The Scouted Calendar / January 2016

We know, we know, who can think about making January plans when there are still presents to be purchased, parties to pull off, and cookies to be baked? But the holidays will be over soon enough, and we’ll need something new to look forward to. Luckily, January brings a number of wonderful events and activities to our Scouted cities that are worth putting on the calendar; here are a few we’re looking forward to:

Charleston, South Carolina

On Sunday, January 31, there’s no better place to be for an oyster enthusiast than the 33rd Lowcountry Oyster Festival, which takes place at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Featuring 80,000 pounds of oysters, shucking and eating contests, live music, and delicious beverages, this is a fest that both children and adults will enjoy. 

Denver, Colorado

Through January 10, the Butterfly Pavilion hosts Living Lights, during which visitors can experience a “twinkling tropical rainforest and glowing gardens.” Every evening except Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, the invertebrate zoo lights up the areas that are home to 1,600 butterflies and other wonderful creatures for all to enjoy.

Equestrian

Winter is “snowbird” season for competitive equestrians, who flock to sunny locales for weeks of horse showing in the sun. These events are also wonderful for spectators who enjoy beautiful horses and exciting sport! Both HITS Thermal, just twenty minutes from stylish Palm Springs, California, and HITS Ocala, located in the heart of Florida’s horse capital, kick off in January and run through early March.

Miami, Florida

Fashion and flowers? Yes, please. Neiman Marcus SVP and Fashion Director Ken Downing will present a runway show featuring the following season’s exciting looks at the fifth annual Splendor in the Garden Luncheon and Fashion Show, which takes place on January 14 among the lush landscapes at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. If you’re visiting the Miami area around then, you’re in luck: two days later, Art Deco Weekend kicks off, bringing a celebration of Art Deco architecture as well as lectures, musical performances, fashion shows, walking tours, and more to the event, which is produced by the Miami Design Preservation League.

Naples, Florida

On January 29 – 31, vintners, chefs, and philanthropists converge at the Naples Winter Wine Festival. The renowned charity wine auction, which benefits local charities that assist underprivileged and at-risk children, takes place on January 30 under the tent at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples (see the auction lots here). The night before,  celebrity chefs will prepare signature dishes in private homes in the area (see the list of chefs here). 

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