Charleston,
SC � September 2006 � �What�s New� is a quarterly release listing new venues,
activities, awards and much more compiled by the Charleston Area Convention
& Visitors Bureau (CACVB). For past issues of �What�s New in Charleston�,
visit www.charlestoncvb.com
and go to the News section.
New
Honors and Awards
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.
New
Packages
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.
New
Property News
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.
New
Events
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.
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.
New
on the Retail Scene
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.
New
Services
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.
New
Culinary News
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.
New
on the Arts Scene
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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Phone/Contacts:
843�853�8000
Chris
Nobles, Media Relations Director
Amy
Ballenger-Guest, Associate Director Media Relations
Katie
Chapman, Media Relations Manager
Liz
Rennie, Media Relations Coordinator
www.charlestoncvb.com
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