CHARLESTON HOME COMPLETE AREA RELOCATION GUIDE
1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Suite 1503 • Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843-388-8118 • www.PruSun.com
Prudential Carolina Sun Real Estate is your one source for all your Charleston home buying and home selling needs. It is our mission to provide our clients with unparalleled service in all phases of the real estate transaction. We deliver this through our highly trained agents and staff, dedicated to offering the most innovative technology and services available.
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From Studios to Estates, Resorts to Retirement, the Battery to the Beach, Prudential Carolina Sun Real Estate is your solution for Lowcountry Charleston Real Estate. Call us at 843-388-8118, visit us on the web at www.PruSun.com or stop by our state of the art ofce. Our professional, friendly staff is always available to answer your questions or arrange a personal tour.
Visit www.MyHomeCharleston.com for the best free home search resource available!
Real Estate Closings and Estate Planning
Seth Manaker | J. Michael Cipolla | Brian Collie
571 Folly Road | Charleston, SC 29412 OfÀce Phone: 843-795-7179 | Fax: 843-795-7181 Visit us at www.manakerlaw.com
Joshua Feldman 843.579.4877 Office 843.364.LOAN Cell 145 King Street, Suite 101 Charleston, SC 29401 joshua.feldman@suntrust.com www.joshuafeldman.net
Stay Awhile
CLOSEST B EACH TO H I STOR IC CHAR LESTON, SOUTH C AROLI NA 1- 8 4 3 - 58 8 - 24 47, e x t 1 ~ w w w. f o l l y b e a c h s o u t h c a r o l i n a . o r g
Welcome N
2 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
ow that you have made the Charleston region your home, it’s time to explore! There are endless options for you and your family to discover the charms of the Lowcountry and become immersed in the area’s progressive southern culture. As you have probably already discovered, the Charleston region is full of life, history and opportunity. On the surface, the region’s beauty is impossible to ignore. In fact, it’s probably one of the many reasons you chose to live here. Rivers serenely wind through scenic marshlands. Historic buildings are shaded by grand live oaks draped in Spanish moss. There are a lot of advantages to living in an area that’s easy on the eyes, whether you’ve set down roots in Summerville, Charleston, Mount Pleasant or somewhere in between. But much deeper than Charleston’s beauty is its history, which dates back to 1670 when the first English settlers arrived and established Charles Towne on the banks of the Ashley River. As a favorite destination for travelers, the Charleston region proudly celebrates its history and the people who have helped shape the area into what it is today. In addition, quality of life is something each community takes seriously. Schools are a high priority. New pedestrian and family-friendly neighborhoods are being built that mix seamlessly with established neighborhoods. There are also abundant opportunities to experience arts, culture, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and nightlife. So, we encourage you to get out and get to know your new hometown and your new neighbors. We’re certainly glad you’re here. Welcome home.
When it comes to your mortgage,
Trust Us.
Lisa Thomas does.
The busy proprietress of the popular Out of Hand shop in the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant lives her dream every day: running her charming store, hosting workshops on everything from paper making to jewelry design, creating amazing floral arrangements and heading up Ooh! Events, a full service event planning company. “I love interacting with people,” says Lisa. “People walk in with a challenge and we send them out with solutions—it’s a rewarding day!” When she’s not in the shop, you’ll find Lisa swinging on her front porch swing. “It was a 40th birthday present from me to me and it’s my little piece of heaven!” Speaking of heaven, Lisa says she’ll never forget the first time she bought a house of her own. “It was this incredible feeling of accomplishment and empowerment—that yes, I can do this. Lorcan took care of my mortgage, which made it all come together. Lucey Mortgage 22 years in business, a billion dollars in loans, one of the most trusted and dependable companies in Charleston.
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Lorcan Lucey | 843.884.8133
861 Coleman Boulevard Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 www.luceymortgage.net
Photo: Lisa Thomas, Owner, Out of Hand & Ohh! Events, Party and Wedding Planner, 113C Pitt Street Old Village, 843.856.3585 www.shopoutofhand.com
Contents Features
Living in
2 Introduction to Charleston
20 Living in Historic Charleston
6 Education in the Lowcountry
22 Living in Mount Pleasant
11 Higher Education
24 Living on the Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island
14 Taking Care
26 Living in North Charleston
18 Economic Outlook
28 Living in West Ashley
44 Sports & Recreation
30 Living on James Island & Folly Beach
46 Tee Time
33 Living on Johns Island
47 Dining Out
34 Living on Daniel Island
49 Places to Stay
36 Living on Kiawah & Seabrook islands
51 Arts Abound
38 Living in Berkeley County
54 Attractions & Tours
40 Living in Summerville
58 Day Trips
42 Living in Georgetown
60 Calendar of Events 62 Quick Links 64 Newcomer Information & Map
4 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
www.IntroCharleston.com Published by SC Biz News Vol. 3, No.1 Special Projects Editor - Allison Cooke Oliverius aoliverius@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3149 Director of Business Development - Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143 Managing Editor - Andy Owens aowens@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3141 Senior Copy Editor - Beverly Morgan bmorgan@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3115 Art Director - Ryan Wilcox production1@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117 Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 Research Coordinator - Clayton Wynne cwynne@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3114 Editorial Intern - Jonathan Rivers jrivers@scbiznews.com Editorial Intern - Cassie Mandel cmandel@scbiznews.com Senior Account Executive - Sue Gordon sgordon@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3111
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Corporate & Commercial 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200 Publishing Division Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843.849.3100 • Fax: 843.849.3122 www.scbiznews.com
Photo/Courtesy of Charleston County School District
Education
Charleston County students examine bird nests during science class.
C
harleston area schools are making gains as more emphasis is put on achieving and improving in the 140-plus schools in the tri-county area.
Charleston County The Charleston County school district runs up and down 1,000 square miles of the coast and includes a range of schools from urban to rural. There are about 43,000 students in the system for the 2010-2011 school year. Students are spread out among 81 schools, including 25 magnet schools and eight charter schools. It plans to open three more charter schools in the 2010-2011 school year. The district has about 5,500 employees and is the fourth-largest employer in the region. In spring 2008, the district implemented a three-year plan, Charleston Achieving Excellence, to focus on three goals: elevat-
6 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
o
In spring 2008, the district implemented a three-year plan, Charleston Achieving Excellence, to focus on three goals: elevating the achievement of all students, closing the achievement gap between groups and increasing the graduation rate.
o ing the achievement of all students, closing the achievement gap between groups and increasing the graduation rate. The district has already begun to see the benefits of the plan. For example, the district
increased its growth/improvement rating on its 2008 state-issued district report card by two levels to earn an unprecedented “Excellent Rating.� The district has also expanded its support of child health and nutrition, literacy and arts and music. In 2009-2010, 34 schools in the district received 49 Palmetto Gold and Silver awards, the most awards of any of the 85 public school districts in South Carolina. The awards, created in 1998, are based on improvement and performance. In 2008, 26 district schools received Gold and Silver awards. An emphasis on creating a collegeoriented culture begins in the early grades and the district continues to focus on improving the graduation rate. Students in the district were awarded more than $46 million in scholarships in the 2009-2010 school year.
WELCOME TO CHARLESTON’S ISLAND TOWN. danielisland.com 888-564-9041
An established community within Charleston Beautiful homes and homesites An in-town country club Golf courses by Tom Fazio and Rees Jones The Family Circle Tennis Center On-island shops, schools, restaurants and churches Convenient to beaches and international airport More than 40 parks and gardens Ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss Surrounded by 23 miles of rivers and tidal creeks Extensive biking and walking trails Neighborhoods that are actually neighborly More than 50 civic and social organizations A coveted Charleston address A family-owned development company A smart decision A town. An island. A way of life.
Daniel Island is a remarkable place worthy of your time and investigation. We invite you to call or visit us online at danielisland.com today.
Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read before signing anything. No Federal Agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and registration requirements have not yet been met. NY residents: Complete Offering terms are in an offering plan available from Sponsor. File No. HO-00-0016. Equal Housing Opportunity. Access and rights to recreational amenities may be subject to fees, membership dues or limitations.
Photo/Courtesy of Charleston County School District
Education in the Lowcountry
Photo/Courtesy of Dorchester County School District
Photo/Courtesy of Charleston County School District
Above: Berkeley County School District Spelling Bee champion Kirsten Simon is congratulated by her parents.
8 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Top left: A band performance at one of Charleston County’s schools. Middle: A Charleston County science team and their teacher. Bottom: Music class at a school in Dorchester County.
Berkeley County Berkeley County schools continue to grow as more and more people move to the area. There are 40 schools in the district, including the brand new Cane Bay High School. More than 29,000 students are enrolled in the district that employs 2,257 teachers and administrators. More than 59% of the teachers have master’s degrees and above, and the teachers have an average of 13 years of experience. The district has several programs in place that ensure children from age 4 until college don’t fall through the cracks. LEAP, the district’s summer reading program, serves more than 1,500 elementary and middle school students. The Child Development Education Pilot Program has expanded to include more than 600 4-year-olds in fullday programs. Programs like the Making Middle Grades Work and High Schools That Work have helped decrease the dropout rates, and fouryear graduation plans are developed with each eighth grade student to carry them through high school in relevant ways.
Education in the Lowcountry
Dorchester County
Photo/Courtesy of Charleston County School District
Dorchester County, which includes Summerville, part of North Charleston and several smaller towns, is one of the fastestgrowing areas in the area. It is divided up into two school districts: District Two, which mainly serves the Summerville area, and District Four, which mainly serves the more rural areas out past Summerville. District Two serves about 22,500 students around the Summerville area at its 21 schools. It has more than 600 business partnerships that provide mentoring, donations and school projects, and 3,500 school volunteers. Its average SAT scores are consistently higher than state levels and its average ACT scores sit above state and nationwide averages. Summerville High School is the largest high school in that district with more than 3,100 students enrolled in 2010. District Two is building a new elementary school in the Oakbrook area at McKewn Plantation off of Patriot Boulevard. The state-of-the-art facility is projected to open in August 2011 with approximately 850 to
1,000 students. Students in the district were awarded more than $25 million in scholarships in 2008. District Four has 2,500 students in five schools that serve the Saint George and surrounding areas, including Woodland High, Saint George Middle and HarleyvilleRidgeville Elementary. Students in the district were awarded more than $3 million in scholarships in 2008.
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
Hanahan Elementary, for kindergarten through fourth grade, has a school-wide reading program, as well as a gifted curriculum for third- and fourth-grade students. Every classroom has SMART board technology and at least three networked computers as part of the school’s technology plan. Stratford High in Goose Creek is the largest high school in the district with about 1,878 students. It also has strong parent involvement and the Parents Teachers and Students Association continues to experience growth in membership. Students in the district were awarded more than $22 million in scholarships in the 2009-2010 school year.
Dance class at Wando High School.
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INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 9
Education in the Lowcountry
Schools PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Berkeley County School District P.O. Box 608, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-899-8600, www.berkeley.k12.sc.us Charleston County School District 75 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC 29403 843-937-6300, www.ccsdschools.com Dorchester County District II 102 Greenwave Blvd. Summerville, SC 29483 843-873-2901 www.dorchester2.k12.sc.us Dorchester County District IV 500 Ridge St., St. George, SC 29477 843-563-4535 www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us CHARTER SCHOOLS
Charleston Development Academy 233 Line St., Charleston, SC 29413 843-722-2689 www.charlestondevelopmentacademy.org K-6 East Cooper Montessori Charter School 250 Ponsbury Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-216-2883 www.montessoricharterschool.com 1-8 Greg Mathis Charter High School 2872 Azalea Drive North Charleston, SC 29405 843-557-1611 www.ccsdschools.com 9-12 James Island Charter High School 1000 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 843-762-2754 www.jamesislandcharterhs.org 9-12 Orange Grove Elementary Charter School 1225 Orange Branch Road, Charleston, SC 29407 843-763-1520 www.ogecs.com K-5 Susan G. Boykin Academy 4951 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406 843-744-8882 K-6 PRIVATE SCHOOLS Addleston Hebrew Academy 1639 Wallenberg Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407 843-571-1105
www.addlestone.org PreK-8 Archibald Rutledge Academy 1011 Old Cemetery Road McClellanville, SC 29458 843-887-3323 www.archibaldrutledgeacademy.com Pre-K-12 Ashley Hall 172 Rutledge Ave., Charleston, SC 29403 843-722-4088, www.ashleyhall.org Coed ages 2-4/all girls for K-12 Bishop England High School 363 Seven Farms Drive Charleston, SC 29492 843-849-9599, www.behs.com Blessed Sacrament School 7 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 843-766-2128, www.scbss.org K4-8 Cathedral Academy 3790 Ashley Phosphate Road North Charleston, SC 29418 843-760-2626 www.cathedralacademy.com K4-12 Charles Towne Montessori School 56 Leinbach Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 843-571-1140 www.charlestownemontessori.org Ages 6 months-12 years old Charleston Catholic School 888 King St., Charleston, SC 29403 843-577-4495 www.charlestoncatholic.com K4-8 Charleston Christian School 2234 Plainview Road Charleston, SC 29414 843-556-4480 www.charlestonchristian.org K4-8 Charleston Collegiate School 2024 Academy Drive Johns Island, SC 29455 843-559-5506 www.charlestoncollegiate.org PS-12 Charleston Day School 15 Archdale St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-377-0315 www.charlestondayschool.org Christ Our KingStella Maris School 1183 Russell Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-4721, www.coksm.org Pre-K-8
10 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Coastal Christian Preparatory School 681 McCants Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-3663 www.coastalchristian.org 3K-12 Coastal Shores Christian Preschool 8310 Dorchester Road North Charleston, SC 29418 843-552-0624 www.coastalshoresbaptistchurch.com/ preschool K2-K5 Daniel Island Academy 300 Seven Farms Drive Charleston, SC 29492 843-971-5961 www.danielislandacademy.com Preschool for 12-month- to 5-year-olds Divine Redeemer Catholic School 1104 Fort Drive, Hanahan, SC 29410 843-553-1521 www.divineredeemerschool.com K4-8 Faith Christian School 337 Farmington Road Summerville, SC 29483 843-873-8464, www.faithchristiansc.org K3-12 Ferndale Baptist School 4870 Piedmont Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406 843-744-3307 (elementary) 843-554-0535 (high school) www.ferndalebaptist.org/school K4-12 First Baptist Church School of Charleston 48 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-6646, www.fbschool.org Pre-K3-12 James Island Christian School 15 Crosscreek Drive, Charleston, SC 29412 843-795-1762, www.jics.org K4-12 Mason Preparatory School 56 Halsey Blvd., Charleston, SC 29401 843-723-0664, www.masonprep.org Montessori School of Mount Pleasant 414 Whilden St., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-1117, www.mmpschool.com Pre-K-K Nativity School 1125 Pittsford Circle, Charleston, SC 29412 843-795-3975, www.nativity-school.com K4-8 New Israel Christian School 69 Simons St., Charleston, SC 29403 843-723-5500 K-8 Northside Christian School 7800 Northside Drive North Charleston, SC 29420 843-797-2690 www.northsideministries.com/ncs Pre-K3-12
Northwood Academy 2263 Otranto Road North Charleston, SC 29406 843-572-0940 www.northwoodacademy.com Pre-K-12 The Oaks Christian School 505 Gahagan Road Summerville, SC 29485 843-875-7667 www.oakschristianschool.org K3-8 Palmetto Christian Academy 361 Egypt Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-881-9967 www.palmettochristianacademy.org Pre-K5-11 Pinewood Preparatory School 1114 Orangeburg Road Summerville, SC 29483 843-873-1643, www.pinewoodprep.com Pre-K4-12 Porter-Gaud School 300 Albemarle Road Charleston, SC 29407 843-556-3620, www.portergaud.edu K-12 Riverbend Christian Academy 7035 Dorchester Road North Charleston, SC 29418 843-552-4995 www.riverbendchristian.org K2-12th St. John’s Christian Academy 204 West Main St. Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-761-8539, www.sjcacavaliers.com Pre-K3-12 St. Paul’s Academy 5139 Gibson Road, Hollywood, SC 29449 843-889-2702, www.stpaulsacademy.org Pre-K-12 Summerville Catholic School 226 Black Oak Blvd. Summerville, SC 29485 843-873-9310 www.summervillecatholic.org K4-8 Sundrops Montessori 51 Pitt St., Charleston, SC 29402 843-849-3652 www.sundropsmontessori.com Pre-school Trident Academy 1455 Wakendaw Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-7046, www.tridentacademy.com K5-12 Trinity Montessori School 1293 Orange Grove Road Charleston, SC 29407 843-556-6686 www.trinitymontessori.com Pre-K3-6
Education in the Lowcountry Photo/Courtesy of College of Charleston
Higher Education W
hether you are a college-bound student, a college football fanatic, an employee or a resident interested in lectures and continuing education opportunities, there’s a good chance you will find what you are looking for in South Carolina’s higher education system. Enrollment has been on the rise in recent years. More than 240,000 students were enrolled in South Carolina’s public and independent two- and four-year institutions during the 2009-2010 school year. Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is the city’s oldest institution. It is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston. Students attend class in centuries old buildings, and many spend their evenings working as waiters and bartenders — or peddling tourists around in rickshaws. Because of both their work ethic and spending power, the students are
a vital part of Charleston’s thriving hospitality industry. The Citadel is another college with deep roots in Charleston. It’s not uncommon to spot a “knob” walking the Lowcountry’s streets. The freshman class is easily identified by the men’s shaved heads that resemble doorknobs — hence the nickname. A few dozen women also attend the military college, although females were not allowed until 1996. The school is unique because it offers a classic military education described as “intense, meaningful and academically strong.” It differs from the nation’s traditional military schools because students are not required to join the service upon graduation. The Medical University of South Carolina is one of the area’s premier hospitals and includes a strong teaching component. Its specialty degree programs include dental, graduate studies, medicine, nursing and
Citadel cadets.
Photo/Courtesy of The Citadel
The Cistern at the College of Charleston.
South Carolina is home to 84 institutions of higher learning, including: •
Three research institutions
•
10 comprehensive teaching institutions
•
Four regional campuses of USC
•
16 technical colleges
•
23 independent senior institutions
•
Two two-year independent institutions
•
Two private professional schools
•
24 out-of-state degree granting institutions
INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 11
Education in the Lowcountry
Colleges & Universities The Art Institute of Charleston 24 North Market St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-727-3500, www.artinstitutes.edu/charleston Charleston School of Law 81 Mary St./P.O. Box 535 Charleston, SC 29402 843-329-1000, www.charlestonlaw.org Charleston Southern University 9200 University Blvd. Charleston, SC 29423 843-863-7000, www.csuniv.edu
Photo/Courtesy of MUSC
The Citadel 171 Moultrie St. Charleston, SC 29409 843-225-3294, www.citadel.edu College of Charleston 66 George St. Charleston, SC 29424 843-805-5507, www.cofc.edu Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 101 West Hill Blvd., Building 221 Charleston AFB, SC 29404 843-767-8912, www.erau.edu/charleston Limestone College 4500 Leeds Ave., Suite 208 Charleston, SC 29405 843-745-1100 ext 222, www.limestone.edu Medical University of South Carolina 171 Ashley Ave. Charleston, SC 29425 843-792-2300 www.musc.edu Southern Illinois University Carbondale 101 West Hill Blvd., Building 221, Room 128 Charleston AFB, SC 843-552-7320, www.wed.siu.edu Southern Wesleyan University 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 301 North Charleston, SC 29405 843-266-7981, www.swu.edu/ags Strayer University 5010 Wetland Crossing North Charleston, SC 28418 843-746-5100, www.strayer.edu Troy University 1064 Gardner Road, Suite 211 Charleston, SC 29407 843-402-9938, www.troy.edu Virginia College 6185 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406 843-614-4300, www.vc.edu Webster University - North Charleston Campus 5300 International Blvd., Building B North Charleston, SC 29418 843-760-1324 www.webster.edu/southcarolina/char
12 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
A student at the Medical University of South Carolina.
pharmacy. It is also one of the region’s largest employers, and the research conducted there is a vital part of the region’s high-tech biomedical industry. The Charleston School of Law is a private institution located in downtown Charleston. While the school was founded in 2003, like most things in this city, it is steeped in history. In November 1825, a group of Charleston attorneys petitioned the S.C. General Assembly for a charter institution. The following year, the Forensic Club started offering law lectures, beginning the Southeast’s earliest law school. In 2002, prominent Charleston judges and attorneys set out to establish a law school that would continue the 19th century club’s tradition. The school earned accreditation in 2006 and graduated its first class the following year. The Charleston region is also home to several technical colleges that offer a host of two-year degrees and trade certifications. This includes Trident Technical College, the region’s largest two-year school. Upon the Boeing Co.’s recent announcement that it would locate an assembly plant for its 787 Dreamliner in North Charleston, Trident Tech announced it would expand its aviation electronics programs and dedicate nearly
10,000 square feet of space for Boeing-related training programs at its main campus. Students also have the option of attending satellite campuses for specialty training, such as Embry Riddle Aeronautical University located at the Charleston Air Force Base. Charleston is also home to the American College of the Building Arts, which trains students in historical building trades such as ironwork or plaster. The Lowcountry Graduate Center in North Charleston is an organization that formed to help working professionals gain advanced degrees through collabration between the state’s colleges and universities. But despite myriad choices, South Carolina, like many states, is at a crossroads when it comes to higher education. Many exciting programs are under way here, including the South Carolina Centers for Economic Excellence program. The state created the Centers of Economic Excellence program in 2002 to provide incentives for the state’s research universities to raise capital from private sources to fund endowments for specialized research professorships. The professorships serve a unique role in helping cultivate critical public-private industrial partnerships and expanding
Education in the Lowcountry
Photo/The Citadel
the state’s knowledge base. At the same time, South Carolina is grappling with decreasing state funds and increased tuition costs. Without money for new facilities, demand in the coming years may outstrip capacity. And schools are constantly challenged with training students for the evolving high-tech industry. The good news is that university officials and lawmakers spend countless hours studying, debating and creating innovative ways to advance higher learning in South Carolina — without putting the financial burden on students and their families. The state’s colleges and universities — including many in the Lowcountry — offer a competitive education to traditional and returning students. They also help fuel the local economy by serving as some of the area’s largest employers, by luring students and families to town, and in their relationships with the community and businesses. The Lowcountry’s institutions of higher learning are — and will continue to be — a major part of the cultural fabric of this region. For more information on higher education institutions in South Carolina, visit the S.C. Commission on Higher Education at www.che.sc.gov.
Graduation day at The Citadel.
INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 13
Photo/Courtesy of MUSC
Taking Care
C
harleston stands on the cutting edge when it comes to medicine. The area is home to several major hospitals and numerous nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty clinics and rehabilitation services. At the end of 2006, medical offices occupied more than 1.9 million square feet of space in the greater Charleston region. There are more than 2,000 licensed physicians practicing in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties. If you find yourself in need of medical care, your options in the Lowcountry are plentiful. The same could be said if you are looking for a job in a health care-related field. The medical industry is a strong economic driver and major employer. The area’s four biggest hospitals — Roper St. Francis, the Medical University of South Carolina, Trident Health System and East Cooper Medical Center — employ more
14 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
o
There are more than 2,000
Doctors at the Medical University of South Carolina.
licensed physicians practicing in Charleston, Dorchester and
businesses and is poised to expand in the region in the coming years. Millions of dollars worth of expansion projects are slated for the tri-county area and some are already under way. Where the than 15,000 workers. The Medical University medical industry in Charleston was historiis Charleston County’s largest employer, cally cloistered in downtown Charleston, a with a staff of about 10,000. recent trend among hospitals is to sprawl Charleston’s health care industry has exinto suburban areas to provide patient care perienced a growth spurt in recent years as closer to home. the population expands and ages. That trend Both Trident Health System and Roper is only likely to increase as the baby boomer St. Francis have been granted permission generation grows older and seeks Charlesfrom the state to build hospitals in Berkeley ton’s warmer climate. County. Like every industry, health care has been Roper opened its $160 million Mount impacted by recent economic woes. But it Pleasant Hospital in November 2010 and has been more insulated than most other East Cooper Hospital, based in Mount
Berkeley counties.
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Health Care
Above: Inside the new Mount Pleasant Hospital. Top: A nurse cares for a newborn at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital.
Photo/Courtesy of MUSC
Bottom: Rehabilitation at the Medical University of South Carolina.
16 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Pleasant, replaced its aging facility with the $153 million East Cooper Medical Center in March. The Medical University recently opened a seven-story medical tower on its campus to treat heart and vascular and digestive disease patients. It has several other projects ongoing at its downtown campus as well. The state has also licensed: • Seven adult day care centers for a total of 214 units. • 10 ambulatory surgery centers. • One birthing center – Charleston Birth Place Inc. • 64 community residential care facilities that form a combined 1,745 beds. • 10 licensed home health care providers. • One in-patient hospice facility. • Seven at-home hospice care programs. • 10 hospitals or institutional general infirmaries with a combined 1,972 licensed beds. • 11 nursing homes with 1,264 licensed beds. • Three inpatient drug rehab centers and eight outpatient centers.
Health Care
Hospitals Photo/Courtesy of Trident Health Care
Trident Medical Center. Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital 2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive Charleston, SC 29414 843-402-1000 www.ropersaintfrancis.com East Cooper Regional Medical Center 200 Hospital Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-881-0100 www.eastcoopermedctr.com HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Charleston 9181 Medcom St. Charleston, SC 29406 843-820-7777
www.healthsouthcharleston.com
Roper Hospital 316 Calhoun St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-724-2000 www.rsfh.com
MUSC Medical Center 171 Ashley Ave. Charleston, SC 29425 843-792-2300 www.muschealth.com Moncks Corner Medical Center 401 North Live Oak Drive, Highway 17 Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-761-8721 www.tridenthealthsystem.com Mount Pleasant Hospital 3500 Highway 17 North Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 843-606-7000 www.ropersaintfrancis.com Palmetto Behavioral Health 2777 Speissegger Drive Charleston, SC 29405 843-747-5830 www.palmettobehavioralhealth.com
Reads Moving Systems Proudly serving Charleston since 1953
Roper St. Francis Medical Center Berkeley 730 Stony Landing Road Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-899-7700 www.rsfh.com Summerville Medical Center 295 Midland Parkway Summerville, SC 29485 843-832-5000 www.tridenthealthsystem.com Trident Health System 9330 Medical Plaza Drive Charleston, SC 29406 843-797-7000 www.tridenthealthsystem.com
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â&#x20AC;˘ Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new neighborhood across town or all the way across the country, our seasoned moving specialists can make any move look easy. â&#x20AC;˘ Residential moving is the heart of our business at Reads Moving Systems. We also offer office and industrial moving services, and climate controlled storage â&#x20AC;˘ 80% of our annual business is providing professional moving services to individuals and families here in the United States and abroad.
eads Moving Systems
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center 109 Bee St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-577-5011 www.charleston.va.gov
Kindred Hospital Charleston 326 Calhoun St., Third Floor Charleston, SC 29401 843-876-8340 www.kindredhealthcare.com
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INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 17
Economic Outlook
The Charleston region expects an economic boost from the Boeing Co.’s new 787 Dreamliner final assembly plant presently under construction in North Charleston. Above, workers lined up at the construction site for a topping off ceremony in September. (Photo/Leslie Burden)
I
Economic Outlook
n 2009, the Charleston region received an extra lift when Chicago-based Boeing Co. announced the company would build its second assembly line in North Charleston. Even before Boeing, the region has been a hub of global commerce with a vibrant waterfront that imports and exports goods across the globe. Last fiscal year, the Port of Charleston handled 1.28 million TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent units, from the local waterfront. While commercial shipping has been lagging globally in the recession, the deep channel port, redevelopment of the cruise terminal and construction of a new port terminal in North Charleston means the port will be ready when the economy fully recovers. In 2008, Inc.com ranked the Charleston metro area No. 6 on its list of the Best Midsize Cities for Doing Business. Up nine spots from the previous year, the metro area’s diverse economic climate, location and skilled work force are garnering national attention. Tourism is a major part of the Lowcountry’s economy. From restaurants, attractions and history to beaches and cruise ships, the region contributes a large part to South Carolina’s $18.4 billion hospitality industry. Many of the millions of visitors who visit
18 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
At a Glance
Charleston Metro Area Population.......659,191 Growth Rate 2000-2009........................18.3% U.S. Population Rank....................................80 Median Age.................................................35 Total Area, land only (2000 est.)...2,591 sq. mi. Average Household Income.................$63,686 Annual Retail Sales...................... $16.3 billion Labor Force........................................322,000 Unemployment Rate............. 8.8% (Nov. 2010) Corporate Income Tax Rate......................5.0% Gross Metropolitan Product (2007).$25.2 billion Port of Charleston ranks 9th in the nation in dollar value of shipments ($45 billion annually) 2009 data unless otherwise indicated; (p) preliminary Source: Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
the Charleston area frequently return for future visits, and many choose to call the area home. The area’s defense industry has proven to be recession-proof in the past year, with
billions of dollars flowing through the area’s economy from the Naval Weapons Station in Berkeley County to small, medium and large defense contractors. One of the region’s largest manufacturers, Force Protection Inc., relies on these companies to integrate largescale armored vehicles that are flown to Iraq and Afghanistan. Regionally, Charleston is home to several innovation centers, which are allowing a burgeoning creative class to take root. These creative office spaces dot the region and offer affordable space to small startup businesses that are trying to grow from the ground up. Many of these businesses “graduate” and end up creating high-paying jobs for Charleston’s creative and technology industries. In addition to these important industries, the city of Charleston, along with Summerville, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant — and other municipalities — have developed a diverse economic climate geared toward construction, development, large and small businesses, privately owned companies, national chains, real estate, manufacturing and health care. The Charleston region also has attracted approximately 70 firms that are headquartered outside the United States.
Economic Outlook
Major announcements for 2010
State, local and Clemson University officials broke ground in October on the Clemson Restoration Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wind turbine drivetrain test facility. The event marked the next step in a journey that began in 2009 with the awarding of a $45 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the federal stimulus act, which is being combined with $53 million in matching public and private funds. The grant, the largest in the history of Clemson University, is expected to spark a new industry in South Carolina and make the region a hub for the research and development of clean energy production.
IMO Group announced it will invest $47 million to build a new facility in Dorchester County. The company manufactures slewing rings and slew drives, which are used in many applications, including blade, yaw and single main bearings for wind turbines. Moulton Logistics Management announced it will invest $25 million to build a new distribution and logistics facility in Berkeley County.
Southwest Airlines announced it would offer nonstop flights out of Charleston and Greenville beginning in March 2011. Destinations include Chicago, Baltimore/Washington, Nashville, Tenn., Houston and Orlando, Fla.
INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 19
Living in
Historic Charleston o
With all the grace and charm of a Southern city, Charleston draws in visitors and residents with its historic charisma and waterfront panoramas. Stroll down King Street to browse boutiques, wander through art galleries in the French Quarter, or tour some of the city’s historic homes. The penisula is home to a rich history that is revealed in
o
A bit of history The city, originally named Charles Towne, was founded in 1670 in current day West Ashley and started with about 30 houses. It moved to the peninsula 20 years later and grew to encompass several thousand inhabitants as it became a major trading center. After weathering several hurricanes and French and Spanish attacks during the 1700s, Charleston became a royal colony in 1721. Charleston began to take shape as a major city, adding cultural, residential and commercial aspects. Businesses popped up, such as the country’s first fire insurance company and one of the country’s first theaters. Several historic landmarks were built, such as the East Bay warehouse district, which is now Rainbow Row; and lots were laid out in 1745 for the first neighborhood, Ansonborough.
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
20 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Left: Umbrellas for sale at the Charleston City Market. Bottom: Vendors at the Charleston City Market.
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
L i v i n g i n Historic Charleston
nearly all of its buildings, streets and parks.
The first church services at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on Broad Street were held in 1761. It is now the oldest church building in the city. The Charleston Museum was established in 1773 as the country’s first museum. Several major Revolutionary battles unfolded around Charleston, and the city eventually fell under British control for two years before it was incorporated in 1783. The College of Charleston was granted
a charter in 1785 and the school garners a large presence downtown to this day. In 1824, the Medical University of South Carolina was founded, becoming the first medical school in the South. The MUSC campus and hospital occupies a large area on the western side of the peninsula between Calhoun and Bee streets, where a cluster of other health care providers have hospitals, such as Roper St. Francis and the VA Medical Center. Despite a damaging earthquake in 1886 and Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Charleston still houses some of the most historic homes and buildings in the South. A designated “historic district” preserves many residential properties.
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
Photo/Leslie Burden
Photo/Leslie Burden
The housing options downtown range from the sprawling pastel-colored multimillion-dollar homes to new luxury condos overlooking the Ashley River. The median price of homes downtown is higher than surrounding areas. South of Broad is the neighborhood literally south of Broad Street that includes the often-photographed Battery and Waterfront Park. Full of large traditional homes, this area has some of the most expensive real estate in Charleston with most of the houses coming with a price tag in the millions. Stroll down the streets in this quiet, storied neighborhood to catch a glimpse of traditional Charleston gardens and verandas. The French Quarter, above Broad Street, is bound by Market and Meeting streets and Waterfront Park. It is characterized by the many art galleries, cobblestone streets and restaurants that fill the area, and it is named for the many French merchants that once occupied the area. Above the French Quarter is Ansonborough, the peninsula’s first neighborhood, although much of it was destroyed in a fire in 1838 and had to be rebuilt. Many of the houses have Greek Revival characteristics and were built by some of Charleston’s oldest
family names, such as Joseph Legare and Edward McCrady. Harleston Village is another one of the old neighborhoods that was developed in 1770. It encompasses the area north of Broad Street to Calhoun Street. It includes Colonial Lake, which was set aside for public use in 1768 and is now used by joggers and dog walkers. The architecture includes Italian and Georgian styles, as well as styles that span the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Radcliffeborough is bound by King, Vanderhorst, Smith and Radcliffe streets and contains much of the College of Charleston campus. Many of the houses have Italian and Gothic revival influences. To the west and north of Radcliffeborough are Cannonborough and Elliottborough where homes are being renovated at a rapid rate. Close to MUSC, this area is popular with medical students and families who want a house downtown without the price of a lower-peninsula property. New developments are opening up residential spaces, such as the Midtown project, which is expected to help revitalize upper King Street. Condominiums and single family houses planned for Midtown range from $500,000 to $900,000. The recently constructed Bee Street Lofts, which offer views of the Ashley River,
Left: St. Phillip’s Church. Top: A view of James Island from White Point Gardens. Bottom left: The fountain at Vendue Range. Bottom right: Grand homes along East Bay Street.
offer downtown living in units ranging from about $330,000 to about $750,000. This new injection of residential property has attracted several restaurants to the area. To the east of Radcliffeborough is the Mazyck-Wraggborough neighborhood, which stretches from King over to Washington Street. Anchoring the area is the landmark Marion Square, the 10-acre public park that houses a farmer’s market on Saturdays from April to December. The area also includes the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry on Ann Street and the Charleston Museum on Meeting Street. Farther up the peninsula, Hampton Park Terrace and Wagener Terrace offer more affordable housing options with turn-ofthe-century and brick bungalow homes. The Citadel campus also falls in the Hampton Park area. INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 21
L i v i n g i n Historic Charleston
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
Neighborhoods
Living in
fter almost 250 years as “the sleepy town on the other side of the harbor,” Mount Pleasant forged its 20th-century identity when the Grace Bridge opened in 1929, connecting it to Charleston and sparking a building boom that continues more than 80 years later. The Silas Pearman Bridge, built adjacent to the Grace Bridge, opened in 1966. Yet by the dawn of the 21st century, snarling traffic on those Cooper River bridges was choking the area’s prized quality of life. Things improved dramatically with the opening of the $650 million Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, an eight-lane marvel that was greeted with fireworks and celebration on July 16, 2005. The new bridge marked the beginning of a new era for the state’s fifth-largest municipality, now home to about 65,000. Despite its reputation as the suburban gateway to Charleston and the East Cooper beaches, the historic heart of Mount Pleasant can still be found near picturesque Shem Creek, where the local fishing fleet dock beside popular locally owned eateries. The Old Village, founded in 1680 and incorporated in 1837, sits on breezy bluffs that overlook the harbor just seaward of Shem Creek. Locals treasure its 18th-century homes, its quaint Pitt Street commercial district
22 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Photo/Leslie Burden
L i v i n g i n Mount Pleasant
A
Mount Pleasant
and the neighborhood’s authentic shadedrenched ambiance. Residents and visitors alike enjoy trips to Alhambra Hall Park and the nearby Pitt Street Bridge, which once connected the town to Sullivan’s Island by trolley but now offers views of Charleston
Harbor and easy access to fishing and crabbing. Other glimpses of Mount Pleasant’s past can be found across town on scenic Long Point Road. On one side of the road, motorists may turn off and wander down a broad alley of oaks that leads to Boone Hall Plantation. Settled in 1743, this privately owned historic property has been open to the public for tours since 1955 yet remains a working plantation. Its “you-pick ’em” fields and seasonal events are beloved by local families. On the other side of Long Point Road, the Charles Pinckney National Historic’ Site interprets life at Snee Farm Plantation, home of one of the original signers of the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Park Service staff makes a special effort to explain and preserve the region’s Gullah culture. Glimpses of that Gullah heritage can be seen along U.S. Highway 17, where the area’s “basket ladies” still make and sell the Lowcountry’s signature sweetgrass baskets from simple roadside stands. Efforts to honor and preserve traditions like sweetgrass basketry demonstrate an emerging sense of civic identity. After decades of rapid suburban growth, Mount Pleasant began allocating building permits in 2005 and now puts greater emphasis on planning.
them oriented on either Highway 17 or Coleman Boulevard. The town’s most prominent shopping area is Towne Centre, located between the Isle of Palms Connector and the end of Interstate 526. In keeping with Lowcountry tradition, the town loves a good festival. Mount Pleasant hosts festivals for the arts, oysters, Scottish games, local foodies and children. Every April, the town turns out for the annual Blessing of the Fleet at Alhambra Hall, during which local clergy bless the fishing fleet, and local residents hang around to celebrate spring. The annual Christmas parade is a big draw, as is the Cooper River Bridge Run, which attracts runners and walkers by the tens of thousands each spring.
Opposite top: Patriots Point. Opposite bottom: The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge connects Mount Pleasant to downtown Charleston. Below: Shem Creek. Bottom: Shoppers enjoy the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market on Tuesday evenings from spring through fall.
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 23
L i v i n g i n Mount Pleasant
Photo/Andy Owens
The qualities the town guards today helped convince Money magazine to name Mount Pleasant as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2006 and 2010. Money magazine lists the average home value at around $287,000 and median household income more than $95,000. Caring for others is also on the rise. East Cooper Community Outreach, a volunteer organization that emerged from the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, operates social programs aimed at helping disadvantaged people live healthier, more successful lives. A weekly farmer’s market on Tuesday afternoons from April to October gives locals access to affordable, healthy food. The town unveiled two new modern hospitals in 2010. East Cooper Regional Medical Center opened in March and Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital opened in November. Fitness has also been on the upswing here since the bridge opened in 2005 with a lane for bicyclists and pedestrians. Residents make extensive use of the town’s numerous parks, ballfields and gyms, and recreational sports leagues for children and adults are numerous, popular and spirited. Palmetto Island County Park, a 943acre facility, has nature trails, picnic areas, a 50-foot observation tower, a water park and pedal boat rentals. Patriots Point on the Charleston Harbor boasts a state-run military museum that displays four World War II-era vessels and more than a dozen vintage aircraft. The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown is also the home to the Medal of Honor Society Museum. Patriots Point features a golf course (one of five in town), and a new athletic complex. Patriots Point also connects to the Ravenel Bridge by way of Memorial Park, a $14 million waterfront park unveiled in the summer of 2009. Because of its 20th century history as a bedroom community, Mount Pleasant’s neighborhoods are typically distinct suburban developments. Their varying styles offer residents a range of choices. The Tides, an upscale condominium community on the Charleston Harbor, is among the town’s newest. I’On, a new-urbanist development off Mathis Ferry Road, is an award-winning neighborhood of beautiful homes, tiny yards, elaborate public spaces and mixed-use construction. Farther out, the sprawling new developments of Park West and Carolina Park are moving the geographic center of town more to the east each year. With people come businesses, most of
Living 0n
Photo/Courtesy of Charleston Convention & Visitors Buraeu
L i v i n g o n Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island
Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island
E
ast Cooper’s two beach-front islands are connected by one bridge but represent two distinct lifestyles. Sullivan’s Island lies at the entrance to the Charleston Harbor and spent much of its history as a slave port. Its strategic position made it a key to the seaward defense of the city of Charleston and it was fortified well into the 20th century. To Charlestonians of the late 19th and early 20th century, Sullivan’s Island was the beach to which they escaped by boat when the summer heat grew unbearable.
24 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Today, the island’s military and beachretreat heritage give the place an elegantly shabby, slow-moving style that is unique among southern beach communities. Islanders have adapted abandoned fortifications and disused buildings from Fort Moultrie’s sprawling past into creative living spaces and public uses. Victorian homes line shaded streets. About 2,000 people live on the 3.3-square-mile island, which remains a popular destination for beach-goers from
L i v i n g O n Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island
Photo/Leslie Burden
Charleston and Mount Pleasant. But with no hotels, the beach is seldom crowded. Easements and strict regulations protect the island’s dunes and maritime forests, and its lighthouse, which began operation in 1962, was conveyed to the National Parks Service in 2008. Though Sullivan’s Island was home to two settlements in the 19th century, the neighboring Isle of Palms remained a remote, sparsely populated vacation spot until the early 20th century. A 50-room hotel opened in 1906, followed in 1912 by a beach pavilion and amusement park. First known as Hunting Island, and then Long Island, developers renamed it the Isle of Palms in 1913 to attract tourists. Development of the 5.6-square-mile island didn’t begin in earnest until the 1940s. The boom started in 1944 with the purchase of 1,300 acres by The Beach Co., which laid out roads and began building a mixture of vacation and affordable housing. The Ben Sawyer Bridge connecting Mount
Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island completed the Charleston-to-IOP automobile link in 1945 and more growth followed. By the 1970s, developers turned their eyes toward a 1,600-acre tract and began construction of what is today the gated Wild Dunes Resort. This exclusive community features two golf courses, extensive tennis facilities and a system of walking and bicycling trails. Hurricane Hugo destroyed 95% of the IOP’s buildings in 1989 and the influx of insurance cash lead to a burst of luxurious gentrification. Today, the island has a population of more than 4,500, multimilliondollar homes line the water, and its Front Beach commercial district bustles with restaurants and shops. The IOP’s Windjammer Lounge is a classic beachfront bar and music venue, and the annual Polar Bear Swim on Sullivan’s Island, which draws thousands of highspirited bathers every New Year’s Day, originates at Dunleavy’s Pub in the island’s tiny downtown. Life on the islands offers distinct choices for those who can afford them — the upscale energy of the IOP versus the quirkier charms of Sullivan’s Island. Residents of both islands benefit from one of the state’s finest elementary schools, enjoy easy access to shopping via the Isle of Palms Connector and can often be spotted tooling around in their ubiquitous electric golf carts.
Photo/Courtesy of Wild Dunes
Opposite: Sullivan’s Island lighthouse. Opposite inset: A family walks the beach on the Isle of Palms. Right top and bottom: Wild Dunes Resort. Below inset: Even when the weather cools off, the beaches are still perfect for a stroll.
INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 25
Living in
North Charleston L i v i n g i n North Charleston
Photos/Courtesy of City of North Charleston
N
orth Charleston is an area in transition. With industrial and military roots, the city in recent years has committed to redeveloping its central neighborhoods and reinventing itself as a trendy yet affordable place to live. The area north of Charleston was devel-
26 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
oped as plantations by early colonists, but after the Civil War, it grew into an industrial center. Just after the turn of the 20th century, the U.S. Navy targeted a huge swath of land along the Cooper River for a new naval base, and planned neighborhoods began to unfold to house workers, the military and their families.
Photo/Oak Terrace Preserve
Opposite background: Riverfront Park. Opposite: Patrons enjoy a pleasant evening outside local hotspot EVO Pizzeria.
Photo/Courtesy of City of North Charleston
Top: New neighborhoods like Oak Terrace Preserve promote pedestrian-friendly public spaces. Middle: Riverfront Park. Bottom: Sidewalk dining in Park Circle. INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 27
L i v i n g i n North Charleston
Photo/Courtesy of City of North Charleston
The North Charleston area boomed during World War II. The dynamic area incorporated as a city in 1972 and has expanded to include land in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties. In the 1990s, the federal government closed the Navy base in North Charleston. The city of North Charleston has since partnered with developers to infuse new life into the area’s historic neighborhoods. Redevelopment areas include Park Circle, a community of neighborhoods planned early in the 20th century. Residential developments in the works, such as Oak Terrace Preserve and Mixson, have earned a reputation for their sustainable building practices. Nearby Montague Avenue is a Main Street of the past alive again with shops and restaurants. Redevelopment is ongoing on the former naval base as well, where once empty military buildings now bustle with art studios, private offices and other commercial activity collectively known as the Navy Yard at Noisette. The base’s waterfr a is full of neighborhoods built in the late 20th century and shopping centers, including the Tanger Outlet Center and Northwoods Mall. North Charleston remains a center of business activity for the region, with many of the Charleston area’s commercial and industrial employers located there. Boeing Co. announced plans in late 2009 to locate its second assembly line for its 787 Dreamliner in North Charleston, a move that expects to create more than 3,800 well-paying jobs. One of the area’s major attractions is the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center and adjacent Charleston Area Convention Center. The complex is home to the Stingrays, a minor league hockey team, and is a venue for concerts, performances and meetings large and small. The Coliseum is set to undergo a $12.7 million expansion that will include a new ticket window, upgraded box suites, better kitchen facilities and stage and sound improvements. The Charleston International Airport is also located in North Charleston. Interstate 26 forms a spine that begins in Charleston and runs through North Charleston toward Columbia. Interstate 526, which has terminal points in Mount Pleasant and West Ashley, reaches its peak in North Charleston.
Living in
L i v i n g i n West Ashley
West Ashley T
he area west of the Ashley River in Charleston is home to some of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest suburban neighborhoods and, a little farther out, some of the newest. West Ashley, as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called, also features a range of old and new shopping centers and restaurants, historic plantations and other attractions, and a unique outdoor walking trail. Neighborhoods closest to the Charleston peninsula were built in the 1920s through the 1950s. Among the older subdivisions are
Old Windermere, Byrnes Down, Moreland, Avondale and The Crescent. Development continued through the 1970s and 1980s in neighborhoods farther out from the city, such as Northbridge, Northbridge Terrace and Wespanee Plantation. New residential development has continued in recent years, especially past the western boundary of Interstate 526, in neighborhoods like Shadowmoss and Carolina Bay. Long-ago residents of West Ashley have
left behind several historic plantations and gardens that have been preserved and are open for tours. Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place and Drayton Hall Plantation allow visitors to learn about the architecture and life of South Carolinians in the 1700s and the centuries following. Another historic destination in West Ashley is Charles Towne Landing, the site of the English settlement that would become the Carolina colony. The 664-acre attraction
Photos/Leslie Burden
28 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Photos/Leslie Burden
Photo/Ryan Wilco x
Left: Sunset along the Ashley River. Above: The sun peaks through the trees along the West Ashley Greenway. Right top: The Avondale neighborhood boasts many restaurants and boutiques. L i v i n g i n West Ashley
Right middle: The Coburg Cow on Savannah Highway is a West Ashley landmark. Right bottom: A double rainbow appears over condominiums.
Photo/Ryan Wilcox Photo/Ryan Wilcox
is a state park. When getting around by car, main highway corridors in West Ashley are U.S. 17, called Savannah Highway, and S.C. 61, also known as Ashley River Road. The two highways are connected by S.C. 7, also called Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. Interstates 526 and 26 connect West Ashley to North Charleston to the north and Mount Pleasant to the east. For those interested in seeing West Ashley by foot or bike, the West Ashley Greenway is a good option. This 10.5-mile walking and biking path weaves among residential areas and shopping centers and through small marshy areas and swaths of trees. The trail starts near the South Windermere Shopping Center and stretches to Johns Island. Shopping is plentiful in West Ashley. The area is home to Citadel Mall, one of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two enclosed malls. Shopping centers anchored by national retailers and restaurants surround Citadel Mall, which is located just inside I-526 near the intersection of U.S. 17 and Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. West Ashley also includes eclectic shopping strips filled with many locally owned stores and eateries, such as the Avondale shopping area along U.S. 17.
INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 29
Living On
Photo/Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission
J
ames Island and Folly Beach, located just south of Charleston, represent a distinctly independent streak in the Lowcountry character. Long a semi-rural area, James Island’s population has been booming since the early 1990s and the opening of the James Island Connector, a bridge that links the island directly to the Charleston peninsula. Many of the island’s older neighborhoods lie within Charleston’s city limits, but the rest of the island was incorporated into an independent town in 2008. James Island is bounded by Wappoo Creek, Charleston Harbor and the Stono and Folly rivers. Its network of marshes, inlets, sounds and creeks gives it one of the most scenic natural environments in the region. It was a strategic key to Charleston during the Revolutionary and Civil wars. The Confed-
30 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Photos/Ryan Wilco x
L i v i n g O n James Isalnd & Folly Beach
James Island & Folly Beach
Top left: Kayakers enjoy the scenery along the Folly River. Main: The Morris Island Lighthouse. Bottom left: A view of the sun setting over Kiawah Island as seen from Folly Beach.
erate attack on Fort Sumter began in 1861 with a shot from Fort Johnson, modern-day home of a state-of-the-art government marine science research facility. McLeod Plantation, with its alley of slave cabins visible from Folly Road near
INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 31
L i v i n g i n James Isalnd & Folly Beach
Photos/Ryan Wilcox
the foot of the Wappoo Bridge, stands near the entrance to the private Country Club of Charleston. The Riverland Terrace neighborhood, located between Maybank Highway and Wappoo Creek, features enormous live oaks and deeply shaded lanes. A nearby commercial district offers fine restaurants, antiques and the Terrace Theatre, the area’s only art-house cinema. Recreational options include the Charleston Municipal Golf Course and James Island County Park, a 643-acre facility with trails, fishing docks, a 50-foot climbing wall, kayak rentals, picnic areas and a campground. The park’s Splash Zone water park is extremely popular with families during summer months, and the county park’s annual Holiday Festival of Lights attracts motorists on winter nights. James Island ends where Folly Road enters a marsh marked by the landmark “Folly Boat,” an abandoned hull that was deposited on the roadside by Hurricane Hugo. Locals have been painting messages on it ever since. Another treasured local landmark – Bowen’s Island Restaurant – sits on a tidal creek in a hummock of trees in the vast marsh between James Island and Folly Beach. Shrimp boats docked on James Island. Folly Beach calls itself “The Edge of
Photo/Charleston Regional Business Journal
L i v i n g O n James Isalnd & Folly Beach
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
The carousel spins at the James Island County Park Festival of Lights.
America,” and the seven-mile island certainly seems to take the nickname seriously. The island celebrates its bars, fishing shacks, funky eateries and nefarious characters, and East Coast surfers swarm to the spot they call “The Washout” whenever an Atlantic swell pushes big waves ashore. A county-run 1,000-foot fishing pier marks the center of the island. The county also operates a beach park on the island’s western tip, and the undeveloped eastern end of the island was the longtime site of a Coast Guard station. Morris Island,
where the Union assault depicted in the movie Glory took place, lies across the inlet from the old Coast Guard station. The island has been heavily eroded, and the Morris Island Lighthouse has been surrounded by water for decades. Long described as the Lowcounty’s “poor man’s beach,” Folly’s signature shacks ceased to be affordable escapes for drifters, starving artists and beach bums a decade ago, but the island’s 2,300 year-round residents preserve its identity as a place where corporate homogenization hasn’t taken over – yet.
Top: Fog rolls in over the Folly River. Above right: Taco Boy is one of Folly’s popular eateries. Bottom: A view of the sun setting over Kiawah Island as seen from Folly Beach.
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
32 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Living On
Johns Island A dock at sunrise on Johns Island.
INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 33
L i v i n g i n Johns Island
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ohns Island, the Lowcountry’s last remaining rural sea island, is a vast swath of land between James Island, the mainland west of Charleston and the private barrier islands of Kiawah and Seabrook. Its future is one of the most important undecided questions in the Lowcountry. The island grows much of the area’s fresh organic produce and is home to numerous farms, nurseries, packing houses and produce stands. And though its main transportation arteries are heavily trafficked, the island has miles of long, quiet, tree-lined roads that attract Lowcountry bicyclists looking for a nice day’s ride. Traffic remains one of the island’s most pressing issues. Johns Islanders shot down a proposed Cross Island Expressway in the 1990s and are divided over a proposed extension to Interstate 526 that would cross the island en route to the James Island Connector, shortening the 30-minute commute to Charleston considerably. The trade off?
the island. The public Mullet Hall Equestrian Center at Johns Island County Park (a largely undeveloped 738-acre tract) provides riders with facilities for horse shows and equestrian tournaments, plus 20 miles of riding trails. The Charleston Executive Airport on Trenholm Road is a small facility that offers convenience to resort visitors and flying lessons for locals. A 16,000-square-foot library, completed in 2004, is the county’s largest branch. Much of the development driving the island today is upscale, including The Preserve at Fenwick Hall. Other developments offer a mixture of affordable and luxury choices, varying from waterfront lots to Charleston-style urbanism to custom rural seclusion. The island’s central commercial district Opponents don’t want to trade their rural is still located at the intersection of Main, way of life and thousands of acres of farmMaybank and Bohicket roads, but the land for the suburban development better number of choices increases every year. And roads would bring. though it once would have seemed hard to The island boasts The Angel Oak, bebelieve, the island now boasts a fine-dining lieved to be one of the oldest trees east of the French restaurant, The Fat Hen, as well as Mississippi. Said to be an estimated 1,500 the Italian restaurant, The Wild Olive, both years old, the oak is a graceful giant, 65 feet on Maybank Highway. tall, more than 25 feet around and provides Johns Island is a stronghold of Gullah more than 17,000 square feet of shade with culture and holds a special place in the limbs as long as 89 feet. It’s owned by the Lowcountry’s civil rights history. Native son city of Charleston and is open to the public. Esau Jenkins, despite receiving no formal Another local gem is the village of Rock- education beyond the 4th grade, understood ville at the end of neighboring Wadmalaw in the 1950s and 1960s that the future of the Island. This remote, picturesque village is island’s isolated black communities would largely untouched by the coastal developdepend on bootstrapping programs for ment boom and it plays host each August their education and health. He and others to the Rockville Regatta, an event that dates founded “Citzenship Schools” that helped back more than 100 years and marks the residents — many of whom were illiterate — end of the Lowcountry’s competitive sailing qualify to vote, and their Sea Island Health season. It’s as much a party as it is a race. Corp. brought doctors, nurses and modern Horses raised for work, transportation or medicine to rural corners that had never recreation have long been a part of life on received proper care.
Living On
Photo/Leslie Halpern
Photo/Daniel Island Company
Daniel Island
Photo/Daniel Island Real Esate
L i v i n g i n Daniel Island
Photo/Daniel Island Company
Above: Daniel Island has grown to a community of more than 5,000. Top right: A misty sunrise over the marsh. Middle: A stream ambles its way through Daniel Island. Bottom: The community swimming pool.
T
he Lowcountry’s newest address is also one of its most attractive. Daniel Island has grown from an undeveloped expanse of forest and farmland into a thriving community of roughly more than 5,000. The 4,000-acre island at the tip of the Cainhoy Peninsula was essentially uninhabited when Interstate 526 crossed it in the 1990s, linking the land between the Wando and Cooper rivers to the mainland for the first time. Development, guided by a master plan worked out in conjunction with the Guggenheim Foundation (which owned the island from 1947-97), began in the late 1990s. Today, the Daniel Island community spans eight neighborhoods, a central commercial district, more than 400 acres of public park-
34 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
land, two golf courses, a professional soccer stadium and a world-class tennis facility. Daniel Island is incorporated into the city of Charleston, even though it’s located in Berkeley County and residents must pass through Mount Pleasant or North Charleston to reach it. Though generally considered a bedroom community, the island’s daytime population swells to an estimated 8,500, thanks to employers such as software firm Blackbaud and the 34-acre campus of Bishop England High School, which moved to the island in 1998 after more than 80 years in downtown Charleston. Home prices range from the $300,000s to $6 million, with select lots selling for upwards of $1 million.
Condominiums are available for less than $200,000, but the island’s network of public spaces, services, shopping, education and amenities generally tends to put a premium on property values. Plans point toward an eventual population of 15,000. Life on the island benefits from 23 miles of shoreline, much of it open to the public, and the extensive system of parks and docks give neighborhoods plenty of public spaces and room to socialize. The island’s event calendar gets more crowded every year, thanks in large part to the Family Circle Cup Tennis Center (its namesake tournament is played there each April) and Blackbaud Stadium, home pitch for the Charleston Battery Soccer Club. These modern facilities are increasingly in demand for concerts and festivals.
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L i v i n g i n Daniel Island
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Living On
Kiawah & Seabrook Islands
Island Golf Resort
L i v i n g O n Kiawah & Seabrook Islands
Photo/Courtesy of Kiawah
K
36 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Development of the island loosely began in the 1950s when C.C. Royal, who made his fortune in the lumber business, purchased the island. He built a home for his wife and seven children and then sold 65 lots to friends. In 1974, the Kuwait Investment Co. purchased the island from Royal’s heirs and created a land plan that consisted of a resort and residential development. Kiawah Development Partners is currently the master developer of the island. Approximately 1,163 full-time residents inhabit the island, but the population swells in the spring and summer when
Photo/Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau
iawah and Seabrook islands, two private resort communities south of Charleston, offer a quality of life that includes world-class golf, upscale homes and breathtaking views of the Lowcountry’s landscape. Pottery found on Kiawah Island dates as far back as 4,000 years. Ownership of the island changed many times through the years from the Indians to the British and then to some of the earliest “Charlestonians.” Its history is linked to names you may already be familiar with: Gibbes, Vanderhorst and Middleton, to name a few.
Photo/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort
tennis, horseback riding and boating. There are several restaurants to choose from, as well. Inhabitants of both islands place a high value on the environment and have made sure that the buildings are constructed in harmony with the natural surroundings. There are also plenty of opportunities to experience the wildlife, whether strolling on the beach or exploring the waterways via
kayak or canoe. Just 30 minutes away from Charleston, the islands are close enough for a day trip into the city; however, there are several options for shopping excursions on both islands, as well as at Freshfields Village on neighboring Johns Island. Freshfields Village offers a variety of stores, from sporting goods to groceries, as well as several restaurants. INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 37
L i v i n g O n Kiawah & Seabrook Islands
Photo/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort
about 600 of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s properties are rented. The island is also home to the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which includes five public golf courses and two private courses; The Sanctuary, a AAA Five Diamond hotel; an award-winning spa; and several restaurants. Outside of golf, the island also caters to tennis players and is a destination for runners each year during the annual Kiawah Island Marathon, held each December. Seabrook Island, just across the marsh from Kiawah Island, is a 2,200-acre mix of forest, salt marshes and beach. The island was discovered by settlers in 1666 and indigo and rice were its first cash crops. The island was first called Jones Island, then Simmons Island and finally Seabrook when it was purchased by William Seabrook in 1816. Originally developed in 1972 as a resort and conference center location, the island has evolved into a private oceanfront community. There are more than 2,500 properties on Seabrook Island and more than 700 families live on the island year-round. Seabrook Island residents recently voted in favor of the Horizon Plan, a $31 million master growth plan to redevelop and elevate the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amenities and facilities to meet current and future needs. There is no shortage of things to do on Seabrook Island, from playing golf on one of two private golf courses, to playing
Photo/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Above: Dining with a view at the Ocean Room at The Sanctuary Hotel. Top right: A beautiful home on Kiawah Island. Bottom right: A family explores Kiawah and Seabrook islands by kayak.
Living in
istoric Berkeley County is the largest of the three counties in the Charleston metro area and one of the fastest growing in the state. Its agricultural base — dating back to the 17th century — has given way to industry as evidenced by a $600 million investment by Internet giant Google in a new data center and DuPont’s expansion of a Kevlar plant that the county won over 40 potential locations worldwide. In addition, the entire tri-county area will benefit from the 2009 announcement that Boeing Co. selected North Charleston as the location for its second assembly line for the 787 Dreamliner — a $750 million investment. Major employers include the U.S. Naval Weapons Station, with approximately 18,000 employees, and Berkeley County School District, with 3,650. Several industry leaders, including Nucor Steel, J.W. Aluminum and Alcoa Mt. Holly, have earned recognition for sustainability efforts. Sensitive to quality of life issues, the Berkeley County Planning Commission has launched an initiative to study and manage growth. Dubbed “Planning the Future While Preserving the Past,” its mission is to create a comprehensive development plan. Indeed, quality of life is a major draw for visitors and newcomers to Berkeley County, with its temperate coastal plain climate, abundant waterways and unspoiled landscapes. A rich heritage that traces its origins to the first settlers in the Carolinas is alive today in the residents of Berkeley County and their communities — Bonneau, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Jamestown, Moncks Corner, St. Stephen and Daniel Island. Originally the domain of European planters, county farmlands once supported rice and cotton crops. Plantations may still be seen today along tributaries of the Cooper River and some still serve as residences. Mepkin Abbey, a former plantation
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Left: Mepkin Abbey has a garden and chapel that are open to the public. Right: A black water swamp at Cypress Gardens.
Americans, colonial life, the Civil War and the Francis Marion National Forest. At Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp, shaded boardwalks wind through ancient groves of towering cypress and Pleistocene swamps. The forest — a National Natural Landmark — is protected and managed by the National Audubon Society and is the largest remaining virgin black water cypress and tupelo swamp in the world. Cypress Gardens features boat rides through black water swamps and the Berkeley Blueways offer 20 canoeing and kayaking trails. World-class waterskiing, wind surfing, sailing, boating and fishing are popular on Lake Moultrie, as well as the state’s largest lake, Lake Marion. The Palmetto Trail, a recreational trail that stretches statewide, takes trekkers off the beaten path for a closer experience with southern fauna and wildlife. The active lifestyle of Berkeley County pairs well with the wide variety of residential neighborhoods available. From the small town feel of some of the county’s oldest communities to planned neighborhoods with single-family attached and detached homes, choices abound in every price range. Del Webb Charleston, located perched on the river’s bluffs, now serves as in Cane Bay Plantation, offers all the classic amenihome to a Trappist monastery with a garden ties for the active adult population. and chapel open to the public. It is located in Daniel Island offers a master-planned the town of Moncks Corner, originally a colo- lifestyle community built on a sea island in nial trading post dating back to 1738 that took Berkeley County. Thoughtful planning and its name from landowner Thomas Monk. quality execution have earned the Daniel Old Santee Canal Park commemorates Island Co. recognition from the Urban Land America’s first summit canal, which began Institute and the National Association of operating in 1800. In addition to tours of the Homebuilders for exceptional smart growth historic site, the park features the Berkeley development practices. One of the hottest County Museum and Heritage Center. Extickets in professional sports, the Family hibits and artifacts portray the region’s hisCircle Cup, attracts top-seeded players every tory and include Brig. Gen. Francis Marion, year to the all-woman’s Tier I pro tennis also known as the “Swamp Fox,” Native event on Daniel Island. Photo/Courtesy of the Charleston CVB
L i v i n g i n Berkeley Couunty
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Berkeley County
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
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Living in
L i v i n g i n Summerville
S
ummerville is a community that still gathers at Town Square to celebrate the 4th of July, where Friday night high school football draws a spirited crowd, and in early December, the holiday season is ushered in with an annual Christmas Tree Lighting downtown. In this modern southern city, progress and preservation are inextricably intertwined, making it a dynamic and diverse place to live and work. Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management (D.R.E.A.M.), a nonprofit group spearheaded by local residents, has done much since its inception in 1992 to bring focus and support to Summerville and its historic downtown district. The commer-
40 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
cial area is bustling again with unique shops, a local bookstore, art galleries and eateries. Guerin’s Pharmacy —the oldest still operating in South Carolina — contains antiques, a full-service pharmacy and an old-style soda fountain that serves drug store classics like cherry and vanilla cokes, milkshakes and chili dogs. The Summerville-Dorchester Museum documents cultural and natural history with a film and exhibits of the colonial settlers, early churches and architecture. More than 700 buildings have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Summerville traces its roots to the 1780s, when it was known as Pineland Village to
plantation owners waiting to escape the swamp fever and insects of the Lowcountry summer. After being deemed by medical specialists in 1899 as one of the best areas in the world for lung and throat disorders, the area experienced a golden era, with special lodgings and resorts springing up to accommodate pulmonary patients. The most famous was Pine Forest Inn, which sometimes served as the Winter White House for Presidents William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt. Today, Summerville is Dorchester County’s largest city with an estimated population of over 48,000. Named one of the 50 best small towns in America by Kiplinger’s
Photos/Courtesy of the Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce
Summerville
L i v i n g i n Summerville
Personal Finance magazine, Summerville offers residents the best of both worlds in terms of quality of life and housing. Known for its stately Victorian homes, the city also offers the full spectrum of new construction options attracting families, business and military personnel to the area. Dubbed Flower Town in the Pines, Summerville still gets high marks for natural attributes. The Flowertown Festival draws more than 200,000 people every spring for a weekend dedicated to artisans and crafts amid the profusion of blooms in Azalea Park. The park, a 12-acre oasis of ponds, paths, fountains and tennis courts, has also been the site for one of South Carolina’s premiere outdoor arts events, Sculpture in the South. Summerville residents take to the trails at nearby Givhans Ferry State Park, on the former site of an 18th-century ferry that once crossed the Edisto River. The park features camping, cabins, fishing, picnic areas and river access. At Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp, shaded boardwalks wind through ancient groves of towering cypress and Pleistocene swamps. The forest — a National Natural Landmark — is protected and managed by the National Audubon Society and is the largest remaining virgin stand of bald cypress in the world. Among the many fine and fun dining options in Summerville, perhaps the most famous is the Dining Room at Woodlands Resort & Inn — one of only three lodging properties in America to be awarded the Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond awards for both lodging and dining. The Dining Room has been awarded the Relais & Chateaux highest culinary designation: Relais Gourmand. The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine ranked Woodlands Inn No.1 in the Continental U.S. and Canada and No.3 worldwide in the 2008 World’s Best Service Awards. Opposite: Downtown Summerville. Top: Kayakers exploring a waterway. Middle: Summerville’s Flowertown Festival. Bottom: Shops along Central Avenue.
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Living in
L i v i n g i n Georgetown
Georgetown
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eorgetown County spans more than 800 square miles and is the eighth largest county in South Carolina. Its main cities and towns include Georgetown, which is regularly rated among the top 100 small towns in America, as well as Murrells Inlet, Andrews, Litchfield and Pawleys Island.
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Located between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, Georgetown provides easy access to entertainment, recreation and shopping available in these two cities. But Georgetown, with its rich history, beauty and Southern charm has worked hard to develop itself into a well-rounded destination for new residents and visitors alike.
As South Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third oldest city, Georgetown was founded in 1729. It was developed by Elisha Screvin, who designed the city in a four-by-eight block grid. Georgetownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location along five rivers and on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean offered the perfect setting for growing indigo and rice, and for exporting it. The region |
L i v i n g i n Georgetown
enjoyed great prosperity in the 1700s and early 1800s as a result of these successful cash crops. In fact, at one point, the region produced nearly half of the total rice crop in the United States, and the port of Georgetown was at one time the largest rice-exporting port in the world. After the Civil War, Georgetown evolved from an agricultural center to an industrial center. Its seaport attracted many large manufacturers in the paper, wood products and steel industries. In more recent years, tourism has become a large part of the area’s economy. Georgetown’s historic downtown is a main attraction. The streets still bear the original names, and many of the original homes have been maintained and can be toured, including the Kaminski House. This mansion was
built in 1769 and was bequeathed to the city. It is furnished with the Kaminski family’s heirlooms and is the perfect example of the classic southern home. History buffs can also tour Hopsewee Plantation, which was the home of Georgetown native Thomas Lynch Jr. who was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence. Georgetown’s beauty has also attracted nature lovers. Huntington Beach State Park spans 2,500 acres, including three miles of beautiful wide beaches, a freshwater lake, nature trails and some of the finest bird watching in the region. Brookgreen Gardens, which once included four rice plantations, is now a sculpture park, botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary. It is located literally across the street from Huntington Beach State Park.
Both properties were owned by Anna Hyatt and Archer Huntington who left them for future generations to enjoy. Several of the area’s plantations have also been turned into golf courses and many have been ranked by numerous golf magazines as some of the best in the country. Locals and visitors also take advantage of Georgetown’s coastal location and the range of activities it offers from lounging on the beach to deep-sea fishing. The region’s charm and beauty, as well as competitively priced housing is popular with retirees seeking a calmer, gentler way of life. Former plantations have also been developed into walkable communities that embrace the region’s natural setting as well as promote healthy living and a sense of community. INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 43
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Sports and Recreation
44 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Photo/Courtesy of Family Circle Cup
he Lowcounty’s coastal environment makes outdoor life here a special draw, but its sports and recreation scene doesn’t end with beachgoing. The area boasts three professional teams, three small college athletic programs, excellent venues and dozens of amateur recreational leagues in a variety of sports. Folly Beach is generally considered one of the three top surfing destinations on the East Coast, and dedicated wave riders keep track of conditions at its storied “Washout” via webcam. Waves at the Isle of Palms aren’t quite as powerful, but East Cooper surfers swear by them. Sullivan’s Island waves are inadequate for surfing, but kiteboarding is a popular alternative. Kayaking has been a popular local sport for years, and outfitters along Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant cater to locals and tourists alike. Remote islands in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge are a draw for many,
but others prefer to drive south of Charleston and strike out into the blackwater wilderness of the pristine and sprawling ACE Basin or head farther inland to explore the swamps and groves of Dorchester County.
Sailing — either competitive or contemplative — has been a Lowcountry passion since antebellum days. Charleston Race Week, a three-day regatta sponsored by the Charleston Ocean Racing Association, draws more than 1,500 sailors to the Charleston Harbor every April. The College of Charleston and The Citadel both field competitive sailing teams. The local sailing season ends in August with the Rockville Regatta, a tradition for more than 100 years. Recreational boating — particularly as it relates to fishing — takes up much of the calendar and deep sea charters are available from Shem Creek and other locations. Charleston County runs a fishing pier at Folly Beach and surf casters land sizable fish every year. Locals dip for crabs in tidal creeks all summer and shrimp-baiting season typically runs from September to November. Hunters flock to inland private game preserves and public game lands each fall in the Francis Marion National Forest and the ACE Basin.
Sports and Recreation
Opposite: The Family Circle Cup tennis tournament has been held on Daniel Island since 2001. This event has helped Charleston earn the title of the No. 1 Tennis Town in America by the U.S. Tennis Association.
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
Right: Charleston’s waterways offer many opportunities for kayaking. Bottom: Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium.
petes in the Big South Conference, while The Citadel and the College of Charleston are members of the storied Southern Conference. The Citadel’s football team moved into a new and improved Johnson Hagood Stadium in 2008, while the College of Charleston opened its 5,000-seat Carolina First Arena basketball facility later that fall. Citadel sports thrive on tradition and pageantry, while “CofC” basketball has developed a reputation as a mid-major “giant-killer,” with a history of upsetting high-ranked teams. Both Southern Conference schools have an outstanding history of success in baseball. Professional baseball in Charleston dates back to 1886 and the city has been associated with the South Atlantic League off and on for more than 100 years. The city is currently represented by the Class A Charleston RiverDogs, a member of the New York Yankees farm system. The RiverDogs play in Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, known by locals as “The Joe.” It overlooks the Ashley River and was considered one of the finest ballparks in America when it opened in 1997. The Carolina Stingrays, a member of the East Coast Hockey League affiliated with the Washington Capitals, have been a fixture at the North Charleston Coliseum since 1993. That same year also saw the founding of the Charleston Battery, a member of the United Soccer Leagues’ First Division. The Battery plays at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island. Daniel Island is also home to the Family Circle Tennis Center where its namesake tournament is held each year. The state-ofthe-art stadium and surrounding courts were built in 2000 and are also used as a public tennis center, allowing area residents to play where some of the best athletes in tennis play each year.
Photo/Courtesy of Charleston Battery
Fall and winter are also the best time for hiking and biking in the local forests. Running has grown in popularity since the founding of the Cooper River Bridge Run in 1978, but received a healthy boost in 2005 when the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge opened with a pedestrian/bicyclist lane. The Bridge Run takes place each April, attracting worldclass 10k runners and tens of thousands of amateur athletes and walkers. The race begins near Shem Creek and finishes in downtown Charleston. Kiawah Island hosts an annual marathon and half-marathon, and there are organized races throughout the year in various locations across the region. In recent years, triathlons — particularly the shorter, “sprint” triathlons — have been proliferating, many of them taking advantage of the region’s open water for the swimming legs. The area’s flat roads make for fast cycling. The Lowcountry hosts a series of popular cycling events, including criterion races at Charleston’s Hampton Park, 100k and 100mile “century” rides in the Francis Marion National Forest and group rides that make use of the long, shady roads on Johns Island. Johns Island is also home to the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center. Most municipalities in the area offer recreational leagues, but amateur youth and adult baseball/softball leagues are extremely popular in Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek and the St. Andrews District west of Charleston. Gahagan Park in Summerville is a softball shrine. Mount Pleasant, which is riddled with ballfields, opened an extensive recreation complex at Dunes West earlier this decade and has been expanding it ever since. Soccer is popular in the suburban areas, and recreation departments in some locations run the football leagues for their local public and private middle schools. Mount Pleasant’s youth football season begins each year with a massing of the teams and a series of 15-minute scrimmages at Wando Stadium. It concludes with a well-attended town championship game. Summerville’s Memorial Stadium is a high school football shrine, home to the Summerville High School Green Wave. Young players in southern Dorchester County are groomed from elementary school to play for one of the district’s two high schools. Charleston Southern University, between Summerville and North Charleston, com-
INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 45
Tee Time
Tee Time C Photos/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Golf courses Daniel Island: The Daniel Island Club (843-971-3555) offers two private, non-equity courses: Beresford Creek Course and the highly-rated Ralston Creek Course.
James Island: There are 60,000 rounds of golf played at Charleston Municipal Golf Course (843-795-6517) every year. The Country Club of Charleston (843-795-8009) is private.
Edisto Island: The Plantation Course at Edisto (843-869-1111) is a top-ranked public course.
Johns Island: The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek (843-768-3050) is an awardwinning, private non-equity course.
Goose Creek: There are two 18-hole public courses in town, Crowfield Golf & Country Club (843-764-4618) and Redbank Plantation Golf Course (843764-7802). The Oaks Golf & Country Club (843-553-2422) is a nine-hole, par-35 public course.
Kiawah Island: This resort community is built around golf. Its Kiawah Island Club River Course (843-768-6120) is a private non-equity award-winner. Cassique Golf Club (843-768-6120) is equally well-regarded as a private equity course. Kiawah Island Resort offers five public choices: The Ocean Course (843-768-2121), which is ranked among the Top 100 courses in America; the award-winning Osprey Point Course (843-768-2121); the five-star Turtle Point Course (843-768-2121), the four-star Cougar Point Course (843768-2121), and the Oak Point Course (843-768-7431).
Hollywood: The Links at Stono Ferry (843-763-1817) is public and a local favorite. Isle of Palms: Wild Dunes Resort (843-886-2164) has two public courses, the Harbor Course and the highly regarded Links Course.
46 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
harleston hasn’t marketed itself as a golfing destination like Myrtle Beach, Kiawah Island or Hilton Head Island, but the city is literally the birthplace of golf in America and today features numerous places to play and several award-winning courses. Charlestonians first teed it up in 1786 on the peninsula on a course they called Harleston Green at the South Carolina Golf Club. While this original golf course no longer exists, the city is still actively involved in the game. The Charleston Municipal Golf Course, a.k.a. “The Muni,” opened in 1929 on James Island and now books 60,000 rounds of golf every year. No matter where you live in the Lowcountry, golf is just a short drive away. Oak Point Golf Course, Kiawah Island.
Moncks Corner: The 18-hole Berkeley Country Club (843-761-4880) is a public course, as is the nine-hole Cypress Point Par 3 (843-761-5599).
Seabrook Island: The private equity Club at Seabrook Island (843-768-2529) offers two courses: Crooked Oaks and Ocean Winds.
Mount Pleasant: Rivertowne Country Club (843-216-3777) is an awardwinning public course. Charleston National Country Club (843-884-4653) and Dunes West Golf Club (843-856-9000) are highly rated and public. Patriots Point Links on Charleston Harbor (843-881-0042) is an affordable public course with great scenery. Snee Farm Country Club (843-884-8571) is a private non-equity course.
Summerville: The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation (843-871-2135) is Summerville’s municipal golf facility, offering three public nine-hole courses: Burn Kill, Black Robin and Oak Forest. Legend Oaks Plantation Golf Club (843-821-4077), Pine Forest Country Club (843-851-1193) and Miler Country Club (843-873-2201) are 18-hole public courses. The Lakes of Summerville (843-832-0809) is a public nine-hole course. River Club on the Ashley (843-873-7110) is a semi-private, 18-hole course.
North Charleston: Yeamans Hall Country Club (843-747-8855), located on North Charleston’s boundary with neighboring Hanahan, is an award-winning, top-ranked course. Wrenwoods Golf Club (843-963-1833) is a private, non-equity course. Coosaw Creek Country Club (843767-9000) is private.
West Ashley: Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club (843-556-8251) is a public course in a subdivision.
The following list is just a taste of the many restaurants in the Charleston region you can enjoy.
Dining Out
Dining Out
CHARLESTON Andolini’s Pizza 82 Wentworth St., Charleston 843-722-7437 East Bay Deli 334 East Bay St., Charleston 843-723-1234 Fig Restaurant 232 Meeting St., Charleston 843-805-5900 Fleet Landing 186 Concord St., Charleston 843-722-8100 Fulton Five 5 Fulton St., Charleston 843-853-5555 Photo/Leslie Burden
Garibaldi’s 49 Market St., Charleston 843-723-7266 Gilroys Pizza Pub 353 King St., Charleston 843-937-9200 Fish 442 King St., Charleston 843-722-3474 Five Loaves Cafe 43 Cannon St., Charleston 843-937-4303 Hanks Seafood Restaurant 10 Hayne St., Charleston 843-723-3474 Harbour Club 35 Prioleau St., Charleston 843-723-9680 High Cotton 199 East Bay St., Charleston 843-724-3815 Hominy Grill 207 Rutledge Ave., Charleston 843-937-0930 Il Cortile Del Re 193 King St., Suite A, Charleston 843-853-1888 Juanita Greenbergs Nacho Royal 439 King St., Charleston 843-723-6224 Jestine’s Kitchen 251 Meeting St., Charleston 843-722-7224 Jim & Nick’s BBQ 288 King St., Charleston 843-795-5823 Library At The Vendue 23 Vendue Range, Charleston 843-577-7970
Chefs at O-Ku restaurant on King Street. Magnolia’s 185 East Bay St., Suite 100, Charleston 843-577-7771
Poogan’s Porch 72 Queen St., Charleston 843-577-2337
Joy Luck Chinese 1303 Ashley River Road, Charleston 843-573-8899
Majestic Grill 345 King St., Charleston 843-577-0091
Saffron 333 East Bay St., Charleston 843-722-5589
Nirlep India Restaurant 908 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-763-9923
Marina Variety Store 17 Lockwood Blvd., Charleston 843-723-6325
Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano 1302 Meeting St. Road, Charleston 843-722-2633
Olympic Restaurant & Bakery 1922 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-556-9359
Market Pavilion Hotel 225 East Bay St., Charleston 843-723-0500
Sermet’s Corner 276 King St., Charleston 843-853-7775
Osaka Restaurant 100 Folly Road, Charleston 843-852-9979
Market Street Bakery & Cafe 188 Meeting St., Charleston 843-853-3098
Sushi Hiro of Kyoto 298 King St., Charleston 843-723-3628
Panda Palace 1119 Wappoo Road, Charleston 843-763-7472
McCrady’s 2 Unity Alley, Charleston 843-577-0061
Sweetwater Cafe 137 Market St., Charleston 843-723-7121
Red Orchid China Bistro 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston 843-573-8787
Oak Steakhouse 17 Broad St., Charleston 843-722-4220
Ted’s Butcher Block 334 East Bay St., Suite K, Charleston 843-577-0094
O-Ku Restaurant 463 King St., Charleston 843-722-4220
Tristan Restaurant LLC 55 South Market St., Charleston 843-534-2155
Rococo German Bakery 1750 Savannah Highway, #A Charleston 843-763-2055
Pearlz Oyster Bar 153 East Bay St., Charleston 843-769-0350 Peninsula Grill 112 Market St., Suite N, Charleston 843-723-0700
WEST ASHLEY Andolini’s Pizza 1117 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-225-5200 El Dorado Mexican Restaurant 1109 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-763-0699
ISLE OF PALMS Acme Cantina 31 J.C. long Blvd., Isle of Palms 843-886-0024 Boathouse Restaurant at Breach Inlet 101 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms 843-886-8000
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Dining Out
Harbor Halfway House 44 41st St., Isle of Palms 843-886-2294 Long Island Cafe Inc. 1515 Palm Blvd., Suite A, Isle of Palms 843-886-8809 Morgan Creek Grill 80 41st Ave., Isle of Palms 843-886-8980 Sea Biscuit Cafe LLC 21 J C Long Blvd., Isle of Palms 843-886-4079 Sea Island Grill 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms 843-886-2200 SEABROOK ISLAND Lucy’s Red Sky Grill 1001 Landfall Way, Seabrook Island 843-768-0183 Rosebank Farm Cafe 1886 Andell Bluff, Seabrook Island 843-768-1807 MOUNT PLEASANT Andolini’s Pizza 414 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant 843-849-7437 Boulevard Diner 409 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant 843-216-2611 Capriccio 1034 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mount Pleasant 843-881-5550
Charleston Harbor Hilton 20 Patriots Point Road Mount Pleasant 843-856-0028
Moe’s Southwest Grill 900 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant 843-388-0101
Atlanticville Restaurant & Café 2063 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island 843-883-9452
CJ’s Catering/Gullah Cuisine 1717 Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant 843-881-9076
Momma Brown’s Bar-B-Q 1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Mount Pleasant 843-849-8802
Dunleavy’s Pub 2213 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island 843-883-9646
Five Loaves Cafe 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 50 Mount Pleasant 843-849-1043
Mustard Seed Restaurant 1036 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant 843-849-0050
High Thyme 2213 Middle St., Suite C Sullivan’s Island 843-883-3536
Gilligan’s Steamer & Raw Bar 1475 Long Grove Drive Mount Pleasant 843-849-2244 Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 1301 Mount Pleasant 843-856-2525
Pattaya Restaurant 607 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite C Mount Pleasant 843-856-1808 Sakyo Japanese 1150 E. Hungryneck Blvd., Mt. Pleasant 843-881-8580 Sette 201 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant 843-388-8808
Iacofano Deli 626 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant 843-881-2313
Skoogie’s 840 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant 843-442-5185
Ichiban Restaurant 909 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant 843-849-8121
Square Onion 18 Resolute Lane, Suite B Mount Pleasant 843-856-4246
Langdon’s Restaurant 778 S Shellmore Blvd., Suite 105 Mount Pleasant 843-388-9200
Wreck of Richard & Charlene 106 Haddrell St., Mount Pleasant 843-884-0052
Melvin’s Southern BBQ 925 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant 843-881-0549
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Jack’s Cosmic Dogs 2805 Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant 843-884-7677
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
Poe’s Tavern 2210 Middle St., Suite C Sullivan’s Island 843-883-0083 Station 22 Inc. 2205 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island 843-883-3355 Sugar Shack 2213 Middle St., Suite C Sullivan’s Island 843-883-8811 Sullivan’s Restaurant 2019 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island 843-883-3222
Places to Stay
The following list is just a sample of the many places to stay in the Charleston region.
Places to Stay
Holiday Inn Historic District 125 Calhoun St., Charleston 843-805-7900 www.charlestonhotel.com
CHARLESTON 15 Church Street Bed & Breakfast 15 Church St., Charleston 843-722-7602 www.bedandbreakfast.com
Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston Convention Center/ Airport 5048 International Blvd, Charleston 843-735-5000 www.charleston-hotels.net
1807 Phoebe Pember House & Studio 26 Society St., Charleston 843-722-4186 www.phoebepemberhouse.com
John Rutledge House Inn 116 Broad St., Charleston 843-723-7999 www.johnrutledgehouseinn.com
1837 Bed & Breakfast Inc. 126 Wentworth St., Charleston 877-723-1837 www.1837bb.com 21 East Battery Bed & Breakfast 21 East Battery, Charleston 843-556-0500 www.21eastbatterybedandbreakfast.com Andrew Pinckney Inn 40 Pinckney St., Charleston 843-937-8800 www.andrewpinckneyinn.com Ansonborough Inn 21 Hasell St., Charleston 843-723-1655 www.ansonboroughinn.com Battery Carriage House Inn 20 South Battery, Charleston 843-727-3100 www.batterycarriagehouse.com Best Western King Charles Inn 237 Meeting St., Charleston 843-723-7451 www.kingcharlesinn.com Best Western Sweetgrass Inn 1540 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-571-6100 www.thesweetgrassinn.com Charleston Marriott 170 Lockwood Blvd., Charleston 843-723-3000 www.marriott.com/chsmc Charleston Place 205 Meeting St., Charleston 843-722-4900 www.charlestonplacehotel.com Charlotte Street Cottage 32 Charlotte St., Charleston 843-577-3944 www.charlestoncottage.com Comfort Inn Charleston 144 Bee St., Charleston 843-577-2224 www.comfortinncharleston.com
Holiday Inn Express 1943 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-402-8300 www.hiexpress.com/chs-us17south
King George IV Inn 32 George St., Charleston 843-723-9339 www.kinggeorgeiv.com
HarbourView Inn Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Waterfront 35 Lockwood Drive, Charleston 843-722-7229 www.marriott.com/chscy Creekside Lands Inn 2545 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-763-8885 www.landsinnsc.com Days Inn Charleston Historic District 155 Meeting St., Charleston 843-722-8411 www.the.daysinn.com/charleston05262 Doubletree Guest Suites Charleston Historic District 181 Church St., Charleston 843-577-2644 www.charlestondoubletree.com Embassy Suites Historic Charleston 337 Meeting St., Charleston 843-723-6900 www.historiccharleston.embassysuites. com Francis Marion Hotel 387 King St., Charleston 843-722-0600 www.francismarioncharleston.com French Quarter Inn 166 Church St., Charleston 843-722-1900 www.fqicharleston.com Fulton Lane Inn 202 King St., Charleston 843-720-2600 www.fultonlaneinn.com
Kings Courtyard Inn 198 King St., Charleston 843-723-7000 www.kingscourtyardinn.com
Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House Inn 117 Broad St., Charleston 843-720-2070 www.governorshouse.com Hampton Inn & Suites 678 Citadel Haven Drive, Charleston 843-573-1200 www.charleston-hotels.net Hampton Inn Daniel Island 160 Fairchild St., Charleston 843-216-6555 www.hamptoninndi.com Hampton Inn Historic District 345 Meeting St., Charleston 843-723-4000 www.charlestonhistoricdistrict.hamptoninn.com HarbourView Inn 2 Vendue Range, Charleston 843-853-8439 www.harbourviewcharleston.com Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham 2455 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-225-4411 www.hawthorn.com Historic Charleston Bed & Breakfast 57 Broad St., Charleston 843-722-6606 www.historiccharlestonbedandbreakfast. com Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview 301 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-556-7100 www.holiday-inn.com/chs-riverview
La Quinta Inn Riverview 11 Ashley Pointe Drive, Charleston 843-556-5200 www.lq.com Lowndes Grove 266 St. Margaret St., Charleston 843-853-1810 www.lowndesgrove.com Planters Inn 112 N. Market St., Charleston 843-722-2345 www.plantersinn.com Renaissance Charleston Hotel 68 Wentworth St., Charleston 843-534-0300 www.renaissancecharlestonhotel.com Residence Inn by Marriott Charleston Riverview 90 Ripley Point Drive, Charleston 843-571-7979 www.marriott.com/chsri Rodeway Inn 3668 Dorchester Road, Charleston 843-744-4664 Sleep Inn of Charleston 1524 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-556-6959 www.sleepinn.com Springhill Suites by Marriott 98 Ripley Point Drive, Charleston 843-571-1711 www.marriott.com/chssh
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Places to Stay The Anchorage Inn 26 Vendue Range, Charleston 843-723-8300 www.anchorageinncharleston.com The Inn at Middleton Place 4290 Ashley River Road, Charleston 843-556-0500 www.theinnatmiddletonplace.com The Kitchen House 126 Tradd St., Charleston 843-577-6362 www.cityofcharleston.com/kitchen.htm The Mills House Hotel 115 Meeting St., Charleston 843-577-2400 www.millshouse.com The Palmer Home 5 East Battery, Charleston 843-853-1574 http://www.bbonline.com/sc/palmer/ The Thomas Lamboll House Bed and Breakfast 19 King St., Charleston 843-723-3212 www.lambollhouse.com/home.htm Town & Country Inn and Conference Center 2008 Savannah Highway, Charleston 843-571-1000 www.thetownandcountryinn.com Two Meeting Street Inn 2 Meeting St., Charleston 843-723-7322 www.twomeetingstreet.com Vendue Inn 19 Vendue Range, Charleston 843-577-7970 www.vendueinn.com Vendue Suites 30 Vendue Range, Charleston 843-853-8025 www.venduesuites.com Victoria House Inn 208 King St., Charleston 843-720-2946 www.thevictoriahouseinn.com Wentworth Mansion 149 Wentworth St., Charleston 843-853-1886 www.wentworthmansion.com Zero Water Street Bed & Breakfast 31 East Battery, Charleston 843-723-2841 www.zerowaterstreet.com FOLLY BEACH Tides of Folly Beach 1 Center St., Folly Beach 843-588-6464 www.tidesfollybeach.com ISLE OF PALMS Seaside Inn 1004 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms 843-886-7000 www.seasideinniop.com
The Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes Resort 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms 843-886-6000 www.wilddunes.com
Residence Inn 1116 Isle of Palms Connector Mount Pleasant 843-881-1599 www.marriott.com/chsmp
Ramada Charleston 7401 Northwoods Blvd. North Charleston 843-572-2200 www.ramada.com
The Palms Hotel 1126 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms 843-886-3003 www.palmscharleston.com
Shem Creek Inn 1401 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant 843-881-1000 www.shemcreekinn.com
Residence Inn Charleston Airport 5035 International Blvd. North Charleston 843-266-3434 www.marriott.com/chsno
KIAWAH ISLAND The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island 843-768-6000 www.kiawahresort.com MOUNT PLEASANT Best Western Patriots Point Inn 259 McGrath Darby Blvd. Mount Pleasant 843-971-7070 www.bestwestern.com Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina 20 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant 843-856-0028 www.charlestonharborresort.com Comfort Suites-Mount Pleasant 1130 Hungryneck Blvd., Mount Pleasant 843-216-0004 www.choicehotels.com Cottages on the Charleston Harbor 16 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant 843-849-2413 www.thecottagesoncharlestonharbor.com Courtyard by Marriott Charleston-Mount Pleasant 1251 Woodland Ave., Mount Pleasant 843-284-0900 www.marriott.com/chscm Days Inn Patriots Point 261 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant 843-881-1800 www.daysinn.com Hampton Inn & Suites 1104 Isle of Palms Connector Mount Pleasant 843-856-3900 www.charlestonisleofpalmssuites. hamptoninn.com Holiday Inn Patriots Point 250 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant 843-884-6000 www.himtpleasant.com Homewood Suites by Hilton 1998 Riviera Drive, Mount Pleasant 843-881-6950 www.charlestonmtpleasant.homewoodsuites.com Old Village Post House 101 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant 843-388-8935 www.oldvillageposthouse.com
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The Inn at Long Point 1199 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant 843-416-8484 www.theinnkeeper.com/bnb/12286 NORTH CHARLESTON Comfort Inn Coliseum 5055 North Arco Lane North Charleston 843-554-6485 www.choicehotels.com Courtyard by Marriott Charleston North 2415 Mall Drive, North Charleston 843-747-9122 www.marriott.com/chscn Embassy Suites Hotel Airport/ Convention Center 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston 843-747-1882 www.embassysuitescharleston.com Hampton Inn Charleston North 7424 Northside Drive, North Charleston 843-820-2030 www.hamptoninn.com Hilton Garden Inn-Charleston Airport 5265 International Blvd. North Charleston 843-308-9330 www.hiltongardeninn.com Holiday Inn Charleston Airport and Convention Center 5264 International Blvd. North Charleston 843-576-0300 www.holiday-inn.com/chastnairport Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 7670 Northwoods Blvd. North Charleston 843-553-1600 Holiday Inn Express-North Charleston 8975 Elms Center Road, North Charleston 843-569-3200 www.hiexpress.com/charleston-n Quality Inn 7415 Northside Drive, North Charleston 843-572-6677 www.choicehotels.com/hotels/sc276 Radisson Hotel Charleston Airport 5991 Rivers Ave., North Charleston 843-744-2501 www.radisson.com/charlestonsc_airport
Sheraton North Charleston 4770 Goer Drive, North Charleston 843-747-1900 www.sheraton.com/northcharleston Sleep Inn North 7435 Northside Drive, North Charleston 843-572-8400 www.sleepinn.com The North Charleston Inn 2934 W. Montague Ave. North Charleston 843-744-8281 www.northcharlestoninn.com Wingate by Wyndham 5219 North Arco Lane, North Charleston 843-308-9666 www.wingateinncharleston.com SUMMERVILLE Holiday Inn Express-Summerville 120 Holiday Drive, Summerville 843-875-3300 www.hiexpress.com/summervillesc Woodlands Resort & Inn 125 Parsons Road, Summerville 843-875-2600 www.woodlandsinn.com Kings Inn Bed & Breakfast 207 Central Ave., Summerville 843-486-0419 Bed & Breakfast of Summerville 304 South Hampton St., Summerville 843-871-5275 www.bbonline.com/sc/summerville Linwood Historic Home and Gardens Bed & Breakfast 200 South Palmetto St., Summerville 843-871-2620 http://linwoodbedandbreakfast.com/ Price House Cottage Bed & Breakfast 224 Sumter Ave., Summerville 843-871-1877 www.pricehousecottage.com
Arts Abound
Arts Abound
T
he depth and breadth of Charleston’s arts scene just may surprise you. From established galleries and historic theaters to funky festivals and improv comedy, the Holy City and surrounding areas have it all. The following is just a small selection of what’s available to spark and satisfy your artistic cravings.
Visual arts Artistic Spirit Gallery Artistic Spirit Gallery, located at the Navy Yard at Noisette, features well-known artists’ work and “outsider art,—pieces created by self-taught, emerging artists. Call for an appointment. 10 Storehouse Row, Charleston, 843-579-0149. www.artisticspiritgallery
Carolina Galleries This Church Street gallery focuses on two distinct periods in Charleston history: First,
Photo/Leslie Burden
pened in 2010 The Dock Street Theatre reo . tion after an extensive renova
Spoleto USA Finale. (Photo/Courtesy of Spoleto/William Struhs) INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 51
Arts Abound
Gibbes Museum of Art As Charleston’s only visual arts museum, the Gibbes also offers a variety of educational programs, group tours and art discovery walking tours. 135 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-722-2706. www.gibbesmuseum.org
Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art Administered by the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston, the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art was created to advocate, exhibit and interpret visual art, with an emphasis on contemporary art. 54 St. Philip St., Charleston, 843-953-5680. http://halsey.cofc.edu/index.php
MOJA Arts Festival Now in its 27th year, the annual MOJA Arts Festival is a celebration of African American and Caribbean arts and features music, visual art, storytelling, performances, crafts, children’s activities and more. 843-724-7305. www.mojafestival.com
New Perspectives Gallery Photo/Courtesy of Charleston Symphony Orchestra The Charleston Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 75th anniversary during the 2010-2011 season. It is the largest full-time performing arts organization in South Carolina
the Charleston Renaissance, which took place during the first half of the 20th century and features artwork inspired by the beauty and war-ravaged Lowcountry. And second, 21st-century Charleston, which includes more recent paintings that capture the personality of the region, from its historic streets to quintessential marsh scenes. 106-A Church St., 843-720-8622. www.carolinagalleries.com
Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association Created in 1999, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association now includes 13 galleries. The association hosts the Fine Art Annual, a weekend event held each November that features national artists and raises funds to support art programs in local schools. www.cfada.com
City Gallery at Waterfront Park The City Gallery presents six to eight
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exhibits each year focusing on contemporary visual arts created by local, regional, national and international artists. 34 Prioleau St., Charleston, 843-958-6484. www. ci.charleston.sc.us
French Quarter Gallery Association
New Perspectives Gallery was created to provide a venue where residents and visitors can experience contemporary and experimental artwork from Charleston area artists. 180 Meeting St., Charleston, 843-958-6459. www.ci.charleston.sc.us
North Charleston City Gallery Located in the common areas at the Charleston Area Convention Center, the North Charleston City Gallery features exhibits that are rotated on a monthly basis. 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, 843745-1087. www.northcharleston.org
Roughly 30 galleries are members of the French Quarter Gallery Association. The galleries stay open late the first Friday night in March, April, May, June, October and December for the very popular Art Walks. Free. 843-724-3424. www.frenchquarterarts.com
Piccolo Spoleto
Gallery Chuma
Spoleto Festival USA
Specializing in the works of the Gullah people of coastal South Carolina, Gallery Chuma features Gullah art, books, crafts, storytelling, tours and food. 43 John St., Charleston, 843-722-7568. www.gallerychuma.com
Held each spring since 1977, this 17-day festival features visual art exhibits and more than 120 performances from opera to jazz music. 843-722-2764; Box office: 843-5793100. www.spoletofestivalusa.org
Piccolo Spoleto was created in 1979 to coincide with the international Spoleto Festival USA and primarily features artists from the Southeast. Held at a variety of locations in downtown Charleston. 843-724-7305. www.piccolospoleto.com
Arts Abound
Performing arts The Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Charleston, members of the Actors’ Theatre travel the state presenting a full season of performances as well as acting classes. 843588-9636. www.actorstheatreofsc.org
American Theater The American Theatre opened in 1942 as one of Charleston’s premiere movie houses. It closed in 1977 and stood vacant for 20 years until it was revitalized and reopened in 2005 as a state-of-the-art meeting and conference facility. It also hosts a variety of performances, including Spoleto activities. 446 King St., Charleston. 843-853-0246. www.americantheater.com
Charleston Ballet Theatre During the last 20 years, the Charleston Ballet Theatre has achieved national recognition for its artistic and professional presentations of a range of works from classic to eclectic. 477 King St., Charleston. 843-723-7334. www.charlestonballet.org
Charleston Music Hall Said to offer some of the best acoustics in Charleston, the Charleston Music Hall welcomes a variety of performers throughout the year from bluegrass to blues. 37 John St., Charleston. www.charlestonmusichall.com
Charleston Stage Charleston Stage, which calls the newly renovated Dock Street Theatre home, was founded in 1978 and is the state’s largest professional theatre company. 843-577-7183. www.charlestonstage.com
Charleston Symphony Orchestra Founded in 1936, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra is the largest full-time performing arts organization in South Carolina. Known for its Masterworks and Pops series, the CSO also offers holiday performances and family concerts throughout the year. Concerts are held at various locations around Charleston including the Gaillard Auditorium and the Memminger Auditorium. 77 Calhoun St., Charleston. 843-7237528. www.charlestonsymphony.com
The Dock Street Theatre The historic Dock Street Theatre recently reopened after undergoing a three-year, $20 million renovation. The theatre originally opened in 1736 and was the first building built specifically for theatrical productions. It is a performance venue for Spoleto Festival USA and home of Charleston Stage. 135 Church St., Charleston. 843-720-3968. www.charlestoncity.info
Flowertown Players This community theater presents a range of productions from musicals to serious dramas, as well as performances and classes just for children. 133 S. Main St., Summerville. 843-875-9251. www.flowertownplayers.org
Footlight Players Theatre Since 1931, the Footlight Players Theatre has presented a variety of stage products and has become known as one of the top community theatres in the South. A typical season includes six performances. 20 Queen St., Charleston. 843-722-4487. www.footlightplayers.net
The Gaillard Municipal Auditorium Built in 1968, the Gaillard hosts a multitude of events and performances from rock ‘n’ roll concerts to fashion shows. 77 Calhoun St., Charleston, 843-577-7400. www.charlestoncity.info
The Have Nots! Comedy Improv Called the longest-running show in Charleston, The Have Nots! cast has been together for 153 years and performed more than 1,200 shows. Local shows are held at Theatre 99, the group’s own theatre, as well as other locations throughout Charleston. 280 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-853-6687. www.thehavenots.com
Memminger Auditorium Built in the 1930s as an auditorium for Memminger High School, the building stood vacant since the 1960s and was severely damaged by Hurricane Hugo. Spoleto Festival USA played a large part in the building’s recent $6 million renovation and the facility reopened in 2008. Now used for a variety of performances from international artists performing as part of Spoleto, to local school groups. 56 Beaufain St., Charleston.
A performance of The Nutcracker by the Charleston Ballet.
North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center The North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center have hosted numerous events from hockey games to Broadway shows throughout the year. The coliseum seats more than 13,000 for a concert performance. The Performing Arts Center seats 2,300. 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, 843-529-5011. www.coliseumpac.com
Pure Theatre PURE Theatre performs at the Circular Congregational Church and has gained respect as a small professional theatre focusing on the works of contemporary playwrights. 150 Meeting St., Charleston, 843-723-4444. www.puretheatre.org
Sottile Theatre The Sottile Theatre opened in 1922 as The Gloria Theatre and hosted the premiere of Gone With the Wind in 1939. It’s now the home of various performances, including Charleston Symphony Orchestra concerts and Spoleto Festival performances. 44 George St., Charleston, 843-953-5623. http://www.sottile.cofc.edu
Village Playhouse Open since 2001, the Village Playhouse and Repertory Company offer more than 150 nights of entertainment each season. Classics, as well as new dramas and musicals, can be experienced within a venue that features small, candle-lit tables rather than auditorium seating. 730 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, 843-856-1579. www.thevillageplayhouse.com
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Photo/Leslie Burden
Attractions and Tours Aiken-Rhett House Charleston merchant John Robinson built the Aiken-Rhett House in 1817 and sold it to William Aiken Sr. in 1827. Aiken’s son and namesake moved into the property with his new bride in 1833. William Aiken Jr. was one of the state’s wealthiest citizens and served as governor from 1844-1846. The home remained in the Aiken family until the 1970s, when it was donated to the Charleston Museum and subsequently purchased by the Historic Charleston Foundation. 48 Elizabeth St. 843-723-1159. www.historiccharleston.org
American Military Museum Since 1987, the American Museum has offered military buffs the chance to view authentic artifacts from 14 different American conflicts. Pieces represent the Revolutionary War through the recent war in Iraq. More than 70 cases display 260 uniforms, 33 flags, medals and hundreds of artifacts from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and
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o
The Charleston region’s greatest assets: History Food
Attractions
Beach/waterfront Shopping
Local hospitality Walkable cities Atmosphere
Source: Office of Tourism Analysis, College of Charleston
o Coast Guard. The museum is located in the Aquarium Wharf. 360 Concord St., Charleston. 843-577-7000. www.americanmilitarymuseum.org
Angel Oak Located on Johns Island, the massive and majestic Angel Oak has been shading the ground beneath it for an estimated 1,500 years. It has a circumference of 25 feet; its branches reach out 160 feet from the trunk and cover 17,000 square feet. 3688 Angel Oak Road, Charleston. 843-559-3496. www.angeloaktree.org
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens Experience what plantation life was like in the 1800s at one of America’s oldest working plantations. At one time, Boone Hall produced cotton and pecans, but today, the main crops are strawberries, peaches and other fruits and vegetables. Tour the plantation house, slave cabins and gardens, and don’t forget to stop by the U-Pick fields before you head home. 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. 843-884-4371. www.boonehallplantation.com
Attractions and Tours
Island. 843-869-2756. Historic Landmarks: The Joseph Manigualt House and the Heyward-Washington House. www.southcarolinaparks.com Carolina Heritage Outfitters 360 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-722-2996. Focusing on canoe and kayak tours of the Edisto Island Museum www.charlestonmuseum.org Established in 1990, the Edisto Island Edisto River and Bull Island, Carolina HeriChildren’s Museum Museum is run by the Edisto Island Historic tage Outfitters offers 10-mile day trips and Preservation Society. The museum recounts 22-mile overnight trips where you can spend of the Lowcountry Since opening in September of 2003, the the island’s history through a variety of the night in a private tree house. Highway Children’s Museum has seen more than exhibits. 8123 Chisolm Plantation Road, 15, Canadys. 843-563-5051. 450,000 visitors. It features eight interactive Edisto Island. 843-869-1954. www.edistowww.canoesc.com exhibits and offers something for children ages museum.com Carolina Ice Palace 3 months to 12 years. 25 Ann St., Charleston. Home of the Stingrays, Carolina Ice Palace Edisto Island 843-853-8962. www.explorecml.org Serpentarium & Gift Shop also offers public skating and lessons. 7665 The Citadel Archives & Museum Learn about reptiles that are native to the reNorthwoods Blvd., Charleston. 843-572Featuring memorabilia from special events, gion, as well as those from around the world 2717. www.carolinaicepalace.com cadet uniforms and more, the Citadel Muat the Edisto Island Serpentarium. Explore Caw Caw Nature History seum represents the history of The Military the indoor and outdoor exhibits and watch and Interpretive Center College of South Carolina. 171 Moultrie St., alligators and turtles swim in the outdoor Located south of Charleston in Ravenel, the Charleston. 843-953-6846. ponds. 1374 Hwy. 174, Edisto Island. 843Caw Caw Interpretive Center was once part www.citadel.edu/museum 869-1171. www.edistoserpentarium.com of several rice plantations. It offers interpreThe Confederate Museum Folly Beach County Park tive exhibits and programs, as well as more History buffs won’t want to miss a trip to the Located on the west end of Folly Island, Folly than 6 miles of trails with elevated boardwalks through the wetlands. 5200 Savannah Confederate Museum, located on the second Beach County Park allows beachgoers to enfloor of the recently renovated City Market joy the sand and surf with lifeguards, picnic Hwy., Ravenel. 843-889-8898. Hall. 188 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-723areas and bathroom facilities. 1100 W. Ashley www.ccprc.com 1541. www.csa-scla.org/articles/ ConfederAve., Folly Beach. 843-588-2426. Charles Pinckney Historic Site ateMuseum.htm www.beachparks.com/follybeach.htm Charles Pinckney, one of the signers of Cypress Gardens Fort Moultrie the U.S. Constitution, owned a coastal Once one of the area’s largest rice plantaFort Moultrie, located on Sullivan’s Island plantation in what is now Mount Pleasant. tions, Cypress Gardens is now a pristine across from Fort Sumter, has been restored The 715-acre plantation is now a national historic site and includes a walking trail, ar- black water swamp that has served as a loca- to reflect the major events in the fort’s history, from World War II to the American cheological excavations and a visitor center. tion for several movies, including the Note1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. 843- book and The Patriot. Walk along the scenic Revolution. 1214 Middle St., Sullivan’s trails or take a boat through the swamp to Island. 843-883-3123. www.nps.gov/fomo 881-5516. www.nps.gov/chpi experience the towering cypress and tupelo Charles Towne Landing Fort Sumter trees. 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks State Historic Park Fort Sumter is known as the site where the Corner. 843-553-0515. Rebuilt in 2006, Charles Towne Landing American Revolution began. Take a boat www.cypressgardens.info focuses on its rich history as the location ride from Charleston or Mount Pleasant to Drayton Hall of the first permanent European settlement the fort where you can walk right up to thick Drayton Hall stands apart from other in South Carolina. Explore the park’s new brick walls built to withstand cannon fire. historic properties in that the house is not visitor’s center, museum and archaeology Park rangers are available to answer quesfurnished, allowing the imagination to run exhibit. Experience the natural habitat tions and a museum offers a host of artifacts. wild. Drayton Hall’s mission is to maintain zoo, 80 acres of gardens and a replica of a 843-883-3123. www.nps.gov/ fosu/home.htm the look and feel the plantation had when 17th-century ship. 1500 Old Towne Road, H.L. Hunley it was turned over to the National Trust in Charleston. 843-852-4200. The H.L. Hunley was the first submarine 1974. 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston. www.southcarolinaparks.com to ever sink an enemy ship. It was lost at 843-769-2600. www.draytonhall.org The Charleston Museum sea for 137 years and found just outside the Charleston is a city of many firsts, including Edisto Beach State Park Charleston Harbor in 1995 by author and Located just an hour south of Charleston, America’s first museum. Founded in 1773, adventurer Clive Cussler. It was raised from the museum provides an authentic look into Edisto Beach State Park offers an oceanfront the sand and silt in 2000 and can be viewed campground as well as a maritime forest full on the weekends at the Warren Lasch the history of Charleston and the Lowof live oaks and some of the state’s tallest country. In addition to the museum, you Conservation Center. 1250 Supply St., North palmetto trees. State Cabin Road, Edisto can explore two houses listed as National Charleston. 877-448-6539. www.hunley.org Opposite: South Carolina Aquarium.
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Attractions and Tours
The Center for Birds of Prey The Center for Birds of Prey is dedicated to studying the welfare of birds and their habitats with the mission to educate the public on environmental issues that impact birds and humans. The center treats nearly 400 injured birds of prey each year. Open every day for tours except major holidays. 4719 Hwy. 17 N., Awendaw. 843-928-3494. www.internationalbirdsofprey.org
Isle of Palms County Park This oceanfront park offers picnic tables, a playground, a volleyball court and beach chair rentals. One 14th Ave., Isle of Palms. 843-886-3863. www.beachparks.com/ isleofpalms.htm
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Photo/Ryan Wilcox
Carriage Tours Carolina Polo & Carriage Co. The only carriage company in the city owned and operated by Charlestonians whose family has been in Charleston since the 1600s. 181 Church St., 16 Hayne St., Charleston. 843-577-6767. http://cpcc.com
Classic Carriage Tours A carriage ride with Classic Carriage Tours will provide insight on the city of Charleston and a lesson in southern culture. 10 Guignard St., Charleston. 843-853-3747. www.classiccarriage.com Old South Carriage Tours Guides dressed in Confederate uniforms will take you around the city, providing information on more than 300 years of Charleston’s history. 14 Anson St., Charleston. 843-723-9712. www.oldsouthcarriage.com Old Towne Carriage Co. Hop on a carriage ride that will take you through the historic market and past historic homes and buildings in a 25-30-block area downtown. 20 Anson St., Charleston. 843-722-1315. www.oldtownecarriage.com Palmetto Carriage Works The oldest carriage company in Charleston, Palmetto Carriage Works covers a 30-block area of the historic district. Evening tours offered in the summer. 40 N. Market St., Charleston. 843-723-8145. www.carriagetour.com
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This public beach is located on the west end of the private Kiawah Island. The park includes dressing areas, restrooms, picnic tables, grills and beach chair rentals. Beachwalker Drive, Kiawah Island. 843-768-2395. www.ccprc.com
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Magnolia Plantation was founded in 1676 by the Drayton family. Tour the historic home and grounds, which includes Spanish moss-draped gardens, a black water swamp garden, slave cabins and a petting zoo. 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston. 800-3673517. www.magnoliaplantation.com.
Marion Square
four generations of Middletons dating back to 1741. The House Museum, gardens and stableyard are open for tours. Middleton Place is also the location for several annual events including the Spoleto Festival finale. 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston. 843-556-6020. www.middletonplace.org
Morris Island Lighthouse Originally constructed 1,200 feet from the ocean, the land the Morris Island Lighthouse sits on today is submerged in water. A group called Save the Lighthouse has been working since 1999 to coordinate the stabilization, erosion control and restoration of the lighthouse. So far, the group has raised more than $4.5 million for this purpose. 843-5560353. www.savethelight.org
Old City Market Open 365 days a year, the Old City Market consists of four open-air buildings that are filled with vendors and shoppers. At one end of the market sits Market Hall, a substantial building with a curved iron staircase. Located on Market Street between Meeting and East Bay streets. 843-856-8000. www.charlestoncity.info
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon Built in 1771, this three-story building was an important part of South Carolina’s, and the nation’s, history. It was the place where, in 1776, South Carolina drafted its first constitution and declared independence from Great Britain. Beneath the Old Exchange building is the Provost Dungeon. 122 East Bay St., Charleston. 843-727-2165 or 1-888763-0448. www.oldexchange.com
Home of the Charleston Farmer’s Market each Saturday from April through December, Marion Square also hosts several events including the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Charleston Fashion Week and the Old Slave Mart Museum Southeastern Wildlife Festival. The 10–acre green space in downtown Charleston is bor- Once used as a slave auction gallery, the Old dered by King, Calhoun and Meeting streets. Slave Mart was constructed in 1859. Its uses through the years ranged from a tenement www.charlestoncity.info dwelling to an auto repair shop. The city of Mepkin Abbey Charleston acquired the property in 1988 A former plantation perched on the bluffs of and now operates a museum here. the Cooper River, Mepkin Abbey is now the 6 Chalmers St., Charleston, 843-958-6467. home of a Trappist monastery with a garden www.charlestoncity.info and chapel open to the public. 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner. 843-761-8509. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum www.mepkinabbey.org The museum at Patriots Point is a state-run Middleton Place military museum that displays four World This carefully-preserved 18th-century War II-era vessels and more than a dozen plantation offers a glimpse into the life of vintage aircraft. The aircraft carrier USS
Attractions and Tours
Yorktown is also the home to the Medal of Honor Society Museum. 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant. 866-831-1720, 843- 884-2727. www.patriotspoint.org
Philip Simmons Children’s Garden
Powder Magazine Completed in 1713, the Powder Magazine was the oldest public building in South Carolina and may be the oldest surviving building in all of the former British colonies. It served as a military storage area for loose gun power until 1770 and has since served as a wine cellar, a print shop and a museum. 79 Cumberland St., Charleston. 843-722-9350. www.powdermag.org
Photo/Leslie Burden
Philip Simmons, born in 1912, is a worldrenowned iron worker whose works include more than 500 pieces of ornamental wrought iron gates, fences, balconies and window grills. The Philip Simmons Children’s Garden celebrates the blacksmith’s artistic skill and social contributions. The garden is located at the corner of East Bay and Blake streets. 843-830-4674. www.simmonschildrensgarden.com
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
Shem Creek Maritime Museum
100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston. 843-720Located on the bank of historic Shem Creek, 1990. www.scaquarium.org this outdoor exhibit off ers a look at CharlesSummervilleton’s rich maritime heritage. 514 Mill St., Dorchester Museum Mount Pleasant. 843-849-9000. This museum chronicles Dorchester CounSouth Carolina Aquarium ty’s history. 100 E. Dotty Ave., Summerville. The South Carolina Aquarium provides 843-875-9666. a look at the wildlife you’ll find in South www.sumervilledorchestermuseum.org Carolina from the mountains to the sea.
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INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 57
Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Asheville, N.C.
I
Day Trips
n the mood to explore? The Lowcountry’s location provides easy access to a host of interesting places. Just about anything you would want to see — from majestic mountains and tranquil rivers, to swinging hotspots and quirky stores — is within a few hours’ drive. So gas up, roll down the windows and don’t forget to take the back roads.
Asheville, N.C. Tucked into what seems like a cupped hand of a valley is a town that was built by pioneering souls that holds tight to its free-thinking, artistic roots. It’s a town that attracts thousands of visitors each year who flock to see mountain vistas, ogle the Gilded Age splendor of the Biltmore Mansion, shop an eclectic range of boutiques, or tuck into a variety of global cuisine at restaurants that feature local (and often organic) ingredients. Homegrown bands play at intimate venues, while plenty of touring acts stop in western North Carolina’s largest city. Festivals
58 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
of southern charm with a strong dose of contemporary fine dining and a chic shopping scene that has sprung up in all pockets of the city. Rosedale Plantation offers visitors a chance to witness the pace and elegance Atlanta, Ga. of the past, as does the Fourth Ward with its The proud capital of the “New South” is a streets filled with fine specimens of Victodiverse and welcoming metropolitan area. rian architecture. Those preferring a more Neighborhood enclaves, each with their own exciting pace will appreciate a plethora of distinctive flair, hold a wealth of sights and NCAA hoops along with the NBA’s Charcultural attractions that range from pop (the lotte Bobcats. The NFL’s Carolina Panthers Coca-Cola Museum) to fine art (the High satisfy a taste for gridiron clashes and you Museum). The new Georgia Aquarium is alcan hear the NASCAR engines roar just ready drawing thousands of eager spectators north of the city at Lowe’s Motor Speedto view the watery world of deep sea creatures way. Fans get their turn at the wheel at the while the Botanical Garden and Piedmont Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Park encourage outdoor strolls amid gorspeedway or they can simply soak in history geous landscaping. Shop boutiques or big at the Auto Racing Hall of Fame in nearby malls, club hop into the wee hours, or take in Mooresville. www.charlottesgotalot.com a Braves or Falcons game. www.atlanta.net
abound celebrating everything from the glittering holiday pageantry of Biltmore to the humble bounty of the mountain’s fruits and vegetables. www.exploreasheville.com
Charlotte, N.C.
Columbia, S.C.
Located just about 2 hours northeast of Though the Queen City reigns over a busCharleston, Columbia is a perfect destinatling big business scene, Charlotte has plenty tion for a day trip. The city was chosen as
Day Trips
Harbour Town Lighthouse on Hilton Head Island, S.C.
the state’s capital in 1786 and is a haven for history and political buffs alike. The South Carolina State House is open for guided and self-guided tours. The South Carolina State Museum, housed in a refurbished textile mill, is a great place to learn about the state’s history. Columbia has many museums to offer, covering a range of interests from the Museum of Art to the EdVenture Children’s Museum. The Riverbanks Zoo is also a popular destination. Located along the Saluda River, the zoo has more than 2,000 animals, as well as a botanical garden with more than 4,200 species of native and exotic plants. A trip to Columbia isn’t complete without exploring the University of South Carolina campus, or experiencing the region’s many options for outdoor activities, ranging from boating and fishing, to hiking and camping. www.columbiacvb.com
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, N.C./Tenn. Formed hundreds of millions of years ago, these mountains are some of the oldest in the world and are comprised of peaks that rise up over 6,000 feet. The park encompasses more than 520,000 acres of forests,
streams, rivers, waterfalls and hiking trails passing through valleys, peaks and forests with plenty of overlooks to take in scenic views. Perhaps even more striking than its size is the enormous variety of plants, trees, mammals, birds and fish — so many that the United Nations has designated the park an International Biosphere Reserve. More than 100 species of trees thrive in the park. www.nps.gov/grsm
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Savannah, Ga.
Well known among golf fanatics around the world, Hilton Head Island boasts nearly 30 golf courses nestled among lush pine and live oak forests that offer some of the most challenging holes on the East Coast. Hilton Head Island is the largest barrier island off the Atlantic coast between Long Island and the Bahamas. And while it is known for its beautiful beach and fantastic golf, it’s also known for its shopping — from outlet malls to local boutiques — and its restaurants, many featuring seafood fresh off the boat. Hilton Head also includes a thriving arts and cultural scene and has the state’s second largest theater facility, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. www.hiltonheadisland.org
About two hours south of Charleston is a waterfront town that will, no doubt, remind you of Charleston with its historic homes and lush gardens filled with azaleas, camellias and towering live oak trees. Founded in 1733, Savannah was the site of many famous Revolutionary and Civil War battles. This history has been preserved and is celebrated along with the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. Its more than 20 city squares, monuments, parks, historic homes, churches and forts will appeal to history buffs of all ages. Don’t miss River Street with its waterfront park, quirky shops and varied restaurants. www.savannahvisit.com
There is always something to do in Myrtle Beach. Located about two hours north of Charleston via U.S. 17, Myrtle Beach offers visitors two outlet malls, more than 100 golf courses, numerous nightlife and concert venues, as well as 60 miles of beaches. On the way, stop by Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and display garden. www.visitmyrtlebeach.com
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Calendar of Events
Photo/Courtesy of Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.
Calendar of Events
Lowcountry Oyster Festival
Each January, two tractor trailer loads of oysters – more than 65,000 pounds – are brought in for the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Special contests, live music and activities are scheduled throughout the day, including an oyster shucking contest, oyster eating contest and a contest between local chefs for the best oyster recipe. Boone Hall Plantation, 843-805-3084. www.charlestonrestaurantassociation. com
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Known for its world-class original art, diverse exhibits and animal demonstrations, the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition kicks off in February with approximately 120 artists and more than 350 exhibitors. The nation’s largest wildlife and nature event offers a variety of exhibits throughout Charleston, including its trademark conservation exhibits, birds of prey and retriever demonstrations, and the new crowd favorite: Dock Dogs. Various locations, 843-723-1748. www.sewe.com
60 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Charleston Wine + Food Festival Charleston. 843-722-3405. www.historicHeld each March, this festival celebrates the culinary history and culture of the Lowcountry. Foodies can enjoy more than 50 events during the four-day event, including a Sip and Stroll, a wine tasting and auction and a fospel brunch. Marion Square is the central location for most activities. 843-7279998. www.charlestonwineandfood.com
Charleston Fashion Week During Charleston’s Fashion Week, Marion Square is transformed into a venue that rivals New York’s Bryant Park. The latest trends from local designers and boutique owners will be featured at this annual fashion event held in March. www.charlestonfashionweek.com
Charleston International Antiques Show Featuring more than 30 of the nation’s most prominent antique dealers, the Charleston International Antiques Show is held each spring and has become a premier destination for antique collectors. 40 East Bay St.,
charleston.org
Summerville Flowertown Festival This three-day event is held each spring and organized by the Summerville Family YMCA. The festival includes a host of food vendors and more than 200 artisans from across the country, as well as a 10k run. 843871-9622. www.summervilleymca.org
Annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens Some of Charleston’s finest historic homes and gardens are on display during the Historic Charleston Foundation’s Annual Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens. Each Festival tour features eight to 10 properties dating from the American colonial period through the antebellum and Victorian years of architecture, to the early 20th century. 843-722-3405. http://historiccharleston.org
Cooper River Bridge Run Held at the end of March or in early April each year, this event includes a 10k run
Calendar of Events
than 120 performances from opera to jazz music. 843-722-2764; Box office: 843-5793100. www.spoletofestivalusa.org
Family Circle Cup
The annual MOJA Arts Festival is a celebration of African American and Caribbean arts and features music, visual art, storytelling, performances, crafts, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and more. 843-724-7305. www.mojafestival.com
After 28 years in Hilton Head Island, the Family Circle Cup moved to a new home on Daniel Island in 2001. A partnership between the city of Charleston and Family Circle magazine helped build a state-of-the-art tennis facility that is not only used for the week-long tennis tournament each April, but is also open to the public and used as a venue for sporting and cultural events. 800-677-2293. www.familycirclecup.com
Piccolo Spoleto Piccolo Spoleto was created in 1979 to coincide with the international Spoleto Festival USA and primarily features artists from the southeast. Held at a variety of locations in downtown Charleston. 843-724-7305. www. piccolospoleto.com
Spoleto Festival USA Held each spring since 1977, this 17-day festival features visual art exhibits and more
Photo/Courtesy of Charleston Wine + Food Festival
across the Cooper River on the new Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. It begins in Mount Pleasant and ends in downtown Charleston. 843792-1586. www.bridgerun.com
MOJA Arts Festival
Annual Fall Tour of Homes & Gardens Experience some of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most historic homes and gardens. The tour also serves as a fundraiser for the Preservation Society and is held for five weeks, beginning in September. www.preservationsociety.org
Guests sip and stroll at Charleston Wine + Food Festival.
Taste of Charleston
Holiday Festival of Lights
This three-day event, held each October, showcases more than 40 area restaurants. In addition to great food to sample, there is also an Iron Chef competition and an art walk. Held at Boone Hall Plantation. 843-577-4030. www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com
Millions of sparkling lights at the James Island County Park will get you in the holiday spirit. When the event started in 1990, there were only 18 light displays. Now there are 2 million lights and 600 light displays. The festival is open from November to just after New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. 843-795-4386. www.ccprc.com
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7301 Rivers Avenue | Charleston, SC 29406 NMLS: 189125 For advertising information, contact Mark Wright at mwright@scbiznews.com or 843.849.3143 www.intronewcomersguide.com
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INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 61
Quick Links TELEPHONE BellSouth www.bellsouth.com Home Telephone Company www.hometelco.com Knology www.knology.com CABLE Comcast www.comcast.com HomeStar http://www.hometelco.com/cableTelevision.php Knology www.knology.com Time Warner Cable www.timewarnercable.com ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS Berkeley Electric Cooperative www.becsc.com Edisto Electric Cooperative www.edistoelectric.com Santee Cooper www.santeecooper.com South Carolina Electric & Gas www.sceg.com CITY GOVERNMENTS Awendaw www.awendawsc.org Charleston www.charlestoncity.info Folly Beach www.follybeachsouthcarolina.org Goose Creek www.cityofgoosecreek.com Hanahan www.cityofhanahan.com Hollywood www.townofhollywood.org Isle of Palms http://www.iop.net/ James Island www.townofjamesislandsc.org Kiawah Island www.kiawahisland.org Lincolnville www.lincolnvillesc.com McClellanville http://www.townofmcclellanville-sc.net/ Meggett www.meggettsc.com
62 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Moncks Corner http://townofmonckscorner.sc.gov/
Caw Caw Interpretive Center www.ccprc.com
Mount Pleasant www.townofmountpleasant.com
Charleston Ghost and Graveyard Tours www.bulldogtours.com
North Charleston www.northcharleston.org
The Charleston Museum www.charlestonmuseum.org
Rockville www.townofrockville.com
Charles Pinckney Historic Site www.nps.gov/chpi
Seabrook Island www.townofseabrookisland.org
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Park http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/ park-finder/state-park/1575.aspx
Sullivan’s Island www.sullivansisland-sc.com Summerville www.summerville.sc.us COUNTY GOVERNMENTS Berkeley County www.co.berkeley.sc.us Charleston County www.charlestoncounty.org Dorchester County www.dorchestercounty.net CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce www.bcoc.com Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce www.charlestonchamber.net Greater Dorchester – Summerville Chamber of Commerce www.gsdcchamber.org TRANSPORTATION CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) www.ridecarta.com Charleston International Airport www.chs-airport.com THINGS TO DO
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry www.explorecml.org The Citadel Museum www.citadel.edu/museum The Confederate Museum www.csa-scla.org/articles/ConfederateMuseum.htm Cypress Gardens www.cypressgardens.info Edisto Island Museum www.edistomuseum.com Edisto Beach State Park www.southcarolinaparks.com Edisto Island Serpentarium www.edistoserpentarium.com Folly Beach State Park http://ccprc.com/index.asp?nid=932 Fort Moultrie www.nps.gov/fomo Fort Sumter www.nps.gov/fosu/home.htm The International Center for Birds of Prey www.internationalbirdsofprey.org Isle of Palms County Park http://ccprc.com/index.asp?nid=932 Magnolia Plantation www.magnoliaplantation.com Middleton Place www.middletonplace.org
Attractions
Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
American Military Museum http://www.americanmilitarymuseum.org/
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon www.oldexchange.com
Anna’s House & Garden Tour/Ghost Walk www.ghostwalk.net
Old Slave Mart Museum www.charlestoncity.info
Audubon Swamp Garden http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/ gardens.html
Old South Carriage Tours www.oldsouthcarriagetours.com
Boone Hall Plantations & Garden www.boonehallplantation.com Carolina Heritage Outfitters www.canoesc.com Carolina Ice Palace www.carolinaicepalace.com
Palmetto Carriage Tours www.carriagetour.com Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum www.patriotspoint.org South Carolina Aquarium www.scaquarium.org
Arts The Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina www.actorstheatreofsc.org American Theater www.americantheater.com Carolina Galleries www.carolinagalleries.com Charleston Ballet Theatre www.charlestonballet.org Charleston Stage www.charlestonstage.com Charleston Symphony Orchestra www.charlestonsymphony.com City Gallery at Waterfront Park www.charlestoncity.info Flowertown Players www.flowertownplayers.org Footlight Players Theatre www.footlightplayers.net
Cathedral Academy www.cathedralacademy.org
College of Charleston www.cofc.edu
Charleston Catholic School www.charlestoncatholic.com
Culinary Institute of Charleston www.culinaryinstituteofcharleston.com
Charleston Christian School www.charlestonchristian.org
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute www.erau.edu
Charleston Collegiate School www.charlestoncollegiate.org
Limestone College www.limestone.edu
Charleston Day School www.charlestondayschool.org
Medical University of South Carolina www.musc.edu
Divine Redeemer Catholic School www.divineredeemerschool.com
Miller-Motte Technical College www.mmtccharleston.com
Faith Christian School www.faithchristiansc.org
Moore School of Business www.mooreschool.sc.edu
Ferndale Baptist School www.ferndalebaptist.org/school
South Carolina State University www.scsu.edu
First Baptist Church School www.fbschool.org
Southern Illinois University http://wed.siu.edu/public/ocdp/Base. php?Location=110
French Quarter Gallery Association www.frenchquarterarts.com
First Baptist Church School of Mount Pleasant www.fbcsmtpleasant.org
Gibbes Museum of Art www.gibbesmuseum.org
James Island Christian School www.jics.org
The Have Nots! Comedy Improv www.thehavenots.org
Mason Preparatory School www.masonprep.org
MOJA Arts Festival www.mojafestival.com
Nativity School www.nativity-school.com
North Charleston City Gallery www.northcharleston.org
Northside Christian School www.nativity-school.com
Spoleto Festival USA/Piccolo Spoleto www.piccolospoleto.com
Northwood Academy www.northwoodacademy.com
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Oaks Christian School www.oakschristianschool.org
Berkeley County School District www.berkeley.k12.sc.us
Pinewood Preparatory School www.pinewoodprep.com
Charleston County School District www.ccsdschools.com
Porter-Gaud School www.portergaud.edu
Dorchester County School District 2 www.dorchester2.k12.sc.us
Riverbend Christian Academy www.riverbendchristian.org
Dorchester County School District 4 www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us
Sundrop Montessori www.sundropmontessori.com
CHARTER SCHOOLS
St. John’s Catholic School www.www.catholic-doc.org/stjohnschool
Charleston Development Academy www.charlestondevelopmentacademy.org
Summerville Catholic School www.summervillecatholic.org
East Cooper Montessori Charter School www.montessoricharterschool.com
Trident Academy www.tridentacademy.com
James Island Charter High School www.jicharterhigh.org
Trinity Montessori School www.trinitymontessori.com
Orange Grove Elementary Charter School www.ogecs.com
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Southern Wesleyan University http://www.southernwesleyanucharleston. com/ Trident Technical College www.tridenttech.edu Voorhees College www.voorhees.edu Webster University www.webster.edu HOSPITALS Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital www.ropersaintfrancis.com East Cooper Regional Medical Center www.eastcoopermedctr.com HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Charleston www.healthsouth.com Mount Pleasant Hospital www.ropersaintfrancis.com MUSC Children’s Hospital www.musckids.com MUSC Institute of Psychiatry www.muschealth.com/psychiatry MUSC University Hospital www.musc.edu Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center www.med.va.gov Roper Hospital www.ropersaintfrancis.com/roper Storm Eye Institute at MUSC www.muschealth.com/eyes
American College for the Building Arts www.buildingartscollege.us
Summerville Medical Center www.tridenthealthsystem.com
Addleston Hebrew Academy www.addlestone.org
Beta Tech Charleston www.betatech.edu/charleston-south-carolina.asp
Trident Medical Center www.tridenthealthsystem.com
Ashley Hall www.ashleyhall.org
Charleston School of Law www.charlestonlaw.org
U.S. Naval Hospital www.nhchasn.med.navy.mil
Bishop England High School www.behs.com
Charleston Southern University www.csuniv.edu
Blessed Sacrament School www.scbss.org/home.aspx
The Citadel www.citadel.edu
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston | 63
41 17
26
78
17A
Berkeley County
78
Dorchester County
Summerville
Goose Creek
17A
17A 52
61
17
165
Hanahan
33 41
North Charleston
17 7
642
526
Daniel Island
26
Mt. Pleasant 17
Ravenel
West Ashley
17
699
Isle of Palms
Charleston Sullivan's Island
30
Charleston County
162
517
703
James Island
Atlantic Ocean
164 700
Johns Island
171
Meggett Folly Beach Kiawah Island
174
Seabrook Island
Newcomer Information TELEPHONE BellSouth 888-757-6500 www.bellsouth.com Home Telephone Company 843-899-1111 www.hometelco.com Knology 843-225-1000 www.knology.com CABLE Comcast 800-266-2278 www.comcast.com HomeStar 843-761-8188 www.hometelco.com/homestar.html Knology 843-225-1000 www.knology.com Time Warner Cable 866-892-7201 www.timewarnercable.com ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS Berkeley Electric Cooperative 843-761-8200 www.becsc.com
Edisto Electric Cooperative 800-433-3292 www.edistoelectric.com
Town of Mount Pleasant 843-884-8518 www.townofmountpleasant.com
City of Goose Creek 843-797-6220 www.cityofgoosecreek.com
Santee Cooper 843-761-8000 www.santeecooper.com
City of North Charleston 843-745-1026 www.northcharleston.org
City of Isle of Palms 843-886-6148 www.iopwsc.com
South Carolina Electric & Gas 800-251-7234 www.sceg.com
Town of Sullivan’s Island 843-883-3198 www.sullivansisland-sc.com
James Island Public Service District 843-795-9060 www.charlestoncity.info
GARBAGE City of Charleston 843-724-7364 www.charlestoncity.info City of Goose Creek 843-824-2200 www.cityofgoosecreek.com City of Hanahan 843-529-3413 www.cityofhanahan.info City of Isle of Palms 843-886-8956 www.iop.net James Island Public Service District 843-795-9060 www.charlestoncity.info Town of Moncks Corner 843-719-7900 www.townofmonckscorner.com
64 | INTRO Newcomers guide to Charleston
Town of Summerville 843-851-5210 www.summerville.sc.us WATER AND SEWER Berkeley County Water & Sanitation Authority 843-572-4400 www.co.berkeley.sc.us Charleston Water System 843-727-6800 www.charlestonwater.com Dorchester County Water Authority 843-563-0075 www.dorchestercounty.net City of Folly Beach 843-588-2447 www.follybeachsouthcarolina.org
Town of Moncks Corner 843-719-7900 www.townofmonckscorner.com Town of Mount Pleasant 843-849-2022 www.townofmountpleasant.com St. John’s Water Company 843-559-0186 Town of Sullivan’s Island 843-559-0186 Town of Summerville 843-871-0810 www.summerville.sc.us