What's Happening In Charleston This Summer

It summer which means one thing—it's hot, hot, hot. Most people hit the beach or the waterways any chance they get and lucky for food minded folks, there are plenty of events to attend to cool down, eat, drink and celebrate all that is great about Charleston in the summer.

Mingo Point Cooking Demo and Dining Experience
Head out to Kiawah Island for a summer filled with food related events. On Tuesdays from 5:00-8:00PM at the picturesque Mingo Point, chef Chris Bushneck will offer a lively Lowcountry cooking demonstration on how to make the popular Lowcountry dish Shrimp & Grits in a wood-fired kitchen. Participants will be taught how to catch shrimp from the overlooking river with a cast net and finish with detailed instruction on how to prepare foods in a wood-fired oven. All guests leave with a bag of Geechie Boy Grits and recipe cards so they can recreate some of the learning experience at home.

Charleston Grill's Summer Soulstice Dinner
Chef Michelle Weaver will offer a soul food feast during a Summer Soulstice Dinner on July 19 at the Charleston Grill. Part of the dinner includes Sommelier Rick Rubel pairing wines with each course of the classic soul food menu offered. Touted as "fried chicken meets sparkling wines", the three course dinner is $90 per person. 

Meet the Rancher at Oak Steakhouse
It is not very often that you get to meet with a cattleman face-to-face but at a special Certified Angus Beef dinner on June 24 at Oak Steakhouse, guests can do just that. Kevin and Lydia Yon of the Yon Family Farms in Ridge Springs, SC will be the featured guests as chef Jeremiah Bacon prepares a three course dinner featuring the Angus beef from the farm. The dinner starts at 6:30PM with a reception to meet the farmers followed by dinner for $85 per person. 

Rum Stroll at Middleton Place
One of the city's oldest plantations will celebrate an industry that has roots dated back in the 18th century. During the Rum Stroll at Middleton Place, guests can learn about the Rum Trade in the Carolinas, about the ties it had to Barbados back in the 1700s, and about the merchant Robert Pringle and his influences on the city all while strolling the prestigious gardens drinking various rum drinks. The event takes place June 25 from 6:00-8:00PM at costs $35 per person. 

Fourth of July at Circa 1886
The fourth of July does not have to be hotdogs and burgers only. Head over to the lawn at the Wentworth Mansion and get an amazing array of upscale "cookout" inspired food as host restaurant Circa 1886 provides a menu to remember. At their annual Sizzling Southern Celebration starting at 6:00PM, patrons can enjoy a reception, cold libations, and lawn games. For the dinner, guests move into the restaurant for a grill-inspired menu with items such as pickled shrimp, fajita brined cowboy rib-eye, onion rings, and more. The cost is $70 per person and includes dinner and a glass of champagne. 

SNOS Stroll
There are lots of strolls in Charleston throughout the year, but we always love discovering new ones. On July 12 from 4:00-7:00PM, the area located on upper, upper king street will host a Slightly North of Spring (street) Stroll that will feature artisanal local businesses and service companies that are tucked away on this stretch of downtown Charleston. Participating businesses include Twenty Six Divine (hosting a pig roast), Barsa, Butcher & Bee, Charleston Cycles Compost, High Wire Distilling Co., Recovery Room, and more. The event is free to attend and then stops will have specials throughout the timeframe.

Palette to Palate Stroll
If you appreciate fine art and love to eat and drink while shopping for it, then you will love the annual Palette to Palate Stroll. During this event, eight of Charleston's finest galleries partner with an area restaurant and provide small bites for attendees to enjoy. The food is then paired with a wine for guests to sip as they stroll from gallery to gallery. Best of all, the event raises money for visual arts scholarships for local arts programs. The event takes place July 18 from 5:30-7:30PM and tickets are $45 per person.