Third Thursday's

Another great summertime activity in this area is a once a month mini-festival in Historic downtown Summerville called Third Thursday's. Every third Thursday during the summer/fall months the shops stay open late till 8pm, there are two or three bands playing in different areas, an art show with local artists and crafters, as well as an antique car show. It's a wonderfully relaxing and social experience. The Art Walk takes place on Short Central Ave. a street that oozes charm and grace. The street is set with brick in a herringbone pattern, probably original. Since the street is closed to traffic there are tables outside for the restaurants. Unique and fun shops line each side, two of them had just opened this week. The Candy Bar, a welcomed candy store, and Four Green Fields, a local artisans shop.

We chose a table and had dinner at The Eclectic Chef, while our pooch Katey soaked in the constant attention from passing families. The Eclectic Chef is a great lunch or dinner spot serving, salads, paninis and other sandwiches, but also gourmet-to-go dishes that you can take home if, like me, you sometimes can't come up with the motivation to cook. A little further down the street there is also an Italian restaurant, I haven't yet sampled, as well as an Irish Pub.

My favorite shop is called Marigolds, which is a virtual treasure trove of gorgeous antiques, vintage dishes, accessories, even cabinet pulls. It's the kind of store you take at least a half hour to make sure you haven't missed a corner or sparkly bauble. It makes me itch to buy the house we want, apartment life really cramps my style.

Supporting local businesses is what it's all about, and it's just an excellent opportunity to get the family or just yourself out of the house. Strolling along and striking up conversation with business owners or neighbors is always entertaining as well as a way to glean the community gossip! Get out there!