Charleston City Paper: Neighborhoods, Fall 2025

EDITOR and PUBLISHER

Andy Brack

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Cris Temples

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Rediscover the Lowcountry

Our picks for crafting the perfect 24 hours

By City Paper staff

Visitors and residents often ask what they should do with free time in Charleston and the surrounding area. But with so many possibilities, it’s often difficult to pick out just one or two experiences.

So we thought we’d take a nod from travel publications that occasionally offer a select list of a few things to do in a day or day and a half — but with a twist. Our staff came up with too many cool things to do for just one list … so we combined them in “What to do” by area — and occasionally offered alternatives for some of the same times. Regardless, you will be able to mix and match to craft a great day in one part of the area or all over.

If we’ve missed your favorites, share with us on social media so everyone can know.

24 hours in Charleston

7 a.m.

Enjoy dawn over Charleston harbor from the top of a tall building, such as The Dewberry or Francis Marion Hotel. Follow with coffee at Kudu Coffee or French baked goods at La Patisserie around the corner.

10 a.m.

Take a long walk along Anson Street to the Market and then to King Street to the Battery. Enjoy the shops, such as Buxton Books and Billy Reid. Peek through fences to spy Charleston’s beautiful residential gardens that are South of Broad. Grab breakfast by the water at the Marina Variety Store restaurant. Check out the Lowcountry hash or ginormous cinnamon buns. Follow with a game of pool at Salty Mike’s

Noon

Grab a fancy sandwich at The Pass, or hang out in a throwback and fun college pizza joint, D’Allesandro’s, along St. Philip Street. Order healthy nachos or an acai bowl from Huriyali to-go, and have a picnic over at Hampton Park

2 p.m.

Celebrate history by touring the worldclass International African American Museum (IAAM), 14 Wharfside St.

Get a taste of modern art by visiting the Robert Lange Studios, 2 Queen St. a gallery hop in the area. Top it all off with a late afternoon visit to the Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., where you can marvel at the Tiffany glass in the dome.

7 p.m.

Take a pedi-cab to any of several enjoyable downtown eateries, such as Slightly North of Broad, Husk, 82 Queen and SHIKI More choices in our quarterly DISH maga zine. NOTE: You’ll need reservations.

Put your name down for dinner at 167 Raw, 193 King St. Then walk across the street and over to Bin 152, 152 King St., for a glass of wine while you wait for your table to be ready. Laugh until your belly hurts at the always fun Theatre 99, 280 Meeting St. (For newbies, the entrance is at the rear of the building.)

8 p.m. or so

The Pass

Ave., and grab a tasty coconut cold brew.

10 a.m.

Take a fascinating 90-minute ghost tour with Tour Charleston, 160 King St., which has been sharing spooky downtown tales since 1996.

Head over to the market area to grab a tasty dessert from Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe, 78 N. Market St., or plunge into the Peninsula Grill’s famous Coconut Cake at the restaurant’s cafe, Benne’s, 112 N. Market St.

Later

Enjoy a night of jazz at Forte Jazz Lounge, 447 King St., or The Commodore, 504 Meeting St.

Drink and dance the night away at Recovery Room, 685 King St. There’s a DJ every Saturday and first Friday of the month.

Enjoy a game of pool at Faculty Lounge, 391 Huger St., or A.C.’s Bar & Grill, 467 King St.

24 hours in North Charleston

7 a.m.

Head over to Prophet Coffee, 4411 Spruill

Order the Mexican hash during brunch at The Junction Kitchen & Provisions, 4439 Spruill Ave.)

Pick up bagels and coffee at Odd Duck Market, 1082 E. Montague Ave. Then visit Park Circle Gallery, 4820 Jenkins Ave., and shop for vintage clothes at The Station, 4610 Spruill Ave.

Noon

Shop for an outfit at Community Thrift Store, 5300 Rivers Ave. Then walk over to H&L Asian Market in the same area for a bowl of pho and some unique snacks.

3 p.m.

Stroll around the city’s relatively new Riverfront Park, making sure to check out the nifty bridge. Cross the bridge for a cold one at Coast, 1250 Second St. N., or stick around the park and grab an afternoon snack and cocktail at MOMO, 1049 Everglades Ave.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Watch the sunset while enjoying a cold beer at Holy City Brewing, 1021 Aragon Ave.

Later at night

Head over to Hipsterville, and take in a great comedy show at Wit’s End Comedy

Lounge, 3320 Rivers Ave.

Depending on the day of the week, take in some great live music, vinyl night or karaoke at the Burgundy Lounge at the Starlight Motor Inn, 3245 Rivers Ave. Whatever night it is, you’ll have fun. Game it up at Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar, 1044 E. Montague Ave.

24 hours in the Mount Pleasant area

7 a.m.

Grab a coffee from Brown Fox Coffee, 307 Simmons St., before walking through Shem Creek and the Old Village. Make sure to relax and smell the salt air at Pitt Street Bridge. On the way back, you might want to check out the old-time Pitt Street Pharmacy (111 Pitt St.) for a blast from the past.

10 a.m.

Enjoy some refined Southwestern food for brunch at Red Drum Restaurant, 803 Coleman Blvd.

Or get a shot of caffeine at Second State Coffee, 766 S. Shelmore Blvd., before a short trek to the I’On neighborhood, where you can walk amid beautiful homes and canals in a picturesque setting.

Noon

Tap into your explorer self by renting a kayak from Coastal Expeditions, 514 Mill St. If you’re a little more adventurous, talk with the folks there about guided outdoor tours.

Head over to Sullivan’s Island, and tour Fort Moultrie on Middle Street. You’ll learn the fascinating story of how important South Carolina was during the Revolutionary War and how colonial patriots won their first major naval victory against the British fleet here in 1776.

3 p.m.

Nab a pint at Dunleavy’s Pub, 2213 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island. We can tell you from experience that the Guinness is chilled, frothy and smooth. When you’re done, walk a couple of blocks to the beach and enjoy the views.

Or maybe it’s time for a Shem Creek bar crawl. Sit outdoors and enjoy the sun at Red’s Icehouse, Tavern & Table and Saltwater Cowboys on one side of the creek before ambling over to Water’s Edge and Vickery’s Bar & Grill. When finished, call for an Uber. (Better safe than sorry.)

Pick up a basket of Southern gifts, such as local hot sauces, stunning cutting boards and fresh pies, at Kudzu Bakery, 1100 Bowman Road.

6 p.m.

If you’re still around Shem Creek, put some good South Carolina seafood in your belly at any of the places listed above or at a classic seafood dive, the Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, 106 Haddrell St.

Later

If you’re in the mood for some classic live music, consider dropping by The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms.

Another food option: An oyster sampling at NICO, 201 Coleman Blvd. Head over to Towne Place Center and get a naan pizza at Malika Canteen, 1333 Theater Drive. Then enjoy a glass of wine at Wine Cellar and Gifts, 1317 Theater Drive. Then if you’re up to it, enjoy a movie next door at Regal Palmetto Grande

24 hours in West Ashley

7 a.m.

Start the day with a leisurely bike ride or walk on the West Ashley Greenway, a safe and protected path that winds through charming backyards and marshes.

10 a.m.

Have a darling do-it-yourself brunch at Normandy Farms baker in South Windermere. Great croissants, pastries, coffee, bread and more.

Noon

Gene’s Haufbrau Charleston Pour House

HYLO, 466 Savannah Highway, offers two workout classes (one high pace and one low pace, hence the name) at noon with drop-in class options available.

Three Little Birds, 65 Windermere Blvd., is a great lunch spot for salad, quiche and more. Parking is readily available but the restaurant also is accessible via bike or walking from the Greenway.

3 p.m.

Go shopping around South Windermere, browsing fun home and fashion stores.

4 p.m.

Encounter a happy hour flight of beer from Frothy Beard Brewing Co., 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. You’ll be glad you did.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Have a family-friendly dinner at Ireland’s Own, 3025 Ashley Town Center Drive, and play a variety of arcade games.

Order a drink and an appetizer at California Dreaming, 1 Ashley Point Drive. Sit outside (if it’s not too sweltering to watch the sunset and enjoy the Charleston skyline.

At night

Listen to live music at The Roost, 825 Savannah Highway.

Or while the night away over affordable beer while playing pool, classic darts or board games nearby at Gene’s Haufbrau, 817 Savannah Highway.

24 hours in James Island and Folly Beach

7 a.m.

Grab a hot coffee and a bagel at Muddy Waters Coffee Bar, 1739 Maybank Highway, James Island.

10 a.m.

Fix a hangover with a fried chicken biscuit

and a mimosa from Millers All Day, 1956 Maybank Highway, James Island.

Head to Folly Beach for a great morning walk. Be on the lookout for cool shells.

10 a.m.

Book a private or group surf lesson with Isla Surf School, 301 W. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach, or other vendors.

Get into a tasty Southern brunch at Lost Dog Cafe, 106 W. Huron Ave., Folly Beach.

Noon

Explore the countless amenities offered at the James Island County Park such as miles of paved trails, saltwater fishing and crabbing docks, picnic spots, an 18-hole disc golf course and equipment rentals of all kinds.

Dive into the kitchy-cool Bert’s Market, 202 E. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach, and find just about anything, including a great sandwich. Then hit the beach!

3 p.m.

A little sunburned and need some refreshment? Head over to Pier 101 Restaurant and Bar, 101 E. Arctic Ave., Folly Beach, for something frothy, cold or both. Check out the island’s newest outdoor brewpub — Revelry Brewing, 13 Center St., Folly Beach.

4 p.m.

Split an app and pizza at Crust Wood Fired Pizza, 1956 Maybank Highway, James Island, before going next door to catch a movie at the exceedingly cool Terrace Theater.

7 p.m.

Book a table at Kwei Fei, 1977 Maybank Highway, James Island, for fiery-hot Sichuan cuisine or Bar George, 1956 Maybank Highway, James Island. Get to Bowen’s Island Restaurant for superb fried shrimp, roasted oysters, cold beer and one of the best sunsets ever. 1070 Bowens Island Road.

Fort Moultrie

Enjoy spice-forward entrees and apps at Jack of Cups Saloon, 34 Center St, Folly Beach.

At night

Jam-out to live music at Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway, James Island, followed by a night-cap at Bar George.

24 hours in Johns Island (including Kiawah/Seabrook)

7 a.m.

Make a stop into Island Provisions, 1803 Crowne Commons Way, for a breakfast sandwich, pastry and caffeine to fuel your day.

10 a.m.

Swing by the Angel Oak Tree, 3688 Angel Oak Road, to take in the natural beauty and munificence of this historic ancient landmark.

Noon

Head out to the public beach accesses of Kiawah Island at Kiawah Beachwalker Park and enjoy the natural environment it boasts.

3 p.m.

At Kiawah, explore all that Freshfields Village, 165 Village Green Lane, has to offer — 30 different shops and boutiques and diverse dining options.

At night

Sneak over to Wild Olive, 2867 Maybank Highway for a late-night tiramisu. Seanachai Whiskey & Cocktail Bar, 3157 Maybank Highway, has a cozy pub vibe with whiskeys, delicious drinks and Irish food often paired with live music in the outdoor beer garden.

You can read a longer version of this story by clicking the Explore Charleston button on our website.

Upper peninsula becomes edgier, hipper

When many people think about Charleston, especially those who don’t live here, they picture narrow streets, antebellum homes, upscale restaurants and the King Street shopping district of the city’s lower peninsula.

But what about the middle and upper peninsula, the area that is essentially north of Marion Square? Not so much. Yet it has grown and changed dramatically over the past decade and has lots of fun, down-toearth and edgy offerings.

Doug Warner, executive vice president at Explore Charleston, has seen the changes first-hand because he has lived in the area for 25 years. New unique restaurants and businesses have sprung up over the last decade. While there has always been commerce on upper King Street, it was nothing like it is today, he said.

Restaurants and other businesses moved up the peninsula, at least in part, because rents on the lower peninsula rose dramatically. Instead of more traditional restaurants, “young, hip, cool people are in the kitchen trying to do something different. Visitors and locals alike are looking for authentic experiences,” Warner said — and that’s what the upper peninsula delivers.

Jonathan Sanchez started working at Blue Bicycle Books just north of Marion Square in 1997. He described the street as being filled with businesses that you normally wouldn’t see today.

“It was the kind of shopping that people needed for things like clothes, furniture, [and] five-and-dime stores,” said Sanchez. “No real restaurants to speak of or bars.”

In a recent December report from the City of Charleston, those stores are no longer there, especially on upper King. For instance, clothing stores now occupy 11% of space, with restaurants at 35%.

A shift toward tourism

Chris DiMattia, owner of the Recovery Room Tavern, said it’s a sign that the city is fully diversifying from traditional stores to a tourism-driven landscape.

“It’s moved from retail establishments to more restaurants, and food and beverage places,” DiMattia said. “You’ve got hotels here and there.”

DiMattia is a College of Charleston alum and has owned his dive bar for nearly 17 years. With this change in atmosphere and one geared towards visitors, he feels small businesses like his are being left behind.

“We’ve forgotten about the people that actually live here and the small businesses that helped make it a fun, livable city,” he told the Charleston City Paper. “Nothing

downtown is geared for people that actually live here or work here.”

Hope you’re hungry

Javier Maya, owner of Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano for the last few years, said his business has been on upper Meeting Street for about 20 years. He’s not worried about more new apartments in the area.

“We now have a humongous building right behind us,” he said, and it has brought in more business. In fact, some people who live in that building now were customers before they lived on the upper peninsula. But now, he said, they can come in for margaritas and then walk home.

When he first started working in the restaurant 14 years ago, there wasn’t much going on between downtown Charleston and North Charleston, he said. Now, people walk and ride bikes in the neighborhood. “We love the growth. It’s beautiful and better.”

Liz Hudacsko, who along with her husband Marc owns Berkeley’s Sandwiches + Suppers on Huger Street, said the couple, originally from New Jersey, said she loves living in and owning a business in the neighborhood and feels lucky to be there.

She said there are a few things on the menu that have a New Jersey influence, such as chicken parmesan, but it’s mostly delicious sandwiches and suppers. “It’s definitely not Southern food,” she said. “People can come here two or three times a week, not once in a lifetime.”

The two downsides to the area are more congestion and less parking, but it’s not a big problem, Liz added.

Suds and spirits

Joe Bowden, head brewer at Munkle Brewing Company on Meeting Street Road, said the business opened in 2017 on the outer edge of the upper peninsula. The area

has changed a lot in the past six years, he said. “We are starting to see more development come up this way.”

There are a lot of breweries on the upper peninsula now, he said. Most of them focus on “new-age” brews, he said. “We focus on traditional and historic beers,” he said.

Bowden said he’s beginning to see more neighborhood customers. The place is friendly and with only seven staff members, it’s easy for people to see familiar faces and feel at home. “But a lot of our customers are not first-time craft beer drinkers, he said.

“We get a lot of world travelers.”

The only changes he would like to see are related to cars, he said, because vehicles buzz along too quickly on Meeting Street Road. He would like to see traffic-calming measures including lights. He thinks marked parking places on the street would also help.

Scott Blackwell, who owns High Wire Distilling with his wife, Ann Marshall, said the distillery outgrew its original King Street space and moved to the current location on Huger Street in 2020. The new location allows for more manufacturing, he said. That’s important because 18-wheelers have to be able to drop off grain, he said. He focuses on using South Carolina agricultural products.

People can purchase spirits, including whiskey, brandy and bourbon, and relax in the tasting room to enjoy cocktails, beer, wine and food. He sees the tasting room as a place for education about spirits and the process of making them.

Blackwell said he loves the neighborhood, adding the distillery is starting to

get more and more foot traffic.

Worried for the future

Daniel Einhorn, owner of Bilda Bike, said he has moved several times throughout downtown Charleston. His bike shop went from being on the corner of St. Phillip Street and Spring Street to now being on the further end of King Street.

Einhorn, who opened his shop in 2009, said the increasing rent made his business unsustainable in the older locations. One of the previous locations, also along King Street, saw a significant increase in a short period.

“My rent increased by 35% in a not very long period of time,” Einhorn said. “It just made it unsustainable.”

The city’s shift towards bars and other restaurants made businesses like his become financially phased out, he said.

“I’m kind of generalizing, but everybody just wants to booze,” Einhorn said. “You just kind of want to walk around, grab a coffee, and then booze with your friends.”

“You’re not looking to buy furniture or buy a bike.”

Einhorn said he’s happy to have been on King Street for so long, but hopes others take notice of places like his shop.

“There’s some pride to me for staying on King Street for so long, [and] I’ve ridden many ups and downs,” Einhorn, 39, said.

“But I’m also saying, ‘High fives don’t pay the bills.’ ”

Ankit Bandyopadhyay contributed to this story.

West Ashley thrives, has bright future

The wide land west of the Ashley River is home to comfortable tree-lined streets with rows of homes, highways flanked by businesses and malls, villages like Avondale and emerging plans for revitalization.

With a 2022 population of 83,996 people, West Ashley is the epicenter of Charleston, even though most people consider the peninsula to be more of the population center.

“What makes West Ashley special is the people,” said West Ashley Realtor Shana Swain, a former bartender with connections throughout the suburb. “It’s where the heart of Charleston is.”

West Of newspaper editor Lorne Chambers agreed, describing residents as having a “scrappy spirit.”

“They are not your traditional downtown Charleston people, but they are real

Charlestonians,” he said. “In a way, this is the original Charlestown,” he said. “You have a lot of people over here who have a lot of pride in their community and hope for a better tomorrow.”

Dominated before World War II by farms and pastures, West Ashley bloomed into a middle-class suburban haven replete with everything from mind-numbing rush-hour traffic to chain stores that you can find in Columbus, Ohio.

But with a controversial development project on the way to the former Piggly Wiggly site on Sumar Street and Ashley River Crossing, a pedestrian bridge connecting West Ashley and downtown, under construction, the question is what direction is the suburb headed.

Compassionate Pet Care in Charleston

“Vision for the future

The West Ashley Revitalization Committee long spearheaded the suburb’s path toward development. The committee’s Plan West Ashley aimed for ambitious changes from economic development to flood prevention. But the committee has not met since November 2023.

The Sumar Street development project was postponed in June 2023, causing doubts about the strength of the committee’s plans. But as of September 2024, it’s moving forward again.

In people, you are seeing this shift away from these traditional big box stores towards giving more community pride. But we have to stay the course.”

—Lorne Chambers

City Councilman Karl Brady represents outer West Ashley said that in revitalization it is important to remember where West Ashley started. It was the birthplace of Charleston when settlers landed at Charles Towne Landing in 1670.

“I think one thing lost on a bunch of people is that West Ashley is the birthplace of Charleston. That’s how we should treat it.”

Chambers, a former Charleston City Paper employee, said West Ashley is planning in the right direction, but there is not much to show for it.

“In people, you are seeing this shift away from these traditional big-box stores towards giving more community pride,” he said. “But we have to stay the course.”

Chambers said the community has historically wanted more than malls and commutes, but often ended up with Walmarts and chain businesses regardless.

Malls, he said, are a product of West Ashley’s suburban boom in the 1980s. The “retail apocalypse” of the 2010s crippled them. Now, West Ashley has a lot of vacant lots. Chambers said because the area is growing, some residents want to shed the concrete.

“Most citizens in West Ashley didn’t want another mall or gas station,” he said.

A historical view

Donna Jacobs is a West Ashley historian and author. As a former board member of

Plan West Ashley, Jacobs noticed a generational difference in what residents plan for their neighborhoods.

Jacobs said the West Ashley area has been split between two different models of how to live and build. It also is split between two different generations of Americans and what they want for the future.

In many ways, these splits are between those “inside the loop” and those “outside the loop,” meaning those who live north of the swath cut by Interstate 526 and those who live south of it — an area generally with more land and open space.

She said those who live inside 526 advocate for a walkable Avondale plan. But those outside of the interstate often want to keep West Ashley’s traditional shopping centers.

“Inside the loop, some of these younger residents would happily ride their bikes to work every day and walk their kids to school, regardless of the weather,” she said.

In the tightly knit Avondale community, neighbors can walk along Savannah Highway and Magnolia Drive to Highfalutin Coffee Roasters or salad-focused cafe Verde. Across the highway is longtime favorite Gene’s Haufbrau and Avondale Wine & Cheese, nestled between more than a dozen other locally owned spots.

Jacobs said the diverse lifestyles and history of West Ashley was a strength for living in the area. She added she thought West Ashley was a nice place to live regardless of whether you believe in the Avondale approach or the mall.

West Ashley

Best Bar Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Boat Repair & Maintenance Hanckel Marine

Best Brunch Early Bird Diner

Best Consignment Store Consign Charleston

Best Doughnut Shop Duck Donuts

Best Happy Hour Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Kitchen and Bath Design Signature Kitchens & Baths

Best Lighting Store Rick’s Lighting

Best Place to Buy a Boat Hanckel Marine

Best Restaurant Home Team BBQ

Best Sustainable Business Roots & Shoots Nursery

Johns Island

Best Johns Island Bar Low Tide Brewing

Best Johns Island Brunch Sunrise Bistro

Best Johns Island Happy Hour Low Tide Brewing

Best Johns Island Restaurant Wild Olive

Best New Restaurant Lost Isle

Best Private School Charleston Collegiate School

Best Thrift/Resale Shop Sea Island Habitat ReStore

Mount Pleasant

Best Bar Red’s Ice House

READERS’ HIGHLIGHTS

Best of Charleston 2025 celebrated our biggest list yet. Yes, we’re creeping ever closer to that 500-mark, with 469 categories of winners and more than a dozen new additions. Here are some winner highlights by area.

Downtown

Best Attraction SC Aquarium

Best Attorney (Criminal Defense) Andy Savage, Savage Law Firm

Best Bar The Royal American

Best Bookstore (Local) Buxton Books

Best BBQ Lewis BBQ

Best Brunch Halls Chophouse

Best Cheep Beer Deal Recovery Room Tavern

Best Coffee Shop Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

Best Cocktails Felix Cocktails et Cuisine

Best Dance Club The Commodore

Best Fine Dining Restaurant FIG

Best Happy Hour Blind Tiger

Best Hospital MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital

Best Indian-Pakistani Food Ma’am Saab

Best Japanese O-Ku

Best Karaoke Night The Bangkok Lounge

Best Margarita Santi’s Restorante Mexicano

Best LGBTQ Bar Dudley’s on Ann

Best Mexican Santi’s Restorante Mexicano

Best Museum Gibbes Museum of Art

Best Restaurant Halls Chophouse

Best Performing Arts Group Charleston Symphony

Best Place to Take a Tourist The Battery

Best Place to Work MUSC

Best Plastic Surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford, Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery

Best Trivia Night Tip of the Tounge at Frothy Beard Brewing Company

Best Bed & Breakfast Post House Inn

Best Brunch Page’s Okra Grill

Folly Beach

Best Bar Chico Feo

Best Brunch Lost Dog Cafe

Best Happy Hour Chico Feo

Best Restaurant Jack of Cups Saloon

Best Corner Store Bert’s Market

Best Sunset Spot Folly Beach

Best Surf Shop McKevlin’s Surf Shop

James Island

Best Bakery Baguette Magic

Best Bar Bohemian Bull

Best Brunch Miller's All Day

Best Garden Store/Nursery Hyams Garden

Best Happy Hour Bohemian Bull

Best Park James Island County Park

Best Pharmacy Dottie’s Pharmacy

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co.

Best Place to See Local Music Charleston Pour House

Best Restaurant Mondo’s Italian Restaurant

Best Children’s Clothing Retailer Southern Belles

Best Dentist Dr. Hunter Watson, Coastal Family Dentistry

Best Happy Hour Red’s Ice House

Best Hot Dogs Jack’s Cosmic Dogs

Best Library Wando Mount Pleasant Library

Best Local Farm Boone Hall Farms

Best Lunch Spot Five Loaves Cafe

Best Mall/Shopping Center

Expeditions

Daniel Island

Best Aesthetician Danielle Cios, O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Best Daniel Island Bar New Realm Brewing Co.

Best Daniel Island Brunch The Kingstide

Best Daniel Island Happy Hour New Realm Brewing Co.

Best Daniel Island Restaurant The Kingstide

Best Summerville Brunch Page’s Okra Grill

Best Summerville Happy Hour Frothy Beard Off World

Best Summerville Restaurant Laura

Isle of Palms

Best IOP Bar The Windjammer

Best IOP Brunch ACME Lowcountry Kitchen

Best IOP Happy Hour The Windjammer

Best IOP Restaurant ACME Lowcountry Kitchen

Best Marina Isle of Palms Marina

Sullivan’s Island

Best Sullivan’s Island Bar Home Team BBQ

Best Sullivan’s Brunch Obstinate Daughter

Best Sullivan’s Island Happy Hour Home Team BBQ

Best Sullivan’s Island Restaurant Obstinate Daughter

North Charleston / Park Circle

Best Activity Bar Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Best Adult Toy Store Guilty Pleasures

Best Arcade Bar Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar

Best Attorney (Family Law) Colleen Condon, Condon Family Law

Best Bar Holy City Brewing

Best Brunch The Junction Kitchen

Best Happy Hour Commonhouse Aleworks

Best Local Brewery Holy City Brewing

Best Poke Poke Bros.

Best Restaurant Jackrabbit Filly

Best Vintage Marketplace The Station at Park Circle

Summerville

Best Apartment Community

Hawthorne at Summerville

Best Summerville Bar The Icehouse

Goose Creek

Best Goose Creek Bar Charleston Sports Pub

Best Goose Creek Brunch MOMO Crowfield

Best Goose Creek Restaurant MOMO Crowfield

Multiple locations / At-large

Best Attorney, Best Personal Injury Attorney, Best DUI Attorney Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm

Best CBD Shop Charleston Hemp Collective

Best Children’s Consignment Store Once Upon a Child

Best Dermatologist Dr. Marrguerite Germain, Germain Dermatology

Best Financial Institution

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Best Happy Hour Pearlz Oyster Bar

Best Liquor Store Bottles Beverage Superstore

Best Local Cause Charleston Animal Society

Best Local Wellness Product High Rise Beverage

Best Med Spa Germain Dermatology

Best Outdoor/Adventure Experience Coastal Expeditions

Best Orthodontics Practice

Coastal Family Orthodontics/ Coastal Kids Dental & Braces

Best Piercing Studio Exotic Impression

Best Pizza (Traditional) D’Allesandro’s

Best Pediatric Dentist Dr. Isabel Driggers, Costal Kids Dental & Braces

Best Realtor Shana Swain, Carolina One Real Estate

Best Storage Company StoMo Mobile

Best Sushi Locals

To see all the Best of Charleston 2025 winners, visit us at charlestoncitypaper.com.

SHANA SWAIN

Folly Beach is unapologetically its authentic self

Folly Beach, the self-titled “Edge of America” greets you with an easy-going vibe that has a colorful hue of charming restaurants and souvenir shops. Palmetto trees gently shade the edges of Center Street. The town is widely regarded as South Carolina’s quintessential fun and funky beach community.

With a population of just over 2,000 people, this tight-knit town and surrounding area defines its unique essence with its laidback demeanor and inclusive atmosphere.

A notable transformation for Folly Beach has been the frequent reconstruction of its pier. In the 1960s, the pier emerged as a musical hub, attracting crowds from across the country who developed a fondness for the community, leading to its title as “the people’s beach.” Since then, Folly Beach has become a safe haven for surf enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.

Pillars of the surf community

The town’s inherent charm draws visitors from all over. But what truly anchors many locals is its reputation for offering some of the finest waves in Charleston, especially catering to beginners. Shane Granigan became the first employee of Isla Surf School in 2015, working alongside founder Peter Melhado to create a welcoming and

secure, yet fun, atmosphere for learning to surf on Folly Beach.

“People who surf on Folly come from all different backgrounds,” Graingan said. “You get people riding their first waves, all the way to people who have been surfing their entire life and have based their life around it. So it’s a fun mix of people.”

What sets Folly apart from other beaches is that you can tailor your experience to exactly what you’re looking for, Graingan said. It’s spread out, which allows you to find a little nook or cranny for yourself or some friends. If you prefer, you can join a whole crowd to surf with.

“The community and the vibe out there is what really keeps people coming back,” he said. “It’s got a little bit of something for everyone. Whether it’s surfing and then going and grabbing a beer at Chico Feo, there’s always people around.”

The women of Folly

Nadia Klincewicz and Liz Wolfe co-founded she’s on edge, a Charleston-based women’s surf and skate collection. They host meet-ups and events on Folly Beach, creating a space for women of all ages to thrive and receive support within the community.

Wolfe describes Folly as “a really magical place for women surfing.” When she isn’t surfing or arranging the next paddle, you can find her working at McKelvin’s Surf Shop, South Carolina’s longest-established surf shop.

Wolfe said she loves the dead of the winter when she can sit and catch up with locals who come into the shop. She says summer is crazy as hundreds of people come into the shop daily. During the colder months, it’s nice to have a moment to breathe.

“Driving down any given street on Folly is really representative of the kookiness of Folly,” she said. “Not one house is the same. You’ve got massive, built-up, four-story homes, and then you’ve got little beach shanties and everything in between. I feel like that is a good metaphor for the people on Folly.

“There’s no type of person, It’s just characters. Even when there is dysfunction, it is a family dysfunction — there’s still love there.”

Klincewicz lives on Folly and describes it as “a really dynamic place to live because it changes throughout the season, like being a snowbird but in your own home.”

During morning walks, she said she enjoys bumping into her neighbors and taking a moment to say, “Hey.”

“You just feel like you have such a strong support system,” she said. “If you ever need

anything, there’s 12 neighbors that you can call and everyone will be jumping to help you.”

One-of-a-kind authenticity

Locals often come together at locally owned bars, unique restaurants and watering holes where they unwind and socialize.

“People are a bit more down to have an experience that’s more authentic and a little less polished,” said Ian Condon, bar manager at Jack of Cups Saloon on Center Street. Other parts of Charleston haven’t quite matched the innovative concept offered by Jack of Cups, which is praised for its fusion of global comfort food with influences from Asian and Indian cuisines. The interior is welcoming and cozy, with the perfect touch of quirkiness that seamlessly integrates with the authentic feel of Folly.

“I always laugh with people, we literally have a hole in our one wall at Jack of Cups,”

Condon said. “It’s where the beer lines used to come in before they switched the bar around and we cover it with a sticker. Like, we’re literally a hole in the wall and people love that about us.”

Reflecting on his time working in the restaurant industry, he said he’s never encountered anyone like the local regulars who come in nearly everyday — the people who generously offer him parking in front of a house or use of an outdoor shower if he wishes to take a quick ocean dip before heading to work.

“Folly Beach doesn’t pretend to be anything other than itself. That kind of authenticity I think is one reason why the business thrives,” Condon said.

Folly Beach stands out as a cherished gem along the South Carolina coast. Whether it’s the vibrant community spirit or eccentric nature, locals and visitors find themselves drawn back time and again.

James Island County Park offers several ways to enjoy the natural beauty

sea island, including paddleboarding

James Island offers charm, comfortable place to live

James Island is just a short drive over an expressway from downtown, a straight route toward Folly Beach and a hop over to Johns Island. But nestled throughout the triangular sea island are well-established neighborhoods, comfortable eateries, shops, schools, recreation, entertainment — all of which give residents little incentive to step off the island to find something cool to do.

With a population of more than 35,000 people, James Island has long been defined by its strong sense of community and convenience, dating back to the 1925 development of Riverland Terrace, one of its oldest and most iconic neighborhoods.

Today, Riverland Terrace features not only historic homes and majestic oaks, but also an eclectic array of small businesses that thrive around the easily walkable Terrace Plaza area along Maybank Highway.

Quaint, inviting neighborhood center

It’s not hard to find a friendly face in any of the establishments in Terrace Plaza, including the beloved neighborhood pizzeria Crust, the all-in-one Charleston Flower Market and the Terrace Theater, the Lowcountry’s longest-running independent cinema since 1997.

Paul Brown became owner of the theater in 2010 and is also the majority shareholder of the Terrace Plaza.

“When I got the theater I knew that it was not only going to be a movie theater but it was gonna be a sort of a connection to the community,” Brown said in a recent story.

“It’s been an outreach to the community in various ways and that’s been part of the joy.”

The theater is a local favorite for many

JOHNS ISLAND’S BEST BRUNCH VOTED

reasons. Its retro aesthetic, vast selection of snacks and refreshments, exceptional staff and comfortably worn-in seats. But it also serves as a focal point that naturally draws people to explore its nearby establishments.

“There is a large section of the population that can walk there [the plaza], it’s welcoming, the same people work in the same businesses for years,” Brown said. “It’s very familiar to people — I think that’s what’s key to us.”

Brown said the atmosphere feels like home. When walking in, people are hanging out, just talking.

The area’s vibrant local business scene has played an essential role in shaping its character, an atmosphere that differentiates James Island from its surrounding areas.

“The one thing about James Island as opposed to anywhere else — it seems uniquely different, no matter what the growth is around it,” Brown said. “It always espouses to sort of be its own island amongst islands.”

Island traditions

“James Island itself is unique,” said Raymond Dowty, Charleston native and manager of James Island County Park. “To find a park of this magnitude and with so many diverse offerings on James Island is monumental.”

The 643-acre James Island County Park offers a broad range of attractions, including a dog park, 50-foot climbing wall, disc golf course and water park in addition to amenities like a campground, saltwater fishing spots and an area to picnic and grill.

“Everyone has something personal to them about this park,” Dowty said. “They’ve all connected with it in a different way and for such a multitude of different reasons.”

Beyond everything it has to offer, it’s far more than just a place for recreation. The park is a community staple that locals and visitors alike often visit, again and again.

“People have formed a lot of traditions around our events, spaces and programs and that’s what we want to continue,” Dowty said. “Each person has their own little experience — we want to preserve that so my kids and their kids can continue to enjoy the park and all that it has to offer.”

The foresight to develop this park is a testament that the community wants to continue to improve, Dowty said. The community values its recreation and green space, one of the island’s charms.

“We want to continue this culture because being part of the community is so much more than just being a park — it’s all these things interrelated,” Dowty said. “It’s that web of connections between us and nature, our neighbors and community — that makes all of it special. If you took one piece out, then the rest of it

would lose a little bit of its shine.”

Community spirit

With a bit of searching, you’ll find an array of tasty eateries scattered throughout the island, or even better, right in your own neighborhood.

“We knew right as we were driving to the location to check it out for the first time; It’s completely surrounded by sprawling neighborhoods and that’s where we wanted to be — right there with everyone — our customer base” said Joel Lucas, chef and coowner of Edison, with his wife Chelsea.

In April 2025, Edison celebrated its eighth anniversary at its location nestled along Fort Johnson Road. The restaurant has established itself as a neighborhood restaurant, with an eclectic menu of global flavors that entices regular customers to return.

“It’s nice to recognize everybody,” Joel Lucas said. “People walk through with smiles and leave with smiles and that’s sometimes tough these days in the restaurant business.”

During the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the couple gained a deeper understanding of their impact as small business owners on the community.

“That was a time where we really noticed that people cared about James Island and really cared about us — they went out of their way to make sure they supported the local restaurants around here,” Joel Lucas said. “It was really a statement by James Islanders and it made us very proud to be a part of it.”

The community’s loyalty extends to its neighbors, establishments and everything that makes James Island what it is.

“There’s a lot of pride,” Chelsea Lucas said. “People who live, grow up here, are born and raised on James Island — are very proud of that. And it’s a beautiful thing to see.”

Every aspect of James Island reflects a deep-rooted connection and community loyalty among its residents for its vibrant community brimming with history, a strong sense of togetherness and the shared pride in calling James Island home.

Johns Island isn’t

sleepy any more

Johns Island, once a sleepy rural community of ancient grand oaks and truck farms, is in transition. The core of the 84-squaremile island, once bypassed by beachgoers rushing to Kiawah or Seabrook islands, now is emerging as a bustling suburb with breweries, new restaurants, subdivisions with larger-than-city lots and apartment complexes — lots of apartment complexes. In just the last decade, the population has doubled to almost 28,000 residents, making Johns Island among the fastest-growing communities in Charleston County.

Today’s Johns island, County Councilman Joe Boykin says, is like a cultural blender. New residents are being infused into the community, he said.

“And I think a lot of those folks enjoy a little bit of a slower pace, a little more of the hospitality that is the Lowcountry — like please and thank you and yes sir and no sir, kind of a thing. And they’ve got to love the food. I think there’s a lot going on.”

As the island matures, many wonder what’s lost — and what’s gained. They want to know how they fit into the growing community and how Johns Island fits into the larger area, too.

Community needs

Jessica Welenteichick, co-owner of Sunrise Bistro at what has become a primary hub of the island at Main Road and Maybank Highway, believes her locally-cherished breakfast diner has fulfilled a big need for the community over the last 15 years.

“Everyone needs somewhere in a smalltown that’s theirs,” Welenteichick said on a

recent morning over coffee. “They need somewhere to go — somewhere they are recognized, remembered, find friends or whatever they are looking for. They can find it here.”

Whether it’s the restaurant’s homemade biscuits, coffee bar or a table reserved every week, Welenteichick said her team tries to adapt to a customer’s wants and needs, especially its regulars. She also said the diner offers a place for local groups to hold community meetings other than the nearby Johns Island Library. Why? Because the community’s expansion is sparking a growing need among locals to discuss concerns and questions, such as the horrors of traffic, more people and the need for better services.

“Right now, it’s sort of organized chaos out here as we are all trying to figure out, ‘Where do we go? Where do we commune?’  ” she said. “I think that’s all happening right now — right in front of our face.”

Efforts are being made to address traffic issues by expanding the intersection at Main Road and Maybank Highway. That may affect parking and potentially the premises of long-established eateries like Sunrise Bistro and Blackbird Market.

“As a resident I’m concerned about the people — as a business owner, I want more people — so I’m divided,” Welenteichick said.“It’s your for-lifers, who have grown up here, born here and are seeing it change so much and not having a voice — that’s the biggest concern.”

“The community from the get-go wants it an island, and wants the feel of an island, and I think [some] people are fighting for that.”

Living legacies

Cherly Glover, an islander for 60 years, recalls rural Johns Island childhood in which she crossed two-laned roads to visit cousins or neighbors about a mile away.

Hardly a car passed in sight, she remembered, adding that about 40% of the people she grew up with never left South Carolina. The biggest portion of them never much set foot off the island, she said.

“Those who are left are still trying to hold on to what they do have,” Glover said. “The legacy of the island is that they’ve always been there for each other.”

Glover, who is Black, describes the presence of her generation on Johns Island as “a speck of pepper in a bowl of salt,” in comparison to its newcomers. But people whose families have been there for generations are still there — at the heart of its community.

“I think it’s just a mutual understanding that I’ve always been here, and you’re a newcomer,” Glover said. “The benefit of all

of this is going to be that we’re already one community, if we live as one community.”

Within the blend of the new and old on Johns Island, there’s a community firmly rooted in its historically rich Gullah Geechee heritage. Much of what Johns Island represents today draws upon legendary civil rights figure Esau Jenkins, grandfather to the Rev. DeMett Jenkins.

“Preservation is the key,” she told the Charleston City Paper. “The same way we can’t lose our Gullah Geechee culture, we can’t lose all the things that comprise that, and so if we just build over, nobody will know it was there.”

Jenkins suggests that people take time to learn Johns Island’s history, talk to natives and go to local events, including churches which have played a pivotal role in shaping John’s Island’s current identity.

“It’s an intentionality that you have to bring to say ‘I’m going to learn the area in which I live, I’m going to learn about the people here, the history,’ ” Jenkins said.

Significant historical milestones that occurred on Johns Island include the establishment of The Progressive Club in 1948 by Esau Jenkins to serve as a community center for rural Blacks for education, voter registration and civil rights activism. Islanders are now revitalizing it to make it as “a center of history and hope.” Another historical landmark, the Moving Star Hall, is an old-time praise house that links today’s generation to the past.

Farm-to-table culture

Wild Olive, a pioneering restaurant on Johns Island that opened in 2009, greets visitors with the embrace of live oak trees and delightful Italian aromas wafting from the kitchen.

“As a chef, being in the center of everything that I need to achieve greatness — the ocean, these wonderful farms — you just can’t beat it. It’s a chef’s dream to work here,” said Bradley Grozis, who has worked with Wild Olive for 15 years.

Johns Island is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage and generations of skilled farmers. And it is gradually starting to gain recognition for its newer food scene, too.

“What I love to do is take a classic Italian dish and utilize these beautiful local ingredients and turn it into something still Italian but special to John’s Island,” Grozis said. “As far as the ingredients go, you just can’t beat the freshness.”

Grozis attributes some of Wild Olive’s success over the years to its strong-sense of community between restaurants and farmers in the area.

John’s Island’s rich history, tight-knit community and thriving local businesses is evolving as it preserves its unique identity and charm. As the population grows and its heritage is revitalized, the island represents a true testament to resilience, unity and the enduring spirit of its people.

Shem Creek, Old Village bustle with activity, charm

Visitors and area locals alike keep visiting Mount Pleasant’s Old Village and iconic Shem Creek for their blend of history and fun.

In recent years, Mount Pleasant has experienced rapid suburban growth in recent years and is now the fourth-largest city or town in South Carolina. The town, along with nearby Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms, is home to more than 100,000 people. And the area is known for suburban housing developments, restaurants, bars, parks and shopping of all kinds.

But at its heart are the popular and historic Old Village and thriving Shem Creek.

The Old Village is bounded by the Charleston Harbor on the west side, Whilden Street on the east, marshland to the south and the bustling Shem Creek area to the northwest. The village, established in the early 1800s, has varied architecture, some of which dates back to the 1700s.

It’s not hard to have a day — or night — of fun with an action-packed day visit where you can explore all of the history, outdoor adventure, food, drink and shopping that the village and creek have to offer. Or stop by for several shorter, more manageable visits. Either way, most people come back for more.

Living and strolling

One of the many appealing things about the Old Village is that it provides a sense of community for residents as well as adventures for visitors and tourists.

Writer and editor Stephanie Hunt has been living in the village for the past 30 years. She can get just about everything she needs without leaving the neighborhood, including fish at Abundant Seafood and

produce at the farmers market at Moultrie Middle School.

“It’s self-contained.” she said. “It’s old school. It’s bikeable and walkable.”

Taking a walk or bike ride around the village is a great way to start a visit. Make sure to get down to the Pitt Street Bridge, a linear park with stunning views of the Charleston Harbor where the bridge once connected to Sullivan’s Island.

The neighborhood has changed some over the years, Hunt said. Housing prices have escalated. Some of the older structures have been torn down to make way for newer, more modern architecture. And she’s concerned about the number of trees that have been removed. But it’s still beautiful, she said. “When I come home from a trip, I realize it’s a nice place to be.”

Preserving beauty, character

Town Councilman Howard Chapman said in 2023 that he thinks the town needs to say no more often to people who want to cut down historic trees. And town leaders are working to preserve the historic character of the area.

“We’re making it harder to tear down houses in the Old Village,” he said. That’s being accomplished through zoning that encourages repairs to existing structures, he said. And those efforts are beginning to pay off. That’s essential, he said. “The Old Village is part of the beauty and history of Mount Pleasant.”

The town, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others, also has worked successfully to restore Crab Bank, a

small island in the Charleston Harbor near the mouth of Shem Creek. Since restoration, the seabird sanctuary is home to black skimmers, American oystercatchers and many other birds, Chapman said.

You can see the island from the Old Village’s Alhambra Hall and other places, or take a boat and get a closer view.

Chris Crolley, owner of Coastal Expeditions on Shem Creek, said the restored Crab Bank is “a tourist draw, a million-dollar baby.” And the project “proves that nature and industry don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s a workable balance.”

Heading up to Shem Creek at the northwestern end of the historic district is a great way to find an afternoon of outdoor adventure. His company rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards and does various boat tours.

Shem Creek is also a place to see a few shrimp boats, dolphins and even manatees, Crolley said. And Shem Creek Park at the mouth of the waterway is a great place for a stroll along the boardwalks.

“I can’t imagine what Mount Pleasant would be without the creek,” he said. “Shem Creek leads to the ocean. It’s an outlet to the rest of the world.”

While Coastal Expeditions focuses on nature, many other businesses focus on food, drinks and entertainment. Many popular restaurants line the creek, including Water’s Edge, Tavern & Table, Red’s Ice

House, Saltwater Cowboys and Vickery’s Bar & Grill.

Dianne Crowley, owner of Red’s, said people in the area are lucky to have a working creek in the middle of Mount Pleasant.

“The fact that we are on the water puts us in a different arena because it brings all of the amenities that city life brings you, and it opens you to all of the beautiful wildlife at your fingertips, like the dolphin swimming beside you while you are at your dinner table.”

Yes, Shem Creek is a great place for lunch or dinner and drinks, although parking can be challenging. Bring your cell phone because some parking requires using QR codes.

Finally, no day trip to the Old Village would be complete without doing some shopping. Lisa Thomas is an Old Village resident and owner of Out of Hand, an eclectic gift, housewares and clothing store that she describes as “a mini department store with quirky things.”

Thomas says her store on Pitt Street has something in common with other stores in the Old Village.

“It’s small, intimate and a place to make real connections.”

People can find Old Village businesses just by roaming around, she said. And once they walk in, they often become friends with merchants.

It’s a different kind of customer relationship, she said. “I’m very fortunate to live and work in this special place.”

Daniel Island residents experience real beauty of community

Charleston’s rich history is known far and wide. But within the Holy City’s limits lies a neighborhood younger than its median resident.

Kissed by the Wando and Cooper rivers, Daniel Island (DI) doesn’t have a lot in common with neighbors like Avondale, the East Side, Hampton Park or South of Broad. And unlike North Charleston and Mount Pleasant, DI is the only part of the city of Charleston that belongs entirely to Berkeley County.

Home to more than 11,000 people, it’s also the youngest community in Charleston. The mostly unpopulated island was purchased by the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation in 1947 and primarily used for farming and cattle ranching. But completion of Interstate 526 in 1992 changed everything. The farmland was sold and construction began on Daniel Island. The planned community will celebrate its 30-year anniversary in 2026.

But Daniel Island’s rapid expansion

hasn’t stripped the neighborhood of its charm: Charleston newcomers see real beauty in DI.

Terry of DI florist Blume Designs moved to the area in 2021. Her daughter, who went to the College of Charleston, recommended the island as a great place to relocate.

Terry, who asked that her last name not be used, fell in love with the island and didn’t look back: “The island is lovely. It’s well-developed and well cared for,” she said.

Home to local businesses and chain stores, Daniel Island has everything the everyday consumer needs and more. Laid out in a clever grid design, the neighborhood’s shopping arenas are accessible but separate from the residential areas, whose narrow streets give the island a cozy feel.

But the island’s personality isn’t the only thing that attracted Terry right away: “We’re in a great location — we’re 15 minutes from the airport, 15 to 20 minutes from downtown. We’re right in the middle,” she said.

Though Daniel Island is a recent addition to the city of Charleston, its rich history dates back as far as 2500 B.C.

More development to come

Everything has a cost: The island’s convenient location is attracting more families — and more development — every year.

Erin Hanhauser moved to the island in 2008, where she started her real estate brokerage company Ever Haus Properties. She has seen the island grow.

“I used to see my colleagues and friends at Publix and at area restaurants all the time when I first moved here,” she said, recalling the small population of the island of two decades ago. “The population has grown quite a bit so now I feel like a smaller

fish in a bigger sea.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Island residents have worked hard to create a close-knit community in their fast-developing neighborhood. A mostly residential area, DI has a number of clubs and societies that locals can take part in.

From golf to boating to book to sports clubs, Daniel Island has one for every resident. And one club for newcomers — The East Cooper Newcomers Club.

Some glue that holds DI neighbors close is Bishop England High School (BEHS).

BEHS President Patrick Finneran said he is thankful for the year-round support the school receives from the community.

“Many of the school’s neighbors attend sporting and other events at the school.”

BEHS relocated to DI from downtown in 1998 to expand its athletic facilities and green space, Finneran said.

“The school is one of the original residents of the island, so many of the faculty and staff have watched the island grow,” he said.

Daniel Island’s clubs and schools keep the island lively. Longtime island resident Bill Payer agrees: “There is an active young family dynamic,” he said.

Like many Daniel Island retirees, Payer moved there to be close to his son’s family.

“In the 10 years we’ve been here, growth has continued and traffic is heavier as a result,” said Payer, adding that he loves listening to “old timers” recall years when the island was less crowded with nostalgia.

Park

North Charleston, once eclipsed by the city of Charleston, has come into its own in recent decades. It is now the third-largest city in South Carolina and the area’s economic engine. The city, first incorporated in 1972, is home to more than 126,000 people, and that number continues to grow. Despite its industrial past, North Charleston has begun to attract advanced tech companies. The city also is a retail hub, from malls and Big Box stores to neighborhood boutiques.

And at the center of it all sits the Park Circle neighborhood, a vibrant, walkable community bounded by Interstate 526 on the north side, Waterfront Park and the Cooper River on the east, Noisette Creek on the south and Mixson Avenue on the west.

Living in the community

Jamee Haley, a Park Circle business owner, consultant and interior designer, said she and her husband have owned a home in the neighborhood for the past 20 years. They rented it out for years, but when they became empty-nesters five years ago, they moved in

and loved the convenience of the location and “the immense sense of community,” she said. And at the end of 2024, she opened Neighborly, a small gift and design shop.

“It’s a fun place to be, with numerous restaurants, breweries and wine bars to patronize.” She said she also appreciates that she can walk or ride her bike anywhere in the neighborhood and can develop relationships with area business owners.

Haley, once director of Lowcountry Local First, said she would like to see the city take active measures to keep the business district local, and to avoid it becoming “homogenized.” She also said that a big change she has seen in the neighborhood is that along with an increased popularity, Park Circle is getting more expensive.

Ryan Johnson, a spokesman for the city, said Park Circle is a great place to live and a wonderful place for area residents and tourists to visit.

He said Park Circle was set up for success because it was designed as a “garden city,” based on Ebenezer Howard’s vision from

Shopping in Park Circle can also be a lot of fun.

the late 1800s of a community where residential, commercial and greenspace coexist in a walkable area.

But by the mid-1990s, the business district had declined. Former Mayor Keith Summey, who served for almost three decades, thought the area was consuming more revenue than it was bringing in. So he set about bringing the business district back to life. Those plans and funding mechanisms were effective, Johnson said.

Summey, once involved with a Park Circle restaurant, didn’t run in the last election and stepped down in January 2024 to make way for new mayor Reggie Burgess, the city’s former police chief, first Black mayor and a North Charleston native.

Thriving local restaurants, businesses

James Hartzog is the general manager at Madra Rua, an Irish pub on East Montague Avenue that has an array of cozy restaurants and bars.

He said the area was much quieter when the pub opened in 2003. But people involved with Madra Rua knew it would grow — investment by the city of North Charleston helped that happen — and current growth has exceeded expectations. For example, about 300 people attended the city’s 2003 St. Patrick’s Day parade on East Montague, he said. Now, the parade and block party routinely draw about 12,000 visitors.

Corrie Wang and her husband opened Jackrabbit Filly on Spruill Avenue in 2019 to serveNew Chinese-American cuisine. Later, they opened King BBQ on Rivers Avenue.

She said she and her husband found the space for their restaurant in Park Circle close to their home. The area is “lovely and quiet but not pretentious, and it attracts a good mix of everybody,” she said.

The Station Park Circle, a vintage marketplace on Spruill Avenue, opened in 2018. Owner Sharon Payer said the business has grown, and in July 2023, it expanded to adjacent space. Payer said she values sustainability, and 95% of the merchandise in her store is vintage or handmade. That’s consistent with Park Circle, she said. “I feel like it fits with the style of this community and its diversity.”

She also said more retail businesses continue to open in Park Circle, along with restaurants, breweries and other businesses. She loves to see the growth as long as the businesses are community oriented, she said. “It’s great to be part of it.”

Something for everyone

Johnson said Park Circle is a great place for regional visitors and tourists, too. He recommends people from out of town find lodging in North Charleston, where it is less expensive. After spending a day wandering around Park Circle, they are in a central location from which they can explore Charleston and the rest of the region. Another advantage of the area: Park Circle has a lot to offer people who want to spend time outdoors. The center of the large traffic circle — a roundabout where Montague, Buist, Rhett and Durant avenues meet — contains a community center, ball field and the new and wildly popular inclusive playground where people of all ages and abilities can have fun. City leaders say it is the largest of its kind in the world. Disc golf enthusiasts also enjoy the sport on a free course on the outer edge of the circle. People can also participate in events, walk the greenspace and take in the views at nearby Waterfront Park or visit the ducks in the pond at Quarterman Park. Whether you come to play during the day or to enjoy the food, drink and nightlife, Park Circle has something for everyone. Park Circle

Summerville offers friendly, inviting place to live

Summerville — less than 30 miles from downtown Charleston and 16 miles from Charleston International Airport — is growing rapidly like much of the tri-county region. Its suburban lifestyle, good schools and relative safety are attracting all sorts of people who grew up here and who are new. Nearly 211,000 residents now live in the Summerville/Ladson area. And more are coming every day.

But wandering around downtown Summerville, with its historic buildings and Hutchinson Square, it’s easy to think you’ve gone back to a quieter, simpler and friendlier time. The town, known since the early 1900s as “Flowertown in the Pines” for its early spring azaleas and other flowers, celebrated its 175th anniversary in December 2022.

Former Town Councilman Terry Jenkins grew up in Summerville in the 1950s. After traveling extensively and internationally for his job, he moved back to the historic district in the 1990s and served several stints on the town’s council until this month.

He loves living downtown, which is friendly, walkable and offers a lot to see and do. He suggests people visiting the area walk around Hutchinson Square and the

three blocks around it.

“That will give you a great day,” he said.

Around Hutchinson Square

The historic square was renovated in 2019. The redesigned square includes a fountain, benches, new trees and greenspace, as well as an amphitheater for live events. Nearby, visitors will find historic and significant buildings including:

Town Hall was first built on the site at 200 South Main St. in 1892. That building was damaged by a storm, and a new building was erected in 1969.

Timrod Library was dedicated in 1915 at 217 Central Ave.

Guerin’s Pharmacy at 104 South Main St. was originally built during the Civil War. It is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in South Carolina.

You will also find an interactive tour map from the Summerville Visitor Center that will help you navigate your way around downtown.

Rebecca Ryan Collett, owner of Collett

Summerville

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Media, grew up in Summerville and recently moved back with her husband, three children and dog. She said the thing she likes best about the town is the people.

“There is something so genuine and caring about the people here,” she observed.

Among the things she recommends for visitors is the Sweet Tea Trail — one of the many fun things to do and see in downtown Summerville, reputed to be the birthplace of sweet tea. You can even see Mason, the world’s largest sweet tea jar, next to Town Hall. Mason stands 15 feet tall and holds 2,524 gallons of sweet tea.

She also likes taking her boys to Hutchinson Square for special events.

Lots of shopping, eating

Shari Stauch, owner of Main Street Reads, said the new amphitheater on Hutchinson Square is a great place for people to gather.

“It’s a throwback town,” she said. “It’s like a European square.”

She said she loves Summerville and decided to open her bookstore at 115 South Main St. in 2019. It is the kind of place that can support an independent bookstore, she said.

The store is also a place for author events as well as book groups and events for children. A lot of people who attend events are from other places and are hoping to meet new people, she said.

There are many interesting stores in town now, Stauch said. And there are cul-

tural art, theater and music events as well. With all the touring and shopping, people can work up an appetite, and there’s no shortage of restaurants in downtown Summerville.

Scott MacLellan, former manager at Laura, an Italian restaurant owned by Charleston chef Nico Romo, said Summerville is growing and along with that came a need for more fine-dining options. Laura, which was named after Romo’s grandmother, opened in June 2022, and customers welcomed it with open arms, he said. Locals dine there as well as visitors who have traveled the world, he said, and everybody loves it.

And everyone working at Laura wants the restaurant to be part of the community, he said. It supports other local businesses, purchasing olive oil and other items from local vendors.

Jenkins said downtown Summerville, and its historic square “are the envy of everyone in the state.” Summerville has grown a lot since he was growing up, he said. Back then, the town’s population was about 2,800. When he moved back in the 1990s, it had grown to 15,000. Today, about 53,000 people call the town home. He said he thinks town leaders have solid plans to manage growth. That includes expanding downtown in ways that are consistent with what’s already there and promote walkability.

“Summerville has had a glorious past, but the past is not the future,” Jenkins said. “Nothing stays the same. You either grow or you die.”