Charleston, SC is an amazing town to experience whether you are a resident or a visitor. One of the best ways to experience the culture of historic Charleston is to get a taste of the southern cooking, listen to local music and see the beautiful sights around town. What better way to experience all of these things than to take a Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise in Charleston? Celebrate Thursdays all summer long with an amazing 2 hour Charleston Harbor Cruise, delicious Home Team BBQ Buffet, and live local Blues by Shrimp City Slim! This is a great option if you are looking for a Charleston tour, visiting Charleston for the first time, or if you are just looking to get out of the house and have some fun!

Charleston Harbor Tours offers many different types of experiences that allow you to take in the history and southern charm of Charleston, SC. Charleston Harbor Tours offers daily tours, wedding venues and private parties, and dining cruises and special events. The Blues & BBQ is only one of the special events offered, and it is offered numerous Thursdays each month until the end of October. There are also periodic Murder Mystery cruises, special holiday cruises, and you can even create a custom cruise! No matter which one of the many Charleston Harbor Cruises you choose, you will be sure to enjoy the many flavors, sights and sounds of the historic southern town, Charleston, SC.

Cinco de Mayo Charleston

Cinco de Mayo in Charleston is going to be better than ever this year with Cinco de Mayo falling on a Saturday. There are many Charleston Mexican restaurants that are throwing fiestas for Cinco de Mayo.

One of the largest and most popular Cinco de Mayo events in Charleston is the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. This year, the 7th Annual Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival will take place between 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm in downtown Charleston at the Visitor Center Bus Shed Terminal on Meeting Street. There will be live Latin music like Salsa, Meringue and a Mariachi style band. Professional dance performances from local Latin performers will there to entertain and there will even be a Salsa contest. Of course, there will be many authentic Mexican food dishes and Mexican drinks. This is a Cinco de Mayo event that the whole family can enjoy with a laser show, crafts and contests like the funniest mustache and largest sombrero.

Another Charleston Mexican restaurant that always throws the best fiestas is the famous Taco Boy. Taco Boy has two locations, one in Folly Beach and one in downtown Charleston, and has some of the best Mexican food and lively atmospheres in town. Taco Boy is sure to be busy on Cinco de Mayo as they plan to celebrate all day long. After, 6:00 pm, Taco Boy in downtown will only admit those 21 and older and charge a $5 to cover to see live entertainment. Taco Boy’s Mexican food includes a variety of fresh tacos like grilled mahi mahi fish, carne asada and citrus-marinated chicken tacos as well as many types of quesadillas. Taco Boy also serves some of the best margaritas in town including their famous pineapple-infused margarita and a variety of Mexican beers.

Another Charleston Mexican restaurant option to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is Juanita Greenberg’s Nacho Royale. Though they are located both in Mount Pleasant and on King Street in downtown Charleston, the Mount Pleasant location is throwing the bigger fiesta which includes also celebrating the 20^th anniversary of their neighbor, the famous Andolini’s Pizza. The celebration will start at 11:30 am and will feature beer trucks, a margarita station, tequila shoots, a taco bar and jump castles and piñatas for the kids. There will also be live music all day with performances by The Island Trio, Wadata, Old You and Graham Whorley.

With these options for Cinco de Mayo in Charleston, plus all the many other Mexican restaurants in Charleston, there is sure to be a place for you to have some good Mexican food and drinks on Cinco de Mayo.

Charleston Greek Festival

The Charleston Greek Festival is a decade-old tradition full of ancient culture and entertainment for all ages. Each year the festival grows larger and more diverse, as more people take part in the fun and festivities. Join the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Race Street, for a vibrant celebration of life, music, delicious Greek food, and friendship! The 2012 Charleston Greek Festival includes delicious traditional Greek food, Greek wines and beverages, Greek music (two live bands), Folk dance performances, cultural exhibits and shops, Greek Orthodox Church tours highlighting ecclesiastic history, music, art and prayer, and a huge 700+ car parking area with continuous shuttle services to the Greek Festival grounds. Traditional Greek food includes gyros, kebobs, mousaka, domestic lamb and delicious pastries like baklava.

Greek Festival 2012 in Charleston is undoubtedly the largest Greek celebration in the South, as it continues to grow and gain national attention each year. May 11-13 is the weekend planned for The Charleston Greek Festival 2012, meaning you have three whole days to enjoy the fun and festivities! Entrance is only $3 per person, and senior citizens and college students can be admitted for only $1! Also, since Mother’s Day is on Sunday May 13th, all Mother’s will be admitted to the Greek Festival for free. A portion of proceeds from the 2012 Charleston Greek Fest will go to The Habitat For Humanity, so come out and experience Greek culture while supporting a good cause!

The HarbourView Inn is one of the top Charleston waterfront hotels located in the heart of historic Charleston, SC. If you are planning on staying the weekend of Charleston Greek Fest 2012 amidst the culture and festivities in downtown Charleston, the HarbourView Inn is a relaxing historic boutique hotel in downtown Charleston that will only add to your wonderful experience and memories.

Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival Charleston

If you are staying at our Charleston waterfront hotel, you already have access to see some of the large shrimp and fishing vessels that go in and out of the Charleston harbor. Another way to experience the coastal lifestyle and learn more about nautical Charleston is to attend the annual Charleston event, the Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival. As you know, Charleston is home to some of the best seafood in the South. The annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival at Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park  is centered around supporting Charleston’s local Charleston shrimpers and fisherman. This year, this Charleston event will be held on Sunday, April 29^th from 11:30am to 6:00pm.

The Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival used to be held in the Old Village but became so popular that the location was moved this year to Memorial Waterfront Park in Mt. Pleasant to accommodate the increasing clouds and to let attendees enjoy the many park amenities such as great views and a state-of-the-art playground. The even. This Charleston event is fun for the whole family with live music, children’s activities, a shrimp eating contest, a shag contest and, of course, plenty of good seafood to try! The main event is the blessing of each individual shrimp and fishing vessel which begins at 1:00pm. Clergymen give the vessels and their crew prayers and blessings for a safe and prosperous season. This is truly one Charleston event you have to experience at least once!

If you are staying at our historic waterfront Charleston hotel, you can enjoy this Charleston event without having to travel far. Ask our front desk for directions to the Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant or to find out more about other Charleston events.

Spring and Summer are the two most beautiful times of year to visit Charleston, SC, and there are many outdoor activities in Charleston that allow you to experience the history and beauty of this coastal city. From historic walking excursions through the historic district of Charleston to guided garden walking tours, there is something that everyone will enjoy and remember forever! If you enjoy outdoor recreation, there are many places to take bike rides, rent sea kayaks, and take educational nature hikes in Charleston. Outdoor activities in Charleston can either be guided or self-planned, but the excitement and adventure remains the same when discovering the beauty and history of Charleston, SC.

Walking tours and activities in Charleston tend to change with the seasons, so here are some of the upcoming Spring and early Summer outdoor activities taking place in the Charleston area:

Heyward-Washington Garden Tours

During the month of April, the Heyward-Washington House at The Charleston Museum is offering special Spring garden tours on select Thursday afternoons throughout April. On April 5, 19, and 26 there will be scheduled garden walking tours starting at 4pm, no need to make a reservation. Throughout this garden tour you will have a chance to see plants introduced no later than 1791 by European travelers. These plants and flowers range from Camellia, Tea Olive, Boxwood, Althea, Bearded Iris, Roses, Herbs and many more.

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center

If you are looking for something more educational and fun, the Sewee Education Center is offering numerous educational programs and tours throughout the month of April. On April 14th from 10-2 they will be hosting the Nature Adventures Kayak & Canoe on Chicken Creek. Take advantage of this chance to paddle on a unique blackwater creek in the Francis Marion National Forest. This tour includes a spectacular bird watching activity and educational facts about the nature filled area.

12th Annual Kiawah Island Art and House Tour

This event will be taking place on Friday April 13 from 1-5pm. This year, the tour is featuring five stunning Kiawah Island homes open for viewing their beautiful art, history, and architecture. This event is sponsored annually by the Gibbes Museum of Art.

Pet Fest: Two Days of Fun for Pets and Owners

On Saturday April 14 and Sunday April 15 you will have an opportunity to have fun with your furry friends with Charleston County Parks with a full weekend of exhibits, demonstrations, experts, entertainment, and more. This is taking place on both days at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. Local pet organizations and businesses will be showcasing their causes, products, and services in a pet-friendly environment. Come have fun with your “best friend” and fellow pet lovers! 

Shaggin’ on the Cooper: Moonlight Mixers

Celebrate the coming of new seasons and warm weather with some dancing and live music on the water! These outdoor celebrations will be taking place each weekend at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier and Mount Pleasant Pier starting at 7pm. All ages are invited to participate and breathe in the warm ocean breezes while dancing the night away to local live music!

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the coming of Summer, and what better way to do it than with friends in family in Charleston, SC? Historic downtown Charleston is full of interesting historical sites and buildings, which makes it the perfect setting for honoring those who have served and who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Many people observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries, memorials, and National historic sites, which Charleston has an abundance of.

Your experience in downtown Charleston’s history is not complete until you stay in a hotel in Charleston’s historic district. Boutique hotels in Charleston are rich in history and southern charm, and are sure to make you feel at home while exploring the downtown area. From intimate courtyards to romantic dining while overlooking the historic downtown area, Charleston historic boutique hotels offer the perfect setting for a long relaxing weekend.

There will be local events and street festivals in and around the Charleston area observing Memorial Day, but the annual Memorial Day parade in Charleston is both a local and visitor’s favorite event. Whether you plan on attending a patriotic event or spending time outside with your family and friends, Charleston hotels give you a great place to rest your head after a long day of fun in the sun. Come explore Charleston’s history by staying in a historic Charleston hotel.

Looking to feed your senses and surround yourself with artistic and musical excitement? From May 25 – June 10 historic Charleston, SC will be hosting the perfect opportunity. The Spoleto Festival USA is an annual exhibition of world-renowned artists and talented performers in theater, opera, dance, jazz, choral and many other kinds of artistic expression. For a long and eventful 17 days every spring, these amazing artists from all over the world join together in Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor performance areas. 2012 will be Spoleto Festival’s 36th season, and with long-standing international acclaim it is recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival.

The festival has many venues around historic downtown Charleston, so it is needless to say that it is important to stay in a historic downtown Charleston hotel so you can easily access all exhibitions. The HarbourView Inn is a premier boutique hotel in downtown Charleston with vast historic charm surrounded by classic southern hospitality. Some of the nearby venues where Spoleto USA performances are held are; Dock Street Theatre, Gaillard Auditorium, Memminger Auditorium, College of Charleston Cistern Yard, Sottile Theater, and many more.

There are many genres of entertainment on exhibition all over town, some of the attractions include; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Bank of America Chamber Music, Jake Shimabukuro Jazz, Saltworks by Motoi Yamamoto, and so many more. Each performer is having a series of shows, and their shows are dispersed throughout the duration of the festival to allow you to see what you want at your own pace.

Spoleto Festival USA starts on Thursday May 25 and runs through Sunday June 10. This specific time of year is a beautiful time to visit historic downtown Charleston, SC and what better way to take in the rustic charm than a relaxing stay in the beautiful Charleston waterfront hotel, The HarbourView Inn!

Charleston is always a great place to visit in the Spring with the nice weather and beautiful scenery but Easter is an especially popular time to bring your family. There will be many Easter Egg Hunts that you can bring the kids to and, of course, there are many great Charleston restaurants where you can enjoy a nice Easter brunch.

Here are our top picks for Easter weekend:

Easter Egg Hunts:

Easter Eggstravaganza-

On April 7^th, bring the kids to Hampton Park from 11am to 1pm for this special outdoor event. There will be a visit from the Easter Bunny, an Easter Egg Hunt, various activity stations, games, prizes, jump castles, snacks, refreshments, and more. This event is open to the public and FREE!

There will be numerous other Easter Egg Hunts around the area including:

-Easter Egg Hunt at Martin Park-April 6, 10am-12pm

-Easter Egg Hunt at Johns Island Park- April 6, 1-3pm

-Hop Diggity Dog Easter Event at Arthur W. Christopher Community Center- April 6, 3pm

-West Ashley Park Easter Egg Hunt at Bees Landing Recreation Complex, April 7, 4pm

Easter Brunch:

Poogan’s Porch

Poogan’s Porch is always a favorite for good food and outdoor dining. They have a great selection of Southern favorites like shrimp & grits and pulled pork benedict.

Halls Chophouse

Halls Chophouse is located on King Street and hosts one of the most lively brunches every Sunday with a full bar and entertainment. Dine on satisfying meals such as the brunch filet wrapped in bacon and served with eggs and grits but be sure to save room for dessert.

Toast

This place is a great casual option and offers classic breakfast staples. They are well-known for their bottomless mimosas but have a full coffee menu as well.

Hominy Grill

Hominy Grill is a favorite for Southern cooking and fresh, local ingredients. Get a drink at the walk up window while you wait and then try favorites like the Big Nasty Biscuit with fried chicken, cheddar and sausage gravy.

Stay at our Charleston waterfront hotel and enjoy many pampering extras like all day snacks and flavored iced teas, afternoon wine and cheese in the Atrium Lobby and fresh baked cookies and milk in the evening.  With all the things to do in Charleston for Easter weekend, your family is sure to have a memorable Easter vacation!

If you want to immerse yourself in historic southern charm and are looking for Charleston waterfront hotels, be sure to take a look at the HarbourView Inn.

When you arrive, you will be welcomed not only by staff ready to make your visit special, but also by a historic and beautiful scenery. The four story inn sits across from Charleston’s Waterfront Park, and top floor rooms provide unparalleled views of the Charleston Harbor that no other Charleston historic district hotel can offer.

There is no need to wait until the busy summer season to visit Charleston, as the city is alive with year round entertainment. The HarbourView Inn offers packages for any time of year, including the “The Great Escape” package . Also offered is the “Start Wining” package, which will accommodate you during the Wine + Food Festival in Charleston, happening March 1-4.

Thinking about visiting Charleston to take advantage of the city’s incredible shopping and dining opportunities? The HarbourView Inn offers packages for that, too! Including the “This One’s For The Girls” and “Shop Charleston’s Finest” packages. All packages include a gourmet continental breakfast, afternoon wine and cheese, and turn down service.

It’s no secret that Charleston, SC is full of history and beauty. Waterfront Park , located across from the HarbourView Inn, provides surroundings perfect for a picnic, as well as great views of Fort Sumter and historic Charleston homes.  After relaxing near the water, head into Charleston Historic District for the best shopping and dining the city has to offer.

If you’d rather put a fun spin on dining out in Charleston, take advantage of the “Eat, Cook, And Be Merry!” package. Not only does this package include a $150 gift certificate which can be used at three downtown Charleston restaurants, it also provides a cooking class for two at Charleston Cooks!

With a prime location, a stay at the HarbourView Inn will not only allow you to partake in the fun the city has to offer, but it will also open your eyes to the beauty of historic downtown Charleston, SC.

Luxury, class, and hospitality are standard fixtures at the HarbourView Inn in Charleston. Located in downtown Charleston, HarbourView Inn overlooks the Waterfront Park, which was names as one of the Top Ten Public Spaces in the United States by the American Planning Association. While enjoying the exquisite sites of downtown Charleston, be sure to visit HarbourView Inn’s rooftop terrace to see the sun rise over Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. See for yourself why HarbourView is considered as one of the best hotels in Charleston, SC.

Few hotels in Charleston, SC come with the impressive resume that HarbourView Inn boasts. Triple-A has certified HarbourView as a four-diamond property and Conde Nast awarded it the “Gold List Award” for its unique blend of luxurious amenities and best-in-class service. Not too many hotels in Charleston, SC can offer that type of recognition.

There are many hotels in Charleston, SC (especially downtown Charleston), but not many can match the amenities offered by the HarbourView Inn. Complimentary amenities at this Charleston hotel include:

• Gourmet continental breakfast delivered to your room each day
• Twenty-four hour coffee and flavored teas are available
• All-day snacks
• Tempur-pedic mattresses
• iHome alarm clocks
• Afternoon wine and cheese receptions
• Freshly baked cookies and cold milk before bed
• High-speed Wi-Fi.

Combining these great amenities with the fact that historic Charleston locations such as the Battery, the Market, and famous shopping and dining destinations are just steps from the door makes HarbourView the natural choice for enjoying downtown Charleston.

Offering several room styles, rooms at the HarbourView Inn features flat panel televisions, refrigerators, and safes in each room. Adding to the Charleston feel are hand-crafted wood furnishings. Guests are truly made to feel at home at HarbourView Inn and that is why it is consistently regarded as one of the best hotels in Charleston, SC, not to mention South Carolina as a whole.

If you’re looking for a great hotel in downtown Charleston, begin your Charleston vacation here!