The faint smell of gun oil and a little gunpowder put a smile on my face as I gathered and packed my gear for the opening day of dove season. Three months had passed since I had last opened the gun cabinet. A little inshore fishing, trips to the beach and time spent on a Lowcountry dock with friends and family had occupied the long, hot summer. It was still hot, but it was time … [Read more...]
Fox Hunting: Steeped in Tradition and Ruggedly Refined
I so enjoy the process of hunting from beginning to end: preparation, planning and pursuit. Hunters connect with their surroundings (familiar and foreign), their quarry and their companions. It has been said that the “close encounters” with animals are the cornerstone of the true sportsman. Regardless of the activity, the risks and rewards are fulfilling for the outdoorsman. … [Read more...]
Pruning Wando’s Garden of Ideas – The 2017 Issue of “The Outlet”
The 2016-17 staff of “The Outlet,” Wando High School's annual literary journal, just collectively learned an important truth: not every great work of art is the result of solitude. This year's issue, a beautiful, thematic piece filled with passionately-crafted visual and written artwork, could not have happened without the team of dedicated students behind it. Made up of … [Read more...]
Netflix Original Features The Bridge Run: Naked and Not Afraid
Take a hit Swedish romantic comedy; tweak it as a remake set in a wildly popular U.S. city and cast as the lead one of the funniest members from, arguably, the most successful African-American family in show business today. Then fold in elements of the classic “Groundhog Day” and place key scenes in and around the most famous 10K bridge run in the South. What you’ll have is a … [Read more...]
A Leaf Through Mount Pleasant History: Cassina Tea
Summerville claims to be the birthplace of sweet tea, and Wadmalaw Island boasts producing the only tea grown in America. But both of those accolades might well have become Mount Pleasant’s claim to fame. While looking through a copy of “Charleston Recipes,” the precursor of the locally revered cookbook, “Charleston Receipts,” area resident and novelist Josephine Humphreys … [Read more...]
Salt and Iron: Pollitzer highlights the Juxtaposition of Charleston
When the idea came to compile a book to capture the mix of contrasts that embodies Charleston, author Wendy Nilsen Pollitzer soon realized two things: The project would be a major undertaking, and it carried a tremendous responsibility. “Charleston Salt and Iron: The beauty, strength and timeless allure of the South’s crown jewel” is the result of a year-and-a-half worth of … [Read more...]
Life is But a Dream – The Charleston Rowing Club
The Charleston Rowing Club is a product of humble beginnings. Launched by Rando Blyth in 1987, none of the organization’s “five or six guys” even owned a racing scull until after Hurricane Hugo blew through the Lowcountry in 1989. They found a boat that the violent storm had tossed from who knows where. No one claimed the vessel, so, by default, it became the property of the … [Read more...]
We’re Getting Crafty – The Beer Boom in Mount Pleasant
The guys at Ghost Monkey and Two Blokes breweries looked all over the Charleston area for a place to set up shop, but, in the end, they both settled on Mount Pleasant. “It’s got the perfect demographics for craft beer,” said Jim Leonard, one of two brewers for Ghost Monkey. Like Ghost Monkey, Matt Symons and Sean Geddis of Two Blokes looked at Mount Pleasant and saw an … [Read more...]
Have a Holly, Jolly, High-Tech Christmas: What to Get the Kids
When it comes to those lengthy holiday shopping lists, your child is hoping for an iPhone 6S. And the newest iPad. And an Xbox. But you probably already knew that. So here are some other great holiday gift ideas for the young tech buff in your life. This year, trending toys for kids of all ages include STEM products. These are designed to encourage an interest in all phases … [Read more...]
Spirit of Christmas Competition: The Elves of East Cooper Medical Center
The bright lights and seemingly effortless festivities of the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade mask a spirited competition in which more than 100 businesses, schools and community groups try to one-up holiday cheer. At East Cooper Medical Center, hours are spent plotting behind closed doors, all in an effort to create a memorable float that will outshine the competition … [Read more...]