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.

Charleston’s Dixie Black Pepper Vodka Is Voted The World’s Top Flavored Vodka

April 9, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — The Ultimate Spirits Challenge has awarded Charleston’s own Dixie Black Pepper Vodka the 2018 Chairman’s Trophy as the Top Flavored Vodka. The Ultimate Spirits challenge is the world’s most prestigious and progressive global spirits and cocktail competition, with entries from 52 countries. Besting brands like Deep Eddy, Smirnoff and Absolut, Dixie Black Pepper Vodka’s win highlights the Southeast’s role as a leader in the global craft spirits movement. The victory is also another win for Charleston, recently named the number one city in the United States and the number two city in the world, by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

“We are delighted that Dixie Vodka has been named The Top Flavored Vodka as part of The Ultimate Spirits Challenge for 2018. Dixie Vodka represents Charleston’s exciting and vibrant culinary and spirits scene as a world class producer. The rich culinary and spirits traditions of Charleston inspires creative partners like Dixie Vodka. We are so proud of their success and happy that they are one of us,” said Doug Warner, Director of Media Relations for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Dixie Black Pepper Vodka received a category-leading 95 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge tasting panel, the Chairman’s Trophy and recognition as a Great Value spirit. The prestigious, best-in-class awards further reinforce the Dixie Vodka’s position as The South’s Best Tasting Vodka.

Released in 2014, Dixie Black Pepper Vodka is six-times distilled from all-American non-GMO corn. The base spirit is then infused in two batches for a week each: one with Szechuan black peppercorns, another with serrano peppers. The infusions are blended, resulting in a gluten free, culinary-forward black pepper vodka worthy of the best cocktails, from the ultimate southern bloody mary to oyster shooters and mules.

“Dixie Black Pepper Vodka elevated the flavor profile of our signature Bloody Mary years ago. Since then our awards, sales and outstanding reviews have only continued to grow thanks in part to our ongoing partnership with Dixie Vodka,” said Tyler Alford – Vice President of Operations, Tupelo Honey.

For a Lowcountry twist on the ever-popular bloody mary, try a Dixie Chili Mary with 2 ounces Dixie Black Pepper Vodka, six ounces Charleston Mix Bloody Mary Mix, ¼ teaspoon chili oil and the juice of ¼ lemon: shake hard and pour over ice in a high ball glass rimmed with celery salt and black pepper.

Dixie Black Pepper Vodka’s win will serve to further the scope of Dixie Vodka’s growing imprint on the national and southeastern craft food and beverage scene. Dixie Vodka can be found in premier restaurants and retailers throughout the southeast. Connect with Dixie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT DIXIE VODKA
Dixie Vodka launched in South Carolina in 2014 by Grain & Barrel Spirits and now includes four unique flavors: Dixie Southern Vodka, Dixie Black Pepper, Dixie Mint and Dixie Citrus. Dixie Vodka embodies both premium quality and affordability, allowing food and drink enthusiasts to create signature cocktails that perfectly fit their lifestyle. Celebrated as the South’s Best Tasting Vodka, Dixie Vodka represents the best of southern craftsmanship and hospitality. Awards include the top Platinum Medal, as voted by consumers, at the 2014 – 2017 Sip Awards, along with multiple Gold Medals and “Best Buy” endorsements by the Beverage Testing Institute. Dixie Vodka is proud to be a member of 1% For The Planet. Bottled at 80-proof, Dixie Vodka retails for $18.99 for a 750 ml bottle.

PRESS INQUIRIES, CONTACT:
Sawyer Armstrong, Green Olive Media
(404) 815-9327
sarmstrong@greenolivemedia.com

How Much Does Your Household Need to Make to Buy a House in South Carolina (And the rest of the U.S.)?

April 9, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Howmuch.net has collected average home prices for every state from Zillow which were then plugged into a mortgage calculator to figure out monthly payments. The interest rate used varied from 4 to 5% in each state, depending on the market. The lower the interest rate, the lower the monthly payment. To keep things simple, they assumed buyers could contribute a 10% down payment.

Another factor to keep in mind is that financial advisors commonly recommend the total cost of housing take up no more than 30% of gross income (the amount before taxes, retirement savings, etc.). Using this rule as our benchmark, they calculated the minimum salary required to afford the average home in each state.

Let us start with the Top 5 Best and Worst:

Top 5 Places Where You Need the Lowest Salaries to Afford the Average Home

1. West Virginia: $38,320 for a house worth $149,500
2. Ohio: $38,400 for a house worth $149,900
3. Michigan: $40,800 for a house worth $160,000
4. Arkansas: $41,040 for a house worth $161,000
5. Missouri: $42,200 for a house worth $165,900

Top 5 Places Where You Need the Highest Salaries to Afford the Average Home

1. Hawaii: $153,520 for a house worth $610,000
2. Washington, DC: $138,440 for a house worth $549,000
3. California: $120,120 for a house worth $499,900
4. Massachusetts: $101,320 for a house worth $419,900
5. Colorado: $100,200 for a house worth $415,000

Where do we stand in South Carolina?

$58,840 Salary for a house worth $150,600*

*Zillow Average South Carolina Home Price

Food & Bev

Grubhub Expands Delivery Offering to 34 Additional Markets Nationwide including Charleston, S.C.

April 8, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

From Honolulu to Charleston, more restaurants can now use Grubhub’s delivery capabilities, giving diners a wider restaurant selection

CHICAGO, April 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Grubhub, the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering company, has expanded its delivery capabilities to 34 more markets across 19 states. The expansion was completed throughout the first quarter of 2018 and is part of Grubhub’s plan to grow its delivery network to reach more than 100 new markets this year.

These cities join the more than 80 markets throughout the U.S. that already have Grubhub Delivery capabilities, which allow restaurants to offer their menus for delivery and provide diners with better restaurant choice and variety. Restaurants partnering with Grubhub for delivery include national and regional options like Buffalo Wild Wings, BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, On the Border and The Cheesecake Factory® in many markets. As Yum! Brands’ only national partner for ordering and delivery, Grubhub will also be adding KFC and Taco Bell locations to these markets across the country in the coming months.

With the expansion, Grubhub’s delivery capabilities will now be available to restaurants in the following markets:

Little Rock, AR
Bakersfield, CA
Fresno, CA
Modesto, CA
Stockton, CA
Deltona & Daytona Beach, FL
Lakeland, FL
Sarasota, FL
Augusta, GA
Honolulu, HI
Boise, ID
Fort Wayne, IN
Des Moines, IA
Wichita, KS
Baton Rouge, LA
Shreveport, LA
Jackson, MS
Springfield, MO
Fayetteville, NC
Greensboro, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Akron, OH
Canton, OH
Dayton, OH
Toledo, OH
Youngstown, OH
Oklahoma City, OK
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Greenville, SC
Chattanooga, TN
Memphis, TN
Corpus Christi, TX
Tacoma, WA

“We’re thrilled to expand our delivery offering to these markets across the U.S., making quick progress on our plan to expand our delivery capabilities throughout the coming year,” said Stan Chia, chief operating officer, Grubhub. “These additional markets are part of our vision to connect more diners with even more of their favorite local restaurants across the country, and provide them with the widest selection of choice wherever they are.”

Grubhub has always connected diners with restaurants that supply their own drivers. With Grubhub Delivery, restaurants without their own delivery capabilities now have the opportunity to leverage Grubhub’s large and growing network of drivers to expand their customer base and grow order volume. This also provides better restaurant choices and variety for Grubhub diners, as more restaurants can now offer their menus for delivery.

To find takeout restaurants available in your area, check out grubhub.com. If you are interested in becoming part of the Grubhub Delivery team, please visit driver.grubhub.com. To find out how your restaurant can join Grubhub, check out get.grubhub.com. To learn more about Grubhub and its portfolio of brands, please visit newsroom.grubhub.com.

About Grubhub
Grubhub (NYSE: GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile takeout food ordering marketplace with the largest and most comprehensive network of restaurant partners, as well as the largest diner base. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub strives to elevate food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub is proud to work with more than 80,000 restaurant partners in over 1,600 U.S. cities and London. The Grubhub portfolio of brands includes Grubhub, Seamless, Eat24, AllMenus and MenuPages.

Silent but Deadly: A Personal Charleston Opioid Addiction Story

April 6, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mackenzie Miller

It has crept upon us, and it’s hard to tell who it comes from. No. It’s not what you think. I am referring to the gradual prevalence of opioid addiction that has traversed our nation. With its rising death toll, it has been declared a national epidemic. Dare I say the “T” word. My addiction crept up over the course of eight months after a knee surgery. At first, my doctor prescribed me bottles of Oxycodone (Oxy) for my physical pain. After a while, that pain diminished. What was left was an emotional pain. An emptiness created by my isolation that needed to be suppressed. Oxy was my solution. My doctor kept prescribing it to me as long as I appeared to be in physical pain.

I tried to convince myself that I could stop whenever I wanted. I told myself I would stop once my knee was back to normal, whatever that meant. But deep down, I knew that was a lie. It wasn’t until my addiction starting affecting my job that I noticed my cavalier habit was a sincere problem. The job is usually what goes first. It’s gone after one blink. Plus, the week-long stint in the hospital was an eye opener.

One lesson I learned from this enlightening experience, aside from the obvious, is to choose your friends wisely. I am lucky to have a great group of friends. These loyal friends of mine sprinted into action once they were aware of my problem. I hid it well. When you have friends here and there that don’t all know each other, it makes it easy to slowly withdraw from them. But it didn’t take them long to put the pieces together, noticing all the red flags along the way.

Choose your friends wisely. The ones who will buy tampons for you in the middle of the night. The ones who will drive you to the airport at four in the morning. Keep those around. They are the ones who will be visiting you in the hospital while you are hooked up to two IVs and pissing in a bed pan.

*The name has been changed to protect the privacy of the author

We would like to thank the author for her courage in sharing this story with us.

Sunset Cruise Added to Second Sunday Experience in Charleston

April 3, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, SC— The Charleston Peninsula Preservation Trust, the group producing 2nd Sunday on King Street, announced today that fans of the event can board the three-masted Tall Ship Schooner Pride at 6 p.m. for a relaxing evening sail in Charleston Harbor and enjoy tasting several unique wines from Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.

In this two-hour sail, guests will learn the nuances of different fine wines each month, while enjoying light hors d’oeuvres. They will experience the wonder of sailing with Charleston Harbor Tours while the sun sets on the classic 84-foot Tall Ship.

Guests can help hoist the sails if they wish, then sit back in comfort as the wind moves the Schooner Pride through the waters of one of the oldest ports in the country.

Each cruise will feature a tasting of 4-5 wines hand-selected by an expert consultant. Additional wine will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle. The cruises will run monthly through October with varied departure times determined by the time of the setting sun. Tickets are available at https://goo.gl/yuZjgv. Only 40 seats are available for each monthly sail, making the experience more intimate.

Proceeds will benefit Charleston Peninsula Preservation Trust, a 501(c)(3) corporation that produces 2nd Sunday on King Street.

35 Years Ago, Bill Murray Schooled Sarah Jessica Parker on “Square Pegs”

April 1, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Some of you may remember a quirky little high school show from the 1980’s with Jami Gertz, Tracy Nelson and Sarah Jessica Parker by the name of Square Pegs created by Anne Beatts. The show aired from 1982 to 1983.

Of course you do and for those that don’t, it was like Saved by the Bell, but with a heavier focus on the female experience in high school. Before we had Smartphones, Instagram, Facebook, Blackberries or chat rooms, we faced life’s challenges up front. From popularity, to high school torture, to just fitting in, high school was an experience we will never forget. For many, it was those inspirational teachers that shaped who we have become and got us through the daily trials.

On February 14, 1983, the episode “No Substitutions” aired with a special appearance by Bill Murray as Mr. McNulty. He plays a substitute teacher that turns the school upside down with his crazy antics. This was prime Bill with all his weirdness and flamboyant energy.

Sit back for the next 24 minutes and 48 seconds and enjoy early and rarely seen Bill Murray in “Square Pegs” and watch how he goes toe to toe with a young Sarah Jessica Parker

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

April 1, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

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 Charleston Daily 1 Comment

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 Charleston Daily 0 Comments

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 Charleston Daily 0 Comments

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.