ï‚· The Charleston Area CVB, along with its partners, is giving
away an all-inclusive Charleston destination wedding. The picturesque,
oceanfront Wild Dunes Resort will host the ceremony and reception
with elements such as floral arrangements, cake and wedding planner
provided by local vendors. Once three finalists have been chosen
by our panelists, their stories will be posted on the site so
that the world may vote for the couple best suited to wed in
Charleston.  To learn more, please visit 
www.CharlestonWeddingGiveaway.com.



NEW HONORS & AWARDS

ï‚· The Inn at Middleton Place was among only two hotels in
South Carolina to make National Geographic Traveler's first-ever
"Stay List".  The April 2008 issue celebrated 150 hotels in the
US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean that are among the best
at blending location-inspired architecture, ambience and amenities,
eco-stewardship and an ethic of giving back to the community.
To learn more or to book a reservation, visit www.middletonplace.org
or call 843.556.0500.



ï‚· Charleston was chosen as a best destination in two categories
by TripAdvisor® in the 2008 Travelers' Choice® Destinations
Awards. In its inaugural year, the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice
Destinations Awards honor the world's top destinations, earning
their distinction from those who know them best - real travelers.
The Holy City received a No. 18 ranking for Top United States
Destinations and a No. 98 slot in the Top World Destinations.
For the complete 2008 Travelers' Choice list, go to 
www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations.



ï‚· Charleston was named No. 1 Spring Vacation in the April
issue of Southern Living.  Visit www.southernliving.com to learn
more.



ï‚· McCrady's Restaurant was selected by Modern American Cuisine
as the No. 5 restaurant in North America.  Learn more at 
www.mccradysrestaurant.com.



ï‚· American Style ranked Charleston No. 6 Arts Destination
among mid-size metros in the US.  This is a slot above the No.
7 ranking last year. To see other winning cities, visit 
www.americanstyle.com.



NEW DEVELOPMENTS

ï‚· After establishing a comprehensive program of medical care,
educational outreach and conservation research focused on birds,
the Center for Birds of Prey, part of the Avian Conservation
Center, will open for public tours. Visitors will have the chance
to see live birds of prey in a natural setting, watch regularly
scheduled flight demonstrations and learn more about the role
these birds play in our environment.  Beginning June 5, the center
will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between the hours
of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Guided walking tours and flight demonstrations
will be available To learn more, visit www.avianconservationcenter.org
or call 843.928.3494



NEW EVENTS

ï‚· Summer Wine Strolls at Middleton Place will continue through
September and will be held every Wednesday evening 5:30 to 7:00
p.m. and will include an assortment of fine cheeses.  Enjoy strolling
through America's oldest landscaped gardens while sampling a
variety of summer wines.  Each week the wine tastings will move
to a different garden location.  Featured wines will be available
for purchase through the Middleton Place Restaurant.  Call 843.556.6020
or visit www.middletonplace.org for more information.



ï‚· Spoleto Festival USA will take place May 23 - June 8. 
Tickets are on sale now for the myriad of artistic performances.
The Boston Ballet, Hip-Hop artists, new faces in the Bank of
America Chamber Series, the US premier of Monkey: Journey to
the West, and much, much more.  Additionally, the USA Spoleto
Festival recently announced that it will establish an artistic
relationship with the newly restructured Festival of Two Worlds
beginning in 2009.  Visit www.spoletousa.org to order tickets
and learn more.



ï‚· USA Rugby announced its plans to host Clermont Auvergne
Rugby in what should prove to be a hard fought match featuring
the U.S. Men's National Team against the French rugby union club
from Clermont-Ferrand at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, in
Charleston, S.C.  The event, which is not only the first of its
kind for the city of Charleston, but also the state of South
Carolina, will be hosted in part by the founder of ASM Clermont
Auvergne, Michelin, and the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium,
and is set to be broadcast live on ESPN Classic.  Tickets are
available beginning May 30 through Tickets.com and Blackbaud
Stadium 843.971.4625.  For more on USA Rugby, visit www.usarugby.org.



ï‚· The Charleston Harbor Fest hosted by the South Carolina
Maritime Heritage Foundation will take place May 16 - 18.  The
Charleston Maritime Center will serve as the hub to this three-day
extravaganza.  The event offers opportunities to sail, row and
peruse a large collection of classic wooden boats. The Palmetto
state's very own Spirit of South Carolina tall ship will be joined
by the recently launched Schooner Virginia and the Corwith Cramer,
both beautiful tall ships measuring more than 125 feet. Additionally,
HarborFest's authentic pirate camp will prompt children and adults
alike to bellow their best "Argh!"  Great food, live music and
the chance to walk the docks and admire the classic beauty of
traditional boats-grand and petite-will draw a crowd from near
and far.  For additional information and event updates, visit
www.charlestonharborfest.org or call 843.722.1030 ext. 12



ï‚· Charleston Bridal Show will be held June 13 from noon until
5:00 p.m. at The Gaillard Auditorium. The Charleston Bridal Show
features some of Charleston's and the Lowcountry's most sought
after wedding professionals. This exclusive show prides itself
on the screening of all vendors presenting to the customer the
competency of their trade. These professionals have proven themselves
over and over to be the best of the best.  For more information,
call  843.452.3950 or visit www.awonderfulwedding.com



ï‚· The following children's programs are new at The Charleston
Museum:  Hands on History Workshops for ages five and up, Yoga,
Clay Creations, Diamond Del's Gem Mining Experience and Doll
Daze.    Additionally, Kid Tours are available the first Wednesday
or every month and every Wednesday in June and July.  Each program
will consist of a discussion and a craft project or activity.
The whole family can join in the fun with special Saturday programs
dedicated to educating and exciting families about different
aspects of history.  Upcoming themes include: Pirates of Charleston,
History Girl Party, A Country Fair at The Charleston Museum and
Around the World.  For more, visit www.charlestonmuseum.org or
call 843.722.2996.



ï‚· Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner is offering Swamp
Things on May 24.  The class focuses on the importance of the
fragile swamp ecosystem.  On June 12, toddlers can make crafts
for Father's Day.  On June 21, park guests can sign up to search
for their family roots in a Genealogy Workshop.  To learn more
about participating, visit www.oldsanteecanalpark.org or call
843.899.5200.



ï‚· The Footlight Players, located on Queen Street in Downtown
Charleston, have announced their new season.  Productions include:
Biloxi Blues, Puttin' on the Ritz, Inspecting Carol, Match,
Sordid Lives, La Cage Aux Folles, Dog Sees God: Confessions of
a Teenage Blockhead, Autobahn and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.
For tickets and more information, visit www.footlightplayers.net
or call 843.722.7521.



NEW PROMOTIONS

ï‚· This Father's Day children can give their dads a day to
explore an amazing journey from the mountains to the sea at the
South Carolina Aquarium.  By bringing a special coupon available
on scaquarium.org, fathers can get in for FREE.  The coupon provides
free admission to the Aquarium for all fathers with a paying
guest or child. For more visit www.scaquarium.org or call 843.577.3474.



ï‚· Several interesting developments from Charming Inns' properties:
Circa 1886 will open a half-hour earlier at 5 p.m. and close
a half-hour later with the last seating at 10 p.m. to accommodate
those who are attending Spoleto events May 23- June 7.  And,
Circa 1886 is looking for a new ice cream flavor to help Charleston
cool down in the August heat.  Patrons are invited to submit
their top flavor suggestions by July 25, and the winning flavor
chosen by the chefs will be served at Circa 1886 throughout August.
The winner will receive a complimentary dinner for four and
bragging rights for the "coolest" recipe.  On July 4, join Wentworth
Mansion and Circa 1886 in celebrating Independence Day in true
southern fashion with libations and delicacies hot off the grill,
accompanied by a live jazz soloist.  Afterward, head to the Mansion's
cupola with panoramic views of the city to watch Charleston's
fireworks display.  An overnight package is also available. 
For prices and more information, visit www.charminginns.com



ï‚· The Francis Marion Hotel has several new specials this
season.  For those booking events, extras such as complimentary
hour-long beer and wine receptions and evening turndown service
with a treat are available.  Contact 843.937.8690 or visit 
www.francismarionhotel.com to learn more.



ï‚· To celebrate the Wentworth Mansion's 10th anniversary,
the luxury hotel is offering a special 10 Luxuries of the Mansion
package. Guests who book the package, available June 9 - Aug.
28 Sunday through Friday (with a handful of dates excluded),
will receive 10 luxuries that include a Mansion room, dinner
at on-site AAA Four Diamond, Mobil Four Star restaurant Circa
1886, bath products from the AlchemistsApprentice.com, a couple's
massage at the on-site spa, a tour of the mansion, champagne
in the room, turndown with house-made truffles from Circa 1886,
breakfast in bed and more.   Call 1888-INN-1886 or visit 
www.wentworthmansion.com for reservations or more information.



NEW EXHIBITS

ï‚· Camp Carolina is the South Carolina Aquarium's new exhibit.
Grab your gear and prepare for an outdoor adventure!  Explore
the wilderness of the mountains in a whole new way - Barn owls,
skunks, freshwater fish, snakes and even a bald eagle will be
on hand for this adventure in nature.  For more visit www.scaquarium.org
or call 843.577.3474.



ï‚· The Charleston Museum presents an original exhibition called
Bustles, Bicycles and Ballgowns: Beginnings of Change in the
Late 19th Century.  The exhibit will run through January 4, 2009
and offers a full range of garments, accessories and even equipment
for late 19th century Charleston.  IN addition to women's undergarments,
walking clothing and formal attire, guests will see an 1890s
bicycle, typewriter and shorthand machine.  The exhibit also
features a try-on station complete with a period-appropriate
corset, bustle and drawers.  For more, visit www.charlestonmuseum.org
or call 843.722.2996.



ï‚· Julie Goldstein's artwork has been exhibited internationally
in Australia, Japan and Brazil, as well as throughout the US.
Her work is now on display at Plum Elements on King Street in
Charleston.  For more information, visit www.plumelements.com
or call 843.727.3747.



ï‚· In conjunction with the 2008 Spoleto Festival USA, galleries
of the Charleston Fine Art Dealers' Association, renowned for
bringing the fine art of excellence from all over the globe to
Charleston, will join the city in celebrating world culture with
special exhibitions and events.  For a full list of CFADA Member
Galleries and their special exhibits, please visit www.cfada.com.




ï‚· The Gibbes Museum of Art has organized a groundbreaking
exhibition entitled Landscape of Slavery: The Plantation in American
Art to offer a comprehensive, interdisciplinary examination of
plantation images in the American South. The exhibition is currently
on view at the Gibbes and will run through August 3, 2008.  The
exhibition features over 100 paintings, works on paper, photographs,
mixed media and installation works. A complete list of objects
in the exhibition is available at www.gibbesmuseum.org. 



ï‚· The Charleston Museum will present an original exhibition
to commemorate the bicentennial of the abolition of the international
slave trade in the United States and the British Empire. From
Slave to Sharecropper: African Americans in the Lowcountry after
the Civil War, on exhibit June 12, 2008 - February 28, 2009,
will be centered around the recollections and memories of Lowcountry
descendants of slaves and sharecroppers. The exhibit will include
artifacts and images of African American experiences in the Lowcountry
after the Civil War from the Museum's collection. For more, visit
www.charlestonmuseum.org or call 843.722.2996.



NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

ï‚· Pegasus Charters is proud to announce the arrival of its
newest charter boat - THRILLER Charleston is a 55 foot Coast
Guard inspected 43 passenger vessel that will be offering harbor
tours covering 25 miles of South Carolina coastline.  THRILLER
is operating daily out of Ripley Light Marina and is available
for private charter.  For more, contact Barbara Fox at bjfox@foxrose.com
or call 843.276.4203.



ï‚· Charleston native, Mary Norton, is now offering her shoe
collection online at Nordstrom.  Visit www.nordstrom.com and
shop the Designer Collections Department.  To learn more about
Mary Norton's many products, visit www.MaryNorton.com or 
call1.866.666.7661.



ï‚· Hampden Clothing and Maddison Row are now selling Marysia
Swimwear.  Many of Charleston's fashionistas will be sporting
these suits this summer.  For more check out www.hampdenclothing.com
and www.maddisonrow.com.



ï‚· The U.S. folding kayak manufacturer, Folbot, has created
a new model that is perfectly suited for urban dwellers.  The
Citibot, the lightest weight boat in the 75-year old company's
line of quality kayaks, has been unveiled.  The Citibot weighs
24 pounds and is designed to fit easily in the relatively confined
spaces like apartments and condos, while still providing a quality
kayak paddling experience.  The Citibot can be assembled in 10
minutes once paddlers arrive at their favorite launch site. 
Folbot has built dependable kayaks in North Charleston, SC since
1953.  To learn more, visit www.folbot.com or call 800.533.5099.



ï‚· FireFly Distillery, which produces FireFly-Southern Premium
Vodka, has launched a new flavored spirit, Sweet Tea Vodka. 
This new vodka, made from five-time distilled muscadine grapes,
is handcrafted in small batches and infused with American tea
grown on Wadmalaw Island and sugar cane grown in Louisiana. 
Sweet Tea Vodka can be consumed watered down or pure.  To learn
more and quench your thirst, visit www.fireflyvodka.com.



NEW FOOD NEWS

ï‚· Fish Restaurant has launched its printemps (Spring) dinner
menu.  Executive Chef Nico Romo's inspiration for the menu comes
from Provence, a region of his native France.  Chef Nico also
continues to find delicious inspiration from an array of local
growers.  Arugula and radishes from Rita's Roots on Wadmalaw
Island, goat cheese from Split Creek Farm in Anderson and Bibb
lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers from Moncks Corner.  Highlights
from the new menu include petite plates: spring rolls with dried
fruit, goat cheese and honey, ginger glaze, lamb meatballs with
Swiss cheese and mint and much more.  To learn more, visit 
www.fishrestaurant.net or call 843.722.FISH.



ï‚· Summer's bounty takes center stage on the new seasonal
menu at Circa 1886. Executive Chef, Marc Collins, gives a modern
nod to traditional southern summer favorites.  The new menu offers
eight featured entrees, including fresh catches like striped
bass with artichoke potato cake, watercress, crawfish hollandaise
and black olive cucumber pimento piccalilli, as well as grouper
served with lobster butter sous vide, fennel pollen grits, grilled
okra, red grapefruit and toasted coriander salad. The antelope
loin is served with stewed southern beans, cast iron Vidalia
onion, merlot peach jus lie and white cheddar waffle. Chef Collins
is also offering a tomato tasting that includes yellow tomato
pie, "mac n' cheese," bell pepper-stuffed plum tomato and an
orange tomato shooter.  For more on these delicacies and much
more, visit www.circa1886.com or call 843.853.7828. 



NEW RENOVATIONS

ï‚· The Museum Mile exhibit at the Charleston Area Visitors
Center is a display not to be missed!  The easy-to-follow directions
help visitors chart their course.  To learn more, visit 
www.charlestonsmuseummile.org.



ï‚· Nestled on 14 acres along the banks of the Ashley River,
Lowndes Grove has undergone an extensive renovation since its
purchase by Patrick Properties in July 2007.  The property includes
the River House, a circa 1786 Main House and a carriage house.
The property is now open for events.  For more information,
visit www.patpropevents.com.



NEW TOURS

ï‚· Charleston Photo Tours and History Walks are back!  Joyce
Aungst has reinstated the popular tours that lead photographers
of all skill levels on educational tours of Charleston.  Call
1.800.981.8585 or 843.901.9283 or click www.charlestonphototours.com
for more information.



NEW LINKS

ï‚· Dave Brown, CEO of Coastal Cigars, Charleston's own cigar
company, has recently launched his own blog.  Through this medium,
Dave informs readers of the company's recent and upcoming events,
the everyday experiences of the company and attacks relevant
to cigar culture and topics.  And, the new "Boss Box" is now
available.  Read more at http://coastalcigars.blogspot.com/