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Plantations In Charleston, South Carolina
Wedding Capital
of the South 15 Best GOlf Courses
able of content
Buy Local In Charleston
5
Plantations in Charleston, South Carolina
10
The Best TIme TO Rediscover A Distination Shoulder Season
12
Expert Tips To Ensure Your Beauty Out Last The Businest Day
16
Summerville, SC Flower-town , USC
20
Staycations: Discover Something Close To Home
24
Charleston Wedding Capital of The South
27
Carolina Girls Know About Breast Cancer
33
Apple Pie
35
Signature Golf
37
South Carolina’s 15 Best Golf Courses That You Can Play
41
Spotlight on Roberts of Charleston
42
Office of Cultural Affiars Launches New Website
45
10 Reasons To Plant Trees...Now!
47
Commerical Real Estate
49
Neighborhoods
51
Time To Refinace or Buy
53
Essential Tips For Keeping Your Mind Sharp
55
About Downtown Charleston
57
Ten Tips For Living More Sustainably 2010
60
From The Editor Buy Local
in
Charleston
Promoting local business is as simple as having other company’s business cards or brochures posted on a board in your store. In an effort to promote your area, we are distributing decals that say “Check us out at www.Downtown.sc,” in hopes that local shoppers will visit the site to find local restaurants, clothing, specials, coupons and more. We are doing our part, so please join us, and promote your local merchants, and everyone will benefit!
Buy
Top Ten reasons to Think Local Local - Be Local – Help Local Businesses
1. Buy Local -- Support yourself and Charleston. Many studies have revealed when you buy from an independent, locally owned business in the your own area, rather than a nationally owned businesses, considerably more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses. Local businesses continue to strengthen the economic base of the local community. These include case studies showing that local local owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base.
2.Support Local Area Community Groups:
Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller Charleston area business owners than they do from large companies.
3. Keep Your Area Unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character. Local tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust.
4. Reduce Environmental Impact: Locally owned businesses in your area can make more local purchases requiring less transportation. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
5. Create Additional Jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in the community, provide the most jobs to local residents. 6. Receive Better Service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products and services they offer, and take more time to get to know customers. Cont. next page www.Charleston.Downtown.sc Online Magazine | 2009 5
7.Invest
in Your Community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, and they are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
8. Put
your
Taxes
to
Good Use:
Local businesses require a relatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering your area.
9. Buy What you Want, Not What Big Advertising Budgets Want you to Buy: A South Carolina marketplace comprised of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products and services based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, promises a much broader range of product choices.
10. Promote Local Prosperity: An escalating body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. Carl Carolina, Editor in Chief
www.Charleston.Downtown.sc Online Magazine | 2009 6
CEO Dennis Stewart Editor In Chief Carl Carolina Art Director Amy Coats Web Developers Matthew Coats Administration & Marketing Shaun Stacey
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Plantations
in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s numerous plantations are a must see for anyone passing through this southern cultural center. There are pristine lakes, meadows, forests, old oaks with Spanish moss hanging from their limbs, curious deer and other native wildlife, nature trails, swamps, rivers, marshes and well maintained plantation house grounds, many of which still house original structures from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors are able to attend seminars and talks where they can learn about the local Gullah culture; they are able to see real slave streets, some of the actual buildings where slaves lived, or went to church; and they will visit beautifully preserved “Great Plantation Houses”. Among the many old plantations still existing today, which you can visit if you ever go to Charleston, South Carolina, here are a few to pay special attention to: Boone Hall Plantation This Charleston Plantation is famous for its well deserved designation as America’s Most Photographed Plantation. From the very first moments of your visit to this beautiful destination, you will be immersed in the splendor of another time. The entrance to the Boone Hall Plantation features the internationally acclaimed Avenue of Oaks—lined with old oak trees, which emit an aura of wealth, privilege, and supreme beauty. Boone Hall is truly a treasure, and a most see stop whenever you are in Charleston. Cypress Gardens Cypress Gardens is famous for walking trails, which take you through beautiful, untouched forests, and the famous cypress swamp. This plantation is located about 24 miles to the north of Charleston proper. Drayton Hall Plantation Drayton Hall’s plantation house is one of the few in the region to survive the American Revolution, and the Civil War in one piece. Drayton Hall Plantation’s main house is recognized today as a National Historic Landmark, and attracts a large number of visitors from around the world every year.
Magnolia Plantation This plantation is the ancestral home of the celebrated Drayton family, whose men have been crucial in shaping the historical landscape of Charleston, the South, and America in general. Today, the Magnolia Plantation Gardens are featured in the National Register of Historic Places. Middleton Place Named for its original owner, the Middleton family, Middleton Place was founded in 1741 as a planter family home. The 60 acre garden is famous in the region both for its beauty, and rich history. Some of the Charleston plantations are no longer in their original condition, due to damage from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and from the countless hurricanes and storms that have hit the region during the generations since they were first built. It is a rare and valuable experience to visit one of these well preserved Charleston plantations.
The best time to rediscover a destination
shoulder season
(ARA) - The first few months of the year when many Americans are spending time at home trying to recuperate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation. However, planning for a time known as “shoulder season,” the time between peak season and low season, is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare, hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way.
“Many travelers don’t think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidays,” says Brad Dean, President and CEO for the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “However, a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season. Destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season cost.” So when is “shoulder season?” It will vary slightly depending on your destination. Figuring out a region’s shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest.
Consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars: * Hotel rates, airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year. Hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers. * Last minute deals. You can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead that’s needed during busier seasons. * Shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination, one you may have visited before during peak season, in a whole new way. For example, destinations like Myrtle Beach, S.C. that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back, relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season. You’ll have access to the same major attractions,
shows, dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy, but at a less frantic pace. * And in that vein, you’ll enjoy free access to popular attractions. Lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year. For example, in Myrtle Beach, top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds. * Because you’ll be getting a great deal, there’s also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surrounding areas. The more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area. Visitors to the
Myrtle Beach area, for example, can enjoy side trips to Huntington Beach State Park, the nearby picturesque community of Conway, and the Lowcountry gem of Pawley’s Island. Finally, shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination, like Myrtle Beach. You’ll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest. To learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle Beach, log on to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.
EXPERTENSURE TIPS TO YOUR BEAUTY EFFORTS
OUTLAST THE BUSIEST DAYS
(ARA) - What woman doesn't dream of looking as fresh at the end of the day as she did when she looked in the mirror that morning, with perfect hair and makeup? Invariably, however, by the end of the day, hair goes flat, mascara smudges and manicures chip. As a result, women hunt for tips to maintain a beautiful look that will outlast a full day and still look great into the evening. Ying Chu, beauty and health director for "Marie Claire" magazine, sees this dilemma first-hand. "Women are busier than ever these days juggling multiple commitments," she says, "and as a result it has become a priority to seek out beauty buys from trusted brands that are not only long-lasting, but budget friendly."
Follow her beauty tips to achieve a fresh look that will outlast even the busiest schedule:
* Before applying your makeup, use a mattifying primer first. Because it absorbs oil throughout the day, it prevents oil from breaking down your makeup, making it last longer. * To help face and eye makeup last throughout the day, apply a cream formula first, then layer on a powder over top to set it, like CoverGirl TruBlend MicroMinerals Finishing Veil.
* Fresh breath and a sparkling smile are always a must to top off your look. New Scope Outlast mouthwash and Crest Extra White Plus Scope Outlast toothpaste feature Outlast technology that delivers a cool, minty sensation for a fresh breath feeling that lasts up to five times longer than brushing alone with ordinary toothpaste. * Long, full eyelashes can enhance any look. To ensure your lashes remain lengthy and curled, start by layering a waterproof sealant, like Clarins Double Fix mascara, or any waterproof mascara over your regular mascara. It will make your mascara last without being impossible to remove. * Keep your nails in tip-top shape and extend the life of a manicure or pedicure by adding a clear topcoat to your nails every other day like Essie Good To Go! Topcoat. This will help avoid chipping as you go about your busy schedule. * Fragrance is a way for a woman to express herself. To make sure your signature scent lasts, choose fragrances that have high concentrations, such as a parfum, over an eau de toilette. Fragrance will last longer on well-moisturized skin, so layer a complementary body cream or oil on your skin before spraying. With these long-lasting insider beauty tips, you will be sure to outlast any whirlwind of events and still look fresh.
Only a Charlestonian intent upon being ostracized, or worse, would make she-crab soup with a he-crab.
Summerville, SC
Flower-town USA
If the name Summerville doesn’t already tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful South Carolina city, then perhaps you will get the idea from its other common name—Flower-town, USA. Ever since settlers first started building their homes in the area now known as Summerville, they were inspired and awed by its breathtaking beauty. To this day, Summerville is recognized throughout the region and in fact in the entire United States as well, as a lovely place to visit, and surely a wonderful place to live. Located at the juncture of the Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, with Charleston, South Carolina the nearest major city, Summerville is a quaint little town with
a population measured by the census in 2008 at only 48,091. In recent years the population has been growing steadily as people who appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of the region flock to Summerville; and we can only expect that this trend will continue to increase. Summerville used to be known as Pineland Village—the name given by the first settlers who moved to the area back in 1785 just after the American Revolution. The name is intended to celebrate the natural beauty of the place, which you sense immediately when you first reach the area, from the tall, graceful pine trees, and the slight smell of turpentine derivatives in the air. There is a unique experience that blends all the senses together when you enter Summerville, creating an ambience that fills your mind, and changes your mood. For as long as people have lived in Summerville, they have celebrated and admired the intense natural beauty, and it has become a landmark for precisely this reason. What a thing to be famous for?
It’s also pleasant to live in Summerville for other reasons. The first developments in the Summerville area were created by people who settled there after moving from plantations in Charleston, several miles away, to get away from the insects that attack seasonally, and from the fevers that those insects brought with them. Because of the dryness in the air, there are fewer insects there than in surrounding areas. So in many ways we can think of Summerville as a rare and special paradise, out of the ordinary—a place with unique attributes that anyone would cherish and appreciate. In 1847, the very year when the town of Summerville was officially founded in the area that was previously known as Pineland Village, town leaders decided to pass a law forbidding anyone from cutting down larger trees. This was determined as an important step in ensuring that the natural beauty of Summerville should remain untouched, and unspoiled by harmful human activity. The town leaders understood how important that natural beauty would be in the future, and its role as defining Summerville as a place to visit. They would be truly proud, and vindicated to see how well that policy and others that have been implemented in the years since then have helped to protect Summerville, and develop it into the celebrated tourist destination that it is today. That law against cutting down the larger trees was actually the very first of
its kind to be passed in the United States, and has become a landmark piece of legislation, followed by other communities around the country. It really says a lot that the beauty of Summerville has inspired that kind of special attention and appreciation. Summerville’s first town motto, chosen by its first settlers, was Sacra Pinus Esto, which translated means, the Pine is Sacred. In 1925 the local Chamber of Commerce took up a new slogan to describe Summerville to the rest of the world: Flower Town in the Pines. Summerville had its first Flower-town Festival back in 1941, when members of the community decided that they needed a feature event to emphasize the beauty of Summerville. They wanted to show off their little touch of paradise to the rest of the world, and sure enough, today the Flower-town Festival draws thousands of visitors each year. The Festival is an annual event in Summerville, held during the first weekend of April to coincide with the start of spring in the lovely Azalea Park. The Flower-town Festival features arts, crafts, food, vendors, special live entertainment attractions, and of course, flowers. Every year, more than three hundred thousand people flock to Summerville to take in this wonderful sight, and join with the locals in the celebration of nature’s beauty, and the beauty of Summerville. The annual festival has become the most popular arts and crafts festival in the entire State.
Staycations Discover Something Close to Home Because of the economy, and the possibility of the return of high gas prices, you may decide to make this year summer a stay at home vacation or as it is now being called -- a staycation. So you get on the internet and search out some not so distant and inexpensive attractions you and your family can discover and enjoy. The State of South Carolina has hundreds of unique and fascinating areas filled with history, fun and enjoyment, that there is sure to be something for everyone in your family. Here are some ideas:
Everyone has friends with homes other places in South Carolina.
The next time they go out of town, offer them your services to check their mail, keep the dog, and house sit in a different city. Not only are you doing a favor, you are giving yourself and your family the opportunity to see another area of the State, that you may never have seen. This could be within 50 miles of where you live right now and you’ll have enjoyed a little staycation from your everyday grind. Folks that live in Greenville
can go up in the Hills. If you live near the water, ask a friend that lives on the water, or in a golf community.
Learn to experiment a little.
If you have never gone fishing, try it. South Carolina has some of the best fresh and salt water fishing in the country. Have you ever done any backpacking? The hills in the western part of the State are wonderful for all day or half day backpacking adventures. You can also experiment by doing things like surfing, canoeing, camping, hunting, and even bird watching.
Try a Bed and Breakfast.
You may be surprised how much you can learn by staying in a B&B because the people running the home generally love to share their knowledge, and they are never shy about telling you about their experiences. This is especially good in areas where there is a lot of history. The B&B may also have many tours lined up for the residents, so you may want to ask in advance.
Try going on tours.
The tour industry in South Carolina is a very large industry, and many of us would be surprised to learn about some of the history in the towns where they live. Whether you go on a ghost tour, or a plantation tour, there will be something that you can learn about our forefathers.
Take a trip to our Capital, Columbia. Whether or not the Government is in session, you can learn a lot about one of the first States in the Union, and visit the Museums, The Capital Building, and the University of South Carolina. You may be able to catch a Football or Basketball game with the Gamecocks. No matter what you do, a Staycation is still an opportunity to be with your family and enjoy some of the best restaurants in the South. Whether you like seafood or steak, South Carolina has such a variety that you will always be able to find a great assortment of places to dine, for reasonable prices.
Charleston
Wedding Capital of the South
When you think about how important it is to choose the right place for a wedding, and the special requirements that a wedding location must meet—just the right ambience, and tone—it’s clear why Charleston has become known today for this one particular niche in the tourism industry. Charleston is just the right place for a wedding to be remembered. The harmony of natural beauty, entertainment highlights, and southern old world charm is a truly special experience. No wonder that Charleston is known as the wedding capital of the south. Charleston is widely acknowledged as an important vacation destination in the region. This gem of the south east is a very popular spot for many different kinds of events; but especially for weddings. As South Carolina’s second most densely populated city, Charleston is a very active and exciting place. There’s always a lot going on, and a general atmosphere of celebration—the buzz, the enthusiasm, the fun, the thrill that makes people who visit tend so easily to embrace the feeling of being alive. Charleston provides its visitors a rare and very enjoyable combination of the old and the new—ancient buildings and historical sites, as well as a vast array of unique entertainment options. Charleston is recognized nationally and even internationally for its tremendous appeal to visitors of all kinds. It is an important southern tourist destination, attracting numerous visitors each year—people from the US and around the world who have
heard about the unique beauty, history, culture, and the whole experience that makes Charleston so special. This is the place to go for your wedding, to get the best scenery, beautiful wedding pictures, and an ideal place to celebrate. Charleston is a great spot for a wedding. With the rich history, the unique view of the traditional Gullah culture, and the extensive array of immaculately preserved historic sites, including plantation grounds and old plantation houses, Charleston produces a complete picture—an ambience that is the perfect setting for building lasting memories, to be cherished throughout a lifetime. The nightlife and entertainment, and
innumerable fun activities for people of all ages and preferences also make Charleston a place that your wedding guests will love to roam around before and after the event, not to mention the many great choices for hosting a wedding reception. Your wedding will be talked about for years to come by all your family and friends; they will truly appreciate the opportunity to visit in Charleston. Visitors like this location so much, especially as a place to host a
wedding ceremony and reception, because of the entire experience that is Charleston, South Carolina. Numerous festivals are hosted throughout the year by the city, creating a festive feel that transforms you instantly, bringing you into a rested, relaxed, and happy state of mind. You will also greatly appreciate how well maintained the historical sites are. Local government in Charleston has put forward a very strong effort over the period of several decades to preserve the great beauty and historical value of the city. Charleston’s historical buildings and heritage are part of an atmosphere that visitors find captivating, and exciting; and they are the reason why Charleston is recognized as a historical landmark in the region—hence the important emphasis by the local Charleston government on maintaining the city’s many famous historical sites. Charleston is recognized to a large extent because of the historical heritage that is contained in the modernized experience it provides visitors. As you roam around this beautiful city and surrounding areas you will find yourself drifting in the old world ambience. Beyond the festivals and many exciting activities, visitors especially enjoy visiting the old churches, from the era when Charleston earned its name as the Holy City of the region; and Charleston’s famous plantations.
If you’re planning a wedding, remember how important it is to choose a place carefully. You want to find a location for your wedding, which is beautiful, and rich in culture—a place that has a soul, and looks as well. Charleston is one of those rare places, and this is why so many people from the region and even from further afield, choose to make Charleston the location for their wedding. You will find that there are numerous beautiful, generously appointed reception centers that will truly impress and inspire you and your guests. Charleston is the perfect place to frame this important memory.
The chances that you will get breast cancer has a lot to do with your genetic disposition (you’re more likely to get breast cancer if your grandmother or another relative was diagnosed with it), but it also has to do with your environment. The incidence of breast cancer varies greatly around the world, lessening in less developed countries and increasing in more developed countries. In South Carolina, your chances are 124.1 in 100,000 if you are Caucasian, and 109.7 if you are African American, according to a 2004 report by the American Cancer Society. Chances go up with age, with 77% of breast cancer incidences occurring in women over the age of 50. Leading risks for breast cancer include a family history, atypical hyperplasia, delaying pregnancy until after age 30 or never becoming pregnant, early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), current use or use in the last ten years of oral contraceptives, and daily consumption of alcohol.
Early detection is important! Early detection of breast cancer, through your monthly self examination and your yearly mammogram after the age of 40 are your best chances for surviving breast cancer if you are diagnosed. About 96% of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer free in five years. You are never too young to start checking for breast cancer. Although over 80% of breast lumps are not cancerous, regular self-examinations starting at the age of 20 will help you become familiar with your breasts and help you in detecting early-forming lumps.
Carolina Girls Know About Breast Cancer Prevention There are plenty of ways to help prevent your risks for breast cancer, and most of those are things you should already be doing, like exercising, eating healthy food and not drinking in excess. If you at risk for breast cancer because of family history or you are over the age of 50, here are a few suggestions to help keep you fit and cancer free: 1) Maintain a BMI (Body Mass Index) below 25 throughout your life. Overweight individuals are at a much higher risk for breast cancer than average or underweight individuals. 2) Minimize your consumption of alcohol. A recent Harvard Nurses Health Study reported that more than one alcoholic beverage a day increases your chances for breast cancer by 20 – 25%. 3) Eat your fruits and veggies! 4) Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes five times a week. This could be a nice, brisk walk with the dog or a jaunt up to the corner store. If the president of the United States can find 30 minutes a day to exercise, so can you. 5) Minimize your exposure to pharmacological and xeno-estrogrens. Estrogen can be found in more than just your birth control pills: poultry, red meat and dairy products are all quite likely to have estrogen in them unless they’re labeled organic. Be sure to thoroughly wash all of your fruits and veggies before eating them, since common pesticides and industrial chemicals are likely to contain chemically-created estrogen.
A pple Pie Leeanne O'Neel | Aiken, South Carolina INGREDIENTS
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie 1/2 cup unsalted butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced
INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer. Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work of crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.
Carolina GIrl Recipe of the Month
South Carolina’s 15 best golf courses
that you can play
South Carolina has some of the best golf in the Country. The order may be wrong, but it is hard to argue that these courses are some of the best courses the Palmetto State has to offer. 1. OCEAN COURSE, Kiawah Island 2. HARBOUR TOWN GOLF LINKS, Hilton Head Island 3. CALEDONIA GOLF & FISH CLUB, Pawleys Island 4. WILD DUNES LINKS COURSE, Isle of Palms 5. DUNES GOLF AND BEACH CLUB, North Myrtle Beach 6. TIDEWATER G.C. , North Myrtle Beach 7. TRUE BLUE, Pawleys Island 8. OSPREY POINT, Kiawah Island 9. MOUNT VINTAGE G.C., North Augusta 10. TPC MYRTLE BEACH 11. COUNTRY CLUB OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Florence 12. WYBOO G.C., Manning 13. MELROSE CLUB G.C., Daufuskie Island 14. HERON POINT BY PETE DYE, Hilton Head Island 15. RIVERTOWNE C.C., Mount Pleasant
Spotlight on Roberts of Charleston Charleston is a city renewed for its beauty, its history, its Southern hospitality, its culture, its annual Spoleto Festival of music and theater, its luxury accommodation, and its fine dining. In a petite building tucked back away on one of the its main streets, Robert’s of Charleston supplies a unique blend of haute cuisine and music: piano music during dinner, and songs by host Robert Dickenson, who entertains between courses and while his guest enjoy disserts. An Evening at Robert’s is not just a sumptuous feast but an event, suitable for celebrating important occasions. At the end of a jewel box of a room, between the diners and the kitchens, stands a large reproduction of Botticelli’s Venus rising from the sea, a reminder that Robert’s is not just a restaurant but an establishment devoted to art -the art of fine dining and the art of fine music. Robert himself is trained to provide both. After studying at the Culinary Institute of America, when it was located in New Haven, he pursued an early love by going to London to study opera. When he returned, he faced a dry period in the hiring of opera singers, and he had a family to support. By the time an invitation arrived to join the company of the New York City Opera, he was committed to the restaurant he had started. Today Robert’s is a family affair, his daughter MariElena also a CIA trained chef, her husband Joseph Raya manager of the
house. Robert’s offers one sitting a night with a fixed menu of multiple appetizers and dessert, and a choice among three main courses. On the night we were there, we dined on pate maision, a sea scallop mousse, and a savory pear and goat cheese turnover. We chose the duck rather than fish or beef, ending with a cake filled with fruit and covered with a bourbon caramel sauce. All the while, red and white wines flowed freely. During the leisurely repast, Robert came “on stage” three times, his high lyric baritone filling the room with a variety of operatic and show tunes, some popular Italian songs, and a medley from My Fair Lady. This was not background music, but a show, and the smiles of Robert’s guest revealed their pleasure. One afternoon on our visit to Charleston we walked along it’s main shopping street, stopping at a store with a sign exhorting passers=by to keep alive the art of live music. Alas, whatever performing venue had existed there was now permanently closed. Charleston offers live music, not only during the Spoleteo Festival, but in many restaurants from which a hybrid of jazz, pop, and rock wafts out on the streets. For those who love cabaret however, Robert’s is the place to go.
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Charleston’s Office Of Cultural Affairs launches www.CharlestonArts.sc, as thier new arts Web Site From: Charleston Currents The City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs has launched http://www.CharlestonArts.sc, a companion Web site to the OCA’s primary page at the city’s official site. CharlestonArts.sc will be updated daily with information and features, including an arts calendar that users can search by date, artist, presenting group or venue; social networking widgets; and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues. “We are hopeful that CharlestonArts.sc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader public,” said Ellen Dressler Moryl, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs. Other options for users at CharlestonArts.sc include the following: • Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs, submit events, update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations. • The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals, including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area. • Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations, with detailed information, including deadlines, application and contact information. • Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location, deadlines, fees and additional requirements. The new Web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the Office of Cultural Affairs and its projects: the Charleston Farmers Market, the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, Holiday Magic, Happy New Year Charleston!, the Holiday Parade of Boats, the Lowcountry Quarterly Arts Grant Program, Piccolo Spoleto and the MOJA Arts Festival. The Web Site was developed and is being hosted by Carolina Media Services ( www.ONLY.sc) .
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Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce! As the unified voice of business, the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life.
We help your business and you by: • Getting your voice heard by our state legislators through our Grassroots Network • Working to pass business-friendly legislation • Keeping you informed on issues and providing solutions for growing your business through our monthly magazine, South Carolina Business • Providing networking opportunities with legislators and other business owners • Training your employees on human resources, quality and management issues • Publishing a legal reference series
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce!
Contact us today at 800-799-4601. Learn more at www.scchamber.net.
www.Charleston.Downtown.sc Online Magazine | 2009 47
48 Laurens Street, Charleston Community Ansonborough Bed 4 Bath 5.5 SqFt 3,300 Price $1,195,000 Exquisite Charleston single, The Simon Chancognice House, circa 1810 with unique orginal interior features including floors, staircase, plaster, federal marble mantle, period metal fireplace, and more! The original house includes LR, DR, stair hall, parlor, 3 bedrooms, and a bath. The modern addition includes a kitchen, 1/2 bath, another bedroom, 4 more baths, and another staircase! The 3rd floor has three bedrooms each with its own bath. The second floor has the parlor, master bedroom, and his and her master baths. The kitchen has all new appliances including double ovens, gass cook top, warming drawer, ice maker, wine cooler, and subzero refrigerator. There is also a secret trap door to the cistern which could be a fantastic wine cellar! The house sits on a double corner lot offering privacy and a wonderful garden that was featured in The Private Gardens Of Charleston By Louisa Pringle Cameron published in 1992. There is even off street parking! It has ideal east/west orientation with sunshine brightening the house in the mornings and shade in the afternoons on the piazzas and patios. This house is gorgeous, practical, and fun. It works just as well for a cuople with occasional guest as it does for a family with kids. New exterior paint job just completed. Need handicap access? This house will easily accommodate an elevator.
9 George Street, Charleston Community Ansonborough Bed 4 Bath 4.5 SqFt 3,500 Price $1,195,000 A completely renovated Charleston single house with an 1,200 sq ft addition housing a new master bedroom, bath, and a new family room with wet bar. The original 1812 house and the new addition hall all new wiring, plumbing, insulation, and 4 HVAC systems. This is a double lot with fantastic potential for a magnificent garden and landscaping. A new buyer can still choose paint colors, plumbing fixtures, and cabinate pulls. Square footage taken from architect. 1 Murphy’s Court, Charleston Tagged with: Murphy’s Court Community Radcliffeborough Bed 2 Bath 1 SqFt 1,038 Price $375,000 Well priced, two story Charleston single house just off Calhoun St. and within walking distance to MUSC and College of Charleston. This is not a duplex or condominium. THe master bedroom is upstairs and has a full bath and lundry room attached. THe second bedroom is also upstairs just across the center stair hallway. The living room and dining room are downstairs and the eat-in kitchen with a built-in breakfest booth is on the back of the house. Off the kitchen there is a raised wooden deck that overlooks the fenched backyard which has wonderful shade. THere are 3 masonry fireplaces (dining room, kitchen, master bedroom.
39-A & B Chapel Street, Charleston Tagged with: Chapel Street Community Wraggborough Bed 2,2 Bath 2,2 SqFt 1,000 , 1,000 Price $295,000 / $295,000 Charleston single house 1st floor unit.The same space as upstairs but with an extra bedroom and bath. Small galley kitchen, coulbe be renovated like upstairs, or just updated. Owner will paint the exterior and interior of entire building. Homeowner’s and wind and hail insurance for the entire house is $4,275/year. Flood insurance for the entire house is $267/year. Insurance cost would be split between owners of units A & B.
Commercial Real Estate Renting
in
agreement for any guaranteed protection against competition.
Today’s Market
First make sure that the area you have chosen is right for your intended business. If you plan on expanding, take that into consideration. Do you need to be close to an expressway, or the local airport? Before you decide, think ahead, because you may be getting into a long term commitment. Make sure that any space you’re considering is big enough for both your current needs, and your foreseeable growth. Be realistic and never over-commit. Do your homework beforehand. Investigate traffic patterns; tour the area and building. Find out who the previous tenant was, and why the business left. Learn what kinds of marketing the location does in support of its tenants (if any) and whether cooperative marketing funds are available to you. Weigh the benefits of guaranteed foot traffic at a mall location against premium rent. Some malls require that all tenants stay open during mall hours, and pay for common area usage as well as the store’s own space and upkeep. Stores may also be asked to pay a percentage of sales to the mall. Identify your closest competitors. Also check out neighboring businesses with an eye for complementary products or services. If you are locating in a mall, check the lease
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Evaluate whether the physical location and space is a good fit with your product line. Do you need a large, bright space or is an office warehouse sufficient? Investigate any restrictions on signage. Signs are vitally important to retail businesses, yet many landlords decide on what a store can and cannot do. The rules may be even stricter in a mall, which closely monitors its physical appearance. Negotiate the terms of your lease aggressively. Think about consulting a realtor that is familiar with the area. Never accept wording that’s confusing or that leaves you wondering who is liable for what. Ask for the right of first refusal on adjacent space in case you need to expand. Negotiate for free improvements, free rent, and other incentives before signing your lease. Hire a real estate attorney who not only specializes in lease negotiations, but knows your area and, preferably, has dealt with your kind of business before. A lease negotiation can cover tens, if not hundreds, of terms, and you want someone in your corner who has seen it all before. Know who is responsible for maintaining the heating, air-conditioning and other systems, as well as keeping up the parking lot and building exterior. This can be critical in older buildings. Who pays for the utilities and trash pick-up? The time has probably never been better to start a new venture if you have a business that is not being adversely affected by this economy. Just make sure you get the right location……
182 East Bay St. Historic Charleston
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Don’t buy the house, buy the neighborhood. Russian Proverb
1. Neighborhoods are where we all grew up a long time ago. Today, because of golf courses, shopping areas, subdivisions, jobs, schools, and a transient society, a neighborhood means different things to different folks. 2. Neighborhoods can be as small as a dozen or so houses, and be as many as thousands of homes. 3. Neighborhoods are common, and perhaps close to universal, since most people in urbanized areas would probably consider themselves to be living in one. 4. Neighborhoods are convenient, and always accessible, since you are already in your neighborhood when you walk out your door. 5. Successful neighborhood action frequently requires little specialized technical skill, and often little or no money. Action may call for an investment of time, but material costs are often low.
7. Visible and swift results are indicators of success; and since success is reinforcing, the probability of subsequent neighborhood action is increased. 8. Because neighborhood action usually involves others, such actions create or strengthen connections and relationships with other neighbors, leading in turn to a variety of potentially positive effects, often hard to predict. 9. Over and above these community advantages, neighborhood activity may simply be enjoyable and fun for those taking part. But in addition to these benefits, considerable research indicates that strong and cohesive neighborhoods and communities are linked –quite possibly causally linked – to decreases in crime, better outcomes for children, and improved physical and mental health. The social support that a strong neighborhood may provide can serve as a buffer against various forms of adversity. Sometimes a neighborhood isn’t a neighborhood until an event occurs, which draws people together, to become “neighbors”.
6. With neighborhood action, compared to activity on larger scales, results are more likely to be visible and quickly forthcoming. The streets are generally cleaner; the crosswalks are painted; the trees are planted; a festival draws a crowd. www.Charleston.Downtown.sc Online Magazine | 2009 51
rate with the tax advantages of a mortgage, and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth, but you better act now.
Time to Refinance Buy !?
or
Right now, mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971. Think about that. Twenty-five years ago, homeowners were paying as much as 18% on a 30-year fixed. Today it’s just a little over 5%.Combine that
Real estate guru Barbara Corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications – more than triple the average – and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well, she says. But that doesn’t mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market. It is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel, Corcoran says. Until that happens, we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess. “[Low interest rates are] a not a lifesaver,” Corcoran says. “This is just a helping hand.”
David Kittle, chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association, has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance: Do it. Don’t get greedy searching for another quarter-point. Lock in rates now. He is seeing applications soar over 125% just since Thanksgiving due to the low rates. Of course, you should only refinance if it saves you at least 3/8 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years, Kittle says. Along with good credit, proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home, there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels.
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Essential tips for keeping your mind sharp Brain health is of the utmost importance. Not only can a healthy and active brain help you ward off disease, you will live a more satisfying life. Dr. Paul David Nussbaum, clinical neuropsychologist and an authority on brain research and aging, offers these tips on how to keep your mind active and sharp at any age: 1. Travel and learn Stimulating your mind with travel and learning experiences is a great brain-health activity. Elderhostel, the world’s largest nonprofit educational travel organization, offers a wide variety of all-inclusive and affordable travel experiences across the U.S. and in more than 90 countries. The organization is also changing the name of its programs to Exploritas to better reflect the active mindset of Elderhostel participants and its passion for exploration and new experiences. More info can be found at: www.exploritas.org. 2. Read whatever you can Books, newspapers and magazines – reading is a great way to keep your brain active and mind sharp. Plus, depending on what interests you, you might be able to learn something new. Visit your local library for a free resource to just about any literary work you’re interested in. 3. Learn something new Try taking an affordable community education class or look for free opportunities in your neighborhood. Learn to play an instrument, speak a new language, plant a garden or start a new hobby. You might be surprised with how much fun you have. Provided by ARA Content
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About Downtown Charleston Charleston, South Carolina, is rich in history, tradition, and Southern traditions. Roughly 4 million visitors a year select the greater Charleston area as their vacation destination of choice, which is no surprise after considering its reputation for exceptional accommodations, entertainment, and cuisine.
Historic Downtown Charleston The Historic Downtown District is recognized as the cultural capital of the South and is said by many to be a living museum, with a superb variety of things to do and see. In this magnificently preserved city you can take tours through historic landmarks,
Chamber of Commerce
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are many gorgeous and historic pastel-colored homes. The city is also a vital port, featuring the second largest container seaport on the East Coast and the fourth largest container seaport in the US. It is also the second most productive port in the world following Hong Kong.
Charleston SC is becoming a popular location for information (843)579-4500 technology jobs and corporations, most notably Blackbaud, Modulant, CSS, Benefitfocus, Charleston County and Google to name a few. The School District aerospace industry is starting to (843)937-6300 establish itself in Charleston as well with the joint venture plant of US Post Office Vought and Alenia Aeronautica, (843)577-0690 where two of the five sections of the Boeing 787 fuselage are fabricated and assembled. Charleston is the main medical center for the eastern portion of including 18th century homes the state. The city has and plantations, the Battery, numerous major hospitals museums, churches and the situated in the downtown area famous city market. The amount alone: Medical University of of historic sites in Charleston South Carolina Medical Center South Carolina is astounding. (MUSC), Ralph H. Johnson VA Charleston also features many Medical Center, and Roper art galleries that showcase the Hospital. MUSC is the state’s city’s remarkable appreciation for first school of medicine, the the visual arts. Additionally, there biggest medical university in the are numerous historic downtown state, and the sixth oldest Charleston South Carolina hotels continually operating school to choose from when planning of medicine in America. The your visit. Charleston downtown medical district is exploding with rapid Charleston is one of the top growth of biotechnology and tourist destinations in America, medical research industries with a significant number of joined with considerable luxury hotels, hotel chains, inns, expansions of all the major and bed and breakfasts and hospitals. In addition, more numerous award-winning expansions are planned or restaurants and quality started at many other major shopping. The city is renowned hospitals situated in other for its streets lined with grand portions of the city and live oaks draped with metropolitan area: Bon Spanish moss, and the ubiquity Secours-St Francis Xavier of the Cabbage Palmetto, which Hospital, Trident Medical Center, is the state tree of South and East Cooper Regional Carolina. Along the waterfront in Medical Center. an area known as Rainbow Row www.Charleston.Downtown.sc Online Magazine | 2009 57
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Ten tips for living
more sustainably in 2010
(ARA) - The beginning of a new year - and a new decade - is the time many people pledge to live differently. For many, that change means living a more sustainable lifestyle. Sustainability, once only a buzz word, is now fast becoming the way to live consciously. From reducing your water usage to buying organic, here are 10 simple ways to make 2010 the year of sustainable living: 1. Use water more efficiently: Water is a limited resource and limiting it within your household is a cornerstone of sustainability. Rain barrels, largely unheard of even a decade ago, are becoming a popular way to collect and reuse rainwater for purposes like gardening. Meanwhile, conserving water in the home by taking shorter showers or even fixing a leaky faucet also can make a difference at a time when many communities are experiencing water shortages or are expressing concerns about water overuse. 2. Compost: Turning over leaves by way of a new compost garden is one way to live a more sustainable lifestyle. A compost heap is a simple, effective way to collect yard waste, like leaves and grass clippings, and kitchen scraps such as raw vegetable peelings and coffee grounds, and return them to the ground as organic matter. 3. Seek earth-friendly packaging: To better fill that compost heap, alter shopping habits to look for products with compostable packaging. Snyder’s of Hanover, for instance, recently introduced a new Pretzel Variety Sack of 100-Calorie Pretzels and Pretzel Sandwiches in the market’s first 100 percent compostable outer package made from 100 percent renewable cornstarch-based plastic. The new Variety Sack includes a special logo indicating that the bag can be composted and is made with sustainable materials. In addition to that example, more
manufacturers are switching to cardboard packaging materials, which are made from renewable materials and can be recycled or composted. 4. Buy local, embrace organic: Many farmers, ranchers and, increasingly, food manufacturers, are offering foods and beverages made using sustainable practices. It could be a farmers market tomato, a local dairy’s milk, an organic snack food, like new Organic Honey Whole Wheat Sticks and Organic Whole Wheat and Oat Sticks from Snyder’s of Hanover, or any number of natural or organic items. The bottom line is that natural, organic and locally produced foods provide both sustenance and sustainability. To learn more about Snyder’s of Hanover’s sustainability initiatives visit www.snydersofhanover.com/Sustainability/ 5. Go to seed: Take the locally grown movement a step further - like in your own backyard or patio. An afternoon spent planting seeds or small plants can yield plenty of rewards a few weeks or months later, in the form of fresh, inexpensive and convenient vegetables and fruits. You don’t need a large tract of land, in fact, to start a small garden. 6. Ride out the trend: Sustain your own energy level by opting to ride a bike or walk to a destination that isn’t all that far away. Add a basket to a bike or take along a backpack to bring something back home. 7. Re-recycle: Recycling is nothing new and most people have been recycling in some form for years. But recycling can be taken to another level, going beyond obvious and traditionally recycled items like soda cans or newspaper to the smallest of waste materials, from plastic straws to the paper straw wrapper. Why not recycle apparel as well, by donating clothes and buying gently used clothes?
8. Plug in: Learn how to operate appliances more efficiently. For example, use cold water in the washing machine: clothes will still be cleaned, without the use of heated water. Turn off appliances when not in use, whether it’s the television, video game player or radio. Better yet, completely unplug. Many electronics and battery chargers continue to draw a small amount of power even when they are switched off. Instead, use a power strip to cut power completely when not in use. 9. Lighten up: Use energy efficient lighting and bulbs when possible and turn off lights when not in a room. That will cut energy use - and the family budget. 10. Get involved: As the sustainability movement gains traction among the public, there are more opportunities to join in. Local communities, schools and organizations often have green committees, and there is a plethora of national and grassroots organizations geared around earth-friendly living that appreciate new volunteers or members.
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South Carolina
A Great Place to Visit in the spring Anyone who has ever spent time in South Carolina knows that South Carolinians love a good time. Everything about this great State reverberates with that basic point, from the un touched beauty of the low country’s marshes, beaches and forests; to the splendor of the Appalachian Mountain Range upstate. The weather is always great, with mild winters and long, lazy summers that draw tourists from around the world each year. South Carolina is full of the busier tourist destinations that everyone knows about, like the famous Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach. But there are also a few hidden gems still in South Carolina, which if you’re lucky enough to know about, will really give you a special treat --such as Flowertown USA Summerville, South Carolina; or beautiful Charleston, or Greenville. Especially in the spring, you’ll find that South Carolina comes alive, with festivals, parades, concerts, and all kinds of events. There is something for everyone, and in cities all across the State there are unique events that highlight that city, which the people who live there wait for all year round. This article will put a spotlight on just a few of those important events from around this great State, just to give you an idea of what it’s like here in South Carolina during the spring. You’ll come to appreciate that these events are more than just another stop in the tour bus; South Carolina’s spring events are part of a whole way of life--a bright and unique culture that makes South Carolina a place that everyone should visit at least once during spring. South Carolina is famous around the world for its cuisine; that’s why you will find people from all fifty states, and from Canada, Europe and just about everywhere else at South Carolina’s many food festivals. Among the many popular food and wine festivals in South Carolina, be sure to look out for:
The Low country Cajun Festival in Charleston. Every year in the first week of April, some of the best cooks and chefs in Charleston and from around the region unite to produce this one day festival, featuring the best Creole and Cajun dishes like mouth watering etouffe, alligator, jambalaya, and crawfish. At the end of spring, the Low country Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet in McClellanville, South Carolina features live music, exhibits, and a whole day of fun for the whole family; not to mention shrimp cooked every way you can imagine--shrimp jambalaya, barbeque shrimp, shrimp burgers, shrimp and grits, and much more. Also at the end of spring, in Beaufort South Carolina, you will enjoy the Taste of Beaufort, where local Beaufort restaurants compete with each other to produce the best traditional South Carolina foods--shrimp burgers, crab, oysters, crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and more. St. George, South Carolina’s famous World Grits Festival every April is the biggest event of the year for anyone who loves grits. This traditional southern dish will be cooked in dozens of unique and appetizing ways to please every palate. The fun also includes arts and crafts, the annual parade, and a whole carnival of exciting events for the whole family. Don’t forget the architecture and natural beauty of South Carolina—very important reasons why so many people from around the world love to visit, especially in the spring. South Carolina is proud of the natural beauty of this State, and we celebrate it every chance we get. Highlights during the spring include: Flowertown USA, Summerville, South Carolina’s famous annual Flowertown Festival, early in the month of April each year is a very special festival lasting three days, and catering to visitors from around the country. This festival holds the special honor of being the largest outdoor festival in the region; and it is totally free. You will love this celebration of nature’s splendor and beauty, with arts and crafts, live music, and many other great events for everyone in the family to enjoy. Charleston, South Carolina’s Festival of Houses and Gardens, early in spring each year is a very important festival in the region. Lasting an entire month, and spread across several huge historic properties in the beautiful city of Charleston, the Festival of House and Gardens is an opportunity to learn more about South Carolina’s architecture, while enjoying its most beautiful and well kept gardens. There’s much more of course—literally hundreds of spring events in cities across South Carolina. You will absolutely love the flavor, culture, and history—a rare and special combination that makes South Carolina a truly wonderful place to visit.
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