Charleston Preferred Properties -Your Guide to Charleston

Key considerations when buying real estate in Charleston.

What type of representation should I have as a buyer?

Most real estate agents are “seller’s agents,” meaning they technically represent the interests of the sellers who list their properties with them. Sure, they will sell you property, but their legal obligation is first and foremost to their sellers. When you enlist the services of the buyer representative at Charleston Preferred Properties, you will ensure that your interests are being looked after as you search for and purchase a home.

What should I look for in a buyer representative?

The best buyer representatives provide a level of knowledge about the area’s neighborhoods and property values that can only come with years of experience in the market. They get personally involved in the process every step of the way.

And they don’t charge a fee for their services. Instead, their compensation comes from the commission that is part of the sale price of every property.

At Charleston Preferred Properties, our buyer representative is a 20-year veteran of the Charleston real estate market and a licensed appraiser who evaluates approximately 400 properties per year. This unparalleled level of experience and insight is a real asset to anyone purchasing property in the area.

How can I learn about area taxes, schools and other factors that might impact my purchase decision?

At Charleston Preferred Properties, we provide information and resources to help answer all of the questions that will surface as you explore your options and move towards making a smart decision.

How can I make sure I am seeing all of the properties that meet my criteria?

When you work with a resourceful, licensed real estate agent, you can be sure that you’ll have access to all properties available throughout the region. At Charleston Preferred Properties, our buyer representative can show you all of the properties in the Charleston MLS, as well as the For Sale By Owner, foreclosure and bank-owned properties that meet your criteria. Our comprehensive search tool at CharlestonPreferredProperties.com is a good place to start.

How can I continue to stay up-to-date on the latest local market trends?

Check out the “Market Update” section at CharlestonPreferredProperties.com.

Here you’ll find valuable information about market trends, a complete range of market reports and insights on some of the best properties in Charleston. And to be sure you stay informed of the latest news and property listings, sign up to receive email updates from our buyer representative.

CharlestonPreferredProperties.com 866-780-7001

We only work for you.

The buyer

We know that helping you find the right home is about a lot more than bedrooms and bathrooms. It’s about making sure you know everything there is to know about Charleston – the city, the neighborhoods, the schools, the true market values and more – so that you can find a home that’s perfect in every way. That’s what we do best.

And because we only represent buyers, you’ll never have to wonder where our priorities lie; we are your partner and your advocate from start to finish.

Let us show you why Charleston Preferred Properties is the right choice when it comes to buying a home in Charleston. Call our Buyers Representative today or visit us online at www.CharlestonPreferredProperties.com.

CharlestonPreferredProperties.com 866-780-7001

Stay Awhile

CLOSEST B EACH TO H I STOR IC CHAR LESTON, SOUTH C AROLI NA 1- 8 4 3 - 58 8 - 24 47, e x t 1 ~ w w w. f o l l y b e a c h s o u t h c a r o l i n a . o r g

Welcome o

T

he Charleston region is full of life, history and opportunity. You have probably already discovered this, as you are considering, or have already chosen, the region as your new home.

On the surface, the region’s beauty is impossible to ignore. In fact, it’s probably one of the many things that attracted you to the area.

Rivers serenely wind through scenic marshlands. Historic buildings are shaded by grand live oaks draped in Spanish moss. There are a lot of advantages to living in an area that’s easy on the eyes, whether you’ve set down roots in

Summerville, Charleston, Mount Pleasant or somewhere in between.

But much deeper than the region’s beauty is its history, which dates back to 1670 when the first English settlers arrived and established Charles Towne on the banks of the Ashley River. As a favorite destination for travelers, the Charleston region proudly celebrates its history and the people who have helped shape the area into what it is today.

In addition, quality of life is something each community takes seriously. Schools are a high priority. New pedestrian and family-friendly

Sunset as seen from The Creek Club at I’On. Photo/Ryan Wilcox

2 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

neighborhoods are being built that mix seamlessly with established neighborhoods. There are abundant opportunities to experience arts, culture, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and nightlife.

We invite you to explore the region, get to know your neighbors and discover the charms of the Lowcountry. It won’t take long before you become immersed in the area’s progressive southern culture and call Charleston your new hometown.

We’re certainly glad you’re here. Welcome home.

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Contents Features

2 Introduction to Charleston 6 Economic Outlook 8 Education in the Lowcountry 13 Higher Education 16 Taking Care 44 Sports & Recreation 46 Tee Time 47 Dining Out 49 Places to Stay 51 Arts Abound 54 Attractions & Tours 58 Day Trips 60 Calendar of Events 62 Quick Links 64 Newcomer Information & Map

Living in 20 Living in Historic Charleston 22 Living in Mount Pleasant 24 Living on the Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island 26 Living in North Charleston 28 Living in West Ashley 30 Living on James Island & Folly Beach 33 Living on Johns Island 34 Living on Daniel Island 36 Living on Kiawah & Seabrook islands 38 Living in Berkeley County 40 Living in Summerville 42 Living in Georgetown 4 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

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Economic Outlook

Boeing Co. celebrated the opening of its 787 assembly plant in June 2011. (Photo/Matt Tomsic)

A

Economic Outlook

head of schedule and under budget, Boeing Co. officially opened the doors in June 2011 to its 787 Dreamliner final assembly plant in North Charleston. The plant, which is the Chicagobased company’s second assembly line in the U.S., was announced in October 2009 and involves an investment of at least $750 million and the creation of 3,800 full-time positions over seven years.

Even before Boeing, the Charleston region has been a hub of global commerce with a vibrant waterfront that imports and exports goods across the globe.

In 2010, the Port of Charleston handled 1.36 million TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent units, from the local waterfront. While commercial shipping has been lagging globally in the recession, the deep channel port, redevelopment of the cruise terminal and construction of a new port terminal in North Charleston means the port will be ready when the economy fully recovers.

In 2011, New Geography magazine ranked the Charleston metro area No. 8 on its list of the Best Cities for Job Growth. Up 17 spots from the previous year, the metro area’s diverse economic climate, location and skilled workforce are garnering national attention.

6 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

At a Glance

Tri-county Population (2010)...............664,607 Growth Rate (2000-2010)......................26.4% Median Age (2009)......................................35 Average Household Income (2009)......$63,686 Annual Retail Sales (2009)........... $16.3 billion Labor Force (April 2011).....................321,965 Unemployment Rate (April 2011).............8.1% Corporate Income Tax Rate (2011)..............5% Gross Metropolitan Product (2008) ...$24 billion Port of Charleston ranks 8th in the nation (2009) in dollar value of shipments ($62 billion annually) Sources: Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, CRDA, U.S. Census Bureau, S.C. Dept. of Employment and Workforce, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

Tourism is a major part of the Lowcountry’s economy. From restaurants, attractions and history to beaches and cruise ships, the region contributes a large part to South Carolina’s $18.4 billion hospitality industry.

Many of the millions of visitors who visit the Charleston area frequently return for

future visits, and many choose to call the area home.

The area’s defense industry remains strong with billions of dollars flowing through the area’s economy from the Naval Weapons Station in Berkeley County to small, medium and large defense contractors. One of the region’s largest manufacturers, Force Protection Inc., relies on these companies to integrate large-scale armored vehicles that are flown to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Regionally, Charleston is home to several innovation centers, which are allowing a burgeoning creative class to take root.

These creative office spaces dot the region and offer affordable space to small startup businesses that are trying to grow from the ground up. Many of these businesses “graduate” and end up creating high-paying jobs for Charleston’s creative and technology industries.

In addition to these important industries, the city of Charleston, along with Summerville, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant — and other municipalities — have developed a diverse economic climate geared toward construction, development, large and small businesses, privately owned companies, national chains, real estate, manufacturing and health care.

Economic Outlook

Economic Development Announcements* Month

New/ Exp.

Jan. ‘10

Largest Private Sector Employers, Charleston MSA

Company

County

Investment

Jobs created

E

DC Machine LLC

Berkeley

$3 million

25

Feb. ‘10

N

Gildan Activewear

Berkeley

NP

250

March ‘10

N

Moulton Logistics Management

Berkeley

$25 million

500

Boeing Charleston....................................3,000

March ‘10

N

IMO Group

Dorchester

$47 million

190

JEM Restaurant Group Inc........................3,000

June ‘10

E

ArborGen

Dorchester

$14.3 million

25

July ‘10

E

Behr Heat Transfer Systems

Charleston

$3 million

70

July ‘10

N

Boeing Co.

Charleston

not provided

150

Walmart Inc...............................................2,300

Aug. ‘10

N

Maverick Equipment Manuf. Inc.

Dorchester

$1.5 million

71

Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. Inc...................1,900

Dec. ‘10

N

Regal Logistics

Berkeley

multi-million

30

Dec. ‘10

E

High-Purity Standards Inc.

Charleston

$2 million

8

Dec. ‘10

N

Geocent LLC

Charleston

$2 million

100

Evening Post Publishing Co.......................1,500

Dec. ‘10

N

Dannecker Fine-Tec LLC

Charleston

$3 million

40

Robert Bosch LLC.....................................1,475

Dec. ‘10

E

Robert Bosch LLC

Dorchester

$125 million

300

Jan. ‘11

N

Odfjell Holdings

Charleston

$37 million

12

Feb. ‘11

E

Showa Denko Carbon Inc.

Dorchester

Not provided

100

Force Protection Inc..................................1,300

May ‘11

N

Southeast Renewable Energy

Dorchester

$50 million

20

Blackbaud Inc...........................................1,150

Total 16 announcements

Source: S.C. Department of Commerce *Does not include projects for which investment was not revealed

Company...................................Employees Roper St. Francis Healthcare....................4,800

Trident Health System...............................2,500

SAIC..........................................................1,800

Bi-Lo Stores..............................................1,350

$312.8 million* 1,891 Source: Center for Business Research, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, 10/2010

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 7

Photo/Courtesy of Charleston County School District

A band performance at one of Charleston County’s schools.

C

Education

harleston area schools are making gains as more emphasis is put on achieving and improving in the 150-plus schools in the tri-county area.

Charleston County The Charleston County school district runs up and down 1,000 square miles of the coast and includes a range of schools from urban to rural. There are about 43,000 students in the system for the 2010-2011 school year. Students are spread out among 106 schools, including 22 magnet schools and eight charter schools.

The district has about 7,200 employees and is the third-largest employer in the region.

In spring 2008, the district implemented a three-year plan, Charleston Achieving Excellence, to focus on three goals: elevating the achievement of all students, closing the achievement gap between groups and

8 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

o

In 2011, the Charleston County School District created Vision 2016, a five-year plan that aims to cut the achievement gap in half and have 100% of its third graders reading on grade level while investing in proven strategies.

o increasing the graduation rate.

In 2011, the district announced it would expand upon this program and created a five-year program called Vision 2016. By 2016, the district aims to cut the achieve-

ment gap in half and have 100% of its third graders reading on grade level, while investing in proven strategies.

The district has also expanded its support of child health and nutrition, literacy and arts and music.

In 2010, nearly half of the school district’s students attend schools with an “Excellent” rating. Also in 2010, 34 schools in the district received Palmetto Gold and Silver awards, the most awards of any of the 85 public school districts in South Carolina.

The awards, created in 1998, are based on improvement and performance.

An emphasis on creating a collegeoriented culture begins in the early grades and the Charleston County School District continues to focus on improving the graduation rate.

Students in the district were awarded more than $46 million in scholarships in 2010.

Photo/Courtesy of Charleston County School District

Photo/Courtesy of Charleston County School District

Education in the Lowcountry

A magnet school of the arts opened at Goose Greek High School, and Berkeley County Middle College opened and celebrated the graduation of all 27 students in its first year.

Berkeley County is committed to innovative classroom technology. It has SMART boards in most classrooms and provides training to K-12 teachers in the use of SMART lessons software. All new and renovated schools have Cynergi technology that links safety and communication needs to the learning environment. The district also has an instant messaging system, allowing the schools and the district office to personally communicate with parents and employees regarding emergency situations, school events and other important issues.

Students in the district were awarded more than $22 million in scholarships in the 2009-2010 school year.

Dorchester County Dorchester County, which includes Summerville, part of North Charleston and several smaller towns, is one of the fastestgrowing areas in the area. It is divided up into two school districts: District Two, which mainly serves the Summerville area, and District Four, which mainly serves the more rural areas out past Summerville.

District Two is the second largest employer in Dorchester County. It serves about 22,500 students at its 21 schools. It has more than 600 business partnerships that provide mentoring, donations and school projects, and 3,500 school volunteers. Its average SAT scores are consistently higher than state levels and its average ACT scores sit above state and nationwide averages.

District Two is building a new elemenTop: Charleston County students examine bird nests during science class. tary school in the Oakbrook area at McKewn Plantation off of Patriot Boulevard.

Bottom: A Charleston County science team and their teacher.

The state-of-the-art facility is projected to open in August 2011 with approximately 850 to 1,000 students.

Berkeley County by several milestones including the anStudents in the district were awarded Berkeley County schools continue to nouncement of Howe Hall Arts Infused more than $20.7 million in scholarships in grow as more and more people move to the Magnet School as the district’s first National 2010. area. There are 40 schools in the district, Blue Ribbon School. In addition, five schools District Four has 2,500 students in five including the brand new Cane Bay High in the district were named Red Carpet schools that serve the Saint George and School. More than 29,000 students are Schools, and 21 schools achieved Palmetto surrounding areas, including Woodland enrolled in the district that employs 2,257 Gold and Silver awards. The district also High, Saint George Middle and Harleyvilleteachers and administrators. More than 59% received an “Excellent” growth rating on its Ridgeville Elementary. of the teachers have master’s degrees and report card.

Students in the district were awarded above, and the teachers have an average of Cane Bay Elementary School opened and more than $1.7 million in scholarships in 13 years of experience. construction began on Cane Bay Middle 2010.

The 2010-2011 school year was marked School to round out the Cane Bay campus.

10 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

Education in the Lowcountry

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Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read before signing anything. No Federal Agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and registration requirements have not yet been met. NY residents: Complete Offering terms are in an offering plan available from Sponsor. File No. HO-00-0016. Equal Housing Opportunity. Access and rights to recreational amenities may be subject to fees, membership dues or limitations.

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 11

Education in the Lowcountry

Schools PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Berkeley County School District P.O. Box 608, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-899-8600 www.berkeley.k12.sc.us

Susan G. Boykin Academy 4951 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406 843-744-8882 Grades Served: K-6 PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Charleston County School District 75 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC 29403 843-937-6300 www.ccsdschools.com Dorchester County District II 102 Greenwave Blvd.

Summerville, SC 29483 843-873-2901 www.dorchester2.k12.sc.us Dorchester County District IV 500 Ridge St., St. George, SC 29477 843-563-4535 www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us CHARTER SCHOOLS

Charleston Development Academy 233 Line St., Charleston, SC 29413 843-722-2689 charlestondevelopmentacademy.org Grades Served: K-6 East Cooper Montessori Charter School 250 Ponsbury Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-216-2883 www.montessoricharterschool.com Grades Served: 1-8 Greg Mathis Charter High School 2872 Azalea Drive North Charleston, SC 29405 843-557-1611 www.ccsdschools.com Grades Served: 9-12 James Island Charter High School 1000 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 843-762-2754 www.jamesislandcharterhs.org Grades Served: 9-12 Orange Grove Elementary Charter School 1225 Orange Branch Road Charleston, SC 29407 843-763-1520 www.ogecs.com Grades Served: K-5

Addlestone Hebrew Academy 1639 Wallenberg Blvd.

Charleston, SC 29407 Phone: 843-571-1105 www.addlestone.org Grades Served: 18 months through 8th Archibald Rutledge Academy 1011 Old Cemetery Road McClellanville, SC 29458 Phone: 843-887-3323 www.archibaldrutledgeacademy.com Grades Served: Pre-K through 12 Ashley Hall 172 Rutledge Ave. Charleston, SC 29403 Phone: 843-722-4088 www.ashleyhall.org Grades Served: Co-ed, ages 2-5; all girls, K through 12th Bishop England High School 363 Seven Farms Drive Charleston, SC 29492 Phone: 843-849-9599 www.behs.com Grades Served: 9th through 12th Blessed Sacrament School 7 St. Teresa Drive Charleston, SC 29407 Phone: 843-766-2128 www.scbss.org Grades Served: K4 through 8th Cathedral Academy 3790 Ashley Phosphate Road North Charleston, SC 29418 Phone: 843-760-1192 www.cathedralacademy.com Grades Served: K4 through 12th The Charleston Catholic School 888-A King St. Charleston, SC 29403 Phone: 843-577-4495 www.charlestoncatholic.com Grades Served: K4 through 8th Charleston Christian School 2234 Plainview Road Charleston, SC 29414

12 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

Phone: 843-556-4480 www.charlestonchristian.org Grades Served: K4 through 8th

Phone: 843-797-2690 www.northsideministries.com/ncs Grades Served: Pre-K3 through 12th

Charleston Collegiate School 2024 Academy Drive Johns Island, SC 29455 Phone: 843-559-5506 www.charlestoncollegiate.org Grades Served: Pre-K through 12th

Northwood Academy 2263 Otranto Road North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: 843-764-2284 www.northwoodacademy.com Grades Served: K4 through 12th

Charleston Day School 15 Archdale St. Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: 843-377-0315 www.charlestondayschool.org Grades Served: 1st through 8th

Pinewood Preparatory School 1114 Orangeburg Road Summerville, SC 29483 Phone: 843-873-1643 www.pinewoodprep.com Grades Served: Pre-K3 through 12th

Christ Our King-Stella Maris School 1183 Russell Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843-884-4721 www.coksm.org Grades Served: Pre-K through 8th

Porter-Gaud School 300 Albemarle Road Charleston, SC 29407 Phone: 843-556-3620 www.portergaud.edu Grades Served: 1st through 12th

Coastal Christian Preparatory School 681 McCants Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843-884-3663 www.coastalchristian.org Grades Served: K3 through 12th

Riverbend Christian Academy 7035 Dorchester Road North Charleston, SC 29418 Phone: 843-552-4995 www.riverbendchristian.org Grades Served: K2 through 12th

First Baptist School of Charleston 48 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: 843-722-6646 www.fbschool.org Grades Served: K3 through 12th Mason Preparatory School 56 Halsey Blvd.

Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: 843-723-0664 www.masonprep.org Grades Served: 1st through 8th Montessori School of Johns Island 3634 Mary Ann Point Road Johns Island, SC 29455 Phone: 843-559-0052 montessorischoolofjohnsisland.com Grades Served: Primary - 6, Preschool thru 6th grade, ages 2-12 Nativity School 1125 Pittsford Circle Charleston, SC 29412 Phone: 843-795-3975 www.nativity-school.com Grades Served: K4 through 8th Northside Christian School 7800 Northside Drive North Charleston, SC 29420

St. John Catholic School 3921 St. John’s Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: 843-744-3901 www.saintjohncatholicsc.org Grades Served: K4 through 8th St. John’s Christian Academy 204 W. Main St. Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Phone: 843-761-8539 www.sjcacavaliers.com Grades Served: K3 through 12th St. Paul’s Academy 5139 Gibson Road Hollywood, SC 29449 Phone: 843-889-2702 www.stpaulsacademy.org Grades Served: 6 weeks through 8th Summerville Catholic School 226 Black Oak Blvd.

Summerville, SC 29485 Phone: 843-873-9310 www.summervillecatholic.org Grades Served: K4 through 8th Trident Academy 1455 Wakendaw Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843-884-7046 www.tridentacademy.com Grades Served: K5 through 12th

Education in the Lowcountry Photo/Courtesy of College of Charleston

Higher Education W

hether you are a college-bound student, a college football fanatic, an employee or a resident interested in lectures and continuing education opportunities, there’s a good chance you will find what you are looking for in South Carolina’s higher education system.

Enrollment has been on the rise in recent years. More than 245,000 students were enrolled in South Carolina’s public and independent two- and four-year institutions during the 2010-2011 school year.

Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is the city’s oldest institution. It is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston. Students attend class in centuries old buildings, and many spend their evenings working as waiters and bartenders — or peddling tourists around in rickshaws. Because of both their work ethic and spending power, the students are

a vital part of Charleston’s thriving hospitality industry.

The Citadel is another college with deep roots in Charleston. It’s not uncommon to spot a “knob” walking the Lowcountry’s streets. The freshman class is easily identified by the men’s shaved heads that resemble doorknobs — hence the nickname. A few dozen women also attend the military college, although females were not allowed until 1996. The school is unique because it offers a classic military education described as “intense, meaningful and academically strong.” It differs from the nation’s traditional military schools because students are not required to join the service upon graduation.

The Medical University of South Carolina is one of the area’s premier hospitals and includes a strong teaching component. Its specialty degree programs include dental, graduate studies, medicine, nursing and

Citadel cadets.

Photo/Courtesy of The Citadel

The Cistern at the College of Charleston.

South Carolina is home to 84 institutions of higher learning, including: •

Three research institutions

•

10 comprehensive teaching institutions

•

Four regional campuses of USC

•

16 technical colleges

•

23 independent senior institutions

•

Two two-year independent institutions

•

Two private professional schools

•

24 out-of-state degree granting institutions

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 13

Education in the Lowcountry

Colleges & Universities The Art Institute of Charleston 24 North Market St., Charleston, SC 29401 843-727-3500, www.artinstitutes.edu/charleston Charleston School of Law 81 Mary St./P.O. Box 535, Charleston, SC 29402 843-329-1000, www.charlestonlaw.org Charleston Southern University 9200 University Blvd., Charleston, SC 29406 843-863-7004, www.charlestonsouthern.edu The Citadel 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC 29409 843-225-3294, www.citadel.edu The Citadel Graduate College 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC 29409 843-953-5089, www.citadel.edu/graduatecollege Photo/Courtesy of MUSC

College of Charleston 66 George St., Charleston, SC 29424 843-953-5500, www.cofc.edu Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 101 West Hill Blvd., Charleston AFB, SC 29404 843-767-8912, www.erau.edu/charleston The Graduate School of the College of Charleston Randolph Hall, 66 George St., Suite 310 Charleston, SC 29424 843-953-5614, http://gradschool.cofc.edu Limestone College 4500 Leeds Ave., Suite 208, Charleston, SC 29455 843-745-1100, www.limestone.edu Lowcountry Graduate Center 5300 International Blvd., Building B, Suite 100 North Charleston, SC 29418 843-953-4723, www.lowcountrygradcenter.org Medical University of South Carolina 171 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425 843-792-2300, www.musc.edu Southern Wesleyan University Adult & Graduate Studies 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 301 Charleston, SC 29405 843-266-7981, www.swu.edu Strayer University 5010 Wetland Crossing, North Charleston, SC 29418 843-746-5100, www.strayer.edu Trident Technical College 7000 Rivers Ave., Charleston, SC 29423-8067 843-574-6111, www.tridenttech.edu Virginia College 6185 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406 843-614-4300, www.vc.edu Webster University — Charleston Metropolitan Campus 5300 International Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29418 843-760-1324, www.webster.edu/charleston

14 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

A student at the Medical University of South Carolina.

pharmacy. It is also one of the region’s largest employers, and the research conducted there is a vital part of the region’s high-tech biomedical industry.

The Charleston School of Law is a private institution located in downtown Charleston.

While the school was founded in 2003, like most things in this city, it is steeped in history.

In November 1825, a group of Charleston attorneys petitioned the S.C. General Assembly for a charter institution. The following year, the Forensic Club started offering law lectures, beginning the Southeast’s earliest law school. In 2002, prominent Charleston judges and attorneys set out to establish a law school that would continue the 19th century club’s tradition. The school earned accreditation in 2006 and graduated its first class the following year.

The Charleston region is also home to several technical colleges that offer a host of two-year degrees and trade certifications.

This includes Trident Technical College, the region’s largest two-year school. Upon the Boeing Co.’s 2009 announcement that it would locate an assembly plant for its 787 Dreamliner in North Charleston, Trident Tech announced it would expand its aviation electronics programs and dedicate nearly

10,000 square feet of space for Boeing-related training programs at its main campus.

Students also have the option of attending satellite campuses for specialty training, such as Embry Riddle Aeronautical University located at the Charleston Air Force Base.

Charleston is also home to the American College of the Building Arts, which trains students in historical building trades such as ironwork or plaster.

The Lowcountry Graduate Center in North Charleston is an organization that formed to help working professionals gain advanced degrees through collaboration between the state’s colleges and universities.

But despite myriad choices, South Carolina, like many states, is at a crossroads when it comes to higher education.

Many exciting programs are under way here, including the South Carolina Centers for Economic Excellence program.

The state created the Centers of Economic Excellence program in 2002 to provide incentives for the state’s research universities to raise capital from private sources to fund endowments for specialized research professorships. The professorships serve a unique role in helping cultivate critical public-private industrial partnerships and expanding

Education in the Lowcountry

Photo/The Citadel

the state’s knowledge base.

At the same time, South Carolina is grappling with decreasing state funds and increased tuition costs. Without money for new facilities, demand in the coming years may outstrip capacity. And schools are constantly challenged with training students for the evolving high-tech industry.

The good news is that university officials and lawmakers spend countless hours studying, debating and creating innovative ways to advance higher learning in South Carolina — without putting the financial burden on students and their families. The state’s colleges and universities — including many in the Lowcountry — offer a competitive education to traditional and returning students. They also help fuel the local economy by serving as some of the area’s largest employers, by luring students and families to town, and in their relationships with the community and businesses. The Lowcountry’s institutions of higher learning are — and will continue to be — a major part of the cultural fabric of this region.

For more information on higher education institutions in South Carolina, visit the S.C. Commission on Higher Education at www.che.sc.gov.

Graduation day at The Citadel.

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INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 15

C

Taking Care

Photo/Courtesy of MUSC

harleston stands on the cutting edge when it comes to medicine. The area is home to several major hospitals and numerous nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty clinics and rehabilitation services.

There are more than 2,100 licensed physicians practicing in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties. In addition, there are more than 4,600 registered nurses and more than 600 licensed practical nurses.

16 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

If you find yourself in need of medical care, your options in the Lowcountry are plentiful. The same could be said if you are looking for a job in a health care-related field. The medical industry is a strong economic driver and major employer.

The area’s four biggest hospitals — Roper St. Francis, the Medical University of South Carolina, Trident Health System and East Cooper Medical Center — employ more than 15,000 workers.

Charleston’s health care industry has

o There are more than 2,100 licensed physicians practicing in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties.

o

Health Care Photo/Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Right: Inside Roper’s new Mount Pleasant Hospital.

rden

Above: A nurse cares for a newborn at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in West Ashley.

Photo/Leslie Bu

experienced a growth spurt in recent years as the population expands and ages. That trend is only likely to increase as the baby boomer generation grows older and seeks Charleston’s warmer climate.

Like every industry, health care has been impacted by recent economic woes. But it has been more insulated than most other businesses and is poised to expand in the region in the coming years.

Where the medical industry in Charleston was historically cloistered in downtown Charleston, a recent trend among hospitals is to sprawl into suburban areas to provide patient care closer to home.

Both Trident Health System and Roper St. Francis have been granted permission from the state to build hospitals in Berkeley County.

In Charleston County, East Cooper Hospital, based in Mount Pleasant, replaced its aging facility with the $153 million East Cooper Medical Center in March of 2010. And, Roper opened its $160 million Mount Pleasant Hospital in November 2010.

MUSC opened a $275 million, seven-story medical tower on its downtown campus in 2008 to treat heart and vascular and diges-

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+RPHJURZQ3K\VLFLDQ/RFDWRU FRP INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 17

Health Care

Top: Doctors at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Photos/Courtesy of MUSC

Bottom: A patient receives rehabilitation at the Medical University of South Carolina.

18 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

tive disease patients. It has several other projects ongoing at its downtown campus, as well as an 80,000-square-foot patientcentered medical office complex under construction on Hungryneck Boulevard just off Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant. The facility will house numerous MUSC specialities in one location.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control reports the state has also licensed: • Eight adult day care centers for a total of 345 units.

• 14 ambulatory surgery centers.

• One birthing center – Charleston Birth Place Inc. • 78 community residential care facilities that form a combined 2,303 beds.

• 11 licensed home health care providers.

• One in-patient hospice facility.

• Eight at-home hospice care programs.

• 13 hospitals or institutional general infirmaries with a combined 2,141 licensed beds.

• 18 nursing homes with 1,953 licensed beds.

• Three inpatient drug rehab centers and 11 outpatient centers.

Health Care

Hospitals Photo/Courtesy of Trident Health Care

Trident Medical Center.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Charleston 9181 Medcom St., Charleston, SC 29406 843-820-7777 www.healthsouthcharleston.com

Mount Pleasant Hospital 3500 U.S. Highway 17 N., Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 843-606-7000 www.rsfh.com

Kindred Hospital Charleston 326 Calhoun St., Third Floor, Charleston, SC 29401 843-876-8340 www.khcharleston.com

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital 2095 Henry Tecklenburg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29414 843-402-1000 www.rsfh.com

Medical University of South Carolina Medical Center 171 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425 843-792-2300 www.muschealth.com

East Cooper Medical Center 2000 Hospital Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-881-0100 www.eastcoopermedctr.com

Moncks Corner Medical Center 401 N. Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-761-8721 www.tridenthealthsystem.com

Roper Hospital 316 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC 29401 843-724-2000 www.rsfh.com/roper Roper Rehabilitation Hospital 316 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC 29401 843-724-2800 www.rsfh.com Summerville Medical Center 295 Midland Parkway, Summerville, SC 29485 843-832-5000 www.tridenthealthsystem.com Trident Medical Center 9330 Medical Plaza Drive, Charleston, SC 29406 843-797-7000 www.tridenthealthsystem.com

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INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 19

Living in

Historic Charleston o

With all the grace and charm of a Southern city, Charleston draws in visitors and residents with its historic charisma and waterfront panoramas. Stroll down King Street to browse boutiques, wander through art galleries in the French Quarter, or tour some of the city’s historic homes. The

L i v i n g i n Historic Charleston

peninsula is home to a rich history that is revealed in nearly all of its buildings, streets and parks.

A bit of history The city, originally named Charles Towne, was founded in 1670 in current day West Ashley and started with about 30 houses. It moved to the peninsula 20 years later and grew to encompass several thousand inhabitants as it became a major trading center.

After weathering several hurricanes and French and Spanish attacks during the 1700s, Charleston became a royal colony in 1721.

Charleston began to take shape as a major city, adding cultural, residential and commercial aspects. Businesses popped up, such as the country’s first fire insurance company and one of the country’s first theaters. Several historic landmarks were built, such as the East Bay warehouse district, which is now Rainbow Row; and lots were laid out in 1745 for the first neighborhood, Ansonborough.

The first church services at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on Broad Street were held in 1761. It is now the oldest church building in

20 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

the city. The Charleston Museum was established in 1773 as the country’s first museum.

Several major Revolutionary battles unfolded around Charleston, and the city eventually fell under British control for two years before it was incorporated in 1783.

The College of Charleston was granted a charter in 1785 and the school garners a large presence downtown to this day.

In 1824, the Medical University of South Carolina was founded, becoming the first medical school in the South. The MUSC campus and hospital occupies a large area on the western side of the peninsula between Calhoun and Bee streets, where a cluster of other health care providers have hospitals, such as Roper St. Francis and the VA Medical Center.

Despite a damaging earthquake in 1886 and Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Charleston still houses some of the most historic homes and buildings in the South. A designated “historic district” preserves many residential properties.

Grand homes along East Bay Street.

(Photo/Leslie Burden)

Photos/Ryan Wilcox

The housing options downtown range from the sprawling pastel-colored multimillion-dollar homes to new luxury condos overlooking the Ashley River. The median price of homes downtown is higher than surrounding areas.

South of Broad is the neighborhood literally south of Broad Street that includes the often-photographed Battery and Waterfront Park. Full of large traditional homes, this area has some of the most expensive real estate in Charleston with most of the houses coming with a price tag in the millions.

Stroll down the streets in this quiet, storied neighborhood to catch a glimpse of traditional Charleston gardens and verandas.

The French Quarter, above Broad Street, is bound by Market and Meeting streets and Waterfront Park. It is characterized by the many art galleries, cobblestone streets and restaurants that fill the area, and it is named for the many French merchants that once occupied the area.

Above the French Quarter is Ansonborough, the peninsula’s first neighborhood, although much of it was destroyed in a fire in 1838 and had to be rebuilt. Many of the houses have Greek Revival characteristics and were built by some of Charleston’s oldest family names, such as Joseph Legare and

Edward McCrady.

Harleston Village is another one of the old neighborhoods that was developed in 1770. It encompasses the area north of Broad Street to Calhoun Street. It includes Colonial Lake, which was set aside for public use in 1768 and is now used by joggers and dog walkers. The architecture includes Italian and Georgian styles, as well as styles that span the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Radcliffeborough is bound by King, Vanderhorst, Smith and Radcliffe streets and contains much of the College of Charleston campus. Many of the houses have Italian and Gothic revival influences.

To the west and north of Radcliffeborough are Cannonborough and Elliottborough where homes are being renovated at a rapid rate. Close to MUSC, this area is popular with medical students and families who want a house downtown without the price of a lower-peninsula property.

New developments are opening up residential spaces, such as the Midtown project, which is expected to help revitalize upper King Street with condominiums and single-family houses mixed in with commercial space. The recently constructed Bee Street Lofts offer views of the Ashley River. With its close proximity to the Medical University of South Carolina, the lofts have been popular with physicians moving to

Left: St. Phillip’s Church.

Top: View of Downtown Charleston from Sunrise Park on James Island.

Bottom left: The Blue Angels perform above Charleston Harbor.

Bottom right: Second Sundays on King Street.

the area. This injection of residential property has attracted several restaurants to the area.

To the east of Radcliffeborough is the Mazyck-Wraggborough neighborhood, which stretches from King over to Washington Street. Anchoring the area is the landmark Marion Square, the 10-acre public park that houses a farmer’s market on Saturdays from April to December. The area also includes the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry on Ann Street and the Charleston Museum on Meeting Street.

Farther up the peninsula, Hampton Park Terrace and Wagener Terrace offer more affordable housing options with turn-ofthe-century and brick bungalow homes. The Citadel campus also falls in the Hampton Park area.

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 21

L i v i n g i n Historic Charleston

Neighborhoods

Living in

L i v i n g i n Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant

A

22 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

drenched ambiance. Residents and visitors alike enjoy trips to Alhambra Hall Park and the nearby Pitt Street Bridge, which once connected the town to Sullivan’s Island by trolley but now offers views of Charleston Harbor and easy access to fishing and crabbing.

Other glimpses of Mount Pleasant’s past can be found across town on scenic Long Point Road.

On one side of the road, motorists may turn off and wander down a broad alley of oaks that leads to Boone Hall Plantation. Settled in 1743, this privately owned historic property has been open to the public for tours since 1955 yet remains a working plantation. Its “you-pick ’em” fields and seasonal events are beloved by local families.

On the other side of Long Point Road, the Charles Pinckney National Historic’ Site interprets life at Snee Farm Plantation, home of one of the original signers of the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Park Service staff makes a special effort to explain and preserve the region’s Gullah culture.

Glimpses of that Gullah heritage can be seen along U.S. Highway 17, where the area’s “basket ladies” still make and sell the Lowcountry’s signature sweetgrass baskets

Photo/Ryan Wilcox

fter almost 250 years as “the sleepy town on the other side of the harbor,” Mount Pleasant forged its 20th-century identity when the Grace Bridge opened in 1929, connecting it to Charleston and sparking a building boom that continues more than 80 years later.

The Silas Pearman Bridge, built adjacent to the Grace Bridge, opened in 1966.

Yet by the dawn of the 21st century, snarling traffic on those Cooper River bridges was choking the area’s prized quality of life. Things improved dramatically with the opening of the $650 million Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, an eight-lane marvel that was greeted with fireworks and celebration on July 16, 2005.

The new bridge marked the beginning of a new era for the state’s fifth-largest municipality, now home to about 65,000.

Despite its reputation as the suburPeople participate in a hike through Oakland ban gateway to Charleston and the East Plantation to support the Mount Pleasant Land Cooper beaches, the historic heart of Conservancy. (Photo/Ryan Wilcox) Mount Pleasant can still be found near picturesque Shem Creek, where the local seaward of Shem Creek. fishing fleet dock beside popular locally Locals treasure its 18th-century homes, owned eateries. The Old Village, founded its quaint Pitt Street commercial district in 1680 and incorporated in 1837, sits on breezy bluffs that overlook the harbor just and the neighborhood’s authentic shade-

Photo/Ryan Wilcox

development off Mathis Ferry Road, is an award-winning neighborhood of beautiful homes, tiny yards, elaborate public spaces and mixed-use construction. Farther out, the sprawling new developments of Park West and Carolina Park are moving the geographic center of town more to the east each year.

With people come businesses, most of them oriented on either Highway 17 or Coleman Boulevard. The town’s most prominent shopping area is Towne Centre, located between the Isle of Palms Connector and the end of Interstate 526.

Top: Shoppers enjoy the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market on Tuesday evenings from spring through fall.

Bottom left: Patriots Point.

Bottom Right: Shem Creek.

In keeping with Lowcountry tradition, the town loves a good festival. Mount Pleasant hosts festivals for the arts, oysters, Scottish games, local foodies and children. Every April, the town turns out for the annual Blessing of the Fleet at Memorial Waterfront Park, during which local clergy bless the fishing fleet and local residents hang around to celebrate spring. The annual Christmas parade is a big draw, as is the Cooper River Bridge Run, which attracts runners and walkers by the tens of thousands each spring.

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 23

L i v i n g i n Mount Pleasant

Photo/Andy Owens

Photo/Leslie Burden

from simple roadside stands.

Efforts to honor and preserve traditions like sweetgrass basketry demonstrate an emerging sense of civic identity. After decades of rapid suburban growth, Mount Pleasant began allocating building permits in 2005 and now puts greater emphasis on planning.

The qualities the town guards today helped convince Money magazine to name Mount Pleasant as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2006 and 2010. Money magazine lists the average home value at around $287,000 and median household income more than $95,000.

Caring for others is also on the rise. East Cooper Community Outreach, a volunteer organization that emerged from the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, operates social programs aimed at helping disadvantaged people live healthier, more successful lives. A weekly farmers’ market on Tuesday afternoons from April to October gives locals access to affordable, healthy food.

The town unveiled two new modern hospitals in 2010. East Cooper Regional Medical Center opened in March and Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital opened in November. Fitness has also been on the upswing here since the bridge opened in 2005 with a lane for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Residents make extensive use of the town’s numerous parks, ballfields and gyms, and recreational sports leagues for children and adults are numerous, popular and spirited.

Palmetto Island County Park, a 943acre facility, has nature trails, picnic areas, a 50-foot observation tower, a water park and pedal boat rentals. Patriots Point on the Charleston Harbor boasts a state-run military museum that displays four World War II-era vessels and more than a dozen vintage aircraft. The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown is also the home to the Medal of Honor Society Museum. Patriots Point features a golf course (one of five in town), and a new athletic complex. Patriots Point also connects to the Ravenel Bridge by way of Memorial Park, a $14 million waterfront park unveiled in the summer of 2009.

Because of its 20th century history as a bedroom community, Mount Pleasant’s neighborhoods are typically distinct suburban developments. Their varying styles offer residents a range of choices.

The Tides, an upscale condominium community on the Charleston Harbor, is among the town’s newest. I’On, a new-urbanist

Living 0n

Photo/Courtesy of Charleston Convention & Visitors Buraeu

L i v i n g o n Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island

Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island

E

ast Cooper’s two beach-front islands are connected by one bridge but represent two distinct lifestyles.

Sullivan’s Island lies at the entrance to the Charleston Harbor and spent much of its history as a slave port. Its strategic position made it a key to the seaward defense of the city of Charleston and it was fortified well into the 20th century. To Charlestonians of the late 19th and early 20th century, Sullivan’s Island was the beach to which they escaped by boat when the summer heat grew unbearable.

24 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

Today, the island’s military and beachretreat heritage give the place an elegantly shabby, slow-moving style that is unique among southern beach communities. Islanders have adapted abandoned fortifications and disused buildings from Fort Moultrie’s sprawling past into creative living spaces and public uses. Victorian homes line shaded streets.

About 2,000 people live on the 3.3-square-mile island, which remains a popular destination for beach-goers from

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 25

L i v i n g O n Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island

Photo/Courtesy of Wild Dunes

Photo/Leslie Burden

Charleston and Mount Pleasant. But with no hotels, the beach is seldom crowded.

Easements and strict regulations protect the island’s dunes and maritime forests, and its lighthouse, which began operation in 1962, was conveyed to the National Parks Service in 2008.

Though Sullivan’s Island was home to two settlements in the 19th century, the neighboring Isle of Palms remained a remote, sparsely populated vacation spot until the early 20th century. A 50-room hotel opened in 1906, followed in 1912 by a beach pavilion and amusement park.

First known as Hunting Island, and then Long Island, developers renamed it the Isle of Palms in 1913 to attract tourists. Development of the 5.6-square-mile island didn’t begin in earnest until the 1940s.

The boom started in 1944 with the purchase of 1,300 acres by The Beach Co., which laid out roads and began building a mixture of vacation and affordable housing.

The Ben Sawyer Bridge connecting Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island completed the

Charleston-to-IOP automobile link in 1945 and more growth followed.

By the 1970s, developers turned their eyes toward a 1,600-acre tract and began construction of what is today the gated Wild Dunes Resort. This exclusive community features two golf courses, extensive tennis facilities and a system of walking and bicycling trails.

Hurricane Hugo destroyed 95% of the IOP’s buildings in 1989 and the influx of insurance cash lead to a burst of luxurious gentrification. Today, the island has a population of more than 4,500, multimillion-dollar homes line the water, and its Front Beach commercial district bustles with restaurants and shops.

The IOP’s Windjammer Lounge is a classic beachfront bar and music venue, and the annual Polar Bear Swim on Sullivan’s Island, which draws thousands of highspirited bathers every New Year’s Day, originates at Dunleavy’s Pub in the island’s tiny downtown.

Life on the islands offers distinct choices for those who can afford them — the upscale energy of the IOP versus the quirkier charms of Sullivan’s Island. Residents of both islands benefit from one of the state’s finest elementary schools, enjoy easy access to shopping via the Isle of Palms Connector and can often be spotted tooling around in their ubiquitous electric golf carts.

Photo/Leslie Burden

Opposite: Sullivan’s Island lighthouse.

Opposite inset: A family walks the beach on the Isle of Palms.

Right top: Even when the weather cools off, the beaches are still perfect for a stroll.

Right bottom: Wild Dunes Resort.

Below inset: Fences help manage beach erosion on the Isle of Palms.

Living in

North Charleston L i v i n g i n North Charleston

Photos/Courtesy of City of North Charleston

N

orth Charleston is an area in transition. With industrial and military roots, the city in recent years has committed to redeveloping its central neighborhoods and reinventing itself as a trendy yet affordable place to live.

The area north of Charleston was devel-

26 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

oped as plantations by early colonists, but after the Civil War, it grew into an industrial center.

Just after the turn of the 20th century, the U.S. Navy targeted a huge swath of land along the Cooper River for a new naval base, and planned neighborhoods began to unfold to house workers, the military and their families.

Photo/Oak Terrace Preserve

Opposite background: Riverfront Park.

Opposite: Patrons enjoy a pleasant evening outside local hotspot EVO Pizzeria.

Photo/Courtesy of City of North Charleston

Top: New neighborhoods like Oak Terrace Preserve promote pedestrian-friendly public spaces.

Middle: Riverfront Park.

Bottom: Sidewalk dining in Park Circle.

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 27

L i v i n g i n North Charleston

Photo/Courtesy of City of North Charleston

The North Charleston area boomed during World War II. The dynamic area incorporated as a city in 1972 and has expanded to include land in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties.

In the 1990s, the federal government closed the Navy base in North Charleston.

The city of North Charleston has since partnered with developers to infuse new life into the area’s historic neighborhoods.

Redevelopment areas include Park Circle, a community of neighborhoods planned early in the 20th century. Residential developments in the works, such as Oak Terrace Preserve and Mixson, have earned a reputation for their sustainable building practices. Nearby Montague Avenue is a Main Street of the past alive again with shops and restaurants.

Redevelopment is ongoing on the former naval base as well, where once empty military buildings now bustle with art studios, private offices and other commercial activity collectively known as the Navy Yard at Noisette.

North Charleston remains a center of business activity for the region, with many of the Charleston area’s commercial and industrial employers located there. Boeing Co. announced plans in late 2009 to locate its second assembly line for its 787 Dreamliner in North Charleston, a move that expects to create more than 3,800 well-paying jobs.

One of the area’s major attractions is the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center and adjacent Charleston Area Convention Center. The complex is home to the Stingrays, a minor league hockey team, and is a venue for concerts, performances and meetings large and small. A $12.7 million expansion is under way for the Coliseum that will include a new ticket window, upgraded box suites, better kitchen facilities and stage and sound improvements.

Nearby shopping centers include the Tanger Outlet Center and Northwoods Mall.

The Charleston International Airport is also located in North Charleston. Interstate 26 forms a spine that begins in Charleston and runs through North Charleston toward Columbia. Interstate 526, which has terminal points in Mount Pleasant and West Ashley, reaches its peak in North Charleston.

Living in

L i v i n g i n West Ashley

West Ashley T

he area west of the Ashley River in Charleston is home to some of the area’s oldest suburban neighborhoods and, a little farther out, some of the newest.

West Ashley, as it’s called, also features a range of old and new shopping centers and restaurants, historic plantations and other attractions, and a unique outdoor walking trail.

Neighborhoods closest to the Charleston peninsula were built in the 1920s through the 1950s. Among the older subdivisions are

Old Windermere, Byrnes Down, Moreland, Avondale and The Crescent. Development continued through the 1970s and 1980s in neighborhoods farther out from the city, such as Northbridge, Northbridge Terrace and Wespanee Plantation. New residential development has continued in recent years, especially past the western boundary of Interstate 526, in neighborhoods like Shadowmoss and Carolina Bay. Long-ago residents of West Ashley have

left behind several historic plantations and gardens that have been preserved and are open for tours. Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place and Drayton Hall Plantation allow visitors to learn about the architecture and life of South Carolinians in the 1700s and the centuries following.

Another historic destination in West Ashley is Charles Towne Landing, the site of the English settlement that would become the Carolina colony. The 664-acre attraction

Photos/Leslie Burden

28 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

Photos/Leslie Burden Photo/Ryan Wilcox Photo/Ryan Wilcox

Left: Sunset on the Ashley River.

Above left: A full moon rises above the Stono River.

Top right: A view from the West Ashley Greenway.

Middle right: The Avondale neighborhood boasts a variety of restaurants and boutiques.

Bottom right: A double rainbow appears over condominiums.

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 29

L i v i n g i n West Ashley

x

Photo/Leslie Burden

Photo/Ryan Wilco

is a state park.

When getting around by car, main highway corridors in West Ashley are U.S. 17, called Savannah Highway, and S.C. 61, also known as Ashley River Road. The two highways are connected by S.C. 7, also called Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. Interstates 526 and 26 connect West Ashley to North Charleston to the north and Mount Pleasant to the east.

For those interested in seeing West Ashley by foot or bike, the West Ashley Greenway is a good option. This 10.5-mile walking and biking path weaves among residential areas and shopping centers and through small marshy areas and swaths of trees. The trail starts near the South Windermere Shopping Center and stretches to Johns Island.

Shopping is plentiful in West Ashley.

The area is home to Citadel Mall, one of the area’s two enclosed malls. Shopping centers anchored by national retailers and restaurants surround Citadel Mall, which is located just inside I-526 near the intersection of U.S. 17 and Sam Rittenberg Boulevard.

West Ashley also includes eclectic shopping strips filled with many locally owned stores and eateries, such as the Avondale shopping area along U.S. 17.

Living On

James Island & Folly Beach

L i v i n g O n James Isalnd & Folly Beach

Photo/Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission

J

30 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

Photos/Ryan Wilco x

ames Island and Folly Beach, located just south of Charleston, represent a distinctly independent streak in the Lowcountry character.

Long a semi-rural area, James Island’s population has been booming since the early 1990s and the opening of the James Island Connector, a bridge that links the island directly to the Charleston peninsula. Many of the island’s older neighborhoods lie within Charleston’s city limits, but the rest of the island was incorporated into an independent town in 2008.

James Island is bounded by Wappoo Creek, Charleston Harbor and the Stono and Folly rivers. Its network of marshes, inlets, sounds and creeks gives it one of the most scenic natural environments in the region. It was a strategic key to Charleston during the Revolutionary and Civil wars. The Confed-

erate attack on Fort Sumter began in 1861 with a shot from Fort Johnson, modern-day home of a state-of-the-art government marine science research facility.

McLeod Plantation, with its alley of slave cabins visible from Folly Road near

Top left: Kayakers enjoy the scenery at the James Island County Park.

Main: The Morris Island Lighthouse.

Bottom left: A reflection of a rainbow in a creek on James Island.

L i v i n g i n James Isalnd & Folly Beach

the foot of the Wappoo Bridge, stands near the entrance to the private Country Club of Charleston. The Riverland Terrace neighborhood, located between Maybank Highway and Wappoo Creek, features enormous live oaks and deeply shaded lanes. A nearby commercial district offers fine restaurants, antiques and the Terrace Theatre, the area’s only art-house cinema.

Recreational options include the Charleston Municipal Golf Course and James Island County Park, a 643-acre facility with trails, fishing docks, a 50-foot climbing wall, kayak rentals, picnic areas and a campground. The park’s Splash Zone water park is extremely popular with families during summer months, and the county park’s annual Holiday Festival of Lights attracts motorists on winter nights.

James Island ends where Folly Road enters a marsh marked by the landmark “Folly Boat,” an abandoned hull that was deposited on the roadside by Hurricane Hugo. Locals have been painting messages on it ever since.

Another treasured local landmark – Bowen’s Island Restaurant – sits on a tidal creek in a hummock of trees in the vast marsh between James Island and Folly Beach.

Sunset over a creek on James Island. (Photo/Ryan Wilcox) Folly Beach calls itself “The Edge of

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Photo/Charleston Regional Business Journal

L i v i n g O n James Isalnd & Folly Beach

Photo/Ryan Wilcox

Photo/Ryan Wilcox

The carousel spins at the James Island County Park Festival of Lights.

America,” and the seven-mile island certainly seems to take the nickname seriously.

The island celebrates its bars, fishing shacks, funky eateries and nefarious characters, and East Coast surfers swarm to the spot they call “The Washout” whenever an Atlantic swell pushes big waves ashore.

A county-run 1,000-foot fishing pier marks the center of the island.

The county also operates a beach park on the island’s western tip, and the undeveloped eastern end of the island was the longtime site of a Coast Guard station. Morris Island,

where the Union assault depicted in the movie Glory took place, lies across the inlet from the old Coast Guard station. The island has been heavily eroded, and the Morris Island Lighthouse has been surrounded by water for decades.

Long described as the Lowcountry’s “poor man’s beach,” Folly’s signature shacks ceased to be affordable escapes for drifters, starving artists and beach bums a decade ago, but the island’s 2,300 year-round residents preserve its identity as a place where corporate homogenization hasn’t taken over – yet.

Top: A full moon rises as seen from Folly Beach.

Above right: Taco Boy is one of Folly’s popular eateries.

Bottom: Folly Beach Fishing Pier.

Photo/Ryan Wilcox

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Living On

Johns Island The Angel Oak, believed to be 1,500 years old.

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L i v i n g i n Johns Island

J

ohns Island, the Lowcountry’s last remaining rural sea island, is a vast swath of land between James Island, the mainland west of Charleston and the private barrier islands of Kiawah and Seabrook.

Its future is one of the most important undecided questions in the Lowcountry.

The island grows much of the area’s fresh organic produce and is home to numerous farms, nurseries, packing houses and produce stands. And though its main transportation arteries are heavily trafficked, the island has miles of long, quiet, tree-lined roads that attract Lowcountry bicyclists looking for a nice day’s ride.

Traffic remains one of the island’s most pressing issues. Johns Islanders shot down a proposed Cross Island Expressway in the 1990s and are divided over a proposed extension to Interstate 526 that would cross the island en route to the James Island Connector, shortening the 30-minute commute to Charleston considerably. The debate

the island. The public Mullet Hall Equestrian Center at Johns Island County Park (a largely undeveloped 738-acre tract) provides riders with facilities for horse shows and equestrian tournaments, plus 20 miles of riding trails.

The Charleston Executive Airport on Trenholm Road is a small facility that offers convenience to resort visitors and flying lessons for locals.

A 16,000-square-foot library, completed in 2004, is the county’s largest branch.

Much of the development driving the island today is upscale, including The Preserve at Fenwick Hall. Other developments offer a mixture of affordable and luxury choices, varying from waterfront lots to Charleston-style urbanism to custom rural seclusion.

The island’s central commercial district continues, as opponents don’t want to trade is still located at the intersection of Main, their rural way of life and thousands of acres Maybank and Bohicket roads, but the of farmland for the suburban development number of choices increases every year. And better roads would bring. though it once would have seemed hard to The island boasts The Angel Oak, bebelieve, the island now boasts a fine-dining lieved to be one of the oldest trees east of the French restaurant, The Fat Hen, as well as Mississippi. Said to be an estimated 1,500 the Italian restaurant, The Wild Olive, both years old, the oak is a graceful giant, 65 feet on Maybank Highway. tall, more than 25 feet around and provides Johns Island is a stronghold of Gullah more than 17,000 square feet of shade with culture and holds a special place in the limbs as long as 89 feet. It’s owned by the Lowcountry’s civil rights history. Native son city of Charleston and is open to the public. Esau Jenkins, despite receiving no formal Another local gem is the village of Rock- education beyond the 4th grade, understood ville at the end of neighboring Wadmalaw in the 1950s and 1960s that the future of the Island. This remote, picturesque village is island’s isolated black communities would largely untouched by the coastal developdepend on bootstrapping programs for ment boom and it plays host each August their education and health. He and others to the Rockville Regatta, an event that dates founded “Citzenship Schools” that helped back more than 100 years and marks the residents — many of whom were illiterate — end of the Lowcountry’s competitive sailing qualify to vote, and their Sea Island Health season. It’s as much a party as it is a race.

Corp. brought doctors, nurses and modern Horses raised for work, transportation or medicine to rural corners that had never recreation have long been a part of life on received proper care.

Living On

Daniel Island Photo/Leslie Halpern

Photo/Daniel Island Company

Photo/Daniel Island Real Esate

L i v i n g o n Daniel Island

Photo/Daniel Island Company

Above: Daniel Island has grown to a community of more than 5,000. Top right: A misty sunrise over the marsh.

Middle: A stream ambles its way through Daniel Island. Bottom: The community swimming pool.

T

he Lowcountry’s newest address is also one of its most attractive. Daniel Island has grown from an undeveloped expanse of forest and farmland into a thriving community of more than 5,000.

The 4,000-acre island at the tip of the Cainhoy Peninsula was essentially uninhabited when Interstate 526 crossed it in the 1990s, linking the land between the Wando and Cooper rivers to the mainland for the first time. Development, guided by a master plan worked out in conjunction with the Guggenheim Foundation (which owned the island from 1947-97), began in the late 1990s. Today, the Daniel Island community spans nine neighborhoods, a central commercial district, more than 400 acres of public parkland, two golf courses, a professional soccer stadium

34 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

and a world-class tennis facility.

Daniel Island is incorporated into the city of Charleston, even though it’s located in Berkeley County and residents must pass through Mount Pleasant or North Charleston to reach it. Though generally considered a bedroom community, the island’s daytime population swells to an estimated 8,500, thanks to employers such as software firm Blackbaud and the 34-acre campus of Bishop England High School, which moved to the island in 1998 after more than 80 years in downtown Charleston.

Home prices range from the $300,000s to several million dollars, with select lots selling for upwards of $1 million.

Condominiums are available for less than

$200,000, but the island’s network of public spaces, services, shopping, education and amenities generally tends to put a premium on property values. Plans point toward an eventual population of 15,000.

Life on the island benefits from 23 miles of shoreline, much of it open to the public, and the extensive system of parks and docks give neighborhoods plenty of public spaces and room to socialize. The island’s event calendar gets more crowded every year, thanks in large part to the Family Circle Cup Tennis Center (its namesake tournament is played there each April) and Blackbaud Stadium, home pitch for the Charleston Battery Soccer Club.

These modern facilities are increasingly in demand for concerts and festivals.

L i v i n g i n Daniel Island

Living On

Kiawah & Seabrook Islands

Island Golf Resort

L i v i n g O n Kiawah & Seabrook Islands

Photo/Courtesy of Kiawah

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36 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

Development of the island loosely began in the 1950s when C.C. Royal, who made his fortune in the lumber business, purchased the island. He built a home for his wife and seven children and then sold 65 lots to friends. In 1974, the Kuwait Investment Co. purchased the island from Royal’s heirs and created a land plan that consisted of a resort and residential development. Kiawah Development Partners is currently the master developer of the island.

Approximately 1,100 full-time residents inhabit the island, but the population swells in the spring and summer when

Photo/Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau

iawah and Seabrook islands, two private resort communities south of Charleston, offer a quality of life that includes world-class golf, upscale homes and breathtaking views of the Lowcountry’s landscape.

Pottery found on Kiawah Island dates as far back as 4,000 years. Ownership of the island changed many times through the years from the Indians to the British and then to some of the earliest “Charlestonians.” Its history is linked to names you may already be familiar with: Gibbes, Vanderhorst and Middleton, to name a few.

Photo/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort

tennis, horseback riding and boating.

There are several restaurants to choose from, as well.

Inhabitants of both islands place a high value on the environment and have made sure that the buildings are constructed in harmony with the natural surroundings.

There are also plenty of opportunities to experience the wildlife, whether strolling on the beach or exploring the waterways via

kayak or canoe.

Just 30 minutes away from Charleston, the islands are close enough for a day trip into the city; however, there are several options for shopping excursions on both islands, as well as at Freshfields Village on neighboring Johns Island. Freshfields Village offers a variety of stores, from sporting goods to groceries, as well as several restaurants.

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L i v i n g O n Kiawah & Seabrook Islands

Photo/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort

about 600 of the island’s properties are rented.

The island is also home to the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which includes five public golf courses and two private courses; The Sanctuary, a AAA Five Diamond hotel; an award-winning spa; and several restaurants.

Outside of golf, the island also caters to tennis players and is a destination for runners each year during the annual Kiawah Island Marathon, held each December.

Seabrook Island, just across the marsh from Kiawah Island, is a 2,200-acre mix of forest, salt marshes and beach. The island was discovered by settlers in 1666 and indigo and rice were its first cash crops. The island was first called Jones Island, then Simmons Island and finally Seabrook when it was purchased

by William Seabrook in 1816.

Originally developed in 1972 as a resort and conference center location, the island has evolved into a private oceanfront community. There are more than 2,500 properties on Seabrook Island and more than 700 families live on the island year-round.

Seabrook Island residents recently voted in favor of the Horizon Plan, a $31 million master growth plan to redevelop and elevate the island’s amenities and facilities to meet current and future needs.

There is no shortage of things to do on Seabrook Island, from playing golf on one of two private golf courses, to playing

Photo/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Above: Dining with a view at the Ocean Room at The Sanctuary Hotel.

Top right: A beautiful home on Kiawah Island.

Bottom right: A family explores Kiawah and Seabrook islands by kayak.

Living in

Berkeley County

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Left: Mepkin Abbey has a garden and chapel that are open to the public.

Right: A black water swamp at Cypress Gardens.

Americans, colonial life, the Civil War and the Francis Marion National Forest.

At Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp, shaded boardwalks wind through ancient groves of towering cypress and Pleistocene swamps. The forest — a National Natural Landmark — is protected and managed by the National Audubon Society and is the largest remaining virgin black water cypress and tupelo swamp in the world.

Cypress Gardens features boat rides through black water swamps and the Berkeley Blueways offer 20 canoeing and kayaking trails. World-class waterskiing, wind surfing, sailing, boating and fishing are popular on Lake Moultrie, as well as the state’s largest lake, Lake Marion. The Palmetto Trail, a recreational trail that stretches statewide, takes trekkers off the beaten path for a closer experience with southern fauna and wildlife.

The active lifestyle of Berkeley County pairs well with the wide variety of residential neighborhoods available. From the small town feel of some of the county’s oldest communities to planned neighborhoods with single-family attached and detached homes, choices abound in every price range. Del Webb Charleston, located perched on the river’s bluffs, now serves as in Cane Bay Plantation, offers all the classic amenihome to a Trappist monastery with a garden ties for the active adult population. and chapel open to the public. It is located in Daniel Island offers a master-planned the town of Moncks Corner, originally a colo- lifestyle community built on a sea island in nial trading post dating back to 1738 that took Berkeley County. Thoughtful planning and its name from landowner Thomas Monk. quality execution have earned the Daniel Old Santee Canal Park commemorates Island Co. recognition from the Urban Land America’s first summit canal, which began Institute and the National Association of operating in 1800. In addition to tours of the Homebuilders for exceptional smart growth historic site, the park features the Berkeley development practices. One of the hottest County Museum and Heritage Center. Extickets in professional sports, the Family hibits and artifacts portray the region’s hisCircle Cup, attracts top-seeded players every tory and include Brig. Gen. Francis Marion, year to the all-woman’s Tier I pro tennis also known as the “Swamp Fox,” Native event on Daniel Island.

Photo/Courtesy of the Charleston CVB

L i v i n g i n Berkeley Couunty

H

istoric Berkeley County is the largest of the three counties in the Charleston metro area and one of the fastest growing in the state. Its agricultural base — dating back to the 17th century — has given way to industry as evidenced by a $600 million investment by Internet giant Google in a new data center and DuPont’s expansion of a Kevlar plant that the county won over 40 potential locations worldwide.

In addition, the entire tri-county area will benefit from the 2009 announcement that Boeing Co. selected North Charleston as the location for its second assembly line for the 787 Dreamliner — a $750 million investment.

Major employers include the U.S. Naval Weapons Station, with nearly 18,500 employees, and Berkeley County School District, with 3,650. Several industry leaders, including Nucor Steel, J.W. Aluminum and Alcoa Mt. Holly, have earned recognition for sustainability efforts.

Sensitive to quality of life issues, the Berkeley County Planning Commission has launched an initiative to study and manage growth. Dubbed “Planning the Future While Preserving the Past,” its mission is to create a comprehensive development plan.

Indeed, quality of life is a major draw for visitors and newcomers to Berkeley County, with its temperate coastal plain climate, abundant waterways and unspoiled landscapes. A rich heritage that traces its origins to the first settlers in the Carolinas is alive today in the residents of Berkeley County and their communities — Bonneau, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Jamestown, Moncks Corner, St. Stephen and Daniel Island.

Originally the domain of European planters, county farmlands once supported rice and cotton crops. Plantations may still be seen today along tributaries of the Cooper River and some still serve as residences.

Mepkin Abbey, a former plantation

Photo/Ryan Wilcox

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Living in

L i v i n g i n Summerville

S

ummerville is a community that still gathers at Town Square to celebrate the 4th of July, where Friday night high school football draws a spirited crowd, and in early December, the holiday season is ushered in with an annual Christmas Tree Lighting downtown. In this modern southern city, progress and preservation are inextricably intertwined, making it a dynamic and diverse place to live and work.

Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management (D.R.E.A.M.), a nonprofit group spearheaded by local residents, has done much since its inception in 1992 to bring focus and support to Summerville and its historic downtown district. The commer-

40 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

cial area is bustling again with unique shops, a local bookstore, art galleries and eateries.

Guerin’s Pharmacy —the oldest still operating in South Carolina — contains antiques, a full-service pharmacy and an old-style soda fountain that serves drug store classics like cherry and vanilla cokes, milkshakes and chili dogs.

The Summerville-Dorchester Museum documents cultural and natural history with a film and exhibits of the colonial settlers, early churches and architecture. More than 700 buildings have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Summerville traces its roots to the 1780s, when it was known as Pineland Village to

plantation owners waiting to escape the swamp fever and insects of the Lowcountry summer. After being deemed by medical specialists in 1899 as one of the best areas in the world for lung and throat disorders, the area experienced a golden era, with special lodgings and resorts springing up to accommodate pulmonary patients. The most famous was Pine Forest Inn, which sometimes served as the Winter White House for Presidents William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt.

Today, Summerville is Dorchester County’s largest city with an estimated population of over 48,000. Named one of the 50 best small towns in America by Kiplinger’s

Photos/Courtesy of the Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce

Summerville

L i v i n g i n Summerville

Personal Finance magazine, Summerville offers residents the best of both worlds in terms of quality of life and housing. Known for its stately Victorian homes, the city also offers the full spectrum of new construction options attracting families, business and military personnel to the area.

Dubbed Flower Town in the Pines, Summerville still gets high marks for natural attributes. The Flowertown Festival draws more than 200,000 people every spring for a weekend dedicated to artisans and crafts amid the profusion of blooms in Azalea Park.

The park, a 12-acre oasis of ponds, paths, fountains and tennis courts, has also been the site for one of South Carolina’s premiere outdoor arts events, Sculpture in the South.

Summerville residents take to the trails at nearby Givhans Ferry State Park, on the former site of an 18th-century ferry that once crossed the Edisto River. The park features camping, cabins, fishing, picnic areas and river access.

At Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp, shaded boardwalks wind through ancient groves of towering cypress and Pleistocene swamps. The forest — a National Natural Landmark — is protected and managed by the National Audubon Society and is the largest remaining virgin stand of bald cypress in the world.

Among the many fine and fun dining options in Summerville, perhaps the most famous is the Dining Room at Woodlands Resort & Inn — one of only six lodging properties in America to be awarded the Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond awards for both lodging and dining. The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine ranked Woodlands Inn No.1 in the Continental U.S. and Canada and No.3 worldwide in the 2008 World’s Best Service Awards. The property also was voted the No. 1 hotel in the magazine’s 2011 list of the World’s Best Hotel Values.

Opposite: Downtown Summerville.

Top: Kayakers exploring a waterway.

Middle: Summerville’s Flowertown Festival.

Bottom: Shops along Central Avenue.

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Living in

L i v i n g i n Georgetown

Georgetown

G

eorgetown County spans more than 800 square miles and is the eighth largest county in South Carolina. Its main cities and towns include Georgetown, which is regularly rated among the top 100 small towns in America, as well as Murrells Inlet, Andrews, Litchfield and Pawleys Island.

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Located between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, Georgetown provides easy access to entertainment, recreation and shopping available in these two cities. But Georgetown, with its rich history, beauty and Southern charm has worked hard to develop itself into a well-rounded destination for new residents and visitors alike.

As South Carolina’s third oldest city, Georgetown was founded in 1729. It was developed by Elisha Screvin, who designed the city in a four-by-eight block grid.

Georgetown’s location along five rivers and on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean offered the perfect setting for growing indigo and rice, and for exporting it. The region

L i v i n g i n Georgetown

enjoyed great prosperity in the 1700s and early 1800s as a result of these successful cash crops. In fact, at one point, the region produced nearly half of the total rice crop in the United States, and the port of Georgetown was at one time the largest rice-exporting port in the world.

After the Civil War, Georgetown evolved from an agricultural center to an industrial center. Its seaport attracted many large manufacturers in the paper, wood products and steel industries.

In more recent years, tourism has become a large part of the area’s economy.

Georgetown’s historic downtown is a main attraction. The streets still bear the original names, and many of the original homes have been maintained and can be toured, including the Kaminski House. This mansion was

built in 1769 and was bequeathed to the city.

It is furnished with the Kaminski family’s heirlooms and is the perfect example of the classic southern home.

History buffs can also tour Hopsewee Plantation, which was the home of Georgetown native Thomas Lynch Jr. who was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Georgetown’s beauty has also attracted nature lovers. Huntington Beach State Park spans 2,500 acres, including three miles of beautiful wide beaches, a freshwater lake, nature trails and some of the finest bird watching in the region. Brookgreen Gardens, which once included four rice plantations, is now a sculpture park, botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary. It is located literally across the street from Huntington Beach State Park.

Both properties were owned by Anna Hyatt and Archer Huntington who left them for future generations to enjoy.

Several of the area’s plantations have also been turned into golf courses and many have been ranked by numerous golf magazines as some of the best in the country.

Locals and visitors also take advantage of Georgetown’s coastal location and the range of activities it offers from lounging on the beach to deep-sea fishing.

The region’s charm and beauty, as well as competitively priced housing is popular with retirees seeking a calmer, gentler way of life. Former plantations have also been developed into walkable communities that embrace the region’s natural setting as well as promote healthy living and a sense of community.

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Photo/Ryan Wilcox

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Sports and Recreation

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Photo/Ryan Wilcox

he Lowcounty’s coastal environment makes outdoor life here a special draw, but its sports and recreation scene doesn’t end with beachgoing.

The area boasts three professional teams, three small college athletic programs, excellent venues and dozens of amateur recreational leagues in a variety of sports.

Folly Beach is generally considered one of the best surfing destinations on the East Coast, and dedicated wave riders keep track of conditions at its storied “Washout” via webcam. Waves at the Isle of Palms aren’t quite as powerful, but East Cooper surfers swear by them.

Sullivan’s Island waves are inadequate for surfing, but kiteboarding is a popular alternative.

Kayaking has been a popular local sport for years, and outfitters along Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant cater to locals and tourists alike.

Remote islands in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge are a draw for many,

but others prefer to drive south of Charleston and strike out into the blackwater wilderness of the pristine and sprawling ACE Basin or head farther inland to explore the swamps and groves of Dorchester County.

Sailing — either competitive or contemplative — has been a Lowcountry passion since antebellum days. Charleston Race Week, a three-day regatta sponsored by the Charleston Ocean Racing Association, draws more than 1,500 sailors to the Charleston Harbor every April. The College of Charleston and The Citadel both field competitive sailing teams. The local sailing season ends in August with the Rockville Regatta, a tradition for more than 100 years.

Recreational boating — particularly as it relates to fishing — takes up much of the calendar and deep sea charters are available from Shem Creek and other locations.

Charleston County runs a fishing pier at Folly Beach and in Mount Pleasant at the Memorial Waterfront Park, and surf casters land sizable fish every year. Locals dip for crabs in tidal creeks all summer and shrimpbaiting season typically runs from September to November.

Hunters flock to inland private game preserves and public game lands each fall in the Francis Marion National Forest and the

Sports and Recreation

Photo/Courtesy of Charleston Battery

Opposite top: Charleston RiverDogs at Joe Riley Stadium.

Photo/Courtesy of Family Circle Cup

ACE Basin.

Fall and winter are also the best time for hiking and biking in the local forests.

Running has grown in popularity since the founding of the Cooper River Bridge Run in 1978, but received a healthy boost in 2005 when the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge opened with a pedestrian/bicyclist lane. The Bridge Run takes place each April, attracting worldclass 10k runners and tens of thousands of amateur athletes and walkers. The race begins near Shem Creek and finishes in downtown Charleston. Kiawah Island hosts an annual marathon and half-marathon, and there are organized races throughout the year in various locations across the region.

In recent years, triathlons — particularly the shorter, “sprint” triathlons — have been proliferating, many of them taking advantage of the region’s open water for the swimming legs.

The area’s flat roads make for fast cycling.

The Lowcountry hosts a series of popular cycling events, including criterion races at Charleston’s Hampton Park, 100k and 100mile “century” rides in the Francis Marion National Forest and group rides that make use of the long, shady roads on Johns Island.

Johns Island is also home to the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center.

Most municipalities in the area offer recreational leagues, but amateur youth and adult baseball/softball leagues are extremely popular in Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek and the St. Andrews District west of Charleston. Gahagan Park in Summerville is a softball shrine. Mount Pleasant, which is riddled with ballfields, opened an extensive recreation complex at Dunes West earlier this decade and has been expanding it ever since.

Soccer is popular in the suburban areas, and recreation departments in some locations run the football leagues for their local public and private middle schools. Mount Pleasant’s youth football season begins each year with a massing of the teams and a series of 15-minute scrimmages at Wando Stadium. It concludes with a well-attended town championship game. Summerville’s Memorial Stadium is a high school football shrine, home to the Summerville High School Green Wave. Young players in southern Dorchester County are groomed from elementary school to play for one of the district’s two high schools.

Charleston Southern University, between

Opposite Bottom: Charleston’s waterways offer many opportunities for kayaking.

Above: Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium.

Right: The Family Circle Cup tennis tournament has been held on Daniel Island since 2001. This event has helped Charleston earn the title of the No. 1 Tennis Town in America by the U.S. Tennis Association.

Summerville and North Charleston, competes in the Big South Conference, while The Citadel and the College of Charleston are members of the storied Southern Conference.

The Citadel’s football team moved into a new and improved Johnson Hagood Stadium in 2008, while the College of Charleston opened its 5,000-seat Carolina First Arena basketball facility later that fall.

Citadel sports thrive on tradition and pageantry, while “CofC” basketball has developed a reputation as a mid-major “giant-killer,” with a history of upsetting high-ranked teams. Both Southern Conference schools have an outstanding history of success in baseball.

Professional baseball in Charleston dates back to 1886 and the city has been associated with the South Atlantic League off and on for more than 100 years. The city is currently represented by the Class A Charleston RiverDogs, a member of the New York

Yankees farm system.

The RiverDogs play in Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, known by locals as “The Joe.” It overlooks the Ashley River and was considered one of the finest ballparks in America when it opened in 1997.

The Carolina Stingrays, a member of the East Coast Hockey League affiliated with the Washington Capitals, have been a fixture at the North Charleston Coliseum since 1993.

That same year also saw the founding of the Charleston Battery, a member of the United Soccer Leagues’ First Division. The Battery plays at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island.

Daniel Island is also home to the Family Circle Tennis Center where its namesake tournament is held each year. The state-ofthe-art stadium and surrounding courts were built in 2000 and are also used as a public tennis center, allowing area residents to play where some of the best athletes in tennis play each year.

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Tee Time

Tee Time C

Photos/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort

harleston hasn’t marketed itself as a golfing destination like Myrtle Beach, Kiawah Island or Hilton Head Island, but the city is literally the birthplace of golf in America and today features numerous places to play and several award-winning courses.

Charlestonians first teed it up in 1786 on the peninsula on a course they called Harleston Green at the South Carolina Golf Club. While this original golf course no longer exists, the city is still actively involved in the game.

The Charleston Municipal Golf Course, a.k.a. “The Muni,” opened in 1929 on James Island and now books 60,000 rounds of golf every year.

No matter where you live in the Lowcountry, golf is just a short drive away.

Oak Point Golf Course, Kiawah Island.

Golf courses Daniel Island: The Daniel Island Club (843-971-3555) offers two private, non-equity courses: Beresford Creek Course and the highly-rated Ralston Creek Course.

James Island: There are 60,000 rounds of golf played at Charleston Municipal Golf Course (843-795-6517) every year. The Country Club of Charleston (843-795-2400) is private.

Edisto Island: The Plantation Course at Edisto (843-869-1111) is a top-ranked public course.

Johns Island: The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek (843-768-3050) is an awardwinning, private non-equity course.

Goose Creek: There are two 18-hole public courses in town, Crowfield Golf & Country Club (843-764-4618) and Redbank Plantation Golf Course (843764-7802). The Oaks Golf & Country Club (843-553-2422) is an 18-hole, par-35 public course.

Kiawah Island: This resort community is built around golf. Its Kiawah Island Club River Course (843-768-6120) is a private non-equity award-winner. Cassique Golf Club (843-768-6120) is equally well-regarded as a private equity course. Kiawah Island Resort offers five public choices: The Ocean Course (843-768-2121), which is ranked among the Top 100 courses in America; the award-winning Osprey Point Course (843-768-2121); the five-star Turtle Point Course (843-768-2121), the four-star Cougar Point Course (843768-2121), and the Oak Point Course (843-768-7431).

Hollywood: The Links at Stono Ferry (843-763-1817) is public and a local favorite.

Isle of Palms: Wild Dunes Resort (843-886-2164) has two public courses, the Harbor Course and the highly regarded Links Course.

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Moncks Corner: The 18-hole Berkeley Country Club (843-761-4880) is a public course, as is the nine-hole Cypress Point Par 3 (843-761-5599).

Seabrook Island: The private equity Club at Seabrook Island (843-768-2529) offers two courses: Crooked Oaks and Ocean Winds.

Mount Pleasant: Rivertowne Country Club (843-849-2400) is an awardwinning public course. Charleston National Country Club (843-884-4653) and Dunes West Golf Club (843-856-9000) are highly rated and public. Patriots Point Links on Charleston Harbor (843-881-0042) is an affordable public course with great scenery.

Snee Farm Country Club (843-884-8571) is a private non-equity course.

Summerville: The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation (843-871-2135) is Summerville’s municipal golf facility, offering three public nine-hole courses: Burn Kill, Black Robin and Oak Forest. Legend Oaks Plantation Golf Club (843-821-4077), Pine Forest Country Club (843-851-1193) and Miler Country Club (843-873-2201) are 18-hole public courses. The Lakes of Summerville (843-832-0809) is a public nine-hole course. River Club on the Ashley (843-873-7110) is a semi-private, 18-hole course.

North Charleston: Yeamans Hall Country Club (843-747-8855), located on North Charleston’s boundary with neighboring Hanahan, is an award-winning, top-ranked course. Wrenwoods Golf Club (843-963-1833) is a private, non-equity course. Coosaw Creek Country Club (843767-9000) is semi-private.

West Ashley: Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club (843-556-8251) is a public course in a subdivision.

Dining Out

Dining Out The following list is just a taste of the many restaurants in the region you can enjoy.

Please call ahead to check days and hours of operation.

CHARLESTON Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar 205 East Bay St. 843-853-8600 Andolini’s Pizza 82 Wentworth St. 843-722-7437 East Bay Deli 334 East Bay St. 843-723-1234

Photo/Leslie Burden

Fig Restaurant 232 Meeting St. 843-805-5900 Fleet Landing 186 Concord St. 843-722-8100

Chefs at O-Ku restaurant on King Street.

Husk 76 Queen St. 843-577-2500

Marina Variety Store 17 Lockwood Blvd.

843-723-6325

Poogan’s Porch 72 Queen St. 843-577-2337

Il Cortile Del Re 193 King St., Suite A 843-853-1888

Market Pavilion Hotel 225 East Bay St. 843-723-0500

Saffron 333 East Bay St. 843-722-5589

Gilroys Pizza Pub 353 King St. 843-937-9200

Juanita Greenbergs Nacho Royal 439 King St. 843-723-6224

Market Street Bakery & Cafe 188 Meeting St. 843-853-3098

Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano 1302 Meeting Street Road 843-722-2633

Fish 442 King St. 843-722-3474

Jestine’s Kitchen 251 Meeting St. 843-722-7224

McCrady’s 2 Unity Alley 843-577-0061

Sermet’s Corner 276 King St. 843-853-7775

Five Loaves Cafe 43 Cannon St. 843-937-4303

Jim & Nick’s BBQ 288 King St. 843-795-5823

Oak Steakhouse 17 Broad St. 843-722-4220

Sushi Hiro of Kyoto 298 King St. 843-723-3628

Hanks Seafood Restaurant 10 Hayne St. 843-723-3474

Library at the Vendue 23 Vendue Range 843-577-7970

O-Ku Restaurant 463 King St. 843-722-4220

Sweetwater Cafe 137 Market St. 843-723-7121

High Cotton 199 East Bay St. 843-724-3815

Magnolia’s 185 East Bay St., Suite 100 843-577-7771

Pearlz Oyster Bar 153 East Bay St. 843-769-0350

Ted’s Butcher Block 334 East Bay St., Suite K 843-577-0094

Hominy Grill 207 Rutledge Ave. 843-937-0930

Majestic Grill 345 King St. 843-577-0091

Peninsula Grill 112 Market St., Suite N 843-723-0700

Tristan Restaurant LLC 55 South Market St. 843-534-2155

Fulton Five 5 Fulton St. 843-853-5555 Garibaldi’s 49 Market St. 843-723-7266

ISLE OF PALMS Acme Cantina 31 J.C. Long Blvd.

843-886-0024 Boathouse Restaurant at Breach Inlet 101 Palm Blvd.

843-886-8000 Harbor Halfway House 44 41st St. 843-886-2294 Long Island Cafe Inc. 1515 Palm Blvd., Suite A 843-886-8809 Morgan Creek Grill 80 41st Ave. 843-886-8980 Sea Biscuit Cafe LLC 21 J.C. Long Blvd.

843-886-4079 Sea Island Grill 5757 Palm Blvd.

843-886-2200

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Dining Out

MOUNT PLEASANT Mellow Mushroom 309 King St. 843-723-7374

17 North 3563 North Highway 17 843-606-2144

Joy Luck Chinese 1303 Ashley River Road 843-573-8899

Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd.

843-388-0683

Nirlep India Restaurant 908 Savannah Highway 843-763-9923

Andolini’s Pizza 414 Coleman Blvd.

843-849-7437 Boulevard Diner 409 Coleman Blvd.

843-216-2611

Olympic Restaurant & Bakery 1922 Savannah Highway 843-556-9359

Capriccio 1034 Chuck Dawley Blvd.

843-881-5550

Juanita Greenberg’s Nacho Royal 410 West Coleman Blvd.

843-329-6224

Wreck of Richard & Charlene 106 Haddrell St. 843-884-0052

Charleston Harbor Hilton 20 Patriots Point Road 843-856-0028

Langdon’s Restaurant 778 S. Shellmore Blvd.

843-388-9200

Jack’s Cosmic Dogs 2805 Highway 17 North 843-884-7677

CJ’s Catering/ Gullah Cuisine 1717 Highway 17 North 843-881-9076

Melvin’s Southern BBQ 925 Houston Northcutt Blvd.

843-881-0549

Five Loaves Cafe 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.

843-849-1043 Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill 644 Long Point Road 843-856-5798 Gilligan’s Steamer & Raw Bar 1475 Long Grove Drive 843-849-2244 Graze 863 Houston Northcutt 843-606-2493 Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd.

843-856-2525 Iacofano Deli 626 Coleman Blvd.

843-881-2313 Ichiban Restaurant 909 Houston Northcutt Blvd.

843-849-8121

Moe’s Southwest Grill 900 Houston Northcutt Blvd.

843-388-0101 Momma Brown’s Bar-B-Q 1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd.

843-849-8802 Mustard Seed Restaurant 1036 Chuck Dawley Blvd.

843-849-0050 Pattaya Restaurant 607 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.

Suite C 843-856-1808 Sakyo Japanese 1150 E. Hungryneck Blvd.

843-881-8580 Sette 201 Coleman Blvd.

843-388-8808 Skoogie’s 840 Coleman Blvd.

843-442-5185 Square Onion 18 Resolute Lane, Suite B 843-856-4246

48 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

NORTH CHARLESTON Cork Neighborhood Bistro 1067 East Montague Ave. 843-225-2675 Evo Pizza 1075 East Montague Ave. 843-225-1796 Madra Rua Irish Pub 1034 East Montague Ave. 843-554-2522 Sesame Burgers & Beer 4726 State Road S-10-32 843-554-4903 SEABROOK ISLAND Lucy’s Red Sky Grill 1001 Landfall Way 843-768-0183 Rosebank Farm Cafe 1886 Andell Bluff 843-768-1807 SULLIVAN’S ISLAND Atlanticville Restaurant & Café 2063 Middle St. 843-883-9452

Dunleavy’s Pub 2213 Middle St. 843-883-9646

Osaka Restaurant 100 Folly Road 843-852-9979

High Thyme 2213 Middle St., Suite C 843-883-3536

Panda Palace 1119 Wappoo Road 843-763-7472

Poe’s Tavern 2210 Middle St., Suite C 843-883-0083

Pearlz Little Oyster Bar 9 Magnolia Road 843-573-2277

Station 22 Inc. 2205 Middle St. 843-883-3355

Red Orchid China Bistro 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.

843-573-8787

Sugar Shack 2213 Middle St., Suite C 843-883-8811

Rococo German Bakery 1750 Savannah Highway, #A 843-763-2055

Sullivan’s Restaurant 2019 Middle St. 843-883-3222

Taste of India 851 Savannah Highway 843-556-0772

Triangle Char & Bar 828 Savannah Highway 843-377-1300

WEST ASHLEY Al Di La 25 Magnolia Road 843-571-2321 Andolini’s Pizza 1117 Savannah Highway 843-225-5200 El Dorado Mexican Restaurant 1109 Savannah Highway 843-763-0699 Gene’s Haufbrau 817 Savannah Highway 843-225-4363 Glass Onion 1219 Savannah Highway 843-225-1717

Voodoo Tiki Bar & Lounge 15 Magnolia Road 843-769-0228

Places to Stay

Places to Stay Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston Airport/Convention Center 4841 Tanger Outlet Blvd.

North Charleston, SC 29418 843-300-3100 www.marriott.com/chscs

The following list is just a sample of the many places to stay in the Charleston region.

Berkeley County Holiday Inn Express Summerville 120 Holiday Drive Summerville, SC 29483 843-875-3300 www.hiexpress.com/summervillesc

Francis Marion Hotel 387 King St. Charleston, SC 29403 843-722-0600 www.francismarioncharleston.com

Charleston County

French Quarter Inn 166 Church St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-1900 www.fqicharleston.com

1807 Phoebe Pember House & Studio 26 Society St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-4186 www.phoebepemberhouse.com 1843 Battery Carriage House Inn 20 South Battery Charleston, SC 29401 843-727-3100 www.batterycarriagehouse.com Aloft Charleston Airport and Convention Center 4875 Tanger Outlet Blvd.

North Charleston, SC 29418 843-566-7300 www.alofthotels.com/charlestonairport Andrew Pinckney Inn 40 Pinckney St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-937-8800 www.andrewpinckneyinn.com Best Western Charleston Downtown 146 Lockwood Blvd.

Charleston, SC 29403-5123 843-722-4000 www.charlestonbestwestern.com Best Western King Charles Inn 237 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-723-7451 www.kingcharlesinn.com Best Western Sweetgrass Inn 1540 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 843-571-6100 www.thesweetgrassinn.com

Fulton Lane Inn 202 King St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-720-2600 www.fultonlaneinn.com

HarbourView Inn The Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes Resort 5757 Palm Blvd.

Isle of Palms, SC 29451 888.845.8880 www.wilddunesmeetings.com

Courtyard by Marriott Charleston-Mount Pleasant 1251 Woodland Ave. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-284-0900 www.marriott.com/chscm

Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina 20 Patriots Point Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-856-0028 www.charlestonharborresort.com

Crowne Plaza Charleston Airport Convention Center 4831 Tanger Outlet Blvd.

North Charleston, SC 29418 843-744-4442 www.crowneplaza.com/charleston

Charleston Marriott 170 Lockwood Blvd.

Charleston, SC 29403 843-723-3000 www.marriott.com/chsmc

Doubletree Guest Suites Charleston Historic District 181 Church St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-577-2644 www.charlestondoubletree.com

Charleston Place 205 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-4900 www.charlestonplacehotel.com Comfort Suites West of the Ashley 2080 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 843-769-9850 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/SC369

Embassy Suites Airport/ Convention Center 5055 International Blvd.

North Charleston, SC 29418 843-747-1882 www.embassysuitescharleston.com Embassy Suites Historic Charleston 337 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29403 843-723-6900 www.historiccharleston. embassysuites.com

Hampton Inn & Suites 1104 Isle of Palms Connector Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-856-3900 www.charlestonisleofpalmssuites. hamptoninn.com Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston/ West Ashley 678 Citadel Haven Drive Charleston, SC 29414 843-573-1200 www.charlestonwestashleysuites. hamptoninn.com Hampton Inn & Suites North Charleston/University Blvd.

2688 Fernwood Drive North Charleston, SC 26406 843-735-7500 www. northcharlestonuniversityblvdsuites. hamptoninn.com Hampton Inn Charleston Historic District 345 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29403 843-723-4000 www.charlestonhistoricdistrict. hamptoninn.com

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Places to Stay

Hampton Inn Daniel Island 160 Fairchild St. Charleston, SC 29492 843-216-6555 www.charlestondanielisland. hamptoninn.com Harbour View Inn 2 Vendue Range Charleston, SC 29401 843-853-8439 www.harbourviewcharleston.com Hawthorn Suites 2455 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29414 843-225-4411 www.hawthorn.com Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview 301 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 843-556-7100 www.hiriverview.com Holiday Inn Charleston-Mount Pleasant 250 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-6000 www.himtpleasant.com Holiday Inn Express 1943 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 843-402-8300 www.hiexpresscharleston.com Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Ashley Phosphate 7670 Northwoods Blvd.

North Charleston, SC 29406 843-553-1600 www.hiexpress.com/chastni-26 Holiday Inn Express Mount Pleasant 350 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-375-2600 www.hiexpress.com/mtpleasantsc Holiday Inn Express-North Charleston 8975 Elms Center Road North Charleston, SC 29406 843-569-3200 www.hiexpress.com/charleston-n

Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston Convention Center/ Airport 5048 International Blvd.

Charleston, SC 29418 843-735-5000 www.charlestonairport. homewoodsuites.com Homewood Suites by Hilton, Charleston/Mount Pleasant 1998 Riviera Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-881-6950 www.charlestonmtpleasant. homewoodsuites.com Hyatt Place Charleston Airport/ Convention Center 3234 W. Montague Ave. North Charleston, SC 29418 843-302-8600 www.charlestonairport.place.hyatt.com Hyatt Place North Charleston 7331 Mazyck Road North Charleston, SC 29406 843-735-7100 www.northcharleston.place.hyatt.com John Rutledge House Inn 116 Broad St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-723-7999 www.johnrutledgehouseinn.com Kings Courtyard Inn 198 King St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-723-7000 www.kingscourtyardinn.com Meeting Street Inn 173 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-723-1882 www.meetingstreetinn.com The Mills House Hotel 115 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-577-2400 www.millshouse.com The North Charleston Inn 2934 W. Montague Ave. North Charleston, SC 29418 843-744-8281 www.northcharlestoninn.com

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The Palms Hotel 1126 Ocean Blvd.

Isle of Palms, SC 29451 843-886-3003 www.palmscharleston.com

Sleep Inn North 7435 Northside Drive North Charleston, SC 29420 843-572-8400 www.sleepinn.com

Planters Inn 112 N. Market St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-2345 www.plantersinn.com

Sleep Inn of Charleston 1524 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 843-556-6959 www.sleepinn.com

Quality Inn & Suites at Patriots Point 196 Patriots Point Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-856-8817 www.choicehotels.com

Tides Folly Beach 1 Center St. Folly Beach, SC 29439 843-588-6464 www.tidesfollybeach.com

Residence Inn by Marriott Charleston Mount Pleasant 1116 Isle of Palms Connector Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-881-1599 www.marriott.com/chsmp Residence Inn Charleston Airport 5035 International Blvd.

North Charleston, SC 29418 843-266-3434 www.marriott.com/chsno

Town & Country Inn and Conference Center 2008 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 843-571-1000 www.thetownandcountryinn.com The Vendue Inn 19 Vendue Range Charleston, SC 29401 843-577-7970 www.vendueinn.com

Restoration on King 75 Wentworth St. Charleston, SC 29401 www.restorationonking.com

Wentworth Mansion 149 Wentworth St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-853-1886 www.wentworthmansion.com

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455 843-768-6000 www.kiawahresort.com

Wingate by Wyndham at Charleston Southern University 9280 University Blvd.

North Charleston, SC 29406 843-553-4444 www.charlestonwingate.com

Shem Creek Inn 1401 Shrimp Boat Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-881-1000 www.shemcreekinn.com

Zero Water Street Bed & Breakfast 31 East Battery Charleston, SC 29401 843-723-2841 www.zerowaterstreet.com Dorchester County

Shem Creek Inn 1401 Shrimp Boat Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-881-1000 www.shemcreekinn.com Sheraton Charleston Airport Hotel 4770 Goer Drive North Charleston, SC 29406 843-747-1900 www.SheratonCharleston.com

Woodlands Inn 125 Parsons Road Summerville, SC 29483 843-875-2600 www.woodlandsinn.com

Arts Abound

Arts Abound

T

he depth and breadth of Charleston’s arts scene just may surprise you. From established galleries and historic theaters to funky festivals and improv comedy, the Holy City and surrounding areas have it all. The following is just a small selection of what’s available to spark and satisfy your artistic cravings.

Visual arts Artistic Spirit Gallery Artistic Spirit Gallery, located at the Navy Yard at Noisette, features well-known artists’ work and “outsider art,” —pieces created by self-taught, emerging artists. Call for an appointment. 10 Storehouse Row, Charleston, 843-579-0149. www.artisticspiritgallery

Carolina Galleries This Church Street gallery focuses on two distinct periods in Charleston history: First,

pened in 2010 The Dock Street Theatre reo . tion after an extensive renova (Photo/Leslie Burden) Spoleto USA Finale. (Photo/Courtesy of Spoleto/William Struhs)

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Arts Abound

Gibbes Museum of Art As Charleston’s only visual arts museum, the Gibbes also offers a variety of educational programs, group tours and art discovery walking tours. 135 Meeting St., Charleston.

843-722-2706. www.gibbesmuseum.org

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art Administered by the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston, the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art was created to advocate, exhibit and interpret visual art, with an emphasis on contemporary art. 54 St. Philip St., Charleston, 843-953-5680. http://halsey.cofc.edu/index.php

MOJA Arts Festival Started in 1984, the annual MOJA Arts Festival is a celebration of African American and Caribbean arts and features music, visual art, storytelling, performances, crafts, children’s activities and more. 843-724-7305. www.mojafestival.com Photo/Courtesy of Charleston Symphony Orchestra The Charleston Symphony Orchestra celebrated its 75th anniversary during the 2010-2011 season.

the Charleston Renaissance, which took place during the first half of the 20th century and features artwork inspired by the beauty and war-ravaged Lowcountry. And second, 21st-century Charleston, which includes more recent paintings that capture the personality of the region, from its historic streets to quintessential marsh scenes.

106-A Church St., 843-720-8622. www.carolinagalleries.com

Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association Created in 1999, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association now includes 13 galleries. The association hosts Palette and Stroll each July, an evening dedicated to fine art, cuisine and wine. It also hosts the Fine Art Annual, a weekend event held each November that features national artists and raises funds to support art programs in local schools. www.cfada.com

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New Perspectives Gallery Features curated exhibitions by Charleston Area artists and special exhibits during the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and MOJA Arts Festival. 180 Meeting St., Charleston, 843958-6459.

City Gallery at Waterfront Park

North Charleston City Gallery

The City Gallery presents six to eight exhibits each year focusing on contemporary visual arts created by local, regional, national and international artists. 34 Prioleau St., Charleston, 843-958-6484. http://citygallery atwaterfrontpark.com/

Located in the common areas at the Charleston Area Convention Center, the North Charleston City Gallery features exhibits that are rotated on a monthly basis. 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, 843745-1087. www.northcharleston.org

French Quarter Gallery Association

Piccolo Spoleto

Roughly 30 galleries are members of the French Quarter Gallery Association. The galleries stay open late the first Friday night in March, May, October and December for the very popular Art Walks. Free. 843-724-3424. www.frenchquarterarts.com

Gallery Chuma Specializing in the works of the Gullah people of coastal South Carolina, Gallery Chuma features Gullah art, books, crafts, storytelling, tours and food. 43 John St., Charleston, 843-722-7568. www.gallerychuma.com

Piccolo Spoleto was created in 1979 to coincide with the international Spoleto Festival USA and primarily features artists from the Southeast. Held at a variety of locations in downtown Charleston. 843-724-7305. www.piccolospoleto.com

Spoleto Festival USA Held each spring since 1977, this 17-day festival features visual art exhibits and more than 120 performances from opera to jazz music. 843-722-2764; Box office: 843-5793100. www.spoletousa.org

Arts Abound

Performing arts The Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Charleston, members of the Actors’ Theatre travel the state presenting a full season of performances as well as acting classes. 843588-9636. www.actorstheatreofsc.org

American Theater The American Theatre opened in 1942 as one of Charleston’s premiere movie houses.

It closed in 1977 and stood vacant for 20 years until it was revitalized and reopened in 2005 as a state-of-the-art meeting and conference facility. It also hosts a variety of performances, including Spoleto activities.

446 King St., Charleston. 843-853-0246. www.pphgcharleston.com

Charleston Ballet Theatre During the last 20 years, the Charleston Ballet Theatre has achieved national recognition for its artistic and professional presentations of a range of works from classic to eclectic. 477 King St., Charleston.

843-723-7334. www.charlestonballet.org

Charleston Music Hall Said to offer some of the best acoustics in Charleston, the Charleston Music Hall welcomes a variety of performers throughout the year from bluegrass to blues. 37 John St., Charleston. www.charlestonmusichall.com

Charleston Stage Charleston Stage, which calls the newly renovated Dock Street Theatre home, was founded in 1978 and is the state’s largest professional theatre company. 843-577-7183. www.charlestonstage.com

Charleston Symphony Orchestra Founded in 1936, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra is known its Masterworks and Pops series, the CSO also offers holiday performances and family concerts throughout the year. Concerts are held at various locations around Charleston including the Gaillard Auditorium and the Memminger Auditorium. 77 Calhoun St., Charleston.

843-723-7528. www.charlestonsymphony. com

The Dock Street Theatre The historic Dock Street Theatre recently reopened after undergoing a three-year, $20 million renovation. The theatre originally opened in 1736 and was the first building built specifically for theatrical productions.

It is a performance venue for Spoleto Festival USA and home of Charleston Stage. 135 Church St., Charleston. 843-720-3968. www.charlestoncity.info

Flowertown Players This community theater presents a range of productions from musicals to serious dramas, as well as performances and classes just for children. 133 S. Main St., Summerville.

843-875-9251. www.flowertownplayers.org

Footlight Players Theatre Since 1931, the Footlight Players Theatre has presented a variety of stage products and has become known as one of the top community theatres in the South. A typical season includes six performances. 20 Queen St., Charleston. 843-722-4487. http://footlightplayers.net/

The Gaillard Municipal Auditorium Built in 1968, the Gaillard hosts a multitude of events and performances from rock ‘n’ roll concerts to fashion shows. 77 Calhoun St., Charleston, 843-577-7400. www.charlestoncity.info

The Have Nots!

Comedy Improv

Primus at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. (Photo/Ryan Wilcox)

North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center The North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center have hosted numerous events from hockey games to Broadway shows throughout the year. The coliseum seats more than 13,000 for a concert performance. The Performing Arts Center seats 2,300. 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, 843-529-5011. www.coliseumpac.com

Pure Theatre PURE Theatre performs at the Circular Congregational Church and has gained respect as a small professional theatre focusing on the works of contemporary playwrights. 150 Meeting St., Charleston, 843-723-4444. www.puretheatre.org

Sottile Theatre

Called the longest-running show in Charleston, The Have Nots! cast has been together for 153 years and performed more than 1,200 shows. Local shows are held at Theatre 99, the group’s own theatre, as well as other locations throughout Charleston.

280 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-853-6687. http://theatre99.com/

The Sottile Theatre opened in 1922 as The Gloria Theatre and hosted the premiere of Gone With the Wind in 1939. It’s now the home of various performances, including Charleston Symphony Orchestra concerts and Spoleto Festival performances. 44 George St., Charleston, 843-953-5623. http://sottile.cofc.edu/

Memminger Auditorium

Village Playhouse

Built in the 1930s as an auditorium for Memminger High School, the building stood vacant since the 1960s and was severely damaged by Hurricane Hugo. Spoleto Festival USA played a large part in the building’s recent $6 million renovation and the facility reopened in 2008. Now used for a variety of performances from international artists performing as part of Spoleto, to local school groups. 56 Beaufain St., Charleston.

Open since 2001, the Village Playhouse and Repertory Company offer more than 150 nights of entertainment each season. Classics, as well as new dramas and musicals, can be experienced within a venue that features small, candle-lit tables rather than auditorium seating. 730 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, 843-856-1579. www.thevillageplayhouse.com

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Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

Attractions and Tours

Aiken-Rhett House Charleston merchant John Robinson built the Aiken-Rhett House in 1817 and sold it to William Aiken Sr. in 1827. Aiken’s son and namesake moved into the property with his new bride in 1833. William Aiken Jr. was one of the state’s wealthiest citizens and served as governor from 1844-1846. The home remained in the Aiken family until the 1970s, when it was donated to the Charleston Museum and subsequently purchased by the Historic Charleston Foundation.

48 Elizabeth St. 843-723-1159. www.historiccharleston.org

American Military Museum Since 1987, the American Museum has offered military buffs the chance to view authentic artifacts from 14 different American conflicts. Pieces represent the Revolutionary War through the recent war in Iraq.

More than 70 cases display 260 uniforms, 33 flags, medals and hundreds of artifacts from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and

54 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

o

The Charleston region’s greatest assets: History Food Attractions Beach/waterfront Shopping Local hospitality Walkable cities Atmosphere Source: Office of Tourism Analysis, College of Charleston

o Coast Guard. The museum is located in the Aquarium Wharf. 360 Concord St., Charleston. 843-577-7000. www.americanmilitarymuseum.org

Angel Oak Located on Johns Island, the massive and majestic Angel Oak has been shading the ground beneath it for an estimated 1,500 years. It has a circumference of 25 1/2 feet; its branches reach out 160 feet from the trunk and cover 17,000 square feet. 3688 Angel Oak Road, Charleston. 843-559-3496. www.angeloaktree.org

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens Experience what plantation life was like in the 1800s at one of America’s oldest working plantations. At one time, Boone Hall produced cotton and pecans, but today, the main crops are strawberries, peaches and other fruits and vegetables. Tour the plantation house, slave cabins and gardens, and don’t forget to stop by the U-Pick fields before you head home. 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. 843-884-4371. www.boonehallplantation.com

Attractions and Tours

Island. 843-869-2756.

Historic Landmarks: The Joseph Manigualt House and the Heyward-Washington House. www.southcarolinaparks.com Carolina Heritage Outfitters 360 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-722-2996.

Focusing on canoe and kayak tours of the Edisto Island Museum www.charlestonmuseum.org Established in 1990, the Edisto Island Edisto River and Bull Island, Carolina HeriChildren’s Museum Museum is run by the Edisto Island Historic tage Outfitters offers 10-mile day trips and Preservation Society. The museum recounts 22-mile overnight trips where you can spend of the Lowcountry Since opening in September of 2003, the the island’s history through a variety of the night in a private tree house. Highway Children’s Museum has seen more than exhibits. 8123 Chisolm Plantation Road, 15, Canadys. 843-563-5051.

450,000 visitors. It features eight interactive Edisto Island. 843-869-1954. www.edistomuwww.canoesc.com exhibits and offers something for children ages seum.com Carolina Ice Palace 3 months to 12 years. 25 Ann St., Charleston.

Home of the Stingrays, Carolina Ice Palace Edisto Island 843-853-8962. www.explorecml.org Serpentarium & Gift Shop also offers public skating and lessons. 7665 The Citadel Archives & Museum Learn about reptiles that are native to the reNorthwoods Blvd., Charleston.

Featuring memorabilia from special events, gion, as well as those from around the world 843-572-2717. www.carolinaicepalace.com cadet uniforms and more, the Citadel Muat the Edisto Island Serpentarium. Explore Caw Caw Nature History seum represents the history of The Military the indoor and outdoor exhibits and watch and Interpretive Center College of South Carolina. 171 Moultrie St., alligators and turtles swim in the outdoor Located south of Charleston in Ravenel, the Charleston. 843-953-6846. ponds. 1374 Highway 174, Edisto Island.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center was once part www.citadel.edu/museum 843-869-1171. www.edistoserpentarium.com of several rice plantations. It offers interpreThe Confederate Museum Folly Beach County Park tive exhibits and programs, as well as more History buffs won’t want to miss a trip to the Located on the west end of Folly Island, Folly than 6 miles of trails with elevated boardwalks through the wetlands. 5200 Savannah Confederate Museum, located on the second Beach County Park allows beachgoers to enfloor of the recently renovated City Market joy the sand and surf with lifeguards, picnic Highway, Ravenel. 843-889-8898.

Hall. 188 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-723areas and bathroom facilities. 1100 W. Ashley www.ccprc.com 1541. www.csa-scla.org/articles/Confederate- Ave., Folly Beach. 843-588-2426.

Charles Pinckney Historic Site Museum.htm www.beachparks.com/follybeach.htm Charles Pinckney, one of the signers of Cypress Gardens Fort Moultrie the U.S. Constitution, owned a coastal Once one of the area’s largest rice plantaFort Moultrie, located on Sullivan’s Island plantation in what is now Mount Pleasant. tions, Cypress Gardens is now a pristine across from Fort Sumter, has been restored The 715-acre plantation is now a national historic site and includes a walking trail, ar- black water swamp that has served as a loca- to reflect the major events in the fort’s history, from World War II to the American cheological excavations and a visitor center. tion for several movies, including the Note1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. 843- book and The Patriot. Walk along the scenic Revolution. 1214 Middle St., Sullivan’s trails or take a boat through the swamp to Island. 843-883-3123. www.nps.gov/fomo 881-5516. www.nps.gov/chpi experience the towering cypress and tupelo Charles Towne Landing Fort Sumter trees. 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks State Historic Park Fort Sumter is known as the site where the Corner. 843-553-0515.

Rebuilt in 2006, Charles Towne Landing American Revolution began. Take a boat www.cypressgardens.info focuses on its rich history as the location ride from Charleston or Mount Pleasant to Drayton Hall of the first permanent European settlement the fort where you can walk right up to thick Drayton Hall stands apart from other in South Carolina. Explore the park’s new brick walls built to withstand cannon fire. historic properties in that the house is not visitor’s center, museum and archaeology Park rangers are available to answer quesfurnished, allowing the imagination to run exhibit. Experience the natural habitat tions and a museum offers a host of artifacts. wild. Drayton Hall’s mission is to maintain zoo, 80 acres of gardens and a replica of a 843-883-3123. www.nps.gov/fosu the look and feel the plantation had when 17th-century ship. 1500 Old Towne Road, H.L. Hunley it was turned over to the National Trust in Charleston. 843-852-4200.

The H.L. Hunley was the first submarine 1974. 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston. www.southcarolinaparks.com to ever sink an enemy ship. It was lost at 843-769-2600. www.draytonhall.org The Charleston Museum sea for 137 years and found just outside the Charleston is a city of many firsts, including Edisto Beach State Park Charleston Harbor in 1995 by author and Located just an hour south of Charleston, America’s first museum. Founded in 1773, adventurer Clive Cussler. It was raised from the museum provides an authentic look into Edisto Beach State Park offers an oceanfront the sand and silt in 2000 and can be viewed campground as well as a maritime forest full on the weekends at the Warren Lasch the history of Charleston and the Lowof live oaks and some of the state’s tallest country. In addition to the museum, you Conservation Center. 1250 Supply St., North palmetto trees. State Cabin Road, Edisto can explore two houses listed as National Charleston. 877-448-6539. www.hunley.org Opposite: South Carolina Aquarium.

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 55

Attractions and Tours

International Center for Birds of Prey The Center for Birds of Prey is dedicated to studying the welfare of birds and their habitats with the mission to educate the public on environmental issues that impact birds and humans. The center treats nearly 400 injured birds of prey each year. Open every day for tours except major holidays. 4872 Seewee Road, Awendaw. 843-971-7474. www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org

Isle of Palms County Park

Photo/Leslie Burden

Carriage Tours Carolina Polo & Carriage Co. The only carriage company in the city owned and operated by Charlestonians whose family has been in Charleston since the 1600s. 181 Church St., 16 Hayne St., Charleston.

843-577-6767. http://cpcc.com

Classic Carriage Tours A carriage ride with Classic Carriage Tours will provide insight on the city of Charleston and a lesson in southern culture. 10 Guignard St., Charleston. 843-853-3747. www.classiccarriage.com Old South Carriage Tours Guides dressed in Confederate uniforms will take you around the city, providing information on more than 300 years of Charleston’s history.

14 Anson St., Charleston. 843-723-9712. www.oldsouthcarriage.com Old Towne Carriage Co. Hop on a carriage ride that will take you through the historic market and past historic homes and buildings in a 25-30-block area downtown.

20 Anson St., Charleston. 843-722-1315. www.oldtownecarriage.com Palmetto Carriage Works The oldest carriage company in Charleston, Palmetto Carriage Works covers a 30-block area of the historic district. Evening tours offered in the summer. 40 N. Market St., Charleston. 843-723-8145. www.carriagetour.com

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This oceanfront park offers picnic tables, a playground, a volleyball court and beach chair rentals. One 14th Ave., Isle of Palms.

843-886-3863. www.beachparks.com/isleofpalms.htm

Kiawah Beachwalker Park This public beach is located on the west end of the private Kiawah Island. The park includes dressing areas, restrooms, picnic tables, grills and beach chair rentals. Beachwalker Drive, Kiawah Island. 843-768-2395. www.ccprc.com

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Magnolia Plantation was founded in 1676 by the Drayton family. Tour the historic home and grounds, which includes Spanish moss-draped gardens, a black water swamp garden, slave cabins and a petting zoo. 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston. 800-3673517. www.magnoliaplantation.com.

Marion Square

plantation offers a glimpse into the life of four generations of Middletons dating back to 1741. The House Museum, gardens and stableyard are open for tours. Middleton Place is also the location for several annual events including the Spoleto Festival finale.

4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston.

843-556-6020. www.middletonplace.org

Morris Island Lighthouse Originally constructed 1,200 feet from the ocean, the land the Morris Island Lighthouse sits on today is submerged in water. A group called Save the Lighthouse has been working since 1999 to coordinate the stabilization, erosion control and restoration of the lighthouse. So far, the group has raised more than $4.5 million for this purpose. 843-6330099. www.savethelight.org

Old City Market Open 365 days a year, the Old City Market consists of four open-air buildings that are filled with vendors and shoppers. At one end of the market sits Market Hall, a substantial building with a curved iron staircase.

Located on Market Street between Meeting and East Bay streets. 843-724-3796. www.charlestoncity.info

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon Built in 1771, this three-story building was an important part of South Carolina’s, and the nation’s, history. It was the place where, in 1776, South Carolina drafted its first constitution and declared independence from Great Britain. Beneath the Old Exchange building is the Provost Dungeon. 122 East Bay St., Charleston. 843-727-2165 or 1-888763-0448. www.oldexchange.com

Home of the Charleston Farmer’s Market each Saturday from April through December, Marion Square also hosts several events including the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Charleston Fashion Week and the Old Slave Mart Museum Southeastern Wildlife Festival. The 10–acre green space in downtown Charleston is bor- Once used as a slave auction gallery, the Old dered by King, Calhoun and Meeting streets. Slave Mart was constructed in 1859. Its uses through the years ranged from a tenement www.charlestoncity.info dwelling to an auto repair shop. The city of Mepkin Abbey Charleston acquired the property in 1988 A former plantation perched on the bluffs of and now operates a museum here. the Cooper River, Mepkin Abbey is now the 6 Chalmers St., Charleston, 843-958-6467. home of a Trappist monastery with a garden www.charlestoncity.info and chapel open to the public. 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner. 843-761-8509. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum www.mepkinabbey.org The museum at Patriots Point is a state-run Middleton Place military museum that displays four World This carefully-preserved 18th-century War II-era vessels and more than a dozen

Attractions and Tours

vintage aircraft. The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown is also the home to the Medal of Honor Society Museum. 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant. 866-831-1720, 843- 884-2727. www.patriotspoint.org

Philip Simmons Children’s Garden Philip Simmons, born in 1912, is a worldrenowned iron worker whose works include more than 500 pieces of ornamental wrought iron gates, fences, balconies and window grills. The Philip Simmons Children’s Garden celebrates the blacksmith’s artistic skill and social contributions. The garden is located at the corner of East Bay and Blake streets. 843-830-4674.

Powder Magazine Completed in 1713, the Powder Magazine was the oldest public building in South Carolina and may be the oldest surviving building in all of the former British colonies.

It served as a military storage area for loose gun power until 1770 and has since served as a wine cellar, a print shop and a museum.

79 Cumberland St., Charleston. 843-722-9350. www.powdermag.org

South Carolina Aquarium. (Photo/Ryan Wilcox)

Shem Creek Maritime Museum Located on the bank of historic Shem Creek, this outdoor exhibit offers a look at Charleston’s rich maritime heritage. 514 Mill St., Mount Pleasant. 843-849-9000.

South Carolina Aquarium The South Carolina Aquarium provides a look at the wildlife you’ll find in South Carolina from the mountains to the sea.

100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston. 843-7201990. www.scaquarium.org

SummervilleDorchester Museum This museum chronicles Dorchester County’s history. 100 E. Dotty Ave., Summerville.

843-875-9666. http://summervilledorchestermuseum.org/

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 57

Falls Park, Greenville, S.C. (Photo/Ryan Wilcox)

I

Day Trips

n the mood to explore? The Lowcountry’s location provides easy access to a host of interesting places. Just about anything you would want to see — from majestic mountains and tranquil rivers, to swinging hotspots and quirky stores — is within a few hours’ drive. So gas up, roll down the windows and don’t forget to take the back roads.

Asheville, N.C. Nestled in what seems like a cupped hand of a valley is a town built by pioneering souls that holds tight to its free-thinking, artistic roots. Asheville attracts thousands of visitors each year with its mountain vistas, the Gilded Age splendor of the Biltmore mansion, an eclectic range of boutiques and a variety of global cuisine at restaurants that feature local (and often organic) ingredients. www.exploreasheville.com

58 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

Atlanta, Ga.

Charlotte, N.C.

The proud capital of the “New South” is a diverse and welcoming metropolitan area.

Neighborhood enclaves, each with their own distinctive flair, hold a wealth of sights and attractions that range from pop (the Coca-Cola museum) to fine art (the High Museum of Art). Shop boutiques or big malls, club hop into the wee hours or take in a Braves or Falcons game. www.atlanta.net

Though the Queen City reigns over a bustling business scene, Charlotte has plenty of Southern charm with a strong dose of contemporary fine dining and a chic shopping scene. Rosedale Plantation offers visitors a chance to witness the pace and elegance of the past, as does Fourth Ward with its streets filled with fine specimens of Victorian architecture. Those preferring a more exciting pace will appreciate the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, as well as NASCAR races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. www.charlottesgotalot.com

Charleston, S.C. This Lowcountry gem, settled in 1670 and South Carolina’s colonial capital, retains the charm of bygone days. Its stately mansions, churches, theaters and public buildings date back to the 18th century. Once one of the richest cities on the Eastern Seaboard, today it combines the traditional with the historic and provides some of the best restaurants, beaches, entertainment and shopping in America. Cruise ships depart the Charleston docks and historic plantations ring the city on the region’s creeks and rivers. www.charlestoncvb.com

Columbia, S.C. From a high-energy college football game at the University of South Carolina to a low-key float down the Saluda, Broad or Congaree rivers, the Palmetto State’s capital city offers something for every visitor. History buffs will appreciate Columbia’s historic homes and museums, and those who enjoy arts and culture will be amazed by the

Day Trips

Asheville, N.C.

city’s theaters, galleries, dance companies, orchestras and festivals. Dining and nightlife options are plentiful, especially downtown in Five Points and the Vista. Columbia also boasts the annual state fair, a zoo and botanical garden, and nearby parks, lakes and rivers offer plenty of recreational opportunities. www.columbiacvb.com

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, N.C./Tenn.

Formed hundreds of millions of years ago, these mountains are some of the oldest in the world and are comprised of peaks that rise up over 6,000 feet. The park encompasses more than 520,000 acres of forests, streams, rivers, waterfalls and hiking trails passing through valleys, peaks and forests with plenty of overlooks to take in scenic views. The park has an enormous variety of plants, trees, mammals, birds and fish — so many that the United Nations has designated the park an International Biosphere Reserve. www.nps.gov/grsm

Greenville, S.C. The Upstate is South Carolina’s only land of four true seasons. And its metropolitan environment, coupled with its pristine lakes and rivers nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a favorite for cyclists, runners, hikers and water enthusiasts.

Greenville’s downtown is renowned for its arts community, unique shopping and dining. Greenville’s crown jewel is Reedy River Falls Park. The falls, which powered textile mills in the 18th century and industrial sites in the 19th and 20th centuries, now comprise the centerpiece of a vibrant entertainment and business district. www.greenvillecvb.com

Hilton Head Island, S.C. Hilton Head Island boasts nearly 30 golf courses nestled among lush pine and live oak forests that offer some of the most challenging holes on the East Coast. Hilton Head Island is the largest barrier island off the Atlantic coast between Long Island and the Bahamas. And while it is known for its beautiful beaches and fantastic golf, it’s also known for its shopping — from outlet malls to local boutiques — and its restaurants.

Hilton Head also includes a thriving arts and cultural scene and has the state’s second largest theater facility, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. www.hiltonheadisland.org

Myrtle Beach, S.C. Located about two hours north of Charleston via U.S. 17, Myrtle Beach offers visitors two outlet malls, more than 100 golf courses, numerous nightlife and concert venues, as well as 60 miles of beaches. On the way, stop

by Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and display garden. www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Savannah, Ga. This waterfront town will, no doubt, remind visitors of Charleston with its historic homes and lush gardens. Founded in 1733, Savannah was the site of many famous Revolutionary and Civil War battles. This history has been preserved and is celebrated along with the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. Its more than 20 city squares, monuments, parks, historic homes, churches and forts will appeal to history buffs of all ages.

Don’t miss River Street with its waterfront park, quirky shops and varied restaurants. www.savannahvisit.com INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 59

Calendar of Events

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. (Photos/Leslie Burden)

Calendar of Events

Lowcountry Oyster Festival Each January, two tractor trailer loads of oysters – more than 65,000 pounds – are brought in for the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Special contests, live music and activities are scheduled throughout the day, including an oyster shucking contest, oyster eating contest and a contest between local chefs for the best oyster recipe. Boone Hall Plantation, 843-805-3084. www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Known for its world-class original art, diverse exhibits and animal demonstrations, the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition kicks off in February with approximately 120 artists and more than 350 exhibitors.

The nation’s largest wildlife and nature event offers a variety of exhibits throughout Charleston, including its trademark conservation exhibits, birds of prey and retriever demonstrations, and the new crowd favorite: Dock Dogs. Various locations, 843-723-1748. www.sewe.com

60 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

Charleston Wine + Food Festival Charleston. 843-722-3405.

Held each March, this festival celebrates the culinary history and culture of the Lowcountry. Foodies can enjoy more than 50 events during the four-day event, including a Sip and Stroll, a wine tasting and auction and a gospel brunch. Marion Square is the central location for most activities. 843-7279998. www.charlestonwineandfood.com

Charleston Fashion Week During Charleston’s Fashion Week, Marion Square is transformed into a venue that rivals New York’s Bryant Park. The latest trends from local designers and boutique owners will be featured at this annual fashion event held in March. www.charlestonfashionweek.com

Charleston International Antiques Show Featuring more than 30 of the nation’s most prominent antique dealers, the Charleston International Antiques Show is held each spring and has become a premier destination for antique collectors. 40 East Bay St.,

www.historiccharleston.org

Summerville Flowertown Festival This three-day event is held each spring and organized by the Summerville Family YMCA. The festival includes a host of food vendors and more than 200 artisans from across the country, as well as a 10k run. 843871-9622. www.summervilleymca.org

Annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens Some of Charleston’s finest historic homes and gardens are on display during the Historic Charleston Foundation’s Annual Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens. Each Festival tour features eight to 10 properties dating from the American colonial period through the antebellum and Victorian years of architecture, to the early 20th century.

843-722-3405. http://historiccharleston.org

Cooper River Bridge Run Held at the end of March or in early April each year, this event includes a 10k run

Calendar of Events

across the Cooper River on the new Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. It begins in Mount Pleasant and ends in downtown Charleston. 843792-1586. www.bridgerun.com

festival features visual art exhibits and more than 120 performances from opera to jazz music. 843-722-2764; Box office: 843-5793100. www.spoletousa.org

Family Circle Cup

MOJA Arts Festival

After 28 years in Hilton Head Island, the Family Circle Cup moved to a new home on Daniel Island in 2001. A partnership between the city of Charleston and Family Circle magazine helped build a state-of-the-art tennis facility that is not only used for the week-long tennis tournament each April, but is also open to the public and used as a venue for sporting and cultural events. 800-677-2293. www.familycirclecup.com

The annual MOJA Arts Festival is a celebration of African American and Caribbean arts and features music, visual art, storytelling, performances, crafts, children’s activities and more. 843-724-7305. www.mojafestival.com

Piccolo Spoleto Piccolo Spoleto was created in 1979 to coincide with the international Spoleto Festival USA and primarily features artists from the southeast. Held at a variety of locations in downtown Charleston. 843-724-7305. www.piccolospoleto.com

Spoleto Festival USA Held each spring since 1977, this 17-day

Annual Fall Tour of Homes & Gardens Experience some of the region’s most historic homes and gardens. The tour also serves as a fundraiser for the Preservation Society and is held for five weeks, beginning in September. www.preservationsociety.org

Taste of Charleston This three-day event, held each October, showcases more than 40 area restaurants. In addition to great food to sample, there is also an Iron Chef competition and an art walk.

Held at Boone Hall Plantation. 843-577-4030. www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com

Charleston Fashion Week. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

Holiday Festival of Lights Millions of sparkling lights at the James Island County Park will get you in the holiday spirit. When the event started in 1990, there were only 18 light displays. Now there are 2 million lights and 600 light displays. The festival is open from November to just after New Year’s. 843-795-4386. www.ccprc.com

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INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 61

Quick Links TELEPHONE BellSouth www.bellsouth.com Home Telephone Company www.hometelco.com Knology www.knology.com CABLE Comcast www.comcast.com Knology www.knology.com Time Warner Cable www.timewarnercable.com ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS Berkeley Electric Cooperative www.becsc.com Edisto Electric Cooperative www.edistoelectric.com Santee Cooper www.santeecooper.com South Carolina Electric & Gas www.sceg.com

Kiawah Island www.kiawahisland.org Lincolnville www.lincolnvillesc.com McClellanville http://www.townofmcclellanville-sc. net/ Meggett http://www.townofmeggettsc.org/ Moncks Corner http://townofmonckscorner.sc.gov/ Mount Pleasant www.townofmountpleasant.com North Charleston www.northcharleston.org Rockville www.townofrockville.com Seabrook Island www.townofseabrookisland.org Sullivan’s Island www.sullivansisland-sc.com Summerville www.summerville.sc.us COUNTY GOVERNMENTS

CITY GOVERNMENTS Charleston www.charlestoncity.info

Berkeley County http://www.berkeleycountysc.gov/

Folly Beach www.follybeachsouthcarolina.org

Charleston County www.charlestoncounty.org

Goose Creek www.cityofgoosecreek.com

Dorchester County www.dorchestercounty.net

Hanahan www.cityofhanahan.com Hollywood www.townofhollywood.org Isle of Palms http://www.iop.net/ James Island http://www.jamesislandsc.org/temp/

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce www.bcoc.com Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce www.charlestonchamber.net

62 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

Greater Dorchester – Summerville Chamber of Commerce www.gsdcchamber.org TRANSPORTATION CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) www.ridecarta.com Charleston International Airport www.chs-airport.com THINGS TO DO American Military Museum http://www.americanmilitarymuseum.org/ Anna’s House & Garden Tour/ Ghost Walk www.ghostwalk.net Audubon Swamp Garden http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/ gardens.html Boone Hall Plantations & Garden www.boonehallplantation.com Carolina Heritage Outfitters www.canoesc.com Carolina Ice Palace www.carolinaicepalace.com Caw Caw Interpretive Center www.ccprc.com Charleston Ghost and Graveyard Tours www.bulldogtours.com The Charleston Museum www.charlestonmuseum.org Charles Pinckney Historic Site www.nps.gov/chpi Charles Towne Landing State Historic Park http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/ park-finder/state-park/1575.aspx Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry www.explorecml.org The Citadel Museum www.citadel.edu/museum The Confederate Museum www.csa-scla.org/articles/ConfederateMuseum.htm

Cypress Gardens www.cypressgardens.info Edisto Island Museum www.edistomuseum.com Edisto Beach State Park www.southcarolinaparks.com Edisto Island Serpentarium www.edistoserpentarium.com Folly Beach State Park www.ccprc.com Fort Moultrie www.nps.gov/fomo Fort Sumter www.nps.gov/fosu The International Center for Birds of Prey www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org Isle of Palms County Park www.ccprc.com Magnolia Plantation www.magnoliaplantation.com Middleton Place www.middletonplace.org Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon www.oldexchange.com Old Slave Mart Museum www.charlestoncity.info Old South Carriage Tours www.oldsouthcarriagetours.com Palmetto Carriage Tours www.carriagetour.com Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum www.patriotspoint.org South Carolina Aquarium www.scaquarium.org Arts The Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina www.actorstheatreofsc.org

American Theater www.pphgcharleston.com Carolina Galleries www.carolinagalleries.com Charleston Ballet Theatre www.charlestonballet.org Charleston Stage www.charlestonstage.com Charleston Symphony Orchestra www.charlestonsymphony.com City Gallery at Waterfront Park www.charlestoncity.info Flowertown Players www.flowertownplayers.org

CHARTER SCHOOLS Charleston Development Academy www.charlestondevelopmentacademy.org East Cooper Montessori Charter School www.montessoricharterschool.com James Island Charter High School www.jicharterhigh.org Orange Grove Elementary Charter School www.ogecs.com PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Footlight Players Theatre http://footlightplayers.net/

Addlestone Hebrew Academy www.addlestone.org

French Quarter Gallery Association www.frenchquarterarts.com

Archibald Rutledge Academy www.archibaldrutledgeacademy.com

Gibbes Museum of Art www.gibbesmuseum.org

Ashley Hall www.ashleyhall.org

The Have Nots! Comedy Improv http://theatre99.com/

Bishop England High School www.behs.com

MOJA Arts Festival www.mojafestival.com

Blessed Sacrament School www.scbss.org

North Charleston City Gallery www.northcharleston.org

Cathedral Academy www.cathedralacademy.com

Spoleto Festival USA/Piccolo Spoleto www.spoletousa.com www.piccolospoleto.com PUBLIC SCHOOLS Berkeley County School District www.berkeley.k12.sc.us Charleston County School District www.ccsdschools.com Dorchester County School District 2 www.dorchester2.k12.sc.us Dorchester County School District 4 www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us

The Charleston Catholic School www.charlestoncatholic.com Charleston Christian School www.charlestonchristian.org Charleston Collegiate School www.charlestoncollegiate.org Charleston Day School www.charlestondayschool.org Christ Our King-Stella Maris School www.coksm.org Coastal Christian Preparatory School www.coastalchristian.org First Baptist School of Charleston www.fbschool.org Mason Preparatory School www.masonprep.org

Montessori School of Johns Island montessorischoolofjohnsisland.com

Limestone College www.limestone.edu

Nativity School www.nativity-school.com

Lowcountry Graduate Center www.lowcountrygradcenter.org

Northside Christian School www.northsideministries.com/ncs

Medical University of South Carolina www.musc.edu

Northwood Academy www.northwoodacademy.com Pinewood Preparatory School www.pinewoodprep.com

Southern Wesleyan University Adult & Graduate Studies www.swu.edu Strayer University www.strayer.edu

Porter-Gaud School www.portergaud.edu Riverbend Christian Academy www.riverbendchristian.org

Trident Technical College www.tridenttech.edu Virginia College www.vc.edu

St. John Catholic School www.saintjohncatholicsc.org St. John’s Christian Academy www.sjcacavaliers.com St. Paul’s Academy www.stpaulsacademy.org

Webster University — Charleston Metropolitan Campus www.webster.edu/charleston HOSPITALS

Summerville Catholic School www.summervillecatholic.org

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital www.rsfh.com

Trident Academy www.tridentacademy.com

East Cooper Medical Center www.eastcoopermedctr.com

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES The Art Institute of Charleston www.artinstitutes.edu/charleston Charleston School of Law www.charlestonlaw.org

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Charleston www.healthsouthcharleston.com Kindred Hospital Charleston www.khcharleston.com

Charleston Southern University www.charlestonsouthern.edu

Medical University of South Carolina Medical Center www.muschealth.com

The Citadel www.citadel.edu

Moncks Corner Medical Center www.tridenthealthsystem.com

The Citadel Graduate College www.citadel.edu/graduatecollege

Mount Pleasant Hospital www.rsfh.com

College of Charleston www.cofc.edu

Roper Hospital www.rsfh.com/roper

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University www.erau.edu/charleston

Roper Rehabilitation Hospital www.rsfh.com

The Graduate School of the College of Charleston http://gradschool.cofc.edu

Summerville Medical Center www.tridenthealthsystem.com Trident Medical Center www.tridenthealthsystem.com

INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 63

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TELEPHONE

Newcomer Information

BellSouth 888-757-6500 www.bellsouth.com Home Telephone Company 843-899-1111 www.hometelco.com Knology 843-225-1000 www.knology.com CABLE Comcast 800-266-2278 www.comcast.com Knology 843-225-1000 www.knology.com Time Warner Cable 866-892-7201 www.timewarnercable.com ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS Berkeley Electric Cooperative 843-761-8200 www.becsc.com

Edisto Electric Cooperative 800-433-3292 www.edistoelectric.com

Town of Moncks Corner 843-719-7900 http://townofmonckscorner.sc.gov/

City of Folly Beach 843-513-1832 www.cityoffollybeach.com

Santee Cooper 843-761-8000 www.santeecooper.com

Town of Mount Pleasant 843-884-8518 www.townofmountpleasant.com

City of Goose Creek 843-797-6220 www.cityofgoosecreek.com

South Carolina Electric & Gas 800-251-7234 www.sceg.com

City of North Charleston 843-745-1026 www.northcharleston.org

City of Isle of Palms 843-886-6148 www.iopwsc.com

Town of Sullivan’s Island 843-883-3198 www.sullivansisland-sc.com

James Island Public Service District 843-795-9060 www.jipsd.org

GARBAGE City of Charleston 843-724-7364 www.charlestoncity.info City of Goose Creek 843-824-2200 www.cityofgoosecreek.com City of Hanahan 843-529-3413 www.cityofhanahan.com City of Isle of Palms 843-886-8956 www.iop.net James Island Public Service District 843-795-9060 www.jipsd.org

64 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston

Town of Summerville 843-851-5210 www.summerville.sc.us WATER AND SEWER Berkeley County Water & Sanitation Authority 843-572-4400 http://www.bcwsa.com/ Charleston Water System 843-727-6800 www.charlestonwater.com Dorchester County Water Authority 843-563-0075, 843-832-0075 www.dorchestercounty.net

Town of Moncks Corner 843-719-7900 http://townofmonckscorner.sc.gov/ Town of Mount Pleasant 843-884-8518 www.townofmountpleasant.com St. John’s Water Co. 843-559-0186 Town of Sullivan’s Island 843-883-3947 www.sullivansisland-sc.com Town of Summerville 843-871-0810 www.summerville.sc.us