Posted on 1/12/2022 by Angie Schnell

Why You Should Be Traveling in the Off-Season

There's no question that summers are made to be spent at the beach! Hot sunny days and the ocean waves are a perfect pair, and thousands choose to make Isle of Palms their vacation destination each year. What most people don't know is that this beautiful beach town is open for business year-round, and there's still plenty of fun to be had after Labor Day! The traffic on the island is a little slower, the weather is (slightly) cooler, and some of Charleston's biggest events are going on! If you're looking for a reason to escape to the island, here are 10 of our favorite happenings around the Lowcountry that you're sure to love!


Charleston Restaurant Week- January 13-23, 2022

For 10 days, twice a year, restaurants all over the Charleston area participate in Restaurant Week. Each restaurant will offer a deal like a set price for a 3-course meal, or an all-you-can-eat discounted price.

Find out more here!

Lowcountry Oyster Festival- February 6, 2022

Each winter, the Lowcountry Hospitality Association brings over 60,000 pounds of fresh local oysters to Boone Hall Plantation! This festival also has live music, imported beers, and other food vendors if oysters aren't your thing. The best part of this event isn't just the oysters, it's also a fundraising event for local charities! General Admission is $22, and VIP is $175.

Find out more here!

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition- February 17-20, 2022

Image credit: SEWE.com

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE for short) is a celebration of wildlife art and the great outdoors! Here you can buy handcrafted goods from local vendors, dine on some of the classic tastes of the Lowcountry, and attend events like a herding demonstration, Birds of Prey demos, and of course the art auctions!

Find out more here!

Charleston Fashion Week- March 24-25, 2022

Charleston Fashion Week is back for 2022! After taking a few years off, this event is now split between a Spring event and a Fall event later on in the year. 

The details of Lexus Fashion Week are coming soon, so click here to stay updated!

The Garden Club's Annual House & Garden Tour- March 24-26

The Garden Club of Charleston is celebrating its 100th Anniversary with the 86th Annual Garden Tour! The event kicks off on Thursday the 24th for the Celebration in the Garden at the Gibbes Museum of Art. Then on the 25th and 26th, you'll be able to take tours of some of Charleston's most beautiful homes and gardens. 

Find out more here!

Charleston Wine+Food- March 2-6, 2022

Image Credit: Instagram.com @chswineandfood

Charleston is known for its culinary scene, so it's no question that Charleston Wine+Food is one of the biggest events of the year! This five-day event kicks off with a music and food experience featuring Lake Street Dive and St. Paul & the Broken Bones, and the rest of the festival is jam-packed with exclusive dining experiences like the Circa 1886 Signature Dinner and Catch of the Day. 

Learn more here!

April 1-3: the Big Weekend!! (Flowertown Festival, Cooper River Bridge Run, Capital One Open)

Three of Charleston's most well-known events happen all in one weekend every year, and in 2022 everything is back on track for a fun-filled time! This weekend is so good, we're including them all here!

First up is the Flowertown Festival in Downtown Summerville, hosted by the YMCA (April 1-3.) The festival features over 200 jury-selected artists, plenty of food truck vendors, and fun activities for children! 

Find out more about Flowertown Festival here!

Next on April 2 is the Cooper River Bridge Run! Thousands of people come to run this 10K across the Cooper River Bridge each year, and most of the event's proceeds go to local charities and scholarships!

Find out more about the Bridge Run here!

Last but not least is the Credit One Charleston Open, from April 2-10. This is the oldest professional all-women tournament in the country, and will be taking place this year at the newly renovated Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island! Previously known as the Volvo Car Open or the Family Circle Open, this event has been held every year since 1973!

Find out more here!

Highwater Festival- April 23-24

The last event on our list is the Highwater Festival! This music festival is hosted by Shovels & Rope (Charleston natives,) and brings together musicians from all over the world. Located at Riverfront Park in North Charleston, this pairs amazing live musical artists with beautiful views of the Lowcountry! 

Find out more here!

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