Lake Murray, SC September 2023

Be Uniquely You!

Dear Lake Murray Lifestyle readers,

I hope this letter finds you in high spirits and full of creative energy.

Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in Lake Murray to uplift our spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.

What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.

September is also the official launch of our 2nd Annual Readers Choice Awards.  Once again we will have our Readers choose, and winners will be announced in our December Holiday Issue. Go to  https://bit.ly/ LakeMurrayLifestyleReadersChoice2023 to register your VOTE.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

DAVID HAYTH, PUBLISHER

@LAKEMURRAYLIFESTYLE

September 2023

PUBLISHER

David Hayth | david.hayth@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Alexandra Hill | alexandra.hill@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

12

SEPTEMBER

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Everyone loves a closet refresh and stylish scene, so we’ve rounded up some of our picks for the most sophisticated and fashionable destinations that will have you feeling renewed as well as ready for the camera.

PINK SORBET, A LILLY PULITZER SIGNATURE STORE: Pink Sorbet is a female-owned, locally operated Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store. They pride themselves on giving back to the community and having terrific customer service! 2726 Devine St Columbia, SC

SPA 131: What better way to highlight your personal style than to start from within! Massages, makeup, waxing, tanning, and more!  131 State St. West Columbia, SC

SYLVAN'S JEWELERS: Complete the look with a stunning piece from Sylvan's. Through five generations of family ownership, Sylvan's Jewelers has unmatched customer service alongside the finest quality. 1500 Main Street Columbia, SC

LULA DRAKE: Enjoy a stylish evening out at Lula Drake Wine Parlour. Toast to old memories and cheers to creating new ones!  1635 Main St Columbia, SC

BODHI THAI DINING: Housed in a historic bank, Bodhi Thai offers specialty lunch and dinner meals created by classically trained chef and owner, Nivit Tipvaree.  126 E Main St. Lexington, SC

Want to recommend a local experience?

LAKE MURRAY LIVING

What’s going on with the market?

What’s going on with interest rates?

Is now a good time to sell?

How can I get the most money out of my home when I sell it?

What is going on with lake property?

The Midlands real estate market continues to be strong compared to many areas of the country. In spite of fears a year ago (or the last five years for that matter) of an impending real estate “crash”, our market continues to be healthy with regard to home values. Real estate is local, so what you hear on the national news or watch on YouTube about some realtor in Orlando forecasting their local market doesn’t necessarily apply here.

YOU MAY HAVE BEEN WONDERING...

South Carolina remains in the top five states in the country for people to relocate to. This means that demand remains high for our real estate here. According to the National Association of Realtors, South Carolina was fourth in the nation in 2022 in domestic net migration (a gain of 84,000 residents) with Florida, Texas and North Carolina holding the top three spots. (FYI- California, New York and Illinois were the bottom three).

Our market continues to lack inventory with the latest reports showing less than two months inventory. Economists generally say a balanced market is more like six months. In my opinion, this inventory shortage is the main factor we haven’t seen much price pressure on homes as expected in our area.

Median home prices did peak in June of 2022 and they declined until February of 2023. There was a near 10% reduction in value during that period. However, since then prices have rebounded back to where peak pricing levels were a year ago.

The huge issue in real estate in the last year is the rise of interest rates. We continue to see rates in the 7% range which has sidelined a large percentage of buyers thus taking the number of sales down almost 25% compared to this time last year.

Homeowners are also waiting to sell their homes because they have such a low interest rate on their current mortgage and don’t want to jump into a new mortgage with today’s rates.

It is our hope we will see some relief in this area by year end with rates normalizing somewhere south of 6% (We have our fingers crossed!). If or when this happens, we predict a floodgate of pent-up demand to be unleashed potentially resulting in even higher prices and less inventory.

What about Lake Murray specifically?

We at The Downing Group sell so much Lake Murray and luxury real estate, we are always in touch with the health of that market. Inventory has crept up slightly compared to a year ago and days on market has also increased a little. This market has softened a bit with less available buyers because of higher interest rates and general fears of what lies ahead with our economy. Year to date, Lake Murray prices through June appear to be off about 10-15% compared to June 2022, while number of sales are mirroring the overall Midlands market and are down about 25% compared to this time last year.

If you have questions about our market or your specific situation, please reach out to us at 803-381-8950.

NEW RESIDENTS.

SOUTH CAROLINA REMAINS IN THE TOP FIVE STATES TO ATTRACT

PWe help get you what you need and deserve because we CARE & we fight on your behalf. We are devoted to family, clients, and co-workers and we give back to the community.

Kitchen Selections

Extensive line of unique faucets and sinks in a wide array of styles, finishes and shapes that will make a statement.

Bathroom Selections

Full complement of faucets, sinks, tubs, shower systems and vanities. The latest designs and unmatched quality.

Lighting Selections

Distinctive accent and task lighting possibilities to highlight your home’s beauty.

Hardware Selections & Accessories

A curated collection of hardware and accessories that will enhance your other selections.

Turn Over a New Leaf with these Awesome Autumn Activities

As we say goodbye to summertime, the fun continues in Lake Murray Country. The region has a number of fall events and activities to help you embrace the seasonal spirit, including corn mazes, haunted houses, and delicious barbecue food. Check out this list of autumn events, mark your calendar, and let the autumn adventures begin!

ANNUAL FALL ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET

Saturday, September 16 - Sunday, September 17 | 3483 Charleston Hwy. West Columbia, SC 29172

CLINTON SEASE FARM

Weekends from Saturday, September 22 - Sunday, November 5 | 382 Olde Farm Rd, Lexington, SC | Ticketed event

HARVEST FESTIVAL AT THE FARM 1780

Saturday, September 30 | 10 AM - 5 PM | 1127 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC | $25

NEWBERRY OKTOBERFEST

Saturday, October 7 | 10 AM - 6 PM | Historic Downtown Newberry, SC | Free

CAYCE FALL FEST

Saturday, October 7 | 1800 12th Street, Cayce SC | Free

As we say goodbye to summertime, the fun continues in Lake

Murray Country.

GASTON COLLARD AND BBQ FEST

Saturday, October 7 | 10 AM | 131 North Carlisle Street, Gaston SC | Free

FALL FOR THE ARTS PRESENTED BY ARTS ON THE RIDGE

Sunday, October 8 | 3 - 7 PM | North Oak Street, Batesburg, SC | Free

RIDGE SPRING HARVEST FESTIVAL

Thursday, October 12 - Saturday, October 14 | West Main Street, Ridge Spring, SC | Free

READY FOR YOUR FALL ADVENTURE?

You can find more fall favorites and other events by visiting LakeMurrayCountry.com/ Events. The Midlands boasts a wide variety of things to do, from food festivals to art and entertainment to cultural, historical, and contemporary sites. Stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center in the historic Lorick Plantation House (2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia) to discover hidden gems and more trip ideas.

Ready to Settle into a New Home?

FINANCING OPTIONS IN THE MARKETPLACE

CONSTRUCTION LOANS WITH A TRUE ONE-TIME CLOSE. United Community Bank offers single close construction financing at current market pricing. That means when you choose a Fixed Rate Mortgage, the rate you pay when you close is the rate you’ll pay when you move into your new home.

ADDED BENEFITS:

• Single Closing- Save time and money by closing your loans before your new home build begins.

• Fixed and Adjustable Rate Loan Options- Choose the mortgage that makes the most sense for your current financial situation and your long-term financial goals.

• Dedicated Construction Administration Team- Work with experts who handle construction loans every day. They understand what goes into financing a construction project and how to keep that project on track.

EXCLUSIVE FINANCING FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

You’re committed to caring for our community. We’re committed to caring for you. Let United Community Bank help you settle into a home with special financing, only for Medical Professionals.

LICENSED MEDICAL DOCTORS, DENTISTS, ORAL SURGEONS, AND DOCTORS OF OSTEOPATHY (DO)

• 100% Financing up to $750,000

• 95% Financing up to $1,000,000

VETERINARIANS, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, AND NURSE PRACTITIONERS

• 100% Financing up to $650,000

RESIDENTS/INTERNS

• 100% Financing up to Conforming Loan Limit

LOAN FEATURES:

• Primary Homes

• Purchase and Refinance

• Fixed and Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Options

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI) required on ARMs and Jumbo Fixed Rate Loans

• Deferred student loans are not counted during the first two years of residency

• Property must be located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

Contact your United Community Bank Mortgage Loan Originator to learn more today.

Erica Smith, Branch Manager United Community Bank-  5346 Sunset Blvd. Lexington, SC 29072

Give us a call today! 803-821-7140 erica_smith@ucbi.com

Matt Burns

478.279.7045 matt_burns@ucbi.com

Real Estate

cat style

Better and Faster

Cat Thornton with Lake Homes Realty has over 17 years experience as a Realtor servicing all areas of the Midlands, She helps both buyers and sellers meet their real estate objectives. With extensive knowledge of each of the communities located in the Midlands, she will work tirelessly on your behalf to make your next home buying or selling experience a pleasant and successful one.

For sellers, it is my commitment to help sell your home or property in a timely fashion while helping you attain the highest possible price for your real estate. If you are interested in receiving a free home valuation, I encourage you to fill out my free home valuation form at www.catthornton.com/about.

For buyers looking for homes or other real estate opportunities here in the Midlands, She will work with you to find your ideal home. “I will provide you with all of the necessary tools for finding the right property.”  From free access to search area homes, to the ability to fill out My Dream Home Finder Form, everything I can

possibly provide will be at your service. In addition, once we’ve narrowed down what you are looking for, we can begin the home-showing process so you can get a closer look at the homes that should be a good fit. She also helps negotiate the best possible deal for you with each and every real estate transaction.

Nothing satisfies me more than seeing the smiles that come with a successful real estate transaction. Thanks again for considering me as your Realtor.

PS- Do you have any specific questions about my real estate services? I can help you buy or sell your home with a comprehensive strategy designed for you. Check me out at catthornton.com

Providing Real Estate Services On Lake Murray, Lake Monticello, Lake Wateree & Surrounding Areas. Catthorntonsold@Gmail.Com Lake Homes Realty Cell: (803)446-4761

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin

• 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum

• 1/2oz- Lime juice

• Topped with ginger beer

• Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame

GARNISH

• Small paint brush

• Simple syrup

• Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame

The Magic Dragon

Make a Statement With This Stylish Cocktail

INSTRUCTIONS

Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.

Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up!  Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).

THE little BLACK DRESS

Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?

Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straightlined silhouettes. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.

THE POPULARITY OF THE BLACK DRESS SKYROCKETED and IT BECAME ONE

OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.

“We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”

Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.

“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.

If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”

Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:

HOURGLASS FIGURE:

• V-necklines

• Cinched-in waistlines

• Tailored/fitted dresses

PEAR OR TRIANGLE

FIGURE:

• Tailored dresses

• Off the shoulder

ATHLETIC FIGURE:

• Embellished

• Ruffles

• Empire waist

• Volume is your friend

APPLE FIGURE:

• Drop waist

• A-line

The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.

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events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Chapin Labor Day Festival & Parade

TOWN OF CHAPIN

Kick off Labor Day week with Taste of Chapin Restaurant Week, the Justin Pepper 5k, outdoor concerts, classic car shows, Labor Day parade, and local vendors with fun for the whole family. Specific times TBA.

Columbia's 36th Annual Greek Festival

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL | 10:00 AM

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral welcomes you and offers their hospitality for the annual Greek Festival. Come and enjoy the music, atmosphere, food and drink, and learn a little about Greece. This is your chance to be Greek for a week!

Thurs. thru Sat: 10am to 10pm

Sunday: 12pm to 6pm

Sister Hazel Concert

ICEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER | 6:00 PM

Sister Hazel returns to downtown Lexington this fall! Since their top hit, "All for You," the band has become firmly established not only in rock and alternative music, but now in country with four back-to-back Billboard Top Country Album Chart entries.

25th Annual Lake Murray Dam Swim

LAKE MURRAY DAM | 7:00 AM

Athletes ages 11 and older may register to participate in the 2-mile open water swim across Lake Murray. Race starts at the dock on the Irmo side and finishes on the beach on the Lexington side. Funds raised from this event will go towards an indoor pool in Lexington County.

Lake Murray Bridal

Show

COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN CONVENTION CENTER | 1:00 PM

This intimate show of wedding professionals will help make your dream wedding a reality! Meet wedding pros, win door prizes, visit a selfie station and more! Check off many things on your wedding to do list all in one place!

49th Irmo Okra Strut

IRMO COMMUNITY PARK | 6:00 PM

The Irmo Okra Strut Festival is free to the public thanks to amazing sponsors! Individual fees apply for rides, amusements and food/drink. The family fun, live music, and all the goodness that is Okra.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin. To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.

The Nation’s Highest Ratings in Heart Surgery

At Lexington Medical Heart and Vascular Center, we’re proud to receive three-star ratings for heart surgery once again — the highest measure of quality awarded by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

We’re honored to be recognized for our patient care and outcomes in three types of heart surgery: aortic valve replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve replacement and repair. Fewer than 10% of hospitals in the country earn this elite distinction, and we’re proud to be the only South Carolina hospital included among them.

At Lexington Medical Heart and Vascular Center, we renew lives every day. And our quality ratings mean you can get the best heart care in the nation — right here at home.