Celebrating Charleston

Celebrating Charleston

Spoleto USA is only the beginning—there are dozens of festivals held throughout the city each year. Some focus on food and wine, whereas others are concerned with gardens and architecture. Charleston is one of the few American cities that can claim a distinctive regional cuisine. The BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival (843/763-0280 or 866/369-3378. www.charlestonfoodandwine.com) allows the city to "strut its stuff" at an annual festival in Marion Square in early March. Some of the most sought-after events sell out early, such as the Restaurant Dine-Around with celebrity chefs, and the Saturday Night Celebration with incredible food stations and live music. Cooking demonstrations under the big tent give guests an opportunity to learn from some of the country's finest chefs. The Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens (843/722-4630. www.preservationsociety.org), sponsored by the Preservation Society of Charleston in September and October, provides an inside look at Charleston's private buildings and gardens. More than 100 private homes, gardens, and historic churches are open to the public for tours during the Festival of Houses and Gardens (843/722-3405. www.historiccharleston.org), held during March and April each year. There are also symphony galas in stately drawing rooms, plantation oyster roasts, and candlelight tours. Piccolo Spoleto (843/724-7305. www.piccolospoleto.org) is the spirited companion festival of Spoleto Festival USA, showcasing the best in local and regional talent from every artistic discipline. There are hundreds of events—from jazz performances to puppet shows and expansive art shows in Marion Square—from mid-May through early June, and many of the performances are free.