
Courtesy of Historic Charleston Foundation
Let the Sun Shine In!
Spring’s budding and Charleston’s abloom with great events
The daffodils are out and that means azalea blooms and Charleston’s annual spring events are soon to follow. So mark your calendar for these tremendous March (and April) home and garden goings-on that are sure to inspire. After all, there’s no better way to thaw out from this cold, gray winter we’ve weathered than to look ahead to celebrate the coming spring, glorious spring.
Charleston Symphony Designer Showhouse
March 18-April 18
Tour the two downtown homes local designers have re-designed to glean scores of ideas for adding verve to your own home. Shop for home and garden goods and fashion in the showhouse boutique, sample Lowcountry fare in its “café,” and enjoy live music in each home. A car will be raffled off, and proceeds support the CSO.
120 South Battery & 54 Gibbes St., Charleston. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 1-4 p.m., except April 4 (Easter). $20; $15 advance. (843) 723-0020; www.csolinc.org
Festival of Houses and Gardens
March 18-April 17
Locals and tourist alike peek into the homes and gardens that make Charleston unique during the Historic Charleston Foundation 63rd Annual Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens. Each day features a tour of seven to 10 homes in one of the city’s historic neighborhoods. Various locations downtown, Charleston, daily except Sunday, April 4 (Easter). $45. (843) 722-3405, www.historiccharleston.org
Charleston International Antiques Show
March 19, 20 & 21
Founded in 1670, the city is an appropriate venue for the Historic Charleston Foundation’s 7th Annual International Antiques Show. Dealers from around the globe offer everything from vintage jewelry to 17th to 20th century furnishings, silver, and more. The show also has educational special events that teach vendors and collectors the ins and outs of antiques. Don’t miss the luncheon lecture March 19 featuring nationally renowned interior designer Eric Cohler ($75).
40 East Bay St., Charleston. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5p.m. $15. (843) 722-3405, www.historiccharleston.org
Circa Lighting’s “Meeting the Designers”
March 25
Enjoy cocktails, shop (a portion of sales to benefit charities), and mingle with four of the country’s top interior designers at any of four Circa Lighting showrooms across the country. Designers include Eric Cohler (Charleston); Alexa Hampton (Savannah); Suzanne Kasler (Atlanta); and Randy Powers (Houston).
426 King St., Charleston. Thursday, 5-8 p.m. Free. (843) 937-5990 (Charleston) or (877) 762-2323 (nationally); www.circalighting.com
Flowertown Festival
March 26, 27, & 28
Summerville’s azaleas are in full force during the city’s annual Flowertown Festival, now in its 38th year. Revel in the blooms at their Azalea Park while browsing crafts from more than 200 vendors selling everything from pottery to glasswork and textiles. Lowcountry food, live entertainment, and a children’s area are also there for you to enjoy.
Azalea Park, Main. & 5th streets. Summerville. Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (843) 871-9622, www.summervilleymca.org/flowertown
Digging It! Spring Garden Festival
March 27
Not sure what do with your garden? Find the answer at Brookgreen Garden’s Digging It! festival. Set in a lush garden that’s inspiration enough, the event includes seminars and Lowcountry-specific advice from guest speakers and Brookgreen staff.
Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $12 ages 13 and older; $5 ages 6-12; free for members & children 5 and younger. (843) 235-6000, www.brookgreen.org
March 31 & April 7
Spring Winefest
Azaleas, dogwoods, and wisteria blossom every spring at Middleton Place plantation and you can enjoy them all while sampling fine wines. Guests look out over the azalea hillside garden and take in the flowers’ reflections on the Rice Mill Pond as they indulge in the wine tasting.
Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Rd., Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m. $20. Reservations required. (843) 556-6020, www.middletonplace.org
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