So you’re thinking of relocating to a warmer climate but not sure if the city you choose will have enough to keep you busy?  Charleston should be on your radar. We do get a touch of cold weather from November to February. When I say a touch, it’s usually colder at night and in the 50s by daytime. Most winter days are in the 60s, 70s, and sometimes 80s!     You literally have to keep a calendar of the events you would like to attend. We’ve never been busier even in the winter months. There are free and paid events to choose from. There are concerts under the majestic Oak trees, festivals for every occasion. There are annual events like the Bridge Run, 5ks, 10ks, runs and walks. Restaurants, bars, and shops are all within walking distance.    There are craft and oyster festivals too. Oyster season is from September to April and they’re fresh any month with an ‘R’ in the name which is every one of those months.    Charleston is obviously famous for its history and there are many tours you can take or discover on your own. Being surrounded by water makes for plenty of boating, fishing and other water sports.      Downtown hosts the weekend Farmer’s Market in Marion Square with artists and crafters as well as farm produce. Second Sunday is on King St. and they block off the street to vehicles. You can walk in the street, even with your pet. It makes for easy access to go in and out of shops you normally may not stop into. Restaurants put tables on the sidewalks so you can stop for lunch and still people-watch. Another event is the First Friday Art Walk. The galleries are open in the evening and most provide complimentary wine and cheese to visitors.      And another obsession is College Football and Friday Night Lights high school games.    There’s always something to do unless you choose to just relax on the beach!   Contact me for more info: 843-256-3348 donna.andreano@agentowned.com or check out my MLS App: https://bk.homestack.com/agentownedrealty?aik=dandreano  

Welcome to my Hometown Happenings blog where I’ll highlight happenings in Charleston and the surrounding areas. Growing up in Charleston solidified my love of arts, music, design, preservation, food, and (let’s be honest) the occasional drink. So if you’re interested in the same, upcoming events, exploring various neighborhoods, and insider/local tips… then this blog is for you.  A little about me - I grew up in downtown Charleston, spent summers on Sullivan’s Island, and my office is on Isle of Palms. I live in Mt. Pleasant with my husband, Adam, and our dog, Heehaw. I’m upbeat, a tad weird (I never want to take myself or life too seriously), gratitude-focused, passionate about advocacy, detail-oriented, love helping folks get what they want, and committed to making life for myself and others more enjoyable. One of my absolute favorite things about being a realtor is sharing my local home-grown knowledge and connecting with folks… so please reach out if you ever want to chat or need additional event details.  Next month I’m excited to share an interview with one of the owners of a newer restaurant in the area that quickly became one of my faves! Check back to see who it is! Here are a few upcoming events that deserve a spot on your calendar: Second Sunday on King St. - Charleston - Feb. 12th  Cannons fired in remembrance of the Hunley - Sullivan’s Island - Feb. 17th  Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) - Charleston - Feb. 17th - 19th  Front Beach Fest ‘23 - Isle of Palms - March 4th  Festival of Houses & Gardens - Charleston - March 15th - April 16th Dunleavy’s St. Patrick’s Day street party - Sullivan’s Island - March 11th  Summerville Flowertown Festival - Summerville - March 31st - April 2nd Cooper River Bridge Run - Mt. Pleasant to Charleston - April 1st Contact me today to chat Local! 

I don’t know if you have Mepkin Abbey, or any Abbey really, on your list of things to do at Christmas time, but I will from now on.  The Creche Festival at Mepkin Abbey would make a great tradition for anyone, regardless of if they practice a faith.   According to the Oxford Dictionary a creche is a “place where babies and young children are taken care of “ or a “model of the scene of Jesus Christ’s birth”. Mepkin Abbey has been hosting a Creche Festival for 19 years now.  They display a random amount of  scenes every year, this year there were around 40 but there have been close to 100 other years. They actually have about 2000 total!  One of the volunteers told us that we could potentially come five years in a row and never see the same one twice!   As I said, whether you are a person of faith or not, the display as a whole and each individual creche alone is a work of art and can be appreciated as such.  Just take a look at this one titled “Nature’s Sacred Child”. The festival usually runs for about a week before Thanksgiving and a week after, with a few days off in between for the holiday. You have to reserve a spot on their website at https://mepkinabbey.org/.  There is no charge but they do request donations.  This festival is run almost completely by volunteers as is most of the grounds work at the abbey.   If you choose not to go to the festival, the monastery does allow visitors and the grounds are worth a trip.  The monastery is set along the Cooper River and includes approximately 3000 acres of woodland and farmland.  The gardens are simple, well maintained and extraordinarily peaceful.  Well manicured areas along the river provide the perfect place for a picnic or to prop an easel, because you couldn’t ask for a more perfect painting.   On top of the beautiful property and amazing river views, there are two sculptures by David Drake carved from oaks felled by Hurricane Hugo - do not miss these, they are incredible! If you’d like to go to the Creche Festival, you will need to remember to sign up early because the available spots fill up pretty quickly.  I suggest you check their website at the beginning of October to see if they have posted the sign up yet.  If you have decided to skip the festival but would like to go just to see the gardens, visit the website here before you go and give me a call because I’d love to go back.  We can make a stop to see what Eastwood Homes has to offer at The Enclave at French Quarter Creek in Huger.  Homeowners there will be able to keep the flow of nature going from the Abbey to their home and the peace that comes with it.

If you’ll be anywhere between Kiawah and North Myrtle Beach this holiday season you must put Brookgreen Garden’s ‘Nights of a Thousand Candles’ on your to-do list.  Brookgreen Gardens is located in Murrells Inlet SC and has been putting on this holiday event for over 20 years.  I can try to describe it to you but you really have to see it in person to get the full effect. It’s really spectacular. If you’ve ever been to Brookgreen Gardens, you know it’s chock full of flora and fauna. With giant Oak trees throughout. Well, these trees, shrubs, and gardens are adorned with thousands upon thousands of string lights. When I walk through it I can’t help but wonder how and when they string all those lights?! I have trouble untangling my few sets of lights for the few bushes in the front of my home.  It’s definitely worth the drive because there are so many other things you can do and see on the way there. If you’re coming from Charleston, SC, you can stop for lunch in Georgetown. It’s a small, historic, waterfront town with shops and restaurants and a boardwalk along the water. Or you can go earlier in the day and go to the beach across the street from Brookgreen at Huntington Beach State Park. The beach is beautiful and you can also take a look at Atalaya Castle.  Some people stay overnight in the Brookgreen area and make a mini vacation out of it. Perhaps you want to stay at the Litchfield Inn which is right on the water. If you just visit for the lights I’m sure you’ll see other sights while driving and realize you have to make another trip another time!

If you’d like to venture North of Charleston along the Coast of South Carolina, I have a wonderful day trip idea for you! Brookgreen Gardens is in Georgetown County. Georgetown County is just North of Charleston County on the Coast of SC. There is plenty to see along Hwy 17N which spans from Charleston straight through to North Myrtle Beach.  Brookgreen Gardens is over 9000 acres! The gardens also include statues and sculptures both indoors and outside. And it doesn’t stop there. There’s a zoo, a botanical garden, a park with playhouses for children, wildlife exhibits, wedding venues, and seasonal exhibits including concerts, and light displays. Visitors try to capture the breathtaking beauty of the night light display on camera. However, it really has to be seen to get the full effect. There are literally millions of lights.  Archer Milton Huntington and Anna Hyatt Huntington visited in 1929 and then purchased the property in order to build a home and showcase Anna’s sculptures. The land was originally four separate rice plantations that were worked by over 1000 enslaved African Americans.    They also owned property across the road on which they built what is called the Atalaya Castle. It’s on the beach and the beach has been named Huntington Beach. Contact me today for more information about this and the surrounding areas. Is your dream home right here?

Do you know the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery? Not many people can differentiate. But in a city, home to over 400+ churches, it’s important to know the difference between the two.  A graveyard is a burial ground which adjoins a church and is the older and smaller of the two. The most prominent and wealthy parishoners were once buried on church grounds, but with an increase in population and decrease in land, graveyards became full and new burial sites were needed. Fast forward… cemeteries. Cemeteries are independent sites, often located away from a town/city, and are not affiliated with a specific church. My personal favorite is a graveyard that belongs to The Unitarian Church and is tucked away between Archdale and King Streets. This natural beauty dates back to 1772, making it the second oldest in the city. Its overgrown, shaded grounds are a perfect escape from summer heat… and supposedly haunted by the ghost of a young Annabel Lee, the subject character from an Edgar Allen Poe poem.  Next time you’re on foot in the Holy City, take a stroll through this enchanting gem. Call me today to take a stroll around some of Charleston's historic graveyards.  

This summer, Party at the Point is back celebrating its 21st anniversary as Charleston's Happy Hour concert series! This year the Party is back in full swing with ten weekends of live music and a-rockin' good time.  Come out to the beautiful Charleston Harbor Marina located on Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant to dance to live music on the beach in the sand. Party at the Point is the only place in Charleston where you can find a beach party! This summer's festivities kicked off on May 6th with a local favorite band, The Midnight City. The summer concerts end on July 8th with the always popular Rock the 90's band. Cruise to the beach in front of the Charleston Harbor Resort any Friday evening until July 8th to enjoy music from bands like Greg Keys and Co., 20 Ride; a Zac Brown tribute band, Sol Driven Train, Departure; Journey tribute band, and more! Bring your friends or bring your kids; Party at the Point is family-friendly! So hang out on your blanket or chairs, listen to great music, enjoy delicious food and cold drinks and watch the sunset over the water. Party at The Point is a perfect way to spend Friday nights in Charleston. And calling me is the perfect way for all of your real estate needs to be met! So whether you're looking to buy or sell your home, I will make your experience as enjoyable as a night at Party at the Point! Charleston Harbor Resort, 20 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 CharlestonHarborResort.com Tickets are $10 and are available at citypapertickets.com. Kids 12 and under are free Gates open at 5:00. Music plays until 9:00-9:30 All shows are subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled Free parking is available along the road leading into the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. Uber & Lyft drop off area will be available to all guests to use, located 50 yards from the entrance. Party at the Point https://partyatthepointcharleston.com Charleston Harbor Resort https://www.charlestonharborresort.com Patriots Point https://www.patriotspoint.org The Midnight City Band http://themidnightcityband.com Greg Keys and Co. https://www.gregkeysmusic.com Rock the 90’s https://www.rockthe90s.com Departure https://thejourneytributeband.com 20 Ride https://www.facebook.com/20Ride/ Sol Driven Train https://www.soldriventrain.com Call me today to find out about great happenings in the area and finding the perfect home close to them all.

Would you like a glimpse into some of Charleston’s gorgeous historic homes or wander around the gardens behind them? Then, join the Historic Charleston Foundation for their 75th-anniversary celebration of the Festival of Houses and Gardens! Beginning March 16th and running five weeks through April 9th, 2022, you can explore Charleston by wandering through lush gardens and stepping through doorways of beautiful private homes in and around the historic district of Charleston.  Tours are listed by street name, and this year they include Anson Street, Church Street, East Battery, South Battery, King Street, Legare Street, and Tradd Street. Each neighborhood tour consists of a selection of private houses, lovely gardens, and significant public buildings, all within walking distance of one another. The Historic Charleston Foundation offers many other tours and activities this year. You can book a Glorious Garden Tour, take a Morning History Walk, do some wine tasting, and learn about the Gullah culture. Other exclusive special events include fourteen different “Food For Thought Luncheon Lectures.  Can’t make it downtown? The Foundation is also offering five virtual lectures this year.  Check out the 2022 online brochure for a complete list of all tours, events, prices, maps, ticketing information, and guidelines that will help make your tour of Charleston more enjoyable: https://www.historiccharleston.org/assets/pdf/2022-festival-of-houses-and-gardens.pdf. Are you ready to purchase tickets to one of these fabulous events?   Purchase online: HistoricCharleston.org/festival By Phone: 843.722.3405 In Person: Festival Ticket Office in Shop Historic Charleston, 108 Meeting Street. Open for sales and ticket pick-up beginning March 10, 9 am-6 pm daily. Are you interested in listing your house and having potential buyers tour YOUR home? Are you looking for a new house to buy and want to tour homes currently for sale around Charleston? Give me a call today, and we can discuss your plans for buying or selling your home!

I had to pause on the Life in Nexton Blogs, just this once (don't worry, they'll be back next month). Why, you ask?      My absolute favorite event in Charleston is  back after a year off...SEWE!    The largest event of its kind in the U.S., The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, promises unforgettable experiences of wildlife and nature. It is a celebration of the great outdoors through Art, Live Entertainment, and special events.  SEWE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission  is to preserve the wild in everything they do.     Since SEWE began in February 1983, it has become the highly-anticipated event in Charleston.kicking off the city's tourist season. The original show hosted 100 Artists & Exhibitors had 5,000 Attendees and today 500 Artists & Exhibitors with over 40,000 Attendees. With the show being such a success, it generates $50 million in economic impact every year.     The Biggest SPLASH of the weekend long, Dock Dogs Competition, where the most talented pups jump for distance into a pool surrounded by spectators up until the Grand Finale on Sunday.  I also love watching the Retriever and Herding Dog Demos; I'm a sucker for any demonstration with a cute dog.  Also, fun to watch is the Birds of Prey at Marion Square!  Come to see the shows, leave with a new adopted Boykin!  Ya never know!       For a Schedule of Events and Where to Get Tickets, click on the links below:   https://www.sewe.com/events/   https://www.sewe.com/blog/sewe-2022-where-to-buy-tickets/    

Ever wonder what Cars and Coffee is all about? Basically, Cars and Coffee is an organized car-owner meet-up. Car owners park their cars for display. Car enthusiasts enjoy walking around looking at a bunch of different cars while getting some fresh air and drinking some coffee. Owners and enthusiasts chat about the cars and get to know each other. People of all ages attend, and it is a fun way to spend a morning. So, why is coffee paired up with cars? These events are in the early morning and most people will reach for their coffee first thing. One of the enticing things about these events is you can grab your coffee at the car show instead! It encourages you to get up early on the weekend and make the most of your day! Pairing cars and coffee has become a popular thing. There are even TV shows about it. Take for example Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Have you seen it? Jerry calls a friend; they get in a cool car and go get coffee and talk. That’s the whole show and it is quite good. Thinking you might want to grab your cup of joe while talking cars? Well, I have just the event for you, Cars and Coffee of Charleston. Visit the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre on Saturday mornings and you will experience a place to hang out, socialize, have fun, and make friends with people who love cars as much as you do. And of course, there will be coffee that you can buy from a food truck! So, mark it on your calendar, set your alarm, and get ready to get your caffeine boost at an event that never disappoints.  If you go, make sure to say “hi” if you see me there. I am there often and sometimes am fortunate enough to have a super nice owner let me sit in their fabulous car!

There are a plethora of exciting new projects coming to the Lowcountry in 2022.  For those golf fanatics, TopGolf will be building their first complex here in North Charleston.  This multi-level facility will appeal to all age groups who are looking to improve their golf game while enjoying plush surroundings and tasty food and bev offerings.   Those on the peninsula will have a new outdoor recreational space with the completion on the Lowcountry Lowline which will wind its way downtown.  The converted railway will include 1.7 miles of bike and pedestrian pathways.     Finally, the much anticipated International African American Museum will open at 113 Calhoun St. The project with a hefty budget of $97 million will include a memorial garden, a center for attendees to trace their genealogy, and exhibitions.     Whether you're into sports, the great outdoors, or cultural enrichment, these local projects are bound to bring some great entertainment options for the new year.     Contact me today to explore the Charleston area and find your dream home.

Are you looking for a fun, family-friendly way to get outside and enjoy the best weather Charleston has to offer? Look no further than the Middleton Place Equestrian Center! My husband and I  recently booked a one-hour trail ride and it was an experience that I will never forget!  Meandering through beautiful old-growth forests adjacent to Middleton Plantation offers vantage points into the grounds and gardens that might otherwise be missed. From horseback, you can enter into and appreciate the landscape in a whole new way! The trail leads away from the formal gardens and towards the scenic south rice pond as it borders the Ashley River.    A delicate ecosystem reveals itself: birds swoop and dive as alligators sunbathe lazily on the banks. The horses are sure-footed and well suited to the rider's ability (no experience is necessary but if you're an avid rider, they will pair you with a perkier horse: I was on a prancy mare, which added to the excitement!!). The guides narrate the experience through walkie-talkies so you can listen to the rich history of the Middleton family and learn about the diversity of the natural world as you pass through.     Having toured Middleton Place several times, I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to observe it from a different perspective, and to experience the beauty of the natural world. Book a tour now to enjoy the crisp fall air and zero humidity. You won't regret it!   

What a wonderful evening we had! Charleston has so much to offer. We like trying different restaurants, so we went downtown and started our evening with friends at Le Farfalle Italian restaurant and cocktail bar. There are parking garages within walking distance and street parking. Before we entered the restaurant, there was a lovely courtyard with lots of trees and seating giving it a European feel. It was so beautiful, then inside we were seated right away, and yes, we did have reservations. The ambiance was especially cozy, very elegant, and upscale; however, no specific dress code, which is nice. We all were so amazed at how delicious the food was. We enjoyed everything we ate. The pasta was delicious with a silky flavorful sauce. Save room for their carrot cake. The servings are huge slices, so definitely share. It is worth the calories. The staff was professional, and our waiter was wonderful. The only thing which would have made it better was if the entrees came with side dishes; however, everything was ala carte. All in all, we can't wait to go back.      After dinner, we walked a few blocks to Thirty-Four West Theater Co. My husband and I have been there so many times with family and friends and have a blast every time. Our friends loved it too. We saw Groovy Kinda Love, a musical comedy. The actors have incredibly awesome voices. The script was funny, and the songs were right up our alley. You can always count on clever lines, fun music, and incredibly talented acting. We laughed the entire time. Wonderful performances. We decided we're going to look into getting seasonal tickets. This show is on now until the end of December. Interested in having a place of your own in Charleston? Call me today!