Charleston Harbor Fish House – Brings Fresh Seafood and History Together

 

By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

The Charleston Harbor Fish House, located at 32 Patriots Point Road is hidden well for a very specific reason, dare we say many reasons.

  • Intimate marina ambiance with magical harbor view of the USS Yorktown, sailboats and gorgeous western sunset.
  • Open outdoor second floor bar and dining area to feel the breeze of the harbor while enjoying a refreshing cocktail
  • Exquisite menu of fresh seafood, raw, cooked and fried to meet all your needs.
  • A walk through life on the water, with decor focused on a lifestyle on the water.
  • A warm and receptive staff from the wait service to management.

Haleigh was a model of sunshine as our waitress and representative face of the restaurant.  Her demeanor, pleasantries and warmth as we enjoyed a quiet evening out was presented almost flawlessly.  We were given the best table in the restaurant, situated on the far right corner by the back window overlooking the Yorktown and the sun setting just to our left.

As you make your way through the menu, it will come as no surprise that most of the entree selections are seafood based.  If you do not take part in seafood dining, there are three incredible options including braised short ribs, Filet Mignon and Buttermilk fried chicken.

If you are with a group and love the idea of raw indulgences, the Chilled Seafood Castle and Tower will be a perfect way to start or maintain all of you.  This is priced at market but includes:  Gulf and East Coast Oysters, little neck clams, mussels, Gulf Shrimp, snow crab legs, crab claws and lobster tails.  I think this sharable list of delights speaks for itself.

Grilled and Chilled Watermelon Salad
Grilled and Chilled Watermelon Salad

I was in a mood for a refreshing salad to whet my palate and I have to say, they have one of the most creative and refreshing spring and early fall salads I have ever enjoyed.  The grilled and chilled watermelon salad was a sizable thick slice of watermelon lightly grilled and chilled with a bed of arugula, feta cheese, marinated tomatoes, mint and chili oil on top.  With a solid watermelon foundation, a bit of spice and the right mix of tomato and feta, every bite was an enhanced rainbow of flavor.  This alone, could have served as a meal for many.

The smoked Salmon flat bread and Cedar Plank Salmon were the main courses of the evening.  The flat bread was a healthy 10 inches round made with a house ricotta, dill and preserved lemon and topped with a good portion of very fresh smoked salmon.  The richness of the ricotta and tangy smoked salmon made for a very nice combination.  Initially, I was not sure how that would fair, but it was a successful play.  The dill added for a nice aftertaste.

The salmon came out on a hot cedar plank.  Presented as a dark orange-pink and topped with a Sriracha honey-glaze and sided with grilled zucchini and smashed potatoes, the appearance was just as good as the taste.  A well designed and prepared coastal entree.

Fish House also offers tuna, grouper, swordfish crab cakes and shrimp & grits so do a little research first.  If you go in cold, you may have a difficult time narrowing your selection down.

From the initial setting of the sun to the darkness and Ravenel Bridge lights reflecting on the harbor, the Charleston Harbor Fish House delivered a memorable meal and very comforting dining experience.

Smoked Salmon Flat Bread
Smoked Salmon Flat Bread

ZZ Ward and Friends Rock the Music Farm

By Mark A. Leon
Article By Mark A. Leon / Photography by Minta Pavliscsak

If you heard shaking on the peninsula last night, it was not from a mini earthquake hitting the fault line, but a collective movement of jumping, clapping and screaming from the composed direction of ZZ Ward.  Last evening, the Charleston Music Farm released a level of musical energy not seen for a long time provided by the Pied Piper ZZ Ward and her friends Marc Scibilia and Young Wild.

We begin the evening early with a meet and greet.  As ZZ Ward stepped out in a carefully chosen outfit right from the racks of a designer consignment shop, the few select fans clapped and smiled.  Her genuine smile and caring demeanor shined as she took pictures, signed autographs and enjoyed a few quiet moments with her dedicated fans.

Like the drop of a hat, at 7:30 a group of young musicians calling themselves Young Wild gave a spirited 30 minute set.  During a musical break, they indicated this had been the furthest from home they had ever toured.  That youthful charm, vulnerability and fun upbeat sound was a fine way to introduce a very entertaining evening of music, fan participation and all out celebration of love, heartbreak and life.

Marc Scibilia took the stage next.  First glance from the floor and you felt like you were looking at a young Lenny Kravitz with his dark frizzy hair, tight guitar riffs and powerful stage presence.  After a powerful opening, Marc slowed the tempo with Wide Open Arms, a love song with references to Rhianna and youth.

During Better Man, he introduced a strong lyrical performance highlighted by the line, “I’m a frail man.  I ain’t no fucking fairy tale.”  That song lyrically remained with me long after the set was complete.

Marc ScilbiliaAs the pace was once again turned up a notch, Marc got the house up for a dance party with Everybody is Somebody.

Finally he reminded us that we need each other with How Bad We Need Each Other because “storms never come to stay”.  With a performance scheduled for the Today Show on September 18, I think we are going to see great things from this multi-layered talent.

At 9:35, beams of blue, white and red strobe lights scorched into the crowded as a drummer and two guitarists situated themselves around the stage.  In her short red dress and black hat and a smile that lit up the stage, ZZ Ward stepped out center stage and immediately played to the screams of the crowd.  After a quick and powerful mini set to open, she reminded her fans of their importance in her journey and invited us to take a step back to her roots and go on a musical trip together.  She recalled a hot steamy show in Charleston over a year ago and graciously thanked the fans for continuing to stay by her side.

Her cheery soulful angst presence took us through periods of her life with penetrating lyrics and emotional undertones.

“When your strength is not enough, I’ll rescue you” came from Rescue You off her new EP; a powerful reminder of love, friendship and commitment.  Shortly after, with her hypnotic eyes and girl next door beauty, ZZ Ward played up the sexiness of Charleston and transitioned into Charlie Ain’t Home, a defining crowd participation song.

The set concluded with the belting power ballet, Blue Eyes Blind.  With her powerful soul driven vocals and strong instrumental support the song had the crowd dancing, jumping and wanting more.

For fans of ZZ Ward, lyrics like, “You set me straight, just like an arrow, Until we lay, caught in the afterglow, My world was gray with all the others, Until you came, you showed me colors,” from Blue Eyes Blind are a reminder of that love is fragile, but worth the risk and in the end, it is about those moments shared and the future that make the journey all worth it.

Photography by Minta Pavliscsak

From her opening of Put the Gun Down to her set conclusion, the powerful rock and blues induced set inspired a packed house at the Charleston Music Farm.  It didn’t take long for ZZ Ward and the band to return to the fans for an encore.  This time they turned it up a notch and took the stage to the crowd.  With her lead guitarist, she walked down the steps and walked into the center of the crowd.  With a circle forming around and IPhones for all the eye to see, she sang Love3x with the audience in a jubilant delight.

As the encore concluded, I found myself looking around at the crowd clapping and dancing and screaming.  It was a level of excitement I have not witnessed at a concert in a long time.

With a rich medley of rock, dance and blues, ZZ Ward and friends brought the house from its knees to reaching for the clouds.  From the balconies to the floor, the fans celebrated the passion of music with admiration and a whole lot of fun.

Photography by Minta Pavliscsak

Let Smoke BBQ Simmer Their Way into Your Heart

By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

Many of you may know Smoke BBQ from their well travel food truck days.  What many may not know is that they have a restaurant situated on Upper King at 487 King Street.

To review this restaurant, I need to take a step back from the food and begin with the drink menu created by local mixologist Russ Friar.  Russ has spend time at Zia’s and the Rarebit and has created a carefully crafted selection of drinks that truly hit the palate with a punch and slip down in a cool refreshing slide.  Using high quality spirits and a unique blend of ingredients, Smoke offers a true liquid dining experience that stands alone.  The Smoke version of the Moscow Mule with some additional additives is worth an hour or two at the bar.  The bar staff is as eclectic and fun as they get.  I was fortunate enough to engage with a  peninsula girl and a James Island guy.  Both exceptional bartenders and yet both had different views on hospitality from the standpoint of the downtown and James Island/Folly Beach cultures.  This banter along with a nature channel show on bees and insects made for an entertaining evening.

The men’s room is a classy and artistic time machine ride back to the 1960’s and 70’s.  The walls are ordained with very tasteful and classy pages from issues of Playboy.  It took me back to childhood and my years of curiosity and discovery.

Time for the main attraction, good old wholesome Southern BBQ.  You will not go wrong with some Texas Bricket or slow smoked pork.  I would like to focus on two specific item:  Pastrami Rueben and Cuban.

The Pastrami Rueben is exceptional.  The pastrami is cooked for sixteen hours and topped with house sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese, Thousand Island Dressing and held together with a marble rye.  Not only will the smell and taste take you away as the tender meat slips down your throat, but the portions will make it difficult for you to stand up and leave after.

If that didn’t win you over, the Cuban will.  This absolute culinary delight straight from the heart of Miami takes a delicious Aioli spread to complement the slow cooked pork, ham, house pickles and Swiss cheese.  The richness of this sandwich will remind you that a sandwich can literary explode with flavor with every bite.

If you are a cole slaw fan, you must try their homemade concoction consisting of red Cabbage, green apple, heirloom carrot and candied walnut.  It is a sweet surprise and beautiful accessory to your main course.

Smoke BBQ will win you over once you step in the door with smells of the deep South and a rich reminder of how meat is meant to taste.  Make sure you enjoy a cocktail, some really good staff conversation to make for a complete dining experience.

 

Cuban
Cuban

 

From their family to yours: Hyman’s Restaurant Brings Southern Cuisine with a Smile

By JaMonie Moore
By JaMonie Moore

It was an average Wednesday afternoon when some friends and I were walking around downtown Charleston, looking for a place to get some authentic Lowcountry seafood at a reasonable price. While on our search, we came across Hyman’s Seafood on Meeting Street. When we arrived, there was a short wait, but the restaurant’s gift shop gives us something to do in the interim. It is full of unique items, all showcasing parts of the Lowcountry. Once inside the restaurant and seated, we begin to fall in love. When we were sat, I noticed that there was a plaque at my place setting that said “Oprah Winfrey sat here”. Unbeknownst to my friends and myself, Hyman’s has attracted a number of celebrities visiting Charleston. All over the restaurant there were pictures of celebrities who have eaten at Hyman’s and still come back when they visit Charleston.

As we waited for our server, I began to look around and noticed all of the history within this restaurant. Hyman’s has been in the same location for over 112 years beginning as a dry goods store and evolving into its current state of Lowcountry dining. Hyman’s is also family-owned and operated. All throughout our time there; the “Ambassadors of Goodwill” were coming around to make sure every customer was enjoying their visit.

Our server was very polite and knowledgeable of the menu and the fish board. I ordered the pick three for $19.95. There are over ten items on the pick three menu for guests to mix and match to their satisfaction. I had fried shrimp, the Carolina Style shrimp & grits with creamy white Parmesan sauce, and Hyman’s famous salmon croquette, which is a Southern specialty.

For an appetizer, while we waited, we ordered the Wadmalaw Delight: fried green tomatoes served on grits with a creamy cheese sauce. I’m not a huge fan of tomatoes, but these fried green tomatoes were one of the best parts of my dining experience. We also had boiled peanuts, which are one of my favorite things to munch on and they did not disappoint.

The food was presented well on the plates and the portions were ideal. My shrimp was fluffy and fried to a golden crisp, along with my salmon croquette, topped with Cajun sauce and lightly fried onion rings.

What impressed me the most about my meal was the Carolina-Style shrimp and grits. It wasn’t what I usually expect when I receive shrimp and grits. The parmesan sauce was definitely what puts this shrimp in grits plate in its own category. The grits were cooked to perfection and mix perfectly with the lightly sautéed shrimp, which were then covered in this creamy Parmesan sauce. I have to say that was the best shrimp and grits I have ever had in a Charleston restaurant.

While we were eating, general manager Chad Walker, came to our table to make sure that our food was cooked to our satisfaction and we were enjoying our visit. He also gave us Hyman’s stickers and a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream in the general store downstairs.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with my visit to Hyman’s Seafood, from the minute we walked into the door. I loved my meal and every piece of food I came in contact with sent my taste buds on a roller-coaster ride full of flavor.

I also love the fact that the restaurant is family oriented and they care about their customers. Hyman’s embodies every piece of southern hospitality and local fresh food here in Charleston. You will not leave unsatisfied, because Hyman’s aims to please and in our experience didn’t miss.

Quirkiness of Historic Ravenel – Just a Stone Throw Away

When was the last time you got in your car and drove 30 minutes out of town just to explore.  In case you didn’t know, South Carolina is filled with unique and quirky little towns, marshes, residents, and traditional quaint living.  There is so much to see if you just take yourself off the main stretch and let yourself be free.

We spent a few hours outside the Charleston city limits to see what we could discover in the town of Ravenel, SC.  Here is what we found in this town of 2465 people.

Built in 1842, this Baptist Church is no longer in service, but look what we found inside.

This was the highlight of the morning finding this organ piano.  I true piece of history.

RIP

If two words can bring a tear to your eyes, this tombstone did it.

scarlet

Wonder where Scarlet was hiding all these years?

We have cactus in South Carolina and they are situated right on Scarletts Retreat

Maybe a quirky roadside antique shop is more your speed.

antiques

We encountered some turn of the century photos.

flea market

A flea market filled with true old treasures is always a great way to spend some time.

horse

Maybe you want to feel like you are part of the old west.

creek1

Make sure you go to the creek and catch an nice summer breeze.

All this less than 30 minutes from your doorstep right in Charleston County.  Next time you are thinking, what should we do?  Go explore and maybe catch a bite at Angel Oak Restaurant on the way back to Charleston.

A Charleston Adventure Awaits: Great Activity Spots in the Lowcountry

Wild Blue Ropes

Is your blood flowing?

Are you ready for an activity filled day?

Is your Goonies side about to burst?

Look no further Charleston.  Charleston Daily wants to recommend a few places where you can let loose, have a blast and create lasting memories and maybe event a few sore muscles.  Sit back and enjoy these recommendations and then get out and do them.

Skyzone Indoor Trampoline Park – 411 Wando Park Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC – Whether it is a few friends, a big birthday party of a couples bounce around, this indoor playground will have you hopping, bouncing and flipping all day long.

Wild Blue Ropes – Rope Courses / Team Challenge – 1595 Highland Avenue, Charleston, SC (James Island) – Are you looking for a great corporate team building event, overcoming your feel of heights or always wanted to feel like Indiana Jones?  This is the place for you.  With over 20 unique challenges ranging in difficulty level, you can test your own personal limits with an incredibly knowledgeable and warm staff.  Make it a day on the ropes.

Coastal Climbing – 708 King Street, Charleston, SC – Who is in the mood for some rock climbing?  This indoor facility with a staff itching for adventure will help you feel as if you are hiking some of the steepest mountains in the world.  Come and get a day pass and see how high you can go.

Climbing Wall – James Island County Park – 861 Riverland Drive, James Island, SC – Maybe outdoor rock climbing is your thing.  At the James Island County Park, you can climb until you touch the clouds.  Enjoy a day of rock climbing and if you need to unwind after, there is a challenging disc golf course right next door.

Skyzone
Skyzone

Climbing Wall – Joint Base Charleston – Arthur Drive across from softball fields.  If you live in the Goose Creek or North Charleston area and driving to James Island or Charleston peninsula is too far to climb, there is an option for you.

Charleston Rush – Go Karting / Laser Tag – 3550 Ashley Phosphate Road, North Charleston, SC – Where can I kart and play laser tag and maybe slip in a little air hockey.  We got you covered at Charleston Rush.

Carolina Ice Palace – Ice Skating – 7665 Northwoods Blvd, North Charleston, SC – Want to stay cool in the heat of the summer?  Escape the heat and humidity and pop on your best ice skates.  Whether it is skating, figure skating or hockey, this is the place to get your ice on.

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark – 8888 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC – Maybe water sports, rides and a whole lot of slipping and playing is your style.  This is fun for the entire family.

Charleston Hanger Skatepark – 1549 Oceanic Street, Charleston, SC – This is the future of boarding in Charleston.  This state of the art complex will raise the bar for skate boarding talent in the Charleston area.

I think we have your activity calendar covered.  Enjoy the thrills.

 

From Graceland to Charleston: Pour House Brings The Music of Paul Simon to Life

pour3By Mark A. Leon

Music is forever; music should grow and mature with you, following you right on up until you die.– Paul Simon

One Band; Ten Members; One night; All Paul Simon

“The way the camera follows us in slo-mo” showered through the microphone at 9:50 PM on Wednesday night as ten musicians banded together to pay homage to the legendary Paul Simon.  From the first note of Boy in the Bubble to the final encore and reprise of Call me Al at 12:45 PM, the night was filled with a collaborative tribute to the man who has donned us with iconic, thought provoking and get up and dance lyrics and music for over 50 years.

Paul Simon has evolved and re-defined his music over the years from the harsh brutal streets of New York with a comforting sense of home to the struggles of Africa.  The pure honesty in his lyrics have given generations fuel for thought and change.

The first set was a unique concept bringing the entire Graceland album to life from The Boy in the Bubble to All Around the World (Or The Myth of Fingerprints).  Each musician, including some special guests, lent their vocals to some of their personal favorites.  The crowd was won over immediately and maintained a level of energy well into Thursday morning.

The second set brought us back to our familiar classics including Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Still Crazy After All These Years, 50 Ways to Leave your Lover and Obvious Child.

The final two performances of the act took us down a sentimental path with Mother and Child Reunion and Slip Slidin’ Away.

As the words, “you know the nearer your destination, the more you’re slip slidin’ away” came from the stage, we observed fans swaying, eyes closed absorbing the power of a song that defines the notion of lost opportunity and love.  It was a poignant way to end the set.

The band did return for one final reprise of Call Me Al to showcase the individual instrumental talents of these fine musicians that came together for this tribute.  The ensemble included guitar, accordion, symbols, drums, keyboards, base, bongos, trombone and saxophone.  Each member of that band brought a tremendous amount of talent and a truly spectacular tribute to Mr. Paul Simon.

Throughout the concert, the Pour House complimented the music with strobe lighting and images of Paul Simon and pictures related to the mood of the songs.

During a musicians life, to be recognized with rewards and honors is a beautiful symbol of your achievements, but when fellow musicians pay homage to the embodiment of your life’s work, there are no words to define the importance of such an act.

Tonight, was a memorable act of kindness from the musicians of Charleston to the great Paul Simon.

pour2

Great Charleston Escape: Edisto Beach – Botany Bay Plantation

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Just 45 minutes outside of Charleston lies a natural preserve that is saturated with beautiful birds up above, millions of shells in all shapes and sizes, trees and huts mounted into the soft white sand, a fresh ocean breeze and the sound of soft waves crashing.  After a half mile walk on the pier, you will find this re-energizing site.

Before we take you on a Charleston Daily photographic visit to Botany Bay Plantation and Edisto Beach, we wanted to share a few facts with you.

  • From entrance to exist, you will drive seven mils through the park which consists of 4687 acres and two plantations.
  • On the land is a house, pasture and barn built in the 1930’s.  Its last resident was Margaret “Peggy” Meyer Pepper.  We just love to say the name.
  • In the 1850’s Admiral Perry brought a Chinese gardener by the name of Oqui who laid out a fine oriental garden consisting of olive, citrus and spice trees as well as poppies, sugar can and many flowers and vegetables.
  • Among the wildlife on the preserve are wild turkeys, deer, doves, fox squirrels and songbirds.
  • Indian Point was a community of Cusabo Indians (Edisto) that inhabited the area in 2500  B.C.
  • On the upper end of Jason’s Lake, there is a brick beehive well that was built in 1825 and once stood 12 feet high
  • There is a 470 dollar fine if you remove any shells or life from the beach preserve

Enjoy this visual journey with us…

Entrance to the park - Spooky
Entrance to the park – Spooky

 

Known as the Icehouse
Known as the Icehouse

 

Old tool shed
Old tool shed

 

Dedication stone near the still algae filled lake
Dedication stone near the still algae filled lake

 

Still as the night air
Still as the night air

 

Shells resting on an old tree stomp
Shells resting on an old tree stomp

 

Conch at rest
Conch at rest

 

 

Row of conch
Row of conch

 

Tree rests in the sand
Tree rests in the sand

 

Shells forever
Shells forever

 

Man made hut on the beach
Man made hut on the beach

 

Birds gliding in the wind
Birds gliding in the wind

 

Gorgeous conch shell
Gorgeous conch shell

 

We hope you enjoyed this journey and we urge you to make a day trip soon.

Botany Bay Plantation Information

Wild Olive – Makes You Crazy about Food in Charleston

By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

It is often said an adventure can lead to an unexpected treasure. John’s Island has a rich tradition of natural beauty, untapped natural preserves and a very illustrious collection of fine restaurants to whet the appetite. Names you may be familiar with include Sweeney’s, Fat Hen, Southern General, Sunrise Bistro Xpress, Seanachai and the soon to be opened Tattooed Moose. One name has defined itself for its warm inviting staff, enriching Italian cuisine and fine wine selection. That is Wild Olive.

Among the list of some of the top restaurants in Charleston, it may surprise some to know that one that lies hidden on Maybank Highway on John’s Island is one of the best dining experiences in the area.
We were welcomed with “Ahoy Mateys” as we entered the restaurant and approached the hostess stand on Tuesday evening. The walls were ordained with crayon portraits from young fans. To our left was the bar area and community table and all around were three sectioned off dining areas to meet any group or intimate couple’s needs.

The wine rack just behind the hostess stand gave us a good indication that the selection offered would entice all our palates.

We chose to sit at the bar, engage in banter with our bartender Chris and enjoy a sampling of entrees and appetizers. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wild Olive offers a selection of red and white wines for $19.00 by the bottle. We took heed of a recommendation from our new friend behind the bar and were very satisfied. A rich bold red with just a hint of spice that lingered along with the undertones of cherry and currant. This complimented what would be a perfect medley of sharable cuisine.

rav3We opened with the Agnolotti stuffed with orange braised duck, ricotta, natural braising sugo, parmesan and scallion. The sauce was mild with an explosion of flavor. The rich thick ravioli style pasta had a juicy texture and a healthy portion of braised duck. We had to admit that the sauce was so good that we scooped up the remainder with our bread. Not classy, but so yummy.

Next we moved from entrée to appetizer. A bit non-traditional but our thought process led us to this path. We ordered the Suppli al telefono risotto fritters stuffed with sausage, spinach, parmesan, mozzarella along with a side dish of smashed fried potatoes with truffled aioli, scallion and parmesan. I must start by saying the fried potatoes took us to another place. This is a must. Regardless of what you order, include this side. It is an explosion of amazement in your mouth. The fritters were perfectly round and quite a filling starter. Don’t get misled by the small size. Each ball is about five fork bites. Don’t try and eat it in one bite. There is too much flavor and you will waste the moment.

We did manage to close the bar and the restaurant, but at no moment did we feel rushed to leave. The staff was truly welcoming from entrance to exit.

Wild Olive is a dining attraction for both Johns Island and Charleston. If you are new to the area or a local that has never experienced this cuisine, we strongly recommend a night out.

 

From the Office to the Water: Burton Swain Makes a Paddle boarding Dream a Reality

Article by Juliette Cheatham - Photo provided by Juliette
Article by Juliette Cheatham – Photo provided by Juliette

It’s a story everyone can relate to: attending school for years, paying thousands of dollars for a Bachelors Degree, then several thousand more for a Masters. Signing away all of your hopes and dreams to work for whichever nondescript corporation offers the highest paycheck. Of course it sounds glamorous at first; a contract with potential bonuses, savings plans, and benefits. It feels like all the hard work and money was worthwhile and everyone is so proud of your accomplishments.

Then reality sets in… Day after monotonous day in an office cubical you crunch numbers under fluorescent lighting and white walls as you sit next to Bob, or is it Rob? It doesn’t even matter; it’s not like a corporate office job allows for any freedom of expression. Is the pinnacle of life really be a 401k and dental insurance? It certainly wasn’t for Burton Swain.

Swain, a graduate of UNC Wilmington moved to Charleston, SC six years ago for a logistics job right out of school. After a few too many years being unhappily employed and left feeling unfulfilled from his work environment, he decided it was time for a change.

“I was working seven to seven, six days a week and I was completely miserable doing it. I kind of had this epiphany. I deiced to quit and spend a few months back packing around Europe rediscovering what was important to me.”

While traveling abroad, he started trying to identify what in life was most important to him and how to create a life with happiness as the center. Going to school in Wilmington, Burton was always drawn to the Charleston for it’s similar laid back feel and close proximity to the ocean.

An idea struck him in Interlaken, Switzerland during a day of whitewater rafting through the Alps. His favorite memories were always on the water, “whether it was wake boarding, surfing, kayaking, or skirfing. I spent most of my time with my friends outside on a boat.”

That was essentially how Swain’s idea for a mobile standup paddle board company, Chuck SUP, was born!
“My business partner and friend from college has a very similar company in Wilmington. His idea combined with my own passions inspired me to create a like minded business in Charleston.”

Photo provided by Juliette Cheatham
Photo provided by Juliette Cheatham

There are many SUP companies already in the area, but Burton’s offers a level of accommodation to tourists that has yet to be utilized. Instead of having the paddle board company be the destination, Chuck SUP brings the paddle boards to the customers. Travelers on vacation can call the company and have the boards delivered to their house, the ocean, or an area on the marshes they want to explore. Customers may keep the boards for a few hours or for the entire week if they are vacationing for an extended period of time. Burton offers lessons to those who are new to the SUP game as well as guided tours.
The company is driven by Burton, seven paddle boards, and a dream with ambitions to grow and thrive further in this community. Swain with his calm, cool, laid back, persona makes him the ideal paddle-boarding guide. Whether you’re up for some exciting dolphin watching or just want to take in the calming sights around the ocean, Burton’s got you covered.

Swain says that he’s happier now that he’s working closer to nature and more often on the water doing what he is passionate about. “Although it’s a seasonal job, I think this is a step in the right direction for me.”

We live in a society of pressures to follow a fiscally stable path and often lose sight of our true passions. Burton Swain has taken a tremendous risk to pursue a level of happiness that carries on to his customers and into the Charleston community.

If you want to learn more or talk to Burton about creating an adventure go to his website and his contact number is 843.352.3365.

Photo provided by Juliette Cheatham