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

Great Charleston, SC Area Apps

June 9, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

We can’t fight it anymore. We live in an app world. A mobile, on the go, app world. All the predictions of the future are coming true and now our lives are literally at our fingertips. What better way to celebrate our acceptance of technology, than with a list of some of the best Charleston, SC area apps.

Whether you are a visitor or a local, there is value in each of these options. Most can be found in the Apple, Android or Google App Stores. Many are free, but some have a nominal fee.

Excellent Charleston Area Apps

Traveler of Charleston – Find things to do in Charleston SC with this easy to use app. Find attractions, tours, plantations, shops and restaurants with ease using the GPS and mapping feature. Sort by what’s closest, redeem coupons, and communicate with us on social networks. Designed for visitors and locals looking for fun things to do in Charleston South Carolina.

Charleston SC – Find Charleston, SC dining, entertainment, golf, hotel, nightlife, service and shopping information that includes business contact information, location, directions, virtual tours, mobile apps and daily deals.

Plan It SC – Post & Courier – Discover amazing things to do, events, concerts, happy hours, bars, restaurants, deals and more. Create plans with friends, buy tickets, share events and enter contests right from the PlanIt SC app.

Historic Walking Tour – Walk throughout cities using our guided map and listen to an audio history. Available in the Apple iTunes App Store and Google Play Store!

Live 5 News Mobile App – Live 5 News is excited to announce the release of a brand new app for your Android phone, iPhone and Blackberry! Our new app features more news content, more video and a display that you can tailor to your own preference.

ABC News Mobile Apps – This iOS and Android app offers on-the-go updates of ABCNews4’s daily coverage of news, sports and weather. Download it and take it with you to read whenever and wherever you want.

WCBD News Mobile App – The WCBD News 2 News app is getting some of your most requested upgrades, providing you with more ways to customize the news and weather you receive each day.

InTown.com Mobile App – From Food to Fun, InTown is your virtual guide to what’s going on in and around town. Whether you’re looking for what to do, a restaurant, happy hour, sporting event or planning the next family outing InTown allows you to plan ahead, or on the fly. InTown is “in the know on where to go”!™ Download the free App!

PalmettoQuest – Learn & play while you tour historic Charleston, South Carolina! Answer multiple-choice questions as you explore an area rich with history, using the information you find in the city.

Holy City Hospitality – With eight unique dining concepts throughout Charleston, Holy City Hospitality has a venue for any occasion, no matter the size or style of cuisine. Holy City Hospitality brings inventive combinations of the freshest seasonal ingredients together with accommodating, thoughtful service to inspire memorable experiences. Our philosophy is simply consistent hospitality, from the kitchen to the table.

Charleston Restaurant Association App – The Charleston Restaurant Association (CRA) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit trade organization serving the Charleston area restaurant industry. The CRA serves as the voice of its members on government and public relations issues. It also provides programs that offer operational benefits and create opportunities for members. The CRA represents the largest private sector employer in the tri-county area and its members are the cornerstone of the Charleston area community and economy. The CRA is part of the National Restaurant Association.

Cooper River Bridge Run App – All you need for the biggest race weekend in Charleston.

Charleston Essential Guide – The Charleston Essential Guide iPhone app, written by Charleston local Liz Rennie of MD Design. The app is divided into categories like: Bring Jr., Shop, Stay and Enjoy (local favorite). The app features lots of free activities for guests of the Holy City too!

Bringing Charleston into the palm of your hands.

Describe Charleston in One Word – Charleston Word Cloud

June 8, 2016

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

We polled the community and asked the question: Describe Charleston in one word?

We got 115 responses in one day which was overwhelming. Thank you to all those that contributed.

Here is a visual of how we see Charleston. For those not familiar with word clouds. This is a visual summary of all responses. Terms that were used the most often are larger than the smaller terms.

We got a very diverse set of responses. Here is how Charleston sees itself:

Complete List:

Humid Lovely Phenomabomb Resilient Charming Transformative Faithful Amazing Historic Diverse Eclectic Lush Beauty Alluring Home Glorious Warm Charming Inspiring Stunning Approachable Dazzling Exhilarating Lowcountry Charming Sunshine Wet Hospitable Awesome Historic Wet Encompassing Delicious Vibrant Regal Interesting Enchanting Unique Hot Overcrowded Cuisine History Home Hospitable Foodie Diverse Whimsical Beautiful Romantic Classy Artsy Boats Restaurants Charming Historic Historic Culinary Laidback Enjoyable Bustling Peaceful Unique Elegant Effervescent Fascinating Quintessential Dining Dining Lovely Picturesque Dangerous Overcrowded Culinary Romantic Historic Overcrowded Gridlock Holy Eclectic Historic Unique Hospitable Humid Photographic Historic Classy Home Energized Magical Storied Hot Lovely Growing Hot Love Awing Home Hot Paradise Beaches Home Historic Seacoast Maritime Tradition Heaven Perfect Growing SouthernCharm Peaceful Beautiful Photographic

Charles Towne Landing: Our First Colony (Charleston, SC

June 6, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

In the beginning, there was Charles Towne Landing, the original Charleston village. Led by faith in a new beginning, a group of colonists chartered to the great unknown to create what we now know as Charleston, South Carolina. Today, the original village, situated in West Ashley, SC still holds the authenticity it did when settlers landed in 1670. The village itself is only the beginning of the magic you will see when you visit this family-friendly attraction.

While you are here you will experience:

Zoo filled with wolves, bears, buffalo, birds, and even a skunk
Beautiful views of the Lowcountry
Restored homes
Relics of original homes
Boats
Museum
Sculptures of Native American past
Beautiful areas to picnic in and so much more.

Come with us as we visit the original colony of Charlestowne Landing through this picturesque gallery

Sculpture of African American heritage — Sculpture of Native American heritage

Wolves in the zoo - No petting these furry friends — Wolves in the zoo – No petting these furry friends

Tropical Southern surroundings all around

The museum is very educational and interactive.

Make a day of it and revisit our history. It will be worth the trip.

Learn more about Charleston by visiting Charleston Daily

Do you know how to save a life?

June 6, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

We are all alone wandering the world, one interaction at a time. We are born into this mystery of existence for a finite time and enter a new plane of being alone. During the moment between the first and final breath, we will make decisions, take risks and question. We will each fall and pick up the pieces to live another day.

Each moment, a new encounter; a new perspective.

Have you touched a soul so deeply that the connection changed them forever? Have you ever saved a life? Have you ever guided someone that lacked directly; giving them hope with an outstretched hand; finding promise in the darkest hour?

The greatest wealth in life is the grand gesture; the selfish act of kindness led by a pure reaction of energy fueled by love.

A decade later, we no longer talk of the destruction of September 11 but the individual stories of courage and triumph that will live on and serve as a benchmark for true heroism.

So many of us go undiscovered

So many unfulfilled

So many longing to be needed; to be yearned for.

The sign of love is not the Tiffany necklace but the way he looks in your eyes when he puts it around the soft circle of your neck. Do you know how to save a life?

Can you deal with the responsibility of seeking out a lonely heart and giving it protection, nurturing and love?

The ability to save is only achieved when:

You have the strength to believe you can
You accept that an act of heroism is simple and true
You no longer look in the mirror and see yourself
You see the act of kindness as a mutual bond and the energy shared is a power greater than the energy of one
You believe in something much greater than yourself
The music never stops playing. It is a heartbeat, a songbird, a thank you from someone less fortunate who was blessed with your kindness.
You find light in a field of darkness

This is a responsibility more important and difficult than any job. This is one where the greatest reward is lifting someone to a better place.

Lowcountry

In Honor of Father’s Day: Ad Patrem Meum (To My Father) – Original Poem

June 6, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Fatherhood; a blessing, masked in a curse, nurtured with a miracle

Infancy evolves to childhood
Childhood to adolescence
Adolescence to adulthood
Adulthood to reflection

The role of father yet, remains the same
Without complaint, without remission, without hesitation

Maturity heightens awareness
Heroism slides down an unpredictable path leaving a permanent imprint of vulnerability

A father lets you grow
To make mistakes
To learn
To thrive on a life of purpose

He doesn’t turn back when you journey on your own; nor turn away when you are in need of a helping hand

He served his country with honor, his family with respect; his career with dedication

Often his dreams on hold

He cheers in silence and applauds out loud
Modest and distant to the outside world
Warm and safe to us

His hug is like a fortress of safety
His words, often so few, inspire and light the flame of thought

Oh father
Oh father
Oh father

He will disagree every step of the way
Impose judgement
A fortress from the hate all around

His greatest perfection is his abundance of imperfection

He is a teacher with the greatest lesson; to live a life of virtue and meaning

The hunter, the warrior, the gentle beast

He is my father

Food & Bev - Lifestyle - Photography

Are you a passionate Southern Blogger? – Join the Blog Society

June 3, 2016

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

Are you a Southern blogger with a passion for food, fashion, architecture, history, shopping, entertainment or just love to share your experiences with the rest of the world? We have a society for you. One that builds community and provides deeper exposure of your message.

Learn more about The Blog Societies today.

MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES:

What we look for in our Members
Quality photographs that are either a) original and done with a high quality camera or b) quality photographs that are properly credited. Please do not send in your application if you are only posting Instagram or iPhone photos, photos taken of you by yourself (aka selfies) or solely photographs of other people’s work. Photos must be large (600px or wider), high quality and in focus. We also look for a large amount of original photos from our applicants. Photography is our most important guideline for our applicants to meet and to see examples of what we look for, you can view our latest posts on The Blog Societies.

In addition to great photography, it’s imperative that the majority of your content easily falls into one of our categories of EAT, DIY/HOWTO, WEAR or LEARN. We also look for bloggers who have had consistent posting (roughly 3 times per week) for several months. We are unable to extend memberships to those who have started a blog and do not have some content history to review (we suggest a minimum of 6 months of content). Please ensure that your ABOUT page has a large (preferably over 500 pixels wide), high quality photograph of you so that we can feature you as a potential MEET. This is typically the page we head to first to get to know our applicants for review, so make sure it’s top notch!

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP:

Listed on The Blog Societies site for all members and brand resources to view/contact
Opportunity to submit content to be featured on the site and promoted across social media
Exclusive invitations to events from city/state meet ups to brand events
Invitation to apply to the annual Blog Societies conference
Exclusive invitation to work with brands on collaborations
Access to The Blog Societies Pinterest member board
Access to private forum for members to network, learn and connect

Application Link – Register Here

Recap – Third Annual Southern Blog Society Conference – Charleston, South Carolina

A Letter of Dedication to Charleston, SC – This is the Power of Charleston

June 1, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

It seems like only yesterday I came to Charleston. A small peninsula community sheltered from the Southern heat by the cool breeze of a passing carriage and the fragrant protection of the trees hovering over the city streets.

Up above, as I lingered on the corner of Broad and Meeting the sounds of the bells of St. Michael’s chimed with the eloquence of an orchestra of angels lined on a bed of clouds.

As the years passed by snap shots in my memory of the the little things continue to linger. Charleston became my city of hope in a time of personal rebirth. It welcomed me with open arms when I arrived with nothing more than a car, clothes and a new start.

A charming community humbled by its history, enriched by its compassion and warmed by a spirit of gentleness.

In good times there were smiles of happiness all around; in bad, cries of love, because Charleston doesn’t know how to be defeated. Like a band of brothers, this city finds a spirit of family, a gleam of creative renaissance and a masquerade of celebration.

From the song and dance of the festivals to the quiet moments of reflection as the sun rises over the harbor, Charleston has become the canvas of a masterpiece. Painted with the colors of Rainbow Row and painted with the strokes of Southern Charm, each stroke is a new chapter in our continuing saga.

This is the power of Charleston.

I recall a Christmas morning, not to many years ago. A misty rain fell from the sky and not a car or human to be found except for one biker turning off of Morris to King. I walked down the center of one of the traditionally busiest intersections (King and Calhoun). No cars, nor voices, nor carriages; just peace. In the Holy City; the Southern Jewel, I was in a place of absolute tranquility. Every thought and memory escalated a thousand times in my brain. I could hear the sound of everything and everyone in the silence. A balance fell upon me. In that moment of complete vulnerability, I was absolutely safe.

That is the power of Charleston.

I fell in love with the Cooper River Bridge the first time I set foot here. I said, “If I could marry an inanimate object, I would marry this bridge and because of this structure I am going to move here.” One weekend is all it took. Two days and the people, city, beaches, the architectural beauty, the history and the rich traditions said “Welcome, our door is open to you”.

That is the power of Charleston.

One year later, I have yet to stand before the church. I remember every moment from the time I heard the news until the next day when it processed. I went to The Battery on that Thursday morning after the shooting at 6:00 AM. I watched the sun slowly rise from the East, over the bridge and rest above the harbor. As I sat on a bench at White Point Garden a charming woman sat and spoke to me while her elderly dog rested on my foot. Later on, two joggers ran by nodding and saying good morning to me and finally three ladies offered me a pamphlet about hope. There was no discussion of what happened that evening before. We hadn’t quite understood or processed the magnitude. We knew it was an event we would never forget. Over the next few weeks, gestures of kindness spread throughout the city. Signs of resilience and promise filled the streets. We held out our arms and accepted all in need of support.

That is the power of Charleston.

Today, I look back at the evolution of this city. From our origins at Charleston Towne Landing to the Legend of Joseph Riley Jr; from the first shots of the Civil War to a celebration of worldwide culture in Spoleto USA 40, Charleston is resilient. Like its citizens, with their simple yet refined charm, it holds a special place where respect, kindness and love continues to overpower all.

Food & Bev - Lowcountry

Get to Know Your Charleston Food Trucks – Directory and Resource Guide

June 1, 2016

by Charleston Daily 6 Comments

They are mobile. They are delicious. They offer food from around the globe.

But, where are they? That is the question each and every one of us deal with at some point. We find our favorite food truck at the Farmer’s Market or the corner of Spring and King or The Barrel and then after we indulge in foodie delight, we turn our heads and they drive away.

What if there was a directory of the area food trucks? Great idea. You have spoken and we have answered.

Food trucks are part of who we are and it is time we share the love with everyone. Bon appetit.

Charleston Daily Food Truck Resource Directory

Cast Iron Food Truck – Burgers, Sandwiches and Southern

Roti Rolls – Asian-Fusion, Caribbean and Indian

Auto-Banh Food Truck – Vietnamese Sandwiches

Avila – Venezuelan

Bac’n Me Crazy – American, Burgers and Sandwiches

Banani – Dairy and Dessert

BKed – Sandwiches, Sweets and Treats

Braziliannuts Food Truck – Brazilian

Charleston Caribbean Creole – Caribbean, Creole, Cuban and Cajun

Charleston Choo – Sandwiches and Southern

Dashi – Asian Fusion and Latin American

Diggity Doughnuts – Breakfast

Dulce Truck – Coffee and Beverages, Desserts and Ice Cream

Fauzia’s Kitchen – Turkish and Afghan

Food Baby – American, Southern, Organic/Natural

Food Box – Southern

Gidget Gourmet – Specializing in Gourmet Catering, Corporate Events, Birthday Parties, Weddings, Special Events, Hand Tossed Pizzas, LowCountry Boil, Oyster Roasts, BBQ

Hot Links – Hot Dogs and Vegan

Juice Joint – Smoothies, Juice and Beverages

Just Eat This! – American (Traditional)

King of Pops – Charleston – Ice Pops

Korki’s Kafe – American (Traditional)

Lavanta Coffee – Coffee and Beverages

Low Country Street Eats – BBQ, American and Southern

Lowcountry Festival Foods – Sweets and Treats, Shaved Ice, Coffee and Beverages

Mac Daddy – Mac n Cheese and Comfort Food

Outta My Huevos – Breakfast

Pacha Mama Arepas & Tostones – BBQ, Latin American, Spanish and Colombian

Pink Bellies – Vietnamese

Platia – Greek, Fish & Chips, Coffee and Beverages

Pure Fluff Company – Sweets and Treats

Rebel Taqueria – Mexican

Roadside Seafood – Seafood and Sandwiches

Sassyass Coffee – Coffee and Beverages

Short Grain – Japanese and American (New)

Slider Box – Burgers and American (Traditional)

Sweet Lulu’s Bakery on Wheels – Desserts, Cupcakes and Cookies

Towin’ The Dough – Pizza

scoops

Charleston, South Carolina Travel Guides – Resource Links

May 31, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Charleston, South Carolina one of the most celebrated cities in the United States

This historic Southern city is:

Exciting
Creative
Historic
A Foodie Paradise
Haven of theater and arts
Architecturally stunning
Tranquil beach escapes
Shopping mecca
Parks and recreation

We have so much to offer, that finding the right activity can be a challenge.

Here is a resource guide on some of the top digital travel guides to Charleston, South Carolina

All offer insightful options and details on activities and events in the Holy City.

Charleston Travel Guide – Travel + Leisure

Charleston Travel Guide – Fodor’s Travel

Charleston Visitor’s Bureau Visitor’s Guide

Charleston City Guide – Southern Living

Official Tourism Guide – Charleston.com

Charleston Vacation ideas and Guides – Travel Channel

Discover South Carolina Vacation Guide

Visit Historic Charleston

Best of Charleston Travel Guide – Town & Country

Charleston Travel Guide – Virtual Tourist

Education is power. Do your research, plan well and make it a memorable stay.

Of course, please comment if you have specific questions.

Food & Bev - Mount Pleasant, SC - North Charleston, SC

8 Great Charleston Area Wine Bars

May 24, 2016

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

Charleston, South Carolina offers a taste of elegance and charm. With a soft gentle breeze off the marina, a sun that provides a breathless IMAX experience with each departure from the sky, Charleston brings a taste of the finer things in life to the forefront. With that distinction, comes great responsibility. To offer a great glass of wine in a traditional and inviting sanctuary is one of the pleasures our locals and guests look forward to.

We felt an obligation to education and inform by providing you with information on some of the best wine bars in the area:

Get your pen, paper and palate out and plan a night of relaxation, great conversation and a wonderful glass or two of vino.

Great Charleston area Wine Bars

Bin 152 – 152 King Street, Charleston, SC – Monday – Sunday 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Ardoa Wine Bar – 1960 Riviera Drive, Suite D, Mount Pleasant, SC – Monday – Wednesday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM / Thursday – Saturday – 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM / Closed: Sunday
Langdon’s Restaurant and Wine Bar – 778 South Shelmore Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC – Monday – Friday 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch) / Monday – Saturday 5:00 PM – ? (Dinner) / Closed: Sunday
Bistro Toulouse – French Cuisine and Wine Bar – 1220 Ben Sawyer Boulevard, Suite I, Mount Pleasant, SC – Dinner (Tuesday – Sunday): 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM / Lunch (Tuesday – Friday): 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM / Brunch (Sat & Sun): 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Avondale Wine and Cheese – 813 Savannah Highway #B, West Ashley, SC – Sunday – Friday 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM / Saturday 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM / Closed: Sunday
The Wine Bar – 664 Long Point Road, Unit G, Mount Pleasant, SC – Monday – Saturday 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Until Midnight Friday and Saturday)
Accent on Wine – 2 Locations – 132 South Main Street, Summerville, SC / 1056 E. Montegue Avenue, North Charleston (Park Circle) – Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM / Friday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM / Closed: Sunday
Sauer Grapes Wine Shop – 885-C Island Park Drive, Daniel Island, SC – Tuesday – Saturday 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Special events and times can pop up)
Charlestowne Tobacco and Wine – 189 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC – Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Until Midnight Friday and Saturday) / Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Note: There are some amazing fine and casual dining restaurants with superb wine selections. Do your research, but remember, relax and enjoy every sip.