8 of the Oldest Places in Historic Charleston, SC that you should add to your travel bucket list

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By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina is a city rich in history and architecture. Here are some of the oldest buildings in Charleston:

  1. Pink House (c. 1694 – 1712) – 17 Chalmers Street, Charleston, SC 29401 – Also known as the “Sergeant Jasper House,” this small pink building on Church Street is one of the oldest buildings in Charleston. It is a private residence and not open to the public.
  2. The Powder Magazine (c. 1713) – 79 Cumberland St, Charleston, SC 29401 – The Powder Magazine was used as a storage facility for gunpowder during the colonial period. It is now a museum that is open to the public.
  3. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (The cornerstone for the existing building was laid in 1752 and the building opened in 1761) – 71 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401 – This beautiful church on Broad Street was completed in 1761 and is one of the oldest surviving churches in the city. It is still an active parish and open to the public.
  4. Heyward-Washington House (1772) – 87 Church St, Charleston, SC 29403 – This Georgian-style mansion on Meeting Street was built in 1772 and was the residence of Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It is now a museum that is open to the public.
  5. Nathaniel Russell House (1808) – 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 – This Federal-style mansion on Meeting Street was built in 1808 by Nathaniel Russell, a wealthy merchant. It is now a museum that is open to the public.
  6. Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon Building (c. 1771) – 122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401 – Located on East Bay Street, this building was originally a custom house and was used as a prisoner-of-war facility during the Revolutionary War. It is now a museum that is open to the public.
  7. Dock Street Theatre (c. 1809) – 135 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401 – This building on Church Street was originally a hotel but was converted into a theater in 1937. It is now the home of the Charleston Stage Company and is open to the public for performances and tours.
  8. Old Charleston Jail (c. 1802) – 21 Magazine St, Charleston, SC 29401 – Commonly referred to as the “Old City Jail”, this former prison is a site of historical and architectural significance in Charleston, SC. Operational between 1802 and 1939, it held many notable figures, among them Denmark Vesey, Union officers during the Civil War, high-seas pirates, and Lavinia Fisher.

Please note that there are many other historic buildings in Charleston, and this list is not exhaustive.

We hope this list helped solidify your next itinerary!

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Heyward-Washington House

St. Michael’s Church

Former Charleston, SC Best Local Comedian Dusty Slay featured in Deadline ahead of new Netflix special and tour

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By Mark A. Leon

For those of you, like myself, who knew Dusty Slay when his hair was a little shorter and he hosted comedy showcases at Big Gun Burger Shop on Calhoun Street, you remember a shy kind man with a heart of gold and an ability to light up a room with laughs.

During his time in Charleston, Dusty was voted Best Local Comedian and winning the Charleston Stand Up Comedy Competition two years in a row.

Throughout his early career in Charleston, Dusty dedicated himself to amplifying the healing power of comedy and giving a voice to a population that lacked a strong ambassador.

Dusty’s creativity, passion and desire led him to a bigger journey onto the clubs of Nashville. Now as he embarks on his first Netflix special and national tour, Deadline has written a feature about our native son, Dusty Slay.

Let’s give a warm ovation to former Charleston Southern comedy star Dusty Slay as he takes the next big step in his career.

Click Here to read full Deadline article: Comedian Dusty Slay Sets January Premiere For First Netflix Hour ‘Workin’ Man’

Dusty Slay and Dale Jr.

John’s Island Coffee Company and Warrior Surf Foundation Debut Warrior Surf Blend to support Veteran Therapy Programs

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John’s Island Coffee Company and Warrior Surf Foundation have partnered to create a specialty Warrior Surf Blend coffee, with 50% of profits from every sale benefitting Warrior Surf Foundation. If you’re looking to support veterans and shop local this holiday season, this is the perfect stocking stuffer!

The Warrior Surf Blend is a medium-dark roast with washed coffee beans from Colombia and Ethiopia. It has an aroma of dark chocolate, toasted nuts and subtle hints of caramel that coffee lovers will go wild for. The blend is available as either whole or ground beans in six-ounce bags for $10.75 or twelve-ounce bags for $14.40. John’s Island Coffee Company also offers a subscription program that automatically delivers a (discounted!) bag of your choice on a monthly basis.

All donations will benefit Warrior Surf Foundation’s Surf Therapy program, which provides 12 weeks of free surf therapy, yoga, wellness classes and community to Veterans struggling with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

Tubby’s Seafood River Street in Savannah will be closing its downs at the end of December after 25 years

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In a bittersweet statement on Facebook Tubby’s, a 25 year foundation in downtown Savannah, GA announced their closing:

Well, we were struggling with how to release this sad news, but our kind friend Jesse Blanco helped us find a way. Tubby’s River Street, lovingly named after our dear friend and partner, Stan “Tubby” Strickland, will permanently close at the end of this month. Tubby’s has been serving up wonderful food, libations and memories on Savannah’s Waterfront for 25 years and we are heartbroken we must say goodbye.

We want to genuinely thank our dedicated and talented staff, many of whom have been with us for years, if not decades. Special shout out to Fred Plantadis(Tubby 2) for your immense dedication and love of Tubby’s. These amazing humans have made Tubby’s magical – as have you, our loyal customers! We are beyond grateful to our patrons and colleagues for your incredible support. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

So, with that said, let’s go out with a bang! Y’all come on down to River Street and see us for the next month.

Fresh, Wild Georgia Shrimp are on the menu and Ship Shots are flowing steadily! This weekend is the perfect time to come down and cheer on the legendary Ansley Williams as Grand Marshal of the Waterfront Lighted Christmas Parade.

Thank you again and see you soon!

River Rat Brewery in Columbia, South Carolina is closing after 10 years

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In a statement on Facebook and Instagram on December 5th, River Rat Brewery in Columbia, South Carolina left this heartfelt message:

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of River Rat Brewery located at 1231 Shop Road on December 30th, 2023.

We want to thank all of our wonderful customers and employees for supporting us over these past 10+ years! Memories that will always be close to our heart!

RRB grew organically over these last 10 years and what a pleasure it was to serve the great community of Columbia and beyond. Friendships were made that will last a lifetime!

We grew into a place that has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors yearly from locals to visitors in our fine city. We are extremely humbled that so many embraced River Rat Brewery!

Though it is time to end this chapter we want to thank all who visited our establishment throughout these 10 years. The experiences we shared with our customers and employees will forever be in our hearts. 🤝

We will remain open throughout December and will have 25% OFF ALL merchandise and beer this week!

Saturday, December 30th will be our last day of operation to the public.

Come say goodbye to River Rat Brewery!

What a ride it has been, cheers Rat Pac!!!

Movies Filmed in or around Charleston, South Carolina

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Ever watch a movie and think, that looks familiar?  Well, it is possible it was shot on location in your southern home of Charleston, SC.

Here are a list of movies you may or may not know that had portions filmed on location in Charleston.  Perhaps this may cause a spike in Netflix or Amazon Prime streaming activity.

Movies / Feature Films shot on location in Charleston, SC

Enjoy the cinema.  Make plenty of popcorn.

PHOTO GALLERY: Highlights from the Boston & Charleston Tea Party in Summerville, SC

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This past weekend marked the 250th Anniversary of the Charleston Tea Party. Over 300 participated in this engaging family event in Summerville, South Carolina that marked a significant event in Lowcountry history. Through the graciousness of photographer Nikki Gaskins, we are able to share some highlights from this past weekend’s festivities.

250th Anniversary of the Charleston Tea Party – PHOTO GALLERY

Photo Credit: Nikki Gaskins

IronLink Logistics grows East Coast presence with new operation in Charleston County – 16.5M Investment

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IronLink Logistics (IronLink), a logistics service company, today announced it is growing its East Coast presence by establishing operations in Charleston County. The $16.45 million investment will create 250 new jobs.

IronLink, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, offers a comprehensive range of transportation, warehousing, and distribution services to a diverse customer base of industries and product sectors. The company handles various aspects of the supply chain, including inventory management, order fulfillment, and freight transportation from port and outbound freight worldwide.

Read the full article, HERE.

10 Child-Friendly Attractions and Activities in Charleston, South Carolina

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By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, SC, offers a variety of child-friendly attractions and activities. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: This interactive museum is designed for kids, featuring hands-on exhibits and activities that encourage learning through play. It’s a great place for children to explore and have fun.
  2. Charleston Waterfront Park: A beautiful park with fountains, gardens, and a large lawn, Charleston Waterfront Park is a great spot for families. Kids can play in the fountains or enjoy a picnic in a picturesque setting.
  3. South Carolina Aquarium: Located in downtown Charleston, the aquarium provides a fascinating underwater world for kids to explore. They can see marine life, touch stingrays, and learn about conservation efforts.
  4. James Island County Park: This park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including playgrounds, splash pads, and a climbing wall. There’s also a seasonal water park called Splash Zone for added fun.
  5. Charleston Tea Garden: While tea might not seem like a kid-centric activity, the Charleston Tea Garden offers a peaceful setting for families to explore. Kids can learn about the tea-making process and enjoy the scenic grounds.
  6. Folly Beach: If your family enjoys the beach, Folly Beach is a great option. It has a laid-back atmosphere, and kids can have fun playing in the sand and surf. Look for seashells, build sandcastles, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze.
  7. Angel Oak Tree: Located on Johns Island, the Angel Oak Tree is a stunning natural attraction. This ancient Southern live oak is a massive tree that provides a shady spot for a family picnic and an opportunity for kids to marvel at its size.
  8. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: While exploring the gardens, families can enjoy the beauty of nature and the extensive grounds. The plantation also offers a petting zoo and a nature tram for guided tours.
  9. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: Kids with an interest in history and maritime adventures will enjoy exploring the USS Yorktown, a historic aircraft carrier. The museum also features other naval vessels and exhibits.
  10. Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park: For families with adventurous kids, Wild Blue Ropes offers a challenging ropes course and climbing experiences suitable for various skill levels. It’s a great way to combine physical activity with outdoor fun.

These are just a few options, and Charleston has much more to offer for families with children, ranging from parks and museums to outdoor adventures and educational experiences.

Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park

Angel Oak

U.S.S. Yorktown – Patriots Point

12 Days of Christmas – Charleston Version

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On the first day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, A sweet tea by the palmetto tree.

On the second day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Two carriage rides and a sweet tea by the palmetto tree.

On the third day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Three rainbow row houses, two carriage rides, And a sweet tea by the palmetto tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Four shrimp grit bowls, three rainbow row houses, Two carriage rides, and a sweet tea by the palmetto tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Five Lowcountry boils!

On the sixth day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Six Battery strolls, five Lowcountry boils!

On the seventh day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Seven sweetgrass baskets, six Battery strolls, Five Lowcountry boils!

On the eighth day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Eight pineapple fountains, seven sweetgrass baskets, Six Battery strolls, five Lowcountry boils!

On the ninth day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Nine pimento cheese spreads, eight pineapple fountains, Seven sweetgrass baskets, six Battery strolls, Five Lowcountry boils!

On the tenth day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Ten Folly Beach surfers, nine pimento cheese spreads, Eight pineapple fountains, seven sweetgrass baskets, Six Battery strolls, five Lowcountry boils!

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Eleven cobblestone streets, ten Folly Beach surfers, Nine pimento cheese spreads, eight pineapple fountains, Seven sweetgrass baskets, six Battery strolls, Five Lowcountry boils!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Charleston sent to me, Twelve plantation tours, eleven cobblestone streets, Ten Folly Beach surfers, nine pimento cheese spreads, Eight pineapple fountains, seven sweetgrass baskets, Six Battery strolls, five Lowcountry boils!

And a sweet tea by the palmetto tree!

So, whether it’s eggnog or grits with cheer, Charleston’s Christmas is the best time of year. With magnolias blooming and shrimp galore, Southern living’s what we adore!