The holiday season’s over and a new decade has begun. It’s time to look ahead at what 2020 will bring, and plan our next fishing trips. While we love small towns and remote waters that have an “untouched” charm, there’s not much to do once the trip is over. With that in mind, FishingBooker revealed its list of the best US fishing cities for 2020, and Charleston is one of them!
Why did Charleston make our list?
Anyone who’s cast a line in the local waters of Charleston won’t be surprised to find the city topping this list for the second year in a row. The shallow grass beds of the Lowcountry are famous for their big Red Drum, Flounder, and Seatrout. The city also has a solid Tarpon bite. It’s not all about the inshore action, though. Local reefs hold Snapper and Grouper. Past that, you can find Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin, and more.
The first thing to do in Charleston is to enjoy how beautiful it is. Take in the Antebellum mansions, cobbled streets, and live oaks. You should also visit the Old Slave Mart Museum to learn about the city’s – and the nation’s – history. Feeling hungry? Sample local Gullah cuisine, full of spices and piled high with shrimp, fish, rice, and okra. Round things off with some live jazz and a refreshing cocktail to beat the evening heat.
The full list of locations that made the list can be found below:
New Orleans, LA
San Francisco, CA
Nashville, TN
Charleston, SC
Portland, OR
Portland, ME
Boston, MA
Virginia Beach, VA
Chicago, IL
Miami, FL
Colorado Springs, CO
San Juan, PR
FishingBooker is the world’s largest platform for connecting anglers and fishing guides, with over 30,000 fishing trips available in more than 1,950 destinations worldwide.
The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Painting with a Twist. The owners are Aubrie and Nathan Smith. Nathan is a Combat Engineer Officer in the United States Army. Painting with a Twist aims to inspire guests to come together and experience a unique ‘getaway’ that includes friends, paint, and wine. An experience at Painting with a Twist is led by local artists, encouraging guests to create and socialize in a step-by-step process that transforms bare canvases into fun art. Painting with a Twist offers a variety of events from corporate outings and bachelorette parties to date nights and family classes. The studio can accommodate up to 60 people in total, making painting accessible for a few friends or a private party. Painting with a Twist is located at 2511 N Main Street, Studio B, Summerville SC 29486 in Carnes Crossroads.
About the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in the greater Berkeley County area. The Chamber seeks to accomplish this vision by advocating for initiatives that enable businesses to grow, thrive and remain relevant and forward-thinking in an ever-changing world. The chamber exists to create a positive impact on our community. The Berkeley Chamber strives to be the unifying force that brings together and leads those who work to improve the quality of life in the Berkeley County region through business growth.
Photo Caption: From left to right front row: Emily, Employee; Nancy, Employee; Brittany, Employee; Aubrie Smith, Owner; Nathan Smith, Owner; Gayla McSwain, City of Goose Creek Councilmember; Steve Lattuca, Berkeley Chamber Board of Directors; From left to right back row: F. Gary White Jr.,City of Charleston Councilmember; Katie, Employee; Tanya Watson, Employee; Daniela, Employee; Aliza Holmes, Employee; Danielle White, Employee; Corey McClary, City of Goose Creek Councilmember;
Harris Teeter is proud to welcome shoppers to its West Ashley Circle location on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at 8 a.m. as the company celebrates its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The store has many unique features including handmade lobster rolls; trail mix bar; in-store smoked salmon; Asian hot foods bar; American hot foods bar; Starbucks; ExpressLane Online Shopping; and a drive-thru Pharmacy.
“Harris Teeter is thrilled to introduce the
Charleston community to their brand new Harris Teeter,” said Danna
Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter. “Our shoppers will
experience the same World Class service they have come to know and
expect from their Harris Teeter.”
In each of its stores, Harris Teeter strives to offer customers an excellent shopping experience, which begins with customer service and features high-quality products, variety, and selection. Harris Teeter also works to be a true community partner by supporting local schools and youth sports organizations, among other non-profit organizations.
Fast Facts
Store Address:
West Ashley Circle Shopping Center
3865 West Ashley Circle
Charleston, SC 29414
Square Footage: 53,000
Grand Opening Date: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020
Grand Opening Time: 8 a.m., ribbon cutting, store open immediately following
Store Hours1: 6 a.m. to midnight
Check-Out Lanes: 9 checkouts and 6 express checkouts
Store Features and Departments
Full-service Butchers Market with Rancher Beef, HT Reserve Angus
Beef • Fresh Store made Sausage, Burgers & Kabobs • Expanded
Full-Service Fishermans Market • Fresh Made Lobster Rolls • Fresh
Steamed Seafood Daily • In-Store Smoked Salmon Daily • Full-service
Floral Department • Farmers Market Produce • Trail Mix Bar • Salad Bar •
Full-service Fresh Foods Market Deli/Bakery • Store Made Pizza •
International Cheeses • Custom Cakes and Ice Cream Cakes • Sub Shop •
Asian & American Hot Foods Bar • Party Trays • Peanut Butter
Grinders • Bulk Candy • Bulk Nuts & Snacks • Drive-Thru Pharmacy •
Free Blood Pressure Testing • Private, Professional Pharmacist
Consultations • Drug Interaction/ Allergy Screening • Double Coupons •
Club 60 Discount • Carryout Service • Parcel Pick-up • ExpressLane
Online Shopping • Starbucks • Sit-down eating area • ATM
Harris Teeter, with headquarters in Matthews, N.C., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR). The regional grocery chain employs approximately 30,000 associates and operates stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and the District of Columbia.
LC (Lifestyle Communities), just announced its latest participation-driven rental community, LC Line Street in Charleston. The development will straddle where the Lowcountry LowLine, an extensive urban park aimed at reconnecting the neighborhoods split by the rail line and I-26, will be. The project will be LC’s first in Charleston and is scheduled to break ground in late spring 2020, with tentative completion slated for the end of 2022.
Dedicated to maintaining the architectural character and cultural feel of Charleston within the new community, LC is collaborating with local street artists, Dos Banditos, on an artistic fence wrap to mark the beginning of its long-term partnership with the city. The design depicts the site’s current structures and will rotate over the course of the development, sharing the story of the original site use, its evolution over time and how the future community will build upon its rich past.
The $120 million Phase I of the project will consist of 293 apartment homes and 22,000 square feet of common areas.
BLUEMERCURY BRINGS LUXURY BEAUTY TO MOUNT PLEASANT, SC
Washington, DC (January 8, 2020) – Bluemercury, the nationwide luxury cosmetics retailer and cosmetics brand developer, today announced that it will open the brand’s fourth store location in South Carolina on January 10, 2020. The 1,892-square-foot corner-facing store will open officially in Mount Pleasant, SC at 1230 Belk Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. It will be Bluemercury’s 201st location.
Bluemercury is hosting a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday,January 25th!
When doors open at 10 am, the first 50 attendees will receive a FREE beauty gift bag in a Bluemercury tote!
Grand Opening Celebration Date: Saturday, January 25, 2020
Store Location: Bluemercury Mount Pleasant – 1230 Belk Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Bluemercury was founded in 1999 by Marla and Barry Beck and is widely recognized as the nation’s largest and fastest-growing luxury beauty and spa retail chain. This iconic high-growth luxury brand now boasts more than 183 specialty stores nationwide. Marla and Barry’s continued mission for Bluemercury is to be the friendly neighborhood beauty store where customers can receive expert, honest beauty advice. The Bluemercury approach always starts with the customer and providing them with a premium and more engaging shopping experience.
This will be the brands fourth location in South Carolina and the third location in the Charleston area. The brand’s location at 255 King Street opened in 2010, with the second location in Kiawah Island opening in 2017. The brand also has a store location in Greenville.
“We are excited to open our latest Bluemercury store in Mount Pleasant, SC,” said Marla Beck, CEO, and Co-Founder of Bluemercury. “I’m thrilled that we’re able to serve the Mount Pleasant community by offering them a conveniently located destination for all of their beauty needs.”
Bluemercury locations carry luxury skincare brands such as Crème de la Mer, Revive, Darphin, M-61 Powerful Skincare and Kiehl’s, along with cosmetics brands NARS, Hourglass, Lune+Aster, RMS Beauty, and more. Clients will also enjoy Bluemercury’s signature in-house spa treatments. Bluemercury has performed more than 10 million spa treatments since the company was founded and was rated by O, The Oprah Magazine as having one of the best facials in America.
Bluemercury Mount Pleasant will be located at
1230 Belk Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.
About Bluemercury
Bluemercury was founded in 1999 by Marla and Barry Beck and is widely recognized as the nation’s largest and fastest-growing luxury beauty and spa retail chain. This iconic high-growth luxury brand now boasts more than 201 specialty stores nationwide. Bluemercury joined Macy’s, Inc. through acquisition in March 2015 and is the go-to destination for all your luxury beauty needs. Bluemercury stores are embedded in local communities near where clients live and work. The Bluemercury approach always starts with the customer and providing her with a better and more engaging shopping experience.
Everyone Deserves a little ‘Southern Hospitality’ – Especially Charleston’s Hospitality Workers.
As of September 2019, Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic has extended all free healthcare services to include eligible, low income, uninsured adults who work in the hospitality industry of Downtown Charleston. The HIP [Hospitality Inclusion Project] Initiative aims to expand patient eligibility and provide free healthcare, specialty referrals, and low/no-cost prescription services to all uninsured adults ages 18-65 who serve the hospitality industry of Charleston’s Peninsula, inclusive of all downtown food, beverage, and lodging businesses. [Are you eligible? Take this quiz.]
As a large, 140-volunteer free clinic located on Johns Island just over the Stono River Bridge from downtown Charleston, we are well-positioned to meet the demands of the often low income, uninsured population comprising our hospitality industry. Clinic services include:
Primary Care
Dermatology
Psychiatry
Chronic Disease Management
Gynecology
Urology
Cardiology
Reproductive Health
Nutrition
Low/No Cost Prescriptions
Labs & Imaging
Free referrals to 19 off-site sub-specialty practices as needed.
As a part of our HIP Initiative, prior to submitting a patient application, all prospective patients must first demonstrate that they meet the base guidelines for free health care services at Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic. HIP Eligible Patients Must:
Be age 18 – 65
Work in an established place of business catering to the
Hospitality industry (food, beverage & lodging) on the Charleston
Peninsula (downtown Charleston.
Have no medical insurance, Medicaid or VA benefits
*Prospective HIP patients will demonstrate initial eligibility by stating their 1. Current place of employment; 2. Household size and/or financial support for both family/dependent housing or non-familial rent sharing status; and 3. Indicate monthly or annual income.
Charleston Serves; Charleston Cares. It has long been our philosophy that everyone deserves the dignity of healthcare. We are now fortunate to be able to return the hospitality to those who serve as the backbone of what we consider to be a truly welcoming city.
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic
is a 501c3 non-profit medical clinic in Charleston, SC. We provide free
medical care to eligible patients just like any family practitioner or
internist – at no cost. The Free Clinic serves uninsured adults living
at or below 299 % of the Federal poverty level who live or work on the
Barrier Islands or serve Charleston’s Downtown Hospitality Industry. You
can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
CHARLESTON, S.C. – RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols has announced the hiring of Jason Kempf as the next Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Charleston RiverDogs. He replaces Matt Dean, who is now assuming a similar role with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Advanced-A, Houston Astros).
Kempf joins the RiverDogs after spending the previous two seasons with the Quad Cities River Bandits (Single-A, Houston Astros) as Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting, where he provided play-by-play and color commentary in addition to coordinating media coverage, among other responsibilities. Prior to working with the River Bandits, Kempf spent time with the Dayton Dragons, Wichita Wingnuts and the RiverDogs’ sister team in the Goldklang Group, the St. Paul Saints.
“Jason is a confident individual with an abundance of experience and knowledge,” said Echols. “We know from Jason’s past experience, especially with our sister team in St. Paul, that he will be a great fit with the RiverDogs.”
As the club’s new Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations, Kempf will occupy the role as the liaison between the RiverDogs and the Charleston media in addition to serving as the voice of the club for all 140 contests during the 2020 season.
Fans can catch Kempf on the call for all RiverDogs games on WTMA 1250 AM in the tri-county area, online streaming on the TuneIn Radio app and on MiLB.tv with a subscription. Sunday home games will once again be broadcasted on MyTV Charleston.
With the 2019 season in the books,
the RiverDogs look ahead toward 2020 Opening Day on Thursday, April 9
at Riley Park. Season ticket plans, including options to the Riley Park
Club, are available by contacting the RiverDogs front office at
843-577-3647 (DOGS). A full schedule for the 2020 season is available at
riverdogs.com.
A great restaurant is not defined solely by its commitment
to quality and customer service, but its ability to create and harness a sense
of community. The true mark of success
is longevity and that foundation begins with its customer base.
Three local area restaurants embody that rare combination of quality, value, customer service, and community and for that we thank them.
As we thought about these three community-driven restaurants we found some common themes:
Family owned with an extension of that family
feel to all their employees
Community spirit and pride
Quality and freshness of food with strong local
partnerships
Value in cost
A unique style and culture
A deep focus on the most important element of success,
the customer
The three restaurants that truly have created a remarkable dining experience and culture are Kiss Café on Johns Island, Dellz in downtown Charleston (Crosstown) and Dashi in North Charleston.
Kiss Cafe
Kiss Café
Kiss Café was born from the imagination of a husband and wife team who, in less than 3 months have solidified themselves as one of the top breakfast and lunch destinations in the Lowcountry. With a focus on freshness and imagination, they have created a menu that is truly from the heart. Let us see if this entices you: The biscuits and gravy are made from scratch, their hot sauce and jams are homemade and remarkably addictive with their explosive flavor, the corned beef is made to perfection, fresh Ramen with broth made in-house and the Brioche French Kiss, and Belgium waffles will melt their way down your throat. Maybe a glass of champagne or white wine with a French dip may be more your style. Whether it is lunch or breakfast or perhaps a cocktail with friends, there is no bad experience at Kiss Café. Finally, when you walk in the door, the staff will make you feel like you are part of a family Thanksgiving dinner in their own homes.
Surprise: Soon the
newest breakfast and lunch location on Johns Island will be launching a monthly
wine and dinner pairing evening. Go to
their website and sign up to be the first to receive notifications. Click Here to Sign Up
With an emphasis on vegan and vegetarian cuisine, a
passionate commitment to the community, décor that blends 70’s vinyl with pop
culture and vegan nachos and a portabella, avocado wrap that is to die for,
Dellz is an awakening disguised as quaint, local dining in Charleston. Dellz has great food made with love and that love
is directly extended to the community.
The thing that truly makes Dellz remarkable is the feeling of warmth, happiness
and belonging you get once you step inside.
Your body eagerly celebrates the quality ingredients about to enter and
your mind is spiritually refreshed. There
is a reason folks yearn for their next visit each time they leave Dellz.
Many locals may know Dashi from its origins as a food truck. The original blueprint for this Asian and Latin Fusion was a mobile vehicle. Now they have laid roots in North Charleston on Remount Road. Chef Stephen Thompson has created a unique menu that is mouthwatering. His zest for food and life extend out to every dish from the steamed bun to Thai Curry Stir Fry to his unique spin on Paella. No casual and hip experience is complete without a full-service bar and outdoor seating for all our dog lovers in the neighborhood.
There is something else, the cool factor. You know what I mean and very few restaurants
have it. When you dine here, you just feel
cool. Even if you don’t have an amazing
canvas of tattoos or piercings, you still feel hip and part of a movement. Dashi has created a culture of casual, hip
and fun with a remarkable menu of incredible food.
There you have it. Three incredible restaurants in the Charleston community each with their own unique journey that has created an environment focused on high-quality menus, value, community, and style. If you have not found your way, make time soon. Warning, they may become addictive.
Photos courtesy of Dellz, Kiss Cafe and Dashi Instagram
The dining experience in Charleston is one of excellence that has transcended the coasts and has become an international sensation. From our fine breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to the unique and savory delicacies of dessert. One of the finest establishments for a natural and delightful dessert experience is Freddo Charleston, located at 239 1/2 King Street.
Their fine assortment of gelato and sorbet includes:
Chocolate Mousse
Dark Chocolate
Grand Chocolate
Chocolate Freddo
Vanilla
Mint Chocolate Chip
Banana Split
Italian Mascarpone
Tramontana Cookie
Dulce de Leche Caramel
Caramel Coco Chip
Caramel Temptation
Strawberry Sorbet
Passion Fruit Sorbet
Mango Sorbet
Raspberry Sorbet
Why Choose Freddo? The fine commitment to fresh ingredients and expert craftsmanship:
All Freddo products are handcrafted by our ice cream masters, with the highest quality, taking care of the selection of raw materials and all preparation processes.
All products are made with the highest quality ingredients – from fresh milk, pure cane sugar, fruits and the finest natural and raw ingredients.
Freddo’s gelato has 0 grams trans-fat per serving (3.5 oz.), and are devoid of preservatives or added vegetable fats. Freddo gelato sold in the United States is made in Argentina and shipped under strict protocols to ensure quality control.
Charleston Parks Conservancy welcoming new volunteers to garden in city parks
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Common on those New Year’s resolutions lists are more exercise, volunteering and learning a new skill or hobby. Volunteers with the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s Garden in the Parks program can easily check those three resolutions off their list.
The Conservancy is seeking new volunteers to garden in Charleston’s public parks. Volunteer tasks include planting flowers and shrubs, pruning, weeding, mulching and watering, depending on the season. Interested volunteers can fill out a form at www.charlestonparksconservancy.org/volunteer.
To date in 2019, 70 volunteers have worked in more than a dozen parks around Charleston for a total of almost 2,000 volunteer hours. Garden in the Parks volunteers are part of the Conservancy’s Park Angel program. Volunteers help with fundraisers, community events, outreach and the community garden program. The Conservancy’s large volunteer base enables the organization to renovate, improve and maintain about 25 parks in the City of Charleston.
Garden in the Parks volunteers accounted for about 25% of the Conservancy’s total volunteer hours in 2019. That support value equates to about $50,000.
“We are continually grateful to the volunteers who help us garden in the parks,” said Rachel Barry, volunteer manager. “There is no way we could take on projects like Colonial Lake or the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park without the support of our incredible volunteer Park Angels.
“Our volunteers really benefit as well. They gain valuable gardening skills and knowledge while enjoying the fresh air and getting some exercise,” she added. “Plus, many of our volunteers have forged deep friendships with fellow volunteers.”
Volunteers can work as much or as little as their schedule allows. No gardening experience is needed. One of the Conservancy’s professional horticulturists is on hand to provide instruction and guidance, giving volunteers the opportunity to learn about how to care for the plants in their own yards and home gardens.
Volunteer Kathleen Gunning said, “I’ve really enjoyed the free garden education. The horticulturalists are always gracious about answering any questions about plants and gardens. They have helped me identify plants and problems with a photo from my iPhone.”
Volunteer teams generally work on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. One group works at Colonial Lake and another team travels to various other parks such as Marion Square, Hampton Park and Tiedemann Park. Joining the traveling team is a great way to learn more about the city and its park system.
“When I’m gardening I’m in my happy place,” said volunteer Jessie Bleichamn. “I really volunteer for selfish reasons. It’s just so I can exercise, get fresh air, and garden.”
Long-time volunteer Michael Master added, “The Conservancy attracts some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. And you’ll make Charleston a nicer place to live, work and play.”
For more than 10 years, the Conservancy — through public-private partnerships — has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 25 parks in the City of Charleston. Notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park as well as Allan Park, Wragg Square, McMahon Playground at Hampton Park, Magnolia Park and Community Garden, Marion Square, and Medway Park and Community Garden.
About the Charleston Parks Conservancy
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy opens doors to individuals and organizations in Charleston wanting to engage with their parks and green spaces in a kaleidoscope of positive ways. With the help of its Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, visitwww.charlestonparksconservancy.org.