And baby makes nine…Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is now home to nine gentoo penguins after the birth of a chick earlier this summer. The young bird, currently nameless (his naming rights will be auctioned off at Riverbanks ZOOfari on October 2), was born at the Zoo on June 27 and is being cared for by his parents in a climate-controlled area, off exhibit.

One of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations is hosting a weeklong celebration of its award-winning fare at a special price. From September 8 – 19, diners may enjoy $20 and $30 three course menus at more than 50 participating Charleston area restaurants. From casual to fine dining, the options span the local culinary scene, which includes locavore cuisine, sustainable seafood, heirloom recipes and more. The Charleston area is the only place outside of New York City to produce three consecutive James Beard Foundation award winning chefs, and Travelocity named it …

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to announce the addition of two chicks to the flamingo flock. But don’t expect to see pink babies walking around just yet; it takes them a year to attain the notorious color.

As the lazy days of summer make way for mild, sunny days and cool, crisp evenings, the Charleston, S.C. area prepares for its biggest fall season yet. Cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings and moss-laden oak trees provide a charming backdrop to more than 70 music festivals, food events and historic tours taking place this fall, making it the perfect time for travelers to visit.

Jeffrey Bianchi  “The Classical Guitar:  From Dowland to You Tube” in Greer SC
Jeffrey Bianchi has been playing classical guitar for 18 years. It is his passion and it is something that just comes naturally to him. He started playing guitar in his teens at cafés and weddings. He is a graduate of State University of New York at Fredonia and has won many awards and has performed at many amazing venues, including the Ithaca Guitar Festival. Jeffrey lives in Atlanta and his goal now is to spread his music to …

The Charleston area earned five nods from the World’s Best Awards, a ranking of the top hotels, destinations, airlines, cruises, outfitters and transportation companies as decided by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. The results are featured in the August issue and currently appear on travelandleisure.com.

NEW PACKAGES

Making it even easier for families to visit Charleston this summer, more than 20 area hotels are offering packages that combine both leisure with learning! A complete listing of hotel packages can be found at www.ExploreCharleston.com.

Riverbanks Announces “Toucan Tuesday” Summer Promotion
Two Can Come for the Price of One and Help Feed Hungry Families in the Community
If you’re planning a trip to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden this summer, Tuesdays will be your best bet.
On Tuesday, June 15, Riverbanks will kick off a summer promotion called Toucan Tuesday, where two can come for the price of one…the catch: just bring two cans of food or other non-perishable food items to qualify for the deal. Each week collected food items will be donated …

The wait is finally over. On Wednesday, May 12, the Farmers Market at Riverbanks Botanical Garden will re-open, providing residents of the Midlands with locally grown, organic produce and homemade goods.

Southwest Airlines announced it will begin service at both Charleston and Greenville International Airports within the next twelve months. According to a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines, the local Air Service Team’s collaborative efforts presented a compelling case for bringing low-cost air service to Charleston. Comprised of the Charleston County Aviation Authority, Charleston Regional Development Alliance, Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Air Service Team hosted airline officials during site visits and worked with legislators on air service incentive funding measures.