2nd Sunday on King Street

For fans of Charleston culture

The Return of 2nd Sunday

Susan Lucas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charleston Peninsula Preservation Trust

843.303.1113

P O Box 22681

Charleston, SC 29403

susan@kingstreetmarketinggroup.com

www.shop2ndsunday.com

Media Contact: Susan Lucas

2nd Sunday on King Street Returning September 12

CHARLESTON, SC (June 14, 2021) --- 2nd Sunday on King Street will return to its every-month schedule beginning Sunday, September 12th after an 18-month hiatus due to Covid-19 protocols, announced Susan Lucas, President of the Charleston Peninsula Preservation Trust (CPPT), the non-profit that manages and produces the event. 

“We’re very excited to re-start 2nd Sunday,” said Lucas. “It’s been sorely missed by the downtown retail and dining establishments and the thousands of local and regional visitors who come to stroll, shop, dine and enjoy Charleston’s “Main Street” on a vehicle-free, pedestrian-only afternoon.”

2nd Sunday on King Street began in October 2010 and this fall will celebrate its 11th anniversary closing King Street from Calhoun to Queen Streets to all vehicular traffic from noon to 5 p.m. Typical attendance ranges from 12 to 18 thousand visitors per 2nd Sunday.

“It’s the most popular and most regularly attended event on the peninsula,” said Karl Krull, Vice-President and Director of Operations for CPPT. “More than 1.5 million guests have patronized 2nd Sunday since its inception. We can’t wait to get it rolling again.”

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Relaunching a great event

Susan Lucas

Remember 2nd Sunday? It’s coming back! Starting September 12, 2021 and returning on the second Sunday of every month, we’ll close King Street from Queen to Calhoun, announce wonderful events all over the peninsula, and invite everybody to join us. Just like every month the 10 years before the pandemic, people will walk King Street, pop in to their favorite restaurant for breakfast, brunch or dinner, shop for up an item or two and go home remembering why we’re all here. Musicians will play, painters will paint, locals especially will walk the street with a smile.

Buxton Books on the last Sunday before quarantine, March 8, 2020.

Buxton Books on the last Sunday before quarantine, March 8, 2020.

Every Day is Cyber Day

Books, ShoppingSusan Lucas
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Remember the lessons of the pandemic. Watch for the silver linings. Be thoughtful in your holiday gifting. Build back better.

1. Give books for the holidays!
2. Buy them from your local bookstore or Bookshop.org
3. Return to Step 1 until your list is complete!

Free Shipping today! Okay, that’s not “every” day, but it’s a great deal. All orders can be gift wrapped with a custom message on the card! The bookstore you select will receive the full profit margin from your purchase.

Now on to your favorite downtown holiday thing:

2-Hours Free Parking Downtown

2-Hours Free Parking Downtown

Even homebound you have to clean up every once in a while. Here’s the place for all good smelling things and gifts and made-in-Charleston!

Old Whaling Co., now with three retail locations in downtown Charleston and a hefty online catalog as well. We love every single thing!

Old Whaling Co., now with three retail locations in downtown Charleston and a hefty online catalog as well. We love every single thing!

We love whimsy, happy go lucky, playful designs. This guy…

Davis Foster Designs

Davis Foster Designs

Your child/grandchild happens to be an artist. Just ask Daniel Buchmeier, who’s Shmooka turns each child-crafted creation into forever art.

Shmooka

Shmooka

How cool is this… playing cards! Charleston’s queen of lowcountry sky, winding waterways, and colorful marshland, Blakely Little has added fun to her portfolio. Lowcountry Five Card Stud anyone?

Literally PACKED with Charleston!

Another Great Drive Through Event in Charleston... with Beer, and Books!

Susan Lucas

Next Sunday --- Oct. 25, 3 - 6 pm -- Blue Bicycle Books is excited to welcome Vivian Howard, star of A Chef's Life on PBS for a special in-real-life drive-thru book signing at Tradesman Brewing (1647 King St. Extension).

Tickets are $58 and include a signed copy of Vivian's new book This Will Make It Taste Good: A New Path to Simple Cooking, plus a snack-pack from Handy and Hot -- Vivian's new grab-and-go coffee shop on Wentworth Street.

Drive through, meet Vivian, grab a bite and a beer. Happy Sunday. You’re welcome,

Making Whimsy for Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital with Tate Nation and Marius Valdes

Susan Lucas
Cruising in the Lowcountry by Tate Nation

Cruising in the Lowcountry by Tate Nation

This painting (above) was commissioned by the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in downtown Charleston. “Quite an honor for me,” Nation said. “At 48 X 36 it’s a bit larger than most of my paintings. Its new home will be in the lobby of a floor whose theme is ‘Cruising in the Lowcountry.’ It’s my hope that it’ll provide many smiles and much joy to the hospital’s young patients and their families and friends!”

Good news! There's a puzzle coming featuring this print. We’re anticipating November arrival and a quick sell out of the first printing. Even more good news: at check out, the very first box asks you where you heard about these great posts. Enter the word GIFT and you'll get a free gift from Tate along with your appraisal order.

Enter “GIFT” in the “Please tell us…” field for yours.

Enter “GIFT” in the “Please tell us…” field for yours.


Hallway of MUSC Shawn Jenkin's Chidren's Hospital by Marius Valdes.

Hallway of MUSC Shawn Jenkin's Chidren's Hospital by Marius Valdes.

And on the Shawn Jenkins 7th floor you’ll see the work of Marius Valdes, who we discovered on Jack’s Cosmic Dogs Merch, and now has so many fun colorful products in his Zoo Valdes Society6 store and ValdesArt on Etsy. Valdes, a University of South Carolina studio art professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been making affordable, family friendly, and award-winning artwork since 2001.

Funky Fish of the Outer Banks Art Print by Marius Valdes

Funky Fish of the Outer Banks Art Print by Marius Valdes

Another One for The Books

Books, ArtSusan Lucas

Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon.

Austin Kleon is a master at creativity, offers a great weekly newsletter on all kinds of topics, and wrote the provocatively-titled Steal Like an Artist. It’s classic and you can read about it here.

As we said in a recent post, Bookshop.org is a really great way to get your books (sweet discount included), benefit a local bookstore and keep reading at home where you’re safer from Covid.

Namely, Buxton Books on King Street

Namely, Buxton Books on King Street

We’re pretty darn sure he's the one that told us about Sleep With Me, the podcast that puts you to sleep. So it’s win-win. The book, the bookstore, sleeping well and plotting your creative moves.

Local and Smart Alternatives to Amazon and Audible

BooksSusan Lucas1 Comment

We love win/win. Reading is like that; so is supporting local independent bookstores of which we have two in Charleston and more in the region. While COVID 2020 is trying to wreck the economy, here comes Bookshop.org. With that brilliant site, you can order pretty much any book and designate your bookseller. The book is sent to you via USPS (we love them too) Media Mail, usually with a sweet discount, and your bookseller gets a nice “bump”.

Example, a trusted book buddy recommended The Witch Elm, recently out in paperback, by Tana French, available for $14.29 from Amazon. I went to the Bookshop.org page, entered Witch Elm in the search box, picked a King Street bookstore, (both Blue Bicycle Books and Buxton Books have Bookshop.org pages), and by the end of the week was reading this highly praised can’t-put-it-down novel. Blue Bicycle Books made $5.10 on my purchase, not a huge impact on their operating cost but a much larger margin than if they had offered an Amazon link. I paid just $1.35 more for the book but feel really good about my local independent bookstore purchase. Imagine if we all bought our books that way.

Now about Audible. I have 277 titles in my Audible Library and have loved listening in the car, in line at the DMV, in the middle of the night when I don't want to light up a blue screen. When Amazon bought Audible in 2008 it gave them the capital to do some really great promotions and productions. It's online but it's not free. Here's where Charleston County Public Library comes to the rescue with a huge inventory of audiobooks. All you need is a library card and their Libby App. Done!

Clammer Dave

Dinner, From the OceanSusan Lucas
Photo provided.

Photo provided.

ON THE MENU AT SNOB: STEAMED CLAMS

Clammer Dave’s clams, white wine, garlic cream, parsley, grilled baguette.

Dave Belanger has been farming clams and oysters in the barrier island waters along Capers Island Wildlife Refuge just north of Charleston. He provides cultured clams and singled, pristine oysters to chefs and restaurants around the lowcountry, practicing sustainable aquaculture. Caper's Clams® and Caper's Blades® oysters are grown and harvested with as little impact on the environment as possible. There’s more of a story here, but it’s enough to say they’re local, fresh and taste like the ocean.

Our Changing World

Susan Lucas

Remember 2nd Sunday on King Street? That outdoor event on Charleston's beautiful main street where friends and families gathered for shopping, food, art literature and music. Where we celebrated our culture and community on a Sunday afternoon every month for a decade.

We marked holidays and home grown events, celebrated Jewish food at the Nosh, cheered announcements from SEWE, The Cooper River Bridge Run, Spoleto, The Charleston Classic.

Cops patrolled, dogs wagged, the City gave us free parking and people came from all over the region just to visit the peninsula and walk on the street. The 2nd Sunday Sunset Sail, or dinner in one of our many fine restaurants created the perfect end to the perfect day.  Above: Painting by Rick Reinert.

We are working on a 2nd Sunday relaunch and planning to make it better than ever. Watch for news, keep in touch, stay safe and be well. We'll be back!

Charleston Magazine Summer Cyber Monday Sale.

If Charleston Magazine is not showing up in your mailbox every month, you're missing a lot. Get it today through Wednesday, 12 issues for just $16.95.

Our favorite galleries, restaurants, local shops, and restaurants are on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms.

We can support them without even going there, so they'll still be around in the future when life returns.

Follow, share, comment, like, love, offer a wow! Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Who Are You Staying Home For?

Susan Lucas

Our Local Friends...

Lowcountry Olive Oil's artisan quality balsamic vinegar of Modena Italy is made using a 100 year old family recipe. This smooth, rich vinegar is wonderful on aged cheeses, cured meats, salmon, fresh fruits & desserts-- yes, desserts!

Mix with olive oil and garlic for a lovely sheet pan chicken marinade.

Click to buy online, and enjoy free shipping on orders over $35.

When open, Lowcountry Olive Oil is located at Meeting and Society Streets downtown, and Hutchinson Square in Summerville. At 2nd Sunday, tastings and sales at Society and King.

"Who are you staying home for?" - Andrew Cuomo (click for our answer)

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Christophe Chocolatier has your bunnies, not to mention eggs, chicks, baskets, macarons and meal kits! 

Click to shop. Pick up, $5 delivery or free shipping over $100.

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier

90 Society St, Charleston, SC 29401 - and - Christophe Macaron et Chocolat 1901 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29407

We're Reading

Boy Mole.jpg

From the revered British illustrator, Charlie Mackery, a modern fable for all ages that explores life's universal lessons, featuring 100 color and black-and-white drawings.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" asked the mole.

"Kind," said the boy.

Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in uncertain times in this beautiful book based on his famous quartet of characters. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse explores their unlikely friendship and the poignant, universal lessons they learn together.

Radiant with Mackesy's warmth and gentle wit, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horseblends hand-written narrative with dozens of drawings, including some of his best-loved illustrations (including "Help," which has been shared over one million times) and new, never-before-seen material. A modern classic in the vein of The Tao of Pooh, The Alchemist, and The Giving Tree, this charmingly designed keepsake will be treasured for generations to come. Read More.

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Photography: Birds explains how to photograph birds--whether in your backyard or at a renowned birding destination--detailing unique issues that confront photographers of all levels and providing the best guidance for capturing the beauty and splendor of our feathered friends. Gerrit Vyn, an award-winning bird photographer, videographer, and sound recorder, has become renowned for his ability to capture birds, especially for the prestigious Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In this new guide, he reveals his methods and shares how to photograph birds based on location, behavior, identification, and storytelling. Vyn details the range of technical considerations, giving clear instruction and advice, as well as the creative decisions a photographer must make on lighting, framing, timing, and motion. He also discusses situations unique to bird photographers: dealing with habituated or tame birds, approaching feeders, utilizing blinds, and more. Once captured, digital images can be digitally refined, so Vyn delves into the procedures that elevate an image from mundane to striking. Throughout, Vyn emphasizes an ethical approach to observing and interacting with the birds around us. Read more.

Tate's Nation: Puzzle Pieces of Charleston

Art, Charleston MadeSusan Lucas

Artist Tate Nation creates a world--one could call it his own nation. It has motion, wobble and bright colors, mostly based on his home town, commissioned houses and local events like the Cooper River Bridge Run and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. He is as friendly and likable as he is skilled; Charleston's own Mr. Rogers. 

Tate Nation has turned some of his paintings into puzzles, coasters and other needful things. Each of his puzzles measures 18 x 24", with a whopping 550 pieces.

Click to Select A Puzzle

Select from any of Tate's puzzles, toss them in your virtual Shopping Cart, and you'll enjoy three gifts:

• Free Shipping

• 5% off with promo code SUNDAY

• Hours of relaxing, creative fun

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As your puzzle comes together, it will almost feel like you're painting with Tate. Post your finished puzzle on Instagram, hashtag #IpaintedwithTate.

When this is all over and you're dying for some real social interaction, 2nd Sunday will be back in downtown Charleston with everybody, including Tate Nation.

Pieces of History:  Charleston Nostalgia Reigns

Art, Charleston Made, Jewelry, SculptureSusan Lucas

Charleston Rice Beads

Rice has a long history in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Rice originally came to the United States in 1694, when a ship sailing from Madagascar was blown off course by a storm. 

Landing in Charleston for repairs, the captain expressed his gratitude by giving the governor of the colony a handful of rough rice grains. From this small amount, rice became a dominant commodity and export of the coastal rivers. 

Today, the shape and texture of rice beads symbolize Charleston's long and bountiful history from humble agricultural beginnings.

Like the sun setting over the water, Charleston's own Gold Creations continues to welcome locals, new visitors, and longtime client friends who return year-after-year for irreplaceable mementos of their time here, timeless pieces that add joy and meaning to milestone moments and the treasured gifts of kindness, laughter, and good stories.

Many captivating pieces can be found in Rick Reinert's Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden at 179-181 King Street. Whether you're looking for one of Rick's American impressionist paintings or one of Lorri Acott’s impressionistic figurative sculptures, The Garden is the place to find it. Or online, today.

Rick Reinert's many accolades include a cover story in Time Magazine in 2000, when his commitment to painting caught fire, and he began creating seven days a week, nine hours a day, establishing the unique and passionate style that he is known for today. One of America's most prolific painters, his work has won distinctions across the country. 

Acott's sculptures reside in private and public collections throughout the US and abroad. A favorite of collectors and critics alike, her work receives a powerful emotional response wherever it is placed. Above: Who Rescued Who?

Philanthropic Artist Fer Caggio has made coloring pages available for those of us who are feeling artsy and need a shove in the right direction. Creativity is frequently the way out of depression, boredom, ennui, and a host of other demons. "Clinical psychologists sometimes encourage patients to use artistic expression as a way to confront difficult feelings," Psychology Today.

Click here to select images and send them to your download cart free of charge.

Share your co-creations on social media, tagged #Icoloredwithfer. And more will come soon! Mine is at right. I've always had trouble staying inside the lines.

Fer Caggiano shows her work at Lowcountry Artists Gallery at 148 East Bay Street. Open by appointment 843-577-9295.