Mark your calendar and grab your credit card.  It's time to stock up on those "school supplies" during Tax Free Weekend in South Carolina.  This year it runs from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 2, to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2013.

The weekend was designed to give those getting ready for school or heading off to college a break on necessary purchases and boost business.  You can find the full list of what is included and what is not on the Department of Revenue site

Things you'd expect like clothing and computers are it.  Among the more unique things exempt from sales tax, and specifically named on the DOR list are antique clothing, beach capes and coats (you read right), bonnets, corsets and corset laces, elastic ponytail holders, and ponchos. Items, sadly, not exempt include music tapes, records, and compact discs, roller skates not permanently attached to the boot, sheet stretchers, and wigs. 

On a serious note, the folks over at the About.com Single Parents blog make a good point.  Just because there is no sales tax charged that weekend doesn't mean you're getting the best deal.  Know exactly what you want, comparison shop, use coupons, and be aware that some retailers jack up the prices for that weekend.. 

Don't forget to patronize the fantastic local businesses around the Lowcountry!