Centuries ago, in Mediterranean fishing villages, Catholic residents would gather and have a local priest pray blessings on fishing boats for a safe and bountiful season. Now, widely adopted by Christian communities around the world, coastal towns practice "blessing the fleet" in hopes of the same safe, fruitful fishing and shrimping expeditions. 

Thirty years ago this spring, the town of Mount Pleasant began blessing the Charleston fleets. This annual event is host to local seafood purveyors, restaurants, music, crafts and a day of fun for the whole family. The 30th Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival will take place Sunday, April 30th at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront and will offer parking at locations around town with free shuttle

A new season is being ushered in as temperatures rise across the low country. Several great events are on the horizon, and as you make plans to visit, we hope you will include a few of these Charleston favorites in your itinerary.  

April

• Charleston RiverDogs Games: Various Dates Beginning April 6 - August 31 at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park
• Charleston Farmers Market: Every Saturday beginning April 8 - November 25 in Marion Square
• Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival: April 8 at Folly Beach 
• 2nd Sunday on King: Every 2nd Sunday of the Month on King Street
• M. Dumas and Sons Centennial Celebration: April 20 at M. Dumas and Sons on King Street
• Low Country Strawberry Festival: April 20-23 at Boone Hall Plantation
• Sperry Charleston Race

Forty years ago, on a warm April day, Charleston began the great tradition that is the Cooper River Bridge Run. Each year, thousands of area residents and avid runners from around the country gather in Mount Pleasant for a 6.2 mile jaunt across the Charleston Harbor. The run is a one-way road event that begins on Coleman Blvd, passes over Shem Creek, crosses the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and ends with a two mile run through historic downtown. In 1978, approximately 1,000 runners competed in the event and last year over 40,000 experienced the best views of Charleston by participating. The Cooper River Bridge Run is more than a scenic 10k. When the event was created forty years ago, it was done so as a way to encourage running and fitness in the

Charleston's strongest asset, aside from the people who breathe life into our wonderful city, are the historical buildings and gardens that make up the peninsula. Often times, locals and visitors alike are left wondering how to linger longer than the moment they have looking over the beautiful iron-clad fences. We are here to share that lingering is not necessary. March and April bring the greatest time to visit Charleston. If you seek to enjoy our beautiful history, homes, gardens and architecture, March 16 - April 22nd  is the time to visit.

From morning history walks to culinary focused discussions, Charleston's Festival of Houses and Gardens celebrates 70 years this year and helps benefit the Historic Charleston Foundation. Those visiting, have

This week, our friends at Southern Living Magazine labeled Charleston as The South's Best City. We love the recognition and accolades, but for those of us who live in Charleston, it comes as no surprise. Whether you have lived in Charleston for one month, one year or your entire life, the Holy City's breath-taking water views and idyllic sunsets capture your soul and leave you subject to the charm and originality of our local makers. 

While the city has maintained its charm for nearly 400 years, the last decade has been focused on redefining our identity. With old buildings finding new life and a fresh generation taking interest in the long-term sustainability of our natural environment and infrastructure, Charleston looks to showcase our great

The first two months of 2017 felt more like spring than winter. With January and February bringing 63 and 67 degree average temperatures respectively, gardens of the city are already full of color. Charleston's signature azaleas are blooming vibrant pink and make the perfect backdrop for an afternoon picnic. On Daniel Island, you see Red Bud trees and Snapdragons framing lush, green yards. Wisteria is dazzling the treetops and we are counting down the official start of spring in just 10 days. We invite our friends bracing for a late nor'easter to come hunker down in our Holy City and basque in the warmth of our favorite time of year. We think you will find "winter" in Charleston the missing piece to the lifestyle you've been looking for.

It is no secret Charleston is top of the list when it comes to taking a vacation. This year, we are proud to have 13 area hotels receive AAA's Four-Diamond Award Rating and one property recognized as a Five-Diamond recipient by AAA and Forbes 2017 Travel Guide. The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island is the only five-diamond award winner in the state and earned the recognition for the tenth time by AAA. 

In addition to AAA and Forbes hotel ratings, nine area restaurants were awarded four-diamond recognition. From historic downtown to Mount Pleasant and Kiawah Island, visitors and locals have their choice of the best dining has to offer. We would like to congratulate our hard-working friends in the hospitality industry for making life in the Charleston area

In a city known for its historic downtown, beautiful beaches, and unparalleled lifestyle, Charleston locals know that our food scene tops them all. With roots in French and African culture to traditional favorites cooked up right here in the Holy City, each meal has a story and you can become a part of that story at the 12th Annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival. 

For five days, culinary elites from around the world flock to Charleston to be part of the stories being told through food and wine. With events ranging from Whole Hog Pig Pickin' to fine dining in the penthouses of Charleston, this is one the city's shining moments and leaves you stuffed counting down the days until next year's event. While it's impossible to get to every event, we

Charleston Real Estate

2016 was another great year for Charleston and its real estate market.  Through November, we were up 10.8% year to date over 2015 in the number of transactions.  Over 17,000 homes have sold in 2016 and it will be the 2nd busiest year ever. In terms of median price, we are up a modest 4.5% year to date over 2015 and the median sales price is now at $245,000.  While that is an all time high, it is below the trend line running back to 1991.  That trend line predicted we would be well over $250k by now.  That tells us that we are somewhat undervalued and have room for appreciation.  With migration from the north and influx of new businesses, 2017 will be another great year for Charleston and its real estate market. Charleston’s new

The holidays in Charleston are magical. The city comes alive with festivities, decorations and the people couldn't be friendlier. Please enjoy this excellent article.

Atlantic Journal Constitution

Photo courtesy of the Charleston Area CVB, ExploreCharleston.com