Charleston Blog Society Meetup

Moet Ice Imperial Champagne bar
Moet Ice Imperial Champagne bar

Charleston bloggers of all genres met for a monthly gathering at Elizabeth Stuart Design. The interior design firm located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina was the picture perfect backdrop for photo happy bloggers. We hosted a Moet Imperial Ice Champagne bar, courtesy of Moet & Chandon.

April Update 1375The guest were able to choose their own garnishes of pineapple, mint, thyme, lime, lemons and blackberries. Lemon agave syrup made with premium agave syrup from iidea Company added mild sweetness to the slightly dry champagne specially designed to be served over ice.

April Update 1353The agave syrup is made from the leftover mash used to distill tequila. We also heard encouraging words for Elizabeth Stuart herself. She advised that as bloggers we stay true to our message and our brand as it is easy to fall victim to conformity. It was a pleasure being around other bloggers. The group of ladies included wedding bloggers, fashion and make-up writers. All adding their unique perspective to the blogging experience.

April Update 1503

Looking for an event host, email info@cocktailbandits.com

Tasting Tents – Sunday

Don Julio

Charleston Wine & Food

Tequila Don Julio Paloma Bar
Tequila Don Julio Paloma Bar

We walked into the main festival gate at Marion Square closest to Calhoun Street. We were delighted to see a vintage Tequila Don Julio truck with a special bar serving draft Tequila Paloma (soda, Tequila, grapefruit). After a few sips, we meandered passed by a pit filled with colored balls before wandering into the huge tasting tents. Lines of festival attendees wrapped along the perimeter of the structure. We waited in line for 30 minutes before heading for one of the several wine and spirits tasting tables. Wineries from all over the country presented their offerings generously. Bottles Mt. Pleasant provided a retail tent for patrons to purchase any of the spirits they tasted in the tents. Genius!

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Painting with Jonathan Green

Jonathan Green

Nationally reknown artist, Jonathan Green, collaborated with Wine & Design to host a private painting lesson during the festival. Mr. Green instructed students brush stroke by brush stroke to create their interpretation of balloons in the sky. Jonathan graciously assisted everyone and personally signed several of the students creations.

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The festival hosted several activities to keep attendees busy like an agave history lessons from Tequila Don Julio, live cooking demonstrations, interactive cooking classes and lots of photo opportunities. It was inspiring to see so many local businesses represented at the festival. Wine makers from John’s Island and Walterboro proudly poured samples of their grapes or slices of their goat cheese or spoonfuls of craft fruit jams. As Charleston Wine & Food enters its eleventh year, we hope the trend of ‘keeping it local’ continues.

We had a ball!
We had a ball!

 

Charleston Travel Council Meeting

RKPhoto_CVB_April_02

Charleston Area Convention & Visitor’s Center

The Cooper River Room at the Mount Pleasant Visitor Center played host to April’s Travel Council Meeting. We heard from Julie Ann Oldham of Lowcountry Parks Venues Center and from Bing Pan, Ph.D,  professor at the College of Charleston. He discussed travel trends between first time visitors to Charleston and repeat visitors to Charleston; very informative. Mix Charleston Premier Bartending services provided the libations and Hamby Catering & Events supplies us with a beautiful spread of vegetables, fresh fruit and delicious breads.

Cooper River Room
Cooper River Room

 

For more information about the Charleston CVB, visit www.explorecharleston.com

 

Krug Champagne Ghost Tour

We were told to meet at White Point Gardens nearest King Street. After brief group introductions, we were escorted to a trolley and chauffeured down Legare and Tradd street until we arrived at Wentworth Mansion. (more…)

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