The weather is spring-like, the buds are popping, and it’s a great weekend to venture out from the beach for all kinds of cultured fun - antiques, art and anything Irish.
Take home a historical treasure from the Charleston Antiques Show
One of Charleston’s many charms is its history, and it’s on full display this weekend. It’s time again for the Charleston Antiques Show. This beloved event brings together fine vintage furniture, silver, decorative items and jewelry from the 17th century on, with a myriad of experts in one place. It’s centered at The Gaillard downtown, convenient to all our beach rentals Charleston. From our beach rentals Charleston, just head through Mount Pleasant, over the Ravenel and take the first exit onto East Bay. Turn right on Calhoun, you can’t miss it on your left. The show runs today - Friday, March 15th - through Sunday, March 17th. Tickets are just $20 for unlimited admission all three days.
Show Hours: Friday, March 15: 10 am – 6 pm Saturday, March 16: 10 am – 6 pm Sunday, March 17: 11 am – 5 pm*
(*Enjoy a complimentary Bloody Mary on Sunday, March 17th.)
The chairman for this year’s event is the Right Honourable Nicholas E. A. Ashley-Cooper. He is the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury, a descendant of one of the original eight Lords Proprietors of Carolina. He’ll give a presentation on his life and work in restoring St. Giles House. One of the themes of this year’s event is mixing antiques with modern design elements in home décor. That’s become a hallmark for grand homes in the Lowcountry, whether they are downtown or at the beach. You can watch a video about the CAS from the local NBC affiliate. Here’s the official site where you can learn more and purchase tickets.
ART FEST tomorrow
Also going on tomorrow (Saturday, March 16th) from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., it’s the 23rd annual Art Fest at the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. It’s a showcase for the visual arts, music and dance. Regional and local artists will display their creations. There will also be live performances by local music and dance studios along with plenty of exhibits and vendors. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir. A centerpiece is the juried art show by the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild. The event is free, parking is free, and there will be food and drinks available for purchase. It’ll take place in “The Oaks” among the many shopping options (both big chain and local) at Towne Centre. Just look for Barnes & Noble, which is right across from The Oaks. All this is just over the IOP Connector at 1218 Belk Drive in Mount Pleasant. Read more about it here.
Time to go green
It’s always a good thing to be environmentally friendly, but that’s not what I’m talking about. It’s that time of year when we’re all just a wee bit Irish. You’d better be wearing green or beware the consequences! Seems you can’t throw a stone without hitting a shamrock, a leprechaun, some cabbage and corned beef, or that charmingly disgusting green beer. St. Patrick’s Day itself is this Sunday, March 17th. But like Mardi Gras, the parties don’t seem to be confined by the calendar. Tomorrow, Saturday, is the official St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Charleston. The celebration starts with 8:00 a.m. mass at St. Patrick’s Church, 134 St. Philip Street. The parade begins nearby at 10:00 a.m. sharp, at the corner of Radcliffe and King. It will travel south down King to Broad, turning right before ending at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (120 Broad Street). Afterwards, at approximately 11:30 a.m., they’ll raise the Irish flag above City Hall. Then, head to any number of restaurants and pubs that will be filled with food and entertainment honoring St. Patty’s. Here’s a list of the many pub crawls going on this weekend. And here’s a breakdown of St. Patrick’s events going on all around the Lowcountry.
An Irish Block Party just over Breach Inlet
You don’t have to go far to get your Irish on. Just hop over Breach Inlet to the islands’ favorite Irish pub, Dunleavy’s on Sullivan’s. The block party starts Saturday morning at 9:00 and goes all day. They’ll have live music, bagpipers and Irish dancers. Dunleavy’s is at 2213-A Middle Street. Read more here. So, you have plenty of options this weekend to get cultured, or get your Irish on. And remember, when you are looking for beach rentals Charleston, be sure to call EP first. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger