Author: Charleston Daily

Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.

14 Great Charleston, S.C. Blog Articles You Should Be Reading

April 1, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Whether you are a tourist of local, we have found some of the best blogs celebrating Charleston, South Carolina that you will need to fill your mind with ideas to last you through the weekend, year or years to come.  Celebrate the cultural, historical, beautiful and festive life that is Charleston.

To all the bloggers, thank you for your dedication and providing some great area content.

Happy Reading.

Great Charleston, S.C. areas blog articles

Make the most of your vacation or staycation in Charleston by getting versed with these fantastic blogs focused on the memorable city of Charleston, South Carolina.

 

Charleston finds faith in an unlikely place, The Charleston Music Farm

March 30, 2018 by 1 Comment
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By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina, known to so many as the Holy City, is decorated with church steeples throughout its majestic skyline. It is a place of recreation and pleasure, but also where so many come to reinforce or restore their faith.

Sometimes, faith can come from the most unlikely places including a music/concert venue and bar. The Charleston Music Farm has witnessed some of the most powerful forces in rock, rap, punk, funk, bluegrass, folk, pop and country appear on stage over the years. Yet, every Sunday at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, it is converted to a house of worship for families, students, visitors and homeless. It is a haven, without prejudice or judgement. The City Church partners with this venue to create a setting unlike most houses of worship you will ever see.

Across the street at the museum, a daycare is run to keep the young and rambunctious youngsters at bay while the parishioners spend 90 minutes in song, prayer and community.
At the end, they are released to the arms of their loving parents with smiles and warmth.

As you enter the building, you hear a young Christian rock band play music from the heart. At the bar, you are greeted with French press coffee and local pastries.

I have often attended services alone, but have never felt alone. During the early part of the services, we are asked to turn to our neighbors, shake hands and offer a warm greeting. It is a way to remind us that we are all here together and for a brief moment in time, it doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor, happy or sad, married or single, but accepted.

The sermons are human, refreshing and pure. From the NFL playoffs to the tragedy at Sutherland Springs, the words are not about preaching a religion, but understanding our place in this world and how we can work together to make it better.

Often, I will look around and think that only seven short hours ago, these floors were packed with beer drinking music lovers screaming the words of their favorite band playing on stage and now we are in a place of peace and reflection. In a way, both emphasize faith and loyalty to a cause, in just slightly different ways.

As my eyes wander around the hall, I am comforted by the vision of students, elderly, families, couples and homeless sitting together in a harmonious place.

The Sunday services at the Charleston Music Farm at 37 John Street in downtown Charleston reminds us that church is not about the physical structure, but the message. The City Church in partnership with the Charleston Music Hall is a place, regardless of your denomination or level of faith, safe for all to come, listen, pray and belong.

Threshold Repertory Theatre Supplies Ample Belly Laughs with “Hand of God”

March 29, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Puppet-Filled Black Comedy is Hilariously Shocking & Definitely Not For Kids

Click to tweet: The insanely hilarious #HandToGod runs at @ThresholdRep April 19 – May 6. Tickets are on sale now: https://bit.ly/2GS4Ev3 #chsarts #chs #chsnews

Charleston, SC – Five-time Tony Award nominated Hand to God, which enjoyed an extremely successful Broadway run, leaving audiences with sore jaws and stomachs (from laughing so hard), is the next show Threshold Repertory Theatre is producing for the Charleston community. The play will open Thursday, April 19 and run through Sunday, May 6. Tickets are on sale now starting at $15. Visit thresholdrep.org to purchase.

Hand to God is written by Robert Askins and directed by Pure Theatre core ensemble member Erin Wilson. After the death of his father, meek Jason finds an outlet for his anxiety at the Christian Puppet Ministry, in the devoutly religious, relatively quiet small town of Cypress, Texas. Jason’s complicated relationships with the town pastor, the school bully, the girl next door, and—most especially—his mother are thrown into upheaval when Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, takes on a shocking and dangerously irreverent personality all its own. Hand to God explores the startlingly fragile nature of faith, morality, and the ties that bind us.
Show schedule – April 19-21, 26-29, and May 3-6. Performances at 7:30 p.m. (Sundays at 3 p.m.) Box office opens one hour prior to curtain. Tickets available at thresholrep.org or by calling the box office at 843-277-2172.

Media are invited and encouraged to attend and review the show. To RSVP or for more information/artwork, please contact Darryl LaPlante at thresholdrep@gmail.com.

About Threshold Repertory Theatre

Threshold Repertory Theatre exists to inspire and excite the public through the shared experience of boldly visionary presentations of classic and contemporary theatre. We hope to enrich our community by offering creative, challenging and entertaining productions featuring the collaborative work of the talented performers and artists who have chosen to make Charleston their home and by providing participatory theatre-related educational experiences and programs. Through a commitment to excellence, innovation, experiment, and affordable cost Threshold Repertory Theatre hopes to discover and develop a new audience of passionate and engaged theatre-goers.

Crooked Crown Reminds Us of the Way Charleston Used to Be

March 24, 2018 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

This story will be a little anecdotal, but will paint a picture of the way life in Charleston was less than a decade ago, when locals wore nothing more than a tee-shirt, jeans and flip flops on Upper King, your best friend was your neighborhood bartender, rent, beer and food were reasonable and faces on King Street were always familiar to you.

Many of us remember the peninsula being void of heavy regulations, sidewalks were not paved with tourists clustering the walk ways, traffic was bearable and a friendly greeting from a neighbor always made your day.  That was a time I remember fondly and last week I was reminded of that once again.

As the newbies know, that world no longer exists, nor have they ever had a chance to experience that small-town intimacy that used to be the staple of Charleston.

On Spring Street, the incredible folks that brought bring us King of Pops opened a small local neighborhood restaurant and bar called Crooked Crown.  We were fortunate not only to dine on Wednesday night, but become a part of a revolving door of friends coming in to celebrate with Sean, our server and bartender who turned twenty great (28) on this very day.

With two rounds of homemade birthday cake, friendly dogs, and neighbors stopping by from upstairs, we felt like extras on the cast of Cheers.

With strangers and new friends toasting one another celebrating the life and times of Sean, I began to reflect, with fondness, a different time when I first moved to Charleston.

Early in the evening, as Sean was sharing a story of a date gone wrong, I noticed one of my favorite Instgrammer and her beautiful dog walking by.  I quickly ran out to say hello and thus, making each other’s day.  This once again, fueled my nostalgia seeing a very familiar face on the street.

The night carried on passed midnight as Sean and I spoke candidly about life, relationships and goals for the future.

We sat outside while Sean had a cigarette and we both indulged in the quiet peacefulness of downtown Charleston.  This was just the right way to end the night.

Seeing a familiar face in the street greeting me with a smile, sharing stories with strangers who truly felt like friends, singing “Happy Birthday” in the bar like a scene in the “Piano Man” video by Billy Joel and just feeling like a true Southern small-town was enough to yearn for the Charleston life so many of us fell in love with, now so long ago.

 

 

 

Earl Grant, College of Charleston agree to 5-year contract extension

March 24, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — College of Charleston coach Earl Grant has agreed to a contract extension that will tie him to the school for five more seasons.

The school said Friday the contract still must be finalized. The deal will run through 2022-23.

Grant led the Cougars to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 19 years this March. Charleston hung with Southeastern Conference champion Auburn in the tournament’s opening round before falling 62-58.

Grant led College of Charleston to a 26-8 mark and a Colonial Athletic Association Tournament title this season. The Cougars were 14-0 at home this season.

Athletic director Matt Roberts said Grant has brought excitement and championship basketball back to the school.

Grant said he was honored by the show of support from Charleston and looked forward to keeping the program’s rise going.

CARTA to Launch Hospitality on Peninsula (HOP) Park-And-Ride Lot and Shuttle Operations – April 15

March 22, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CARTA TO LAUNCH HOSPITALITY ON PENINSULA (HOP) PARK-AND-RIDE LOT AND SHUTTLE OPERATIONS APRIL 15

Service will offer extended hours and $5 all-day fee

CHARLESTON, S.C. (March 21, 2018) – The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) Board of Directors today announced that the transit system will launch the Hospitality on Peninsula (HOP) Park and Ride Lot and Shuttle on Sunday, April 15 at 999 Morrison Drive.

The park-and-ride program is the first of its kind on the peninsula and was brought to fruition via a collaborative partnership with the City of Charleston, Charleston County, the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments.

The HOP is targeted at workers in the area’s booming hospitality and food-and-beverage industries – though it is open to all commuters – as way to mitigate downtown parking challenges. There will be approximately 170 spaces available in the lot.

“The HOP park-and-ride service is an important way we are addressing an obvious need of workers in downtown Charleston,” said CARTA board chairman and Charleston city councilman Mike Seekings. “This lot and shuttle, essentially a pilot program that has been developed from scratch, is the first step in a regional strategy to tackle a number of pressing transportation issues, namely parking and congestion.”

Key details regarding the lot and shuttle service include:

  • Hours of Operation: The shuttle will operate from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily, with bus service every 15 minutes. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Cost: The cost to park in the lot is a flat fee of $5 all-day. Once a pass is purchased and displayed on a parked vehicle’s dashboard, commuters can board a HOP shuttle for free.
  • Route: The HOP shuttle will exit 999 Morrison Drive, turn left onto Romney Street, left onto Meeting Street, left onto Broad Street and left onto East Bay Street as it returns to the lot. There will be eight HOP-specific stops on the route, each denoted by a white bus stop sign.
  • Bus Transportation: CARTA will operate the shuttles and the lot itself. Commuters are encouraged to download the Transit app in order to track buses in real-time.
  • Lot Features:

    • Parking attendant on location during all hours of operation
    • Enhanced lighting and security cameras
    • Holy Spokes bike share on site
    • Bike racks available

“We certainly would like to thank the City of Charleston, Charleston County, the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the BCDCOG for their collaboration on this project,” Seekings said. “We’re confident the service will be well-used and look forward to seeing it expand to other locations.”

In addition to the HOP service, Seekings said commuters are also encouraged to explore reduced after-hours fares in City-owned garages and the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Government’s recently launched Lowcountry Go commuter services program that offers rideshare matches.

ABOUT CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit service and express commuter routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit www.ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app and the CARTA Bus Tracker.

 

FDA issues two-year recall on Piggie Park Enterprises “Maurice’s Southern Gold Honey BBQ Sauce”

March 22, 2018 by 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, SC – The Food and Drug Administration has issued a two-year recall on a notable South Carolina BBQ sauce.

Piggie Park Enterprises Inc. is recalling Maurice’s Southern Gold Honey Sauce manufactured between March 11, 2016 and March 11, 2018.

The FDA says the product included undeclared wheat and soy, which may cause deadly reactions for those who are allergic. It was distributed nationwide and also sold through retail in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina.

It comes in an 18oz, clear plastic bottle with an expiration date before 3/12/18 with the expiration date on the bottom of the bottle. The bottles have a UPC of 0 75616 54332 6.

The recall began Tuesday after it was found the powdered honey in the sauce contains wheat and soy, and it was not properly disclosed on the ingredients labels.

Consumers who have purchased the sauce are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  Consumers with questions can call 1-800-628-4273.

Maurice’s father, Joe Bessinger, began the Piggie Park company in 1939 when he opened his own BBQ joint in Holly Hill, according to the company’s website. Maurice’s Piggie Park later opened in West Columbia.

The Bessinger family also has a number of restaurants throughout South Carolina.

Greystar Ready to Launch Charleston Downtown Project

March 22, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Courier Square’s housing component, marketed as The Guild, will encompass 226 apartments along with ground-floor retail and dining. The first residents are expected to move in this spring.

Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC (Greystar) has announced the impending opening of The Guild, a 226-unit multifamily community in downtown Charleston, S.C. The eight-story building, which represents the first phase of the 12-acre, mixed-use Courier Square development, will welcome its first residents in mid-March.

The Guild is located at 128 Columbus St., in the historic Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighbourhood, adjacent to Interstate 26. The site is also part of the Upper King shopping and dining district. The building will encompass a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, along with 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurants. Common amenities at The Guild will include:

  • rooftop pool
  • clubroom
  • hospitality bar and lounge
  • outdoor grills and fire pit
  • fitness center
  • controlled access parking
  • bike storage
  • concierge services

The second phase of Courier Square will feature The Greystar Building, a five-story office structure that will be home to Greystar’s new headquarters. Scheduled for completion this summer, the office component facing Meeting Street will comprise 69,000 square feet, including ground-floor retail.

The Lowcountry is Honored to have 14 Hotels with AAA Four Diamond Rating

March 21, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Just 6.1 percent of the more than 27,000 AAA Inspected & Approved hotels make the Four Diamond list.

Congratulations to HarbourView Inn, French Quarter Inn, and The Spectator Hotel for being awarded the Four Diamond Rating by AAA!

South Carolina is proud to have 32 hotels with a Four Diamond Rating including ten (10) in Charleston, one (1) in Mount Pleasant, one (1) in Isle of Palms and two (2) in North Charleston including the North Charleston Marriott just added in 2017.

BEAUFORT

The Cuthbert House Inn (2012)
The Rhett House Inn (2015)

BLUFFTON

Montage Palmetto Bluff (2017)

CHARLESTON

Ansonborough Inn (2010)
Belmond Charleston Place (1992)
French Quarter Inn (2002)
Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, Autograph Collection (2015)
HarbourView Inn (1999)
John Rutledge House Inn (1989)
Planters Inn (1995)
Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel (2003)
The Restoration (2010)
The Spectator Hotel (2015)

COLUMBIA

Hilton Columbia Center (2011)

GREENVILLE

Hyatt Regency Greenville (2013)
The Westin Poinsett (2003)

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa (2003)
Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton Grand Vacations (2017)
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort (2006)
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island (1995)
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town (2003)
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa (1994)

ISLE OF PALMS

The Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes Resort (1998)

LANDRUM

The Red Horse Inn (2011)

LATTA

Abingdon Manor (1997)

MOUNT PLEASANT

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina (2016)

MYRTLE BEACH

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes (2007)
Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes (2005)

NORTH AUGUSTA

Rosemary Inn Bed and Breakfast (2012)

NORTH CHARLESTON

Crowne Plaza Hotel Charleston Airport/Convention Center (2011)
North Charleston Marriott (2017)

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

North Beach Plantation (2011)

Photo:  The Spectator Hotel

SC Works Trident Partners Trident Technical College on Incarcerated Veteran Re-Entry Program

March 20, 2018 by 0 Comments
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PROGRAM’S FIRST GRADUATES RELEASED AND EMPLOYED

CHARLESTON, S.C. (MARCH 20, 2018) — An incarcerated veteran’s transition back into society is often long and arduous. A new re-entry program at MacDougall Correctional Institution, led by SC Works Trident career counselor Scott Cook, helps participants re-enter into society with a purpose, education, training and a job.

SC Works Trident is partnering with Trident Technical College on its $250,000 Veterans’ Education and Transition Support (VETS) Re-entry grant project, designed to provide training and supportive services to 48 participants. Of the first nine released graduates who completed training last December, six obtained construction-related full-time jobs.

Cook, the grant’s program coordinator, works with veterans incarcerated for nonviolent crimes who are 180 days or fewer from release

SC Works Trident Scott Cook

and attend training classes four times a week for approximately sixteen weeks.

“It’s an opportunity to truly turn things around for these guys,” Cook said. “Most students surrender good time credit for early release so they can join the program and gain the skills needed for a stable re-entry into society.”

The classroom in the MacDougall GED Center looks like most any other. Open textbooks, highlighted notes and a slideshow on carpentry skills displays at the front. Cook guides students as they receive hands-on training and works with each individual to set them up for a successful future.

The success of the program’s job placement is attributable largely in part to Cook’s follow-ups once enrollees are released. Cook checks in periodically to ensure graduates are happily employed and to see if they need any assistance.

“Staying in touch and sustaining the momentum are incredibly important. We’re not going to send anyone out there without proper support,” Cook said. “For instance, two of my Summerville students needed housing assistance, so we secured spots at the Fresh Start halfway house, which also provides them with transportation to and from work.”

The strength of the innovative program lies in its collaborative structure, with Cook providing overall coordination of project activities. MacDougall Correctional Institution offers a specialized veterans housing unit and a wealth of supportive services. Trident Technical College provides construction industry job training and grant management.

Non-profit partners, including Military Community Connection, Palmetto Warrior Connection, Goodwill, and the VA Medical Center, provide critical supportive services, including soft skills and work readiness training, professional development seminars, housing support, health and wellness activities, and connections to community support.

For more information, contact Scott Cook at (843) 574-1835 or email scook@eckerd.org.

About SC Works Trident

SC Works Trident helps individuals find their dream career at any age and any stage of their lives, and includes one-stop centers in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. SC Works Trident offers a variety of services to help employers and job seekers meet their workforce development needs, such as skills assessment testing and on-the-job training programs. For the latest on SC Works, visit tridentscworks.org and like us on Facebook.