It’s (nearly) Springtime in Charleston!

Even though we got the most snow anyone’s seen in over 20 years in this city, Charleston doesn’t quite have four seasons. Not that my hometown of Buffalo really has four equal seasons either, but that’s beside the point.  Right around the beginning of March, the coastal breeze drifts through this historic with a different character. The locals opt to wear lighter layers instead of bulky sweaters and overcoats.  Some even choose to pull out their shorts and Rainbows.

Grumpy to the End by Robert Lange and Nathan Durfee

While the warm weather isn’t here to stay until about mid-May, the first weekend in March typically brings with it the first hint of 70 degree weather and plenty of sunshine. So what do Charlestonians do to celebrate? Well, the French Quarter Art Walks start on the first Friday in March.  These Walks offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the 34 art galleries in the French Quarter, mingle with other locals, and to talk with amazing artists.

Not your style? Ok.  How about the Charleston Food + Wine Festival? The Festival celebrated its fifth year under the tents on Marion Square with plenty of demonstrations, live music, mouth-watering food and enchanting wine.

Hungry for some more culture? The Charleston events calendar continues with Charleston Fashion Week. This is the third day of the five-night “celebration of the region’s flourishing retail and design community.” Follow one of the models as she blogs about her adventures on and off the runway.  If you’re on Twitter, follow #chsfw.

Image of the Food + Wine Festival at night by Kenneth Andrews

That’s a lot for one month, but I’d suggest you keep up your energy.  Chow down on some carbs and protein because the 32^nd Cooper River Bridge Run is next Saturday. This 10-K race draws avid runners from all over the world. The current registration stands at a little over 35,200 which also includes a wheelchair competitive race.

The day following the Bridge Run, visit the James Island County Park for the 19^th annual Lowcountry Cajun Festival for plenty Cajun and Creole foods, Zydeco music and family entertainment. A student of ours taught me how to properly eat crawfish last summer, so I’m totally prepared to eat my fair share this year.

There’s about a 10-day break in activities before the third Charleston International Film Festival starts on Thursday, April 8. Join the activities this year and meet “filmmakers, directors, cinematographers and screenwriters during post-screening Q&A’s [to get] an exclusive inside look into the film and industry.”

Take the trip to Daniel Island starting April 10 to catch extraordinary women athletes compete in the Family Circle Cup. Some of the biggest stars in tennis will compete for the $700,000 prize on the best clay courts in the Lowcountry.

Many more events will be hosted throughout Charleston this spring including the Canoe Fest, the Blessing of the Fleet, several Roller Derby bouts, and of course baseball with the Charleston Riverdogs.