Springtime Fun Continues in Charleston
April 27, 2011 by Julie Frey Dombrowski
Filed under Around Town, Culture, Featured Stories
With springtime in full-swing, residents on Daniel Island are facing some tough choices these days when it comes to recreation and entertainment: The pools are open, it’s perfect golf and tennis weather, and our Lowcountry beaches and waterways are hard to resist at this time of year. And if that all weren’t enough, a dizzying array of special events of all kinds are filling up the calendars of area residents and visitors.
If you’re looking to get out and enjoy Charleston and Daniel Island this month, here are our picks for the top three May events you won’t want to miss:
Concert in the Park
Saturday, May 14 | Daniel Island
A favorite Daniel Island tradition, the Concert in the Park takes place each May on the banks of the lake at Smythe Park. Pack a picnic and grab a spot early: Daniel Island residents take their picnics very seriously (click here for pictures of some of last year’s spreads), and the best spots will go quickly. The highlight of the evening is a performance by Jeremy Davis and The Equinox Jazz Orchestra, who are sure to have the crowd dancing under the stars once again this year. A picnic contest will be judged starting at 6 pm (prizes, including a donation to the grand prize winners’ charity of choice, will be awarded for the best spreads). The concert starts at 7 pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Charleston Harbor Fest
May 12-15 | Charleston Harbor
Visit Charleston’s magnificent and historic working waterfront and experience the sights and sounds of ships and tugs, rowboats and tall ships, sea birds and dolphins. Among the highlights of this year’s festival will be numerous tall ships from around the world open for public tours, including the Spirit of South Carolina pilot schooner. And for the first time, Harbor Fest will coincide with the restart of the VELUX 5 OCEANS, one of the most exciting and challenging around-the-world-solo sailing races. Tour the ultra-fast ECO 60 fleet and cheer on the current first place skipper, Charleston’s own Brad van Liew, as he gets ready to begin the final leg of the race. This family-friendly event will also include a Kids’ Zone and plenty of land- and water-based activities for all ages. Visit charlestonmaritimefestival.com for further details.
Spoleto Festival USA & Piccolo Spoleto
May 27 – June 12 | Various Charleston Locations
Considered one of the best arts festivals in the country, Spoleto Festival USA takes place over 17 days, featuring world-class opera, dance, classical music, jazz and theater performances – plus visual arts exhibitions – at indoor and outdoor venues throughout Charleston. Its companion festival, Piccolo Spoleto, takes place simultaneously, showcasing hundreds of performances and exhibits by the best local and regional talent. Combined, the festivals showcase an outstanding variety of cultural offerings morning, noon and night. For schedules and more information, visit the festival websites at spoletousa.org and piccolospoleto.com.
8th Annual Moms’ Run to Benefit PPD
April 27, 2011 by rachelsweeney
Filed under Around Town, Sports
Celebrate mom this Mother’s Day by participating in the 8th Annual Moms’ 5K Run/Walk on Daniel Island, hosted by the Ruth Rhoden Craven Foundation. The annual event is the Foundation’s largest fundraiser, furthering its efforts to educate and support women suffering from postpartum depression.
“This event is for all of the mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, girlfriends and husbands out there who have felt the sting of this illness. For the rest of the population, the Moms’ Run is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some family-friendly fun while supporting a very worthy cause,” says island resident Dr. Risa Mason, the Foundation’s executive director. Dr. Mason is a clinical psychologist with an office here on Daniel Island.
The Ruth Rhoden Craven Foundation was created in 2000 in memory of Ruth Rhoden Craven, a young mother who suffered from postpartum depression following the birth of her first child. Just two and a half months following her son’s birth – and with no prior history of mental illness – Ruth committed suicide. Ruth’s mother, Helena Bradford, and two of Ruth’s closest friends formed the Foundation as a way to honor her memory, prevent similar tragedies from occurring and help other women to access quality treatment and recover from this fairly widespread and often overlooked illness.
“This event is all about moms and their families,” says Dr. Mason. “We want to recognize women across the Lowcountry and
beyond who are currently dealing with this illness or who have recovered from it.”
The Moms’ 5K Run/Walk starts promptly at 8:00 am at Blackbaud Stadium and continues through scenic Etiwan Park before looping back to Blackbaud for the Finish Line Celebration. Festivities after the race feature live entertainment by “Soul Fish,” free refreshments, fun for the kids and family-friendly vendors.
On Friday, May 6th be sure to stop by the Daniel Island Grille for some pre-race fun. The Grille will be serving a pasta dinner and salad special from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The cost is $10 per entrée.
Race registration is $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Strollers are welcome. Participants may also wear an optional sign in support or memory of someone with PPD. For more information, go to www.ppdsupport.org .
Get Ready for Charleston Race Week & Harbor Fest
April 12, 2011 by rachelsweeney
Filed under Around Town, Sports
Living on Daniel Island, it’s hard not to appreciate Lowcountry waterways and all they have to offer. From sunrises at Mitchell Wharf and crabbing from the pier at Children’s Park, to kayaking in one of the island’s tidal creeks, Daniel Island and Charleston offer an endless array of coastal diversions. This spring, two exciting Charleston events will highlight our coastal lifestyle, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
The 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week runs April 14th through April 17th and will attract approximately 300 boats to Charleston Harbor to compete in the largest sailing regatta on the east coast. With five separate racecourses, there will be plenty of excitement as more than a dozen inshore and offshore one-design, PHRF and IRC handicap races take place for boats from 20 to 70 feet. Spectators are welcome to watch the race land side from Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, or from Waterfront Park or White Point Gardens in downtown Charleston. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars — there will be plenty of non-stop action to see.
After the race, swing by the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina where nightly parties will take place featuring live music, a Goslings Rum and beer bar, bocce ball and more. Shore side activity passes can be purchased for $75 and include access to the parties for the entire regatta. Charleston Race Week is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation and Charleston Ocean Racing Association. All profits from the event support educational programs aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, a traditional tall ship serving South Carolina’s youth. For more information go to www.charlestonraceweek.com
In case you didn’t get your fill of sailing during Charleston Race Week, Charleston Harbor Fest, a true harbor-wide celebration of the sea, will be held May 12 – 15. From the classic beauty of tall ships, to the sleek and fast VELUX 5 OCEANS fleet, Charleston Harbor Fest will offer an array of maritime-themed activities for all ages. The Charleston Maritime Center will host the VELUX Race Village, maritime exhibits of all kinds, a popular Kid-Zone and much more. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 (18 years and older) and $5 (ages 6 – 17). Children under five years are free. For more information go to www.charlestonharborfest.org
The Charleston Battery Kicks Off the Season
April 12, 2011 by Julie Frey Dombrowski
Filed under Lead Story, Sports
Charleston’s professional soccer team started the 2011 season off on the right foot with a 1-0 win against the Charlotte Eagles April 9th at its season opener on Daniel Island. A loyal home crowd at Blackbaud Stadium cheered on the three-time USL Champions and welcomed them back to the field for a new season.
The Battery’s win begins a season that promises to be an exciting one. Last year, in addition to winning the Championship title, the team was named the USL-2 “Organization of the Year,” enjoyed increased average attendance at its home matches and played several high-profile exhibition matches. With their first win, the 2011 season is off to a great start.
Next up for the Battery is a visit to new USL PRO franchise the Dayton (OH) Dutch Lions, next Saturday night. The game will be streamed live on USLLIVE.com. They’ll return to Daniel Island on April 30th where they’ll face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Click here to view the Battery’s complete 2011 schedule.
Attending the Battery’s home games has become a favorite summertime tradition on Daniel Island. With special events and activities planned for each match – plus non-stop action on the field – it’s great fun for the entire family. Click here for ticket information and be sure to come out this summer and support the Battery!
A Spring Celebration on Daniel Island!
April 12, 2011 by rachelsweeney
Filed under Around Town
Daniel Island residents, family and friends are getting ready to celebrate spring on April 16th at the Spring Carnival. With beautiful Smythe Park as a backdrop, planned festivities include a casual Family Walk/Run, Easter Egg Hunt, face painting, performance by Daniel Island Hip Hop, games and a trackless train ride to Bunny Island!
In addition to being a fun day for the entire family and a celebration of spring, this festive event also has a charitable side. Those participating in the Family Walk/Run will pay $10 per family, with all proceeds benefiting the Daniel Island School PE program. Pre-registration for the race is required – visit www.dicommunity.org.
Residents planning on attending the Spring Carnival are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnics. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase from Jack’s Cosmic Dogs and Cupcake. You are also asked to drop off a dozen filled and taped plastic eggs to the Daniel Island Property Owners Association before April 13th.
Happy Spring!
Enter to Win Tickets to “Game, Set, Rock. Tennis. Amplified.”
April 6, 2011 by Julie Frey Dombrowski
Filed under Uncategorized
The Family Circle Cup is in full swing this week and the excitement is mounting. As part of the festivities, Daniel Island Real Estate is giving away two pairs of tickets to “Game, Set, Rock. Tennis. Amplified,” a spectacular evening of exhibition matches featuring Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, John McEnroe and Todd Martin that will take place on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 pm. Just click here to enter before 1 pm on Friday, April 8. The winner will be announced that afternoon on Daniel Island Real Estate’s Facebook page. Good luck!
