Renaissance Weekend

Charleston offers a host of activities to suit every desire. You will find beaches and water activity, great shops, fine dining, historic home tours, spa treatments, golf and more.  For the 8th consecutive year, Charleston has been named one of the "Top Ten" destinations in the United States by the well-traveled readers of Conde Nast Traveller.

From the front door of the hotel, guests can enjoy leisurely strolls or inspiring jogging routes through some of the most beautifully preserved antebellum architecture on the continent, or opt to take a short drive to the Plantations to enjoy the flora and wildlife.

For golfers, there are more than 20 courses in the area, including the legendary Kiawah, Wild Dunes and the new Arnold Palmer signature course at Rivertowne. For beach lovers, a 15-minute drive puts you on pristine white sand beaches perfect for kayaking, fishing, sailing, surfing or simply watching dolphins play.

According to Travel Holiday magazine, Charleston is one of the "Top Five" romantic destinations for the third consecutive year, and the Holy City was also named one of the "Top Three" cities for family vacations according to Family Fun magazine.

No other city more lovingly preserves its past than Charleston, from its houses, to churches, and even the cobblestone streets.  Beautiful historic homes are on every street in the city, from the Battery to the French Quarter.  Charleston is steeped in history that you can spend weeks exploring.

The Program

PANELS

The Weekend is comprised of hundreds of programs in which participants with in-depth knowledge reflect off-the-record on a wide variety of current issues. Lively discussion by all participants is encouraged, and the tone is decidedly relaxed and family-oriented. All participants are encouraged to come and go as they like.

Because panel assignments are not completed until just before the event, the Final Program is only available at Registration, which begins at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, December 28. (However, a Tentative Draft Program will be sent to all registered lead participants in late December.)

Participants are assigned roles in the program based on the information provided on the PARTICIPANT PROFILES page of your on-line registration or, if requested, on the equivalent printed form. Thus, it is most important to complete your Profile online as early as possible.

"Camp Renaissance" / Teens / College Students

CHILDREN

Camp Renaissance is an action-packed program tailored for children ages 3-12. To ensure age-appropriate activities, the children are usually divided into three age groups: Explorers (ages 3-4), Discoverers (ages 5-8) and Club XL (ages 9-12). Typical children’s programs include hands-on experiments, indoor and outdoor games, nature walks, musical performances, story-telling and arts & crafts projects. These activities are organized by the Camp Renaissance Counselors, with involvement from adult Renaissance participants whose experiences are of interest to young people. The children’s program runs concurrently with the adult program, and thus does not provide full-time child care. Camp-related costs are included in the children’s Registration Fees for the Weekend.

Younger Children: There is no organized program or child care provided for children under the age of three. However, younger children are welcome at Camp Renaissance programs when accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Participants should make arrangements for babysitters at least three weeks prior to arrival at the Weekend. (Lists are available from the hotel Concierge.) To maximize enjoyment of the full program for the entire family, families with young children are encouraged to bring a baby-sitter or “au pair.” While there is no Registration Fee for such individuals, they are charged for one Child’s Meals Fee ($350). It is understood that they are attending solely for child care and that, if practical, they will assist periodically with Camp Renaissance. Baby-sitters and “au pairs” are free to attend programs and panel discussions designed specifically for Camp Renaissance participants.

TEENS & COLLEGE STUDENTS

Young people are welcome at all functions. Most teens and college students participate in the regularly-scheduled activities. In addition, they often have designated gathering places and their own activities and discussions. Teens and college students are usually placed on panels reflective of their interests, according to the information provided on the PARTICIPANT PROFILES.

The final agenda (available at Registration) will note programs especially for teens, other panels designed with teens in mind, and details for additional teen gatherings.

College students have traditionally integrated themselves into the adult program while also creating a strong bond during a few programs planned specifically for them.

Parents are expected to oversee their children’s and teens’ comings and goings throughout the Weekend. Renaissance Institute and Renaissance Weekend staff can assume no liability regarding children or teens.

Special Events & Programs

Renaissance Academy®: The Academies afford participants opportunities to explore some timely issues more deeply. The format usually includes a plenary panel and break-out discussions of sub-topics. Academy topics and more information will be included with the Tentative Program e-mailed to registered lead participants in late December.

Sports & Recreational Activities

Some time will be set aside for afternoon recreation and for enjoying some of historic Charleston’s highlights, such as Middleton Place, Fort Sumter and the South Carolina Aquarium. Details are available at individual websites as well as at www.charlestoncvb.com. If you decide to arrive early or extend your stay, please review the additional information regarding year-end events and activities in Charleston at http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/events. Remember to check availability with your Hotel and, as always, request “Renaissance Weekend Group Reservations.”

“Happy New Year, Charleston!” is a community celebration, offering a non-alcoholic, safe, and family-oriented alternative program to celebrate the New Year in Charleston. This city wide, admission-free program has something for everyone: comedy, dance, many forms of music including classical, gospel and jazz, street entertainment, children’s activities and more. This event will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2009 in Marion Square and is produced by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs.  For more information, call 843-724-7305 or visit www.charlestonarts.sc/about-cultural-affairs-charleston/festivals-and-special-events/happy-new-year-charleston.

Golf tee times may be arranged in advance of the Weekend directly at one of the Charleston area’s premier golf resorts.

Dunes West Golf Club (843-856-9000, www.duneswestgolfclub.com).  Greens fees (including cart charges) range from $46 to $56. 

Kiawah Island Resort (843-768-2121, www.kiawahresort.com).  Greens fees (including cart charges) range from $90 to $143.  Fees for the Ocean Course are $262 (walking course only before noon). 

Patriots Point Links (877-709-5053 or 843-881-0042, www.patriotspointlinks.com).  Greens fees (including cart charges) range from $38 to $55.

RiverTowne Country Club (866-216-3777 or 843-216-3777, www.rivertownecountryclub.com).  Greens fees (including cart charges) are $65 to $85.

Wild Dunes (800-845-8880, option 2, www.wilddunes.com/golf.php).  Greens fees (including cart charges) range from $80 to $140
 

The Health Club and Spa at Charleston Place is available only to registered guests of Charleston Place. For additional information and spa reservations, please call the spa directly at 843-722-4900 or visit the Charleston Place website at www.charlestonplace.com.

Location

The Charleston area is located on the coast of South Carolina, midway between Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island. It is easily accessible by car. I-26 has its eastern terminus in Charleston and connects with I-20, I-85, I-40, I-77 and I-95 from the north. US Highway 17, the coastal north-south route, runs through Charleston and connects with I-95 from the south.

Charleston International Airport is located 15 miles from Charleston Place Hotel and offers jet service from US Airways, AirTran, Delta, Continental, Northwest Airlines, and United Express. Amtrak provides regular passenger service to the Charleston area.

Transfers and Directions

Directions from Charleston International Airport and I-26 East

Upon leaving the airport, follow signs to I-26 East -- CHARLESTON. Continue on I-26 East until you are within the city limits of Charleston. Proceed to the LEFT lane as you approach the end of I-26 East. At the end of I-26 East, follow the far left exit (MEETING ST./VISITOR CENTER.) At the traffic light turn RIGHT onto MEETING STREET. Continue on MEETING STREET for approximately 1.2 miles. The hotel entrance will be on your RIGHT just past the intersection of MEETING and HASELL STREETS.

Directions from US-17 North (West Ashley, Beaufort)

Drive over the Ashley River Bridge, staying in the far right lane. Bear right on Lockwood Drive. Go under the overpass, then get immediately into far left lane. Take Calhoun Street Exit. Go 1 mile, turn right onto Meeting Street. Go past 3 traffic lights and take the first right past Hassel Street. A small sign on the right marks the entrance for Charleston Place Hotel.

Directions from US-17 South (Mt. Pleasant, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach)

Begin on US-17 South toward Charleston. Continue over the COOPER RIVER BRIDGE (Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge) and follow the MEETING STREET exit. Turn LEFT onto MEETING STREET. Continue approximately 1.7 miles. The hotel entrance will be on your RIGHT just past the intersection of MEETING and HASELL STREETS.

Transportation & Rental Cars

 Discount airfares (sometimes better than internet fares) and information regarding travel to Charleston are available from Williamsburg Travel Management at 800-673-6311.  For reservations, ask for Carole and refer to Renaissance Weekend.  Charleston’s airport (serviced by AirTran, American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and USAir) is approximately 15 miles from the heart of Charleston, a 20-minute drive. 

Shuttle Service between the Charleston airport and your Hotel is provided by Absolutely Charleston, Charleston Black Cab Company and Image Limousine. Please refer to Renaissance Weekend when making your reservation to receive these special rates.

Absolutely Charleston (800-747-0689 or 843-747-4448, www.absolutelycharleston.com) provides van service for $45.00 for one adult, $25.00 per adult for two people and $20.00 per adult for three or more people; $10.00 per child (ages 12 and under).  Sedan service is available for $98.00 per sedan (maximum of 2 people) and SUV service is available for $146.00 per SUV (maximum of 4 people).  Advance reservations are required.  Reservations may be made by using the following link directly to Absolutely Charleston http://absolutelycharleston.hudsonltd.net/res?USERIDENTRY=RENWKD&LOGON=GO.  Please refer to Renaissance Weekend when making your reservation to receive these special rates. 

Charleston Black Cab Company (843- 216-2627, (www.charlestonblackcabcompany.com) provides transportation between the Charleston airport and Charleston hotels.  One way fares for Charleston Black Cab service is $50 (5 people maximum; 4 recommended); Charleston Black Cab’s van service is $110 (9 and 11 passenger vans available).  Advance reservations are required for all transportation services and may be made by phone, fax (843-216-2650) or e-mail to concierge@charlestonblackcabcompany.com.  Additional, customized services (exclusive meet and greet with Charleston Black Cabs, Sedans or Vans) are available upon request.

Image Limousine (843-51-1304, http://image.corporatecaronline.com) ) provides van service for $55.00 for one adult, $30.00 per adult for two people and $25.00 per adult for three or more people.  There is no charge for one child (ages 6 to 12); each additional child costs $10.00 per child.  Children ages 5 and under ride free.  Sedan service is available for $65.00 per sedan (maximum of 3 people).  A 24-hour advance reservation is required.  You may also e-mail your request to simagelimos@aol.com.  Please refer to Renaissance Weekend when making your reservation to receive these special rates. 

A rental car is not necessary in downtown Charleston as most activities will be held at Charleston Place.  However, if you choose to rent a car or will be driving to Charleston, self-service and valet parking are available and daily rates range from $12.00 (self-service) to $25.00 (valet) per day.

It is essential that you advise BOTH the hotel and Renaissance Weekend if you must cancel at any time! (Otherwise, you may not be eligible for applicable refunds.)

Starting & Ending Times

Registration opens on Monday, December 28 at 2:00 P.M. (Help with Registration is most welcome from early arrivals, who are encouraged to notify the Renaissance Weekend staff of their availability.) The first program begins at 6:00 P.M. on Monday. Please note that some Committees-including Music, Fun & Sizzle and Proctors & Moderators-meet between 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. In addition to obtaining materials at the Renaissance Weekend Registration Desk at Charleston Place, participants will need to check in separately with their respective hotels.

The final program ends by noon on Friday, January 1. More specific advance information will be provided in the Tentative Program and other materials sent to all registered lead participants in mid-December.

Arrivals & Departures

Participants are encouraged, for their own enjoyment, to arrive early or stay past January 1. Because the New Year's program is especially full of activities from 8:00 A.M. to approximately 11:00 P.M., families may find that an extra day or two would provide a more relaxed opportunity to enjoy historic Charleston. Should you wish to arrive early or extend your stay, stated room rates and privileges apply, subject to certain limitations and availability.Once Renaissance Weekend has secured your reservation with the resort, please communicate directly with the to hotel to change your arrival/departure dates, if necessary.   

Please advise us of your flight information or arrival/departure time as soon as it is confirmed.

Weather and Dress

Charleston's weather in December can range from the 70's during the day to the 30's at night, though you are urged to check weather reports shortly in advance of the Weekend  (www.weather.com). Pack jackets and sweaters for "layering." During the day, dress is informal, resort casual, but coat-and-tie are customary at dinner.  Attire for the New Year's Eve party is festive but not black tie (including Teens and Camp Renaissance).

Meals

Conversation over meals is an important part of the Weekend, and it is assumed that all guests will participate in the Common Meals. (Thus, only children under age three are not charged for Common Meals.)

Meals On-Your-Own: Wednesday’s dinner and Thursday’s lunch are “on-your own,” enabling you to enjoy historic Charleston. For dinner recommendations, visit the Charleston Visitor’s Bureau website at www.charlestoncvb.com. Additional information will also be sent to you in December. Due to the large number of people attending this Weekend, there may be some difficulty in obtaining reservations for downtown Charleston restaurants if not made before arrival.

Cancellation Policies

Registration Fees will be refunded for cancellations received in writing (via fax, e-mail or mail) by Renaissance Weekend as noted below. Registrants who cancel in time to receive a full refund will nonetheless incur a $250 processing fee.

• Maximum Refund: Before October 29, 2009 (Less $250 Processing Fee)
• 50% Refund: October 29 – November 12, 2009 (Less $250 Processing Fee)
• 25% Refund: November 13 – December 13, 2009 (Less $250 Processing Fee)
• No Refund: After December 14, 2009

Common Meals and Meeting Service Charges can only be refunded if written cancellation is received by Renaissance Weekend on or before December 14, 2009.  Because “head counts” are guaranteed in advance of the Weekend, there can be no such refund after this date, nor can there be reductions of charges for early departures or absence from meals.

Lodging deposits, refunds and payments are handled in accordance with each Hotel’s policy, as noted during the registration process. All hotels require a deposit equal to one night’s stay. Deposits are refunded if cancellations are received in advance by the deadlines noted below:

Transfer of Registration from the New Year’s Weekend to any of the next three Renaissance Weekends may be possible, without penalty, if notice is received in writing by December 14, 2009, and if space is available (with a transfer fee of $100).

It is essential that you advise BOTH the hotel and Renaissance Weekend if you must cancel at any time! (Otherwise, you may not be eligible for applicable refunds.)