As you know, gang, we've written posts from beautiful Litchfield Beach on Pawley's Island during every
season of the year. (And just about every month!!!) While each season has its own unique appeal, there is something about being on the South Carolina coast during wintertime that is especially nice. (Yeah, I know, I'm pushing things by about three weeks!!!) Of course the temperature is a "bit" cooler than it is in July or August (although this week has had days in the mid to high seventies and even into the mid-eighties), I suppose it is a combination of the cool weather, the absence of the throngs of folks and the presence of the
Christmas decorations all over the place that makes a December visit such a treat. But this time, we got to experience one of those events that really gets you into the "Christmas Spirit" - the "Night of A Thousand Candles" at Brookgreen Gardens. Now, those of you who have been traveling with us for a while have joined us on our excursions to that extraordinary creation of Archer and Anna Huntington and you know how remarkable the sculpture, the gardens and the animals are. If you have not been with us on those trips, please do yourself a favor and go back to look at some of those posts. It's certainly not my descriptions that I'm plugging here - it is the photographs of the exquisite statuary that we have seen.
Well - on this visit we got to see the gardens in a completely "different light." (Pun definitely intended.) We will split this outing into multiple posts to try to avoid overloading you on the photos. As we get started let me
cover some statistics for you. They are mind-boggling!!!! The sculpture garden is rather large and we have described the acreage in the past so I won't repeat those descriptions. There are numerous lakes and intimate garden areas with the sculptures blended into the environment in extraordinary ways. To create the holiday celebration we saw, over the nine days the "Night of A Thousand Candles" will be conducted, 30,000 votive candles, 1,500 pillar candles and 4,500 tea-lights will be used. Each night more than forty staff members and volunteers will light over 4,000 candles with more than 500 of them floating in the ponds, lakes
and fountains. The total number of staff members and volunteers it takes to put the event on is about 150. In addition to the candles, there are also 500,000 mini lights and 100,000 LED lights used in the display requiring more than three and one half miles of extension cord!! The effect is simply stunning. It is truly like walking through a magical forest created by beings from another planet. The combination of beautiful weather and wonderful friends made the experience incredibly moving. As we entered the main section of the sculpture garden - marked by two sculptures of lions by Anna Huntington we realized how
remarkably different everything appeared. The picture to the right shows one of the two lions that bracket the entrance to this area and who keep a close eye on the visitors to their domain. Their stately and regal appearance reminds us of the dignity with which this entire facility has
been developed and we are humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the night. But - actually, things just get better and better. We will come back to talk more about the lights and sculptures but we will also share some of the entertainment we were privileged to enjoy - and - we will talk about the wonderful food available at the event. As if that were not enough ... we will also show you some of the extraordinary Christmas trees, wreaths, toys, topiary and other decorations that were on display. But - I've got to collect my thoughts so I can try to do justice to all the things we saw. We'll be back shortly so rest up for the walk and we'll see ya soon.
season of the year. (And just about every month!!!) While each season has its own unique appeal, there is something about being on the South Carolina coast during wintertime that is especially nice. (Yeah, I know, I'm pushing things by about three weeks!!!) Of course the temperature is a "bit" cooler than it is in July or August (although this week has had days in the mid to high seventies and even into the mid-eighties), I suppose it is a combination of the cool weather, the absence of the throngs of folks and the presence of the 
Christmas decorations all over the place that makes a December visit such a treat. But this time, we got to experience one of those events that really gets you into the "Christmas Spirit" - the "Night of A Thousand Candles" at Brookgreen Gardens. Now, those of you who have been traveling with us for a while have joined us on our excursions to that extraordinary creation of Archer and Anna Huntington and you know how remarkable the sculpture, the gardens and the animals are. If you have not been with us on those trips, please do yourself a favor and go back to look at some of those posts. It's certainly not my descriptions that I'm plugging here - it is the photographs of the exquisite statuary that we have seen. 
Well - on this visit we got to see the gardens in a completely "different light." (Pun definitely intended.) We will split this outing into multiple posts to try to avoid overloading you on the photos. As we get started let me 
cover some statistics for you. They are mind-boggling!!!! The sculpture garden is rather large and we have described the acreage in the past so I won't repeat those descriptions. There are numerous lakes and intimate garden areas with the sculptures blended into the environment in extraordinary ways. To create the holiday celebration we saw, over the nine days the "Night of A Thousand Candles" will be conducted, 30,000 votive candles, 1,500 pillar candles and 4,500 tea-lights will be used. Each night more than forty staff members and volunteers will light over 4,000 candles with more than 500 of them floating in the ponds, lakes 
and fountains. The total number of staff members and volunteers it takes to put the event on is about 150. In addition to the candles, there are also 500,000 mini lights and 100,000 LED lights used in the display requiring more than three and one half miles of extension cord!! The effect is simply stunning. It is truly like walking through a magical forest created by beings from another planet. The combination of beautiful weather and wonderful friends made the experience incredibly moving. As we entered the main section of the sculpture garden - marked by two sculptures of lions by Anna Huntington we realized how 
remarkably different everything appeared. The picture to the right shows one of the two lions that bracket the entrance to this area and who keep a close eye on the visitors to their domain. Their stately and regal appearance reminds us of the dignity with which this entire facility has 
been developed and we are humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the night. But - actually, things just get better and better. We will come back to talk more about the lights and sculptures but we will also share some of the entertainment we were privileged to enjoy - and - we will talk about the wonderful food available at the event. As if that were not enough ... we will also show you some of the extraordinary Christmas trees, wreaths, toys, topiary and other decorations that were on display. But - I've got to collect my thoughts so I can try to do justice to all the things we saw. We'll be back shortly so rest up for the walk and we'll see ya soon.
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