Skirmish at Gamble's Hotel - Day 60

Anyone interested in South Carolina's history will truly enjoy the Skirmish at Gamble's Hotel. This Civil War reenactment held at the Columns plantation depicts the encounter that occurred on March 5,1865. 500 federal soldiers marched into the Florence area to destroy the railroad depot, but were met by a group of Confederate soldiers. 


The war reenactment will take place on March 10-11 at the beautiful Harwell House at Rankin Plantation.
More info...

Blockbuster Showdown - Day 59

If you enjoy a lively concert, then you won't want to miss the Blockbuster Showdown Gold Cup Awards. The Gospel concert kicks off Friday night and continues all day Saturday, March 8th and 9th, at the Florence Civic Center. The celebration will include renowned contemporary artists and legendary quartets. 

More info...

Binding Treasures from Childhood - Day 58

There are always lots of interesting classes being held at the Lynda English Studio and Gallery, but one scheduled to begin on March 1st by Phyllis Cunningham really caught my eye - it's a series of workshops for kids to make their own painted books.  I can just envision a child lovingly painting a book and giving it to a grandparent to enjoy and keep as the child grows up, returning the book to the grandchild as something they have treasured through the years.
more info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Making Naval History - Day 57

Central United Methodist Church has the greatest programs each Wednesday for "Live at Central". On February 29th,  Civil War historian Randy Burbage will provide a presentation about the H. L. Hunley, regarded as the first submarine to sink an enemy ship. 

more info...

There are some great stories to hear about the Hunley, including this one borrowed from the Friends of the Hunley website:

To keep her sweetheart safe from harm, Queenie gave George Dixon a gold coin, as a good luck charm. Again, according to the legend, George kept the coin with him always, in his pocket, rubbing it with his thumb while he dreamed of the day when he and Queenie would be reunited.

During the Battle of Shiloh, George was shot point blank. A bullet ripped into the pocket of his trousers and struck the center of the gold coin. The impact was said to have left the gold piece bent, with the bullet embedded in it. Queenie's good luck gift had saved his life.

Many such legends were created during the war. Was this one true? For 137 years, no one knew whether the story was true or merely a romantic tale from long ago.
During the excavation of the H.L. Hunley, the gold coin was discovered next to the remains of Lt. George Dixon. It was deeply indented from the impact of a bullet and traces of lead were discovered on the coin. The coin, a $20 dollar gold piece, was minted in 1860. One side bears an image of Lady Liberty. The other side, which has a federal shield-and-eagle symbol, had been sanded and inscribed by hand. It clearly bears four lines of cursive script with the following words:
Shiloh
April 6, 1862
My life Preserver
G. E. D.


365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Stamped in Black History - Day 56

We were excited to find out about the William H. Johnson forever stamp, and now we have a chance to see a great collection of stamps at the Hartsville Museum through the end of March. The late W. Reaves McCall provided the museum with Black Heritage Series stamps beginning in 1978.


Also included in the museum collection is a very rare 1940 stamp of Booker T Washington.
more info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Myrtle Beach Bike Week West Preview - Day 55

Florence will get a family friendly taste of the Myrtle Beach Bike Week with the Motorcycle Expo! Myrtle Beach Bike Week West will present live music, vendors, stunt shows, custom builders and more at the Florence Civic Center on March 2-3. The Motorcycle Expo is expecting over 100 vendors and will surely leave you excited for Myrtle Beach Bike Week. 

 More info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Are you smarter than a middle schooler? - Day 54

Stop by Francis Marion University for the Pee Dee Spelling Bee to find out if you're as smart as the middle school students vying for top place in the annual competition. The fun starts at 5pm on Feb 27th.  You'll be holding your breath at their every word!
more info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Jump in the limelight - Day 53

There's always an opportunity to hop on stage in Florence - with Florence Little Theatre, Lake City Community Theatre, and the community choirs like Masterworks and Florence Men's Choral Society... but if you're dreaming of being a pro, head to the civic center on Wed., Feb 29th.
more info... 

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Wreath Laying for Swamp Fox - Day 52

Feb 27th is General Francis Marion Memorial Day. Marion County has built the day into their school curriculum, and every third grader receives a storybook about Francis Marion, and all third and eighth-graders are invited to the wreath laying. 


When you attend the wreath laying, you'll see Loyalist and Patriot reenactors, watch candle and soap making, tombstone caving, and yarn spinning. Don't miss the Swamp Fox chili cookoff!  more info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Collected for the community - Day 51

How wonderful it is when a collector from the community is willing to share their treasures with the community! The Attanasios of Florence have done just that - stop by the Dr. N. Lee Morris Gallery at the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Library to view some of their collection. This collection will be part of the permanent exhibit which will hang when other temporary exhibits are not in the gallery.  For right now, you can see it until April 30th.

Carol Mulholland Attanasio is a talented local artist whose creativity inspires her to create a variety of multimedia pieces from painting to three-dimensional sculpture. Her subject matter is just as varietal as the mediums she uses to create her art. She received a prestigious art degree studying at schools such as the Art Institute of Chicago and State University of New York, has received training in watercolor and metal sculpture from experts in their fields, and has traveled the world collecting and creating works of art.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Sports on Stage - Day 50

Every weekend in Florence we have a great choice in sports to watch or join in. The Florence Tennis Complex, Freedom Florence, Legion Field, the Civic Center all have tournaments going on a regular basis, like the lower state high school basketball tournament  Feb 24-25 (civic center), and Pepsi Invitational baseball tournament on Feb 24-26 (Legion Field).  You can find a full list of sports events at playflorence.com.


What could be better, though, than an off-camera view from the locker room of the competitive world of professional baseball?  FMU Theatre is performing "Back Back Back" on Feb 20-24 at the Performing Arts Center.  More info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Shutterbugs - Day 49

There are tons of places around Florence to get great natural, architectural, and social images.  Once you've caught those images on your SD card, workshops held at Lynda English Art Gallery, Black Creek Arts, and Railroad Junction show you how to perfect those great shots.  Black Creek Arts even gives photography lessons for beginners and advanced students.  

Once you get the hang of it, be sure to join in competitions and exhibits -  the Art Trail Gallery is pulling together the Photofabulous exhibit now, and the city of Hartsville is looking for images, too:

Calling all photographers! Don't forget to submit your photos for the City of Hartsville's new website. The City is currently looking for pictures of life in Hartsville, specifically sights and scenery. See the guidelines for submissions here - Submission Requirements. The deadline to submit your work is February 28th at 4:30pm. Inquiries and photos should be sent to info@hartsville.org. 

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Epic Asian Elephants? Sounds awesome! - Day 48

Its a great weekend to be a kid, or in my case a kid at heart! The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus present 'Barnum Bash' at the Florence Civic Center, starting tonight at 7pm. The show includes a pre-show party on the arena floor with music, dancing and costumes. The fun continues with an exotic animal menagerie and some amazing international acts, including Dimitri the Strong Man, Motorcycle Mania and the Epic Asian Elephants.


Barnum Bash is in town through February 20th. For showtimes and ticket pricing, visit www.florenceciviccenter.com or call 843.679.9417.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Joe Stukes History Series - Day 47

 

We absolutely love the programs offered at the Doctors Bruce & Lee Foundation Library. One of our favorites is the Joe Stukes History Series, featuring local historian Dr. Joe Stukes who portrays a historic figure or presents a program highlighting a significant event in history.

Today you can see him in action as he presents a program entitled '1812: War, Songs & Roses.' Dr. Stukes will celebrate a nationwide observance of the 200th anniversary of The Star-Spangled Banner. The program will include a consideration of causes and results of the War of 1812 as well as a brief summary of the wartime activity.

This program is offered today at 3pm and again at 6:30pm. Hope to see you there!

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Blue Moon Jazz - Day 46

What could be better than Bizzell's Food with jazz music playing in the background at scenic Lawton Park in Hartsville?  Only the fact that it's a fundraiser for Harvest Hope Food Bank!


More info on how to build a wonderful Tuesday evening... 


365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Mom says it's a great time to look for alligators - Day 45

I've been sharing my blog topics with my mother in Pennsylvania ever so often, and today when I talked to her she said, I've been thinking about that 365 day thing you do - it's a great time to go looking for alligators before the mosquitoes start coming out. She remembers a trip to SC when she went on an excursion to Woods Bay State Park, and she had been surprised to spot alligators so easily. A little bit too easily for her comfort!


It is a great time to go to Woods Bay State Park.  With the Carolina Bay that is always wet, there is a wide variety of migrating birds that stop in on their annual flights, and a long list of those who make the park their year-round home.


On top of that, Woods Bay is a participant in the SC State Parks Geocache Challenge. 




365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Leonardo in Florence - Day 44

This Thursday night,at 7pm, the Swamp Fox Theatre will be showing the collection of Leonardo Da Vinci's work as it was exhibited at the National Gallery in London until Feb 5, 2012.  This exhibit drew world-wide attention and on Thursday night, the world will be invited to view the exhibit in select theaters for one night only.


Of the thousands of pieces on exhibit, the portrait of Cecilia Gallerani - The Lady with Ermine - will catch your attention - this is a piece that Alex Palkovich recently used in challenging himself to creating a relief. (Leonardo's work is above to the left, Alex's to the right.) More info about Leonardo LIVE.


While you're going online to purchase tickets, check out this youtube video of the long "queues" of people waiting to buy tickets to the National Gallery - it's great to be in Florence!




365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Frogz and BigLittleThings - Day 43

Human-sized realistic-looking frogs acting as mimes, 6-ft tall dragonflies doing acrobatics...Tell me, what could be more fun for the kids and their parents to go see on a cold February eve?


Zoo Zoo, all the way from Portland Oregon, will be featured in the Marlboro Civic Center on Thursday, Feb. 16th at 7pm.  While you're in the building, imagine old-time Vaudeville shows on stage - that is what the Marlboro Civic Center offered in its early years.
more info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Follow the Drinking Gourd - Day 42

When the sun comes back,

and the first quail calls,

Follow the drinking gourd

The old man is awaiting for to carry you to freedom

If you follow the drinking gourd.

During the times of the Underground Railroad, a popular song among the slaves was "Follow the Drinking Gourd" which gave specific instructions on how to follow the path to freedom.  The Drinking Gourd was another name given to the Big Dipper constellation, and following it led the slaves to the North.  There is further explanation of the lyrics here.

On Sunday, February 12th, the Dooley Planetarium at FMU will provide a program about following the drinking gourd.  More info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Drink Small Boogie - Day 41

The Marion Opera House is getting ready for its Thursday Night Live, beginning March 1st.  On March 8th, they will have one of my favorites - The Blues Doctor, Drink Small..  Drink Small (that's his real name, by the way) is from Bishopville, and you can watch his video of the song "Bishopville is my home town" onYoutube.


He first played music on an old pump organ when he was eleven years old, then he switched up to a single-string guitar. His "Drink Small Boogie" is the most requested song when he's in the room.


I hear the Opera House only has 250 seats.  You better get your ticket way in advance for this one.  Here is some more info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Romeo=horn, Juliet = flute - Day 40

This coming Valentine's day concert will feature Romeo and Juliet Overture Fantasy by Petor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Love Music from "Boris Godunow"by Modeste Moussorgsky, Danse Bacchanale from "Samson and Delilah" by Camille Saint-Saens, and this romantic evening will end with Suite from Carmen by George Bizet. for more event info...


Now, I have to say I love wikipedia, especially on Valentine's Day searches.  Here's a brief wikipedia description of Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet - 


The love theme signifies the couple first meeting and the scene at Juliet's balcony. The English horn represents Romeo, while the flutes represent Juliet. Then the battling strand returns, this time with more intensity and build-up, with the Friar Laurence Theme heard with agitation. The strings enter with a lush, hovering melody over which the flute and oboe eventually soar with the love theme once again, this time loud and in D major, signaling the development section and their consummated marriage, and finally heard in E major, and two large orchestra hits with cymbal crashes signal the suicide of the two lovers. A final battle theme is played, then a soft, slow dirge in B major ensues, with timpani playing a repeated triplet pattern, and tuba holding a B natural for 16 bars. The woodwinds play a sweet homage to the lovers, and a final allusion to the love theme brings in the climax, beginning with a huge crescendo B natural roll of the timpani, and the orchestra plays homophonic shouts of a B major chord before the final bar, with full orchestra belting out a powerful B natural to close the overture.


365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

You'll find them in New York, London, Berlin, Florence... - Day 39

Every time I turn around, Florence becomes more cool. Hip. Trendy.  In fact, just to prove the point, I borrowed the image above from the Facebook profile of the London Singer / Songwriter Circle.  Florence is among a large group of cities that hold songwriter circles.  You'll find ours at Railroad Junction on the second Saturday of each month.

****

More info about Second Saturday Songwriter Circle:

Local independent record label, Yonder Music, and the Florence based Americana radio show, Country Fried Rock, are proud to continue their monthly singer-songwriter showcase hosted by Railroad Junction. The third installment of the series, called Second Saturdays Songwriters Circle, will take place on February 11, 2012 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, and will reoccur every second Saturday on a monthly basis. This unique concert event is open to the general public. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged, and go directly to pay for the performers’ transportation costs.

Each event will feature three singer-songwriters who will perform their favorite original compositions, as well as share the stories behind the songs they wrote in a unique, collaborative atmosphere. Missy Jones, owner of Yonder Music, and Sloane Spencer, owner of Country Fried Rock wanted to create a new kind of music outlet in Florence that would highlight talented songwriters and allow them to showcase their original works. Both Missy and Sloane are Railroad Junction Art Collective consigners, and wished to contribute a music based program to the cooperative’s robust menu of arts offerings.

The February installment will feature three bluegrass singer-songwriters:

Johnny Tanner – Florence singer-songwriter Johnny Tanner is well known as a member of The Borrowed Time Band. His original composition “Wake Up John” was the 2011 winner of the prestigious Chris Austin songwriting contest, which is hosted by MerleFest music festival.

Kevin Wykoff – West Virginia native Kevin Wykoff is a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter for the popular Florence insurgent bluegrass group Slug’s Revenge. Kevin is widely celebrated for his lightning fast finger picking style and punk rock ethos.

Desiree Shaffer – Quinby native, Desiree Shaffer, is much admired around Florence for her depression era babydoll fashion sense, and sweet traditional vocal style. It is less known that Slug’s Revenge stylish bassist, also shines as talented songwriter and a gifted lyricist in her own right.

Expect some magic to happen when these three talented artists come together on one intimate stage inside downtown Florence's newest art collective.

The next Second Saturdays Songwriters Circle is scheduled for March 10^th, 2012 from 4-6PM, with performers to be announced.

Previous events have featured notable local singer-songwriters such as Melanie McMillan, James Scott Bullard, Stephanie Fagan, Allen Johnson, and Dylan Sneed.

For information about Second Saturdays Songwriters Circle and Yonder Music, please contact:
Missy Davis Jones, missy@yonder-music.com
For information about Country Fried Rock, please contact: Sloane Spencer, sloanerocks@gmail.com
For information about Railroad Junction, please contact: railroadjunctionart@gmail.com

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Who am I - Day 38

I am a flower quickly fading

Here today and gone tomorrow

A wave tossed in the ocean

A vapor in the wind

A couple of quick facts about who they are:


Casting Crowns is one of the fastest selling, platinum-reaching Christian artists in history. Casting Crowns also won a Grammy for Lifesong. 

Casting Crowns are one of the ONLY American bands in the U.S. that North Korea invited to play some concerts at an international festival held there. (Crowns has played in the festival twice so far.) The only other band invited is also a Contemporary Christian band named the Annie Moses Band.


Casting Crowns will be returning to Florence Civic Center on Thursday, February 9th. Check www.florenceciviccenter.com for ticket info.


365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Are you getting fresh with me? - Day 37

What better way to spend Valentine's Day, and the days leading up to it, than with the freshest local foods around? Check out the special menu from Foodscapes in Lake City - and if you're looking for a real "wow" factor, you can charter a plane to fly you right up to the restaurant's entrance. How's that for a special night she's sure to remember?

Foodscapes Valentines Dinner for 2  

Served Friday, February 10^th, Saturday, February 11^th and Tuesday, February 14^th For Reservations Call 843-374-9866

Share an Appetizer:

French Onion Brie Creamy French Brie Cheese and sweet and savory caramelized onions with grilled baguette crostini.

Ahi Tuna Poke A tradition on the Hawaiian Islands combines cubes of sushi grade ahi tuna, dressed with scallions, dark sesame oil and ginger and toasted sesame seeds.

Crab Avocado Mango Stack Lump blue crab tossed with house made remoulade stacked with mango salsa and avocados.

Each Choose a Salad or Soup:

Cranberry Salad Mixed baby greens, cranberries, toasted pecans and bleu cheese crumbles tossed with house made cranberry vinaigrette.

Stolen Honey Salad  Baby greens, Granny Smith apples tossed with Honey vinaigrette topped with toasted pecan crusted goat cheese medallion.

Classic Caesar Salad Crisp Romaine lettuce tossed with creamy Caesar dressing topped with shaved parmesan cheese and roasted corn-cheddar grit crouton.

She Crab Soup  Tender lump blue crab in light cream broth.

Each Choose a Entrée:

Seafood Mornay Grouper, scallops, shrimp in rich cheese mornay topped with panko bread crumbs and baked in individual casserole to a bubbling goodness.  Served with Island rice and seasonal vegetable.

Filet Mignon 8 oz Certified Angus beef filet grilled to your choice of temperature with baked potato and seasonal vegetables. (Add $10)

Braised Pork Osso Bucco Bone in pork shank slow braised to fork tender over white bean puree, garlic crushed potatoes in demi-glace jus.

$50 per couple.  Price does not include beverage, alcoholic beverage, tax or gratuity.




365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

What's the temp? - Day 36

It's been a little warm for February, even for South Carolina.  Makes me think of spring, and all the agricultural events that are scheduled. Here are a few coming up - 

March

Good Living Marketplace - Hartsville

Market on Darlington Square

Spring Planting & Easter Egg Hunt at Williams Muscadine Vineard and Farm - Nesmith

Spring Planting Event at L.W. Paul Living History Farm - Conway

April

Southern Plant & Flower Festival at Pee Dee State Farmers Market - Florence

Good Living Marketplace - Hartsville

Daffodil Festival: A Garden Party at Moore Farms Botanical Garden - Lake City

Market on Darlington Square

Rural Heritage Celebration at Clemson University Pee Dee Research - Florence

Heart of the Carolinas at Southern Eighths Farm - Chesterfield

We'll have all of the events listed at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/  within the next week.




365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Super Bowl of video games - Day 35

Play in the super bowl of video games - the Madden Challenge. Saturday, Feb 4th, at Magnolia Mall - register at 10am, the tournament starts at noon. The winner takes home a $1000 Magnolia Mall gift certificate - that's just perfect for a flat screen and surround sound system for the big game on Sunday!  Oh - and don't forget to stop by around 2:00 to meet Sir Purr and the TopCats, making a special appearance from Charlotte.  more info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

Who's got Soul? - Day 34

One of our favorite brochures here at the Florence CVB is "Soul of the Pee Dee". In addition to African-American events, historic sites and heritage, it lists local African-American musicians, storytellers, authors, and artists.  We were thrilled when the Art Trail Gallery decided to do a live version of Soul of the Pee Dee as an exhibit for Black History Month.  


What's even greater?  The Art Trail Gallery has unearthed even more artists that are worthy of being listed in "Soul".  We can't wait to add them in the next printing. 


more info about the exhibit...
to download Soul of the Pee Dee...


365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

William H. Johnson Forever - Day 33

How exciting to see that the artwork of William H. Johnson is being featured on a Forever stamp in honor of Black History Month!  I'll be sure to pick up enough stamps to last a good long while. 


I just viewed some of WH Johnson's artwork at the Florence Museum this weekend, and the museum will have a large collection of his work on loan from the Smithsonian once the new building is complete. It's so heartwarming to have William H. Johnson Forever in Florence!


more information about WH Johnson from the Florence Museum...


365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!

My Nappy ROOTS : A Journey through Black Hair-itage - Day 32

With a title like that, who wouldn't want to see the movie?  And how about "Why do White People have Black Spots?"  

These short films, and seven others will be featured at Florence's Short Film Showcase, held the first time this year.  The Showcase will be held February 3rd to honor Black History Month by screening Black-themed short films in a concentrated setting to bring awareness to the art of short films and creative content by and about Blacks from the African Diaspora. 

More info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/ ... and enjoy!