Time to Explore!
July 2024
PUBLISHER
David Hayth | david.hayth@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Alexandra Hill | alexandra.hill@citylifestyle.com
As the sun stretches its golden arms across the sky, and the world blooms with vibrant colors, we are reminded of the beauty that awaits us beyond our doors. Summer is here, beckoning us to embrace the warmth, the adventure, and the countless opportunities to explore.
In these pages of our beloved magazine, we've often delved into the wonders of our local community, uncovering hidden gems and celebrating the essence of what makes our region unique. But now, as the season of endless possibilities unfolds before us, I urge you to step outside and experience it firsthand.
Take the time to savor the simple pleasures of summer – the laughter of children playing in sprinklers, the scent of freshly cut grass, the taste of ripe strawberries picked straight from the vine. Let each moment be a reminder of the joy that comes from being fully present in the world around us.
And as you embark on your summer adventures, remember to keep an open mind and a curious spirit. Talk to locals, try new foods, and embrace the unexpected detours that often lead to the most memorable experiences.
But above all, cherish these moments of exploration and discovery with loved ones. Whether you're catching up at a backyard BBQ, or simply enjoying each other's company for a cup of coffee, the bonds we forge and the memories we create together are the true treasures of summer.
As you flip through the pages of this magazine, let it serve as a guide to the wonders that await you just beyond your doorstep. And may this summer be filled with endless adventures, unforgettable moments, and a sense of wonder that will stay with you long after the season has passed.
DAVID HAYTH, PUBLISHER @LAKEMURRAYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
All-inclusive independent retirement living is the gift that gives all year long! We take care of everything for one monthly price and no buy-in fee, so you can celebrate life every day. And by everything we mean:
Dining on Your Time
Signature Freedom Dining Program
3 Fresh Chef-Prepared Meals Daily
Meal Delivery
24-Hour Chef Pantry/Bistro
Full Custom Kitchens!
Live-In Managers!
Month to Month Rental – No Long Term Lease!
Utilities, TV, Internet & Telephone
24-Hour Concierge & Valet Services
Therapy and Home Health On-Site
Weekly Housekeeping
Robust Social Calendar
And Many More!
AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST
Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. The expansive, 18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur
Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farmto-table dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place or eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE
BOOKS TO TAKE YOU AWAY
I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
The Corfu Trilogy
BY GERALD DURRELL
Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy.
Blue Latitudes
BY TONY HORWITZ
Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before
The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.
The Island of Missing Trees
BY ELIF SHAFAIT
It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.
Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.
Cutting for Stone
BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE
Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, IndianAmerican medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.
The Museum of Innocence
BY ORHAN PAMUK
The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.
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ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK
vacation VIBES
THESE EXOTIC COCKTAILS WILL TRANSPORT YOU TO PARADISE
Vacation time is just around the corner. We are dreaming of sitting on a secluded beach, sipping exotic cocktails with umbrellas in them. But why wait till vacation to enjoy a fun cocktail? These two easy and refreshing classics will instantly transport you to paradise.
Piña Colada
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 oz cream of coconut
• 2 oz light rum
• 3 oz pineapple juice
• Juice of ½ lime
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
• 1/2 cup ice
• Pineapple wedge for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Blend frozen pineapple and ice for a couple of seconds. Add in the liquid ingredients and blend until smooth. (To make thicker, add ice. Add pineapple juice if too thick.) Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Bay Breeze
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz vodka
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• Pineapple wedge & maraschino cherry for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Put desired amount of ice in glass, add vodka and pineapple juice. Top with cranberry juice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry and umbrella (of course).
WHETHER YOU'RE A LOCAL OR A VISITOR, THIS IS THE PLACE TO STAY AND PLAY.
PLAYCATION: Stay and Play in Lake Murray Country
ARTICLE BY CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
We have the perfect, budget-friendly staycation route – travel within the area while creating memories and discovering new attractions.
Summer is just around the corner and now is the time to plan your trip. It can be overwhelming to find the perfect destination with everything you want while also being cost effective, but travel doesn’t have to be exotic… it can be close to home! We have the perfect, budget-friendly staycation route – travel within the area while creating memories and discovering new attractions.
FAMILY FUN
Get wild at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden with over 2,000 animals and a gorgeous botanical garden, or discover excitement and education at EdVenture Children’s Museum and the South Carolina State Museum. There is even more to do as you tour historic sites in downtown Columbia, like the South Carolina State House and grounds
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Hike, bike, kayak, tube, paddleboard or canoe on one of our three rivers– Palmetto Outdoor will show you the way with a variety of rentals and tours! This region is home to the Congaree National Park where you can fill your day with hiking along the boardwalk, paddling in the floodplains or walking the wilderness trails. Later in the day, catch a concert at Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington or an outdoor movie at Doko Meadows Park in Blythewood!
YOUNG ADULT EXCURSIONS
Explore the region by taking in nature on one of the three rivers (Broad, Saluda, Congaree), enjoy local beer at any of the amazing breweries, and root for the home team at a Columbia Fireflies Baseball game. Immerse yourself in the thrilling nightlife as
you explore music, arts, and restaurants in The Vista. There is a wide array of coffee shops and brunch options to get you going in the morning. If your stay goes into the weekend, don’t miss Soda City on Main Street every Saturday morning where you can find an array of vendors and of course, food!
LAKE ENTHUSIASTS
Fish with the finest guides around or on your own, with a boat rental. If you leave your tackle box at home, Dreher Island State Park offers a loaner program that will help you hook a big one, or picnic at the Lake Murray Park Site and enjoy a golden sunset from the Lake Murray Dam Walkway.
BACKROADS & BBQ
Taste the best BBQ with every sauce imaginable at Shealy’s BBQ and enjoy the backroads along the way with many historic sites throughout the four counties. Spend the afternoon teeing off at Golden Hills, Timberlake or Cobblestone golf courses. Antique your way through Ridge Spring and Newberry. Don’t miss the Little Mountain Unlimited Antique Mall and Cafe, where you can browse their extensive inventory of antiques, as well as grab some lunch. Take in a show at the Newberry Opera House, or experience dinner at Juniper in Ridge Spring with South Carolina Ambassador Chef, Brandon Velie.
Looking for a full list of activities, attractions, and events in our region? Visit LakeMurrayCountry.com to discover all our region has to offer, and check out our ready-to-do itineraries. For any questions or suggestions, contact our Concierge 803-781-5940 x 200 or email concierge@lakemurraycountry.com.
Explore Your Community Impact with CMS Roofing
HONORING OUR HEROES WITH A FREE ROOF REPLACEMENT
ARTICLE BY LAKE MURRAY LIFESTYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED
DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE
CMS Roofing, led by Michael and D’Lynn Curcio, is committed to giving back to The Midlands. Their efforts focus on recognizing and supporting the essential services provided by military members and first responders. This is why they are excited to present their annual giveaway which is accepting nominations through July 25th, 2024.
EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP
With over 20 years of business experience, Michael Curcio brings innovative, cost-efficient roofing solutions to both residential and commercial clients. His background includes a successful career with IBM and Pepsi, which laid the foundation for CMS Roofing’s technological advancements.
COMPREHENSIVE ROOFING SERVICES
CMS Roofing offers a wide range of services, including the installation of shingles, flat roofs, and metal roofing. Their in-house metal fabrication capabilities allow them to address flashing, edging, gutter systems, HVAC/mechanical systems, and custom industrial and architectural pieces.
HIGH-QUALITY STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Michael and D’Lynn have earned various certifications, ensuring top-tier service quality. These include being a Master Elite GAF Contractor, Duro-Last Installer, and BBB and HAAG Certified Inspector. These credentials underscore their commitment to excellence in roofing. They stand behind their work with the motto, “Your Roof is Our Reputation.”
ANNUAL GIVEAWAY
CMS Roofing is in partnership with GAF to support the brave men and women who serve our country and community. They are searching for the next Veteran, Military (Retiree, Active or Guard), or First Responder living in or near Columbia, Beaufort and Charleston, South Carolina, for a free roof replacement. There will be a Columbia Area and a Charleston Area winner this year! Lake Murray Lifestyle Readers can participate by nominating deserving individuals by using their online application form on their website. (cmsroofingsc.com/roof-giveaway). All nominations are due by July 25th, 2024.
Know a deserving veteran, military member, or first responder? Nominate them for a free roof replacement today!
Contact CMS Roofing for more information, questions, or a free estimate today.
• 803-732-5558
• cmsroofingsc.com
Al Fr es co STYLE
Spending time outdoors and enjoying friends and family over good food and drinks is a great way to enjoy the season’s beautiful weather. From the fresh flower arrangements, produce, and herbs, this earthy spread is brimming with character and flavor. The earthy ceramic and clay vases give the perfect vessel to fill with organic cut herbs and handpicked wildflowers. We arranged a beautiful medley of Queen Anne’s lace, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, lamb’s ear, nigella, buddleia, oregano, dill, feverfew, and geranium to name just a few of these beautiful blooms. We love a good home-cooked menu mixed with a signature drink, so we paired our meal with a delicious craft cocktail. Buttermilk brined fried chicken was a must for this outdoor party. A delicious peach bread pudding with salted vanilla caramel cream rounded out our meal for the perfect sweet treat. We wanted to share a few of our favorite recipes for you to try at home. Enjoy!
FARM-TO-TABLE ENTERTAINING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VERSLUIS
Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken
INGREDIENTS:
Dried spice mix
• 2 tablespoons white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 5 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cayenne
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 teaspoons onion powder
• Palm kosher salt
Buttermilk Brine
• 4 cups buttermilk
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• 1/2 of spice mixture
Dredge
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Whole cut up chicken or 2 bone-in breasts, 2 thighs and 2 drumsticks
To cook
• 4 cups shortening
INSTRUCTIONS:
Marinate chicken in brine for up to 24 hours. Place chicken in large Ziploc bag and pour marinade over top. Add fresh sage and store in fridge. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking rack with a sheet pan for raw chicken and one for cooked chicken. Add remaining spice mixture to flour mixture. Whisk together well. Heat shortening to 350 degrees. (Preference is cast iron Dutch oven) Pull chicken out of buttermilk mixture and let drip. Coat firmly in flour mixture and set on raw chicken rack. Complete each piece of chicken. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Place 2 or 3 pieces of chicken in oil and cook 3-5 minutes per side. Place on cooked chicken rack. Put cooked chicken in oven to complete cooking for 15 minutes. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving!
Peach Bread Pudding
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 loaf brioche
• 5 fresh peaches
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 eggs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Dice peaches into medium dice. Place peaches, white sugar, and butter in saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved and peaches are soft. Mix all other ingredients together. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan and add peach mixture with brioche pieces and then add milk mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting.
El Ahumado
“Spanish for Smoky”
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 ounces Reposado tequila
• 1/2 ounce aperol
• 3/4 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce agave nectar
• 1/4 ounces luxardo cherry syrup
• 1 spritz of Mezcal
INSTRUCTIONS:
Lightly sweet, pleasantly bitter. The Mezcal adds just a hint of smoke to make a beautifully balanced, interesting cocktail.
RO A D CHOW
A FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACK
GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? This easyto-pack and satisfying snack is a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare it together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!
BREAKFAST COOKIES
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
DIRECTIONS:
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1/2 cup raisins
1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.
3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)
4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.
