Lifestyle

The Spring Street Experience is an urban shopping, lifestyle and dining experience built on patience and perseverance.  It is a journey that is a number of years in the making.  Spring Street has an eclectic mix of residents and bystanders from all walks of life.  With a melting pot of backgrounds, this street opens the door of possibility for a unique living and shopping experience.  Over the years a number of business has strategically plotted themselves on this evolving street.  Now, Spring Street has found a permanent home for shoppers and lifestyles for all needs.  From yoga, to wedding dress design, to Vietnamese food to vintage clothing, Spring Street has started a grass roots effort to continue expanding the evolution of Charleston.

With a comfortable and safe urban setting built for the upscale shopper, hipster or back packer, Spring Street is becoming one of the most unique and enlightening places to spend a day.

For years, Charleston has relied on a few neighborhoods to sustain its economic growth for locals and tourists.  From the Market to King Street, Charleston created consolidated fronts for shoppers and activity seekers to find refuge.  Now Spring Street is testing the boundaries and inviting you to expand your thinking and territory and experience this new thriving urban shopping and activity center.  Now with thirty plus establishments, Spring Street is thriving.

If you have not taken in the Spring Street Experience, now is the time.

Spring Street Experience Directory

Clothing and Design

Maddison Row Bridal Chic – 171 Spring Street

Innovative Interiors – Interior Design – 139 Spring Street

WED – Wedding Event Design – 123 Spring Street

Carolina Fine Art Framing – 76 Spring Street

Read Brothers – Stereo and Designer Fabric – 593 King Street (Corner of King Street and Spring Street)

Food and Beverage

Wild Flour Pastry – 73 Spring Street

Parlor Deluxe – 207A St. Philips Street

Wine Awesomeness – 94 Spring Street

The Vegetable Bin – 96 Spring Street

Sunrise Bistro Xpress Restaurant – 116 Spring Street

Artisan Meat Share – 33 Spring Street

Bon Bahn Mi – A Vietnamese Sandwich Bar – 162 Spring Street

Cannon Green Restaurant / Wedding Reception Hall – 103 Spring Street

Octobachi – Sushi Bar – 119 Spring Street

Charlie’s Grocery on Spring – 119 Spring Street

Xiao Bao Biscuit – 224 Rutledge Avenue (Corner of Rutledge Avenue and Spring Street)

Sweet and Savory Cafe – 100A Spring Street

Seafood Alley – 35 Spring Street

Toyko Crepes – 62 Spring Street

Warehouse – 45 1/2 Spring Street

Art and Galleries

Sanavandi Art Gallery – 66 Spring Street

Karpeles Manscript Library / Gallery – 68 Spring Street

Lodging

Not So Hostel – 156 Spring Street

Salon

Salon Vari – 101 Spring Street

Yoga

Mission Yoga – 125 Spring Street

Bikram Yoga Charleston – 137 President Street (Corner of President Street and Spring Street)

Florist

 Tiger Lily Florist – 131 Spring Street

Rose Florist – 117 Spring Street

Specialty – Sports / Body Art

Continuum Skate Shop – 49 Spring Street

Museum of Living Arts Body Piercing – 47 Spring Street

The Mensch has learned something new: creches are cribs, that is crèche is the French word crib. The Trappist Monks at Mepkin Abbey are having their annual Creche Festival with over 80 displays of creches and the Mensch is just one of a small army of volunteers who make it happen up there at Monck’s Corner.

Over the years benefactors have donated creches to the Abbey; commissioned artists to create them for the Festival and the monks have bought them so that now their collection numbers over eight hundred. The variety is endless.

Along the path from the Gift Store to the The Clare Booth Luce Library, there are creches made of wood, marble, recycled materials, and copper. In the library, artists have carved juniper and other woods, glued oyster shells, sewn fabric, woven sweet grass baskets, painted papier-mâché, and hammered brass into interpretations of a creche.

The creches hail from Poland, Lithuania, Italy, North Carolina, Beaufort, New Mexico, Haiti, Ethiopia, and many other foreign places. One of the fun things about the festival is the vote for a favorite. Visitors are asked for their ONE favorite creche at the end of the tour. It is always a tough choice. The Mensch’s volunteer job was to record the votes of visitors. Good thing it was pencil and paper and a big eraser. Some folks had no problem choosing a favorite: number 75, number 8, number 14. Others had a tough time: Not sure, it is between 14, 75 and 80, can I pick three?

cribs1

When the festival is over the Monks will tally the votes and the top three vote getters will be announced on the web site, www.mepkinabbey.org. Next year the winners are guaranteed a spot in the festival. A little competition is good for all.

There is no politically correct way to say this so I’ll just blurt it out: this is a festival for shoppers who are mostly women. Based on the Mensch’s observations, most of the visitors were women, retirees, and gray-haired guys who carried shopping bags for their wives. The gift store and the creche store are shoppers’ paradise for those who have Christian religious gifts on their gift list. And, yes there is fruitcake baked by the Monks for your giving pleasure.

The Festival ends December 6th and if you can’t make it, here are a few photos of what you missed.

As a film and television graduate with a strong international background in media production I’m always mindful of a city’s character in the lexicon of filmlore when I travel. While I tend to favor the solitude and shinrin-yoko of mountains and forests these days, cities are fertile ground for escapist forays while ambling through mutable streets of strange faces.

My mind makes a game of it − conjuring classic films from the concrete jungle then putting myself in the sequel of my own creation. Call it an indulgent folly of imaginative minds. Although I was immediately struck by the immense beauty of historic Charleston when I first visited, I was surprised that it didn’t evoke an emblematic film, which showcased the city like so many other cinematic cities along the east coast of the USA.

I asked around and got uncertain answers such as The Patriot and Forrest Gump, but I was after a counterpart to Ferris Bueller’s Chicago or the Ghostbusters’ New York. When I recently put the question to Studio Charleston founder, Harald Galinski, he explained that film incentives along with the versatility of abundant filming locations all in close proximity is what makes the Charleston region a desirable filming destination with an extensive filmography.

“The Charleston region and South Carolina offer an incredibly diverse canvas for filmmakers. Dear John is a perfect example where an amazing production designer was able to recreate Afghanistan, Africa, Germany and an Eastern European village all in Charleston – which otherwise would have been shot in Morocco.”

Galinski would know since he was part of the team who brought Relavity Media’s Dear John to Charleston, the last big budget feature to truly spotlight Charleston which was released in 2010.  In a story many newcomers would appreciate, Galinski fell in love with the city during eight months of filming. After deciding to call Charleston home he founded Studio Charleston, the state’s first turn-key creative and functional production space.

I’ve noticed in the past three years living in Charleston the once rare sight of a film crew now seems common. With shows like Army Wives, Southern Charm and Reckless it appears Charleston has suddenly exploded as a television hotspot. I asked Galinski if this was an indication of the growing popularity of the city − was Charleston and the South suddenly cool?

“Reckless was one show written for Charleston, but the producers made it clear that if the new incentives were not passed they may have not shot the show in South Carolina. I can honestly say that since 2006, most of the projects, both film and TV came to SC because of the incentives.”

Galinski helped successfully lobby for the new film incentives after they were dropped in 2012. Along with starting the South Carolina Film Council, which currently has over 1000 members, in a short time Galinski’s efforts have markedly helped stimulate local production.

This growth is evident with shows like South from Hell starting production in Charleston. Meanwhile Walking Dead creators are about to commence filming a pilot outside Columbia. Not to be overlooked in the bright lights of location filmmaking is Moondog Animation Studio.

Moondog didn’t overlook Charleston when deciding on a location with incentives to establish their animation studio last year. Founder/CEO Bryan Ransom said it was Charleston’s international charm, with a mix of low-cost living and high-quality coastal lifestyle that won them over. But since the magic behind animation storytelling isn’t tethered to the reality of location filming I asked Ransom if the city is important where he films.

“Digital animation is a unique medium that blends art and technology and Charleston is a unique area that does the same. Its history of art and design has continued to evolve while in the background you can find a growing tech community. This creates an atmosphere that indirectly affects the film. Charleston let us imagine great things and create beautiful stories with no creative or technological limits. What more could you ask from a town?”

Given the recent spate of local and regional productions I was curious what Ransom thought about the improvement in the local film and television industry.

“Never settle! The SC film industry is in a small season of growth, but this can disappear as quickly as it appeared. Incentives are one piece of the puzzle. We need to avoid becoming complacent and continue to push for competitive incentives. There are literally billions of dollars in filming that can be taken away from Georgia and Louisiana. South Carolina has taken steps in the right direction but they are not there yet. “

While Galinski cites additional production infrastructure is needed to increase the level of local media productions, he says there are more immediate concerns critical to the state’s film and television industry.

“We still need to push for a new SC Film Commissioner as soon as possible, which we have not had since 2010. I am also trying to work with local and regional authorities to create a Charleston Area Film Office.”

The dynamic success of the Charleston International Film Festival, which recently concluded its 7th festival year only adds to the bounty of the local film and television cultural landscape. With increased support from state legislators, along with the tireless and creative efforts of industry leaders there is every reason Charleston should continue to emulate the successful film and television growth in neighboring states.

South Carolina Film Commission

Rather than listen to the town fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters debate the merits of a boutique hotel on a busy downtown thoroughfare in Summerville, the Mensch chose to accompany Mrs. Mensch to an awards ceremony for a friend. I came away from the ceremony knowing I had made the right choice.

Summerville’s weekly newspaper, The Journal-Scene, has a unique niche in promoting and developing community spirit by giving awards for different categories of people. Wednesday, November 12, was recognition night for ten “Women to Watch in 2014”. It was a simple affair at the Holiday Inn Express in Summerville. Who knew the Holiday Inn Express had these great meeting rooms? Not the folks who want new meeting space downtown, apparently.

No expense was spared: there were adult beverages – Kirkland’s finest wines, a few snacks of crackers and cheese, sandwich wraps, salads for the crackers and cookies. What else could you ask for? A brief ceremony? Yes! Short and sweet and to the point, just what an awards ceremony should be.
Frank Johnson, the host and J-S editor, introduced each winner with a few words that succinctly captured her accomplishments to be named a “Woman to Watch in 2014”. The introduction was accompanied by a photograph of the recipient on the big screen. Unlike those blabby “stars” who seem to go on forever thanking people at an awards show, each of these women said a few words of thanks in under two minutes.

What struck me most about each woman was her humility. One said, “I’m just doing my job, which I love”. Another said she was blessed to be able to help people in poor health and to give back to the community. In one way or another they all said the same thing: “what I accomplished was due to efforts of other people”, “it is not about me” and “I’m the beneficiary of good people around me.”

The women had been nominated by their friends and family. What a mix of women and accomplishments: an HIV survivor, a middle school principal, a teacher, a health care worker, an arts volunteer, a community development activist, a school counselor. There were African-American women, white women, young women, old women, middle-aged women, blonds, brunettes, tall, short, thin, not-so-thin, single, married, pregnant, mothers, grandmothers, widows. Ordinary women who do extraordinary things.

What great lessons in leadership these women give to their families, friends and co-workers.

“Women to Watch” has been going on since 2007. With ten winners a year for seven years, there are 70 “Women to Watch” award winners in Summerville. I can only imagine that the boutique hotel would not be the brouhaha it is if some of these women had been involved.  For that, we thank them for their wisdom and courage.

When I first met Sean Fentross he was on the less favored side of the bar at Closed for Business. Son of a Marine and self-declared army brat, Sean moved eight times growing up. His family relocated as far afield as Honolulu HI and Okinawa, Japan before his father retired to a decent amount of land near Aiken in their home state of South Carolina.

Sean says living in a place which his father described as having “a little elbow room” allowed him to focus on music. Sean taught himself to play guitar and bass using dial-up internet connection to find chords to old blues songs, which he then practiced by repeatedly playing the songs on his CD player. As a current member of local outfit Carnaval, Sean shows a clear passion for live, original music, as well as a thoughtful outlook which prompted me to ask about the musical landscape of Charleston.

“Like many places, it’s got an eclectic crew and although there are a significant number of bands, there aren’t too many. Most of the musicians here are extremely approachable as well, and everyone seems to get along knowing they’re in the company of like minded individuals.”

Chatting with Sean made me think of another local musician, Thomas Champagne who pointed out in a recent interview it can be challenging for original, local artists to be heard in a scene dominated by cover bands. So I put the same question to Sean.

“I don’t think Charleston is a hard place to play original music, but it is difficult for bands to be heard by a captive audience – especially tourists whose primary focus is historic Charleston. Speaking personally, there’s a certain amount of authenticity that’s lost by playing other people’s music. I worked very hard at being capable of creating musical ideas myself, constructing something out of nothing. Not that notoriety is what I’m after, but I guess I don’t want to miss out on a potential song.”

Having lived in Charleston for the past six years, three of which have been dedicated to playing guitar and bass with Carnaval, Sean says it’s rare to find tourists in a dive bar checking out the local music scene. But Sean’s difficulty in characterizing the local dive bars is what makes them some of his favorite venues to watch and play shows.

“The Recovery Room is a great place to catch all kind of independent local artists. It’s also the most intimate because the stage is only a matter of inches higher than where the audience experiences the performances. Most of the time at least one member of a band ends up playing right in the mix of the crowd of folks all fighting for a drink and space to see the band. It’s got grit, which adds to its authenticity and beauty for me.”

Sean also cites King Dusko and Big Gun Burger Shop, which like at the Recovery Room, requires musicians to bring their own sound and is why they stand neck-to-neck. Although every live music venue holds a specific sentiment to Sean, when I ask about larger venues Sean puts the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, where he saw Sigor Ros, at the top of the list.

“With theatre seating and a massive eye catching space, an ingenious band like Sigor Ros appeared and sounded awesome. The Charleston Music Hall is also right up there because of its similar intimate setting and location. I was fortunate enough to catch Conor Oberst there when he came to town because two of his backing band mates came into Closed for Business for lunch and offered me two tickets. Also saw Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel do an acoustic set there that was incredible to say the least.”

Sean adds The Royal American, which showcases local and less-known travelling acts to his list of favorite venues. Hosting Carnaval’s first album release, Sean says the sound is superior to any other same-sized local venue, and owner/operator John Kenney who is also a musician knows how to treat bands.

Right now Carnaval are recording their second full length album with producer Wolfgang Zimmerman, who is also a drummer for local act, Brave Baby. The album should be available to the listening public in a couple of months. As to what comes next Sean says he isn’t entirely sure. But for someone who values seeking out and creating new experiences over the trappings of financial success he’s enjoying the journey. Finally, I ask for any new, up and coming artist to keep an eye on and Sean mentions Susto.

“They’re a gritty Americana/folk/country band that’s gaining speed quickly. Brilliant song writing and lyrics, and the singer has a voice that just stands out from most.”

Divorce is difficult under any circumstances, but even more so when children are involved. The parents are most likely struggling with their own emotions and trying to adjust to the many changes, which may leave them feeling unequipped to help their children understand and cope with the emotional challenges of their new reality. Divorce can leave a child feeling lost, guilty, angry, confused – a whole range of negative emotions that could considerably impact their life going forward, if they are not addressed.

With the heart of a lioness, or maybe its cub, 10 year old Jaiden Z. Smith has set her sights on making a difference for children who are experiencing the divorce of their parents. In 2008, her parents separated, which produced feelings of confusion, hurt, and concern within Jaiden. The honor roll student began to struggle at school, appearing to be withdrawn and sad. Her teachers took note and before long Jaiden and her brother were participating in a guidance group at their public school for children experiencing separation and divorce. Over the course of nine weeks, Jaiden collected the tools necessary to help her cope with her situation and began planting seeds as she adjusted to her new family life. In journaling her experience, Jaiden decided to write her first book. And she did!!! Inspired by her personal journey, Jaiden worked for nearly a year to write “A Perfect Kind of Different”, which is the story of a family going through a divorce from a child’s perspective. Very proud of her accomplishments, Jaiden is continually motivated by helping other children who are experiencing the aftermath of divorce by sharing her story.

Here she is in her own words:

My name is Jaiden and I am 10 years old. My Mom and Dad got a divorce when I was 8 years old. It was a hard time for me and my two brothers. We went to guidance groups at our school for kids dealing with the same situation. While I was in guidance group, I met lots of other sad kids. I decided to write a book to help kids understand divorce. I plan to donate a copy of my book to all the elementary schools in my district so the guidance counselors will have something to share with the sad kids that will help them see divorce is just a ‘Perfect Kind of Different‘. You can still have a good life after a divorce with love and family time. After this book, I will write more books that will help kids understand grown up things like different religions, bullying, and hunger. I want to be a writer and a teacher when I grow up.

Here is a note from her Mother who wants to help her spread her important message:

I honestly did not realize the massive effect divorce has on children. It was a difficult subject to talk about in our home (initially). Fortunately, we were in a wonderful public school that offered services to children dealing with family separation and divorce. Due the alarming number of divorcing families, our school offered a guidance group where my children learned all of the coping skills moms and dads did not know how to teach. In our quest to find children’s books on the topic, we became discouraged and dissatisfied.

Upon completing the 9-week counselor guided peer group in school, Jaiden decided she wanted to write a book about divorce. A sensitive topic for a newly divorced mom, I didn’t immediately encourage her, but she was determined to share her story. In the evenings, Jaiden would tap away on the computer writing a book in PowerPoint. I noticed as time went on that she got more focused on her writing, even opting to drop her dance class to have more time to write. I knew as her Mom, it was my job to fuel that passion. Once she felt her masterpiece was complete, I asked a former college professor to edit the book and she agreed to without hesitation. I hit Facebook in search of an illustrator and was blessed to find a local artist eager to take on the challenge. A local photographer, Aneris Photography, offered us a free photo shoot and captured Jaiden’s true essence to give us a head start in marketing.

With all the chips falling into place, we now turn to the community for help in taking the final steps to get Jaiden’s story into the hands of children of divorce who are hurting. It is Jaiden’s ultimate goal to share her book with every elementary school in her school district, followed by schools in surrounding districts (and across the country). She wants to visit other guidance groups and encourage children to be courageous while reminding them divorce is never their fault. Jaiden is VERY excited about the opportunity to do public book signings as well. We need the books published with hardback covers for durability as they will be passed from hand to hand in the schools. We desperately need your help to cover this expense. We can get 250 hardback books printed and shipped to us for $2,517.96. The additional funds donated will go towards marketing the book to ensure families know there is a resource available to them that will support them and provide understanding to children during such a difficult time. We will also need brochures, flyers, a banner, and books on CD (read by Jaiden) to give as gifts to children in immediate emotional pain. These CDs will be called “Don’t Cry, Just Listen”. Every dollar donated above our targeted goal will be used to increase the number of books we can purchase.

Children often listen and learn best from someone in their own peer group who has had similar experiences. Jaiden can offer a familiar perspective to hurting children who are looking for reassurance and hope. Please consider making a donation that will touch the lives of numerous children who are struggling emotionally and the lives of parents who are overwhelmed and hurting as well. All donations are greatly appreciated through GoFundMe.com.  Be sure to follow her journey on The Blue Jai Project to find out the latest updates.

Photos compliments of Aneris Photography

A Thank you To Byron

I had been very lucky up until that moment. Nothing truly bad had ever happened to me. I have never been beaten, raped or murdered. All of that was about to change.

“Just open the door.” My attacker squeezed the back of my neck and pressed his body against mine, wedging me against the door. I knew who he was: the man who had been bothering me all night at Capone’s, the bar around the corner from my apartment.

A scream caught in my throat and he ripped the keys out of my hand and began jamming them into the lock. I knew I had just a few seconds to get out of the situation and finally my screams echoed up King Street and down Burns Lane. He grabbed my pony tail twisting my neck, but I managed to scrambled away, leaving him with a handful of my hair. By the time I could turn around, my attacker was no longer behind me, but being dragged down King Street and onto Burns Lane by a large, black man. That man’s name was Byron Knight. I ran inside and locked myself in my studio apartment, hysterically sobbing while Bryon beat my perpetrator with his fists behind a garbage dumpster.

Byron was a fixture on King Street in the late 1990’s to 2000’s. Well known for panhandling to scrape up enough money for a single cigarette or a hot dog from King Street Station, few know about the good deeds he did. Byron saved me that night, from certain doom. I cannot say where I would be today if Byron had not intervened. My next encounter with Byron, I sheepishly gave him a corndog and a pack of Newports in appreciation. He accepted gratefully, without further discussion. It became a ritual thereafter. I would buy him a corndog whenever I saw him. We would chat and then part ways. I would study. He would, as rumor would have it, go smoke crack. It didn’t bother me. One summer day, I found Bryon sitting in front of my apartment, with a huge smile and a box of chicken wings. “Hey girl, break bread with me.” I politely declined. “No way lady, you take care of me all the time. Let me give a little back.”

Rejecting his kindness was not an option. His honor was on the line. I knew those wings were from a trash can. I sat beside him on the stoop, reached in for a wing and ate it. I even had seconds. “This makes me legit, right?” Bryon asked.

I moved off of King Street, to the suburbs of Rutledge Avenue and saw Byron a lot less. One bright morning, while walking to class, Bryon rode by on a bike. He saw me and turned around with that famous smile. “Hey girl! Let me give you a ride.”

“Neh, Byron, I’m good.”

“Get on the bike!” he ordered. I immediately acquiesced and hopped on the back, wrapping my arms around his waist. I’m not gonna lie. He was dirty, dirty from living on the streets. He took me to my destination and a thanked him for the ride, suddenly smelling myself smelling like him. “No problem! Hey can I borrow your cell phone. I wanna call my girlfriend.”
I was shocked. “You have a girl friend?”

“Shoot, you must be crazy. I got girlfriends.” He laughed. I lent him my phone and he arranged his date with a lucky lady. He rode away on his bike. That was the last time I saw Byron. I hear someone bought him a bus ticket to go to California. I carry him with me still, in my heart: a homeless man, who shared his meal, gave me a ride and saved my life. Byron had very little, but what he did, he was eager to share with others. He is an example of the true beauty of Charleston.

From opera to contemporary theater, Dock Street Theater represents Southern historic grace with flashy dances, memorable ensemble casts and laughter to carry you long into the night.  In its latest Charleston Stage at the Dock production, Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein, the cast brings a series of musical numbers, dance routines and quirky romance into this 2 hour and 8 minute production capped off with a memorable and slightly audible Monster doing the chorus of Puttin’ on the Ritz.  True to form of the witty and subtle humor of Mel Brooks, the direction of this production from casting, to stage numbers to accents would make Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks proud.

Jocelyn Lonquist plays the role of Inga with an unconventional and adorable sexiness.  Her slight of hand Romanian accent and sexual undertones set the stage for an awkward romance with Dr. Frankenstein that shines.  Her chemistry with Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, played by Jesse Siak worked so well as their differences complimented each other throughout the play.  Jesse set the pace early with his musical lesson on the brain at Johns Mirian and Anthony Hopkins University.  Looking like a cross between Josh Grobin and Gene Wilder, Siak carries the role of the lovable doctor with ambitions of greatness with ease and charm.

Though he only had a few lines that would be considered coherent English, the role of The Monster, played by Kyle Barnette went without a flaw.  His interaction with the blind hermit and his stage performance of Puttin’ on the Ritz made for a stream of laughter that was heard throughout the entire theater.

Aaron Hancock, was Marty Feldman reborn.  His presence on stage as Igor was magnificent with incredible creativity and range and near flawless timing and mannerisms fitting of a Transylvanian named Igor.

Like Coke and Bacardi, Hepburn and Tracy, Together Again, sung by Igor and Dr. Frankenstein showed from their opening scene together, they were destined to be together again for the first time.  Both actors brought they own personal zaniness to the stage, but together, it was clear they were meant to be.

Frau Blucher, played by Becca Anderson, who also gave a phenomenal performance in Boeing, Boeing, continues to show her incredible range as an actress.  Her strong deep accent and strange bed manner, that made the other actors feel slightly uncomfortable on stage, made her strange and delightful at the same time.

As Act I concluded and Act II continued with the same intelligent slapstick way, the relationship between Dr. Frankenstein, Igor, Inga and Frau Blucher grew stronger and stronger.  In the end, finding love in wake of the insanity of medicine demonstrated the humor of life, passion for greatness no matter how insane and the compassion to fit in no matter how different you may be.

The success of this show would not be complete without an amazing ensemble that interchanged between villagers to performers to an entourage.

Allie Reidy added just the right mix of timely comic relief as Elizabeth Benning, the rich estranged fiance of Dr. Frankenstein.  Her self-absorbed depiction of the rich New York debutant with her make-up, minx and fancy dresses would make any rich brat proud.  She hung her head high with playful cockiness in each of her scenes.

Dock Street raises the bar of Charleston Theater.  It tackles projects that Broadway takes on with multi-million dollar budgets and executes them with a level of excitement and energy that makes Charleston proud.  Young Frankenstein is no exception to the quality and excellence of this theater company.

With brilliant casting and direction, Young Frankenstein will keep you laughing and talking long after you have left the theater and are walking the streets of downtown Charleston.

Young Frankenstein is playing at the Dock Street Theater at 135 Church Street from October 17th to November 2.  You should get your tickets soon.  This show will impress.

Purchase Tickets Today

“Charleston is your forever love.  It is a perfect blend of character and class.  There is always something, but not too much.  It is playful and it romances you.” – Rebekah Phillips

In light of the Conde Nast results naming Charleston the number 1 tourist destination in the United States and number 2 in the world, Charleston Daily decided to ask some of its loyal locals, what they love about Charleston.  We received some passionate and exciting responses from those we polled.

Here are some of the things we love about Charleston.  How many made your list?  We would love to hear from you in our comments section.

• Breathtaking sunsets on the beaches of Folly, Sullivan’s and IOP
• Late afternoon sitting on a patio sipping wine, accompanied to the sound of a slow moving horse carriage
• Faith in community, family and unity
• Oysters Roasts and S’Mores in the autumn
• Farmers Market on Saturday morning
• Wine on the Rooftop of Vendue, Pavilian or Stars overlooking the city
• Rich history and cobblestone roads
• Walking the Ravenel Bridge high above the harbor
• Sailing on a clear day
• Kayaking through the marsh
• Picnics at Pitt Street Bridge
• Laying out and napping at Marion Square on a warm spring day
• Boat life – Living the life of a coastal water dweller
• Stunning views of the skyline from high above
• Great eclectic live music
• Nature, flowers and all those beautiful palmetto trees
• Intimacy of the community and the warm hospitality
• Festivals, festivals and festivals
• Great community based fund raising events
• Horse drawn carriages
• Rickshaws
• Flourishing college life at the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern and The Citadel
• Sunsets over the James Island Connector
• County Parks with its diverse activities (rock climbing, water parks, dog parks and disc golf)
• Pet friendly bars
• Victorianesque old world view and feel
• Beautiful architecture and life long friendships
• Never a day without a stranger or neighbor saying hello
• 300 days of blue skies
• Walking to wonderful restaurants and theaters in an intimate setting
• Rivers, oceans and hiking
• Magnificent churches
• Embracing the courage and honor if our military
• Passion for wellness (Yoga, jogging, walking, biking)
• Love of the arts (Poetry , painting, theater, crafts)
• Entrepreneurial spirit toward business
• Romance of the Bed and Breakfasts
• Brunch, brunch, brunch
• Pure awesomeness of the plantations
• Mimosas and college football
• Fishing on the pier
• Patriots Point, The Battery, Pineapple Fountain
• Themed Bar Crawls and runs
• StingRays, Battery and The RiverDogs – Local sports
• Bill Murray and Darius Rucker
• Patriotism and our unyielding support for active military and veterans
• Ghosts of Charleston
• Friendly smiles and hellos from strangers
• Eco-friendly city (electric cars, community gardens)
• Stunning photography
• Weddings and love all around
• Darius Rucker
• Drum circles at The Brick House
• Movies on the beach
• Folly Boat – Remembering our past with art and emotion
• It’s Home