The Southern Edge Magazine - Winter 2021

THE SOU THERN EDGE

BO U R BON:

No t J us t f o r S i p p i n’

BO U R BON INSPIRE D RECIPES WINTER 2021

FINDING THE PE RFECT MATCH: A B eg i n n e r s G ui d e to Pa i r i n g W h i s k e y & C iga r s

REVOLUTIONARY WAR VISITOR CENTER CAMDEN, SC

PASSION. COURAGE. LIBERTY.

Discover how South Carolina’s quest for independence turned the tide of the American Revolution. With the first permanent exhibit of its kind, the Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden tells the powerful story of the Southern Campaign and the valiant patriots with their hearts set on liberty.

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NOW OPEN Summer DAILY OPEN

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SimplyRevolutionary.com

Philosophy We believe the idea of tradition is ingrained in the souls of Southerners. We have a relentless respect for our deep heritage and an unwavering dedication to living out the traditions of the past.

We believe tradition can be honored while simultaneously welcoming contemporary thought and style and that there is a movement to merge these two lifestyles through intentional, healthy and meaningful living.

We believe happiness is rooted in simplicity. If our minds and places are free of clutter, there is more room for things that matter.

We believe local is better. It’s about being a part of a larger community. It’s about connecting with

those who grow, catch, brew and create our food and that closer means fresher, tastier and healthier.

It’s choosing fruits and vegetables in season, drinking wines from vineyards in the region, seeking out the work of local artisans and supporting independent, locally owned stores.

We believe in leaving a positive fingerprint. The measure of our success will be the condition on which we leave the world for the next generation.

We believe these thoughts embody the emergence of the “New South” and we’re honored to be presenting this movement in our pages.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.

INNOVATION 58-63: TELLING DRAYTON HALL'S STORIES: A Place and Its People 64-65: RED WOLF EXHIBIT PLANNED at BROOKGREEN GARDENS 66-71: SOUTH CAROLINA 7 We Will Be the Change

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LIFE 8-12: BOURBON: Not Just for Sippin'

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WELLNESS

13-16: BOURBON INSPIRED RECIPES 17-23: FINDING A PERFECT MATCH: a Beginners Guide to Pairing Whiskey & Cigars

74-77: SHOW OFF THAT SMILE & PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

28-31: THE BIRTH of a BREWERY Pangaea Brewing Company 34-41: SMALL TOWN PHOTO PROJECT an Interview with Will Malone 42-45: GIVING the WINTER BLUES a WHOLE NEW MEANING 48-54: IRONMEN & SERVANT LEADERS: How a Unique Karate Culture transformed Martial Arts in South Carolina

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Here we are again at the end of another calendar year.

As much as I wish that time would slow down, I must admit the excitement of ushering in a new year also brings feelings of hope for a bright future, anticipation of positive change, and a sense of personal responsibility for being the difference I wish to see in society.

The beginning of a new year provides each of us a chance to start anew – to build from the positive and change the negative. This is also true for our team here at The Southern Edge. Each year we review our goals and purpose to ensure we stay true to our mission, and we strive to make any necessary adjustments to improve.

The next paragraph is equally as important. We are challenging ourselves to leave a positive footprint and it will be the focus of our efforts in 2022. As an organization we will be volunteering for local charities, participating in litter clean-ups, and donating profits from our publication to conservation organizations.

We are determined to “be the change”. Please join us.

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

If you have not yet done so, flip back one page and read our “Philosophy”. Please pay close attention to the paragraph that begins with “We believe local is better.” As we head into the holiday season, we challenge everyone to focus on supporting our local businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists. Let’s keep our dollars circulating in our local communities this year. Local is always better and “American Made” should be the standard.

thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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Michelle McCollum CEO & Editor in Chief Anna Joyner Artistic Director & Production Manager Yuka Greer Managing Editor & Operations Director Abbey Stevens Editorial Assistant

SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Don Alexander

Ken Durham

Bob Alexander

Rhoda Green

Donna Livingston

Pete Weathers

Neal Workman

GET THE SOUTHERN EDGE MAGAZINE DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR! thesouthernedgemagazine.com

SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR Publisher Profits from The Southern Edge will go back into the preservation, conservation, and environmental educational programs of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.

National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to tell nationally significant stories.

SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR

TOM POLANDWRITER

PHIL GAINES WRITER

Tom Poland grew up in Lincoln Phil Gaines is a Professor of County, Georgia, and graduated Practice in the Parks Recreation from the University of Georgia and Tourism Management with degrees in Journalism and Department at Clemson Education. He taught at the University. Phil completed a 37University of Georgia, Columbia year career in State Parks in 2018.

College, and the University He began his career in parks as an of South Carolina. He writes entry level Park Ranger at Kings about nature and the South Mountain State Park and served and its people, traditions, and as Park Superintendent at three lifestyles. His work appears in different state parks. Phil served books & magazines, journals, as Director of South Carolina and newspapers throughout the State Parks for 13 years. Phil also South. He’s a member of the S.C. served on the Board of Directors Humanities Speakers Bureau. for the National Association of Tom is a recipient of the Order of State Park Directors, and the Palmetto. He lives in Columbia, National Association of State South Carolina.

Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers.

W. THOMAS SMITH, JR. WRITER

DARLENE GREENE WRITER

WILL MALONEPHOTOGRAPHER

W. Thomas Smith Jr. is a formerly deployed U.S. Marine Infantry leader, counterterrorism instructor, and retired colonel in the S.C. Military Department. A New York Times bestselling editor and an internationally acclaimed writer whose work has appeared in countless newspapers and magazines worldwide, Tom has traveled to Iraq, the Balkans, elsewhere and other wars. He is also a senior officer with the National Security Task Force, South Carolina Floodwater Commission. Among Tom’s awards, honors, and military decorations, he is a 2019 recipient of the Order of the Palmetto. uswriter.com

A graduate of both Anderson and Clemson Universities, Darlene has degrees in Journalism and English. She has written professionally for both corporate and news publications for over 35 years. At the same time, she has sought knowledge, training and tools to live a healthier, more spiritually connected life.

Certified in numerous energy healing modalities including Reiki, Ama Deus, Access Bars and Intuitive Counseling, Darlene loves helping others find their truth and their life’s passions. She is married, has one grown son, two rescued dogs, Finn (pictured) and Ginger, and two rescued cats, Smokey and Bandit. healingwithsoundsoflove.com

Will is a travel photographer who focuses on small towns for the Small Town Photo Project.

After growing up as a military kid traveling to often-photographed cities like Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Brussels, and more, Will realized there’s still so much of life that doesn’t get photographed at all, and smaller cities that don’t have a photography culture providing images for that particular place. Now, Will sees it as his mission to focus on smaller towns and places not as often photographed in order to provide fine art prints and other photography products for people who are passionate about their small corner of the earth. Will currently resides and has a studio in the small town of Anderson, SC in order to pursue his mission with his wife and daughter.

GEORGE McDANIEL WRITER

JANE JENKINS HERLONG - WRITER

JAMES SAXON WRITER

We are always willing to consider freelance photographers & contributors.

Please send queries to info@thesouthernedgemagazine.com

George W. McDaniel has devoted his professional life to historic preservation and education.

Currently he is president of McDaniel Consulting, LLC, which offers strategic services to museums and historical organizations. In 2016 he retired after 26 years as executive director of Drayton Hall in Charleston, SC. He is consistently kept in the real world by his wife of 38 years, Mary Sue Nunn McDaniel, a former teacher. mcdanielconsulting.net

Jane Jenkins Herlong is a Sirius XM Humorist, bestselling/award-winning author, professional singer, recording artist and professional Southern humorist. A recent inductee into the prestigious Speakers Hall of Fame, Jane is the best-selling author of four books. A former Miss America contestant, Jane’s award-winning singing and comedy is featured on Sirius XM Radio, Spotify and Pandora Internet Radio. For speaking engagements visitjaneherlong.com

James "Jamie" Saxon is a Red Hills and Cotton native of the South Carolina Upcountry, to which he returned after a couple of decades in other places. A graduate of Furman University, the University of South Carolina, and the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University, he has been a college administrator, worked in private practice and public service, and currently is associate probate judge for Anderson County. He loves books, jazz, food, friends, labs, and his crazy Southern family.

BRING THE ENJOYMENT OF SMOKED COCKTAILS FROM YOUR FAVORITE BAR TO YOUR HOME KITCHEN OR BAR. ENJOY THE SWEET SMOKED FLAVOR ADDED BY OUR SPECIALLY SOURCED BOURBON BARREL STAVES. UNLIKE OTHER SMOKING KITS MADE FROM BARREL STAVES, OURS ARE DESIGNED TO FIT A LARGE RANGE OF GLASSES TO MAKE IT EASIER TO INCORPORATE INTO YOUR HOME BAR OR KITCHEN. TREAT YOURSELF OR GIVE THE PREFECT GIFT FOR THAT WHISKEY LOVER IN YOUR FAMILY OR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS.

whiskeyandwhitetails.com

LIFE

NOT JUST FOR SIPPIN'

Words & Photos by Matt Greene co-founder of Whiskey & Whitetails

W

ine and steak? Sure! Pizza and beer?

Absolutely! How about bourbon and spaghetti?

Did that question make you pause? Most people have never considered what foods pair well with bourbon; but with the rise in bourbon popularity, this is quickly changing. While a spaghetti dish may not be the best option to start with as you begin your bourbon pairing exploration, it is certainly something you should try once you figure out what pairs well with your favorite sauce.

Bourbon has historically been much less associated with food than other liquors such as sherry and brandy. The reason most likely lies in the fact that during the early days of distilling, whiskey had very harsh flavors. But this is not the case today as there are many beautiful, mild bourbons readily available at your local liquor store. Here at Whiskey & Whitetails, customers at our pairing demonstrations are often shocked

at how well bourbon and cheese pair together.

When paired correctly, adding a sip of bourbon to a soft gouda or harsh blue cheese can break down fatty acids and create a smooth mouth feel and delicious experience.

Many times, in our tasting classes we are asked how bourbons were infused to get smells such as banana, brown sugar, and vanilla. This question is very common, and people often believe these smells can only come from the actual fruit or plant. The short answer is that bourbons are not infused with anything. Federal law mandates that bourbon can have no artificial flavors, coloring, or sweeteners added. It must truly be a distillate that is aged in barrels and then bottled – pure as the driven snow. And never forget – while all bourbon is whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon.

ABC's of

Bourbon can be made anywhere in America.

It must enter the barrel at no more than 62.5% ABV (125 proof )

Bourbon must be made with new charred oak barrels.

It must be filled or bottled at no less than 40% AVB (80 proof )

Corn must make up 51% (or more) of the grains used.

It must be genuine, no artificial colors may be added.

It must be distilled to a maximum of 80% ABV (alcohol by volume) (160 proof ) thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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While there are many compounds found in bourbon, these are the most common and prevalent in relation to taste, smell, and mouth feel.

Esters: Created during the fermentation period when the fatty acids and alcohols produced by the yeast are combined. These compounds create many different types of esters, some of which create a distinct aroma like fruit or cheese.

Phenols: These compounds are often associated with medicinal flavors like rubber gloves, hospital related smells like iodine and even smoke.

Aldehydes: Some of these compounds are created during fermentation and others during aging in a barrel. One of the most common is furfural which gives the bourbon a grain or fresh biscuit taste. Many times, you will hear them described as bread top or nuttiness.

While there are many other scientific words associated with these compounds, they can get convoluted and not the most interesting thing to read while enjoying a pour. For example, the taste of bananas in Old Forester 1920 (see page 13).

Kentucky:

Capital of the World

Bourbon, by law, can be made anywhere in America, but 95% of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky. This all began when the whiskey business moved to the frontiers of Kentucky after the whiskey rebellion in 1794. In the early days of distillation, whiskey was predominantly made of rye and was as clear as water. Although whiskey was stored in barrels before consumption, the aging of whiskey in charred oak barrels did not begin until distillers started to ship their product from Kentucky down the Ohio river. This aging process is what imparted that golden color we know and love today.

Charred barrels, limestone filtered water, fluctuating temperatures, and fertile soil for growing grains made Kentucky the perfect place to serve as the launching point for whiskey take over. Kentucky has more miles of navigable water ways than any other state in the lower 48, which made moving whiskey from Bourbon County down to Bourbon Street in New Orleans an achievable task. By the year 1860, the term “Bourbon Whiskey” had become commonplace and firmly established.

Why “Bourbon?” After the Revolutionary War, Americans named many places after the French to show gratitude for their assistance in the war. Bourbon County in Kentucky and Bourbon St. in New Orleans were named after the House of Bourbon in France the 2nd longest running dynasty in the world. For the French Canadians on Bourbon Street to grow mighty fond of a barrel stamped Bourbon County, it was simple brand recognition.

Whiskey was used as medicine for many years before it was used for cooking. Alcohol has been a main ingredient of concoctions created to treat everything from the common cold to snake bites. Alcohol is a solvent, and it breaks down many of the antiviral and antibacterial properties that exist in plants. Alcohol also immediately moves to the blood stream, and it takes the medicinal properties of those plants with it.

We have all seen the movies where the cowboy takes a big swig of whiskey before the doc digs a bullet out of his arm; that is because it was used for anesthesia. Although it didn’t work as well as today’s medicine, it did help. Alcohol is an also antiseptic, and whiskey would also be used to clean the wound after surgery.

Whiskey of the past was not the most delicious thing on the market and much like today, what makes medicine go down better?

Sugar! While nobody knows exactly where the word “cocktail” comes from, most of the stories and rumors involve mixing things with your alcohol to make it taste good. In 1806, the official definition of a “medicinal cocktail” was a mixture of alcohol, sugars, water, and bitters. What we today refer that to a classic Old Fashioned.

Old Fashioned Begin by smoking your glass with our barrel kit.

While the glass is being coated (about 30 seconds) mix together: 2 ounces of bourbon ½ of Bittermilk Barrel Aged Old Fashion mix Stir Turn over your smoke glass and add block of ice. Pour cocktail over ice, garnish and enjoy!

Even with the absence of sugar and artificial flavoring, bourbon can still carry smells like dark cherry, chocolate, vanilla, s’mores, and many other flavors if you train your nose to find them. If this makes your mouth water, then you can understand how using the right bourbon in the right recipe can really take your cooking to the next level! This is one reason why the popularity of cooking with bourbon is on the rise.

INSPIRED RECIPES

Old Forester 1920 in almost everyone’s nose will scream “banana.” It is a very prominent smell, and it even follows through into the tasting of the bourbon.

So, what is causing the banana taste and smell? Isoamyl Acetate C7H14O2. That’s right, you are not smelling a banana, you are smelling a chemical compound. This same chemical compound is found in many bourbons, but especially strong in the Old Forester 1920.

As you begin to experiment with pairing bourbon with your favorite foods and creating amazing bourbon cocktails, we suggest you try these Kentucky-inspired, bourbon-infused recipes.

thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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Pe ca n P i e

INGREDIENTS 3 eggs, lightly beaten ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup light corn syrup ½ cup dark corn syrup ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons bourbon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt 1 frozen pie shell 1 cup pecan halves DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together eggs, sugar, corn syrups, butter, bourbon, vanilla and salt until well blended.

Pour the mixture into the pie shell.

Bake for 25 minutes. Add pecans in a decorative fashion on top and bake for another 15-20 minutes.

Place on a rack to cool. It will thicken as it cools.

Glazed Candied Yams INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

3 lbs. sweet potatoes peeled and diced into about 1 - 1 1/2" pieces

Preheat oven to 400 F degrees. Add sweet potatoes to greased baking dish.

5 Tbsp butter melted 2/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup apple cider 3 Tbsp bourbon 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/8 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1 cup small marshmallows (optional)

In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, apple cider, bourbon, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir together until mixed.

Add mixture to sweet potatoes and toss to coat.

Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes until potatoes are tender and caramelized.

Add marshmallows and bake until lightly toasted.

Hot

Cider INGREDIENTS 1 gal. fresh apple cider 5 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 2 tsp. ground ginger 3 c. bourbon Cinnamon sticks

DIRECTIONS In a large pot, heat apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Before it boils, remove from heat and add bourbon. Stir to distribute spices. Pour into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serves 20.

Finding the Perfect Match:

a beginners guide to pairing whiskey and cigars Words by Trevor Bard / Photos by Matt Greene

It is typically best to pair cigars and whiskeys that are similar in body.

This keeps one from overpowering the other. So, for a lighter body and flavored whiskey, go with a medium body and flavor cigar. For a full body and flavored whiskey, smoke a fuller cigar.

Also, understand what you may want from the pairing experience. If you want to taste the cigar for what it is and the whiskey for what it is, then opt for more dissimilarity in the flavors between the whiskey and cigar. The contradicting flavor notes will be more prominent. If you want to experiment with bringing out different flavors in the drink or smoke, opt for more similarities in the flavors between the whiskey and cigar. The similar flavors will highlight any subtleties that are typically not apparent.

When pairing, do more than just sip your whiskey and smoke your cigar.

Nose the whiskey while you have some smoke in your mouth to see the impact the scent and taste have on one another. Try puffing before sipping, then try sipping before puffing. Try leaving some smoke or whiskey in your mouth while you take a sip or a puff.

Playing around with different orders or ways of drinking and smoking can generate some very interesting changes in the profile of the cigar or whiskey. If you like the cigar for what it is and the whiskey for what it is, there’s nothing wrong with letting your palate clear from the whiskey or smoke before your next puff or sip. That way you get what you want from the drink or smoke.

One of the less popular ideas in most circles, but still a fun experiment, is to dip the tip of your cigar into your whiskey. Some people find this taboo, but life is about experiences, and this is definitely an interesting one to try out.

This method doesn’t always do great for pairing reasons, but it does offer up a strange sensation and flavoring that many people enjoy.

Tasting Notes Tasting Notes” are a taster’s written description about the aroma, taste, and character of both the whiskey and the cigar. They are highly descriptive and help guide our taste buds to what we like and do not like. We are providing a list of generally used tasting notes to assist with your pairing.

General Whiskey Tasting Notes There are many things that can impart flavors into whiskey and bourbon like the water used to distill it, the ingredients in the mash bill, or even the location it is aged in.

The ingredients that make up the mash are often more responsible for flavors and that is what breaks whiskey into many different categories, but we will focus on these three main types.

Bourbon: Sweet flavors like caramel and vanilla, or fruit, sometimes with chocolate coatings. Spice flavors like black pepper, wood, nutmeg, and allspice. Grain flavors like corn and rye.

The tasting flavors can range from campfire, wood, char, sweet, dark fruit, and spicy.

Scotch: Smokey, apple, nutmeg, dried fruit, grass, toffee, cinnamon, earthy, salt, wood smoke and medicinal.

Rye: Peppery bite, spicy flavor and can sometimes seem a little aggressive. It is also corn based, so it can have similar bourbon flavors. Sometimes we say “bread top” or herbal.

General Tobacco Tasting Notes There are many things that influence the smoking characteristics of tobacco used in cigar making. Things that impact flavor include, but are not limited to, the seed type, the country, the specific region, farm, or field, the processes used in growing, cultivating, curing, fermenting, and aging the tobacco, and the manner in which they are placed in the blends. For the sake of this article, I am going to provide some general notes that can be safe assumptions for the types of flavors you could expect from different tobaccos.

Nicaraguan Tobaccos: Oak, Cedar, Caramel, Syrup, Citrus, Pepper, Cocoa, Earthy Spices, Darker Fruit, Darker Coffee, Bread.

Dominican Tobaccos: Cedar, Mushroom, Musky Earth, Red Fruits, Cinnamon, Cream, Nuts, Minerals.

Ecuadorian Tobaccos: Primarily used as wrapper leaves. Ecuadorian Habano: Cream, Vanilla, Pepper, Softer Sweetness, Cocoa. Ecuadorian Shade: Hay, Subtle Bitterness, Cream, Citric. Ecuadorian Sumatran: Baking Spices, Oak, Cedar, Subtly Sweet Eart Honduran Tobaccos: Floral, Citrus, Tang, Ginger, Brighter Coffee Notes, Buttery USA Broadleaf Tobaccos: Connecticut Broadleaf: Damp Earth, Dates, Raisins, Dark Cocoa, Oak. Pennsylvania Broadleaf: Smokey, Meaty, Salt, Tannins Mexican San Andres Tobaccos: Earth, Mineral, Chocolate, Dark Fruit, Pepper

Join me in my sample pairing: For my pairing flight I decided to do a Rye Whiskey (Sazerac Rye), a Scotch (Kilchoman Machir Bay), a mid-proof Bourbon (New Riff BiB Bourbon), and a high proof Bourbon (Wild Turkey Rare Breed). I felt this would give a wide range of whiskey types, as well as proof and flavor ranges.

For the cigar, I elected to smoke the Crowned Heads Le Careme Robusto because this cigar nicely balances sweeter, richer flavors with more earthy/woody flavors. It is also in the Whiskey & Whitetails Intro Sampler on smallbatchcigar.com and utilizes 3 different tobaccos outlined above: a Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra Binder, and Nicaraguan Fillers. Tip: You can use code ‘whiskey’ to get a nice discount on this sampler pack.

PRE-PAIRING NOTES: I poured the whiskeys prior to lighting the cigar and made nose and palate notes for each whiskey and cigar.

Crowned Heads Le Careme Notes: This cigar is medium-full in flavor with no noticeable strength, and medium-full bodies smoke. The draw flavors include rich earth, creaminess, and a little cocoa. The retrohale has a basil-like sweetness.

To me, these draw and retrohale flavors combine to create a chocolate mousse flavor. The finish shows some pepper and woodiness.

Sazerac Rye Nose: Aromas of mint and sweet summer fruits similar to mango or peach. Hints of rye or baking spice are apparent in the first smell.

Palate: The palate is floral with mint and a hint of raisins. It then imparts a little more rye spice and earthiness.

Finish: A ton of rye forward flavors which quickly dissipate into dark fruits and pepper.

PAIRING NOTES: If you nose the whiskey with the smoke in your mouth, there is a creaminess that joins the nose and there’s no noticeable mint anymore. Sipping the whiskey, then taking a puff of the cigar tingles the sides of the tongue like a sweet sour candy. The basil becomes far more prominent in the smoke when you retrohale. The finish is much earthier and wood forward. When you take a puff of the cigar first and then sip the whiskey, its straight bubblegum up front, then the finish becomes super fruity and sweet like a tropical fruit juice.

New Riff BiB Bourbon Nose: Upfront we have a lot of apple and cinnamon among other baking spices. Slight pepper that could almost double as peppermint. A lot of sweetness similar to buttercream and vanilla.

Palate: More cinnamon, apples and caramel. The first thing that comes to mind is a caramel candied apple.

A balanced amount of heat that should be expected from a 100 proof bourbon.

Finish: Hints of cereal grains and the peppermint shows up again to round out the finish.

PAIRING NOTES: If you nose the whiskey with the smoke in your mouth the spices are gone, the apple is more like peach, and it is very creamy smelling like a peach ice cream. Sipping the whiskey then taking a puff of the cigar interestingly does not change a lot in the profile. The whiskey flavors and the cigar flavors are both present and separate. Taking a puff first then taking a sip of whiskey creates that bubblegum flavor again. The apple is gone, the cinnamon is prominent, and the finish is a little earthier.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon Nose: Very prominent corn, vanilla, and darker fruit. This is the most “bourbon” profile in this tasting for sure.

Palate: Sweetness from the oak creates some prominent caramel and vanilla with a pepper heat on the back end.

Finish: While the spice is evident, the sweetness takes over the finish with hints of tobacco, leather, and toffee.

PAIRING NOTES: If you nose the whiskey with the smoke in your mouth, there’s not a lot of difference.

Maybe a more prominent corn note and less prominent vanilla. Sipping the whiskey then taking a puff of the cigar brings out more of the basil note in the cigar. The finish is also a lot of vanilla and later in the finish there is a very pastry-like breadiness. Taking a puff of the cigar and then a sip of whiskey again brings in the bubblegum. This is followed by caramel and a bit more peppery heat than the smoke or whiskey brings itself.

Final Thoughts: If I were to pair this cigar with one of these whiskeys, it would probably be the New Riff or Sazerac for different reasons.

The Sazerac Rye pairing was a complete transformation in profile, showcasing a lot of bright fruitiness that made for an interesting experience because you could play around with the order of drinking and smoking to create very different experiences.

Now that you have read how it’s done, we encourage you to give it a try. Take your time smoking your cigar and nosing your whiskey. This should be an hour or more of your time and you should enjoy it. Write down tasting notes and just relax. Once you start to build a range of pallets and flavors that you like, you can quickly figure out the best way to pair and enjoy your favorite cigar and whiskey.

The New Riff would be great if you really want the flavors of the Le Careme and the flavors of the New Riff individually without much interference from one another. The obvious similarity in each pairing is the bubblegum note that was prominent when you took a sip directly after taking a puff. My best guess is that it had to do with the fruity components in the whiskies because that was a common trait.

If you are new to cigars, this should help you target the profile you want and you can ask your tobacconist for what fits in these profiles. We also recommend as you smoke cigars, save the wrappers of the ones you like so you can remember what was enjoyable and make it easier to target those specific flavors. thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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TABLE ROCK STAT E PARK TABLE ROCK STAT E PARK

South Carolina’s state parks offer some of the most inviting natural, cultural and recreational destinations in the country, from wide sandy South Carolina’s state parks offer some of the most inviting natural, beaches and lakeside retreats to majestic waterfalls and mountain cultural and recreational destinations in the country, from wide sandy vistas. Discover the best of life in South Carolina with an ALL Park beaches and lakeside retreats to majestic waterfalls and mountain Passport. In addition to unlimited access across all of the state parks, vistas. Discover the best of life in South Carolina with an ALL Park you’ll get admission to Atalaya Castle and free historic home tours at Passport. In addition to unlimited access across all of the state parks, Redcliffe, Rose Hill and Hampton plantations. you’ll get admission to Atalaya Castle and free historic home tours at Redcliffe, Rose Hill and Hampton plantations.

Passports are valid for a year from Passports are valid date of purchase for a year from date of purchase

Learn more and purchase your passport at Learn more and purchase SouthCarolinaParks.com your passport at

SouthCarolinaParks.com

MOONSHINE F A L L S and all that goes with it.

Words & Nature Photos by Phil Gaines

M

oonshine Falls, a captivating name for a waterfall and a bit of romanticism perhaps. Could it be the name originates from how the moon shines its light through the shadows of the tall hardwoods highlighting the white cascade of falling water? Or, perhaps it’s something altogether different; perhaps something to do with the heritage and lore of these mountains and the making of whiskey, yes, the making of whiskey. As I trek through laurels and observe the trail turn from red clay to a dark color that matches the forest, my mind wanders as the deafening sounds of Matthews Creek flowing over the granite rocks of time are replaced by the echoes of the silence of the dense hardwood forest. The tranquil sounds of the forest and my imagination take me to a time before downtown distilleries and “legal moonshine” to stills and hideouts tucked away in the hills of the Blue Ridge. thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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The history of making whiskey is a fascinating story that often connects us to this region’s heritage and often to special places like Moonshine Falls. Appalachia, more specially the mountains of the Carolinas, were the perfect location for distilling whiskey.

The area was remote and often difficult to access, the perfect combination for secret activities like making whiskey.

When Europeans first settled in these mountains they brought with them a Scotch-Irish heritage, where making whiskey was an art and often a way of life. In the Carolina mountains the lack of good roads with access to the small farms, often made it difficult for farmers to get their crops (mainly corn) to market. Many farmers discovered it was much more profitable to turn their corn into whiskey. It kept a tradition alive while providing revenue for their family. All well and good, except for this practice was illegal and it was also dangerous. Despite this, a determined and creative community believed there had to be a way to continue the practice of their ancestors and avoid the authorities. Thus “moonshine” was conceived. Whiskey makers would practice their distilling in secret by the light of the moon in remote areas utilizing the topography and resources of the mountains they now called home.

As the trail winds through the forest the remoteness of the area becomes apparent. After what seems miles of a narrow tail, a gradual turn and the trail widens. Upon further investigation I determine it’s an old road, perhaps used to deliver necessary supplies to our destination in a time forgotten. The trail narrows again and descends into a gorge as the faint sounds of water filter through the songs of cicadas and an occasional rustling of the leaves by squirrels and other unseen critters of the forest. The sounds of falling water become louder with each step until I arrived at my destination. The beauty of the falls is unmatched, as white water falls over the dark granite cliff above, the foliage provides the perfect backdrop.

While this exhibition is hard to ignore, it is what’s under the falls that catches my eye. Evidence of a time forgotten. Relics of the namesake of the Falls that protect and conceal the unspoken heritage of these mountains. This is indeed the perfect spot - water, secrecy, and perhaps a bit of inspiration, all by the light of the moon. As I walk under the falls around the 55-gallon drums that lay abandoned, rusted with time and seemingly forgotten, my mind is filled with images of a day gone by. The story of moonshining along with the evidence of the craft that remain scattered throughout the site add a different element to this place. A connection to the heritage of these mountains and a time forgotten.

The allure of the cascading water is infectious and persuades you to follow its flow to add perspective of its grandeur.

From the bottom of the falls, you appreciate the secrecy of the cave you just explored,

and the attraction of falling water is breathtaking. Chasing the water that just fell from the granite ridge above does not disappoint as I encounter yet another falls a few hundred yards below Moonshine. The unmistaken sounds of falling water consume the senses as Confusion Falls stop you in your tracks to take a closer look. Confusion Falls is apparently named for the two creeks that join to create a stunning cascade that causes some “confusion” as to which creek to give the credit for this exhibition of nature’s beauty.

As I find the perfect rock to sit upon to enjoy the sounds and the beauty it provides, I reflect. This secret spot filled with history, lore and beauty brings with it a peace that is rare in the fast pace, and uncertain world we live in today. I’ll be taking a bit of Moonshine Falls home with me, nothing physical from the site as the relics of the past belong at the site to continue to tell the

past belong at the site to continue to tell the story. Rather I take with me a memory of a special place that has my mind racing with images of waterfalls and the craft of making whiskey under the light of the moon. So, it’s off to the firepit in the backyard with a glass of whiskey under the moonlight and a memory of Moonshine Falls. Cheers!

See you outside!

The

B I RT H OF A

B R E W E RY PANGAEA BREWING COMPANY Words by Darlene Greene

S

teve Schofield and his wife Emily are the founders of Pangaea Brewing, but their story encompasses a decade of ideas, study, travel, and hard work along with lots of support from a tight-knit group of friends and family. In 2011, while a student at Clemson as a Chemical Engineering major, Steve and his best pal decided to learn to home brew.

As they practiced with different styles and recipes, they often discussed various ideas for their own brewery.

Steve and his Clemson friends are a close group. They loved gathering together, cooking a great meal and enjoying good beer.

They often traveled together and wherever they went, they sought out new craft beers to try and all varieties of cuisine. At home, ever

creative, they tried all types of food recipes and experimented with different styles and flavors of beer. Some were a great success for novice brewers, others not so much.

Some were outright failures which resulted in some bottles exploding in a closet during the fermentation. While a few of their initial brews were excellent, the ones that failed actually taught them the most about the process. Through it all, Steve’s love of good food, good beer and good fellowship with friends and family was constant.

Pangaea (also spelled Pangea), pronounced pan-jee-uh, is the name of the supercontinent incorporating nearly all the earth’s landmass when the continents were joined approximately 300 million years ago. The name is derived from the Greek for “all the Earth.”

Steve Schofield, Founder of Pangaea Brewing.

Following graduation, Steve went to work for a large international chemical producer.

While he loved the process of the work, he didn’t feel a connection to the product.

Steve decided to further his education by pursuing an MBA from Clemson and initiated an application to the UC Davis Master Brewers program in California. The Master Brewers program had an extensive wait list, so he began his MBA and as he neared completion of that degree, he received acceptance to the Master Brewers program. Once he completed his MBA, Steve and Emily, packed the car and moved to California for several months while Steve completed the program.

By the time he finished “Brew School”, Steve was confident that opening his own Brewery was the career he wanted. All throughout this time, Steve continued home-brewing. He and Emily also pursued their love of food and enjoyed nothing more than having all their Clemson “crew” together for a meal.

There are numerous hurdles for a would-be brewer---finding an acceptable location, sourcing the necessary equipment, designing the space, meeting all the regulatory guidelines, getting the appropriate licenses, and setting up a DHEC approved kitchen.

It took several years to line everything up and meet all the requirements.

In June of 2021, Pangaea Brewing Company opened its doors. The Brewery’s tag line is reminiscent of their days back at Clemson with their “crew”--- bringing the world together, one beer at a time! The brewery is in a revitalized warehouse park in downtown Greenville alongside the Reedy River and opposite the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The City of Greenville has installed bridges along the trail so that hikers and bikers can cross-over to the warehouse park and enjoy the great beer and the wood fire scratch kitchen.

To compliment the fresh beers he brews, Steve wanted to ensure his taproom served quality food and so he hired head chef, Ethan Stark. Using locally sourced, fresh ingredients, the pizzas, sandwiches, and salads are excellent and have authentic flair.

Chef Stark creates a wonderful menu for the Taproom that has several favorites like the classic Caesar or Caprese salads or the American pepperoni pizza. But there are many unique selections as well. The Forager pizza has a truffle oil base, locally sourced mushrooms, marinated cherry tomatoes, pecorino romano, local honey, herbed bread crumb and arugula. The Rocket salad includes arugula, smoked fingerling potatoes, Sicilian olives, pecorino romano, and a pistachio vinaigrette which is fabulous.

Charcuterie or cheese boards are available for sharing along with many other tasty treats. The taproom also offers non-alcoholic craft kombuchas and a specially curated selection of ciders, wines and sodas. There is something for everyone and you will have a hard time deciding what to try first when you visit.

Collaboration is key for Steve and his team as demonstrated by his family and friends’ involvement. Mama Schofield handles the accounting; sister Bridget is the Taproom manager; wife Emily is the head of marketing; Clemson pal Nysa Hicks created the beautiful logo and signage in the Taproom; and his best man, Braden, creates questions for Trivia Night.

In addition to the support of friends and family, Steve has received incredible support from other local breweries. “This is a very collaborative industry, rather than being competitive, we support each other and see the success of one as success for all. The other brewers in town have been ‘open books’ for me, answering questions and offering assistance and insight. It is really a wonderful community of support,” said Steve.

The atmosphere is relaxed and very familyfriendly, especially since Steve and Emily just became parents themselves this past Spring. Dogs are welcomed on the outdoor, trailside greenspace overlooking the river.

The team at Pangaea also believe in giving back to their community and host several “Appreciation” events each week such as Medical Professionals Night or Educator Appreciation Night.

“All-in-all, the journey from those homebrew days in Clemson till now has been crazy, challenging and a ton of fun,” said Steve. As our website states, “this brewery has grown from the love of bringing people together, with strong roots in the community, a commitment to quality and sustainability. We are bringing the world together, one beer at a time. So, we invite you to come visit and experience for yourself.

We look forward to seeing you soon!”

PANGAEA BREWING COMPANY 115 Wellborn Street / Greenville, SC pangaeabrewing.com

SWEET TEA SOUTHERN SECRETS

My newest book, Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep-Fried South, will be released in the Spring of 2022… if it’s not stuck on a cargo ship off of the coast of California. Just a side note, the book is available for pre-sale on Amazon and other places where books live.

The theme of my book is secret Southernisms and other fascinating facts (and fiction) about living and growing up in the South. Childhood memories, kinfolk, and those who have moved to our sacred Southland continue to influence my work as a writer. People from elsewhere are genuinely interested in our slow talkin’, slow walkin’ ways so I thought I would write a tell-all book.

One hundred and fifty some years ago we fought to keep the Yankees out, lost, rebuilt and moved on. Times change, people change and a whole passel of folks have come back. Even folks from California are enamored with our Southern ways.

Many are looking to settle someplace with a bit of land to mow and farm (we would call such tiny parcels a garden but it’s not our place to judge our neighbor’s plot in life), the South has acres and acres of wide-open spaces.

Just so you totally understand folks around in the South, some of these wide open spaces are between the ears of our kinfolk.

Sunday after church, my grandmother, Lou, would load up her grand-youngins’ and take us to meet our cousins; the actual name for cousins in the South is, “cudins.’ I remember driving up to an old rustic farmhouse situated in a grassless yard. Running around the house were stray dogs, feral cats and frantic chickens. Two large women were sitting in rocking chairs wearing cotton house dresses and shoes that looked more like shoeboxes that once housed their sensible black footwear. Both had style-less, grey, up-dos that where actually down-dos. On the back of their heads were tight buns but the expression on their faces was even tighter. That Sunday afternoon on a hot, July day, I met my Cudin’ Wee-Wee and Aunt Fannie. These miserable matrons looked like they would cut you. But the longer they talked, the harder they rocked and I don’t necessarily mean the chairs. Cudin’s Fannie and Wee-Wee told stories that were hilarious.

Gumpa, Wee-Wee and Fannie began my long, love affair with story tellin’...Southern style.

The Legendary Southern Sistah…

It was a Southern Belle’s mecca—Columbia College. Filled with all-women, this was one of the few female colleges affording one an MRS (a MRS Degree is when a young woman attends college or university with the intention of finding a potential spouse) and PhD in becoming an OSB (Official Southern Belle).

Story is how we speak in the South.

But there was one gal in our group who was all of five-feet tall. Despite her limited physical stature, she became a giant among us ¾ mainly due to her ability to remain composed and proper regardless of the circumstances.

My grandfather, we called Gumpa, could spin a tale like no other. He was fluent in our unique lowcountry brogue, Gullah. My cousins and I would sit for hours listening to Gumpa tell Lowcountry stories. One of my favorites is about growing “vege-tables” in the “Gua-den” and how our minister and his wife, in his words, “Sho’ hell prayed themselves out of his vege-tables.”

Apparently, they were in noon prayer and would not answer his calls.

Always pristine, her clothes were impeccable; every strand of her blonde hair was always in place. She was a South Carolina “up the country” Southern Belle with a perpetual smile on her perfectly powdered face. Cordial, sweet, smart she became, I dare say, the standard bearer of what all proper Southern Belles should aspire to become.

Her signature trademark was her decoupage’ pocketbook, one of many in her assortment of hinged purses.

Why are folks intrigued with our Southern ways?

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Not normally one to party, a group of her friends convinced our “up the country” Southern Belle to go out with them one evening. Dressed in her finery and with her signature purse, she went out and became quite “overserved.”

Riding back to the dorm, she became car sick.

Maintaining her Southern Belle composure, she grabbed her purse, opened the lid and with her head down inside her adorable decoupage’ hinged pocketbook, she un-swallowed, then she silently and with dignity, closed the lid.

There was no tacky big production number and no display of emotion. She simply did what she had to do while still maintaining the unspoken culture-conduct-code of a true Southern lady, which is, don’t mess your dress or shoes.

Some colleges produce Nobel Peace recipients and Pulitzer Prize winners but this nameless legendary woman taught us how to act and maintain proper, dignified behavior for the overserved Southern Belle. So what Southern secrets can we learn from this? If you’re going out for a night on the town, always carry a handbag large enough to contain the contents for an emergency, unsettled abdomen. And don’t forget a breath mint.

Available Spring of 2022

Jane is the best-selling author of four books and a professional Southern humorist.

For speaking engagements visit janeherlong.com

a MAN'S " PLACE"

The title of this essay doesn’t speak to a man’s philosophical place in the world, or his family, society, etc., but a place/space he can call his own. Many today refer to it as a “man cave,” while past names may have been “den” or “study,” regardless of whether any studying is done. Call it whatever fits your personality, but here are some suggestions for creating one.

If you have a particularly spacious house, you’ll have a nice-sized room just for yourself. What do you want in it? That depends on how you’ll use it, what you like to do, and who you’ll allow into this inner sanctum.

For a start, you’ll want a very comfortable chair and sofa. I suggest a leather club chair and ottoman for putting your feet up. With it, you’ll need a table large enough for a beverage and book, and the occasional cigar, along with a coffee table (I prefer one with a padded, leather top so you can put your feet on it—it’s your room remember). Maybe this is the time to recommend you have a very good air flow for this room. You don’t want any furniture that is easy to break or hard to clean, which is why leather is a good idea.

A fireplace is a near-necessity if space and funds allow, and I don’t care what people say about real logs versus gas—I’ll take the gas logs with a remote control any day and not have to haul ashes (no pun intended).

Also important is a television for sports, movies, or, if it can’t be avoided, news. Make it discreet instead of the room’s centerpiece. And because you don’t just watch television, have a nicely sized bookcase or built-in bookshelves with actual books on them. In between the books, you’ll put memorabilia, trophies, photos, and anything else that is meaningful to you. Of course, you may want to use this space for avoiding television and social media, in which case, don’t have a TV and keep your computer, iPad, and smart phone somewhere else.

Now, for a key part of your space: a drinks cart or hutch for your choice of beverages. Even if you don’t imbibe, you may want to offer something to others. Find one of those carts (alternately called tea carts, bar carts, beverage wagons, etc.) at a yard sale, antique store, or wherever, or get an old hutch.

Have some nice glasses (if you’re married, put some of those wedding gifts to use); some cocktail (i.e., small) napkins—I’m fond of those with a Purple Diamond F on them; lots of coasters so you don’t ruin the furniture; and whatever you think your guests might like to drink—and don’t just include alcoholic beverages because nothing is more refreshing than an Arnold Palmer (equal parts iced tea and lemonade).

You want some lighting you can use for seeing well or for dimming when you’re watching television or you’ve invited your wife or sweetheart inside. This goes hand-in-hand with a good stereo—interestingly, I read recently that professionals are calling them hi-fi’s again.

that for an SAT word?). Comfort is the main purpose of a man’s cave, den, or study. To have a place of your own after work or a rough day is more than pleasant, it’s a pathway to sanity.

For ideas, here’s what I had in my favorite study.

Two comfortable club chairs with a very large ottoman; a rolltop desk (for hiding the messy papers); a day bed for sitting or naps; bookshelves on three of the four walls; lamps instead of overhead lights; a thick rug to make the place feel warmer—you shouldn’t have to wear shoes in this space; lots of photographs, old and new; an autographed Sports Illustrated from May 1961 featuring Gary Player on the cover from his win at The Masters that year, framed in an acid-free, archival frame; memorabilia from various schools, including a wool Furman rat cap from the 1930s given to me by a good friend—it was his father’s; and an excellent, but small, stereo system that worked not just in that room, but wherever I had speakers installed; plants to make it look homey and improve the air quality; a 1928 Underwood typewriter from an aunt and uncle; a lighted globe; the webbing from a defunct Pawley’s Island hammock with pictures and quotes all over it; and several figures of Good ole Charlie Brown and the gang—you’re never too old for the Peanuts. I also had my parent’s first telephone, a beige, dial, wall phone (not connected), and a side table I made from gigantic English dictionaries and an old ceramic column, with glass on top.

Anything you like and find meaningful probably deserves a place in your hideout, because it’s yours and you don’t have to please anyone but yourself in it. Hmm, is it time to read a book and fall asleep afterward?

Cover the walls with photos of old friends, gone and present; favorite places and vacations; old school pictures, family members; and everything that makes you feel warm and cossetted (how’s thesouthernedgemagazine.com 33

small t o w n PHOTO PROJECT An interview with travel photographer Will Malone

THOMASVILLE, GA

Here at TSE, we are very passionate about small towns. Where did your passion for small towns originate?

I grew up as a military kid, mostly in Hawaii, so I’m kind of doing things in reverse. I traveled the world a ton growing up, and now I live in Anderson, SC living the small town lifestyle. I never really had a hometown, so The Small Town Photo Project is me exploring something I never had. I never lived in the same house for more than 3 or 4 years, but I liked imagining what that would be like. In between semesters at college (I went to college in Chattanooga, TN), I lived and worked in the small town of Thomasville, GA, and I started photographing the town during my lunch breaks. I thought it would be cool to find the other "Thomasvilles" of the country and photograph them in a similar way, so my camera and passion for photography just kept pointing me in the direction of small towns for the past decade whether I realized it or not. I love seeing people I know walking down the street, I love the unique architecture from town to town, but I also get excited when I meet people who are really passionate about their corner of the earth. I just love the close knit community of people and businesses in these towns, and each one is totally different.

Describe for us the Small Town Photo Project.

The Small Town Photo Project is about bringing fine art photography to small towns. I used to work in the fine art printing world, and I’ve partnered with the boutique photo lab who taught me everything about crafting prints, stretching canvas, framing, and more. Basically, I’ve turned a photo project into my full time business where I create fine art prints for small towns, whether it be for businesses or individuals. I spend much of my time in my truck road-tripping to different small towns building a gallery of images. This year, I’ve started a “Small Town Photo Project Pop-Up Shop” where I partner with small town businesses to set up my booth either in front or inside their space, and I’ve created some special small town photo products specifically for those pop-ups aimed at the town I’ve set up in. And of course, my website is where you can order prints from my full library of small town images. I’m also creating weekly videos for social media documenting my travels and different aspects of this photo project.

AIKEN, SC

highlands, NC

CASHIERS, NC

What process do you use to select the towns you feature?

There’s a lot of different factors that contribute, but in making my list of small towns to visit, I’m looking for growing small towns that have a passionate community.

In the past, I’ve also been asked by a town that wasn’t originally on my list to capture their landmarks for a rebrand they were doing. I’ve also had clients in a town who wanted local photography for their business, so I did some research on the town they were in and created a gallery for them to make selections. But then, some towns become undeniable and I start hearing about them a lot.

Wetumpka, AL for instance is recent one that has really changed a lot due to an HGTV show, so I had to go check it out. There’s a town in Texas I want to go photograph, so I’ve found towns along the way that seem like they would fit this project. Weirdly, finding a small town for this photo project is kind of a feeling. I can usually tell when it’s going to fit or not.

CAIRO, GA

What do you love most about capturing and sharing the uniqueness of small towns?

I love showing people a place that they didn’t know existed. I have friends from growing up in Hawaii, for instance, who will message me telling me how cool some of these places I visit are. While there’s a lot of people that love Thomasville, GA or DeLand, FL, there’s even more people that haven’t heard about these hidden gems.

I also just love the history that comes with each town- I’ll shoot a photo of an old bank, and then I’ll meet someone at a local coffee shop or something that will tell me some wild story about it. But not only that, but even if these small towns have long histories they often don’t have a community of photographers capturing them, and they should be captured.

ANDERSON, SC

As someone who has traveled a lot, what towns would you recommend to others wanting to travel to “Small Town USA”?

Thomasville, GA is always my first example since it’s the town that I started with, and there’s just so much going on there- make sure to get food at Jonah’s and go to Grassroots Coffee. I have to shout out Anderson, SC (where I’m based) which is doing a lot of growth right now, and the business community here is so supportive of each other. I’ve been to Beaufort, SC twice this year, and my wife and I have eaten our way through that town. Love that place- the historic homes, the different ruins, and the downtown are all incredible.

There’s something to love about every town I visit, and I would recommend everyone visit DeLand and Mt. Dora in Florida, Highlands and Cashiers in North Carolina, Hiawassee and Blue Ridge in Georgia, and Aiken, Beaufort, and Bluffton in South Carolina.

I’m visiting new places every month and starting move out west more, so keep an eye on willmalone.com or my Instagram (@willmalone) for more recommendations!

BEAUFORT, SC

THOMASVILLE, GA

wetumpka, al

To see more of Will's work, visit willmalone.com, @willmalone on Instgram, or at one of his traveling Small Town Photo Project Pop-Up shops!

Deland, FL

Every place in Barbados has a story to tell.

From historic homes and gardens to museums and historic sites, the island of Barbados is full of culture and heritage. Explore the George Washington House, St. Nicholas Abbey, and the Andromeda Botanical Gardens and learn about the strong and continued connection of the island to the Carolinas.

Barbados is the first and only island to be Zagat rated with more restaurants per capita than any other island in the Caribbean.

Whether you’re dining at a worldclass restaurant perched on a clifftop above the sea, surrounded by the ocean on a sunset cocktail cruise, or relaxing at a beachfront shack where the dress code is swimsuits and bare feet, there are so many opportunities to feel fully immersed in the culinary offerings of the island. Just say yes to that first rum punch, and you'll soon ease into the spirit of island life. As the saying goes, time flies when you're having rum.

Heal your mind, body, and soul with the warm touch of Barbadian white sands under your feet and a gentle tropical breeze playing across your brow. At dusk, you can witness the serene beauty of the sun as it slips into the sea on the western horizon.

Offshore, the ocean beckons with the call of deep-sea fishing or a diving expedition. Closer in, you can also enjoy jet skiing, kite & windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, and swimming with the turtles. For those who wish to see the marine life without getting wet, dive right in with the Atlantis Submarine! Your Bajan adventure awaits!

T H E H O T TE S T P L A C E to say "I DO" Get ready to be swept away by the travel experience of a lifetime.

Rich in color and diversity, what could be more romantic than a wedding in Barbados? This most special of days can include a beachside ceremony at sunset with spectacular views as the backdrop or a tropical garden wedding in a sea of color and beauty.

BEDS & BEACHES Options are as distinct and diverse as the island itself and range from the refined luxury of a private villa to a sumptuous 4-star boutique hotel to a laid back, intimate guesthouse.

Barbados is certain to have the accommodations to compliment your preference and your budget!

Travelers can find familiar brand names such as Marriott, Hilton, Fairmont, Sandals and Radisson as well as a variety of locally owned options perfect for that getaway. Most of the island’s hotels are located on or very close to the beach and Barbados is blessed with over 70 miles of glorious beaches; however, the coastal scenery varies as you travel across the island.

On the West Coast you will find the calm Caribbean Sea; superb for sailing, water skiing, and snorkeling while on the South Coast the beaches are windblown all day which are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially in the Silver Sands Area.

THE CONNECTION CONTINUES When looking at a map of Barbados and reading the names of the ancient parishes - St. Michaels, St. Phillips, St. Johns, and St. Thomas, to name a few - one may feel as if they are looking at the South Carolina Lowcountry. The street names of Barbados are very familiar to those found in Charleston and architectural features like the Charleston Single House and Rainbow Row also strike an uncanny similarity.

Historic figures like George Moncks, Anthony Ashley Cooper, John Berkeley, Sir John Colleton, and Captain William Hilton are each tied to Barbados, yet they are very common to South Carolina.

This is for a distinct reason; Barbadians helped settle Charles Towne and it was the Barbadians who gave character to the early social and political structure of South Carolina. South Carolina and Barbados share a deep and intimate past, yet this connection has barely been mentioned in the history books; at least until now.

Building off decades of work started by Barbadian native and current Charleston resident, Rhoda Green, The South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and the Barbados and The Carolinas Legacy Foundation have joined forces to research, archive, facilitate and promote opportunities for Barbados/Carolina collaboration. From politicians and pirates to agriculture and architecture, the Barbados-Carolinas website highlights the connection of these two places.

Almost interchangeable, these images, one of Charleston and one of Bridgetown, show the similarities of Africaninfluenced culture and architecture. Courtesty of Mike Stoner

Rhoda Green Barbados Honorary Consul to the Carolinas /

President of the Barbados and the Carolinas Legacy Foundation

ba r ba d os c a ro l i n as. o rg

I SURVIVED THE HOLIDAYS... NOW WHAT? Words by Abbie Sharpe The Holidays. Reading those words I feel my heart flutter in excitement and my stomach drop to my knees. As a mom to three girls, the holiday season in our house begins early, stretching from October through January. There are fall festivals to attend, apples to pick, pumpkins to carve, costumes to choose, Thanksgiving food to cook, shopping and decorating to complete, Christmas gatherings to attend...I could keep going but my blood pressure is already spiking and it is still 90 degrees outside at the moment. The holiday season is undeniably stressful but over the years I have compiled several tactics to not just survive the holidays, but to thrive in the days that follow.

DECLUTTER Although it varies each year, I carve out a day to de-deck the halls. My girls and I will bake cookies as we gingerly pack away ornaments, take out the tree, and remove all traces of red and green. Last year I felt the pull to keep a little whimsy out as we ushered in the new year. I kept a strand of white twinkle lights on the mantle beside a simple evergreen arrangement. I lit a candle appropriately called ‘Winter Sweater’ and replaced the Christmas throw pillows with different textures of whites and grays. Something about a clean space and a neutral palette, coupled with a cozy blanket by the gentle hush of a roaring fire, ignites my soul for a fresh start.

I also dedicate one day to put away all the Christmas gifts. Unboxing the toys, hanging new clothes, basically putting everything in its proper place. During the week following Christmas I don’t mind dodging princess dolls and play-doh, or seeing piles upon piles of clothes in my teenager’s room. But I prefer to roll into the next year with some kind of order in the entire house. (Maybe this is a good time to also pay a house cleaner if the task of putting away gifts AND cleaning is overwhelming.)

RETREAT After months of planning and coordinating with a double fist of Red Bull, I am more than ready to unplug and create some space just for me. There is no shame in a recalibration before beginning a new year! This is the perfect time to schedule self-care appointments in the form of a massage, an appointment at the salon, or even something as simple as a nap. I prefer to get in a hot yoga session or a good workout at my gym to get endorphins flowing, and to get my mind in a healthy headspace.

I also like to evaluate my rhythms for the next year, reflect on what worked and didn’t work for our family during the previous year. For example, would meal planning and grocery pickup orders help save time (and my sanity) during our most hectic weeks instead of trying to cook a new recipe on busy weeknights? I also have jumped on the trend of choosing a word for the upcoming year. I keep a running list of previous years’ words in the notes app of my iPhone and throughout the year, I like to note anything remarkable that is happening.

2021 was the year to ‘Rebuild’, which proved to be timely as our family started the year in a new home while still working out the kinks of e-learning and enduring a pandemic.

RESUME Now that my head and my home feel somewhat back in order, I am in a good position to resume all the things I pressed pause for during the busy holiday season. This is a good time to schedule the kid’s well-child visits and dentist appointments, update my calendar, as well as catch up on car maintenance, thank-you notes, or errands. Maybe this is a good time to spend gift cards I received for Christmas or return/exchange any items my kids received as gifts. As time-consuming as it can be, this is also when I like to organize my digital photos and create albums or memory books of the previous year’s highlights. Additionally, I use this period of reawakening to set goals with my husband. This typically entails discussions of potential vacation dates/locations or big ticket purchases we need to make. I am definitely a Type A personality so this family meeting really helps to flesh out all the ideas we have held in our minds that may not have made the priority list during the holiday season.

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H OW A UNI Q U E KA RATE C ULT UR E TR A N S F O R ME D MA R TI A L A R T S I N S OUTH C A R O L I N A Words by W. Thomas Smith, Jr.

T

here’s a dominantly powerful karate culture in South Carolina. It’s a culture unique to the Palmetto State. It’s a culture that was largely developed by – and now serves as a guiding force for – the directors of the South Carolina Black Belt Hall of Fame (SCBBHOF). And in recent years this culture and the Hall of Fame born of it has become a model for other states and regions across the nation.

The reasons “why” are threefold, so-say SCBBHOF officials, and the reasons are more broadly relegated to the then-young men who began their martial arts training and tournament fighting back in the midto-late 1960s and early 1970s.

First was the particularly influential University of South Carolina’s (USC) sport Karate Club in Columbia. Second was an equally significant assembly of great fighters in Greenville. Third, was perhaps one man’s desire and innate ability to bring all disparate players under one roof.

BRUC E BRUTSC HY

“That man was Bruce Brutschy,” said Midlands karate training legend and tournament champion Mike Genova, who today serves as president of the SCBBHOF. “Bruce I think was the catalyst,” said Genova during a recent gathering with fellow fighters at Travinia’s Italian Kitchen in northeast Columbia. “Bruce would go from school-to-school and bring everyone together. Back then you were either this style [of karate] or that style. There were rivalries among the various schools and styles. But Bruce, who had friends from all styles, changed that.”

THE GAMECOCK FIGHT CLUB According to Genova, who founded Genova Family Karate in 1975, great fight leaders and future hall-of-famers from the Palmetto State existed in the early 1970s: Men like now world-famous martial arts champion Keith Vitali and the late John Roper, both from USC’s now nonextant Karate Club.

The USC club, which has been likened to “the Alabama football program” in terms of its attractiveness to top-tier competitors, formed the nucleus of South Carolina’s karate culture and ushered in what is often referred to as the “golden era” of karate at USC. In an article for the CAROLINIAN magazine (Dec. 2017), editor Chris Horn writes: “The students who helped spawn the university's ‘golden era’ of karate have moved on, and several top competitors from that time, including the Vitali brothers [Keith and younger brother Steve], John Orck and Michael Goldman, are now in the S.C. Black Belt Hall of Fame, one of the sport’s most respected organizations across the nation. Other graduates, including Peter Manchee, ’70, and Andy Selcer, ’72, have been recognized as S.C. pioneers in karate.”

THE GREENVILLE CONNECTION As USC was becoming a karate mecca, a parallel “golden era” was simultaneously emerging from within the local karate schools and styles, thanks to Brutschy, Genova, other local fighters, a bit of bonding and competitive bleed-over from the university and the Vitali brothers, as well as an exceptional group of fighters from the Upstate like Bobby Tucker, easily one of the greatest tournament fighters of all time, and Sam Chapman, a tough-standards martial arts instructor and former U.S. Marine who founded Sam Chapman’s American Karate in Greenville.

Chapman is the current SCBBHOF vice president. He is a former director of the Southeastern Karate Association, a current commissioner of the Professional Karate Association, and he is a founding member of the S.C. Karate Circuit formed in 1983.

Left to Right: MIKE GENOVA and KEI TH VI TALI

Prior to the 1970s, sport karate in South Carolina was considered to be a bit territorial as it was elsewhere around the country (and as it remains in many states and regions across the nation today).

Karate schools and clubs were more or less organized as exclusive teams where outsiders or fighters from other disciplines were often shut-out. Inner circles were formed based on a specific fighting style, who was training under which instructor, and quite literally who was friends with whom.

Top: BOBBY TUC KER and SAM C HAPMAN featured on the cover of Karate Illustrated, March 1981 . Bottom: SAM C HAPMAN

Pictured (L to R): MIKE GENOVA, GOV. HENRY MCMASTER, and KEI TH VI TALI

FRIENDS WITH EVERYONE Brutschy on the other hand, who began fighting as early as 1968, recognized the skills and talents of all styles across the state and he wanted to find a way to bring them all under one unifying statewide entity for the benefit of everyone.

“That was about 1972,” said Genova. “Bruce eliminated the rivalries just by being friends with everybody.”

Maybe not everybody.

Pictured (L to R): DR. TOM MULLIKIN, RIC HLAND C OUNT Y SHERIFF LEON LOTT, BRUC E BRUTSC HY, JEANNE LORIC K BRUTSC HY, and WEST C OLUMBIA C I T Y C OUNC ILMAN JOSEPH DIC KEY

A past president of the SCBBHOF, Brutschy is widely known among Columbia law enforcement circles for his daring pursuit and apprehension of a dangerous felon nearly 18 years ago.

Brutschy, already respected within the growing statewide karate community, became something of a local legend almost overnight.

According to news reports from 2004, Brutschy followed a fleeing robber in his vehicle, cornering him in the parking lot of the Whitney Hotel on Devine Street in Columbia. The suspect – a 6’5” 240-pound man previously charged with three counts of armed robbery and assault and battery – rammed Brutschy’s car in an attempt to flee.

“Brutschy was worried the suspect was getting desperate and got out of the car to stop him,” reported WIS-TV on May 11, 2004. Brutschy added: "As I tried to get in the door, he started to reach under the seat, I thought he was going for a gun, so I went ahead and hit the window out, pulled him up, and I think he popped me one right there. We struggled, and he ended up on the ground. I held him until police got there."

“Bruce is the kind of man who truly exemplifies all that is noble and courageous in a martial artist and a South Carolinian,” said Maj. Gen. Tom Mullikin, retired commanding general of the S.C. State Guard and the current chair of the gubernatorially established South Carolina Floodwater Commission. “The fact that Bruce is also a man of tremendous grace and humility speaks volumes about who he is and how well he represents this state. That in and of itself speaks to the state’s karate culture.”

A 2019 inductee into the SCBBHOF and a former U.S. Army self-defense “combatives” instructor, Mullikin was featured in a 2017 edition of BLACK BELT magazine, the leading martial arts publication in the world.

Four members of the South Carolina Black Belt Hall of Fame received Global Eco Adventures’ (GEA) coveted IRONMAN award during an awards luncheon held at Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar in northeast Columbia, Thurs., Aug. 26, 2021.

Left to Right: BRUC E BRUTSC HY, STEVE VI TALI, TOM MULLIKIN, MIKE GENOVA, and KEI TH VI TALI

THE VITALI FAMILY DYNASTY Two-years ago, when Mullikin was inducted into the SCBBHOF along with tournament champion Tommy Genova (Mike’s younger brother); Kershaw County Councilmen Jimmy Jones (an also-accomplished Black Belt) and Ben Connell (former captain of the University of North Carolina wrestling team and a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame) presented special proclamations to three members of the “Vitali karate dynasty.” Those three included Keith and Steve Vitali as well as their younger brother Rick (aka Ricky), owner-operator of Vitali Family Karate in Lexington.

Perhaps the Hall of Fame’s best-known persona, Keith is a former president of the SCBBHOF and one of the organization’s founding members.

A world champion martial artist and Hollywood actor, Keith Vitali has appeared in numerous martial arts action movies like “Revenge of the Ninja” and Wheels on Meals,” fighting many of the martial arts greats like Jackie Chan and Loren Avedon. Vitali was the U.S. National Karate Champion for three consecutive years, a member of BLACK BELT magazine’s Black Belt Hall of Fame, and once-named “Fighter of the Year.”

A Columbia native who today lives in Atlanta, Vitali often competed with the great Bobby Tucker from Greenville to the skills-enhancing benefit of both.

Vitali’s younger brother Steve, also a SCBBHOF inductee and part of the USC “golden era,” is a fiercely competitive colonel of Marines who retired after a distinguished 35-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps wherein he commanded U.S. and foreign military combat forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to Steve, “In the early days of the fledgling South Carolina karate culture when everybody was starting to rise in the rank structure – whether to earn a brown belt or a black belt – you had to be able to find others to workout with, to compete with. It forced you to go outside of your sphere to be able to do that.”

Steve adds, “Mike Genova had a school.

We had our school. And we all had great fighters.”

Genova agrees, adding, “There were some for whom you were either with them or against them. Whereas we were for everyone.”

Pictured (L to R): JIMMY JONES, STEVE VI TALI, KEI TH VI TALI, RIC K VI TALI, and BEN C ONNELL

ELIMINATING TRIBALISM Today’s SCBBHOF leaders began to dismantle the culture-limiting mindset of exclusivity nearly 50 years ago.

fighters and Mike Genova’s fighters – and that impetus of those fighters right there spawned so many new great fighters.”

“There was a sense of tribalism [in the sport], and there is still some of that to some degree today,” said Keith Vitali, who was also named “one of the top 10 fighters of all time” by BLACK BELT magazine. “There was this idea that you would stay within your tribe, and fight within that tribe and honor that tribe. But we were so fortunate because we got together [as more than one tribe], trained together, and got better together.”

In addition to USC where Keith and Steve cut their teeth, whenever Columbia fighters participated in tournaments around the nation, they didn’t fight as representatives of specific martial arts schools but as the Columbia team.

Steve agrees, adding that one of the key kick-starters in South Carolina was “the Columbia competition team – the USC

Why would other states not follow suit?

“Some actually do today,” said Brutschy. “But in the early years, egos were the enemies of success. We, on the other hand, were like a hand with five fingers wherein every independent finger made that hand stronger.

That’s how we viewed it. That’s how we were, and we still are today.”

“We had multiple schools on our team,” said Genova. “Consequently we fielded one of the best all-inclusive teams in the country.”

SOUTH CAROLINA BLACK BELT HALL OF FAME Conceived and founded in the 1980’s and officially chartered in 2012, the SCBBHOF has become one of the most-respected martial arts halls of fame in the nation.

The 18 inductees (17 men and one woman) include: MIKE GENOVA, current SCBBHOF president KEITH VITALI, former SCBBHOF president SAM CHAPMAN, SCBBHOF vice president MARTY KNIGHT, SCBBHOF director BRUCE BRUTSCHY, SCBBHOF director TOM MULLIKIN, SCBBHOF director TONY YOUNG JOHN ORCK TONY THOMAS MICHAEL GOLDMAN BOBBY TUCKER DEWEY EARWOOD TOMMY GENOVA CHUCK ELIAS STEVE VITALI BRIAN PLEMPEL JERRY RHOME SHELLY WALRATH

In late 2020, the SCBBHOF was restructured with new organizational elements added on the model of the S.C. Athletic Hall of Fame and other much larger national Halls of Fame like the well-known Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. “We did this for the sake of better media relations, enhanced financial development, and to foster a greater awareness of who we are,” said Genova. “This will benefit all.”

The SCBBHOF now includes the Hall of Famers (inductees) as well as three supporting elements to the SCBBHOF. The supporting elements are the executive committee (which includes approximately six to eight inductees and the SCBBHOF president), the board of directors (a mix of inductees and non-inductee professionals who bring other talents to the board by virtue of their given professions), and an advisory council (a non-working honorary board). The executive committee directs and appoints members to both the board of directors and the advisory council.

There are also separate SCBBHOF “directors,” a special title and honor bestowed upon particular inductees for specific reasons related to the advancement of the SCBBHOF and the sport of karate overall.

“As regards those who are members of this elite Hall of Fame, we still maintain the same exacting standards for those whom the SCBBHOF may consider for inclusion into the Hall,” said Genova in an Oct. 2020 article for MIDLANDSBIZ. “As far as that goes, nothing has changed. We have simply added three tiered components which will help us – in fact, they already have – going forward.”

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IRONMEN and SERVANT LEADERS Inductees into the SCBBHOF have also recently been recognized for contributions to their communities both inside and outside of martial arts. Since early 2020, several SCBBHOF inductees have received South Carolina Senate commendations, IRONMAN awards, and lofty recognitions from other martial arts organizations across the southeast.

being considered and pursued. In the meantime, SCBBHOF inductees like Genova, Brutschy, the Vitalis, and Mullikin are regularly organizing and participating in statewide projects unrelated to martial arts.

What’s the point?

Moreover, the SCBBHOF and its leaders regularly contribute time, energy, and resources to efforts beyond the martial arts world.

“A martial artist is by the very nature of his discipline, a servant leader,” said Mullikin.

Palmetto Pride, South Carolina’s premier anti-litter task force, is a recent SCBBHOFspecific project embraced by Genova, as is the ongoing development of Columbia’s Fisher House on the grounds of the Dorn VA Medical Center. Additional projects are

“Bettering our communities and making friends,” said Brutschy.

Sounds simple, maybe even simplistic. But it is a formula for success that has well-served this nationally recognized fight club, even before it was founded, and contributed to a unique Palmetto State karate culture for at least a half century.

Following a ceremony in the Senate chamber, S.C. State House, in which Col. (Ret.) Steve Vitali, USMC, and brother Keith Vitali both received Senate commendations presented

by Sen. Thomas Alexander, Sept. 2, 2020.

Pictured (L-R): S en. Thomas Alexander, Bruce Brutschy, Mike Genova, Keith Vitali, Kathy Wright Vitali, Joseph Vitali (Steve and Keith’s father), Col. Steve Vitali, Col. W. Thomas Smith Jr., and Dr. Tom Mullikin.

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I N N O VAT I O N

Drayton Hall's

Photo by Warren LeMay (Flickr)

STORIES

Foreword by George McDaniel / Editorial Photos by Leslie McKeller

with Catherine Brown Braxton & Rebecca Brown Campbell harlie Drayton, born in 1918 and died in 2019, was the last owner of Drayton Hall with his younger brother Frank, and together they sold the site in 1974 to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the State of South Carolina, and the Historic Charleston Foundation.

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Catherine Brown Braxton and Rebecca Brown Campbell are sisters who grew up in Charleston in the house their grandfather, Willis Johnson, purchased after he walked from Drayton Hall in the late 1800s to work in Charleston. His home, now owned by Rebecca and Catherine and their cousin, Esther Chandler, stands at 35 Calhoun St. near the new International African American Museum.

This excerpt is from my image-rich book, Drayton Hall Stories: A Place and Its People, to be published in January 2022 by Evening Post Books. The interviews were conducted at Drayton Hall in 2015. Assisting me were Jay Millard, videographer, Robin Foster, genealogist, and Toni Carrier, now director of the Center for Family History at the new International African American Museum in Charleston. A portion of its net proceeds will benefit Drayton Hall.

For more information, please see the SC National Heritage Corridor, scnhc.org, or mccanielconsulting.org or contact gmcdaniel4444@gmail.com.

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Before the Civil War, Charlie’s grandfather Charles H. Drayton “owned” Rebecca and Catherine’s great-grandmother, Catherine Bowens Johnson, who was born enslaved at Drayton Hall. Now her namesake, Catherine Braxton, serves on the governing board of the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust along with Frank Drayton, Jr.

PICTURED (Left to right): Sisters Rebecca Brown Campbell & Catherine Brown Braxton on the Portico of Drayton Hall.

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NIEL A D

ABOVE: Charlie Drayton LEFT: Home of Rebecca and Catherine and their cousin, Esther Chandler in Downtown Charleston.

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George: What does Drayton Hall mean to you?

Charlie: It means just about everything.

When I was growing up, I didn’t realize it was so wonderful. It wasn’t until later that I fully appreciated it. Transferring ownership of Drayton Hall in 1974 was traumatic because it’d been in the family for so long.

But we couldn’t pay the taxes, manage repairs, and keep the grounds. There was no way my brother and I could have handled it.

But Drayton Hall still means an awful lot to me and to my children, and my nephew, Frank, is now on the site’s board.

Rebecca: Drayton Hall means family. My ancestors are buried here. To me, Drayton Hall means Catherine Bowens, Caesar Bowens, Willis Johnson, and Richmond Bowens. I feel their spirits as I walk the grounds.

Catherine: We have a long line of ancestors from Drayton Hall. I am the granddaughter of Willis Johnson Sr., who was born here as a free man, the son of former slaves. My great-grandmother was Catherine Bowens Johnson, whose name I carry. Her two brothers, Caesar and John Bowens, were enslaved here. Though a plantation, Drayton Hall is important because we cannot leave our ancestors out of our lives. Slavery was not a good thing. No way! However, there were things that took place here that were passed on to us. So, we have an appreciation for Drayton Hall.

Rebecca: As children, we didn’t come out here. However, when we were adults in the 1970s, our cousin Richmond Bowens, Caesar Bowens’ grandson, returned from Chicago and initially worked at the entrance ticket office. Inviting me to come, he said, “This is where your grandfather and your great-grandmother came from,” but the place was overgrown. I was not impressed.

However, as I walked the grounds, I felt the spirits of my ancestors. I still do whenever I come. I’m a part of this place, and they are too. We may not have seen our ancestors, but we know them spiritually.

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LEFT: Richmond Bowens leading at guided tour on the grounds of Drayton Hall.

RIGHT: Born Sept. 2, 1908, Richmond Bowens grew up at Drayton Hall and didn't leave until just before World War II. He moved to Chicago where he worked mostly as a chauffeur.

He returned to Charleston in the mid-70s and became a gatekeeper and oral historian at Drayton Hall.

BELOW: Richard Bowens and his family on his 90th birthday.

George: When freedom came to your family at drayton hall, what did you hear happened?

Catherine: Catherine Bowens and her husband, Friday Johnson, did not leave the plantation. They died here. Their son Willis left with the idea of owning property since land ownership was very important to him.

My family had kept all the records and photographs. When we moved to New York, my mother didn’t pack them. She said, “My brother Frank is here, so we’ll leave them and later come back.” But then his wife cleared the house, didn’t want the old stuff, and we lost all that.

George: What did Richmond Bowens mean to you, Rebecca?

Rebecca: Richmond meant family. We did many things together. His daughter Gloria and I played together. He brought Gloria and little Richmond to our home for my grandmother to babysit. When he moved to Chicago, he’d visit in the summer and was more like my uncle than a third cousin.

Jay Millard: What was your favorite place on the plantation?

Jay Millard: What was your scariest moment here?

Charlie: Probably the woods, where I spent most of my time. My father would let me bring a friend, and we’d take off. Three or four mules roamed around and were fed in the barn. We also had sheep, which were mowing machines (for the lawn). We played games and did lots of fishing in the pond and dredge cuts. We’d hunt, and though I hated to shoot anything, I did anyway. We just had fun.

Charlie: I don’t remember a scary moment, but we did have hurricanes. After a big one in the 1950s, the house survived beautifully, but the grounds did not. It took me an hour to get from the house to the river, climbing over and under fallen trees. I don’t know how this house has survived years of war, hurricanes, earthquakes -- and family!

Rebecca: The cemetery. There may be only a few tombstones, but we know all of our ancestors rest there. You can now visit Richmond Bowens and his wife Velma.

RIGHT: Dedication of the Af rican American Memorial at Drayton Hall.

Toni Carrier: What were your fondest experiences at Drayton Hall?

Charlie: Things that stand out are my two daughters having their wedding receptions here. My Aunt Charley was not in favor of it but let us use the house. Fireplaces were open, and we had firemen here for protection, and no smoking inside. With so many memories, it’s hard to pull out one.

Rebecca: Visiting the cemetery. Whenever there’s an event there, that’s when family members — north, south, east, and west —come to Drayton Hall. The dedication of the arch, for example, was great. We could socialize.

A memorial arch guides visitors through the entrance to the 18th-centur y African American cemeter y, the oldest documented African American cemeter y in the nation still in use. Photo by Leslie McKellar

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Robin Foster: How might museums connect descendants of former slaves and slave owners?

Rebecca: The main answer is to find a key person. Here it was Richmond Bowens.

Thanks to him, we got to know a lot of the Drayton people.

Charlie: I’d say: “Come here with us and learn. Come not only to Drayton Hall or Magnolia or Middleton but to plantations where your families may have been.” It’s part of their histories. Rebecca, this is our history!

TOP (Left to Right): Catherine Brown Braxton and Rebecca Brown Campbell BOTTOM: Rebecca and Charlie Drayton share Drayton Hall stories.

Robin Foster: How has knowing each other enriched your lives?

Rebecca: Charlie has enriched my life. In the 1970s Richmond got interested family members together and said, “Look, let’s come to Drayton Hall. Our ancestors were from Drayton Hall. We need to move on,” so Catherine and I followed him. Richmond introduced us to Charlie. He said, “I’m older, but Charlie and I played together.” So we met you, Charlie, and then Anne, Molly, Chad, and grandchildren. It’s like we have become a part of the Drayton family because every time we see each other, we hug. There was no hatred. No going back hundreds of years to what happened!

Charlie: No question about it, and I hope it remains that way forever.

Rebecca: No question!

Charlie: I remember being with your family and Richmond and others, and how wonderful it has become. No acrimony at all.

We got along well together.

Rebecca: We sure did!

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Rebecca: It is, and it goes beyond the Drayton and Bowens families. George McDaniel played a great role at Drayton Hall. We met him through Richmond, who said, “You need to meet George McDaniel.”

“Who’s George?” I asked. So Catherine and I met George and his wife Mary Sue, and we talked about Africa, where he’d been in the Peace Corps. George said, “Look, we’re going to start working with the Bowens and Drayton families and other descendants, and together have events.” So we did event after event — had a birthday party here for Richmond — and have brought hundreds of descendants. White and Black, to Drayton Hall. This joint interview is a result of what George and the Bowens, Drayton, and other families have done. I recommend it to any other plantation or historic site.

The harder you work, the closer you get, the better you know each other. You feel the hatred ease. You feel the tension ease. You feel the love.

George: What are your thoughts about the african american cemetery?

Charlie: That’s one of the positive things — the recognition of the graveyard. The entrance (a wrought-iron open arch designed by nationally renowned Charleston blacksmith Philip Simmons) that’s been erected and the love that’s gone into getting together and meeting, all have been a tremendously positive step.

Rebecca: The cemetery opening brought descendants of the enslaved back. With its open arch, the spirit goes in and goes out.

That’s what we want: flow in and flow out as the living people.

Toni Carrier: Have you learned anything about your family from one another that you did not know before you met?

Charlie: I’ve learned that my own family, particularly Molly, Chad, and Anne, love to come to Drayton Hall, and to meet with you, Rebecca and Catherine, and other descendants. We are all family.

Rebecca: We learned Charlie could sing Negro spirituals. It was a shock when he got up on the platform in the cemetery and sang. We asked ourselves, “How did he learn them?”

Charlie: In 1926 my father compiled a book of the spirituals sung here, 29 of them. Two originated at Drayton Hall. My daughter Anne and I sang one, “Honor the Lamb,” at the cemetery dedication in 2008. (Charlie sings it again): Honor the Lamb for the good He’s done.

Honor the Lamb. Honor the Lamb.

Honor your mother for the good He’s done.

Honor the Lamb. Honor the Lamb.

And it goes on for 49 verses.

Rebecca: Really!

Charlie: And your ancestors sang that.

George: What would you say to african americans about preserving their history?

George: How can sites like Drayton Hall help bridge racial divides?

Rebecca: I would say: “Come back to your roots.” They need to keep in touch with relatives who stayed behind, to do research, especially oral history, preserve family heirlooms, and pass them on. A family reunion is a good starting point.

George: As descendants of slaveholders and of the enslaved, what would you like to say as take-away messages?

Charlie: Know that we are good friends.

We’re here together. This is our home, both of us. All of us!

Rebecca: I would say, “My ancestors did live here. They were born here, and I am a descendant! I’m a part of Drayton Hall.”

Charlie: Definitely you are!

Rebecca: Definitely! Because my ancestors were born and lived here, and now because of my relationship with the Drayton family, I feel a part of Drayton Hall.

Charlie: I would like to say to you, Rebecca, that you are my good friend and that you are just as much a part of Drayton Hall as I am, and my family is. I’d like people to know that we are all from Drayton Hall. Not just me, not just you, but all the people who were born here, who had any connection to Drayton Hall. We all belong to Drayton Hall.

George: What is your perception of this place where your ancestors Catherine: People ask me: “Why do you folks keep going back to Drayton Hall?

Wasn’t it a plantation? Weren’t your ancestors enslaved there?” I agree and explain that you must know where you come from in order to know where you’re going. How do you get that? You have to go back into your history to your ancestors. Slavery, no glory!

But if you take that and your ancestors out of your life, where are you going to go? We can’t say, “I don’t want anything to do with it.” No, we don’t want it to happen again.

But we can’t leave our ancestors behind! I know that my ancestors — the Bowens, the Johnsons — left a legacy at Drayton Hall.

And I intend to see that legacy go on and to pass it to the next generation.

Charlie: Richmond Bowens became the link between the two of us — and to the cemetery and to the meetings with people whose ancestors were born here. I hope more groups like us get together and enjoy each other’s company. Drayton Hall can help bridge the racial divide by having more meetings together, by having the cemetery become a genuine part of the visitor experience.

Rebecca: Drayton Hall can help bridge the gap and build racial harmony in America by using the cemetery. It’s where our history is. You look at a tombstone and see the birthdate, death date, and family name.

Since most people look for relatives, the cemetery gets people together, and then they can sit down around a table and talk about the racial problems we are facing.

I would like for Drayton Hall to extend itself, to have a retreat with plantations like Middleton and Magnolia and others, so we can explain our feelings to each other. This releases tension and could move us into other areas for discussion as well.

Charlie: I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s a wonderful idea.

PICTURED (LEFT TO RIGHT): George H. McDaniel, Catherine Braxton, Toni Carrier, Rebecca Campbell, Octavia Milligan, George W. McDaniel

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E X H I B I T P L A N N E D AT B R O O KG R E E N G A R D E N S Words by Andrea DeMuth, Vice President & Curator of Animal Collections

n April 2020, Brookgreen Gardens received a grant from the Conservation Centers for a Species Survival (C2S2) and USFWS Recovery Challenge to help add a Red Wolf exhibit to Brookgreen's Lowcountry Zoo, part of Brookgreen's Zoo Master Plan that was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2007.

The original plans have been modified to include two exhibit/ breeding spaces for the wolves to assist the efforts of the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP) to expand breeding of the Red Wolves. The Red Wolf is one of the most endangered canids (of the family of dog-like carnivores) in the world, as years of hunting and habitat loss had driven the species to the brink of extinction by 1970. Historically, the Red Wolf ranged from southeastern Texas to central Pennsylvania but, today, the only place Red Wolves can be found in the wild is in eastern North Carolina's Albemarle Peninsula. Equally at home in forests, swamps, and coastal prairies, Red Wolves can thrive in a wide range of habitats. Red Wolf is a keystone species-one that has a disproportionate effect on the ecosystem - and the loss of the Red Wolf drastically changed the natural environment in the areas where they lived.

As part of an ambitious captive­ breeding program, the US Fish and Wildlife Service captured the 14 remaining Red Wolves they could find in the wild. These wolves are the ancestors of the75 to 100 animals that now live in North Carolina, the first animal to be successfully reintroduced after being declared extinct in the wild. Brookgreen Gardens has a long history of working with native species and is actively involved with the SSP for North American River Otters. Having Red Wolves in our zoo will make Brookgreen part of a collective effort to save the species and ensure that there is an assurance population, a population of animals under human care, so that recovery of a species can happen.

New architectural drawings have been revised from the original 2007 Red Wolf exhibit plan, which has been modified to include two

breeding exhibit spaces for the wolves. We also plan to add housing connected to a covered catch pen area for inclement weather or housing during a hurricane threat.

The housing will have three stalls, allowing adequate room for two breeding pairs with a larger middle stall that can be used as a birthing den area if needed.

The C2S2 grant has been matched by a generous donation from the Christy and Ken Taucher Donor Advised Fund of Central Carolina Community Foundation. Community support is needed to complete this project.

LEARN how you can "join the pack." www.brookgreen.org/ join-the-pack

S O U T H C A R O L I N A 7. C O M

WE WILL BE THE CHANGE SC7 is a partnership between two South

Carolina based non-profit organizations, Global Eco Adventures and the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. The mission of SC7 is to get people in the outdoors so they gain an appreciation for the outdoors, and therefore begin to actively do their part to protect the outdoors.

The signature event of SC7 is a 30-day expedition across South Carolina in July and led by world renowned explorer and South Carolina native, Tom Mullikin. Following the Palmetto Trail as the guiding pathway from the mountains to the sea, the annual expedition highlights the ‘CAROLINA 7’ – so-named for the seven geographic wonders unique to the Palmetto State. Along the SC7 2022 route, the expedition team will hold large-scale public events, media events, “Lunch & Learns”, 3 world record-setting events, an “Adventure Out” weekend in Charleston hosted by MUSC, and a Finish Line Celebration. thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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The “Carolina 7”: Although South Carolina is blessed with many natural wonders, the SC7 Team identified seven geographic features that are unique to the state. Two of these sites, the Jocassee Gorges and the ACE Basin, have been named “one of 50 of the World’s Last Great Places” by National Geographic.

1ST WONDER National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River:

3RD WONDER

Receiving its designation as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1974, the Chattooga is one of the longest and most spectacular freeflowing mountain rivers in the Southeast.

Over 50 miles, the river descends an average of 49 feet per mile from its headwaters in North Carolina to the state line between South Carolina and Georgia. The Chattooga offers some of the best whitewater boating and trout fishing in the region.

The Jocassee Gorges: The Jocassee Gorges includes over 40,000 acres from Lake Jocassee to the border of North Carolina/South Carolina. This amazing ecosystem contains clear mountain streams, waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife, and 60 species of rare and endangered plants.

2ND WONDER Sassafras Mountain: South Carolina’s highest point at 3,553 feet above sea level, Sassafras Mountain showcases spectacular views of South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia from a handicapped accessible overlook.

7TH WONDER Bull Island: This island is a 66,000-acre wildlife refuge just north of Charleston. Managed for the protection of sea turtles, dolphins, wood storks, eagles and more, the signature site on the island is Boneyard Beach. On this 3-mile stretch of beach, hundreds of oaks, cedars, and pines can be found strewn along the beach. Boneyard Beach gets its name from all the downed trees which have been bleached by the sun and salt water ultimately resembling a graveyard of bones.

4TH WONDER Congaree National Park: Congaree National Park is a 26,276-acre American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. The Park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States.

5TH WONDER Edisto River: Dubbed South Carolina’s “Black Beauty”, the Edisto River is the longest free-flowing blackwater river in the nation. A slow, lazy river to canoe, kayak, or tube, the banks of the river are framed by massive oaks draped in Spanish moss and the largest old-growth stands of tupelo-cypress in America.

6TH WONDER ACE Basin: The Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Basin (ACE Basin) is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. These three rivers combine into the larger St. Helena Sound and include 350,000 acres known for its natural environment and the preservation of its marshes, wetlands, hardwood forests, and riverine systems and the fauna that occupy the area.

2022 KEY EVENTS

SOUTH CAROLINA

APPALACHIANS TO THE ATLANTIC FITNESS CHALLENGE: This is a virtual challenge open to individuals, families, groups, and businesses. Join the fun and virtually hike, bike, run, walk, or paddle South Carolina. The event will begin January 1, 2022 and will conclude on July 30, 2022. Participants will challenge themselves to complete 100, 250, or 500 miles throughout the 7-month adventure.

SC7 EXPEDITION KICK-OFF EVENT (JULY 1, 2022) The kick-off event is held at Oconee State Park on the morning of July 1st each year. Elected officials, community leaders and press are present to formally begin the month-long expedition.

YAKKING THE RIVER Join the SC7 Expedition Team and community leaders as Kershaw County hosts a day on the beautiful and scenic Wateree River. Food, vendors, activities and more will be part of this family-friendly event.

MIDLANDS ADVENTURE Cayce and West Columbia are hosting a two-day event in the heart of South Carolina. Day 1 will include tubing or paddling the Saluda River with an evening social event at Savage Craft Brewery.

On the morning of Day 2 elected officials, the general public and Columbia area businesses are challenged to come out and enjoy the beauty and history of the Columbia Riverwalk.

WORLD RECORD SETTING EVENT (JULY 30TH): The SC7 Expedition Team leader, Tom Mullikin, will be working alongside other divers to plant artificial reefs along the coast of South Carolina. The South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance will supply the boats for the events and press will be on the water at key locations.

ADVENTURE OUT WEEKEND: Explore Charleston, MUSC and SC7 will be hosting a weekend full of outdoor adventure in Charleston. The event will include a variety of events such as sunrise yoga, paddleboarding, trail hikes, healthy cooking classes and more. The event will run from July 28 – July 30.

FINISH LINE RECEPTION A VIP reception, awards ceremony for the Fitness Challenge and an evening of fun is being planned to celebrate the monthlong event. This event will be held in the Charleston area. More information coming soon.

The SC7 Team invites everyone to get involved in the 2022 Key events. Check out SOUTHCAROLINA7.COM for more information and follow Facebook and Instagram for fun and engaging SC7 news.

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PUTTING YOU IN CONTROL. In today’s environment, care coordination and time to care are affected by the delay in the availability of health records. Sync.MD makes paper copies of records obsolete. Mobile personal health records for patients ensures immediate availability in any setting.

Sync.MD turns that paradigm on its head by providing a simple solution for immediate access to records 24 hours per day 7 days a week. The patient is the custodian of their records. The control of sharing this data with others resides with the patient and translates to including providers, caregivers, family or others who may need access to critical data.

SYNC.MD’s framework provides for the close coordination of health information based on the patient’s desires.

Learn more about Sync.MD by visiting syncmd.com

WELLNESS

SHOW OFF that smile PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD Words by Darlene Greene

The average person today is inundated with advertisements for a myriad of products that claim to help you maintain a youthful glow, remove wrinkles, age spots, acne, and all manner of skin imperfections. It is impossible to distinguish between those that are safe and effective vs. those that are all hype. Most people, when they think of cosmetic treatments, assume they need to travel to a large metropolitan area and visit a high-priced plastic surgeon. You may think of your local dentist for cosmetic services like tooth whitening or veneers, but it may surprise you to learn that dentists also help patients with cosmetic needs beyond teeth and gums.

nee County native, saw a need for affordable, effective, and safe solutions for helping her patients. Lake Keowee Dental is a fullservice dental practice and Dr. Alexander focuses on ensuring her patients have a positive, pain-free experience. She has provided excellent dental care to her patients since acquiring the practice in 2016 but she also recognized that many patients wanted more than just healthy teeth and gums. A person’s confidence and self-esteem are often tied to how they feel about their appearance.

Dr. Alexander saw that she could do more to help her patients and began to investigate additional treatment options for them. Her personal experiences with skin sensitivities and TMJ lead Dr. Alexander to several cosmetic solutions that would address an array of issues for her patients.

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) and TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) can create numerous issues for sufferers.

Headaches, jaw pain, muscle ticks and limited mouth movement are just some of the difficulties experienced by those with TMJ or TMD. Understanding the discomfort from her own struggle with TMJ, Dr. Alexander wanted to find safe solutions to alleviate the pain and discomfort it caused her patients.

Botox was originally a treatment for crossed eyes and later used to treat eyelid spastic disorders. However, in 2012, a study found that Botox could significantly decrease pain and increase mouth movements for

up to three months for patients suffering with TMJ and TMD. As more studies and medical summaries emerged that supported the use of Botox as a positive, non-surgical treatment for TMJ, Dr. Alexander saw the opportunity to assist her patients with this treatment protocol. In 2017, Dr. Alexander began to offer Botox treatments to her patients. At the same time, Dr. Alexander determined Collagen fillers gave her another solution for patients that had issues around their mouths.

“When a person suffers with TMJ, Botox injections can help alleviate tension on the jaw and reduce or stop the pain patients experience,” said Dr. Alexander. “But Collagen fillers provided another solution for patients with extensive wrinkles around the mouth. You might not think that deep mouth wrinkles would be a health problem, but it frequently is, especially in the elderly.

The wrinkles and/or crevices, especially in the corners of the mouth, can be a breeding ground for bacteria. It leads to infections that must be treated with antibiotics.

Collagen fillers are a safe, effective way to resolve those issues while also helping a patient with an improved appearance.”

“I think it is important to help my patients feel confident in their appearance. These minor procedures allow them to maintain their beautiful smiles,” said Dr. Alexander.

“My goal is always to help my patients experience good dental health and a natural, healthy appearance.” thesouthernedgemagazine.com 75

"Skin Revitalization" is a non-

surgical treatment using advanced light-based technology to clear undesirable brown spots, sun damage, and vessels to reveal clearer, smoother, healthy skin. The sessions last 5 to 30 minutes and have no down time. This treatment can help improve uneven skin tone and rosacea.

is a new technology for skin tightening.

Using radiofrequency technology to gently heat your skin to trigger a natural response for new collagen production. This treatment is great for forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, smile lines wrinkles around the chin and cellulite on the body. Completely non-surgical, no injections, no downtime but giving real, visible results. Patient comments describe the treatment as being like a “hot stone massage” and “relaxing like a spa treatment.”

“Imagine, just sitting in a chair, having the sensation of a hot stone massage on your face and leaving your dentist’s office with beautiful, taunt, glowing skin. It’s really that simple and easy,” said Dr. Alexander. “I love helping my patients have a healthy smile and feel they are putting their best face forward because they have beautiful, tight, glowing skin.”

Dr. Alexander and her team consult with every individual to determine what outcome(s) they wish to achieve. They discuss and review the treatment options to develop a specific plan to meet those goals for the patient. “Several of the treatments we offer are better suited for the winter months, when patients are less likely to be in the sun, so we offer packages and specials in the fall and winter.”

As another layer of support to the skin treatments, Dr. Alexander also offers the Obagi Medical Skin Care line for her patients.

Initial consults for any of the cosmetic treatments are complimentary. Dr. Alexander and her team will work to find the best treatment plan to achieve the patient’s goals for a healthy smile and beautiful complexion.

& QA

margaret haynie with

What led you to pursue a career in music?

My whole life I have been passionate about music. Whether it was singing, performing, writing, or just the way music moves me, music has always been a part of who I am. I’m so thankful to have a family that has supported me every step of the way. I always knew I would pursue music in some shape or form, and after college I began to seek out exactly what that might mean for my life. For a couple of years, I really tried to figure it out on my own. I was looking for jobs in the industry, writing songs in my bedroom, and was honestly making every excuse to not put myself out there and fully chase the dream. I was scared and intimidated, because everyone in Nashville is so talented and I was honestly afraid of failure.

But in March of 2021, God made my pathway clear. On that day I only had 84 followers on TikTok and I randomly decided to post an acoustic clip of my song “Girl Before the Girlfriend”; and it blew up. The video now has over 250,000 views and several thousands of comments of people sharing their stories with me. After learning how many people said this song really spoke to them, I knew I owed it to them to release

Why country music? it. This whole experience lit a fire under me to take the reins on my career and put my all into this dream.

Up until this point, I had not planned on taking the artist route and had no plans to release my own music. Sure, when I was a kid, I’d say I wanted to be a singer when I grew up, but I placed that on the backburner. Songwriting was, and still is, what I feel called to do. BUT, if I can write a song that reaches even one person, I want to share it. And being in the studio is some of the most fun I’ve ever had. Seeing a song I wrote in my bedroom with three guitar chords, a melody I heard in my head, and words that came from my heart come to fruition during production is the most amazing thing in the world. I feel like it’s easy to get caught up in what you “should” be doing and comparing your path to everyone else’s. But I don’t feel like there is one right way to do this thing called life, or a right way to chase your dreams. Through all the trials, confusion, mountaintop moments, and failures, I’m just thankful for the journey, wherever it takes me.

Country music has always come naturally to me when writing and I just love the honesty and storytelling in the genre. I grew up listening to every kind of music you can think of, and I don’t think I could tell you that I have a favorite. I truly believe that you can find meaning and inspiration in all kinds of music. But country music is where I’ve found my home with writing and creating my own sound.

What inspires your music?

One of the cool things about being a creative and a songwriter is that I’m naturally inspired by the seemingly small things in life. I’ll think of how someone made me feel or a couple words I saw on a road sign and find myself with a new melody stuck in my head. I’ll think of random memories that slipped everyone else’s mind, a conversation with a stranger, the way the salt breeze fills my lungs at the beach. Heartbreak and loss, my faith and my family, times I’ve messed up and found my way again.

I feel very lucky to have people in my life who inspire me every day and fill my heart with so many memories to write songs about.

What was the hardest thing about taking the step to move to Nashville and chase your dream?

It wasn’t hard for me to make the decision to move away from home and start a new adventure. I’ve never feared taking risks, because I find comfort in following my gut. But what I didn’t expect was the level of fear that came with moving to what some people call the ‘country music capital of the world,’ Nashville. If you let it, comparison can cause so much anxiety and self-doubt in an industry like this. Everyone here is talented and is chasing the same dream.

And I thought, “what if I’m not good enough?” “What if I share my songs and everyone thinks they suck?” So, I let my fears and insecurities get to my head, and I was initially very intimidated. But I finally gained some confidence and realized that no one was going to chase this dream for me. If this is really what I feel called to do and the direction I want to take my life, I must put the work in and put my fears aside. One of the biggest game changers for me was turning intimidation into inspiration.

That change of perspective allowed me to be constantly inspired by the talent and work ethic of those around me, and that motivates me and ultimately makes me a better writer, musician, harder worker, and all around a better person.

What's next for Margaret Haynie?

I’m excited to keep collaborating, writing, and releasing more music, playing shows in and outside of Nashville, and playing in more writer’s rounds around town. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

@margarethaynie @margarethayniemusic @margarethayniemusic

MUSIC is AVAILABLE on all STREAMING SERVICES

@margarethayniemusic Margaret Haynie

SKINCARE TIPS Words by Vaughan Free THE TEMPERATURES ARE FINALLY DROPPING AND NOW IT’S TIME TO PULL OUT THOSE BOOTS, SWEATERS, AND SCARVES! YOUR WARDROBE ISN’T THE ONLY THING YOU SHOULD BE SWITCHING UP THOUGH, YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE ALSO NEEDS A MAKEOVER. COLD, DRY AIR CAUSES DRIER SKIN, THEREFORE, THERE ARE STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY SKIN DURING THE WINTER.

Your routine needs a hydrating, firming & line-busting upgrade.

You need products fortified with peptides, ceramides, botanical and other wrinkle fighters plus sun protection such as Merle Norman’s Anti-Aging Complex System.

You also want to use gentle, hydrating cleansers such as Merle Norman’s Skintelligent System, Daily Moisture Milky Cleanser or Cleansing Cream.

The last tip that’ll help you maintain healthy skin during the winter is to add a serum to your routine.

Serums are concentrated treatments packed with active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. For the colder months, you want to choose a serum that will provide your skin with long-lasting moisture.

An ingredient to look for in your serum is Hyaluronic Acid which is a humectant that pulls moisture from the air to ensure your skin remains moisturized such as Merle Norman’s Energizing Concentrate.

With these tips, you’ll be prepared for the upcoming colder months and know how to keep your skin healthy and moisturized. Before ending, we would like to point out that not everyone needs to switch up their routine once the season changes. If something isn’t broken, there’s no need to fix it. In other words, if your skin is doing fine and you have no issues, then stick with what you know!

Vaughan Free, Owner Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio & Day Spa

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REGISTER NOW join the fun and virtually bike, hike, run, walk or paddle from the appalachians to the atlantic with us! a program of SC7, this event will begin January 1, 2022 and will conclude on july 30, 2022. participants can challenge themselves to complete 100, 250, or 500 miles throughout our seven month adventure.

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