I hadn't been in such a long time and it was refreshing to go. With all the smells, lights, and…read morerides it was nostalgic. I particularly enjoyed the food. I had a turkey leg, candy apples, and fries. It's plenty of parking and all around fun

The Coastal Carolina Fair is currently happening at the Ladson flea market grounds. I think the…read morelast time I was at a Fair was when I was a very small child, so this night out was very nostalgic for me. It was so much fun, so many food vendors, rides, and game stops. We went on Monday and it was busy but easy to walk through with minimal lines. They had a section with farm animals, which included cows, goats, sheep, bunnies, chickens, birds, donkeys and horses. It's so great that children can see these animals up close. The fair food is extensive, unhealthy and of course they will fry anything, but it's so much fun, especially if you're with a group and you can share the massive portions. I tried a lot of things that I had never eaten or even heard of before. The entrance fee was $15 and I think if you wanted to do the rides it's another $20 at the gate. it's not bad pricing considering parking is free and you have the option of not doing the rides I guess. The compound has many many bathroom facilities, it's clean with tons of trash cans and people sweeping and cleaning up. I have to say I was very impressed with that. So overall, the Fair is a fun family night out as long as you are aware and conscious of your budget. I thought it would be a cash only event, but the majority of vendors take credit cards. I think they add a 4% charge for using cards. However, good to know.

This was such an enjoyable local activity to do for not a lot of money! The lights were great! We…read moredidn't get to stop in the village and explore, but it was a very nice drive.

We followed the directions I had written last year and it worked out perfectly! The park publishes…read morea calendar that is color coded red, yellow, and green to indicate how busy that day is expected and we chose a green day (Thursday Dec 11 which also happened to be my grandson's 2nd birthday). We arrived right at 5:30 and parked in lot B (lot A is for the mobility limited). We went to buy carousel tickets at the kettle corn stand (hot tip) but they told us that South Carolina Federal was handing them out for free! Only children need a ticket. Then we rode the carousel, headed to buy a train ticket and literally walked right on the train! Sweet! Next we bought an ornament, hot chocolate and cookies, then on to Smores. So fun!!

The Flowertown Festival is a great opportunity to support local businesses. There are hundreds of…read morevendors and tents set up from big to small businesses. If you are looking for a small item for the house out a flashy golf cart they got it for you. A festival won't be anything without food. There were rows of food vendors down both sides of Main Street with everything. We went with an empanadas and churros. The empanadas were absolutely amazing. Before leaving we had to finish up with fresh kettle corn and candied nuts. The only downside is the large crowds. If that's not your thing I would recommend arriving on Friday when the crowds are much smaller.

I learned from prior years to arrive at the festival early to secure a parking space. Upon arrival…read morethere was a short walk to reach the festival area which spands a few blocks. I believe there were approximately 45 vendors this year. Vendors range from a vast variety of food trucks, Jewelry makers, plants and floral, home decor, and local charities to include the animal society. There were so many food options to choose from ranging from funnel cakes to gyros and everything in between. There were some small carnival rides in the rear of the festival that might be nice for kids, and also picnic tables along the road to stop to eat or rest. Overall it was a relaxing stroll on a nice sunny day with a variety of foods/vendors to choose from and proceeds help to benefit the local community.

Do not waste your time here. My husband and I were looking for stuff to do in Beaufort and I came…read moreacross this petting zoo online. When we pulled up something seemed very off. Immediately the people who were there came out and stared at us like we were not supposed to be there. They asked why we were there and I said we were there for the petting zoo. I made sure to check before hand and it said they were opened. Despite this, the people who were there said the owners were out of town and the zoo was closed. They were not friendly and the whole interaction was very uncomfortable.

I attended a day time festival 3 times this season where this company had a kangaroo on display…read more The poor kangaroo, a nocturnal animal looked miserable laying in a pen trying to sleep while kids shook it's been and screamed trying to wake it. At first I thought the poor animal was sick until I learned kangaroos are nocturnal. It is incredibly cruel to display an animal in noisy environment when it's internal clock is ready to rest. I recognize the major sacrifice farms such as this one make to care for animals especially ones in need, but could you please please please reconsider using a nocturnal animal for daytime festivities? Aside from it being disturbing to watch the animal suffer, it was hard to explain to my children why a company who takes care of animals were allowing this nocturnal animal to be in such a gruesome environment.

This was such a fun experience! It was the last day of our trip and y'all sent us on our way in…read morestyle!! The music was just absolutely fabulous, I could have listened and danced all say! Huge thank you to all the bands!! The oysters were amazing, my first ones ever as a matter of fact!! We had bbq shrimp from the crazy crab! And I bought the cutest little turtle purses from a quilting lady. Just an amazing day, I'm wearing my new shuck yah shirt driving home to Georgia!

I found this event on the web before planning my vacation to Hilton Head SC. What a better way to…read morespend a birthday eating great fresh seafood and listening to live music while benefiting the Recreation Association Children's Scholarship Fund. Admission for adults $5.00 and kids under 12 were free. The event hosted live music on Saturday by the Chilly Willy Band and Mat Mackelcan. The food offered were in various booths but the stand out was the buckets of steamed oysters at $12.00 each, and steamed shrimp $10.00. In addition, there are fried oysters, clam chowder, Jambalaya, Po boys and plenty of other great grubs. We tried the steamed oysters and peel and eat shrimp which was very reasonable. The quality was awesome. It was quite the site seeing crowds of people shucking their steaming hot oysters, peeling & eating shrimp and drinking ice cold beers. We topped off our great meal with beignets which were piping hot and catered by a restaurant called Kenny B's. From what I understand this event has been happening for the last 6 years and I would definitely recommend it to people visiting the area this time of the year.

Went back again for Jailbreak Winter edition! What I love most about Jail Break is the support for…read morelocal artists. I always love seeing the new artisans, artists, and performers come together and do what they love! The music was great as usual. Garage Cuban Band added a wonderful Cuban flare to the event! They were so good! It made me wish I was eating Cuban food while listening to their mellow vibe. The comedy line ups might have been the most popular event of the night. Before every set there was a line outside the door! Maybe it was because it was freezing outside and people needed warmth, or maybe it was because of hilarious comedians like Jeremy McLellan and Dusty Slay who filled the room with constant laughter. I really enjoyed the self-portrait exhibit. Where anyone could come in, look into a mirror and draw themselves. Although I didn't draw myself, It was really interesting to see how others perceived themselves. Simply becoming designs had some amazing original vintage inspired jewelry! My brother in law was able to buy a unique one of a kind necklace for his girlfriend. The fire pits were such a great idea for such a cold night. Everyone was able to enjoy all of the performances outside while still keeping warm. I always appreciate the Yelp Booth with their fun photo booth and check in swag. One thing I really wish is that they had more food venue options rather than the same ones every time. I know it's a small lot and you can't fit many trucks but it would be cool to have a more options. I also would like to see more places to sit outside. I still really enjoyed this event and will probably be back again!

It's not called Jail Break any more officially, but so many of us still refer to it as that! It's…read morethe Charleston Arts Festival finale now. Anyway, it's still more of the same great event in an equally awesome location. What a back drop for various forms of art. There are live performances that include dance, music, and comedians throughout the night. They are also occurring in different locations throughout the property. Stages are set-up outside, as well as in some of the private rooms in the jail itself. Live demonstrations take place and you can even join in on some of them. Bring an open mind and heart and you will be surprised at how you are moved by watch you hear and see. The creativity is astounding. This should be on the "don't miss" list!

Friend and I went to the World Grits Festival this year. I ran the 5K and of course stuck around…read morefor the festival. It's a bit of a drive from Charleston, closer if you're in Summerville/Ladson though. It's three days long and happens every April, and it's worth driving out for. You can watch people roll and wrestle in grits, there's a grits eating contest, a 5K race, and a parade. Also tons of vendors. The parade threw out packets of instant grits along with candy :). It was definitely an... interesting... cultural experience in small town America. I probably wouldn't go back to the festival every year- but go at least once!