Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith May 27-August 22, 2026
Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith showcases vibrant glass sculptures that capture nature’s beauty. The pieces shine by day with intricate colors and details, and on select summer evenings are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
Daytime admission is included with the general admission ticket to the Gardens, while evening visits require a separate event ticket to Summer Light: Art by Night, Wednesday and Saturday evenings, May 27 – August 22.
Society of Animal Artists Exhibition: May 9-July 26, 2026
Society of Animal Artists Exhibition brings together work focused on wildlife and close observation of the natural world, showing how Anna Hyatt Huntington’s influence shaped the directions of contemporary animal art.
This juried exhibition, featuring many of today’s leading sculptors and painters, pays tribute to her remarkable legacy and celebrates the 150th anniversary of her birth.
Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is located on U.S. 17 between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, and is open to the public daily.
King Tide is a commonly used term describing high tides that are higher than normal. They usually occur during a full or new moon or during specific seasons throughout the year. Charleston’s average high tide range is about 5.5 ft., but during a King Tide event, it can reach 7 ft. or higher.
King Tides can cause flooding in low-lying areas, resulting in road closures on Seabrook Island, as well as the Johns Island and Charleston areas. This is particularly true when a king tide coincides with significant rain and/or wind.
The next 2026 dates of predicted King Tides is May 15-18.
A Two-Day Scholarly Symposium Exploring 250 Years of American Independence
Revolutionary Ideas: Origins, Contexts, and Legacies of American Independence welcomes a remarkable international gathering of historians, biographers, and statesmen at the Dock Street Theatre on June 24 and 25, 2026. Scholars Jon Meacham, Vincent Brown, Maya Jasanoff, Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Sir Michael Fallon, and more will be featured over the two days. Co-presented with SC250 Charleston, the symposium asks the questions that anniversaries can skip past — what made the Revolution possible, who it left out, what it set in motion, and why it still resonates today.
When: Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25, 2026
Where: The Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street, Charleston, SC
Presented by: Charleston Literary Festival and SC250 Charleston
In collaboration with: International African American Museum (IAAM), Charleston Library Society, South Carolina Historical Society, and the Ditchley Foundation (UK).
Experience Drayton Hall After Hours and bring a date, gather your friends, or make it a family night out at Drayton Hall at Night.
Stroll the grounds as the sun sets and enjoy the stunning beauty of the landscape, enhanced by live music from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Quartet, performing from the iconic portico throughout the evening. The house will be open for self-guided tours, with knowledgeable interpreters on hand to share the rich history of Drayton Hall.
A Cup of History: The Way of Tea◊ May 30, 2026
Tea lovers and history enthusiasts alike are invited to experience A Cup of History at Drayton Hall, a one-of-a-kind event that explores the intersection of fine Chinese teas and the fight for American independence.
At the heart of this experience is a curated tea service featuring premium Chinese teas, carefully selected to reflect the types imported to the American colonies before the Revolution. Savor prized teas produced in China using centuries-old traditional methods and experience Cha Dao, The Way of Tea, while learning how tea—once a luxury of empire—became a catalyst for protest and political upheaval.
Guests will enjoy a tour of Drayton Hall with curator Amber Satterthwaite followed by a presentation and guided tea tasting led by tea expert Richard Kligler of For All the Tea in Charleston. You’ll also explore how global commerce, British taxation, and local resistance converged over tea, and how it became both a daily ritual and a symbol of resistance during a time of tension and transformation.
Click here for additional information on these and other events at Drayton Hall.
After Hours Wine Stroll◊ May 15, 2026
As the golden hour hits the gardens, enjoy an evening where the wine flows as easily as the conversation. Wander world-famous garden paths, drink in hand, and witness the spectacular May blooms. Hydrangeas will be bursting with color, and namesake Southern magnolia trees will be showing off their iconic white blossoms.
Savor curated wine selections paired with delicious light bites, all while unwinding to the soulful sounds of live music in the garden.
A Fairytale Summer: Fairies & Flowers◊ May 16 through July 12, 2026
This summer, step into the Fairies & Flowers exhibit and experience a dreamy adventure through 20+ whimsical fairy village dwellings along acres of winding garden paths.
Layered scenes and stories appear among historic gardens, inviting guests of all ages to seek and discover hidden treasures tucked throughout the displays.
Each delicate installation is skillfully created by Charleston-based artists, revealing talent and charm in the tiniest details.
Click here for additional information on these and other events at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.
Roots Uprising Dance Company: Witness Trees ◊ May 31, 2026
As part of Middleton Place’s 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution programming, Witness Trees at Middleton Place is the premiere of a site-specific dance performance inspired by the Conversations of Freedom exhibit. Presented by Roots Uprising Dance Company with live music from the Colour of Music Festival, this powerful outdoor performance reflects on the stories of freedom, struggle, and resilience connected to the Middleton Place landscape, honoring the deep relationship enslaved Africans and African Americans had with the land.
Click here for additional coverage information on these and other events at Middleton Plantation.
We apologize that the link to the updated Rules and Regulations did not work on the post this morning. We instead are directing you to the SIPOA website, where they are housed. Once there, click on Governance, then on Governing Documents, then on Rules and Regulations.
Do you have a love-hate relationship with updates for your devices? You know you should do them, but find it’s annoying to keep up with the changes and updates they make on your devices or apps?
It is critical to keep up with updates. The main reason is that the updates can protect against the latest security threats. Hackers are always finding ways around current security vulnerabilities, and updates can fix any known weaknesses. It helps deal with viruses, ransomware, and spyware.
Another reason to do updates is that some apps and websites require the latest version of your software or firmware to run well.
The key is also to update all your devices. If you update only one device, it might not share information with your other devices.
Make sure your update is from a legitimate source. Don’t update from a notification or pop-up you received. Always go to Settings, then Updates, and update from there.
The easiest way to update is to enable automatic updates. They will typically let you know when the update will occur, so you can change the time/date if it is not convenient.
You’re not alone – most of us dread the idea of updates, but it really is important to do them! Again, the main reason is that the updates can protect against the latest security threats.
On Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12, 2026, asphalt crews will be conducting repairs to the pathway adjacent to Seafields leading up to Freshfields.
The pathway will be closed and inaccessible in that area while repairs are being completed. “Pathway Closed” signs will be placed in the appropriate locations so crews can safely complete their work.
Seabrook Island is home to a healthy population of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), a species once protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Alligators are ambush predators, meaning they lie in wait for prey to come within striking distance, then rush out to capture them. Humans are not natural prey, but alligators can mistake humans for other animals and will attack if they feel threatened.
Their natural habitat is in the lagoons and ponds, but they often travel between them to get away from larger alligators or to find a mate. The courting season for alligators is early April, and mating occurs in May through early June, when temperatures are warm. Since we are heading into mating season, you may see an alligator traveling on the road or in your yard, and you may hear males bellowing to attract females and mark territory.
Keep your distance if you see an alligator. Don’t assume alligators are slow – they can move very quickly and can run very fast. Don’t go close to them to get a better look or take a picture! Experts, wildlife authorities, and park services recommend maintaining a safe distance of at least 30 feet from alligators.
If you have a concern about an alligator, call the Seabrook Island Security Gate at 843-768-6641.
Melissa Durinsky, Lake House exercise instructor and personal trainer, is leaving after 20 years of helping people on Seabrook Island. Her enthusiasm helped people with their fitness, weight loss, and conditioning journeys, and everyone who took a class with Melissa or had her as a personal trainer appreciated her expertise. Her impact went beyond fitness – she’s been a motivator, supporter, and steady presence for many of us. We wish her well in her future endeavors!
Save the Date – Property Owners Luau, Saturday, May 23, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on the Lake House Lawn. Back by popular demand, enjoy traditional pig roast, live music, beer, and wine. Click here for more details.
Fitness Classes
Monthly Schedule The Group Exercise Schedule can be viewed by clicking here.
Semi-Private Series Sign up now for the following semi-private classes. For more information about the series and detailed descriptions of the individual classes, click here.
Chair Yoga – Wednesdays at 2:30 pm. The May series meets from May 6 to 27. The June series meets from June 3 to 24.
Yin Yoga – Tuesdays at 5:15 pm. The May series meets from May 5 to 26. The June series meets from June 2 – 30. No class on June 9.
Classic Mat Pilates – Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 am from June 1 to June 24 at Oyster Catcher Community Center. Please bring your own mat, as they are not available at Oyster Catcher.
