What’s Happening in South Carolina

January 28–April 22, 2012: Brookgreen Gardens is expanding its already significant collection of art with a traveling exhibition of 60 works by 60 artists. Birds in Art just may be the "the best opportunity for indoor bird-watching" you'll find this winter! brookgreen.org  (pictured: Birdwatcher by Robert Bateman)

February 1–May 15, 2012: Palmetto Conservation Foundation is challenging South Carolinians to get outdoors and get active! The Palmetto Trail Challenge will track how many miles teams comprised of two members walk or ride a bike for 15 weeks. Miles can be accrued by walking or riding outdoors or inside on stationary equipment. palmettoconservation.org

Walk this way.

February 11–March 24, 2012: Middleton Place is home to one of America's oldest European-influenced gardens and hundreds of varieties of camellias. From mid-February until March, enjoy one of the special guided Camellia Walks to admire these beauties in bloom. Don't miss the 1786 Reine des Fleurs, one of the first camellias planted in America! middletonplace.org

Play with words.

February 18: The Ant & the Elephant: a poetry seminar that "reduces the poem from Britannica to Pocket Book" with Starkey Flythe, Jr. @ ARTworks. Saturday, February 18, 10 am to noon. Presented by the Poetry Society of South Carolina, the seminar is $10 for PSSC members and $15 for non-members. To register, contact PSSC at poetrysocietysc.org and slesin@islc.net. ARTworks is at 2127 Boundary Street in Beaufort. (843) 379-2787.

Go the distance.

February 18, 2012: Join thousands of runners competing in the BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon, one of the state's premiere long-distance running events. Distances include a full marathon, a half marathon, 5K and kids' fun run. This year's event offers a full weekend of pre- and post-race activities. mbmarathon.com

Re-enact history.

February 24–26, 2012: Relive the Battle of Aiken, originally fought between the forces of General Hugh Kilpatrick (USA) and General Joe Wheeler (CSA) on February 11-12, 1865. The battle was the last victory for the Confederacy in the War Between the States. The event includes living history presentations, self-guided tours through the living history camps and a period medical unit. battleofaiken.org.

Spice up your winter.

February 25, 2012: Chili lovers are invited to experience the tastes and smells of some of Columbia's most creative chili recipes during the 14th Annual Chili Cook-Off hosted by The Palladium Society of Historic Columbia Foundation. The event is from 5–8 p.m. at the SC State Fairgrounds. historiccolumbia.org

Quaff an ale or two.

February 26, 2012: With an aim to convert us all into devout beer lovers, Coast Brewing Co. and the Charleston Beer Exchange have created Charleston Brewvival— a full-sized beer festival featuring samples of more than 80 varieties of rare and unusual ales and lagers. Sip on double-IPAs, American porters and farmhouse ales from craft breweries while sampling tasty treats from all-local food vendors. brewvival.com

Slip inside a garden gate.

March 22–April 21, 2012: The intrigue of the Old District's historic private garden gates and thresholds will be revealed during Historic Charleston Foundation's month-long, Annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens. Tours provide a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America's most beautiful historic residences. historiccharleston.org

Just shuck it.

March 24, 2012: Enjoy an afternoon on the grounds of the Burt–Stark Mansion listening to a great local band while feasting on lots of oysters and Lowcountry boil at Abbeville's Annual Low Country Boil & Oyster Roast. visitabbevillesc.com