Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Charleston, SC

History lessons: Rainbow Row

by Nicole

Images of the houses along Rainbow Row grace T-shirts and postcards and serve as one of the landmark sights of Charleston. While architecture and urban restoration may be a bit too much for a preschooler, a walk down Rainbow Row presents an opportunity to talk about the history of Charleston through multiple eras. The row of houses sits on East Bay Street between Tradd and Eliot. The buildings ... Read more >

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What's in a name?: Getting to know Charleston

by Nicole

I didn't grow up in South Carolina, so I never took the state history course and know very little about Charleston's rich history. (I can, however, tell you all about Arizona, if you're interested. Takers?) I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about Charleston's past with my children, and what better place to begin than with the name. Kids are naturally curious about their own ... Read more >

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Top 5 Places to Explore Revolutionary War History in Charleston

by Nicole

If you ask most adults about Charleston and war, they'll probably go first to the role this city played in the American Civil War (or War Between the States, depending on your perspective!). However, Charleston also played a key role in an even earlier war -- the war for American Independence. My expertise does not extend to Revolutionary War history, so I'm afraid you're just going to have to ... Read more >

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three days in Charleston: day 3 choose your own adventure!

by Nicole

You've got one last day in Charleston. So many options, so little time. Unless you can extend your stay (or simply move here), you're going to have to make some tough choices about how to spend your last day in the beautiful Holy City. Which adventure will you choose: Look for gators in the swamp? Set sail for history? Or see the glory of the old South at a plantation? Only you can decide. ... Read more >

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reflections on the election: the preschool perspective

by Nicole

Carpooling yesterday morning, my daughter Claire and her friend Maddy were talking about the election. I told them that we were choosing either John McCain or Barack Obama to be the next president. "Which one is John McCain?" Maddy asked. Claire responded, frankly, "The old one." "How old?" asked Maddy. "Seventy-two years old." I said. "How many is that?" "Well, it's more than thirty and forty ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: bookshelf essentials for Lowcountry kids!

by Nicole

There are some books that you simply need to have around if you are a member of the Charleston short crowd. Here are some ideas for exploring -- and adding to! -- the Lowcountry charm. Seashells of the World (A Golden Guide) by R. Tucker Abbott While your preschooler will probably need some help to use this guide, this book is the perfect way to turn that trip to the beach into a ... Read more >

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here comes Hanukkah!

by Nicole

Charleston's Jewish population is nearly as old as the city, with the first Jewish settlers coming here in 1695 and the formation of Congregation Beth Elohim just over 50 years later. In fact, by 1800, there were about 2,000 Jews in South Carolina, most of them in Charleston. This was more than any other city in North America! ( Source ) Today, Charleston continues to have a thriving, active ... Read more >

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weekend calendar: December 12-14

by Nicole

Lots of holiday happenings this weekend! The weather looks beautiful, so get out and enjoy! Saturday brings a unique holiday presentation to Charles Towne Landing ! The Ceremonies of the Cultures will explore the theme of traditions and celebrations from the perspective of Lowcountry people past and present. Hear Gullah storytelling, learn about Native American tales and songs, and learn ... Read more >

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Happy Hanukkah!

by Nicole

Hanukkah began yesterday at sunset and will continue for eight days in a festival of light! The Hanukkah (or Chanukah) celebration commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. There was only believed to be enough oil to fuel the altar flame for one day, but the flame miraculously burned for eight days. Jewish families celebrate the holiday by lighting the menorah each night, ... Read more >

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