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

What's Up this Weekend: Savvy Picks for Family Fun

by Nicole

Here are three events that look like a great way to spend Saturday! Legare Farms is hosting their sixth annual Sweet Corn Festival at their farm on John's Island. We *heart* Legare Farms for pumpkin picking and we had my daughter's last birthday party at their place as well. The Sweet Corn Festival promises pony rides, a jump castle, face painting and a corn shucking contest at 12 noon. (Who ... Read more >

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How to Cultivate the Tiniest Green Thumb

by Nicole

I'll be frank: I'm a vegetarian, cloth-diapering, thrift-store-shopping mother who has been dubbed the "recycling Nazi" for berating certain family members for tossing out plastic bottles. While folks in Berkeley or somewhere equally self-important might call me a lightweight, around these parts, I'm about as crunchy as they come. This spring and summer, we've been really focused on food -- ... Read more >

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Enriching your seashore experience

by Nicole

It definitely feels like summer already in Charleston, and one of the best ways too cool off when the temperature spikes and the humidity sticks is to head to the beach. The beaches near Charleston are easy to access and, on the whole, quite family-friendly. You can spend plenty of time splashing in the surf and building sand castles on the shore, but why not learn a little something about sea ... Read more >

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Fabulous Fieldtrip: Blueberries!

by Nicole

Blueberry season is here, and there is no better way to enjoy this fruity summertime delight than fresh from the bush. I've mentioned Champney's Farm (4492 Rose Drive, Ravenel, SC. Phone: 843-763-6564) briefly before, but I wanted to share our recent trip to their place. It makes a great field trip for the whole family -- and it's actually in a FIELD! If, like me, you're working with your ... Read more >

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Tales from Four Holes Swamp

by Nicole

We had a family outing this weekend to Four Holes Swamp/Francis Beidler Forest , as we wanted to share this special place with my in-laws visiting from Arizona. A short drive from Charleston just off of I-26, this swamp boasts the world's largest stand of virgin cypress-tupelo forest. And that forest is home to lots of critters: snakes, birds, and turtles have been seen on every visit we've ... Read more >

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Go Green Charleston: Local Information for Eco-Conscious Families

by Nicole

I know, I know. Everyone is "going green." Just place that cynicism on hold for a bit while I tell you about a local blog that is raising awareness of environmental concerns in Charleston while keeping it real. Authored primarily by Chad and Jennifer Norman, Go Green Charleston claims to be "your local source for environmental news, information and activism." The blog posts cover current issues ... Read more >

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daytrip adventure: bear island wildlife management area

by Nicole

My husband has a remarkable wanderlust -- one that has taken him to several continents and that seems to take our family in search of hidden corners of the Lowcountry. This weekend we headed south to the Bear Island Wildlife Management Area . What a gem! This place is a beautiful wetland refuge low on facilities but full of wildlife spotting opportunities. We drove back into the marsh along the ... Read more >

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children's day festival in mt. pleasant

by Nicole

If you're looking for a way to spend Sunday afternoon, why not take the opportunity to celebrate the children in your life! The Mt. Pleasant Children's Day Festival happens tomorrow from 12 - 5 p.m. at the Park West Recreation Complex. This year celebrates the role of children as ambassadors of the environment. This theme will be carried through the puppet shows and musical performances. (I ... Read more >

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Green isn't just for goblins: eco-conscious tips for Halloween

by Nicole

As the green movement gains momentum, families are looking for ways to incorporate more environmentally-friendly practices into everyday life. But don't overlook the potential for green celebrations! Here are some simple, easy and inexpensive ways to add a little green to your black and orange. Decorations: Use local and/or organic pumpkins for carving. It's just smart! Buying local supports ... Read more >

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greening the holidays

by Nicole

Aaah, the colors of the holiday season: red, gold, silver, blue, and GREEN. As our awareness of the impact our consumption makes on the environment grows, everyone is looking for ways to be more eco-friendly. There are easy ways to green your holiday without taking away from the celebration of the season. In fact, you might find that reducing consumption pushes you toward new traditions that ... Read more >

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a guide to shopping local this holiday season

by Nicole

We parents are nothing if not consumers. Especially during the holiday season, our spending should be smart, on everything from toys for our kids, teacher gifts, and maybe even a little something for ourselves. It makes good sense given our current state of affairs to channel some of that money into the local economy. This week is "Buy Local Week" in Charleston, presented by Lowcountry Local ... Read more >

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