GALLERY: We Will Endure – A Charleston Sunrise To Remind Us

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

Even in tragedy, the timeliness and absolute stunning nature of a Charleston sunrise continues to remind us of our strength as a community. Its beauty, diverse colors and artistic impression in the sky is sometimes all we need to know things will be okay.

This morning once again served as nature’s way of saying, we have your back. Look to the sky and you know you are being protected with warmth and security.

Mornings are a sign of new beginnings, a fresh start.
They keep us balanced and put life in perspective.

Thank you Charleston for another light show and for continuously reminding us of the love all around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep spreading the love of nature an one another.

 

 

GALLERY: It’s All Happening: Dawn of the Eclipse at Folly Beach

Read More

It is August 21, 2017, the day an entire country has been waiting for:  Eclipse Day.  Charleston is buzzing in ways words cannot describe.  You bet we are ready to celebrate.

Whether you are standing in awe, BBQ/Cooking Out, kayaking, or camping, it is a day that will be remembered for the rest of your life.

We started Total Eclipse Day with a sunrise at Folly Beach.  With rain in the distance, clouds, sun rising, a wedding and a new born sea turtle finding its way back to its mother, it was a memorable morning.

We wanted to share a gallery of this very special Eclipse Day sunrise and morning.

Be safe, have fun and enjoy every minute of this phenomenal moment.  If you haven’t already, make a mimosa and get ready for this lifetime event.

 

 

 

 

Meet Scout, born today

 

 

 

Is this the Swedish Chef? or a Dragon?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a truly amazing day Charleston

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charleston Memories: Photographic Archive of Vintage Charleston, SC

Read More
Charleston Harbor - Late 1800's

We have loved to take a step back in time and see how generations before us lived their lives in Charleston, SC.  The evolution of our country and the Southeast has taken on so many dimensions, so it is exciting to see images of the past come to life and remind us of the long journey this area has led.  We are thrilled to share more captivating imagery of Charleston, South Carolina’s yesteryear.

Enjoy this expose:

Meeting Street - 1908
Meeting Street – 1908

 

Snow in Charleston (The Battery) – Circa 1899

 

King Street Christmas Eve 1937
King Street Christmas Eve 1937

 

 

King Street 1960
King Street 1960

 

Construction of Cooper River Bridge 1929
Construction of Cooper River Bridge 1929

 

Rainbow Row 1920's
Rainbow Row 1920’s

 

Charleston, SC 1910
Charleston, SC 1910

 

Broad Street 1910
Broad Street 1910

 

Old Market House 1865
Old Market House 1865

 

Civil War soldier
Civil War soldier

 

Slave Family on SC Plantation
Slave Family on SC Plantation

 

Vintage Folly Beach Postcard
Vintage Folly Beach Postcard

 

Charleston Evening Post 1913
Charleston Evening Post 1913

 

Orpheum Theater 1892
Orpheum Theater 1892

 

Photo by Hank Walker 1956 Charleston Bus
Photo by Hank Walker 1956 Charleston Bus

 

Broad Street, Circa 1930's
Broad Street, Charleston, SC

 

Gullah woman, Johns Island, 1950's
Gullah woman, Johns Island, 1950’s

 

Race Track Clubhouse, Charleston 1865
Race Track Clubhouse, Charleston 1865

 

Francis Marion Hotel - Circa 1960's
Francis Marion Hotel – Circa 1960’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charleston, SC Based Pixrit Launches New All-In-One Social Media Management and Gallery Platform for Photographers

Read More

Thursday, August 10th, 2017

Pixrit has launched the first ever all-in-one platform to help photographers manage their photos and auto-share them to their social networks. Pixrit combines the fastest social media manager with state-of-the-art galleries, thus birthing the ultimate online platform.

“Pixrit’s state-of-the-art features make it not only significantly faster, but the intuitive visually-driven interface is far easier to use,” says Todd Surber, owner and founder of Pixrit, LLC. “Our image-forward design is ideal for photographers and visual artists to see and arrange their posts to be scheduled.”

Until now, social media managers have functioned with plain, single-upload, calendar-based interfaces. “Pixrit has completely changed the way we manage our social media. This is going to revolutionize the industry,” notes Ben Chrisman, world–renowned photographer of Chrisman Studios.

Pixrit is a cloud-based platform that places images up-front and center at all times. Its unique features include, among others:

  • A combination of social media manager and showcasing galleries, whereby only a single upload is required for backing up, sharing, or presenting to current and future clients
  • The ability to schedule posts up to 20 times faster than Hootsuite and 12 times faster than Buffer and Sprout Social. Users can upload and schedule a month’s worth of sharing to 5 social networks in less than 5 minutes
  • Bulk capabilities for uploading, applying content (unique for each network), editing, arranging, staging and sharing
  • A Social Sidebar that displays all social activity for all networks
  • A Social Library that stores all images with their captions and hashtags
  • Automatic image resizing uniquely optimized for each network

GALLERY: Signs of Spring Street (Charleston, SC)

Read More

One area of downtown Charleston, SC that has seen tremendous change and personality is Spring Street.  With the recent confirmed decision to make this a two way street and a number of small businesses laying claim to Spring Street as their home, we thought it would be a great time to pay homage to the eclectic personality that is Spring Street.

From the floral beauty of Tiger Lily to the robust smells of Eclectic Coffee and Bearded Cafe, Spring Street is a trendy residential hot spot.

This bustling street, populated by students, locals and business owners is always ready to provide you with an international experience with a Southern smile.

To the yoga studios, salons, restaurants, veggie markets, grocers, Asian cuisine owners and barber shops, we thank you for making Spring Street an experience for all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make Spring Street part of your next downtown adventure.

 

 

The Unitarian Church of Charleston Turns 200 Years Old

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

Though the physical building was constructed in circa 1780 – 1782 as an expansion of the Circular Congregational Church, it wasn’t until 1817 that Anthony Forster and several other church members became Unitarians.  75 members, more than half of the congregation, left the Meeting Street Church and founded the Second Independent Church in Charleston on Archdale.  Now, 200 years later, the Unitarian Church located at 4 Archdale Street continues to be a thriving community with no signs of slowing down.

Complete church history summary

With its rich history, including the alleged final resting place of Annabel Lee, the true love of Edgar Allan Poe,  the Unitarian Church continues to be a locals and tourist favorite.  Whether on foot or horse drawn carriage, this quiet community based church celebrates acceptance, life and open arms for all.  By offering spiritual freedom, a space for events, weddings and celebrations, the church and all its members have been an inspiration to the community of Charleston.

In 2017, we celebrate 200 years of the Unitarian Church in Charleston.

Walk with us through as we take you through the glorious architecture, historic resting places and beautiful grounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pay them a visit.  Their doors are always open for you.

GALLERY: Discover Georgetown, South Carolina: America’s Coastal Small Town

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

Just a stone’s throw away from Charleston, one hour north on Highway 17, is Georgetown, South Carolina, one of the many beautiful reminders of small town America.  This marina based town is rich in tradition, history and family values.  At its core, it is a proud town built on manufacturing and coastal commerce.  Over the years, this family rich culture has maintained the simplicity and wholesomeness of its founding days nearly 200 years ago.

Over the course of the day, we were greeted with open arms as the locals charmed us with an inviting atmosphere.  During the mid afternoon, I was walking on the marina boardwalk and I heard an acoustic guitarist singing “Let Her In” by Hootie and the Blowfish.  As he concluded, he shared an anecdote about playing guitar on King Street in Charleston when Mark Bryan, stopped and offered to play his second guitar and jam together.  This was one of the many warm feelings we had throughout the day, but none more enriching then breakfast at the Coffee Break Cafe among the locals over a fresh cup of hot coffee and a croissant sandwich.

The pride of Americana and the warm Southern charm of a traditional small town is alive and well in Georgetown, South Carolina.  We invite you to make an outing and discover Georgetown.  If you have the time, take Cap’t Rods Lowcountry Boat Tour’s 4 hour excursion which includes a boat ride to the old lighthouse, Shell Island, rice fields and so much more for only $35.00 a person (Monday – Saturday).  Of course, stop in to the local sweets shop for a mint OREO or homemade praline or the ice cream parlor for a cup of Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Ice Cream.

Come with us as we share our gallery of life in Georgetown, South Carolina

 

Coastal Carolina Research Boat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee Break Cafe

 

 

 

 

Mural Street Front

 

 

Are you ready to your next South Carolina discovery?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GALLERY: Discover Rockville, South Carolina

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

How often have you taken Maybank Highway to the Charleston Tea Plantation or Deep Water Winery and stopped?  Is that all Wadmalaw has to offer?  We know the big three (Angel Oak, Charleston Tea Plantation and Deep Water) are the major attractions, but what if you continued driving until the road ends?  If you do, you will find the quaint little town of Rockville, South Carolina established in 1784.

Just a few miles outside of Charleston, Rockville offers you a look at the way life used to be.  It is the beauty, decor and natural scenery of simple Southern living.

Come with us to Rockville, South Carolina where the air is fresh, faith is strong and peaceful ambiance is a way of life.

A vision of Southern living

 

A place where white picket fences are the norm.

 

Faith is strong and proud

 

 

 

Admire the old Coca-Cola sign on the Old General Store

 

 

That is a strong windmill

 

 

Welcome to Fellowship Hall

 

Would ya like to have a seat for a while?

 

Get some shade from the sun.

 

Make sure you stroll down the long and winding roads.

 

Peak in on some cute houses

 

 

There is lots of history here.

 

Even a place where the bees can cross

 

Welcome to Grace Chapel

 

 

 

 

One of the many homes of the Pink Panther

 

Rest at the old Convenience Store

We sure hope you enjoyed your little visit to Rockville, South Carolina.  Come again soon.

 

 

GALLERY: Charleston Beer Garden – What a Day

Read More
Instagram: beergirl_meetsworld

Not only was the weather perfect for the Charleston Beer Garden on May 20th and there were so many great vendors, games and fun, but a tremendous amount was raised for the Lowcountry AIDS Services. This was a remarkable event and from all the smiles and laughs, we can see that so many had an incredible time.

We want to share some great photographic memories of this event from those that lived it.

Enjoy this gallery of happiness from the Charleston Beer Garden event this past weekend. Cheers.

 

Instagram – tenesiasealey

 

Instagram – joevisualss

 

Instagram: k.anderson9

 

Instagram: ediehl94

 

Instagram: br33zyb4b3

 

Instagram: marisam00m

 

Instagram: mr.gongora

 

Instagram: christypunch

 

Instagram: hltangway

 

Instagram: theweekendrevival

 

Instagram: daniduhh1

 

Instagram: britney_raine

 

Instagram: eventcooperative

 

Instagram: kaysimonfit

 

Instagram: nattylite007

 

Instagram: callie_alyne

 

Instagram: beergirl_meetsworld

 

 

Great Photo Highlights from Tall Ships Charleston

Instagram: urbansketchers_charleston

So many got to experience the magic and wonder of Tall Ships Charleston.

This was truly a treat for our little coastal village.  We are so grateful to all the people that worked so hard to make this a reality.  As hundreds of thousands of children and adults flocked to the boats this weekend, we saw so many smiles and laughs as fantasy and reality became one.

Wishing to be a pirate or sail the Seven Seas all took flight this weekend.

It was truly memorable.

Here are some photo highlights provided by some amazing Instagramers.

Instagram: jenbobs32

 

Instagram: acristobaljourney

 

Instagram: ashley_yachts

 

Instagram: hbhunterbrookes

 

Instagram: lmw_cltnc

 

 

Instagram: aroundcharleston

 

Instragram: 9ballgame

 

Instagram: bryanganey

 

Instagram: medlinfineart

 

Instagram: gilly_w

 

Instagram: kacopenh

 

Instagram: gilly_w

 

Instagram: debbarr123

 

Instagram: aureliamermaid

 

Instagram: ldhudak

Ahoy and happy sailing.