In April, parents of the Wando High Sailing Club drove to Lake Norman to watch their teenage sailors compete in the South Atlantic Championship Regatta. "Lake Norman is famous for its fickle wind," said Wendy Ando, mother of Wando skipper Austin Ando. "The race committee wanted them to sail for as long as possible that first day. So they had them race for 12 hours. That's a … [Read more...]
On Board: Mount Pleasant Residents Spur Skate Park Project
When SK8 Charleston — the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission’s sprawling new skate park – opens later this year, Mount Pleasant resident Shannon Smith will be there, along with husband Mark and their children, Audrey Indigo 13, and Johnny Otis, 7. When Shannon helped launch the movement to create the Lowcountry’s first full-sized skate park, Johnny was years … [Read more...]
Are You a Swinger? Try North Mount Pleasant Golf
The northern area of Mount Pleasant boasts some of the finest golf courses in the Charleston area: RiverTowne and Snee Farm country clubs, Dunes West Golf and River Club, and Charleston National Golf Club. RiverTowne, Snee Farm and now Dunes West are all owned by James Feeney, who purchased Dunes West in March of this year. “It just made sense and you don’t often get a … [Read more...]
It’s Time for Some Live Tunes: The Summer Music Round-Up
Every summer needs a soundtrack. Lucky for us, the coming months in the Lowcountry will offer plenty of moments to embrace a jam or two. From Volvo Car Stadium hosting arena-filling acts to The Windjammer providing us with intimate sets from some of our old-time favs, the forecast for this concert season calls for musical highs and scattered guitar solos. From Isle of Palms to … [Read more...]
Striking Gold: Local Cigar Manufacturer/Distributor Cigar Row
At last, there’s a product sinister Bond villain Auric Goldfinger would have felt completely at home with, and it’s created right here in Mount Pleasant. It’s a quality cigar with Dominican filler, the best wrapper in the world, Connecticut Shade, and an infusion of pure, edible 24-karat gold. Available in two styles, the Winston and the Churchill, at $55 and $125, … [Read more...]
The Local Flavor: Farmers Markets in the Lowcountry
I remember the first time I sunk my choppers into a homegrown, perfectly ripe, South Carolina peach. Like taking a bite out of the sun, it filled my senses with aromatic vibrancy and just the right amount of sweet. Grocery-store produce picking falls short of the wonder and sense of community provided at area farmers markets. Stacks of green onions, collards, crimson peppers … [Read more...]
Craft Beers for a Good Cause: The Charleston Beer Garden
“The 5th Annual Charleston Beer Garden event is really about fun, not beer snobbery. It’s about coming together for a day and enjoying great beer, good company and listening to fantastic regional music.” So said Jason Kirk, organizer of the event set for May 14. The director of development for Lowcountry Aids Services, Kirk does much to raise funds for the 25-year-old … [Read more...]
Some Like it HOT! …The Pepper Trend in East Cooper
They say your taste buds change and develop every seven years, which makes sense to me because I haven't always been a fan of spicy foods. Now I can hardly stand a dish of grits or a serving of chips and salsa without the proverbial kick in the pants from a peppery sensation on my tongue. It appears I am not alone in that sentiment. Lately, more than ever, … [Read more...]
Calling All Idea People! DIG SOUTH 2016 is Here
Every spring, the Lowcountry crackles with the kind of creative energy that could power a locomotive. A multitude of tech and digital innovators descend upon the area to brainstorm, share tales of entrepreneurial ventures and keep the flame of creativity burning bright. On April 26, 27 and 28, 200 speakers and more than 2,000 attendees will come together to inspire, encourage … [Read more...]
Don’t Forget the Local Shrimp! – 29th Annual Blessing of the Fleet
Hypothetically, a foodie relative is coming to visit from Ohio and wants you to introduce him to some of the most representative examples of Lowcountry cuisine. What do you offer him? Sweet tea, for sure. She crab soup would also tickle his palate. But, whatever you do, don’t forget the local shrimp! Present them in the classic shrimp and grits, served in a Lowcountry … [Read more...]