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

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 21, 2026) – The official groundbreaking of The Inlet at Seabrook Island marked an exciting milestone for the boutique coastal community, celebrating the start of construction on a limited collection of just 11 luxury townhomes designed to honor the island’s natural beauty and timeless character.

Developed by Seabrook Island resident Paula Murphy in collaboration with her son, architect Keith Murphy of Island Architects, The Inlet reflects a deeply personal vision rooted in preservation, quality, and intentional design. Together with Matt Sargent of Island Architects, the team worked closely to ensure the project reflects Seabrook Island’s natural character and architectural heritage. 

The ceremonial event brought together project partners and community leaders, including Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman, along with representatives from Island Architects, David E. Looper & Company, and SouthState Bank, to commemorate the beginning of a thoughtfully planned addition to the island.

Nestled within Seabrook Island’s private community, The Inlet was intentionally limited in scale to preserve the site’s live oak corridor, protect the surrounding marsh, and maintain the sense of retreat that defines the island. 

“As a resident, this project is incredibly personal to me,” said Paula Murphy, co-developer of The Inlet. “From the very beginning, our goal was to build with care and restraint, ensuring these homes respect the land and the community we love. Seeing that vision come to life at the groundbreaking was both special and deeply rewarding.”

Designed by Island Architects, the three-story townhomes range from 2,330 to 3,239 square feet and feature three- and four-bedroom floor plans. Each residence includes a private elevator, a two-car garage, and dedicated golf cart parking. Architectural details draw inspiration from classic Lowcountry forms while incorporating modern conveniences and refined finishes.

“Our approach was to listen to the land and let it guide the design,” said Keith Murphy, co-developer and architect with Island Architects. “By limiting the number of homes, we were able to focus on thoughtful siting, strong proportions, and architecture that complements its surroundings rather than competes with them.”

Interiors feature open-concept layouts with 9- and 10-foot ceilings, White Oak hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, and expansive windows that invite natural light throughout the home. Kitchens are appointed with quartz countertops, high-end fixtures, and a curated selection of finishes, allowing buyers to personalize their space while maintaining a cohesive, timeless aesthetic.

Residents of The Inlet will enjoy proximity to Seabrook Island’s renowned amenities, including championship golf courses, a world-class racquet club, miles of scenic nature and equestrian trails, resort-style pools, and pristine beaches. The community offers a lock-and-leave lifestyle within one of the Lowcountry’s most sought-after coastal destinations.

Construction is being led by David E. Looper & Company, with completion of the first townhomes anticipated in fall 2026. Sales for The Inlet are exclusively represented by Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, a leading luxury brokerage with deep expertise on Seabrook Island and throughout the Lowcountry.

“With only 11 residences available, The Inlet represents a rare opportunity for brand-new construction on Seabrook Island,” said Ruthie Ravenel, CFO of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty. “The enthusiasm surrounding the groundbreaking reflects just how special this project is, and we look forward to sharing more details when sales officially launch.”

Additional details regarding the formal sales launch will be announced soon. With an exclusive offering of only 11 residences, prospective buyers are encouraged to visit www.theinletseabrook.com to learn more and join the interest list for early updates on availability and the opportunity to secure a home within this limited community.

###

About Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty

Serving the Lowcountry for more than 40 years, Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty has closed over $3 billion in real estate sales. Joining the Sotheby’s International Realty brand in 2007, the company has taken its local market expertise and expanded into the international arena through a close partnership with the Sotheby’s Auction House and a powerful referral network across affiliate offices worldwide. As of fall 2024, the brokerage supports over 100 agents throughout its markets of Charleston, Savannah, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort. To learn more about Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, visit www.danielravenelsir.com

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 21, 2026) – CF Evans Construction, one of the Southeast’s leading multifamily general contractors, has been selected by Buvermo as the general contractor for Album Dorchester, a new 55-plus active-adult community located in North Charleston, South Carolina, one of the fastest-growing regions in the Southeast. 

Located at 8601 Dorchester Road in the greater Charleston metropolitan area, Album Dorchester will deliver a thoughtfully designed residential experience tailored to active adults seeking a vibrant, amenity-rich lifestyle. The community will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments surrounded by lush landscaping and a full suite of resort-style amenities, including a resort-inspired saltwater pool and sun deck, event lawn, fitness and yoga studios, a pet park and spa, grilling stations, walking trails, and a clubhouse with a community lounge and demonstration kitchen designed for social gatherings. Album Dorchester will be professionally managed by Greystar, a global leader in rental housing management.  

Since 1978, Buvermo and its affiliated European family offices have provided LP capital to real estate sponsors across asset classes, including multifamily, active adult, office, senior housing, condos, and mixed-use. In 2020, Buvermo partnered with Rinkelberg Capital to establish a vertically integrated real estate investment and development platform focused on demographically driven residential communities. Together with its partners, Buvermo has developed or acquired eight 55+ Living communities since 2022, meeting rapidly rising demand among renters aged 65 to 74 – the fastest-growing renter demographic nationwide – amid a limited national supply of roughly 700 purpose-built active-adult communities. 

“CF Evans is proud to partner with Buvermo on this exciting new community in North Charleston,” said David Summers, President of CF Evans Construction. “The Album brand represents a modern approach to active-adult living, focused on community, comfort, and connection. Our team looks forward to bringing this vision to life and continuing to build multifamily communities that serve South Carolinians across generations.”

Construction on Album Dorchester began in September, with pre-leasing slated for the second quarter of 2026.  

North Charleston’s population has surged by more than 50% since 2000, driven by strong job growth, expanding retail and healthcare hubs, and its proximity to Charleston’s dynamic metro.  As the area continues to attract working professionals and retirees alike, nearly a quarter of residents now fall within the 55-plus age band, underscoring growing demand for housing options that support both active adults and younger households seeking community-oriented multifamily living, making the area an ideal setting for a 55-plus active-adult community.

“We have long admired CF Evans and their reputation throughout the Southeast as an honest, knowledgeable, and highly skilled general contractor,” said Kevin Woodley, Managing Partner of Buvermo. “We have been in conversations with their team for several years, looking for the right opportunity to collaborate, and are fortunate to have found that partnership with the Dorchester project.”

The announcement comes on the heels of CF Evans being awarded the 2222 Main View project in Columbia, South Carolina, a premier 320-unit multifamily development rising along Columbia’s historic Main Street corridor. The back-to-back project wins showcase the company’s continued momentum and trusted reputation as a partner for high-quality multifamily and senior living developments across the Southeast.

Headquartered in Orangeburg, South Carolina, with offices in Charleston and Greenville, CF Evans Construction has completed more than $3.2 billion in projects and 23,000 units across the Southeast. The company is recognized for its expertise in multifamily construction and its enduring culture of integrity, collaboration, and putting people first, which has earned CF Evans a place on SC Biz News’s Best Places to Work in South Carolina list for 17 consecutive years, ranking number three statewide in 2025. 

CF Evans was also recently named to Engineering News-Record’s 2025 Top 100 Green Contractors, earning the number 73 spot nationally. This recognition underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, high-performance construction practices that deliver long-term value for clients and communities. From energy-efficient multifamily developments to LEED-certified projects across the Southeast, CF Evans integrates green principles into every step of the building process as a standard to uphold.

###

About CF Evans Construction
Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Orangeburg, South Carolina, CF Evans Construction is a nationally recognized general contractor specializing in multifamily, mixed-use, and senior living communities throughout the Southeastern United States. With more than seven decades of experience, the firm is known for delivering complex projects with precision, integrity, and a people-first approach that has made it a trusted partner for many of the region’s leading developers and investors. For more information, visit www.cfevans.com.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

The Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis event, was announced today as the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), is voted on by the players and honors a tournament for the excellence of its staff and organization, its passionate fans and its broader commitment to tennis and its athletes. The Credit One Charleston Open was selected from among 18 WTA 500 tournaments worldwide, competing against events in North America, Australia, Europe, China and the Middle East, among other international locations.

“Earning this honor again in 2025 is a proud moment for everyone who brings the Credit One Charleston Open to life each year,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “This recognition belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and attention to detail set the standard for excellence, and to the Navarro family, whose unwavering support and vision continue to elevate this event and our sport. We remain deeply committed to growing women’s tennis, celebrating its athletes and delivering a world-class tournament in Charleston.”

The ‘Tournament of the Year’ awards are divided into three categories, reflecting the different levels of WTA tournaments. The winners for 2025 are:

WTA 1000: Cincinnati Open

WTA 500: Credit One Charleston Open

WTA 250: Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open

“I always look forward to coming back to Charleston each year. The site, city, fans and energy makes the experience so positive for me and all the players,” said Jessica Pegula, 2025 Credit One Charleston Open champion. “Overall the facilities are simply world-class.”

The Credit One Charleston Open will return March 28 – April 5, 2026. Current player commitments include World No. 6 Pegula, World No. 7 Madison Keys and World No. 15 Emma Navarro.

“I am delighted to share that once again the Credit One Charleston Open has been selected as the recipient of the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year, marking an extraordinary fourth consecutive year of receiving this honor,” said Portia Archer, WTA CEO. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Charleston team for creating an environment where athletes feel supported, comfortable and able to compete at their highest level. Their dedication and tireless efforts have established a well-deserved reputation and set an inspiring benchmark for others.”

In April, Credit One Bank extended its title partnership of the Credit One Charleston Open through 2031 and announced the tournament will offer equal prize money beginning in 2026, a historic milestone for the event. This move reflects the bank’s belief that women athletes deserve equal investment and opportunity, and further cements Charleston’s role as a leader on the Hologic WTA Tour. With this announcement, the Credit One Charleston Open becomes the first standalone WTA 500 tournament tovoluntarily increase prize money to match comparable ATP 500 events.

The nine-day Credit One Charleston Open showcases a singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 24 players, and a doubles draw of 16 players. The event traditionally hosts more than 90,000 attendees on Daniel Island.

The Credit One Charleston Open has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports since 1973, paving the way for female tennis players to receive equal recognition, respect and compensation in the sport. The tournament has a long history of breaking new ground in tennis, having been the first women’s tennis event to offer $100,000 in prize money in 1973 and the first to be broadcast live on network television. The inaugural champion, Rosie Casals, received a check for $30,000, which was the largest prize money payout awarded to a woman that year. Originally held on Hilton Head Island, the event relocated to Charleston in 2001 and is now played at the LTP Daniel Island tennis center, home to Credit One Stadium.

Tickets are currently on sale at creditonecharlestonopen.com or by calling (843) 856-7900. For additional information, please email info@creditonestadium.com or visit creditonecharlestonopen.com. When purchasing tickets for the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open, patrons have the option to choose from single session tickets and a limited number of ticket packages, including the Intro Package and MUSC Family Weekend Package. Packages provide exclusive and premier views of the court, as well as the best value on tickets. Special discounts are available for juniors, seniors, USTA members and military members. Juniors aged 16 and under receive complimentary general admission with the purchase of an adult ticket, courtesy of Credit One Bank.

Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk

Sat., Feb. 7, 8 a.m.

Folly Beach Pier

Join us on Folly Beach for the Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K to support the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse by Save The Light, a grassroots non-profit organization that formed in 2000 to save the Morris Island Lighthouse from being lost to the sea. Both races are USATF-certified and start and finish near the Folly Beach Pier. Half Marathon is a run only event. The 5K is open to runners and walkers. Awards and post-race food provided. Registration is required and ends by February 4; on-site registration not available. The race is open to runners of all levels, including beginners. For more information, visit https://ccprc.com/3258/Save-the-Light-Half-Marathon-5K.

Fee: $45 5K, $65 Half Marathon

Ages: 10 and up for half marathon, ages 8 and up for 5K (chaperones required for 15 and under)

https://ccprc.com/3258/Save-the-Light-Half-Marathon-5K

Lincoln Community Center Senior Sneaker Dance

Lincoln Regional Center in McClellanville – High School Basketball Gymnasium

Sat., Feb. 21, 4 – 6 p.m.

Join us for the second annual Senior Sneaker Dance at Lincoln Community Center in McClellanville for a fun evening of dancing and refreshments wearing your favorite sneakers and formal attire.

Fee: FREE

Ages: 50 and up

https://ccprc.com/3765/Senior-Sneaker-Dance

Schroder Community Center Senior Sneaker Dance

Schroder Community Center – Basketball Gymnasium

Sat., Feb. 28, 4 – 6 p.m.

Join us for the inaugural Senior Sneaker Dance at Schroder Community Center in Hollywood for a fun evening of dancing and refreshments wearing your favorite sneakers and formal attire.

Fee: FREE

Ages: 50 and up

https://ccprc.com/3765/Senior-Sneaker-Dance

February 2026 Programs

Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw

Wednesdays and Saturdays, Feb. 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 28, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Registration is required. Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, accessible water fountains, and accessible picnic tables are available at this location. The program route is a flat, loop and benches are available along the trail route. The trails are unpaved. The program speed is moderately slow and will require periods of standing and gazing upwards.

Fee: FREE for Gold Pass members or Non-member: $12 (registration required)
Ages: any
Register Online

Belay Basics

Sun., Feb. 1, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

James Island County Park – Climbing Wall at Outdoor Zone
New to belaying? This class will teach you the essential skills to belay safely and confidently on top rope. We’ll cover proper setup, communication, catching falls, and gear handling—all broken down step by step. No experience required, just a willingness to learn. By the end, you’ll be ready to belay a climbing partner outdoors or indoors. Gear is provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Fee: $25

Ages: 14 and up

Register Online – 16982

Kids on the Go: Little Bikers – 2 year-olds

Tuesdays, Feb. 3 and Feb. 10, 9 a.m.  

Palmetto Islands County Park

Let the kids go! Foundations for bike riding start with balance. Have your little one join in to learn the basics on a balance bike.

Fee: $10

Age: 2 years

Register Online – 16905

Kids on the Go: Little Bikers – 3 year-olds

Tuesdays, Feb. 3 and Feb. 10, 10 a.m.            

Palmetto Islands County Park

Let the kids go! Foundations for bike riding start with balance. Have your little one join in to learn the basics on a balance bike.

Fee: $10

Age: 3 years

Register Online – 16906

Kids on the Go: Little Longboarders – 4-5 year-olds

Tuesdays, Feb. 3 and Feb. 10, 11 a.m.            

Palmetto Islands County Park

Let the kids go! Foundations for board sports start with balance. Have your little one join in to learn the basics on a longboard. All activity equipment provided.

Fee: $10

Age: 4-5 years

Register Online – 16907

Wee Wild Ones: Tree Tales – Little Night Flyers

Fri., Feb. 6, 9 – 10 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Ready to flutter into a world of wonder? Join us to discover the secret lives of bats! We will learn how these tiny night flyers “see” with sound, where they live, what they eat, and more. This program nurtures curiosity, early science skills, and love for these amazing nighttime creatures. Join us for lots of hands-on exploration and fun as we celebrate one of nature’s coolest creatures – bats!

Ages 18 months – 6 years. Chaperone must accompany child.

Fee: $10

Register Online – 16755

Junior Naturalist: The Art of Being A Naturalist

Sat., Feb. 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Palmetto Islands County Park

Throughout time, nature has inspired people’s artistic expressions. Accompany us as we connect with nature and explore various creative art concepts. Bring your creativity and we will supply the rest!

Bring your curiosity and engage all of your senses while exploring natural habitats at your county parks! Led by Charleston County Park’s Education staff, the multi-seasonal Junior Naturalist program series offers a wide variety of fun and educational nature-based activities focused around a central theme. Children who attend 8 classes earn the title of a Certified Junior Naturalist.

Fee: $10

Ages 8-12. Chaperones are required

Register Online – 16750

Intro to Lead Climbing

Sun., Feb. 8, 1 – 4 p.m.

James Island County Park Climbing Wall

Ready to take your climbing to the next level? This class covers the basics of lead climbing in the gym—how to clip safely, manage rope drag, belay a lead climber, and fall safely with confidence. We’ll walk you through key techniques and safety protocols, with plenty of hands-on practice. No prior lead experience needed, but participants should be comfortable top rope belaying and able to climb at a 5.9 level or higher. All gear provided; bring your own if you prefer.

Fee: $40

Ages 14 and up

Register Online – 16991

Secrets of the Swamp

Tues., Feb. 10, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Wannamaker County Park

Experience the beauty of a bottomland hardwood forest with a trained naturalist. Beneath the towering cypress trees, we’ll uncover some secrets of the plants and animals that inhabit this uniquely southern ecosystem.

Ages 12 & up. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.

Fee: $12Register Online – 16823

Nature Ramble

Tues., Feb. 10, 1 – 3 p.m.

Johns Island County Park

Join a Master Naturalist instructor to see the natural wonders of our parks in a new light. Discover plants and animals while learning about their connections to the world around them and how that connectivity may circle back to you!

Ages 12 & up. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.

Fee: $12

Register Online – 16819

Lighthouse Inlet Bird Walk

Fri., Feb. 13, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

This walk focuses on the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This site is a leader in number of bird species seen in South Carolina. At this time of year, we hope to see a variety of seabirds, sea ducks, and shorebirds such as Northern Gannet, Black Scoter, Piping Plover, and much more.

Ages 12 & up.

Fee: $12

Register Online – 16800

Lowcountry Senior Series: Disc Golf

Tues., Feb. 17, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

James Island County Park Outdoor Zone

Come out and learn the art of flying discs! We’ll start with the basics, including: types of discs, throwing techniques and etiquette on the course. We’ll have the opportunity to play a few holes at our course.

Ages 50 & up

Fee: $20

Register – 16933

Seashore Exploration – Isle of Palms

Thurs., Feb. 19, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Isle of Palms County Park

Winter is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to familiarize yourself with many species that may be found there. We’ll search for artifacts and living creatures along the beach such as molluscs, sponges, corals, and more. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about adaptations that allow for life near the ocean.

Ages 9 & up. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.

Fee: $12

Register Online – 16824

Winter Tree Identification

Thurs., Feb. 19, 1 – 3 p.m.

Palmetto Islands County Park

Identifying trees without their distinctive leaves demands scrutiny, dedication, and practice. Through the use of dichotomous keys, helpful instruction, and your powers of observation, learn more about twigs, buds, and bark!

Ages 12 & up

Fee: $12

Register Online – 16811

Folktales Fish Fry

Fri., Feb. 20, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site – pavilion

Join us for a delightful morning of Southern storytelling and culinary tradition at the Folktales Fish Fry. This immersive experience brings together the rich folklore of the South, featuring tales of High John the Conqueror, a legendary figure who embodies resilience, wit, and triumph. The program will be a celebration of the deep connection between food and community, where stories are passed down from generation to generation, and every meal is an opportunity to connect with the past while creating new memories, celebrating the joy of food, friendship, and shared traditions.  This program will take place at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site Pavilion where seating is available for all participants. The program location is outside in a shaded area. A small, tasting portion of food will be provided to each participant.

Fee: $5

Register – 17200

Seashore Exploration – Folly Beach

Tues., Feb. 24, 9 – 11 a.m.

Folly Beach County Park

Winter is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to familiarize yourself with many species that may be found there. We’ll search for artifacts and living creatures along the beach such as molluscs, sponges, corals, and more. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about adaptations that allow for life near the ocean.

Ages 9 & up. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.

Cost: $12

Register Online – 16825

Homeschool in the Parks: Partners & Rivals

Fri., Feb. 27, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

James Island County Park

Discover the secret social lives of plants, animals, and everything in between! Who are partners and who are rivals in different ecosystems? We will explore the surprising and sometimes sneaky ways living things work together – or against each other – in the wild. From best-bud partnerships like flowers and bees, to one-sided freeloaders, like dreaded ticks! This program will help us see that in nature, everything (and everyone) is linked – sometimes in the most unexpected ways!

Ages: 7-12. Chaperone required

Fee: $7

Register Online – 16760

College Transitions report ranks Clemson’s Honors College among the country’s best.

by Shawna Cass

Clemson University has the fourth-best honors college in the country and the best in South Carolina, according to a list of the 50 Best Honors Colleges in 2026.

The report, published by College Transitions as a resource for high school students and college counselors, evaluates and ranks hundreds of honors colleges and programs throughout the U.S. using three criteria: selectivity, benefits offered and program rigor.

“We are incredibly proud to be ranked among the top honors colleges in the nation—an achievement that reflects the excellence and dedication of our students, staff and faculty,” said Sarah Winslow, dean of the Honors College. “Through interdisciplinary learning, research and intentional mentorship, our Honors College cultivates a vibrant community of learners and leaders who grow through connection and purpose.”

A key goal of the Honors College is to recruit the highest-achieving and highest-potential undergraduates to Clemson. The median student in the college’s Fall 2025 incoming class was ranked in the top 2% of their high school graduating class. These students were also deeply engaged outside the classroom in service, volunteer and extracurricular activities, often holding leadership positions. 

At Clemson, Honors students join and create a community designed to foster both academic excellence and personal growth. The nationally recognized Honors Residential College offers a state-of-the-art environment for collaboration and learning. Students also have access to high-impact academic and research opportunities, including professional and academic development grants, specialized cohort-based programs, peer mentorship and leadership-focused experiences.

As a result, Honors students go on to earn major college and University-level awards as well as national and international recognition, including Rhodes, Churchill, Truman and Fulbright scholarships.

When they graduate, almost 96% of Honors students report immediate post-graduation plans. Some join leading employers, such as Amazon Web Services, NVIDIA and the Bank of America. Others pursue graduate studies at prestigious institutions like Yale University, Stanford University, Cornell University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The Honors College’s national prominence mirrors Clemson’s continued rise as a leader in undergraduate education and the student experience. The value of a Clemson degree has never been higher. The University was recently recognized as the best national and public university in South Carolina in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings. Forbes also named Clemson as the best university in the state and No. 33 nationally among public colleges.

Source: Clemson University

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily

By Mark A. Leon

Robert Huffman’s Camino Caffeino is more than a mobile coffee stand; it is a personal manifesto—an attempt to stitch together the loose threads of a life shaped by movement, loss, and a persistent yearning for belonging. The influence of his grandfather, a deep commitment to community, an ethic of self-care, and the responsibilities of family converge in a project that is at once nostalgic and forward-looking.

The grandfather’s shadow is central to Robert’s narrative. He learned in his twenties that his maternal grandfather had taken his life at 37, a revelation that prompted existential questions about purpose and wellbeing. Robert recalls asking himself a question that would recur throughout his life: “What am I doing with my life? Am I pursuing what I want, or am I letting life pursue me?” That moment launched a search for meaning that moved him away from a conventional finance career and ultimately toward projects that prioritized human connection.

There is another grandfather in Robert’s memory—the one whose small farm in Kentucky embodied hospitality. Summers at that farm, where oversized tomatoes were sold more for company than profit, gave Robert an early lesson in the social value of simple acts. He describes how his grandfather “just does it so people will come over,” a philosophy that would crystallize into a business model built around presence and conversation rather than purely transactional goals. That ethos is visual and literal in Camino Caffeino: an old El Camino parked by the shore, coffee served out of its back, an invitation to slow down and trade stories.

Community is the oxygen of Camino Caffeino. For Robert, community emerged both as a corrective to loneliness and as an aspiration. After years living in different states and working remote jobs—experiences that, he says, often left him “behind a computer all day, just crunching numbers”—he moved to Charleston seeking roots. The El Camino became a vehicle for relationship-building: “The point is to meet people,” he said, reflecting that the business was initially about making coffee and making connections. Those connections are not incidental; they are the product. Robert has translated that goal into concrete efforts like monthly Build and Brew meetups and partnerships with local artisans, choosing community resilience over scale-at-all-costs.

Self-care informs both the personal and operational logics of Camino Caffeino. Robert’s work with Movember—an organization focused on men’s mental health—has continued to shape his attentiveness to mental wellbeing. The cafe is an embodiment of a philosophy he phrases succinctly: “drive fast, drink slow.” Chase your dreams with urgency, he argues, but enjoy the moments along the way. That tension—pursue boldly, savor slowly—underpins his cautious approach to growth. He recognizes the grind that often turns passion into drudgery: “While you are fulfilling a dream, you are doing a lot of things that you hate,” he observes. Still, he chooses practices meant to preserve the original joy: keeping operations simple, favoring local sourcing over mass outsourcing, and resisting the pressure to monetize every aspect of the brand.

Family is both a motivator and a boundary for Robert. Becoming a father intensified his desire to live intentionally. He worried about letting resentment build from deferred dreams, asking himself whether he could model bravery for his son if he never pursued his own passions. That calculus tipped him toward action: “If it doesn’t succeed, at least I tried it,” he said, showing how the desire to live an examined life outweighed the fear of failure. Yet parenthood also introduced new limits—on social media exposure, for instance. Robert and his wife are protective, refusing to make their child a public mascot and limiting screen time to preserve childhood. That protective stance extends to the business, which prioritizes face-to-face interactions over digital amplification.

Robert’s decision to center local artisans and slow production practices is another family- and community-minded choice. He accepts lower margins in favor of relationships: “The point is going to build local partnerships,” he explains, even if that means higher costs. Those partnerships amplify the communal purpose of Camino Caffeino and root the brand in the place that gave Robert the confidence to pursue it.

The core reasons behind creating Camino Caffeino are simple and consistent: to heal a personal void, to create a place—literal and figurative—where people can slow down and talk, and to model a life that balances ambition with presence. Robert’s project asks that customers do two things at once: pursue the things that matter and savor the ordinary moments that make life worth living. His vehicle, his design choices, and his daily conversations are all instruments in that work.

In a culture that often equates success with scale and speed, Camino Caffeino stands as a small, deliberate rebellion. It is a business shaped by the memory of a man who loved company, by a son’s resolve to choose presence over inertia, and by a father’s commitment to protect and teach. As Robert puts it, the venture is about more than coffee: it is “to meet people,” and through those meetings, to weave a life that honors family, community, and the care that sustains both.

Follow Robert’s journey on Instagram.

• Related: Meet Chip Colon, Owner and Operator of Tuckaway Coffee Roasters on Johns Island
• Related: 6 Pet Friendly Coffee Shops in Charleston, SC
• Related: 5 Stand Out Coffee Shops in North Charleston, SC

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Mark A. Leon

McNeal by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Ayad Akhtar makes its national regional premiere in Charleston, South Carolina.

To properly examine the latest production of McNeal we must ask the audience to remove their perceptions, prejudices and subjective thoughts on the current and future state of A.I. in our current social landscape and walk into the theater with an open slate.

I will give you all a moment to close your eyes, clear your mind and begin to explore a journey of discovery without any pre-determined expectations. 

Are we ready?  Good.

What is McNeal?

McNeal is a new contemporary play by Pulitzer Prize Winner playwright Ayad Akhtar making its national regional debut at the Pure Theatre in Charleston, South Carolina.  This production is directed with thoughtful precision by Sharon Graci (Co-Founder and Artistic & Executive Director of Pure) and stars David Whalen at Jacob McNeal and co-starring Sam Smith, Joy Vandervort-Cobb, Andrew Puckett, Journey Townsend, Sylvia Jeferies and Ryka Khanna.

At the heart of this play is the evolution of humanity and a deeper dive into the human condition as it evaluates the place artificial intelligence (A.I.) in  the future of our planet and perhaps our own sanity. 

• Is A.I. to be feared? Yes
• Is A.I. to be embraced? Yes
• Does A.I. make our lives easier? Yes
• Does A.I. complicate our lives introducing elements that question fact form distortion?  Yes
• Do we have a way, as human, to co-exist with A.I.?  Hopefully
• Will A.I. have us questioning our intellect and creative capabilities?

There it is!  That last question sums up the heart of this play. 

That is the journey McNeal will take you on for 90 minutes and certainly much longer as the conversation is sure to continue long after the play has concluded. 

In the opening scene we learn acclaimed novelist Jacob McNeal he has just been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.  Yet sometimes the view from the top isn’t always as glamorous as we hope.  At this point, I could add spoilers to paint a much more visual picture of the spiraling downfall of this writer, but I won’t. 

As the audience watches each scene progress, we witness a man nosediving into a blackhole of intellectualism, narcissism, metaphysical digital obsession, self-doubt and redemption and he grapples with his past, present and future.

David Whalen’s portrayal of Jacob McNeal was nothing short of exquisite.  His use of verbal and non-verbal range captures the essence of a man so driven by passion and relevancy that his loses touch of the core elements of rational thought. 

Still I felt a sympathetic sensitivity to this novelist.

To walk away with empathy and likability from a character who has been manipulated by his demons throughout his adult life is truly the work of a stage artist.  Mr. Whalen found an inner strength in this role allowed him to express regret, anger and obsession and in the end, even find forgiveness within himself with poignant thoughtfulness and transparency. 

I even found a bit of self-reflection through this character whose exposure of hidden truths and repressed memories becomes the fire the alters his future and all relationships with family, colleagues and loved ones. 

Mr. Whalen’s performance could not be complete without a supporting cast who collectively played a powerful role as antagonists and influencers providing guidance and direction to McNeal.

What are the core themes of McNeal

A good play follows a clear narrative with a structured story built around strong characters.  A great play leaves the audience with an assortment of interpretations, meanings and emotional connection.  It explores a story but connects with its audience in varied ways. 

McNeal is a great play.

With elements of gender equality, generational social behavioral norms, human creativity vs A.I., plagiarism vs originality, love vs lust, and obsession vs passion, McNeal takes you on an absolute emotional rollercoaster that continues to evolve with each scene leading to an explosive conclusion.

Director Sharon Graci and her technical team cleverly use sound, light and digital visuals to blur the line of actual life versus artificial.  It is a beautiful chaos created by the production team.

This play is certainly a ride worth being on.  By the end, you may even think differently about your thoughts on A.I.

How can I see this production?

McNeal will be playing at Pure Theatre through February 7, 2026.  Click HERE to purchase tickets. 

P.S. – No A.I. agents assisted in the writing of this review…..

Photo credit: David Mandel

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

South Carolina industry recruitment reaches $9.12 billion in 2025

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today released its 2025 industry recruitment results, marking a milestone for rural economic development. From January to December 2025, South Carolina announced total capital investment of $9.12 billion, representing the third-highest year for industry recruitment on record and more than 8,100 new jobs. Rural recruitment of both capital investment as well as new jobs accounted for more than 40% of the overall totals – the highest percentages since 2010.

“South Carolina continues to bring in record years in economic development, and this third-highest year for industry recruitment is further proof that our strategy is working,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Our success in rural communities shows that opportunity exists in every corner of our state. By investing in our workforce and supporting pro-business laws and policies, we continue to bring in thousands of jobs that benefit South Carolina families and strengthen our entire state.”

Rural recruitment accounted for $4.25 billion, or 46%, of total announced capital investment and more than 3,500, or 44%, of total announced new jobs. Rural projects span agribusiness, automotive, energy, and wood and paper products – reflecting South Carolina’s increasingly diverse economy and the competitive strengths of the state’s rural workforce, infrastructure and quality of life.

Of the 82 total announced projects, 34 chose rural communities – described as county development Tiers III and IV, as calculated annually by the S.C. Department of Revenue – ensuring long-term opportunities across every region of the state.

“Rural success is deliberate – driven by strong collaboration among state leadership, local economic developers and committed partners – and fuels economic growth in every corner of the state,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “South Carolina’s milestone in rural recruitment in 2025 underscores our commitment to bolstering the potential of these communities and supporting the diverse growth that strengthens every part of the economy and every region of the state.”

For more details on the state’s announced economic activity in 2025, click here or visit S.C. Commerce’s newsroom. A complete list of announced projects since 2011 can be found via the “Inform SC” data hub.

Executive Budget Proposal Keeps Projects Moving Despite Inflation

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In a preview of his soon to be released 2026 executive budget, Governor Henry McMaster today announced he will recommend the General Assembly appropriate an additional $1.1 billion in new money from the state budget to keep road projects moving and on schedule despite inflation. 

In the last four years, Governor McMaster and the General Assembly have approved state budgets that have contained $1.4 billion in funding for new construction and improvements to state-owned roads, bridges, highways, and interstates. There are currently almost $7 billion in construction projects underway across the state, up from $2.7 billion in 2017.

Nationally and here in South Carolina, inflationary construction and labor cost increases have the potential to create crippling delays and busted budgets for major construction projects currently underway and soon to break ground.

“Over the last several years, South Carolina has made tremendous progress improving our roadways, with major projects underway in every corner of the state,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Our population is skyrocketing, and inflation is driving up construction costs, creating potential delays. We can’t make more time, but we can use this new surplus money to keep road projects moving and on schedule.”

The governor’s proposal follows a request made to him from South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) Secretary Justin Powell seeking additional funds to keep the department’s current construction projects moving and on schedule in the face of inflationary challenges. 

According to Secretary Powell, three prime examples of current construction costs that have increased from 2022 to today are: 

• The widening of I-26 between Charleston and Columbia: $2.02 billion to $3.03 billion, or a 50% increase
• The widening of I-95 from the Georgia border to Point South: $977 million to $2.27 billion, or a 132% increase
• Carolina Crossroads (Columbia’s Malfunction Junction): $2.062 billion to $2.751 billion, or a 33% increase

Additional funds will also help SCDOT move forward with getting additional interstate widening projects shovel ready in the next few years, including I-85 in Anderson and Oconee counties and I-77 in York and Chester counties. 

Another example of how inflationary cost increases have impacted SCDOT is the number of miles of two-lane highway which can be paved using one penny of the state’s gas tax: In 2017, SCDOT could pave 114 miles; In 2025, SCDOT could only pave 87 miles.

Since 2017, SCDOT has placed more than 10,000 miles of roadways (nearly a quarter of the state’s 41,000 mile highway system) under paving contract, replaced or rehabilitated over 450 bridges, and completed major interstate improvements, including projects on I-85, I-20, and I-26. 

Governor McMaster will release his executive budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in the coming days.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Columbia, S.C. (January 15, 2026) – William B. Dukes, of Lexington County, was named Vice-Chairman of the South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission at the Commission’s January 15, 2026 meeting in Columbia.

“I’m truly honored to continue in this leadership role with the SCDOT Commission,” said Dukes. “We’ve made great progress, and I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners, our partners, and SCDOT’s dedicated team on delivering results that benefit every South Carolinian.”

Dukes is owner of Blue Marlin Restaurant.

A graduate from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Dukes received an ROTC commission in the US Air Force. A Vietnam veteran, Dukes served in the US Air Force for four years and attained the rank of Captain.

In 1981, Dukes co-founded and developed the Longhorn Steakhouse chain.

Dukes was founder and Chairman of Honor Flight of SC, with more than 2,000 World War II and Korean War veterans honored. He was appointed by the Secretary of the Army to be the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army representing South Carolina and served in this capacity from 2014-2018.

Dukes was a member of the Lexington-Richland Airport Commission, where he first began serving in 2002; served as member of the Newberry College Board of Trustees; is a former Director of the Columbia and Charlotte Chambers of Commerce; a former advisor to the SC Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging; past member of the USC Educational Foundation; and past chairman of the Columbia Convention Center Authority.

Dukes received The Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor, from the Governor of South Carolina.

About SCDOT

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is the state agency with oversight of South Carolina’s network of highways and bridges, including responsibilities such as planning, design, construction, financing, and roadway safety. To ensure the nation’s fourth-largest highway system is prepared to serve the needs of South Carolina’s growing economy and population, SCDOT has developed a Strategic 10-Year Plan that addresses improvements to the state’s highway and bridge systems. Learn more at scdot.org.