MagnifyMoney’s Top 35 Cities in the US for Influx of people, work opportunities and business growth is out – #4 Charleston, S.C.

August 25, 2018 by 0 Comments
Read More

The 35 cities in the US with the biggest influx of people, the most work opportunities, and the hottest business growth has been announced.  MagnifyMoney looked at the 100 largest US metros to determine the “biggest boomtowns” in America.

Our hometown of Charleston, South Carolina has come in within the Top 5 at #4.

Here is how the results were compiled:

  • People and housing: How many people are flocking to the area and is the metro keeping up, considering total population and housing units.
  • Workforce and employment opportunities: Unemployment rates, civilian labor force, and median earnings.
  • Growing industry: Rate of business and industry growth, including number of establishments and paid employees per paid period.

Top 15 Results

  • #15 – Des Moines, Iowa
  • #14 – Orlando, Florida
  • #13 – Charlotte, North Carolina
  • #12 – Ogden, Utah
  • #11 – Houston, Texas
  • #10 – McAllen, Texas
  • #9 – San Antonio, Texas
  • #8 – Boise, Idaho
  • #7 – Dallas, Texas
  • #6 – Denver, Colorado
  • #5 – Nashville, Tennessee (Population and housing score – 54.5 / Workforce and earning score – 54.6 / Business growth score – 72.9)
  • #4 – Charleston, South Carolina (Population and housing score – 66.9 / Workforce and earning score – 60.6 / Business growth score – 71.7)
  • #3 – Raleigh, North Carolina (Population and housing score – 84.1 / Workforce and earning score – 48.3 / Business growth score – 70,8)
  • #2 – Provo, Utah (Population and housing score – 79.9 / Workforce and earning score – 52.2 / Business growth score – 95.1)
  • #1 – Austin, Texas (Population and housing score – 100 / Workforce and earning score – 70.3 / Business growth score – 93)

Complete study results

 

 

Here is the Top 10

 

Mount Pleasant, SC

Survey Request: Battery to Beach Program Seeking Opinions of Bike Riders in the Lowcountry to Guide Next Steps

August 24, 2018 by 0 Comments
Read More

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — The Town of Mount Pleasant has been involved with the Battery to Beach program from its conception and continues to work with its committee the goal of a safe, bikeable infrastructure to and from the beaches and the peninsula.

Battery to Beach is currently conducting a survey of the Charleston bicycle community to try to gauge usage of bicycle lanes and guide the next steps of their program and your participation would be appreciated.

Following is a link to the survey: tinyurl.com/btobsurvey

“Gangstagrass” Shines in Charleston Concert Debut at the Pour House

August 23, 2018 by 0 Comments
Read More

By Mark A. Leon

Music is a powerful force.  It takes us back to vital moments in our lives, gives us the backdrop of reflection, derives emotion and ultimately becomes the soundtrack of our lives.  Over centuries of musical evolution, sounds have changed and pioneers have paved the way for new ways of communicating life experience.  From classical to rap, dance to heavy metal, music is here to tell a story, interpret, commentate and record.

“Welcome to the Church of Gangstagrass”

 On Sunday, Charleston, South Carolina was introduced to the fusion sound of hip hop bluegrass when Philadelphia based Gangstagrass took the stage at the Charleston Pour House.

During the first two songs, the amped up crowd was ready to dance, but they didn’t quite know how to accept this new sound fusing the traditional Southern harmonies of bluegrass with the raw lyrical power of hip hop.  When they played “Man of Constant Sorrow” as their third selection, that all changed.

The crowd continued to dance, with a new sense of engagement with the band, waving their hands and losing themselves in the music.  Later in the set, a second roar erupted as so many realized a band they had not known, but one hour prior was responsible for the theme song to the Fox cult series, Justified (“Long Hard Times To Come”).

To our left, we heard the scream, “Raylan” from the audience and if there were any doubters before that, it was clear, Gangstagrass had captured a new fan base here in Charleston.

With the tunes “Rambling On” and “Put Your Hands Up High”, the audience hits peaks in their energy and participation and put the show in sixth gear.

Music IQ

Prior to the set, I spoke candidly to Dan Whitener, banjo and vocals.  We chimed in on fusion, musical pioneers, radio air play, collaborations, influences and the changing landscape of the music industry.

Supporting Local Fans

 In an unusual act of kindness, a fan of music and the local Charleston Pour House fan community purchased 10 CD’s, laid them out right in front of the stage during the first set and motioned the band to sign them.  If the audience was a bit confused, I could only imagine the band who finishing up their first set.  They obliged at the break, signing all the CD’s along with taking pictures with fans.

After a few songs and two people cautiously taking a CD each, the band announced that these signed CD’s were up for grabs courtesy of a kind stranger.

What does this sound mean?

 Combining the genres of Hip Hop and Bluegrass does pose its challenges for popular radio air play, but it also opens the door of possibility with this breakthrough sound.  Rolling Stone referred this as “Hik-Hop”, not a favorite term of the band’s, but a way to categorize.

I prefer to say the way Jean-Luc Ponty turned a violin into a jazz instrument and play accompanied by an orchestra and the Asian influence Abigail Washburn brought to the mandolin while singing in Mandarin, Ganstagrass is going to turn the music world upside with rapping to a bluegrass band.

We also spent some time thinking during the two-set performance on what the deeper and more important meanings this new music is saying to us.

In a way, this fused sound is North Meets South; Black Meets White and equality meets human existence in a sound that is filled with messages of love, pain, survival and community.

Gangstagrass rolled into Charleston for the first time and gave the local community something special.  Their Southern harmonies filled with banjo, guitar and fiddle blended with raw lyrics of meaningful hip hop, brought a level of energy that made for a memorable evening.

TriCounty Link Announces Route and Service Changes Effective Tuesday, September 4, 2018

August 23, 2018 by 0 Comments
Read More

TRICOUNTY LINK ANNOUNCES ROUTE AND SERVICE CHANGES EFFECTIVE TUESDAY, SEPT. 4
ROUTE ANALYSIS YIELDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENTS

MONCKS CORNER S.C. (Aug. 22, 2018) — TriCounty Link, the region’s rural public transit provider, will roll out a series of route and service modifications across the system, effective Tuesday, Sept. 4th

The changes, which follow a recent Comprehensive Operational Analysis and public input meetings, are being made to increase efficiency, provide better connections and, in some cases, offer expanded service.

“With ridership of more than 100,000 annually, TriCounty Link provides an invaluable connection for many rural residents to jobs, healthcare and more,” said TriCounty Link executive director Ron Mitchum. “By comprehensively analyzing the service and taking action, the system is now in position to operate more efficiently, making the most of available resources to better serve riders.”

Change highlights include:

  • Summerville Connector: New destinations along Old Trolley Road, Midland Parkway and Ladson Road; serves Bacons Bridge Bi-Lo, Hwy. 17A Walmart and HealthSouth, with connection to CARTA.

  • Johns/James Island/West Service:

    • C204 (Johns Island/West Ashley): Former C204 Johns Island Blue Route will now service Fresh Fields; endpoint of the Mt. Zion school; CARTA connection at Citadel Mall.

    • C205 (Johns Island/James Island): Former C204 Green-Johns Island Green; route will service James Island Walmart, Riverland Drive and Senior Center, as well as a portion of River Rd. on John’s Island. Connection to CARTA Express Route 1 and Route 31 at Walmart.

      • Route will no longer service Citadel Mall. Passengers will be able to transfer to John’s Island/West Ashley route; will no longer service Old Pond Rd.

  • Ravenel/West Ashley:

    • C202 (Hollywood/Ravenel): New route providing service along Hwy. 17 in the Ravenel, Hwy. 165 and Hwy. 162 in Hollywood. Operates Monday-Friday, twice daily, morning and evening, with a focus on employment transportation. CARTA connection at Citadel Mall.

New Routes:

Routes with substantial changes:

Routes with minor schedule changes:

Discontinued Routes:

  • Routes Commuter Solution 6, Commuter Solution 7 and B104 (Bonneau/Moncks Corner) have been consolidated with other routes or completely renamed and will no longer operate.

View all the Sept. 4 route changes here. For more information, visit ridetricountylink.com or call (800) 966-6631.

Note: The letter in front of routes (B, C, D) denotes the county that they primarily service.

ABOUT TRICOUNTY LINK

The TriCounty Link system is comprised of nine regular fixed routes and six commuter routes providing services to rural residents of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. The current fleet consists of 60 vehicles seating from 14 to 32 passengers. All TriCounty Link vehicles are ADA compliant and include wheelchair lifts, and on average, two wheelchair tie-down positions per vehicle. For the latest on TriCounty Link, visit www.ridetricountylink.com and like us on Facebook.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:

Daniel Brock / Michael Stettner

Rawle Murdy Associates

dbrock@rawlemurdy.com / mstettner@rawlemurdy.com

(919) 820-2612 / (214) 718-8027

CARTA Completes Replacement of DASH Bus Fleet; Ride Along with Senator Marlon Kimpson

August 22, 2018 by 1 Comment
Read More

MEDIA ALERT:  CARTA COMPLETES REPLACEMENT OF DASH BUS FLEET; RIDE ALONG WITH SEN. MARLON KIMPSON, WHO SECURED VEHICLE FUNDING

WHAT: The CARTA Downtown Area (DASH) shuttle fleet is now complete with the addition of two buses secured through state funding made available by Sen. Marlon Kimpson. Ride along with Sen. Kimpson and other elected officials on one of the vehicle’s first trips and discuss the region’s transportation future.

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 24, 1:30 p.m.

WHO:   South Carolina Senator Marlon Kimpson
             Mike Seekings, CARTA Board Chairman
             CARTA Board of Directors

WHERE: 999 Morrison Drive (HOP parking lot). To arrange interviews, please email dbrock@rawlemurdy.com or call (919) 820-2612.

WHY: Unveiling the final pieces of the DASH fleet and speaking with a state-level representative about the future of transit in the Lowcountry.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:           
Daniel Brock
Rawle Murdy Associates
(919) 820-2612
dbrock@rawlemurdy.com

Charleston Interreligious Council to Host Second Annual Speaker Series in October

August 21, 2018 by 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Religious scholar Rabbi Reuven Firestone will headline the second annual James Sawers Jr. Speaker Series hosted by the Charleston Interreligious Council (formerly Christian-Jewish Council). Firestone will give a number of lectures and presentations during the three-day event, aimed at being an inclusive showcase for religious diversity.

The speaker series will address such timely topics as “Who are the (Real) Chosen People” and “How To Diss a (False) Prophet: Protecting Religion by Rejecting God’s Messengers,” among others. This series of free lectures and workshops is Oct. 11-13 at various locations around Charleston. It is named for the late Dr. James Sawers Jr., who served as president for the Christian-Jewish Council of Greater Charleston.

“The Charleston Interreligious Council has become a leading voice for building respectful relations among people of all religious traditions,” said David Bossman, a professor in the Department of Religion Studies at Seton Hall University in New Jersey who also serves on the council’s advisory committee. “Rabbi Firestone has expertise particularly in the Jewish and Muslim traditions. What better way to foster peace and fellowship than to learn about others and to engage them in peaceful conversation.”

Born in Northern California, Firestone is the Regenstein Professor in Medieval Judaism and Islam at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and an affiliate professor of religion at the University of Southern California. As a recipient of numerous research fellowships and university invitations, Firestone is currently an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow in Berlin. This year he also was a held a Sigi Feigel Visiting Professorship for Jewish Studies at the University of Zürich. Firestone has written more than 100 scholarly chapters and articles and eight books with several translations. He has also served as vice president of the Association for Jewish Studies and president of the International Qur’anic Studies Association.

The schedule for this year’s James Sawers Jr. Speaker Series:

“How To Diss a (False) Prophet: Protecting Religion by Rejecting God’s Messengers”

Thursday, Oct.  11 at 7:30 p.m.
Arnold Hall, Jewish Studies Building, 1st floor, College of Charleston, 96 Wentworth St., Charleston, SC 29424

The problem that all religions must confront: Is the prophet authentic? If he is not, then the message and the religion he brings is false. All scriptures warn us not to follow false prophets, but who is to say? This presentation will consider how religions have responded to the challenge of new and challenging prophets and how that has impacted interreligious relations today.

“The Story of Prophet Muhammad: Narrative and Counter-Narrative in Islam, Christianity and Judaism”

Friday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m.
Hanahan Hall, Annex Building (2nd floor), adjacent to Grace Cathedral, 98 Wentworth St., Charleston, SC 29401

Like Judaism’s grand narrative about the biblical patriarchs and the Exodus from Egypt that leads to the giving of God’s Torah at Mt. Sinai, and like Christianity’s grand narrative about the life and mission of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection, Islam has a grand narrative about the life of the Prophet Muhammad who faithfully conveyed God’s revelation to humanity. It is a beautiful and compelling story … to Muslims. But Jews and Christians have seen the story differently and have constructed versions of it that are not so complimentary.

“Abraham: The First Jew, Christian or Muslim. A Comparative Study of the Patriarch in three Scriptures”

Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 at noon

Library, 2nd floor, Jewish Studies Building, College of Charleston, 96 Wentworth St., Charleston, SC 29424

While we differ over many religious issues, Jews, Christians and Muslims can at least agree about their common forefather Abraham. Or can we? We will examine scriptural portrayals of Abraham in the Hebrew Bible, New Testament and Qur’an to consider how our religious traditions have really understood the person of Abraham.

“The Five Pillars of Islam & Judaism”
Friday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m.
Main Sanctuary at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, 90 Hasell St., Charleston, SC 29401
In this presentation, we will study the five core aspects of Islam as defined by Islam itself, and will observe how they relate to Judaism. Be prepared to be surprised.

“Noah and the Flood in Bible and Qur’an: Is it the Same Story?”

Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10:30 a.m.
Social Hall at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, 90 Hasell St., Charleston, SC 29401
In this session, we will study the story of Noah and the Flood in two scriptures and observe similarities and differences.
“Who Are the (Real) Chosen People? The Meaning of Chosenness in Judaism, Christianity and Islam”
Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m.
Main Sanctuary, Synagogue Emanuel (West Ashley), 5 Windsor Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

What does it mean to be “chosen” in Judaism, Christianity and Islam? Can God chose only one?

All events are free and open to the public. Those of all faiths and religious backgrounds are welcome to attend and be part of this conversation.

“Dr. Firestone is that unique teacher who can bring multiple religious faith traditions into dialogue with one another through the study of their sacred texts and historical developments,” said Rabbi Stephanie Alexander, spiritual leader, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim and first female Rabbi in Charleston. “As such, his presentations will provide a wonderful opportunity for members of Charleston’s various religious communities to come together and dialogue, as well.”

For questions about the speaker series, contact Ken Fox at 843-763-3150 or SCKenFox@comcast.net.

About Charleston Interreligious Council

Charleston Interreligious Council seeks to build bridges of understanding to promote sensitivity, tolerance, respect and fellowship among religious groups. It fulfills this mission by developing, presenting and/or sponsoring educational programs to promote intra- and inter-religious dialogue; conducting, sponsoring and/or supporting inter-religious events, service oriented projects and activities; increasing public awareness of inter-religious issues and shared concerns. Formerly known as Christian-Jewish Council of Greater Charleston, Charleston Interreligious Council works to provide educational opportunities that reflect its mission and goals. For information, visit christianjewishcouncil.org.

###

Head shot of Rabbi Reuven Firestone

The New American Dream: Charleston, South Carolina

August 17, 2018 by 13 Comments
Read More

By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina may be the blueprint for the new American Dream.

The plight of the millennial generation and the Southern migration is in full swing; and its convergence of both may have defined the new American Dream. Not surprisingly, at the center of this cultural movement could be a new cultural capital: Charleston, South Carolina. This bold statement is based on several key indicators, factors and shifts in lifestyle thinking and action.

Key social and economic indicators

• The millennial generation is choosing to not have children at a young age, have less children or have none.
• Alternative careers (working from home, self-ownership, digital storefronts and entrepreneurial thinking) are challenging the traditional 9-5 career path norms.
• The stagnation of Northern urban, suburban growth and migration to the South is emerging new corporate capitals and career opportunities in the warmer Southern regions of the United States.
• A shift from conservative to liberal ideals, coupled by stronger expansions in ethnic and cultural diversity, are creating rises in liberal mid-sized urban geographies
• The need for work life balance time away from work a critical need in today’s workforce
• Personal brand is extending past professional boundaries into personal and family life

New American Family

• Young, trendy and fashionable couples with two dogs
• A desire to have the conveniences of city life with elements of escapism and tranquility
• Healthy lifestyle options
• Recreational idealism
• Separation from the traditional ideals of family and valuing fresh ideas and lifestyles
• Mobility
• Transience
• Creating a personal family brand
• Taking more risk
• Alternative career paths

Defined recently as the East Coast Silicon Valley, Charleston has changed from a recreational center of pleasure to a business hub nodding national recognition.  With 4.2 million visitors annually, a top five Instagram U.S. market, 120K new residential units in development, top 5 wedding destination, home to one of the largest international festivals in the world, a culture thriving in festivals, craft beer, theater and sports, number 2 port on the East Coast, four area beaches and corporate growth extending West, Charleston is emerging as the mecca of the new American Dream.

Breaking down the trends and linkage to Charleston

• The millennial generation is less focused on childbearing and more focused on personal passions, careers and wellness through animal companionship.  It has been said by some that Charlestonians care more for their dogs than other humans. Though humorous, there is some truth in that statement. With adoption events, fundraisers and one of the most dog friendly cities in the U.S., Charleston is embracing its love for our four-legged creatures. From dog-friendly festivals to doggy days at the RiverDogs baseball games, dogs are a very important part of family in Charleston.

• Life balance – With urban pressures, many are seeking new avenues of escapism.  The idea of living in a major metro and escaping for a weekend getaway is not a new trend, but the geographic structure of Charleston has created the perfect setting for living out that balance.  With four area beaches within 45 minutes, thousands of miles of hiking and nature trails and the Western Carolina mountains just 3 hours West, Charleston offers the comforts of city life with the accessibility of spontaneous escape to recharge.

• Healthy lifestyle options – Charleston has seen a rise in fitness, spiritual and physical balance and healthy eating options.  The rise of vegan, gluten free and organic restaurants and grocers, expansion of farmer’s markets held daily in various cities, and Pilates and yoga classes in studios, parks and beaches demonstrates a real dedication to health and wellness.  In fact, on John’s Island, there is a Yoga with Goats outdoor event held weekly.

• Recreational idealism with a focus on brand and quality – Charleston is becoming a mecca of local craft beer.  With almost 35 unique craft brewing houses, Charleston is putting quality into recreation. Combined with fundraising events, pet adoptions, local music, yoga and festivals, the craft beer community is leading the effort to put quality into R&R.

• Separation from traditional generational ideals of parents.  The United States is becoming more and more of a transient culture.  As the growth in Northern metros and residential living stagnates and more migration is seeking refuge in the untapped South, once small cities are becoming mid to large market metros.  Many offer attractive incentives to companies to move or expand their operations to these new centers of migration. Charleston has not only become a home to Boeing, BMW, Blackbaud, Ingevity, BenefitFocus and Volvo, but more television and film productions are using Charleston as a hub for film production.

 

• Many younger couples and families are choosing to leave behind the traditional conservative thinking of parents for a new individualistic entrepreneurial way of life.  Many are forgoing the traditional idea of a 9-5 career of working all your life and raising a family and seeking out alternative careers focused on individual happiness.  Charleston small and individual business owners account for over 60% of all product and service offerings in this community. From farmer’s markets, to food trucks, food carts, breweries, to small brick and mortar shops, the small business owner has made a statement in Charleston and they are here to stay.

• Where YouTube was a hub for creating a personal brand for musicians, actors and comedians, Instagram is becoming the hub for family brand.  We no longer are reliant on professional photographers for wedding, holiday and annual family pictures. Today, families want the day in the park with the dog photo shoot, picnic at the beach, hiking in the mountains and more.  As you wander through the streets of Charleston, seeing a photo shoot is as common as a carriage ride. It is the new medium of staying relevant.

Summary

Each generation sets its place in history by defining a new set of behaviors.  Some influenced by a rebellion from the previous generation, mistrust of leadership, media influence, technology, free thinking, music or shifts in ideals, but no matter what the combination, a change is in the forefront and it is shifting the geographical, economy, professional and lifestyle landscape in America.  There is one region that is molding itself into the ideology of this new way of life.

The Top Local Distilleries in Charleston, South Carolina

August 16, 2018 by 0 Comments
Read More

By Kyle Doran

Charleston is a beautiful and historical city that offers boutiques, restaurants, and plenty of landmark sites to visit.  It also offers hours of enjoyment for anyone who loves the art and science behind distilling high quality spirits.  In the last few years, a number of new distilling companies have opened up for business in the Charleston area.  Each with their own brand of spirits, flavors and distilling techniques.  Join us as we explore some of the top local distilleries in Charleston and the surrounding area.

Charleston Distilling Company

First on our list of top local distilleries is Charleston Distilling Company.  Opened in 2014, Charleston Distilling Company has made quite a name for themselves, boasting an impressive lineup of small batch whiskey, vodka, gin and whiskey liqueur.  Just this year they were presented the gold medal from the American Craft Spirits Association for their 94 proof Vesey’s Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey.  They were also presented a silver medal for their 100 proof Calhoun’s Straight Rye Whiskey.

This distillery places an emphasis on using only the freshest farm to table ingredients in their spirits.  All of the grains used, are milled on-site at their Millhouse at Flowers Farm in Summerton, South Carolina and then shipped to the distillery to be processed into mash.  Their powerhouse distilling team manages to produce around 12,000 bottles per year!  A very impressive number, considering the level of excellence placed into each small batch.

Located on King Street, Charleston Distilling Company offers tours Monday through Saturday from 11am to 7pm (closed Wednesdays and Sundays) for anyone over 21.  For a $5 entry fee, you will get an illuminating background on how they distill their award winning spirits.

High Wire Distilling Company

Established in 2013 by husband and wife team, Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall, High Wire Distilling Company produces a line of small batch spirits using specialized ingredients.  Scott, who is a Culinary Institute of America trained baker, uses his expertise to hand pick each of the grains used for their spirits’ mash bills.  All of High Wire’s products are also distilled using a hand-hammered, German copper still to ensure a premium small batch.

Their lineup consists of award winning gins and whiskeys, as well as vodka and liqueur.  Their 88 proof Hat Trick Extraordinarily Fine Botanical Gin took home silver in 2014 from the American Distilling Institute.

They offer tours and tastings Tuesday through Saturday, every hour on the hour at their warehouse located on Upper King Street.  At $10 per person, you will get a detailed overview of the distilling process and a tasting flight of High Wire spirits.

Striped Pig Distillery

Launched in 2013, the Striped Pig Distillery is actually Charleston’s first distillery since the prohibition.  They specialize in handcrafted, small-batch spirits and have recently won some very notable awards.  Above all, their Striped Gin won the double gold medal at the New York International Spirits Competition.  They also won three silver medals for their vodka, gin, and rum at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits competition.  There were over 2,000 entries this year, so earning three separate silver medals is very impressive.

Striped Pig Distillery produces their whiskey, gin, moonshine, rum and vodka using only local, hand-picked ingredients.  All of their distilling machinery was custom designed and assembled by the distillers, therefore, making their process one-of-a-kind.

They also offer distillery tours and tastings on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 7PM, and Saturdays from noon to 5PM at $5 per person.

Firefly Distillery

Located about 20 miles south of Charleston on Wadmalaw Island, Firefly Distillery is the largest distillery in the state of South Carolina.  Jim Irvin and Scott Newitt founded Firefly Distillery together.  They wanted to capture the feeling of mystery and southern nostalgia in the name ‘Firefly.’  Starting out with a low budget, Jim and Scott decided to build their own still from scratch, instead of purchasing one.  They constructed a simple 55 gallon stainless steel tank on top of a propane burner.  This simple still setup allowed them to begin creating spirits, starting with their Muscadine vodka and quickly expanding into others distillates.  Their original still is now on display in their tasting room.

Firefly’s line up of spirits has grown extensively since then.  It now includes whiskeys, rums, craft liqueurs, vodka infused lemonades, an assortment of flavored moonshines and the world’s first sweet tea vodka.

They offer tours and tastings at the picturesque property, Tuesday through Saturday 11AM to 5PM for $6 per tasting.  Taking one of their tours will allow to meet their team, learn about their distilling process and try out samples from the Firefly brand of spirits.

Cannon Distillery

Last on our list of local Charleston distillery hotspots is Cannon Distillery, located in the historic Avondale Neighborhood.  If vodka is your drink then you should definitely plan a visit here.  Founded by Lewis Dodson, Jessica Krofta and Kris Kincaid, Cannon Distillery is a smaller boutique distillery that distills vodka exclusively.

Their first line of spirits include three different types of vodka.  The first they call Grit Vodka, which is an 80 proof all corn vodka. Cannon distills it seven times, resulting in a smooth flavor with little to no burn.  The second, known as ‘Chai Noon,’ is 100% corn vodka blended with a special black tea recipe and organic sugar.  At 65 proof, it is the perfect blend of spicy and sweet.  The third is their ‘Coffee Vodka’. They make this with only three ingredients; coffee, vodka, and sugar.  Cannon’s Coffee Vodka is 65 proof and bursting with notes of dark chocolate and caramel.

Cannon Distillery offers tours and tastings, Wednesday through Saturday, 1PM to 7PM.

As you can see, there is plenty to discover at the developing distilleries in and around Charleston, South Carolina.  There is such a range of differing flavors and styles available to choose from.  If you appreciate a well crafted spirit, then you will definitely find something to enjoy.  Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll want to tour each of these distilleries.  You can understand their distilling process and try out their specialty spirits with the people that created them.  Who knows, they may even inspire you to follow in their footsteps and purchase a still to create your own brand of spirits.  Have fun and drink safe.

Author Bio:

Kyle Doran is a writer and content creator for Mile Hi Distilling.  A manufacturer of high-quality moonshine stills and distilling equipment based in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.  Kyle loves learning all about the time-honored tradition and history of distilling spirits as well as discovering delicious drink recipes and liquors.

 

Kyle Doran

Local Charleston, S.C. NY Times bestselling author Ellen T. Marsh takes characters from 80s-era books and modernizes them

August 16, 2018 by 2 Comments
Read More

Journey from Cornwall to India and Charleston in historical romance trilogy following the exciting fate of the Kohinoor Diamond

‘New York Times’ bestselling author Ellen Tanner Marsh returns to the world of romance with the publication of her award-winning novels in ‘The Forbidden Gems Trilogy’

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Thirty years ago, Ellen Tanner Marsh took the romance world by storm with the publication of her first historical romance novel. An instant New York Times bestseller, the book garnered critical acclaim and earned the young author legions of fans.
Known for her flair for writing high adventure and steamy romance, Ellen is back with the beloved characters of her first bestsellers cast into new stories written for a contemporary audience. A love saga that spans generations and continents, “The Forbidden Gems Trilogy” will sweep you into the darkly passionate world of British India with “Diamond Dark” (July 2018), sail away to antebellum Charleston in “Diamond Fire” (September 2018), and follow the love story of a new generation in “Diamond Deep” (January 2019).
Woven through these lush tales of love is the re-imagined fate of the Kohinoor Diamond, now a priceless part of the British crown jewels.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Although born in Germany, Ellen Tanner Marsh has lived in the Lowcountry near Charleston, South Carolina, for nearly forty years. She’s still married to her high school sweetheart, a lifelong surfer, with whom she raised two sons. When Ellen isn’t writing, she tends her flower garden and fruit trees and volunteers with local animal rescues. Living close to the beach means plenty of walks with her own rescue dogs. And after all this time in the South, she’s finally developed a passion for steamed oysters, shrimp & grits, and sweet iced tea.

DIAMOND DARK

The splendors of India, a priceless diamond…

From the wild Cornish coast to the tumultuous frontier of British India, feisty Raven Barrancourt must sail halfway round the world to seek a fortune that will save her beloved ancestral home. But what she finds in India is worth more than silver, gold, or any fabled jewel…

Sea captain Charles St. Germain doesn’t need the distraction of a black-haired beauty on the voyage to India, where a dangerous mission awaits him. Mutiny, espionage, and the search for a coveted diamond threaten his duties, but far more dangerous is his growing passion for a woman he knows he can’t have.

As book one of the “Forbidden Gems Trilogy,” “Diamond Dark” brings the sweeping romance of India to tempestuous life.

“Diamond Dark” | Ellen Tanner Marsh
July 24, 2018 | Monkeypaw Press | Historical Romance
Paperback | 9780998135588 | $14.99
Ebook | 9780998135533 | $2.99

DIAMOND FIRE

A love more splendid than any jewel…

Strong-minded Raven Barrancourt has sailed to faraway India hoping to save her beloved Cornish home from ruin. But when an Indian empress entrusts her with a fabled diamond said to carry a dangerous curse, Raven’s own life may well be at stake. With northern India on the edge of revolt, Raven must entrust her safety and her priceless secret to the one man who rejected her.

Blinded by passion, Charles St. Germain would sail to the corners of the earth to make Raven his, though fate in the form of the world’s rarest gem could conspire to keep them apart. From the splendors of British India to antebellum Charleston, duty and betrayal threaten the love he has found in a woman worth more than any fortune.

As book two of the “Forbidden Gems Trilogy,” “Diamond Fire” brings the sweeping romance of India and antebellum Charleston to tempestuous life.

“Diamond Fire” | Ellen Tanner Marsh
Oct. 23, 2018 | Monkeypaw Press | Historical Romance
Paperback | 978-0-9981355-8-8 | $14.99
Ebook | 978-0-9981355-3-3 | $2.99

DIAMOND DEEP

The tempestuous tale of the St. Germain women and the men who capture their hearts continues in stunning fashion…

When a collision between two ships hurls Sable St. Germain into the sea, fate has a clear hand in choosing the man who saves her.
Battle-scarred sea captain Morgan Rhys Carey refuses to return his lovely passenger to her family while on a reckless mission to save the life of a friend. But he soon finds himself risking everything to keep Sable by his side and in his bed.
Though Sable is determined to flee the man who’s abducted her, she can’t help responding to the passion he has awakened within her. And while Morgan believes his destiny lies elsewhere, his obsession with this bewitching beauty holds him captive as well.
In this last book of the Forbidden Gems Trilogy, two unforgettable characters discover a love more precious than any jewel.

“Diamond Deep” | Ellen Tanner Marsh
Jan. 22, 2018 | Monkeypaw Press | Historical Romance
Paperback | 978-1-7323544-0-1 | $14.99
Ebook | 978-0-9981355-9-5 | $2.99

An Interview with Ellen Tanner Marsh

Why did you decide to rewrite your former best sellers updated for a modern audience?

After 30 years of raising a family and being a full-time freelance book editor, I was finally able to turn some attention to my former best sellers. Many of them were written while I was fresh out of college, when my writing skills were admittedly poor and historical romances followed plotlines that today are considered unacceptable: cold-hearted and occasionally cruel heroes—the definition of manly at the time—and bullied heroines whose sexual encounters with the hero often bordered on rape.
Re-reading my novels after all these years, I found them unsophisticated and very “1980s.” Since I still love the characters and settings, I decided to have some fun updating their stories and at the same time improve the poor writing. How many authors are lucky enough to have the chance to do a total makeover?

How do diamonds play a role in the trilogy?

The original bestseller that I converted into “Diamond Dark” and “Diamond Fire” (books one and two of the trilogy) loosely involved the fate of the Kohinoor Diamond, now a priceless part of the British crown jewels. Expanding on the tale, I wove diamonds and other precious gemstones through all three books. I’ve had a love affair with jewels since the third grade, when I bought a book at my elementary school book fair describing how rubies, sapphires, and opals are mined. From that point on, I intended to be a geologist when I grew up—until around eighth grade, when I realized my math skills were absurdly bad. But my twin sister is married to a geophysicist. Does that count?
As someone who grew up in Germany and resides in Charleston, SC, why did you decide to set your books in the British Empire? I suppose it’s pretty much like a French Michelin star chef who prefers to binge on other foods besides French cuisine, like burritos and burgers. Charleston is my research laboratory. It’s a perfectly preserved old city with rich historical resources that inspire me to imagine my characters sailing off to other exotic locations outside the lab.

What exciting changes can readers who have previously read your work expect?

While the heroes and heroines in my new books are the same, they’ve evolved. Their tales are told in the first person to give them a sense of immediacy and to provide readers with the intimacy of seeing everything through their eyes. The heroes are no longer hairy knuckle-draggers but sensitive and caring men—though it takes some hard work by the plucky heroines to tame them.

Do you have any other romance titles on the horizon? After “The Forbidden Gems Trilogy,” I’ll be releasing “The Rogue in Her Bed,” the retelling of my first and most popular “New York Times” bestseller, as well as two others. There’s a contemporary romance in the works too, a reworked gothic romance (remember those?) that takes place in a castle in modern-day Scotland.

Frontier Airlines, One of CHS International Airports Newest Partners has costly baggage fees you should know about

August 16, 2018 by 0 Comments
Read More
Frontier Airlines, one of Charleston International Airlines newest partners, offers a cost effective no-frill approach to air travel, but there are some potentially costly additions in their baggage charges you should be aware of before you book your flight.

Know Before You Go

General Checked Bag Information

If you have a bag (or multiple bags) that you don’t need to have close to you during your flight, check it!

Checked bags must be within 62 linear inches (that’s length + width + depth) and no heavier than 50 pounds. Baggage that goes over these limits will be charged $75 for exceeding weight and $75 for exceeding linear inch limits. Bags will NOT be accepted if it is over 100 lbs* and/or over 110 linear inches. EarlyReturns® Award Redemption Tickets have the same baggage allowance.

Passengers who purchased the WORKS℠ always receive a free checked bag. Checked bag charges vary based on when you purchase and fees are non-refundable.

The WORKS includes one carry-on bag (normally a $30 fee), one checked bag (a $25 charge), choice of any available seat — including exit row and stretch seating —and priority boarding. … And, the airline now offers a carry-on bag guarantee, promising flyers their money back if their bag is gate. The cost of The Works is about 60 percent less than the cost to purchase each element individually and ranges from $49 to $69 each way for direct flights, and $57 to $83 each way for connecting flights.

For domestic flights you must be checked in with your baggage no later than 45 minutes before departure and 60 minutes before departure for international flights!

Complete Baggage Claim and Check-In Pricing for Frontier Airlines