Charleston Daily - Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

Lowcountry

Update: R.I.P.: UFO Visitor Center (Bowman, South Carolina)

May 9, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Update: We just learned that the UFO Visitor Center in Bowman, SC was destroyed in a fire – Click HERE for story. We will always have our memories of this odd but memorable state attraction.

Every state has odd or off-the-wall attractions and South Carolina is no exception. If you are a fan of the weird, odd, or slightly off the beaten path attractions, the UFO Visitor Center in Bowman, South Carolina is perfect for you and only just over an hour outside of Charleston.

Believe us, it is worth the trip. It may wow you, scare you, or even have you rolling your eyes. No matter what you feel, you won’t be disappointed.

Before you pack the car with kids and snacks there are a few things you need to know:

There are no signs leading you to this attraction. Put the address in your GPS, Waze, or Google Maps – 4004 Homestead Rd, Bowman, SC 29018
This is a small sleepy town that time has forgotten, but so rich in tradition, history, and community
Don’t walk around barefoot. You will know what I mean
If you decide to make a day out of it in Bowman, don’t bother. Aside from a Chinese restaurant that may or may not be open and a Dollar General, you will not find any dining options.
Enjoy the rustic sound of the rooster touting just a few blocks away
Note: This attraction has not been maintained well, so it may remind you of Sanford & Son with a giant UFO on top of the garage.

Let us take a visual look at this well known South Carolina oddity:

Lowcountry

3 Excellent Biking Trails in the Charleston, SC area

May 8, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Looking for a great scenic bike trail in the Charleston, SC area? We got you covered with these 3 awesome options:

The West Ashley Greenway is a 10.5-mile paved trail that stretches from Folly Road to Johns Island, providing scenic marsh views and a peaceful ride away from traffic.[9][10] The Hampton Park loop is a popular option within the city, with a paved path circling the historic park that is closed to vehicles on certain afternoons.

For mountain biking, the Wannamaker North Trail in Wannamaker County Park offers an 8-mile trail with elevation changes and tight curves suitable for all skill levels.[10] The Sawmill Branch Trail in Summerville is another great option, with a 6-mile loop through wetlands and pine forests.

The Marrington Plantation Trail on Joint Base Charleston-Weapons Station is known for its abundance of natural beauty, ponds where patrons can enjoy a relaxing day fishing. Marrington Plantation encompasses more than 1,600 acres of pristine woodlands that now serves as one of the premier military recreational facilities in the world for people of all ages to enjoy outdoor recreational activities.

Lowcountry

Through the Love of RMHC Charleston and MUSC Kids, Eleanor is a shining 5 year old with a future as bright as the sun – Learn about Eleanor’s remarkable story

May 8, 2024

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

Meet Eleanor! She is a happy and healthy 5-year-old, but when she was 3 weeks old, she was transported to two different hospitals before arriving at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital (MUSC Kids) showing signs of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT).

Her family came to the House without any of their belongings except a few changes of clothes. Because of the generosity of our community, RMHC Charleston could provide them with food, toiletries, and a place to rest their heads for 6 weeks while Eleanor recovered from heart and lung failure.

“We can never repay our gratitude for RMHC Charleston as it far exceeded our expectations, but we are committed to giving back in a way we see possible.” – Marissa, Eleanor’s Mother ❤️

Follow RMHC Charleston on INSTAGRAM.

Follow MUSC Kids on INSTAGRAM.

Lowcountry

Charlotte’s Lovin’ Life Music Fest defined itself as music festival elite in its inaugural year

May 7, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

There are artists that have the potential to define a generation and moments that provide the backdrop. This past weekend, Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina became a vessel for a musical event that may have cemented itself on the permanent landscape of the American musical festival scene.

The Lovin’ Life Music Fest, behind the vision of Bob Durkin and his phenomenal support team, lifted the spirits of a city, who days before had been struck by tragedy. In the cloud of 4 officers slain earlier in the week, Charlotte needed a voice to rise from the ashes and remind us of the resilience of this city. That voice came at the hands of 30+ artists given their time and energy to powering the inaugural Lovin’ Life Music Fest.

Through careful tapestry and an idea that took nearly 3 years to become a reality, the Lovin’ Life Music Fest brought an atmosphere of love, harmony, hope and celebration.

On three evenings in early May, the City of Charlotte exploded in dance and song led by the fierce musical power of Post Malone, legendary icon Stevie Nicks and the soulful folk alt rock sound of Noah Kahan.

That musical acts were only the tip of the of magic that ensued beyond the entranceway off of 7^th and College.

So many individual stories defined the collective

When you uncovered the layers of the thousands of fans, national musical acts, food and beverage, vendors, DJs, Instagram moments and smartphone video capture, you found the moments that mattered; the memories lived.

During our three days, here are some personal experiences we will never forget:

Stevie Nicks completing an emotional set capped by Free Fallin’ and Landslide as the night sky delivered a downpouring of rain.
As an ode to Zepplin, Stevie Nicks opened her set with “Rock and Roll”. Iconic!
Post Malone shared a personal story of his two-year-old child and his passion to want to live for that little life as he sang “Too Young”, a song about dying young he wrote 10 years earlier at age 18.
A soft kiss in the rain shared by two lovers.
Fans from 12 – 75 gathering together in a celebration of music and community.
New friendships discovered.
A drone laser light show capped with “We Love You” over the Charlotte night sky.
A celebration of individualism and inclusion in a way that has to be experienced first-hand.
A moment of silence on day one to the 4 fallen local officers just days before. In those brief few seconds, you could hear a pin drop in the middle of a metro surrounded by 20K+.
With an infectious smile and voice of an angel, Maggie Rogers planted the seeds of an entire new fan base.

In the end, Lovin’ Life Music Fest stayed pure to its name. It gave us an invitation into a world of iconic musical legends and legends still undefined. It reminded us that love is truly blind, without prejudice or judgement. It helped shared the foundation of co-existence where acceptance is the heart and soul of happiness and joy.

Charlotte is a city wrought with life from its banking mecca to its urban artistic vision. It breathes through its skyscrapers and sports, rejoices in faith and celebrates its athletics. It is one of the crown jewels of the South. Yet, for one weekend, the center of this city was transformed to a playground for music fans where lyrics echoes off the walls of the cityscape and love was the fuel that grabbed us all night long.

Lowcountry

Charlotte Regional Business Alliance names Andrea B. Smith as interim CEO and announces search partner

May 7, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The board of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance has named Andrea B. Smith interim President and CEO. Smith is regarded in the Charlotte community as a top business executive, a community leader, and a philanthropist. The CLT Alliance also announced that Thaddeus Jones, the Founder and Managing Partner of Nexus Search Partners, has been retained to conduct the search for the organization’s full-time President and CEO.

Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Interim President & CEO Andrea B. Smith

As a trailblazer and champion for women in banking, Smith held a number of senior leadership positions for Bank of America during her 34-year career with the company. Those included such roles as the head of Global Human Resources, where she transformed the bank’s hiring, employee benefits, and diversity and inclusion efforts and subsequently Chief Administrative Officer. Among her numerous recognitions include American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking, Business North Carolina’s Most Influential Business Leaders in North Carolina, and Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year by Queens University.

Smith was also the Chair of the Executive Committee for the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce in 2017, one of the CLT Alliance’s two predecessor organizations.

“I am proud to support the CLT Alliance and the board as we continue the important work to grow the economy, advocate for business, and help create opportunities for everyone to thrive,” said Smith. “Thanks to the support of hundreds of investors, partners, and a dedicated professional staff, we are confident the organization is poised for the future.”

In 2021 Smith was named the Citizen of the Carolinas, the CLT Alliance’s most prestigious award given to a Carolinian who has made great strides in the betterment of the quality of life in the Charlotte region and the country through years of accomplishment in community leadership. She has been an ardent supporter of equitable economic mobility in Charlotte, including serving as the inaugural Co-Chair of the Leading on Opportunity Council. Smith also currently chairs the Bank of America Alumni Network.

“We are thrilled to have Andrea Smith lead the organization during a period of transition, as she has provided decades of steadfast leadership in the Charlotte area. We know she will help us create even more impact during a time of great economic opportunity for this region,” said Ali Summerville, Chairman of the Board of the CLT Alliance. “Andrea’s consistent commitment to supporting local leaders, especially women- and minority-owned businesses, has provided more people in our community the opportunity to advance and thrive.”

In addition to announcing the interim CEO, the CLT Alliance has retained Thaddeus Jones, the founder of Charlotte-based executive search and advisory firm, Nexus Search Partners, to conduct the search for a permanent president and CEO. Nexus Search Partners has a mission to connect clients with executive leaders who can help accelerate growth. With a focus on increasing diverse representation at the executive level, Nexus partners with clients to find and evaluate the industry’s best leaders. Since launching the firm, Jones and Nexus have placed several top executives at leading corporations nationwide.

“Andrea is certainly highly experienced and poised to help guide the CLT Alliance, and we are grateful she has accepted this interim role,” said David Longo, Vice Chair of the CLT Alliance Board. “We are also grateful to have Thadd and his firm’s specialized expertise conducting a thoughtful search for our next full-time CEO who will lead us into our next phase of growth. Nexus has successfully led many important executive searches, including the recent CEO search for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.”

Since its creation the CLT Alliance has helped generate over 37,000 jobs and $15.2B in capital investment in the region, with the announcement almost 400 companies choosing to expand or relocate to the Charlotte Region. In addition, the CLT Alliance has been instrumental in the successful passage of three bond referendums, advocating for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, as well as the legalization of sports betting.

SOURCE Charlotte Regional Business Alliance

Lowcountry

Dr. Juliette Walker Honored as 2024 Woman of the Year at Make-A-Wish South Carolina’s W.I.S.H. Society Luncheon

May 7, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Charleston, SC – Make-A-Wish South Carolina celebrated the conclusion of its 2024 W.I.S.H. Society campaign in the Lowcountry with an awards luncheon at the Harbour Club of WestEdge, where Dr. Juliette Walker was honored as the Woman of the Year for her exceptional efforts in supporting the foundation’s mission.

The W.I.S.H. Society (Women Inspiring Strength and Hope) recognizes dynamic women each year who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements and a steadfast commitment to fostering compassion and resilience within their communities. Upon nomination, each honoree embarks on a three-month campaign to raise funds aimed at granting the heartfelt wishes of children battling critical illnesses.

Dr. Walker, a dedicated pediatrician, surpassed all expectations by raising an impressive $18,342, significantly contributing to the overall $105,000 raised by the Society this season. This collective effort will ensure that at least 14 magical wishes are granted to children in need in the Lowcountry. Throughout the state of South Carolina, nearly 400 qualified children are waiting for a wish and 70 of those reside in the Lowcountry area.

“We are immensely grateful to Dr. Walker and all the remarkable women of this year’s Lowcountry W.I.S.H. Society for their dedication and generosity,” said Make-A-Wish South Carolina President Misty Farmer, at the luncheon. “Their collective efforts have truly made a difference in the lives of many children and their families.”

In addition to Dr. Walker, the luncheon recognized the philanthropic contributions of ten other distinguished women from the Lowcountry W.I.S.H. Society:

Brooke Ryan
Emilie Zulhowski
Hart Peary
Karalyn Christman
Kimmy Powell
Lynn Tu
Mary Pate
Melissa Kubu
Natalie Holst
Sandra Reyna

These women together have played a pivotal role in raising $105,000 and granting 14 wishes, highlighting the powerful impact of community and compassion.

Dr. Walker, who operates Paragon Pediatrics in Charleston, has been particularly noted for her commitment to serving underprivileged families. Her involvement with Make-A-Wish has been driven by her experiences in hospital corridors, witnessing the fragility of life and the transformative power of granting wishes. “As a pediatrician, I diagnose and treat children with critical illnesses. W.I.S.H. Society gave me the opportunity to provide children and their families hope and joy during critical moments,” stated Dr. Walker.

For more information about the W.I.S.H. Society and how you can support Make-A-Wish South Carolina, please visit wish.org/sc/wish-society-women-inspiring-strength-hope.

About Make-A-Wish South Carolina
Make-A-Wish South Carolina creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since its inception, the foundation has sought to provide hope, strength, and joy by giving children a piece of their childhood back during their most challenging times. For more details, please visit wish.org/sc

Lowcountry

Did You Know: Wes Craven’s “Swamp Thing” was filmed at Cypress Gardens and Aiken-Rhett House

May 6, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Wes Craven’s “Swamp Thing” released in 1982 has become a cult classic in some circles. What many may not know, is that much of this movie was filmed at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner. We all know about the famous romantic scenes from “The Notebook”, but now you know about the campy horror/sci-fi connection to our beloved attraction.

At the center of Wes Craven’s 1982 film Swamp Thing is the distinct landscape of the South. While the film is set in Louisiana, the filming took the cast and crew to South Carolina where the boggy Cypress Gardens and historic Aiken-Rhett House served as the backdrop for the movie.

Check out some of these clips below:

Official Trailer

Romantic Scene

Arrival of Swamp Thing

Protecting Alice

Burned Alive Scene

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Lowcountry

Department of Transportation Affirms $4B Commitment To Replace The Don Holt

May 3, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By: EMMA SLAVEN, EMMA@THEDANIELISLANDNEWS.COM

On the heels of the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore that killed six people in March, the South Carolina Department of Transportation affirmed its plans to replace the aging Don Holt Bridge spanning across the Cooper River with a wider and taller structure.

The replacement bridge, between North Charleston and Daniel Island, is projected to have a clearance of 186 feet above the water, allowing bigger ships to travel in and out of the North Charleston terminal.

The current bridge, built in 1992, stands 155 feet above water and limits the passage of cargo vessels to those ships holding 8,000, 20-foot containers or less.

Yet, more modern ships can carry twice as much.

“Modernizing the terminal, raising the Don Holt Bridge, deepening the Cooper River, and purchasing the former WestRock property are all critical components that will yield a state-of-the-art North Charleston Terminal,” State Ports Authority President Barbara Melvin said in a March 19 announcement.

The State Ports Authority recently announced the purchase of the WestRock paper mill in North Charleston to support its expansion of the nearby terminal, and raising a replacement bridge would further enhance the ports’ ability to attract bigger cargo ships.

The roughly $4 billion plan to replace the Don Holt is part of a bigger $8 billion dollar project called the I-526 Lowcountry Corridor that would see a massive overhaul to the 23-mile connection of roads and bridges linking West Ashley to Mount Pleasant.

“The project is currently in the very early stages,” said Kelly Moore, DOT’s public engagement director. “We expect the next steps, including a major public involvement initiative, to begin in the 2030s. After the next phase begins, we expect to have a better construction timeline to share.”

With reviews and permitting estimated to start sometime in the next decade, many questions regarding the actual cost, who will pay for it, and the design plans of the bridge are still undecided, according to Moore.

Moore emphasized that at this early stage, it’s premature to finalize maintenance plans outlining how roads will look during the interim period leading up to construction.

But transportation officials, at this point, do have nine potential design options in the running, including one early plan that would have one bridge with eight travel lanes and a bike and pedestrian path, and another option proposing two separate four-lane bridges.

In an effort to expand the lanes and accommodate Charleston’s growing traffic, the new bridge could be much like the Ravenel Bridge, with enhanced safety measures put in place.

SCDOT public information officer Hannah Robinson reassured Charleston drivers that the Ravenel Bridge has an “elaborate system” of protection and that it was designed to withstand a high level of impact, including the loss of cables.

According to Robinson, the existing Don Holt Bridge already has protective measures that surround the bridge, designed for the type of cargo traffic that travels through the channel.

“We would expect that as we move to replace the Don Holt in the near future, we would adopt similar safety measures to what is in place on the Ravenel,” she said. “We anticipate this [new bridge] will be a larger, higher structure that will be in alignment with Ravenel and support the continued growth of our port.”

Source: Daniel Island News

Lowcountry

Son of one of the 4 slain officers in Charlotte, NC writes and emotional poem as a tribute to his dad

May 2, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Officer William “Alden” Elliott, was was a 14-year veteran of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, former U.S. Marine, husband and father. On April 29, 2024, he was one of 4 officers killed in the line of fine. Since the tragedy, tributes have been pouring in for the 4 victims, but Officer Elliott’s son, Theo James wrote a poem that is filled with raw emotion and love.

William “Alden” Elliott’s 12 year old son, Theo James Elliott writes this poem as a tribute to his fallen father and personal hero:

My daddy is a hero.

He died getting the bad guys, that’s what he was good at.

He is a Marine.

He is a Police Officer.

He is kind and patient.

He keeps my mom and I safe.

He is my daddy; the best daddy.

We love playing video games together. He really likes Mario, Zelda, and Metroid Return of Samus.

We collect Pokemon cards. I have a Charizard that he helped me get graded.

He and I have watched every Star Wars movie and series.

My daddy loves playing and watching baseball. His favorite team is the Dodgers.

He is an expert marksman, perfect score every time.

For my 12th birthday he bought me a dirt bike. He bought himself one too, so that we could ride together.

I will learn how to ride it and we will ride together one day, Daddy.

He was the best man I will ever know.

And I hope to be just like him.

Lowcountry

PURE Theatre Charleston Announces Season 22 Lineup – It is poised to be a “Season of Delight”

May 2, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

PURE Theatre Announces Season 22: A Season of Delight

Charleston, SC (April 26, 2024) – PURE Theatre is proud to announce Season 22: A Season of Delight. The season begins in September, with five productions including a World Premiere musical and two regional premieres. Performances in the 2024–2025 season will take place at the Cannon Street Arts Center and virtually through PURE Live, the company’s live-streaming program (subject to rights availability).

“Sometimes, we all just want to smile. We want reasons to laugh and to be joyful, especially living in the world today, and that’s what Season 22 is all about,” says PURE Theatre Artistic and Executive Director, Sharon Graci. “Each of the five plays in our upcoming season has the unique ability to spark laughter and ignite delight, while also fulfilling our promise to always leave you with something to talk about. Whether we’re studying birds in a biosphere in Papua New Guinea, on a boat in the middle of the ocean making one of the world’s most iconic films, or following the crimes of a supervillain in a modern imagining of Sherlock Holmes, we’ll always find something to learn about ourselves – and we’ll have fun along the way!”

Season 22 kicks off in Fall 2024 with the South Carolina Premiere of Fat Ham by James Ijames. When the ghost of his father shows up in the backyard demanding revenge for his murder, it feels like a familiar story to Juicy, a queer Southern college kid who is well-versed in Hamlet’s woes. Against the backdrop of an uproarious family barbecue, Fat Ham is a delectably modern reinvention of a classic recipe seasoned to perfection.

Following Fat Ham is The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown. First produced at PURE 15 years ago, this freshly reimagined staging showcases his and hers vocal powerhouses accompanying each other in a passionate and intimate take on one of contemporary theatre’s most beloved musicals.

Winter 2025 will feature the Southeast Regional Premiere of The Shark is Broken by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon. It’s 1974, and filming of the future megahit Jaws is delayed…again. As Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, and Richard Dreyfuss suffer at the hands of foul weather and a faulty mechanical co-star, alcohol flows, egos collide, and tempers flare on a chaotic voyage that just might lead to cinematic magic—if it doesn’t sink them all.

Spring 2025 ushers in the Southeast Regional Premiere of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B by Kate Hamill. Oddball female roommates Sherlock Holmes & Joan Watson join forces to emerge from pandemic fog as a deeply codependent, quasi-dysfunctional adventure duo—solving mysteries and kicking butts until they come face to face with a villain who seems to have all of the answers. A darkly comic modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth and sidekick, this fast-paced romp reexamines the world’s most famous detective story with a bold new feminist lens.

Season 22 will conclude with the World Premiere of Pleasure Never Lies, a new musical by Brad Moranz, Marshall Hagins, and Noah Brody. Dr. Samantha Williams is a brilliant but slightly insecure ornithologist…and let’s face it, who wouldn’t be, with radical, slightly feminist ideas about evolution bubbling up in one’s head? Ideas like the pursuit of pleasure (gasp!) is the second great engine of evolution! What if “survival of the fittest” is only half the story? Sam along with a ragtag group of bird scientists struggle to prove their theories on love, life, and evolution from deep within the jungles of Papua New Guinea in this quirky and clever world premiere musical from Broadway veterans Marshall Hagins, Noah Brody (Fiasco Theater), and Charleston’s own Brad Moranz.

PURE Theatre’s Season 22 Flex Pass is on sale now and includes five flexible tickets for the mainstage season, concierge ticketing services, first invitations to all PURE events, and discounts on additional ticket purchases. The Flex Pass also includes access to PURE’s Dining Benefits Program in partnership with the Charleston Arts Festival, giving you discounts and specials at your favorite local restaurants throughout the season. Current and retired K-12 educators can receive a special discount on their Flex Pass by contacting PURE.

Patrons and ticket buyers should visit PURE Theatre’s website at puretheatre.org for additional information on Season 22. Information on purchasing season passes as well as individual tickets is also available on PURE’s website, social media platforms, and via PURE Theatre’s box office at 843-723-4444, Monday-Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

ABOUT PURE THEATRE

PURE Theatre is a professional regional theatre in Charleston that creates consequential theatre experiences by and for a diverse gathering of artists and audiences. PURE produces work that inspires thought, ignites dialogue, heightens consciousness, and contributes to our community’s urgent exchange of ideas, viewpoints, aspirations, and inspirations.

PURE’s staff includes Sharon Graci (Co-founder and Artistic Director), Rodney Lee Rogers (Co-founder and Director of New Media and Education), David Mandel (Associate Artistic Director), Joy Vandervort-Cobb (Associate Artistic Director), Richard Heffner (Technical Director), Shivam Patel (Education and New Media Associate), Meagan McMahon (Patron Experience and Marketing Manager), and Tippy Trombly (Patron Experience Associate).

Michael Culler (President), Peter Calcagno (Treasurer), Chris Burgess (Secretary), Amy Gaffney, Bridget Durkan Laird, Liza Elsner, David Smalls, Brad Erickson, Stephanie Hunt, and Drew Childers serve on PURE Theatre’s board of directors.