Three weeks ago, I walked into IHOP for a quick breakfast. As I walked through the door, I was pleasantly surprised to see Constance Flemming and her daughter, Ebony Bowers, about to leave. Quick hugs and greetings ensued, and I soon sat down to order my meal. Suddenly, it dawned on me as my brain finally caught up that I had forgotten for a moment that Ebony was in the process of fighting stage 4 cancer. When I glanced up, they were already gone. Ebony looked amazing. Her radiant smile and friendly demeanor did not convey the battle she was fighting.
Last Saturday, I was at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home paying my respects to Ebony and her family. Ebony was Dr. Ebony Flemming Bowers and was always passionate about the “kids.” Not only her own two beautiful daughters, but all kids. She and her mom run the Miss Lexington scholarship pageant, and she was the executive director of KEYS (Keeping Every Youth Safe) afterschool program.
Words left my mind, and all I could do was give Miss Constance a big, lingering bear hug. The two of them were often a pair and while the mother-daughter dynamic was still present, their loving friendship always stood out to me. My condolences to her entire network of family and friends. In an edition of Lexington Life that highlights the Best of Lexington, Ebony Bowers embodied all that makes Lexington such a special place to live, worship, work, and play.
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2026 Best of Lexington competition. Thanks to all the voters for taking time to vote for their favorites. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. Squeeze those you love and tell them how you feel. Life is fleeting and not always fair. May God bless you and yours. Thanks for reading.
Todd Shevchik
CALENDAR OFevents
FEBRUARY
Thursday, February 5 –
Sunday, February 8
Royal Hanneford Shrine Circus
The Jamil Temple | 206 Jamil Rd. | Columbia
Enjoy the circus at The Jamil Temple. All proceeds support their operations. For tickets visit shrineservices.com.
Saturday, February 7
6th Annual Mother-Son Dance
Lexington United Methodist Church
309 East Main St. | Lexington | 6 pm
Put on your dancing shoes, enjoy great music, and celebrate the special bond between moms and sons. All proceeds will benefit Soccer Superheroes, a soccer league for children with special needs. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets.
Tuesday, February 10
Game On: Mahjong
Lexington County Library | 5440 Augusta Rd. Lexington | 6 pm
Learn the basics of Mahjong, all skill levels welcome. The program begins with 30 minutes of instruction, followed by an hour of play. For more information visit lexcolibrary.com.
Friday, February 13
Night to Shine Midlands
Mt. Horeb Church |1205 Old Cherokee Rd. Lexington | 6 pm – 9 pm
Don’t miss this unforgettable worldwide celebration event, honoring and valuing people with special needs. Walk the red carpet, enjoy the royal treatment, and dance the night away. For more information visit nighttoshin-
emidlands.org.
Saturday, February 14
The Lake Murray Polar Plunge Lake Murray Dam | Hwy 6 at Corley Mill Rd. Lexington | 10 am
This event is part of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign and 100% of the funds raised benefit Special Olympics programs. For more information visit so-sc.org/event/lake-murray.
Sunday, February 15
2026 Lexington Chili Cookoff Icehouse Amphitheater | 107 West Main St. Lexington | 12 pm – 5 pm
Presented by the Old Mill Brewpub and the Lexington County Blowfish, sample outstanding chili, vote for your favorite, and raise money for the Town of Lexington Police Foundation and other Lexington County charitable organizations. For information and tickets visit goblowfishbaseball.com.
Saturday, February 21
Shuckin’ on the Shoals Oyster Roast
Saluda Shoals Park 5605 Bush River Rd. | Columbia 5 pm – 8 pm
This annual fundraiser includes all-you-can-eat oysters and steamed shrimp, delicious sides, craft beer and wine, live music, raffles, and prize drawings. For tickets visit icrc.net.
Friday, February 27
Strings and Stories: A Nashville Songwriter’s Night Harbison Theatre 7300 College St.
Irmo | 7:30 pm
Join four of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters—Rob Crosby, James Dean Hicks, Chuck Cannon, and Jon Michaels—together for one incredible night on stage. For more information visit harbisontheatre.org.
Saturday, February 28
Battle at Bull Street
Segra Park | 1640 Freed St. | Columbia
The Columbia Fireflies host this baseball clash between Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. For more information and tickets visit columbiafireflies.com. n
faithMATTERS
CHRIS MORGAN
High School Coordinator
Mt. Horeb Church
Love. One of the most powerful words in the human language. The weight that the word love carries is almost incomparable. The history of the word love is incredibly rich. Think about it: Romeo and Juliet, Titanic, Love and Basketball, The Notebook - you get the idea. Love is a universal word because no matter what language you speak, your ethnicity, or your socioeconomic status, you know the word love.
For me, love has become an evolving word. I thought I knew love when my mom surprised me on Christmas with my first bike. I thought I knew love when I got my first girlfriend (I was in the fourth grade, and we dated for about 10–12 hours). I thought I knew love when I went on my first date with my wife, which led me to propose about a year later. I thought I knew love when my wife walked down the aisle toward me. To this day, I still daydream about our wedding. I thought I knew love when I found out we were having our son, then our daughter, and now we are expecting a third in July.
Love is so powerful and so rich that I don’t think humanity will ever be able to fully comprehend its true meaning. Love knows no bounds. It can penetrate the hardest of hearts and make them warm again. Love can make time feel irrelevant. It is one of the few things that every human in the world longs to experience.
There is a saying used often today: “love is love.” To be honest, I could not disagree more with this statement. “Love is love” devalues the impact and the weight the word holds. Love is life- changing. Love is life-giving. Love is the most powerful word, with the deepest history in all of human language. Love is sacrifice. Love is a choice. Love is submission. And most importantly, love is a person. Love is Jesus, who willingly sacrificed His body to save the entire world. It is quite literally the greatest love story ever told. My hope for you this month is that the words of St. Augustine will resonate with you: “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”
Let this be a month where love is on display. Not with material things but with action and kindness. n
1205 Old Cherokee Road, Lexington, SC Traditional and Contemporary: 9 am and 10:45 am mthorebchurch.org
LEXINGTON
by Abigail Harris
leader
Bryce Myers
Lexington County resident, Bryce Myers, graduated from Francis Marion University in 1997 and earned his Master of Arts in Teaching – Business Education from Winthrop University. He has been at Lexington Technology Center (LTC) since 1999, holding various roles, including teacher, assistant administrator, assistant director, and, currently, director of Career and Technical Education (CTE). During his time at LTC, Myers has been the South Carolina DECA-Marketing Teacher of the Year, South Carolina Golf Coach of the Year, Region IV Golf Coach of the Year, SCASA-CTEA CTE Director of the Year, and SCACTE Administrator of the Year.
rotate through the golf program, and Myers lost his desire for golf. “I think that was God’s way of redirecting me to what He wanted me to do all along, which was education and serving others,” said Myers.
“After graduating, I enrolled at Winthrop for my master’s in education. My first job out of college was at Mount Pleasant High School in North Carolina. That job helped influence me as a teacher and administrator. Then I moved closer to home in Columbia and have been in Lexington ever since. It has been a blessing.”
Club of Lexington, where their motto is Service Above Self. He is also a member of First Baptist Church of Lexington and volunteers with the youth and sings in the choir. He has served on numerous mission trips to Jamaica School of the Deaf and Alaska Church Renovations and in local organizations such as the Newberry Boys’ Home, Chris Myers Children’s Home, and Mission Lexington.
In sharing career stand outs, Myers said, “Two students that will always stick out to me: Nate Morgan and Thomas Caughman. Nate is incredible. He was and is one of the hardest-working young men I’ve ever met. He is kind, caring, and an encourager. We all need more people like Nate Morgan in our lives. He continues to encourage me today. The other was Thomas Caughman. I had the pleasure of teaching him. He made everyone laugh. He had a big smile and was always willing to help. I think most people know his story. He went to serve after 9-11 and was killed in action. Every time I walk by room 317, my old classroom where I taught Thomas, I think of him. He was the epitome of Service Above Self.”
Myers is passionate about CTE at Lexington Technology Center, stating that the program is available for all students, not just those who are not college-bound. The individualized experiences students gain and the personal challenges they face in the program are extremely beneficial, and even vital to their success after graduation. Every student will enter the workforce at some point after high school, and whether they are joining the workforce right out of high school or attending college, the knowledge, skills, and experience they gain from CTE courses will give them a competitive advantage.
Before becoming an educator, Myers’ original plan was to become a professional golfer and manage a golf club. Since his parents were both teachers, he had sworn off entering that field. However, during his time at Francis Mar ion, he had multiple coaches
Myers and his wife, Carlee, have four children: Brayden, a senior at Clemson; McKenna, a senior at Lexington High School; Carson, a freshman at Lexington High School; and Reeves, a 5th grader at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. Outside of his time at LTC, Myers is very involved in the community where he serves as the Chair of the Educational Committee with the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Rotary
Myers said, “The power of positivity is real, and the crippling effect of negativity is equally as real.” He believes that to find true joy, you should invest in others, encour-
Love Conquers All at Wingard Towing Service
by Marilyn Thomas • photos by JH Photography
In general, it is rare to find a business still operating over 50 years and across three generations,” said Greg Wingard of Wingard Towing Service. This family-owned legacy is currently overseen by husband-and-wife team, Greg and Anna, and they, along with their dedicated staff, all work together to provide first-rate vehicle assistance to the greater Midlands community.
When mutual friends invited Lexington natives, Anna and Greg, to a party, so they could meet each other, those matchmaking skills were spot on. A best-case scenario evolved from that introduction as a serious relationship developed that eventually led to marriage, a growing family, and a successful business venture together.
In those early days, Greg and Anna were pursuing their own unique career goals. As a speech and language pathologist, Anna specialized in voice, cognitive, and swallowing disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease, while Greg was overseeing the operations “
of Wingard Towing Services, a familyowned enterprise, after receiving a degree in Human Resources Management from the University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business.
In fact, Greg grew up riding in a tow truck with his dad, Dean, since the company was started in 1972 by his grandfather, Sam Wingard. In 2002, just one month after Greg graduated from college, he became the third-generation owner of Wingard Towing Services, alongside his mother Patricia, when his father passed away unexpectedly. After Greg’s mother lost her life to cancer in 2020, Anna decided to join the company full-time by stepping into the role of business operations manager. “Clearly,” she said, “I had no background in business management, human resources, or accounting, but I seemed to have figured it out!”
“Greg never pressured me to join the business,” she added. “Wingard Towing Service was a family business from the beginning, so it was only natural for me to join my husband’s business when Greg’s mom passed away.”
When people speculate about the challenges of working with one’s spouse in
the same company, “We see it differently,” Anna said. “We got married because we like to be around each other, and have the same goals, so working together is easy, really. We were already on the same team at home, so now we are on the same work team, too.”
“Most business decisions are a joint effort,” Anna continued. “We collaborate well together because we trust and respect each other, and we value the different strengths we bring to the business.”
To build her knowledge about towing, Anna joined the Towing & Recovery Association of South Carolina (TRASC) organization, a non-profit group that promotes and protects the welfare of the industry. During her tenure with TRASC, Anna has risen through the ranks from regional board member to vice president and is now serving as the current president.
“My involvement with this association grew as I realized that if I wanted to make changes in our own business, statewide changes to the entire towing industry were necessary,” she said.
Named “Woman of Towing” by Tow Times Magazine in 2021, Anna has also collaborated with statewide government agencies to share how the towing industry assists emergency responders in safely and efficiently clearing public roadways.
In this role, they are vital to the emergency response team, she said, “as we are the last piece to the puzzle once fire, EMS, and police are finished with their jobs.”
While Anna handles business-related responsibilities behind the scenes (like billing, accounting, and human resources), Greg said, “I am very hands-on, so do not be surprised if it is me who shows up to tow your car.” When he is not behind the
wheel, he can be found in the shop repairing or maintaining the company’s equipment or manning the phones and dispatching tow trucks to assist customers in need.
“Towing is largely about problem solving,” Greg explained, and his technical expertise stems from the countless onthe-job calls he has handled during his several decades in the field. Additionally, he holds a commercial driver’s license, has completed the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s Towing and Incident Management Training Course, is WreckMaster Level 4/5 certified, and has earned the American Towing and Recovery Institute’s Fire/Tow/Rescue accreditation.
Wingard Towing Service offers standard light- to medium-duty towing and hauling, equipment transport, and roadside services, and the company boasts of having several long-term staff members. “Our tow truck operators are truly experts at their job,” Greg said. “We focus on capitalizing on everyone’s strengths so that together we make a great team. Our goal is to minimize the inconveniences of being towed, getting you back to what matters most to you in life as soon as possible.”
The company’s headquarters are located in the city limits of West Columbia, but the business has satellite locations in Lexington and Chapin. Although most of their customers are within the greater Midlands area, they occasionally are called to cross state borders to extend their assistance.
The company’s online presence can be found on Facebook and on its website at wingardtowing.com. “Go ahead and save our number in your phone: 803796-1467,” Anna said. “When you get in a wreck, tell the police to call Wingard Towing Service for you on your behalf, or just call us directly. You can call us if you have a breakdown, too.”
“Our last name is the first word of our business name,” Greg said. “We want our neighbors and other business owners in the Midlands to associate ‘Wingard’ every time they need a tow. Even though we hope no one ever is in an unfortunate situation where they would need a tow, try us once, and we believe you will be a customer for life.”
As for the company’s future, Anna and Greg are the proud parents of three daughters, and “Our goal is to continue running our business so well that we will have a strong foundation for the fourth generation to take over Wingard Towing Service,” Anna said. n
by Abigail Harris
Poised Medical, Wellness & Beauty Spa
Services include:
Injectables (Botulinum & dermal fillers)
Photofacial Treatments
Hyperpigmentation Treatments
Hollywood Peal
Laser Hair Removal
Acne Treatments
Tattoo Removal
Vascular Lesions
Rosacea Treatments
Facials and Skin Care
RF Microneedling
Chemical Peels
PDO threads
GLP1s/GIPs Weight Loss
Poised Medical, Wellness & Beauty Spa is a family-owned business dedicated to providing quality, safe, and effective medical aesthetic and wellness services to Lexington and the surrounding communities. Owned by Lexington local Kimberly Oliger, APRN, FNP-C, the spa offers a wide range of advanced medical cosmetic procedures using the newest, superior aesthetic equipment and products.
the team full-time upon graduation. This family team brings warmth, laughter, and genuine care to the spa environment.
Oliger brings over 40 years of healthcare experience to her role. Her background includes medical-surgical nursing, home health, hospice, surgery, post-anesthesia care, quality assurance, performance improvement, risk management, family medicine, preventative medicine, urgent care, and medical aesthetics. Her passion for aesthetics was inspired by personal experience and an appreciation for how thoughtful care can positively impact confidence and overall well-being. That passion continues to guide her work and commitment to help others achieve their goals so they can feel confident, energized, and poised.
Poised Medical has a close-knit, familycentered atmosphere. Oliger’s daughter Jessica Hughes serves as Office Manager, while her other daughters, Debra Olson and Olivia Segars, assist with operations and client care. Her niece, Kaylyn Short, volunteers part-time as a receptionist, is attending esthetician school, and will join
Oliger is especially committed to helping clients reach their weight-loss goals to improve their health and quality of life. After an accident left her unable to walk for over five months, she gained weight herself and understands the challenges that come with it. This personal experience helps her care for clients with empathy and understanding. At Poised, the focus is on safety, quality, and personalized care. The team’s mission is to offer effective medical aesthetics and beauty services while truly listening to each client’s goals. They want to help every client feel confident in their wellness journey.
Oliger shared, “My biggest inspiration is Jesus Christ. As a member of Mt. Horeb Church, I strive to walk with gratitude through both blessings and storms that he has carried me through.” ‘And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’ Colossians 3:17 - KJV.” Oliger finds purpose in serving others, knowing that the confidence her clients gain often spreads positivity to those around them.
Poised Medical, Wellness & Beauty Spa is grateful for the community’s ongoing support and remains dedicated to serving Lexington and its neighbors with care. The team strives to be a trusted, positive presence and help people look and feel their best. n
JILL SMITH & ASSOCIATES
COUNSELING
426 S Lake Drive, Lexington jsacounseling.com * 803-814-5559
MENTAL HEALTH CHECKUP
Shame on You, Shame
Shame is one of those emotions that we all experience, but nobody really likes to talk about. It’s that uncomfortable feeling that creeps up on you when you’ve done something embarrassing or when you’re caught in a moment that doesn’t reflect your true self. It’s like a heavy cloud that follows you around, whispering all the worst things you think about yourself.
We all have our share of cringe-worthy moments. Maybe it was that time you stumbled over your words during a presentation, or maybe you sent a personal text to the wrong person that left you red-faced. Maybe it’s something much more serious. A job lost, a law broken, a public scene made. In those moments, shame can feel overwhelming, almost suffocating. It can make you want to crawl into a hole and disappear.
Shame shines a light on core beliefs: I am bad. I am not worthy. I am a loser.
Your next step should be this: Engage your wise mind, your frontal lobe, which knows these beliefs are not true. Use the power of your thinking brain (vs. the emotion brain) to challenge that core belief. Ask yourself: “Where did this come from, and when? Why?” Understand that, accept it. And then, replace that thought with a real, true self message: “I am a good person. I am worthy. I am moving forward in life, and I am proud of myself.” n
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How frequently should I schedule a cleaning for my home?
We recommend having your home cleaned twice a year to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris—typically once in the spring and once in early fall.
What is soft washing?
Soft washing is a gentle exterior cleaning method that employs lowpressure water combined with a biodegradable cleaning solution (including bleach, surfactants, and water) to effectively kill and remove organic stains, mold, mildew, and algae from delicate surfaces.
What is pressure washing?
Pressure washing (or power washing) utilizes a high-pressure stream of water, often supplemented with detergents, to remove dirt, grime, mold, loose paint, and other buildup from outdoor surfaces such as driveways, decks, siding, and patios.
When should I schedule a house cleaning?
It is advisable to schedule a cleaning when you notice an accumulation of dirt and debris on your home and driveway. What chemicals do we use to remove grime from your home?
We utilize a sodium hypochlorite solution combined with a surfactant (soap). This mixture is carefully diluted using a chemical injector, which ensures the appropriate concentration while preventing any damage to flower or plant life.
What is surface cleaning?
Surface cleaning refers to the use of a specialized, rotating attachment known as a surface cleaner in conjunction with a pressure washer. This method efficiently cleans large, flat surfaces such as driveways, patios, and sidewalks, resulting in a streak-free finish.
Not Your Average Joe’s employs professional and commercial-grade equipment to ensure the highest quality results. You can see our cleaning rig below.
“Great appointment availability, low wait times, and some of the most caring and informed staff I’ve met. My four littles never have to dread a doctor’s visit!”
2026 Best of Lexington Life Winners
Best Accounting Firm
Dooley & Company
Best Aesthetic Practice
Cardinal Wellness and Aesthetics
Best Aesthetic Spa
Enhance Image Med Spa
Best Afterschool Program
Empire Gymnastics
Best Allergy/ENT Practice
Palmetto ENT & Allergy
Best Ambulance Service (Private)
First Priority Medical Transport
Best Apartment Complex
Langley Pointe Apartments
Best Art Classes Lexington Paint & Pour
Best Assisted Living Facility Oakleaf Village of Lexington
Best Attorney Amy Cofield Law
Best Attorney: Criminal Defense Kinard Law Group
Best Attorney: Elder Law McCutchen McLean
Best Attorney: Family Law The Farley Law Firm
Best Attorney: Litigation Morgan, Slaughter, & Hatliwanger
Best Attorney: Personal Injury Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr.
Best Attorney: Probate/Estate Amy Cofield Law
Best Attorney: Real Estate The Templeton Law Firm
Best Attorney: Workers Comp Salley Law Firm
Best Auto Body Shop Ellison Collision & Customs
Best Auto Performance Shop CarStar Lexington Collision
Best Auto Repair Shop: Domestic Old School Automotive & Tire
Best Auto Repair Shop: Foreign Christian Brothers Automotive
Best Auto Service Dealership
Peter Boulware Toyota
Best Bank First Community Bank
Best Bar with Live Music O’Hara’s Public House
Best Barber Shop RockStar Barber Shop
Best Bath/Kitchen Fixtures
Bath & Bronze
Best BBQ Hudson’s Smokehouse
Best Breakfast Creekside Restaurant
Best Burger Rush’s
Best Car Wash Take 5 Car Wash
Best Carpet Store Floor Boys
Best Catering Company Maurice’s Event Catering
Best Charter School Odyssey Online Learning
Best Chiropractor Old Mill Chiropractic
Best Coffee Shop Krafty Koffee
Best Coin or Collectible Dealer Gilbert Coin & Collectible
Best Columbia Attraction Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Best Commercial Contractor Carolina Gold Construction
Best Concierge Medicine SC My Care
Best Consignment Shop Magnolia Resale
Best Counseling/Therapy Jill Smith & Associates
Best CPA Deese & Company
Best Credit Union: Banking Palmetto Citizens
Best Credit Union: Loans
SC State Credit Union
Best Custom Home Builder
Tytan Homes
Best Dance Company
Stepping Out Dance Studio
Best Day Spa Girl Find Your Glow
Best Daycare
Learn 2 Grow
Best Dentist: Adult
Southern Shores Dental
Best Dentist: Cosmetic
Southern Shores Dental
Best Dentist: Kids Midlands Pediatric Dentistry
Best Dermatologist
Columbia Skin Clinic
Best Dessert O’Hara’s Bakery Café
Best Discount Store Costless Outlet
Best Dog Friendly Restaurant/Bar Old Mill Brewpub
Best Dry Cleaner Zebra Cleaners
Best Electrician
Cassell Brothers
Best Employee Benefits
Beckett Financial Group
Best Engineering Firm
Mead & Hunt
Best Esthetician Gillian Pavan, Orion Skin Studio
Best Event Venue Icehouse Amphitheatre
Best Exterminator Pest Management Systems
Best Family Entertainment Odom’s Mobile Petting Zoo
Best Family Practice Lexington Family Practice
Best Fence Company Kyzer Custom Fences
Best Fine Dining Private Property
Best Fitness Center HOTWORX
Best Florist Lexington Florist
Best Furniture Store Scott’s Furniture Company
Best Garden Center Wingard’s Market
Best Gastroenterologist Carolina Colonoscopy Center
Best Glass Store
Absolute Glass
Best Golf Course Golden Hills Golf & Country Club
Thomas and Jayne Falk Franchise Owners
Best Group Fitness Studio
Club Pilates Lexington
Best Gun & Ammunition Store
JCs Outdoors
Best Gym Planet Fitness
Best Hair Salon: Adults
Palmetto Roots Salon
Best Hair Salon: Kids
Snip-its Haircuts for Kids
Best Hairstylist
Angie Williams, Palmetto Roots Salon
Best Handyman Service
Dean & Done
Best Happy Hour
Barrio Tacos
Best Hardscaping/Lighting Services
Elite Lawn & Landscape
Best Healthy Eating Restaurant
Momma Rabbit’s Nibbles & Sips
Best Hearing Healthcare Lake Murray Hearing
Best Heart Doctor
Dr. Garrison Morgan, MUSC
Best Heating & Air Company
Palmetto Air Conditioning
Best Home Accessories
Ivy House Antique Mall
Best Home Builder Mungo Homes
Best Home Furnishings
Marty Rae’s of Lexington
Best Home Health
Assisting Hands Home Care
Best Hospice Care Agape Care SC
Best Hospital System Lexington Health
Best Ice Cream Shop Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Insurance Agency Hal Girard State Farm Ins.
Best Insurance Agent
Brent Herring, Herring Ins.
Best Insurance: Auto Farm Bureau Insurance
Best Insurance: Health
Jeff Howle, Health Markets Ins.
Best Insurance: Home Owner’s Misty Stathos, State Farm Ins.
Best Insurance: Life
Brad Tyner, Mutual of Omaha
Best Interior Design
Mason Alexander Interiors
Best Internal Medicine
Mid Carolina Internal Medicine
Best Internet Service Provider
Carolina Connect
Best Investment Firm
CMC Wealth Management
Best Jewelry Store
The Chapman Company
Best Karate/Martial Arts Studio
Vitali Family Karate
Best Kid Friendly Restaurant
Flight Deck Restaurant
Best Landscaping Company First Priority Landscaping
Best Landscaping Supply South Ground Supply Co.
Best Learning Center Mathnasium
Best Manufactured Housing Co. Lexington Discount Homes
Best Margarita Brothers & Beer
Best Marina Southshore Marina
Best Massage
Soothing Sessions Massage
Best Mattress Store
Best Mattress
Best Meat Store Old Timey Meat Market
Best Medical Imaging Palmetto Imaging
Best Medical Spa
Cardinal Wellness and Aesthetics
Best Men’s Clothing Store
Craig Reagin Clothiers
Best Men’s Health Practice
Alpha Male Men’s Clinic
Best Microbrewery Hazelwood Brewing Co.
Best Milkshake Cook Out
Best Mobile Car Detailer Fenters Auto Detailing
Best Mortgage Company Guild Mortgage
Best Mosquito Treatment Mosquito Joe of Lake Murray
Best Moving Company Gamecock Moving
Best Music School Lexington School of Music
Best Ob/Gyn Lexington Women’s Care
Best Oil Change Christian Brothers Automotive
Best Ophthalmology Practice Columbia Eye Clinic
Best Optometry Practice Eye Associates of Lexington
Best Organic Products 14 Carrot Whole Foods
Best Orthodontist The Braces Place
Best Orthopedic Practice Midlands Orthopaedics
Best Outdoor Furniture
Carolina Pottery
Best Outdoor Equipment
A-Z Outdoor Equipment
Best Painter
M&A Perfectionist Painters
Best Patio Dining Old Mill Brewpub
Best Patio/Sunroom Installers Carolina Sunrooms
Best Pediatric Practice
SouthernMED Pediatrics
Best Periodontist/Endodontist
Southern Roots Periodontics
Best Pet Groomer
Sutton’s Southern Pet Retreat
Best Pet Hospital
Grace Animal Hospital
Best Pet Kennel/Boarder
Sutton’s Southern Pet Retreat
Best Pet Sitting/Training
The Leash Connection
Best Pet Supply Store
Lazy Creek Pet Food Center
Best Pharmacy
Medicine Mart Pharmacy
Best Photographer
Lola Dee Photography
Best Physical Therapy Practice
Forged Physical Therapy
Best Pilates/Yoga Instruction WRKT
Best Pizza Bellis House of Pizza
Best Place for Date Night Bodhi Thai Dining
Best Place for Girl’s Night Out TakoSushi
Best Place to Buy a Boat Captain’s Choice Marine
Best Place to Buy a Car: New Herndon Chevrolet
Best Place to Buy a Car: Used Golden Motors
Best Place to Buy a Pool S&S Pools
Best Place to Buy an RV Camping World
Best Place to Buy Eyeglasses My Pharmacy & Optical
Best Place to Buy Hardwood Floors Floor Boys
Best Place to Buy Paint Sherwin-Williams
Best Place to Buy Propane Palmetto Propane, Fuels, & Ice
Best Place to Buy Tires Old School Automotive & Tire
Best Place to Buy Windows Central Glass
Best Place to Get Botox
Glo Skin Bar & Medical Spa
Best Place to Sell Gold
Gilbert Coin & Collectible
Best Place to Work Michelin
Best Plumbing Company Delta Plumbing
Best Pressure Washing Co. Not Your Average Joe’s
Best Private School Northside Christian Academy
Best Produce Four Oaks Farm Country Store
Best Property Management Company Southern Dreams Realty
Best Real Estate Agency: Commercial Trinity Partners
Best Real Estate Agency: Residential RE/MAX Purpose Driven
Best Real Estate Agent: Commercial Angela Cash, Southern Visions
Best Real Estate Agent: Residential April Stroud, Century 21 803 Realty
Best Residential Contractor BLB Homes
Best Ribs Carolina Wings & Rib House
Best Roofing Company Vista Roofing
Best Salad Momma Rabbit’s Nibbles & Sips
Best Sandwich Shop Cribb’s Sandwich & Sweet Shop
Best Seafood Restaurant Catch Seafood
Best Self-Storage Facility Gilbert Self Storage
Best Senior Home Care McLeod Home Care
Best Senior Living Community Wellmore of Lexington
Best Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center NHC HealthCare
Best Smoothie Tropical Smoothie Café
Best Southern Cooking Lizard’s Thicket
Best Steak Private Property
Best Sushi Ganbei Japanese
Best Sweet Tea Lizard’s Thicket
Best Tacos Barrio Tacos
Best Temporary Employment Service Snelling Staffing
Best Towing Service Wingard Towing Service
Best Tree Removal
Boozer’s Tree Service
Best Unique Gift Shop
Blush Boutique & Home
Best Urgent Care
Veritas Urgent Care
Best Veterinarian Practice
Grace Animal Hospital
Best Wait Staff
Libby’s of Lexington
Best Wedding Venue
Southern Oaks
Best Weight Loss Program
Collaborative Healthcare
Best Wigs/Hair Pieces
Merle Norman Chapin
Best Window Tinting
Palmetto Pro Tint
Best Wings Wings & Ale of Lexington
Best Women’s Clothing Store Tulip Boutique
Best Write In Hot Rod’s Upholstery
BUSINESSspotlight
by Chesson Merritt
TYTAN HOMES
With over two decades of home building experience under his belt, 19 of which have been with his own company, Todd Watson has been bringing custom home plans to life for residents throughout Lexington County.
“I started working with a production builder in 2003,” said Watson. “The business belonged to a friend of mine from church, and I switched jobs to work for him and get into the building industry. I really enjoyed it and in 2007, I decided that I was ready to go out on my own. Instead of doing production building, I wanted to build custom homes.”
Tytan Homes, Watson’s company, is a family-owned and operated business. Watson welcomed his son, Tanner Watson, into the business almost three years ago in April 2023. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and went to work for another production builder before later joining Tytan Homes with his father.
Tytan Homes specializes in custom home building. Occasionally, they will do some larger-scale additions and some remodeling, but the heart of the company is building custom homes from the ground up. The company builds in Lexington County, mainly in the Lexington, Gilbert, Batesburg-Leesville, and Prosperity areas of the community.
“We’re mainly into building custom homes,” said Watson. “Our ideal client is somebody with land who wants to build, and who has some plans in mind for what they want built.”
Clients that have plans averaging right around 2,500 square feet fit just right into Tytan Homes’ wheelhouse of expertise.
“We build them all though,” said Watson. “We build smaller 1,000 square foot homes
and up to 4,000-5,000 square feet. The average is right there in the middle, right around 2,000 to 2,500 square feet.”
Beyond size and structure, Watson says it’s the personal design choices that often make each project memorable.
“I love when people want to have custom tile showers or a bathroom that they trick out,” said Watson. “Or even when clients do something fun in the kitchen with cabinetry, appliances, or designs. Those are my favorite design elements. We smile at them when we’re done because we’ve pulled it off.”
For Watson, the building experience is just as important as the finished product, and he takes pride in guiding clients through every stage of the journey.
“Of course, any time we finish a project, and they move in, and they’re happy, that’s the best feeling,” shared Watson. “But I really like it when we get started with a new project as well. The joy that they have when the house starts to go up—the client loves seeing their dream house begin to take shape.”
Tytan Homes is responsible for building over 150 custom homes in the Lexington community. They have also built a strong reputation for being reliable, trustworthy builders along the way and have developed lasting relationships with their clients.
“We are Christians, we have integrity, and we are mindful of managing people’s money. We try to have a great relationship with each client during the build process, and even afterwards. When we complete the home, we’re still friends and not scared to see them in public or wherever we go. I like to be able to stand in front of them at the end to make sure they are happy with their home. We really care about our customers.” n
Letters for Rose
Bringing Connection and Care to Lexington’s Seniors
Loneliness can be a significant challenge for older adults, particularly those residing in special care facilities. A group of motivated students from River Bluff High School is working to ensure that no one feels forgotten. Through handwritten letters and drawings, the Lexington chapter of Letters for Rose works to bring joy and encouragement to the senior adult community in Lexington, SC.
Letters for Rose is an international organization of student volunteers dedicated to combating loneliness in nursing homes. In Lexington, the Chapter is led by Ileana Castro and Kaitlyn Henry, two senior students who wanted to make a difference in the lives of senior adults. The mission of Letters for Rose began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many seniors were isolated in their nursing homes, away from family and friends.
Throughout their time volunteering at nursing homes and senior facilities in the past and seeing the joy they brought
by Abigail Harris
through simple acts of kindness, both Ileana and Kaitlyn felt called to do more. Kaitlyn, a ballet student, had performed for nursing home residents, during which she saw how their eyes lit up as she danced. Before getting involved with Letters for Rose, Ileana spent time volunteering in nursing homes, distributing letters through another organization, and witnessing the joy that simple notes brought to the residents. Those moments sparked an idea that would one day become a movement in Lexington to bring kindness to the senior community.
“We want to create a strong connection between the senior community in Lexington and other age groups, specifically teens,” said Ileana. “We were inspired by a past River Bluff program that had high school seniors write to senior citizens as pen pals throughout the year. We wanted to expand this idea throughout our school (not just seniors) and continue it for years to come, which is where our Chapter originated. We want to make nursing home residents feel
loved and cared for by not just their families, but their surrounding community.
Together, Kaitlyn and Ileana founded the Lexington Chapter, offering a way to bridge the gap between youth and senior citizens through handwritten cards. Once a month, student volunteers gather to write letters that often focus on upcoming seasons or holidays, filled with messages of encouragement and hope. Then the students deliver the letters in person to local nursing homes, building relationships with the residents. The time and commitment to the Chapter also provide students with a meaningful way to earn community service hours for clubs like Beta Club; however, for most volunteers, the reward extends far beyond earning hours. It is the understanding that a few handwritten words can brighten someone’s day.
In addition to Kaitlyn and Ileana, the chapter consists of a historian, an ambassador, and an outreach coordinator. Together, they coordinate writing sessions, organize
donations, and assist in managing new volunteers who join.
Community involvement is a big part of their effort. The group now offers a Letters for Rose Mailbox at the Lexington County Public Library, where anyone can drop off letters or artwork to be delivered to nursing home residents. Donations of supplies, like paper, markers, or colored pencils, are also welcome.
The students use social media to keep the community connected. Through their Instagram page, @lettersforrose.lexington, fol-
lowers can find updates on meeting times, letter drop-offs, and upcoming delivery days. Those who wish to join can contact the Chapter directly via email at lettersforroselexingtonsc@gmail.com to receive an interest form.
A huge inspiration for the members of the Lexington Chapter of Letters for Rose has been the club sponsor, Mrs. Jennifer Nicholson. “She has dedicated a lot of time and has become a big influence to us and our cause,” said Kaitlyn. “Ms. Nicolson has always shared stories and
The Downing Group
opportunities to continue broadening our influence, and we were even able to write letters to children across the world because of her! Her ideas and support have continued to help our organization have a greater impact,” shared Ileana.
For Kaitlyn and Ileana, the work with Letters for Rose has shaped their view of what it means to serve others. Kaitlyn, who serves as President of River Bluff’s LOCC Club, plans to pursue a medical track in college with hopes of becoming a surgeon. Ileana, who leads the Student Council, the HOSA leadership team, and the Juniorettes, plans to become a dentist. Though their career paths differ, both share a common purpose—to care for others and make a lasting impact.
As the Chapter continues to grow, its goal remains simple: bridge generations through kindness and connection. What started as a small project born out of empathy during the pandemic has become a movement of shared humanity and connection. n
RomanceBeyond Chocolates
Love Meaningful Ways to Celebrate
by Sara Matthews
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all roses, chocolates, and predictable clichés. It’s the perfect excuse to get creative, show your partner you care, and make memories that actually stick. Whether it’s a small gesture or a thoughtfully planned evening, there are plenty of ways to celebrate love that goes beyond the usual sweet treats, and they can be just as meaningful, if not more. The following are just a few examples of new ways that you can celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day.
Share a New Experience
Planning a shared experience or adventure turns Valentine’s Day into a memory you both treasure. Whether it’s a spontaneous day trip, a scenic hike, a cooking class, or trying a new hobby together, the focus is on enjoying something new side by side. These experiences spark conversation, laughter, and connection, creating stories you’ll reminisce about long after the holiday is over. It’s less about the grand gesture and more about the joy of doing something together.
Write a Heartfelt Note
Writing a heartfelt letter or personal note is a timeless way to make your partner feel appreciated. Taking the time to put your thoughts and feelings into words shows intention and care, and it’s something they can revisit again and again. Whether it’s a short, sweet message or a longer, more reflective letter, sharing your genuine emotions can deepen your connection and create a meaningful moment that lasts far beyond Valentine’s Day.
Recreate First Date
Recreating your first date is a playful and sentimental way to celebrate your relationship. It’s a chance to relive the excitement, nerves, and laughter of that early moment while appreciating how far you’ve come together. You don’t need to replicate every detail perfectly. Just capture the spirit of the day, whether it’s visiting the same restaurant, walking in the same park, or revisiting a favorite conversation topic. This little trip down memory lane sparks nostalgia, connection, and plenty of smiles, making Valentine’s Day feel personal and unforgettable.
Have a Movie Marathon
A themed movie marathon is a cozy and fun way to spend Valentine’s Day together, no matter the season. Pick a theme, romantic classics, favorite comedies, or even a series you both love, and set the scene with blankets, pillows, and snacks you enjoy. The shared experience of watching, laughing, and commenting together creates a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that encourages connection and conversation. It’s an easy way to turn a simple night into a memorable celebration of your relationship. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate love in ways that feel meaningful, personal, and fun. Whether you’re sharing a heartfelt note, trying a new adventure together, or revisiting cherished memories, it’s the thought and intention behind your actions that truly matter. By focusing on connection, creativity, and joy, you can make this Valentine’s Day a celebration you and your partner will remember long after the holiday is over. n
The growing popularity of personalized health care
by Erin Bluvas
Life as one long EXPERIMENT
Physicians and individuals have been experimenting with their health for as long as humans have walked the planet. Trial and error have led to the avoidance of toxic plants, faster healing of wounds and other injuries, and the eradication of deadly diseases.
More recent history has seen the application of these lessons learned to improve physical performance in athletic competitions. There are 100,000 self-proclaimed biohackers worldwide, but that number is likely much larger if we move beyond that label to include the growing number of people interested in improving their individual health through testing and tailored treatment protocols.
Wearable devices such as smart rings and watches, at-home tools like blood pressure cuffs, glucose monitors, oximeters, and the good old-fashioned scale all make detailed health information more accessible than ever. Advanced diagnostics can tell us everything from our genetic makeup to our precise bone density and visceral fat stores.
A select group of people might use this information in an attempt to live past the age of 120. Others are looking to optimize their sports performance. And many are just looking to feel better and have their health span match their lifespan – meaning that however long they live, they would like to be and feel as healthy as possible during that time.
This last philosophy has many emerging terms and phrases to describe it: personalized health care, longevity, health span optimization, functional medicine, biohacking, integrative medicine, anti-aging medicine, restorative medicine, cellular medicine, and more. Regardless of the name, the approach is less about “hacking” and more about supporting the existing processes to stay healthy and thrive, according to Kayla Barnes-Lentz, the most publicly measured woman in the world. Barnes-Lentz, who
has removed and restored all of her blood plasma not once but twice, describes the approach as upgrading the environment both externally and internally.
Dr. Peter Attia’s New York Times Best seller, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, describes the approach as being proactive rather than reactive. Historical ly, medicine, and certainly our current health care system, aims to solve problems rather than prevent them from happening in the first place. It has not prioritized looking at the individual as unique and often uses snapshots rather than a range of metrics and long-term data to plan for decades ahead, focusing solely on ending the current acute crisis. Health insurance companies are set up to cover medications once a certain threshold of disease has been met (e.g., insulin once diabetes is diagnosed) but they do not compensate physicians for the conversations they hold to prevent that disease progression in the first place. Further, med ical schools do not typically train clinicians in important pillars of health, such as nu trition, exercise, sleep, mental health, hor mone cycles, and cognitive aging.
But as people live longer, many are clamoring for more than a life free of disease or disability. They want to feel great and thrive – regardless of how many years have passed since their birth certificate was printed. This can be done through improved nutrition and exercise, laboratory testing to look at specific biomarkers, and trying interventions like acupuncture, cold plunges or hypobaric chambers. This is where the professionals can provide guidance and access to personalized care.
Lexington-based concierge medicine clinic SC My Care provides just this sort of health care. It is led by internal medicine physician, and lifelong resident of the Mid-
lands, Christopher Cooper, MD, MPH.
His private concierge practice is a model that may sound out of reach for some, but Dr. Cooper said it actually allows him the flexibility to work around the bureaucracy of health insurance companies to work with partners to lower costs and provide the exact care that patients need – rather than simply what insurance companies will approve.
“There’s a standard of care and traditional medicine, which is what most people see and experience, but there are many more innovative and creative treatments
we can use to provide holistic care,” shared Dr. Cooper.
Adopting a lens that medicine is not only a science but also an art, Dr. Cooper looks at a range of domains that may influence health: physical, spiritual, psychological, emotional, functional, social, and sexual. “It works best when patients are open to exploring all areas of their lives,” he said. This whole-person approach empowers Dr. Cooper and his patients to act as partners to find the root causes of their health challenges using an approach called “shared decision-making.”
Together, they dig into lab results (from basics to more specific labs and even genetic testing), imaging studies, stressors, thought life, emotional health, spiritual perspectives, social relationships, and much more to identify contributing factors and overall health status. Then Dr. Cooper “prescribes” treatment plans, which may include lifestyle modifications (think sleep, nutrition, exercise), yoga, specialized medication, and other personalized interventions. In addition to diagnosing and managing chronic conditions, Dr. Cooper’s team is primarily and continually looking for ways to prevent future health problems as well.
“Traditional medicine waits for a heart attack and then does an analysis or waits for a fall and broken leg and then looks for osteoporosis; it lets insurance companies tell us what options are available to the patient. Concierge medicine al-
“There’s a standard of care and traditional medicine, which is what most people see and experience, but there are many more innovative and creative treatments we can use to provide holistic care.”
— Dr. Cooper
lows us to decide what patients need to prevent that heart attack or that fall from ever happening,” explained Dr. Cooper
After nearly 25 years of clinical experience in the Midlands, Dr. Cooper has privileges with the major hospital systems and connections with a wide array of vetted partners who provide complementary diagnostic and treatment services. It’s the interdisciplinary nature of the approach that he believes helps patients achieve the best outcomes.
Dr. Cooper, whose telemedicine services have enabled him to provide care to patients throughout the state, said, “My vision is to continue increasing the number of patients we serve while also growing our network of strong health care partners to provide this unique type of care.” n
WinterMOOD RESET
Simple Strategies That Actually Work
If you’ve noticed your energy dipping as daylight fades, that shift is a familiar pattern for many adults dealing with the winter blues and seasonal mood changes. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can feel overwhelming, but there are natural remedies that genuinely help. A few intentional shifts can help you feel more grounded through the colder months.
Take a Daily Winter Walk for a Natural Mood Lift
When winter fatigue starts creeping in, gentle movement can become a powerful way to improve your mood.
Outdoor walks offer a double benefit:
• Physical activity helps boost the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood.
• Exposure to natural sunlight helps regulate your internal rhythm.
Even on cloudy days, a 15-20 minute morning walk lifts your energy quickly. On days when the weather keeps you indoors, a gentle stretching routine near a bright window can still help. Most people feel a noticeable benefit within minutes, and consistency strengthens the effect over time.
by Daniel Moss
Use Light to Lift Your Mood
Shorter days can disrupt your circadian rhythm and lower serotonin levels, which is why light exposure is one of the most effective natural remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Morning sunlight is especially powerful - getting outside within 30-60 minutes of waking helps your body reset and supports melatonin regulation later in the day.
If natural sunlight is limited, a 10,000lux light therapy box offers dependable support. Place it near your workspace and use it for 20-30 minutes while you read or ease into your morning.
Practice Daily Breathing Exercises to Reset Your Mood
A few minutes of mindful breathing can improve your mental health by activating the parasympathetic
nervous system - the body’s “rest and digest” state. This lowers cortisol and helps your body recover from seasonal stress.
Two simple techniques are highly effective:
• 4-7-8 breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8.
• Box breathing: Inhale, hold, exhale, and hold, each for 4 seconds.
Try a five-minute session in the morning or during an afternoon energy dip. Even brief moments of intentional breathing provide immediate calm and build resilience over time.
Keep Your Social Connections Strong
Winter isolation can amplify seasonal mood changes, so maintaining social connections is a key strategy to naturally beat winter depression. Scheduling regular interactions is vital for consistent mental health support, as waiting until you “feel like it” often backfires when energy is low. Simple rituals can make a big difference:
• Weekly video calls with friends or family.
• Walking meetups, even for a short time.
• Virtual co-working sessions. Even brief check-ins of 10-15 minutes provide measurable mood benefits. Remember to focus on quality over quantity, especially if you’re introverted. By keeping your social lifeline active, you create a steady buffer against the winter blues.
Add Omega-3 Foods to Your Diet
What you eat can directly influence your mood, and incorporating omega-3 fatty acids is a natural way to fight seasonal depression. Omega-3s work by helping to reduce brain inflammation and supporting the production of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter that often dips during the winter months. To ensure consistent intake, focus on variety:
• Include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines two to three times a week.
• Plant-based options like walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed provide Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), which the body can convert into the beneficial omega-3s.
Simple meal ideas - such as a salmon salad, chia pudding, or a sprinkle of walnuts over oatmeal - make it easy to naturally improve your mood every day.
Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Vitamin D
Many adults become vitamin D deficient in winter due to limited sunlight. This deficiency can directly affect serotonin levels and contribute to seasonal mood changes. Addressing this is a key natural remedy for winter sadness.
The most important first step is to check your levels with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation. For many adults, a daily dose of 1,0002,000 IU (International Units) of vitamin D3 is a safe starting point. Keep in mind that it can take four to eight weeks to notice mood improvements once you begin. Food sources like fatty fish, fortified dairy, and egg yolks help, but due to limited winter sun, supplementation is often necessary for adequate support.
Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Sleep is the foundation that supports every other winter mood strategy. Disrupted sleep cycles can significantly worsen seasonal mood changes, while maintaining a consistent schedule helps to regulate your circadian rhythm.
Prioritize setting a steady wake time, even on weekends, which is often more import-
ant for regulating your internal clock than your bedtime. Because darkness in winter can make oversleeping tempting, pairing your schedule with morning light exposure strongly reinforces your internal rhythm. Aim for consistency over perfection - most people notice improved mood and energy within a few weeks. Anchoring your sleep routine creates a stable base for all other winter wellness habits, making it easier to navigate shorter days and seasonal stress.
Your Winter Doesn’t Have to Feel Like Survival Mode
Applying these natural strategies consistently can help lift the winter blues and combat seasonal mood changes. The key is finding habits that stick.
Start with just two or three practices that feel manageable - such as morning walks, light exposure, mindful breathing, or checking your Vitamin D levels. Over time, this consistency builds resilience and leads to sustainable improvements in mood and energy. These are practical tools designed to help you beat winter depression naturally and feel more stable through the colder months. If low mood persists for more than two weeks or feels overwhelming, please seek professional guidance right away. n
Old is new again.
South Carolina has long been a magnet for antique lovers. With its history stretching back to colonial times, and the influx of people moving here yearly, vintage shops and antique malls attract every age of customer, looking for something old or something cool.
by Betsey Guzior
Selling cool nostalgia and more at Lexington County antique stores
“Business has been very good,” said Scott Anderson, one of the owners of Three Rivers Antiques.
Another reason is the emergence of grand millennial style on social media. Younger customers are searching for “granny chic” items like floral prints, lace and doilies, and solid wood furniture.
Indeed, the market for thrifting is hot. The second-hand market is expected to grow almost 10 percent annually, driven by consumer interest in recycling and thrifting, along with a new desire for classic luxury brands at lower prices.
There are plenty of choices for antiquing in Lexington County, in old ware-
houses and buildings that tell the history of the area.
You don’t have to be an expert in 18th century furniture or know everything about comic books to browse successfully.
“Vintage markets or shops are one of the best places to find collectibles at a reasonable price,” said Farmhouse Antiques manager Sandi Hutchison.
And just because they’re called antique doesn’t mean you can’t find something new there. Booths filled with handmade items, art, pottery, and clothing await you at any of the half dozen shops in the county. Many also sell local goods, a great gift for any visitor.
Here’s a look at just some of the shops ready for browsing and buying.
Old Mill Antique Mall is one of the oldest remaining antique stores in the county, open since 1984.
Located in the historic river district, the building began as the Lexington Manufacturing Company, using the power from Twelvemile Creek to produce cotton goods such as mattress covers or red cloth for prison uniforms.
There’s a wide mix of furniture, china, cookware, pottery, and just about anything you need. One customer — an artist — found the top of a parking meter to use for an upcoming sculpture project, said owner
Margaret Causey, who took over the mall from her mother 34 years ago. “There’s such a variety that I don’t see how anybody can go through the store and not see something they like.”
The mall has an average of 75 vendors, and sells both items considered more than 100 years old and collectibles that are from this century. “I tell them, it’s a matter of what you like,” Causey shared. “If it’s five years old or 500 years old, if you like it, then get it.”
Ivy House Antiques has two locations with about 140 vendors. The Lexington location opened in 2023 in a building that was once a furniture warehouse.
Ivy House is “not your mom’s antique mall,” said owner Ruth Rauch. “We’re not
“If it’s five years old or 500 years old, if you like it, then get it.”
your grands’ antique mall.”
Rauch calls the vendors who rent space at Ivy House her best customers. Often, when someone comes in to fluff their booth, they’ll buy a shirt or earrings, or some candles. “It’s just really neat to see that aspect of our vendors supporting each other,” Rauch said.
“Our goal is to have something for everyone. We have a vendor who sells faithbased jewelry, we have local artists, we have vendors who sell clothes. We have vendors who like to upcycle furniture,” she said.
Rauch was once one of two owners of a commercial sign and lighting company but needed to find a creative outlet. Visiting an antique mall, she got the bug and became a vendor before buying the business.
One of the more unusual pieces she sold was an old cigar display case, which had the original stickers on it. “I swear you can still smell the cigars inside,” she said.
Farmhouse Antiques will be celebrating its 18th year in business in July.
Opened by Sam and Teresa Salmon and continued after Teresa passed in 2021, her legacy continues with a sign greeting shoppers at the door: Enter as strangers and leave as friends.
The small vintage market has nine vendors.
Some of the vendors hold small craft classes at Farmhouse. Learn macrame, wreath making, decoupage, or cross stitch, which are held throughout the year. On Feb. 26, take a tote bag decorating class. “We often get newcomers because they’re looking for a way to meet other people,” manager Sandi Hutchison said.
Three Rivers Antiques in West Columbia is housed in a delightfully decorated blue house along Meeting Street.
Co-owner Scott Anderson has run the place for more than 10 years with his wife, Ruth. Relocating from the Poconos in Pennsylvania, Anderson tried retirement but decided to take up running an antique store again. The place has more than 38 vendors.
“We have anything from high-class to collectibles that aren’t worth a small fortune. You name it: books, just about anything you can think of,” Anderson said. n
Caregiver’s Support Group
Start the new year with exceptional care at Oakleaf Village—personalized support, engaging activities, and compassionate caregivers help your loved ones thrive. In February, join our support group with McLeod Home Care to learn about a new program offering free sitter services for those with dementia. Make 2026 the year of peace of mind—contact us today! First Thursday of Every Month | 6:00PM 803•832•4356 800 N. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072
Inconceivable
Several guys were killed driving drunk. A few others killed other people while driving drunk.
Several others began a life of drug use that ultimately killed them. It took 15-20 years for several, but their downward spiral began in those early days.
It wasn’t just the boys who were getting in trouble, either.
I grew up in a fairly typical household. Mama and Daddy were strict and frugal, but we never lacked for good food and safe shelter. They were saving to send four kids to college. Our social life was church Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening.
I lived a sheltered life. The friends I knew were from church, and I knew their parents also. I had a couple of friends from school, and I knew their parents.
The important point is that all of us lived similar lives.
My parents didn’t drink or gamble or do anything wasteful. As far as I know, none of the parents of my friends did anything different.
I believed that everyone lived the way we did.
And then I left home at eighteen.
I moved to a little farmhouse in the country on the other side of the county from where I grew up. I began playing in
a band with some guys from another section of the county, none of whom I knew beforehand.
And yeah, I did some really stupid stuff during the next three years. But the main thing is that I was exposed to and thankfully avoided some frighteningly different paths.
By the time I was 21, two acquaintances got strung out and depressed. And ended their lives.
Another boy showed up with a black eye. When we asked where the black eye came from, he told us his father had been beating up his mother. The boy intervened, and the father beat him up and then went back to beating the mother. I met several guys with similar stories.
Later on in life I met a man who, at 18 years old, stopped his drunk father from beating his mom by retrieving a pistol and killing his father.
Another boy’s dad gambled their house away in a card game, and they had to move.
Almost all of the kids I knew back then are dead. Almost all died young from the effects of alcohol and drugs. Some say it was the luck of the draw. I have no idea how they ended up on their life’s path.
I don’t tell this to judge these folks.
I recount it in humble wonder at how lucky I am, at age 66, for being passed over thus far by the Dark Angels of Destruction.
How did I end up being born to great parents? I had no say in the matter.
It is inconceivable what I owe to the Grace of an Almighty Loving God. n
FIRE SAFETY
by Tyler Ryan
As temperatures remain cool throughout the winter months, the season can also be more dangerous for residential fires, due to the use of supplemental heating sources, outdoor burning practices, cozy family traditions, and even an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
There are several considerations when it comes to balancing comfort with safety.
Irmo Fire District Assistant Chief Brian Haley said that although many of the District’s nearly 6,000 annual calls for service are medical related, there are some specific things that can greatly increase your chances of starting a fire, not only in the winter.
“You would be amazed at how many fires we run because of discarded cigarettes,” Haley, who is also the agency’s Fire Marshal, said. According to the him, it isn’t only falling asleep in bed or on a chair mid-smoke. “A lot of people don’t like to smoke in the house,” he said, “so they use a big pot or bucket, and when you get a thousand cigarette butts in there, that is a lot of paper.”
Another outdoor concern is a fire pit. As cozy as it can be on a cool evening, sometimes they are not fully extinguished when it is time for bed, or an afternoon yard debris or paper burn that is left unattended, with a little wind can create an issue very fast.
Generally, winter air is drier, which means that ambers can be easily carried to dry piles of leaves or dead foliage, which can quickly turn a small flame into a dangerous situation.
Before any bonfire or controlled burn, it is important to check with your local fire department, to determine if there are permits required or if there are any burn considerations, such as bans, that are in effect. Wind also plays a role, generally speaking you don’t want to have an open burn in winds much faster than 10 miles per hour.
It is important to prepare the area by removing any immediate dry leaves, sticks, or other items that could catch fire quickly. Also, ensure you have a water source, either a bucket or a hose in case things get out of hand.
When it comes to putting it out, Haley said that it isn’t out until it is “cold.” Stirring
the ashes and re-dousing with water will help make sure there isn’t any combustion under the coals as well.
Moving inside, one of the biggest issues, according to Haley, are space heaters. There are several areas where things can go wrong in your quest for a heat source inside. The first thing to think about is proximity to anything that can burn. “If it is closer than three feet to anything, that is dangerous,” he said. That includes you. “If you are covered by a blanket, and it is too close, and catches fire, you’re going to have a bad day.”
He said to make sure there is enough distance between the heater, furniture, curtains, etc. Another consideration, when it comes to space heaters, is the extension cord. On many occasions, people run a cord to get the heater a little closer, which is fine, as long as it is the right cord. Cords that are often found at discount stores or are very cheap may not be designed to carry the electricity load of a heater, or if they are placed under a rug to avoid tripping, they can easily over
heat. Haley’s advice is to make sure it has at least a “UL” (Underwriters Laboratory) label, which means it meets specific safety standards. You also want to inspect any extension cords that have been in storage, to make sure they are in good working order.
Another cozy accoutrement to a lovely evening at home is a fireplace, but like anything else, they can pose dangers. “Be mindful about how large the fire gets,” explained Haley, pointing out that it can overheat a chimney. While on the topic of a chimney, if you have a wood-burning fireplace, it is important to have it cleaned and inspected by a licensed chimney sweep each fall.
Haley said that people will also roll their gas grill into the house to cook dinner when it is nasty outside, clearly another large fire hazard.
The other major concern, all year long, is carbon monoxide (CO2) poisoning. Haley said that in the wintertime, when the power goes out, people will bring their gas generator into their house for power. These generators obviously emit carbon monoxide, which is a silent, odorless, deadly gas. But it isn’t just the generator being inside your house.
“Every year, we hear about people dying by placing their generator too close to their house, running the power cord into a window, which allows the gas to enter the house, creating a potentially deadly situation,” he said.
Carbon monoxide poisoning, unlike smoke inhalation, is a buildup of the gas in your body over time, so it doesn’t have to be a room filled with the gas, but continued exposure that can cause a problem. “A lot of people think they are just sick, or have the flu, feeling fatigued, or dizzy, which are all signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Harley said he can’t stress enough the importance of having a CO2 and smoke
detector in your house and ensuring they are changed (not just the battery) every seven years. If your detectors are more than seven years old, throw them out and buy new ones, period.
New CO2 and smoke detectors are around twenty dollars, which “is the cheapest life insurance you can buy.”
The final, but very important consideration in fire safety is a family plan. Haley pointed out that every year, people are killed. They go back into a burning building because they thought a loved one was still inside, but it turns out they were safe, just somewhere else. “We have fire drills at school and work for a reason,” he said. “Have a plan and practice it with your family, so everyone will know that everyone else is accounted for and safe.”
With some thought and prevention, you can keep your house fire free, and with planning, in the event of a fire, you can keep your family safe. Houses and cell phones can be replaced, but families can’t. n
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In a heated skillet, add the black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, butter, lime juice, and spices. Sauté for 2-4 minutes on high heat, remove from heat, and set aside. Assemble the burritos by adding ¼ cup of the bean mixture, ¼ cup rice, and 2-3 Tbsp of cheese to the flat tortilla. Leave about 2-3 inches from the edges to allow for wrapping. Fold over the edges and roll tightly to form burritos. Repeat for all 8 burritos. In a heated skillet, add oil and place burritos seam-side down and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or a creamy cilantro or chipotle sauce.
Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla
2 flour tortillas
1 cup cheese, shredded
½ cup cooked chicken, diced
¼ cup bell peppers, diced
¼ cup onions, diced
1 Tbsp oil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
In a heated skillet, add oil and place one tortilla. Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the tortilla, add chicken, bell peppers, onions, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and place the second tortilla on top. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Cut into wedges before serving.
Street Corn
4 ears of corn
2 Tbsp butter, melted
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
½ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
Boil the corn and cook for 5-7 minutes. While the corn cooks, prepare the sauce: combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper. Once the corn is boiled, brush it with melted butter and then generously slather each ear of corn with the prepared sauce. Sprinkle with additional crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a dusting of chili powder.
Classic Margarita
2 oz tequila
½ oz orange liqueur
1 ½ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz agave
ice cubes
lime wedge
salt
Rim a rocks glass by running a lime wedge around the edge, then dipping it in a flat dish of salt. Add ice cubes. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, agave and ice to the shaker. Shake until blended and fully chilled, for about 15 seconds. Strain it into the prepared glass, garnish, and serve.
Taco Casserole
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 package taco seasoning mix
⅔ cup water
1 can enchilada sauce
1 can pinto beans, drained & rinsed
4 cups corn chips
2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
1 green onion, chopped
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, sliced black olives
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brown the beef and add
the onion, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water; simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the pinto beans and combine well. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the meat mixture evenly and pour over it half of the enchilada sauce. Scatter half of the corn chips on top. Repeat layers with remaining meat mixture, enchilada sauce, and corn chips. Top the entire casserole with shredded cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and any additional toppings.
Spicy Salsa
4 tomatoes, halved
1 onion, diced
1 medium jalapeño, seeds removed & chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp lime juice
¼ tsp sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Sizzlin’ Steak Fajitas
1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
8 small flour tortillas
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
In a heated skillet, add oil and cook steak for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove the steak and set it aside. Add the peppers and onions to the same skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until softened. Return the steak to the skillet and add salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave. Serve steak and vegeta ble mixture on tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges
Southwestern Rice
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
½ onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup chicken broth
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder
Rinse the rice under cold water until clear. In a heated skillet, add oil and sauté onion and garlic for about 3 minutes. Add the rice and toast for 2 minutes, until slightly golden. Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, and chili powder; mix well. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and stirring in cilantro.
Guacamole
3 ripe avocados
1 red onion, diced
1 tomato, chopped
1–2 fresh limes, juiced
1 fresh jalapeño, finely minced
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Slice avocados, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into
