After 4 1/2 years occupying 94 Stuart Street in downtown Charleston, Baker & Brewer are closing their doors on Sunday. In a statement made on their Instagram profile, Baker & Brewer announced:
Hey there, lovers of pizza and beer. We’ve had a wild ride these last four and a half years, but we regret to inform you that Baker and Brewer is closing its doors. We had an opportunity arise that we just couldn’t turn down. We just wanted to thank the staff and all of you who came to support the spot on Stuart Street since 2019. Our last day of service will be Monday, September 25th. You can still get your favorite pies at @evopizza in Park Circle and snag some BnB pints at @holycitybrewing on Aragon Ave. Now, onto the next adventure! Thanks again.
Here is how you can spend the final week with Baker & Brewer
On September 25, Charleston and Washington DC, along withinCitu, an AR company that helps cities and companies visualize future physical developments, will unveil collaborations to help sell in their city planning agendas. inCitu creates cities’ development projects in AR so that civic leaders, opposition leaders, residents and funders can see various concepts overlaid on existing streets and cityscapes. It’s is proving incredibly useful in transforming city infrastructure (think seawalls, piers, train stations) that might normally get mired in lengthy red tape or never see the light of day.
In beautiful, historic Charleston, there’s a major initiative under way to transform the future infrastructure (e.g. pier, seawall) to protect the City from flooding. It’s been met with lively debate from those citizens who care about how it will appear. Using inCitu’s AR, constituents are able to scan a QR code on their phone to see designs and weigh in. The ‘digital twin’ of the development areas lets residents envision the future and fosters better collaboration about pier development.
“People assume the worst until they have an opportunity to view the beautiful possibilities with their own eyes. The community can take out their phones and see three designs – they care about the aesthetics as well as climate change. This is a tool to bring together diverse groups so citizens have a direct way to be involved in the city conversation. It also proves that Charleston has the ability to be a center of innovation.” said one Charleston civic leader.
“City planning is too slow, obscure, and expensive for the pace of development required in cities today”, says Dana Chermesh-Reshef, Founder & CEO of inCitu. “Facing climate change, severe housing shortage, public health threats, mass urbanization and major geo-political shifts, cities worldwide must adapt fast and effectively, but the obsolete systems prevent equity in the design and decision making process, leading to a lack of trust, collaboration and inclusivity amongst residents and industry professionals”.
inCitu allows anyone to see and explore how their neighborhood is changing around them, in real scale. They turn massive piles of messy data and archaic systems into beautiful, informative, accurate visualizations of future skylines and buildings, and provide that data to technology companies as well. Obsessed with lowering the friction for city dwellers to access future development information, all of inCitu’s information – from individual buildings, affordable housing, mixed use developments, through parks and bridges and to complete neighborhood rezoning and regional infrastructure – are available via mobile-AR, with no headsets or special devices required.
Also if it’s helpful, HEREis a short video of one of inCitu’s venture capitalist, Oliver Libby, talking about infrastructure-tech being really innovative and exciting.
The creation of the new Old Towne Creek County Park is making good progress. A construction entrance is being created along Old Towne Road and informational banners are going up that will include renderings of the park. Work will soon start on repairs to the existing dike. In addition, preliminary groundwork is being done for the gas, water, sewer, electrical, and IT lines. Be sure to check back on our website for more updates. https://ccprc.com/1728/Old-Towne-Creek-County-Park
CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Blaze Capital Partners (“Blaze”) and joint venture partner Cross Lake Partners today announce the acquisition of The Retreat at Carlile, a 99-unit, Class-A townhome rental community in Summerville, South Carolina, a fast growing submarket just outside of Charleston.
“Among the fastest-growing areas in the country, Charleston’s population is booming as job growth and investment draws more people to the Lowcountry – creating unmatched demand for housing at a time when the cost of homeownership is reaching unobtainable heights,” said Eddy O’Brien, co-founder and managing partner of Blaze. “As economic conditions keep would-be homebuyers out of the market in the Charleston metro, build-to-rent communities are providing an affordable alternative, without requiring people to sacrifice the lifestyle and space offered by a more traditional neighborhood setting. The Retreat at Carlile provides an underrepresented rental townhome option to the Charleston market and as demand for this type of product intensifies, we’re pleased to add this community to our expanding portfolio.”
The Retreat at Carlile features two- and three-bedroom new construction townhomes ranging from 1,492 to 1,540 square feet in a 20.5-acre neighborhood. Construction for the community began in 2022. The townhomes feature nine-foot ceilings, espresso kitchen cabinets, patio storage, energy-efficient stainless steel appliances, gourmet-inspired kitchens, granite countertops and spacious walk-in closets. Each home has designated parking spots and the pet-friendly community features on-site management, a 24-hour fitness center, a pool and sun deck.
The property is ideally located six miles from I-26, allowing easy access to Charleston’s largest employers including Boeing, Volvo’s Ridgeville Plant, and Google. The Retreat at Carlile’s residents can enjoy the ease of a suburban layout in Summerville with access to city offerings found in Charleston, voted the number one city in America by Travel & Leisure the last nine years. Preserved historic architecture, award-winning food, miles of pristine beaches and world-class entertainment, arts and culture span the region, offering endless relaxation and recreation options.
“Housing demand across the Summerville and I-26 corridor continues to rise given the rate at which population is growing. Build-to-rent properties combine affordability with the familiarity and comfort of the ‘home style’ market for residents who may be entering a new phase of life – bringing much-needed choices to the area’s housing stock at a time when there are more barriers than ever to purchasing a home,” said Adam Rapport, Partner and Head of Acquisitions at Cross Lake. “This acquisition aligns with our long-term view on housing as the market evolves, and we will continue investing in the Carolinas as the region experiences remarkable growth.”
Last October, Blaze and Cross Lake Partners sold Chamberlain Pines, a 132-unit townhome rental community in Summerville developed and sold by the JV partnership.
Blaze has continued to grow its rental housing portfolio significantly throughout the Sun Belt. In the past twelve months, Blaze has acquired three active adult communities and two conventional multifamily communities, including most recently Integra Lakes, a 203-unit multifamily community in Orlando. Blaze expects to deploy capital opportunistically throughout the remainder of the year as the firm seeks to find attractive long-term plays amidst significant capital market volatility and dislocation.
About Blaze Capital Partners
Blaze Capital Partners is a rental housing investment and development firm driven by a simple but unusual mission: Creating homes for how people live and how they want to live. With a human-first approach fueled by demographic and psychographic research, Blaze owns and operates exceptional communities in high-growth markets throughout the Sun Belt. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Blaze offers a full suite of investment services, ranging from research and acquisitions to development and asset management. With a current portfolio across the Southeast, Blaze has transacted on approximately $2.5 billion in gross asset value since 2016, with an active investment pipeline of acquisition and development opportunities across the rental housing spectrum. To learn more about Blaze, visit www.blazecapitalpartners.com.
About Cross Lake Partners
Cross Lake Partners is an independent, privately held real estate investment firm based in New York City with approximately $1 billion in assets under management. The founders have worked together since 2004 and collectively have more than 50 years of real estate investing experience across a broad array of real estate asset classes. Over their careers, the founders of Cross Lake have led real estate transactions with an aggregate asset value in excess of $20 billion. Cross Lake pursues a value driven, disciplined approach to investing in the top 30 growth markets of the U.S. For more information, please visit www.crosslakepartners.com.
Corporate Executives Cite Websites, Industry Relationships and News as Top 3 Marketing Tactics to Influence Perceptions about a Location’s Business Climate
National Study Informs What Drives Company Location Decisions
NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A new survey of U.S. business executives and their location advisors concludes that websites, industry relationships with executives and publicity are the top marketing tactics that influence perceptions about a location’s business climate during the site selection process, which includes company relocations, expansions or consolidations.
Released today at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference in Dallas, the 10th edition of “Winning Strategies in Economic Development” reveals that economic development organizations (EDOs) should prioritize their “digital front doors.” Corporate executives’ perceived value of an EDO’s Internet and website presence is at an all-time high (76%) since the study’s inception in 1996, when just 18% rated it as a valuable tactic.
More than 50% of the corporate executives surveyed will make a location decision, such as a relocation, expansion or consolidation, in the next two years. More than 65% of these decision makers plan to outsource a portion of the site selection process to a consultant or real estate broker, a 64% increase from 2020. More than half of respondents said workforce statistics are the most useful feature of an EDO’s website, followed by incentive information.
Conducted by Development Counsellors International (DCI) every three years, the “Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing” survey has tracked trends in economic development.
“One of the most decisive findings from this year’s Winning Strategies study is that communities shouldn’t underestimate the significance of their website strategy and digital media presence,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “When it comes down to a community’s key differentiators, perceptions about a place are deeply rooted in relationships, trust and accurate data in the form of tailored, two-way communication with decision makers.”
Additional findings from the 2023 survey, which is based on a random sample of 306 corporate executives with site selection responsibilities, include:
States with the Best Business Climates: Texas ranks No. 1 with 54% of respondents citing the state as having a favorable tax climate, followed by Florida at No. 2 with 33%, Georgia at 30%, North Carolina at 29% and South Carolina at 20%.
States with the Worst Business Climates: For the eighth consecutive year of this survey, California has the least favorable business climate. New York, Illinois and New Jersey retained their distinction of ranking as one of the top five worst business climates. For the second consecutive year, Florida is cited in the top five for its political climate.
Workforce Data Overtakes Incentive Information: For the first time since 2008, more than half of corporate executives (55%) ranked workforce statistics as the most useful feature of an economic development website, followed by available buildings and sites (43%). Historically, corporate executives sought incentive information first.
About DCI Development Counsellors International (DCI) is the leader in travel, economic development and talent attraction marketing. Since 1960, DCI has worked with more than 500 cities, regions, states and countries, helping them attract business investors, visitors and workers. DCI has offices in New York and Denver. For more information, visit aboutdci.com.
SOURCE Development Counsellors International
CONTACT: Brittany Borsanyi, Development Counsellors International, 561-758-7289, brittany.borsanyi@aboutdci.com
From a self-starting floral designer in her garage on James Island to owner and operator of Tupelo Honey, Lauren Mosier has taken her passion to the masses offering a unique boutique gift shop and event floral event service business with charm and flare. Today, Tupelo Honey (1750 Savannah Hwy Suite #8, Charleston, SC 29407) celebrates one-year and sees a bright future ahead.
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 AM -4:30 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: 1750 Savannah Hwy Unit 8 Charleston, SC 29407
Self-taught floral designer Lauren Mosier started doing weddings and events out of her James Island garage in 2018. She left her corporate job to pursue her passion full-time in the spring of 2020, just as brides faced postponed and cancelled weddings. In 2021, Lauren rented a space on Savannah Highway to meet with planners and clients. Patrons from Hunley’s and Wildflour, her shopping center neighbors, often knocked and asked to buy her vases and flowers, inspiring her to expand her business and open a boutique in July of 2022.
Tupelo Honey Flower Shop and Co. is inspired by local makers and European tradition with an old world flair, and everything with a touch of whimsy. Even though our space is small it is mighty with a curated assortment of gifts, cards, gift wrap, home and kitchen decor items, children and baby items, jewelry, bath and body products, and fragrances. The shop carries over 28 local brands, including Restored Board, Fiore & Fields, Oliver Pluff, Character LLC, Market & King, Julie Wheeler, Hart, Indigo Bee Co, Hemming Birds, Candlefish, MacBailey Candle Co, and Edisto Gold Honey. The West Ashley boutique features a DIY flower bar in addition to bouquets and arrangements with limited local delivery. Expanded delivery options available on Doordash.
Lauren sources locally for flowers as much as possible, supporting local farmers Jardin Bonita, Farmer Blue, Petal Pickers, and the Urb Farm. Her wedding and event design services have been featured in Southern Bride, Style Me Pretty, Once Wed, The Carolinas Magazine, Magnolia Rouge, A Lowcountry Wedding, Bustled and The Coordinated Bride.
Special thank you to Elaine Hume for providing the research and wonderful writing support.
Garden & Gun and partner Explore Asheville recognize ten undersung scientists, advocates and innovators who are helping defend the South’s imperiled ecosystems
CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Garden & Gun, in partnership with Explore Asheville, unveils this year’s Champions of Conservation in the October/November issue on newsstands today. Following a 2022 debut, Garden & Gun‘s Champions of Conservation program celebrates and salutes leaders and innovators whose groundbreaking work and environmental projects are making a Southern impact.
This year’s Champions are made up of ten exceptional scientists, advocates, and pioneers on the front lines of conservation efforts critical to the protection of Southern ecosystems. Advocating for threatened waterways and fighting for agricultural, environmental, and cultural change, the dynamic group of crusaders from across the region are working to ensure a more sustainable future for the next generation.
“Conservation has been part of the editorial ethos at G&G since day one,” says David DiBenedetto, senior vice president and editor in chief. “So much of what we love about the South springs from the land, and it’s an honor to bolster the incredible work of those who are trying to protect it. Hopefully others will take notice and champion them alongside us.”
Garden & Gun Presents Champions of Conservation in Partnership with Explore Asheville
After months of extensive research, the Garden & Gun editorial team hand-selected each champion with help from a panel of conservation experts. This year’s panelists include Sally Bethea, the first woman in America to become a “riverkeeper”; Caleb Hickman, a G&G 2022 Champion of Conservation and Supervisory Biologist for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina; Mamie Parker, a success coach and consultant at Ecologix Group, Inc; Simon Perkins, the President for Orvis; Felica Sanders, the Coastal Bird Conservation supervisor for the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources; and Jonathan Wilkins, a hunting educator and facilitator with Black Duck Revival. Their collective knowledge helped unearth a lineup of exceptional advocates including Asheville’s own Chris Smith of the Utopian Seed Project. His work developing new farming techniques is helping develop a more robust food system for the future.
To celebrate the 2023 Champions of Conservation, Garden & Gun and Explore Asheville invite guests to the Blue Ridge Mountains on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. for Cocktails and Conservation – a cocktail reception and thought-provoking discussion hosted by DiBenedetto.
In conjunction with the Champions of Conservation partnership, Garden & Gun, The Good Road, and Explore Asheville are excited to announce a dynamic partnership that will shine a spotlight on Asheville’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant food scene, and commitment to environmental conservation, social justice, and community engagement.
In Season 4, Episode 404 of The Good Road, airing November 7th at 9 p.m. ET on PBS, viewers will embark on a journey that celebrates the Wilma Dykeman Legacy through the lens of Asheville’s iconic French Broad River Arts District. This episode will feature captivating conversations with Becky Stone and Kate Epsen as they explore the Wilma Dykeman Greenway. Additionally, viewers will gain insights into the incredible work of Hood Huggers, as they rebuild Affrilachia and revitalize the community through walking tours led by DeWayne Barton. And, viewers will also delve into the world of farm-to-table dining with none other than the renowned chef John Fleer, joined by bluegrass musician Woody Platt.
Additionally, Garden & Gun will host a series of short form Asheville episodes, all designed to captivate and inspire audiences across the nation and offer viewers an intimate glimpse into the heart of Asheville’s culinary and cultural scene on www.gardenandgun.com/goodroad.
“Explore Asheville is proud to present Garden & Gun‘s 2023 Champions of Conservation. These national champions, including Asheville’s own Chris Smith and JJ Apodca, exemplify our commitment to sustainable and responsible travel,” says Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. “Surrounded by some of the world’s oldest mountains and one its most ancient rivers, humans have been drawn to this amazing place we call home for hundreds of years. We believe that preserving the natural beauty of our region and supporting our vibrant community go hand in hand with providing unforgettable experiences to our visitors.”
Learn more about the 2023 Champions of Conservation in the October/November issue of Garden & Gun on newsstands and online at www.gardenandgun.com. Garden & Gun Good Road content can be found at www.gardenandgun.com/goodroad.
CHAMPIONS OF CONSERVATION
Jacqueline Echols of the South River Watershed Alliance (Atlanta, GA): Long before Atlanta’s South River became a political flash point, Echols began fighting to conserve the waterway.
Mike Chamberlain of the Wild Turkey Lab (White Plains, GA): Georgia biologist and hunter is stepping in as wild turkey numbers are plummeting.
Julie Moore of the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program (Raleigh, NC): Carolina botanist Moore won’t rest till the South’s iconic insectivorous plants are protected.
JJ Apodca of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (Asheville, NC): Apodca works as an inventive herpetologist that wields DNA in wild and wonderful ways.
Jennie L. Stephens of the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation (Charleston, SC): Families with heirs’ property across the region have an ally in Stephens, a South Carolina dynamo defending descendants.
Adam Chappell of the Arkansas Soil Health Alliance (Cotton Plant, AR): Chappell inspires farmers with his knowledge and success of regenerative farming.
Alvin Dedeaux of Loco Trash Bash (Austin, TX): Local fly fishing guide Dedeaux starts annual river cleanup of the Lower Colorado river.
Mitzi Reed of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (Philadelphia, MS): Choctaw biologist Reed doubles down as she roots out invasive species and beckons youth to join the cause.
Chris Smith of the Utopian Seed Project (Asheville, NC): In the face of climate change, monoculture, and an uncertain future, grower Smith tries new tactics.
Ryan J Brown of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Richmond, VA): Brown works to make the outdoors a place where all Virginians feel welcomed by establishing the first Office of Diversity and Inclusion within the Department of Wildlife Resource.
About Garden & Gun
Garden & Gun is a multiplatform media company that celebrates stories of the American South through powerful journalism, bold photography, exquisite design, and finely curated retail and experiential journeys. The brand is anchored by its award-winning national magazine launched in 2007, Garden & Gun, which reports on the South’s sporting culture, food, music, art, literature, and its people and their ideas. The coveted audience of 1.6 million is further engaged through numerous New York Times best-selling books, Fieldshop by Garden & Gun retail experience, the Garden & Gun Club restaurants, and 75+ events each year. Visit gardenandgun.com.
About Explore Asheville
Asheville is where unrivaled natural beauty and bold creative expression meet. The colorful Blue Ridge Mountain city is steps away from the world’s most biodiverse forests and the tallest peaks in the East. For generations, Asheville has nurtured and inspired a compassionate community that’s deeply rooted and ever evolving – just like the ancient French Broad River that runs through it. It’s an anchor destination for two of the most visited National Park Service units in the United States – the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For the most up-to-date happenings and travel ideas, visit ExploreAsheville.com.
About The Good Road
The Good Road offers a compelling look at the messy and complicated business of global charity. Hosts Earl Bridges and Craig Martin- longtime philanthropy veterans, globe-trotters, and best friends- set off around the world to places where people are doing good. Sometimes that good is several plane rides away and sometimes just off your own daily commute. Season four will take you from the war torn streets of Mosul, Iraq to the beautiful but threatened coral reefs of St. Thomas and beyond to meet the philanthropists, changemakers, and do-gooders making a difference in their communities.
Have you heard about Weltons Tiny Bakeshop located at 682 King St, Charleston, SC 29403?
You should. This newest member of the Charleston culinary community brings amazing sweet and savory indulgences to downtown Charleston offering a unique assortment of warm hospitality and delights with an essence of European style.
Now open 5 days a week, Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM you now have an opportunity to grab breakfast, lunch or a snack for later in the day.
If the pictures don’t entice you, the warmth of the staff and inviting ambiance will certainly get you to the front door. Come and try this very special new place in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
Saving Sea Turtles and Supporting The South Carolina Aquarium
CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As the lead sponsor of the Nutritional Care Program at the South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Coffee Roasters has the honor of naming another rescued sea turtle.
After the release of Jo the Sea Turtle in February, the Aquarium invited Charleston Coffee Roasters to enlist the public to help name another rescued sea turtle undergoing rehabilitation at the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center™. An amazing 1,746 individuals submitted ideas — and “Java” was selected as the name for a rescued sea turtle!
Java is a juvenile green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) that was stranded on Hilton Head Island in the pluff mud. On August 9, a local resident reported the turtle to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and Hilton Head Island Sea Turtle Patrol Team members responded. Thanks to the collaborative efforts from the community, this sick sea turtle was able to safely make it to the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center.
Congratulations to Angela W. from Wendell, NC for winning our Grand Prize for submitting the name Java. Angela will receive:
2 Bags of Aquarium Blend coffee
2 Bags of Beach House Blend coffee
4 Tickets to The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, S.C.
The complete set of the Beach House Series (7 books!) signed by NY Times best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe
And congratulations to our 24 runner ups who also submitted Java as a name idea and will receive 1 bag of Aquarium Blend and 1 bag of Beach House Blend. We appreciate all the interest in saving sea turtles!
Our community conservation effort is spearheaded by friends and longtime Charleston residents Mary Alice Monroe – the New York Times bestselling author of nearly 30 books with more than 8 million copies in print worldwide – and Lowell D. Grosse – Founder and President of Charleston Coffee Roasters.
Charleston Coffee Roasters is proud to support the efforts of the South Carolina Aquarium through our business. We are the lead sponsor of the Nutritional Care Program at the South Carolina Aquarium, which supplies more than 200 pounds of food daily for nearly 5,000 resident animals and sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation in the Sea Turtle Care Center.
“Aquarium Blend was developed to celebrate our partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium” said Grosse. “We are committed to conservation, and we appreciate everything the Aquarium does to save sea turtles and our natural environment.”
Monroe added, “I’m devoted to the environment and animal conservation, which are hallmarks of many of my novels. I am honored to support Lowell’s vision of giving back to my beloved Aquarium and its Sea Turtle Care Center through Charleston Coffee Roasters. Beach House Blend makes one powerful cup of coffee!”
“Like many of the patients undergoing rehabilitation in the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center, Java was admitted with a long list of ailments that we have spent the past few weeks treating,” said Melissa Ranly, Sea Turtle Care Center Manager. “The road ahead is a long one, but it truly takes a village to ensure the survival of threatened and endangered sea turtles. We’re grateful for the multiple individuals, agencies and the community who enabled us to give this sea turtle a fighting chance.”
We’ll be sure to share updates as Java receives treatment at the Sea Turtle Care Center.
About Charleston Coffee Roasters: Founded by veteran coffee importer Lowell Grosse in 2005, Charleston Coffee Roasters creates a craft coffee experience as rich in flavor and character as Charleston itself. Within the company’s Charleston facility, each coffee bean is slow roasted in small batches by master roasters, with constant “cupping” to ensure quality. The company proves its dedication to helping the community and the ecosystem, by purchasing certified, sustainably grown coffees from farmers who take care of their workers and the environment; and by actively supporting Charleston charities and organizations. Charleston Coffee Roasters is also the lead sponsor of the Nutritional Care Program at the South Carolina Aquarium and is an advocate for the conservation of sea turtles, which are the inspiration for the Charleston Coffee Roasters “turtle bean” logo. Learn more at https://www.charlestoncoffeeroasters.com/
About Mary Alice Monroe: Mary Alice Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of nearly 30 books, including the bestselling The Beach House series, for which the coffee was named. The Beach House is now a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. Monroe has received numerous awards, including being inducted into the South Carolina Academy of Authors Hall of Fame. An active conservationist, she lives on a barrier island in Charleston, S.C. http://www.maryalicemonroe.com/
About the South Carolina Aquarium: The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s No.1 family attraction, is home to more than 5,000 animals, from river otters and sharks to sea turtles and shorebirds, and represents the rich biodiversity of our state — from the mountains to the sea. Visitors can also get an inside look at the Sea Turtle Care Center™, a working hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured sea turtles. While fulfilling its mission to promote education, conservation, and an exceptional visitor experience, the Aquarium also presents sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor along with interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.
The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with the last entry at 3:30 p.m. The Aquarium is open seven days a week with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and a half day on December 24 (open 9 a.m.–noon). Annual Aquarium membership with unlimited visits starts at $99. For more information, call (843) 577-FISH (3474) or visit scaquarium.org.
In Charleston’s heart, where history meets the sea, I spent 48 hours, wild and free, Downtown’s charm, a Southern delight, A tale of grace, from morning to night.
Daybreak paints the sky in hues of pink and gold, As the cobblestone streets in their stories unfold, In the Holy City’s embrace, I wander and roam, In the land of palmettos, I’ve found my home.
The market awakens, a bustling display, Artisans and vendors in the early light’s sway, Sweetgrass baskets weave tales of the past, As the scent of Gullah cuisine fills the air at last.
Rainbow Row, a colorful delight, Houses that glow in the soft morning light, With their pastel facades, history in each brick, I stroll in wonder, their stories I pick.
The Battery whispers secrets of days gone by, With moss-draped oaks and the sea’s gentle sigh, Mansions of old, a regal array, Overlooking the harbor, where ships once sailed away.
At Waterfront Park, by the pineapple fountain I rest, With a view of the harbor, I am truly blessed, Children laugh, couples embrace, In this serene oasis, time finds its pace.
King Street beckons with boutiques and flair, Fashion and treasures, a shopper’s affair, But it’s more than the stores, it’s the people you meet, Their warmth and their smiles make the city complete.
As the sun dips below the horizon’s embrace, The Holy City transforms with elegance and grace, Gas lamps flicker to life, stars in the night sky, Charleston’s nocturnal beauty, I can’t deny.
The culinary scene, a culinary delight, Lowcountry cuisine in the soft candlelight, Shrimp and grits, sweet tea by the glass, Every bite a memory, a moment to amass.
The rhythmic beat of jazz fills the air, In cozy bars, I find solace and care, A glass of bourbon, the notes of a sax, In Charleston’s music, I lose track of time’s tracks.
With 48 hours passed in this charming place, Downtown Charleston’s a timeless embrace, In its history and culture, I found my way, In this Southern jewel, I’ll forever stay.
by 
