4 Local Charleston, South Carolina Restaurants/Bars/Pubs with Affordable Drinks and Food and Electric Vibes

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In Charleston, South Carolina we have a number of great bars and pubs with vibrant energy as well as affordable drinks and food. We would love to give a shoutout to four locations (across various parts o the peninsula) where locals go to unwind without flattening the wallet.

  • Recovery Room Tavern (685 King St, Charleston, SC 29403): Known for its cheap beer and lively atmosphere, with happy hour specials, the Recovery Room breaks all the rules for fun. With theme nights, drink specials and a raw sense of humor that would make Monty Python blush, the Rec Room is a place to be your self and maybe make a new friend. Did we mention they are the number #1 seller of PBR in the nation!

  • The Griffon (18 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401): A cozy British pub offering cheap beer/food and a casual vibe. Let us tell you, the food is satisfying especially the Reuben. Once you walk in, you will see dollar bills from the ceiling to the floor with messages from all around the world. At the bar is a zest for London, an old time dart board by the restrooms and a yearning to watch a Premier League match or Ted Lasso.

  • Big John’s Tavern (251 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401): This dive bar features handcrafted drinks at reasonable prices, solid and dependable food and a rich tradition in Charleston. Recently revamped, Big John’s has a new look, but the same traditional feel of welcomeness and community.

  • Moe’s Crosstown Tavern (714 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403): Offers cheap drinks and food in a relaxed setting. Though the setting is relaxing, expect it to be crowded with locals a lot. This is a true neighborhood bar. That is hard to comprehend in a city known for tourism, but Moe’s nailed it. We cannot emphasize enough how great their sandwiches are.

If you truly want to be local, meet some down to earth good folk and have a few pints, sandwich, salad or fries, you will never go wrong with these 3 spots.

P.S. They spots are frequented by food & beverage workers, so if you meet one, you are in for some great storytelling.

Related: 6 Places to Get Great Fries in Charleston, South Carolina

Related: 5 Great Dive Bars in Charleston, South Carolina

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Big John’s Tavern

OhmIQ, Inc. expands Charleston County operations

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$1.1 million investment will create 21 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – OhmIQ, Inc. (OhmIQ), a world leader in ohmic conduction technology development and licensing, today announced the expansion of its Charleston County operations. The company’s $1.1 million investment will create 21 new jobs. 

With its patented ohmic heating technology, OhmIQ delivers an innovative and sustainable method for electrically heating liquids and other substances rapidly and uniformly by passing electricity through the liquid itself. The company licenses this technology to businesses in various industries including food and beverage, chemical processing, and textiles, enabling increased productivity and competitiveness.

OhmIQ’s new 10,000-square-foot facility, located at 3860 Faber Place Drive in North Charleston, will serve as the company’s global headquarters and research and development center.

Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the OhmIQ team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“OhmIQ couldn’t think of a better place to grow our operations than in the Charleston market. Given the high number of qualified engineers and other professionals, its ease to travel to, and its very attractive environment, North Charleston is a perfect place for our domestic and international clients to visit and support our R&D team.” -OhmIQ, Inc. CEO Frederique Pirenne

“Congratulations to OhmIQ, Inc. on its continued success in Charleston County. We are proud of the opportunities OhmIQ’s expansion will provide for our people and look forward to the impact this will have in the region.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“We are excited to see OhmIQ, Inc. expanding and investing $1.1 million in Charleston County. This announcement is yet another testament to our state’s highly skilled workforce and business-friendly environment, which make it possible for innovative technology companies like OhmIQ to thrive.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“OhmIQ’s innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize industries and positively impact our environment through energy efficiency. We welcome the company’s expansion in North Charleston and look forward to their continued growth and success.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • OhmlQ, Inc. (OhmlQ) is expanding its Charleston County operations.
  • The company’s $1.1 million investment will create 21 new jobs.
  • OhmlQ is a world leader in ohmic conduction technology development and licensing.
  • The company is located at 3860 Faber Place Drive in North Charleston, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the OhmlQ team should visit the company’s careers page

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Charleston and South Carolina Historic Political Facts

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We made it through Election Day.

In the spirit of Election Day, we would like to share some interesting Charleston and South Carolina political facts to help broaden your knowledge of our great land.

Charleston and South Carolina Historic Political Facts:

  • In 1670, settlers arrived at the Ashley River and established a settlement on its west bank, which they named Charles Town in honor of Charles II.  City Assembly established tax-supported free library in that year as well.
  • South Carolina was the 8th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on May 23, 1788.
  • In 1712, the territory of Carolina was divided into North and South; each having its own governor.
  • By 1730, 2/3 of the colony were made up of people of African decent.
  • In 1782, British forces were defeated and Charles Town was regained by the colonists.
  • 1783, Charles Town is renamed Charleston.
  • In the 1820′ South Carolinian John C. Calhoun developed the theory of nullification, by which a state could reject any federal law it considered to be a violation of its rights.
  • In 1861, South Carolina become the first state to secede from the Union.
  • The first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861 at Fort Sumter in the Charleston Harbor.
  • Famous political figures born in South Carolina include Senator Strom Thurmond and Jesse Jackson.
  • Charlestonian, Henry Middleton, was chosen president of the First Continental Congress in 1774. His plantation, Middleton Place, was home to three more generations of prominent South Carolina politicians and is now a carefully preserved National Historic Landmark.
  • Along with Henry Middleton, John and Edward Rutledge, Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden were also named delegates to First Continental Congress.
  • In 1776, Charles Town was named the state capital.  The state capital was moved to Columbia in 1786.
  • For one week in May of 1791, President George Washington, America’s “Founder” and “Father” visited Charleston, SC.
  • In 1869, Joseph Rainey first African-American in South Carolina to become U. S. Representative.
  • A Charleston Judge, J. Watis Waring, dissented from a Federal District Court decision upholding the “separate but equal” doctrine in Briggs v. Elliott in 1951. His dissenting opinion was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court when it ruled in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.
  • In 1963, Rivers High School in Charleston became first racially integrated high school in South Carolina.
  • A state court decision in 1947 opened the Democratic primaries to African-American voters.
  • South Carolina’s legislature has a senate with 46 members and a house of representatives with 124 members. The state sends two senators and seven representatives to the U.S. Congress and has nine electoral votes.
  • From 1876 to 1975 all the state’s governors were Democrats, and South Carolina was part of the “Solid South.”

Enjoy this mornings history and fact lesson.

Columbia, South Carolina named one of Top 10 Most Patriotic Cities in the U.S. by Veterans United Home Loans

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High marks for Veterans Day search trends, voting rate and Veteran-owned businesses place Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, Fla, Spokane, Wash., and Colorado Springs, Colo., as the Top 3

COLUMBIA, Mo., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With Veterans Day approaching, Veterans United Home Loans, the nation’s largest VA lender, today unveiled its list of The 10 Most Patriotic Cities in the U.S., showcasing the metros that are committed to their Veteran communities and the democratic process – two of the most patriotic qualities an American can demonstrate.

The top 10 in rank order are: Crestview-Fort Walton Beach Destin, Fla.; Spokane, Wash.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Madison, Wis.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Columbia, S.C.; Springfield, Mo.; Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, Pa.-N.J.; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minn-Wis. and Columbus, Ga-Ala.

“The markets we’ve highlighted as the top patriotic cities in the U.S. stand out for the support they provide Veterans on a daily basis as well as for their community’s strong commitment to the democratic process,” Chris Birk, vice president of mortgage insight at Veterans United, said. “These are truly special places to live that showcase the best of what our nation offers, not just to the broader community, but especially to the Veterans and service members who’ve served and sacrificed to safeguard our freedoms.”

The most patriotic cities were identified based on Veteran population, the presence of VA health facilities and Veteran-owned businesses, voter turnout rate and the number of searches related to Veterans Day.

Although the top 10 cities rank high in each of the categories, they each show their patriotism in different ways.

Where Veterans call home

The Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin and Colorado Springs metros have the largest Veteran populations, ranging around 17%. Columbus also has a strong Veteran presence with 13% of its residents having served in the military.*

Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin is home to Eglin Air Force Base, one of the largest military bases in the country. The base offers a number of Veterans services, such as financial counseling, transition assistance and employment workshops offered by the base’s Airman and Family Readiness Center, making it a good place for Veterans to call home.

In addition to three military installations – the Air Force Academy, Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base – Colorado Springsoffers service members employment and educational opportunities after their time in service. Major defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have locations in Colorado Springs, while the University of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak State College offer dedicated Veteran service centers and advisors.

The Army’s largest training facility, Fort Jackson, is in Columbia. The base trains about half of all incoming soldiers entering the Army each year. The town’s Veterans Day parade is one of the largest in the Southeast.

Support for Veteran businesses

With relatively small numbers of Veteran populations, the Minneapolis, Allentown and Salt Lake City MSAs have a proportionally high number of Veteran-owned businesses. Estimates show that Veterans make up between 4-5% of Minneapolis’ population, and the metro is home to more than 3,500 Veteran-owned businesses. Allentown is home to 875 Veteran-owned businesses and Salt Lake boasts nearly 1,300, with Veteran populations about 5% and 4.2%, respectively.

Caring for our Veterans

With eight VA healthcare facilities in the metro, including the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison scored highest among the top cities for access to healthcare relative to its Veteran population. Springfield ranked second for Veteran healthcare with the Gene Taylor Veterans’ Outpatient Clinic in the heart of the metro and four other health facilities throughout the surrounding area.

Also ranking high for VA healthcare facilities per Veteran was Spokane, with the Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center offering care alongside six other locations, providing healthcare for around 40,000 Veterans. Despite its high number of Veterans, Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin scored lower for VA health facilities.

Voter turnout

Voter participation in each of the top 10 metros was higher than the 66% national turnout for the 2020 election. Salt Lake City, Madisonand Springfield had the highest turnouts with 90.1%, 89.3% and 83% of residents casting ballots in 2020, respectively.

The standard voter turnout metric considers the turnout of voters, compared to the number of registered voters in the area. When comparing the number of voters to the entire population, Springfield still scores exceptionally high at 67.7%, and nine of the 10 most patriotic cities score higher than the average for the 100 evaluated MSAs, which was 46.4% of the population.

Google: Where can I find Veterans Day celebrations?

Columbus led the most patriotic cities in Veterans Day searches on Google, most likely as result of the metro being home to the National Infantry Museum, events like the Tri-City Veterans Day Parade and initiatives such as “Veterans on Veterans,” a series of panel discussions where Veterans share their stories and connect with the community.

Colorado Springs placed second in Google queries due to a surge of searches for Veterans Day terms, as the Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade. Initially canceled this year due to a lack of funding and participation, the parade was back on only a few days later due to public outcry. In announcing the event would take place, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said, “Let’s show the world that Colorado Springs is a city that honors its Veterans not just with words but with actions. Let’s make this year’s parade the biggest and the best yet.”

Columbia ranked third for Google search trends among the top 10 patriotic cities, likely based on its large concentration of military retirees and the presence of Fort Jackson.

To read more about The 10 Most Patriotic Cities in the U.S., including city profiles and methodology, visit: https://www.veteransunited.com/education/most-patriotic-cities/

*Population estimates are based on the U.S. Census data.

About Veterans United Home Loans

Based in Columbia, Missouri, the full-service national direct lender financed more than $17 billion in loans in Fiscal Year 2023 and is the country’s largest VA lender, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs Lender Statistics. The company’s mission is to help Veterans and service members take advantage of the home loan benefits earned by their service.

VeteransUnited.com | 1-800-884-5560 | 550 Veterans United Drive, Columbia, MO 65201 | Veterans United Home Loans NMLS # 1907 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). A VA approved lender; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Licensed in all 50 states. For State Licensing information, please visit https://www.veteransunited.com/licenses/. Equal Opportunity Lender.

SOURCE Veterans United Home Loans

College of Charleston Alum harnesses her personal story as an NICU mom into her new small business, Kangaroo Cozies

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By Mark A. Leon

Life often presents us with daunting challenges that seem insurmountable. However, these obstacles can transform into miracles, awakening a sense of gratitude or purpose within us. For Julia, her son’s premature birth at 27 weeks, weighing just 2 pounds and spending three months in the NICU, revealed a purpose beyond motherhood: Kangaroo Cozies.

This Charleston-based business, founded by a proud 2013 College of Charleston alumna and mother, offers a carefully curated line of essential products for NICU babies, providing comfort and support during their critical early days.

A portion of every sale is donated to support NICU babies and their families  

About Julia, Founder of Kangaroo Cozies

Hi! I’m Julia, the proud owner of this small business. As a mother of two, and a fellow NICU mom, my journey has deeply influenced my mission to create Kangaroo Cozies.

Our son was born at 27 weeks, weighing just 2 lbs, and spent three months in the NICU. During our NICU journey, finding the perfect clothing for our tiny miracle was a challenge.

Our store offers incredibly soft products, tailored to be gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. My hope is that Kangaroo Cozies provides comfort and support to babies who are currently navigating their own NICU stay.

Governor Henry McMaster Names Eunice Medina as Next Director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today was joined by S.C. Senate President Thomas Alexander and S.C. Speaker of the House Murrell Smith to announce his appointment of Eunice Medina as the next director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). Medina, who currently serves as the chief of staff and deputy director of programs for SCDHHS, will succeed former Director Robert Kerr, who retired on November 1, 2024. 

“The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been a model of excellence under the direction of Robert Kerr, and there is nobody better positioned to build upon the agency’s success than Eunice Medina,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “With her expertise in Medicaid and proven leadership at the executive level of the agency, she will help lead a seamless transition. I am grateful for her willingness to serve in this critical role.”

Medina has served on the SCDHHS executive management team as the chief of staff and deputy director of programs since June 2021 and brings more than 20 years of experience in Medicaid policy and operations. Before joining SCDHHS, she served as a bureau chief with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, where she managed a team of over 60, overseeing Florida’s 18 Medicaid-managed care plans, and worked with the state’s home and community-based services waiver programs. A copy of her resume can be found here.

“For the last 20 years, I have dedicated my career to Medicaid, and for three and a half of those years, I have had the pleasure to serve alongside Director Kerr, working closely with him to set a new strategic direction for the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services,” said Eunice Medina. “I look forward to moving the agency forward and thank Governor McMaster for the faith he has shown in me. I look forward to earning this position through the confirmation process.” 

Medina, 43, is a resident of Columbia, S.C., and a 2004 graduate of Florida State University. A copy of her headshot can be found here.

“Eunice Medina knows SCDHHS, she cares about serving the citizens of our state and we are fortunate to have someone of her caliber willing to step up and be a part of Team South Carolina,” said S.C. Senate President Thomas Alexander. “She has a heart of service, of putting those citizens that need service first, while at the same time being a protector of taxpayer dollars here in South Carolina.”

Governor McMaster worked with state health care leaders and members of the General Assembly to advise and assist him throughout the selection process.

“Director Kerr wanted to build a leadership team behind him that he could trust to lead the agency, and he has done just that,” said S.C. Speaker of the House Murrell Smith. “This is going to be a seamless transition for SCDHHS. The agency has a lot of responsibility but under Director Kerr and Eunice’s leadership they have made the agency the most efficient and solvent that I have seen. She is prepared to continue that track of transparency and service.”

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the South Carolina Senate.

“In my experience with Eunice Medina, I am certain of her willingness to bring the energy and the heart and soul of service,” said Senator Danny Verdin, Chairman of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee. “We look forward to the confirmation process, and as soon as we have the nomination in hand, we will be making this the first order of business for the committee this year.”

“The agency has developed a culture of commitment and purpose while cultivating a leadership team that I believe is unparalleled in South Carolina,” said former SCDHHS Director Robert Kerr. “There is no one more prepared than Eunice Medina to lead that team. Her extraordinary knowledge, her dedication to service, and her values will serve South Carolina well.” 

Charleston, South Carolina Beaches Off-Season Dog Rules

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It is officially the off-season in Charleston, South Carolina (at least for our beaches). With less tourism traffic, there are some favorable adjustments to our dog rules on the beaches.

Thanks to the insightful relationship driven Morgan Wininger, local Realtor of Distinction, here are the rules you need to know when it is time for a doggie beach walk on Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms or Kiawah Island.

Source link: Morgan Wininger

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5 of the Most Expensive Homes for Sale in Historic Charleston, South Carolina (Peninsula) – Range: $6M – $10M

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By Mark A. Leon

Here is a current listing of 5 of the most expensive homes on the peninsula in Historic Downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Click on any of the links for full listing including additional pictures and requests for tours.

$9,745,000 – 46-50 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401 – 13,334 Square Feet

$7,000,000 – 95 Line Street, Charleston, SC 29403 – 13 Beds, 12 Baths, 4929 Square Feet

$6,185,000 – 60 Cannon Street #1/2, Charleston, SC, 29403 – 16 Beds, 13 Baths, 7005 Square Feet

$6,000,000 – 176-178 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401 – 7159 Square Feet

$5,995,000 – 102 Line St #A-B, Charleston, SC 29403 – 24 Beds, 27 Baths, 12,177 Square Feet

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46-50 Queen Street, Charleston, SC

95 Line Street, Charleston, SC 29403

60 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC 29403

176-178 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401

102 Line St #A-B, Charleston, SC 29403
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Charleston Spotlight: For All The Tea in Charleston: A Personalized Private Tea Experience with one of the formidable tea experts in the nation

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By Mark A. Leon

Meet Richard Kligler, owner and operator of For All the Tea in Charleston. Richard’s story and his Charleston local company is spirited and inspiring.

When Richard’s only son Sean was five he was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer. He survived and is living a thriving and happy life, but Sean was one of the lucky few. After that life changing event, Richard, his wife, daughter and son moved to Hong Kong where they would spend the next 12 years. It was here he developed a deeper passion and understanding of the origins, process and taste of tea. He partnered with a countryside generational tea farm master to learn and harness the process of tea, learn the history of tea in the Far East and begin a collection of tea pots and accessories that today is worthy of a museum. (Note: During the time of Sean’s illness and in Hong Kong, Richard has worked closely with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation (SBF) raising over $5M for childhood cancer research).

About 5 years ago, Richard chose to leave a successful company that he had built from the ground up and impart his knowledge and love for tea to others creating For All the Tea in Charleston.

Let’s learn more about For All the Tea in Charleston.

The vision of ‘For All the Tea in Charleston’ is to share with people the South Carolina and Chinese tea culture, also known as Cha Dao (The Way of Tea). Cha Dao includes the preparation of tea and the various occasions which are celebrated in China with the drinking of tea. Using the knowledge of tea culture we invite family, friends, travel groups, and business colleagues to experience and enjoy a guided tea tasting in a casual tranquil atmosphere. The presentation, along with the tasting of fine tea, can enhance the mood, initiate discussions, which leads to developing and strengthening relationships. Tea has united people over the centuries. In addition, tea is well known for its health and wellness benefits!

To complement the tea presentations, the world’s most prized teas are brewed and served. We specialize in teas from heirloom and ancient trees, born from seeds planted by generations before us. Every single tea tree is different from one another. The tea harvesting and processing techniques are the result of centuries of refinement.

When you book an experience, this private and personalized tea journey will:

  • Introduce you to the finest teas in the world
  • Provide a deep history and understanding of the origins of tea
  • Learn the ways of the Far East in the preparation and enjoyment of tea
  • Discover the health properties of tea
  • Spend time with a master storyteller

Are you ready for a special unique experience?

The Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble 5K in Charleston, SC dates back to 1914 and remains one of the biggest timed 5K in the U.S.

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The Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble 5K in Charleston, SC sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, has evolved significantly since its inception in 1914. Originally a footrace from Charleston to Summerville, it was reimagined in 1978 into the current 3.1-mile format known as the Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble 5K.

Over the years, it has grown into South Carolina’s largest 5K and the ninth largest timed 5K in the U.S., attracting over 8,000 participants annually. The event now includes a festive post-race party with live music and refreshments, making it a community tradition on Thanksgiving morning.

Are you ready to start your Thanksgiving with a healthy kick in the butt and enjoy the beautiful streets of Charleston, South Carolina?

Here is all you need to know:

Schedule of Events

  • 7:00am – 8:45am – Runners begin lining up in Start line corrals
  • 9:00am – 5K Run & Walk
  • 9:00am – 11:00am – Post Race Celebration Begins
  • 10:30am – Children’s Fun Run
  • Awards to follow Children’s Fun Run

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