Charleston Living Magazine Nov-Dec 2023

November / December 2023 

Stir SomeCheer 

Holiday Cocktail Recipes 

From Local Bars and 

Restaurants 

Usher in the 

Season with Style 

Table Settings Worthy of the 

Holiday + Winter Fashion 

Common Grounds 

Local Coffee Roasters 

$4.50 US 

Holiday 

Markets 

Holiday 

Gift Guide 

Winter Bird 

Watching 

November/December 2023 | 1

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Features 

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023 

62 

Bringing Hope to 

the Community 

Non-profit spotlight on worthy 

Charleston organizations 

By Jenny Peterson 

76 

The ‘Marsh House’ 

Showstopping natural beauty 

reflected in Kiawah Island home 

By E.C. Waldron 

84 

Coffee Talk 

Passionate coffee roasters percolate 

across the Lowcountry 

By Daria Smith 

70 

Snow Birds 

Birding in the winter 

offers a unique peek at 

our winged friends 

By Jenny Peterson 

PHOTO CHARLES DONNELLY WITH HOLY CITY BIRDING 


STRETCH 

your body 

& 

your experiences 

© 2023 South Bay at Mount Pleasant 

On any given day, you’ll find a range of options to fuel your passions, 

meet new friends and enjoy a lifestyle rich with interesting and exciting 

educational and engaging programs. Learn more about senior living at 

SouthBayatMountPleasant.com or schedule a visit at 843.886.1124. 

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 

SKILLED NURSING | REHABILITATION 

A Life Plan Community offered by Liberty Senior Living 

1400 Liberty Midtown Drive 

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 

March/April 2013 | 5


DEPARTMENTS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 

13 

Buzz 

13 A Treasured Tradition 

Annual Holiday Festival 

of Lights is all about the 

people behind the scenes 

14 Calendar 

Our five musts from this 

issue’s calendar of events 

16 Events 

Your guide to planning your 

social calendar 

24 Entertainment 

Reviews of new movies and 

music 

26 Staff Picks 

Gift ideas for the readers in 

your life 

28 History 

Celebrating Francis Salvador, 

a martyr in the American 

Revolution 

31 Business 

How a former U.S. Marine 

brings his passion for 

service to the automotive 

scene of Charleston 

39 

Well Styled 

39 Make a Winter 

Statement 

Cure the winter wardrobe 

blues with snowy whites and 

textured teals 

40 Design 

Sweet citrus pairs up with 

spicy cloves in a beloved 

holiday tradition 

42 Holiday Markets 

Holiday markets in and 

around Charleston 

46 Tablescapes 

Set the table like a stylist 

50 Holiday Gift Guide 

Items for everyone on your 

list 

56 Fashion 


blues with snowy whites and 


89 

Food+Drink 

89 Ricotta Gnocchi 

Tossed in brown butter with 

cauliflower and lemon at 

Frannie & The Fox 

90 Dining Out 

Restaurant inside boutique 

hotel Emeline notches up 

the Charleston dinner scene 

92 Holiday Cocktails 

Cocktails to make at home 

from local bartenders 

96 In the Kitchen 

Recipes to keep you warm 

and cozy all winter 

102 Restaurant Guide 

The best spots for eating 

and drinking in Charleston 

109 

Travel 

109 A New Way to 

Pompeii 

Discovering authenticity, 

fine dining and volcanic 

adventures in the shadow of 

Mount Vesuvius 

Fundamentals 

10 Reader Services 

12 Editor’s Letter 

112 The Last Reflection 


32 Art Seen 

Carl Turner melds realism 

with graphic design 

backgrounds 

Holiday Markets • Holiday Gift Guide • Winter Bird Watching 




Restaurants 

Usher in the 




36 Southern Drawl 

Annual Holiday Festival of 

Lights is all about the people 

32 



$4.50 US 

Holiday 

Markets 

Holiday 

Gift Guide 

Winter Bird 

Watching 

ON THE COVER » 

"Santa's Helper" cocktail at 

Rappahannock Oyster Bar. 

Photo by Aleece Sophia 


EXPERIENCE EMELINE 

Nestled amongst the cobblestone streets and brightly colored row houses in 

Charleston’s historic downtown district, Emeline is a clever and 

thoughtfully designed retreat crafted for the curious traveler in mind 

charting their own course. 

Start the day with a perfect cup of coffee at Clerks, enjoy a wood fired 

pizza or a shared plate at Frannie & The Fox or peruse a curated selection 

of hand-crafted, rare and unique local goods at Keep Shop. From our central 

perch in Charleston, welcome to Emeline. 

181 CHURCH STREET 

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 

29401 

HOTELEMELINE.COM 


CEO & Publisher 

Robert Sweeney 

Executive Director of Operations 

Emily Sweeney 

■ ■ ■ 

Managing Editor 

Jenny Peterson 

■ ■ ■ 

Senior Account Executive 

Carolyn Silecchia 

Art Director 

Carl Turner 

Graphic Designers 

Andrea Spaeth 

Shanna Thomson 

Carl Turner 

Travel Director 

Katie McElveen 

Contributing Writers 

Elliott Collins, Emma Dannenfelser, 

Kaitlin Gooding, Denise K. James, 

Tim Lowry, Katie McElveen, 

Jenny Peterson, Anne Wolfe Postic, 

Katelyn Rutt, Daria Smith, 

Wendy Swat Snyder, E.C. Waldron, 

Lisa Gray Youngblood 

Photographers 

Kaitlin Gooding, Jenny Peterson, 

Jim Somerset, James Stefiuk, 

Priscilla Thomas, Aleece Sophia 

■ ■ ■ 

Customer Service: (843) 856-2532 

Charleston Living (Vol. 14, No. 1) is published 

6 times per year by DueSouth Publishing, 

LLC, Mount Pleasant, SC. The entire contents 

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not be reproduced, in whole or part, without 

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© 2023 The Peninsula of Charleston 

LUXURY. LOCATION. LEGACY. 

At the only life-plan community in downtown 

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November/December 2023 | 11 

A Life Plan Community Offered by Liberty Senior Living

FROM THE EDITOR 


Holiday Markets • Holiday Gift Guide • Winter Bird Watching 

$4.50 US 

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Restaurants 

Usher in the 






or by calling 

843-856-2532 


Holiday 

Markets 

magazine 

Holiday 

Gift Guide 

Winter Bird 

Watching 


Bird's the Word 

Doesn’t it seem like the holiday 

season arrives sooner every year? It feels like a 

blink of an eye between when we turn our 

clocks back to when we gather together 

around a table for Thanksgiving. Another 

blink of an eye, and everyone is gathered in a 

living room opening presents, soon reflecting 

on what the new year will bring. It can be hard 

to find a moment of calm during the season. 

There are plenty of tips on how to relax 

during the holiday season—and in fact, we 

have several spa-quality items in our gift 

guide that can inspire you—as well as how 

to get restful sleep for the holidays in our 

Last Reflection essay on page 112. 

I was lucky to have tagged along 

on an hour-long birding excursion with 

Charles Donnelly, who owns Holy City 

Birding and leads groups throughout 

Charleston. 

As a birding “newbie,” I had no birding 

agenda for my first time trying this outdoor 

hobby. I had never stopped to watch the 

birds before and marveled at the 31 species 

we observed in total and 832 individual 

birds, mostly laughing gulls, but also egrets 

and great blue herons. 

But, seeing and identifying birds is just 

one part of the entire experience. It was also 

a wonderful reason to enjoy the outdoors, 

slow down and take in the natural world, 

the stillness of the trees, and the marsh, now 

a brown wheat color that it will stay until 

late spring. Listening to bird calls and try- 

ing to follow the sound in the trees with 

binoculars…simply being in their habitat 

and observing their behavior patterns makes 

this first-time birder want to keep at it. 

I’m excited to see more ducks migrating to 

Charleston for the winter and maybe even 

spot a purple finch! 

If traditional holiday outings are more 

your thing, we have a list of performances, 

musical extravaganzas and holiday parades 

listed in our calendar on page 14. We’ve also 

got you covered in the gifts department—a 

roundup of holiday markets starts on page 

42 where you can discover one-of-a-kind local 

items for everyone on your list—as well 

as our annual gift guide of curated items 

from local stores and boutiques. Check it 

out on page 50. 

Lastly, the holiday season is a great 

time to give back to worthy organizations. 

I enjoyed leaning about the non-profits we 

spotlight on page 62 and the important 

services they provide for our neighbors in 

health care, affordable housing and more to 

make Charleston a better place to live. 

However you celebrate, I hope you have 

a very happy holiday season and enjoy all 

that Charleston has to offer. 

See you out there! 

Jenny Peterson 

Managing Editor 

editor@charlestonlivingmag.com 

We welcome your comments. 

Please send us your feedback to 

“Letters to the Editor,” via email at 

editor@charlestonlivingmag.com. 

Find Us Online! 

Visit us on our website at 

charlestonlivingmag.com 

facebook.com and instagram.com 

@charlestonlivingmagazine

Buzz 

YOUR LOCAL RUNDOWN ON NEWS AND CULTURE 

A Treasured 

Tradition 

Annual Holiday Festival of Lights 

is all about the people behind-the-scenes. 

See page 36 

PHOTO CHARLESTON COUNTY PARKS 


BUZZ 

CALENDAR 

The Reveal: 

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 

Our five musts from this issue’s calendar of events. 

Oyster Roast at Drayton Hall 

Dec. 3 

A long-time favorite of local families and 

visitors alike, Drayton Hall’s Annual Deck 

the Hall Oyster Roast includes an all-youcan-eat 

oysters, a chili bar and drink tickets. 

We invite you to arrive early and explore the 

exhibits at Drayton Hall beforehand. Each 

oyster roast ticket includes admission to 

the grounds. Lawn chairs are welcome but 

please leave pets, coolers, and outside food 

and beverages at home. Tickets sell out so 

get yours early! Tables of six available for 

purchase. Tickets for Friends of Drayton 

Hall, $75; general admission is $85-$95. 21+ 

Event. 3380 Ashley River Rd. 

www.draytonhall.org 


The Sound of Charleston 

Holiday Edition 

Nov. 25; Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 26, 30 

From "Summertime, and the living is easy," 

George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess," to gospel 

spirituals, jazz, light classics and music of 

the Civil War, prepare to be entertained and 

educated by 75-minute concerts at the historic 

Circular Congregational Church in downtown 

Charleston. Holiday editions with songs of the 

season will be added to regular show. Performances 

are at 7 p.m. Circular Congregational 

Church, 150 Meeting St., Charleston. Tickets 

are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors, $16 for students 

and free for children seven and under. 

Tickets can be purchased at Charleston Visitors 

Center, at www.soundofcharleston.com, or by 

calling the box office at 843-270-4903. 

28th Annual Christmas 

Light Parade 


Brilliantly lit floats and community groups 

will march up West Coleman Boulevard as 

the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade 

sets sail to the delight of thousands of 

residents and visitors. The festivities begin 

at 5:30 p.m. with a Pyrotecnico fireworks 

show immediately followed by the start of 

the parade at Live Oak Dr. traveling south 

and ending at the intersection of W. Coleman 

Blvd. and Patriots Point Rd. Join the 

Facebook event for up-to-date information. 

March of Dimes Signature 

Chef Auction 

Nov. 16 

The Charleston Signature Chefs Auction 

is a 24-year strong tradition. As March of 

Dimes' premier fundraiser, this event celebrates 

culinary excellence featuring top 

local chefs along with a silent & live auction 

and a compelling appeal to support our 

mission. Join us to raise critical funds for 

healthy moms and strong babies. 6:30 p.m. 

170 Lockwood Drive. 

www.signaturechefs.marchofdimes.org. 

Holy Smokes Barbecue 

Festival 


Join us for the third annual Holy Smokes Barbecue 

Festival at Riverfront Park. Over 30 of the 

country's best pitmasters and chefs will be serving 

up all-you-can-eat BBQ all day long! With 

live music playing on stage against the backdrop 

of the Cooper River, guests will have a unique 

opportunity to sample a range of barbecue styles 

from the group of renowned pitmasters. Tickets 

benefit Hogs for the Cause, MUSC Shawn 

Jenkins Children's Hospital and The Ronald 

McDonald House of Charleston. For more 

information, visit www.holysmokeschs.com. 11 

a.m. – 4 p.m. $95 plus fees. Kids six and under 

are free. VIP experiences available. 1061 Everglades 

Ave., North Charleston.


Live Life in 

Full Blume 

• Floral Deliveries 

• Creative Gifts 

• Cookies, Cakes, & 

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• Weddings & Special Events 

• Floral Workshops 

• Blume Box Monthly 

Subscriptions 

BUZZ 

EVENTS 

Holiday Festival of Lights 

Nov. 10– Dec. 31 

The Holiday Festival of Lights returns for another year of magic at James Island County 

Park! This vibrant light show is one of Charleston’s most cherished holiday events, featuring 

an estimated two million dazzling lights and over 750 light displays, including the newly 

refurbished and rebuilt Cooper River Bridge display. The Annual Holiday Festival of Lights 

is open every evening, rain or shine, from Nov. 10– Dec. 31. Admission varies depending 

on the day and is charged per vehicle. The festival is open at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. 

nightly. James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive 

Looking to fill your social calendar? 

We’ve got the rundown on how to stay entertained 

this holiday season. 

We Deliver! Home, 

Office, Gifts, Weddings 

and Special Events. 

250 Seven Farms Dr, #C, 

Daniel Island 

843-790-7189 

blume-designs.com 

danielislandweddings.com 


Charleston Symphony Orchestra performance 

following the Tour of Homes 


Charleston Symphony Orchestra will hold a 

special performance on Kiawah Island capping 

off Historic Charleston’s annual Tour of 

Homes. 5 p.m. Tickets are $15. West Beach 

Conference Center, 2 Shipwatch Rd., Kiawah 

Island. www.tickettailor.com/events/ 

townofkiawahisland 

Harvest Festival 


Come out to Johns Island County Park for 

foot-stompin’ live music from local bluegrass 

bands, pumpkin decorating, kids crafts, hayrides 

and more. Feast on Southern delights 

like Carolina barbeque, kettle korn and all of 

your favorite festival foods! Once you’ve eaten 

your fill, head on over to the crafters market 

for some great for holiday shopping. 11 a.m. – 

5 p.m. Bands include Southern Flavor Band, 

YeeHaw Junction and New Ghost Town. 

Admission is $10 per person. Kids 12 and 

under and Gold Pass holders are admitted 

free. Johns Island County Park, 2662 Mullet 

Hall Road, Johns Island. ccprc.com/138/ 

Harvest-Festival 

From Harborview to the Harbor Garden Tour 


Explore James Island neighborhoods featuring 

12 magnificent gardens, many overlooking 

the harbor, presented by the Charleston 

Horticultural Society. Each garden will have 

an experienced docent available to share 

information on the garden design and plant 

material. Guests will be able to tour the gardens 

at their own pace. Tickets are $50 for 

members and $65 for non-members available 

at www.chashortsoc.org. 

Holy Smokes Barbecue Festival 


Join us for the third annual Holy Smokes 

Barbecue Festival at Riverfront Park. Over


BUZZ 

EVENTS 

OFFERING PROFESSIONAL BRA-FIT SERVICES SINCE 1976 

AND ACCESS TO INTRICATE, EUROPEAN LINGERIE PIECES. 

THANKS FOR 

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BEST LINGERIE! 

30 of the country's best pitmasters and chefs 

will be serving up all-you-can-eat BBQ all day 

long! With live music playing on stage against 

the backdrop of the Cooper River, guests will 

have a unique opportunity to sample a range 

of barbecue styles from the group of renowned 

pitmasters. Tickets benefit Hogs for the Cause, 

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital and 

The Ronald McDonald House of Charleston. 

For more information, visit www.holysmokeschs.com. 

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $95 plus fees. Kids 

six and under are free. VIP experiences available. 

1061 Everglades Ave., North Charleston. 

Second Sunday on King Street 

Nov. 12 & Dec. 7 

On the Second Sunday of every month, stroll, 

shop, dine and enjoy Charleston’s “Main 

Street” on a vehicle-free pedestrian-only afternoon. 

There will be events and activities, 

shopping, food, wine and more. 

March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction 


The Charleston Signature Chefs Auction is a 

24-year strong tradition. As March of Dimes' 

premier fundraiser, this event celebrates culinary 

excellence featuring top local chefs along 

with a silent & live auction and a compelling 

appeal to support our mission. Join us to raise 

critical funds for healthy moms and strong 

babies. 6:30 p.m. 170 Lockwood Drive. 

www.signaturechefs.marchofdimes.org. 

Fall Oyster Roast 


The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and the 

CofC Alumni Association will host a Lowcountry 

Oyster Roast. Celebrate the season 

with delicious oysters, whole hog barbecue, 

chili, hot dogs and all the fixings. Tickets include 

an open bar featuring regional flavors, 

premium liquors, local beers and fine wines. 

The Bluestone Ramblers will provide traditional 

bluegrass music as we enjoy the College’s 

beautiful holiday lights. Net proceeds from this 

event will benefit the Alumni Association and 

the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. 6-9 

p.m. Tickets are $125 per person. 21+ event. 

Cistern Yard, 66 George Street. Tickets at 

www.fallalumniweekend.cofc.edu/events. 

453 W. COLEMAN BLVD, MT. PLEASANT • 843-531-6625 

BITSOFLACE.COM 

10th Annual Rockabillaque Charleston Festival 


Rockabillaque is a celebration of mid-century 

Americana with a classic car and vintage bike 

show, block party, live music featuring regional 

and national music acts on outdoor stages, 

contests including the pin-up, tattoo, beard 



BUZZ 

EVENTS 

& moustache, the vendors market and all the 

local bars, restaurants and stores participating 

in the festival. It is the biggest festival of its 

kind in the south. A kickoff party will be held 

at Commonhouse Aleworks and an afterparty 

ticketed event will be held at Starlight Motor 

Inn. 1083 East Montegue Street. Find a lineup 

and more information on signing up for the 

Car & Bike Show at www.rockabillaque.com. 

The Sound of Charleston Holiday Edition 

Nov. 25; Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 26, 30 

From "Summertime, and the living is easy," 

George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess," to gospel 

spirituals, jazz, light classics and music of 

the Civil War, prepare to be entertained and 

educated by 75-minute concerts at the historic 

Circular Congregational Church in downtown 

Charleston. Holiday editions with songs of the 

season will be added to regular show. Performances 

are at 7 p.m. Circular Congregational 

Church, 150 Meeting St., Charleston. Tickets 

are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors, $16 for 

students and free for children seven and under. 

Tickets can be purchased at Charleston Visitors 

Center, at www.soundofcharleston.com, 

or by calling the box office at 843-270-4903. 

Caregiver Help. 

Lutheran Hospice patients may receive specialized care 

wherever they live—at no cost. 

Tell your Doctor that you choose Lutheran Hospice, a non-profit, 

faith-based ministry providing compassionate end-of-life care for 

patients and families of all faiths and beliefs. 

Medicare, Medicaid, V.A. and other insurance program benefits available 

Learn more. 

843.856.4735 • 800.940.9177 • LutheranHospice.org 

A Christmas Carol 

Nov. 28 - Dec. 22 

Enjoy stunning scenery, costumes and special 

effects in Charleston Stage’s spectacular 

original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A 

Christmas Carol. Featuring classic carols 

and over 50 iconic characters from Scrooge 

to Tiny Tim, this bright musical brings the 

heartfelt wonder of the Christmas season 

magically alive at the historic Dock Street 

Theatre. Evening performances and Sunday 

matinees. Adult tickets start at $49.50, Seniors 

start at $47.50; students ages 3-25 and 

Active Military start at $42.50. 135 Church 

St. www.charlestonstage.com. 

DECEMBER 

Christmas on the Battery: Carols, Candlelight 

& Gullah Christmas stories 

Dec. 1 & 2 

Enjoy a special evening at the historic Edmondston-Alston 

House. Take a self-guided 

tour of the festively decorated house by candlelight 

and hear the Charleston Caroling Company. 

Warm up in the courtyard with a glass of 

wine or hot cider where a local storyteller will 

perform Gullah Christmas stories. 5:30 pm - 8 

p.m. Tickets include two drink tickets and are 

$50; $45 for Historic Charleston Foundation 

members and must be purchased online in 

advance at www.middletonplace.org. 


Holiday Swing 


The Lowcountry’s highly-acclaimed Charleston 

Jazz Orchestra pulls out all the stops in 

this magical performance. You’ll be all aglow 

with the sounds of Christmas past and present 

filling the hall with all the splendor of 

the Big Band sound. Two shows; 5 p.m. and 

8 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for adults; $10 for 

students. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John 

Street. www.charlestonjazz.com 

Oyster Roast at Drayton Hall 


A long-time favorite of local families and 

visitors alike, Drayton Hall’s Annual Deck 

the Hall Oyster Roast includes an all-youcan-eat 

oysters, a chili bar and drink tickets. 

We invite you to arrive early and explore the 

exhibits at Drayton Hall beforehand. Each 

oyster roast ticket includes admission to the 

grounds. Lawn chairs are welcome but please 

leave pets, coolers, and outside food and beverages 

at home. Tickets sell out so get yours 

early! Tables of six available for purchase. 

Tickets for Friends of Drayton Hall, $75; 

general admission is $85-$95. 21+ Event. 

3380 Ashley River Rd. www.draytonhall.org 

Summerville’s 

Premier 

Garden Center 

We’re in the holiday spirit all year! 

Visit our year-round holiday gift 

shop and you will be too! 

Mention this ad for 10% off holiday 

merchandise. 

Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer: 

The Musical 


Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. It’s 

an adventure that teaches us that what makes 

you different can be what makes you special. 

Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition 

that speaks to the misfit in all of us. 6:30 p.m. 

Ticket prices vary. Charleston Gaillard Center, 

95 Calhoun Street. www.gaillardcenter.org 

Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring 

“The Nutcracker” and more 

Dec. 7, 14 & 20 

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, 

multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring 

locations like never seen before in Charleston. 

Experience the Listeso String Quartet at 

The Unitarian Church under the gentle glow of 

candlelight for an hour-long show that includes 

popular staples. Two shows each night, 6:30 

p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $45-55. 4 Archdale 

St. Purchase tickets at www.feverup.com. 

Summerville Orchestra Holiday showcase 


The Summerville Orchestra Holiday Showcase 

will feature holiday standards as well as some 

fun surprises. 3 p.m. Tickets are $25. 140 N. 

Main St Suite 101, Summerville. 

www.summervilleorchestra.ludus.com 

Plants | Trees | Mulch | Garden Décor | Gift Shops 

Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm • 410 E 5th N St, 

Summerville • 843-725-9383 

flowertowngardencenterllc.com 


WE TREAT YOUR HOME 

LIKE IT’S OUR OWN. 

Termites and 

household pests 

such as roaches, 

spiders and ants 

are active yearround. 

Call us to 

start your service 

today! 

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Thanks for Voting us Best 

for 9 Years! 

The Gift of Sight 

This holiday, give the gift of sight 

It’s time for those designer frames or contact lenses you & your family have been 

asking for; plus, sunglasses make a perfect stocking stuffer! 

BUZZ 

EVENTS 

The Charleston Christmas Special 

Dec 14-Dec 23 (no show Dec 18) 

Charleston’s favorite holiday show is back 

for 10 performances in December. Produced 

by Moranz Entertainment, the Charleston 

Christmas Special features a cast of 28 professional 

singers, dancers and musicians, Brad 

and Jennifer Moranz have created an all-new 

show for their 28th season featuring holiday 

classics, new songs, comedy skits and much 

more! Tickets are $42 for adults; $39 for 

seniors (age 62 and up) and military; $24 for 

students 21 and under; $21 for children 12 

and under (plus ticketing fees). Showtimes 

vary. Purchase tickets online at bradandjennifermoranz.com 

or in person at the Charleston 

Music Hall Box office Thursday and Friday 

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and by phone 843- 

416-8453. Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. will 

be a kids' free night. Charleston Music Hall, 

37 John St. 

Dorrance Dance’s Nutcracker Suite 


In Nutcracker Suite, explosive tap dance meets 

your favorite holiday classic. This Nutcracker 

boogies, slides, struts and dives into Duke 

Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s intoxicating 

interpretation of the Tchaikovsky classic. Acclaimed 

choreographer and MacArthur Fellow 

Michelle Dorrance, along with collaborators 

Hannah Heller and Josette Wiggan, transform 

the Gaillard Center stage into a celebration of 

swingin’ syncopation. 6 p.m. Tickets start at 

$25. Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. 


1470 Tobias Gadson Blvd. 

Suite 115 •Charleston 

556-20/20 

www.draisinvision.com 

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Holiday Workshop 


Deck the halls at the Charleston Museum 

with the annual Holiday Workshop. Children 

can sip on hot chocolate and eat cookies as 

they create their own ornaments and decorations 

to take home or use to decorate the Little 

Heyward House in Kidstory. The decorations 

will be on view the month of December 

for all to enjoy. Recommended for children 

ages 6 to 12. Reservations required. 2- 4 p.m. 

$10 for members, $15 for non-members. 360 

Meeting Street. www.charlestonmuseum.org 

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet 


Gather your loved ones for the warm-glownostalgia 

of America’s favorite Christmas 

celebration. Experience the extraordinary international 

cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists 

performing at the peak of classical European 

Ballet. Showtimes at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Ticket 

prices vary. North Charleston Performing Arts 

Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. •

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BUZZ | ENTERTAINMENT 

Reviews: Movies & Music 

ELLIOT COLLINS ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC 

Peter Gabriel 

i/o, Real World, EMI, Republic 

I once landed a win in a trivia game because I 

knew the answer to a Peter Gabriel question. For 

those of us who grew up in the MTV generation, 

“Sledgehammer,” his quirky video, is cemented to 

our consciousness. Now, the former Genesis member 

is back after 21 years with a brand- new album 

called i/o. I listened with an open mind and was 

pleasantly surprised. Tracks like “This is My Home” 

and “Love Can Heal” inspire the melodic, dreamlike 

state we loved about Genesis in the first place. 

Gabriel hasn’t lost his touch. –Denise K. James 

Fair Play 

Netflix, starring Phoebe Dynevor, Alden Ehrenreich, Eddie Marsan. Rated R 

Fair Play is an impressive directorial debut by Chloe Domont, as she captures the intense atmosphere 

and gender dynamics of this private workplace relationship that takes a turn for the worse. 

After much buzz coming from this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Netflix won the bidding 

war with a massive $20 million deal. As seen in her recent interviews promoting this film, she 

describes this as a very personal film for her because it’s based on various relationships she’s experienced 

and you can see that personal touch and human experience throughout the this film. 

Hot off the heels of their new engagement (following a lewd intimate opening scene), 

thriving New York couple Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) can't get 

enough of each other. When a coveted promotion at a cutthroat financial firm arises, supportive 

exchanges between the lovers begin to sour into something more sinister. As the power dynamics 

irrevocably shift in their relationship, Luke and Emily must face the true price of success and 

the unnerving limits of ambition. 

As the audience, we enter their lives at the honeymoon stages of their early engagement, 

which shows this seemingly happy and loving young relationship who by all accounts, seem 

like a very "progressive" couple. Ehrenreich gives a solid performance as an everyday man who 

seems to want to support his soon-to-be future wife, but it’s Dynevor who steals the film. She 

gives such a captivating and engaging performance from start to finish. What makes Dynevor's 

performance so thrilling and captivating is the fact that you don't quite expect it from her, 

especially when you first meet her character. 

This was my first time watching her on screen and shortly after the first few scenes, I 

felt her level of confidence in her acting abilities to carry this film. The movie definitely capitalized 

on her talent and range as an actor. Dynevor is mostly known for her more innocent role 

on the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” which made certain moments of the film more effective 

and leaves you more shocked to see as Dynevor completely demands your attention to the 

screen as she executes her character's emotions with perfection. 

Thanks to director Domont and editor Franklin Peterson, the tension that builds feels like 

a ticking time bomb waiting to go off, thanks to an incredibly sharp screenplay and editing cuts. 

You can feel the tension, especially in the second and third act of the film. There’s some areas 

of the characters’ relationship dynamics I wished were explored further to really add more of 

an emotional connection toward the end, yet, for me, these are the kind of films I wish Netflix 

would invest into more and give new visionary directors like Domont the opportunity to make. 

This is a can’t-miss film for me and will have people thinking if they really know a person. • 


3.85 Stars 

Wild Nothing 

Hold, Captured Tracks/Piccadilly Records 

Whether I’m folding clean laundry or chopping 

vegetables for dinner, Wild Nothing is my 

ideal background music. Their effortlessly nostalgic 

sound and smooth beats are reminiscent of 

decades gone by, and their newest effort, Hold, is 

another bridge between music’s past and present. 

Download “Suburban Solutions” for driving beats 

to elevate your day, or try “Dial Tone” if you want to 

step away from your device, outside into the late fall 

sun and into a new perspective. – Denise K. James 

PETER GABRIEL/COLOUR EXPERIMENT NO. 114, 2022 BY OLAFUR ELIASSON; WILD NOTHING/DARKSIDE RECORDS.

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BUZZ | STAFF PICKS 

Unwrap a Book this Season 

1964: Eyes of the Storm 

by Paul McCartney 

Gift ideas for the readers in your life 

When "Beatlemania" took hold in the early 1960s, the Fab Four were probably the most photographed people on the 

planet. Who knew that Paul McCartney was himself a dab hand at photography and was busy pointing his lens back 

in the other direction the whole time the group was in the spotlight? 1964: Eyes of the Storm offers a generous selection 

of his photos taken amid the excitement and chaos of the group’s rise to fame. We see not only the frenzied fans in 

London, Paris, New York, Miami and other locales but also candid scenes of the lads rehearsing, relaxing and clowning 

around in hotel rooms. The selection of prints McCartney chose for this collection also demonstrates his keen interest in 

the everyday details of life in the cities the band visited. His foreword and running commentary are a pleasure to read, as 

is a thoughtful introduction by New Yorker writer Jill Lepore. This beautifully designed coffee-table book would make a 

great holiday gift for anyone with an interest in the Beatles or that memorable era in general. — Bland Lawson 

We Could Be So Good 

by Cat Sebastian 

This historical romance is perfect for readers who enjoy a friends-to-lovers story and midcentury Manhattan 

vibes. Brooklyn-born Nick Russo fought tooth and nail for his position as a reporter with one of NYC’s biggest 

newspapers and is exasperated when the boss’s incompetent son, Andy, begins working in the newsroom. To his utter 

surprise, Nick finds Andy’s bumbling, air-headed antics charming, and the two develop a close friendship. Nick is 

dismayed when he realizes his feelings for his friend have become something deeper – Andy couldn’t possibly feel the 

same way, could he? Cat Sebastian is at her best here in this sweet, slow-burn romance, delivering characters that are 

fully fleshed out and wonderfully endearing, and the window into the experience of a closeted gay man living in the 

1950s is especially timely. This would make a great gift for readers who love a good love story! — Sarah Cameron 

Witch of Wild Things 

by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland 

The Flores sisters come from a family of women with magical powers. Sage commands plants; her sisters, the 

weather, sky, animals. Their grandmother can see ghosts. After a tragic accident tears their family apart, Sage 

returns years later hoping to reconcile with her sisters. There's an appreciation of the natural world, especially 

plants, a little bit of magic, a little bit of romance and a lot of drama in this family saga. For fans of Black Candle 

Women and The Enchanted Hacienda, this would make a great gift for someone who’s looking for a new author 

and loves books about family, friendship, and falling in love. — Megan Mathis 


Zero Days 

by Ruth Ware 

Hired by companies to test their vulnerabilities, Jack and her husband are elite hackers with an enviable personal 

and professional partnership. Everything changes when Jack discovers that her husband has been murdered and 

she's the prime suspect. But Jack is strong, smart and determined to clear her name. She knows she must use her 

skills and instincts to find out who killed her husband and why, evading the police—all while staying clear of his 

killer. There are constant surprises, secrets uncovered and dangers to avoid. An original spin on a locked-room 

mystery, Ware's latest is well-written, fast-paced, and exciting. This would make a great gift for fans of propulsive, 

technology-driven mysteries that keep you guessing until the end. — Adele Chase

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BUZZ | HISTORY 

Jewish History in Charleston 

Celebrating Francis Salvador, martyr of the American Revolution 

By TIM LOWRY » Photos by JENNY PETERSON 

The ancient Festival of Lights, known as Hanukkah, commemorates the rededication 

of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The eight days of Hanukkah take place in the month of 

Kislev (December) and commemorate the cleansing of the ancient Jewish holy site after its 

desecration by the Syrians around 165 BC. Among other stories and traditions, Jewish people 

all over the world retell the great exploits of the Maccabees who fought to defend Jewish 

religion and culture during a time of great oppression. 

Hanukkah celebrations have been a part of 

the cultural fabric of Charleston from nearly 

the very beginning with the first Jewish 

citizens arriving in the colonial city about 

1695. With religious tolerance as a guiding 

principal in the founding documents, Jewish 

immigrants found the Colony of Carolina to 

be a haven from persecution in Europe. 

The growing indigo industry was one 

of several economic opportunities for Jewish 

entrepreneurs. One such indigo planter 

was Francis Salvador. Born in England, he 

immigrated to South Carolina in the 1770s 

to cultivate indigo on about 7,000 acres of 

backcountry land. Arriving in the colony just 

as political winds were whipping into a frenzy, 

Salvador would be caught up in a fight for 

freedom that might have reminded some of 

the ancient struggle of the Maccabees. By this 

time, the Jewish community of Charleston 

was prominent enough to have established 

the synagogue Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim 

(KKBE) and a Jewish burial ground of note 

in the city of Charleston. 

Jewish merchants enjoyed a vibrant 

religious life, a unique cultural identity and 

were regarded as productive citizens playing 

an important role in the life of the City of 

A memorial plaque in Washington Square on Broad 

and Meetings Streets honors Francis Salvador, a 

Jewish South Carolinian and American Revolution 

martyr. It reads in part: “Born an aristocrat, he 

became a democrat; an Englishman, he cast his 

lot with America; true to his ancient faith, he 

gave his life for new hopes of human liberty and 

understanding.” 


Holiday Magic 

At The Kaminski House Museum 

November 6 – December 30 

Holiday Designers’ Showcase 

December 1 – December 2 

Holiday Vendor Market/ 

Wreath Auction 

Saltwater Chamber Orchestra 

“Light Up the Lawn” 

December 7th & 14th 

Candlelight Tours 

December 9th 

Yuletide Tours 

December 16th 

Family Night/Holiday Trolley 

843-546-7706 

KaminskiMuseum.org 

Entry design Rebecca Ceron Martin, Tree design Kevin Jayroe 


BUZZ | HISTORY 

Charleston and the overall success of the state 

of South Carolina. 

Francis Salvador Becomes 

the First Jewish Member of 

a Legislative Assembly in 

American history 

Francis Salvador was only one of nearly two 

dozen men from the local congregation who 

would serve in The Revolutionary War. He 

was selected as one of ten deputies representing 

the Ninety-Six District in the Provincial 

Congress (present-day Greenwood County). 

This elected body worked to develop a state 

constitution and draft a missive to the royal 

governor of South Carolina laying out colonists’ 

grievances against the King. 

In most colonies, there were injunctions 

against non-Protestant citizens serving in 

such roles, but apparently Salvador’s religious 

convictions were no impediment to his 

(Above): A historical marker was placed in 2019 in 

an area of King Street in downtown Charleston that 

was known as “Little Jerusalem” due to the number 

of Jewish-owned stores in the area. The historical 

marker was placed in 2019 and sponsored by the 

Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina. 

(Right): Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue 

(BSBI) in downtown Charleston has stood as a 

bastion of Orthodox Judaism in Charleston for the 

past 165 years. 


serving in this official capacity. According 

to In Custodia Legis (a blog from the Library 

of Congress) Francis Salvador would 

become the first Jewish person to give his 

life in the cause of the American Revolution. 

At the beginning of 1776, Cherokee allies 

of the British began raiding frontier settlements. 

In July, they launched attacks in the 

Ninety-Six District. When Salvador became 

aware of the attacks, he rode to the plantation 

of Major Andrew Williams, a soldier in 

the South Carolina militia who later became 

a Brigadier General in the continental army, 

to alert the militia. This thirty-mile dash to 

warn patriots of the coming enemy earned 

him the nickname “Paul Revere of the 

South.” For the following month, Williamson 

led the militia on a campaign throughout 

the region. 

On July 31, Williamson, Salvador, and 

330 militia men fell into an ambush at the 

Keowee River. Salvador was shot in the 

battle. Cherokee fighters found him lying 

among the weeds, scalped him, and left him 

for dead. In his Memoirs of the American 

Revolution, John Drayton recounts Williamson’s 

discovery of Salvador after the battle: 

“When I came up to him after dislodging 

the enemy and speaking to him, he asked 

whether I had beaten the enemy. I told him 

‘Yes.’ He said he was glad of it and shook me 

by the hand and bade me farewell, and said 

he would die in a few minutes.” Salvador 

was 29 years old. There is a memorial plaque 

in Washington Square in honor of Francis 

Salvador it reads in part: Born an aristocrat, 

he became a democrat; an Englishman, he 

cast his lot with America; true to his ancient 

faith, he gave his life for new hopes of human 

liberty and understanding. 

Because of Francis Salvador’s sacrifice 

and the distinguished service of his fellow 

congregants, the Jewish community of 

Charleston would continue to grow and 

thrive. In fact, by 1800 Charleston had the 

largest, most cultured, and wealthiest Jewish 

community in America. However, the 

growth and prosperity of the community 

was not without its challenges. Fire would 

destroy the original KKBE synagogue, but 

it was rebuilt in 1840. A second synagogue, 

Berith Shalome, later called Brith Sholom 

Beth Israel, was formed in 1854. The 

Civil War brought extreme hardship to the 

community but Brith Shalom managed to 

remain active and provided kosher meat 

as well as matzo for Passover during those 

turbulent and unstable years. Even though 

the war left many Jewish families decimated 

and impoverished, they would rebuild. By 

the early 20th century Upper King Street in 

downtown Charleston was often called “Little 

Jerusalem” with Jewish-owned businesses 

that included furniture and dry goods stores, 

shoe repair shops, a kosher butcher, and deli. 

This area was also home to the Lincoln 

Theatre, a business of particular note in the 

time of racial segregation for providing a 

venue showcasing popular films and vaudeville 

acts for African American audiences. A 

historic marker on King Street documents 

this period of important history. The Jewish 

community of Charleston continues to 

thrive today with a total population of approximately 

10,000 people. The two historic 

synagogues, which are still in operation, were 

joined by a third, Synagogue Emanu-El in 

1947. Currently, there is a movement supported 

by the Charleston Jewish Federation 

to further document the many historic and 

cultural contributions of Jewish citizens to 

the historic city. This includes efforts to have 

Upper King Street named to the National 

Register of Historic Places. • 

Tim Lowry is a Southern raconteur from Summerville. 

Learn more at www.storyteller 

TimLowry.com.

BUZZ | BUSINESS 

M 

From Service to Sales 

How a former U.S. Marine brings his passion for 

service to the automotive scene of Charleston 

By KATELYNN RUTT 

ilitary retirement holds a unique significance for jay rose, sales and leasing 

consultant at the Mercedes-Benz of Mount Pleasant. It marked an opportunity to continue 

serving his local community while embarking on a new career in the automotive field. 

“When I became a member of the Baker Motor 

family, I made all my clients an integral part 

of our illustrious family,” Rose says. “We strive 

to provide a top-tier luxury experience for our 

clientele, from the moment they arrive on our 

lot until they leave with the keys to the car they 

have always imagined themselves in.” 

Exceeding expectations is ingrained in 

the ethos of the Baker Motor family. The goal? 

To offer around-the-clock assistance, and always 

aim to get customers back on the road. 

“My former client was a physician who 

worked at a local hospital,” Rose says. “He called 

me for assistance when he got a flat tire on his 

way to work. I drove to him, provided a courtesy 

vehicle, and waited with his car until it could be 

picked up by a tow truck for repairs. That client 

was able to continue his commute to work and 

resume doing what matters most, saving lives.” 

According to Rose, creating a five-star experience 

and delivering a consistent inventory of 

safe, innovative models truly does take a village. 

“From the outstanding performance of 

our service department, parts advisors, detailers, 

and highly trained delivery specialists, it is 

not a mystery why our customers keep coming 

back to us for the superior experience they 

associate with Mercedes-Benz,” Rose says. 

“We strive to continue to provide impeccable 

service into the future for all of our customers 

from every walk of life.” 

Over 20 Years of Experience: Benefit 

from the wisdom that comes with years of 

dedicated service. Jay Rose knows the ins and 

out of every Mercedes-Benz model, ensuring 

you make an informed decision. • 

Contact Us 

MERCEDES-BENZ 

MOUNT PLEASANT 

JAY ROSE 

Telephone: 843-906-8484 

E-mail: jrose@bakermotorcompany.com 


BUZZ | ART SEEN 

A Look Back, A Step Forward 

Carl Turner puts a new spin on painting wildlife 

By LISA GRAY YOUNGBLOOD 

F 

For Carl Turner, life unfolds in a series of moments, and he has learned to listen. 

He believes in the value of experience. “It’s all Ms. O’Shields’ fault,” he jokes of his first-grade teacher. 

One afternoon, Ms. O’Shields asked the class to draw their favorite character from The Three Little Bears. 

“I drew Poppa Bear and turned it in and thought little of it. To my way of thinking, everyone could draw.” 

His artistic mother had encouraged creativity in her son, both as an activity and as a way of being. 

Fast forward six years. Carl was in seventh 

grade, heading out of the cafeteria, when he saw 

Ms. O’Shields with her gaggle of squirming 

first graders. When she saw him, she stopped 

abruptly and pointed. “This is the boy who drew 

the Poppa Bear I keep above the blackboard!” 

she exclaimed. The first graders oohed and ahhed 

and seemed almost star-struck, at which 


point an idea sprouted: maybe he had a gift 

worth exploring. And so, the journey began. 

Carl came up with a life plan, so easy to 

do when you are young and unaware of the 

hard edges and abrupt pivots of adulthood. 

He would go to art school. Upon graduating 

from high school, he took a one-year 

course in graphic design at Dekalb Tech 

and then entered The Atlanta School of Art, 

now known as the Savanah College of Art and 

Design-Atlanta. “This ended up being a great 

visual arts education not just because of the 

hands-on classes and excellent instructors, but 

also the location. The High Museum of Art, 

which offered ever-changing top-notch exhibits, 

was downstairs. I attended every exhibit

also known for his engaging personality. “To 

become his personal keeper, you had to pass a 

test, a private interview conducted by Willie B 

himself. As he studied you from head to toe, 

you had to stand before him and offer food in a 

particular order. If he didn’t like you, he would 

reject the food, throw something-that-shallnot-be-named 

at you, and that would be that. 

If he did like you, he would offer you a bite.” 

Willie B did like Carl, and he offered 

Carl a carrot. Understanding the health risks, 

Carl thought to outwit the 400+pound giant 

and only pretend to take a bite. “Willie B 

wasn’t buying it. He showed his displeasure by 

circling the room, banging the walls with his 

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and was influenced and inspired by too many 

artists to name.” 

There was, however, one experience that 

stood out above the rest. The museum was featuring 

an exhibit of the Hudson River School 

artists, the first recognized group of “American” 

artists. Up until then, all artists had to 

go to Europe to be trained, which influenced 

how and what they painted. But the Hudson 

River artists were painting uniquely American 

scenes, many of which people had never 

seen. “I sat on a bench in front of Frederic 

Church’s famous painting of Niagara Falls. 

As I studied the colors, the brushstrokes, the 

masterful rendering of water, I suddenly realized 

I was hearing the roar of the waterfall. I 

could feel the spray of water on my arms. I 

was there. I had not realized the full power 

of art until that moment. Every artist leaves 

something of his own life energy embedded 

on the canvas. A painting is a living thing. It 

has to be experienced in person.” 

But life, as it tends to do, threw Carl 

a curve ball. When financial pressures demanded 

attention, he left art school to find 

work. “An ad in the paper for a position at a 

private zoo on the outskirts of Atlanta caught 

my eye, and I applied. Although I had no 

qualifications, I was hired and began a career 

that ultimately led me to Zoo Atlanta where I 

became Willie B’s caretaker.” 

Willie B was the legendary African 

Lowland gorilla who stole the hearts of the 

city and sparked the transformation from 

glassed-in enclosures to outdoor landscapes 

resembling natural jungle conditions. He was 

(Opposite): "Serenity Now", oil on canvas, 24"x36"; 

(Above): Carl Turner painting "Night Messenger", 

oil on canvas, 16"x20". 

massive arms, and beating his chest. He then 

calmly lay on his belly, propped up on one 

elbow, looked me intensely in the eyes and 

offered me a second chance.” Carl flipped the 

carrot and took a bite. Willie B gave a grunt 

of approval, and Carl got the job. Experiencing 

Willie B’s intelligence and playfulness in 

such a close, intimate way gave Carl a deep 

respect for all the animals he encountered and 

cared for at the zoo. 

But at heart, Carl is an artist, and no 

matter how far he strayed or how much he 

loved the animals, art always pulled him back. 

He returned to the art world as a graphic 

designer, illustrator and Art Director and 

enjoyed a long and highly successful career 

working with SCETV (South Carolina Education 

Television), Blue Cross Blue Shield, 

NationsBank (now Bank of America), and 

many other large corporations, non-profits, 

and small businesses. “These jobs suited me 

well because every project was completely different. 

I built a career being flexible and working 

in a multitude of styles, finding creative 

solutions to complex problems, which is what 

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BUZZ | ART SEEN 

I became known for. It is also how I learned.” 

And then, of course, that desire to create his 

own art came calling again. 

While pursuing his commercial career, 

Carl had attended workshops in New York 

with nationally acclaimed portrait artist Daniel 

Green, a realist painter and an excellent teacher. 

Carl leaned into realism, going back to his 

roots. “I learned how to paint in a classic style at 

a time when art circles looked down on realism. 

I have a broad appreciation for the many ways 

of making art, but I wanted to return to a more 

traditional form and work exclusively in oil.” 

Carl also attended night classes taught by 

Sam Adoquei at the New York Academy of Arts. 

“His work began with a solid structure of strong 

draftsmanship underneath, but then he applied 

the paint in a new and interesting way, opening it 

up. I had an instantaneous shift in my thinking. I 

saw new possibilities for my own work.” 


It was around this time that Carl took 

a tour of the late Frederic Church’s home on 

the Hudson River. An easel held an unfinished 

painting that felt to Carl like a warning. 

At the age of 50, Church had suffered terrible 

arthritis in his right hand and had to start 

painting with his left. “I knew then, about to 

turn 50 myself, I needed to pursue my dream 

of being a full-time fine artist. We are not 

promised tomorrow.” 

Carl packed up and moved to Charleston. 

He quickly became a regular contributor 

to Piccolo Spoleto, where he won a Governor’s 

Award and was juried into the annual 

artist’s exhibit during Spoleto at the 

prestigious City Gallery two years in a row. 

“Charleston has a lot of artists competing 

for gallery space, but I was able to establish 

myself as a member of the city’s thriving art 

community for over 20 years.” Carl taught 

himself to paint landscapes, focusing on 

marsh scenes and beaches. He also accepted 

many commissions for his fine art portraits, 

which he paints exclusively in oils. 

And guess what began to sneak into his 

paintings? Remember that connection to Willie 

B? Well, the animals came knocking. It began 

with pelicans and egrets, the quieter creatures of 

the lowcountry. “The paintings sold well, but for 

a long time, I resisted being a wildlife painter. 

I just did not want to be pigeonholed. But I 

found myself increasingly drawn to animals, 

and after an extended stay in Brevard, NC, this 

draw became a fascination with the creatures of 

the North Carolina Mountains.” 

This is what you will find in his new and 

evolving series. The focus is mountain wildlife, 

presented in a realistic style but with a graphic 

background similar to quilting. In this series, 

Carl expresses his own feelings about these 

creatures and our interconnectedness. 

This chapter of Carl’s artistic journey 

is informed by all the earlier chapters and 

each moment of profound impact—the kind 

words of a teacher, the realism he learned 

from early mentors, the study of modern 

artists, the quilting and layering of designs 

honed in a commercial career, a love and deep 

respect for animals and a lifetime of spiritual 

exploration. It is the whole of Carl—of a human 

life—that lives in his new work, a visual 

expression of one man’s evolution. • 

To see more of Carl's work visit carlturnerart.com. 

To inquire about a portrait commission or purchase 

a painting email Carl at carl.turner@icloud.com. 

(Opposite): "Summer Visitors, Birds Series", oil on 

canvas, 8"x10"; "Shine"- Portrait of Reagan with 

her Spirit Animal, oil on canvas, 24"x32"; Portrait 

commission of John B., oil on canvas, 24"x36." 

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BUZZ | SOUTHERN DRAWL 

The Holy Smokes 

event, set for Nov. 11, 

will bring pitmasters 

from all over the 

country. 

A favorite of festival of lights 

guests are the recreations of popular 

Charleston landmarks and bridges. 

A Treasured Tradition 

Annual Holiday Festival of Lights is all about the people 

By HOLLY FISHER 

Ryan Smith might be the maintenance supervisor for the James Island County Park 

but he’s really in the people business. And it takes a lot of people to keep all aspects of the park 

running smoothly, especially during the annual Holiday Festival of Lights. 

Smith oversees a full-time staff of 15 people 

with additional part-time staff joining the 

ranks for the busy summer season. Then, more 

than 180 staff members across the Charleston 

County Parks system join forces during the 

holiday season to bring the lights festival to life. 

“The vast majority of the time I’m talking 

with people,” Smith said. “I’m listening and figuring 

out whatever people are trying to accomplish.” 

It’s a year-round effort. Teams gather in 

January to assess the previous year and kick 

off plans for the coming holiday season. 

“We see that as our beginning point,” 

Smith said. “We talk about major challenges, 

what went well and what didn’t go well. Those 


planning meetings happen in January and 

never really stop. They involve marketing, 

food services, IT… it’s a big operation.” 

Creativity on Display 

At the beginning of August, teams begin to 

assemble the lights displays. It takes six to 

eight weeks to create one display and there 

are 750 displays. 

Some of the displays have become 

iconic parts of the festival, including a model 

of the Ravenel Bridge from Charleston to 

Mt. Pleasant, and it stands 30 feet tall and is 

roughly the length of a football field. A number 

of Lowcountry landmarks are part of the 

festival: Fort Sumter, Rainbow Row, the USS 

Yorktown and St. Michael’s Church. 

These beloved displays plus the themed 

areas of Sea Land, Dinosaur Land, Candy 

Land, and Toy Land are familiar favorites. But 

Smith said the team makes just enough changes 

each year to keep it fresh and interesting. 

Some of that comes in the form of technology. 

The earliest displays were powered by 

incandescent bulbs. Now they use LEDs and 

are even moving toward using RGB LED bulbs 

that offer an infinite combination of colors. 

“People think (the festival) is the same, 

but if you look at it year after year, it’s really not 

the same,” Smith said. “We decorate the same

Ryan Smith 

Maintenance 

supervisor at James 

Island County Park 

Family 

A wife who he met 

while working at 

James Island County 

Park and 18-yearold 

son 

Hometown 

Fort Worth, TX 

but moved to 

Summerville when 

he was 13 years old. 

Hobbies 

Travel, concerts, 

collecting vinyl 

records. Officiating 

Division 1 college 

football games 


BUZZ | SOUTHERN DRAWL 

buildings, but the different colors of lights 

keep it looking fresh. And there are different 

decorations. They’re subtle changes, but if it 

were exactly the same, people wouldn’t want 

to come back. It’s just different enough that 

people want to come back year after year.” 

That level of detail requires continual 

planning and a high level of dedication— 

which means it all comes back to the people. 

The Power of Relationships 

In fact, it’s relationships that Smith credits 

for his career path and journey to the park in 

the first place. After graduating from Summerville 

High School in 1998, Smith took a 

job at the then-abandoned Charleston Naval 

Shipyard. It was a grounds maintenance job 

that came through a family friend. 

After a year in college, Smith took a 

break. He landed a part-time summer job with 

Charleston County Parks. 

“I thought, 'I'll give it a summer and then 

go back to school in the fall,'" he said. 

But the maintenance supervisor at the 

time, Rich Raab, kept Smith on into the fall. 

That relationship allowed Smith to join the 

parks staff full time. He held various positions 

in the maintenance division over the years before 

taking on the maintenance supervisor role 

at James Island. 

“I’ve always loved James Island County 

Park,” he said. “This park offers the broadest 

scale of services and challenges. If the agency’s 

parks were a naval fleet, we’d be the aircraft 

carrier. There’s a lot going on here with the 

campground, water park and light show.” 

Smith’s work affords him plenty of time 

outside, which he loves. Growing up, he was an 

athlete and an Eagle Scout so spending time 

outdoors is his passion. He sort of fell into the 

maintenance field, but discovered how much 

he liked it. 

To further his industry knowledge, Smith 

studied computer-aided design and industrial 

maintenance at Trident Technical College. 

And while those tools and training are important, 

Smith comes back around to the people. 

It’s the soft skills ingrained in employees 

that truly matter. If you know how to communicate, 

have the right attitude and are coachable, 

you can learn the technical skills. 

“I have a great team of people who care 

about what they’re doing and it shows,” he said. 

“I think our customers experience that.” 

Building on Tradition 

The maintenance team at James Island is behind 

the scenes making magic. “We couldn’t 

do what we do without the maintenance staff,” 

Smith said. “The first experience people have as 

customers is, ‘Look at how nice this place is.’” 

That dedication is evident throughout 

the Holiday Festival of Lights – from cleaning 

bathrooms and stocking retail shelves to making 

the 25,000 hot cocoas sold at the festival 

each year. And it’s what draws thousands of 

visitors. 

For Smith, the tradition of the festival is 

what he loves. “As somebody who has lived 

here the majority of my life, my favorite part 

is the tradition of it. We offer a unique experience 

for the residents of Charleston County.” 

Wearing his Charleston County Parks 

branded shirt means people often ask him 

about the Holiday Festival of Lights. 

“I get to be part of that tradition,” Smith 

said. “People don’t ask me what park I work in. 

People ask, ‘Do you work with the lights?’ Everywhere 

I go, people ask, ‘Do you work with 

the lights?’ To me, that says something.” • 

Holiday Festival of Lights 

Nov. 10 to Dec. 31 

5:30-10 p.m. 

James Island County Park 

holidayfestivaloflights.com 

Festival Fun Facts 

» Though organizers have lost count, it is 

estimated that there are over 2 million lights 

shining bright at the festival. 

» Throughout its 34-year span, more than 6 

million people have toured the Holiday Festival 

of Lights. 

» An estimated 25,000 hot cocoas and 

19,000 marshmallow sticks are sold on the 

festival grounds each year. 

» The festival trains take about 40,000 guests 

through the park woods and around the lake 

each year. 

» The carousel whirls about 30,000 riders 

around each year. 

(Above): A holiday train takes guests through the park woods and around the lake at the County Park; (Right): A 

carousel is set up in Santa's Village and runs nightly. 


Well Styled 

DESIGN | HOLIDAY MARKETS | TABLESCAPES | GIFT GUIDE | FASHION 

Make a 

Winter 

Statement 


blues with snowy whites 

and textured teals 

See page 54 

PHOTO ALEECE SOPHIA 

Model’s outfit at 

120% Lino, see pg. 58. 


WELL STYLED | DESIGN 

Orange pomanders— 

oranges studded with 

whole cloves—are a 

beloved holiday tradition. 

The Orange Pomander 

Sweet citrus pairs up with spicy cloves in a beloved holiday tradition 

W 

By WENDY SWAT SNYDER 

We’re not talking about a Blood Orange Pomander, 

a craft cocktail that honestly sounds like a bit of mixology 

magic to be experimented with in the near future. We’re talking 

about the centuries old craft of pomander making—a pairing of 

an orange with the spicy kick of cloves to produce a heavenly 

scented piece of décor that perfectly captures the essence of the 

winter holiday season. These simple yet striking ornaments were 

among a host of natural decorations used in early America before 

the advent of tinsel and twinkling lights. 

Middle Ages, when its perfume was used to 

ward off disease. So-called witches used them 

for good luck spells, piercing the oranges with 

cloves—the dried aromatic flower buds of 

an evergreen tree in the family Myrtaceae, 

Syzygium aromaticum. Today, as back then, 

the fruit ages, releasing a heady scent that 

envelopes the space. Whether strung from a 

tree or tucked in a drawer, the pomander is a 

nature-made symbol of holiday cheer. 

The fact that the South's cool months 

are harvest time for citrus is a timely coincidence, 

on-track for gathering the tools you'll 

need for building a batch of these simple yet 

beautiful winter season creations. 

And happily, oranges are no longer the 

sole dominion of Florida. Georgia planters 

are growing a robust industry, and the mild 

winters of South Carolina are encouraging 

fruit production by folks like Harleston 

Towles, whose Edisto-based Rooting Down 

Farm recently planted satsuma, Meyer lemon, 

and ruby red grapefruit under a canopy of 

pines to help protect the trees from frost. 

Simply Citrus Nursery in the Midlands has 

been producing cold tolerant varieties for a 

couple of decades. 

The Charleston area once boasted tens 

of thousands of Seville orange trees planted 

in the 1680s on plantations like the one near 

what is now Orange Grove Road in West 

Ashley, according to Dr. Nic Butler, historian 

at Charleston County Public Library. 

Any good-sized citrus fruit is suitable 

for making a pomander. (I've used navel oranges 

effectively). Add whole cloves and a few 

toothpicks to your stock of oranges—these 

are the total ingredients you need to get the 

party started. Consider the gifting potential 

of the pretty pomander before you head to the 

market for supplies. They make nifty stocking 

stuffers, secret Santas—I once crafted a 

batch for my daughter's classmates paired 

with a Cadbury chocolate orange. Next, pull 

together a group of friends and family for a 

fun DIY experience, or go solo for one that 

borders on meditative. 

Now, let your creative juices flow with 

the placement of the cloves—think spirals, 

zigzags, longitudinal and latitudinal lines— 

decide on a pattern and use a marker to map 

a template on each individual orange to keep 

placement orderly. Use a toothpick to pierce 

the skin of the fruit, then gently insert a clove 

into each small hole. Let the fragrant aroma 

of spice meeting citrus envelope you to complete 

the sensory experience. • 

Think about it: There's nothing like a sparkling 

glass bowl piled high with oranges and lemons 

to add a pop of color and texture to a space— 

whether on your own table setting or on the 

television set of Giada De Laurentiis on Food 

Network. The brightness of citrus fruit is a natural 

go-to and a cost-conscious and eco-friendly 

way of zhushing up any surface. Add some spice 

and a few pine cones and you've got a stunning 

centerpiece that costs pennies to make. 

The pomander, from French pomme 

d'ambre, i.e., apple of amber, dates back to the 


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WELL STYLED | HOLIDAY MARKETS 

Charleston Farmer's 

Market holiday 

market. 

Discover 

D 

unique and handmade gifts from local crafters and small businesses 

at holiday markets in and around Charleston. 

Charleston Area Convention 

Center 

5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston 

Friday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 

Saturday Nov. 11, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Sunday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

“The Lowcountry’s Complete Holiday 

Experience!” Food and fun, music and 

magic, gifts and glitter come together at 

this great event. A shopping experience 

like no other, including visits with Santa 

One-of-a-Kind Finds 

Holiday markets in and around Charleston 

By SHARON ANTONACIO 

himself! Hundreds of specialty vendors 

will set up aisle after aisle offering boutique 

items, gourmet food and drinks like 

jams and jellies, wines and wassail, original 

art and craft creations, beauty products, 

pet toys and treats, trendy holiday fashions 

and accessories, holiday décor, gifts, 

cooking and entertaining and much more. 

Adults: $10, children (6-12): $1. Enjoy 

all thee days with a free return pass. Free 

parking. www.HolidayMarket.com 

West Ashley Tree Lighting 

and Holiday Market 

Citadel Mall 

2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., 

Charleston 

Saturday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. 

Join us for an array of hand-crafted art and 

locally-made specialties. Enjoy the music and 

special holiday crafts for the kids. Be sure to 

get there right at 6 p.m. to see the tree lighting 

and youth choir performances! 


Charleston Farmers Market will 

turn into a Holiday Market for the 

first three weekends in December. 

Charleston's Annual 

Holiday Market. 

Mt. Pleasant 

Farmers Market 

Mount Pleasant Farmers 

Market Annual Holiday 

Market and Craft Show 

645 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant 

Dec. 9, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

This annual market combines all the gourmet 

specialties from the local food market, as well as 

some treasured holiday shopping. There will be 

live entertainment, balloon art, caricature drawings, 

as well as a visit from Santa himself. As 

always, admission and parking are free and visitors 

are welcome. This annual event is a great 

way to support local artists, as well as check 

some of the holiday items off your list! 

Old Village Holiday Street Fest 

Pitt Street, Mt. Pleasant 

Saturday, Dec. 2 

2 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

An assortment of locally-made crafts and local 

artisans will be on hand, such as Goldbug 

Collection, Lia Burke, Shrimp & Grits, Cordina 

Eyewear, Maker’s Post and more. The 

Village Social, Out of Hand and the shops 

along Pitt Street will also join in the holiday 

spirit with special shopping experiences. 

Hosted by the Post House, this classic street 

festival is family-friendly and open to the 

public. There will be food and beverages for 

sale from all the featured restaurants with the 

Basic Projects Brand, (Basic Kitchen, Sullivan’s 

Fish Camp and Post House) as well as 

various food trucks throughout the day. 

9th Annual Holy City 

Holiday Market 

Park Circle Neighborhood, 


Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Holy City 


Lots of festivities in this Old Park Circle 

neighborhood and an afternoon of holiday 

shopping and cheer, all sponsored by Holy 

City Brewing and Firefly Distillery. There 

will be over two hundred vendors fully 

stocked with local wares. Food trucks from 

Holy City Brewing and the Codfather, as well 

as live music, will make shopping a delight. 

Also available for your holiday shopping will 

be the retail establishments in the neighborhood 

like Black Octopus and the Mercantile 

and Alchemy Bespoke Jewelers. Rain date, 

December 17. Follow on Instagram @holycityholidaymarket. 

For more information 

contact holycitymarket@gmail.com 

Annual Charleston 


Marion Square 

329 Meeting St., Charleston 

The First three Saturdays and Sundays 

in December, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

The weekly Farmer’s Market in Charleston 

turns into a holiday market with extended 

days. The traditional local market features 

fresh produce and crafts with a bounty of 

holiday vendors and festive decor. For a 

bonus, visit www.ChristmasCharleston.com 

“Advent Calendar” and reveal “Day 1” for free 

2 hours of parking downtown. Follow along 

on Instagram @CharlestonFarmersMarket. 


WELL STYLED | HOLIDAY MARKETS 

The Jasper Holiday Market 

310 Broad St., Charleston 

Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Daniel Island 


The 3rd Annual Holiday Market features 

local artisans, live music, good food and 

drinks, all while enjoying the festive decor 

and beauty at the Jasper downtown. 

2nd Annual Daniel Island 


Daniel Island Recreation Center 

160 Fairbanks Dr., Daniel Island 

Saturday, Nov. 4,10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Kick off your holiday shopping by attending 

this great holiday market featuring an array of 

vendors including fine jewelry, flowers, gourmet 

food, photography, handmade goods and 

fine art. Free admission, free parking and a 

50/50 raffle to benefit a local charity. 

Daniel Island 


James Island Holiday Market 

The Town Market at James Island 

1122 Dills Bluff Rd., Charleston 

Friday, Dec. 1 

6 p.m. - 10 p.m. 

A family-friendly event with lots of good 

cheer. Local vendors, food trucks and festivities 

for the kids. Clothes, jewelry and beautiful 

art and crafts. Get in the holiday spirit 

and enjoy some delicious holiday goods from 

our food trucks. 

The Sunday Brunch Farmers 

Market 

(behind the Pourhouse) 

1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston 

Every Sunday 

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Daniel Island 


An all-local market featuring nearly 50 

vendors that include farmers, makers and 

artisans. Featuring live music, delicious food 

and a spectacular array of local goods, there is 

also access to the Pour House Deck for those 

adults that choose to take part in libations 

and hear Motown Throwdown ($5 admission 

to the show). For more information visit 

www.sundaybrunchfarmersmarket.com 



Colesium Market 

4th Annual Sea Island 

Holiday Night Market 

Charleston Collegiate School 

2024 Academy Rd., Johns Island 

Saturday, Dec. 2, 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

A festive event with live music by Noah 

Grove that includes a beautiful lighted walk 

in the woods as you shop for your holiday 

gifts. There will be over 40 vendors showcasing 

a variety of locally-made items that 

make perfect holiday gifts. Complimenting 

the holiday shopping will be delicious treats 

including barbecue, fried chicken, funnel 

cakes, S’mores and hot beverages. There will 

be several festive holiday settings to take 

memorable holiday photos and of course, 

Santa will be there to add to the holiday 

cheer! Free admission and free parking. • 


Colesium Market 

Sea Islands 

Farmers Market 


WELL STYLED | TABLESCAPES 

The Art of Holiday Tablescaping 

Set the table like a stylist 

The Boutique Charleston 

302 King St., Charleston 

843-722-1441 

@theboutiquecharleston 

Theboutiquecharleston.com 

When many think of the holidays, they immediately think of Christmas 

tree green and holly berry red sweaters, being cozy at home and 

eating lots of turkey. But for those who instead think of magical 

Nutcracker matinee shows, pink crushed velvet dresses and twinkling 

Christmas Eve candles, this stunning tablescape from The Boutique 

Charleston will fulfill all of your sugarplum fantasies. 

Holiday table settings don’t have to mean red and green and 

all things naughty or nice. Sometimes, what sparks joy is just dressing 

up for the occasion and tablescaping is no different. Lois Mac- 

Ritchie, owner of The Boutique Charleston, was inspired to create 

a tablescape that was “dressy” and 

exciting, yet could also be used from 

November 1 through Valentine’s Day. 

“It’s all just very special, it’s gold and 

sparkly,” MacRicthie said. 

To start this design, MacRitchie 

first choose one of the most important 

details of any design venture: the color 

scheme. 

“I like to keep it just beautiful 

and warm and inviting, think of comfort 

food and things like that. You’ll 

see this look is very organic, it’s got 

branches and leaves and overall, warm 

tones,” she said. 

When aiming for a whimsical and 

boldly feminine look like The Boutique 

Charleston’s design, it can be intimidating 

for new collectors. Fear not, 

because the one piece that will bring 

any look together, according to Mac- 

Ritchie, is a simple gold charger or a 

basic set of gold-trimmed stemware to 

both dress-up the table and also create 

cohesion. 

By EMMA DANNENFELSER » Photos by PRISCILLA THOMAS 

The holiday season is not just magical for the kids, it’s also a time of year for 

reconnecting with loved ones. What better place to do that than a beautifully-set table that is both 

appealing to the eye and functional for any family get-together? Use these tips and tricks—and get 

inspired by special tabletop pieces—from local tablescaping experts for your next holiday gathering. 

Making each place at the table is a great way to tie in a personal 

touch, while also making each guest feel special. The hand-painted 

dog figurines located at each place is a perfect example. “They just 

made me smile, and I’m thinking, ‘If they made me smile, then they’ll 

make my guests smile,’” MacRitchie said. If you’re short on beautiful 

dog figurines, “some magnolia leaves or an herb wrapped in ribbon 

could be really pretty,” she added. 

Pro Design Tips: 

» Symmetry is key. Make sure everything is perfectly lined up 

and spaced evenly. 

» Polish your table setting and be sure every piece of flatware 

is in the traditionally correct place for a professional touch. 

» Make sure your centerpiece reflects your personality, which 

is going to set the tone for the entire table. 

» To amp up your look, add monogrammed napkins. 



Rhodes Home & Gift 

92 Folly Rd Blvd., Charleston 

843-225-5244 

@Rhodeshomeandgift 

Rhodesboutique.com 

You really can’t go wrong with traditional, classic holiday looks when it 

comes to hosting, and Rhodes Boutique’s tablescape is truly timeless. 

Rhodes Boutique sales manager, Frannie Lee, said she set out to 

create a theme for the holiday table by first picking out an eye-catching 

centerpiece to base the rest of the look around. In this case, Lee decided 

on two deer-head candelabras, which can serve as reindeers at the Christmas 

dinner table, or as unique and rustic deer head décor year-round. 

“It started with putting two of them on the table, and they got me 

thinking it was robust and handsome,” Lee said. “So, then we went with 

the traditional red and green to match.” 

Working from the deer décor as a base, Lee then went on to add forest 

green accents, leather-like placemats that were complete with swooping 

red stitching that evokes a Santa’s workshop feel throughout the 

table. One aspect of any table design that makes a large statement is the 

plating. Lee chose to use formal China, which makes any holiday dinner 

feel even more special to its attendees. When asked how to create a timelessly 

traditional tablescape this year, Lee 

replied, “Definitely bring out your China 

and your nicest glassware. The accents 

that you use are also important, perhaps 

it’s lovely cloth napkins that were your 

grandmother’s. Bring out those lovely 

heirloom pieces, bring that silver out and 

don’t forget to polish it.” 

The red and green stemmed wine 

glasses complete the dish set’s style, tying 

in nostalgic Christmas references 

throughout the design. For water glasses, 

Lee chose a silver mint julep glass. 

Lee added to the center design of 

the table by including frosted winter 

greenery and rich-toned pine cones, 

along with sparkling touches of gold, 

silver and red found in the numerous serving dishes, candle holders and 

vases scattered across the table. 

What undeniably makes this tablescape memorable is the charming 

and colorful stocking place card holders. Originally intended to be ornaments 

for a Christmas tree, Lee repurposed them by adding name cards, 

proving that sometimes what can take a table from “good” to “incredible” 

is just a little creativity. 

On the flip side, if traditional isn’t your style, Rhodes also styled 

an additional modern, funky Matouk Tiger Palm table featuring a deer 

print centerpiece. The deer print adds a touch of home and organic flair, 

but in a unique and fresh way. Mixing and matching prints, like the 

deerhide centerpiece, paisley tablecloth and tortoise shell glasses, is a 

great way to show-off your own personal style while also uniting the 

organic, natural theme. 

Pro Design Tips: 

» Start with what you have and what is meaningful to you, 

then bring in new items that feel updated and exciting. 

» Bring in softness with colors or designs to balance out the harder 

items and colors in your design. 

» Be precise with dimensions. Make sure your table does not look 

bare, but also doesn’t seem overwhelming. 



The 2023 

Holiday 

GIFT GUIDE 

1. 

for 

Her 

2. 

3. 

for 

Him too! 

4. 

5. 

1. Paisley of Daniel Island – Karen Kane dress, $158 at Paisley of Daniel Island, 194 Seven Farms Drive # 600A, Daniel Island. 2.Pitt Street Pharmacy -Old Whaling Company 

Sea inspired bath and body essentials are hand crafted by dedicated experts. Soaps, bath bombs, candles and body butter all locally-made in Charleston. Prices range from 

$8 - $16. Pitt Street Pharmacy, 111 Pitt Street, Mt. Pleasant. 3.Bits of Lace-Aubade Magnetic Spell corset, $299, at Bits of Lace, 453 W Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant. 4. Charleston 

Medical Spa - A holiday head-to-toe beauty bundle includes Jane Iredale Magic Mitt & HydroPure Lip Gloss, Latisse, a Skinbetter sunscreen compact and a Baby Foot Exfoliating 

Foot Peel, $250 (normally $318), at Charleston Medical Spa, 1950 Maybank Hwy suite A, Charleston. 5. M. Dumas & Sons – Barbour Wool Bedale Jacket in navy, $550, at 

M. Dumas & Sons, 294 King St. 


for 

Accessories 

1. 

2. 

4. 

3. 

1. Kaminski House Museum – Handmade De la Mer necklace with oyster shell sea glass and shark’s tooth by artists and couple Nancy Osborn and Frank Cersosimo of Pawley's 

Island, $20 at Kaminski House Museum, 1003 Front St., Georgetown. 2. Finicky Filly – Exclusively designed purse for Finicky Filly. The perfect addition to any holiday outfit, 

$348, at 303 King St, Charleston. 3. Wildflower & Whiskey - Barbosa Creations sacred heart and roses pendant with pearl and coral stones. Chain, $115 and pendant, $162, at 

Widflower & Whiskey, 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Unit 1104, Mount Pleasant. 4. Rhodes Boutique - Hammitt's Bryant collection features a nubuck base and a weaving-look origami 

fold treatment. Red cotton twill lining, brushed gold hardware, covered for life. Removable, adjustable shoulder and crossbody straps. $445, Rhodes Boutique, 92 Folly Rd Blvd., 

Charleston. www.rhodesboutique.com. 



Holiday 

GIFT GUIDE 

1. 

2. 

for the 

Foodie 

4. 

6. 

5. 

3. 

1. Peninsula Grill – Peninsula Grill’s Ultimate Coconut Cake® is a 12-layer masterpiece, available to be shipped across the United States via overnight delivery. A showstopping 

addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas festivities. $270 plus tax and shipping. Call 843-723-0700 to order. Peninsula Grill, 112 N Market St, Charleston. Summerville. 

2.Oliver Pluff Tea – Unwrap the holiday spirit with an aromatic blend of citrus and cinnamon. Perfect for the season, this festive black tea blend is popular for its unique spicy, 

naturally sweet flavor. Cinnamon orange spice tea may be served hot or iced. $15 oliverpluff.com 3.Crusso Pecans and Pralines - River Street Sweets Pralines and Bear 

Claws. Celebrating 50 years of sweetness, River Street Sweets is the perfect gift. This signature holiday box contains a combination of our golden world famous pralines and 

creamy milk chocolate bear claws. Choose from 10 or 18 pieces. Combo packs start at $39.99. Order at www.riverstreetsweets.com 4. Melvin's Barbecue - Bring home the gift 

of Charleston’s best BBQwith rubs, sauces, and merchandise. Visit locations at 538 Folly Road, Charleston or 925 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Use promo code 

CHSLIVING23 to receive free shipping on online orders of $50+ purchased from www.melvinsbbq.com until Dec. 31. 


for the 

Host 

1. 

2. 

4. 

3 . 

5. 

1. Boutique of Charleston – Exquisitely hand engraved, the Portia Cake Stand and Dome by William Yeoward Crystal is an outstanding piece of fine crystal. This piece makes a 

wonderful wedding statement or gift and will elevate any kitchen or dining room decor. $1,015, at The Boutique Charleston, 302 King St. 2.Respoke – One-of-a-kind 7 oz candles 

embellished with iconic designer silk scarves. Respoke repurposes designer scarves into one-of-a-kind-products. Choose between citrus; lavender & jasmine; musk, cedar 

and wood, $65, at Respoke, 377 King Street, Charleston. @respokeofficia. 3. Uashmama - This terracotta heat plate is designed to be warmed in the oven and place inside your 

tabletop bread bag/bread basket to keep your rolls, bread and pastries warm on the table. Just place in the oven for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. $15, at UASHMAMA, 196 King St, 

Charleston. 4. The SOI Company - The SOI Company premium soy wax candle, $24, at House of Sage, 51B George Street, Charleston and 186 Seven Farms Drive St. E, Daniel 

Island. 5. The Joggle Factory - All of the joggling boards at The Joggle Factory are handmade in South Carolina with Southern Yellow Pine. Sizes available are 6' - 12' in length, 

also offer a 4' children’s size. Recommended for a covered porch. Cushions are an add-on option and come in red, black, tan and grey. www.thejogglefactory.com. 



Holiday 

GIFT GUIDE 

for the 

Kids, 

1. 

the 

Pets, 

2. 

3. 

and the 

Holiday Fan 

1. Baby Bloomers - Ride-On Vespa Scooter. Child-sized scooter powered by feet and imagination. $249.99, at Baby Bloomers, 642 Coleman Blvd. Mt. Pleasant. 

2. Michael's Barkery - Spoil your favorite pup this holiday season with this festive, interactive and fun pupcake push pop by Michael's Barkery. Everything is always hand 

made with human grade ingredients. $7, at Michael’s Barkery, 864 Island Park Dr. Suite 103, Daniel Island. 3. Flowertown Garden Center - Coastal-themed glass holiday 

ornaments sizes range from 2"-5" inches. Prices range from $5.99-$9.99 each at Flowertown Garden Center, 410 E 5th N. St., Summerville. 


Spend a year 

on the coast 

of Charleston, South Carolina 

January / February 2019 

Table forTwo 

Romantic Restaurants 

in the Lowcountry 

Dream 

Kitchens 

Transformations 

for Every Lifestyle 

SNOB’s 

Russ 

Moore 

Oceanside 

on Kiawah 

Expert 

Interior 

Design Tips 

Subscribe Today! 

The Perfect Gift for Everyone Who Loves the Coast. 

www.CharlestonLivingMag.com/subscribe 

or (843) 856-2532 


Make a Winter 

Statement 

Cure the winter wardrobe blues 

with snowy whites and 


Canali Green Plaid Jacket, $1,795; 

Eton button down shirt with blue 

buttons $270; PT Torino navy pant, 

$425; Talante blue belt, $150; Paisley 

medallion pocket square, $65, at 

M. Dumas & Sons, 294 King St., 


MUMU Good Times Top, $128; 

Ecru Double Breasted Collarless 

Jacket, $336; Elliot Lauren Pretty 

Please pull-on skirt in bronze, $156; 

Elyssa Bass Designs double rectangle 

earring, $100; Elyssa Bass Designs 

Concave freeform ring, $106, at 

Rhodes Boutique, 92 Folly Rd. Blvd., 



Photographer: Aleece Sophia, 

Fashion Director/Stylist: 

Michelle Gerardot 

HMUA: Rosa Martinez 

Models: Addie Bahr, Michael Fekete 

with DirectionsUSA 

Production Assistant: Avery Hanson, 

Location: Victory Bay House by 

Habitable Form Holiday Decor: 

Brittanya Tammearu Interiors 

Hopper Furs jacket, $1,200; 

Lulus white jumpsuit, 

$28; silver and pearl chain 

necklace, $38, at 

Reinvented Resale, 847 

Savannah Hwy, Charleston. 

Textured Sartorio coral lightweight blazer, 

$2,195; purple printed pocket square, $65; white 

short sleeve Eton versatile polo, $245; Courage 

34 Heritage mid-rise straight leg pant in desert, 

$190; Italian track chocolate leather belt, $155, 

at M. Dumas & Sons, 294 King St., Charleston. 

Shoes provided by stylist. 


Women’s halter dress, 

$645; Dominique 

BIJOUX earring, 


BIJOUX blue cuff, 


BIJOUX white cuff, 

$255, at 120 % Lino, 

216 King St., 


Stylist’s shoes. 

Men’s Smoking jacket, $990; 

Men’s long sleeve shirt, $285; 

Men smoking pant, $480, at 

120 % Lino,216 King St., 

Charleston.Stylist's shoes. 


MINKPINK 

Green Fur Coat, 

$182; Le Lis 

Cowl Back Green 

Dress, $58; Oasis 

Society Zoey gold 

platform heel, 

$77, at House of 

Sage, 51B George 

Street, Charleston 

and 186 Seven 

Farms Drive, 

Ste. E, 

Daniel Island. 


Petit Pois Jacket, $289; Petit 

Pois Skirt, $198 and Polka 

leather clutch, $198, at 

Wildflower and Whiskey, 1440 

Ben Sawyer Blvd., Unit 1104, 

Mt. Pleasant. Stylist’s shoes. 


BADGLEY MISCHKA 

asymmetrical sequin gown, 

$595; Elyssa Bass Designs 

double rectangle earring, 

$100; Elyssa Bass Designs 

concave freeform ring, $106, 

at Rhodes Boutique, 92 Folly 

Rd. Blvd., Charleston. 

Stylist’s shoes. 


NON-PROFITS 

Bringing Hope to the Community 

Spotlight on worthy Charleston non-profits 

By JENNY PETERSON 

I 

n the season of giving and giving back, we are happy to highlight important 

Lowcountry non-profits that bring hope to our neighbors and the community. These hard-working 

organizations tackle access to healthcare, housing and food insecurity. They assist the most vulnerable 

citizens in our community as well as our furry friends and provide access to the arts.. Thanks to their 

passion and dedication, the Charleston area—and beyond—is a better place to call home. 

Our Lady of Mercy 

Community Outreach 

1684 Brownswood Rd., Johns Island 

(843) 559-4109 

www.olmoutreach.org 

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach 

Services has been an anchor in the Charleston 

community since 1989, established only 

two weeks before Hurricane Hugo devastated 

the area. The mission of Our Lady of Mercy 

Community Outreach is to build equitable 

communities and empower individuals to 

reach their full potential by providing basic 

and emergency needs, education, employment 

and health services. 


Our Lady of Mercy 

Community Outreach 

organization recently 

rebuilt the playground 

on its Johns Island 

campus that will be 

available for kids when 

they get off the bus. 

The organization also 

offers after-school 

programming. 

While started to serve the Sea Islands, 

we have expanded to include the communities 

along the highway 17 corridor spanning 

from West Ashley to Edisto Island. Our 

locations serve individuals and families in 

need within the pockets of extreme disparity 

amidst overwhelming economic success in 

the Lowcountry. 

We fill the gap of equitable access by 

providing a breadth of holistic services. Between 

our campuses, we assist an average of 

6,000 individuals and household members 

through dental and prenatal care, emergency 

services such as food, clothing, financial 

and employment assistance, housing repair, 

benefit enrollment, senior food boxes, hot 

lunches five days a week, and diverse educational 

opportunities such as afterschool 

programs, financial literacy, GED, and ESL 

classes. 

What makes Our Lady of Mercy Community 

Outreach different is that we don’t 

see struggle; we see possibility. Everyone has 

different needs, challenges, goals and hopes. 

Yet we meet people where they are. Not just 

for the short term. We invest in their lives, 

their legacy and their story. 

Greatest need: We are always looking 

for ways to partner with other organizations, 

local businesses, and individuals who would 

like to give their time and talents to our organization. 

We wouldn’t be able to do what 

we do without generous donations, sponsorships 

for our events, partner organizations 

to help the community, volunteers to assist 

with our various programs, and individuals 

to serve on our board and subcommittees. we 

need help stocking our Food Pantries for the 

holiday season. We are also looking for donations 

to grow the impact of our programs 

and volunteers specifically for our Yes, I Can! 

afterschool program and wellness center. If 

you want to see us in action or want to learn 

more, contact us 843-559-4109 and check 

us our on Instagram at olm_communityoutreach 

or Facebook at Our Lady of Mercy 

Community Outreach. 

Humanities Foundation 

474 Wando Park Blvd., Mt Pleasant 

www.humanitiesfoundation.org 

Humanities Foundation was founded in 

1992 after Bob and Tracy Doran of the James 

Doran Co., a real estate investment and development 

firm, decided to tackle the afford-

nutcracker 

DEC 15-17 Charleston’s Sottile Theatre palmettocityballet.org 


NON-PROFITS 

Greatest need: Contributions through 

donations, volunteering and partnerships. 

Donations can be directed to specific programs 

or the general fund. Volunteers are always 

needed to assist with Marketplace food 

distribution or participating in the Adopt- 

A-Property program. Explore partnership 

opportunities, including collaborations with 

Marketplace and property adoption and to 

learn more about supporting development 

initiatives at www.humanitiesfoundation.org 

Lowcountry Food Bank 

2864 Azalea Dr., North Charleston 

www.lowcountryfoodbank.org 

843-747-8146 

able housing problem in the Charleston area. 

Tracy had served as the second chairperson 

for Mayor Riley’s City of Charleston 

Commission on Homelessness and Affordable 

Housing, where she learned about 

the depth and complexity of the problem. 

Together, she and Bob decided to bring the 

family’s real estate expertise to the nonprofit 

arena, leading to the formation of the Humanities 

Foundation. 

The mission of Humanities Foundation 

is a multifaceted approach to addressing 

critical housing and community needs. The 

foundation's dedication to developing highquality 

affordable and workforce housing 

directly tackles the pressing issue of housing 

affordability, providing individuals and families 

with secure, safe, and affordable homes, 

which is essential for community stability. 

Over 30 years, Humanities Foundation 

has built more than 2,500 apartments for 

low- to moderate-income individuals and 

families. The organization specializes in environmentally-sustainable 

housing that fits 

into the fabric of each neighborhood. Apartment 

communities have expanded statewide 

in South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and 

Louisiana. 

Humanities Foundation is currently 

revitalizing the historic Henry P. Archer 

School in downtown Charleston, transforming 

it into Archer School Apartments, which 

will be 89 affordable apartments for seniors 

aged 55 and older. The $42 million project 

involves rehabilitating the existing structure 

and adding two new buildings with a focus 

The groundbreaking at Archer School apartments in 

downtown Charleston, which will be 89 affordable 

apartments for seniors aged 55 and older. 

on preserving historical elements and ensuring 

environmental sustainability. 

Future projects in downtown Charleston 

include developing a 106-unit senior affordable 

housing community on Lee Street. 

Humanities Foundation created ShelterNet 

to provide emergency housing assistance, 

which has helped more than 50,000 

people avoid eviction or loss of essential utility 

services. Other initiatives include Marketplace, 

a free food delivery program, along 

with many other programs for youths and 

seniors that include transportation, summer 

programs and community gardens. 

Founded in 1983 by Trident United Way 

and Coastal Community Foundation, the 

Lowcountry Food Bank was created to 

address the community health issue of 

hunger—which we now understand more 

broadly as food insecurity—and the pursuit 

of equitable, dignified and consistent access 

to nutritious food. We serve the 10 coastal 

counties in South Carolina. 

According to Feeding America, the 

food insecurity rate in Charleston County 

is 8% of the population. Last year, in all 

10 counties, we distributed more than 39 

million pounds of food, of which 65% was 

protein, produce, and dairy products, especially 

in harder to reach rural communities. 

Approximately 50% of the people we serve 

are children and seniors. 

We partner with schools to provide 

The Lowcountry Food Bank 

partners with local schools 

to provide School Markets 

that allow students and their 

families to select food items to 

take home; BackPack Buddies 

which fills meal gaps on 

weekends and Kids Café and 

summer feeding programs. 


OVER 30 YEARS OF CREATING & SUPPORTING THRIVING COMMUNITIES 

SHARE THE WARMTH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. 

The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing, and spreading love. Donate to Humanities 

Foundation and help us support communities where families can thrive and seniors can 

find comfort. Your donation to Humanities Foundation can help support our community 

programs including food distributions, youth programming, senior health services and 

emergency rental and utility assistance. Together, we can ensure that everyone has a warm 

and supportive place to celebrate the season. 

WWW.HUMANITIESFOUNDATION.ORG 

HEALTH 

PROGRAMS 

BASIC & EMERGENCY 

NEEDS 

EDUCATION 

ENRICHMENT 

EMPLOYMENT 

ASSISTANCE 

WE DON’T SEE STRUGGLE. WE SEE THE POSSIBILITY. THAT IS WHY WE DETERMINE THE 

ROOT CAUSE OF THE NEEDS OUR NEIGHBORS FACE, SET GOALS AND DEVELOP AN ACTION 

PLAN FOR SUCCESS. 

Learn more today at: www.olmoutreach.org or 843-559-4109 


NON-PROFITS 

School Markets that allow students and 

their families to select food items to take 

home; shelf-stable food boxes at School 

Pantries that are distributed after PTA 

meetings, performances and other school 

events; BackPack Buddies which fills meal 

gaps on weekends and Kids Café and summer 

feeding programs. 

We distribute meals for seniors through 

partnerships with East Cooper Meals on 

Wheels, Summerville Meals on Wheels, 

First Scots Presbyterian Church and more. 

With nutrition education and an engaged 

support system that helps address 

the barriers to food access, such as a lack 

of transportation, high cost of housing and 

high food costs, LCFB continues to build 

pathways to long-term food security and 

cultivate resources to help our neighbors 

reach self-sufficiency. 

The Lowcountry Food Bank Foundation 

was established in 2021 to provide a consistent 

and sustainable source of funding to support 

the Lowcountry Food Bank. The Foundation 

manages and invests monetary gifts, which 

continue to grow, and provides a dependable 

source of annual income to help fund feeding 

programs, projects, equipment, and infrastructure 

for Lowcountry Food Bank. 

Greatest need: Monetary support to 

procure nutritious food for our neighbors 

who experience food insecurity. Expanding 

current partner agencies’ food pantry availability 

and capacity so that neighbors have 

access to food at places and times that are 

convenient. 

Palmetto City Ballet 

494 Wando Park Blvd, Ste A, Mt. Pleasant 

Performances held at the Sottile Theater 

Palmetto City Ballet School-843-367-7339 

Palmetto City Ballet-843-864-4809 

www.palmettocityballet.org; 

email info@palmettocityballet.org 

In 2012, Charleston witnessed the creation 

of a beautiful ballet based on Hans Christian 

Anderson's classic, The Little Match 

Girl. The production featured a local composer's 

original score, the choreography of 

the current artistic director, Jonathan Tabbert, 

and the musicians of Chamber Music 

Charleston. A pre-professional youth ballet 

company, which had been established a few 

years before, performed. 

That collaboration and performance 

marked the inception of professional collaborative 

arts ballet company Palmetto City 


Ballet (PCB). The company aims to provide 

an unforgettable dance experience for its 

audience while enhancing the city's arts atmosphere. 

PCB hopes to expand its reach to 

regional and national touring. 

“Each performance is a unique and unrepeatable 

moment, making it all the more 

thrilling and exciting,” said Tabbert. 

Today, the Palmetto City Ballet boasts 

two branches: the professional company 

(PCB) and the pre-professional program 

(PCB School). 

“Our mission is to provide our community 

with top-notch live performances while 

offering aspiring artists professional training. 

Our pre-professional and recreational tracks 

present a clear path for students to learn, 

grow, and aspire to become professional performers 

in their field, and more excitingly, 

in their hometown,” Tabbert said. Palmetto 

City Ballet comprises twenty staff members, 

both full-time and part-time employees. 

The company’s annual holiday "The 

A Pet Helpers staff member and puppy are all 

smiles surrounded by donations of pet food and 

supplies from the community.

Nutcracker" will be held at the Sottile 

Theater on December 15-17. Exquisite sets 

and costumes will light up the stage and over 

100 talented children from the Charleston 

community will perform alongside renowned 

professionals. Looking ahead, the 

company will premiere an all-new Wizard 

of Oz production on March 16-17, 2024. 

Greatest need: Private donations and 

corporate sponsorships are essential for the 

sustainability of any nonprofit organization. 

“In the future, our goal is to collaborate 

more extensively with other arts groups 

in the city, such as the Symphony and the 

Opera, to enhance our city's artistic vibrancy 

and cultural richness,” Tabbert said. 

Learn more on how to support and donate 

at www.palmettocityballet.org. 

Pet Helpers 

1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412 

843-795-1110 

www.pethelpers.org 

email office@pethelpers.org 

Open 12 – 5 p.m. daily 

In 1978, Carol Linville became disheartened 

by the number of animals being euthanized 

in South Carolina. She began taking in atrisk 

animals from shelters throughout the 

state, housing them in her own Charlestonarea 

home until she could find them fosters 

or a permanent home. She also began writing 

a “pet of the week” column in the local 

newspaper to help animals get adopted. 

From those humble beginnings, she 

founded Pet Helpers, celebrating its 45th 

year of service this year. The 14,000-squarefoot 

facility at 1447 Folly Road takes in 

1,100 animals per year…and counting. 

“We are currently 300 animals over this 

time last year,” said Melissa Susko, Executive 

Director. 

In addition to adoptions, Pet Helpers 

provides a low-cost clinic for vaccines, microchip 

and heartworm and other tests and 

a Pet Food Bank, supplying pet food and cat 

litter to owners struggling to afford daily 

care. The Seniors For Seniors program helps 

partner senior citizens with senior animals. 

There is also a TNR (Trap Neuter Return) 

program that will spay or neuter feral cats to 

help control the pet population. 

Greatest need: Pet Helpers is privately 

funded and relies on donations from 

the community and sponsors. The average 

monthly cost to run the shelter is $180,000 

or about $56 per day, per animal. Donations 

Serving Moms, Babies and 

Families For Over 37 Years. 

Lowcountry Pregnancy Center exists to provide 

life-affirming reproductive health and family services 

in a compassionate Christian environment. 

7481 Northside Dr., Ste. B . N. Charleston . 843.863.1510 

www.lpcfriends.com 


NON-PROFITS 

Erick Gordon, the inspiration 

behind the formation of the South 

Carolina Advocates For Epilepsy 

organization, next to an awareness 

board at a community event. 

can be made online, by mail or by visiting the 

shelter directly. Supplies are always welcome. 

Pet Helpers has a wish list on Amazon with 

supplies it needs the most. 

South Carolina Advocates 

For Epilepsy 

843-991-7144 

www.scepilepsy.org 

Karen St. Marie founded South Carolina Advocates 

For Epilepsy when her son Erick Gordon 

was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2007 after suffering 

from three tonic-clonic seizures in 18 hours. 

“I quickly became aware of the lack 

of awareness and support for people with 

epilepsy and their families. Epilepsy is a 

diagnosis that often impacts every area of a 

patient’s life. I decided that had to change,” 

she said. Erick became her inspiration to 

start the organization, which became an official 

501c3 nonprofit in 2011. 

Initiatives include providing in person 

and online seizure first-aid training to all 

communities in South Carolina, the passage 

of SC Seizure Safe School Act which 

requires training of basic seizure recognition 

and seizure first-aid for all school personnel 

and promoting importance and establishment 

of Seizure Action Plans to all patients. 

In Nov 2011, the first “Hockey Heroes 

for Epilepsy” awareness event was held at a 

SC Stingrays game. The organization raised 

over $7,000 for the R.E.E.F. (Research and 

Education in Epilepsy Fund) at the Medical 

University of South Carolina. The organization 

has a presence at community events for 

seizure first-aid training and to raise awareness. 

It also organizes meetups for those living 

with epilepsy and their families. 

“Approximately 2,100 new diagnoses occur 

in South Carolina each year. These numbers 

are a strong indication of the need for advocacy, 

education and inspiration,” St. Marie said. 

Greatest need: Volunteers at community 

events, sponsorships and donations are accepted 

through the website www.scepilepsy.org. 

Lowcountry Pregnancy 

Center 

7481 Northside Dr., Ste. B, 


www.lpcfriends.com 

Lowcountry Pregnancy Center was founded 

in 1986 and has served the community with 

over 165,000 client visits. LPC exists to provide 

life-affirming reproductive health and 

family services in a compassionate Christian 

environment. We believe in the sanctity and 

value of every human life. We believe that 

no woman should have to make a pregnancy 

decision out of fear or desperation. 

The center provides pregnancy 

tests, limited obstetrical ultrasounds, 

pregnancy options counseling, parenting 


NON-PROFITS 

Staff members at the baby boutique at 

Lowcountry Pregnancy Center. "Earn 

While You Learn" parenting classes are 

offered at the center, which help young 

moms and dads learn practical skills they 

need to care for their babies in a safe and 

nurturing environment. Parents earn "Baby 

Bucks" to spend the boutique stocked with 

donated and new clothing, blankets, bath 

items, baby gear and more. 

classes, fatherhood mentoring, car seat 

safety classes with a free car seat upon completion, 

adoption referrals, post-abortion 

Bible study, baby clothes, diapers, wipes and 

necessary baby equipment. Support and resources 

are provided to mom, dad and baby 

up to two years of the baby's life. All services 

are free of charge. 

A unique initiative is "Earn While You 

Learn" parenting classes, which help young 

moms and dads learn practical skills they 

need to care for their babies in a safe and 

nurturing environment. 

Parents earn "baby bucks" to spend in 

our beautiful boutique stocked with donated 

and new clothing, blankets, bath items, baby 

gear and more. 

Greatest need: All services are supported 

by the generosity of our donors and corporate 

sponsorships. Three major fundraisers include 

an Annual Banquet in the Spring, Annual 

Walk for Life in the fall and Baby Bottles 

for Life Campaign. Direct donations can be 

made at www.lpcfriends.com • 

Be a Holiday Hero! 

Adopt Foster Donate Volunteer 

Give the Gift of a 

Loving Home Today! 

Pet Helpers 

1447 Folly Road 

Charleston, SC 29412 

(843) 795-1110 

www.pethelpers.org 


Snow Birds 

Birding in the winter offers a new peek at our winged friends 

By JENNY PETERSON » Photos by CHARLES DONNELLY with HOLY CITY BIRDING 

T 

here may not be snow exactly for “snowbirds” in the Lowcountry, but bird 

watching in the winter can still result in spotting some winged winter residents who only travel to 

South Carolina in the colder months. 


Bird watching increased in popularity during the 

COVID pandemic as a safe outdoor activity and 

more and more people are discovering the charm 

of observing our winged friends. The hobby offers 

excitement in getting the chance to see a bird 

you’ve never seen before and a good excuse to 

slow down and take in the natural environment. 

“Every season is an opportunity to view 

different bird species,” said Charles Donnelly, 

who owns Holy City Birding and leads 

groups throughout Charleston. 

Birding in the spring sees warblers and 

wild turkeys; summer has wading birds and 

wood storks; fall has our famed pink Rosette 

spoonbills. Activity certainly doesn’t stop in 

the winter, as a plethora of ducks and sparrows 

that are exclusively winter residents in 

South Carolina arrive at nature preserves 

and marshy areas. 

“In the winter, adding in the ducks really 

is the big difference. We do get a variety of 

gulls that we don't typically have during the 

summertime (ring-billed and herring gulls 

the most common, followed by great blackbacked 

and Bonaparte's gulls.) But we also 

lose some of the tern species. Every habitat 

kind of just switches birds, which makes it

fun and interesting,” Donnelly said. 

The first thing to know about birding is 

that it’s a modest and observant activity; it 

requires stillness and observation where you 

use both your eyes and your ears. It’s quite 

a marvel to see different behavior patterns 

and behavior of bird species as they scour 

for food—coastal shorebirds like egrets and 

herons look for their breakfast (fish, bugs and 

insects) in the flats of the river so still they 

are like statues, and then moving with very 

deliberate, slow steps typical of wading birds 

that hunt on the edge of the water. 

Other birds are more frantic, bobbing 

back and forth, beak-first, throwing all caution 

to the wind. 

The latter—and a species that has already 

arrived for the winter—include small 

songbirds called a palm warbler. 

“They like to forage on the ground and 

in lower vegetation. They have yellow coloring 

to them and a brown strip. If you go to a 

park and you see a little bird on the ground, 

it's probably going to be a palm warbler. They 

like to pump their tails, so they're easy to pick 

out due to that tail behavior,” said Donnelly. 

Useful tools for birders around the world 

are top-of-the-line binoculars and a birding 

spotting scope. Donnelly’s scope is 35 times 

the magnification of human eyesight. Observing 

the birds through the scope brings 

these creatures inches from your eyes with 

intricate, high-definition details—feathers 

(Opposite): Belted Kingfisher, Pitt Street Bridge; 

(Clockwise): American White Pelican, Bulls Island, 

Cape Romain NWR; American Avocet, Santee 

Coastal Reserve WMA; Dunlin, Lighthouse Inlet 

Heritage Preserve; Least Sandpiper, Lighthouse 

Island, Caper Romain NWR 


lowing in the wind and beady eyes darting 

back and forth. 

Donnelly has been birding since 2015 

and has jumped into the hobby wholeheartedly, 

even working with local schools to provide 

information about local birds to students. A 

real estate agent by day, he previously worked 

on a golf course and became enamored with the 

beauty of the outdoors. 

He started Holy City Birding in 2022, offering 

group tours, writing a blog about birds 

and started a Bird Patch Club, where he creates 

unique patches of birds spotted on tours to mail 

to attendees. During his excursions, both with a 

group and solo, Donnelly enters the bird species 

and number of birds seen into EBird, an app on 

his phone that uses citizens as data scientists to 

help track bird species and inspires research on 

various species and habitats. 

Yet, seeing and identifying birds is just one 

part of the entire experience. Fringe benefits include 

enjoying the outdoors and slowing down 

to take in the natural world. 

Birding Around the Lowcountry 

As a Mt. Pleasant resident, Donnelly’s favorite 

place to bird watch in the winter is the 

pedestrian bridge The Pitt Street Bridge near 

the Old Village. 

“It's got such beautiful views and it's always 

active. All the seasons have different birds. Winter 

especially is a neat one there because you have 

the potential of seeing some wintering ducks or 

grebes, which is kind of like a duck. There are so 

many different birds you can see there and it's 

such an accessible place,” Donnelly said. 

Another place that he enjoys is Fort 

Moultrie National Park on Sullivan’s Island and 

the Sullivan's Island Trail. 

Going out with a birding guide is a great 

way to have an immediate bird dictionary and 

especially useful for those new to birding to 

learn about the species and their behavior and 

to get excited about birding. 

The Charleston County Parks offers early 

morning bird walks at the Caw Caw Interpretive 

Center in Ravenel from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Wednesdays 

and Saturdays in November and December. 

(Learn more and sign up at www.ccprc.org.) 

Donnelly said winter birding is great in 

dense forest areas like Caw Caw Interpretive 

Center in the winter as less leaves on trees 

make spotting birds—especially songbirds—a 

bit easier. 

About 20 miles Southwest of Charleston, 

the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge has 

(Right, top to bottom): Cooper's hawk, Shem 

Creek Park; Eastern Phoebe, Pitt Street Bridge; 

Hermit Thrush, Fort Moultrie; (Opposite): Hooded 

Mergansers, Pitt Street Bridge; Cedar Waxwing, 

Fort Moultrie; Greater Scaup, Charleston Harbor, 

Battery 


a stunning winter resident—the white pelican, 

Donnelley said. 

While the brown pelican calls the Lowcountry 

home year-round, the white pelican in 

the winter can typically be spotted on the edges 

of Charleston in more remote areas. 

“But, if you look up and you're in Charleston 

and your timing is right, you'll see them 

fly over. They're actually much larger than the 

brown pelicans,” Donnelly said. 

Birding in your Backyard 

You don’t have to travel far to see unique winter 

birds in the Lowcountry; just take a trip to your 

Winter Birding Spots, 

According to 

Charles Donnelly with 

Holy City Birding 

Sullivan’s Island 

Fort Moultrie 

Sullivan’s Island Trail 

Mt. Pleasant/ Awendaw / 

McClellanville 

Pitt Street Bridge 

Shem Creek Park 

I’on Swamp Trail 

Santee Coastal Reserve 

Tibwin Plantation 

Bulls Island, Cape Romain 

National Wildlife Refuge 

James Island/Folly Beach 

Folly Beach Fishing Pier 

James Island County Park 

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve 

West Ashley/Ravenel 

West Ashley Park 

Caw Caw Interpretive Center 

Edisto 

Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife 

Management Area (Edisto) 


ackyard. Using the right birdseed in bird feeders 

is a great way to bring these colorful animals 

to your back door. 

“Our area can get a purple finch, which will 

come to people's feeders, but we don't always get 

them every year,” Donnelly explains. “They’re 

reliant on how good the food sources are further 

north of us and they're seed eaters, so if the food 

sources are not great, they'll head further south to 

try and find the food sources during the winter. 

There are certain winters where we get a bunch 

of them and they come to feeders and it’s always 

exciting to see a purple finch.” 

Sunflower seeds are good bird attracters 

and a favorite of purple finches, although certain 

types of sparrows are not equipped to open 

the shell, Donnelly said. Shelled sunflower 

seeds or a mill feed like Nyger is the best for 

those species. 

“And if we're really lucky, we get a bird 

that is here that maybe shouldn't be here or not 

typically here during the winter,” Donnelly said. 

“For instance, folks put out jelly feeders to attract 

orioles, which are a beautiful orangey bird 

that spends the winter here. Once in a while, 

the jelly feeder will attract something different. 

We’ve had people attract Western tanagers, 

which is clearly a Western bird. It’s exciting 

when a rare bird pops up.” 

Types of Birds to See in Winter 

Ducks deck the ponds in the winter in the 

Lowcountry. 

While wood ducks—the bright green and 

yellow swimming birds—are plentiful yearround, 

Charleston's winter visitors are Bafflehead 

ducks, blue-winged teals and dabbler ducks. 

“They ‘dabble,’ so their tails are in the 

air and they're under the water looking for 

aquatic food. They’re typically more in the 

freshwater habitat and then we have sea ducks 

(like the black scoter), which will clearly be 

in the ocean. You can see ducks all throughout 

Charleston,” Donnelley said. “Almost all 

species of ducks that we have at the United 

States will visit us, with the exception of few 

that are solely on the West Coast.” 

Ducks are plentiful at the Santee Coastal 

Reserve (SCR) Wildlife Management Area in 

Mclellanville. 

“(The area) is growing aquatic plants that 

the ducks eat and they're making sure it’s the right 

level of water to attract the ducks,” Donnelley said. 

Wildlife management areas are the best 

bet for seeing the most variety of winter birds. 

“You can go to a place like the Santee 

Coastal Reserve or Botany Bay Heritage 

Preserve and you could count a hundred different 

species of birds if you spend enough 

time there,” Donnelley said. “Winter is one 

of my favorite times to go birding because 

you can see so much variety. Charleston is 

full of great birding places. You can go birding 

almost anywhere and have success.” 

For information on Caw Caw Interpretive 

Center bird walks, visit www.ccprc.com. For information 

about Holy City Birding, visit www. 

birdingcharleston.com. • 

Palm Warbler, Fort Moultrie 


Chipping Sparrow, Fort Moultrie 

Redheads, Mt. Pleasant 

neighborhood lake 




The 

‘Marsh 

House’ 

Showstopping 

natural beauty reflected 

in Kiawah Island home 

By E.C. WALDRON 

Photos by KATIE CHARLOTTE PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO JIM SOMERSET 

As a kid, Ryann Swan Hackett spent 

summers at her grandmother’s home on 

Edisto Beach, so the Lowcountry 

seacoast and its unique marshes mean a 

lot to her. 

Swan now lives in the Northeast and is 

the owner and principal designer of 

her own firm, Ryann Swan Design in 

Connecticut. When she got a call 

about designing a home on Kiawah for 

her cousin, Swan was delighted for the 

opportunity. The big plus: the two were 

pals on Edisto Beach during those past 

summers, exploring the island on their 

bikes and getting ice cream at the gas 

station. So now Swan would be helping 

her beach buddy bring the Lowcountry 

beauty and magic into the new home 

on Kiawah, located between the 

Kiawah River and the ocean. 


Window treatments with a printed grand frond pattern 

from Heather Chadduck Textiles pull in the surrounding 

nature. A custom curved sofa wrapped in a floral pattern 

on the back and geometric Anna French textile on the 

front add a touch of playfulness. 

“I had just launched my firm about a year and a half prior, and she had just 

purchased the home,” she said. “We spent our summers in Edisto growing 

up on the Carolina coastline, so it's quite a special thing to be able to do 

this project in Kiawah because we had such a tie to the Lowcountry.” 

Throughout the planning process, they kept referring to the 

house as “The Marsh House.” 

“It overlooks a gigantic marsh, so its got the crickets and it’s quite 

peaceful there. In our design philosophy, we really wanted to bring 

that through. We were really cognizant of thinking of the colors of the 

surrounding nature and tying those through the interior.” 

But Ryann said before the design details were finalized, the 

structure of the home was considered for its purpose of being a vacation 

home for the couple, their family, and their friends to enjoy. 

“Each of the rooms were thoughtfully designed with who is going 

to be sleeping in that room. We have the primary bedroom, which is on 

the first floor, and so we designed that with a space for the couple. You 

have a lounge where they could relax and have a beautiful view of the 

marsh from their room. The chairs we put in there they could arrange 

to sit in their room and have some privacy if they did have a house full 

of people—maybe to escape for a cup of coffee,” said Swan. 

On the second floor, Swan reimagined two bedrooms each with 

king-sized beds for couples who would come to stay. Also on the sec- 


A Fischer Weisman chandelier adds a touch of formality 

to the living room. Custom covered Nickey Kehoe dining 

chairs in a green leather play on an updated traditional 

note. On the wall, a commissioned piece of art from a 

Maine artist is made of driftwood wrapped in rope. 

ond floor is a redesigned kid’s bedroom. 

“In their son’s room, we popped in two full-size bunk beds for a 

total of four bunks in the room, which is great. I think if they’ll have 

two couples stay and all the kids kind of pile in that room, it works 

out really well.” 

Swan’s firm also turned an office upstairs into a bonus room and 

converted a closet into an extra full bathroom. 

“We converted it into more of a game room. It’s got four game 

chairs, and then as an overflow guest space, we put in a pull-out 

sofa. I think it’s great if there’s an overflow of kids, they can pop 

in there.” 

Matching Nature’s Natural Palette 

Then came what anyone would say is the creative part: choosing the 

colors, the furniture and the art which would complement and bring 

in the outdoor beauty, as well as match the owners’ taste and style. 

“In the master suite, we they wanted something serene, so I used 

softer blues—something that you could relax in, and we found great 

McLaurin & Piercy fabric for the window treatments that added this 

nature component.” 

Swan also set out to use as many local vendors and artisans as 

she could in the design of the Kiawah home. There are several mixedmedium 

collages of Lowcountry marine life by Everett White of 


A custom fabric-wrapped four poster 

bed lends a note of grandeur to the 

primary suite. Lighting by Arteriors 

nods to the surrounding nature. 


The North Tower houses a 

small bedroom and casemate 

above the loft study. 

Coordinating white vessels that hold 

kitchen items are sourced from a variety 

of local vendors. 

Charleston and other art by Kiah Ann Bellows from Greenville, who 

specializes in evocative impressionistic seascapes. In one guest room 

there is an abstract done by Way Way Allen of Mt. Pleasant. Hanging 

over the bed in the second guest room are framed photos of many 

of the musicians who at one time called South Carolina their home. 

Swan went to Powell’s Upholstery on John’s Island for some 

of the custom furniture and upholstery details as well as Southern 

Shades in Moncks Corner for drapery and window treatments. 

“It's fun to be able to think through that and try to pay attention 

to how we can incorporate those details and support the local businesses 

and the arts community too at the same time,” said Swan. 

But the major star of this show were the views of the ever-changing 

marsh and wildlife, framed by the many windows, experienced on 

the screened in porch and in the outdoor pool area. 

“I wanted to talk to the natural environment of the Lowcountry, 

so you’ve got these vistas with marshes and ocean peeking through, 

and the dry grasses and the ferns and all of those colors and textures. 

I didn’t want it to feel overly patterned and bright inside; I wanted to 

have those serene vistas where you get you to look at the landscape, 

especially with this space being a vacation home. I think you want to 

relax and unwind.” 

Ryann Swan Designs also does commercial spaces in the hospi- 


The game room is enveloped 

in a custom mixed Benjamin 

Moore color. Swivel chairs from 

Ballard Designs offers plenty of 

seating. 

tality industry. At one time Swan worked in the financial world. Then 

she decided to take her life in a different direction and enrolled at 

Parsons School of Design. 

Her firm’s projects are 20 percent commercial, and 80 percent 

residential. Bringing homes to life is her passion. 

“You create whatever the vision is, but when you’re doing homes, 

the parameters make it more interesting. You've got a husband’s taste 

to take into account, you’ve got a wife’s taste to take into account, 

and then you’ve got to have the family functions, and so there’s all of 

these different factors that create these boundaries for home design. 

It's nice problem solving. It is definitely challenging, but the reward 

is so magical when you create a home for a family they get to walk in 

and you see them have Christmases there and you know you selected 

the sofa that they're going to open their presents on. And the kids 

are going to grow up remembering all of these moments,” Swan said. 

Designing the Kiawah marsh house held an extra plus for Swan. 

Since the owner was her cousin, she not only got to see her vision come to 

life at a big party the homeowners hosted, but the cousins also shared their 

special memories about being kids on Edisto at their grandmother’s house. 

“As the day transitioned into night, we would love sitting out on 

the porch of her house watching the shrimp boats return with that 

day's haul,” Swan said. • 


Outdoor seating to enjoy 

the view of the marsh.

November/December 2023 | 83 




Estuary Coffee Company

Coffee Talk 

Passionate coffee roasters percolate across the Lowcountry 

By DARIA SMITH 

A cup of coffee brings people together to sit down to discuss important decisions 

and events. Likewise, coffee is a relationship-centric business amongst roasting facilities and cafes. 

The Lowcountry abounds with local coffee roasters as the coffee climate percolates around the 

region. Over the past decade, novice and seasoned roasters have multiplied in Charleston and now 

include Charleston Coffee Roasters, Second State Coffee, Big Kick Coffee, King Bean Coffee 

Roasters, Highfalutin Coffee Roasters and Estuary Beans & Barley. As these roasters explain, 

roasting coffee is a divine art and an intricate science and art form from bean to cup. 

Coffee is similar to wine in that several principles affect its profile— 

soil, altitude, temperature, farming practices, varietals, etc. Coffee is 

best grown in remote tropic regions with moderate rain and plenty of 

sun between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer— cultivation 

in North, Central, and South America; the Caribbean; Africa; 

the Middle East; and Asia. Coffee trees yield green cherries, which 

turn bright red as they ripen. Each cherry pit houses a few coffee beans. 

Four thousand beans yield one pound of roasted coffee and harvesting 

coffee beans is no simple feat. 

Once the beans are delivered to Charleston roasters, heat is applied 

to beans, transforming them from a grassy state to a deep, rich, 

and complex roasted composition. A roaster must master the art of 

listening, smelling and watching as the beans are brought to life, delivering 

the bean’s distinct regional characteristics. The secret to roasting 

coffee is patience—this process can’t be rushed. 

Charleston Coffee Roasters 

Lowell Grosse founded Charleston Coffee Roasters in 2005 on a mission 

to roast coffee that reflects Charleston’s originality, concern for 

the environment and attention to quality. Charleston Coffee Roasters 

is dedicated to supporting sea turtle conservation and uses our 

native loggerhead turtle designed from a coffee bean as a logo. They 

partner with the South Carolina Sea Turtle Rescue Program and local 

aquarium to support the cause. 

The business is predominantly wholesale, sold at Costco, Target, 

Ingles, Harris Teeter and Whole Foods locations across the country. 

Because Charleston Coffee Roasters is such a large operation, beans 

are purchased from distributors who act as the middlemen between 

sustainable farmers and roasters. 

Charleston Coffee Roasters purchases beans in 2,000-pound bags 

from six main regions: Columbia, Mexico, Sumatra, Guatemala, Peru 

and Honduras. However, current micro-blends include beans from 

Papa New Guinea, Costa Rica, Tanzania and an Ethiopian Yirgach- 

Charleston Coffee 

Roasters 


effe. It’s unusual for such a large roaster like this to dip their toes in 

the specialty coffee scene, but small batches yield a more flavorful cup. 

On average, Abby Reynolds, lead roaster, roasts 15,000 pounds of 

beans per day in small batches, relying on her five senses and attention 

to detail. As soon as beans leave the semi-truck, she roasts a few small 

samples to test the quality. Beans filter through feed containers into 

colossal roasting machines. 

Reynolds manipulates the energy, heat and air within these complex 

roasters to alter the coffee profiles and flavors. Once roasted, beans 

are blended immediately and then packaged for optimal freshness. 

Each grocery store that sells coffee opts for packages of blended or 

whole-bean coffee depending on their customers’ preferences. 

Reynolds’ favorite blend is Espresso Medium, also known as the 

Loggerhead Sea Turtle blend—Colombian, Mexican and Guatemalan 

coffees are blended together in a sweet medium roast. It’s incredible as 

a cold brew, espresso, or in a French press. 

While Charleston Coffee Roasters has tossed around the idea of 

opening a brick-and-mortar, they are currently focused on wholesale 

and online sales. Follow along on Instagram at @charleston_coffee 

Second State Coffee 

Across four locations in Harleston Village, Mount Pleasant and West 

Ashley, Second State Coffee is on a mission to make conversations 

around coffee approachable for coffee connoisseurs and newcomers. 

Lifelong friends Jayme Scott and Ross Jett left their corporate careers 

in California and Capitol Hill to open the Beaufain Street location, 

formerly Black Tap Coffee, in February 2012. Visiting new cafes around 

D.C. was the highlight of Scott’s day and Jett drew inspiration from 

innovative shops around San Francisco and L.A. 


A decorative roaster of 

the past on display at 

Big Kick Coffee. 

“We always fantasized about what we liked and what we'd do differently 

if we opened our own coffee shop,” Jett said. 

Two years in, the duo realized Charleston lacked a specialty-grade 

coffee roaster. They opened a roasting facility on James Island, creating 

6-10 different blends that they stock in their shops. Second State is 

meticulous with its roasting process, sourcing only specialty grade coffee—roasting 

beans from coffee crops harvested at the optimal interval 

of freshness. Specialty-grade coffee equates to a farm-to-table approach 

in a restaurant setting. 

In recent years, coffee processing techniques progressed beyond two 

basic methods. 

“Farmers can get very specific with what strains of yeast they inoculate 

their fermentation tanks with, whether or not they introduce 

symbiotic fruits to that tank to sway the final flavor and then how long 

everything marries together,” states Jett. 

After purchasing coffee directly from a farmer, Second State enters 

a process to find the right “roast curve” for each coffee. In some scenarios, 

roasters nail the roast curve on the first try, but it usually takes a few 

attempts to discover what ideal temperature and flavor works for each 

coffee. 

In 2017, they launched a second location and took over Collective 

Coffee Co. in Mount Pleasant. Two locations ushered a rebranding of 

growth, transformation and consistency, pivoting the name to Second 

State Coffee. Their owl logo exemplifies wakefulness, foresight and wisdom. 

While there are several locations, each shop does its own thing and 

has a unique atmosphere. 

In addition to four shops, Second State Coffee sells beans online 

and wholesale to 40 customers, providing coffee beans to local eateries 

like Daps Breakfast & Imbibe and Indaco. Shop menus change 

routinely, offering coffee beans from different regions across the globe 

hinging on what’s in season. 

Second State’s most popular blend is the Heavyweight, favored 

by 90% of their wholesale accounts. The Heavyweight blend features 

sweet chocolate notes and can hold its own or pair with cream and sugar. 

However, Jett favors washed Ethiopian coffees and recommends the 

new Worka Nenke from Gedeb, Ethiopia. Their cold brew is renowned 

among students, working professionals and tourists alike. 

While running four shops and a roaster is a lot, Second State’s 

founders operate on a community-focused growth mindset, always open 

to new opportunities. Jett loves coffee because it’s a relationship business. 

“You can't buy or sell coffee without getting to know people on 

a personal level,” he said. “In an age where personal interaction is less 

inherent to many professional interactions, I feel privileged to still get to 

conduct myself in this fashion. I truly get to be part of my community.” 

Follow along on Instagram at @secondstatecoffee 

Big Kick Coffee 

Fraser Young first entered the world of coffee in the 90s selling chocolate-covered 

coffee beans. Shortly after moving to Charleston in 2010, 

Young opened Big Kick Coffee in a Charleston City Market booth 

prior to the 476 Meeting Street location he set up shop in July 2023. 

Big Kick Coffee’s fire-roasting techniques and quality sourcing 

set it apart from local competition. The James Island roasting facility 

and downtown shop produce over 30 fire-roasted blends from ten coffee 

bean origins including Honduras, Brazil, India, and Guatemala. 

Young grew up in Canada and first enjoyed fire-roasted coffee in 

the 70s. 

“We used to laugh and joke at the U.S. border every time we 

crossed. ‘Oh, this will be the last good coffee we enjoy,’” Young recalls. 

In the early 2000s, he said, good coffee wasn’t prevalent in America. 

Beans at Big Kick Coffee are small batch fire-roasted in 100-yearold, 

25-pound perforated drum roasters—former peanut roasters— 

PHOTO JENNY PETERSON

King Bean Coffee 


Estuary Beans & Barley 

equipment used by less than 0.5% of coffee roasters in the U.S. Fireroasting 

coffee beans yields lower acidity and better smoothness. 

“Our coffees come out far less bitter than others as the transactional 

process over fire reduces chlorogenic acid buildup,” Young said. 

Big Kick Coffee prides itself on its distinct flavor profiles. Peruvian 

coffee has notes of caramel; Indian coffee tastes like peanut butter; 

Guatemalan coffee emits chocolate and Brazilian coffee resembles 

buttered popcorn. 

“I don't even need sugar or cream in this coffee. It's so good. It's so 

smooth,” is a common reaction among those who sip Big Kick’s blends. 

Young roasts beans with all five of his senses, fixating on the roast color 

and taste. His favorite blend is the Italian Espresso, which he drinks daily. 

Follow along on Instagram at @bigkickcoffee 

King Bean Coffee Roasters 

Kurt Weinberger sparked his interest in coffee while stationed with 

the Navy near Seattle. Starbucks had recently launched, exploding 

the local coffee scene. Weinberger returned home to the Lowcountry 

with a passion for specialty coffee. King Bean Coffee Roasters 

launched in 1994, committed to supplying South Carolina with 

quality coffee. 

“Coffee is a relationship business from bean to cup,” says Bethany 

Hill, King Bean's brand ambassador. “We've cultivated great 

relationships in our 29 years that allow us to source great beans from 

all over the world in equatorial regions known as the Coffee Belt. 

Roasting is a skill that brings out the best of a particular coffee.” 

Richie Young, head roaster, roasts to find the sweet spot in temperature 

that brings forth the bean’s best characteristics. 

Hill’s favorite blend is the Nicaragua Mataglapa, grown in the 

volcanic soil and high elevation of the Matagalpa region. 

“Nicaraguan coffee is known for its mild acidity and smooth 

finish. It comes as a medium-bodied coffee with a bright floral finish. 

You can taste hints of caramel and dark chocolate,” notes Hill. 

Customers can buy coffee by the cup or bag at King Bean’s 

Roastery Cafe at 3939 Dorchester Road in North Charleston or 

shop online. Follow along on Instagram at @kingbeanroaster. 

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters 

Adam Hunt worked in a cafe post-grad while trying to figure out what 

career direction to take. In 2018, Hunt and his wife moved to Charleston 

from New York City and purchased an old cafe and roastery. Highfalutin 

Coffee Roasters in the Avondale area of West Ashley was born. 

Highfalutin works with importers who collaborate with farmers 

and cooperatives in countries of origin to source green coffee, specifically 

seeking out exceptional micro lots that are clean and sweet with 

floral and fruity flavors. 

“We roast coffee to achieve a naturally sweet cup while maintaining 

the acids that provide the complex flavors we enjoy,” said Hunt. 

“You can greatly manipulate the flavor of coffee through roasting, but 

we think that what is more important is the agricultural processes.” 

The secret to roasting good coffee is buying good coffee. Sip on 

Highfalutin at one of their two shops, in Avondale or on Harborview 

Road on James Island or order directly at highfalutin.com. 

Hunt’s favorite blend is a Mossto fermentation from Wilder Lasso 

in Colombia. “It's an experimental fermentation where they added 

juice from a previous coffee's fermentation to this coffee's fermentation 

tank to kick-start the growth of desirable microbes and organisms, 

resulting in an incredibly sweet and syrupy cup,” explains Hunt. Follow 

along on Instagram @highfalutincoffee. 

Estuary Beans & Barley 

An estuary is a “partially enclosed coast body of brackish water with one 

or more rivers or streams flowing into it and with a free connection to the 

open sea.” Founded in 2019 on John’s Island, veteran-owned Estuary Beans 

& Barley sources high-quality ingredients to roast coffee and brew beer. 

Scott Harrison always harnessed a passion for craft beverages 

before meeting his friend-turned-mentors at Vail Mountain Coffee 

and Tea in Vail, Colorado, who helped pave the way for Estuary’s cafe. 

Estuary purchases green beans from a local coffee importer. Most 

blends are single origin based from Guatemala, Costa Rica, Indonesia 

and the Congo of Africa. 

Estuary’s small-batch roasted coffee is sold at local restaurants 

and retail spaces such as Blackbird Market, Stono Market and Tomato 

Shed Cafe, and Storey Farms. It is also sold by the bag and cup at its 

Johns Island location, but bags are often sold out. While Charleston 

may think of Estuary as a brewery, they continue to spread the word 

about their quality coffee program. Follow along at @estuary__co • 


Food 

DINING OUT | HOLIDAY COCKTAILS | IN THE KITCHEN | RESTAURANT GUIDE 

Ricotta Gnocchi 

Tossed in brown butter with cauliflower 

and lemon and green onions at Frannie & 

The Fox restaurant in Hotel Emeline 

PHOTO JAMES STEFIUK 


FOOD | DINING OUT 

By WENDY SWAT SNYDER 

Photos by JAMES STEFIUK 


Restaurant inside boutique hotel Emeline notches up the Charleston dinner scene 

Iexperience involves mixing it up with an 

element of surprise, step into the world 

of Emeline, where boutique hotel concept 

meets trendy eatery and so much more. 

If your idea of a great dining 

Inside the historic Church Street property, a 

broad lobby bustling with good energy leads 

past intriguing niches (to be explored later) 

into the hotel's signature restaurant, Frannie 

& The Fox. For those hungering for a unique 

experience, Frannie is as much a chic 

gathering place as a great place to eat. 

The property debuted in July 2020, part of 

Dallas-based Makeready's extensive portfolio 

of curated hotels, restaurants, spas and retail 

venues. 

“The organization creates unique, luxury 

lifestyle experiences within hotels, with a strong 

focus on food and beverage,” says Adam Jimenez, 

Makeready area general manager, food & 

beverage. 

Jimenez says the pandemic gave the team 

the opportunity to grow slowly, with Frannie 

taking cues from the local market and gradually 

layering in hours and staff. He and executive 

chef Tim Morton started up operations for services 

like private events and banquets. A smaller 

space within the restaurant was re-imagined to 

fill a niche in the restaurant. 

“We had lacked a lobby bar,” notes 

Jimenez. “Classic cocktails like martinis were 

trending nationally. It was an opportunity to do 

something a little different, something there's 

not a focus on here in Charleston.” 

They hatched a plan for an intimate 

“hideaway” dubbed The Den and rolled it out 

in October 2023, serving craft martinis, champagne 

and caviar—plus a few Frannie menu 

favorites—for patrons looking for a more elevated 

experience. 

Across the lobby, Clerks Coffee Company 

perks up specialty coffee drinks, a selection of 

teas and light bites. Folks can grab a demitasse 


fresh from the La Marzocco espresso maker 

and browse historic exhibits in the Archive, 

Emeline's homage to the Charleston Renaissance, 

a period of cultural renewal that fostered 

a reawakening of the arts and literature in the 

Holy City. 

Inside Frannie, sleek Midcentury Modern 

styling rules—super cozy easy chairs, tons of 

potted plants and a scattering of Oriental rugs 

conjure a comfortable living room vibe. 

A central dining area with bistro style 

tables and lively bar has a cafe feel, while an 

adjacent room offers more privacy. A few steps 

away, an open-air courtyard provides plenty of 

seating for diners, and a standout, standalone 

centerpiece fireplace is surrounded by couches. 

The contemporary design concept by 

Dallas-based Swoon starts with a cool white 

palette that sets off warm earth tones: custom 

olive green leather banquettes, forest Moroccan 

tile walls, rich hardwoods and dark brick 

flooring. Vintage lighting and furnishings add a 

convivial feel to the ambiance. Tying the spaces 

together is an open floor plan that floods the 

interior with natural light and provides a sight 

line of the entire restaurant from every seat. 

Chef Morton's kitchen revolves around 

a wood-fired oven, producing approachable 

dishes like artisanal pizzas and other Italian 

classics. The Minnesota native got his start in 

hospitality as a teen washing dishes, and “fell 

in love” with the high energy pace. Following 

a fine dining stint in Jackson Hole, he signed 

up for the three-year American Culinary Apprenticeship 

in Sea Island, Georgia, where he 

met mentor Scott Crawford, a five-time James 

Beard Foundation nominee and former executive 

chef of Woodlands Inn in Summerville. 

That relationship would eventually take 

him to Charleston, where he was tapped for the 

executive chef role by The Indigo Road Hospitality 

Group for the opening of Mercantile & 

Mash and The Cedar Room. 

“(Indigo founder) Steve Palmer and Scott 

Crawford were good friends,” notes Morton. 

“I was very excited to come to Charleston, and 

Indigo Road is a great company. I honed my 

leadership style there for over four years plus

(Opposite) The dining room at Frannie & The Fox (This 

page, right): Market catch served with beluga lentils and 

caper butter; (Below, clockwise): Roasted chicken breast 

over heirloom barley, kabocha and oat streusel; Chef Paulo 

Rossin, chef de cuisine and Italy native; mussels come with 

pancetta, potato and creme fraiche. 

before joining Makeready.” 

Morton's passion for Italian foodways 

was also a good fit for the Frannie & The Fox 

concept. 

“My wife and I traveled to Emilia- 

Romagna (known for its gastronomic and 

wine-making traditions) several years ago,” says 

Morton. “Also Bologna and Modena, where I 

went through the process of making balsamic 

vinegar and parmesan. How they cook in Italy 

was fresh in my mind and really helped shape 

the concept here.” 

On a second visit in April, Morton was 

joined by Frannie chef de cuisine Paolo Rossin, 

an Italian native. They spent ten days cooking 

with a local chef in Rome. 

The kitchen's marriage of Italian sensibilities 

and ingredients from both local and global 

purveyors were on display the evening my guest 

and I sat down for dinner. Sources include 

GrowFood Carolina, Kings Tide, Hunter Cattle 

and a chef/farmer in Italy growing his own 

wheat for pasta. 

We shared several dishes from the “small 

plates” menu: A fantastic confit potato with a 

rich parmesan fonduta and herbaceous salsa 

verde—a dish chef says exemplifies their philosophy 

of making two or three choice ingredients 

really shine. 

Blue crab from Crosby's Seafood showed 

up in fritters, blended with mascarpone cheese, 

fried to a delightful crispness and paired with a 

Calabrian chili aioli. 

Blue Point oysters from North Carolina, 

simply presented on the half shell with an herb 

butter and preserved lemon, drew their distinct 

flavor from the wood-fired oven. 

Next, we sampled the apple panzanella, a 

tangy kale salad moistened with a honey vinaigrette 

in a novel presentation on melted taleggio 

cheese—one of my favorites. 

From the “large plates” section we sampled 

the seasonal squash agnolotti, served with a 

flavorful bacon-y guanciale jam (which can 

be omitted for vegetarian guests.) The ricotta 

gnocchi, another great meatless option, was 

light and bright with wood-fired cauliflower, 

brown butter and lemon. 

We chose the Calabrese pizza from a list 

of intriguing looking pies: the mildly spiced 

sausage was offset by earthy escarole—an ingredient 

that's very traditional in Italy that Rossin 

insisted on highlighting in the dish. Molto bene! 

Our finale: A decadent layered cake made 

with pistachio flour imported from Italy, piled 

high with buttercream frosting and paired with 

a dollop of goat cheese gelato that added a 

pleasant savory note to the sweet dish. 

Cozy and cool, Frannie & The Fox brings 

a new twist to the mix with an innovative menu, 

on-trend venue, and unique touches that pack a 

wow factor. • 


181 Church St., Charleston 

843-577-2644 

Instagram @frannieandthefox 

Frannieandthefox.com 


FOOD | HOLIDAY COCKTAILS 

Stir Up Some Cheer 

Holiday cocktails to make at home, 

from local bartenders 

Photos by ALEECE SOPHIA 

S 

ip your way through the holidays with 

specialty cocktails provided by bartenders 

and beverage directors at Charleston’s finest 

establishments—we’ve included recipes for you 

to make at home or order while out on the town. 

‘Duck’ The Halls 

1.5oz duck fat-infused Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey 

1 Bar Spoon of Cranberry Sauce Mix 

3-4 Dashes Peychaud's Bitters 

1 Orange Slice 

Add Orange slice to mixing glass 

Add 3-4 dashes of Peychauds Bitters 

Muddle the orange slice 

Add Ice, Cranberry Sauce, & Whiskey 

to the mixing glass. Stir till chilled 

Double Strain Over Large Ice Cube 

(Learn how to make duck-fat infused whiskey 

at www.charlestonlivingmag.com) 

At 

Bohemian Bull 

1531 Folly Rd., James Island 

& 2668 Hwy 17 N 

Mt. Pleasant 


Battle Star Galactica 

2 oz Rittenhouse rye 

.25 oz lemon juice 

1 oz beet juice 

.5 oz ginger simple syrup 

At 

Bumpas's 

5 Cumberland St. 


bumpas_chs 

Ya Filthy Animal 

1.5 oz Four Roses Yellow Label 

.75 oz Hennessy 

.75 oz Charleston Sercial Madeira 

.75 oz Heavy Cream 

.75 oz Simple Syrup 

1 oz egg white 

“CBC” Charleston Bourbon &Cream 

2oz Bulleit bourbon 

2oz Charleston Distillery bourbon cream liqueur 

Splash of Vanilla 

Garnished with nutmeg rim and served up in a martini glass 

Add all ingredients into a shaker tin, dry 

shake(using no ice) to froth egg, add ice 

and wet shake, double strain using mesh 

strainer into glass. Garnish with nutmeg. 

At 


and The Den 

181 Church St. 


At 

Muse 

82 Society St. 



FOOD | HOLIDAY COCKTAILS 

PHOTO ANDREW CEBULKA 

Gold Dust Espresso Martini 

Coupe glass rim with 24K edible gold leaf flakes 

4 oz Belvedere Vodka 

3 oz Kaluha 

3 oz Espresso (chilled) 

Shaken with ice and pour into glass. 

Garnished with 3 espresso beans, dusted in edible gold glitter 

Santa's Helper 

1 oz Citadelle Gin 

1 oz Yzaguirre blanco reserva vermouth 

1 oz P. Quiles vermouth rojo 

1/4 oz Suze aperitif 

Stir all ingredients over ice in old fashion glass. Garnish with 

fresh rosemary. 

At 

Hotel Bennet 

in Gabrielle Lounge 

and Camellias 

404 King St. 


At 

Rappahannock 

Oyster Bar 

701 Easst Bay St. 

Suite 110 



PHOTO ANDREW CEBULKA 

Santa’s Little Helper 

2 oz Heaven’s Door Straight Bourbon 

0.5 oz fresh lemon juice 

1 oz fresh orange juice 

0.75 oz mulled wine syrup - made by reducing cabernet sauvignon with 

cinnamon, clove, allspice, black pepper, nutmeg, orange peel, honey; 

and then folding it into a syrup. 

At 

Benne's by 

Peninsula Grill 

112 N Market St. 


Christmas In The Islands 

5 ounces homemade sorrel (prepared overnight) poured over 

ice in a tall glass. 

Topped with sparkling wine 

Garnished with lime and additional holiday cheers. 

Homemade Sorrel Drink 

5 whole cloves 

4-6 Allspice berries 

1 Cinnamon Stick 

Toast allspice, clove, 

cinnamon, and nutmeg in 

a large pot until fragrant. 

(about 60 seconds). Add 

orange juice, sugar, water, and 

ginger to the pot. Bring to a 

boil. Add hibiscus tea to mixture 

and let sit overnight. Strain off all 

solids from the mixture. Add rum 

and mix well before use. 

At 

The Gin Joint 

182 Easst Bay Street 


gin_joint 


FOOD | IN THE KITCHEN 

Holidays in the Kitchen 

Recipes to keep you warm and cozy all winter 

Recipes and Photos by 

KAITLIN GOODING 


The holiday season is here and we can quickly become overwhelmed trying to fit in 

all of the traditions, parties, gifts and decorations. Take one thing off your plate by not thinking about 

what recipes you’ll cook this year. Try our winter soupe au pistou—it will keep you warm and cozy all 

winter long even on the chilliest of nights. Also, don’t shy away from this savory pumpkin pie. The crust 

is flaky perfection and the cheesy pumpkin filling will satisfy all your comfort food cravings. For many 

families, baking in the winter is a family holiday tradition. Try shaking up those recipes by adding some 

cheddar and rosemary to those buttermilk biscuits on Christmas morning. The gingerbread bundt cake 

dripping in raspberry frosting is a showstopper, and is deceptively easy. If you’re need a jumpstart to get 

you in the Christmas spirit, sip on one of our chai martinis and you’ll be singing jingle bells in no time! 

Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Raspberry Frosting 

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup molasses 

2 3/4 cup flour 

1 cup brown sugar 

1 tsp cinnamon 

1/2 tsp ground ginger 

1/4 cup vegetable oil 

3 eggs 

1/2 tsp ground cardamom 

Pinch of salt 

1 tsp baking powder 

1/2 tsp baking soda 

3/4 cup buttermilk 

1 cup butter 

Raspberry Glaze: 

2/3 cup powdered sugar 

1.5 tbsp half & half, add more or 

less for consistency you prefer 

2 tsp raspberry jelly 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add the dry ingredients, except for the brown 

sugar, to a mixing bowl of a stand mixer and whisk until they are well combined. 

2. Add the eggs, brown sugar, molasses, vegetable oil, and butter to the bowl. 

Mix the ingredients using the paddle attachment on low speed. Add 

the buttermilk slowly and continue mixing until well combined. 

3. Grease and flour a bundt pan. Pour the batter into the pan and cook 35-45 

minutes. You can insert a toothpick and if it comes out mostly clean, it’s time 

to take it out. Allow it to cool before topping it with the raspberry glaze. 

4. In a bowl whisk together the powdered sugar, half & half, 

and jelly. Pour over the cake and enjoy every bite. 

Christmas Chai 

Servings: 1 

Ingredients: 

3 chai tea bags 

1/4 cup half & half, frothed 

1 oz kaluhla 

1 oz vodka 

Ground cinnamon to sprinkle on top 

Star anise for garnish 

Directions: 

1. Bring a half cup of water to a boil 

and add chai tea bags to steep for 

five minutes. Allow the tea to cool. 

2. In a cocktail shaker add Kahlua, 

vodka, chai tea and ice. Shake 

and strain the drink into a glass. 

3. Froth the half & half and 

pour over top the cocktail. 

Sprinkle cinnamon on top 

and garnish with star anise. 



Cheddar - Rosemary Biscuits 

Servings: 6-8 biscuits 

Ingredients: 

3.5 cups all-purpose flour 

2 sticks cold unsalted butter plus extra for serving 

1 cup buttermilk 

1.5 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary 

1.5 tsp salt 

4 oz grated cheddar cheese 

2.5 tsp baking powder 

1/4 tsp baking soda 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix together 

flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add in 

the cheese and rosemary and stir until well combined. 

2. Cut the cold butter and fold into the flour mixture. Slowly 

incorporate the buttermilk, kneading the dough as you go. 

3. Once the dough has come together, create a 1-inch-thick 

rectangle. Cut into four equal pieces and stack them, one 

on top of the other. Roll the rectangle out to one-inch 

thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut them out. 

4. Place them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. 

Cook for 20-25 minutes until nice and golden brown. 

5. Cut the biscuit in half and add a 1/2-inch piece of butter to melt 

in the middle of each biscuit before serving while it is warm. 


Winter Soupe au Pistou 

Servings: 4-6 

Ingredients: 

1 cup dry pasta of your choice 

2 carrots, chopped 

1 yellow onion, chopped 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

2 russet potatoes, peeled & diced into 

1/2-inch pieces 

1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes 

6 cups vegetable broth 

2 celery stalks, chopped 

1 head of broccoli, chopped 

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

Pinch of salt & pepper 

1 (15.5 oz) can cannellini beans 

Favorite herb for garnish 

Pistou: 

1 cup basil 

1 cup spinach 

1/4 cup parmesan cheese 

2 garlic clove 

1 lemon, juiced 

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 

Pinch of salt 

Directions: 

1. In a large pot heat the olive oil and add the onions to cook until soft. 

Add the carrots, garlic, potatoes, broccoli, celery, and a pinch of salt & pepper. 

2. Cook the vegetables, occasionally stirring, until the vegetables start to soften. 

Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes, beans and pasta. 

3. Bring the broth to a boil and then take it down to a simmer for about 

10 minutes until the pasta is al dente & potatoes are soft. 

4. Meanwhile, add all the ingredients for the pistou into a food processor and 

blend until the mixture runs smoothly. 

5. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the pistou before serving. 

Add your favorite herb on top to garnish and serve while it is hot. 



Pecan Bacon Bark 

Serves 4 

Ingredients: 

12 oz package of bacon 

1 cup pecans, chopped 

1/2 cup maple syrup 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

2. Add wire racks to two baking sheets. Line the bacon strips on the wire 

racks and brush bacon with maple syrup. Sprinkle the pecans overtop. 

3. Place the baking sheets into the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, 

checking every five minutes to avoid burning. 

4. Once the bacon looks crisp, remove from the 

oven and allow to cool before serving. 


Savory Pumpkin Pie 

Ingredients: 

Crust: 

2 cups all-purpose flour 

2/3 cup unsalted butter 

2 eggs 

Pinch of salt 

5-6 tbsp of water 

Filling: 

1 can of pumpkin 

1/2 onion, diced 

1 tbsp olive oil 

1 tsp salt 

2 tbsp 

2 eggs 

1/2 gruyere cheese 

1/2 cup ricotta cheese 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Start making the dough by adding 

flour and salt to a medium sized bowl. Cut the butter, working it 

into the flour until it is a coarse meal. 

2. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and then pour into the flour mix. 

Add the tbsp of cold water. Stir together until it is all mixed. 

3. Form one ball of dough, place in a covered bowl, and 

place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. 

4. In a medium sized pan, add the onions and olive oil and cook until soft 

and golden. Add the pumpkin puree and salt/pepper. Beat the eggs and 

add to the pumpkin mix. Stir in the cheeses and mix until smooth. 

5. Roll the ball of dough out on a floured surface and transfer it to a prepared 

baking pie dsh. Press the pie crust dough onto the plate. Make holes 

in the dough with a fork. Pour the pumpkin mix into the pie crust. 

6. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the pumpkin is set. 


Restaurant 

Guide 

Black garlic glazed 

USDA prime 8oz. filet 

with red wine jus and 

grilled John's Island 

heirloom tomato at 

Peninsula Grill. 

PHOTO INSTAGRAM 

701 East Bay Street at the Cigar Factory 

843.576.4693 • RappBarCHS.com 

 

Thanks for Voting us 

Best Cocktails! 

182 East Bay Street, Charleston 

843-577-6111 

theginjoint.com 


American 

Ready to Eat? 

Use our restaurant listings to find the best 

eating and drinking in Charleston. 

Blackbird Market (J) 1808 Bohicket Rd., 559- 

0193. This Johns Island local seafood and vegetable 

specialty grocery store includes a rustic café 

attached serving piled high sandwiches and plates 

with hefty sides including collards ad mac n’ cheese. 

Daily specials can include a pulled pork plate and 

goat cheese flatbread. 

Harold’s Cabin (D) 247 Congress St., 793-4440. 

Harold’s Cabin is a reimagined corner store, cafe 

and restaurant housed in the same building as the 

original Harold’s Cabin, which served the residents 

of Charleston’s Westside neighborhood from the 

1920s to the 1950s. The space features dining room 

seating for 65 for dinner and weekend brunch, a 

lively bar and grab-and-go market and mercantile 

with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from the 

rooftop garden. 

Eli’s Table (D) 129 Meeting St., 405-5115. 

High-end bar and eatery with artful decor & 

locally sourced Southern fare for breakfast, lunch & 

Locations: (D) Downtown; (DI) Daniel 

Island; (FB) Folly Beach; (IOP) Isle of 

Palms; ( J) John’s Island; ( JI) James Island; 

(KS) Kiawah/Seabrook; (MP) Mount 

Pleasant; (NC) North Charleston; (S) 

Summerville; (SI) Sullivan’s Island; (WA) 

West Ashley 

dinner. Bold, worldly flavors using fresh and local 

ingredients, outdoor seating and live jazz every 

Thursday night. Daily breakfast 8 am – 3 pm, lunch 

11 am-5 pm and dinner 5 pm-until. Brunch Sat 

and Sun. 

Husk (D) 76 Queen St. 577-2500. An everchanging 

menu of locally-sourced Southern 

dishes play to what local purveyors have seasonally 

available at any given moment. Situated in a 

restored Victorian-era home, Husk is a memorable 

Charleston location. Open for lunch Mon-Sat 

from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and dinner daily at 5:30 

pm with brunch on Sunday from 10 am – 2:30 pm. 

Obstinate Daughter (SI) Pizza, pasta, small plates 

and a raw bar are the focus of the menu. Changing 

seasonally, the creative menu—think redfish with 

farro, kale pesto and boiled peanuts—is rooted 

by the burgeoning farms and fishermen in the 

Lowcountry who supply superior products to the 

restaurant. 

R Kitchen (D) 212 Rutledge Ave.; (WA) 1337 

Ashley River Rd., 789-4342. Reservations-only 

intimate atmosphere with seats for up to 16 guests 

in the kitchen or 20 including the covered patio. 

Five courses for $60. Menus are tailored to guests 

and change daily, from filet to red snapper. 

Sermet’s Courtyard (DI) 115 River Landing 

Dr., 471-1777. Upscale service and family 

friendly. Seasonally-rotating menu serves up 

fresh seafood, pasta, beef and local produce. 

Mon-Sat. 5-10 pm. 

Area restaurants provide this information to Charleston LIVING magazine. It is published according to space 

availability. No advertising or other considerations are accepted in exchange for a listing. To participate in our 

restaurant guide, call 843-856-2532.

Thanks for Voting Peninsula Grill as 

having the Best Romantic Atmosphere! 

Come enjoy a genuinely resplendent dining experience, 

where Charlestonians, and visitors, are served with style… 

112 N Market St, Charleston | 843-723-0700 | peninsulagrill.com 

Located in the hearr of Downtown Charleston, The Swamp Fox Restaurant sits at the 

correr of King and Calhoun Stteets overlooking Marion Square. The Swamp Fox, 

named for Revolutionarr War hero General Francis Marion, feattres classic Southerr 

cuisine along with regional specialties. Whether you are looking for Lowcounttt 

dining or historical ambience, The Swamp Fox is the perfect taste of the south. 

387 King Stteet | 843.724.8888 | ancismarionhotel.com/swamp-fox-restaurant-3 


RESTAURANT GUIDE 

Stacks Evening Eats (MP) 1440 Ben Sawyer 

Blvd. #1107, 388-6968. An elegant dining room 

for dinner serves up many options including 

grilled salmon over housemade spinach 

fettuccine, tuna nachos and cornflake-crusted 

flounder. 

Asian 

Basil (MP) 1465 Long Grove Rd. 606-9642. 

Traditional Thai entrees using the freshest 

ingredients in a chic and relaxed setting. Lunch, 

Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. 

Polish Pottery for your 

Festive Dinners! 

All pottery is hand stamped and painted in 

Boleslawiec, Poland. Microwave, dishwasher and 

oven safe. Color does not fade with use. 

180 King St, Charleston . 843-534-7431 

polishpotterygalleryofcharleston.com 

O-Ku (D) 463 King St. 737-0112. Bold and 

stylish décor set the tone for this upscale sushi 

and Japanese eatery. Menu selections include 

Chilean sea bass and yellowtail carpaccio. Dinner 

nightly. 

Xiao Bao Biscuit (D) 224 Rutledge Ave. (no 

phone). Creative, multicultural Asian cooking 

and specialty cocktails in a trendy converted gas 

station. Select lunch and dinner dishes from 

China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam prepared 

locally and inspired by tradition. The menu 

changes seasonally, with rotating daily specials 

and family style dinner service. 

Bakery 

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier (D) 90 Society 

St., 297-8674, (WA) 1901 Ashely River Rd., 

225-9133. Unique combination of French 

pastries, chocolate sculptures and hand-painted 

chocolate pieces. 

Cupcake Down South (MP) 664 Long Point 

Rd., 856-7080. A cupcake lovers’ dream offering 

an array more than a dozen daily rotating flavors 

such as red velvet and salted caramel chocolate. 

“After-dark” cupcakes, like Bourbon pecan pie, 

have alcohol infused inside. Gluten free and 

vegan options. 

Carmella’s Café and Dessert Bar (D) 198 E. 

Bay St., 722-5893. A rotating case of delectable 

cakes and pies available by the slice plus dessert 

cocktails, gelato, sorbetto and wine bar. 

BBQ 

Lewis BBQ (D) 464 N Nassau St., 805-9500. 

The first thing you’ll notice when you pull up to 

Lewis Barbecue are the massive, custom-made 

smokers, welded by the pitmaster himself. Order 

at the counter, where John Lewis is slicing up 

true Central Texas barbecue, cut-to-order and 

daily specials to enjoy indoors or on the patio. 

Rodney Scott BBQ (D) 1011 King St., 990- 

9535. Charleston. Celebrated counter-serve 

joint for Lowcountry-style slow-smoked pulled 

pork BBQ, chicken & ribs by famed pitmaster 

Rodney Scott. Open for lunch and dinner daily. 

Martin’s ( JI) 1622 Highland Ave, Charleston, 

790-0838. Pitmasters come in at 5 a.m. every 

morning at this James Island location and 

smoke a whole hog for 20 hours over hickory 

hardwood coals. In addition to pulled pork, beef 

and chicken, martin’s serves up smoked wings, 

brisket, and a Southern patty melt with Pimento 

cheese. Southern sides and pies are made inhouse. 

Enjoy the outdoor area and lively bar 

daily 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and open until 10 p.m. 

Fridays and Saturdays. 

Home Team BBQ (D) 126 Williman St., 

225-RIBS ext. 4; (WA) 1205 Ashley River 

Rd. 225-RIBS ext. 2; (SI) 2209 Middle St., 

225-RIBS ext. 3. Extensive BBQ list including 

three-meat platters and BBQ nachos in a hip, 

family-friendly atmosphere. Award-winning dry 

rubbed wings are not to be missed. A number 

of housemade BBQ sauces are available on the 

table to douse meat as you please. 

Bars and Taverns 

Dunleavy’s Pub (SI) 2213 Middle St., 883-9646. 

Traditional Irish-American fare offering excellent 

burgers, pub dogs, sandwiches from crab cakes 

to roast beef, salads and plate specials. Large beer 

selection and outdoor seating available. 

Moe’s Crosstown (D) 714 Rutledge Ave., 

641-0469. No-frills vintage pub located near 

Hampton Park has an extensive menu of burgers, 

sandwiches and late-night menu for bar bites. 

A pool table and multiple TVs brings in sports 

fans and cold draft beer and happy hour specials 

brings in a regular crowd. 

Poe’s Tavern (SI) 2210 Middle St., 883-0083. 

Festive local pub serving fish tacos, sandwiches, 

salads and the best burgers on the island. Lunch 

and dinner daily. 

The Griffon (D) 18 Vendue Range, 723-1700. 

An intimate English pub for fish 'n' chips, 

burgers, craft beer and extensive appetizer list, 

with walls covered in signed dollars. Open for 

lunch, dinner and late night eats daily. 

Café 

60 Bull Cafe (D) 60 Bull St., 718-3145. Upscale 

eatery offers elegant deli sandwiches, soups, 

salads and breakfast bites, as well as a variety 

of homemade prepared foods, deli meats and 

cheeses, produce and boutique wines and beer. 

Open daily. 9 am- 9 pm. 

East Bay Deli (D) 334 E Bay St. Ste H, 723- 

1234. Mouth-watering deli sandwiches with all 

the trimmings and an abundance of side dishes 

and specialties are all the rage at East Bay Deli. 

Choice meats and fresh-cut veggies, along with 

oversized spuds, make this a popular breakfast, 

lunch and dinner spot. 

Five Loaves Café (MP) 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 

849-1043. Gourmet soups, salads and sandwiches 

in a relaxed atmosphere. Daily soup menu includes 

nearly ten rotating selections. Lunch and dinner, 

Mon-Sat. Sunday brunch 10 am to 2 pm. 

Laura Alberts Tasteful Options (DI) 891 Island 

Park Dr., 881-4711. An array of housemade 

salads, gourmet sandwiches and seafood dishes. 

Large selection of wines and craft beers. Lunch 

daily, dinner Wed., Saturday brunch. 

Saffron Café & Bakery (D) 333 E. Bay St., 

722-5588. Freshly baked goods like breads, 

pastries and desserts, signature sandwiches and 

salads, pizza, housemade pasta and Middle 

Eastern specialties like saffron chicken and 

shrimp curry. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 

Live music on the weekends. 


CHARLESTON 

FLOWER MARKET 

creative floral and 

gift boutique 

Thank you 

for voting us 

BEST OF THE BEST 

1952 Maybank Hwy, Charleston 

843-795-OO15 

charlestonflowermarket.com 



Ted’s Butcherblock (D) 334 E Bay St., 577-0094. 

Old-fashioned butcher counter and gourmet deli 

has prepared foods to take home or eat at cafe tables. 

A neighborhood butcher, Ted’s offers quality meats 

and seafood handcut to order. There’s a large variety 

to choose from, including the monthly featured 

sandwich, paninis and elevated prepared foods. 

Eclectic/Fusion 

Barsa Tapas & Lounge Bar (D) 630 King St., 577- 

5393. Elevated Spanish tapas, paella & cocktails are 

the draw at this stylish lounge with rare downtown 

parking lot attached. Open daily for lunch & dinner. 

Cru Café (D) 18 Pinckney St., 534-2434. A local 

favorite serving up gourmet foods with an Asian 

flair like Chinese chicken salad and ginger glazed 

salmon. Indoor or front porch dining. Lunch & 

dinner Tuesday-Saturday. 

Graze (MP) 863 Houston Northcutt Blvd., 606- 

2493. Diverse eclectic cuisine with small “grazing” 

plates. Dishes include spicy tuna tataki and Koreanstyle 

chicken wings. Lunch & dinner Mon-Sat. 

Jack of Cups (FB) 34 Center St., 663-0042. Global 

and flavorful dishes like pumpkin curry soup, Thai 

noodle salad and a roasted poblano mac and cheese 

can be found on this seasonally-rotating menu. Enjoy 

a homemade sangria or pick from the curated beer, 

cocktail and wine list inside the cozy space or on the 

large outdoor patio. 

Ma’Am Saab (D) 251 Meeting St., (843) 259- 

2660. Elevated Pakistani cuisine by Chef Maryam 

Ghaznavi in a decorated space. A focused menu 

with a modern take on traditional dishes like 

chicken tikka and specialty cocktails. Lunch Friday 

& Saturday; Dinner Tues.-Sat. 

Red Drum (MP) 803 Coleman Blvd., 849-0313. 

Traditional Lowcountry cuisine with a Southwestern 

flair. Charred octopus BLT, crab meat tostaditas and 

steaks in a casual atmosphere. Dinner Tues-Sat. 

Fine Dining 

Mediteranean cuisine 

with Homemade 

Pastas & Bread 

Celiac & Vegan Options 

Outside Dining 

Indoor Dining 

75 Wines 

by the Glass 

Craft Cocktails 

Open Tuesday-Saturday 5-10pm • Bar open 5-Midnight 

82 Society Street • Charleston, SC 

843-577-1102 • www . charlestonmuse . com 

Please check our website for updates 

Charleston Grill (D) 224 King St., 577-4522. 

World-class dining at one of Charleston’s top 

eateries inside the Belmond Charleston Place. An 

ever-changing menu from Chef Michelle Weaver is 

uniquely divided into four main groups – Social & 

Shared, Roots & Stems, Waves & Marsh, Field & 

Pasture. Live jazz Sat, Sun & Mon. Dinner nightly. 

Circa 1886 (D) 149 Wentworth St., 853-7828. 

Delectable cuisine is served up at the Wentworth 

Mansion with dishes like crabcake souffle and 

braised pork shank. Dinner Mon-Sat. 

FIG (D) 232 Meeting St., 805-5900. Nationallyacclaimed 

bistro serving fish, locally-sourced food. 

Menu changes daily with selections like fish stew 

provençal and chicken liver pâté. 

Gabrielle (D) 404 King St., 843-990-5460. Bold 

and flavorful Southern cuisine that celebrates local 

bounty like grilled local swordfish and grilled 

oysters. Located inside Hotel Bennett, dine for 

lunch and dinner daily in the indoor dining room 

or outdoor dining terrace, which overlooks historic 

Marion Square. 

High Cotton (D) 199 East Bay St., 724-3815. 

Southern cuisine offered high-fashion style, with 

fresh local vegetables, seafood and charbroiled 

steaks accompanied by tasty sauces like bearnaise 

and cabernet. Dinner nightly. 


Peninsula Grill (D) 2 Unity Alley, 577-0025. 

Southern classics served in an elegant, yet relaxed 

setting. Bold flavors and impeccable service 

make this a local favorite. First class wine list and 

romantic courtyard dining available. Dinner nightly. 

French 

39 Rue De Jean (D) 39 John St., 722-8881. A 

refined French café and bar features Parisianinspired 

classics, including five preparations of 

mussels, sweetbreads, braised rabbit and more. 

Brasserie la Banque (D) 1 Broad St., 779-1800. 

Neighborhood French restaurant inside a historic 

former bank serves traditional French cuisine in 

the style of the classic French brasserie. 

Chez Nous (D) 6 Payne Ct., 579-3060. Pintsized 

and romantic neighborhood spot with 

elevated food and wine from France & around 

Europe in a cozy space. Only six dishes are 

served for lunch & dinner and changes daily. 

Check the restaurant’s website or Instagram page 

to see what’s being served today. Closed Monday. 

Felix Cocktails et Cuisine (D) 550 King St., 

203-6297. Plates inspired by Paris in a trendy 

café-inspired setting, served until midnight, 

along with versatile cocktails and wines by the 

glass. Lunch and dinner daily with classic French 

dishes and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. with Parisian Mac et Cheese, 

quiches and more. 

Gaulart & Maliclet Fast and French (D) 98 

Broad St., 577-9797. Providing French food in 

Charleston since 1984 on iconic Broad Street. 

Lunch items include an open faced Croq’ 

Monsieur and daily lunch specials for $13 that 

include a glass of French wine. A popular chef 

special fondue is featured on Thursdays for 

dinner. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon-Sat. 

Closed Sunday. 

Italian 

Indaco (D) 526 King St., 727-1228. Trendy 

eatery featuring Italian fare & wood-fired pizzas, 

hand-crafted pastas, homemade salumi and 

cured sausages plus a patio and extensive wine 

list. Dinner nightly and Sunday brunch. 

Le Farfelle (D) 15 Beaufain St., 212-0920. 

Bright and airy neighborhood osteria for 

thoughtfully sourced, reimagined Italian cuisine 

with a host of rotating freshly-made pastas like 

duck confit agnolotti and squid ink spaghetti. 

Shared plates include octopus carpaccio and 

warm rosemary focaccia. Dinner nightly. 

Melfi’s (D) 721 King St. 513-0307. Melfi’s is 

a trendy classic Italian restaurant with fresh 

pasta, salads, larger plates and inventive thin 

crust pizza. Sit at the long wooden bar, indoor 

and outdoor dining tables or an intimate pizza 

counter to watch the action of the two wood 

burning ovens. Reservations recommended. 

Dinner Monday-Sunday starting at 5 p.m. 

Mondo’s Italian Restaurant ( JI) 915 Folly 

Rd., 795-8400. A favorite local hangout serving 

traditional Italian baked dishes like Italian 

sausage lasagna and housemade pasta with a 

number of sauces beyond traditional red sauce, 

like vodka sauce over penne and gorgonzola 

cheese sauce over fresh rigatoni. Patio dining 

available, weather permitting. Dinner Mon-Sat. 

Closed Sunday. 

Wild Olive ( J) 2867 Maybank Hwy., 737- 

4177. Rustic-chic dining with a simple menu of 

artisanal Italian dishes, excellent Italian desserts 

& a sizable wine list. Dinner nightly. 

Mediterranean 

Muse (D) 82 Society St., 577-1102. Eclectic 

cuisine in a secluded and quiet atmosphere 

inside a Charleston single house. Entrees include 

grilled swordfish, sea bass, short ribs, duck, 

risotto, homemade pasta & bread and a large 

wine selection. Dinner nightly. 

Stella’s (D) 114 St. Philip St., 400-0026. Classy 

throwback diner for Greek dishes and meze 

to share, plus Mediterranean Sunday brunch. 

Check out the whole fish of the day, topped with 

ladolemono, a traditional blended extra virgin 

olive oil and fresh lemon dressing. Dinner daily 

and Sunday brunch. 

Leylas (D) 298 King. St. 501-7500. Kebabs, 

meze and other Lebanese dishes are served in an 

upscale-casual space with a wine list that includes 

many Lebanese brands. Try the pan-seared 

halloumi cheese, fattosh salad, shawermas and 

more. Dinner nightly. 

Mexican 

Santi’s (D) 1302 Meeting St., 722-2633; (S) 114 

Holiday Dr., 851-2885. An array of authentic 

Mexican dishes in a comfortable dining 

atmosphere. Voted best margaritas. Lunch & 

dinner, Mon-Sat. 

Taco Bartina (WA) 1301 Ashley River Rd. 

225-7426. Expanded spot for all your taco and 

burrito cravings with an impressively large menu, 

breakfast tacos served all day and taco Tuesday 

specials. The blackened fish taco is not to be 

missed. Margaritas include housemade agave 

mix. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Taco Boy (FB) 106 E Ashley Ave., 588-9761. 

Fresh Mexican entrees like fish and fried 

avocado tacos and an array of beer, margarita 

selections and their famous frozen screwdriver. 

Lunch & dinner daily, along with weekday 

discounted menu item specials. 

Pizza 

Crust Wood Fired Pizza ( JI) (D) (S) 1956 

Maybank Hwy. Locally sourced ingredients 

are piled atop hand crafted artisan pizza. Three 

locations in the Charleston area all have both 

indoor and outdoor seating. Fan favorites 

include the arancini, butternut pizza and the 

“Crustavore” pizza made with bacon, pepperoni, 

crispy prosciutto, sausage, hot coppa, tomato 

sauce and mozzarella. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Evo Pizza (NC) 1075 E Montague Ave., 

225-1796. This local favorite serves creative 

Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza using seasonal, 

locally-sourced ingredients. Try the adventurous 

pastrami and corn or pistachio pesto pizza or stick 

to classics like the margherita. Lunch & dinner 

daily. A new location, Baker & Brewer opened in 

downtown Charleston at 94 Stuart St. open for 

breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. 

Fams Brewing ( JI) 1291 Folly Rd., 225-4646. 

Local pizzeria and microbrewery serving 

New York and Chicago style pizza. Pair the 

Chitown classic—loaded with mozzarella, 

double pepperoni, double sausage and chunky 

sauce—with an award-winning craft brew. Large 

outdoor seating area. Lunch & dinner daily. 

Seafood 

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar (D) 205 East 

Bay St., 853-8600. Traditional raw bar with fresh 

seafood choices including oysters, clams, flounder 

and shrimp. Extensive beer and wine selections. 

Lunch & dinner daily. 

Blu Restaurant & Bar (FB) 1 Center St., 588- 

6658. Fresh local seafood at an oceanfront setting. 

Spend a day at the beach and then enjoy tapasstyle 

entrees. Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. 

Bowen’s Island (FB) 870 Bowens Island Rd. 

795-2757. Known for its locally-harvested 

oysters, fried shrimp, hushpuppies, Frogmore 

stew, flowing beer and unmatched view of the 

river, marshes and islands, locals and visitors flock 

to this one-of-a-kind counter-service restaurant 

with their appetites and cameras. Dinner 5pm - 

9:30 pm Tues through Sat. 

Charleston Crab House ( JI) 145 Wappoo Creek 

Dr., 795-1963; (D) 41 S Market St., 853-2900; 

(MP) 508 Mill St., 725-4902. Fresh lowcountry 

seafood is served every day in our casual, family 

friendly Charleston seafood restaurants. Dine 

on the rooftop downtown or waterfront on 

James Island and Shem Creek Crab House in 

Mt. Pleasant. Menu features Alaskan snow crab 

legs, ahi tuna, crab cakes, seafood platters, salads, 

sandwiches and more! Lunch & dinner daily. 

Coast (D) 39-D John St., 722-8838. Relaxed 

atmosphere with an array of fresh local 

seafood dishes including fresh ceviche and an 

outstanding drink list. Dinner nightly. 

Chubby Fish (D) 252 Coming St., 222-3949. 

Small, warm neighborhood eatery and raw bar 

offering a varied and rotating menu of seafood— 

from seafood curry to ceviche—and large 

selection of oysters alongside a creative wine list 

and desserts. No reservations, two seatings per 

night for dinner. 

Oyster House (D) 35 S Market St., 723-1151. 

Enjoy seafood favorites in one of Charleston’s 

original warehouse buildings on historic Market 

Street. Our raw bar showcases oysters from 

around the country, and our menu features 

Lowcountry favorites such as shrimp & grits, 

fried seafood platters, crab cakes, and more! 

Lunch & dinner daily. 

The Establishment (D) 28 Broad St., 608-8295. 

Impeccable service and sophistication in the 

historic James Gregorie House serving fresh 

and sustainable seafood from Charleston and 

surrounding waters like swordfish and seafood 

stew. Dinner Mon-Sat. Closed Sunday. 

The Ordinary (D) 544 King St., 414-7060. 

Southern seafood hall and oyster bar located in 

an old bank. The fancy seafood menu celebrates 

the bounty of Coastal Carolina waters supporting 

local and regional fishermen, crabbers, oystermen, 

farmers and producers. A lively bar highlights the 

stunning space. Dinner Tues-Sun. Closed Monday. 

Pearlz Oyster Bar (D) 153 East Bay St., 577- 

5755; (WA) 9 Magnolia Rd., 573-2277. Fun, 

eclectic locations serving the freshest seafood in a 

casual dining atmosphere. Oysters prepared raw 

on the half shell, baked Rockefeller-style, fried or 

steamed are served all day. Lunch & dinner daily. 



Gourmet Sandwiches 

& Pizza 

Pastries & Desserts 

Gelato & Sorbetto 

Wine Bar 

Dessert Cocktails 

198 E. Bay Street, Charleston • 843.722.5893 • carmellasdessertbar.com 

The Royal Tern ( J) 3005 Maybank Hwy. 718- 

3434. Nested in the heart of Johns Island, The 

Royal Tern is an elevated neighborhood eatery 

with daily seafood specials and inspired cuisine. 

An array of freshly-prepared seafood and steaks as 

well as seafood towers and tartares from the raw 

bar. Open for dinner Monday-Saturday. 

T.W. Graham & Co. (McClellanville) 810 

Pinckney St. 843-887-4342. A charming, 

old-timey restaurant in the fishing village of 

McClellanville that only uses fresh catch for their 

platters of grilled and golden fried seafood along 

with housemade sides and pies. Lunch Tuesday- 

Sunday, lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday. 

Closed Monday. 

Southern 

82 Queen (D) 82 Queen St., 723-7591. A 

swanky bar & intimate courtyard make this 

refined Southern spot a special-occasion favorite. 

Favorites include grilled salmon, seared duck 

breast, Carolina crab cakes and seasonal mussels. 

Excellent wine list. Lunch & dinner daily. 

Magnolias (D) 185 E Bay St. (843) 577-7771. 

A staple in Charleston for over 30 years, 

Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale 

Southern cuisine, presenting traditional ingredients 

with a refined take on traditional Southern 

cooking in a warm, sophisticated environment. 

Slighty North of Broad (D) 192 East Bay St., 

723-3424. Delicious, upscale food like grilled 

Carolina quail, oyster stew and shrimp and grits in 

a casual setting. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. 

Brunch Sat and Sun. 

Virginia’s on King (D) 412 King St., 735-5800. 

Upscale yet relaxed atmosphere serving up 

traditional fare like fried chicken, deviled crab, 

po’boys and an array of side dishes. Breakfast, 

lunch & dinner daily. 

Steaks 

Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill (D) 14 North 

Market St., 737-8700. “The next generation of 

steakhouses” coined by those in the know of beef 

trends, Burwell’s serves up choice cuts of beef, 

including Wagyu hanger steak, along with local 

seasonal vegetables and sustainable seafood. Great 

location on the Market. Full bar and happy hour. 

Dinner nightly. 

Grill 225 (D) 225 East Bay St., 266-4222. 

Upscale and fancy with private booths and whitejacketed 

service, serving up prime USDA steaks 

and select seafood entrees. Lunch & dinner daily. 

Halls Chophouse (D) 434 King St., 727-0090. 

Family-owned and high-end dining with a rich 

interior setting and impeccable service, offering 

up steaks cooked to perfection and choice seafood 

dishes. Dinner nightly, Saturday lunch and 

Sunday gospel brunch with signature steaks and 

Southern favorites. 

Oak Steakhouse (D) 17 Broad St., 722-4220. 

Upscale steakhouse fare in an impeccable setting, 

serving certified Angus beef and freshly-caught 

seafood. Award-winning wine list. Dinner nightly. 

The Ocean Room at the Sanctuary (KS) 1 

Sanctuary Drive., 768-6253. Rich mahogany sets 

the tone for this upscale eatery, serving up choice 

dry aged beef and fresh local seafood from an 

ever-changing menu. Dinner Tue-Sat. 


TRAVEL 

A New Way to Pompeii 

Discovering authenticity, fine dining and volcanic adventures 

in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius 

By KATIE MCELVEEN 

As historic events go, the destruction of Pompeii, the Roman city that was 

buried under more than 30 feet of ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, continues 

to capture attention. I’d long wanted to visit, but had always hesitated; the logistics of planning 

the full-day, round trip excursion from Rome or Naples just seemed too daunting to handle on my own. 

That all changed in 2021, when hotel Habita 79 opened just a few 

blocks from the entrance to the historic site. Habita 79 isn’t Pompeii’s 

first hotel, but it is the city’s first luxury property and it’s a game 

changer. Now, instead of coordinating a hurried in and out, visitors 

can linger and explore not just the historic site, but the city and surrounding 

attractions as well. 

My visit started at Cantina del Vesuvio, a family-owned winery 

that grows its grapes in the volcanic soil that forms the base of Mount 

Vesuvius. After a quick tour of the barrel room, we moved out to 

the terrace, where wine awaited alongside cheese, pasta and views of 

the Gulf of Naples and the island of Capri on one side and Mount 

Vesuvius on the other. From there, it was a quick drive to the hotel, 

where a grand façade and elegant gardens stand in stark contrast to 

the pizza parlors, campgrounds, ice cream shops and kiosks selling 

tourist tchotchkes that line the street from the highway to the entrance 

to the ruins. 


TRAVEL 

The hotel, which is named for both the number of rooms and 

the year of the eruption, feels grand but not flashy, with marble, wood 

and jewel-toned velvet in the public areas and lots of soothing blues 

and greens in the rooms. The hotel’s restaurant, Il Circolo, has become 

a hub for locals, who gather each morning for espresso and gossip at 

the bar. In the evening, dressed to the nines, they return for apertivo— 

which resembles a cocktail party—a late and, if there’s live music, 

dancing. It became clear that we were the only outsiders, but, before 

long, we’d been gathered into the friendly fold, where we did a bit of 

dancing ourselves and learned that dinner is just a small part of an 

Italian evening out. It’s fun, festive and, thanks to Executive Chef Roberto 

Lepre’s knack for lushly-sauced pastas, delicious. If you’re lucky, 

Chef will hold one of his casual cooking classes while you’re there; 

ours taught me that making gnocchi—tiny pasta dumplings shaped 

one-at-a-time around the tines of a fork—is best left to professionals. 

During the warmer months, the action moves to the rooftop, which 

offers gorgeous views of Mount Vesuvius. 

The hotel is also home to a Nuxe spa and it offers something quite 

rare: a hot stone massage with local volcanic stones. I wish I’d booked two. 

Since Pompeii’s ruins are the most-visited archaeological site in 

the world, I had expected a typical touristy town but instead I discovered 

a city that, once I got beyond the entrance to the ruins, was so traditional 

that shops still close during the middle of the day. It was lovely 

and refreshing to find myself immersed in authenticity as I wandered 

through the dusty hardware stores, beautiful fur and leather boutiques, 

shoe shops, butchers, fruit markets and decadent gelaterias along Via 

Lepanto. Pompeii’s ornate cathedral was consecrated in 1891; a highlight 

is the painting Our Lady of Pompeii, which was purchased for 

the equivalent of one dollar and transported from Naples to the church 

in a manure-filled wagon. 

I was surprised to learn that Vesuvius itself can be explored on 

foot via the Gran Cono trail. It takes about two hours to complete the 


popular four-kilometer journey. 

I highly recommend hiring a guide to take you through the ruins. 

Though the signage is ample, and in English, it doesn’t convey the emotion 

that locals and historians still have for the place. I didn’t realize, for 

instance, that Pompeii was a bustling trade port (the eruption moved 

the coastline further west) that was home to about 20,000 residents. 

There were wine bars, restaurants, brothels and a huge amphitheater 

where gladiators trained. The guide shared brilliant innovations, too, 

like the stepping stones that stretched across streets so that pedestrians 

could cross without getting their feet wet when the roadways flooded. 

The raised stones were spaced so that chariots could pass over them 

without breaking an axel. 

Walking through the crowded streets of Pompeii, I had no trouble 

imagining the city as a lively metropolis where people lived, played, 

loved ate and schemed. Within the praedia—or inn—owned by a 

woman named Julia Felix, I discovered ornate gardens, deep soaking 

tubs and a spa with an outdoor pool. At the House of Vettii, which 

reopened to the public in early 2023, I marveled at remarkably vibrant 

frescoes of angels, buildings and scenes of gruesome punishments 

framed by walls painted in deep shades of red and yellow. 

Tragically, it was also easy to imagine how these families had died: 

some skeletal remains lie in situ; there are also full-sized plaster casts 

fabricated by archaeologists more than two hundred years ago. The 

casts were made when scientists discovered that, long after the bodies 

of the victims had decomposed, the ash that had killed them retained 

the shape of their bodies. After pouring plaster into the voids and allowing 

it to harden, workers were left with life-sized statues of men, 

women and children that are remarkable in their detail. 

I’m glad I had several days to take in Pompeii. Not only was I 

able to stare at Vesuvius and wonder about the lives it had changed, 

but I was also able to explore the wonderfully unscripted city, all at 

my own pace. • 

PHOTOS HABITA 79

Oppostie (top): Habita 79 offers views of Mount 

Vesuvius and Pompeii’s cathedral. (Bottom): Take in 

the views and a cocktail at Habita 79’s rooftop lounge. 

This page (clockwise from top): Public spaces are 

hushed but glamorous. World Tours makes it easy to 

explore Pompeii and beyond. One of Pompeii’s most 

well-known statues is that of a Centaur, a half-man, 

half-horse beast from Greek mythology. Art deco 

accents give Il Circolo a vintage vibe. 


THE LAST REFLECTION 

Well-Rested Holiday Spirit 

Tips on how to sleep better when you travel 

By ANNE WOLFE POSTIC 

The holiday season is upon us. If we’re lucky 

it’ll be filled with warm moments among family 

and friends, a healthy smattering of parties where 

good cheer abounds and enough indulgent treats to 

inspire some New Year’s resolutions. Traveling may 

be part of the package and we’ll need energy to 

enjoy everyone and everything as much as possible. 

When I’m traveling (and overindulging), restful 

sleep is key. But it isn’t always easy. Unfamiliar beds 

houses full of loved ones keeping different hours, 

and the urge to stay up late to enjoy all the people 

and all the things can make getting a good night’s 

sleep nearly impossible. 

The pursuit of a restful night away from home is why I keep one little 

bag near my luggage and take it on every trip, whether it’s one night 

or three weeks. I don’t leave home without my allergy pillowcase, a silk 

pillowcase that goes over it, and a silk sleeping mask. 

The allergy case, especially for those of us who are allergic or sensitive 

to dust mites, is essential. Let’s talk about dust mites. They sound 

terrible. One might think that a pillow riddled with dust mites is an 

indication of a dirty home or hotel. Au contraire! The little buggers are 

everywhere. These microscopic critters feed on dead skin cells shed by 

humans and pets. Ohio State University researchers found that dust 

mites and their teeny tiny droppings can make up ten percent of the 

weight of a two-year-old pillow. At home, all my pillows are encased 

in allergy covers, as is my mattress. (A quick internet search for “allergy 

covers” will yield a plethora of affordable options. Cover everything. It 

will change your life! Many thanks to my allergist, who recommended 

them to me). The first thing I do when I unpack is slap an allergy cover 

on any pillow in my bed. 

The second thing I do is cover that allergy case with a silk pillowcase. 

Silk pillowcases make your hair shinier and help prevent those 

weird creases that appear on your face after a few hours of blessed sleep. 

(Are you 23 years old or younger? You probably have no idea what I’m 

talking about, but you’ll see.) For ladies of a certain age, that age where 

one can get over heated at night or literally any other time, silk offers 

the added bonus of being somewhat cooling, especially if you flip the 

pillow when you wake up in a cold sweat. But I digress. Sleeping on 

silk is good for everyone. They might kill me for sharing this, but even 

my sons appreciate what the slippery fabric does for their hair—less 

tangles, more shine. I put them in their stockings a few Christmases 

ago, assuming I’d add them to my own stash when they were inevitably 

discarded. No such luck. The youngest son recently made sure to pack 

his when he left for boarding school. My kids know a good thing when 

they sleep on it. 

The third thing in my little travel bag is a silk blend eye mask. 

Blocking light is often the key to sleeping just about anywhere, especially 

when crossing time zones. According to the random Amazon 

merchant that sold it, mine has “copper technology,” which allegedly 

offers “anti-aging benefits.” Does it? No idea, since I can’t know how 

I might have aged without it. But it’s soft, comfortable, and, most importantly, 

blocks out enough light to trick my brain into sleeping. If 

it does a little de-puffing and slows the progress of deepening crow’s 

feet, all the better. Because looking well rested makes me feel a little 

more energetic. 

These aren’t the only things that help you sleep in unfamiliar surroundings. 

Ear plugs are nice, as are noise cancelling headphones. I do 

enjoy a nice melatonin gummy before bed, because unlike other sleep 

aids, it doesn’t leave me hazy in the morning. (Who wants to miss a 

day of vacation wiping away the cerebral cobwebs?) But I can pick 

those gummies up in almost any drug store, anywhere in the world. 

My little travel bag ls less than a foot wide and packs flat, so it fits 

in any size luggage, even an overnight tote. Although I use all the same 

things at home, I keep doubles of them just for trips, ready at a moment’s 

notice. Travel should be fun. And approaching every day with 

a calm mind and fresh face will give you plenty of energy to survive a 

busy holiday season, cheer intact. • 

PHOTO PIXABAY 


A A RecoRd RecoRd of of SucceSS 

SucceSS 

in the in the couRtRoom 

couRtRoom 

A Record 

of Success 

in the 

Courtroom 

Attorneys (L-R): 

Alvin J. J. Hammer, 

Gedney M. M. Howe, III, III, 

Gedney Howe, IV IV 

Michael Monastra 

As As one of of South Carolina’s premier 

personal injury law firms, Gedney M. M. 

Howe III, III, PA PA has a a reputation as as the 

place injured people and other firms 

turn to to for for tough litigation cases. 

Practice Areas: 

Personal Injury 

and and Criminal 

Defense 

“Litigation is is hard work and we 

keep our focus on on the client.” 

—Gedney Howe III, III, 

chosen once again to to 

the South Carolina 

Super Lawyers list. 

Attorneys 

(left to right): 

Caroline West, 

Gedney M. Howe, III, 

Alvin J. Hammer 

The firm represents 

(left to right): 

Caroline 

victims West, 

of of wrongful death, 

Gedney personal M. Howe, injury, III, trucking 

Alvin and automobile J. Hammer accidents, 

Attorneys (left (left to to right): 

Robert J. J. Wyndham, 

defective products and 


Gedney M. M. Howe, III III 

as as 

Personal 

premises injury 

liability, and 

as well as 

and and Alvin J. J. Hammer 

Criminal medical Defense and government 


negligence. Howe also 

Personal Injury and and 

Criminal Defense 

handles business litigation 

and criminal defense. 

As As As one As one of of of South of South Carolina’s Carolina’s premier premier personal injury law law firms, firms, Gedney Gedney M. M. M. Howe M. Howe III, III, PA III, PA PA has PA has has 

a a reputation a a reputation as as as the as the the place place injured injured people and other firms turn turn to to to for for for tough tough litigation cases. 

cases. 

“Litigation “Litigation is is TO is we on III, 

CHOSEN TO 2013 

is hard hard work and we keep our focus on on the the client,” says says Gedney Gedney Howe Howe III, III, 

SUPER chosen LAWYERS 

once again chosen to to the the once South again Carolina to to the the Super South Carolina Lawyers Super and Charleston Lawyers list. 

Best Lawyers lists. 

The firm The represents firm represents victims victims of of wrongful of of wrongful death, death, personal personal injury, injury, trucking trucking and and automobile accidents, 

defective accidents, products defective and products premises and liability, premises as as liability, well as as as medical as well as as and medical government and government 

negligence. 

negligence. Howe also Howe handles also handles business business litigation litigation and criminal and criminal defense. 

defense. 


Personal injury and 

Criminal Defense 

Gedney M. Howe III, P.A. | | attorneys at law 

88 Chalmers Street | | Charleston, SC SC 29401 | | 843-722-8048 | | www.gedneyhowe.com

Charleston Living Magazine Nov-Dec 2023

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