8 Places to go in Charleston, South Carolina to reduce anxiety and find calmness

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Charleston, South Carolina offers a variety of serene and calming places where you can find peace and reduce anxiety. Here are some top recommendations:

  1. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: This historic plantation features stunning gardens, walking trails, and beautiful views of marshlands. It’s a peaceful oasis where you can stroll amidst blooming flowers and ancient oak trees.
  2. Middleton Place: Another plantation with exquisite gardens, Middleton Place is known for its carefully manicured landscapes and reflective ponds. Take a leisurely walk along the paths and enjoy the tranquility of this enchanting place.
  3. The Battery and White Point Garden: Located at the southern tip of the Charleston Peninsula, this waterfront park offers panoramic views of the harbor and Fort Sumter. The peaceful atmosphere, shaded pathways, and historic landmarks make it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
  4. Charleston Waterfront Park: Situated along the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor, Waterfront Park provides a serene setting with fountains, walking paths, and swings overlooking the water. Find a comfortable bench or bring a blanket to sit on the grass and enjoy the calming breeze.
  5. Folly Beach: Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach offers a peaceful coastal retreat. Stroll along the sandy shores, watch the waves, and soak up the sun. The laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty make it an excellent place to unwind.
  6. McLeod Plantation Historic Site: This preserved plantation provides a unique opportunity to explore history while finding tranquility. The scenic grounds and informative exhibits allow for a reflective experience as you learn about the area’s past.
  7. Angel Oak Tree: Located on Johns Island near Charleston, the Angel Oak is a majestic and ancient live oak tree estimated to be over 400 years old. Visit this natural wonder and find solace in the shade of its sprawling branches.
  8. Cypress Gardens: Situated just outside of Charleston in Moncks Corner, Cypress Gardens is a peaceful swamp and garden area known for its beautiful water lilies and serene boat rides through the blackwater swamp. It’s an ideal spot to connect with nature and enjoy a sense of calm.

Remember that finding peace and reducing anxiety is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Take the time to explore these places at your own pace and find the one that resonates with you the most.

Photo Gallery: Picturesque Sunrise from Charleston Waterfront Park

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To experience a Charleston sunrise is a gift filled with the merits of nature’s wondrous amusement. It is calm and peaceful; spiritual and meditative; soothing and rich in life.

On this Sunday morning, the skies opened to a canvas of color and light. Enjoy this gallery from the dawn of a new day in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Who is behind the design and construction of the new International African American Museum in Charleston, SC?

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There is tremendous buzz around one of the most important new museum openings in the nation, the International African American Museum (14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC). Curating some of the most important pieces of African American history, this museum, led by CEO Tonya Matthew, will bring an emotional narrative to life right in the heart of Historic Charleston, SC.

As important as the content within the windows and walls is the infrastructure that took thoughtful planning and design to become the landmark that sits today on the Charleston Harbor.

We’d like to take a moment to recognition the creative forces behind the design and construction of this beautiful piece of architecture.

To all those incredible women and men that made this upcoming opening possible, Thank you!

Fleet Feet to Open First Charleston Location at Ashley Landing

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Running specialty retailer with 250+ stores and four decades of experience signs long-term lease

Charleston, S.C., June 22, 2023 — Specialty running retailer Fleet Feet announced that it will open its first store in the City of Charleston at Ashley Landing shopping center at the intersection of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Towne Road in West Ashley. The Fleet Feet Ashley Landing location is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2023, just in time for the holiday shopping season.

Fleet Feet (3,000 square feet) offers unmatched service and support to runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities. As a leader in the run specialty, Fleet Feet is committed to offering personalized outfitting, robust running programs and rewards, community support and outreach, and 24/7 brand access at the Fleet Feet website. Fleet Feet offers high-end running brands such as On, Hoka, Karhu and OOFOS as well as popular brands such as Brooks, Asics, Nike, Lululemon, Vuori and New Balance, among others.

“Our team is excited to be expanding into the West Ashley community,” said Amy Minkel, Owner of Fleet Feet Ashley Landing. “Our new Ashley Landing location will be strategically located to provide additional shopping options and group run opportunities to new customers as well current ones. It will also allow us to expand our community partnerships in the Charleston area.”

Each Fleet Feet location is locally owned and operated and serves runners based on the belief that “running changes everything.” Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores with more than 250 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C. Other greater Charleston area locations owned by Minkel and her husband Chris include Mount Pleasant, Summerville and Carnes Crossroads.

“We are excited to bring Fleet Feet to Ashley Landing as part of our planned renewal of the shopping center and are excited about having a local small business owner serve our customers,” said Kris Fetter, chief executive officer of Faison, the center’s owner.  Lauren Hansen of Aston Properties represented Faison in the transaction.

Ashley Landing is a 347,541 square foot shopping center anchored by Publix built in the 1972 as West Ashley’s first indoor mall. Faison is in the process of planning the revitalization of the Ashley Landing center to enhance safety, infrastructure and bring the quality up to today’s standards.

About Faison

Faison Enterprises, Inc. is a 50-year-old privately held investment firm with a diversified portfolio that includes retail, commercial and residential project holdings. Founded in 1988 by Henry Faison, who began his career in the 1960s, Faison has developed or acquired more than $3 billion in real estate assets. For more information, visit www.faison.com.

4 Notable Independent Book Stores in the Charleston, SC Area

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Charleston, South Carolina, is known for its rich literary culture, and there are several independent bookstores in the area that offer a unique and curated selection of books. Here are some of the best independent bookstores in Charleston, South Carolina:

  1. Blue Bicycle Books (420 King Street, Charleston, SC) Located on King Street, Blue Bicycle Books connects readers and writers for more than two decades, Blue Bicycle Books is Charleston’s premier locally-owned bookstore. Founded in 1995 as Boomer’s Books by Lee and Jim Breeden, we became Blue Bicycle Books in April 2007 when local writer and longtime employee Jonathan Sanchez bought the store. We are a New York Times-reporting shop with an event space that comfortably holds 75 people for talks and twice that many for signings; hosting over 200 authors for events each year.
  2. Itinerant Literate Books (4824 Chateau Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405) Itinerant Literate Books is a mobile bookstore that also has a permanent location in the Park Circle neighborhood of Charleston. They specialize in diverse and inclusive literature, including works by marginalized authors and books with social justice themes. They host book clubs, author events, and community discussions.
  3. Buxton Books (160 King Street, Charleston, SC) Situated in the historic King Street shopping district, Buxton Books is a cozy bookstore that focuses on regional and southern literature. They offer a curated selection of new releases, bestsellers, and classics, with a particular emphasis on local authors and books about Charleston’s history.
  4. The Preservation Society of Charleston Book & Gift Shop (147 King Street, Charleston, SC) Housed in the historic Nathaniel Russell House, the Preservation Society of Charleston Book & Gift Shop offers a unique selection of books on Charleston’s history, architecture, and culture. They also feature an array of gifts, including prints, stationery, and decorative items.

Bonus: Main Street Reads (115 South Main Street, Summerville, SC) – This gem is owned and operated by a true lover of books. The store celebrates local artists in an inclusive and welcome manner showcasing diverse ideas and thoughts and providing a creative outlet for all.

These are just a few of the notable independent bookstores in Charleston, South Carolina. Each one offers a distinct atmosphere and selection of books, ensuring that book lovers can find something to suit their tastes and interests.

Main Street Reads

Buxton Books

Itinerant Literate Books

Charleston, SC #4 Mid-Sized U.S. Metro for Team-Building Destinations based on a new CoworkingCafe Study

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As with anything else in life, location plays a big part in solving the company team-building equation. With this in mind, we set out to determine the absolute best U.S. metropolitan areas that double as ideal destinations for corporate events and retreats, based on a comprehensive set of metrics, ranging from the number of accommodation and team-building establishments to the coworking spaces available, the number of airports that serve the area, and more.

Here are the main points for the Charleston, SC metro:

  • South Carolina stood out in our study with two locations ranking in the top 10 medium-sized metro areas ideal for company retreats (Charleston and Greenville) and another two in the top 30 (Columbia and Myrtle Beach);
  • Charleston checked the 4th highest overall score among mid-sized metro areas, while Greenville took the 9th spot;
  • The Charleston metro area snatched 1st place for the number of music festivals happening here – 4 music events;
  • With 204 accommodation facilities available, the Charleston metro ranked 3rd in this category, right after Portland, ME, and Myrtle Beach, SC;
  • The metro’s position in our ranking was also boosted by the high number of coworking spaces in the area, with 17 of them available – which grants it the 5th spot among the locations analyzed in this bracket;
  • Omaha, NE, scored highest among medium-sized metro areas, closely followed by Bridgeport, CT and Albuquerque, NM.

Check out the stats for each of the three rankings: https://www.coworkingcafe.com/blog/the-top-us-metros-for-the-best-team-buildings-ranked/

Help the new Isle of Palms K9 Officer get a proper name. Your vote counts!

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Isle of Palms new K9 officer needs a name!

Isle of Palms Police Department is asking for the public’s help in naming its new K9 officer.

The Lowcountry community have the opportunity to vote from the following for names:

  • Sandy
  • Spirit
  • Opie
  • Angel

Submit your vote online at the Isle of Palms Facebook page today!

Photo Credit: Isle of Palms Police Department

South Carolina Commerce announces the Relentless Challenge Grant Program offering funding focused on fostering a sustainable ecosystem

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S.C. Commerce is helping fuel South Carolina’s #innovation ecosystem through the Relentless Challenge grant program. The 2024 Relentless Challenge notice of funding opportunity is now available — the program is planning to award approximately $750,000 during the 2024 funding cycle.

The Relentless Challenge grant funds projects focused on fostering a sustainable innovation
ecosystem that focuses specifically on high growth/high impact entrepreneurship, talent
development, access to capital, and university-industry collaboration focused on
commercialization of knowledge to the marketplace.

Read all terms and details to learn how your project or organization may qualify: https://lnkd.in/gEdNnYf3

Today (June 21) is World Peace and Prayer Day – Here is a prayer for Charleston, SC

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We gather in prayer today to lift up the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina. We humbly ask for your blessings, guidance, and protection upon this cherished place we call home.

We pray for the people of Charleston, that they may be filled with love, compassion, and unity. May they find strength in their diversity and embrace one another as neighbors and friends. Grant them the wisdom to overcome any challenges they may face and the grace to support and uplift one another in times of need.

Bless the historical charm of Charleston, with its cobblestone streets, vibrant architecture, and rich heritage. May it continue to serve as a reminder of the past, a source of inspiration, and a testament to resilience. Help us honor and preserve its history, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its beauty and significance.

We pray for the natural wonders that surround Charleston—the majestic rivers, the lush marshlands, and the captivating beaches. May these precious ecosystems thrive, untouched by harm or destruction. Grant us the wisdom to be good stewards of the environment, protecting and nurturing the land and its inhabitants.

Guide the leaders of Charleston, both in government and in the community, to make decisions that promote justice, equality, and inclusivity. Grant them the courage to seek solutions that uplift every citizen and foster a sense of belonging for all.

In times of adversity, may Charleston find solace and healing. May the spirit of resilience that has defined this city shine brightly, as its people come together to support one another, rebuild, and move forward.

Finally, we offer our deepest gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon Charleston. We are grateful for the vibrant culture, the warm hospitality, and the deep-rooted traditions that make this city so special.

May your divine light shine upon Charleston, illuminating its path and filling its people with hope, love, and peace. Amen.

We gather in prayer today to lift up the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina. We humbly ask for your blessings, guidance, and protection upon this cherished place we call home.

We pray for the people of Charleston, that they may be filled with love, compassion, and unity. May they find strength in their diversity and embrace one another as neighbors and friends. Grant them the wisdom to overcome any challenges they may face and the grace to support and uplift one another in times of need.

Bless the historical charm of Charleston, with its cobblestone streets, vibrant architecture, and rich heritage. May it continue to serve as a reminder of the past, a source of inspiration, and a testament to resilience. Help us honor and preserve its history, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its beauty and significance.

We pray for the natural wonders that surround Charleston—the majestic rivers, the lush marshlands, and the captivating beaches. May these precious ecosystems thrive, untouched by harm or destruction. Grant us the wisdom to be good stewards of the environment, protecting and nurturing the land and its inhabitants.

Guide the leaders of Charleston, both in government and in the community, to make decisions that promote justice, equality, and inclusivity. Grant them the courage to seek solutions that uplift every citizen and foster a sense of belonging for all.

In times of adversity, may Charleston find solace and healing. May the spirit of resilience that has defined this city shine brightly, as its people come together to support one another, rebuild, and move forward.

Finally, we offer our deepest gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon Charleston. We are grateful for the vibrant culture, the warm hospitality, and the deep-rooted traditions that make this city so special.

May your divine light shine upon Charleston, illuminating its path and filling its people with hope, love, and peace. Amen.

Charleston, SC Bucket List – 25 Amazing Things that will leave lasting memories!

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Since Charleston has SO MUCH to do, we wanted to create a bucket list of 25 truly amazing and memorable things to do in our Southern haven, plus 1 bonus!

Here’s a Charleston, South Carolina bucket list featuring 25 must-do things:

  1. Visit the historic district and take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets.
  2. Explore the beautiful plantations like Boone Hall or Middleton Place.
  3. Take a stroll along Rainbow Row, a series of colorful historic houses on East Bay Street.
  4. Wander through the Charleston City Market and browse local crafts and goods.
  5. Indulge in some Lowcountry cuisine, including shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes.
  6. Tour the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
  7. Discover the history of Charleston’s role in the Civil War at Fort Sumter National Monument.
  8. Take a boat tour to explore the barrier islands and observe wildlife like dolphins and pelicans.
  9. Visit the Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the United States.
  10. Explore the historic homes and gardens along the Battery and admire the stunning waterfront views.
  11. Take a ghost tour to learn about Charleston’s haunted history.
  12. Enjoy a leisurely walk through Waterfront Park and relax at the famous Pineapple Fountain.
  13. Attend a performance at the Dock Street Theatre, America’s first theater building.
  14. Take a scenic drive along the iconic Ashley River Road and admire the beautiful antebellum homes.
  15. Explore the beautiful Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, known for its azaleas and camellias.
  16. Go kayaking or paddleboarding on Shem Creek and enjoy the coastal scenery.
  17. Visit the Charleston Tea Plantation, the only tea plantation in America, and learn about tea production and enjoy a tea tasting.
  18. Take a ferry to explore Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island and soak in the beach vibes.
  19. Experience the vibrant nightlife on Upper King Street with its numerous bars and restaurants.
  20. Explore the beautiful gardens and art installations at the Gibbes Museum of Art.
  21. Enjoy a scenic sunset cruise along the Charleston Harbor.
  22. Learn about Gullah culture and history at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture.
  23. Attend the annual Spoleto Festival USA, a renowned performing arts festival held in Charleston.
  24. Spend an afternoon at one of the many scenic rooftop restaurants and bars including The Loutrel and The Watch at The Restoration Hotel.
  25. Relax and soak up the sun at one of Charleston’s pristine beaches like Folly Beach or Isle of Palms.

Bonus: Charleston Farmer’s Market at Marion Square – This seasonal Saturday market is a day trip all its own with artisan vendors, food trucks and entertainment in the square. It is the perfect way to start your day in the heart of Historic Charleston, SC.

This list offers a mix of historical, cultural, culinary, and natural experiences to help you make the most of your visit to Charleston, South Carolina. Enjoy your time exploring this beautiful city!

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Fort Moultrie – Sullivan’s Island

Folly Beach, SC