462 King Street; http://republicreign.com/
Last evening I decided to enjoy a happy hour specialty cocktail with some friends at the Republic Reign lounge located a few blocks from my hotel on Upper King Street. This was the first time I had been to this location since it was renovated from the old Chai’s Bar. When you first walk in and turn the corner from the draped curtain entrance way, the space opens up to dramatic mirrored walls, a bright blue couch and a huge image of a woman covering an entire wall. It feels very sleek, sophisticated and modern.
Not only is the interior electrifying, but so is the bar menu! I tried the Lyte Ray cocktail, while my friends sipped on a Perfect 10 Mojito and the Pink Gin Libations. We didn’t stay past happy hour, but the DJ table indicates to me that this bar gets very exciting at night. Plus, after 10:30pm, the blue couch becomes bottle service! I would love to come celebrate my birthday here and feel VIP! I can’t wait until their outside area opens up this summer – This bar is definitely going to be a popular night spot!
Spoleto Festival events in Charleston always excite me. This sunny Friday afternoon, I walked over to the Piccolo Spoleto Art Show in Marion Square (across the street from my hotel) and Wragg Square (half block away) for the Craft Show. The Spoleto Festival has been in Charleston for the past thirty-seven years and is internationally recognized as America’s premier visual and performing arts festival. While the Spoleto Arts Festival features artists across the entire country, “Piccolo” Spoleto recognizes artists in the Southeast region of the country.
I began my adventure at the Craft Show and visited the Muscadine Grape Cider tent, very tasty! Next I rested my bones in a lovely sweetgrass basket; very locally recognized in the lowcountry as THE souvenir of choice. Lastly, my visit ended with sniffing wonderful local soaps handcrafted by Jan Weaver. While at Marion Square, I spied lots of tents and enjoyed viewing many artists showcasing their work. Madison Latimer had very bold and colorful art on display, including a chicken picture! Next was Steven Hyatt’s gorgeous photography of downtown architecture.
Come visit the Spoleto Festival running May 24th – June 9th at various locations around town. You’ll be amazed at the professional level of entertainment offered and the many enrichment opportunities for all ages.
Copy by Gillian
Photos by Britta and Gillian
I was able to spend the morning with two foxy ladies, Kathie Lee and Hoda. The Today Show was live this morning from the beautiful College of Charleston’s campus just one block from my hotel. These ladies have spent the past few days in my home town immersed in southern culture taking a carriage tour, visiting a plantation, learning about gardening, and dining in a number of our famous restaurants. Along with a fair amount of Sweet Tea (with Firefly Vodka- of course), they partook of cocktails from the Cocktail Club and coconut cake from Peninsular Grill. You girls sure do know all the hot spots to hit up! Had a fab time hanging with you foxes today- ya’ll come back soon!
To see the different segments that aired this morning, visit: http://www.today.com/klgandhoda/hey-yall-klg-hoda-are-live-charleston-6C9737251.
It looks like the warm sunny weather is finally here to stay in Charleston. Today I found myself craving a cold and creamy summertime treat, so I headed out in search of ice cream. I’ve been curious about the store I’d been passing by about a block from the Francis Marion with the large ice cream cone out front. The slogan, Beligian Gelato: where ice cream becomes art, cued me in that this was no ordinary ice cream parlor. After a quick lesson on the difference between ice cream and gelato; the latter is made in small batches and has less air & fat content, thereby providing for a more intense flavor than ice cream–I was ready to get down to business.
Drooling, as I pondered flavors like Hazelnut, Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut butter, Chocolate Praline and Cream Caramel, it was hard to decide on just one. Chocolate Peanut Butter won out for me. I strongly recommend enjoying a cup or cone of this yummy Belgian Gelato while watching the Frisbee players and sunbathers in Marion Square. And if you aren’t a gelato fan, Belgian Gelato serves up specialty Belgium coffee as well.
377 King Street; http://www.goorin.com/
Do you know why King Street was named one of the top ten best shopping streets in America by US News & World Reports? Goorin Bros. Hat Shop is an example of the fun, eclectic mix of fine purveyors you’ll have the pleasure to visit on King. Just steps away from my hotel, I was impressed by the professional, knowledgeable staff and the personal attention I received. Of course, my head size was a true challenge, but talk about looking foxy! Let’s all make hat wearing “relevant again” as they say. We all need skin (and fur) protection from our sunny southern skies, so why not look fashionable too!
