music. Tickets are available at the Family Circle Tennis Center Box Office, Charleston area Cat�s Music & Movies and by calling 800-514-ETIX. Visit www.chazzfest.com.

Shrimpin� & Shaggin�
Shrimpin� & Shaggin� will cater to the deepest traditions of Lowcountry traditions - eating local shrimp dishes and dancing to shag tunes, old and new. The event takes place on Sept. 17 and families are encouraged to enjoy a wonderfully festive afternoon. Call 843-853-3625 or visit www.charlestonnace.net.

Coastal Culture Day
Saturday, September 9 from 11am-2pm is Coastal Culture Day at the South Carolina Aquarium. Listen to the unique tales of Gullah storytellers, see local basket weavers demonstrate their craft, and learn about the importance of rice cultivation to Charleston�s history. Call 843-722-1990 or visit www.scaquarium.org.

The Charleston Garden Festival Announces 2006 Speakers
The Charleston Garden Festival at Middleton Place takes place October 19-22, 2006. The featured keynote speakers for the festival are Rosamund Wallinger, English garden author and restorer of the only Gertrude Jekyll garden in existence, and David Ruston, world renowned rosarian and founder of The David Ruston Rose Centre in Australia. Call 843-556-6020 or visit www.charlestongardenfestival.org.

Buxton�s East Bay Theatre
Paranormalist and magician Jim Callahan harnesses the paranormal of Charleston and exhibits them live on stage at Buxton�s East Bay Theatre. Callahan is known for his ground breaking presentations and has worked in the corporate entertainment field for fifteen years. Call 843-723-1670 or visit www.TourCharleston.com.

Symphony Island House Tour On Kiawah Island
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League announces its ninth annual island house tour. Five private homes will be open to the public on Saturday, November 4, 2006 from 10am to 4pm. Proceeds from the tour support the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Call 843-723-0023 or visit www.csolinc.org.

Tanger Outlet Center
Charleston area shoppers and bargain hunters will be in heaven when this shiny new outlet mall opens on August 4th. Greensboro, N.C.-based Tanger Outlet Centers Inc. recently broke ground on the $45 million, 430,000-square-foot mall at the Centre Pointe development in North Charleston. Visit www.TangerOutlet.com.

City Soundtracks, LLC
Tour historic Charleston on your own pace and schedule. No waiting for groups. Extended walking or driving tour South of Broad, along with tours North of Broad. Available for immediate download to CD, iPod or mp3 player. Group discounts available. Call 1-800-352-2280 or visit www.citysoundtracks.com.

Tidewater Foods & Catering, LLC
Tidewater Catering offers the highest quality Southern barbecue experience. Featuring award-winning BlackJack Barbecue and other �Food for the Southern Soul,� their menus consist of the Carolina Pig Pickin�, the signature Gourmet Barbecue Picnic, lowcountry steamed oysters, ribs, and chicken. Call 843-762-9200 or visit www.foodforthesouthernsoul.com.

Carolina Floral Creations
With over 20 years of design experience, the talented staff at Carolina Floral Creations will create the perfect florals for your Charleston wedding. From consultation to �congratulations,� even the smallest detail receives our personal attention. Call or visit 843-873-7945 or visit www.carolinafloralcreations.com.

Charleston Food + Wine Festival
BB&T has become this year�s Signature Title Sponsor. In recognition of this financial commitment, the 2007 festival will officially be named, The BB&T Charleston Food and Wine Festival. The festival will take place March 1-4, 2007. For more details or to view the new event schedule visit www.charlestonfoodandwine.com or call 843-722-5547.

Charleston Tea Plantation
Charleston is home to America�s only tea plantation. This new attraction re-opened for tours following nearly three years of dedicated efforts to preserve and restore the farm and to construct a state of the art tea processing facility. Call 843-559-0383 or visit www.BigelowTea.com/act/.

Mercato Restaurant
The 150-seat Mercato infuses Charleston�s historic City Market area with a dose of gastronomic la dolce vita. The swank, spirited Italian restaurant at 102 N. Market Street, will offer a menu for a light bite at the bar and dinners including multi-course meals. Call 843-722-6393.

Robert�s of Charleston Introduces New Wine Dinner Menu
Robert�s chef MariElena and her husband Joe are moving the restaurant in a new direction. Each month, they will focus on a different region of the world. MariElena will develop the traditional and innovative courses while Joe will delicately compliment each with a unique wine. Call 843-577-7565 or visit www.robertsofcharleston.com.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Rolls Out New Menu
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has recently added 15 new food dishes and beverages to their menu. The variety of the new entrees, side dishes, desserts and drinks adds to Bubba Gump�s unique blend of down-home American and Seafood cuisine. 843-723-5665 or visit www.bubbagump.com.

Cru Cafe
Located in a classic 18th-Century Charleston home, Cru Cafe offers the best in upscale comfort food. Guests of the restaurant enjoy indoor/outdoor porch seating, gourmet comfort food, a wine list tailored to the varied menu, and rich, satisfying desserts. Call 843-534-2434 or visit www.crucatering.com.

Just Fresh Bakery Café and Market
G. Dana Sinkler Jr., CEO of Palmetto Food Group, LLC has been named CEO of Just Fresh Franchise Systems, Inc. The Just Fresh chain, which currently has ten locations in the Carolinas and Washington, DC, was recently acquired by Charlotte-based investors known as the �Front Four.� Call 843- 367-4413 or visit www.justfresh.com.

McCrady�s Hires Eric Foster as Chef D�Cuisine
McCrady�s Restaurant has appointed highly regarded Eric Foster as its new Chef d�Cuisine. As Chef d�Cuisine, Foster will be responsible for supporting Executive Chef Sean Brock in McCrady�s main dining room, the Lounge, and the famous Long Room private dining space. Call 843-577-0025 or visit www.mccradysrestaurant.com.

Middleton Place Restaurant
Chef Brandon Buck has taken over the Foodservice kitchen operations at Middleton Place restaurant. His previous employer was Cypress Lowcountry Grill, where he was the Executive Sous Chef. Chef Buck has brought in Chef Micah Garrison to be the new Sous Chef. Call 556-6020 or visit www.MiddletonPlace.org.

Maggie Moo�s Ice Cream & Treatery
Choose from our wide selection of flavors made fresh daily, then add nuts, candy, fruit, and more and watch our ice cream artisans create your masterpiece. Incredible shakes, smoothies, sundaes and cakes also available. Enjoy indoor seating and experience �Ice Cream so fresh it Moo�s.� Call 843-722-6667 or visit www.maggiemoos.com.

Brownie Harris Exhibit
Renowned American photographer Brownie Harris will unveil a 70-piece collection this fall, when his works are exhibited over a series of gala events at the Market Pavilion Hotel. The hotel has also developed special Exhibition packages to commemorate the event. Call 843-723-0500 or visit www.MarketPavilion.com.

Charleston Museum
Kidstory is a hands-on, educational exhibit that will teach children of all ages the rich history of Charleston and the SC Lowcountry. Interactive components and wall-length murals will captivate children and promises to spark their love of history.

Age of Glamour: Fashions of the 1920s and 1930s is a two-part, rotating exhibit running from March 9, 2006 until Feb. 18, 2007. Age of Glamour places emphasis on women�s fashion, and the vast changes of style that occurred over these two exhilarating decades. Guests have the opportunity to try on garments from the time period. Call 722-2996 or visit www.ChrlestonMuseum.org.

The Fine Art Gallery on Market
The Fine Art Gallery on Market offers fine art, bronzes, artisan jewelry and the widest variety of original master piece paintings in Charleston. For superb art at great prices, visit the Fine Art Gallery at 125 Market Street. Call 843-853-2445.

The Gibbes Museum of Art
America at Work: WPA Prints from the Gibbes Collection - Aug. 2006 � April 2007
This collection represents the initiative of the Depression-era U.S. government to revitalize the nation through visual arts and art education.

Babar�s Museum of Art - Sept. 1 � Dec. 31, 2006
Babar�s Museum of Art presents original watercolors and studies by Laurent de Brunhoff created for the book Babar�s Museum of Art gives a chance to discuss fine art with your little ones.

Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats - Oct. 6, 2006 � Jan. 14, 2007
The exhibition features 30 photographs by Michael Cunningham and each picture tells a poignant story.

Now! - Oct. 13, 2006 � Jan. 14, 2007
Now! offers a glimpse of contemporary American art through the recent work of five young Southern artists. Now! is the first exhibition curated for the Gibbes by its new Executive Director Todd Smith. Call 843-722-2706 or visit www.GibbesMuseum.org.
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To learn more about the Charleston area, please contact the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 843�853�8000 / 800�868�8118, or visit www.charlestoncvb.com.
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