The Holidays are Here!

The days have gotten shorter and cooler, Thanksgiving is a recent memory and the town is coming to life with lights and decorations to celebrate the season. There are lots of fun events happening around town this year so you are sure to find something fun to do.

Live Charleston and live well!

Boone Hall Plantation Placed Under Conversation Easement

Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens was recently placed under a conservation easement that will ensure its protection for future generations. The easement covers about 598 acres of land and allows the Boone Hall to be used for agriculture, education and tourism. Read more about the new easement here.

City Wins Grant for Bike-Walk Bridge Over Ashley River

The City of Charleston recently received an $18.1 million federal grant to construct a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Ashley River. The bridge will provide a safe way for people to travel from West Ashley to the peninsula without changing the current vehicle traffic. Read more about the new bridge here.

McLeod Plantation, Caw Caw Park Win International Honor

Two historic Charleston County Parks were recently recognized as part of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. Sites of Conscience are places that interpret history, engage the public in programs that stimulate dialogue on pressing social issues, share opportunities for public involvement and positive action on the issues raised at the site and promote justice and universal cultures of human rights.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center explores the impact of rice growing regions of Africa on the landscape, history and culture of the Lowcountry region. McLeod plantation is a former sea island cotton plantation and a Gullah-Geechee heritage site. Read more about these sites and this recognition here.

Local Charleston Recipes Make Wonderful Additions to Your Holiday Celebrations

Most cities and towns have local dishes that you won’t find anywhere else and Charleston is no exception. With a longstanding tradition of history, many recipes have been passed down for generations and make holidays extra special year after year. Read more about local recipes you will won’t to try if you haven’t already here.
Image courtesy of Flickr.

Find Your Dream Home in Charleston

Charming 2 BR in Downtown Charleston

”Charming, quaint, a jewel in the heart of downtown Charleston.” That is the definition of this adorable home. A gracious front porch, surrounded by ancient oaks, welcomes you inside. Built in the 1860’s this home features the original hardwood floors throughout, an updated kitchen, luxurious master bath, and a separate garage with additional off-street parking. The second floor porch extends from the master bedroom and overlooks the peaceful front garden. The yard is the perfect size for a garden and pets, and is surrounded by a classic Charleston wrought-iron fence. Learn more or schedule your private showing here.

Deep Water on the Stono

One of the few remaining undeveloped deep water properties in Charleston, this lot on the Stono River has extraordinary views and breathtaking sunsets. Dock permit allows a 345 ft walkway, a 16×16 covered pier-head, a 10×30 floating dock, and a 12.5×12.5 4-pile boat lift. Neighboring docks have 9-10 ft of water at the floater at low tide. Price includes architect’s plans for a stunning home and pool oriented for southwestern views across the Stono. By boat, you are less than 5 miles from the Atlantic with no bridge restrictions and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway, Folly and Kiawah Rivers. Learn more about this property here.

Extraordinary New Luxury Home in Historic Charleston

With nearly 2,000 square feet of outdoor space on multiple levels including the central feature: a roof terrace with a fireplace this home offers unrivaled indoor/outdoor living and a spectacular long-distance view of the Ashley River. Curated with the finest materials and finishes, 70 Halsey is being built to the highest quality of craftsmanship by the award-winning team at Bennett Hofford Construction. This home pays homage to its historic surroundings with thoughtful design and detail while providing a gracious, open floor plan and all the latest in modern home features. See details on all this new home offers here.

Take a look at the Charleston listings I have currently available here if you are searching for your next home.

Charleston Tops Trip Advisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice List of Best Fine Dining Restaurants

Trip Advisor recently released a list of the top 25 Fine Dining Restaurants as chosen by travelers and Charleston landed five restaurants on the list, more than any other city including dining hubs like New York. Restaurants making the list include Halls Chophouse, Grill 225, Charleston Grill, Peninsula Grill and the Circa 1886 Restaurant. See the full list here.
Image courtesy of Flickr.

Holiday To Do List
1. Celebrate in big and small ways with friends and family throughout the rest of 2019 and into 2020. 
2. Get your holiday shopping done early so you can spend time enjoying the many events taking place around town. Local stores offer wonderfully unique gifts that will make a lasting impression and guarantee a smile on the recipient’s face. 
3. Make a donation or volunteer your time to help one of the many worthy organizations in Charleston.  
4. Bake your favorite holiday treat and share with friends and family. 
5. Plan realistic resolutions that will help you live your best life in 2020. 
December and January
December 5-March 15: Lights of Magnolia
December 5-December 31: Holiday Festival of Lights
December 5-15: Disney’s The Lion King
December 5-22: Elf The Musical
December 7: Sea Life by Starlight
December 7: City of North Charleston Christmas Festival & Parade
December 14: Parade of Boats
December 21: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
January 14: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
January 23-26, Charleston Jazz Festival
January 26: Lowcountry Oyster Festival