Featured

Can’t-Miss Events In Charleston This Weekend – May 17 – 19, 2019

Featured Image: Cocktail Club Facebook

Looking for ideas on how to enjoy your weekend? We’ve got you covered. Here are some events you can’t miss!

Friday, May 17, 2019

Party at the Point

Don’t miss this recurring music series every Friday until July 5th! Enjoy food and drinks from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. on the beach front with family and friends of all ages. Music entertainment by Sol Driven Train. Tickets are $8, cash only. Children under the age of 12 are free.

Schema with Special Guest Easy Honey

What better way to kick off the weekend than with live music at The Royal American? Come check out band Schema with special guest Easy Honey as you enjoy a few drinks in the lively atmosphere that will put you in your weekend mood for sure! Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $12.

Dee Norton Movie Night: 101 Dalmatians

If a relaxing movie night is calling your name then be sure to head to MUSC Health Stadium from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. to watch Disney’s 101 Dalmatians shown on a 3,000 sq foot board. Hosted by Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center and MUSC, this family-friendly event allows guests to enjoy food trucks, face painting, jump castles and more with free admission. The movie begins at 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Charleston Beer Fest

Come celebrate another year with Charleston Beer Fest at Riverfront Park from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy over 40 craft breweries coming from both South and North Carolina, local vendors, live music, keg tosses and more! Tickets can be found online for $25 and $35 the day of.

Hands Across the Sand

Enjoy a beach day with Oceana South Carolina and Don’t Drill SC to help South Carolina protest against offshore drilling and seismic blasting and help promote clean energy. Join hands west of the pier at Folly Beach with family and friends to protect the ocean and beaches we love.

RiverDogs 5K Run

Get your heart rate up with this 5k presented by Fleet Feet Mount Pleasant! The starting line will be set in front of Joseph P. Ripley Jr. Park and will end inside the RiverDogs stadium at home plate.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Spring Into Summer Cocktail Class at Cocktail Club

Check out Cocktail Club’s mixology class from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and learn how to make three delicious cocktails to serve you and your friends all summer long. Tickets are available online for $30.

Game of Thrones Watch Party at Biergarten

Are you a GoT fan? Come join the rest of the population at Bay Street Biergarten and watch the second to last episode with full sound on any TV inside or outside on the patio.

Featured

Government And Business Leaders Push For Santee Cooper Sale As South Carolina’s Legislative Session Comes To An End

Last Thursday, May 9, marked the last day of South Carolina’s regular session with many still wondering the fate of Santee Cooper.

Just recently, South Carolina lawmakers reached a compromise on Santee Cooper and decided it was time to start seeking purchase and management bids for state-owned Santee Cooper. And earlier this week, the House amended and passed the Senate bill sending it to conference.

Key business and government leaders are pushing for the sale rather than a management agreement.

Why?

Because they know a management agreement will not relieve the millions of Santee Cooper direct-serve and cooperative customers from paying off their $7 billion debt.

As discussed in Palmetto Promise Institute’s latest post, a sale would help eliminate the massive debt and is the only solution that will rescue customers from increased utility rates.

An analysis done by PPI showed that in order for Santee Cooper to cover its debt and interest they would have to raise rates by 13.7% and keep them that high over the next four decades.

And, while many wonder how a sale would reduce rates, PPI explains that the detailed ICF report explained “…the IOU-buyer would pay off the debt for the V.C. Summer project and eliminate it from rate base. “Rate base” (in the unique financial world of the regulated utility) is the assets that utilities earn guaranteed returns on, and a lower rate base delivers lower rates to customers.”

Lawmakers agreed to come back for three days starting May 20 for a special session which will include more conversation about Santee Cooper.

To read more visit Palmetto Promise Institute, here.

Featured

Here’s What Lowcountry City You Are Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Much like the signs of the zodiac, the Lowcountry is made up of towns and cities with their own traits and characteristics that make them unique. And, because everything can be compared to a zodiac sign, we’re breaking down which part of the Lowcountry you are based on your astrological sign.

Aries – Charleston

As if an Aries could be any other part of the Lowcountry (or state) than Charleston. Just like the first sign of the zodiac, Charleston has consistently been the number one city in the state and by some, the country. It’s also the most active city of the Lowcountry and everyone knows that an Aries is the energizer bunny of the zodiac.

Taurus – Hilton Head

As a Taurus, you enjoy being pampered and experiencing the finer things in life, but you also crave outdoor adventures. You like the best of both worlds and what other city in the Lowcountry knows the best of both worlds better than Hilton Head? This little island has it all from epic spas and luxurious resorts to sport fishing charters and ziplining.

Gemini – Beaufort

Gemini’s are history-obsessed and love learning new things, so naturally, Gemini’s would be the oldest town in not only the Lowcountry but the whole state. Beaufort’s history dates back to the early 1700s and with that much history in one city, there’s something new to learn each and every day.

Cancer – Old Town Bluffton

Not to be confused with the entire town of Bluffton which you’ll see later in this list (talking about you Capricorn), Old Town Bluffton is a safe, laid-back town with beautiful views and makes for a perfect place to raise a family. And, Cancer’s are all about family and relaxation.

Leo – Kiawah Island

Oh, Leo’s. You are the glam ones of the bunch. You enjoy being admired and like to be seen as radiant and magical. Much like Kiawah. Between Kiawah Island’s sprawling mansions and world-class golfing, it’s definitely the most glamorous part of the Lowcountry, just like you.

Virgo – Walterboro

Quiet, careful Virgo, you are the epitome of small-town vibes. You don’t like to stand out or speak up unless needed and you enjoy living your life without anything shaking up your normal routine too much. You’re not over the top and you’re pretty practical, which is why you’re the Walterboro of the Lowcountry.

Libra – Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is the more lowkey Kiawah Island. It’s not as flashy, but just as gorgeous and relaxing and everyone still adores you. And, when you’re an island most of your residents tend to socialize which is just like you, you social butterfly.

Scorpio – Sullivan’s Island

You’re the mysterious one that not everyone knows about but when they find out about you, they’re absolutely obsessed. Similar to Sullivan’s Island which is often overshadowed by Isle of Palms and Folly. Don’t ever feel bad for Sullivan’s and Scorpios though, they know their charm and what they’re capable of.

Sagittarius – Mount Pleasant

Always on the move and exploring, aren’t you Sagittarius? So is Mount Pleasant. It’s always growing, always bustling, and there’s always something to do. You don’t limit yourself, Sagittarius and neither does Mount Pleasant.

Capricorn – Bluffton

Capricorn’s are some ambitious people. When they set out to do something, there’s no stopping them. And, when Bluffton first came about it was only one square mile. Now, that part of town is simply known as Old Town Bluffton and the entire town of Bluffton has a population over 20,000. It was the little town that could and did.

Aquarius – Folly Beach

Little creative Picasso’s. Much like Folly Beach you’re unlike anything or anyone else. You’re creative, easy-going, and eccentric. And, we’re just taking a guess but we’d say about 95 percent of Folly Beach’s local residents are Aquarians.

Pisces – Edisto Island

If there was one sign who would be fine wandering off alone and diving into a body of water without anyone near, it’d be you. You like to escape reality and love being around water so of course, you’d be an island. And, Edisto is one of the most secluded of the islands in the Lowcountry.

Which Lowcountry city are you?

Featured

South Carolina Small Business Chamber Of Commerce Supports Santee Cooper Sale

Featured Image: Santee Cooper’s Cross Plant, Post, and Courier.

Today, South Carolina Senators began to debate on legislation authorizing Governor McMaster’s administration to oversee the sale of state-owned utility Santee Cooper and begin the competitive bidding process.

Many hope the legislation will pass and relieve Santee Cooper direct-serve and coop customers from paying off the state-owned utilities’ $7.2 billion debt.

In a recent survey, 71% of participants said they favored selling Santee Cooper to a private utility who can pay off the debt and get the government out of the utility business.

Over the last few weeks, the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce has been holding town hall meetings across the state to discuss the sale. SCSBCC president and CEO Frank Knapp Jr. favors the sale of Santee Cooper and doesn’t feel the debt should be left in the hands of the customers.

After a lengthy testimony, Santee Cooper executives were unable to answer many questions about their future, including how the debt would be paid off without raising rates and rate projections. With the number of unanswered questions continuing to increase, many South Carolina taxpayers and Santee Cooper customers are becoming increasingly worried.

Knapp explained that with rates already increased by 5% due to the V.C. Summer project debt and more rate hikes to come, legislators need to make the right decision for South Carolina residents.

Also in attendance at the town hall meetings is Santee Cooper spokesperson Tracy Vreeland who stated that while rates may not remain the same, they will still remain competitive even though executives are unsure of how they plan to do this and are unsure of future rate projections.

Read more about the recent town hall meetings here.

Featured

The 6 Most Epic Charleston Houses For Sale Right Now

Image Source: Realtor.com

We might not be able to buy them but it’s still nice to look. These epic Charleston homes are massive, elegant, and come with a hefty price tag.

Here are six homes for sale in Charleston that we all wish we could live in:

23 Legare St – Downtown, Charleston

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Asking price: $9.25 million

Sitting on a half acre, the Robert Trail Chisholm house was built in 1838 and was just restored in a two-year project led by local architect Glenn Keyes. The house has four bedrooms, five full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, and is 7,352 square feet. Asking price is just under a ten million dollars.

61 Watroo Pt. – Daniel Island

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Asking price: $3.4 million

Named by Ocean Home Magazine as one of the top 25 homes in America is this four bedroom, five full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, 6,377 square foot house with a dreamy backyard and waterfront views.

31 E Battery St. – Downtown, Charleston

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Asking price: $6.9 million

The Shackleford-Williams House is available for the first time in five generations and boasts six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and is 7,505 square feet. Not to mention it’s located on the Charleston Battery.

130 Ocean Palms Ct. – Kiawah Island

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Asking price: $8.9 million

With sea views from almost every room, this massive home has five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, three half bathrooms, and is 7,845 square feet. The house also has a 600-bottle iron-gated wine cellar and the entire third floor is the master bedroom.

4440 Wando Farms Road – Mount Pleasant

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Asking price: $3.9 million

Located on the Wando River in the gated subdivision of Wando Farms is this five bedroom, four full bathrooms, and two half bathroom house. It’s 5,885 square feet and sits on ten acres.

1986 Sandy Point Lane – Mount Pleasant

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Asking price: $3.3 million

This waterfront estate is a five bedroom, six full bathrooms, two half bathroom, 7,732 square foot house. The house also includes a 1, 000 bottle wine room with cork floor and temperature control and a private dock on deep water.

Who else is buying a lottery ticket tonight?

Events

Give Back: Volunteers Needed For Community Event

Looking to give back to your local community? You can sign up to volunteer for Safe Kids Day 2019.

Safe Kids Day is a local community event sponsored by MUSC Children’s Health and Safe Kids Charleston Area that raises awareness about preventable childhood injuries. This year it will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019.

Safe Kids, a worldwide nonprofit organization that works to help keep kids safe and uninjured, was founded in 1988 by Dr. Marty Eichelberger of the Children’s National Health System with support from Johnson & Johnson.

The organization has helped reduce the United States childhood death rate from unintentional injuries, the number one killer of kids in the U.S., by 57 percent by working with more than 400 coalitions and partners to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more.

Without the help of volunteers, this annual event wouldn’t be possible. Volunteers will assist with interactive games and activities that teach children and families safe behaviors to avoid preventable injuries.

You can sign up and learn more about the event here.

Eat & Drink

Results Are In: The Top 10 Overall Restaurants In Charleston

Featured Image Source: Peninsula Grill Facebook

The results are in and OpenTable users have spoken.

Each month OpenTable reads hundreds of thousands of reviews and sorts the results by category to help users discover new, delicious food.

Here are the top ten restaurants to try in Charleston according to OpenTable users:

1. McCrady’s Restaurant

McCrady’s is a tasting-menu-only restaurant located in historic downtown, Charleston. A meal here is $125 per person and is worth the splurge. The restaurant holds the honor of a AAA Five-Diamond Award and is one of Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America. Looking to pair a glass of wine with your food? Alcoholic pairings are $80 per person and $160 per person for reserve pairings.

2. Charleston Grill

Located in the fabulous Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston Grill offers Lowcountry cuisine with a French accent. If you’re really looking to go all out and make for an impressively romantic evening, you can dine in the private Vinter’s Room featuring walls of glass-fronted wine cellars showing off their magnificent collection from around the world.

3. Cru Cafe

Looking for some comfort food? Try Cru Cafe. It’s a favorite among tourists and locals and is in a classic single-style Charleston home off the beaten path. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top eateries in Charleston and we can see why.

4. Peninsula Grill

Peninsula Grill is truly a Charleston gem. With delicious food, a beautiful courtyard to dine in, and a fabulous champagne room offering some of the world’s best champagne, it’s no surprise Peninsula Grill made the list. It’s been recognized by several publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and others.

5. Circa 1886

If there’s one thing we can say about Circa 1886, it’s that Circa 1886 is unlike any other Charleston restaurant. Inspired by dishes from around the world, Chef Marc Collins curated a menu that offers a Lowcountry spin on many well-known dishes.

6. Ella & Ollie’s

One of the two restaurants on the list that is not in downtown, Charleston, Ella & Ollie’s is located on Edisto Island and is a cute southern seafood restaurant. Their food is so loved that they opened a second space next door using the same inspiration and ingredients to create tacos unlike any other.

7. Indaco

Indaco is the only Italian restaurant in Charleston to make the list and we can’t argue it. Indaco offers a great atmosphere, delicious dishes, and one-of-a-kind cocktails that make for a great birthday dinner, anniversary, or just a regular night.

8. Oak Steakhouse

There is no shortage of amazing steakhouses in Charleston and with Oak being the only steakhouse on the list, it’s obviously a must-eat in the Lowcountry. With an exquisite selection of signature cuts, delicious seafood specialties, and a great selection of vegetarian options, Oak Steakhouse has earned its spot on this list.

9. 843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House

The second of the two restaurants not in downtown, Charleston, 843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House is located in North Charleston. It’s dinner and a show at this restaurant as the chefs prepare your dinner right at your table. More of a sushi fan? Try one of their delicate sushi rolls prepared by sushi artists.

10. The Macintosh

Closing out the list is The Macintosh, known for their local ingredients. Executive Chef and partner Jeremiah Bacon creates his menu using seasonal ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. And, once you finish your dinner and drinks here you can head upstairs to its sister lounge, Cocktail Club for a delicious cocktail.

Which one will you try first?

To view the list and make a reservation visit OpenTable, here.

Events

Brace Yourself, Charleston – Winter Is Coming

Send a raven and deliver the news to all your friends, winter is coming to Charleston.

Dress up as your favorite Game of Thrones character and celebrate the last season of Game of Thrones with your right hands by embarking on the Crawl of Thrones bar crawl on Saturday, April 27.

It’s a long and treachourous journey around Charleston at some of the most popular spots around town. Beginning at The Brick, check-in is from 3 pm to 6 pm and the after party is from 8 pm to 11 pm. Make sure to be one of the first 400 attendees to check-in so you can get your own Crawl of Thrones koozie. And, take out the competition to get to the finish line first so you can choose a shirt representing your favorite house.

There will be live music, drink specials including $4 Titos and $3 bud light, and plenty of fun.

Hosted by Blue Steel Promotions, this is one of many Charleston bar crawls that goes on throughout the year around the Charleston area.

Click here to learn more about the event.