What Are You Thankful For Charleston?

By Mark A. Leon

We have hit that magical time of year where we begin to reflect on the things that are truly important in life.  A time for thanks, giving, sharing, family and friends.  It is a time when smiles overshadow frowns, goodness conquers bad and we count our blessings for the little things that make it all worthwhile.

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, we wanted to look at some of the things we are thankful for in the Lowcountry.  We would love to hear your comments about the things, people and places that you are thankful for.

Why Am I Thankful for Charleston?

• A cold pint of beer on Shem Creek
• Surfing at the Washout
• The open arms and faith of the Charleston churches
• The majestic sunrises of the Lowcountry
• The Rooftop at Vendue just as the sun sets over the St. Philips Church
• A glass of French red wine and a baguette sandwich at Fast and French
• Remarkable live theatre from Threshold, Midtown and Woolfe Street
• The Charleston Performing Arts Center’s commitment to theatre and education with the James Island Youth Theatre Program
• Our food trucks and the commitment and hard work to making us smile on so many street corners and festivals
• The unconditional love for our dogs and cats
• The warm sand and ocean water of our beaches in the Spring and Summer
• Commitment to providing food and shelter to those less fortunate
• The preservation of history
• The Cooper River Bridge Run and the Turkey Day Gobble Wobble
• The dedicated medical professionals at MUSC, Roper St. Francis and Trident Medical Centers
• Sailing in the Harbor
• The peaceful escape of the South Carolina Aquarium
• College of Charleston, The Citadel and Charleston Southern for training some of the finest young minds here in the Lowcountry
• The Charleston County Park system for bringing nature to us
• The Festival of Lights – Keeping tradition alive
• The Charleston RiverDogs for continuing to harness great baseball talent and giving us a reason to go to the park
• Patriots Point for reminding us of the importance and horrors of the Vietnam War
• Deep Water Vineyards and Firefly – Where else can you get wine, spirits, a goat, a pig, a swinging tire and great Southern live music?
• Yoga!! – Yoga and beach; yoga and beer; yoga and sunsets; yoga and baseball; Bikram yoga
• Movies on the beach on Folly and Movies at Waterfront Park
• Shagging at the pier
• Boba Tea at Tapio
• Late night chicken and waffles at Early Bird Diner
• Seared Scallops and a Washington State Pinot Noir while watching the sunset at Morgan Creek Grill
• Happy Hour seven days a week at Barsa and still free parking at a restaurant downtown
• Sandwiches done right and with love at Persimmon Café
• Falafel at Charlie’s Grocery
• MUSC Urban Farm where rosemary, lemons, sunflowers and horticultural education come together
• Sun-dried tomato and goat cheese turnover at Wild Flour on Spring Street
• Feeding the ducks and birds at Hampton Park
• Charleston Food and Wine Festival – That needs no explaining
• Charleston Music Hall, Charleston Music Farm, Charleston Pour House and all the other great venues that continue to raise the bar of great music in the Lowcountry
• Cup Coffee – Some of the best coffee I have ever had and they are local
• Palmetto Brewery for staying downtown
• Arthur J. Ravenel Bridge for continuing to be a sight for sore eyes
• Farmer’s Markets for homemade pasta and soap
• Marina view and breakfast burrito at the Marina Variety Shop Restaurant
• Wine and sunset at Dock Street Park
• Laying out at White Point Garden and people watching
• Rainbow of acceptance and community in Park Circle, North Charleston
• Oak Trees of Charleston and Angel Oak
• Concerts at Riverfront Park and the new High Water Festival Tradition
• Patriotism
• Sea Turtles
• Sunset at Bowen’s Island Restaurant over steamed oysters
• Oyster Roasts with chili and S’mores
• Bert’s Market open 24 hours 365 days a year
• Gamecock and Tiger Football

What are you thankful and grateful for in Charleston? Comment below