Want to come? Here’s what you’ll find if you do:

Cooper River Bridge Run — Saturday, April 6th, 2013. In its 36th year, and named for a bridge that no longer exists, this popular race that starts in Mount Pleasant, ends in downtown Charleston, and crosses the Cooper River, is destination to over 40,000 runners and walkers. It is also a tradition for me that dates back to the early 2000s. At last check, all normal registrations have sold out. However, you can still participate in this annual 6.2 mile rite of Spring by signing up to run as a charity. See website for details. http://bridgerun.com/register.php

Family Circle Cup — March 30, 2013 through April 7, 2013. Another annual rite of Spring for the Lowcountry, this premier women’s professional tennis tournament turned 40 this year. Originally hailing from Hilton Head, the tournament grabbed its balls and moved to Daniel Island, which has proven to be quite the gracious Southern host with one of the finest tennis facilities around. Tournament play wraps up this weekend with Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, respectively. For tickets, match schedules, and events related to it, visit the website http://www.familycirclecup.com/

66th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens — Thousands of visitors already descended upon the Holy City only bodes well for this iconic festival sponsored each year by the Historic Charleston Foundation. Personally, I’ll be taking in the Tradd Street Tour at 6pm on Saturday, April 6th, following the Bridge Run. It is one of many wonderful offerings with a glimpse into some of the most gorgeous and prestigious gardens and residences of the city. Ongoing through April 20th. The full Festival Schedule, maps, event descriptions, and ticket information can all be found on the Festival website https://www.historiccharleston.org/

Just over three hours from Cornelius and Davidson, Charleston is a destination worth exploring. If not this weekend with me then sometime very soon. However, if you go, be sure to pack warm weather.

Robin Gibson is a writer living in Cornelius. You can find her blog at http://www.robingibsonart.com/blog.html.