Daniel Island Holiday Festival A Big Hit

Thousands of Daniel Island residents and visitors kicked off the holiday shopping season in style on December 3rd at the annual Holiday Festival at Family Circle Stadium. Like magic, this world-class sports venue was transformed into a winter wonderland with over 100 local vendors selling crafts, gifts, delicious treats and more to eager holiday shoppers.  A big hit this year was the ice skating rink that was enjoyed by kids (and adults!) of all ages.  A visit with Santa himself – and a line-up of spectacular performances from singers and dancers from around the Lowcountry kept everyone entertained. This island tradition has become one of Charleston’s biggest holiday events. Check out these photos from the official festival photographer, Spring Dyer. The complete gallery of image can be viewed here.

‘Tis the Season to be Merry!

Daniel Island residents and visitors will kick off the holiday season the first weekend of December with a special Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and the annual Holiday Festival at the Family Circle Tennis Center.

The lighting of Daniel Island’s Community Tree will take place at 6:00 pm on Friday, December 2nd at the entrance to the Family Circle Tennis Center. Afterwards, enjoy a “Chili Bar” hosted by Daniel Island Young Life and Wyldlife, plus a hot chocolate and cookie station hosted by the Daniel Island “Flying Fish” swim team.  The entire family will also enjoy holiday caroling, story favorites and a visit from Santa.

On Saturday, December 3rd from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, the Family Circle Stadium will be transformed into an exciting Holiday wonderland. Shop for gifts and crafts from more than 120 of Charleston’s finest vendors, enjoy some tasty treats, and be entertained by a full line-up of events scheduled to take place on Center Court Stage.  A special attraction this year is the outdoor skating rink!  Rent or bring your own ice skates and take in all the sites and sounds of this year’s Holiday Festival.

Don’t miss this popular Daniel Island tradition – it’s a great way to kick off the holidays with the entire family! Admission is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available, and an ATM machine will be located on site. For a complete line-up of vendors and events, visit danielislandholidayfestival.com.

Popular Daniel Island Restaurant Gets A Makeover

There is certainly no shortage of good places to eat on Daniel Island.  Whether you’re looking for a wood-fired pizza, fresh sushi or a juicy burger, there are plenty of diverse options. Not to be overlooked is one of the island’s long-time favorite dining destinations, Queen Anne’s Revenge, which has recently undergone some exciting changes, both in decor and its culinary offerings.

“We felt the bar had grown tired after a successful ten-year run with the same décor and furniture,” says David Howard, Owner and President of the Neighborhood Dining Group, which owns and operates Queen Anne’s Revenge.  “A few years ago, we added a landscaped deck with more of a contemporary design, and we wanted there to be more continuity in design between the deck and bar.”

While the bar got a complete makeover, the menu was also refined. The Neighborhood Dining Group also owns and manages downtown Charleston’s McCrady’s and Husk (which was recently named the Best New Restaurant in America by Bon Appetit magazine). In these establishments, James Beard award-winning Chef Sean Brock has carefully masterminded menus that emphasize local, southern ingredients.

“At Queen Anne’s Revenge, Sean plays an advisory role in seasonal menu changes, menu development and tastings,” says Howard.  “Executive Chef Brent Quiggle has been with Queen Anne’s Revenge since day one. Like many chefs he has been inspired by Sean’s passion and vision and has tapped into many of his relationships to acquire premium local and regional ingredients.”

Queen Anne’s remains committed to buying the best ingredients and the freshest seafood possible. They have listened and responded to their customers requests, offering local favorites such as Baked Oysters Rockefeller, Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef and Pecan Peach Chicken with Creamed Corn and Vidalia Onion Potato Puree.

Looking for something a little different this weekend?  Swing by Queen Anne’s and try out one of their weekly specials.  They also serve Sunday brunch.  Become friends with them on Facebook and keep informed about happy hour specials, live music, and more. www.facebook.com/QueenAnnesRevengeRestaurant

Jeff Davis, General Manager, recently announced a 10th anniversary special that offers Daniel Island residents and businesses 10% off your meal every time you dine through February 29, 2012. For details go to www.qarevenge.com

Daniel Island Girls “DIG IT”

“If you live in the Daniel Island, SC area and are looking for other women to keep you motivated in your running, biking or swimming, Daniel Island Girls in Training (DIG IT) can be your networking place. 

We are fortunate to live on a beautiful island with miles of paved and natural paths for running and biking. We also have an outdoor lap pool, Pierce Park Pool, open to residents April-October for lap swimming. 

Members of DIG IT can schedule weekly runs, share their routes, organize pace groups, plan meet-ups at area races, or just communicate with fellow members.

 Can you DIG IT?”

Molly May certainly can DIG IT. This is the description found on the Facebook group that Molly May started last March when she was trying to recruit some running partners. Since then, her group has grown to more than 65 members, all of whom are island residents that are dedicated to getting fit on Daniel Island.

“After I had my third child, I was finding it hard to get back to a regular running schedule,” says Molly.  “After meeting female runners through various social groups on the island, I started wondering if women runners could benefit from a running network where they could arrange meet ups for training or race events.”

That’s when Molly decided to create a Facebook group where members could easily communicate and post comments regarding daily runs.

“I had no idea that the group would grow so fast,” says Molly. “The motivation and camaraderie that the Facebook group offers is really amazing.”

Whether you can run one mile or 10 miles, the group organizes runs that can be modified to everyone’s ability.

“I’d say we have about ten girls in the group who run consistently with one another,” says Molly. “Some of us are training for marathons and others just want to get in shape. We had one girl join us the other week that ran her very first mile ever!”

And the members don’t only run.  It’s a very diverse group that also has members who spin, do Crossfit, Hip Hop, practice yoga and participate in boot camps.

“What I love most about it is that we’re all out there for similar reasons – to excersie, for a mental release and for the camaraderie.  It’s very therapeutic!” says Molly.

Jennifer Jones, an active DIG IT member, recently moved to Daniel Island  from Jackson, Tennessee.

“When deciding where to live, my husband’s boss recommended we take a look at Daniel Island. One step on the island and we knew this was the place we wanted to be. We didn’t have to look anywhere else. The only downside was that we didn’t know a soul. It’s hard to move to a new place when you don’t know anyone,” says Jennifer.

An avid runner herself, Jennifer was a member of a co-ed running group while living in Tennessee.

“I just loved my running group back in Tennessee, so when I found out about DIG IT I was immediately eager to get involved. I’ve met so many wonderful women. The experience has been amazing! Molly and I are currently training for the Savannah Marathon,” says Jennifer.  “I could not be running the mileage I am without the support and camaraderie that I’ve received from the group.”

Because DIG IT is a members-only Facebook group, postings are private. “This makes the group not only safe, but members have also started to feel comfortable using the Facebook page as a resource to find a babysitter or to get a recommendation for a good hairdresser.  But even though the group is private, all women are welcome to join,” says Molly.

“I’ve made so many new friends through DIG IT. Not only do we organize runs together, but we also schedule social gatherings and outings,” says Jennifer.

Getting healthy and spending time with good friends. Sounds like a wonderful recipe for success.  And rumor has it that they are even designing their own t-shirts.

If you are a woman and would like to get involved with DIG IT, you can find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/danielislandgirlsintraining/

Daniel Island’s Church of the Holy Cross Cited for Architectural Excellence

The City of Charleston’s Design, Development and Preservation division, which works with architects and advises city review boards on new and renovated architecture, has launched a new awards program to highlight the city’s best buildings and foster excellence in architectural design. The awards, announced earlier this month, reflect what its staff considers six of the best new buildings built in the city limits since 2000.

Among the buildings honored is Daniel Island’s own Church of the Holy Cross. Designed by Charleston’s Stubbs Muldrow Herin Architects and located at the corner of Daniel Island and Seven Farms drives, the iconic white building enjoys a prominent location at one of the island town’s key intersections.

Dennis Dowd, city architect and preservation officer, cited the church’s relationship to the corner, it’s simplicity and scale and its tower and entrance among the attributes that make it a great new building.

The Church of the Holy Cross is a friendly and fast-growing Episcopal church with three locations in the Charleston area, including on Daniel Island. The church aims to provide relevant, life-oriented teachings in a friendly and fun atmosphere. It has been a part of the Daniel Island community since opening in 2006.

Charleston Named Top U.S. City by Conde Nast Traveler

After 18 consecutive years on Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious Reader’s Choice Awards as a top ten city, Charleston just hit the big time. Our beautiful home town has been named the Number One City in the United States!

Presenting the award in New York to Charleston officials was Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and Charlestonian Stephen Colbert, who aptly stated “I’ve been all over the world and Charleston is the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen.”

Voters annually evaluate cities based on six categories: Atmosphere/Ambience, Culture/Sites, Friendliness, Lodging, Restaurants and Shopping. To bring the six categories to life, the Charleston Area CVB launched Charlestonly.com, which describes the characteristics that define the Charleston experience. The website includes great photography, highlights and special packages from the area’s eight 2011 Readers’ Choice Award-winning resorts and hotels, as well as this great video:

Thanks, y’all!!

Daniel Island Paints The Town Pink!

Last weekend marked the 18th anniversary of the Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure, and the tenth year this popular event was held on Daniel Island. The race is the largest annual fundraising effort for the Komen Foundation’s Lowcountry affiliate. There was record-breaking participation this year, with 11,000 people registered. The affiliate is expected to reach its lofty fundraising goal by the end of October: $1 million to support breast cancer prevention, research and support programs.

In an effort to support the race and its mission, many Daniel Island businesses got into the spirit earlier this month by participating in the annual “Paint the Town Pink” window painting contest. Dozens of festive windows, combined with pink ribbons tied on the street trees along the race route and pink memorial banners lining Seven Farms Drive in the island’s downtown, set the scene for a very successful race day celebration.

The sunny, cool weather served as the perfect backdrop for the race and hundreds of breast cancer survivors were honored as racers dressed in their finest “pink.”  It was truly a special day for the race against breast cancer.

Nationwide Tour Alumni Winning Big On This Year’s PGA TOUR

Five rookie players who received their PGA TOUR cards at last year’s Nationwide Tour Championship right here on Daniel Island are producing impressive wins on the PGA TOUR this year, including rookie Keegan Bradley, who captured the year’s final “major” at last week’s PGA Championship. This is certainly good news for the Nationwide Tour, which is producing some very competitive players:

• Last year’s Nationwide Tour Champion, Brendon Steele, broke through with a win at the Valero Texas Open in April, holding off Kevin Chappell and Charley Hoffman with a strong par on the 72nd hole.  Brendon also shared the leader board last Sunday.

• Fresh off his first first career victory in May at the HP Byron Nelson Championship (following a playoff with Ryan Palmer), Keegan Bradley won his first major title this month in a two-way playoff with fellow American Jason Dufner at the 93rd PGA Championship.

• Scott Stallings won the Greenbrier Classic in July, sinking a birdie putt on the first playoff hole to beat Bob Estes and Bill Haas.

• Also in July, 26-year old player Chris Kirk took on the Viking Classic, shooting a 4-under 68 to beat Tom Pernice Jr. and George McNeill by one stroke.

• In January, Venezuela native Jhonattan Vegas won the Bob Hope Classic after hitting into the water on the second playoff and making a 13-foot shot for par to beat Gary Woodland.

Watching these five young rookies win big makes this year’s Nationwide Tour line-up even more exciting. Be sure to keep your eye on rising star players such as Mathew Goggin, Matt Davidson, Danny Lee, Kyle Thompson and Scott Brown as they prepare to compete in the 22nd Nationwide Tour Championship on the Daniel Island Club’s Ralston Creek course October 24 – October 30.

The Nationwide Tour’s 22nd season got underway last spring at the Panama Claro Championship in Panama City, Panama. More than 200 players from the United States and 18 other countries are competing in this season-long quest to win one of 25 PGA TOUR cards for 2012. Founded (1990), owned and operated by the PGA TOUR, the Nationwide Tour identifies those players who are ready to compete and win on golf’s biggest stage. Two out of three PGA TOUR members are Nationwide Tour alumni.

Golf fans can follow the Nationwide Tour on its exclusive television home, The Golf Channel. For further information about the Tour, visit www.pgatour.com, and stay tuned to My Island Town for updates on this Fall’s Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island.

2012 Presidential Campaign Comes to Daniel Island

Just days after announcing her candidacy for the 2012 Presidential race, U.S. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann brought her bus tour to Daniel Island this week for  a “Backyard Chat.” More than 300 island and Charleston area residents came out to Smythe Park for the lively morning rally, where Bachmann discussed her position on a wide range of topics, including the economy, jobs, government spending, the War on Terror, energy and more.

Many arrived at the rally on bikes or strolled over with coffee cups in hand to hear what the latest candidate vying for the Republican nomination had to say.

“It’s so exciting to have a presidential candidate speaking right here in our front yard,” said one neighbor, who listened to most of the Congresswoman’s speech from her front porch.

Bachmann started by introducing her husband, talking about her family and congratulating the University of South Carolina Gamecocks for the previous night’s capture of the championship title at the Men’s College World Series. She spoke for about 20 minutes before taking questions from the crowd. Daniel Island was the first of the day’s four stops across the state of South Carolina for the Bachmann campaign.

The “Get Fit Challenge” is Back!

Are you ready to get in shape? Back for its third consecutive year, the popular Get Fit Challenge on Daniel Island will take place June 13 – July 29. The seven week program is designed to encourage participants to increase their fitness abilities by offering a wide variety of on-island workout options.

Last year, more than 300 island residents and employees participated in this competitive event. For just $35, Get Fit participants have the option of trying some of the diverse fitness programs offered on Daniel Island. The Get Fit Challenge is open to all levels of fitness, with classes designed to work for everyone. This year’s participating island fitness programs include:

CrossFit Charleston
CrossFit Discovery
Daniel Island Yoga
Family Circle Tennis Center
F.I.T.
Peace, Love, Hip Hop
The Holistick Chick
Island Fitness Studio
Jazzercise
Dr Brian Class
Primetime Fitness
Water Aerobics – Joe Gunter

Registration is open thru Friday, June 10th at the City of Charleston Recreation Department on Daniel Island. Participants must be at least 18 years old. There is no weigh-in this year. This goal is for participants to become more active and learn about the vast array of fitness offerings from island trainers and businesses.

So what are you waiting for? To get started, click here for more information, and be sure to register by June 10th. Let’s Get Fit, Daniel Island!!

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