Lifestyle

Lowcountry

The John Hughes World of Teen Love and Relationships is Dead

April 21, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Mark A. Leon

With the wave of digital dating sites and apps, the ability to connect and develop pure feelings through natural connections is dying so we wanted to look at love through the genius of John Hughes and how love has evolved today.

I recently watched the latest Jason Reitman film, Men, Women and Children;  a poignant and often challenging film about the use of digital communication to form and manage human interaction in our modern society.  In a critical moment, late in the film, one of the main teen characters was reaching out for help via text and due to external interference the message never came through and as a result he almost overdosed.

It was a moment in the film when the need for human contact could have dramatically changed the course of life and death.  It was a message to the viewers cautioning us about the path we are choosing to take.  Our two-dimensional messages are trying to fill the void of our emotions that run far deeper than our digital communication devices.  We are shielded by text, status updates, selfies masking our blank stares and all the while brainwashed into a sense of numbness and an appeal for help silenced by the screaming apathy of society.

It is interesting that “zombies” have become such a popular part of our culture.  With their blank stares, bodies dead inside and emotions buried forever, perhaps we are seeing ourselves in these characters.

We categorize a generation based on the time frame they were born into, their ideology and their views on life.  We know the Millennials are more apathetic, less reliant on religion, less connected to the emotions of intimacy and retracting from heavy human connection.  Yet, we put out more and more products to help continue this path of distance and emotional destruction.  Have we come to accept a world of gaming and virtual friends, status updates to express feelings, texts to have those critical conversations and snap chat to show intimacy?

The Ashley Madison database can tell you that millions are looking into cyberspace to find a short term fix for their inability to deal with reality.  Porn has made us numb to the traditional values of love and intimacy and Facebook has given us the green light to stop writing letters and expressing thoughts that are prepared, calculated and meaningful.

breakfastJohn Hughes taught us that behind the stereotypes, behind the teen angst; there is something much more important in life, family, love and relationships.  His films helped us appreciate the effort, find love beyond appearance and accept the soul of a person.

Would the Breakfast Club have walked away that afternoon with a new sense of value and understanding about each others lives?  No.  They would have texted all day and had very little communication with each other.  After all, a princess, jock, geek, dirt bag, and crazy girl would never think to get to know each other.

Would Ferris Bueller and Cameron have enjoyed the best day of their lives together.  Nope.  The GPS tracker in their phones would have made it easy to track their location.

Would Steve Martin and John Candy characters in Planes, Train and Automobiles have become friends?  Nope.  One of them would have downloaded a plane app, changed flights and gotten home a lot more quickly.

Would Samantha and Jake ended up together in Sixteen Candles?  Nope.  Jake would have spread a nasty rumor via text that would have gotten all around school and Samantha would have been blacklisted for the rest of her high school days.

Could Weird Science have happened?….Actually, maybe that can happen someday or it has already.

Though not the work of John Hughes, the iconic scene in Say Anything where Lloyd Dobler proclaims his unconditional love for Diane Court would never have had the same impact with an IPhone.  That would have just looked silly.

Bottom line, we are going in the wrong direction and as a whole we are suffering.  Please keep buying Call of Duty and watch the gun fatalities increase, continue text arguments so we don’t have to confront them, cheat on our significant others through Tinder, lose ourselves in instant gratification and most importantly distance ourselves from humanity.

It is hard to see the world we live in.  Bring back the days of John Hughes.

To all the Lloyd Dobler’s, Jake Ryan’s and Blane’s, we know you are still out there.

Lowcountry

10 Ways Charleston, South Carolina has changed for the worse

February 16, 2018 by 59 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina has taken on a new face.

The new modernized Charleston, with a focus on increasing tourism, corporate infrastructure, increased pricing, more crowded streets, cranes owning the skyline, traffic bottlenecks in all directions and inflationary spikes may be helping this booming economy, but it isn’t what everyone wants.  There are a great many that miss the local first, charming historic appeal of the old Charleston.  We wanted to share some of the ways Charleston has changed for the worse based on social chatter and mood indicators of those that live and breath the Lowcountry air.

10 Ways Charleston, S.C. has changed for the worse

  • Folly Beach is modernizing and monetizing – In case you blinked, there have been some significant changes to our favorite area beach.  We would like to emphasize a few:  1.  Folly Beach is now charging entrance fees to its street festivals including this weekend’s Folly Gras.  2.  Arctic has implemented paid parking on the streets.  3.  The beach entrance parking lots no longer accept money in an envelope.  You must use a phone app to pay for your parking.  4.  New construction is spiking around the area of Center Street.  5.  Finally, a digital sign has been added on Folly Road.
  • Local First in downtown Charleston is a thing of the past – Remember:  Bluestein’s Clothing, Morris Sokol Furniture, Bob Ellis Shoes, King Street Grille, Piggly Wiggly and Hughes Lumber – If you are a local and have been for a number of generations, you are seeing familiar businesses close faster than we can keep count.  There is a simple explanation: the percentage of tourists is growing year over year and the percentage of local patrons is shrinking due to the overcrowded conditions caused by this spike in tourism.
  • Corporate billboards are taking over the city – You need not have lived here long to see the rise of corporate foundations in downtown Charleston and beyond.  Let us highlight some of the big entrances into our charming community:  Starbucks and Whole Foods (West Ashley), Starbucks (James Island), Walgreens (Corner of King and Calhoun), 5 Guys Burgers, Moe’s Southwestern, 3 Starbucks on King Street, West Elm, Louis Vuitton, IHOP, Publix, Vans, Aldo, Forever 21, H&M and more to come in downtown Charleston.
  • Church steeples beautifying the skyline is becoming a thing of the past – Cranes, construction, cranes, construction – That has been the look of our skyline for five plus consecutive years with no indication of a slowing in development.  With the massive projects in the medical district, the corner of Crosstown and Lockwood, across from Joe Riley, Upper King Street and Upper Meeting Street, Charleston is changing forever and rapidly.
  • Charleston is more becoming more known for breweries than the churches of the Holy City – Don’t commit to this number, but we now have over 30 breweries in the Lowcountry and it is estimated there is a brewery for every 10K – 12K citizens in the county.  I am not sure if that is worth celebrating or very alarming.  Charleston is now becoming more known for its craft beer than its history and Holy City architectural charm.
  • Tourism first, local second – We had another record year of tourism.  It is estimated 4.2 million people came through the Charleston International Airport in 2017.  That does not even factor in car traffic.  That is a big number.  It is great for our local economy, but it is a pain point for locals who are fearing the inconveniences of spending time in Charleston.  This truly is a shame.  It is one thing to pledge “Buy Local”, but another to take action to ensure it is happening.
  • Reasonable commutes have vanished – There isn’t much to say here.  You just need to live it every day to understand.
  • Taxation is disrupting local commerce and recreation – I was recently in Minneapolis and Philadelphia where restaurant food and alcohol tax are 6.0%.  I was pleasantly shocked.  For those that have never been here and plan a trip in the near future, this is a key piece of information:  Charleston County sales tax is 9.5%, restaurant food tax is 10.5% and restaurant alcohol tax is 15%.
  • Increased parking rates and penalties have crippled locals ambition to spend time on the peninsula – It was only a few years ago, you could park in a garage on a Sunday and pay a flat fee of $5.00.  It was just over 10 years ago, that a parking ticket cost $10.  Some even remember $7.00.  Now that fine is $45.00 and a garage will cost you $20.00 or more for just a few hours.  There is opportunistic greed and it is very active in our community.
  • Shem Creek has lost its coastal appeal – There is now a parking garage with office suites on the grounds of Shem Creek, a place once known for fishing, kayaking, shrimping and a local coastal hangout.  Times have changed on the Creek.
  • Bonus:  Timeshares in Charleston – If you did not hear the latest news, the Charleston city council approved the development of a 100 unit timeshare on the corner of Calhoun and East Bay in downtown Charleston.

Lifestyle - Photography

GALLERY: Superbowl LII – Get to Know the Host State of Minnesota

January 29, 2018 by 0 Comments
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The Great North, as many come to know Minnesota, is a state with a rich Nordic history, 18 Fortune 500 Companies, the land of 15,000 Lakes (The license plate says 10,000, but there are many many more), State of Hockey, Prince, Bob Dylan, Walter Mondale, Jesse Ventura and the host of the 2018 Superbowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots slated for this coming Sunday.  Minnesota is also a state that has stayed under the radar for many years, but about to become the center of attention to the world.

Before we all launch our Superbowl parties, break out the beer and dip and download our Sportsbook apps, let’s take a picturesque look at a state so rich in natural beauty and architectural freedom, that is warrants the right to host this little sports party.

We spent many years in Minnesota and have grown fond of the culture, lakes, great outdoors, warm Midwest charm and the old fashioned sense of family and home.

Now sit back and enjoy this beautiful look at the host state to the world, Minnesota

Throughout the Twin Cities you will find statues of Peanuts bringing smiles

 

The Uptown Theater is a landmark of independent films

 

This sign tells it all and can be found on the front lawns of many homes.

 

The US Bank Stadium where all the magic will happen.

 

Scenic rooftop view of downtown Minneapolis

 

 

Diverse street art

 

Sculpture Gardens – Walker Art Museum

 

 

Sculpture Gardens

 

 

 

 

 

Basilica of Minneapolis

 

 

Prince Immortalized in Uptown

 

Many unique looks of Uptown

 

Community Garden

 

 

 

Was a White Castle – Now a Jewelry Store

 

Clearest waters in the country

 

Minnesotans love their classic cars

 

 

Stillwater, Minnesota – The historic bridge between Minnesota and Wisconsin

 

Summers at the lake

 

Tubing on the lake

 

Como Park Conservatory

 

 

Mill City Museum

 

 

Light Rail – Nothing more efficient

 

 

Minnehaha Falls

 

Only in MN – State Capital

 

 

 

 

Como Zoo

 

The Great Bob Dylan – Mural in Downtown Minneapolis

 

 

Betty Danger’s Country Club Restaurant Ferris Wheel

 

Mall of America

 

Weisman Art Museum – U of Minnesota

 

Enjoy the big game.

 

Lowcountry - Photography

GALLERY: Life in the Lowcountry – Photography Expose

January 26, 2018 by 1 Comment
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Come with us for a beautiful look at life in the Lowcountry.  Picture the serenity and brisk Southern breeze. Take in the beautiful natural surroundings and become part of a life that enjoys things a little slower, a little more relaxed.

This is life in the Lowcountry.

Sit back on your rocking chair and enjoy.

Lowcountry Photo Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit:  Mark A. Leon – Charleston Daily

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle

Top Ten Misconceptions Folks Have About Charleston, SC

January 16, 2018 by 4 Comments
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Around the country and the world, visitors have been flocking to Charleston, SC. by plane, car and boat to witness the spectacular beauty, historic significance, cultural renaissance and true southern hospitality our city has to offer.  With all the media, comes awareness.  Though our name and face are more pronounced than ever before, not everyone truly knows the Charleston and the South we all know.  As a result, some folks may have a few misconceptions about who we are.

We want to shed a little light on the situation and help you all out by knocking down some of those false ideas.

  • We are not in North Carolina.  For some reason, many of you in the North think we are Charlotte.  Even when we correct you, you still think we are in North Carolina.  The country does actually extend further south and we are in the heart of South Carolina.  Proud and true of our South Carolina coastal home.
  • There are a few rumors that we are “slow” or “dumb”.  A few little facts that may change your mind.  The Citadel is the #1 Public School in the South for the 4th straight year.  The College of Charleston MBA program ranks 3rd in the nation for percentage of graduates finding careers within six months of graduation.  Charleston Southern University is ranked #93 in the US News and Worlds Report Best Southern Schools in their 2015 report.
  • Always with a smile
    Always with a smile

    We genuinely like to say hello and smile.  Many of you that have recently visited for the first time may notice us locals making eye contact, smiling and saying hello to you.  It isn’t part of a master marketing plan or a shot at other areas of the country where the cultural norm is to avoid one another.  We really enjoy meeting you all and making your acquaintance.

  • We don’t believe the South won the Civil War.  Yes, the first shots of the Civil War were fired in Charleston.  Yes, the most number of slaves that came into the United States came through the Charleston port.  Yes, there is a rich historic heritage of plantations and slave ownership in this region.  Yet, we are fully aware of history and we embrace all perspectives and views.  Our tour guides, historians and history buffs believe in family, tradition and preservation and that includes not just our region, but the country as a whole.
  • We have a thriving business community.  With the additional of Boeing to compliment PeopleMatter, Benefitfocus, Blue Acorn and the incoming Volvo facility in Berkeley County, Charleston is becoming a thriving business community.  We are no longer built around health care, hospitality and small business.  Look at the many awards we have received in investment funding and development.  Some still think we survive only on hospitality (hotels, restaurants) and the hospital system, but are are so much more than that.
  • The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge / Cooper River Bridge is the longest cable stay bridge in the Western Hemisphere at 2.5 miles in length.  Some of you have heard that and said “this isn’t the longest bridge in the United States let alone the Western Hemisphere.”  You are correct, it is the longest cable stay bridge in the Western Hemisphere only behind Sutong Bridge in Chine.  A cable stay bridge is one that uses cables attached to towers to support a roadway.  In a very specific category, we are the largest.
  • We don’t just eat fried food and grits.  Charleston is a very health conscious city that thrives on its health and wellness businesses and lifestyle.  From Five Loaves to Verde to Gathering Cafe, Charleston offers a thriving list of dining options for the health minded individual.  With a strong community of yoga, bikers, runners and adventure seekers, Charleston is a haven for a lifestyle of health conscious resident.
  • We don’t just listen to country music.  We aren’t Nashville, TN, Austin, TX or New York City, but have a diverse and well rounded music scene.  With venues that include the Charleston Pour House, Music Farm and Charleston Music Hall, Charleston welcomes musical talents from all around the area to express openly their vision through music and lyrical poetry.  In fact, Awendaw, SC hosts a weekly Barn Jam  every Wednesday, 52 weeks a year, showcasing original singer/songwriters in an open outdoor setting.  This venue that includes outdoor live original music, a food truck, bonfires, play area for kids, dancing spot for fans and even a goat is our local scaled down version of Woodstock.  At $5.00 with BYO anything, it is a community party every week.
  • We don’t just own flip flops for foot attire.  Is it true that some people have flip flops in every color of the rainbow? Yes.  Is it true that some have a pair for every month of the year? Yes  Is it true that flip flops define a lifestyle? Yes.  Some would even say “barefoot” defines a lifestyle.  We do get classy and  dressed up on many occasions donning Aldo, pumps, heels and cowboy boots.  You may even witness some gals wearing high heels to church on Sunday.
  • We are not all raging sports fans that drive pick up trucks.  Many of us are and we are pretty darn proud of our teams.  It is true, you do not mess with SEC football in Charleston.  Ever.  We won’t turn on you, throw you in the back of the pick up and dump you in the pond or anything, but….  On game day Saturday, bars have crowds, we put on our jersey’s and start our day early with a couple of beers in the shower, but many of us find other ways of entertainment.  Charleston has a robust festival circuit, shopping and attractions scene to meet all locals and tourist needs.  You won’t find all of us drunk at noon glued to a TV set.

There you go, ten misconceptions about Charleston.  We hope we cleared the air and gave you a better understanding of our quaint little city of Charleston.

 

Food & Bev - James & John's Islands, SC - Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

8 Must Have Appetizers / Snacks in Charleston, South Carolina

December 30, 2017 by 1 Comment
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By Mark A. Leon

How often is the appetizer the must indulgent part of the meal?  The savory essence of a truly amazing dining experience.  Often times, restaurants will offer up a preamble that outshines the meal, a piece of culinary heaven let us say.  There are some appetizers/snacks in the Low country that truly define the culinary arts in this foodie haven we call Charleston, SC.  We want to offer up some of the most indulgent, flavorful starters to whet your appetite.

We spoke to a number of locals and got their opinions and they were enthusiastic and ready to spill the beans on some of the best starter dishes.

This list is a keeper.  Spoiler alert, some of these items may raise your calories or cholesterol intake levels for the day.  You have been warned.

  • Oysters Rockefeller – Oak Steakhouse: 17 Broad Street, Charleston, SC – Guests are fortunate to be able to purchase a single Oyster Rockefeller for $3.00 each.  Whether you order one or six, each order is treated with dignity and pride.  These oysters are large and robust and deserve to come with an audience.  This indulgent treat is a must to begin your dining experience at Oak.
  • Tuna Lollipops – Sol Southwest Kitchen: 1101 Stockade Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC – This dish is prepared with sushi-grade tuna, panko breaded, spicy
    Lobster Mac n' Cheese - Halls Chophouse
    Lobster Mac n’ Cheese – Halls Chophouse

    ponzu, creamy ginger cilantro sauce.  A regular offered up this to say, “They melt in your mouth.  They are crunchy and yummy.  I can’t get enough.”  This starter will cost $12.00.

  • Lobster Mac n’ Cheese – Halls Chophouse:  434 King Street, Charleston, SC – This accompany side dish at $20.00 is a rich and succulent addition to any meal at Halls.  Known for fine steaks and customer service along with an award winning menu, there are no bad selections, but if you only order one add on, make it this marriage of two of the most wonderful foods in the world.
  • Fried Calamari – Grill 225:  225 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC – The lightly fried calamari is prepared with sauteed peppers, white wine and garlic.  As a very proud Charleston foodie explained, “the garlic provides the zest that sets it apart.”  This starter is $14.00
  • Sweet Potato Fries at Sesame Burgers and Beer: 3 Area Locations  – Who doesn’t love sweet potato fries?  I certainly do.  If you have the ability to prepare a mouth watering batch, you have my vote.  These soft and only slightly crunchy pairings to many of the main dishes offers unique flavoring and topped to perfection with a dusting of fresh parmesan.
  • Gyoza – Co: 340 King Street, Charleston, SC – The pork and ginger gyoza sided with a soy scallion sauce set the Co gyoza apart from the fine offerings of Ichiban and Basil.  When asked why, a local resident replied, “It reminds me of ravioli or stuffed pastas which I love and when dipped, the flavors pop.”  This dish will start your evening at $5.00.
  • Ceviche – 167 Raw:  289 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC –  This $14.00 dish changes daily.  So that being said, how can we add it to the list of some of our favorites if it changes?  Very simple, quality of ingredients and masterful understanding of how to make a truly memorable ceviche.  Starting with the homemade chips that are lightly toasted with the thickness and texture of pita and then add some of the freshest seafood and ingredients Charleston offers and you will walk away so very happy.
  • Beet Salad – Maybank Public House: 1970 Maybank Highway, James Island, SC – Fresh Roasted Beets, Warm Pecan Encrusted Goat Cheese, Harit Coverts, Arugula, Maple Vinaigrette.  This is a insatiably refreshing and zesty salad at any time of day

There are more.  So many more.  Why rattle your brain risking the potential of a bad start to your evening.  Use this list.  Use it wisely as it comes with great power to satisfy.

Bon Appetite

Gyoza - Co
Gyoza – Co
Lowcountry

GALLERY: Quietest Day in Charleston, SC: Christmas Day

December 25, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Ask any resident what the quietest day on the peninsula is and most, if not all, will say Christmas. If you live here, it feels like Will Smith in “I Am Legend” or Tom Cruise at the beginning of “Vanilla Sky”. It is also a magical time, when you can admire the architecture, walk the middle of the streets and take in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, the crown jewel of the South.

Come with us as we take you on a photo gallery ride through the quiet streets of Charleston, SC on Christmas Day 2017.

Christmas Day – Charleston, South Carolina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even the Charleston Harbor was empty….

Merry Christmas Charleston and everyone around the world.

 

 

 

Lifestyle - Photography

Charleston Photographer Spotlight: Summerville Based Ted and Rachel Linczak, Owners of Linczak Photography and Nuvo Images

October 30, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Ted & Rachel Linczak, M. Photog.Cr., are the owners and photographers of Linczak Photography and Nuvo Images. After starting their business in 2006, they quickly became one of the most sought after photography studios in Northeast Ohio, and in 2012 expanded their market reach with the Nuvo Images brand in Charleston, SC.

Ted & Rachel’s style is glamorous and combines high fashion photography with photojournalism to display relationships and connections between  their subjects. Their instincts lead them off the beaten path as they continuously challenge themselves to not only stay current in the field of wedding  photography but also create new trends and set new precedents. Their goal in education is to teach photographers the fundamentals of beautiful posing, lighting, and capturing the decisive moment.

Ted won the overall Grand Imaging Award from PPA in 2016 for his album

1863, which also was awarded the Gold Medallion Award by the American Society of Photographers. Ted was named Photographer of the Year for 2015 in both Ohio and South Carolina, and has won the award for highest scoring wedding album in Ohio 4 out of the last 5 years. The PPSC has awarded Ted the top wedding album award in both 2015 and 2016. Ted has won the 1st place award in the Wedding Album category in the

SEPPA Print Competition in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. In February of 2016, Ted was also awarded the Canon Par Excellence Award at the SEPPA Print Competition. Ted and Rachel have had their wedding albums finish in the top 3 at PPA’s Grand Imaging Awards in 2014 and 2015 (3rd in 2015, 2nd in 2014), and were in the top ten for 2016. They placed in the top 3 in the non-event album category at the WPPI Print Competition for both 2014 and 2015 (3rd and 2nd respectively).

Ted and Rachel have been active participants in PPA’s International Print Competition the past 3 years, having earned Platinum Medals in 2014’s  competition, in addition to Gold and Silver Medals in 2013 and Platinum and Silver Medals in 2012. Ted and Rachel both earned their Master of Photography and Craftsman degrees from PPA in 2015.

Ted and Rachel currently live in Charleston, SC. They photograph 30-40 weddings a year, as well a steady amount of family and senior portraits.

Official Studio Website – http://www.nuvoimages.com

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle - Photography

Two Charleston Photographers Featured in International Photography Magazine, ‘Shadows and Light’

October 18, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Shadows and Light Magazine, a global celebration of photography and imagery is published out of Colorado by internationally recognized fashion photographer Christine Szeredy.  Christine, over the years, has surrounded herself with some of the best talent around the world and believes the world is a better place when its beauty is captured and realized.  She also focuses her efforts on recognizing and rewarding young up and coming talent with contests in her quarterly publication.

Today, the Fall 2017 Issue has been released and two Charleston area photographers are featured in this edition, Wendy Mogul and Kimberly Krauk.  Both bring a remarkable eye combining stunning imagery and fashion to the elegant backdrop of Charleston.  Their ability to penetrate human emotion and capture the stillness of life is breathtaking.  They are two gifts to our community.

We are honored to have both outstanding talents represent Charleston, South Carolina.

Let us all take a moment to celebrate their work and all those that help capture the beauty of Charleston.

You can purchase a digital or hard copy of the Fall 2017 Edition of Shadows and Light Magazine by clicking here

Learn more about publisher:  Christine Szeredy: Fashion Photographer Interview by Richard Schneider

Lowcountry

12 Charleston, SC Dates for Around $12.00

October 17, 2017 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Is it possible to really go on a date for about $12.00 and expect your significant other to want to keeping coming back for more.  Absolutely, and we promise no mention of Netflix, Krispy Creme or Sonic on this list.  Unless, that is what you want.  We will not stop you.

Here we go Charleston, ways to impress your date without burning a hole in your wallet.

12 Dates for About $12.00

  • Paolos Gelato and Marion Square – Go to 41 John Street and get a large Gelato waffle cone to share and then walk one block to Marion Square and enjoy a quiet stroll, or layout on a spring day and share each lick together.  Depending on the size you order, you should fall right into the budget.
  • Saffron Bakery – Tea and Cheesecake – Head to 333 East Bay for a homemade slice of cheesecake, Tiramisu or key lime pie with two hot cups of bottomless tea to share with your loved one.  You may go slightly over the $10.00 with tip, but the indulgence is worth it.
  • Burgers and Hampton Park – On Mondays, Rutledge Cab Company offers $5.00 Burgers and on Tuesdays from 7 – 10, Moe’s Crosstown offers half-price burgers.  Head to Hampton Park, play a little soccer, shoot some hoops or fire a little Frisbee to work up an appetite and then eats a great burger together.

  • Disc Golf at Park Circle – FREE!!! Play 18 holes of fun or competitive disc golf then go to Park Circle and enjoy a few cocktails at Dig or The Mill or Accent or any number of great eateries and bars.
  • The Halsey Institute of Art and Mace Brown National History Museum – An amazing contemporary art gallery and even more amazing national history museum with a prehistoric bear and dinosaurs for FREE!!!  Both of these amazing attractions blocks from each other on Calhoun Street and totally free.  So, take your ten bucks and go to the Starbucks located in-between or the Chick-fil-a afterward for a bite or beverage.
  • Walk or Jog the Cooper River Bridge – I know, there is no cost to walk or jog the Cooper River Bridge, but after you complete the five-mile walk or jog, wrap around the bend and head to Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park for ice cream or a milkshake at the gift/convenience store located at the start of the pier.  If you desire a latte or iced mocha, stop in at Metto first just a half a mile from the Mount Pleasant side bridge entrance.  If you prefer to start on the downtown side, hop in for a beverage of Mercentile and Mash.
  • Dog Park and Disc Golf – James Island County Park – At the minimal cost of $2.00 per person (unless you have an annual county parks pass), you can enjoy a day at the park and oh what a park it is.  From a children’s playground to a large picnic area to rock climbing, James Island County Park is an outdoor haven.  You can even bring the camper and camp out on the grounds.  Why not bring the pups and make a day of human and canine date fun.  Play disc golf and then let the dogs roam free afterward.  All this for $4.00.
  • Happy Hour and Live Outdoor Music at the Charleston Pour House – Every night on the back patio stage, there is great live music.  This is an open dog-friendly setting and there is no charge for the starter music on the patio.  Take that $10.00, get a few PBR tallboys and make a night of music and dancing under the warm sun.
  • MUSC Urban Farm – Gardening classes and demonstrations – What better place to learn gardening than from the experts at MUSC.  With a rich urban farm of sunflowers, basil, rosemary, lemons, okra and more, this is a beautiful and educational way of spending a day together.  Cost is FREE!! – Afterward, you can share a salad together from Five Loaves or a cocktail at Halo.  Both within walking distance.
  • Farmers Market – Whether it is the Folly Beach Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, John’s Island, Summerville, Goose Creek or Marion Square on Saturday, James Island Sunday Brunch Market on Sunday, Farmer’s markets are a great way to support local businesses, hear live music and relax in the beautiful backdrop of the Lowcountry.
  • Reuben and Oreo Truffles at Blackbird Market – At 1808 Bohicket Road on John’s Island is a wonderful market and restaurant.  Everything from beet chips to She-crab soup to Lobster Ravioli.  Their tenderloin, scallops, and shrimp are so fresh it is breathtaking.  There is a full menu and benches outside to sit (Don’t worry about summertime.  They have water fans up above).  If you get a fresh Reuben Sandwich with two large Oreo Truffles ($1.00 each) you will have a complete meal.  Don’t forget fresh juice or beer.  This will run you about $11.95, but if you get beer about $18 plus.

Honorable Mention:

Charleston Water Taxi – What better way to see the USS Yorktown, majestic church steeples, Cooper River Bridge and historic Charleston than from a water taxi in the Charleston Harbor.  This made honorable mention because an all-day pass is $12.00 a person.  For a date, this is over budget, but it is an amazing deal and a photographers dream.  You are also likely to see dolphins frolic right beside you.