Lowcountry

Learn about NAMI Charleston Area (SC) – Providing support, education, and advocacy for people with mental health conditions and their families

May 23, 2022 by 0 Comments

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SERVING BERKELEY, CHARLESTON, DORCHESTER, GEORGETOWN, AND HORRY COUNTIES

Who is NAMI?

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local Affiliates and 48 State Organizations who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.

Lowcountry

Drayton Hall Announces The Oaks Acquisition for Conservation

May 23, 2022 by 0 Comments

Drayton Hall Preservation Trust is pleased to announce the acquisition of the historic The Oaks property located to the north of Drayton Hall between the Ashley River Road and the Ashley River. Made possible through the leadership of the Open Space Institute (OSI) and Lowcountry Land Trust, this acquisition is a significant conservation victory within South Carolina’s Ashley River Historic District. With the protection of The Oaks property, which has now been conveyed to Drayton Hall Preservation Trust following the establishment of a conservation easement held by the Lowcountry Land Trust, the project has successfully secured one of the last and largest unprotected landholdings within one of America’s most threatened historic districts.

The 204-acre tract features saltwater wetlands, mature freshwater maritime forest, and uplands containing a mature live oak allee. Protection of the land will permanently safeguard a critical tract important for the health of the Ashley River. OSI initially purchased the property from Evening Post Industries using funds from the South Carolina Conservation Bank (SCCB), the National Coastal Wetlands Grant Program of the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, and Dorchester Preservation Trust.  Once placed under easement with the Lowcountry Land Trust, the property was then transferred to Drayton Hall Preservation Trust.

The 25,000-acre Ashley River Historic District is experiencing intense development pressure. Today, an estimated 3,000 acres of priority unprotected land exist within the region. Placing The Oaks tract under the protective auspices of Drayton Hall Preservation Trust assures this land will remain undeveloped and that the river in turn, will be provided environmental safeguards. This is an important step in our work to preserve the Ashley River Historic Corridor.

The Oaks property was originally owned by the Cattell family from the late 17th or early 18th century.  The Cattell’s were some of the earliest European residents of the Ashley River Historic District and owned a number of properties stretching across the Lowcountry.  In fact, John Drayton’s first wife, Sarah Cattell, was likely born on The Oaks plantation.  The Cattell family name nearly disappeared following the American Civil War, and the oaks saw a period of phosphate mining before Pierre Manigault (1927-2004) purchased the property in the mid-20th century as part of the holdings maintained by Evening Post Industries. With time research, more information will be forthcoming as we work to better understand and protect this important cultural and historical resource.

“It is a great relief that we will be able to protect and preserve the the Oaks plantation.” Said Carter C. Hudgins, President and CEO of Drayton Hall Preservation Trust. “Within its boundaries are the cultural and ecological history of the Ashley River and Charleston. Our mission is to protect and conserve the environment of Drayton Hall and we feel the weight of that responsibility acutely. That the Oaks is now safe through the remarkable work of our partnership with OSI and the Lowcountry Land Trust is an important step towards protecting the Ashley River region and we are most grateful for their partnership.”

The generous support of the Friends of Drayton Hall was instrumental in protecting The Oaks, forever. There is much left to protect though, and we ask your continued support in protecting our historic surroundings as we continue the march to protect and preserve the Ashley River Historic District.

Map details above and below: Smith, H.A.M.. 1988 Rivers and Regions of Early South Carolina, Articles from the South Carolina Historical (and Genealogical) Magazine. Volume II. The Reprint Company, Publishers, Spartanburg, SC. Map detail modified by Carter C. Hudgins.

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Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant Native and Wando High School Alum Named Citadel Corps of Cadets Regimental Commander

May 23, 2022 by 0 Comments
Regimental Commander Brandon Johnson Meets with Mayor Haynie

By Assistant Communications Manager Eric LaFontaine

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (May 13, 2022) – Mayor Will Haynie met with the Citadel’s newest Regimental Commander of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, Brandon Johnson, Friday to congratulate him and discuss the time-honored responsibility. The Wando High School graduate’s new role was announced during a ceremony in Jenkins Hall on March 8. The leadership positions in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, which make up the military component of the Citadel’s student body, are appointed by the Commandant after a series of performance reviews and increased rank throughout their academic career. As Johnson rose through the ranks from Company Clerk his sophomore year to Battalion Sergeant Major his junior year, he developed a passion for helping cadets reach their potential. As he enters his senior year, he hopes to hone his leadership skills in his new rank.

“Cadet Johnson embodies the spirit of Mount Pleasant and he will undoubtedly carry those principles into this demanding leadership role,” said Mayor Haynie. “We couldn’t be more proud of his accomplishment and look forward to seeing the bright future he has ahead.”

In his role as Regimental Commander, holding the rank of Cadet Colonel, Johnson will lead the Citadel Corps’ five battalions and 21 companies during the 2023 academic year.

This meeting was an especially sentimental and proud moment for Mayor Haynie as he held the same position in the Corps of Cadets.

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Lowcountry

The Lumineers and Caamp Light up the Night on Daniel Island – Photographic Highlights

May 23, 2022 by 0 Comments
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“We belong together”

This weekend’s The Lumineers and Caamp show at CreditOne Stadium on Daniel Island was nothing short of an electric celebration of gathering and life. The energy level was enough to light up the city of New York as a sold-out crowd rejoiced in the emotional impact of live music and the importance of togetherness.

In one of the most powerful displays of live music Charleston has seen in years, The Lumineers and their poignantly lyrical opening band Caamp gave a show that will leave lasting memories to the audience that witnessed the performances.

Here are a few photographic highlights:

Photo Credit: Johanna Fritz and Mark A. Leon

11 Memorable Places to Propose in Charleston, South Carolina

May 22, 2022 by 1 Comment
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By Mark A. Leon

The bond of marriage is a wonderful and cherished part of life.  It is the commitment of two individuals to share in the laughter and tears, hope and fears, and enjoy a lifelong journey of discovery that makes this silly little thing called life worth living.

Charleston is one of the most adorned backdrops in the United States for declarations of love.  It is the peacefulness of our cobblestone roads, the warmth of our parks, courtesy of our citizens, the romanticism of horse-drawn carriages, and the ambiance of a coastal sunset that set the mood for love and companionship.  We are blessed with a canvas of colors woven into a perfect tapestry.

Through the years, we have been the home for thousands of acts of courage as two smiles agreed to share a life together as one.

As an Ode to the magical spell Charleston puts on us, we wanted to share some of the great spots to offer your hand in marriage in this Southern jewel of a city.

11 Memorable Places to Propose Marriage in Charleston, South Carolina

  1.  Schooner Pride – Sailing on the Charleston Harbor during a cool evening sunset on a traditional clipper ship; this paints a picture of a romantic movie I would like to see.  The rainbow of colors in the sky blended with the point where the sun meets the water offers a perfect opportunity to pop the big question.
  2. Top of the Arther Ravenel Jr. Bridge – At the peak of that 2 1/2 mile suspension bridge which has become an iconic symbol of Charleston offers one of the most magnificent views of the harbor and the city.  What better time than during a walk or job with a stunning background to offer up the question they have been waiting to hear…and get exercise.
  3. The Vendue Rooftop – This rooftop bar has the most stunning view of the St. Philips Church Steeple.  If you catch that moment when the sun falls from the sky just behind the church steeple, it is one of the most remarkable sites you will see in Charleston.  Believe me, you ask that special someone at that moment, there is no way you will ever get a no.  A few drinks may not hurt either.
  4. Brittlebank Park – Located on Lockwood Boulevard overlooking the Charleston Marina, this spot is one of serenity and truly defines the life of a coastal resident.  With the calm waters, hovering sailboats, and a pier used for fishing and lovers, you won’t find a more serene spot to ask that special question.  If you have the privacy, at the end of the pier under the gazebo is perfect.
  5. Private Carriage Tour – There is no better way to see the city of Charleston than being pulled by a majestic horse, taking in the sites slowly, and enjoying a memorable history lesson.  Now remove all the cameras, chatter, and lack of elbow room and make it an intimate ride for two.  Give that secret wink to your carriage operator and then off to the side of the road surrounded by historic plantation homes, defining the moment that will change you both forever.
  6. White Point Garden – Gazebo – What can be more iconic than asking for a hand in marriage at the exact point where the first shots of the United States Civil War were fired.  If you two are history buffs, you won’t ever forget this moment.  In the center of this beautiful park on The Battery and surrounded by haunting layers of trees is a gorgeous gazebo that has been the setting of many weddings, wedding pictures, and proposals.  We will treat yours as if it were the first.
  7. Morris Island Lighthouse Beach – Folly Beach – There are many beautiful beach spots where you can solidify that lifetime commitment.  Not many are as secluded as the two I am about to discuss.  This spot requires you to park your car on a residential street, walk just over half a mile, and then up a mound of beach sand.  Once you arrive, your breath will be taken from you.  In the distance, the mesmerizing Morris Island Lighthouse, to the right, a long pier of rocks smooth from millions of wave crashes, to the left, trees coming out from the sand, and incredible privacy.  Lay a blanket or hook a hammock, share a glass of champagne, and set the stage for a proposal you will share with your children for the rest of your life.
  8. Fort Moultrie Beach – Sunset – If you have ever visited Charleston, you most likely have spent time inside Fort Moultrie.  Here is a little secret, the locals know.  Just past the fort is a small dirt road that leads to an isolated beach.  This is a beach where you will commonly see dolphins frolic, a view of the Arther Ravenel Jr. Bridge in the distance, and a sunset that puts all others to shame.  Whether you are on the beach or on the hill at the coastal base of the fort, this spot showers romance.
  9. Pitt Street Bridge – We cannot leave out our friends in Mount Pleasant.  This long peaceful walkway with marsh and a twisty kayak path on one side and the Charleston Harbor on the other is a haven for fishermen, couples, and families alike.  It is a wonderful place to catch shrimp and watch the fireworks, but this long grassy path presents a nice setting for a picnic, evening nap together, or a proposal of eternal love.
  10. Cannon Park – Many of your know the white pillars in the park between Rutledge Avenue and Ashley Avenue.  What remains of an old turn of the century building is a stairwell leading to a platform with red bricks remaining and a beautiful set of Greek-style pillars.  This spot with clear blue skies, green grass, and trees could not be a better stage for a marriage proposal.  It even makes for a great pop-up wedding spot.
  11. Angel Oak – With angel in the name, you cannot go wrong.  Angel Oak is a legacy with its age, stature, and a reminder that things strengthen with age and that beauty is timeless.  Those are nice reminders when you think about sharing a lifetime together.

We hope this help provide some great ideas if you are thinking about asking that burning question.  Share the love and it will share right back.

Lowcountry - Photography

Gallery: Sights and Signs of Upper King Street – Charleston, SC

May 22, 2022 by 0 Comments
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Upper King Street in downtown Charleston, South Carolina has transformed in the last decade to a Mecca of hospitality, health & wellness, faith, shopping, sweet delights and a robust nightlife. With a unique blend of original brands and familiar names, this area of the city is a destination in itself.

come take a walk with us on a photographic journey of the sights and signs of Upper King Street.

Photo Credit: Mark A Leon