THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
LOW COUNTRY Vol. 2
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S
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LGBTQ ARTICLE
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
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BAR GUIDE
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LGBTQ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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GOOD FOR BSINESS U S I NESS GOOD FOR BU Protecting LGBTQ Americans from Discrimination is Good for Business Business leaders know that protecting every American from discrimination is good for the economy. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults have a combined buying power of $884 billon dollars, and business leaders know that today’s generation of consumers prefer to shop at businesses that support gay and transgender people. Business leaders across the nation are leading the charge to secure nondiscrimination protections for gay and transgender people. Fairness for All Hardworking Americans • Gay and transgender people are our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family. Hardworking Americans deserve to be treated fairly and equally under the law. Sadly, too many hardworking Americans are facing discrimination in areas like employment, housing and public accommodations, just because they are gay or transgender. • America is a land of opportunity and freedom, where people who work hard and meet their responsibilities have the chance to get ahead. Everyone deserves the freedom to achieve the American Dream, including gay and transgender citizens. Respecting Our Coworkers and Getting the Job Done • What’s most important is focusing on what we have in common, taking pride in our work, respecting our coworkers, serving customers, and getting the job done. • Employees should be judged on their qualifications, experience, and the job they do – nothing more, nothing less. Non-Discrimination Protections Are Good for Business • Business leaders across the nation, including conservative leaders, agree: Discrimination is bad for business. Today’s top job creators seek states and communities that are welcoming to everyone, including their families, employees and customers. • When every American is given the opportunity to work hard and earn a living, our economy, communities and nation succeed. To download a PDF version of this resource, go online and visit: freedomforallamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/BusinessBackgrounderFFAA.pdf
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Excerpt from freedomforallamericans.org
RESTAURANT GUI DE Low Country Fish Camp Cozy, rustic bar/eatery with a country vibe & seafood plates, plus daily specials & outdoor seating. 903 Central Ave, Summerville, SC
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant Bustling eatery & bar serving up seafood, including raw-bar items, in a grand, classic setting. 10 Hayne St, Charleston, SC
Blacksheep Unpretentious eatery with a wood-fired oven preparing creative international dishes & desserts. 1216 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC
Peninsula Grill Renowned hotel eatery serving elevated Southern fare in a roomy, posh space. 112 N Market St, Charleston, SC Slightly North of Broad Restaurant Modern Southern & Lowcountry cuisine served in an airy, 18th-century warehouse. 192 E Bay St 1st Floor, Charleston, SC
Saltus River Grill Sophisticated eatery with wood grill, sleek bar & extensive wine list serves steak, seafood & sushi. 802 Bay St STE C, Beaufort, SC
High Cotton Charleston Restaurant Refined eatery with daily live music & Lowcountry fare cooked using ingredients from nearby farms. 199 E Bay St, Charleston, SC
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen Southern coastal cuisine is prepared at this bustling, no-frills beach grill with a full bar & deck. 31 J C Long Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC
The Ordinary This 1920s bank now houses an upscale seafood restaurant with high ceilings, large windows & a bar. 544 King St, Charleston, SC
Grumpy Goat Seafood Cantina Mexican fare & seafood plus weekend brunch at a casual local hangout with ample TVs & a patio. 1023 Harbor View Rd, Charleston, SC
Circa 1886 Restaurant Romantic pick with a seasonal & local menu of elevated Lowcountry cuisine plus extensive wine list. 149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC
Charleston Grill Opulent hotel destination for upscale Southern-French dishes plus wine pairings. 224 King St, Charleston, SC
Husk An ever-changing menu of locally sourced Southern dishes served in a restored Victorian-era home. 76 Queen St, Charleston, SC
FIG Elevated takes on Southern classics with seasonal ingredients served in an upscale-bistro setting 232 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
82 Queen A swanky bar & intimate courtyard help make this refined Southern spot a special occasion favorite. 82 Queen St, Charleston, SC
LoLA Cajun- & Creole-style seafood doled out in hip digs with garage door windows, a full bar & patio. 4830 O’Hear Ave, North Charleston, SC
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2021 EVENT SCH E DULE OCTOBER
OCT 8
OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION CONCERT
OCT 1-2
CHARLESTON PRIDE PRISM PARTY
You don’t have to leave the country for a true Oktoberfest celebration. Stay safe in Summerville and enjoy an entertaining evening of craft beer and music right in your own backyard! Join the Charleston Symphony Polka Band at Frothy Beard Off World Brewery and Taproom for an Oktoberfest Celebration Concert featuring traditional Polka music mixed with modern mashups. Find us on Facebook.
Join us for Charleston Pride’s most popular party, the Prism Party, at Union Station on Saturday, October 2 from 7-11 pm, featuring dancing, drag queens, and drinks! The event will be indoor/outdoor, with the venue’s garage doors kept open and areas available outdoors, weather permitting. This is a limited capacity event so purchase tickets in advance to guarantee your attendance. The Prism Party is an 18+ event. IDs will be checked at the door. Visit charlestonpride.org.
OCT 9
WE OUTSIDE DAY PART
As the end of the summer approaches, we bring to you “We Outside”. The ultimate day party in historic Downtown Charleston, SC. Great musical vibes throughout this multilevel venue. Experience the inside atmosphere with DJ Fingaz or look over the city from the patio as you take in the city views and vibes . VIP Table & Bottle Service Available. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
OCT 1
BEAUFORT SHRIMP FESTIVAL
Beaufort’s Shrimp Festival is an amazing event that celebrates lowcountry cuisine and incorporates fun activities for all ages. Local restaurants offer samples of Lowcountry dishes featuring shrimp. This award-winning Beaufort tradition will feature live entertainment, a morning 5K run/walk, and an interactive and informative educational fair dedicated to highlighting the coastal waterways, unique ecology, shrimping and fishing industries and more! Learn more at gowherewhen.com.
OCT 9
OKTOBERFEST AT ST. MATTHEW’S Bratsm beer and wine. Pretzels, German bakery goodies. German chorales and hymes/ Bring the kids to Kindderzone. Featuring Hans Schmitt German Band. Details and tickets at oktoberfestcharleston.org.
OCT 7
OKTOBERFEST AT HEWITT OAKS
Oktoberfest at Hewitt Oaks features all the foods and activities you’d find at a traditional Oktoberfest in Germany. Snap pics at our festive photo op areas, play Beer Hall Games, tap your foot or dance along to the Polka Music, and watch as our Chef prepares your dinner on the open stovetop. Then relax at your table while enjoying a plated dinner of German-inspired cuisine, like Spaetzle, Schnitzel, Bratwurst, and more! Visit bluffton.com.
OCT 9
GREEK DRIVE THROUGH
The Greek festival committee has chosen to offer a food drive-thru on October 8-10 as opposed to our large-scale Greek festival. We believe a scaled-down event will still allow us to share our delicious food and vibrant culture while also prioritizing the health and safety of our parishioners and the local community. Details at charlestongreekfestival.com.
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BAR GU ID E Recovery Room Tavern No-frills bar offering pinball, darts, pool & bocce, along with wings, sandwiches & beer. 685 King St, Charleston, SC Dudley’s Energetic LGBT-friendly hangout with drag performances, karaoke, billiards & dancing. 42 Ann St, Charleston, SC Mynt Sleek nightclub with mint-colored booths & hardwood floors offering daily specials & dancing. 135 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC Faculty Lounge Low-key, convivial cocktail lounge offering beer specials, tap wine & bar snacks, plus dance nights. 391 Huger St, Charleston, SC The Belmont Classic black & white films are projected on the wall of this chic bar offering creative cocktails. 511 King St, Charleston, SC
The Sparrow Hip, quirky place for cocktails & live music, with pinball machines & offbeat murals. 1078 E Montague Ave suite d, North Charleston, SC Victor Social Club (Temp Closed) Stylish haunt offering craft cocktails & a wine list with small plates, raw bar & happy hour. 39F John Street, Hutson Alley, Charleston, SC Big Gun Burger Shop & Bar Compact hideaway with creative burgers, craft drafts, classic cocktails & Southern small plates. 137 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC The Rarebit Bustling eatery crafting American comfort classics, from patty melts to chicken & waffles. 474 King St, Charleston, SC
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2021 EVENT SCH E DULE OCT 10
flag on the Hilton Head Concours. The throwback thrills on hand will include short films that pay homage to the synth-driven day-glo flair that made the 1980s so bodacious. Complete details at artshhi.com.
LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL
Dance, food and culture. The annual Latin American Festival brings people together to celebrate Charleston’s vibrant Latin and Caribbean cultures through non-stop merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music; folkloric artwork and crafts; and authentic Latin American and Caribbean staples - from flavorful empanadas to tasty arroz con pollo. Details online at ccprc.com.
NOV 6
SOUTH AFRICAN FESTIVAL
This weekend long event will feature food, music, overnight opportunities and great activities for the whole family. Find us on Facebook for complete details.
OCT 29
NOV 10
PARTY FOR THE PARKS
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS FUN RUN
Dance the night away to DJ R Dot around Colonial Lake and escape into the galaxy with live entertainment, local bites and open bars, all while supporting your local parks! Party for the Parks will feature food and beverages from several of Charleston’s best restaurants. Learn more at partyfortheparks.com.
A 2 Mile Kids Run/Fun Run. Join us for a two-mile non-competitive fun run and walk and special preview of the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. After reaching the finish line, participants are invited to enjoy all that the festival has to offer. Learn more online at racethread.com.
OCT 29
NOV 12
TRICK OR DRINK: CHARLESTON HALLOWEEN BAR CRAWL
BANDS, BREWS & BBQ
Time for some food, music, and fun! Beaufort Memorial Hospital offers you the annual Bands, Brews & BBQ festival, bringing two days of food, fun, and music with barbecue, wings, beer, live music and fun for the entire family! Details at destination-bbq.com.
Barcrawlerz is a Charleston Bar Crawl like no other. Trick or Drink features The Best Drink Specials and The Best Bars in Town. This is a 3 day event. Complete details and tickets at eventbrite.com.
OCT 31
BOOGIEMAN HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
NOV 13
HILTON HEAD ISLAND LANTERN PARADE
Halloween day, 15 bands, 2 stages. This is a 21+ over music event at The Royal American. Details and tickets at eventbrite.com.
The Lantern Parade is a free event and an opportunity for the surrounding community and visitors to celebrate the history, ecology and people of Hilton Head Island. We want to see our whole community as volumes of light! The only requirement to participate is having a lantern! Find us on Facebook for details.
NOVEMBER NOV 4
GRAND MOTORING FILM FEST
Supercharged with a radical rush of ’80s nostalgia, the fifth annual Grand Motoring Film Festival drops the green
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LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
Alliance For Full Acceptance Our mission is to achieve, nurture, and defend equality and full acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. To dispel the myths and half-truths that trap us all – about economy, race, and origin; who we can and can’t be; who we can and can’t love; who’s entitled to freedom and expression, and who’s not; who’s valuable, and who’s expendable – and reveal our true essence and pride. Call us at (843) 883-0343 or email info@ affa-sc.org. Web: www.affa-sc.org
Bisexual Resource Center The Bisexual Resource Center envisions a world where love is celebrated, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. Because bisexuals today are still misunderstood, marginalized and discriminated against, the BRC is committed to providing support to the bisexual community and raising public awareness about bisexuality and bisexual people. Web: biresource.org CenterLink – The Community of LGBT Centers CenterLink, The Community of LGBT Centers – CenterLink develops strong, sustainable LGBT community centers and builds a thriving center network that creates healthy, vibrant communities. Web: www.lgbtcenters.org
Charleston Area Transgender Support We offer a place where all members of the transgender community can gather to assist and support each other on our respective journeys. Web: www.chasareatsupport.org ADL The ADL’s mission is to stop the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. Full inclusion in society is the only measure of equality. ADL has long worked for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) rights, opposing discrimination laws and criminalizing and exposing hate crimes. Web: www.adl.org ACLU The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization founded in 1920 “to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States”. The ACLU works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people can live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association. Web: www.aclu.org
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2021-22 EVENT SCHEDULE NOV 13
DEC 18
HOLY SMOKE BBQ FEST
THE CHARLESTON CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Holy Smokes BBQ Festival brings the leaders of the national barbecue community together in Charleston for a festival paying homage to the history, culture, and traditions of American barbecue. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
DECEMBER
All new for 2021! Brad and Jennifer Moranz have delighted audiences of all ages with their holiday musical show featuring some of the country’s most talented singers, dancers and musicians – now in it’s 26th spectacular year! Visit charlestonarts.org.
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
DEC 18
DEC 4
CHARLESTON NIGHT BAZAAR
Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music, and seasonal favorites celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year’s in a 2-hour breathtaking spectacle. Tickets and details at northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com.
Local artisans & crafters featuring vintage, jewelry, soaps, candles, mixed media, & more! Find us on Facebook for more details.
JANUARY JAN 1
DIVA ROYALE DRAG QUEEN SHOW
DEC 7
ELF - THE MUSICAL
Featuring The Finest In Charleston Drag Queen Dinner and Brunch Shows and Female Celebrity Impersonation. Get Up Close And Personal With Your Host Diva Drag Queen and Her Guest Drag Queen Divas such as Madonna, Dolly Parton, Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli, Adele, Nicki Minaj, Whitney Houston, Sia, Britney Spears, Beyonce and many other celebrity impersonators. Tickets sold at eventbrite.com.
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag and is transported to the North Pole. He is raised unaware that he’s human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. Buddy embarks on a journey to find his father, determined to win over his new family and help New York re-discover the joy of Christmas. This modern-day holiday classic will make everyone embrace their inner elf. Visit southcarolinalowcountry.com.
JAN 5
LOW COUNTRY HEMP FESTIVAL We’re bringing all your favorite local products, musicians and non-profits together to raise awareness and educate the public on the hemp industry’s wide array of beneificial products and services! Find us on Facebook.
DEC 11
HOLIDAY MARKET & CRAFT SHOW
This holiday festival is a combination of locally grown fresh produce, handmade crafts with over 70 craft vendors, baked goods, children’s activities, live holiday entertainment and a good time for all. Visit eventcrazy.com.
JAN 8
PORT ROYAL FARMERS MARKET
You will find a wide variety of locally grown foods depending on the season. Seafood, meats, eggs, vegetables,
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY BANK TD Bank.............................................................12-13
HISTORY MUSEUM Florence County Museum........................................ 1
BOTANICAL GARDENS Brookgreen Gardens................................................ 7
INSURANCE Rebecca Meister - Mutual of Omaha........................ 9
CAREGIVING Disabilities Board of Charleston County................... 7
INTERACTIVE MUSEUM Friends of the Hunley Inc......................................... 9
CRIMINAL DEFENSE Stirling & O’Connell.................................................. 5
MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lou Hammond Group............................................... 5
DERMATOLOGY Dermatology and Laser Center of Charleston......... 17
MUSEUM Friends of the Hunley Inc......................................... 9
ELDER HOME CARE Care for Life............................................................. 11
PUBLIC RELATIONS Lou Hammond Group............................................... 5
ESTATE PLANNING Healy & Foreit LLC..................................................... 9
REAL ESTATE Healy & Foreit LLC..................................................... 9
FAMILY LAW Stirling & O’Connell.................................................. 5
SKIN CARE Dermatology and Laser Center of Charleston......... 17
FINANCIAL SERVICES Rebecca Meister - Mutual of Omaha........................ 9
WEDDING & EVENT VENUE Brookgreen Gardens................................................ 7
HEALTH CARE Roper St. Francis Healthcare..................................... 3
ZOO Brookgreen Gardens................................................ 7
HIRING OPPORTUNITIES Disabilities Board of Charleston County................... 7
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE breads and pastries, pasta, and all sorts of other things to eat are here each week. Flowers, both cut and landscape ready, can be found with many other unique gifts and other services. Details at blufftonsc.com.
JAN 26
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Island’s best chefs, celebrity guest chefs and Pitmasters prepare local shrimp, whole hogs, whole chickens, chopped BBQ and all the side dish trimmings at Waddell Mariculture Center. Wash it all down with brews, wines and signature cocktails and live music. Learn more at hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com.
Take a leap into the frigid waters and be part of this Sweet 16 CSU tradition! We will have hot chocolate to warm you back up, Special edition Polar Bear Plunge t-shirts, great music by one of our favorite DJ’s and prizes for all those BOLD enough to take the Plunge! Come CHILL with us! Details at eventbrite.com.
FEB 26
JAN 29
We know you’re bound to have a BLAST! If you don’t like oysters don’t fret, here in Buc Town we’ve got something for everyone — hamburgers, hotdogs and so much more. Visit charlestonsouthern.edu.
SMOKE SHOW: BBQ SHOWDOWN
Come taste some of the best BBQ and specialty Beers the Lowcountry has to offer. This cook-off will feature a pork butt and a rib showdown, as well as a fan favorite category. All entries will be judged by local BBQ restauranteurs, social media food influencers, and some special local guests. Tickets and info at citypapertickets.com.
FEBRUARY FEB 6
RESTAURANT FESTIVAL
Restaurants will serve two to threeounce samples of signature menu items, complimentary for the first 45 mins, entitled the Sample Segment. For the remaining hours guests will have the opportunity to purchase menu items and support local businesses, then vote for the restaurants with the best tastings, spirits, and desserts. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
FEB 25
PIG PICKIN’ + OYSTER ROAST
Join us for the quintessential, Lowcounty family-style culinary celebration, as the
OYSTER FEST
The Buc Town Oyster Fest is a little taste of that Charleston flair right here on our very own campus. With pounds and pounds of steaming oysters for you to get your hands on, live entertainment, oyster contests, and of course we CAN’T forget the INFLATABLES!
MARCH MAR 2-6
CHARLESTON WINE + FOOD
Named one of the top five food and wine festivals in the US by Forbes Traveler, the Charleston Wine + Food festival is a five-day event with the most celebrated chefs, authors and wine professionals hosting various tasting and workshops. Tickets at charlestonwineandfood.com.
MAR 18-19
CHARLESTON BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Patrons can expect a weekend of revelry complete with some of the finest names in bluegrass. The event offers plush camping options, local food / craft vendors, and outdoor activities. Visit charlestoncvb.com.