Autumn Years Spring 2024

SPORTING EVENTS In February, the Southeast Wildlife Ex position (SEWE) is in town. With The Charleston Place hotel as its home base, SEWE has events and exhibits through out the city featuring wildlife art and artists, craftsmen and outdoor enthu siasts. Programming typically features special events like dog dock jumping and hunting dog demonstrations. In late March and early April, the Credit One Charleston Open is hosted at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Is land, an annexed part of the city. It is the largest women-only tournament in North America and was voted the players’ favorite WTA 500 Tourna ment of the Year for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. From April through September, vis itors can catch a Charleston RiverDogs minor-league baseball game at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, the stadium locals fondly refer to as “The Joe.” The team is a Class A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and a former New York Yankees affiliate. If you go to an evening game, be prepared to see a breathtaking sun set over the Ashley River salt marshes

IAAM tide tribute fountain.

IAAM building.

our country’s most sacred sites.” The IAAM is built on the water at the his torically significant site of Gadsden’s Wharf. Gadsden’s Wharf, along with several others in Charleston Harbor, is the place where an estimated 40 percent of captured Africans first set foot in this country. The streamlined building sits atop 18 cylindrical pillars, appearing to float as it pays homage to the sacred site. The African Ancestors Memorial Garden beneath and around it depicts the harshness of the ocean passage and life of servitude endured by enslaved Af ricans. The gardens are free and acces sible to the public, but advanced online ticket purchases are recommended for museum entry. January is Museum Mile Month. A monthly pass can be purchased for a modest price to 10 different participat ing sites such as the Aiken-Rhett House Museum, another worthwhile stop. TOURS Charleston’s menu of guided walking tour options includes history, ghost and graveyard, food tasting, culinary and speakeasy walking tours among others.

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Horse and carriage tour around the City of Charleston.

The Preservation Society of Charleston Fall Tours provide a peek behind the gar den gates of some of the city’s most beau tiful homes and gardens. Historic house tours are a good choice for those inter ested in history and historic preservation. Horse carriage tours are another way to see the sights and learn about the city’s rich past. And, for those who prefer the comfort of a climate-controlled vantage point, bus tours are available. Boat tours are yet another option. Fort Sumter Na tional Monument is accessible by boats that depart near the South Carolina Aquarium, another recommended stop. The Explore Charleston website and Charleston Visitor Center are excellent sources for specific tour information.

© JERRY COLI | DREAMSTIME.COM

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. throws out the first pitch for the final time as mayor.

SPRING 2024 I AUTUMN YEARS 57