North Charleston Magazine, Fall 2013

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On the

Ball With new homes, new stores, new businesses and a new park, the city’s northern edge is growing at a blistering pace

Bath and Racquet Club Mixson’s private club lures Lowcountry creatives

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Inside

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Living

Working

Playing

SERIOUS SHOPPING

34 BIG RIG, BIG DEAL

When locals get a notion to do some real holiday shopping — all-day, crosseveryone-off-the-list, find-a-few-somethings-for-themselves type shopping — they head to North Charleston.

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Clemson University’s Wind Turbine Drive Train Testing Facility is expected to be dedicated Nov. 21, drawing attendees from around the world.

Officials at the $100-million, state-ofthe-art facility plan to start first tests of prototype turbine drive trains next summer.

B AT H A N D R A C Q U E T C L U B This stylish edition to the Mixson development has tongues wagging throughout the Lowcountry.

3 6 PA R K C I R C L E C H O C O L AT I E R In a chilly shop just off East Montague Avenue, Johnny Battles fills stainless steel racks with hundreds of molded squares, some dark and unassuming and others laced with fantastic, alien landscapes of crystallized sugar, dried fruit and candied pecans — the makings of Sweeteeth Chocolate.

26 CITY SCENES Surprise home for veteran, Darius Rucker Boulevard, Children’s Theater, Latin American Festival and SHE Charleston.

28 ON THE BALL Back in the ’90s, North Charleston’s northwestern edges were mostly woods bordering bedroom communities such as Summerville and Goose Creek.

These days, such areas are enjoying an amazing growth spurt.

A massive renovation project completed earlier this year provided the Danny Jones recreation complex with a fully enclosed and heated swimming pool, along with remodeled locker rooms.

4 0 AT T R A C T I O N S Visitors to North Charleston won’t ever run out of things to see and places to go.

The city’s attractions run the gamut from a Civil War submarine to a top-notch golf course and a popular water park.

4 2 R E S TA U R A N T P R O F I L E S Hungry? Then belly up to the bar or grab a table. North Charleston’s got everything you need, from fast food to trendy restaurants.

46 EVENT LISTINGS From concerts and sporting events at the coliseum to major holiday festivals and local theater and independent films, North Charleston has it all.

Health Guide Special section by Trident Health System

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38 SEASONLESS SWIMMING

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The cover Mayor Keith Summey and other officials recently hosted an open house at the new Wescott Park, built in a growing area at the city’s northern edge. Photo by Rick McKee.

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MATT WINTER Editor, North Charleston Magazine Manager of Niche Content and Design, The Post and Courier 843.937.5568 editor@northcharlestononline.com mwinter@postandcourier.com

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Tideline magazine publishes six times a year — every other month — and features a wide variety of resource information that is valuable to the maritime and outdoor community including news and information on boating, fishing, water sports and other aspects of coastal life.

Published twice a year, North Charleston Magazine trumpets what’s best about this diverse community -profiling community leaders and residents, touting the city’s restaurants and attractions, and promoting events within the community.

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Contributors FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 3

Rob Young Rob Young, a Lowcountry freelance writer who works in North Charleston, examined the intense growth spurt under way at the city of North Charleston’s northwestern edge (“On the Ball,” p. 22). Talking with developers, city officials and residents, Young examined what’s behind all this growth — from municipal planning to industrial and real estate development— and how it could affect the city’s future.

Lauren Johnson

Rick McKee McKee, a veteran in the field of culinary photography, shot portraits of Mayor Keith Summey and other city officials during an open house at the new Wescott Park off Dorchester Road for our cover story (“On the Ball,” p. 22). The assignment left an impression: “I love just walking out onto ball fields,” McKee says. “Sand lots in a neighborhood, meticulously groomed MLB stadiums or this fantastic community baseball park, there is something truly American and special.”

McKee also shot images for our dining section (p. 42). His culinary photography has been published in a number of high-profile food publications, including Magnolia’s Uptown Down South.

Kristin Hackler Hackler, former editor of the Island Eye News and the Island Connection, also writes for West Of. She’s also a professional blog writer and a children’s book author. In this edition of North Charleston Magazine, Hackler took a look at the Mixson Bath and Racquet Club (p. 22) and Park Circle chocolatier Johnny Battles (p. 36).

Johnson, a Virginia native and veteran magazine editor and writer now based in Mount Pleasant, examined North Charleston’s role as a regional shopping destination (“Serious Shopping,” p. 12). Johnson has written for numerous local publications, including Charleston, Charleston Weddings and House Calls. When she’s not writing, Johnson can be found exploring the Lowcountry with her toddler and husband … and “furiously nesting in anticipation of baby No. 2.”

Katie Hurst Katie Hurst, niche content editor for The Post and Courier, contributes to a number of the newspaper’s specialty publications, including Lowcountry Parent, North Charleston and Tideline magazines. Hurst can be reached at khurst@postandcourier.com.

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EDITOR’ S LE T T ER

I REMEMBER WHEN DORCHESTER ROAD WAS TWO LANES, WAY BACK IN THE DAY, WHEN I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL IN SUMMERVILLE. Back then, the King’s Grant neighborhood seemed like a lonely outpost in the deep, dark woods along the Ashley River. That stretch of Dorchester Road sported plenty of deer-crossing signs, and for good reason. North Charleston, back then, didn’t really start until you made it down to Ashley Phosphate Road.

These days, whenever I run this stretch of Dorchester Road, or even further up onto Trolley Road, I smile at the memories of me and my buddies running all over town in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Some of the old neighborhoods look just the same. But that’s where the familiarity stops. When I drive around most these areas now, my jaw drops.

While working with writer Rob Young on this month’s cover story (“On the Ball,” p. 28-33), I had the opportunity to explore fast-growing areas at North Charleston’s northwestern edges, both inside and outside official city limits. The highlight of my journeys came in late September, when I attended an open house at the new Wescott Park,

a very well-done, three-field baseball park at the epicenter of growth.

Let me tell you: Anyone who has any doubts about the economic recovery should head up that way. Start at the intersection of Ashley Phosphate Road and Palmetto Commerce Parkway (don’t worry if you’ve never been on this road before — it’s new). Take the parkway northwest. Notice the construction sites, the new industrial buildings, the corporate signs. These aren’t mom-and-pops moving in back there: Shimano, Daimler-Chrysler, Boeing, TIGHITCO. When you get to the end of the parkway, hang a left on Ladson Road and scoot over to Dorchester Road. Turn left, heading back into North Charleston. Take a left onto Wescott Boulevard, next to the huge shopping center under construction. Drive around the neighborhoods (above) and down Patriot Boulevard. Explore. You’ll see moms pushing jogging strollers past bulldozers. You’ll see new home after new home.

You’ll see growth like we haven’t seen in years, and it’s impressive.

MATT WINTER e d i t o r @ n o r t h c h a rl e s t o n o nl i n e .c o m

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LIVING

THE BIG SHOPPING TRIP North Charleston, long known as a shopping mecca, is home to Tanger Outlets (here), Northwoods Mall (facing page) and one of the region’s biggest collections of big-box retailers along Rivers Avenue.

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A serious shopping fix STUDDED BY STOREFRONT DISPLAYS THAT CHARM PASSERSBY WITH LUXURY GOODS AND DESIGNER FASHIONS, CHARLESTON’S KING STREET HAS SHORED UP ITS REPUTATION WITH BUYERS WHO FANCY FINE WARES. BUT TOP-TIER PRICE TAGS MEAN MANY HEAD HOME WITH LITTLE MORE THAN IDEAS GATHERED WHILE PEERING INTO GRAND WINDOWS. So when locals get a notion to do some real shopping — all-day, cross-everyone-offthe-list, find-a-few-somethings-for-themselves type shopping — they head to North Charleston.

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With massive clusters of chain retailers and local vendors dealing clothing, electronics, gifts, décor, and more, this shopping mecca continues to sell area residents on its reputation as a top spot for smart spending.

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Awash in a pastel palette reminiscent of downtown’s Rainbow Row, the openair atmosphere at Tanger Outlets boasts a town-square vibe complete with fountains, café seating, iron benches, and lush planter beds.

The colorful double-loop of 80-plus dealers offers something for every shade of shopper, from high-end designer stores like Coach, Michael Kors, and Kenneth Cole to bargain-based retailers like Old Navy, Aéropostale, and the recently added Rack Room Shoes.

And though Saks Fifth Avenue darkened its displays on King Street in 2010, the upscale fashion giant’s OFF 5TH shop has been

Photograph by Grace Beahm

attracting sharp style seekers since 2011 with 25,000 square feet of reduced-cost labels. No matter where a merchant falls on the spending spectrum, Tanger patrons will find directfrom-the-manufacturer deals on everything from apparel and footwear to cosmetics and accessories.

Buyers can also discover inexpensive basics just across the road in Centre Pointe Shopping Center, which includes a Walmart Supercenter, Sally Beauty Supply, Dollar Tree, and the members-only warehouse Sam’s Club.

A short skip down from the busy hub in the opposite direction, book lovers revel in volumes of value-priced reading from Mr. K’s, a trade-in used bookstore tucked into McCall Center at the corner of Tanger Outlet and International boulevards. Among the neatly organized aisles, a well-read staff has filed thousands of paperbacks, bargain fiction, hard-to-find tomes, new editions, and other media including audio books, vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs. To sweeten the experience, swing over to Butter Cupcakes, a sunny bakery situated a few doors down, for a seasonally flavored treat.

MALLS GALORE One trip to North Charleston can knock out all your holiday shopping.

THE INNER SANCTUM For one-stop shopping with easy access to more than 130 retailers, step inside the bright and buzzing corridors of Northwoods Mall.

Though its larger sister center, Citadel Mall in West Ashley, has recently been confronted with foreclosure in the face of dwindling traffic and unoccupied store-

fronts, Northwoods continues to claim steady business.

Anchored by four department stores — Belk, Dillard’s, Sears, and JCPenney — the indoor complex features offerings for a variety of shoppers, including trendy styles for tweens and teens, sophisticated women’s wear, and sporty gear for those on the go.

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While the collection of primarily national retailers relies on mainstream favorites like Bath & Body Works, Books-A-Million, Express, Journeys, New York & Company, and Victoria’s Secret, shoppers may be pleasantly surprised to discover a handful of sellers whose only Lowcountry locations land within the halls of this mall — Hollister Co., Ashley Stewart, and Kids Foot Locker, for example.

The destination also has plenty of perks for parents, including rentable “car” carts, a play area situated food courtside, and complimentary hand sanitizer dispensers.

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Dotted by half a dozen similarly named shopping centers, the stretch of Rivers Avenue between I-526 and Northwoods Mall has become flooded with big-box retailers, discount department stores, hobby and home stores, and everything in between, with a small sprinkling of local niche shops.

Journeying north on this commercial corridor from the Mark Clark Expressway, the first sizable strip mall materializes in North Charleston Center, which hosts Northern Tool & Equipment, dd’s discounts, and Petco. Trek half a mile up the highway, and you’ll stumble onto the locally owned BootJack, a safety shoe company that does a sturdy business selling Western and rugged stompers.

From there, venture past Trident Technical College to reach a deep pocket of purveyors.

HH Gregg plugs in at North Rivers Center on the left, with North Rivers Towne Center just opposite offering Target, Ross, Babies R Us, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Charlestowne Tobacco and Wine. Neighboring North Pointe Plaza doles out Walmart, AC Moore, Office Max, Dollar Tree, Cato, Rooms To Go Kids, and Best Buy, with Pier 1 Imports directly across the six-lane road. Nestled into the center of this sea is Colucci’s Jewelry Factory, a fine jewelry manufacturer and dealer that’s been dazzling Charleston residents for some three decades.

The flow of stores culminates in a pool of shops facing Northwoods Mall. Shoppers can spend hours floating among the popular vendors at Northwoods Marketplace and North Rivers Marketplace. On top of apparel at Old Navy and Lane Bryant, uncover home goods at Kirklands and Anna’s Linens, media at GameStop and Barnes & Noble, and super savings at Marshalls, Big Lots, and Burke’s Outlet.

Photograph by Wade Spees

HIGHER GROUND If you’ve still got the drive and the dough, point the car north towards Summerville for another spell of hot-spot shopping. A few miles up I-26, just off Exit 199A on North Main Street, stand two massive strip malls: North Main Market and Azalea Square. The pair shares many of the same stores as those perched along Rivers Avenue, but with a few extras tossed in. Look for Jo-Ann, Kohls, Ulta, World Market, and T.J.Maxx, plus local gems like Chain Reaction Ride Shop, Cat’s Music, Colucci’s Jewelers, and Palmetto Moon.

Finally, continue on to the historic downtown district for homespun treasure hunting.

Snuggled in and around Summerville Town Square is a quaint collection of vintage, apparel, hobby, jewelry, and gift shops with a little something for everyone on your outing (or on your list). Try Eat/Sleep/Play and Gingersnaps for little ones; In High Cotton, Maggie Rose, and Simple to Sublime’s Shoe Lounge for fashion-forward femmes; and The Village Knittery and People, Places, & Quilts for crafty sorts, as well as Hummingbird Bakery CafÊ, Homegrown Brewhouse, and Accent on Wine for those need of a nip or a nibble. N

BLACK FRIDAY On big shopping days, North Charleston buzzes with activity as thousands of shoppers from throughout the Lowcountry crowd the city’s many malls and big-box retailers.

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New Trident Medical Center birthing suites feature whirlpool tubs, hardwood floors and waterfall faucets.

Updated birthing suites deliver extra comfort

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RIDENT MEDICAL CENTER (TMC) HAS UPDATED, REFRESHED AND RESTYLED THE NINE BIRTHING SUITES IN ITS LABOR AND DELIVERY DEPARTMENT, AN INTEGRAL PART OF TRIDENT’S WOMEN’S & CHILDREN’S SERVICES.

“These suites are absolutely beautiful,” says Deona Bien, director of Women’s and Children’s Services. “They have a very warm feel. Our goal was to create a wonderful, memorable experience for our patients and their families. The patients who have delivered their babies here have loved them.”

The new look includes elegantly tiled sinks with waterfall faucets. Each room includes either a shower or whirlpool tub, which can help with relaxation during labor and offset discomfort during contractions.

A new mother typically will stay in her birthing suite throughout the labor and delivery process and spend an hour or two there afterward with her baby. To help promote bonding, the birthing suites have new overhead lighting systems that can be softened to nurture skin-to-skin bonding between mother and newborn, giving the child the best start possible.

In addition to birthing suite improvements, Women’s & Children’s Services redesigned its two operating rooms for labor and delivery. “We made them bigger, brighter and more welcoming,” says Bien.

Equipment updates for the birthing and surgical suites include new Panda® Warmers, which keep newborns content as they are being checked and cared for by the medical team.

The changes were completed last December, Bien says. “They

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were a great Christmas present to us and to our patients.”

Chris Blough of Ladson has given birth four times at Trident Medical Center, starting in the mid ‘90s; her newest baby, Jillian, the only girl in the bunch, arrived this summer. Blough has seen the facilities at TMC change through the years and this time was especially impressed at the extra space in her birthing suite, which made it more comfortable for family members to join her through the day. She also appreciated the convenient placement of her bed, just a few steps from the bathroom. “The layout of the rooms has greatly improved,” she says.

Her suite included a cushioned window seat “long enough that someone could take a nap if they wanted” and “drawers everywhere” so she had ample space for her personal things. The medical staff also had extra storage available for their equipment.

“Everything was convenient for them and for us.”

Jillian was running late and was being stubborn during delivery, her mom reports, so the process lasted from 6 a.m. to a few minutes after midnight. Yet Blough was pleased overall with the facilities and the care they received. “Our experience in the birthing suite was wonderful.”

To schedule a Labor and Delivery tour at Trident or Summerville Medical Center, please call 843-797-3463.

Special Section by Trident Health

New Screening Provides a Lung Cancer Defense

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ATRICIA HAINES STARTED SMOKING AT AGE 15, “BEFORE THEY KNEW IT WAS BAD FOR YOU,” AND HAD CONTINUED OFF AND ON WITH A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 20 YEARS AS A SMOKER. Concerned that she sometimes felt short of breath, she talked to her doctor about a lung cancer screening she heard about that is offered at Trident Medical Center (TMC). She’s glad she did, as her next steps probably saved her life.

Haines had the low-dose computed topography (CT) screening, which helped pinpoint some potential trouble spots. A follow-up scan three months later showed those spots mostly had cleared up -- Haines had stopped smoking by then.

“It really encouraged me to start thinking about my health,” says Haines of Goose Creek. “I have no intentions of smoking again.”

Helical CT technology (often called a spiral CT) uses X-rays to obtain a multiple image scan of the chest, making it more effective than traditional, two-dimensional chest X-rays when looking for signs of cancer. At the same time, patients receive an eighth of the radiation exposure with the low-dose scan than they would have with a conventional CT scan.

“We wanted this screening to be affordable, so we worked with all providers involved to develop a very reasonable charge,” says Trident Health’s Wesley Fox, the PET/CT technologist who oversees the screenings.

The patient’s out of pocket cost for a screening is $149.

“Lung cancer is actually a curable disease if you catch it early enough,” says Fox. Yet the disease can be silent for many years before producing noticeable symptoms. “Traditionally, people don’t find out they have lung cancer until it’s Stage 3 or Stage 4.”

The screenings at TMC are for individuals 50 years or older who do not have symptoms but who may be at risk for lung cancer because of their smoking history or other related risk factors. Interested individuals should obtain a referral from their physician and then call 843-797-8554 to schedule an appointment.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. While Trident Health sees low-dose CT scans as life-saving technology, it also uses the screenings as a way to reach out to the at-risk population of smokers and encourage them to quit, just like Haines did. “It was a big motivator for me,” she says.

The program is overseen by Wesley Fox, PET/CT technologist

Special Section by Trident Health

Summerville Medical Center Launches Telemedicine Technology Summerville Medical Center (SMC) has recently implemented Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) Telemedicine to assist in the assessment of high risk pregnancies. Telemedicine is the use of technology to electronically exchange medical information and provide patient examinations via a real-time computer connection. MFM Telemedicine allows a perinatologist – a specially trained obstetrician concerned with the care of the unborn baby and complicated, highrisk pregnancies -- to see real time ultrasounds and communicate with patients via video conference.

During the MFM exam, the specialist logs onto a computer in her office – in this case in Nashville, Tennessee -- and can have two-way audio and video communication with the physician, the patient and family members at Summerville Medical Center.

The specialist can see the patient, ask questions and view ultrasound images - all in real-time - to help assess the patient’s condition and address concerns with the pregnancy.

“With MFM Telemedicine we will be better meeting the needs of our obstetrical patients so they can stay close to home and still have access to highly-trained specialists for perinatology, pregnancy-related diabetes concerns and genetic consultations,” said SMC CEO Lou Caputo.

Summerville Medical Center has contracted with United Telehealth to bring MFM Telemedicine to its patients. The United Telehealth team is led by Dr. Anne Patterson, who is Board Certified in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. She received her Fellowship in MaternalFetal Medicine from Emory University’s Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. This model is being piloted

by SMC, which is the first hospital within HCA to utilize MFM in this manner. The system includes a rolling cart outfitted with a computer, video monitor, camera and audio system.

“Simply put, MFM Telemedicine enables a perinatologist to be electronically transported to the patient’s bedside instantly,” Caputo added. “It will amplify the access to quality OB coverage already provided by Summerville’s excellent medical staff and OB Hospitalist program.” SMC plans to enhance the MFM technology with regularly scheduled onsite visits

by Dr. Patterson.

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Billy Brigman's time in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber helped him avoid amputation of his toe..

Dad credits Advanced Wound Care Center with saving his big toe

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ILLY BRIGMAN UNDERSTOOD HIS MOTHER’S TEARS WHEN HE TOLD HER ABOUT THE INFECTED WOUND ON HIS BIG TOE. While he was only 38, he had diabetes, which had touched generations of his family. As a 12-year-old boy, he watched his mother tend to his grandfather, who lost a leg to gangrene and died a year later. They fully understood the special dangers that wounds pose to diabetics. Yet Brigman would have the benefit of healing opportunities that his grandfather didn’t have.

He made it through hospitalization and surgery with his toe intact, and to ensure full recovery, he turned to the staff members of the Advanced Wound Care Center at Trident Medical Center in North Charleston. They were prepared to handle the complications that had developed, including two additional wounds and a deep tissue infection that went to the bone. “Without my mom’s prayers, the grace of God, and Trident’s Wound Center, I would have lost my toe.”

As part of his care, he went to the center for 50 hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatments, lying down in a sealed chamber and breathing 100 percent oxygen for up to two hours at a time. As a result of the chamber’s increased air pressure, the blood carries more oxygen to

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the affected tissues, speeding immediate healing and stimulating growth of new blood vessels to improve circulation. “The oxygen provides the building blocks to heal the wounds,” says the center’s medical director, Dr. Thomas Newton. “A lot of times it will help antibiotics work better, too.”

Brigman’s wife would take him early in the morning for each HBO treatment, and while he was able to watch TV from inside the chamber, he would often use that time to relax and reflect on life. A former Charleston Southern football player, he has two young girls he tries to keep up with and hopes to walk down the aisle one day.

He got to know the HBO technician and the rest of the staff well, and they treated him like family, he says. “During my treatment, my mom passed away. The staff grieved with me. They really care about me, about their patients,” says Brigman, who also works in the medical field and understands what distinguishes quality care.

HBO treatments alone could not cure him. He continued on antibiotics while staff members tended to his wounds regularly and closely monitored him for signs of improvement or worsening infection. In addition, they helped guide him on issues related to his diabetes, such as nutrition and proper footwear to promote circulation and protect against injuries. While Brigman had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a decade earlier, he now realizes he needs to be proactive and has lost 20 pounds. “They helped me get on the right track to taking care of me.”

His wounds have successfully healed, and with each step, he feels how his big toe helps him balance, whether he is walking the hallways at work, or playing soccer in the backyard. Not long ago, he took his first-grader and fifth-grader to Goodwin Elementary School’s father-daughter dance. “It was very rewarding to get out there and slow dance with my two girls.”

Reach the Advanced Wound Care Center at Trident Medical Center at 843-847-4379 or at Summerville Medical Center at 843-832-5379.

Trident Cancer Center to expand with innovative technology, added comfort When you are diagnosed with cancer, you want to know that you are not alone. Trident Health has supported Lowcountry residents in their battles with cancer for nearly three decades now, and in 1995, officially established the Trident Cancer Center.

Patients are able to receive radiation and infusion treatments as well as support services at the same location within Trident Medical Center (TMC) in North Charleston, which makes life simpler at a time when it can be overwhelming. Trident Cancer Center’s patients also benefit from a high level of personal attention. “Many of us have been here for a long time, so it is a family atmosphere,” says radiation oncologist Dr. Margaret MacDowell, who joined Trident Health in 1993.

Special Section by Trident Health

Now, Trident Health is investing $6.3 million to renovate and expand Trident Cancer Center by 3,500-square feet over the next year. Upgrades will include adding the Charleston area’s first TrueBeam™ linear accelerator, designed by Varian Medical Systems to “make cancer the victim.”

The TrueBeam technology is designed to create easier, quieter and more rapid radiotherapy and radiosurgery treatments for patients. These treatments will now often last only a few minutes.

Scheduling will be easier, too, because the Center will be able to offer more appointments each day.

“The expansion is a direct result of community need,” says Ryan Clements, Trident’s director of radiation therapy.

Trident Health studied local statistics and found a significant increase forecasted for cancer cases in Berkeley, Colleton and Dorchester counties. Trident Cancer Center’s volume of procedures and treatments during the first half of 2013 has grown 10 percent over 2012.

Trident Cancer Center will likely see 1,200 patients or more this year. That includes many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer through the Trident Breast Care Center, which is also on the hospital campus and recently went through its own expansion and makeover. While planning its new design, Trident Breast Care Center drew inspiration from the modern spa, using

a soothing color palette to put patients at ease. That comfort, combined with same day results, offers patients peace of mind.

Clements and director of infusion services Heide Welton intend to incorporate similar touches into the Trident Cancer Center.

Trident Health’s new linear accelerator will incorporate both the TrueBeam radiotherapy system and the TrueBeam STx radiosurgery system. TrueBeam’s technology is based upon years of research in tailoring treatments to a patient’s particular type of cancer.

Trident Cancer Center already offers rapid arc treatments, an advanced delivery method in which radiation can be contoured around a tumor while helping to preserve healthy tissue. Other innovations currently offered include high-dose radiation treatments for breast and gynecologic cancers that can be completed within a week, and low-dose radiation seed implants for prostate cancer patients.

Trident Cancer Center also provides nutritional guidance, music therapy, support groups and other services to support patients physically and emotionally. It all fits with the center’s comprehensive, patient-centered approach.

Call 843-847-4571 to learn more about the Trident Cancer Center or to schedule an appointment.

Neurosurgeon shares success of artificial discs with a national audience Dr. Jason Highsmith, Subject of new PBS television show on artificial discs

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PINAL DISCS ARE LIKE CUSHIONS BETWEEN THE BONES OF THE SPINE VERTEBRAE. THE DISCS SERVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN EVERYDAY MOVEMENT, ALLOWING US TO BEND AND REACH. YET IF THE DISCS RUPTURE, HERNIATE OR SLIP OUT OF PLACE, THEY CAN PUT PRESSURE ON THE NERVES THAT THE SPINE IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT, CAUSING NUMBNESS AND PAIN.

Most people who have chronic pain due to worn out neck discs can find relief through physical therapy, traction, injections and other non-surgical treatments. But those who continue to suffer or whose conditions are extreme often look to surgery for help and hope. In the past, that usually meant fusing together bones (vertebrae) that were otherwise separated by the failed disc. Yet an alternative to spinal fusion has emerged in which a surgeon replaces the damaged disc with an artificial one.

For many patients, an artificial disc can be a better solution, says North Charleston neurosurgeon Dr. Jason Highsmith, who has been at the forefront of utilizing and studying artificial discs. He is currently working with producers from the new PBS TV show Exploration Health on a segment about artificial discs that will likely start airing in the fall.

“It’s a good way to raise awareness of the procedure,” says Dr. Highsmith. “It has been FDA approved for several years, but a lot of patients are not aware of it. Unfortunately, a lot of insurance companies don’t cover it yet, but that trend is changing. We’re seeing improved coverage, and for the patient and for the

Special Section by Trident Health

insurance company, it turns out to be cheaper in the long run, with better cost savings compared to fusion.”

Dr. Highsmith has performed artificial disc surgery approximately 100 times over the past eight years, most often at Trident Medical Center. While many patients are Lowcountry residents, others travel longer distances to have it done. He recently talked to a woman who might make the trek from Greece.

Because of experience and his work as a principal investigator in two studies of artificial discs, Dr. Highsmith was a logical choice for the TV segment. The exposure also fits with his desire to educate and empower people to make smart healthcare decisions.

(Dr. Highsmith recently co-wrote The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Back Pain and serves on the editorial board of the SpineUniverse website.)

The ideal candidate for an artificial disc is someone who has a herniated disc in the neck causing arm pain, possibly due to an injury, but who does not have arthritis, which typically means someone who is younger. Genevieve Stratos, 36, of Mount Pleasant fit that profile when she saw Dr. Highsmith last year.

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Stratos played a lot of sports while growing up and served as a general contractor before getting into medical device sales.

She’s not sure what caused her disc to rupture, but the pain and numbness in her neck developed suddenly and soon radiated down her arm. “I couldn’t even move my fingers to tie my shoelaces.”

As a busy mom with a career that requires a great deal of interaction with clients, she could not ignore the issue. But she had concerns about spinal fusion because of its potential to cause stiffness and limit movement, as well as the extra stress it might put

on other discs in the long run. For her, an artificial disc seemed like the better choice. “I was really excited about that option because it would allow my body to operate naturally and cause less wear and tear on my lumbar system.”

Dr. Highsmith performed her surgery in January at Trident Medical Center. Two weeks later, she was back at work, and within a few months, Stratos says, she was playing mixed doubles tennis.

“I can’t be happier with how everything went.”

Don’t let a bad knee or hip slow you down Replacement surgery can help many people stay active in the long run

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OT YOUNG STARTED WORKING AT BOONE HALL PLANTATION IN THE EARLY ‘90S. AFTER THE FIRST 11 YEARS AS A COSTUMED TOUR GUIDE, SHE HUNG UP HER HOOP SKIRT TO TEND TO BOONE HALL’S DECORATIONS AND GARDENS. She enjoys her job immensely and sometimes collects greenery from her home in Hanahan to add to the plantation floral arrangements. That’s what she was doing the morning her nightgown got snagged on a wheelbarrow, bringing it and 80 pounds of dirt on top of her as she fell on her brick patio.

Her injuries and the subsequent complications would lead her to have a hip replacement in May, followed by a knee replacement in August. Both procedures were performed by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Seth Kupferman at Trident Medical Center (TMC) in North Charleston. And while that would seem like a lot in one year, Young was enjoying a quick recovery after the second surgery. She expected to return to Boone Hall by mid-October, giving her plenty of time to prepare for the holidays.

She remembers a follow-up visit with Dr. Kupferman, who was impressed by her motivation. “I gave him all the credit, and he said ‘No, it’s you.’”

In truth, her success story resulted from a team effort. It wasn’t just between the patient and doctor, but also the anesthesiologist, nurses, physical therapists and other staff who are part of Trident Health’s finely tuned support system for recipients of total joint replacements. Both TMC and Summerville Medical Center have been recognized by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association as Blue Distinction Centers for meeting quality care and outcome criteria for knee and hip replacements. In total, they perform around 650-700 of these procedures each year.

Overall, an increasing number of Americans are having knee and hip replacements these days. More than 3 million Medicare patients, who are age 65 and older, received artificial knees from 1991 to 2010, according to a study that came out last year. One reason is a change

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Hanahan grandmother Dot Young intends to stay active after having a hip replacement and a knee replacement earlier this year.

Dr. Seth KupfermanOrthopaedic Surgeon, South Carolina Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center

in expectations for aging.

“People want to maintain a high level of activity. They want to be independent, and they want to do the things they enjoy,” says Dr. Kupferman, who practices with South Carolina Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center and typically operates at TMC. At the same time, technology, techniques and care for total joint replacements have been refined over the past four decades. Trident Health takes a proactive approach to pain management that starts with an education and awareness class for patients prior to surgery.

During the procedure, patients receive pain blocks so they don’t need as much pain medication as in years past; that means they can start moving and doing physical therapy sooner after surgery.

Even old-fashioned ice packs have been replaced by cryotherapy equipment that provides a consistently cool temperature on the knee or hip.

Another patient of Dr. Kupferman’s, Jack Burton, left the hospital three days after his knee replacement in April 2012. Within a month and a half, he was back on his bicycle. Now, a year and a half later, at age 57, the former collegiate swimmer and Ironman finisher is back to triathlon training.

At the same time, he doesn’t have to worry about his knee limiting what he can do on the job site as a residential contractor. In Jack’s line of work, he often runs into people with knee problems. He recommends they see Dr. Kupferman and look into replacement surgery. “My only regret is not having gone through it sooner.”

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Summerville Medical Center adds New Pediatric Emergency and Inpatient Rooms

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VERY FAMILY WISHES THEY WERE JUST MINUTES AWAY FROM EMERGENCY PEDIATRIC CARE. NOW, FAMILIES FROM THROUGHOUT DORCHESTER COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS ARE. SUMMERVILLE MEDICAL CENTER (SMC) NOW PROVIDES SPECIALIZED PEDIATRIC CARE FOR CHILDREN -- NEWBORNS TO AGE 17 -- WITH 24/7 ACCESS.

BY OCTOBER OF 2013, A 4,000-SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION TO SMC’S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT WILL BE COMPLETE. CONSTRUCTION ON THE PEDIATRIC INPATIENT UNIT WILL BE COMPLETE BY FEBRUARY, 2014.

Rooms will have child-friendly artwork, colors and lighting as well as features like TVs and gaming systems to make it easier for young patients to pass the time. Likewise, equipment will be right-sized, and supplies will be age appropriate.

At the same time, the hospital is devoting more resources to training and staffing for pediatric services. That includes having a pediatrician immediately available at the hospital (a pediatric hospitalist) around the clock. The unit is also staffed with pediatric nurses specifically trained to care for pediatric emergencies and medical and surgical conditions.

“From music therapy to specialized pediatric dosing programs, this expansion was built with a child’s needs in mind,” said Craig Duncan, manager of pediatric services.

“We have given much consideration to how we care for kids in this community,” says the hospital’s CEO Lou Caputo. “We recognize that you care for kids differently than you care for adults.”

The investment makes good sense, given the striking increase of families in the region and the preference they already show in choosing SMC. Children receive treatment at Summerville Medical Center more than 20,000 times a year, with half of those visits taking place in the Emergency Department.

The planned emergency addition includes a kid-friendly waiting area, allowing children to be kept separate from adult patients from the time they arrive. “When kids come into the Emergency Department, they are going to take a different track than adults,” Caputo says. This separate track also keeps wait times to a minimum.

The new inpatient pediatric unit also will be set off from rooms for adult patients on the second floor. It will include a play area, where children can spend time with family or child life specialists, and a procedure room for such potentially distressing situations as shots and IV placement. This allows the child’s room to remain a “safe haven” for healing.

Special Section by Trident Health

Planned improvements resulted from a steering committee that involved emergency medicine and pediatric specialists as well as many others. Committee members traveled to community hospitals in other parts of the country to study successful pediatric service lines.

“Our community deserves great care for children, here close to home,” Caputo says.

The new 24/7 emergency pediatric department gives many parents a closer option than having to drive downtown.

Pediatric Hospitalists and specially trained nurses will be on staff.

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UNIQUE SPOT The Mixson Bath and Racquet Club sports member-only cabanas, a saltwater pool (opposite page), and a restaurant called Basico (opposite page, bottom).

BY KRI STI N H AC KLE R

Mixson match

BATH & RACQUET CLUB CREATES STIR DROP A STYLISH, MODERN AND SUBLIMELY POSH PRIVATE SOCIAL CLUB IN THE MIDDLE OF A SOMEWHAT BLIGHTED AREA, AND TONGUES ARE SURE TO WAG.

Built to compliment the fashionable and rapidly growing Mixson community in North Charleston, the new Mixson Bath and Racquet Club is already causing quite a splash in the Lowcountry’s trendy/artistic circles.

Membership rolls for the club, which opened in July, topped 260 by late summer

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Photographs by Frank Edwards

Designed by renowned sustainablearchitecture firm Lake Flato, the club breathes style. Horizontal earth tones of clay, dandelion and slate run throughout the outdoor area, giving the patio and cabana areas a cool yet comfortable feel. Nine classic cabanas wrap around the back and left portion of the pool area, complete with rolling privacy door, plush lounge seating, tables, storage nooks and optional television hookups for game days.

The club’s pool, which is heated in the winter, holds saltwater “because it stays clean without chemicals and it’s great for the skin,” Lewis says.

Family-oriented cabanas are thoughtfully separated from the standard cabanas and close to what the club calls the “Kid Car

(with 12 month lease)

843.572.0660 7910 Crossroads Drive N. Charleston, SC 29406

C51-1037028

and showed no sign of slowing.

“You don’t have to live in the neighborhood to be a member,” says Bryan Lewis, proprietor of the club. “We have members from all over the Charleston area, and it’s a great mix of singles, couples and families.”

Members must make it through a selection process, then pay an initiation fee and yearly dues, much as they would in a traditional country club.

A talented restaurateur and design-savvy entrepreneur, Lewis worked with the developer of the Mixson neighborhood to set the tone for not only the club, but also an adjoining taqueria called BASICO and the nearby Mixson Market. The restaurant is divided into two parts, one serving the public and the other serving club members.

Spacious 1 & 2 BR Apartments No App Fee! No Deposit!

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Wash.” Comprised of several tall tube arches, the car wash sprays fountains of fresh water from all four directions and is tall enough to accommodate both kids and kids-at-heart. It can even be a quick relief to afternoon bocce players as the two regulation-length bocce courts are located only a few steps away. If your sports tastes run more toward the early American classic, you can’t get more traditional than the Club’s fully equipped grass badminton courts.

Along with tall, bright, eye-catching observation chairs designed by Le Prince Jardinier and a set of whimsical “rocking chairs” by the same company, the badminton court includes a set of oversized flip-able score cards and shaded observation areas for onlookers.

“We spent a lot of time picking equipment and seating that fit the space,” Lewis says. “We didn’t skimp on anything. We wanted quality over quantity.”

For those just hoping for a quick workout or a yoga class after a long day, the club also offers a 2,700-square-foot pool house with regular classes and a separate locker space, where old world brass fixtures meet the clean lines and abundant space of modern bath and shower rooms.

And if you’re looking for a pool-side drink, after-dinner cocktail or a full meal as good as you’ll find at trendy restaurants in Charleston, the club side of BASICO features a membersonly dining room designed with contemporary flair and floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around three sides of the dining room.

When the weather’s nice, glass bay doors roll up to welcome the breeze.

In all, the club, restaurant and market fulfill the vision of Mixson’s developers.

“We want to create a sense of place,” says Harvey Wadsworth, vice president of development and construction for Jamestown L.P. “We want to have a true community with Mixson, and I feel the Bath and Racquet Club helps us achieve that.”

Indeed, with all of the amenities includes in the club, you almost don’t have a reason to leave Mixson, let alone North Charleston.

And that’s what the developers are hoping to convey.

“A lot of people don’t make it out to North Charleston very often, and when they do, they have a certain perception of the area. We’re hoping this will change their minds,” says Wadsworth.

For more information about the Mixson Bath and Racquet Club, go to mixsonbrc.com. N

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CREATIVE CUISINE Mixson’s Basico functions as a bright, stylish taqueria open to the public and, on the other side of a bar area, as a private Clubhouse for the Mixson Bath and Racquet Club.

A LOT O F PEO PLE D O N ’T MAKE IT O UT TO N O RTH C HARLE STO N VE RY O F T E N , A N D W H E N T H E Y D O , T H E Y H AV E A C E R TA I N P E R C E P T I O N O F THE AREA. WE’RE HOPING THIS WILL CHANGE THEIR MINDS. H a r vey Wa d swo r th , V i c e Pre s i d e n t o f D eve l o p m e n t a n d C o n s tru c ti o n fo r J a m e s tow n L . P.

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Photographs by Rick McKee

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City Scenes

PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENTS TO SUGGEST AN EVENT OR SUBMIT IMAGES, SEND AN EMAIL TO EDITOR@NORTHCHARLESTONONLINE.COM.

NEW HOME City officials and Pulte Homes surprised Air Force veteran Robert Wright (blue shirt) and his family with plans for a free, new home in the McKewn neighborhood in North Charleston. Photo by North Charleston.

RUCKER WAY Mayor Keith Summey announced earlier this year that a stretch of road leading to the North Charleston Coliseum has been renamed Darius Rucker Boulevard in honor of the home-grown music star. Photo by Brad Nettles.

H AV E Y O U H E A R D A B O U T

single-site surgery?

JEFFREY LAFOND, MD Currently used for gall bladder removal, single-site will soon be available for other types of surgery. And, the South Carolina Institute for Robotic Surgery has more experience with single-site than anyone in the Lowcountry. Just think...one tiny incision means virtually no scar and a faster recovery. Trident Health and the South Carolina Institute for Robotic Surgery...

Count on Experience.

THOMAS LITTON, MD JOHN SMEAR, MD These three general surgeons provide single-site robotic surgery at Trident Health.

For more information on single-site surgery, or to schedule an appointment, visit SCRobotics.com or call 843-797-3463.

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LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston hosted the Latin American Festival again this year. Attendees such as Johanie (right, from left), Jorianys, Pedro Jr. and Pedro Rivera and Sophia (below, from left), Thalia and Olivia Grado celebrated all things Latin American, from culture and food to dance and music. Photo by Marie Rodriguez.

SHE INDULGES North Charleston recently hosted SHE Charleston, one of the Lowcounty’s newest women’s events. Meka Mikell, Tamika Snipes and Keturah Simmons attended the opening night party. Photo by Marie Rodriguez.

MASK MAKER Storyteller Doug Berky performs during the city’s Children’s Theatre Series. The city also hosts a Dinner Theatre Series for adults, including a Nov. 15 event called “Gullah Roots.” Photo by North Charleston.

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Fixed right, on time, the first time.

FIELD OF DREAMS North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey (left) and Recreation Director Ed Barfield celebrate the opening of Wescott Park, North Charleston’s new $14.1 million park and youth baseball complex off Dorchester Road in Dorchester County.

The park includes three fields designed to look like the Braves’ Turner Field, Boston’s Fenway Park and San Francisco’s AT&T Park. The state-of-the-art park also boasts a Ripken Training Circle, batting cages, practice pitching mounds, a baseball-themed playground, nature trails, dog park, enclosed and open-air shelters and an amphitheater. Planned since at least 2005, construction on the 50-acre park started in October 2011.

On the

Ball With new homes, new stores, new businesses and a new park, the city’s northwestern edge is growing at a blistering pace.

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B Y R O B YO U N G

R

emember 1996?

Bob Dole swept through the Republican primaries.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana agreed to divorce.

Atlanta played host to the Summer Olympics. Cuba Gooding demanded that the fictional football universe show him the money in “Jerry Maguire,” and Alanis Morissette — oh, wow — was skyrocketing up the Billboard Hot 100 with her song, “Ironic.”

Closer to home, the world, as North Charleston understood it, was ending. The government had chosen to shutter the Charleston Naval Base, then the largest employer of civilians in South Carolina. The closing date: April 1, 1996.

Behind the decision was a pair of clear-cut causes: The end of the Cold War and imminent defense budget cuts. But it still stung, concluding nearly a century of service in support of the Navy.

Jobs would be jettisoned. Homes would be lost. The population would disperse. And everyone would wonder: What next? Whatever would become of North Charleston?

A quick drive today along the city’s northwestern edge answers that question. Head down the venerable Ashley Phosphate Road and turn westward onto the recently built Palmetto Commerce Parkway. Notice the names on the new plants: Daimler, Cummins, Shimano and Boeing.

At the Parkway’s end, wind onto Ladson Road, then back down Dorchester Road. Cruise down the boulevards: Westcott or Patriot.

Neighborhood after neighborhood bustles with activity and construction, new single and multi-family residential communities, office buildings and churches, grocery store shopping centers and a state-of-the-art city park.

Back in the ’90s, the area was mostly woods. These days, it’s the epicenter of a blistering growth spurt. Fueled in no small part

by Boeing’s operations base near Charleston

Photograph by Rick McKee

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS Samantha Ellison, shown here with sons Wyatt and Truett (left) at the opening of Wescott Park, is well acquainted with growth at the northwestern edge of the city. A real estate agent for Carolina One whose husband works at the Air Force Base, Ellison sells homes in the area and also lives in the Indigo Palms community off Dorchester Road. Ellison said she often dispels negative stereotypes about the area. Central location, affordable housing and a growing collection of amenities help sell homes there, she said. “North Charleston is fabulous.”

International Airport and related industrial growth, the city’s northern edges are home to massive roadway expansions and population booms.

This growth stretches further northwest outside of the city, along I-26 and U.S. Highway 52, two of North Charleston’s main arteries.

Plans include an area to the north of the city called Carnes Crossroads, a 2,300-acre community near U.S. Highway 17A and St. James Avenue in Goose Creek. Nexton, near U.S. Highway 17A and Interstate 26 in Summerville, calls for a 4,500-acre development.

The population combining residents living in Cane Bay, Nexton and Carnes Crossroads could eventually rival Mount Pleasant’s.

It’s a long way from the doom and gloom of the 90s.

“With the Navy base closure in 1996, we lost the equivalent of about 25 percent of our GNP (Gross National Product) across the Tri-County area,” says Ray Anderson, the longtime Special Assistant to North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “That’s really not that many years ago.

“North Charleston has always been considered kind of a boom area. It’s been kind of a wild ride in seeing all of it come back.”

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Anderson credits the relatively quick turnabout for the city to collaboration between city leaders such as Mayor Keith Summey and groups such as the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. Their shared strategy invokes the new urbanism tenants of real estate and commercial development, urban planning and municipal land-use plans. The strategy calls for sustainable and mixed-use communities, eco-friendly construction and environmental restoration.

The proof, as always, is in the people. Last year, Anderson points out, North Charleston’s populace grew by 2.4 percent, the most in the state. Of course, Mount Pleasant came in second and Charleston third. “We’re seeing that growth cycle all over the place,” Anderson says.

“When you create a vision, a goal, you march to until you get it done,” Anderson says.

R OA D S T O T H E F U T U R E In North Charleston, the road to the future literally depends on roads. Boeing helped drive the expansion, as Palmetto Commerce Parkway serves as home to several of the aerospace giant’s suppliers and aviation manufacturers. The aptly named “Boeing

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Corridor” provides prime space for the hub, as the thoroughfare contains an area hemmed

by Dorchester Road and I-26, as well as West Montague Avenue and Ladson Road.

“The area has grown, but it’s also matured and evolved,” says Eric Meyer, a principal at Charleston commercial real estate firm Meyer, Kapp & Associates. “… Some of this is the culture of the South, being a right-to-work state. You’ll find companies moving from here from other states and communities that were previously welcomed. Unionization has occurred around companies like Boeing, driving them to right-to-work states.”

The North Charleston infrastructure has been a beneficiary. Examples: Palmetto Commerce Parkways and the Patriot Boulevard Extension. The city, Dorchester County and real estate developers together paved the way for street connectivity between Ladson, Dorchester and Ashley Phosphate roads.

“What you’re seeing now are major roads being completed,” Meyer says, “specifically Palmetto Commerce Parkway and Patriot Boulevard, which are connecting in a meaningful way. It’s linking those residential communities to industrial areas.”

It’s signifying new growth, too, a different

Photograph by Matt Winter

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The Wescott community off Dorchester Road at the northwestern edge of North Charleston has long served as a catalyst for growth. The developers of a new, nearby shopping center expect the population within a 5-mile radius to swell to more than 104,000 by 2015.

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kind of growth.

“It’s catapulting the industrial sector 61 beyond the old industrial areas like Ashley Phosphate, which has a warehousing, storage and trucking base,” Meyer continues. “If you go up Palmetto Commerce Parkway, it’s assembly, it’s manufacturing, it’s data.”

A trio of upcoming road projects would extend this road system to the aeronautics

File photographs by The Post and Courier

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hub formed by the airport and Boeing plant, including an I-26 interchange and Future Drive, the South Aviation Avenue extension and the International Boulevard relocation.

The trigger? Boeing, yet again.

The project would clearly aid Boeing and its suppliers, but also North Charleston commuters as Boeing-related traffic begin using the new route.

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Perched on Noisette Creek, homes feature NAHB® green certification, Energy Star® appliances, private wraparound porches, 9-10 foot ceilings, parking garages, ample storage and more. Community offers a recreational pavilion and private dock for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

MOM-APPROVED Jennifer Hollensteiner (left), Valleri Hatchell and daughter Ryleigh Hatchell helped celebrate the opening of Wescott Park in September. Hollensteiner works at the Piggly Wiggly warehouse in North Charleston, and her husband works at Boeing. Now with two teenagers and two toddlers, the family bought a home in the Wescott neighborhood about nine years ago, during early phases of residential development. “At the time, he was in the Air Force, so we wanted to stay close to the base, and we found a house that was big enough, suited our family size and was affordable,” she said. Hollensteiner says she and her friends, who are also moms, love the area and are excited about the addition of the new baseball-themed park and shopping center with a Harris Teeter.

Somewhere in the vicinity of 50,000 vehicles could be diverted from Interstate 26, Ashley Phosphate Road and Dorchester Road, Charleston County Councilman Elliott Summey told The Post and Courier. Charleston County Council approved $80 million in funding to start the projects. The remainder is expected from the S.C. Transportation Agency, which also subsidized the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and completion of Interstate 526.

“It’s certainly good to see the state, county and city work together in what we call the Boeing roads. These are necessary roads,” Anderson says. “Then you’ll have the (Department of Transportation) looking at I-526 and all those things going into the next wave of improvements for physical infrastructure.”

ROOM TO G ROW

For more information and directions, go online to

hunleywaters.com Call Neil at 843.714.3855 or Valarie, 843.276.8614 for a private tour.

You can’t beat the space.

Honestly.

North Charleston maintains large swatches of real estate, some tapped, some still untapped.

“What we have seen is a rapid maturation in North Charleston in the last 20 years due to (Mayor) Summey and a progressive

administration looking at opportunities and taking them,” Meyer says. “And some of them are risky. Look at Noisette, the Naval shipyard, Oak Terrace Preserve and (the) Mixson (mixed-use development). That’s head-on combat. You’ve got to appreciate that.”

In the process, the city has made believers out of other folks too.

The Atlanta-based Hendon Properties maintains acreage in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, specializing in retail space, full-service development and brokerage. In North Charleston, the group helped develop a 343,000 square foot space near the Dorchester Road and Wescott Boulevard corridor.

Lowe’s served as the anchor tenant, with another nearby development called the Corner at Westcott quickly achieving traction.

Major retailers are to include Harris Teeter, Marshall’s, Rack Room Shoes, Starbucks and Moe’s Southwest Grill.

“Certainly, we’re familiar with the growth in North Charleston attributed to the housing explosion, the Boeing plant and other related factors,” says company president Charlie Hendon. “We felt that we could attract some large retailers and we’ve been able to do so.”

The site’s appeal also benefited from nearby

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Photograph by Matt Winter

( N O R T H C H A R L E S TO N H A S ) A LWAY S B E E N T H E W O R KH O R S E FO R T H E C O M M U N I T Y, BUT I THINK IN THE NEAR F U T U R E I T ’ S G O I N G TO B E T H E T H O R O U G H B R E D. Eric Meyer of the commercial real estate firm Meyer, Kapp & Associates

Fort Dorchester Elementary School and the Windsor Club at Westcott Plantation apartment complex.

Meyer, the commercial real estate executive, represents Weber USA, the developer of Ingleside Plantation, a large, 1,800-acre tract of property along Interstate 26 and University Boulevard. Ingleside is to be parceled into 3.6 million square foot of mixed use site during the next two decades, incorporating office, restaurant, retail, hotel and residential apartment space.

To be built over two phases, the segments call for commercial developments and living space occupied by high-end tenants.

The last, and most ambitious piece, involves a transit hub and potential commuter rail along the center of Ingleside Plantation stretching from Charleston to Columbia.

“The infrastructure is developed first,” Meyer says. “Then the framework follows because of the tremendous growth in the marketplace.

We’re hoping to land a tax base that eventually will help contribute to city revenue.”

GOOD AND THE BAD Growth. That’s the oft-repeated word in discussing North Charleston.

Paul Wilczynski studies its meaning. The retired information technology professional and his wife, Joan Brasier, moved from Boston to North Charleston nearly five years ago. The couple set up home in Oak Terrace Preserve, a green community only a short bike ride away from Riverfront Park and Park Circle’s restaurants and nightlife.

They wanted to escape the harsh New England winters and gain an improved quality of life. Which, occasionally, has Wilczynski pondering the term, growth.

Every up-and-coming city seeks it. And therein lays the rub. How can a city balance growth with comfort, with sustainability, with well-being?

“These houses are going up so fast, and the

city seems to closely attune to the growth in the economic sector,” says Wilczynski, who is also a member of the North Charleston Zoning Board of Appeals.

“Then there’s commercial growth, which the planning commission and the city in general definitely encourage to help increase jobs and the tax base,” Wilczynski says.

“And there’s a third kind of growth that adds geographic areas or lands around the city,” Wilczynski says.

So is all this growth: good or bad?

“As long as North Charleston has a reason for adding areas and building more residential areas — as long as it is thought out, and that’s something the city is heeding — then it’s certainly a good thing,” Wilczynski says.

In many ways, North Charleston remains a city in transition. It’s grown, sure, by leaps and bounds, but as Meyer points out, it’s also matured and evolved.

Heck, years ago, who thought that North Charleston could accommodate a bath and racquet club like the one launched by the Mixson development? Who would’ve considering a bocce league being started in the city?

“They’re doing very well with those kinds of things,” Anderson says.

Still, the progress leads to intriguing possibilities. Just what will North Charleston look like in five to 10 years?

“I don’t think it will look significantly different. There may be a lot of progress and there may be much more development and a strong economy,” Hendon says. “But I think the city of North Charleston understands its challenges, and I think it will be able to grow very strongly and maintain the charm that it has.”

There are many ways to enjoy the Charleston-area communities. If you’re younger, as Meyer notes, perhaps you’d want to live on Folly Beach. Or if you’re older, maybe a beach community like Sullivan’s Island is more suitable. Isle of Palms and Seabrook Island house gated communities, and everyone enjoys Charleston’s historic buildings and restaurants.

“But I think North Charleston is looking for a younger verve, something that’s going to be able to connect,” Meyer says. “North Charleston is going to continue on its enormous growth curve, where it’s going to be a market leader in offices, retail and industry.

“It’s always been the workhorse for the community, but I think in the near future it’s going to be the thoroughbred.” N R40-1034572

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WORKING

MASSIVE MOVE : A 350,000-pound “load disc” travels along the edge of a dock near Clemson’s wind-turbine testing facility at the former Navy Base. Earlier this fall, a 192-wheel transporter carried it slowly from a barge to the facility, where it will become an integral part of a the state-of-the-art facility.

Big rig

MOVING SLOWLY ON A FLOATING CRANE AND A BARGE, TWO KEY PARTS FOR WHAT WILL BE THE WORLD’S LARGEST WIND TURBINE TEST UNIT ARRIVED IN NORTH CHARLESTON EARLIER THIS FALL.

DEDICATION CEREMONY NEARING FOR WIND TURBINE TESTING FACILITY

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A four-story tall gearbox and a giant steel connecting ring in a mammoth box were brought down the Cooper River to Clemson University’s Wind Turbine Drive Train Testing Facility.

The $100 million facility will be dedicated Nov. 21, and the first tests of prototype turbine drive trains are expected in the summer of 2014, said Peter Hull, a Clemson spokesman.

The dedication will draw attendees from around the world, Hull said, and will feature a number of speakers and a reception in the testing facility. (Anyone wishing to attend should

NORTHCHARLE STONONLINE.COM

contact Erica Fox at elfox@clemson.edu.

More information will be available at Clemsonenergy.com.)

There are only two other such wind-turbine testing facilities, one in Spain and one in Colorado. But the Clemson site will test far larger units, helping green energy innovators around the world improve the ever-bigger drivetrains needed to make this form of renewable energy economically viable.

The gearbox and connecting ring will be part of a 400-ton unit capable of testing drive trains for wind turbines that can produce 15 megawatts — enough energy to power 6,000

Photographs by Wade Spees

homes. A 15-megawatt turbine would likely have blades reaching 100 yards above the ocean surface.

Earlier, a 150-ton unit, capable of testing smaller turbines that can produce 7.5 megawatts of power, arrived at the Clemson facility.

Using the larger units offshore would mean the same power could be generated with fewer units needing maintenance and repair.

The test facility is in a huge warehouse that was once used by the Navy and is more than 70 years old. The building has been retrofitted to withstand both earthquakes and hurricanes.

The turbine testing facility is not far from a fault that caused the devastating 1886 quake that killed 110 people. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo, a Category 4 hurricane with 135 mph winds, came ashore just north of Charleston.

The Department of Energy gave Clemson $45 million in federal stimulus money for the test facility, with state and private donors providing another $53 million. Clemson also plans a graduate center on its 26-acre campus in North Charleston with experts in wind technology. N

MASSIVE RIG: Project manager Jim Tuten walks through components of Clemson’s 15-megawatt test rig, which will be home to the massive load disc.

Sources: Bruce Smith of The Associated Press, staff reports.

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Monday - Friday: 7:30am to 5:30pm

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Kick in the Sweeteeth

CHOCOLATIER CRAFTS WORLD-CLASS BARS IN PARK CIRCLE SHOP

IT WOULD BE NICE TO SAY YOU COULD SMELL CHOCOLATE COOKING FROM THE STREET IN PARK CIRCLE, BUT JOHNNY BATTLES KEEPS A TIGHT LID ON HIS CHILLED SHOP JUST OFF EAST MONTAGUE IN THE CIRCLE’S COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. HE HAS TO — CHARLESTON’S WEATHER IS NOT KIND TO A CHOCOLATIER’S PROFESSION. The workspace for nationally recognized Sweeteeth Chocolate is just big enough to hold Battles, a couple of assistants and a whole lot of high-end chocolate. Stainless steel racks hold hundreds of molded squares, some dark and unassuming and others laced with fantastic, alien landscapes of crystallized sugar, dried fruit and candied pecans.

In this shop, Battles makes six types of chocolate bars. Each is a testament not only to his creativity, but also bittersweet memories of childhood in a small town in Alabama.

“My mom was a diner cook, and I usually spent summers with her in the kitchen. It’s all I’ve ever really done,” Battles says.

Well, there was a brief stint as a roofer, but once it became obvious that he didn’t have a knack for shingling, he went back to where he was most comfortable: the kitchen.

“I knew Matt [McIntosh] back when he

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first opened E.V.O. Pizza, and not long after he opened he asked if I could help in the kitchen. I was making a lot of chocolate and pastries, more or less for fun, at the time, and he said he would help out by sharing on the ingredients and letting me use the kitchen on off days. It allowed me to practice and sell at the same time,” Battles says.

Learning the art of chocolate isn’t as sweet as it sounds. The smallest mistake can ruin an entire batch, and Battles has had his fair share of “cataclysmic errors.” But it didn’t take long for him to get the hang of it, and soon word began to spread about his unique creations.

“It was word of mouth that really took it across the country,” says Battles.

That “word of mouth” came from a sudden slew of regional and national publications such as Southern Living, Martha Stewart, Oh Joy! and Details, as well as an appearance on

Photographs by Brad Nettles

the Cooking Channel’s FoodCrafters show in late 2011.

Even the Lee Brothers couldn’t get enough, stating on their website, mattleeandtedlee. com, “We’re chocolate skeptics, but we were blown away when we first encountered Sweeteeth Chocolate.”

Today you can find Sweeteeth Chocolate in California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon and in more than 20 locations around the Lowcountry.

Even though his chocolates have been in the national spotlight for more than three years, Battles is still a little shocked that all this is happening to him.

“I didn’t aim to become a chocolatier and to do so well with it. I almost feel like I don’t deserve it sometimes,” Battles says.

And even though the day-to-day work of keeping up with ever-increasing demand can get a little monotonous, he constantly reminds himself that he truly does live the sweet life.

“I just keep making a living in a makebelieve job,” Battles says with a smile.

For more about Sweeteeth Chocolate and a list of retail locations, visit sweeteethchocolate.com. N

SWEETEETH BARS SEA IS FOR CARAMEL: By far the most popular flavor combination, this concoction features a smooth, rich caramel encased in a dark chocolate shell. A light sprinkling of sea salt produces an amazing and crunchy finish.

A’CHOCOLYPSE: The end of the world never tasted so good. Laced with fresh candied ginger and popping sugar, this cataclysmic combination will leave you in post-apocalyptic bliss.

CALL OF THE WILD: Like a wild cousin of the Sea is for Caramel bar, this dark-chocolate shell carries a hidden cargo of caramel. But Battles has added a rich port-wine flavor to the caramel’s already sophisticated mix heavy cream, butter, vanilla

bean and Fleur de Sel (A French, hand-harvested sea salt).

CINNAPSIS: It takes a minute to wrap your mind around this in-your-face combination of candied pecans, dried cinnamon apple and rich milk chocolate. It’s as delicious and nostalgic as cramming a piece of hot apple pie into the middle of a s’more.

PB & C: “C” is for chipotle, which you figure out pretty quickly after your first bite. Smooth peanut butter cuddles up to your taste buds while a peppering of chipotle gently smacks you around.

O-SNAP: These lovely bars combine rich white chocolate with crumbled handfuls of ginger snap cookies. Think of them like a warm glass of milk and a plate of ginger cookies on a cool, fall night.

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PL AY I N G

LEARNING TO SWIM Levi Hacker (here) and Antavis Gilliard (facing page), Jayden Skipper, Dontay Rivers and Zanyiah Sanders-Smith (in background) have a grand time in the pool at the Danny Jones recreation complex near Park Circle.

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COLD OUTSIDE? NO WORRIES. COME ON IN, THE WATER IS FINE. North Charleston’s Danny Jones recreation complex near Park Circle is offering its firstever winter season as a year-round swimming destination.

A massive renovation project completed earlier this year provided the center with a fully-enclosed and heated swimming pool, along with remodeled locker rooms and other improvements.

The $1.8 million renovation was partially funded by private donations. Boeing executive and former world-ranked swimmer Marco Cavazzoni led a private effort that raised $350,000 from community members, businesses and institutions. In addition, the Town of Mount Pleasant and the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission each committed $100,000.

North Charleston’s Parks and Recreation Department manages daily operations at the Danny Jones center. Staffers partner with Lowcountry Aquatic Project Swimming (LAPs) to offer learn-to-swim programs for children and about 1,000 students in eight local public schools.

For details, call 843-745-1063. N

Photographs by Ryan Johnson

DANNY JONES POOL: 1455 Monitor St. 843-745-1063 WINTER LAP SWIM: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Only three or four lanes available at certain times.

WINTER OPEN SWIM: Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. There will also be two or three lap lanes available during open swim.

FEES AND PASSES: Swimmers can use the pool for $1 per session. The center also offers quarterly passes, with current passes good through the end of the year.

Individual passes are $30 for city residents and $60 for others. Family passes are $50 for residents and $100 for others.

Swim Passes can be purchased at Armoy Park, 5000 Lackawanna Blvd. For more information on passes, call 843-745-1032.

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S .C . STI N G R AYS The 2013-2014 season will be the Stingrays’ 21st based out of North Charleston.

The Rays were set to open the season Oct. 19 against the defending Kelly Cup Champions the Reading Royals, in Pennsylvania. Their home-opener was set for Oct. 26 against the Greenville Road Warriors. The regular-season schedule ends April 11.

Attractions IN NORTH CHARLESTON

VISITORS TO NORTH CHARLESTON WON’T EVER RUN OUT OF THINGS TO SEE AND PLACES TO GO. THE CITY’S ATTRACTIONS RUN THE GAMUT FROM A CIVIL WAR SUBMARINE TO A TOP-NOTCH GOLF COURSE AND A WILDLY POPULAR WATER PARK. NOT ENOUGH? HEAD OVER TO THE COLISEUM FOR WORLD-CLASS CONCERTS — NORTH CHARLESTON IS WHERE THE BIG NAMES COME TO PLAY.

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NORTH CHARLESTON COLISEUM AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 5001 COLISEUM DRIVE North Charleston’s premier event destination opened two decades ago. This state-ofthe-art facility attracts top-name concerts, sporting extravaganzas, skating events and hockey games.

The Coliseum is home to the South Carolina Stingrays, three-time Kelly Cup Champions. As part of the ECHL, the Stingrays were founded in 1994 and have dazzled crowds with awesome displays of skating and stickhandling prowess ever since.

The 3,000-seat North Charleston Performing Arts Center was added to the coliseumconvention center complex in 1999. The city recently completed a massive renova-

NORTHCHARLE STONONLINE.COM

tion of the Coliseum, which included new luxury suites, high-tech scoreboard and 7,400-square foot addition called the Montague Terrace.

For show times and more information, go to coliseumpac.com.

WANNAMAKER COUNTY PARK 8888 UNIVERSITY BLVD. Wannamaker Park offers visitors the chance to explore more than 1,000 acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands and, in the summer months, enjoy a wildly popular water park. Amenities include miles of paved trails, picnic sites with grills, two playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, a park center with snack bar and rest rooms, a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits. Wan-

Photograph by the Wade Spees

namaker also is home to Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark, a seasonal attraction that features slides, kiddie pools and wave pools. For park fees and hours, which vary by season, visit ccprc.com.

CIVIL WAR SUBMARINE HUNLEY 1250 SUPPLY ST. The wreck of the Civil War submarine Hunley was lifted from the Atlantic Ocean floor in 2000. The storied vessel had rested there since 1863, when it sank with its crew of eight men soon after participating in what is widely referred to as the first sinking of a naval vessel by a submarine. Now, this unique piece of history is preserved in North Charleston at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center.

Hunley tours are available every Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The last tour begins at 4:40 p.m.

Tours are not available on weekdays — that’s when scientists continue their preservation work on the Hunley.

Tickets are $12 and can be bought onsite or by calling 877-448-6539 or at etix.com.

Children under 5 are admitted free. For more information, go to hunley.org.

and has become a favorite destination for residents and visitors. Set on the banks of the Cooper River, the park features a large boardwalk, fishing sites, charcoal grills, a covered pavilion and dozens of picnic tables next to a modern playground.

Public park hours are daylight to dark unless otherwise scheduled. For more information, go to northcharleston.org.

THE GOLF CLUB AT WESCOTT PLANTATION 5000 WESCOTT CLUB DRIVE North Charleston’s premier golf facility was developed with the richest traditions of Lowcountry golf in mind. The 27-hole course, designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, captures traditional flavor through low-flowing earthworks, classic bunkering and native vegetation. The course also offers five tees per hole for all levels of golfers.

Wescott’s antebellum-style clubhouse can accommodate up to 300 guests and ranks as one of the Lowcountry’s top event venues.

The golf course is open daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during winter months and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during summer months. Greens fees start at $31.

For more, go to wescottgolf.com.

CITY ART GALLERY 5001 COLISEUM DRIVE The North Charleston City Gallery features two-dimensional works by international, national and local artists in a variety of subjects and media. Exhibits are rotated on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists in the gallery space each month. Visitors can purchase prints, note cards, jewelry and gift items made by local artists.

The gallery is located in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

DISC GOLF PARK CIRCLE The Park Circle Disc Golf course is located on the outer eight islands of the historic site and runs around the entire perimeter of “The Circle.” While technically nine holes, the course can be played in two directions, offering a true “18-hole” experience.

Natural beauty combines with proximity to the revitalized Olde Village district on East Montague Avenue, allowing golfers to play a round or two and then retire to the “19th hole” at any of East Montague Avenue’s many restaurants and bars. N

FIRE MUSEUM 4975 CENTRE POINTE DRIVE The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center is next to the Tanger Outlet Mall, about 2 miles from Charleston International Airport.

This museum houses the largest collection of professionally restored American LaFrance firefighting equipment in the country. The 26,000-square-foot museum opened in 2007 and houses 18 fire trucks and priceless oneof-a-kind firefighting artifacts.

Admission is $6; children 12 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult.

Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, go to legacyofheroes.org.

MUSC Changing What’s Possible MUSC Medical Center is a leader in providing top quality care and rewarding careers. The Medical Center operates as an academic health institution and health-care provider of a wide range of treatments and services.

RIVERFRONT PARK OLD NAVY BASE MCMILLAN AVENUE TO HOBSON AVENUE The rejuvenation of the former Navy base and nearby Olde Village and Park Circle neighborhoods represent some of the most sweeping changes to the city of North Charleston in recent years. The development of Riverfront Park has been a key aspect of this revitalization.

The park is open to the public year-round

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C33-1035448

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FR ATE LLO’ S Swing by this East Montague restaurant for an authentic Italian experience.

Try the Pistecca Pizzaiola: Grilled New York strip topped with sautéed peppers, onions, cremini mushrooms, and plum tomatoes.

Dining

IN NORTH CHARLESTON HUNGRY? THEN BELLY UP TO THE BAR OR GRAB A TABLE. NORTH CHARLESTON’S GOT EVERYTHING YOU NEED, FROM FAST FOOD TO TRENDY RESTAURANTS. GOT ANOTHER LISTING YOU’D LIKE TO SEE IN OUR NEXT EDITION? SEND AN E-MAIL TO EDITOR@NORTHCHARLESTONONLINE.COM.

ANNA BELL’S 10 STOREHOUSE ROW, 843-554-5333 Situated in the Navy Yard at Noisette, Anna Bell’s is cut from familiar cloth. The same folks behind the Locklear’s restaurants in Folly Beach and Mount Pleasant own the breakfast and lunch bistro. Anna Bell’s accordingly sticks to the tried-and-true, serving comfort food in cozy environs. One could make a pretty good meal just from the appetizers. For your consideration: fried green tomatoes with dill shallot mayo, tasty corn fritters and baskets of hush puppies and corn bread with honey butter.

THE BARBECUE JOINT 1083-A EAST MONTAGUE AVE., 843-747-4567 The Barbeque Joint keeps it simple over at Park Circle, from its six wooden picnic tables decked out with checkerboard tablecloths to a chalkboard menu and one wall made of corrugated steel sheet metal. The menu sticks to the same, unfussy as can be, with barbecue, chicken or a combo platter. The pulled pork tastes dense and meaty, benefiting from the three sauces available: vinegar, red and gold. Mac and cheese, baked beans, red rice and potato salad help spike the platters, along with crisp coleslaw and collard greens with pieces of sausage. And don’t forget breakfast, which the Joint serves up Southern-style to a cadre of loyal locals.

BASICO 4399 MCCARTHY ST., 843-471-1670 A new addition to the trendy Mixson development, Basico functions as a bright, stylish taqueria open to the public and the Clubhouse for the Mixson Bath and Racquet Club. Scratch cooking and quality ingredients elevate mainstay tacos, enchiladas and platos. The kitchen plays with the non-traditional, seasoning creme fraiche with avocado and lime, spiking aioli with ancho chili, cook-

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ing rice in coconut milk and making mole with pecans and prunes.

BIG BILLY’S BURGER JOINT 5070 INTERNATIONAL BLVD., 843-747-4949 At first blush, it’s an odd perch. But there it is: a Bahamian-influenced burger joint in a

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retail center with Quizno’s, La Hacienda and Starbucks. At Big Billy’s, burgers made from hormone- and antibiotic-free beef are topped with lettuce, tomatoes and onions that were raised in the state and cushioned by pillowy buns from the Normandy Farm Artisan Bakery. Plus, the mustard, ketchup, garlic mayo and chipotle mayo are made in-house.

Photograph by Rick McKee

EVO Search all you want. You won’t find any pizzerias that top this spot in Park Circle.

Two ladies use a variety of slowcookers and other household kitchen gear to produce very tasty salads, soups and sandwiches perfect for a picnic or lunch at the office. Grab a quick bite at a tiny table indoors, or picnic at the tables in the front yard. The baba ghanoush alone is worth a stop.

EVO 1075 E. MONTAGUE AVE., 843-225-1796

CORK NEIGHBORHOOD BISTRO 1067 EAST MONTAGUE AVE., 843-225-2675 Cork comes courtesy of proprietor Tradd Ashley Gibbs, a third-generation North Charlestonian. He chose the bistro’s name to recognize the sustainability of cork materials, appropriate considering the restaurant’s usage of refurbished or repurposed fixtures. On whole, the exposed beams, raised ceiling and chandeliers create a stylish backdrop. A seasonal menu occasionally fixes on local items, such as oyster mushrooms from Mepkin Abbey, but also stretches to include PEI mussels, North Atlantic wild salmon and beef from the Painted Hills Ranch in Wheeler County, Ore.

expressed in wings, dips, chips, nachos and poppers. Daily specials allow the kitchen staff to express its creativity and trick out basics such as meatloaf, grilled chicken and pasta.

If you had an “Extra Virgin Oven” (“EVO”) pizza in the early days, it was from the only place you could get it: the trailer-based wood oven that owners Ricky Hacker and Matt McIntosh set up at farmers markets and street corners. Now they have a slick, bright restaurant producing the same crisp, well-dressed pies. Ingredients are obsessively sourced locally, and fresh and bright flavors are the results, whether pizza, salad, soup or panini.

The EVO crew runs an adjoining bakery, too, which serves up hand-crafted pastries, sandwiches and, of course, plenty of bread.

DOE’S PITA 5134 N. RHETT AVE., 843-745-0026

FRATELLO’S ITALIAN TAVERN 1050 E. MONTAGUE AVE., 843-554-5021

Doe’s Pita is an enigma stuffed into a single-family house on North Rhett Avenue.

Taking its name from the Italian word for “brothers,” Fratello’s has the feel of a comfort-

COWBOY BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE 2411 Mall Drive, 843-744-9000 Carnivores, bring your appetite. This all-you-can eat “Churrascaria” features a full salad bar, Brazilian hot dishes and a parade of 16 types of meats sliced at your table by our gauchos. Beef ribs, tenderloin, filet mignon, flank steak, lamb chops, pork loin — be ready to loosen your belt.

DIG IN THE PARK 1049 E. MONTAGUE AVE., 843-225-5201 The name for this new restaurant in the Olde Village indicates it’s one of the sister restaurants of the successful Daniel Island Grille. The menu mirrors that of its namesake, with appetizers, sandwiches, salads and wraps named for athletes, stadiums, coaches and clubs. Clever descriptions, including the prophetic “Tom Brady no ring this year” onion rings, make for entertaining reading. The sports bar ethos is

Photograph by Rick McKee

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J I M ’ N N I C K’ S Score some seriously good ’cue at this hot spot near Tanger Outlets.

en, blessing diners with such down-home provisions as pulled pork barbecue, hickorysmoked beef brisket, spare ribs and those teeny-weeny, oh-so-cute and oh-so-addictive cheese muffins. The restaurant has managed to pull off a rare double feat, inspiring loyal devotees and critical praise. The restaurant cleaves to the ole grilling mantra of “low ’n’ slow,” cooking its pork shoulders for 20 hours.

The result: fine, tender, smoky bites, served as a sandwich or as a meal with a pair of sides.

JOHNNY’S OLD VILLAGE GRILL 1042 E. MONTAGUE AVE., 843-747-1841 It’s been said by more than a few burger aficionados that Johnny’s has got the best patties in the Lowcountry. Only lunch, only weekdays, Johnny churns out sloppy, drippy, crunchy masterpieces from a well-used flattop. It’s all booths for seating, and you are sure to see someone you know from the neighborhood every time. They serve various other sandwiches, wedge-cut fries and even beer and liquor. Be sure to ask for extra napkins early — it’s too hard to ask with your mouth stuffed with bite after bite of a massive “Johnny Burger.”

LAFONTANA OLD VILLAGE GRILL 7648 NORTHWOODS BLVD., 843-225-4786

able neighborhood tavern. Stop in for a cocktail, a glass of wine or a Peroni and the friendly bartenders will make you feel right at home.

Dinner options include such classics as lasagna, stuffed manicotti, spaghetti and meatballs, piccata of veal and bistecca pizzaiola.

GENNARO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE 8500 DORCHESTER ROAD, 843-760-9875 This is old-school American Italian at its best. The decor hasn’t changed much in the 28 years Gennaro’s has been open, and the menu hasn’t either. Think red sauce and meatballs, veal and eggplant Parmesan, iceberg lettuce salads and spumoni, and you’ve got a timeless recipe for an Italian restaurant.

A few newer items are miniature “gourmet pizzas,” steak and fish dishes and New York

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style pizza, but the piccatas and marsalas and Bolognese are all there, too.

IDLE HOUR 1065 E MONTAGUE AVE., 843-747-3280 Anyone with an appetite for old, reliable provisions such as ham and cheese sandwiches, chili burgers, hamburger steak specials and sweet tea is welcome at Idle Hour.

For that matter, so is anyone with an appetite for nostalgia. Owned by Dolly Frock, Idle Hour calls the Olde North Charleston Business District home, just as it has for decades.

JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q 4964 CENTRE POINT DRIVE, 843-747-3800 Jim ’N Nick’s bills itself as a Southern kitch-

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Led by longtime Charleston chef Gary Langevin, the folks at this down-home Italian restaurant like to have a good time with their guests. You might even catch some singing from time to time. But they don’t joke around with their food at LaFontana. Here you’ll dig into hearty Italian cuisine. Start with clam, mussel or calamari antipasta and move on to traditional gnocchi, ravioli, fettucine pasta dishes and a second course of veal marsala or pork chop calabrese. Bring your appetite.

MADRA RUA 1034 EAST MONTAGUE AVE., 843-554-2522 Much respect is given to Madra Rua, a pub faithful to its Irish pedigree. The carefully designed bar and restaurant features dark wooden furniture, low ceilings, several alcoves and, naturally, Guinness on tap. Patrons take seats at the bar or settle into snug booths to look over a menu containing selections of Irish extract. The pub serves such traditional Gaelic fare as shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, and fisherman’s pie, a dish of white fish and shrimp set with mashed potatoes, cheese and a creamy sauce.

Photograph by Matt Winter

MANNY’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE 3032 W. MONTAGUE AVE. 843-789-4350

PARK PIZZA CO. 1028 E. MONTAGUE AVE., 843-225-7275

SESAME BURGERS AND BEERS 4726 SPRUILL AVE., 843-554-4903

Manny’s Mediterranean Cafe focuses on pita sandwiches, hand-tossed pizzas, authentic Greek specialties and platters and, of course, gyros. Long the restaurant’s top seller, Manny’s roasts its gyro meat in a tall, vertical spit, carving out the strips for inclusion on pita bread, along with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce.

EVO gets a lot of press for pizza in Park Circle, but Park Pizza makes mighty fine pizza, too, plus calzones, sandwiches and salads. The shop is tiny, and in summer heats up with the red-hot ovens running full-blast. But there is sidewalk seating, a take-out option … and Park Pizza delivers, too.

MARIE’S DINER 5646 RIVERS AVE., 843-554-1250

PHO #1 H&L ASIAN MARKET 5300-1 RIVERS AVE., 843-745-9623

At first glance it may seem like most other hole-in-the-wall “meat-n-three” restaurants, but, trust me, this is a good thing. Order your meat and sides, and the wait staff will pile up your plate from the buffet line. Can’t decide on one meat? Too many sides to choose from? No problem. Marie’s is all you can eat! Finished with your fried chicken?

Order up some pork chops! Polish off your mac-n-cheese before the green beans? Just hop up and get some more! Wash it all down with sweet tea, loosen your belt a notch, and consider a nap instead of heading back to work.

A restaurant inside a grocery store, Pho #1 serves pho: Big bowls of tasty broth packed with noodles, meats and veggies. They only take cash, so be sure to have some on hand, and order as you begin your shopping. While the noodles heat, peruse the wide array of Asian produce, seafood and staple items.

By the time you’re done, your noodles will be waiting for you. Eat in the dining area or have it packed up to go; either way, by the time you’ve squeezed your limes and topped the bowl with Thai basil and chilis, you’ll know why you see so many Asian folks eating here.

For burger devotees, Sesame holds uncommon appeal. The restaurant builds everything from scratch, including its half-pound, houseground burgers along with salad dressings, pickles and, yup, the condiments, too. Choose from the Italian burger, capped with fresh basil and bleu cheese; the Park Circle with sharp cheddar cheese, coleslaw, barbecue sauce and tomato; the South Carolina, slathered in homemade pimiento cheese; or even the Memphis, an Elvis-aided creation made with homemade peanut butter, bacon and banana slices.

WESCOTT BAR & GRILL 5000 WESCOTT CLUB DRIVE, 843-871-2135 The 27-hole Golf Club at Wescott Plantation provides an easy introduction to the Wescott Bar and Grill, a well-appointed gathering spot on the course grounds. A spacious clubhouse houses the bar/restaurant, along with meeting spaces and a pro shop. The menu is limited but stocked with favorites: burgers, wings, chicken fingers, quesadillas, pizza and grilled flatbread sandwiches. No worries, either. It’s a public course, so everyone’s welcome. N

MIKASA ROOM AT TRIDENT TECH 7000 RIVERS AVE., 843-820-5097 If you’re feeling a little down in the wallet but crave a fine-dining experience, Trident Technical College culinary students can help. These students run a full food-service operation on campus in a sophisticated facility, and the public can dine most weekdays of the fall school semester. The two teaching kitchens are visible from the dining room, and the menus reflect students’ willingness to please. Mikasa opens and closes with the ebb and flow of college semesters, so call ahead before making the trip.

THE NOISY OYSTER 7842 RIVERS AVE., 843-824-1000 One of several Lowcountry locations, The Noisy Oyster is a place that has the look and feel of a beachy seafood shack, no matter how far it is from saltwater. Thatched roofs and surfboards adorn the ceilings, tropical ceiling fans spin lazily, and fishing imagery is everywhere. The menu is, of course, mostly about seafood and is served up in myriad ways. Coconut shrimp, calamari, grilled tuna, whole fried flounder, shrimp and grits, and the favorite steam pot are but a few options.

R61-1038408

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C H R I STMA S North Charleston organizes one of the Lowcountry’s biggest holiday events, with Santa, a parade and a “Winter Wonderland.”

Events

IN NORTH CHARLESTON NORTH CHARLESTON HAS IT ALL. VISITORS AND RESIDENTS CAN CHOOSE FROM CONCERTS AND SPORTING EVENTS AT THE COLISEUM, HOLIDAY FESTIVALS, LEAGUE SPORTS AND EVEN LOCAL THEATER AND INDEPENDENT FILM VIEWING. TO SUBMIT AN EVENT FOR THE NEXT EDITION, EMAIL EDITOR@ NORTHCHARLESTONONLINE.COM.

SPECIAL EVENTS

C H R I S T M A S F E S T I VA L & PA R A D E

’Tis the season NORTH CHARLESTON HOLIDAY EVENTS

HOLIDAY MARKET Charleston Holiday Market, held Nov. 15-17 at the Charleston Area Convention Center, kicks off the season with specialty gift stores, fashion jewelry, clothing, gourmet foods, decorations and ideas, home accessories and décor, food and wine sampling, arts and crafts, and of course, Santa.

WINTER WONDERLAND This free pre-school event put on by the city, held 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 4-6, gives young children an opportunity to visit with Santa, participate holiday crafts and live performances. Call 843-745-1028 to register.

THE NUTCRACKER Treat the family to one of two versions of this classic holiday ballet. First up, on Dec. 6, is a performance by the Columbia Ballet at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.

Then, on Dec. 26, the Moscow Ballet comes to town with its 2013 Great Russian Nutcracker.

For details on both shows, go to northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

The city will host a Christmas Festival 4-9 p.m. Dec. 7 that includes a holiday market, children’s activities, craft and food vendors and live musical performances on three stages.

The Christmas Parade begins at 7 p.m. at the corner of Montague and Mixson avenues, proceeds down Montague, around Park Circle, and concludes at Armory Park. Immediately following the Christmas Parade, Mayor R. Keith Summey will light the city’s Christmas tree outside the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

Christmas lights and displays will shine at Park Circle and on the eight exterior islands nightly from the beginning of December until New Year’s Day. Groups to perform at the Christmas Festival include Happy Feet Dancers, Leonard School of Music Jazz Band, soloist Chilenia Jamison, soloist Caley Crew, Lowcountry Voices Ensemble and Ashley Gospel Singers.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Take in a screening of this holiday classic Dec. 7 with the The Park Circle Film Society at the Olde Village Community Building on Jenkins Ave., between the fire station and the Half-Moon Outfitters warehouse.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

ROCKIN’ CHRISTMAS

Children can visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and enjoy a hearty meal 8-10 a.m. Dec. 7 at Felix C. Davis Community Center. Tickets, which cost $4, can be purchased at the center starting Nov. 19.

The North Charleston POPS! presents a rockin’ good time Dec. 7 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, featuring classics such as “Santa Baby,” “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Feliz Navidad.”

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Harvest Festival & Block Party: Oct. 26 in the Olde Village near Park Circle. Costume contests for children, adults and pets, plus autumn treats, ghost stories, crafts, games, artist street market, street dancing, and music by The Local Honeys and the V-Tones. northcharleston.org Village Antiques and Collectibles: Oct. 26-27, Dec. 14-15 at the Felix Davis Community Center in Park Circle. For updates on addition show dates, go to northcharleston.org.

Tribute to Our Veterans: Nov. 11 at Felix C. Davis Community Center at Park Circle. The City of North Charleston honors all veterans with a special program featuring guest speakers, entertainment and a public, pre-program Story Swap session. Veterans interested in signing up to share their stories can contact Marty Besancon at 843-740-5854 or mbesancon@northcharleston.org.

Creative arts workshop: Nov. 23 at the Meeting Place in the Olde Village. This session focuses on polymer clay pendants, with Tina Arnoldi. Participants will use polymer clay to create canes, which are long tubes that can be sliced off and used in various jewelry projects such as pendants. northcharleston.org Creative arts workshop: Jan. 25 at the Meeting Place in the Olde Village. This session focuses on papier-mâché, with Deborah Meyer. Create your own small sculpture in one sitting. Students will use wire armature and papier-mâché to capture a figure in motion. northcharleston.org Charleston Boat Show: Jan. 24-26 at the Charleston Area Convention Center. The most reputable marine dealers from throughout the Lowcountry gather each year to offer selection and savings at one location, with entertainment, seminars, food and fun. coliseumpac.com or thecharleston boatshow.com

Photograph by Ryan Johnson

Center. A night of music benefitting the MUSC Children’s Hospital and featuring Ronnie Dunn, Craig Morgan and Thompson Square. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com Cheap Trick: Dec. 3 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. One of the most covered bands of all time, these veteran rockers blend elements of pop, punk and metal. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com John Mayer: Dec. 12 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Seven-time Grammy Awardwinning singer, songwriter and musician brings first tour in three years to town. johnmayer.com .

MythBusters: Behind the Myths: Dec. 22 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. A new, live show starring Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, cohosts of the Emmy-nominated Discovery series “MythBusters” debuts in North Charleston. On-stage experiments, audience participation, video and behind-the-scenes stories. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com The Addams Family: Jan. 14-15 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.

Musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com Barry Manilow: Jan. 19 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Legendary musician who performed “Mandy”, “Can’t Smile Without You”, and “Copacabana (At the Copa) comes to the Lowcountry. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

SPORTS AND FITNESS CSU football home games: Sept. 7 v.

Shorter, Oct. 15 v. North Greenville, Oct. 26 v.

Charlotte, Nov. 9 v. Coastal Carolina, Nov. 23 v. Liberty. charlestonsouthern.edu S.C. Stingrays hockey home games: Oct. 26 v. Road Warriors; Oct. 29 v. Solar Bears, Nov. 1-2 v. Gladiators, Nov. 8-9 v. Ice Men, Nov. 16 v. Everblades, Nov. 17, 19 v. Gladiators, Nov. 24 v. Road Warriors, Dec. 14 v. Solar Bears, Dec. 15 v. Road Warriors, Dec. 21 v. Gladiators, Dec. 28 v. Nailers, Dec. 31 v. Jackals, Jan. 3-4 v. Gladiators, Jan. 7 v. Gladiators, Dec. 14 v.

Road Warriors, Jan. 24-25 v. Everblades, Jan. 28, 31 v. Solar Bears, Feb. 7-8 v. Road Warriors, Feb. 16 v. Everblades, Feb. 18 v. Walleye, Feb. 21 v. Cyclones, Feb. 22 v. Ice Men, March 15 v.

Gladiators, March. 21-22 v. Solar Bears, March.

23 v. Road Warriors, March 28-29 v. Komets, April 11 v. Jackals. stingrayshockey.com N

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Painting Workshop: Monthly, at The Meeting Place, 1077 East Montague Avenue.

Adults will expand painting knowledge using visual references selected by the teacher.

Students must bring their own materials: paints, brushes, canvases, etc.. Registration closes one week prior to day of workshop.

Fee is $28 per workshop or $125 for series of five workshops. Nov. 5 will be “Photography for painting,” Dec. 3 will be “Still-life.” northcharleston.org Screenings at The Park Circle Film Society: Shown at the Olde Village Community Building, 4820 Jenkins Ave, between the fire station and the Half-Moon Outfitters warehouse. “Computer Chess” on Nov. 2, “Band of Sisters” on Nov. 9, “The State of Arizona” on Nov. 17, “I Am Divine” on Nov 23, “It’s A Wonderful Life” on Dec. 7, “Las Marthas” on Jan 19, “The Trials of Muhammad Ali” on Feb. 16, “Medora” on March 16 and “The New Black” on May 18. parkcirclefilms.org Jersey Boys: Nov. 5-10 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. The 2006 Tony Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com The Avett Brothers: Nov. 14 at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Avett Brothers begin another new era of folk with their seventh full-length album, The Carpenter.

Produced by the legendary Rick Rubin and recorded in North Carolina and Malibu, it’s an artful distillation of classic homegrown folk, rock energy, bluegrass soul and pop charm. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com America’s Got Talent Live Tour: Nov. 15 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. This stage show features the stars of the popular TV show.. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com Amos Lee: Nov. 16 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Amos Lee tours to support the album Mountains Of Sorrow, Rivers Of Song, the follow-up to 2011”s Mission Bell, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Billboard Rock Albums charts. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com Bill Cosby: Nov. 24 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Legendary entertainer visits North Charleston. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com WEZL’s Evening with the Stars: Dec. 2 27 at the North Charleston Performing Arts

Daryl Shorter Broker, REALTOR C51-1028033

EDUCTION, ARTS & CULTURE

www.dougshorter.com

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Photographs by Matt Winter R28-1034283