It’s Friday once again, which means it’s time for the Friday Five, our weekly roundup of five fun events happening in the Charleston area over the weekend. Enjoy the Charleston culinary scene at a discount, learn to paint like a legend, get some home building and remodeling inspiration, and more. And as always, no matter what you choose to do, the staff and agents at Johnson & Wilson Real Estate Company wish you a very happy and safe weekend! 

Hooray, Restaurant Week is here! Foodies across the state eagerly look forward to this 11-day event, especially here in Charleston. Our culinary scene has become yet another main reason people travel to Charleston, and we’re lucky enough to live at the center of it. From casual dining to fine dining, hundreds of participating restaurants feature special menu items, promotions, and discounts. Taking place from January 7th through the 17th, 2021, Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to get out and try a few places you haven’t tried yet, or that might usually be cost-prohibitive for you.

Start 2021 off by bringing some creativity and peace to your life with a Paint Like Bob Ross workshop at Redux Contemporary Art Center. After all, couldn’t we all use more happy little trees in our lives? Toby Casey, Charleston’s only certified Bob Ross instructor, will host a two-hour workshop this Saturday afternoon to guide students through the entire process of creating their very own Bob Ross-style landscape. This workshop is conducted to the standards that were personally developed by Bob Ross himself and is designed to be accessible to every skill level. Absolutely ZERO painting experience is required. The price for the workshop includes all paints, brushes, and supplies, and you’ll leave with a couple of happy trees on a 9×12 canvas. Just bring a creative mind, a great attitude, and a mask!

In a partnership with the MOJA Arts Festival and the Charleston 350 Commemoration Commission, City Gallery is proud to present The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls. The exhibition presents large format reproductions of Jonathan Green’s illustrations for Louise Meriwether’s children’s book The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls. The book was originally published in 1971, and the new edition, reprinted in 2018, includes fifteen vivid illustrations by Green detailing Robert Smalls’ dramatic escape from slavery in 1862. These illustrations are presented at City Gallery alongside highlights from the book and historical information about the life and legacy of Robert Smalls. Reserve a free ticket to view this wonderful exhibit at the link above.

Head to Deep Water Vineyard this Saturday for the Weekend Wine-Down! Enjoy outdoor tastings and new draft meads featured at this weekend’s wine-down. There will be food from La’Son Anchor Grill and live music from Lenny Burridge. Kids and dogs love to run around and see the animals at the vineyard, so pack up the family and spend a few hours outdoors. Tastings occur every hour and the hour. You can also purchase wine by the glass and bottle as well as other drinks like mimosas, bloody marys, wine slushies, hot mulled wine, and draft meads. 

If you’re planning to build, remodel, or freshen your home or landscaping anytime soon—or if you just like getting ideas and seeing what’s new—the Charleston Build, Remodel, & Landscape Expo is the place to be this weekend. Head to the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson Friday through Sunday to see the latest innovations, offerings, and ideas in the home building and remodeling industries. See wall-to-wall displays and speak with experts and insiders. Learn about the latest trends in design, product offerings, maintenance tips, and more on everything to do with kitchen and bath remodeling, roofing, flooring, home security, water conditioning, insulation, windows, landscaping, exterior products, and much more. Please note that masks/face coverings are mandatory for all exhibitors and attendees at this event.