Technically we’re past the summer season, but there’s a very summery-tasting event going on starting today: Charleston Beer Week. As a matter of fact it's the sixth annual Charleston Beer Week. This event has proven so popular - and the Charleston beer scene is growing so fast - that the festival is, too. They’ve added an extra day. This time around, it’ll go on from today, September 7th through Saturday September 15th. Get set for 64 different events happening over the course of the nine days that now make up Charleston Beer “Week." This is up from 40 events just a couple years ago. As I’ve mentioned in that last blog, Charleston Restaurant Week is already going on and will run through next Sunday the 16th. You have the your pick of well over a hundred area restaurants offering special menus. In fact, some may even be within walking/biking/golf cart range if you're here on the Isle of Palms.
Charleston Restaurant Week, Meet Charleston Beer Week!
It makes sense that Charleston’s Restaurant and Charleston Beer Weeks overlap. After all, beer and food go hand in hand. So do beer and a beach house Charleston. Fairly recently, there were just a few microbreweries in the entire state of South Carolina. Now there are 24 production breweries and three brewpubs in Charleston and environs alone. Two more breweries and a brewpub are scheduled to open within a year. Many of the existing ones are expanding, adding more brewing capacity, staff and canning lines. According to Steve Warner, economic developer at CRDA: “Charleston’s rapid increase in craft brewing reflects what’s happening across our region – a growing, youthful population attracted to Charleston’s unique character and strong economy, a thirst for innovation and inspiration, and a desire for community. Charleston Beer Week celebrates that growth, these artisans and their passion, and is one of my favorite times of the year.” Events take place all over the Charleston area. Some events require tickets, others are free or pay-as-you-go. Here’s the official website. In related good news, many of the events benefit local charities. They include:
- Surfrider Foundation
- Turtle Survival Alliance
- Center for Women
- Charleston Animal Society
- F. Help No Kill Rescue
- Plus other worthy causes.
Last Call for Shaggin’ on the Cooper
Tomorrow (Saturday) night, September 8th, is the last of what’s proven to be a perennially popular event, Shaggin’ on the Cooper. While staying in the Lowcountry, why not dance the official dance of the Carolinas? It takes place on the pier in lovely Waterfront Memorial Park in Mount Pleasant, under the Ravenel Bridge. Gates will open at 7:00 p.m. Live music by Recollections starts at 8:00. Tickets are $10 when purchased at the gate or in advance for $8. This event usually sells out early, so definitely try to get them in advance. Waterfront Park is a pleasant drive from the Isle of Palms. The street address is 99 Harry Hallman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. Here’s a link for more info and to buy tickets online. And as always, when you’re looking for the best place to stay on the beach near Charleston, start your search with Exclusive Properties. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger