Charleston City Paper Vol. 25 Issue 41 - Part 1

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VOL 25 ISSUE 41 • MAY 11, 2022 • charlestoncitypaper.com

W E ’ V E C O M E A L O N G W AY, B A B Y |

AN H T E R MO N I S K PI C RI ES R O E G D E A T RE CA L U F R LO 4 0 0 CO

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Pt.

05.11.22

Volume 25 • Issue 41

INSIDE

■ News ……… 4 ■ Views ……… 8 ■ Best of Charleston

News 05.11.2022

■ Winners List ■ Politics, News and the Media ■ Attractions and City Living ■ Culture, Arts and Entertainment ■ Shops and Wares ■ Services ■ Health and Beauty

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……… 10 ……… 13 ……… 21 ……… ……… ……… ………

29 37 49 65

CONTACT US

■ Recreation and Outdoors ■ Eating ■ Drinking

■ Classifieds ■ What To Do ■ Cuisine

……… 81 ……… 87 ……… 111 ……… 127 ……… 133 ……… 134

FIND EVERYTHING AT

charlestoncitypaper.com

Charleston City Paper • P.O. Box 21942 • Charleston, SC 29413 (843) 577-5304 NEWS TIPS AND PRESS RELEASES:

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com For staff email addresses, visit us online.

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BEST OF 2022

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News

What killed COVID wastewater surveillance project? charlestoncitypaper.com

News tip? Email editor@charlestoncitypaper.com

The

Rundown 3 killed, 3 Charleston County deputies injured in early morning accidents

Rūta Smith

Interstate 526 ends in West Ashley at Savannah Highway. Road opponents hope it stays that way.

SCDOT backs new $2.3B Mark Clark extension; community not so sure

News 05.11.2022

By Skyler Baldwin

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A recent update of the long-awaited Mark Clark Expressway extension sets the new cost estimate at a whopping $2.35 billion, giving opponents another reason to oppose it and prompting several members of Charleston County Council to suggest a pause.

The proposed extension would transform I-526 from its end at Savannah Highway in West Ashley to a parkway across Johns Island to the James Island Connector. The highway currently connects Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island and North Charleston.

Construction is planned to begin in 2028, according to the state Department of Transportation (DOT), with an estimated two or three years of litigation beforehand.

The extension has been contentious since the State Infrastructure Bank voted to fund it in 2007. Opponents from Johns and James islands to downtown have argued that the road does little to address the traffic issues plaguing Johns and James islands and will lead to the sort of explosive development that followed the completion of 526 to Mount Pleasant in the late 1990s.

Proponents have long argued that it’s a critical component of Lowcountry transportation infrastructure.

“I think it has just become a worse and worse idea as time wore on, and that’s unfortunately a common theme,” Johns Island resident John Zlogar said. “Engaging

What happens next?

It’s not yet clear where individual County Council members stand on the Mark Clark Expressway project, but several have expressed concern about the skyrocketing price and environmental impacts. Council Chairman Teddie Pryor said a vote would be taken on the measure at a future council meeting, after the state Department of Transportation refines the cost estimates — an undertaking that could take several months.

Councilman Kylon Middleton said he would like to familiarize himself more with the project specifics and changes before sharing his opinion publicly.

Other council members were more vocal — with council members Henry Darby expressing full opposition to the proposal, and Jenny Honeycutt saying she looked forward to renegotiating with state leaders in the future. the people before you come up with solutions is a great idea — they had a big shindig showing off a lot of information for a preferred alternative.”

Zlogar said he has been following the project on Johns Island since 2016. But project leaders at the state level think it’s important to see the bigger picture. At a

Charleston County Finance Committee meeting May 5, DOT representatives gave a presentation to discuss the price increase, as well as the project’s significance and impact.

“It’s very important we remember why this project came to be in the first place … to increase the capacity of the regional transportation system and improve safety and enhance mobility,” project director Jay Mattox told members. “This is not a project for James Island or Johns Island or West Ashley — it’s for the region as a whole.”

Some county officials, however, weren’t convinced.

“In a way, we’ve dodged a bullet here,” County Councilman Dickie Schweers said.

“What if we were two or three years into this project right now, and these costs surfaced? For them to increase that much in that short of a time — if we were in the middle of the project … they’d either get us to pay more money or they’d go bankrupt with a project of this size.”

Despite the rising cost, the state’s share is still capped at $420 million. Before, Charleston County would have been on the hook for about $305 million of the project’s previous estimate of $725 million.

Now, the county would be expected to pay more than $1.9 billion.

“We, the county, were going to take the bull by the horns on this, and we were going CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

A series of crashes along Savannah Highway late Sunday night and early Monday morning killed three civilians and injured three Charleston County deputies, according to reports.

A deputy responding to a call collided with a vehicle near New Road just before 11 p.m. Sunday night, said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Andrew Knapp. Later, Lance Cpl. Nick Pye with the state Highway Patrol announced the civilian driver and two passengers later died due to the crash, and the deputy was taken to the Medical University of South Carolina for treatment.

At about 2:30 a.m., a civilian vehicle struck a police cruiser responding to the first accident and injured the two deputies inside. The driver of the vehicle was also taken to the hospital.

The state Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. —Skyler Baldwin

“I would only support legislation in South Carolina that has exceptions of rape or incest and the life of the mother.”

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Charleston, said she didn’t think an abortion ban would pass the S.C. Statehouse without at least a handful of exceptions written into the bill. Source: WCSC TV

100 million

The number of people national health experts and leaders believe could be infected in a fall-winter coronavirus outbreak. Source: The Washington Post

This week’s crane count: 13 As of May 9, 2022, 13 cranes on seven worksites were spotted on the peninsula. For more details, visit our website.

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Extension

News 05.11.2022

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

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to handle it instead of the DOT. I think that was a tragic mistake by us,” Schweers said.

“Now, at $2.3 billion, I question whether it’s too big for this state. This is almost more in the federal scope when you’re talking numbers this big.”

State DOT representatives said the new estimate is high-balled and the actual cost is likely to be lower. But retired Coastal Conservation League founder Dana Beach said the original number is what he’s more interested in.

“It is completely indisputable that the DOT consistently misrepresented the early cost of the project,” Zlogar said. “It never could have been as low as the DOT alleged it was, and we knew that. It was a politically motivated estimate at initially about $420 million. Then that $725-million lowball was just as ridiculous an estimate.”

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg doubled down on his support for the project after the new estimate was unveiled.

“No question, the cost estimates for major infrastructure projects in South Carolina are exploding, and 526 is no exception,” Tecklenburg said in a statement.

“But that doesn’t change the fact that our West Ashley and island residents need and deserve the traffic relief and public safety improvements this project will bring.”

But Zlogar said it would be cheaper and more impactful to tackle the traffic woes facing the county with several smaller, more focused projects rather than one big one. One example is the ongoing Main Road Corridor Project, which is broken up into three sections and has been in the works since 2018.

The first phase of the project would widen the existing Main Road flyover between River Road and Savannah Highway.

“There’s other things on Johns Island that can be done to alleviate congestion, like the flyover — it’s going to be great to get that done,” he said. “But the traffic is bad at every intersection, and one thing the county has been talking about doing is five-laning the roads at the lights. If we solve the problems at the intersections, the traffic goes away.

“On Main Road, the traffic is backed up all the way past Mary Ann Point Road, but it’s not because the road isn’t five lanes wide,” Zlogar added. “The same thing for Maybank and River Road. Some improvements have been made, but so many more could help so much more. It really feels like we’re being held hostage by I-526.”

Beach agreed, saying while the project would offer minimal respite for commuters, it’s far too expensive for how little it actually addresses.

“We have gotten plenty of engineering that illustrates there are vastly less expensive and more effective alternatives to deal with the congestion of West Ashley and Johns Island with none of the negative repercussions and secondary impacts this project would have created,” he said.

Blotter of the Week

Police responded to a downtown storefront whose window had been smashed out, leaving a trail of blood and empty cans of White Claw to a series of nearby stores and finally to a parking lot.

If you want to turn a car on, just use the key A police report mentions a downtown woman suspected of suspicious activity in her car, but writes that she “excited” her vehicle after being spotted.

Moped Man vs. Wild A West Ashley man reported his moped had been stolen by someone who he said lives in the woods behind his house.

Underground soccer mom street racing A Chrysler Pacifica minivan and a Nissan Rogue SUV were both reported stolen in the same night and caught on a security camera speeding down a neighborhood road.

It’s for his moving truck food truck A woman moving to West Ashley reported several pieces of furniture and cook books had been presumably stolen by the contractor in charge of moving the furniture.

By Skyler Baldwin Illustration by Steve Stegelin This Blotter is taken from reports filed with the Charleston Police Department between April 18 to May 6, 2022.

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Don’t miss what everyone is talking about! For all the past opinion pieces, visit charlestoncitypaper.com

EDITORIAL

Let’s revel in the best that Charleston has to offer T

Views 05.11.2022

he first Best of Charleston celebration 25 years ago was tame compared to this year’s 400+ winners. In February 1998, Charleston City Paper published its first Best Of list, a compendium of 137 winners in seven categories of the best offered throughout the area. That first list is comparable to the lengthy, diverse and popular list in today’s 136-page newspaper.

Some 1998 winners remain familiar. The John Ancrum SPCA won Best Public Service Organization. Its successor, the Charleston Animal Society, won Best Local Cause this year.

Other winners in 1998 and 2022 include The Gibbes Museum of Art (Best Museum), Bagel Nation (Best Bagel), 82 Queen (Best She-Crab Soup), Fox Music House (Best Musical Instrument Store) and Gene’s Haufbrau (Best West Ashley Bar).

In the 2022 edition, we offered several new categories, such as Best Acai Bowl (Huriyali), Best Grits (Grace + Grit), Best Wine Bar (Avondale Wine & Cheese), Best Local Pharmacy (Dottie’s Pharmacy) and Best Private Chef (Brett McKee).

But things have changed through the years. There’s no need for 1998’s Best Place to Rent Videos (Blockbuster) for obvious reasons. Virtually all of the Eating and Drinking category winners from 1998 morphed as foodie Charleston matured and broadened. The Best Community Activist of 1998, Dana Beach of the S.C. Coastal Conservation League, has retired, as has former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, who was 1998’s Best Powerbroker and Local Hero. Jestine’s (Best Southern Food and Best Iced Tea) closed, just as several other restaurants have moved on. Southend Brewery, now closed, was Best Brew Pub in a city with few; now there are more than 35 breweries in the area.

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PUBLISHER Andy Brack

NEWS

Senior editor: Chris Dixon Staff: Skyler Baldwin (news), Samantha Connors (digital), Herb Frazier (special projects), Chelsea Grinstead (music), Michael Pham (cuisine), Michael Smallwood (arts) Cartoonists: Robert Ariail, Steve Stegelin Photographer: Rūta Smith Contributors: Elise DeVoe, Vincent Harris, Chloe Hogan, Kevin Wilson, Vanessa Wolf, Kevin Young Published by City Paper Publishing, LLC Members: J. Edward Bell | Andrew C. Brack Views expressed in Charleston City Paper cover the spectrum and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Charleston City Paper takes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts.

Looking back at the old list also suggests we might want to resurrect several snarky and fun 1998 categories, such as Best Local TV Hair (Russ McCaskey, WCBD TV2); Best Thing to Happen in the Lowcountry (revitalization of upper King Street), Best Cheap Thrill When You’re Bored & Broke (the beach); Best Place to Get Snubbed (Saks Fifth Avenue, now closed but scheduled to open May 15 as a Target); and Best Restroom Graffiti (Cumberland’s, closed in 2007). Two still familiar names — 105.5 The Bridge’s The Critic and nowretired WCSC anchor Bill Sharpe — tied in 1998 to win Best Local Personality to Send a One-Way Ticket to Mars!

For 25 years, Charleston City Paper has been proud to offer readers’ insights into the best that the Holy City and neighboring communities have to offer. Let’s celebrate throughout the week. And if you see our billboard on Interstate 26 as you come into downtown, give a honk!

© 2022. All content is copyrighted and the property of City Paper Publishing, LLC. Material may not be reproduced without permission.

Proud member of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia and the South Carolina Press Association.

Send us a letter

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OPINION

Americans can be more welcoming to asylum-seekers By Beth Lloyd and Will McCorkle

We were invited and welcomed to join a local pastoral conference aimed at encouraging local leaders to become even more engaged in assisting migrants at the border from a range of countries in Latin American and increasingly from Ukraine and Russia. Pastoral leaders described such assistance as their responsibility as followers of Christ.

We accompanied one of the pastors and his son on his rounds delivering food and supplies to multiple Unlike what many migrant shelters. Our first stop was to the pastor’s modest church campus, which currently hosts 42 may believe, Haitians. Despite language barriers and adjusting to a new environment, the Haitian children and adults who asylum seekers we met smiled and laughed during our brief encounter. are not receiving They clearly felt safe and cared for by the pastor. massive government Next the pastor and his son took us to a relatively new Ukrainian refugee camp where they had been benefits, so the delivering supplies for the past few weeks. The pastor fear that they explained that he often will get up at 4 a.m. to help make breakfast for these migrants. While visiting, the are draining our pastor was encouraged to try some of the Ukrainian economic system is cuisine. He happily partook, tipping the bowl back to drink the last bit of soup. The exchange was evidence largely fabricated. of the same comfort and care shared between the pastor and this migrant community.

Finally, we saw one of the shelters that was primarily hosting asylum seekers from Central America. They often have a greater difficulty being able to obtain asylum than their Ukrainian counterparts.

When we entered the shelter, the children flocked toward the pastor.

He started a gleeful chant and the children repeated with him.

As the pastor was driving us back to the U.S.-Mexico border, he explained that he and the other community pastoral leaders also are assisting some Russian families who are staying in hotels in the city and have a much steeper hill to climb to obtain asylum, even though they are fleeing the same government as the Ukrainians.

These migrants from around the globe are at the border due to restrictive U.S. policies, such as the directives for asylum-seekers to stay in Mexico while their applications are being processed and pandemic-related rules to block entry, which make the asylum process much more tedious for entering the United States. The Biden Administration currently is seeking to eliminate some of these unjust barriers but is being met with large political backBeth Lloyd and lash, including from many leaders in our own state. In fact, South Carolina is suing the Biden Administration to keep the Trump-era Will McCorkle, both of Summerville, Title 42 COVID restrictions on immigration in place. are education The time has come for the United States to examine itself honprofessors at a estly when it comes to its stance on asylum seekers and refugees. local college. She Our plea to the American public and lawmakers is to allow people focuses on equity to come and be reunited with their families in the United States and accessibility and live in relative peace and security.

Unlike what many may believe, asylum seekers are not receiving mas- within schooling. sive government benefits, so the fear that they are draining our economic He focuses on rights system is largely fabricated. To be anti-immigrant in a nation with one for immigration of the lowest population densities, a massive labor shortage and a strong students. Have a infrastructure capable of accepting more migrants is not only countercomment? Send productive but cruel. If Mexican citizens with a fraction of the capacity to: feedback@ and resources to accept refugees and asylum seekers can be opencharlestoncity handed and open-hearted, it is time for us to learn and follow this lead. paper.com

T H A N K YO U T O O U R S P O N S O R S

charlestoncitypaper.com

During a recent academic conference in San Diego, we traveled to Tijuana to see the work being done to assist asylum seekers who are asking to enter the United States. What we saw revealed the giving spirit of many Mexican people without the level of resources that many in the United States possess.

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Best Drag Show Best Event DJ

Dudley’s on Ann

Best Local Liquor Store

Bottles Beverage Superstore

DJ Natty Heavy

Best Local Wine Shop

Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar

Best Exhibit of 2021 Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition at Festival Hall Best Female Vocalist

Lauren Hall

Best Jazz & Blues Club

The Commodore

Best Karaoke Night

Bangkok Lounge

Best Local Actor

Colin Waters, Charleston Stage

Best Local Actress

Katelyn Crall, Charleston Stage

Best Local Author

Mary Alice Monroe

Best Local Band

The Midnight City Band

Best Local Comic

Robin Phoenix

Best Local Podcast

Holy City Sinner Radio

Best Local Theater Company

Theatre 99

Best Local Visual Artist

Patch Whisky

Best Male Vocalist

Will Blackburn

Best Movie Theater

Terrace Theater

Best Museum

Readers’ Picks

Best Music Concert of 2021

Ranky Tanky at The Bend

Best Musical Instruction

Charleston Jazz Academy

Best of Charleston comes around but once a year, and today, we’re ready to celebrate. We’ve all been through an awful lot these last two years. In 2021, we saw restaurants reopen, live music make its return, beloved venues come back to life and playhouses bringing shows to the stage. Now more than ever, we want to show some love to our favorite local people, places and businesses who managed to keep Charleston vibrant through all these trying times.

For this year’s issue, we changed things up a bit, adding new categories and bringing back our CP Picks, which highlight some features of Charleston we thought deserved their own kind of special recognition — whether the achievement is awesome, or dubious at best.

Congratulations to all the Best of Charleston 2022 winners. Y’all deserve it. Now, let’s party.

Best Performing Arts Group

Best Charlestonian

Thomas Ravenel

Best City Council Member

Mike Seekings

Best City Paper Cover Story

Best of Charleston

Best Conservative

Tim Scott

Best County Council Member Best Do-gooder/Activist

Brantley Moody Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2

Best Local Cause Best Local Instagram

Best Troublemaker

Bill Murray

Best Charlestonian to Defriend

Charleston Animal Society The Co-Op (@coop_charleston)

Best Local Interest Blog

Holy City Sinner

Best Local Investigative Reporter

Mandy Matney

Best Local Radio Personality Best Local Radio Show Best Local TV Anchor

Brooke Ryan, Mix 95.9 Two Girls and a Guy, Mix 95.9

Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2

Best Local TV Sports Anchor

Scott Eisberg, WCIV ABC News 4

Winner’s List 05.11.2022

Best Local TV Station

WCSC Live 5 News

Best Local TV Weather Forecaster

Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2 Best Local Twitter Feed Holy City Sinner (@holycitysinner) Best Local Video/Commercial

Gerald’s Tires & Brakes commercials Best Local Website Holy City Sinner (holycitysinner.com) Best News Story of 2021

Murdaugh murders

Best Newspaper Columnist

Warren Peper, The Post and Courier Best Philanthropist

Anita Zucker

Best Progressive

Joe Cunningham

Best Radio Station

105.5 The Bridge

Best S.C. Legislator

Joe Cunningham

Best School Board Member

Best Musician

Erica Cokley

Charleton Singleton

Best Party Band Best Party of 2021

Best Talk/News Radio Station

WJWJ-FM 89.9 FM/SC Public Radio

Politics, News and the Media

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The Gibbes Museum of Art

Bill Murray

Attractions and City Living

Best Annual Outdoor Event

Charleston Wine + Food Festival The Guild Best Apartment Community Best Attraction South Carolina Aquarium Best Charter School James Island Charter High School Best Daycare The Oaks Children’s Academy Best Farmers Market Charleston Farmers Market Spoleto Festival USA Best Festival Best Fundraising Event

Charleston Animal Society Rescue Brew Vertical Roots Best Green Business Best Local College College of Charleston Best Neighborhood Park Circle Best Place of Worship Seacoast Church Best Place to Work Charleston Animal Society Best Pop-up Market Holy City Vintage Market Best Preschool The Oaks Children’s Academy Best Private School Bishop England High School Best Property Management Company

Charleston Rental Properties Best Property Management (Apartments) Greystar Best Public School Wando High School Best Public Space Waterfront Park Best Tour Company Bulldog Tours

The Midnight City Band Charleston Animal Society Gala

Best Art Gallery

Best Art Instruction

Redux Contemporary Art Center The Gibbes Museum of Art

Best Men’s Clothing Store

M. Dumas and Sons

Best Motorcycle Shop

Low Country Harley-Davidson

Best Musical Instrument Store

Fox Music House Inc.

Best Paint Store

Sherwin Williams

Best Pawn Shop

Money Man Pawn

Best Pet Store Dolittle’s Best Place to Buy A New Car

Baker Mercedes

Best Place to Buy A Used Car Carmax Best Place to Buy Local Produce Charleston Farmers Market Best Record Store

Monster Music & Movies

Best Shoe Store

Phillips Shoes

Best Shopping District

Downtown/King Street Shopping District Best Smoke Shop

Smoke ‘N Brew

Best Sporting Goods Store

Half-Moon Outfitters

Best Stationery Store

The Scratch Pad

Best Thrift/Resale Shop

Charleston Animal Society Second Chance Resale Best Tire Store

Gerald’s Tires and Brakes

Best Tobacco Shop

Smoke ‘N Brew

Charleston Symphony

Best Toy Store

Best Place to See Local Hip-Hop

Charleston Pour House

Best Vape Shop

Best Place to See Local Music

Charleston Pour House

Best Vintage Clothing Store

Red Rose Vintage

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Two Cumberland

Best Recording Studio

Coast Records

Best Rock Music Club

Charleston Pour House

Best Theater Show of 2021 Elf the Musical, Charleston Stage Best Trivia Night

Charleston Sports Pub

Shops and Wares Best Accessories Store

The Tiny Tassel

Best Adult Toy Store

Guilty Pleasures

Best Antique Store Best Art Supply Store

Mount Pleasant Mall Artist and Craftsman Supply

Best Baby Store

Southern Belles

Best Bookstore

Blue Bicycle Books

Best Boutique

Two Cumberland

Best Bridal Store

Bridals by Jodi

Best CBD Shop

I Heart CBD

Best Cheese Shop goat.sheep.cow.

Best Children’s Clothing Retailer

Southern Belles

Best Children’s Consignment Store

Once Upon a Child

Best Cigar Store

Smoke ‘N Brew

Best Collegiate Store

Palmetto Moon

Best Comic Book Shop

Captain’s Comics & Toys

Best Consignment Furniture Store The Station Park Circle Best Consignment Store

The Station Park Circle

Best Corner Store

Bert’s Market

Best Costume Shop/Party Store

Hokus Pokus

Best Eyewear Boutique Best Florist Best Frame Shop

Whole Foods Celadon Home

Best Jewelry Store

Croghan’s Jewel Box

Best Lighting Store

Circa Lighting

Best Local Clothing Designer

David Aylor

Best Attorney (Family Law)

Colleen Condon

Best Attorney (Personal Injury) Best Auto Body Shop

David Aylor

Ascue’s Auto Body & Paint Shop

Best Auto Service

Gerald’s Tires and Brakes

Best Cab Company

Charleston Black Cab

Best Car Wash

In N Out

Best Cell Phone Repair iDoctor Best Cleaning Service

Southern Comfort Cleaning

Best Disaster Recovery Company SERVPRO South & West Best Doggie Day Care

My Three Dogs

Best Doors and Windows

Window World of the Lowcountry Best Dry Cleaner

Lyerly’s Dry Cleaners

Best Electrician/Company Best Event Planner

Charleston Electric LLC

Abby Frye, PPHG Peninsula Events

Best Financial Institution

South Carolina Federal Credit Union Best Financial Planner

Heath Johnson, Bera Wealth Advisors Best Flooring Installation

Carpet Baggers Flooring

Best Heating & Air Company

Morelli Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Crescent Homes

Royall Ace Hardware

Best Lingerie Store

David Aylor

Best Attorney (DUI)

Old Charleston Painting Company

Trader Joe’s

Best Health Food Store

Best Attorney (Criminal Defense)

Best Home Builder

Old Whaling Company

Best Hardware Store

Services

Best Home Painter

Best Garden Store/Nursery

Hyams Garden Center and Accent Store Best Grocery Store

I Heart CBD

Tiger Lily Florist Celadon Home

Best Gift Store

Wonderworks Toys

Shades of Charleston Havens Fine Framing

Best Furniture Store

Best Home Accessories Store

Culture, Arts and Entertainment

Best Mall/Shopping Center Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

Best Home Remodeler

New Beginnings Construction

Best Home Security Company ADT Best Insurance Agency

Anderson Insurance Associates

Best Landscaper

The Greenery of Charleston

Best Law Firm

David Aylor Law Offices

Best Lawyer

David Aylor

Best Limo/Party Bus Company

Charleston Black Cab/Charleston Party Bus Best Marketing/PR Company Best Mortgage Company

Matchstick Social Prime Lending

Best Moving Company Professional Movers of Charleston

Bits of Lace

Best Pest Control

Palmetto Exterminators

Amy Driggers, Taxidermy

Best Pet Groomer

My Three Dogs

Best Local Farm Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store

Boone Hall Farms The Veggie Bin

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST OF CHARLESTON 2022

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Best Sunday Brunch • Best Downtown Brunch • Best Wait Staff Best Downtown Restaurant • Best Local Legacy Restaurant • Best Steak Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying • Best Martini Best Summerville Restaurant - Halls Chophouse Nexton

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Readers’

Best Tattoo Artist

Ashley B. McMullen, Holy City Tattooing Collective

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Best Tattoo Studio

Best Pet Trainer

K9 Control Training

Best Photographer (Portrait)

Justin Falk

Best Photographer (Wedding)

Valerie & Ed Photography

Best Plumber/Company

Blitch Plumbing

Best Pool Company

Aqua Blue

Best Property Management Company

Charleston Rental Properties Best Realtor

Shana Swain

Best Realty Company

Carolina One Real Estate

Best Roofing Company

New Beginnings Construction

Best Shoe Repair Store

Peter & Sons Shoe Repair

Best Storage

Stomo Mobile Self Storage

Best Videographer Palmetto Wedding Films (Jessie Smith) Best Wedding Venue

Lowndes Grove

Health and Beauty Best Acupuncture Practice

Blue Heron Acupuncture & Apothecary

Best Veterinarian

Patrick Veterinary Clinic

Best Waxing Salon

Waxed Salon

Best Weight Loss Center

MUSC Weight Management Center Best Yoga Studio

The Works

Recreation and Outdoors

Barrelli Barber

Best Barre Studio

Pure Barre

Best Body Piercer

Kate Burns, Exotic Impressions

Best Cycling Studio

The Works

Best Day Spa

Woodhouse Spa

Best Dental Practice

James Island Dental Associates

Best Dentist

Dr. Jessica Peele, Cooper Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Best Dermatologist

Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology Best Dermatology Practice

Germain Dermatology

Best Exercise Studio

HYLO Fitness

Best Eye Doctor

Dr. Kerry Solomon

The Alley

Best Dive Shop

Carolina Dive Locker

Dr. Kerry Solomon

Best Massage Therapist Best Medical Spa

Germain Dermatology

Best Nail Salon Best Orthodontist

Robbin Wells, Urban Nirvana Nails So Dep!

Dr. Vincent & Dr. Bullwinkel, Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

Dottie’s Pharmacy

Best Physician Dr. Jessica Hund, MUSC Health Primary Care - Daniel Island Best Piercing Studio Best Pilates Studio Best Place to Give Birth Best Plastic Surgeon

Museum of the Living Arts Breathe Pilates Studio East Cooper Medical Center Dr. Patrick O’Neill

Wild Olive Black Magic Cafe

Best James Island Restaurant

Bowens Island Restaurant

Best Japanese O-Ku Wild Olive

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Home Team BBQ

Best Hotel

Hotel Bennett

Best Island

Sullivan’s Island Coastal Expeditions

Best Local Athlete

Raven Saunders Charleston Riverdogs

Best Marina

Isle of Palms Marina

Best Outdoor Outfitters

Half-Moon Outfitters

Best Park

James Island County Park

Best Place for Family Fun

James Island County Park

Best Place for Kids to Play

James Island County Park

Best Place to Buy A Boat

Hanckel Marine

Best Stand Up Paddleboard Company Coastal Expeditions Best Store for Beach Gear

McKevlin’s Surf Shop

Best Surf Shop

McKevlin’s Surf Shop

Best Water Sports Company

Coastal Expeditions

Waffle House

Best Local Artisanal Food Product

Xiao Bao Biscuit

Best Biscuits

Vicious Biscuit

Best Breakfast

Page’s Okra Grill

Best Brisket

Lewis Barbecue

Halls Chophouse

Best Mac and Cheese

Home Team BBQ

Best Meat & 3 Veggies

Lewis Barbecue

Nico Romo, NICO Oyster’s + Seafood and Bistronomy by Nico Boxcar Betty’s

Best Chinese Best Chocolatier

Red Orchids China Bistro Christophe Artisan Chocolatier

Home Team BBQ

Best New Restaurant

Pink Bellies

Best Bubble/Boba Tea

Poke Tea House

Best Cheap Beer Deal

Recovery Room Tavern

Best Cocktails

The Cocktail Club

Best Coffee House

Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

Best Cold Beer

Edmund’s Oast

Best College Bar

AC’s Bar and Grill

Best Dance Club

The Commodore

Best Daniel Island Bar

The Kingstide

Best Daniel Island Happy Hour

Daniel Island Grille (DIG)

Best Distillery

Firefly Distillery The Rooftop at Vendue

Best Frozen Drinks

The Co-Op

Best Happy Hour

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

Best IOP Bar

The Windjammer The Windjammer

Best James Island Bar

Charleston Pour House

Best Outdoor Patio

Saltwater Cowboys

Best Oysters

167 Raw Rodney Scott, Rodney Scott’s BBQ EVO Pizzeria

Best Pizza - Traditional

D’Allesandro’s Pizza

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co. Best Poke

Poke Bros.

Best Private Chef

Brett McKee

Best Raw Bar

167 Raw

Best Restaurant

Halls Chophouse

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians

Basic Kitchen

Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying

Halls Chophouse Lewis Barbecue Circa 1886

Best Salad

Five Loaves Cafe

Best Seafood

167 Raw

Best She-Crab Soup

82 Queen

Best Shrimp & Grits

Slightly North of Broad

Best Soul Food

Bertha’s Kitchen

Best Steak

Halls Chophouse

Best Sub Sandwich /Hoagie

Jersey Mike’s

Best Sullivan’s Island Brunch

The Obstinate Daughter

Best Sullivan’s Island Restaurant The Obstinate Daughter

Best Sunday Brunch

Five Loaves Cafe Halls Chophouse Nexton Halls Chophouse

Best Sushi O-Ku Best Tacos

Taco Boy

Halls Chophouse

Best Thai Basil Best Tots

Best Plastic Surgery Practice

O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Best Retirement Community

Bishop Gadsden

Best Food Truck Dashi

Best Wait Staff

Best Tanning Salon

Charleston Glow

Best French

Best Waterfront Dining

39 Rue de Jean

Recovery Room Tavern

Jackrabbit Filly

Best Downtown Restaurant

Taco Boy

Edmund’s Oast

Best Bouncers

Best North Charleston Restaurant

Best Tapas Barsa

Best Folly Beach Restaurant

Best Bottled Beer

Best IOP Happy Hour

Halls Chophouse Lost Dog Cafe

The Darling Oyster Bar

Jackrabbit Filly

Best Downtown Brunch Best Folly Beach Brunch

Edmund’s Oast

Best Bloody Mary

Best North Charleston Brunch

Best Summerville Restaurant

Duck Donuts

Post House

Best Nachos

The Kingstide Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

Page’s Okra Grill

Best Mount Pleasant Restaurant

Best Daniel Island Restaurant

Best Doughnut Shop

Total Wine & More

Best Beer Selection on Tap

Chico Feo

Best Summerville Brunch

Best Desserts

Zach Kramer, Low Tide Brewing

Best Beer Retail Selection

Chico Feo

The Kingstide East Bay Deli

Best Bartender

Low Tide Brewing

Best Folly Beach Happy Hour

Best Daniel Island Brunch Best Deli

The Blind Tiger

Best Bar Staff

Best Folly Beach Bar

Best Romantic Restaurant

DB’s Cheesesteaks, Hoagies & More

King Street Cabaret

Best Authentic Pub

Best Mount Pleasant Brunch

Best Ribs

Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

Best Adult Establishment

Best Downtown Happy Hour Barsa

Duke’s BBQ

Best Cheap Meal

Drinking

Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

Poe’s Tavern

Best Charcuterie goat.sheep.cow.

The Glass Onion

Best Milkshake

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Cafe

Best Mexican Restaurant

Best Burger

Home Team BBQ

Early Bird Diner

Best West Ashley Restaurant

Best Downtown Bar

Best Buffet Best Caterer

Booze Pops

Best Local Legacy Restaurant

Best Pizza - Gourmet

Best Acai Bowls Huriyali

Best Cheesesteak

Tattooed Moose

Best Late Night Menu

Best Pitmaster

Eating

Best Chicken Fingers

Best Local Pharmacy

The Co-Op

Best Johns Island Restaurant

Best Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Isabel Driggers, Coastal Kids Dental

Logan Kraft, F45 Charleston

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Best Golf Course

Best Chef

Best Personal Trainer

Nirlep Indian Restaurant

Best Johns Island Brunch

Best Orthodontics Practice

Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

Best Pediatrician

Dr. Arlene Shawinski, Coastal Pediatric Associates

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Cafe

RedFin Charters

Lewis Barbecue

Best LASIK Provider

Best Ice Cream

Best Fishing Charter

Best Barbecue

Best In-Home Healthcare Company

Roper St. Francis Hospice

Jack’s Cosmic Dogs

Haddrell’s Point

Baguette Magic

Medical University of South Carolina

Best Hot Dogs

Best Fishing and Tackle Shop

Best Bakery

Best Hospital

Kairos Mediterranean

Best James Island Brunch

Best Hair Salon

HYLO Fitness

Best Gyro

Mike’s Bikes

Bagel Nation

Abigail Fisher, Moxie Park Salon

Grace & Grit

Best IOP Restaurant

Best Bagels

Best Health Club

Best Grits

Best IOP Brunch

Best Asian Fusion

Best Hair Stylist

Mozzo Deli

Best Greek Stella’s

Best Bike Shop Best Bowling Alley

Best West Ashley Brunch

Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar

Best Gourmet Sandwich

Best Indian/Pakistani

Best Eyelash/Eyebrow Salon

Anne Bonny’s Lash & Skin Boutique Moxie Park Salon

Best Gelato

Best Italian

Best Local Sports Team

Best Barber Shop

Tattooed Moose

Zero George

Best Aesthetician Stefanie Sudduth, Germain Dermatology Bishop Gadsden

Boxcar Betty’s

Best Fries

Best Bed & Breakfast

Best Kayak Company

Best Chiropractor

Dr. Brantley Meier, The Bridge Chiropractic

Winner’s List 05.11.2022

Rebecca Creech

Best Acupuncturist

Chad Houfek, Charleston Community Acupuncture Best Assisted Living Community

12

Blu Gorilla

Best Therapist

Best Fried Chicken

Best Vietnamese

Home Team BBQ Little Miss Ha Halls Chophouse Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Best James Island Happy Hour

Bohemian Bull

Best Johns Island Bar

Tattooed Moose

Best Johns Island Happy Hour

Tattooed Moose

Best Juice/Smoothie Bar Huriyali Best Late Night Bar Best Local Beer

Recovery Room Tavern Edmund’s Oast Something Cold

Best Local Brewery

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

Best Local Brewery Taproom Best Local Cocktail Mixer

Holy City Brewing Charleston Bloody Mary Mix

Best Local Spirit

Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

Best Margarita

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Best Martini

Halls Chophouse

Best Mount Pleasant Bar

Saltwater Cowboys

Best Mount Pleasant Happy Hour Best Neighborhood Bar Best New Bar

Red’s Ice House Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Paddock & Whisky Park Circle

Best No Frills Watering Hole

The Royal American

Best North Charleston Bar

Holy City Brewing

Best North Charleston Happy Hour Best Pet Friendly Bar/Restaurant Best Rooftop Bar

DIG in the Park The Royal American The Rooftop at Vendue

Best Sommelier

Femi Oyediran, Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar Best Sports Bar

Home Team BBQ

Best Sullivan’s Island Bar

Home Team BBQ

Best Sullivan’s Island Happy Hour Best Summerville Bar Best Summerville Happy Hour Best Upscale Bar Best Waterfront Bar

The Co-Op Montreux Bar & Grill Charleston Sports Pub The Belmont Saltwater Cowboys

Best West Ashley Bar

Gene’s Haufbrau

Best West Ashley Happy Hour

Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Wine Bar

Avondale Wine & Cheese

Best Wine Selection (Bar/Restaurant/Retail)

Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar

Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2 “This is absolutely the best job in the world.”

charlestoncitypaper.com

Photography by Rūta Smith; photo illustration by Scott Suchy

Best Local TV Anchor

13

LIVE. LOCAL. INDEPENDENT.

THANK YOU CHARLESTON FOR VOTING US

Politics, News and the Media 05.11.2022

BEST

14

RADIO STATION! 13 YEARS IN A ROW! 1055thebridge @thebridgeat1055

Welcome to the best category of Best of Charleston winners (after all, news is in the title, and this is a newspaper). Here, we recognize our city, county and state leaders, community representatives, and we pat our fellow newsies on the backs after a hard year’s work. From Best Legislator (inexplicably, Joe Cunningham, who was not even a legislator last year) to Best City Paper Cover Story (a no-brainer), we have everything you need to know to recap on the highlights of 2021 in the political sphere and beyond. But seriously, who voted for Joe Cunningham for Best Legislator? It’s OK, you can come forward; we won’t laugh (too much). —Skyler Baldwin

Best Charlestonian

Bill Murray RUNNER-UP:

Darius Rucker

Best Charlestonian to Defriend

Thomas Ravenel RUNNER-UP:

Nancy Mace

Best City Council Member

Mike Seekings RUNNER-UP:

Ross Appel

Best City Paper Cover Story

Best of Charleston

Best place for your head to explode: CP PICK: Charleston County Council meeting. Runner-up: Charleston City Council meeting.

Best Conservative

Tim Scott RUNNER-UP:

Mike Seekings

Best County Council Member

Brantley Moody RUNNER-UP:

Jenny Honeycutt

RUNNER-UP:

8 big ways to protect the ocean

Best Local TV Anchor

Carolyn Murray

W

CBD TV Channel 2 anchor Carolyn Murray has “been to the party before,” she said, but every win in the City Paper’s special Best Of edition is a reminder of how intricately involved and connected she is with the Charleston community. No small part of that is thanks to the job she’s had for years.

“This is absolutely the best job in the world,” she said. No other job allows you to be in surgery one day and speaking with lawmakers the next, interviewing a baker the next, reading to children the next and so much more. No other job gives you a window to the world like ours. I don’t make a million dollars, but I have a million amazing experiences.”

The pandemic offered a dramatically different sort of experience to years before, and not all of them were good. But, Murray said, even when she was fighting against serious medical issues at the start of the pandemic — a weekend stay turned into two months in the hospital without visitors — her experience was just a reminder of the fact that nobody went through the pandemic alone.

“There was no time for ‘woe is me’ because it was ‘woe is us’ — we were all dealing with it,” she said. “It was a really special time because I was able to embrace what was happening personally because everything was having to deal with something.

I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.” —Skyler Baldwin

Best Do-gooder/Activist

Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2 RUNNER-UP:

Kay Hyman, Charleston Animal Society

Best Local Cause

Charleston Animal Society 2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org RUNNER-UP:

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach

Best Local Instagram

@coop_charleston

Y T I C T S E B d e Vot R E B M E M L I C N COU !

W O R A N I S 12 YEAR

RUNNER-UP:

@holycitysinner

Best Local Interest Blog

Holy City Sinner holycitysinner.com RUNNER-UP:

Lowcountry Eat Out!

Best Local Investigative Reporter

Mandy Matney RUNNER-UP:

Harve Jacobs

(Editor’s note: Harve retired from Live 5 News in December.)

Best Local Radio Personality

Brooke Ryan, Mix 95.9 RUNNER-UP:

Richard Todd, 105.5 The Bridge

Best Local Radio Show

Two Girls and a Guy, Mix 95.9 RUNNER-UP:

The Morning Buzz with Richard Todd, 105.5 The Bridge

Best Local TV Anchor

Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2 RUNNER-UP:

Tessa Spencer, WCIV ABC News 4

Best Local TV Sports Anchor

RUNNER-UP:

Kevin Bilodeau, WCSC Live 5 News

Best Local TV Station

Mike Seekings

WCSC Live 5 News RUNNER-UP:

WCBD News 2

Best Local TV Weather Forecaster

Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2 RUNNER-UP:

Bill Walsh, WCSC Live 5 News CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

MIKE@SEEKINGSLAW.COM

@MIKESEEKINGS

charlestoncitypaper.com

Scott Eisberg, WCIV ABC News 4

15

Politics CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Best Local Twitter Feed

@holycitysinner RUNNER-UP:

@live5news

Best Local Video/Commercial

Gerald’s Tires & Brakes commercials RUNNER-UP:

Lauren Hall “Thank You Very Much” music video

Best Local Website

holycitysinner.com RUNNER-UP:

Live5News.com

Best radio station we wish was still here CP PICK: 96 Wave.

If it was good enough for Rolling Stone to consistently call it one of the best stations in the country, it should have been good enough for Charlestonians to keep on the air. Are we right, Critic?

Best Radio station in the wake of losing 96 Wave CP PICK: Ohm FM 96.3.

Non-commercial. Eclectic as hell.

Read its schedule online and find your groove.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

ATTORNEY

GARY A. LING

Politics, News and the Media 05.11.2022

Over 35 Years Experience

16

ACCIDENT AND INJURY CASES We work on your repairs and injuries

Rūta Smith file photo

Best TV Weather Forecaster, Best Do-Gooder

Rob Fowler Berlinsky and Ling Law Firm 2971 W. Montague | North Charleston CharlestonAttorneyGaryALing.com

FREE INITIAL CONSULTS

843-884-0000 EXT. 2

K

nocking back his 24th or 25th (he’s lost count by now) City Paper’s Best TV Weather Forecaster award, WCBD Channel 2 weatherman Rob Fowler said it’s great to know that as times, people and readers change, he’s remained a consistent fixture in the Best Of special edition.

But his Best Do-Gooder award is a real “feather in the cap,” he said. “That’s what we do here, and if people are recognizing it, that’s great.”

As a local weather forecaster, it can take a while for viewers to understand and trust the way you do things, Fowler explained. So having dedicated 35 years (as of last Thursday) to Channel 2 has given him the opportunity to meet folks whose parents grew up watching him cover everything from rain and shine to snow and hurricanes — even Hugo.

“I just thank the City Paper — they’ve always been really supportive of what we’re doing here — and its readers,” Fowler said. “It’s very humbling. We couldn’t do what we do without people out there watching, so I appreciate the viewers putting their faith in us to bring them the latest news, weather and sports.” —Skyler Baldwin

17

charlestoncitypaper.com

Best Radio Station

Politics

Best School Board Member

105.5 The Bridge

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Erica Cokley

RUNNER-UP:

Best News Story of 2021

E

rica Cokley’s 2020 election victory that sent her to the Charleston County School Board was a surprise to her from the get-go, she said. She hadn’t expected to get many votes, but she went for it because she said something different needed to be done on the board.

“It’s completely new territory, so it’s been a learning process and still is,” Cokley said. “Learning what to say, what not to say, when to say it and who to say it to — it’s definitely opened my eyes to a lot of new things. The biggest thing would be the power of voice. People think our votes don’t matter, but the power of voice, it really matters, especially when you think locally.”

And capping off her first year on the board with a Best Of award is just the icing on the cake.

“I am completely honored, overwhelmingly honored,” she said. “That’s all I can really say because going in, it was just a lot of questions — my qualifications, my reasons, my platform — so after all I am just overwhelmingly thankful.”

She said she hopes her experience and her recent win will encourage other parents to run for school board positions, something she believes is important. “There aren’t a lot of people who have children who actually run for school board positions,” she said.

Whether it be timing, the meetings, other responsibilities or whatever road block keeps parents away, she hopes she can encourage them that it’s worth it. —Skyler Baldwin

Murdaugh murders RUNNER-UP:

Largest cruelty case in South Carolina history

Best Newspaper Columnist

Warren Peper, The Post and Courier RUNNER-UP:

Brian Hicks, The Post and Courier

92.5 Kickin Country

Best S.C. Legislator

Joe Cunningham

(Yes, we know Joe’s not currently a legislator, but y’all voted for him anyway.)

RUNNER-UP:

Tim Scott

Best School Board Member

Erica Cokley RUNNER-UP:

Kristen French

Best Philanthropist

Anita Zucker

Best Talk/News Radio Station

WJWJ-FM 89.9 FM SC Public Radio

RUNNER-UP:

Shawn Jenkins

Best Progressive

Joe Cunningham RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP:

94.3 WSC

Best Troublemaker

Bill Murray

Tamika Gadsden

RUNNER-UP:

Jess Patterson of The Co-Op

Best Charlestonian

Bill Murray

Politics, News and the Media 05.11.2022

P

18

eople are always talking about Bill Murray sightings in Charleston, but here’s the deal: in the nearly two decades I’ve called the Holy City home, I’ve never once caught a glimpse of him. I’ve never witnessed him leaping out of his box seat after a RiverDogs home run. I’ve never spilled my Salty Raccoon or Springbok latte after bumping into him at Harold’s Cabin or Kudu Coffee. I’ve never watched him flipping through surf trunks at McKevlin’s Surf Shop or slurping down roasted oysters at Bowen’s Island. I’ve yet to step out in front of him driving a Maserati on King Street or to find him hunting shark’s teeth at the Boneyard on Bull Island.

I would love to end up face to face while hiking an empty trail at Marrington Plantation or power-walking across the Ravenel Bridge. It would be even cooler to discover him wandering down King Street at two in the morning crooning his wondrous ode to Star Wars (“those near and far wars”). But no.

Murray and I have never found ourselves lost together in a dead end corner of the Boone Hall corn maze, cracking crabs at Sidi Limehouse’s farm, living aquatic atop a standup paddleboard off Morris Island or throwing back PBR’s at the Recovery Room Tavern. I’d dearly love to say I’ve seen him ducking onto a yacht at City Marina, pedaling along the West Ashley Greenway or throwing toast at the screen of the Terrace Theater during The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

To me, Charleston’s most famous resident is an enigma. He’s a cipher. He’s the man who wasn’t there.

Come to think of it, I’ve never seen Darius Rucker, either. —Chris Dixon

Rūta Smith file photo

Best City Council Member

Mike Seekings We’ve stopped counting the number of years Mike Seekings has won Best Charleston City Council Member

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27TH JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK Walk, Run, Ruck, or Carry-Another-Person across the finish line. All fitness levels welcome to join our squad and help raise money for WWP.

SCAN TO REGISTER

CARRY A FLAG

CARRY A WEIGHT

CARRY A FRIEND

KEEPING

Spirits Up CHARLESTON’S FOR OVER

50 YEARS! FREE PARKING

BEHIND STORE

WINE • APERTIFS/CORDIALS • BOURBON • BRANDY • COGNAC • GIN MIXERS • RUM • SCOTCH • TEQUILA • VODKA • WHISKEY AND MORE! 418 Meeting St. (Corner of Meeting & Reid) • 843-723-0077 • burrisliquors.com Holy City Sinner’s Christian Senger

Best Local Interest Blog, Best Local Website, Best Local Podcast and Best Local Twitter Feed

Holy City Sinner

W

hen Christian Senger moved to Charleston more than a decade ago, he realized just how much the city had to offer beyond the typical tourist sights and big attractions.

“I realized after a few years of living here that there are a lot of things that don’t get a lot of coverage,” he said. “So I thought maybe there’s room for me to create my own website and still talk about the big things everybody knows about because those are still important but also try to share some of the small events and things that don’t get that much media attention.”

In 2011, he launched Holy City Sinner, which won Best Local Interest Blog, Best Local Website, Best Local Podcast and Best Local Twitter Feed this year. Since then, Senger’s website has become one of the top resources for Charlestonians looking for local events and happenings.

“When I was trying to think of a name [for the website], I always wanted to include ‘Holy City’ in some capacity,” he said. “I thought it was a cool nickname for a city to have. So it came down to either Holy City Saint or Holy City Sinner, and I thought HC Sinner was a little funnier, a little tongue-in-cheek. And it represented the city as well because we have many churches and that Southern genteel culture, but we also have that darker side with all the bars and parties and ghost tours.”

Sengar decided to extend his brand last year by launching a podcast, Holy City Sinner Radio, which allows him to dive more deeply into Charleston-area news stories as well as an opportunity to interview and showcase local people of interest.

Everyone from Mayor Tecklenberg to Mark Bryan has appeared on his show in the last year. —Samantha Connors

SouthState Job Fair Available Positions Tellers Financial Sales Representatives Customer Care Representatives

Thursday, May 12 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

2440 Mall Drive Charleston, SC

Remote Positions Available

Other Support Positions Please bring a resume. Hiring managers will be onsite for interviews.

SCAN QR CODE FOR ALL AVAILABLE POSITIONS

Human Resources • 866.229.5936

Generous Paid Time Off • Health Insurance • 401k Matching • Paid Volunteer Days Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer. Member FDIC.

charlestoncitypaper.com

Rūta Smith

19

ISLE OF PALMS | DIRECT ACCESS TO THE BEACH

J

E LIST UST

D!

GREAT PRIMARY, VACATION OR RENTAL ON IOP Located on 16 55th Ave. 5 BR, 4 BA w/3,224 sf, flex space, great front porch & parking. https://bit.ly/1655th

Politics, News and the Media 05.11.2022

Call Renee Meyer (843) 991-0007 renee@carolinaone.com

20

As for your REAL ESTATE needs, wants, and goals... I’m Listening!

Holy City Vintage Market Since 2016, Kelly Rae Smith (left) and Sharee Burns have created gatherings for local vintage clothing enthusiasts

Photography by Rūta Smith; photo illustration by Scott Suchy

charlestoncitypaper.com

Best Pop-up Market

21

With last year marking a (sort of) return to business-as-usual Charleston, many of the Holy City’s best events and attractions found themselves reignited and reinvigorated. With farmers markets ditching pandemic-era restrictions, local groups bringing back their top events and the hospitality sector seeing tourists flock back to Charleston’s historic downtown, beaches and tour services, we’re glad to see this section back in business — but we could, of course, do without the parking and traffic woes some of these winners bring. Keep reading to see how Charleston kicked things back into gear and get some ideas for where to mark your calendars for this year and next. —Skyler Baldwin

Best Annual Outdoor Event

Charleston Wine + Food Festival Various locations charlestonwineandfood.com RUNNER-UP:

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Best Apartment Community

The Guild

128 Columbus St. Downtown (843) 508-9209 livetheguild.com RUNNER-UP:

The Boulevard

Best Attraction

South Carolina Aquarium 100 Aquarium Wharf. Downtown (843) 577-3474 scaquarium.org

Attractions and City Living 05.11.2022

RUNNER-UP:

22

The Battery

Best Charter School

James Island Charter High School 1000 Fort Johnson Road. James Island (843) 762-2754 jichs.ccsdschools.com RUNNER-UP:

Orange Grove Charter School

Best pothole (to avoid) CP PICK: Morrison Drive at Cooper Street, southbound lane It sucks. Runner-up: The slew of potholes at the end of Calhoun running onto the James Island Connector. This, too, sucks.

Best Daycare

The Oaks Children’s Academy 2243 Glendale Drive. West Ashley (843) 766-6382 8695 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 207-3061 theoaksacademy.com RUNNER-UP:

The Little Sage School

Best Farmers Market

Charleston Farmers Market 329 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 724-7305 charlestonfarmersmarket.com RUNNER-UP:

Sunday Brunch Farmers Market

Best Festival

Spoleto Festival USA Various locations. Downtown (843) 579-3100 spoletousa.org

Best I-26 on-ramp CP PICK: Mount Pleasant Street There’s something about the chaos of fighting to be first in line to jump onto I-26 just past the intersection of Morrison Drive and Meeting Street, knowing that if you can just get in front of that snarling F-250, you can engage your little Jetta’s sport mode and hit near-triple-digit speeds before the first bend.

RUNNER-UP:

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Best Fundraising Event

Charleston Animal Society Rescue Brew at Palmetto Brewing Co. (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org RUNNER-UP:

Lowcountry Local First’s Chef’s Potluck CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Best Apartment Community

The Guild

Rūta Smith

Katie Doster (left) and Caroline McCully will set you up with the perfect pad at The Guild

23

charlestoncitypaper.com

TUESDAY

MAY 17 ROSE MAREE MYERS THEATER

6:30 P.M.

Best Annual Outdoor Event

Attractions and City Living 05.11.2022

School of the Arts • Academic Magnet High School North Charleston • FREE ADMISSION

24

Rūta Smith file photo

Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Readers picked W+F as the best annual outdoor event, even though the pandemic caused it and many others to cancel 2021 festivities

Thanks so much for your votes!

VOTED BEST REALTOR I would love to help you buy or sell your next home Shana Swain, Realtor®, Certified Relocation Specialist (CRS) 843-224-8400, Shana.Swain@CarolinaOne.com

Attractions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Best Green Business

Vertical Roots

1008 Clements Crest Lane. Daniel Island (843) 701-4573 verticalroots.com RUNNER-UP:

Mamasita’s Cloth Diaper Service

Best Local College

College of Charleston 66 George St. Downtown (843) 805-5507 cofc.edu RUNNER-UP:

The Citadel

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Best place to nearly die regularly

Provided

Best Attraction

South Carolina Aquarium

Visitors and locals enjoy the diverse wildlife that can be seen at the popular waterfront aquarium

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY 2017 - 2022

10 WestEdge Atlantic at Grand Oaks Atlantic Beach House Avana Long Point Bridgeside at Patriots Point Central Square at Watermark Elan Midtown Element Carolina Bay Monty Overture Daniel Island Overture West Ashley Restore at Carolina Park Riviera at Seaside The Ashley The Boulevard The Guild The Murray The Reserve at Crowfield

greystar.com

charlestoncitypaper.com

CP PICK: Don Holt Bridge on Interstate 526, North Charleston.

Here’s where you have to really, really pay attention to the road and bad drivers. Give plenty of distance for speeding 18-wheelers and watch the road instead of the steaming paper mill. (You don’t have to see it to know it’s there; just smell it.)

25

Save the Date

for The Green Heart Project’s 12th Annual

Thank You for Voting Us

Attractions and City Living 05.11.2022

B E S T A PA R T M E N T COMMUNITY

26

BRAND NEW RESIDENCES IN 66 UNIQUE FLOOR PLANS ROOFTOP POOL WITH CABANAS OVERLOOKING CHARLESTON HARBOR E X PA N S I V E C L U B R O O M W I T H H O S P I TA L I T Y B A R & L O U N G E PREMIUM CONCIERGE SERVICES IN THE HEART OF UPPER KING SHOPPING & DINING DISTRICT

128 Columbus St.

V I R T U A L T O U R AT L I V E T H E G U I L D . C O M

Harvest Dinner MAY 19th

Mitchell Elementary Urban Farm 2 Perry St. | Downtown

Attractions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Best Neighborhood

Park Circle North Charleston facebook.com/pcncsc RUNNER-UP:

Avondale/Byrnes Downs

Best Place of Worship

Seacoast Church Various Locations seacoast.org RUNNER-UP:

Unitarian Church of Charleston

Best Place to Work

Charleston Animal Society 2455 Remount Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4849 charlestonanimalsociety.org RUNNER-UP:

Medical University of South Carolina Rūta Smith

Best Neighborhood

Best Pop-up Market

Holy City Vintage Market Various locations facebook.com/holycityvintagemarket Instagram @holycityvintagemarket

Park Circle

The increasingly popular North Charleston neighborhood offers a great mix of locally oriented businesses

RUNNER-UP:

Pickers Hullabaloo

Best Place to Work

Charleston Animal Society

C

harleston Animal Society fought tooth and claw from the Runners-Up slot last year to take the title of Best Place to Work in 2022. The past few years have been filled with grim news and bleak numbers, and finding the silver lining has surely been difficult. But the Animal Society’s day-to-day work often sees people and animals at their happiest, even during a pandemic.

Adoption numbers skyrocketed, and adoption event after adoption event saw happy wagging tails head out the door. Dogs, cats, rabbits and more — Charleston Animal Society helps them all.

Shelter employees, of course, get to kick it with furry friends all day, but even when things get difficult, and they do, getting to feel like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself that’s so vital to the community can be its own reward. Is there such a thing as too many pets? We don’t think so; that’s why my wife and I adopted our second puppy from the Animal Society in March.

—Skyler Baldwin

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Best indicator a hurricane is coming without watching the news CP PICK: Coburg Cow. When the cow comes down, you know it’s going to be bad.

COME JOIN OUR FAMILY!

ENRO TOD LL We c AY

PUP IN THE TUB

PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMING

3620 Ashley Phosphate Rd., Suite 19 843-767-0455

WWW.PUPINTHETUBSC.COM

THANK YOU for Voting Us Best Daycare & Best Preschool

West Ashley 2707 IdaMor Drive North Charleston 8695 Dorchester Road

TheOaksAcademy.com

charlestoncitypaper.com

an’t to meet wait yo family! ur

27

Attractions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Best place to spot alien life CP PICK: Ohio.

Best Preschool

The Oaks Children’s Academy 2243 Glendale Drive. West Ashley (843) 766-6382 8695 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 207-3061 theoaksacademy.com RUNNER-UP:

VOTED BEST DENTAL PRACTICE

O’Quinn Schools

Best Private School

Bishop England High School

363 Seven Farms Drive. Daniel Island (843) 849-9599 behs.com RUNNER-UP:

Porter Gaud School

Best Property Management Company

Charleston Rental Properties

1007 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Suite 133. Mount Pleasant (843) 654-9140 charlestonrentalproperties.com RUNNER-UP:

Daniel Ravenel Real Estate Property Management

Best place to spot someone from Ohio CP PICK: Market Street.

Best Property Management Company (Apartments)

Greystar

465 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 579-9400 greystar.com RUNNER-UP:

MAA- Rivers Walk Apartments

Best Public School

Wando High School 1000 Warrior Way. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-8200 ccsdschools.com/wandohigh RUNNER-UP:

Charleston County School of the Arts

Best Public Space

Joe Riley Waterfront Park Vendue Range and Concord St. Downtown RUNNER-UP:

Best spot to sit in traffic CP PICK: The Ravenel Bridge Crawling north on a sunny day, you can see clear to McClellanville.

Crawling south, the Holy City beckons in all her grandeur. Thanks, Cousin Arthur.

Hampton Park

Best Tour Company

Bulldog Tours 18 Anson St. Downtown (843) 722-8687 bulldogtours.com RUNNER-UP:

Charleston Water Taxi

Best Charter School

Attractions and City Living 05.11.2022

James Island Charter High School

28

W

113 WAPPOO CREEK DRIVE SMILESFORCHARLESTON.COM

hen I heard that my very own school, James Island Charter High School, was voted the area’s best charter school, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. I am a Trojan through and through, and I’m glad that my great school is getting the recognition it deserves.

We have our bumps and rough patches, as any school does, but when you look at the school as a whole, we really do have a lot going for us. We have a great community, and have made a lot of progress recently when it comes to inclusivity and diversity.

Overall, the school has a very relaxed environment. If you want a low-stress high school experience, JICHS is great. However, if you want to push yourself and take on a more rigorous course load, we have amazing opportunities to get ahead. Our advanced placement classes are incredible for the overachievers. We also have a litany of programs, for anything you could possibly be interested in. There’s a renowned International Baccalaureate program, national honors societies, a very competitive athletics program and an abundance of clubs (just a very small sampling: sign language, surfing, mock trial, LGBTQ, United Brothers and Sisters Association, film, dance team, ROTC). I’ve tried to take full advantage of these programs and get to make a difference in my school through student council, national honors society, environmental sustainability club and French honor society. This still is only a fraction of the opportunities here, and any JICHS student has full access to all of them.

High school is what you make of it. At JICHS, you can push yourself as little or as much as you want, which is why the students love it. I consider myself extremely lucky to call JICHS home. On behalf of the Trojans, I thank the City Paper for this huge honor. —Lucy Dixon, editor of JICHS newspaper The Odyssey and junior class vice president

Charleston Symphony

While many groups were forced to shut down during the pandemic, Charleston Symphony kept the music streaming

Photography by Rūta Smith; photo illustration by Scott Suchy

charlestoncitypaper.com

Best Performing Arts Group

29

The arts are back in full force in Charleston! The last 12 months have seen the performing arts return and visual artists thrive, and the city is alive again with culture. Charleston musicians and music lovers are getting back on the live music grind we sorely missed in 2021, while the local music industry has been bursting at the seams with events and performances that had been on hold for too long. The iconic Pour House on James Island is back to music seven nights a week, downtown karaoke club Bangkok Lounge has its customary line out the door again and Music Farm is reborn. In other words: we’re back baby!

—Michael Smallwood and Chelsea Grinstead

Best Art Gallery

Redux Contemporary Art Center 1056 King St. Downtown (843) 722-0697 reduxstudios.org RUNNER-UP:

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

Best Art Instruction

The Gibbes Museum of Art 135 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-2706 gibbesmuseum.org RUNNER-UP:

Redux Contemporary Art Center

Best Drag Show

Culture, Arts, and Entertainment 05.11.2022

Dudley’s on Ann

30

42 Ann St. Downtown (843) 577-6779 dudleysonann.com RUNNER-UP:

Edmund’s Oast with Patti O’Furniture

Best Event DJ

DJ Natty Heavy nattyheavy.com

RUNNER-UP:

DJ Rehab

Best Exhibit of 2021

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition at Festival Hall RUNNER-UP:

Romare Bearden: Abstractions at The Gibbes Museum of Art

Best Female Vocalist

Lauren Hall laurenhallmusic.com RUNNER-UP:

Kanika Moore

Best Jazz & Blues Club

The Commodore 504 Meeting St. Downtown thecommodorechs.com RUNNER-UP:

Forte Jazz Lounge

Best Karaoke Night

Bangkok Lounge 353 King St. 2nd floor. Downtown thebangkoklounge.com RUNNERS-UP:

Burns Alley and Tru Blues House of Wings

Best Local Actor

Colin Waters, Charleston Stage RUNNER-UP:

Matthew Willingham, Charleston Stage

Best Local Visual Artist

Patch Whisky

M

uralist, toy maker and Best Local Visual Artist Patch Whisky credits video games with the start to his career. “My parents brought me a little gray box that plugged into the Zenith,” he said. “It was called a Nintendo, and it changed my life forever.” Whisky’s bright, cartoonish, expressive mural style jumps off the walls of local spots like The Bushwick Collective and seems to explode into the real world. Whisky opened up a new studio in Park Circle this past year. He’s looking forward to traveling to new cities over the next year—and of course, painting more walls. —Michael Smallwood

Rūta Smith

Best Local Comic

Robin Phoenix

C

harleston comedian Robin Phoenix has a mission beyond making people laugh. After 26 years in the Army, including five tours to Afghanistan and Iraq, she wants to use her sense of humor and training as a certified humor professional to implement therapeutic comedy in the Charleston area.

While preparing to retire from the Army in 2019, Phoenix took a comedy bootcamp class through the Armed Services Arts Partnership, a nonprofit that organizes comedy instruction to veterans.

“For me, it was very healing,” she said.

“Not just because it’s in the creative arts, but also because it created a community.”

Though Phoenix had occasionally performed comedy as a hobby for more than a decade, she really launched herself into the realm of professional comedy after completing the course and starting her LLC, Best Medicine

Brigade, in November 2021.

Now, Phoenix books comedy shows throughout the Charleston area and all over the country, bringing comedic acts performed by her and other comedians to restaurants and bars as well as American Legions and VFWs. Aside from comedy shows, Best Medicine Brigade also gives funny but motivational talks on the applied therapeutic use of humor. Phoenix also hopes to start a pilot program for humor therapy at the VA Hospital in Charleston.

“I think the work that we do is pretty fantastic, and that’s where the following comes from because there’s real value in that,” Phoenix said. “Not just for veterans but for a whole community,” My focus has been on [helping] veterans, but humor therapy and humor as a mental health wellness strategy is good for anybody.” —Samantha Connors

Best Local Actress

Katelyn Crall, Charleston Stage RUNNER-UP:

Marybeth Clark, Charleston Stage

Best Local Author

Mary Alice Monroe maryalicemonroe.com RUNNER-UP:

Marcus Amaker

Best Local Band

The Midnight City Band themidnightcityband.com RUNNER-UP:

Southbound 17

Best Local Comic

Robin Phoenix

Best Local Podcast

Holy City Sinner Radio holycitysinner.com RUNNER-UP:

Charleston Time Machine by Charleston County Public Library

Best Local Theater Company

Theatre 99

280 Meeting St. # B. Downtown (843) 853-6687 theatre99.com RUNNER-UP:

Charleston Stage

Best Local Visual Artist

Patch Whisky patchwhisky.com RUNNER-UP:

John Reese

bestmedicinebrigade.com RUNNER-UP:

Brandy Sullivan

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Best spot to see someone from the Outer Banks CP PICK: Charleston.

Most of Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks is actually filmed right here in Charleston.

Best bets to catch a glimpse of heartthrob stars are The Old Village or the creekside haunts between James Island and Folly Beach where the show is regularly filmed.

Best Recording Studio

Coast Records

Provided

Coast Records’ prolific producer and musician Matt Zutell has been a favorite of City Paper readers for years

charlestoncitypaper.com

SOLD OUT!

31

Culture CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Best Male Vocalist

Will Blackburn willblackburnmusic.com RUNNER-UP:

Randall Fowler

Best Movie Theater

Terrace Theater

1956d Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 762-9494 terracetheater.com RUNNER-UP:

Citadel Mall Cinemas

Best Museum

The Gibbes Museum of Art 135 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-2706 gibbesmuseum.org RUNNER-UP:

The Charleston Museum

Best Music Concert of 2021

Ranky Tanky at The Bend rankytanky.com thebendcharleston.com RUNNER-UP:

Dierks Bentley at The Windjammer CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Culture, Arts, and Entertainment 05.11.2022

Best place to run into a celebrity (and maybe the next place to spot Bill Murray)

32

Best Female Vocalist

Lauren Hall

Ricky Hartzog

Charleston’s home-grown county singer-songwriter Lauren Hall has been making national waves over the last few years

Jazz Combo Camp!

CP PICK: Recovery Room Tavern, downtown.

We’ve met DMX and Dave Chappelle there. Venus Williams went to Rec Room when she was in town, too. Who’s next? Chris Rock and Will Smith?

2022 Winner Best Musical Instruction

Musicians Grades 7-12 • $210 June 6 - 10 • June 13 - 17 9am - 3pm 3005 West Montague Ave., Suite 200, North Charleston • 843-745-5908 • CharlestonJazz.com/Academy

The latest from Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling and City Paper Readers’

Best Local Author ON SALE 06/14

Thank you for your vote!

The Gibbes Museum of Art

The Gibbes holds four centuries of art in its vast and constantly evolving collection. It’s among Charleston’s most important cultural fixtures

Let’s celebrate together at the SC Aquarium, Monday, June13th Ticket details at MaryAliceMonroe.com

#2 NYT BESTSELLER

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BOC2021 BEST DANCE CLUB best jazz & blues club!

thecommodorechs.com 504 meeting street

charlestoncitypaper.com

Best Art Instruction, Best Museum

JB McCabe

33

Best Performing Arts Group

Charleston Symphony

T

he Charleston Symphony did not miss a beat during the pandemic. It was one of a handful of U.S. orchestras that performed full symphonic music for live audiences, albeit virtually.

With a strong sense that Charleston needed the healing power of music, the symphony decided early on to continue, said Michael Smith, the symphony’s executive director. “It began with digital engagement with our patrons and our community.”

In June 2020, the symphony’s associate conductor Kellen Gray led “Call and Response, a Concert for Equality.” The performance proved to be a test case for how to gather and work safely, Smith said. “We were delighted to partner with Roper St. Francis Healthcare, under the supervision of Dr. Ed Galaid, who gave us the roadmap for operating safely throughout the remainder of the pandemic.”

When the pandemic began to spread quickly, the symphony “recognized that our community was really hurting after the murder of George Floyd and that as artists we had an important role to play in our community’s healing and understanding through music,” Smith said. “‘Call and Response’ not only gave us a path to operate safely, it shined a light on our path for the future.”

The orchestra appreciates its partners, who include Roper St. Francis, the Medical University of South Carolina, the City of Charleston and the Charleston Gaillard Center. —Herb Frazier

Best Movie Theater

Terrace Theater

W Rūta Smith

Best Local Actor/Actress

Culture, Arts, and Entertainment 05.11.2022

Colin Waters and Katelyn Crall

34

C

harleston Stage’s most recent season has been peppered with great performances from City Paper’s Best Local Actor Colin Waters and Best Local Actress Katelyn Crall. Both performers moved to Charleston when hired on as resident actors for the company, with Waters going on to become a full-time employee. Bright Star, which opened Charleston Stage’s ‘21-22 season, showcased both actors, with Crall turning in a powerful lead performance. Crall’s contract with Charleston Stage ends soon, so expect to see her showing up in marquees across the country. Waters will be back at the Dock Street Theatre next season.

—Michael Smallwood

hile Paul Brown logged a dozen successful years as owner and operator of the Terrace Theater on James Island, a voice in his head asked continuously: “What will go wrong now?”

Could the growth of his business be swept away by a flood or hurricane? Could a huge chain theater open nearby? He never, however, anticipated a challenging global pandemic.

Nevertheless, the Terrace has emerged even stronger. “Business has been great since the fall,” Brown exclaimed.

The Terrace’s customers are excited too, so much so that City Paper readers have named the Terrace the Best Movie Theater.

The skills Brown learned as an independent producer for 20 years, along with the support from his wife, Robin, enabled them to open during the pandemic a very popular on-site drive-in theater and offer private screenings four months ahead of the competition. “Most importantly,” Brown explained, “we rehired and kept all our staff.

“Our community and charitable presence is as strong as ever,” he added. “Our approach now is simple; improve the experience for the moviegoer.” The Terrace now has six new projectors, new seats, new curtains and it has been renovated.

“None of this could have been possible without the incredible and unique support of the Charleston community,” he said. —Herb Frazier

Best Party of 2021

Culture

Charleston Animal Society Gala

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

Best Musical Instruction

Charleston Jazz Academy 3005 W. Montague Ave. North Charleston (843) 745-5908 charlestonjazz.com RUNNER-UP:

Clelia’s Guitar Studio

charlestonanimalsociety.org RUNNER-UP:

Best of Charleston Party

Best Performing Arts Group

Charleston Symphony charlestonsymphony.org RUNNER-UP:

Best Musician

Charleton Singleton charletonsingleton.com

Quentin Ravenel

The Midnight City Band themidnightcityband.com

Best Place to See Local Hip-Hop

Charleston Pour House

RUNNER-UP:

Best Party Band

Charleston Stage

1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 571-4343 charlestonpourhouse.com RUNNER-UP:

The Commodore

RUNNER-UP:

Sexbruise?

Best Male Vocalist

Will Blackburn

W

ith Stop Light Observations turning 10 this year, frontman Will Blackburn considers the band’s output of off-kilter pop rock to be a solid accomplishment and integral to informing his own musical sensibility. As a vocalist, Blackburn has embodied characters and emotions informed through Stop Light’s collective songwriting.

With the solo material he’s focused on heavily for the last year, it’s been completely different. He doesn’t step into a persona.

“Stop Light, to me, is like rock opera — it’s so theatrical when you see the live show,” he said. “Whereas when you come to see me solo, I want you to feel like we are just sitting in the room together.”

The recent release of the piano ballad “Adeline” under his own moniker marks his debut as a solo artist and his evolution as a vocalist.

“Age definitely has something to do with it, but in my instance, I’m noticing that it’s not really slowing me down, it’s only making me more honest with myself,” he said. “Isn’t that such a beautiful thing? You aim for that for so long and then you just wake up one day and you’re like, ‘Wow, that’s kind of been happening.’” —Chelsea Grinstead

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP

CharlestonSymphony.org | 843.723.7528

charlestoncitypaper.com

SAVE THE DATE FREE Sunset Serenade concert on May 27 Outdoor performance at the US Custom House

35

Culture CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

Best Place to See Local Music

Charleston Pour House 1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 571-4343 charlestonpourhouse.com RUNNER-UP:

The Windjammer

Best Recording Studio

Coast Records coast-records.com RUNNER-UP:

The Space

Best Rock Music Club

Charleston Pour House 1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island (843) 571-4343 charlestonpourhouse.com RUNNER-UP:

The Royal American

Best Theater Show of 2021

Elf the Musical, Charleston Stage charlestonstage.com RUNNER-UP:

Bright Star, Charleston Stage

Best Trivia Night

Charleston Sports Pub Various Locations charlestonsportspub.com RUNNER-UP:

Culture, Arts, and Entertainment 05.11.2022

Recovery Room Tavern

36

Best Exhibit of 2021

CBF Production

Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition at Festival Hall Festival Hall’s Sistine Chapel exhibition blew minds and drew lines during

The Station Park Circle

Sharon Payer and the team are excited about the incredible treasures they have for sale

charlestoncitypaper.com

Photography by Rūta Smith; photo illustration by Scott Suchy

Best Consignment Furniture Store, Best Consignment Store

37

Supporting local businesses is a vital way to give back to the community and a great way to find unique items brought to you by Charlestonians. Whether you’re searching for a present, splurging on yourself or looking for a local place to buy groceries and good wine, we’ve got you covered with everything from the Best Gift Store (Old Whaling Company) and Best Women’s Clothing Store (Two Cumberland) to Best Wine Shop (Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar) and Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store (The Veggie Bin). Whatever you’re looking to buy, head out and show your favorite Charleston shops some love.

—Samantha Connors

Best Accessories Store

Best Bookstore

46 Spring St. Unit B. Downtown (843) 813-9920 thetinytassel.com

420 King St. Downtown (843) 722-2666 bluebicyclebooks.com

The Tiny Tassel RUNNER-UP:

Copper Penny

Best Boutique

2992 Ashley Phosphate Road. North Charleston (843) 767-0690 guiltypleasuressc.com

455 King St. Downtown (843) 501-7245 twocumberland.com

RUNNER-UP:

Badd Kitty

Two Cumberland RUNNER-UP:

E. Blackhurst

Best Antique Store

Best Bridal Store

708 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-8575 mtpleasantmall.com

823 St. Andrews Blvd. West Ashley (843) 863-8400 bridalsbyjodi.com

Mount Pleasant Mall RUNNER-UP:

The Station Park Circle

Best Art Supply Store

Artist and Craftsman Supply 981 King St. Downtown (843) 937-5199 artistcraftsman.com RUNNER-UP:

Hobby Lobby

Best Baby Store

Shops and Wares 05.11.2022

RUNNER-UP:

Mr. K’s Used Books, Movies and More

Best Adult Toy Store

Guilty Pleasures

38

Blue Bicycle Books

Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier 280 W Coleman Blvd. J. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1741 southernbelleschildren.com RUNNER-UP:

Kids on King

Bridals by Jodi RUNNER-UP:

Verita Bridal

Best CBD Shop

I Heart CBD

423 W. Coleman Blvd. A. Mount Pleasant (843) 823-5293 1722 Ashley River Road. West Ashley (843) 576-4440 1083 E Montague Ave. C. North Charleston (843) 203-4243 8510 Rivers Ave. F. North Charleston (843) 996-4165 facebook.com/Iheartcbd843 RUNNER-UP:

Charleston Hemp Collective

Best Cheese Shop

goat.sheep.cow.

106 Church St. Downtown (843) 480-2526 804 Meeting St. #102. Downtown (843) 203-3118 goatsheepcow.com RUNNER-UP:

Avondale Wine & Cheese

Best place to get demolished at Smash Bros.

Best Children’s Clothing Retailer

CP PICK: Contender eSports, Market Center Blvd., Mount Pleasant.

Charleton’s best gamers meet here for tournaments and good times. But you had better bring your A game.

280 W Coleman Blvd. J., Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1741 southernbelleschildren.com

Southern Belles: A Children’s Clothier RUNNER-UP:

Kids on King

Rūta Smith file photo

Best Place to Buy Local Produce, Best Farmers Market

Charleston Farmers Market

T

he Charleston Farmers Market at Marion Square assembles local farmers, specialized growers and organic producers from the region bounded by I-95 and the seacoast.

Founded in 1989 with the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, the market is produced by the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs in cooperation with the city’s Parks Department and Special Events Committee.

The market blends produce from family farms that have been sustaining agriculture in the Lowcountry for generations with items grown by new agrarian start-ups and eco-ventures. This formula ensures that the freshest area produce arrives at the market each week along

with seasonal and heirloom offerings, giving the market City Paper’s honor as the Best Place to Buy Local Produce and Best Farmers Market.

The Charleston Farmers Market’s lineup of food concessionaires are also able to select from the abundance of fruits and vegetables available on Saturday mornings to prepare their own delicious food options.

The market has received numerous awards: in 2005, the Three Sisters Award from the Charleston Save the City Committee; and in 2008, was ranked by Travel + Leisure magazine and The New York Times as one of the Top 10 Farmers Markets in the nation. Y’all obviously agree. —Herb Frazier

Best Children’s Consignment Store

Best Collegiate Store

946 Orleans Road Suite F1. Charleston (843) 724-9160 7800 Rivers Ave. #1440, North Charleston (843) 824-1242 onceuponachild.com

1632 Palmetto Grande Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-8122 4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd. #801. North Charleston (843) 763-7444 2150 Northwoods Blvd. North Charleston (843) 553-0552 416 Azalea Square Blvd. Summerville (843) 871-7727 palmettomoononline.com

Once Upon a Child

RUNNER-UP:

Tiny Tadpoles

Best Cigar Store

Smoke ‘N Brew 815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979 smokenbrew.com RUNNER-UP:

Charlestowne Tobacco & Wine

Palmetto Moon

RUNNER-UP:

College of Charleston Bookstore

Best Comic Book Shop

Captain’s Comics and Toys 1209 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. D. West Ashley (843) 766-6611 captainscomics.com RUNNER-UP:

Green Dragon

Best Consignment Furniture Store

The Station Park Circle 4610 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-1130 facebook.com/thestationparkcircle RUNNER-UP:

Consign Charleston

Best Consignment Store

The Station Park Circle 4610 Spruill Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-1130 facebook.com/thestationparkcircle RUNNERS-UP:

Ensemble Consignment Boutique and Consign Charleston

Best Corner Store

Bert’s Market

202 E. Ashley Ave. Folly Beach (843) 588-9449 bertsmarket.com RUNNER-UP:

Queen Street Grocery

Best Costume Shop/Party Store

Hokus Pokus

Citadel Mall, Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 556-6607 hokuspokuscharleston.com RUNNER-UP:

Uncle Kyle’s Sweater Emporium

Best Eyewear Boutique

Shades of Charleston 2205 Middle St. D. Sullivan’s Island (843) 882-8142 233 Mathis Ferry Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-4369 shadesofcharleston.com RUNNER-UP:

SEE

We Thank You for Voting Us Your #1 Jewelry Store for 24 Years!

Best Accessories Store

The Tiny Tassel

Rūta Smith file photo

The Tiny Tassel has all kinds of goodies for the perfect gift

3 0 8 ON WONDE R F UL K ING S T | 8 4 3 .7 2 3 . 3 5 9 4 | CROGH A NS JE W E L BOX .COM

charlestoncitypaper.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

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Shops

Best place to bask in free air conditioning

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

IN CHARLESTON

CP PICK: Citadel Mall, West Ashley.

Not only is it refreshing on Charleston’s muggy days, but you’ve got a decent chance to see John Goodman, Danny McBride or Edi Patterson if they’re filming at HBO’s fictional Gemstone Church.

Best Florist

Tiger Lily Florist 131 Spring St. Suite B. Downtown 1614 Camp Road. James Island (843) 723-2808 tigerlilyflorist.com RUNNER-UP:

Roadside Blooms

Best Frame Shop

Best Gift Store

1070 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1543 havensfineframing.com

409 King St. Suite 100. Downtown (843) 619-7799 oldwhalingcompany.com

Havens Fine Framing RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP:

A Simple Tree Framers

Oyster Candle Company & Coastal Gifts

Best Furniture Store

Best Grocery Store

1015 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-7005 celadonathome.com

401 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-4037 traderjoes.com

Celadon Home

Trader Joe’s

RUNNER-UP:

RUNNER-UP:

GDC Home

Harris Teeter

Best Garden Store/Nursery

Best Hardware Store

Hyams Garden & Accent Store 294 KING STREET (AT THE CORNER OF KING AND SOCIETY) 843-723-8603 | MDUMASANDSONS.COM | PARKING VALIDATED

D A S I H T BRING OR A IN F ITH W T F I FREE GCHASE! PUR

Old Whaling Company

Royall Ace Hardware 883 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-2551 royallhardware.com

870 Folly Road. James Island (843) 795-4570 hyamsgardencenter.com

RUNNER-UP:

West Ashley True Value

RUNNER-UP:

Abide A While Garden Boutique

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

THANK YOU

Shops and Wares 05.11.2022

FOR VOTING US

40

BEST GIFT STORE! 43 Broad St Charleston, SC 29401

409 King St Charleston, SC 29403

PROUDLY HANDMADE IN WEST ASHLEY www.oldwhaling.co

E

ARS IN A

O R

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST IN THESE CATEGORIES:

Best Place to Work • Best Thrift Store: Second Chance Resale Store and Adoption Center Best Party: Applause for Paws Gala • Best Fundraising Event: Rescue Brew

charlestoncitypaper.com

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Your support means everything to the lifesaving efforts that touch the lives of more than 15,000 animals each year.

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Best Consignment Furniture Store

The Station Park Circle

B

est of Charleston 2022 winner for Best Consignment Furniture Store and Best Consignment Store, The Station Park Circle, is home to dozens of vendors, local artists and crafters. The Station is the place for incredible finds in furniture and decor, whether you’re looking to pick up a beautiful new piece or send something to a new home. Every section of the store is dedicated to different vendors, so you’ll know exactly where to find your vintage clothing or Coca-Cola signs.

The Station’s vendors are currently excited about not just their many mid-century modern pieces, but more obscure items like a Korean War era Aluminum-clad aviator trunk. There are new items up for sale every single day, so it’s well worth your time to check them out or stalk their Facebook page for each day’s discovery.

—Michael Smallwood

Shops BUY | SELL | TRADE | LOANS 12 LOCAL LOCATIONS OPEN DAILY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

Best Health Food Store

Whole Foods Market

1125 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 329-6540 923 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 971-7240 wholefoodsmarket.com RUNNER-UP:

Earth Fare

Best Home Accessories Store

Celadon Home

1015 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-7005 celadonathome.com RUNNER-UP:

The Station Park Circle

Best Jewelry Store

Croghan’s Jewel Box 308 King St. Downtown (843) 723-3594 croghansjewelbox.com RUNNER-UP:

Polly’s Fine Jewelry

Best Lighting Store

Circa Lighting 426 King St. Downtown (843) 937-5990 circalighting.com RUNNER-UP:

Charleston Lighting and Interiors

Best Lingerie Store

Shops and Wares 05.11.2022

Bits of Lace

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CHEERS TO ALL

453 W. Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 531-6625 bitsoflace.com RUNNER-UP:

Guilty Pleasures

THE WINNERS

Downtown | 455 King St Mt. Pleasant | 1126 Bowman Road at Bowman Place TwoCumberland.com @two_cumberland

Boone Hall Farms

1235 Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-4371 boonehallplantation.com RUNNER-UP:

Legare Farms

Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store

The Veggie Bin 96 Spring St. Downtown (843) 779-0301 facebook.com/vegetablebin RUNNER-UP:

Burbage’s Self Service Grocery

Best Local Liquor Store

Bottles Beverage Superstore 610 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-9463 1110 N. Main St. Summerville (843) 875-6666 shopbottles.com RUNNER-UP:

Total Wine & More

Best Local Wine Shop

Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar 700b King St. Downtown (843) 718-3359 graftchs.com RUNNER-UP:

Bottles Beverage Superstore

Best Mall/Shopping Center

Mount Pleasant Towne Centre 1218 Belk Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 216-9900 mtpleasanttownecentre.com RUNNER-UP:

Tanger Outlets

Best Local Clothing Designer

Amy Driggers, Taxidermy 62 Spring St. Downtown (843) 297-5233 shoptaxidermy.com

WE’RE HONORED TO BE VOTED BEST BOUTIQUE + BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

Best Local Farm

RUNNER-UP:

Nick Overstreet, Boysterous

Best Trader Joe’s that’s not that Trader Joe’s CP PICK: The Trader Joe’s furniture store at 1724 Ashley River Road in West Ashley.

Long before the advent of the famous grocery chain, this Trader Joe’s was here serving the Lowcountry. It has been going strong for 50 years.

Best Men’s Clothing Store

Best Paint Store

294 King St. Downtown (843) 723-8603 mdumasandsons.com

Various locations sherwin-williams.com

M. Dumas & Sons RUNNER-UP:

Berlin’s For Men

Best Motorcycle Shop

Low Country Harley-Davidson

4707 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 554-1847 lowcountryharley.com RUNNER-UP:

American Biker

Best Musical Instrument Store

Fox Music House, Inc. 4248 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 740-7200 foxmusichouse.com

Sherwin-Williams RUNNER-UP:

Spectrum Paint/Benjamin Moore

Best Pawn Shop

Money Man Pawn Various locations facebook.com/BamTheMoneyMan

WE’D LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

RUNNER-UP:

Big Bucks Pawn

Best Stationery Store

Best Pet Store

Dolittle’s

12 YEARS IN A ROW!

22 Windermere Blvd. F. Charleston (843) 852-5811 dolittles.com RUNNER-UP:

Park Pets Park Circle

RUNNER-UP:

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

COME SEE US! Best Bookstore

Blue Bicycle Books

Rūta Smith

Looking for a good read? Ask the experienced staff at the popular independent bookshop.

Fine Gifts • Stationery • Invitations OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM 409 MILL STREET • MT. PLEASANT • 843.884.3433

charlestoncitypaper.com

Ye Olde Music Shop

43

Shops CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

Best Place to Buy A New Car

Baker Mercedes

1513-1517 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 806-4972 bakermotercompany.com RUNNER-UP:

Fred Anderson Toyota

Best Place to Buy A Used Car

CarMax

712 Savage Road. Charleston (843) 766-2155 carmax.com RUNNER-UP:

Fred Anderson Toyota

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Rūta Smith

Two Cumberland

These clothing boutiques offers a broad array of winning clothing

! n o t s e l r a h C s k n a Th VOTED BEST GARDEN STORE & NURSERY for the 21st Straight Year!

S K N A TH ESTON

Shops and Wares 05.11.2022

E L R A CH

44

870 Folly Rd, James Island | 843-795-4570 | HyamsGardenCenter.com | Mon-Sat 8:30am-5:30pm

Charleston Farmers Market 329 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 724-7305 charlestonfarmersmarket.com RUNNER-UP:

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market

Best Record Store

Monster Music & Movies 946 Orleans Road. West Ashley (843) 571-4657 monstermusicsc.com RUNNER-UP:

Best places to learn a new board game CP PICK: Here Be Books & Games in Summerville and Game Night Charleston in North Charleston.

Anybody looking for a low-tech challenge can check out either of these places, which allow you to pick up and play new games. Here Be Books also has a great selection of good reads for sale.

Record Stop

Best Shoe Store

Best Sporting Goods Store

80 Folly Road Blvd. West Ashley (843) 763-1000 phillipsshoes.com

94 Folly Road Blvd. James Island (843) 556-6279 280 King St. Downtown (843) 853-0990 425 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-9472 halfmoonoutfitters.com

Phillips Shoes RUNNER-UP:

Shoes on King

Best Shopping District

Downtown/King Street Shopping District RUNNER-UP:

Park Circle

Best Smoke Shop

Smoke ‘N Brew 815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979 smokenbrew.com

Half-Moon Outfitters

RUNNER-UP:

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Best Stationery Store

VOTED BEST

PROUD SPONSOR OF GOOD TIMES

P O H S E K O SM CCO SHOP BEST TOBA E R O T S R A G I C T S E B

WE’ BLOWN RE

The Scratch Pad 409 Mill St. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-3433 facebook.com/scratchpadmp RUNNER-UP:

Ink Meets Paper

RUNNER-UP:

I Heart CBD

PROUD SPONSOR OF GOOD TIMES!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO HAVE A GOOD TIME! TOBACCO HOOKAH SMOKING ACCESSORIES CBD • KRATOM BEER & WINE

AWAY!

THANK YOU

F YOUROR VOTES!

LIVE MUSIC THU-SAT IN OUR ISLAND BEER GARDEN 815 FOLLY RD JAMES ISLAND SMOKENBREW.COM

charlestoncitypaper.com

Best Place to Buy Local Produce

45

Shops CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

Best Thrift/Resale shop

THAN YOU K F OR V OTING FOR 17 YE FOR US A RUNNING RS !

Charleston Animal Society Second Chance Resale 5101 Ashley Phosphate Road. North Charleston (843) 225-4193 secondchanceresale.org RUNNER-UP:

The Station Park Circle

Best Tire Store

Gerald’s Tires & Brakes 1 Magnolia Road. West Ashley (843) 566-1910 3900 Dorchester Road. North Charleston (843) 747-4011 4900 Rivers Ave. North Charleston (843) 744-3285 5646 Rivers Ave. A. North Charleston (843) 747-2433 geraldstires.net RUNNER-UP:

Hay Tire Pros

Best Tobacco Shop

Smoke ‘N Brew 815 Folly Road. James Island (843) 501-7979 smokenbrew.com RUNNER-UP:

VOTED BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING RETAILER & BEST BABY STORE Northcutt Plaza Specialty Shops • 280 W Coleman Blvd.

Ask About Our Rewards Program • SouthernBellesChildren.com

Purple Haze

Best Toy Store

Wonder Works

188 Meeting St. Downtown (City Market) (843) 577-2422 624 Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 849-6757 wonderworkstoys.com RUNNER-UP:

Hollipops Fine Toys and Gifts

Best Vape Shop

I Heart CBD

423 W. Coleman Blvd. A. Mount Pleasant (843) 823-5293 1722 Ashley River Road. West Ashley (843) 576-4440 1083 E. Montague Ave. C. North Charleston (843) 203-4243 8510 Rivers Ave. F. North Charleston (843) 996-4165 facebook.com/Iheartcbd843 RUNNER-UP:

Smoke ‘N Brew

Best Place to buy a pink Bigfoot statue CP PICK: Nature’s Garden, 1014 Rifle Range Road.

Mount Pleasant.

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Self, what you really need is a giant concrete pink Yeti or unicorn statue to complete your 'cryptozoology chic' garden aesthetic?” Then look no further than the wonderful jumble that is Nature’s Garden.

Thanks for Voting Us

BEST FLORIST

Shops and Wares 05.11.2022

Since 2000!

46

UPCOMING BLOOMS & BREWS WORKSHOPS 6/11 AT BAKER & BREWER • 7/22 AT BREWLAB

FLORAL AND LOCAL ARTISAN GIFT STUDIO 131 Spring St | Downtown

FLORAL STUDIO AND WEDDINGS 1614 Camp Road | James Island

843-723-2808 TigerLilyFlorist.com

Best Men’s Clothing Store

M. Dumas and Sons

T

opping the list with Best Men’s Clothing Store yet again is M. Dumas and Sons. A downtown retailer founded in 1917, M. Dumas has evolved into an iconic men’s specialty clothing store. Initially, M. Dumas and Sons was known as a uniform shop for service jobs. As such, the store was once the sole provider of uniforms for naval officers stationed in Charleston. M. Dumas and Sons later transitioned into a full-time men’s apparel arena in 1993, and now offers customers one of the widest assortments of men’s specialty brands in the nation. Pushing through the pandemic and quarantine was

incredibly challenging, even for a generation-spanning local business, said owner Gary Flynn.

“This is something that had never happened before,” he told City Paper in a previous report. “We’ve made it through the Great Depression, two world wars, stock market crashes — we’ve been open through it all. The only time we physically closed the store outside of a holiday is when there was a hurricane bearing down on us.”

But like many other local staples in Charleston, M. Dumas and Sons managed to survive yet again, and came out at the top of the Lowcountry men’s apparel world. — Skyler Baldwin

Best Vintage Clothing Store

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Mobile vendor (888) 250-9130 redrosevintage.com

455 King St. Downtown (843) 501-7245 1126 Bowman Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 800-5353 twocumberland.com

Red Rose Vintage RUNNER-UP:

Reinvented Upscale Resale

Two Cumberland

RUNNER-UP:

Copper Penny

Local

MAKERS

&V intage TREASURES

k T han !

You

VOTED Best CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE STORE + Best CONSIGNMENT STORE 4610 Spruill Ave | Park Circle | Open Daily |

@TheStationParkCircle

!

P U D E P P E T S YOU s

U g n i t o V r o Thanks f

e r o t S e o h S t in! es Aga

Featuring the #1 Selling On Clouds Athletic Footwear

Also feat. Dansko • Merrill • OOfos • OluKai • Birkenstock • Topo • Aetrex • Ecco + More!

Mt. Pleasant • South Windermere • Hilton Head | PhillipsShoes.com

charlestoncitypaper.com

B

47

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

Services 05.11.2022

BEST LIMO/PARTY BUS!

48

50 OFF

$

Party Bus (12 passenger vehicle)

Must book by 8/31/22 to be used in 2022 4 Hour Min. • Limit 1 Coupon Per Customer

100 OFF

$

Party Bus (25 or 38 passenger)

Must book by 8/31/22 to be used in 2022 4 Hour Min. • Limit 1 Coupon Per Customer

CHA R L ES TONB L A C K C ABC O M PAN Y.C O M • 8 43- 216- 2627

Bartender-turned-realestate-agent Rochelle Swain believes honesty is the only policy

charlestoncitypaper.com

Photography by Rūta Smith; photo illustration by Scott Suchy

Best Realtor

Shana Swain

49

B E S T

Services 05.11.2022

M O WINNER! R T G A n! o t s e l ar h C , G u o Y k an h T E

50

C O M P A N Y

Whether you’re in need of a quick cell phone repair, a new roof or a doggie daycare center, City Paper can help you find the right service provider to get the job done. Internet searches are all well and good, but you never know what you’re going to find. With real votes from real locals, our Best of Charleston Services section delivers our readers’ favorite people and businesses to call when you’re in need of a body shop, lawyer, wedding venue and everything in between. It’s all here. —Samantha Connors

Best Attorney (Criminal Defense)

Best Attorney (Personal Injury)

24 Broad St. Downtown (843) 310-4900 4917 Centrepoint Drive #200. North Charleston (843) 256-8400 davidaylor.com

24 Broad St. Downtown (843) 310-4900 4917 Centrepoint Drive #200. North Charleston (843) 256-8400 davidaylor.com

David Aylor, David Aylor Law Offices

RUNNER–UP:

Paul Thurmond

David Aylor, David Aylor Law Offices

RUNNER–UP:

Carson Parker

Best Attorney (DUI)

Best Auto Body Shop

24 Broad St. Downtown (843) 310-4900 4917 Centrepoint Drive #200. North Charleston (843) 256-8400 davidaylor.com

1725 N. Hwy. 17. Mount Pleasant (843) 884-6862 ascuesautobody.com

David Aylor, David Aylor Law Offices

RUNNER–UP:

Paul Thurmond

Best Attorney (Family Law)

Colleen Condon, Condon Family Law 4840 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-7288 condonfamilylaw.com

Ascue’s Auto Body & Paint Shop RUNNER–UP:

Caliber Collision

Best Auto Service

Gerald’s Tires & Brakes Various locations geraldstires.net RUNNER–UP:

Hay’s Tire Pros

RUNNER–UP:

Sara Turner

CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

Best Realtor

Shana Swain 843-879-7095

843-972-4320

lo.primelending.com/summerville

lo.primelending.com/mt.pleasant

206 Brighton Park Blvd, Ste A Summerville, SC 29486

75 Port City Landing, Suite 110, Offices 1008-1009 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

NMLS: 1792574

NMLS: 1503681

All loans subject to credit approval.. Rates and fees subject to change. ©2022 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (PrimeLending). (NMLS: 13649) Equal Housing Lender. PrimeLending is a wholly owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in SC. V010918

A

fter bartending for 20 years, Realtor Shana Swain, who won this year’s Best Realtor, has been in the real estate agent game just shy of two years. Still, Swain has always been a client-focused person, considering that’s what the food and bev industry is all about. She’s also maintained a grassroots approach to being compassionate toward others, having run a local food drive called Cans for Karma for the past 11 years with her family. And that philosophy extends to her approach as a Realtor: it’s not about getting the commission, but taking an oath to be faithful to the client.

“Make sure that your relationships are strong and stout,” Swain told City Paper.

“Make sure that you are nurturing the people you know, that every day you’re spending your time helping to improve someone else’s life, because in the end it’s going to do nothing but improve your life.”

And to her, being a real estate agent is not glamorous.

“Invest in the snakeskin boots, invest in dirty jeans, invest in a couple of pairs of sunglasses, invest in yard signs. You have to invest in your business and invest in yourself in order to offer the right tools to help your client.”

—Chelsea Grinstead

VOTED BEST HOME PAINTER Proudly uses

brand paints.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR VOTES SO MUCH!

Thank you from Bradford & Bethanny King Andrew & Christina Samela

When It’s Bad, Call Good!

Call for a Free DUI Consultation 843-412-1401 • SC-DUI.com

“

I hired Joe for a DUI charge I received while on vacation. Joe was outstanding with keeping me at ease and keeping me updated throughout the proceedings. Joe was patient and took the time to explain things to me if I didn’t understand. I highly recommend Joe and would give him 10 stars if I could. CHARLES

”

BEFORE

AFTER

DUI DEFENSE • PERSONAL INJURY • CRIMINAL DEFENSE Call us today! 843-906-2272 • Bkingocpc@gmail.com Ocpcllc.com • Facebook.com/OCPC843 We proudly use Sherwin-Williams Brand Paints

We offer affordable payment plans and accept all major credit cards SC-DUI.com • 843-412-1401 • 409 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant

charlestoncitypaper.com

Joe Good Attorney at Law

51

Best Cleaning Service

Services CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50

Thank You for Voting Us

BEST THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY! LANDSCAPING COMPANY!

Best Cab Company

Charleston Black Cab Company

1529 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Suite 2B. West Ashley (843) 216-2627 charlestonblackcabcompany.com RUNNER–UP:

Best Car Wash

In & Out Car Wash 477 St. Andrews Blvd. West Ashley (843) 556-3560 inandoutcarwashcharleston.com

Best Cell Phone Repair

thegreeneryinc.com • 843-884-0084

RUNNER–UP:

TurnPro Make Ready Specialist, LLC

Best Disaster Recovery Company

SERVPRO RUNNER–UP:

ServiceMaster of Charleston

Best Doggie Day Care

My Three Dogs Various locations mythreedogs.com

Fins Car Wash

iDoctor

1750 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 766-8778 3620 Ashley Phosphate Road. North Charleston 843-297-8641 75 Old Trolley Road. Summerville (843) 419-6380 idoctorsc.com RUNNER–UP:

(843) 822-4101 southerncomfortcleaningco.com

Various Locations (855) 908-5843 servpro.com

Green Taxi

RUNNER–UP:

The Greenery of Charleston provides commercial landscape installation, maintenance and aquatic services to resorts, retail centers, apartment communities, office buildings and industrial business parks. We have four facilities, employ over 300 people and have served the Tri-County area since 2001. Our focus on customer service, safety, and innovative problem solving, along with extensive horticultural knowledge, makes us the leading landscape and aquatic service provider in Charleston.

Southern Comfort Cleaning

CPR Cell Phone Repair Summerville

RUNNER–UP:

Dog Tired

Best Doors and Windows

Window World of the Lowcountry 273 Treeland Drive. Ladson (843) 890-8967 windowworldlowcountry.com RUNNER–UP:

Muhler Company

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

THANK YOU

FOR VOTING US

BEST OF

Services 05.11.2022

CHARLESTON!

52

BEST FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY 4840 CHATEAU AVE. | NORTH CHARLESTON | (843) 225-7288 | CONDONFAMILYLAW.COM

South Carolina Federal Credit Union named

BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

THANK YOU to the readers of Charleston City Paper for voting South Carolina Federal the “Best Financial Institution.”

We are proud to serve more than 174,000 members with exceptional banking and support the community in extraordinary ways.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JOINING?

scfederal.org charlestoncitypaper.com

Visit

53

Services CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52

Best Dry Cleaner

Lyerly’s Cleaners Various Locations (843) 377-6994 lyerlys.com RUNNER–UP:

Sandy’s Dry Cleaners

Best Electrician/Company

Charleston Electric, LLC 1524 Shandon St. James Island (843) 408-0245 charleston-electric.com RUNNER–UP:

Gloudeman Electric

Best Event Planner

Abby Frye, PPHG Peninsula Events 456 King St. Downtown (843) 853-1810 pphgcharleston.com RUNNER–UP:

Pop the Bubbly

Best Financial Institution Best Marketing/PR Company

Matchstick Social

Rūta Smith

Services 05.11.2022

Charlestonians voted Matchstick Social’s Amber Ludemen (left) and Rachel Davis have been helping national and Lowcountry businesses with advertising, marketing and digital content since 2013

54

WWW.MORELLIAIR.COM

South Carolina Federal Credit Union Various locations (800) 845-0432 scfederal.org

Best Financial Planner

Heath Johnson, Bera Wealth Advisors

235 Magrath Darby Blvd. Suite 120. Mount Pleasant (843) 459-3096 berawealth.com RUNNER–UP:

Kyra Morris, Morris Financial Concepts

Best Flooring Installation

Carpet Baggers Flooring 3196 Marginal Road. West Ashley (843) 410-2680 carpetbaggerscarpetone.com RUNNER–UP:

John Griffiths Hardwood Flooring

Best Heating & Air Company

Morelli Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. 2470 Faber Road. North Charleston (843) 554-8600 morelliair.com RUNNER–UP:

Carolina Custom Air, LLC

Best Home Builder

Crescent Homes 572 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 573-9635 crescenthomes.net RUNNER–UP:

Salt Marsh Contracting

RUNNER–UP:

REV Federal Credit Union

CONTINUED ON PAGE 57

SERVICES

Renovations & Remodels Roofing Replacement & Repairs New & Replacement Windows Siding Replacement & Repairs Storm Damage & Insurance Restoration

www.newbeginningsconstructioninc.com

charlestoncitypaper.com

• • • • •

55

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Services 05.11.2022

Services CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54

Best Home Painter

Old Charleston Painting Company 4805 Shady Tree Lane. Summerville (843) 906-2272 ocpcllc.com RUNNER–UP:

Jill of All Trades

Best Home Remodeler

New Beginnings Construction

928 Savage Road. West Ashley (843) 789-4604 newbeginningsconstructioninc.com RUNNER–UP:

Peartree Homes

Best Home Security Company

ADT

Various locations (800) 716-3640 adt.com

THANKS FOR VOTING US

BEST PLUMBING COMPANY 2016 - 2022!

RUNNER–UP:

CPI Security

Best Insurance Agency

Anderson Insurance Associates 3491 Shelby Ray Court. West Ashley aiasc.com (843) 763-7525 RUNNER–UP:

Harrell Insurance Agency

Best Landscaper

The Greenery of Charleston 145 President St. Downtown (843) 884-0084 thegreeneryinc.com RUNNER–UP:

Bumblebee Landscapes

Best Law Firm

David Aylor, David Aylor Law Offices 24 Broad St. Downtown (843) 310-4900 4917 Centrepoint Drive #200. North Charleston (843) 256-8400 davidaylor.com RUNNER–UP:

Thurmond, Kirchner & Timbes, P.A.

David Aylor, David Aylor Law Offices 24 Broad St. Downtown (843) 310-4900 4917 Centrepoint Drive #200. North Charleston (843) 256-8400 davidaylor.com RUNNER–UP:

PROUDLY SERVING THE CHARLESTON AREA SINCE 1942

Carson Parker

CONTINUED ON PAGE 58

BLITCHPLUMBING.COM

charlestoncitypaper.com

Best Lawyer

57

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST INSURANCE AGENCY

Julius J. Anderson Jr. 843.725.4900

Rūta Smith

Best Attorney (Criminal Defense), Best Attorney (DUI), Best Attorney (Personal Injury), Best Law Firm, Best Lawyer

David Aylor, David Aylor Law Offices

Need to defend yourself? Need to take someone to court? Charlestonians voted David Aylor the best for the job.

Services CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57

John Spence 843.725.4909

Mandy Davis 843.725.6798

Best Limo/Party Bus Company

Charleston Black Cab Company/Party Bus Charleston

1529 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Suite 2B. West Ashley (843) 216-2627 charlestonblackcabcompany.com partybuscharleston.com RUNNER–UP:

Coastal Limousine of Charleston

Kristi Hutto 843.725.4933

Andrew Parker 843.614.8680

Best Marketing/PR Company

Matchstick Social

58 Folly Road Blvd. #300. West Ashley (843) 631-6273 matchsticksocial.com RUNNER–UP:

Charlotte Berger PR

Best Mortgage Company

Prime Lending

Services 05.11.2022

Telfair Parker Jr. 843.725.4935

58

Mark Frye 843.725.4912

206 Brighton Park Blvd. Suite A. Summerville (843) 879-7095 lo.primelending.com RUNNER–UP:

Tabor Mortgage Group

ANDERSON INSURANCE IS 100% EMPLOYEE OWNED. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR EMPLOYEE OWNERS FOR PUTTING OUR CLIENTS FIRST!

WWW.AIASC.COM 843-763-7525

Best Moving Company

Professional Movers of Charleston (843) 352-8696 movepmc.com

RUNNER–UP:

Smooth Move Charleston

Best Pest Control

Palmetto Exterminators 624 Orleans Road. West Ashley (800) 585-8019 720 North Gum St. Summerville (843) 873-7997 palmettoexterminators.net RUNNER–UP:

Ledfords

Best Pet Groomer

My Three Dogs Various locations (843) 884-8818 mythreedogs.com RUNNER–UP:

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming (Gabi Everhart)

Best Pet Trainer

K9 Control Training 1731 Signal Point Road. James Island (843) 901-9499 k9controltraining.com RUNNER–UP:

Denise Miller, Mtn Hollow

Best Photographer (Portrait)

Justin Falk

4043 Prosperity Road. Johns Island (843) 364-2577 justinfalkphotography.com RUNNER–UP:

Victorious Photography

Best Photographer (Wedding)

Valerie & Ed Photography 334 East Bay St. Suite 243. Downtown (843) 882-7009 valerieandco.com RUNNER–UP:

Justin Falk Photography CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

THANK YOU, CHARLESTON

Responsible Attorney: David Aylor, (843) 256-8400, 4917 Centrepoint Dr. Suite #200 North Charleston, SC 29418.

charlestoncitypaper.com

Your Client Focused & Community Driven Injury Firm!

59

Services CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58

Best Plumber/Company

Blitch Plumbing 407 Fleming Road. James Island (843) 795-9674 blitchplumbing.com RUNNER–UP:

Preferred Home Services

Best Pool Company

Aqua Blue Pools of Charleston 5190 Towles Road. Hollywood (843) 202-4148 aquabluepools.net RUNNER–UP:

Heritage Pools

Best Photographer (Portrait)

Justin Falk

W

hether you’re looking for senior portraits, headshots, wedding photos or just images to capture the family, have a chat with City Paper’s Best Portrait Photographer Justin Falk. Falk starts each booking with a consultation to determine your photography goals, so he knows exactly what you’re looking for while he’s shooting. Whether it’s a wedding or local portraiture, Falk’s work often features stunning Lowcountry settings and always shows an expert eye for lighting and composition. Even a quick glimpse at the galleries on his website, justinfalkphotography. com, should convince you he’s worth seeking out the next time you need to immortalize an occasion. —Michael Smallwood

CONTINUED ON PAGE 62

Provided

Healthy and Happy Dogs are What We Do Best!

CHARLESTON’S BEST PET TRAINER RUNNER-UP

AU S S I E PUPPIE S

AVA I L A

BLE!

PUPPY CL ASSES BOARD & TRAIN

Services 05.11.2022

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

60

BEST PEST CONTROL

TERMITE • PEST • MOSQUITO PALMETTOEXTERMINATORS.NET • 843-766-9701

PROGRAMS IN-HOME PET

TRAINING

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD BREEDING &TRAINING

MTN-HOLLOW.COM

LIMITLESS VIEWS - LIMITLESS THANKS! Thank you Charleston City Paper readers for voting Window World of the Lowcountry as “Best Doors and Windows”

• WINDOWS • DOORS • SIDING • HURRICANE IMPACT • BAHAMA SHUTTERS Locally Owned by Brad & Manda

843-806-0094

WindowWorldLowcountry.com

NOW HIRING

Join our award-winning team!

Pools • Spas • Fountains • Water Features 843-767-POOL • AquaBluePools.net

charlestoncitypaper.com

Thanks for Your Vote Charleston!

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Services CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60

Best Property Management Company

Charleston Rental Properties

VOTED BEST STORAGE

1007 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Suite 133. Mount Pleasant (843) 654-9140 charlestonrentalproperties.com RUNNER–UP:

Daniel Ravenel Real Estate Company

Best Realtor

Shana Swain (843) 224-8400 shanaswainrealtor.com RUNNER–UP:

Matt O’Neill

Best Realty Company

Carolina One Real Estate Various locations carolinaonerealestate.com RUNNER–UP:

Matt O’Neill Real Estate

Best Roofing Company

New Beginnings Construction

844-HEY-STOMO

928 Savage Road. West Ashley (843) 789-4604

newbeginningsconstructioninc.com RUNNER–UP:

Bone Dry Roofing Company

Best Shoe Repair Store

Peter & Sons

42 Windermere Blvd. West Ashley (843) 766-3277 peterandsons.com RUNNER–UP:

Alex’s Shoe Repair & Sales

Best Storage

Stomo Mobile Self Storage 237 King St. Unit D. Downtown (844) 439-7866 stomostorage.com RUNNER–UP:

Public Storage

Best Videographer

Jessie Smith, Palmetto Wedding Films (843) 580-3636 palmettoweddingfilms.com RUNNER–UP:

Chantilly Lace LLC

Best Wedding Venue

Lowndes Grove

266 St. Margaret St. Downtown (843) 853-1810 pphgcharleston.com/venues/lowndes-grove RUNNER–UP:

Hotel Bennett

STOMOSTORAGE.COM

THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Provided

Best Attorney (Family Law)

Colleen Condon

Services 05.11.2022

A

62

ttorney Colleen Condon has been practicing law for 20 years and running her own law firm since 2005. Condon, who was voted Best Attorney (Family Law), said that making her clients feel supported and comfortable is an important aspect of the job.

“Dealing with family court really takes two skills: one, being able to deal with all the emotions that families go through, but two, you have to be able to help people figure out their money in a reasonable way,” she said.

Condon also served on Charleston County Council from 2005-2016 and was voted Best of Charleston’s Best County Council Member several times.

As a family law attorney, Condon and the two attorneys on her team can help guide people through cases involving custody, divorce and adoption while trying to make sure their needs are met.

“Being LGBT myself, we certainly have a lot of clients in that arena that trust us, but we represent everybody,” Condon said.

“Our goal is to look at the situation and give people advice on how they can resolve it in a way that’s healthy for their family.”

“We try hard to be very approachable for our clients and give them good advice, and we appreciate that so many gave us a vote of support.”

—Samantha Connors

THANKS FOR VOTING US

Best Groomer & Day Care 1606 U.S. 17 • 843-884-8818 | 350 W. Coleman Blvd. • 843-881-7245 | 905 N. Cedar St • 843-285-8766 | 1184 Hwy 41 • 843-936-6943 1990 Ashley River Rd, West Ashley | 5870 Dorchester Rd, Dorchester | MyThreeDogs.com

BEST ROOFING COMPANY

For a FREE roof inspection call us at 843-817-3846 • KetchumRoofingWindows.com

charlestoncitypaper.com

FINALIST

63

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES!

BEST DERMATOLOGIST: DR. MARGUERITE GERMAIN BEST DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE: GERMAIN DERMATOLOGY BEST MEDICAL SPA: GERMAIN DERMATOLOGY BEST AESTHETICIAN: STEFANIE SUDDUTH — GERMAIN DERMATOLOGY

Health and Beauty 05.11.2022

TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE

64

50% OFF ONE GERMAIN DERMATOLOGY PRODUCT Expires July 30th, 2022. Coupon must be shown for redemption. Only valid on full priced items.

Limit one per person.

GermainDermatology.com 843.881.4440 Come see us at one of our four convenient locations!

Former Ink Masters contestant Ashley B. McMullen has been tattooing for 15 years

charlestoncitypaper.com

Ashley B. McMullen, Holy City Tattooing Collective

Photography by Rūta Smith; photo illustration by Scott Suchy

Best Tattoo Artist

65

We’re all feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options out there to look and feel our best, so thankfully City Paper has your back. We’ve got all the crowd favorites rounded up, whether you need a good salon, spa or aesthetician. And after so much COVID-related uncertainty last year putting a dimmer on things, it’s definitely time to get back to those exercise classes, like cycling at The Works or pilates at Breathe Pilates Studio & Spa, followed up with much-needed pampering sessions at Woodhouse Spa or Moxie Park Salon. Flip through and feel better.

—Chelsea Grinstead

Best Acupuncture Practice

Best Barre Studio

711 St. Andrews Blvd. West Ashley (843) 937-6890 blueheroncharleston.com

164-C Market St. Downtown (843) 732-1727 1300 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 732-1749 purebarre.com

Blue Heron Acupuncture and Apothecary RUNNER-UP:

Charleston Community Acupuncture

Best Acupuncturist

Chad Houfek, Charleston Community Acupuncture 1307 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 763-7200 feelgreatcharleston.com RUNNER-UP:

Kristin Query, Lowcountry Acupuncture

Best Aesthetician

Stefanie Sudduth, Germain Dermatology 612 Seacoast Pkwy. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com RUNNER-UP:

Danielle Cois, O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Best Assisted Living Community

Bishop Gadsden

Health and Beauty 05.11.2022

1 Bishop Gadsden Way. James Island (843) 762-3300 bishopgadsden.org

66

RUNNER-UP:

Franke at Seaside

Best Barber Shop

Barelli Barber

701 East Bay St. Downtown (843) 414-7457 4628 Spruill Ave. #102. North Charleston (843) 637-3775 barrellibarber.com RUNNER-UP:

Pure Barre

RUNNER-UP:

Barre3

Best Body Piercer

Kate Burns, Exotic Impressions

8780 Rivers Ave. Suite 316. North Charleston (843) 797-2280 1042 E Montague Ave. Suite A. North Charleston (843) 797-2490 10150 Dorchester Road. Suite 212. Summerville (843) 419-6527 bodypiercingsc.com RUNNER-UP:

Kae Lonsberry, Museum of the Living Arts

Best Chiropractor

Dr. Brantley Meier, The Bridge Chiropractic 2409 Mall Drive Suite C. North Charleston (843) 297-4907 thebridgechirosc.com RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Mark Luckie, West Ashley Wellness and Rehab

Best Cycling Studio

The Works Cycle

465 Meeting St. Suite 160. Downtown 1421 Shucker Circle. Mount Pleasant (843) 718-3386 theworkschs.com RUNNER-UP:

Jibe Cycling Studio

Broad Street Barbershop

Best place to meditate CP PICK: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

Post up on a bench overlooking the Ashley River, find a spot within eyeshot of Magnolia’s iconic White Bridge or assume the lotus position beneath the shoots of the bamboo forest. Respect the past. Consider the present. Imagine the future.

Keller James file photo

Best Local Pharmacy

Dottie’s Pharmacy

D

ottie’s Pharmacy is like that old-fashioned compounding pharmacy that filled your grandmother’s prescription. Dottie’s has a compounding pharmacist, who formulates and prepares compounded medications that are not available at chain drug stores.

Compounding is the process of making custom medications designed to fit a patient’s individual needs. Compounding is not the only service that makes Dottie’s unique.

Dottie’s also handles traditional, specialty and long-term care pharmacy work.

The specialty pharmacy fills prescriptions that are disease specific while the longterm care pharmacy accommodates elderly patients, who are typically in a retirement home facility. These traits were recognized by City Paper readers, who selected Dottie’s as the Best Local Pharmacy.

Founded by Dottie and Scott Farfone in 2013, Dottie’s is a family owned and operated business with an emphasis on customer service and providing medications at the best price. —Herb Frazier

Best Day Spa

Woodhouse Spa

10 Westedge St. Suite 150. Downtown 725 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 203-1772 woodhousespas.com RUNNER-UP:

Urban Nirvana

Best Dental Practice

James Island Dental Associates

113 Wappoo Creek Drive, Suite 5. James Island (843) 762-1234 smilesforcharleston.com RUNNER-UP:

Coastal Kids Dental and Braces

Best Dentist

Dr. Jessica Peele, Cooper Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 4830 Chateau Ave. North Charleston (843) 225-8718 cooperfamilysmiles.com RUNNER-UP:

Dr Isabel Driggers, Coastal Kids Dental

Best Dermatologist

Dr. Marguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology 612 Seacoast Pkwy. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com RUNNER-UP:

Dr. McLean Sheperd, Shepard Integrative Dermatology CONTINUED ON PAGE 70

W IN N ER VOTED

Best Physician NER UP N U R

Jessica Hund, M.D. MUSC Health Primary Care Daniel Island

To schedule an appointment with an MUSC primary care provider scan the QR code, or call 843-792-7000

MUSCHealth.org/PrimaryCare

Justin Dean, M.D. MUSC Health Primary Care West Ashley

charlestoncitypaper.com

Thank you for voting Dr. Jessica Hund as Best Physician and Dr. Justin Dean as runner-up!

MUSC Health Primary Care is proud to have them on our team.

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Health and Beauty 05.11.2022 68

Model

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON FOR 9 YEARS RUNNING

& BEST PLASTIC SURGERY PRACTICE PLUS RUNNER UP BEST MED SPA AND RUNNER UP BEST AESTHETICIAN DANIELLE CIOS

SPRING SPECIALS

AESTHETIC & LASER CENTER

50 OFF A PURCHASE OF $200 OR MORE

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Contact us today to get bikini ready for summer! 843.881.2130

charlestoncitypaper.com

$

Botox and Dysport | Fillers | Facials Skin Rejuvenation | Laser Hair Removal Melasma Treatment | Tattoo Removal Brown Spot Reduction | Skincare CoolSculping | Morpheus8 | Hydrafacial

69

Health CONTINUED FROM PAGE 66

Best Dermatology Practice

Germain Dermatology 612 Seacoast Pkwy. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com RUNNER-UP:

Mt. Pleasant Dermatology

Best Exercise Studio

HYLO Fitness

466 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 606-5267 880 Allbritton Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-2723 hylofitness.com RUNNER-UP:

KOR4 Elite Fitness

Best Eye Doctor

Dr. Kerry Solomon

1101 Clarity Road. Mount Pleasant 2060 Charlie Hall Blvd. #201. West Ashley (843) 881-3937 drkerrysolomon.com RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Elyse DeWitt, Draisin Vision Group

Rūta Smith

Best Hair Salon

Moxie Park Salon CONTINUED ON PAGE 72

If the talented crew at Moxie Park can’t work magic on your hair, you probably need a wig

Thank You for Voting Dr. Vincent & Dr. Bullwinkel

Best ORTHODONTIST

Health and Beauty 05.11.2022

+ Vincent & Bullwinkel Or thodontics

70

Best ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE

125 Wappoo Creek Dr Bldg H, Ste B • 843-762-2304 • SmileLowcountry.com

Day Spa

for another year!

Enjoy luxury massages, exclusive body treatments and customized facials at Woodhouse Spa- the premier location for luxury wellness services.

MOUNT PLEASANT | DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON | FRANKLIN, TN (843) 203-1SPA (1772) | woodhousecharleston.com

charlestoncitypaper.com

Thank you for voting us Charleston's Best

71

Health CONTINUED FROM PAGE 70

Best Eyelash/Eyebrow Salon

Anne Bonny’s Lash & Skin Boutique

829 Savannah Hwy. 2nd floor. West Ashley (843) 225-2054 annebonnystudio.com RUNNER-UP:

Knox and Olive Lash & Brow Studio

Best Hair Salon

Moxie Park Salon 45 Romney St. Suite 200. Downtown (843) 730-3102 moxieparksalon.com RUNNER-UP:

Coven Haircraft

Best Hair Stylist

​​Abigail Fisher, Moxie Park Salon moxieparksalon.com RUNNER-UP:

Crystal Mitchell, Coven Haircraft

Best Health Club

HYLO Fitness

466 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 606-5267 880 Allbritton Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 606-2723 hylofitness.com

Best Hospital

Medical University of South Carolina 171 Ashley Ave. Downtown (843) 792-1414 muschealth.org RUNNER-UP:

Roper St. Francis

Best In-Home Healthcare Company

Roper St. Francis Hospice 8536 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy. Suite 207B. Ladson (843) 402-7000 rsfh.com/home-care/hospice RUNNER-UP:

MUSC Health at Home by BAYADA

Best LASIK Provider

Dr. Kerry Solomon

1101 Clarity Road. Mount Pleasant 2060 Charlie Hall Blvd. #201. West Ashley (843) 881-3937 drkerrysolomon.com RUNNER-UP:

Dr. O’Day, Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery

Best Massage Therapist

Robbin Wells, Urban Nirvana

636-D Long Point Road. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-1160 urbannirvana.com RUNNER-UP:

Britney Franklin, Awaken Massage

RUNNER-UP:

Health and Beauty 05.11.2022

KOR4 Elite Fitness

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 75

Best Aesthetician

Stefanie Sudduth, Germain Dermatology

City Paper readers voted makeup artist and aesthetician Stefanie Sudduth Charleston’s best

Rūta Smith

S U G N I T O V R O F U O Y K N A TH

CAROLINA DIVE LOCKER CHARLESTON’S ONLY FULL SERVICE DIVE CENTER OFFERING CHARTERS ON USCG CERTIFIED DIVE BOAT SCUBA COURSES • FREEDIVE CLASSES • FIRST AID CLASSES • KID CLASSES • GEAR 303 BEN SAWYER BLVD, UNIT 10 • MT. PLEASANT • 843-884-1500 • CAROLINADIVELOCKER.COM

charlestoncitypaper.com

P O H S E V I D T BES

73

PATRICK VETERINARY CLINIC

THANK

YOU

for your continued support

LOCAL · LOW FEES · GREAT EVENTS

.COM

The doctors and staff of

THE GREEN HEART PROJECT’S HARVEST DINNER THU, MAY 19 AT 5PM MITCHELL ELEMENTARY

‘MURICA BAR CRAWL ON KING STREET SAT, JUN 18 AT 3PM

CAMPING FOR RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE FRI, JUL 1 AT 12PM

Health and Beauty 05.11.2022

WOODLANDS NATURE RESERVE

74

VOTED BEST

VETERINARY CLINIC 12 YEARS IN A ROW

BABYLON BUS TOUR: STEPHEN MARLEY FRI, JUL 1 AT 7PM FIREFLY DISTILLERY

667 Meeting Street 843.722.4470 PatrickVet.com

HOSTING AN EVENT? For info on using City Paper Tickets for your next event contact melissa@charlestoncitypaper.com

Health CONTINUED FROM PAGE 72

Best Medical Spa

Germain Dermatology 612 Seacoast Pkwy. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-4440 germaindermatology.com RUNNERS-UP:

Charleston Medical Spa and O’Neill Plastic Surgery Aesthetic and Laser Center

Best Nail Salon

Nails So Dep! Various locations (843) 737-5453 RUNNER-UP:

Luxia Nails

Best Orthodontist

Dr. Vincent and Dr. Bullwinkel, Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

125 H Wappoo Creek Drive Suite B. James Island (843) 762-2304 smilelowcountry.com RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Gardner and Kelley, Kelley & Gardner Orthodontics

CONTINUED ON PAGE 77

Best Plastic Surgeon

Rūta Smith

Dr. Patrick O’Neill, O’Neill Plastic Surgery Dr. Patrick O’Neill has now spent nine years as City Paper readers’ top plastic surgeon

CHARLESTON’S BEST NAIL SALON! 10% OFF SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH ID 601 MEETING ST, DOWNTOWN (Near Meeting St Lofts) • 843-737-5453

charlestoncitypaper.com

Thank You For Voting Us

75

Thank You

Tanning FOR VOTING US

BEST

SALON

SUNLESS TANNING STUDIO

A BLUSHTANTM CONCEPT STUDIO

A BLUSHTAN™ CONCEPT STUDIO

LASHES • TEETH WHITENING • WAXING LOCATIONS IN MT. PLEASANT & SUMMERVILLE 843.277.0924 • CHARLESTONGLOW.COM

Thanks to all of our patients for voting

Health and Beauty 05.11.2022

DR. JESSICA PEELE

76

Best DENTIST

Where Charleston turns for the best in dental care.

Dr. Tabb, DMD

Dr. Saunders, DDS

Led by dentists Dr. Jessica Peele, Dr. Sabrina Saunders, and Dr. Jessica Tabb and powered by state-of-the-art technology, our team goes the extra mile to provide excellent preventive care, oral restorations, and cosmetic dentistry.

4830 Chateau Avenue, North Charleston • 843.225.8718 • CooperFamilySmiles.com

Health CONTINUED FROM PAGE 75

Best Orthodontics Practice

Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontics

125 H Wappoo Creek Drive Suite B. James Island (843) 762-2304 smilelowcountry.com RUNNER-UP:

Kelley & Gardner Orthodontics

Best Pediatric Dentist

Barrelli Barber

Rūta Smith file photo

Barelli Barber is back after its 2021 win for Best Barber Shop. Pop-in for a drink and a cut, and hit the road feeling fresh.

Various locations coastalkidsdental.com RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Laura Shapiro, LowCountry Kids Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Arlene Shawinski, Coastal Pediatric Associates

2067 Charlie Hall Blvd. West Ashley (843) 573-2535 776 Daniel Ellis Drive. James Island (843) 795-8100 1952 Long Grove Drive #202. Mount Pleasant (843) 971-2992 2015 2nd Ave. Suite 101. Summerville (843) 737-9465 cpakids.com/hospitals RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Aimee Goedecke, Parkwood Pediatric Group

Best Personal Trainer

Logan Kraft, F45 Charleston

Best Local Pharmacy

Dottie’s Pharmacy 325 Folly Road Suite 101. James Island (843) 501-9500 dotspharmacy.com RUNNER-UP:

Pitt Street Pharmacy

Best Physician

Dr. Jessica Hund, MUSC Health Primary Care, Daniel Island 864 Island Park Drive Suite 101. Daniel Island (843) 876-7975 muschealth.org

476 Meeting St. Downtown (912) 398-1702 827A Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 718-2019 f45training.com RUNNER-UP:

Brittany Corbin, SPENGA

RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Justin Dean, MUSC Health Primary Care West Ashley

CONTINUED ON PAGE 78

THANK YOU FOR

EIGHT! Thank you for voting

Dr. Kerry Solomon

BEST OF CHARLESTON BARRE STUDIO JOIN US FOR YOU FIRST CLASS ON US! WWW.PUREBARRE.COM

BEST LASIK PROVIDER & BEST EYE DOCTOR for the 8th time!

From all of us at Team Solomon, we appreciate every single patient.

www.drkerrysolomon.com

charlestoncitypaper.com

Best Barber Shop

Dr. Isabel Driggers, Coastal Kids Dental and Braces

Best Pediatrician

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Health CONTINUED FROM PAGE 77

Best Piercing Studio

oneillplasticsurgery.com RUNNER-UP:

Dr. Dennis Schimpf

Best Plastic Surgery Practice

Museum of the Living Arts O’Neill Plastic Surgery 47 Spring St. Downtown (843) 937-5300 1595 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. West Ashley (843) 225-7127 charlestonpiercing.com RUNNER-UP:

Exotic Impressions

Best Pilates Studio

Breathe Pilates Studio 2019 Middle St. Suite D. Sullivan’s Island (843) 884-4420 breathepilates.us RUNNER-UP:

Club Pilates

Best Place to Give Birth

East Cooper Medical Center

2000 Hospital Drive. Mount Pleasant (843) 881-0100 eastcoopermedctr.com

9

RUNNER-UP:

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital & Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion

Best Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Patrick O’Neill, O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Health and Beauty 05.11.2022

245 Seven Farms Drive Suite 210. Daniel Island (843) 881-2130

78

RUNNER-UP:

Sweetgrass Plastic Surgery

Best Retirement Community

Bishop Gadsden

1 Bishop Gadsden Way. James Island (843) 762-3300 bishopgadsden.org RUNNER-UP:

Del Webb Cane Bay

Best Tanning Salon

Charleston Glow

1233 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Suite 200. Mount Pleasant (843) 277-0924 412 Nexton Square Drive. Summerville (843) 277-0924 charlestonglow.com RUNNER-UP:

Bikini Bronze Charleston

Best Tattoo Artist

Ashley B. McMullen, Holy City Tattooing Collective 1916 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley (843) 202-0950 holycitytattoo.com RUNNER-UP:

Jason Eisenberg, Holy City Tattooing Collective CONTINUED ON PAGE 80

Best Tattoo Artist

Ashley B. McMullen, Holy City Tattooing Collective

I

n the 15 years Ashley B. McMullen has worked as a tattoo artist, she has accomplished a lot, from appearing on season four of tattoo competition show Ink Masters to, most recently, securing the title of Best Tattoo Artist in Charleston.

“When I first started, tattooing was very different,” she said. “There were not a lot of women, especially young women, doing it, but now, there is so much support for women in the tattoo industry. Some clients prefer to only get tattooed by female artists. When I first started, there wasn’t anything like that. People shied away from getting tattooed by me because I was a girl.”

McMullen was drawn to tattoo culture from a young age, beginning a two-year apprenticeship at 20 years old. She credits the popularity of tattoo magazines as one of the things that first piqued her interest in the culture.

She was always drawing and interested in art, she said, but never felt that she found her medium until she started hanging out in tattoo shops.

“When I was younger, I was trying to find a way to channel my anger and emotions into something that was productive, and I think that’s important for people to understand that if they put those feelings into something, it can become something really beautiful,” she said.

McMullen currently works at Holy City Tattooing Collective and likes focusing on custom lettering, traditional styles and floral pieces. She said the shop owner, Jason Eisenberg, who was voted runner-up for Best Tattoo Artist, is a huge inspiration to her along with another local tattoo artist, Betsy Butler.

“I try to stay close with a lot of the women who tattoo in Charleston,” she said.

“We have to work together and keep building that support for female tattoo artists.” —Samantha Connors

Thank You for Voting Us

BEST PILATES STUDIO

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND • 2019 Middle Street, Suite D DANIEL ISLAND • 125 Riverlanding Drive, Suite 103 MOUNT PLEASANT • 1956 Long Grove Drive, Suite 2 843.884.4420 • BreathePilates.us

THANK YOU FOR VOTING

DR. BRANTLEY MEIER BEST CHIROPRACTOR!

THERAPY TECHNIQUES Adjustments • Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) • Ultrasound Class IV Laser Therapy • Intersegmental Mechanical Traction

Exceptional Care. Exceptional Results.

TheBridgeChiroSC.com • 843-297-4907

charlestoncitypaper.com

W

ith a personal background in professional and Olympic athletics, Dr. Meier is fully committed to helping each patient “get back on the field at the healthiest and highest level” as soon as possible and continuously achieve pain-free living with the highest quality of life.

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Health CONTINUED FROM PAGE 79

Best Tattoo Studio

Blu Gorilla

1669 Meeting Street Road. Downtown (843) 805-8071 105 Eagle Road. Goose Creek (843) 573-7341 blugorilla.com RUNNER-UP:

Holy City Tattooing Collective

Best Therapist

Rebecca Creech

1470 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant (843) 416-8252 RUNNER-UP:

Gretchen Sparacino

Best place for a solo morning stretch CP PICK: Sunrise, low tide, north end of Folly Beach.

Park all the way at the north end, near the cul-de-sac, walk over the beach trail, find a spot where the sand’s hard, unroll your yoga mat and find some peace while watching the sunrise. If it’s too buggy, go swimming.

Best Veterinarian

Patrick Veterinary Clinic 667 Meeting St. Downtown (843) 722-4470 patrickvet.com RUNNER-UP:

Charleston Harbor Veterinarians

Best Waxing Salon

Waxed Salon

1300 Savannah Hwy. Suite 6. West Ashley (843) 640-3167 1145 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. #104. Mount Pleasant (843) 388-5118 waxedsalon.com RUNNER-UP:

Brazilian Wax and Spa By Claudia

Best Weight Loss Center

MUSC Weight Management Center 67 President St. Downtown (843) 792-2273 muschealth.org RUNNER-UP:

Metabolic Medical Center

Best Yoga Studio

The Works

465 Meeting St. Suite 160. Downtown 1421 Shucker Circle Suite 1116. Mount Pleasant (843) 718-3386 theworkschs.com RUNNER-UP:

Holy Cow Yoga Center

Best Yoga Studio, Best Cycling Studio

Photos provided

The Works, The Works Cycle

Sarah Frick’s yoga and cycling studios’ classes will kick your butt into shape, whether you’re looking for a hot vinyasa flow or a fast-pace ride

Best Pediatric Dentist

Health and Beauty 05.11.2022

843.818.5437 (KIDS) | CoastalKidsDental.com

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thanks, y'all!

Best Kayak • Best SUP • Best Watersports Since We First Dipped Our Paddles in 1992

Isabel Driggers, DMD

als t n e &R s IOP r u d o n T a Daily em Creek h on S