Relish Restaurant Group Announces Closing of 492 and Tristan Catering

August 27, 2018 by 0 Comments
Read More

After four years of service, Relish Restaurant Group has decided to close the doors to 492 and Tristan Catering + Events to focus on a single restaurant concept, Ms. Rose’s Fine Food & Cocktails. The last day of service for both entities was Sunday, August 26, 2018.

“We are very proud of what we built and accomplished at both 492 and Tristan Catering + Events,” said Dave Bucks, Director of Operations for Relish Restaurant Group. “It was a difficult decision and we are grateful to each of the teams for their hard work and dedication over the past four years.”

Relish Restaurant Group is committed to continuing its presence in the community through Ms. Rose’s and its charitable outreach.

Wild Dunes Resort Receives TripAdvisor 2018 Certificate of Excellence

August 25, 2018 by 0 Comments
Read More

CHARLESTON, S.C. – August 24, 2018 – Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination Hotel, has been named a TripAdvisor 2018 Certificate of Excellence award winner, which celebrates the top 10% of hotels that consistently achieve great traveler reviews over the past year. Since 2011, TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence has honored hospitality businesses that deliver superior service across the world. There is no application process for the Certificate of Excellence, as the achievement is earned over time and determined by guest experiences and reviews.

“We are extremely honored to have achieved the TripAdvisor 2018 Certificate of Excellence,” shared Wild Dunes Resort’s Managing Director Frank Fredericks. “It is wonderful to know that so many guests have enjoyed their experience at the Resort over the years. We truly credit our amazing staff and the top-notch service they deliver day in and day out.”

To celebrate this achievement, Wild Dunes Resort is offering 20% off nightly rates across the resort in select vacation homes and condo rentals for stays September 7 through December 30, along with a variety of unique packages including its new S.C. Aquarium Family Sea Turtle Package, which gives families the chance to experience Charleston’s marine life at the downtown Aquarium along with a beachside resort stay. In addition, the resort’s new City to Sea: The Best Of Both Worlds Package offers guests the opportunity to enjoy two nights downtown soaking in Charleston’s rich history at hip downtown hotel The Restoration, along with two nights basking in the salt air at Wild Dunes Resort.

For more information on TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, please visit the link below:

www.tripadvisor.com/TripAdvisorInsights/w604

For more information on Wild Dunes Resort or to book a reservation, please visit www.wildunesresort.com or call 843.886.2218.

For high res. images of Wild Dunes Resort, please see the link below

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/q954mutho9z1jkm/AACSG5IUhVbqIUx-kzdulJZTa?dl=0

About Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination Hotel

Nestled on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, Wild Dunes Resort, is located 30 minutes from the charm and grace of historic downtown Charleston. The Resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with a variety of accommodations ranging from the AAA Four-Diamond Rated Boardwalk Inn and the Village at Wild Dunes to private condos and luxury home vacation rentals. Offering a year-round menu of championship golf, nationally-ranked tennis, award-winning recreation, spa services and restaurant options, Wild Dunes Resort has been distinguished by many publications and associations as a top destination for families, golfers, tennis lovers, and meeting and event planners. Visit Wild Dunes Resort online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Destination Hotels

Destination Hotels is a collection of more than 40 upscale and luxury independent hotels, resorts and residences across North America. Each property is intentionally diverse and true to its location, transcending status quo in fresh, authentic and unforgettable ways. Serving as both the explorer and the guide, Destination ensures a sense of genuine belonging and the chance to encounter life-enhancing discoveries. The award-winning portfolio features 19 renowned golf courses, 18 indigenous spas, and 112 exceptional food and beverage options including bars, restaurants, cafes, and rooftops. Destination Hotels captures the unique essence of each location through authentic experiences, immersive programming and genuine service. For more information, visit www.destinationhotels.com. Follow us on Instagram: @destinationhotels and Twitter: @Destination. Like us on Facebook: DestinationHotels.

###

Media Contacts:

Gina Stouffer / Charlotte Park / Tori Williams
Lou Hammond Group
843.408.4360 / 843.371.1362 / 843.647.7090
GinaS@louhammond.com / CharlotteP@louhammond.com / ToriW@louhammond.com
www.louhammond.com

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