Local Life Magazine September 2025 Part1

Catherine Donaldson has represented the Sotheby’s International Realty brand for over 17 years. Her commitment to the brand is FIERCE. Call her today to discover why.

MAY RIVER VIEWS

119 Myrtle Island Road

$2,250,000

Perched on over an acre with panoramic, direct views of the May River, this property is a rare Lowcountry offering that blends privacy, potential, and postcardperfect scenery. Located on one of Bluffton’s most beloved and picturesque roads, this property is golf cart friendly to the Old Town Historic District, yet remains a secluded riverfront retreat. An unfinished guest house structure is already on site, offering a head start on a flexible living space — ideal for extended family, guests, or future rental income. With minimal HOA restrictions and generous acreage, this property invites creative possibilities, from building your dream riverfront home to creating a multi-structure compound in one of Bluffton’s most desirable waterfront settings.

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Panoramic Marsh-to-Golf to Sound Views

11 MARSH DRIVE | SEA PINES

4 Br | 4.5 Ba | 5,071 Sq Ft | Offered For $5,750,000

Featuring exquisite craftsmanship by award-winning Dan Lawrence, a heated pool and spa, and outdoor spaces perfect for enjoying sunsets, this one-of-a-kind Lowcountry residence combines charm, quality, and breathtaking scenery.

Charter One Realty Connected with the three top luxury networks! MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS

Located in lovely Sea Pines Center

the team

What is your favorite football team ?

“I have a divided family: Clemson and the Gamecocks.” - LORI

“Da Bears. Super Bowl XX Champions.” - LANCE

“Pittsburgh Steelers. This will be our year!” - JEREMY

“Seneca Bobcats.”

- CHARLES

“If my husband is asking, the Eagles. If my dad is asking, the Giants.”

- ASHLAN

“UConn for its adorable husky mascot, Jonathan.” - BAILEY

“My alma mater, Northwestern. Go 'Cats!” - ALEA

“The West Virginia Mountaineers. Let’s gooooo!” - REBECCA

“Florida State. Go Noles!” - KRISTIN

“I’ve married into the Minnesota Vikings.” - LISA

“Roll Tide!” - LEAH

“College: Georgia Bulldogs, Pro: Buffalo Bills.” - BRUCE

PUBLISHER

Lori Goodridge-Cribb (Local since 1986) lori.goodridge@wearelocallife.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lance Hanlin (Local since 2007) lance.hanlin@wearelocallife.com

ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER

Jeremy Swartz (Local since 2003) jeremy.swartz@wearelocallife.com

DESIGNER

Charles Grace (Local since 1997) charles.grace@wearelocallife.com

AUDIENCE & CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

Ashlan Saeger (Local since 2016) ashlan.saeger@wearelocallife.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Bailey Gilliam (Local since 2020) bailey.gilliam@wearelocallife.com

WRITER / CONTENT CREATOR

Alea Wilkins (Local since 2024) alea.wilkins@wearelocallife.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Rebecca Kerns (Local since 1999) rebecca.kerns@wearelocallife.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Kristin Ammons (Local since 2025) kristin.ammons@wearelocallife.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Lisa Staff (Local since 2003) lisa@lisastaffphoto.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS & FINANCE

Leah Ortega (Local in spirit) leah.ortega@wearelocallife.com

DISTRIBUTION & LIST STRATEGIST

Bruce Wolff (Local since 2002) info@wearelocallife.com

SC, 29926 843-802-2258 + LocalLifeSC.com

9, NO. 9

The Tailgating Issue

Fall in the Deep South brings cooler breezes, the smell of oysters steaming over open fires and weekends that revolve around football. For plenty of fans, the real game starts hours before kickoff. Picture garnet-and-black Cockabooses lining the tracks in Columbia, orange-clad flotillas rocking on Lake Hartwell and parking lots where grills blaze hotter than rivalries. Tailgating here is a full-contact sport fueled by legendary eats, fierce team pride and traditions passed down like family heirlooms. In this issue we’re celebrating it all with road-trip-worthy tailgating spots, crowd-pleasing recipes, a beer cheat sheet for every fan base and inside stories from locals who take tailgating to championship levels. Whether you’re hopping from tent to tent or turning your backyard into the ultimate fan zone, this is your playbook for winning the weekend.

SATURDAYS IN THE SOUTH Famously dubbed “the most exciting 25 seconds in college football” by Brent Musburger, Clemson’s pre-game tradition sends the Tigers charging down the hill at Memorial Stadium, better known as Death Valley, in a roaring start that electrifies the crowd. In Columbia, 130 miles away, the Gamecocks whip their fans into a frenzy with their Sandstorm tradition. From legendary tailgates to unforgettable entrances, college football in South Carolina is pure Saturday spectacle. Learn more about our state's unique game-day traditions on page 176

96

Game day getaways

Five unique tailgating experiences worth the drive

Saturday style

A color playbook for creating the ultimate Carolina fan zone

102

Top dogs

Mascots bringing heart, history and mischief to college sports

168 28 30

Tailgating tech

Gadgets and must-haves that make the pregame more fun

98

Prime viewing

Entertainment rooms built for the win

154

Winning recipes

Crowd-pleasing foods that travel well and taste great

First-round selections

A beer-by-team cheat sheet to keep every fanbase happy

170

Tailgating MVPs

Locals who take tailgating to championship levels

Palmetto Bluff home breaks from tradition, taking a big, confident swing at a bold new vision for Lowcountry living.

“On

Where the real action happens

Celebrating the food, fun and fierce loyalties that make tailgating a

the East Coast, football is a cultural experience. In the Midwest, it's a form of cannibalism. On the West Coast, it's a tourist attraction. And in the South, football is a religion, and Saturday is the holy day.”

- MARINO CASEM, FOOTBALL COACH

HOUSE DIVIDED In the Lowcountry many families are split down the middle when it comes to the Clemson-Carolina rivalry, including publisher Lori Goodridge-Cribb, whose daughters proudly represent each side.

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fFall in the Lowcountry brings many wonderful things: cooler breezes, oyster roasts and weekends that revolve around football. But let’s be honest; for many fans the game is only part of the experience. The real action starts hours before kickoff, out in the parking lots and backyards where grills are fired up, music is blasting, and strangers become fast friends over barbecue and beer.

Tailgating turns game day into an all-day celebration. It’s where generations gather, including families, alumni groups and lifelong friends, all cooking the same beloved dishes, wearing the same lucky outfits and setting up camp in the same exact spot, season after season. It’s a tradition, a ritual and, in some cases, a full-on production. While Beaufort County doesn’t have a college or pro team of its own, that doesn’t stop fans from hitting the road for epic tailgates in Columbia, Clemson, Athens, Charlotte, Jacksonville and Atlanta. Others stay closer to home, turning their backyards into personal fan zones with TVs, team flags and spreads that rival the stadium parking lot.

In our house we live with a healthy dose of football tension. I’m not a die-hard myself, but I grew up in a sports-loving household in Ohio, where the Reds and Bengals were a big part of our lives. My dad enjoyed watching, but my mom was the real fanatic. So I should have known what was coming when my children chose their college paths. One went to Clemson, the other to South Carolina. My husband is a passionate USC fan, which made game days at our house tense in the most entertaining way. The rivalry was all in good fun, but it was still serious business.

South Carolinians take their football seriously, especially when it comes to the Clemson-Carolina rivalry. It is passionate, it is personal, and it is the perfect excuse to gather your crew, fire up the grill and make a few memories.

This Tailgating Issue is a celebration of that spirit. Whether you are road-tripping to your team’s stadium or turning your backyard into a pre-game paradise, you will find plenty of inspiration, ideas and a few good laughs in the pages ahead. Here’s to good food and good friends. May your team always cover the spread.

LORI GOODRIDGE-CRIBB PUBLISHER lori.goodridge@wearelocallife.com

sport of its own.

CONCOURS LIKE A LOCAL

LOCAL LIFE PARTNERS WITH THE HILTON HEAD ISLAND MOTORING FESTIVAL TO GIVE BEAUFORT COUNTY RESIDENTS THE ULTIMATE HOMETOWN EXPERIENCE

Each fall the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival draws collectors and car lovers from across the country; but this year it’s all about you. For the first time, local residents can enjoy the festival like true insiders with the LOCAL Life Access Pass, presented by LOCAL Life magazine.

Available exclusively to Beaufort County residents, this pass comes packed with perks, including a VIP lanyard, $20 off VIP parking, a 10 percent discount on official festival merchandise and a locals-only vote in the “Life on the Water” boat competition. Kids and students under 18 get in free, making it an easy way to share the excitement with the whole family.

But the pass is more than just convenience; it’s a celebration of community. The Concours may be worldclass, but it’s powered by the passion and hospitality of the Lowcountry. This experience is a thank-you to the people who make it all possible. To join, visit hhiconcours.com/locals, confirm your Beaufort County zip code and register online. Then pick up your lanyard at the show entrance, and get ready to see your hometown event in a whole new light.

Eligible zip codes include: 29901, 29902, 29903, 29904, 29905, 29906, 29907, 29909, 29910, 29914, 29915, 29920, 29925, 29926, 29928, 29931, 29935, 29938, 29940, 29941 and 29945.

FUELING UP ON STYLE AND SIPS Have you seen the LOCAL Life Jeep cruising around the Lowcountry? We recently rolled up to the dual ribbon cutting for J. Banks in Residence and Origin Coffee Bar; a perfect pairing of high design and high-octane caffeine. It was a great excuse to share a few laughs (and lattes) with Charlie Clark of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry Check out the chic new retail experience from the renowned J. Banks Design Group at 35 Main St., then slide next door for a fresh pour at Origin Coffee Bar.

contributors

MEET LOCAL CREATIVES BEHIND THE SCENES

Sassa Enscoe Writer and photographer

OTHER CREDS: Development manager at Hilton Head Humane FOR THIS ISSUE: Adopt This Pet HOMETOWN: Port Washington, N.Y. CURRENT HOME: Hilton Head Plantation

LOCAL SINCE: 2010 (proud vacationer since 1987, though) HOBBIES: Sewing, cooking, catching a play or concert and, of course, spending quality time with my pets. WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING? The latest historical fiction or Scandinavian noir TV shows WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO? Anything that I can sing or dance to. WHAT ARE YOU READING? I always have a few books in rotation, but I am currently smitten by the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. WHAT ARE YOU DRINKING? Arnold Palmers WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY? The sense of community. WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR HOMETOWN? The ease of access to NYC (and the food). MOST HEATWARMING MOMENT AT HILTON HEAD HUMANE: Receiving updates from adopters. ONE THING YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT ADOPTING PETS: How fun it is to see a pet’s personality come out as they adjust to their new life. Each pet is unique. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SEPTEMBER? Despite the heat, the signs of autumn start showing (the fall air, light, atmosphere) SOMETHING ABOUT YOU MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW: I studied and taught Latin for over 20 years.

Lorrie LaPollo Photographer

FOR THIS ISSUE: Parting shot, Catch the Glow HOMETOWN: New Jersey CURRENT HOME: Hilton Head Island

LOCAL SINCE: 2019 HOBBIES: Boating WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY? I love the weather here September to April.

OTHER CREDS: Industrial design degree, Pratt Institute; career in design and store planning; co-author of nine transportation books, including 100 Cars,100 Years and Carchitecture. FOR THIS ISSUE: Local art, ’48 Packard HOMETOWN: Born in Jersey City, lived in Manhattan for almost 40 years.

CURRENT HOME: Port Royal Plantation

LOCAL SINCE: 2001 HOBBIES: Building model planes and photography. WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING? PBS, streaming movies, CNN WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO? ‘40s tunes, Hilton Head Symphony WHAT ARE YOU READING? Barbara Kingsolver novels, science magazines WHAT ARE YOU DRINKING? Not much nowadays. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY? The endless summers and gorgeous Lowcountry vistas. WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR HOMETOWN? The excitement of NYC. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY? I love shooting classic cars, planes and travel. FAVORITE PHOTO LOCATIONS: The Hilton Head Concours and nice Hilton Head views. FAVORITE TAILGATING MEMORY: At a Syracuse homecoming with my alum wife, Iris. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SEPTEMBER? The cooling breezes of fall and Iris’ birthday. SOMETHING ABOUT YOU MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW: Served in the Air Force in Europe for four years (no flying).

Also on the roster for this Tailgating Issue ...

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kelli Boyd + Jason Clarke + Grace Cockrell + Bridget Colbert + Arno Dimmling + Andrew Ferguson

Sydney Herdle + Andrew Hurley + Chris St Jacques + MB Lyons + John McManus + Catherine Powell + Molly Rose

John Shearer + Robert Shupak + Lisa Staff + Mary Alice Tartler + Eddie Tucker + Elizabeth Turner + Tony Walsh

WRITERS Suzanne Barton + Daisy Dow + Becca Edwards + Denise Friday + Barry Kaufman + Carolyn Males

Sheila Paz + Margaret Pearman + Chelsea Quinn + Richard Thomas + Lily Whitener

CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Castillo + Marcia Cornell + Jean Meaney Wheatly

Buy. Hold. Sell.

Boatable local restaurants

Instagram exclusive: Whether you’re craving a casual dockside bite or a sunset seafood feast, we’ve mapped out every local boat-friendly waterfront restaurant you need to know. @locallifesc

1 Five scenic local sailing tours for every type of traveler

2 What ice cream flavor are you? Take our quiz to find your match

3

Bluffton’s Gus Dean turned his racing dream into a reality

Light your home the right way

The right lighting doesn’t just brighten a room. It sets the mood, shows off your home’s best features and makes every space feel just right. Scan this QR code for local know-how from CAV Integrated Home

About the cover

This month’s cover serves up a game-day classic: a bubbling layered queso dip, rich with melted cheese, tomatoes, peppers and spices. Creamy, a little spicy and best enjoyed warm with a pile of tortilla chips, it’s the kind of crowd-pleaser every tailgate needs. The image was captured by photographer Soham Sharma, the talent behind the popular YouTube food channel Food Arena. Find his easy-tofollow recipes on YouTube or on social media (@FoodArena97). Inside you’ll find plenty more tailgating recipes to keep your spread winning all season long.

local blend

WORD ON THE STREET + COMMUNITY TIDBITS + FAST FACTS + LOCAL LANDMARKS

Game-day getaways

FIVE EPIC TAILGATING EXPERIENCES WORTH THE DRIVE

wSTORY BY LANCE HANLIN

While there’s no home team to cheer for in Beaufort County, fall weekends still bring out the football faithful. For fans across the Lowcountry, that often means filling the cooler, packing the car and hitting the road. From college campuses steeped in tradition, to NFL lots buzzing with pregame energy, these five tailgating destinations are worth every mile. Whether you’re there for the food, the pregame rituals or just an excuse to wear team colors and people-watch, here’s where to go and how to do it right without doing much at all.

PARKING Jacksonville Jaguars

EVERBANK STADIUM, JACKSONVILLE

Drive time: 2 hours, 50 minutes (173 miles)

As the closest NFL option to the Lowcountry, the Jaguars offer a relaxed but lively tailgating scene. The lots around EverBank Stadium fill with die-hard fans and casual tailgaters alike, many of them showing up in boats along the St. Johns River. Expect plenty of grilled seafood, cold drinks, music and teal everywhere you look. It’s Florida football with a friendly twist. Tailgate like a local: Book a spot with Tailgaters Parking, located right across from the stadium. You’ll get shaded tent space, private restrooms and easy access to food trucks without having to bring a thing. tailgatersparking.com

2025 home games: Carolina Panthers (Sept. 7), Houston Texans (Sept. 21), Kansas City Chiefs (Oct. 6), Seattle Seahawks (Oct. 12), Los Angeles Chargers (Nov. 16), Indianapolis Colts (Dec. 7), New York Jets (Dec. 14), Tennessee Titans (TBD)

South Carolina Gamecocks WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM, COLUMBIA

Drive time: 2.5 hours (153 miles)

This is the closest tailgating mecca for many locals, and it delivers. Gamecock Park and the surrounding state fairgrounds come alive hours before kickoff, with fans rolling in as early as 8 a.m. to claim their spots. It’s a sea of garnet and black, filled with tents, flat-screens and Southern comfort food. Think barbecue, mac and cheese, pimento cheese sandwiches and sweet tea in coolers. The Cockaboose Railroad, a row of restored crimson train cars parked just outside the stadium, offers one of the most unusual tailgating setups in college football. Tailgate like a local: Skip the hassle and let Tailgate Group do the work. Choose from two tent packages for up to 20 guests in a prime spot on the Rice Football Campus. All you have to do is show up, kick back and enjoy the atomsphere. tailgategroup.com.

2025 home games: South Carolina State (Sept. 6), Vanderbilt (Sept. 13), Kentucky (Sept. 27), Oklahoma (Oct. 18), Alabama (Oct. 25), Coastal Carolina (Nov. 22), Clemson (Nov. 29)

Georgia Bulldogs

SANFORD STADIUM, ATHENS

Drive time: 4 hours, 20 minutes (234 miles) You don’t have to look hard around the Lowcountry to spot a Bulldog bumper sticker or a UGA flag waving proudly. Plenty of Georgia fans are more than willing to make the drive to Athens for game day. UGA tailgates are legendary, filling campus lawns and sidewalks with tents, smokers and a whole lot of red and black. From pulled pork to barked chants, the vibe in Athens is both welcoming and electric. Tailgate like a local: Book with Bulldogs

Tailgate Club by RevelXP and enjoy one of three premium locations, complete with chairs, catering and all the essentials. Save your energy for eating, drinking and cheering on the Dawgs. revelxp.com 2025 home games: Austin Peay (Sept. 6), Alabama (Sept. 27), Kentucky (Oct. 4), Ole Miss (Oct. 18), Texas (Nov. 15), Charlotte (Nov. 22)

Carolina Panthers

BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM, CHARLOTTE

Drive time: 4 hours (246 miles)

Tailgating in Charlotte has a big-city feel with plenty of Southern flavor. Panthers fans take over lots and rooftop bars across uptown, grilling wings, blasting music and tossing bean bags long before the gates open. It’s high energy but polished, where jerseys meet cocktails, and skyline views set the tone.

Tailgate like a local: For a first-class pregame party, book the Panthers VIP Tailgate, hosted by Bullseye Event Group. Located just steps from the stadium, this all-inclusive experience features a premium buffet from top local chefs, open bar service and plenty of seating inside a climate-controlled lounge. Big-screen TVs, music and appearances by former Panthers players add to the energy. bullseyeeventgroup.com 2025 home games: Atlanta Falcons (Sept. 21), Miami Dolphins (Oct. 5), Dallas Cowboys (Oct. 12), Buffalo Bills (Oct. 26), New Orleans Saints (Nov. 9), Los Angeles Rams (Oct. 30), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dec. 21), Seattle Seahawks (TBD)

Clemson Tigers MEMORIAL STADIUM, CLEMSON

Drive time: 4.5 hours (284 miles)

Clemson doesn’t just host football games, it throws full-blown orange-clad festivals. Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this small town transforms on Saturdays. Tailgaters arrive early, often by 8 a.m. for a noon kickoff, ready to claim spots around Memorial Stadium. Don’t have an IPTAY pass? No problem. Plenty of local churches and businesses sell parking spots (often supporting charitable causes), and fans regularly score last-minute spaces on sites like TigerNet, StubHub and local Facebook groups. Expect rows of tents, slow cookers, TVs and the constant buzz of Tiger pride.

Tailgate like a local: Let Tiger Tailgating Pros do the heavy lifting. They offer custom packages that include tent setup, tables, chairs, coolers and even catering delivery, all arranged in designated tailgating zones close to the action. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Death Valley’s game-day magic without the early morning scramble or gear haul. tigertailgatingpros.com

2025 home games: LSU (Aug. 30), Troy (Sept. 6), Syracuse (Sept. 20), SMU (Oct. 18), Duke (Nov. 1), Florida State (Nov. 8), Furman (Nov. 22)

If you are looking for a landscaping install this fall, now is the time to start! We have three Landscape Designers on staff that will assist you in creating the outdoor living space that you desire. They will present you with a design and price for installation at no charge. And get you on our schedule!

Need a Pergola, Deck or Stone Patio? We have the staff for that too!

Bring the boom

JBL Party Box On the Go

This rugged Bluetooth speaker delivers big, bold sound with chest-thumping bass and built-in light shows that pulse to the beat. It comes with a wireless mic, so you can fire up the crowd, call the plays or belt out karaoke during halftime. A shoulder strap and six-hour battery make it easy to take anywhere the party moves. Pair it with another PartyBox for a true stereo setup that turns up the volume on your tailgate. Think of it as your DJ, hype man and sound system rolled into one. one. jbl.com. $330.

hot tech

Essential tailgating tech and tools to turn any parking lot into a party

SELECTIONS BY CHELSEA QUINN

Camerons Tailgating Table

Sip in style

Hopsulator Trio

This 3-in-1 koozie keeps drinks ice-cold, whether it’s a 16-ounce tallboy, a standard can or your favorite pour with the included tumbler lid. Triple-insulated and condensationproof, it’s built tough enough to survive any tailgate. The BevGuard tech and freezable adapter make switching formats quick and easy, and with a rainbow of color options, you can rep your team in style. After one game day, you’ll wonder how you ever tailgated without it. brumate.com. $30.

Grill like a pro

GrillBot Automatic Grill Cleaner

Let this little robot handle the mess. With steel brushes and motorized scrubbing power, the GrillBot cleans your grates at the push of a button. Its heat-resistant shell means you can drop it on while the grill’s still warm, then walk away. Set the built-in timer on the LCD screen, and it’ll handle the rest while you enjoy the party. Tailgate cleanup doesn’t get easier. It’s basically a Roomba for your grill. grillbots.com. $140.

Chill on the go

23 Quart Portable Fridge

Keep your drinks icy without dealing with melting ice. This compact electric fridge offers 23 quarts of space, plenty for beer, sodas and snacks that need to stay cold. Just plug it into your car’s 12V outlet, and you’re set for the whole game. For fans who take their cold drinks seriously, it’s the ultimate parking lot upgrade. bougerv.com $157.

Beat the heat

Portable Misting Fan Tailgating in the South calls for serious cooling power. The Tropic Breeze delivers a wide spray of refreshing mist, keeping your crew comfortable through sweltering game days. Its 10-gallon water tank and adjustable mist settings handle hours of use, while durable wheels make it easy to roll across any parking lot. When it’s time to pack up, it folds neatly into a wheeled carrying bag for effortless transport and storage. cool-off.com. $529.

Ditch the wobbly folding table for this sturdy inflatable upgrade. Made from tough PVC with a sleek woodgrain top, it’s lightweight, stable and sets up in seconds. Perfect for snacks, drinks or game-day gear, it packs down just as quickly, deflating and rolling into a backpack for easy carry. boteboard.com. $79.

This foldable table keeps your tailgate running like a welloiled machine, with built-in spots for your cooler, cup holders, food tray and utensil slots. Lightweight and easy to set up, it packs down small for hassle-free transport. No more balancing snacks on your lap or hunting for your drink; everything’s right where it should be. Tailgating just got a whole lot more organized. cameronsproducts.com. $55.

Game night glow-up

Cornhole Light-Up LED Rings

Keep the competition going long after sunset with these red LED ring lights. They mount easily around standard cornhole holes, adding instant visibility and a little extra swagger to your setup. Bright, durable and weather-resistant, they can handle hard throws and rowdy games. Whether you’re battling for bragging rights or just playing for fun, these glowing targets make sure the party doesn’t end when the sun goes down. playgosports.com. $20.

Connected cooking

Bluetooth Meat Thermometer

Skip the grill hover, and let this Bluetooth thermometer do the watching for you, from up to 500 feet away. It tracks both internal meat temp and ambient grill temp, sending real-time updates straight to your phone. Rechargeable, waterproof and small enough to toss in your tailgate kit, it takes the guesswork out of grilling so you can serve perfect meat every time, no matter how wild the party gets. buythermopro.com. $120.

Househunting is different

If you’re looking to buy or sell your Lowcountry dream home, Tanner Sutphin is here to make that dream a reality. As a trusted expert in May River real estate, Tanner has achieved over $20M in sales on the May River — including a record-breaking $6.2M sale at 135 Gascoigne Bluff and the highest price per square foot ever recorded at 51 Colcock (according to Hilton Head MLS). Tanner doesn’t just know the May River lifestyle — he lives it. Now he’s ready to help you make it your home too.

Make the read

From Southern traditions to stadium snacks, these tailgating titles are a winning play for fans

Denise Friday, a school social worker at Hilton Head Island Elementary and mother of twins, finds both escape and inspiration between the pages of a great book. This month she’s huddling up with a winning lineup of tailgating reads that mix football lore, fan traditions and crowd-pleasing recipes.

GAME-DAY FAVORITES BY AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN

The editors picked their favorites to make your party the best. Whether you’re outside the stadium or in the living room, you’re sure to find something to please everyone. From pizza, to wings, to chili, to cheesesteaks, these foolproof recipes will make you everyone’s favorite host, game after game.

THE TAILGATE COOKBOOK BY BETH PETERSON

Tips from a master chef will make your pregame easy as pie. From great appetizers to mouthwatering desserts, your crowd will be cheering for more when you pick your favorites from this impressive list. You’ll also find helpful advice on proper tools and delicious condiments. Don’t skip the deviled bacon eggs!

THE SOUTHERN TAILGATING COOKBOOK BY TAYLOR MATHIS

A deep dive into unique football traditions that show why Southern colleges have game days like no other. Along with more than 100 recipes, you’ll find preparation tips, day-before checklists and packing guides for the big event. Bonus features include marching-band songs and team-supporting attire. An entertaining read that’s much more than a cookbook.

THE ALL-NEW OFFICIAL SEC TAILGATING COOKBOOK BY SOUTHERN LIVING

Did you know Kyle Field at Texas A&M has the largest stadium capacity in the SEC? Fun facts for every SEC school are paired with die-hard traditions and fanfavorite foods. Highlights for USC include saucy cola baked beans, shrimp and fontina grits and boiled peanut hummus with pork rinds. Go Cocks!

6 Bruin Road, Bluffton

Tuesday thru Friday 10 until 5

Saturday 10 until 4

A GAMECOCK ODYSSEY BY ALAN PIERCY

A must-read for any Gamecock fan who loves the team’s history as much as the roar of Williams-Brice on a Saturday. Piercy chronicles the pivotal years between leaving the ACC and joining the SEC, a 20-year stretch that reshaped USC athletics. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, landmark games and the rise of women’s sports, it’s a deep dive into the era that forged the modern Gamecocks.

CLEMSON: WHERE THE TIGERS PLAY

BY SAM BLACKMAN, BOB BRADLEY, CHUCK KRIESE

AND WILL VANDERVORT

Before you head to the tailgate, familiarize yourself with the rich history of Tiger sports: the athletes, the coaches, the championships, the fans. This chronology of more than 100 years of Clemson teams showcases their accomplishments and the traditions that continue today. Roar!

FIND THE PERFECT PREGAME FLICK BASED ON YOUR TAILGATING PERSONALITY

STORY BY LANCE HANLIN

b Stream team

SEC Football: Any Given Saturday

For the grill master

Chef (2014)

Personality: You treat your tailgate setup like a one-man food truck. Tongs in your back pocket, secret sauce in the cooler and a playlist that kicks off with James Brown.

Why you’ll love it: After quitting a high-end kitchen, a chef hits the road in a food truck, rediscovering his love for cooking (and life). It’s funny, heartfelt and full of crispy pork-belly scenes that’ll have you ordering a flat-top before the credits roll.

TAILGATE SCALE

Game face: Low simmer

Snack spread: Off the charts

Hype meter: Steady, soulful, snack-fueled Where to stream it: Tubi

For the SEC-or-nothing diehard

The Blind Side (2009)

Personality: You’ve got a team flag in the yard, a framed ticket from your college days and strong opinions about the targeting rule. Why you’ll love it: Based on a true story, this one follows Michael Oher from hard times to the NFL, thanks in part to a strong Southern woman who doesn’t back down. It’s got football, family and the kind of redemption arc you can cheer for in sweatpants.

TAILGATE SCALE

Game face: All in

Snack spread: Chicken fingers and a cooler of tea that’s definitely not just tea.

Hype meter: You’ll cry into your dip, and that’s fine. Where to stream it: Roku Channel

Before kickoff there’s that golden stretch when the grill’s fired up, the cooler’s open, and fans start rolling in with team colors and signature snacks. Sure, you could flip on the pregame show and hear a dozen takes on zone defense, or watch former players draw yellow circles on the screen like it’s a touchdown-themed art class, but why? These movies and docuseries make a better warm-up: easy to follow, fun to watch and relaxed enough that no one feels bad sneaking off for another round of sliders. Even better, we’ve matched each one to your tailgating personality.

IN THE TRENCHES If you were hooked on Drive to Survive or Quarterback, check out SEC Football: Any Given Saturday. The new Netflix docuseries brings the same gripping, behind-the-scenes storytelling, only this time, the drama plays out in college football’s most rabid, high-stakes conference.

For the cooler connoisseur

Beerfest (2006)

Personality: You bring the good stuff, none of that watery lite beer nonsense, and you can explain the difference between a pilsner and a pale ale without sounding smug. Why you’ll love it: When two brothers discover a secret international beer-drinking competition, they gather a squad to train for greatness. It’s absurd, sloppy and kind of perfect for anyone who’s ever turned beer pong into a bracket.

TAILGATE SCALE

Game face: Foam forward

Snack spread: Heavy on the salt, light on the prep

Hype meter: Loud and proud

Where to stream it: Prime Video

For the one here for the vibes

Remember the Titans (2000)

Personality: You’re not sure what down it is, but you brought a killer dip and the best lawn chair. You’re here for the company, not the coverage. Why you’ll love it: A high school team learns to come together across racial divides under the guidance of a new coach. It’s Denzel, it’s heartwarming, and it’ll get even the most casual fan yelling “left side, strong side!” before kickoff.

TAILGATE SCALE

Game face: Crying in sunglasses

Snack spread: Sweet and salty

Hype meter: Goosebumps by halftime

Where to stream it: Disney+

For the fantasy league commissioner

Draft Day (2014)

Personality: You run your fantasy draft like it’s the actual NFL. Trades, smack talk, spreadsheets. You don’t just play, you strategize. Why you’ll love it: Kevin Costner plays a GM with everything on the line in the hours leading up to the NFL Draft. There are big moves, last-minute changes and just enough real football energy to scratch your Sunday itch.

TAILGATE SCALE

Game face: Fourth quarter pressure

Snack spread: Microwave meals with a side of adrenaline

Hype meter: Boardroom blitz

Where to stream it: Prime Video

For the sideline trash talker

Varsity Blues (1999)

Personality: You quote football movies like gospel and think halftime is for debating play calls. You’d rather lose loudly than win quietly. Why you’ll love it: Set in small-town Texas, this teen football drama brings big hits, broken rules and a whipped cream bikini scene that’ll live in infamy. It’s angsty, over-the-top and very, very fun.

TAILGATE SCALE

Game face: All jaw, no chill

Snack spread: Greasy and glorious

Hype meter: One flag away from ejection

Where to stream it: YouTube TV

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Local IQ

ACROSS

1. Clemson QB drafted No. 1 overall by the Jaguars

3. Seasoned meat on a stick

4. Flower associated with September birthdays

8. Illegally blocking a defender from behind

12. A luxury train car outside Williams-Brice Stadium

13. Conduct penalty for excessive celebration

14. Seasonal storm that often causes flooding

17. Birthstone for September

19. Gamecocks’ student section

20. Primary color of the Gamecocks' uniforms

DOWN

1. Backward pass or handoff

2. Rivalry game (party) between Georgia and Florida

5. Clemson players rub this before games: Howard’s _____

6. Zodiac sign from Sept. 1-22

7. A Hilton Head homeowner also owns this NFL team

9. Rivalry game (bowl) between Clemson and South Carolina

10. European beer celebration that begins in mid-September

11. Creamy hot dip made with spinach

15. Day observed on the first Monday of September

16. South Carolina’s official live rooster mascot: Sir Big _____

18. When day and night are nearly equal

Official Mensa®Challenge

Answers are available on LocalLifeSC.com/Mensa

HOP

TO IT!

Break a mental sweat and hop to this Mensa quiz!

1. A simple substitution code has been used to conceal a “quote.” Work out the code to decipher the original words.

Hamlet:

QFPQMF EPO’U SFBMJAF IPX IBSE JU JT UP TQFBL JO CMBOL WFSTF.

2. Which is larger: the number of inches in a mile or the number of full weeks per year in 1,200 years?

3. A line from a nursery rhyme has been put into a very fancy language below. Can you put it back into everyday English?

Small individual dressed in the color of a clear sky, please use your mouth to force sound from a metal instrument.

4. Start with the number of Apostles in the Bible, subtract the cube of two, add the number of Greek Fates, then add the number of winds in popular parlance.

What number do you get?

5. The names of five people are hidden in the sentence below. Can you find them? (The letters are in consecutive order.)

Really, a wanted man fleeing from the police who saw a police car looking for him would run and hide.

ANSWER KEY

5. Al, Ted, Lee, Carl, Nan (Lya is also acceptable.)

3. Little boy blue, come blow your horn. 4. 11 (12 - 8 = 4 + 3 = 7 +4)

Q = P, F = E, etc.) 2. The number of inches in a mile (63,360 vs. 62,400).

1. People don't realize how hard it is to speak in blank verse. (Code:

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readers: Take the Mensa Practice Test for just $5! Visit americanmensa. org/mht and use offer code: Local21. Quiz © 2018 Dr. Abbie F. Salny

Mensa provides official tests and answers to LOCAL Life as part of an exclusive license agreement. Answers are available on LocalLifeSC.com/Mensa

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STREAMING

MOVIE THEATERS

The hot list

What to watch, read and listen to in September

SELECTIONS BY LANCE HANLIN

PEACOCK The Paper (comedy)

From the creators of The Office, this mockumentary trades Scranton for Toledo, dropping into the chaotic newsroom of the struggling Toledo Truth-Teller. With a shoestring budget and a crew of eccentric volunteer reporters, the new editor scrambles to revive the paper. Sharp writing and awkward laughs make this a must for fans of workplace comedy with heart. Release date: Sept. 4

CBS, PARAMOUNT+ Survivor: Season 49 (reality)

A new crew of castaways lands on Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands to battle hunger, heat and each other for a million-dollar prize. Expect blindsides, bold moves and beachside scheming. If you think you know the game, think again. This season promises twists that will keep even longtime fans guessing. Release date: Sept. 24

NETFLIX Black Rabbit (thriller)

When a nightclub owner (Jude Law) lets his volatile brother (Jason Bateman) back into his life, the reunion unleashes a chain of dangerous events that threaten everything he has built. Equal parts family drama and slow-burn suspense, this one is for viewers who like their thrillers packed with moral gray areas and high-stakes tension. Release date: Sept. 18

PEACOCK Ryder Cup (live golf)

The 2025 Ryder Cup heads to Bethpage Black, where Team USA aims to reclaim the trophy with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leading the charge. Fierce rivalries, deafening crowds and match-play pressure make this the golf event of the year, even for casual fans. Tee times: Sept. 26-28

Expedition: Greenland (documentary)

Seven adventurers attempt the first-ever traverse of Greenland’s vast, uncharted ice sheet in specialized Arctic Trucks. Filmed with just one camera and a drone, this visually stunning journey offers jaw-dropping views of a pristine wilderness and a front-row seat to the grit it takes to conquer it. An essential watch for lovers of epic expeditions and extreme landscapes. Release date: Sept. 5

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (comedy)

The loudest band in rock history cranks it back up to 11. Derek Smalls, Nigel Tufnel and David St. Hubbins reunite for a laugh-out-loud mockumentary encore packed with absurd backstage mishaps and over-thetop rock ’n’ roll drama. A must for fans of the original and for anyone who loves satire that breaks the fourth wall and shreds it. Release date: Sept. 12

One Battle After Another (dark comedy)

Sixteen years after their last fight, a dangerous enemy resurfaces, forcing a band of former revolutionaries to reunite and rescue a comrade’s daughter. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro, this adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland blends political satire, sharp humor and explosive action. Release date: Sept. 26

BOOKS & NOVELS

The Academy By Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (fiction) Tiffin Academy has just jumped to No. 2 in national rankings, but beneath the glossy campus life, a gossip app called ZipZap starts exposing secrets from students and faculty alike. Scandals spread, alliances shift, and no one is safe. Brimming with drama, humor and sharp social commentary, this novel is a perfect pick for readers who love Gossip Girl’s intrigue with Elin Hilderbrand’s signature wit. Release date: Sept. 2

Wild Reverence By Rebecca Ross (fantasy) In a realm where gods kill to steal power and alliances rarely last, messenger goddess Matilda survives by keeping her head down and her heart guarded. When fate reconnects her with Vincent, a mortal boy who once reached out to her in dreams, she sees a chance to rewrite the violent ways of the gods. This sweeping tale blends high-stakes magic, romance and political intrigue, perfect for readers who crave lush world-building and characters worth rooting for. Release date: Sept. 2

All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation By Elizabeth Gilbert (memoir) Elizabeth Gilbert’s most beautiful love story began with friendship and ended in heartbreak. In this raw, intimate memoir, she unpacks her relationship with Rayya, their shared struggles with addiction, and how loss ultimately became a path to self-acceptance and freedom. Readers who connected with Eat, Pray, Love will find the same candor here, with even deeper vulnerability and emotional truth. Release date: Sept. 9

ALBUMS

Play By Ed Sheeran (pop) Release date: Sept. 12

Am I the Drama? By Cardi B (hip hop) Release date: Sept. 19

(pop) Release date: Sept. 26

PODCASTS

Smartless Subject: Comedy

MrBallen Podcast Subject: True crime

Subject: History Breach By Twenty One Pilots (alternative) Release date: Sept. 12

TRAVEL

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane Festival (Sept. 5-27)

Celebrate a month of art, music, theatre and dance as the city transforms into a kaleidoscope of color and creativity. Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest (Sept. 20-Oct. 5)

Experience the world’s largest Volksfest with endless steins of beer, Bavarian food, lively music and a sea of lederhosen.

Unsung heroes

Here comes the sun

DAVID CARROLL BRINGS THE SUNSHINE WITH HIS MUSICAL SPIRIT

The Lowcountry thrives, thanks to countless volunteers whose efforts often go unnoticed. These unsung heroes are the driving force behind local nonprofits, making a difference in the lives of many. Each month we’ll feature one of these inspiring individuals to highlight their contributions and raise awareness for the organizations they support. Know someone deserving of recognition? Email info@wearelocallife.com, and help us honor the heroes among us.

Rays catch waves, build sandcastles and maybe even sneaks in a surf session himself. He’s got rhythm and saltwater in his soul.

JAMMING AWAY When Mr. Dave walks in, the Rays light up. Whether it’s a drum circle or a spontaneous dance party, they know it’s going to be a good day. One of the most asked questions around the program is, “Is Mr. Dave coming today?”

STORY BY SHEILA PAZ + PHOTOS BY POCKETS FULL OF SUNSHINE

d

David Carroll rolled into Hilton Head in 1986 with a sunny outlook and a suitcase full of rhythm. Originally from the suburbs of Pittsburgh, David traded steel-gray skies for sea breezes and never looked back. He built a full-time career in real estate and now works with eXp Realty, but his true heartbeat has always been music.

Armed with a bachelor of fine arts in music, art and communication from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, David brings the beat as a drummer for the Chilly Willy Band. A longtime favorite on the Lowcountry music scene, the band has been a go-to for parties and good times since the ’80s, known for its crowd-pleasing blend of blues, classic rock and just the right amount of funk.

But it’s not just weddings and bar gigs where David makes music. In 2018 he found a new audience that would change his life: the Rays of Pockets Full of Sunshine. This local nonprofit supports adults with disabilities through art, connection and community programs, and David has been one of their favorite guests ever since.

Pockets Full of Sunshine

It started as a simple offer to volunteer. He brought his drums, played a few tunes and instantly hit the right note. Since then, he has shown up for weekly programs, weekend socials and just about every event with a beat to share. He also participates in Fun in the Sun for Everyone, an annual beach day where the Rays build sandcastles, fly kites and occasionally ride a wave or two with Mr. Dave cheering them on.

His connection with the Rays runs deep. They don’t just listen. They play with him, often bringing their own instruments to join the jam. During the pandemic, when gathering wasn’t possible, David helped organize outdoor sing-alongs and even produced an album featuring the Rays so their voices could be heard.

Ask him why he does it, and he’ll say he gets just as much as he gives. The love and joy the Rays bring to every note remind him of what really matters. They light up when he walks in. And yes, they always ask, “Is Mr. Dave coming today?” If he is, you can count on music, movement and more than a few smiles.

Founded in 2015, Pockets Full of Sunshine began with a simple but powerful goal: to provide opportunities for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities once they age out of traditional school programs at 21. Founders Dayna Dehlinger, Laurin Rivers, Carol and RJ Bartholomew saw the gap and decided to fill it with purpose, creativity and joy.

Participants, affectionately known as the Rays, take part in art projects, vocational training, farmers market outings, Friday socials and more. There are also a screen-printing microbusiness and partnerships with local schools, businesses and civic groups that create even more chances for connection and growth. The focus isn’t just on support. It’s on empowerment. The Rays are encouraged to shine in every way, giving back to the community while building skills, friendships and confidence.

How to help

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Pockets Full of Sunshine. Whether you’ve got an hour, a weekend or a special skill to share, there’s a place for you. Fill out the volunteer form at pocketsfullofsun.org, and help spread the sunshine. Mark your calendar for the PFS Annual Clay Shoot on March 6 at Forest City Gun Club.

Back in the game.

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What makes them

local

adjective. lo·cal | lō-kəl

TAILGATING TRADITION

Every Clemson home game feels like a holiday for the Risher family, who bring generations of Tiger pride to every tailgate.

1: characterized by or relating to position in space: having a definite spatial form or location 2: of, relating to, or characteristic of a particular place: not general or widespread: of, relating to, or applicable to part of a whole 3: primarily serving the needs of a particular limited district of a public conveyance: making all the stops on a route

Forever orange

Tom Risher and his family almost never miss a Clemson home game, carrying on a family tradition.

wSTORY BY BECCA EDWARDS

RAISING TIGERS When Tom Risher and his family moved from Chicago to Hilton Head in 2010, they did more than trade snow for sunshine; they brought themselves within five hours of their beloved Clemson Tigers. Since then they’ve made it to nearly every home game and at least one away game each season.

When it comes to the Clemson Tigers, Tom Risher is “All in!”

"I grew up going to Clemson football and basketball games with my parents and grandparents," Risher said."I was the fourth generation of Clemson graduates in my family when I graduated in 1990."

Enjoying South Carolina traditions like college sporting events is one reason Tom says his family moved to Hilton Head from Chicago in 2010. They’re geared up for another great season.

Q: What are you most excited about this year? A: We have high expectations this season and are hopeful for a playoff appearance.

Q: How often do you see Clemson play? A: We have season tickets for football and try to get to every home game and usually an away game each year.I always make sure I am in my seats before kickoff to watch the players touch Howard’s Rock and run down The Hill. It gets me fired up!

Q: What are some must-haves for tailgating?

A: Food and drinks for tailgates can depend on time of the game and the weather, but a few must-haves are some sort of fried chicken or strips and barbecue.Some people go crazy and bring grills and smokers and do full-on barbecuing.Early games usually start with a bloody Mary, but at some point, regardless of time or weather, there will be bourbon

consumed.You can mix it with Coke, Sprite or your favorite mixer, but there is no wrong way to tailgate with some “brown water.” For gear, all you need is your team’s logo on your shirt and a pair of sunglasses, and you are good to go.

Q: Any tricks to tailgating? A: The most important start to a good tailgate is location, location, location and then getting a group of friends to join.Good food and beverages always lead to a good party.Some people go so far as to hire musicians or pull a trailer to bring a huge flat screen TV to watch other games, multiple tables, dozens of chairs, cornhole, etc.Those are true tailgate aficionados, and it can get crazy.

Q: Do you have a favorite tailgate memory?

A: One of my favorites was when we played USC when I was in college, and Clemson won.My stepfather, a huge Gamecocks fan, walked up to the tailgate after the game without saying a word. He opened his cooler full of Budweiser and turned it upside down, ice and all, and dumped it in the dirt.He flung the cooler over his shoulder, never saying a word, and stomped off toward his car.My roommates and I were standing around dying laughing.

Q:What is your motto in life? A: God, family, friends and Clemson Tigers! No really, I don't have a motto per se. I just try to live life to the fullest and be as thoughtful and caring to others as I can be. LL

Local business buzz

WHAT’S NEW, WHAT’S NEXT AND WHAT’S MAKING WAVES ACROSS THE LOWCOUNTRY

STORY BY BAILEY GILLIAM

The Lowcountry is always evolving, and so is its business scene. From cozy bookstores and elevated pet boutiques to luxury golf carts and full-service auto shops, these new and soon-to-open spots prove that local entrepreneurship is alive and thriving. Whether you're looking to explore a new favorite or rediscover an old one with a twist, these buzz-worthy businesses are worth a visit.

Maria Bella Boutique

1414 Fording Island Road, Suite F180, Bluffton

Maria Bella Boutique offers fun, feminine and easy-to-wear styles perfect for brunch, nights out or everyday life. Located at Tanger 2 in Bluffton, it’s your go-to spot for looks that make you feel confident and stylish.

Gentiva Hospice

7 Arley Way, Suite 201, Bluffton

Providing comfort, dignity and compassionate care, Gentiva Hospice is there when life matters most. Its team supports patients and families with expert hospice services focused on quality of life.

Emery’s Bookshop

NOW OPEN

Clearview Automotive

6637 Okatie Highway, Ridgeland

From oil changes and alignments to diagnostics and suspension upgrades, Clearview Automotive is your one-stop shop for expert vehicle care. Factory-trained technicians handle it all, so your car rides smoothly, safely and exactly how you want it.

Nine Line Apparel

1 N. Forest Beach Drive, Unit F6, Hilton Head

Founded and operated by veterans, this patriotic lifestyle brand brings its bold, American-made gear to Coligny Plaza. Expect apparel and accessories that reflect a commitment to service, liberty and American values.

The Sunshine Playhouse

4375 Bluffton Parkway, Suite C, Bluffton

This thoughtfully designed indoor play space for ages 6 months to 6 years combines imaginative, physical and sensory play with a cozy café for grown-ups. Stop by for open play, special events or a sweet break while the kids explore and grow.

ON THE HORIZON

Elbe Collective

8B Market, Beaufort

Located in Habersham Marketplace, this pet boutique offers luxury accessories, unique finds and stylish essentials for pets and their people. It’s a must-visit for anyone who believes furry companions deserve a little everyday luxury.

95 Matthews Drive, Suite A5, Hilton Head

This cozy, family-owned bookstore founded by mother-daughter duo Emily and Rachel Baker was designed as a welcoming “third space.” It offers locals and visitors a warm spot to browse, read and connect, with a curated selection tailored to the Lowcountry community.

Genesis of Hilton Head

220 Fording Island Road, Bluffton

Luxury meets Lowcountry at Genesis of Hilton Head, the newest addition to the Vaden Automotive family. Explore new and pre-owned Genesis vehicles with top-tier service just minutes from the bridge.

Carolina Cart Company

4375 Bluffton Parkway, Suite D, Bluffton

This locally-owned shop specializes in high-end, custom golf carts with a focus on luxury, style and standout service. Whether you're cruising Hilton Head or Bluffton, they’ll help you ride in comfort and style.

USCB Sand Shark 20/20 Project

USCB is set to break ground on a state-ofthe-art basketball arena and sports complex, including baseball and softball fields, a track, parking and a pedestrian bridge. Designed as a community hub, the arena will host sports, concerts, graduations and more, boosting campus life and drawing thousands from across the Lowcountry.

ARC Management

Group

Launching in the fall, ARC will offer stress-free, fullservice rental management exclusively for Daufuskie Island homeowners. From guest transportation to cleaning and maintenance, it handles the details so you can enjoy more revenue and fewer headaches.

Friday night lights

That most magical time of year, football season, is upon us. Huddle up with three locals who are training the next generation of gridiron greats.

STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA STAFF

aAround the country there’s a change in the atmosphere: The subtle scent of charcoal and seared meat emanating from parking lots everywhere; the furious tapping of screens as fantasy selections are made; the sound of arguments over starting quarterbacks and whether this is the year they go all the way. All of it, combined with the soothing bliss of autumn’s cooler climate, spell one magical sentiment.

Football season is back.

As we prepare ourselves for six months of gridiron glory (five if you’re a Browns fan), we’re taking a local tailgating trip to the high schools whose Friday nights fill us with joy. Every NFL legend started off as a high school kid with a dream and talent to see them through. This month we get a season preview from the coaches whose job is helping those young players grow as athletes and as people.

B.J. Payne

iHILTON HEAD ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL

If football is a religion, then Massillon, Ohio, might just be its Bethlehem. Tucked into the Ohio Valley, football’s cradle, the “City of Champions” has birthed no fewer than two dozen football legends, building them up in a town where the sport is sacred. Hilton Head Island High School’s bombastic football coach, B.J. Payne, was raised amid this mecca for football, but his mind wasn’t always filled with Xs and Os.

“When most kids are 5 years old, they want to be a police officer or a firefighter. I wanted to be a wrestler,” said Payne. “My parents were very supportive, but they made it clear I had to get a college degree.”

That stipulation proved fortuitous, as Payne briefly paused his aspirations within the squared circle for higher education and the opportunities it provided on the field. His sturdy frame, combined with the tenacity he would bring to the wrestling ring, made him a standout defensive tackle at University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio.

“I won three National Championships there and went 54-1. We lost in the national semifinal my freshman year and never lost again,” he said. “It was an incredible experience because I got to play under Coach (Larry) Kehres. People throw around the term G.O.A.T. a lot, but he is the winningist head football coach in history. He’s at .929 — no one’s going to beat that.”

After college Payne would finally achieve his dreams of pro wrestling, signing a developmental contract with WWE (then WWF) after wrestling in the fabled Ohio Valley Wrestling promotion. He showed promise, but his in-ring career was cut short by a neck injury. Thankfully, he had the experience he’d gained under Coach Kehres to fall back on and began coaching at schools around Ohio.

“I loved Ohio, but it’s gray six months out of the year. One typical 35-degree day with six inches of slush, I was looking out my bay window thinking I should look for some jobs in the South,” he said. One of the most

intriguing openings was on Hilton Head. “Like most people, my perception of what Hilton Head was turned out very different from what it is. As I started to dig in and find out more, I just fell in love with the makeup of this island.”

That began 14 years of guiding the football program around a philosophy he calls PFP. “You build your offense and defense around players first, then formations, then plays,” he said. “Too many coaches are true system guys, but it’s not the play. It’s having the players so it works for you.”

He’s racked up wins, including the famed Bridge Bowl win over Bluffton High, but it’s the wins off the field he’s most proud of.

“There are a lot of wins that show up 10 years from now and not on a Friday night,” he said. “We’ve done an amazing job promoting players and getting them to college. It’s about giving them outlet to lead and succeed, to be leaders in the community.”

NO PAYNE, NO GAIN B.J. Payne has led Hilton Head Island High School’s football program since 2012, guiding the Seahawks to regional success and earning multiple Coach of the Year honors and recognition from the Carolina Panthers. A former Mount Union player with three national championships, he previously coached in Ohio and even spent time as a professional wrestler with Ohio Valley Wrestling before an injury ended his career. Known for his focus on player development and character building, Payne also teaches physical education, runs annual college exposure tours and hosts an elite summer football camp that attracts talent nationwide.

Main Street Medical is a premier urgent care and family practice serving individuals and families in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Led by Joel Johnson III, MD, the team aims to treat all their patients with dignity and compassion by providing comprehensive medical care services that promote a healthy community.

A physician-owned practice, Main Street Medical has a large team of health care professionals able to provide a wide variety of services that include both primary and urgent care. In addition to adult and pediatric care, the team also provides women’s care, x-rays, laboratory services, medication assistance, and employment physicals.

faces

gGoing into the season, the Hilton Head Island High School Seahawks have a pretty big act to follow. Last year’s 9-3 record was a boom for the program, despite ending with a heartbreaking loss in the second round of the 4A playoffs to South Florence. They proved dominant among teams in our region, and Coach B.J. Payne is looking to keep the momentum going.

“We lost a great senior class last year… but we have a really good nucleus coming back,” he said.

He points to a few of his players who he’s expecting to step into leadership roles and keep the team moving forward, including linemen Hayden Crockett and Aaron Stafford, quarterback Derrick Raniszewski, wide receiver Jeremiah Walters, running back Thaddeus Czarnecki and defensive players Josh Bigger, Andrew Massey and Samari Richardson.

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faces

Hayden Gregory

BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL

wWhen the first snap of Bluffton Bobcat football was played in 2005, there was already electricity around the program. This would be the mainland’s first taste of Friday Night Football since H.E. McCracken High School became elementary-only, and the hype would only intensify as the Bobcats shot out of the gate as contenders. Yes, it took them four years to get over the Bridge Bowl hump, but losses to Hilton Head were just dark spots on a stunning record. In the ensuing years they’d make a Lower State championship appearance and a region championship in 2010 and play in the 3A state championship game in 2011.

But then came stagnation and division. The opening of May River High School cut their talent pool in half, and the whispers began to grow that the new school had effectively ended the Bobcat’s hopes for further playoff glory.

The Bobcats needed someone to right the ship. They found that captain in coach Hayden Gregory.

“Part of the reason the job intrigued me was because it looked like a very similar situation to the one I’d been in at Collins Hill,” he said. In his previous position as offensive line coach and run-game coordinator, he’d seen the legendary program struggle before he and his father, Lenny Gregory, turned it around. With personnel like 5-star recruit Travis Hunter, they brought Collins Hill a championship. “A lot of people had given up on us then, so it was very much déjà vu.”

And so far, the pattern is holding true. Working off a similar blueprint he used at Collins Hill, Gregory has managed in just a few years to restore the Bluffton Bobcats to the football powerhouse it was in its glory.

“This will be my fourth year in Bluffton. At Collins Hill we made the playoffs my first three years but never made a deep run. By the fourth year we were state runner ups,” he said. “It’s honestly kind of weird because it’s the same trend. Good for the first three years and then the big year. And this is my first true class.”

The move to Bluffton not only let him step out of his father’s shadow and put his own stamp on a program, it’s allowed him and his

ON THE RISE Hayden Gregory, a South Carolina native, became Bluffton High School’s head football coach in January 2022 after serving as offensive line coach and run-game coordinator at Georgia powerhouse Collins Hill High under his father, legendary coach Lenny Gregory. His hiring was a major boost for a Bluffton program that had struggled since May River High split the talent pool in 2017. Under Gregory, the team has steadily improved and is looking to build on back-to-back winning seasons.

family a fantastic quality of life. “I’d been coming down here since I was 8 years old. This wasn’t a random choice – I practically grew up here,” he said. “It’s cool to know that we’ve found a really good place to raise kids.”

And Bluffton Bobcats Football, which had struggled to regain the glory of its early years, found a coach who knew how to turn a program around and had the skills to do it.

“These guys want to be good. At the end of the day, though, winning is cool, but it’s not the end-all-be-all,” he said. “My biggest thing is to teach these kids how to fight through adversity. It’s been awesome seeing these players who didn’t think they had a chance to be good and are now trying to be great.”

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faces

cCoach Hayden Gregory has high hopes for the Bobcats this season. Drawing off of his tenure at Collins Hill High School, where his fourth season brought home a championship trophy, he sees the pattern repeating here. So which game is he most looking forward to?

“Everyone would want me to say May River, but I think about it one game at a time,” he said. “It’s sounds so cliché, but we have so many teams that I care about beating.”

And fueling this big season will be a couple of players that Gregory thinks everyone should have their eye on – quarterback Aiden McCarthy and receiver Carnell Warren. “Both kids are tremendously talented. If you ever walk out to our practice, you’ll figure that out pretty quickly,” he said. “They’re both 6’4” and 200 pounds, so they’re both blessed with height and talent. But the best thing is they’re really good kids. They’ve taken the talent they have and haven’t taken it for granted.”

Bryce Lybrand

BEAUFORT HIGH SCHOOL

aAt the risk of infuriating half of LOCAL Life’s native South Carolinian readers, there are few names in South Carolina football that loom quite as large as Dabo Swinney. The bombastic coach of the Clemson Tigers wasn’t the most popular pick among fans when he was tapped as interim coach following Tommy Bowden’s departure, but he quickly silenced the haters with a slew of winning seasons, capped with the 2016 national championship.

Beaufort High School coach Bryce Lybrand can testify to Swinney’s outsized role in shaping Clemson’s fortunes. He was there to witness it from the ground up.

“I was a junior at Clemson, and they sent out an email that they were looking for student workers,” he said. “We were all assigned to an on-the-field coach, and I worked with Coach Swinney in that capacity. I was there when Bowden left and Swinney was named interim coach. It was a unique time.”

While he didn’t put on a uniform, Lybrand brought a wealth of experience to the Tigers' program. Growing up in Greenwood S.C. as the youngest of three football-mad boys, he was raised on the field, holding his own against his big brothers. At Greenwood High School he played varsity football as a captain under South Carolina Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer Shell Dula.

Under the tutelage of two of South Carolina’s greatest coaches, Lybrand found his calling as the man holding the clipboard.

“The biggest thing I learned from Coach Swinney was, make sure you treat people right; that includes other coaches and players. He always had a plan for everyone in the building down to me, and I was the lowest on the totem pole,” he said. “I tell people I’m probably the most blessed coach ever because I played for one legend and worked for another.”

That coaching pedigree served him well, starting with a stint at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tenn., working with Ken Sparks before he shifted to high school football. After seasons in Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Charlotte, he was drawn to Beaufort by then-coach DeVonte Hollman.

“I knew my path was always going to be in South Carolina, and I really wanted to get back here,” he said. “When the opportunity came up in Beaufort, it was perfect. I love the Lowcountry. My uncle was a preacher in Beaufort.”

That kismet proved to be a two-way street, with Lybrand bringing Beaufort High School to new heights with a championship appearance in 2021 and a championship win in 2022. While the next few years didn’t quite recapture that magic, Lybrand sees the season ahead as one to look out for.

“I think you just kind of reset as a head coach. You make some changes. And we’ve changed some things, but the core stays the same. We didn’t do a whole lot differently in 2023 than we did in 2022, but you have some close games and some injuries. It happens like that sometimes,” he said. “You don’t want to throw out everything and start making irrational decisions when the things you’ve done have worked in the past. You just try to look at the program and think about what needs to change and what we need to stick with. That’s what we’ve done this off-season.”

CAROLINA COMEBACK Bryce Lybrand, a Greenwood, SC native, has led Beaufort High School’s football program since 2019. A former captain at Greenwood High and student assistant under Dabo Swinney at Clemson, Lybrand also coached at Carson-Newman University under legendary coach Ken Sparks before moving into high school football. His stops included Fort Dorchester, Wando and a stint as an offensive coordinator in Charlotte. He joined Beaufort in 2017 as offensive coordinator under DeVonte Holloman, then took over as head coach when Holloman departed for South Pointe High.

faces

Guarding Your Legacy

Our

cBeaufort High School: What to expect

Coach Bryce Lybrand delivered a couple of legendary playoff runs to start out the decade, with a championship appearance in 2021 and an outright win in 2022. After taking his celebratory Gatorade bath, he began building on that hot streak.

Unfortunately, the next two seasons wouldn’t quite live up to that lofty expectation, with the Eagles going 7-5 and 2-9.

But don’t count Bryce Lybrand or the Eagles out just yet. Sticking with what has worked, this coach has a few aces up his sleeve for the coming season.

“Our tackle, Kenshon Speaks, is a great player who has started in every game including the championship game. He’s a great player who’s become a great leader,” said Lybrand. “And Chaz Brown, our defensive end, is a great leader, a great pass rusher and really disruptive.”

So which game is Lybrand most focused on heading into the new season?

“We play a pretty tough schedule, so we take it one game at a time,” he said. “But we play Fort Dorchester at home. That’s the one we’re going to bring a lot to.”

MEGAN

MORONEY

WENT FROM SINGING

IN

SORORITY

HALLS

TO SELLING OUT ARENAS, BUT SHE HASN’T LOST HER SOUTHERN GROUNDING

STORY BY ALEA WILKINS

FUTURE OF COUNTRY

Megan Moroney poses backstage before playing Nashville’s The Pinnacle in April. Earlier in the month she landed the cover of Rolling Stone’s “Future of Music” issue, which hailed her as a Gen Z country queen.

m Queen of hearts (and heartbreak)

Megan Moroney bought a ticket to the Atlanta stop of Kenny Chesney’s Trip Around The Sun Tour in 2018. Seven years later, she released a song with him about it.

“That is still crazy to me. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it,” the 27-year-old said.

A star Is born

Their duet, “You Had To Be There,” looks back on that night and everything that’s followed for Moroney: a meteoric rise that’s included headlining iconic venues and selling out dates across the country. She earned "best new artist" honors from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association and landed the cover of Rolling Stone’s April 2025 “Future of Music” issue. But beneath the glitz, glamor and what she jokingly called “10 pounds of extensions,” Moroney remains a down-to-earth Georgia girl.

Born in Savannah and raised in Douglasville, Moroney got her first guitar from her father after a breakup. The then-teenager, heartbroken in a way she described as “dramatic, horrible, wouldn’t stop crying — you know the drill” could only be cheered up by a Taylor six-string. She grew up playing the instrument with her dad and brother, and she told Nashville Lifestyles Magazine in July 2024 that she has been singing as long as she can remember. A devout Dawgs fan, Moroney started at the University of Georgia in 2016 as an accounting major. Though passionate about music, she’d never considered it as a career. “I don’t think it ever clicked in my head that this would be possible,” she told Rolling Stone. She rushed Kappa Delta her freshman year and grew a following online by posting about her Instagrammable college life,

DRESSED TO SHINE Moroney takes center stage at Radio City Music Hall in her signature tour look: a mini skater dress and white western boots. Rolling Stone described her look as "Southern-belle Barbie."

interspersing videos of her singing between beach pics and Dormify brand deals. When her sorority needed a last-minute opener for its charity show, Moroney took to the stage. The unexpected special guest? Singer Chase Rice in the audience, who, delighted with her performance, invited her to open for him. He told Taste of Country in October 2024, “I watched her play and was like, ‘Man, this girl’s good.’”

After ditching the calculators for curtain calls and interning with Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, Moroney took off to Nashville in 2020. She had her first songwriting sessions over Zoom, and two years later she released her debut EP Pistol Made of Roses as an independent artist. Recognition from Spotify’s Fresh Finds program led to the recording of “Tennessee Orange,” a waltzing love song about falling for a fan of a rival football team. Moroney thought its release would pick up traction with the upcoming season and hopefully earn some new listeners. Within five days it amassed over 1 million streams and caught the attention of Sony Music Nashville. “Releasing ‘Tennessee Orange’ changed my life,” she said to Spotify in June.

Since then, she’s released two RIAA-certified records, accrued nearly 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify and headlined four tours, each growing in scale and spectacle. Her current tour began in March in support of her hit 2024 album Am I Okay?, parading her batch of breakup anthems and blue sparkles around North America for the grand finale in Dallas this October.

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Homecoming queen

In late May Moroney returned to Savannah to put on a “hell of a show.” Her two-night stretch sold out Enmarket Arena, welcoming over 14,000 attendees from north of the Great Smoky Mountains to the southernmost point of Florida. The singer’s family and friends sat in the crowd, watching as she declared from center stage, “I’m so so happy to be back home.”

Amongst the fanfare — including a photo-op with a cobalt Posh Cart that she later bought — the quieter moments spoke loudest of her character. Yasmeen Badich, vice president of marketing for the arena, recalled how the star reached out to a young fan who missed the show to receive cancer treatment. “[Moroney] FaceTimed her in the hospital to check on her and bring her spirits up,” Badich says. “It was very sweet and made the little girl's whole day — maybe year.”

For an extra sweet gesture, Moroney also treated 100 fans per night to mini cups of Ben & Jerry’s — the blue-tinted Marshmallow Sky flavor — after the show. She extends her gratitude for her supporters whenever she can, and Georgia is especially meaningful. “Those are my people I'm back with. I look out and recognize faces,” she says. “Those shows are special.”

It’s Moroney’s ability to connect with her audience that's most indicative of her modern star power. Whether through her gut-punching lyrics as the self-appointed “emo cowgirl” — a nickname representing her penchant for writing sad songs — or responding to her fans’ comments online, she is, as Rolling Stone crowned her, “the Gen-Z country queen we need.”

Combining the genre’s storytelling traditions with markers of the current age (like being the victim of social media hate-stalking on 2023 single “I’m Not Pretty”), Moroney’s words speak to the next generation of country listeners. Sung with her smoky rasp, the songs sound refreshingly authentic. She cites the places she grew up as a major source of inspiration for her music, notably in songs like “Georgia Girl” and her early viral success, “Hair Salon.”

“I'm really honest about how things happened in my life or at least how I thought happened through my point of view,” she said. “Growing up in a town where ‘Hair Salon’ could really happen, I think it's just spilled over into my songwriting.”

Though she admits the song was inspired by a dream (“but Bernadette is real”), the specificity of her words is what keeps her fans entranced. She’s still amazed by how her fans have memorized every song, how the experiences behind them can feel so personal and turn out to be universal. “You think, maybe no one will understand this song, and then everyone does,” she says.

Savannah Ghost

hockey jerseys were made for Moroney’s two hometown shows, complete with blue rhinestones for a touch of sparkle.

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She’ll be fine

Since her return to Savannah, she’s dropped new single “6 Months Later,” performed at two music festivals and added a T-shirt cannon to her tour arsenal. She’s taken some time off in the Bahamas — but not too much. (She uploaded a video of herself in the recording studio while wearing a beach towel.) She continues to bring the Am I Okay? Tour to arenas filled with adoring fans, dazzling new ones along the way, and she still finds herself starstruck when she opens her phone to messages from Chesney. “That’s been one of the coolest parts of my career so far,” she says of their friendship. “I grew up listening to Kenny Chesney. I bought nosebleeds back in 2018, so to have a song with him is definitely a dream come true.”

Reflecting on her journey from excited fan to friend of the singer, she hopes it inspires others to take a chance on their own dreams. Before she wrote her first song, a night that began as “summer money well spent” turned into sold-out shows with her name on the marquee. She still can’t believe it. “It’s still something that I’m not sure I completely processed,” she says, “but I’m very grateful.” LL

Boots, breakups & breakthroughs

Megan Moroney’s music keeps getting deeper and sharper. Here’s how each release struck a chord with fans and critics alike.

Lucky (2023)

Moroney’s debut album “Lucky” wasn’t just good, it was a calling card. With clever, heartfelt tracks like “Tennessee Orange” and “Girl in the Mirror,” she introduced herself as a storyteller with wit, grit and a strong sense of self. Critics took notice and so did fans, who sent her streaming numbers soaring and helped make her one of the most buzzed-about newcomers in country music.

Am I Okay? (2024)

Her follow-up, “Am I Okay?,” leaned into the emotional wreckage that comes with growing up and moving on. Songs like “I Know You” and “28th of June” didn’t shy away from the messy middle of heartbreak and that honesty paid off. The album earned her glowing reviews, a few shiny awards and enough sold-out tour dates to keep her band on the road all year.

6 Months Later (2025)

Released in June as a surprise single, “6 Months Later” picked up steam fast, landing in heavy rotation on country radio by July. Thoughtful and wry, it plays like a postscript to “Am I Okay?” — less raw, more reflective and full of lyrical curveballs. If “Lucky” introduced her and “Am I Okay?” earned her a seat at the table, “6 Months Later” proves she’s here to stay.

i

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Modern Luxury Meets Coastal Charm

Welcome to 33 Ruddy Turnstone, a magnificent beachfront retreat nestled within the serene beauty of Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. From the moment you step inside, you will be transported to a 21st Century version of a classic 1970’s beach house, where modern luxury meets coastal charm. Prepare to be awestruck by the sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from multiple decks, providing the perfect vantage point to witness breathtaking sunrises.

PARADISE FOUND

This stunning 5-bedroom, 4 full bath, and 2 half bath beach house offers the perfect blend of modern elegance and timeless charm. With its spacious accommodations and luxurious amenities, it can comfortably sleep up to 16 guests.

Fabulous features

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• Features 5-bedroom, 4 full baths, and 2 half baths

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Whether you're seeking a classic family vacation or an exciting trip with friends, Sea Pines offers an array of experiences, and 33 Ruddy Turnstone provides the perfect base for your Hilton Head Island getaway.

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This, the original BESTNEST/Luxe property, was selected by VRBO as a Top Ten in America in 2022, and chosen by NBC to host its Third Hour Summer Kick Off show, May 2022. Since then, the house has hosted couples and families, celebrity and non-celebrity alike. Special features such as a multiple machine laundry, yoga hall, and beachfront bar room make this home a guest favorite.

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This one-of-a-kind home is the collaboration of a locally talented Hilton Head Island designer and craftsman. Architectural gem with the coastal outdoor living we all dream about.

Home features

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• 4 luxurious master suites complete with private en suites ensure everyone has their own slice of comfort.

• Gourmet kitchen with two islands and elegant handmade chandeliers. A spacious antique plank wood table has generous seating for 14.

What makes it special

• Cathedral ceilings are beautifully accentuated with antique reclaimed wood and colorful Lowcountry art.

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• Chef’s Kitchen with stainless steel appliances, Thermador ovens and microwave as well as other high-end appliances.

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makes it special

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Whether you’re entertaining or unwinding, this home has everything you need to make your next Hilton Head getaway your most luxurious yet.

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• 7 Bedrooms | Sleeps 22

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• Private Beach Walk just steps from the sand

What makes it special

Step into coastal elegance with this newly built 7-bedroom, 9-bathroom estate designed for indulgence, comfort, and unforgettable gatherings. With sweeping ocean views and direct beach access, this stunning home blends high-end finishes with thoughtful design to deliver the ultimate island escape.

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Lofty ambitions

This Palmetto Bluff home takes a step away from the norm with a huge swing at a bold new style of a Lowcountry home.

STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN

PHOTOS BY EDDIE TUCKER

oOne of the greatest barriers to progress is the insidious notion that “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” But that saying ignores the fact that breaking things, challenging our ideas of what’s possible, is how we move forward. Especially in home building, having the courage to build outside the box is how the art and science grow.

It was no different for Julie Callaway, director of design at Front Light Building Company, when she was tasked with envisioning a spec home that would not just showcase the craftsmanship her company is known for but would also make a statement.

“I wanted to do a real showstopper,” she said. “Something completely different from anything else Front Light does. We’ve always been known for that classic doublefront-porch home, but this was something new for us. New for everybody, really.”

That’s evident from the curb with cascading rooflines in black metal spilling down to stacked masonry, peppered with accents of black board and batten and stained cedar. It’s boldly modern, but with one foot in the principles of Lowcountry design.

But even that first impression barely conveys how Callaway took this home and turned it into something that casts Front Light in a whole new light.

Living large

Not just the heart of the home, the soaring living room serves as the heart of the entire aesthetic that Front Light was defining in this spec home.

“We were doing something different, and it all started with the loft overlooking the living room. Then we added the fireplace, and everything else was designed around that,” said Callaway.

Soaring 32 feet from white oak flooring toward the beamed cathedral ceiling, the dramatic fireplace is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the home's entire open scheme. With outdoor spaces, bedrooms and the kitchen spreading outward, its warmth fills every room, while its subtle veining lets it blend into the background.

“It was super important when we created the floor plan that the fireplace be visible from multiple spaces,” said Callaway. “It really creates an awesome atmosphere for entertaining as well as a cohesive space.”

The incredible heights of the great room, paired with ingenious tall windows, also add a sense of airiness while allowing the home to embrace the environment around it.

“That space gets a ton of natural light,” said Katie Thompson, director of sales and planning development. “When we were having photos taken, we didn’t even need to have the lights on.”

MEETS SCALE The living room’s soaring 32-foot ceiling, wall of windows and quartz fireplace create a dramatic focal point that’s visible from nearly every corner of the home. In the kitchen custom reeded cabinetry, a frosted glass pantry and a gold-accented center island blend modern flair with warm Lowcountry charm.

Stirring up style

Carrying through the subtle themes introduced by the fireplace, the team filled the kitchen with MSI quartz to match its stony grandeur, across the backsplash and the custom range hood. It’s all of the other details where we start to see the grander vision of the property take place.

“I wanted to do a kitchen that was very transitional,” said Callaway. “The cabinetry is inset white oak stained a little bit darker than the flooring, but the top drawers have a reeded detail to it, which brings in a little bit of traditional aspects to the space.”

A bold lighting package furthers this transitional appeal, introducing hints of gold that tie to the center island’s sink. If the lighting offers hints of modernity, the eye-catching glass cabinet at one end offers a whole pantry full.

“Those frosted metal glass doors were custom made,” said Callaway. “I wanted that to be the showstopper of the kitchen. And the black ties into the handrail in the loft over the living room and the window package as well.”

That same black frames the 77-bottle wine tower, leading to the scullery that only boosts the home’s status as a party haven. “We combined the scullery with the pantry, setting it behind pocket doors and putting a secondary dishwasher back there so you can keep glassware out of sight,” said Callaway. “It’s perfect for entertaining.”

Suite dreams

Serving as a sanctuary, the primary suite stretches the length of the property as it transitions from bedroom to ensuite, to walk-in closet to laundry room. In the bedroom tall walls in board and batten lend stately appeal to a space drenched in lush natural light.

“That was the main focus in the bedroom, accentuating all the light coming in from the windows,” said Callaway. “As it transitions into the bathroom, we really wanted to look at it as our own space with lots of storage.”

Modern details like the expanded edge over the sink and the raised garden tub pair neatly with white oak cabinets to carry the transitional nature of the home’s design. “Just because something is modern doesn’t mean you can’t make it interesting,” added Callaway. LL

Made to entertain

With a custom-ordered LA Waters table beneath an unabashedly modern chandelier, the dining room’s transitional sophistication is an inspired nucleus around which the entertaining space was built. Through black metal doors you step from modernity into the classic rusticism of a Lowcountry screened porch with outdoor fireplace. A double set of windows gazes out on the home’s outdoor living spaces, across the pool to the dazzling cabana.

“I’ve had a great relationship with LA Waters since I was in college,” said Callaway of the Statesborobased business. “They’re a great family-run business, they like to do things outside of the box, and they furnish all of our spec homes.”

SUITE RETREAT

Stretching the length of the home, the primary suite flows from a light-filled bedroom with stately board-and-batten walls to a spa-like ensuite, walk-in closet and private laundry.

Keep it clean

TUCKED BEHIND THE PRIMARY SUITE, THIS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRY ROOM IN PALMETTO BLUFF IS ANYTHING BUT AN AFTERTHOUGHT

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Who says you can’t sometimes keep the most beautiful part of a home to yourself? Set at the rear of the primary bedroom of this Palmetto Bluff home, past the sweeping Calcatta Abezo counters of the primary bath and just beyond the massive walk-in closet, this laundry room could have been nothing more than a quietly functional space to get whites whiter and brights brighter.

Instead, Front Light Building Company dialed up the saturation, creating a pop of color where you’d least expect it. Painted in a color they call May River Blue, the Litchfield frameless cabinets and the shade on the Hinkley Somerset pendant pop against the Tilebar Lapaz Daisy Blue backsplash and crisp white of the Kohler Whitehaven farm sink.

As dazzling as it is, this is still a laundry room, and Front Light made sure it fulfilled its vital role as the functional space it is.

“Something we see a lot of requests for is the dual washer and dryer,” said designer Julie Callaway. “Particularly in houses with pools, where you have towels constantly circulating in and out. And we chose the tile instead of wallpaper because things can get messy in that space.”

Paired with the bold black window package and slategray flooring, the dazzling blue manages to excite without overwhelming, creating a beautiful surprise that also keeps the pool party going all summer long. LL

STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN+ PHOTOS BY EDDIE TUCKER

Loads of style

Want to recreate this clean, coastal-chic space? Here’s what to look for when sourcing materials and finishes:

Cabinetry: Litchfield frameless cabinets in navy. The rich hue adds depth and drama while staying serene enough for a laundry space.

Sink: Kohler Whitehaven farm sink. The apron front design offers both charm and practicality, perfect for soaking swimsuits or scrubbing muddy paws.

Backsplash: Tilebar Lapaz Daisy Blue. This playful floral pattern brings life to the wall and ties in beautifully with the cabinetry color.

Pendant light: Rejuvenation Blaine pendant in a soft gray-blue finish. Its sleek shape and muted tone add a modern coastal touch without overwhelming the space.

Window package: Bold black framing adds contrast and dimension, especially striking against the bright walls and patterned tile.

Appliances: Dual stacked LG front-load washer and dryer sets; a practical solution for homes with high laundry turnover (especially those with pools).

Flooring: Slate-gray rectangular tile offers a neutral, grounding element that complements the room’s cooler palette and holds up to heavy use.

Are you ready for some football?

THIS PALMETTO BLUFF CABANA WAS BUILT FOR TOUCHDOWNS, COOKOUTS AND TAN LINES

STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN + PHOTOS BY EDDIE TUCKER

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An outdoor living space can be so many things. It can be the sun-dappled refuge where quiet contemplation meets the steady beat of the waves kissing the shoreline. It can be the personal resort where a sparkling swimming pool serves as the catalyst for summer entertaining in the sun. It can be the world’s greatest sports bar with TVs showing all of the games.

Sometimes, as in this spec home by Front Light Building Company, it’s all of those things.

“When we build a spec home, we sit down and discuss everything that our clients have asked for over the years and put it into one home,” said Katie Thompson, Front Light director of sales and planning development. “And we have had a lot of big Saturday football fans come through who want that cool spot to sit in the pool, entertain outside but still watch football and grill out.”

To fulfill that multi-faceted goal, Front Light built the cabana seen here at the edge of the pool. Built on a specialized hydraulic system that lets it fold up and out of the way, the massive metal door ensures that football parties can carry on even into the coldest stretches of the post-season.

“Having that door lift up makes the entire outdoor area into one space,” said Thompson. “We’ve had so many people say that’s what they were looking for.”

Inside, the cabana offers a full outdoor kitchen with leathered granite counters, dishwasher, ice maker, beverage fridge and grill, plus a half bath to keep guests from having to bring wet feet inside the house. And with wireless sound that carries play-byplay both inside and out, the entire backyard becomes a tailgate.

“Our main thing was to create a cohesive entertaining space,” added Thompson. “We’ve had so many clients come through, and this is what they’re looking for.” LL

HOME INSPIRATION FOR THAT AUTUMN FEELING, NO MATTER THE SEASON

Layer up

Dressing a home for fall follows the same principle as your outfit: pack layers. Combining a variety of textiles and materials creates a look that is both fashionable and functional. A woven rocking chair sits nicely next to a plush window nook, and a velvety rug balances the coffee table’s rigid metal legs. The antler centerpiece locks in the hunting lodge vibe. Enclosed in rich wood paneling, J. Banks Design says this North Carolina room is the perfect retreat for autumn days.

s Fall, sweet fall

Sweater weather may still be months away, but autumn lovers can get the fall feels any time at home. Through thoughtful lighting and layering, building an autumnal atmosphere is as simple as (pumpkin) pie. The interior design teams at Group 3 Designs and J. Banks Design demonstrate how to subtly nod to fall without seasonal decorations, imbuing coziness that works year-round. While your PSL may still be iced and your boots not yet broken in, these local rooms stir up the autumn spirit, no matter the weather.

Set the mood

Soft, warm lighting casts the ultimate autumn ambiance. The delicate fixtures in this Wexford home — a row of candles, a wall sconce and a crackling fireplace — transform the space into an inviting seating area with seasonal appeal. Designed by Group 3 Designs, the room has a golden-hour glow at any time of day, and the light grows more enchanting when reflecting off the glass table and antiques. Reminiscent of amber trees or a bonfire, this welcoming lighting calls for afternoon reading or a nightcap.

EASY, BREEZY DESIGN TIPS

Creating an autumn-inspired room doesn’t require renovation. For fall vibes in a pinch, find accent pieces that follow these cozy design guidelines.

Color: Autumn’s palette is ruled by warm tones. Pops of red or gold call to mind the changing leaves, but olive greens and plums work just as well.

Texture: Picture a serene cabin: wooden table settings, leather-bound books and a chunky knit throw just feel like fall.

Material: Metallics like copper or brass add rustic glam. Try one on a vase, art piece or picture frame for a touch of seasonal sparkle.

ELEGANT EQUILIBRIUM A vintage set of Gracie wallpaper panels and the home’s original 1920s marble fireplace set the tone for the shared seating area between his-and-her offices. Layered with a custom Patterson Flynn abaca rug, sculptural chairs, and soft metallic accents, the space bridges two distinct styles with grace and symmetry.

SOMETHING BLUE The midnight blue velvet of the curved sofa links visually to the husband’s office while offering a midcentury silhouette that feels fresh. Softly patterned throw pillows bridge to the wife’s softer style, making the piece an unexpected mediator in the space. Curved around the coffee table and paired with sculptural chairs, it invites conversation in the room’s center.

Balancing act

Collectibles and a custom rug marry his-and-her offices for a house united

STORY BY ALEA WILKINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LO AUSTIN

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Marriage doesn’t have to mean compromise. For long-time clients, interior design by Finch & Co., Bets Miller and Jennifer Sfreddo transformed an awkward in-between space into a stunning conjoining seating area that links his-and-her offices. Antique treasures and meaningful additions blend into a setting that celebrates two distinct styles in perfect harmony.

Starting with the couple’s shared admiration for classic interior design, the Finch & Co. team leaned into elegant vintage for the common room, then allowed each partner’s personality to shine in their separate studios. A custom Patterson Flynn abaca rug the clients fell in love with became the anchor, joined by a vintage set of Gracie wallpaper panels sourced specifically for the space. The thoughtful curation also reflects their lifestyle, with family-friendly furnishings ready for the arrival of a new puppy.

Where this transitional space could have muddled husband and wife’s interests, it instead embraces the contrast, acting as a bridge between their offices. On one side, the original 1920s carved marble fireplace and delicate floral wallpaper panels nod to the wife’s preference for serene elegance, accented by metallic touches and pale blue ceramic vases. On the other, the husband’s office brings bold lacquered walls, rich opulent blues and industrial-style iron doors. While the approach is more modern, elements like the marble coffee table and sculptural lighting echo a timeless sophistication that unites both ends.

Vivid detail

ARTISTIC

ACCENTS ADD LIFE TO THIS SEA PINES LIVING ROOM

STORY BY ALEA WILKINS + PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LYBRAND

Like an art gallery, a living room requires careful curation. A blank slate can feel lifeless, yet a room overflowing with showstoppers can turn into an eyesore. Pairing vivid hues and sculptures with creative neutrals, this South Beach living room, designed by Hannah Fulton of J. Banks Design, evokes the perfect balance. Each piece – from the geometric coffee table to the abstract lamp – intentionally excites without chaos, creating a uniquely Lowcountry masterpiece.

PURPOSEFUL PAIRINGS

These floral lamps prove even bold decor can blend in. A work of art on their own, the lamps become surprisingly understated when arranged next to the painting on the wall. Their aqua glass matches the painting's palette and brush strokes for a masterclass in interior design.

MIXED MEDIA

Blending earthly elegance with industrial-chic brass, this oversized drum pendant matches the living room’s eclectic vibe. When natural light hits the metallic rim, it sparkles like an ornate chandelier, but its understated design doesn’t distract from the space’s other standout moments.

With semicircle cutouts, this neutral coffee table is anything but basic. Its golden legs, welded in a “Vitruvian Man”-esque configuration, add personality, while the simple top allows other pieces, like colorful books and shell decor, to shine.

BLANK CANVAS

Although simple on its own, this muted ceramic vase is the perfect canvas for any array of blooms. Its warm undertones complement the earthy hues throughout the room, and it welcomes the opportunity to introduce even more pops of color.

CENTER STAGE

Showcase photos, knick-knacks and assorted decor on the perfect backdrop. This console weaves rattan into a billowing curtain as if a performance is about to begin. The organic material grounds the avant-garde pieces above it, setting the stage for artistic accents to be admired.

Instant oasis

PRIVACY SCREENS SURROUND OUTDOOR SPACES WITH FOUR-SEASON FUNCTIONALITY THAT DOESN’T COMPROMISE STYLE

STORY BY ALEA WILKINS + IMAGES PROVIDED BY SEAGLASS WINDOWSCAPES

Outside views meet inside luxuries with exterior privacy screens. Enclosing porches, patios or any outdoor space at the push of a button, they add comfort to enjoy the Lowcountry’s beauty without the fuss. Screens shield homeowners from poor weather, pesky insects and prying eyes and encourage locals to enjoy their backyards year-round. The experts at Seaglass Windowscapes emphasize that privacy screens have extensive customization options for creativity without borders.

WHY HOMEOWNERS SHOULD ENCLOSE THEIR OUTDOOR AREAS

While screening off an alfresco space may feel counterintuitive, it’s a design hack that can actually extend time spent outside. Whether beating the summer heat or upping energy efficiency, privacy screens open new outdoor possibilities.

Weather-resistant: Privacy screens can block winds that are too strong or sun that is too bright, but they’re adjustable to let the breeze in that is just right.

Temperature-controlled: Both summer and winter extremes can be subdued with intentional shading, protecting homeowners from harmful UV rays and eye strain.

Pest-proof: Buzzing in your ears? Block out mosquitoes, bees and other insects for comfortable outings, minus the bug spray.

Energy-efficient: As the temperatures fluctuate, privacy screens save energy (and your electric bill) by acting as a barrier between the outdoor elements and your indoor settings.

Perfect position

Personalized for every layout, privacy screens can bring convenience to an outdoor space. This home’s arrangement accommodates the width of each window while leaving pathways for easy access to conjoining rooms. Plus, for poolside watch parties, the blinds can be lowered to reduce glare on outdoor TVs. They’re a backyard entertaining game changer.

Shade match

Find the right hue for any home. The screens on this two-story perfectly match its slate gray exterior. Privacy screens are available in a wide selection of colors and materials to complement every color palette. Instead of taking away from a home’s striking appearance, they’ll only add the benefits. At a glance you’ll struggle to find where the interior ends and plush outdoor living begins.

Private screening

This home's screens achieve the perfect balance between isolation and open air. Work from home without distraction, or keep dinner parties exclusive to the guest list. Especially in hot spots for tourists (and nesting bugs), these screens make even crowded neighborhoods feel secluded.

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Play it cool

The 2025 HGTV Dream Home’s loft lounge is bright, cozy and built for fun

STORY BY LANCE HANLIN + PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY HGTV

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Style in the details

Just beyond the lounge, the hallway keeps things playful. A pair of pine console tables with a soft, seashell finish sit at either end of the overlook, each topped with a curved mirror and a textured blue ceramic lamp. The mirrors help reflect light into the space, while the lamps echo the cool tones used throughout the loft. Tucked neatly underneath each table are two yellow velvet ottomans. They're round, low-profile and easy to pull into the lounge for a game or a quick chat. A jar of golf tees and a few stacked books give the tabletops just enough personality, tying in the home's location on the 10th fairway without going overboard. The floors, made of wide-plank white oak with a lightly brushed finish, run throughout the second floor. They bring in warmth, texture and a bit of natural variation that makes the whole space feel lived-in and easygoing. LL

Each month we’re taking you inside a different space in the 2025 HGTV Dream Home in Berkeley Hall. Designed by Court Atkins Group, built by Shoreline Construction and styled by HGTV’s Brian Patrick Flynn, the house is filled with spaces that make it easy to relax and enjoy the moment. This time, we’re heading upstairs to the loft lounge, a sunny second-floor hideout designed for family fun, friendly competition and low-stress lounging. It’s a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly the point.

Let the games begin

This space is less about looking perfect and more about making memories. The sectional, wrapped in easy-care fabric, sets the tone: soft, low-key and always ready for company. Two wood-framed club chairs add extra spots to relax. At the center, a black pedestal table pulls its weight, handling everything from board games to pizza boxes.

A hand-tufted wool rug grounds the space with bold punches of teal and navy, playing off the room’s lighthearted vibe. On the back wall a built-in, four-in-a-row game pulls double duty: part entertainment, part wall art. A five-in-one combo table adds even more ways to play, and a sleek tic-tac-toe board is always ready for a quick round. Even the artwork gets in on the fun; whimsical, golf-inspired prints that nod to the home’s surroundings without taking over the room.

Get the look

• Paint: Sherwin-Williams Quietude and Rocky River (accent)

• Sandin Geometric Hand-Tufted Wool Area Rug ($426)

• Bahez Solid Wood Console Table ($147)

• Johnthomas Upholstered Club Chair ($370)

The All-Inclusive Custom Home Builder

Dillard-Jones Builders is more than a custom home builder—we’re a legacy in the making, rooted in decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and trusted relationships. As a family-owned company, we take pride in creating exceptional spaces that reflect the way our clients live.

iGame-day ready

USE GARNET, BLACK AND WHITE TO TURN A TV ROOM INTO THE ULTIMATE GAMECOCKS FAN ZONE

STORY BY LANCE HANLIN

If there’s one room in the house where team spirit can take center stage, it’s the TV room. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or watching solo, it’s the spot where big plays, bold calls and heated rivalries come to life. So why not design it with your favorite team in mind? For South Carolina Gamecock fans, that means rich garnet, sharp black and just the right amount of contrast. Wild Currant by Sherwin-Williams sets a bold tone, while Black Beauty by Benjamin Moore brings depth and focus. A narrow stripe of Night Blooming Jasmine from Behr cuts through the intensity and keeps the look clean and collected. Pair those colors with classic textures, tailored lighting and a little Gamecock art, and you’ve got a room that feels like a Saturday win, even on a Tuesday.

Get the look ...

To bring this style home, think layers of contrast. Start with Wild Currant (eggshell or satin) as the dominant wall color, and frame it with panels of Black Beauty (matte) to give the room weight and focus. A stripe of Night Blooming Jasmine (semi-gloss) provides just the right break between the two, echoing the clean lines of vintage sports uniforms. Go deep: Choose deep red seating with deep cushions and vertical tufting to mimic stadium vibes. Go with matte black fixtures and low lighting for that huddle-up feeling. The framed rooster print by pencil artist Stephen Malkoff (malkoffgallery.com) adds a personalized Gamecocks touch without leaning too heavily into themed decor. A round black coffee table and herringbone wood floors round out the setup, creating a space that feels just as good before kickoff as it does after a conference win.

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

WILD CURRANT (SW 7583)

This deep garnet delivers bold impact and warmth, making it a great choice for feature walls or color blocking. In an eggshell or satin finish, it has just enough sheen to feel polished without being too reflective.

BLACK BEAUTY (2128-10)

Strong, saturated and modern, this black adds definition and contrast behind furniture or artwork. A matte finish keeps it smooth and understated, giving the color depth without picking up too much light.

BEHR NIGHT BLOOMING JASMINE (YL-W10)

This soft off-white provides clean contrast and ties the darker tones together. Used as a narrow stripe, it nods to athletic uniform detailing and gives the space a tailored look. A semi-gloss finish sharpens the edges and adds just a hint of shine.

Prime viewing

ENTERTAINMENT AND TV ROOM INSPIRATION FOR WINNING WATCH PARTIES

STORY BY ALEA WILKINS

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There’s no place like home, especially when your home is equipped with a killer setup for football season. In the Lowcountry, where fall means warm afternoons and breezy evenings, indoor-outdoor living blends seamlessly with football traditions. Whether you’re posting up in the pool or cozying up by the fire, these spaces turn every game into a reason to gather.

Pool party

Neutral site

Snack zone

Why settle for a living room couch when you can take in the game poolside? This Sea Pines escape, crafted with finishes from Savannah Surfaces, checks every box for Lowcountry leisure. Under the covered patio, a sleek stainless steel grill, beverage cooler and spacious dining table form a fully functional outdoor kitchen. A mounted TV above the brick fireplace means you won’t miss a second while flipping burgers or refreshing drinks. Beyond the dining space, cushy white sofas and a tropical rug invite fans to kick back in true coastal comfort. And if the action gets too intense? Cool off with a dip or a swing on the striped porch bench, drink in hand.

This screened-in porch on Ribaut Island, designed by Group 3 Designs, brings the tailgate experience home, minus the traffic and sunburn. The oyster-shell tabby fireplace sets a coastal tone, flanked by a built-in grill and beverage station that keeps the snacks and sips flowing all game long. A wraparound bar with woven stools turns casual bites into a sit-down affair while cushioned seating and wood accents keep things comfortable and coastal. With panoramic views of the palms and water, it’s a setting that rivals the game for attention and a favorite for hosting into overtime.

This Palmetto Bluff living room by J. Banks Design is all about balance, both in tone and team spirit. A soft, neutral palette lets bold team colors or spirited decor shine without clashing. Plush seating with tactile textures invites you to settle in and the open layout makes it easy to entertain guests from kickoff to the final whistle. The tall, lime-washed fireplace anchors the room with clean-lined elegance while natural wood elements and earthy accessories bring in just enough warmth. Surrounded by windows with views of greenery, it’s the kind of space where every game feels a little more elevated, even if your team’s record doesn’t.

Local flavor

Root for your team with a little Southern flair in this Colleton River living room with automated touches by CAV Integrated Home A towering oyster-shell tabby fireplace, capped with a rustic wood beam, gives the space instant Lowcountry airs. The built-in shelves are perfect for displaying sports memorabilia or seasonal decor and the room’s clean lines and layered lighting make it feel both polished and cozy. With the kitchen, pool area and porch all within easy reach, it’s a natural gathering place, ideal for game days that spill into evenings and conversations that last past the final play. The soundbar and ceiling speakers bring stadium vibes without the crowd.

Unexpected play

If a stacked schedule of matchups calls for a streaming marathon, make sure your at-home fan section is as comfortable as it is tasteful. This Palmetto Bluff TV room from Court Atkins Group blends plush lounges with playful prints, adding sophistication without the stuffiness. The rustic-chic combo continues on to the walls where exposed brick pairs brilliantly with tabby-style oyster shells and a raw wooden beam counters the fireplace’s intricate tile work. Like chicken and waffles, it’s an unexpected combination for the win.

Clean sweep

This Bluffton backyard setup by Earthworks Landscape Construction takes simplicity and turns it into something special. Framed by towering pines and set against a crisp white backdrop, the brick fireplace and chimney are the visual focal point with a mounted TV drawing everyone’s attention, no matter where they’re lounging. The covered seating area offers relief from the midday sun while sleek concrete furniture and potted greenery add a touch of polish. Whether you're tuning in from the shaded sofa or taking in the game from the deep end, this space makes every touchdown feel like a personal celebration. Bonus points for the nearby Big Green Egg, perfect for halftime grilling.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

How to create your own game-day setup at home. Who needs stadium seats when you’ve got a front row view from your own living room, or better yet, your backyard? With the right mix of comfort, style and fanfriendly function, your space can be the go-to spot for watch parties all season long. From screen placement to snack zones, here’s how to build a winning setup that scores with every guest, no matter their team.

1. START WITH SEATING Comfort is key. Go for deep cushions, wide armrests and enough spots for everyone on the roster, even the unexpected plusones. Sectionals, swivel chairs or built-in benches work great inside or out.

2. POSITION YOUR SCREEN Whether it’s indoors over the fireplace or outside on a covered porch, make sure your TV is shaded, angled for visibility and big enough to feel like you're part of the action. Bonus: weatherproof models for outdoor use.

3. KEEP THE SNACKS IN PLAY A mini fridge, bar cart or even a cooler hidden under a side table keeps cold drinks and easy bites within reach. And if you’ve got a grill nearby, even better; halftime hot dogs are a win.

4. ADD SOME TEAM SPIRIT Pillows, blankets or even small framed memorabilia let you rep your favorite team without making the room feel like a locker room. Neutral spaces are great for switching out accents as seasons (or allegiances) change.

5. CONSIDER YOUR ZONES The best setups have room for watching, eating and chatting, all without blocking the view. Think open layouts, pass-throughs between kitchen and patio and areas that can shift with the crowd.

6. DON’T FORGET THE AUDIO A solid soundbar or a few discreet ceiling speakers can make all the difference. You’ll hear every snap, whistle and groanworthy replay, and no one has to yell “Turn it up!”

7. SHADE, FANS, AND FIRE For outdoor spaces, cover your bases: add shade for daytime games, ceiling fans for air circulation and a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to carry the party into the evening.

A look at the real canine mascots winning hearts across college sports

STORY BY BAILEY GILLIAM

t Top dogs

Uga XI University of Georgia

If there were a Heisman for mascots, Uga would be in the running every season. The tradition began in 1956, when Savannah attorney Sonny Seiler brought his English bulldog, a wedding gift, to a Georgia football game. The crowd loved it, and Uga became an instant icon. Every Uga since has come from the same bloodline, all raised by the Seiler family in Savannah. The latest, Uga XI, nicknamed Boom, was born in August 2022 and carries on the legacy in style. He wears a custom varsity jersey, travels with the team and enjoys an air-conditioned doghouse on the sidelines at Sanford Stadium. Uga isn’t just a mascot. He’s part of Georgia football history and a source of pride for fans across the South.

There’s something about a dog that brings people together. On game day, or any day, really, a wagging tail and a slobbery grin can rally a crowd faster than a touchdown drive. Across the country dozens of schools have dog mascots that do more than just sit and stay. They’ve become beloved symbols of school pride with loyal fan bases, packed schedules and sometimes even their own security detail. These dogs aren't just adorable: they’re part of the team. Students missing pets from home flock to them. Alumni get nostalgic. And fans? Fans go wild. Whether they’re trotting the sidelines, posing for selfies or stealing the show at halftime, these pups have stories worth telling. Here are some of the most legendary four-legged mascots in college sports.

Jonathan XV University of Connecticut

Jonathan has been the face of UConn pride since 1934, when students named the first Husky after Connecticut’s Revolutionary War governor. Today’s mascot, Jonathan XV, was born in April 2023 and knows how to work a crowd. He’s a Siberian husky with blue eyes and a thick coat that demands petting. He’s looked after by the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, which has kept the tradition going since 1970. During basketball season, Jonathan is everywhere, rallying fans and striking poses.

Handsome Dan XIX Yale University

Handsome Dan holds a special spot in sports history. He was the first live animal mascot in the country, going back to 1889. The original Dan was an English bulldog purchased by Yale student Andrew Graves for $5. He quickly became a campus favorite. When he died in 1898, he was preserved and placed on display in Yale’s gym. Today the tradition continues with Handsome Dan XIX, a bulldog named Kingman. He lives with handler Kassie Haro and has his own custom doghouse at the Yale Visitor Center. He’s more than a mascot. He’s a bulldog with Ivy League roots.

Dubs II University of Washington

Dubs II is a big, beautiful Alaskan malamute who was born in 2018. He’s the 14th husky mascot at the University of Washington since Frosty first took the field in 1922. Dubs is known for his fluffy coat, his big personality and his signature "woo woo" husky greetings. Off the field he lives with the Gruenstein family, loves string cheese, and duck jerky and has a solid Instagram following. On game days he’s pure Husky pride in motion.

Jack Georgetown University

Jack the Bulldog is more than a mascot. He’s a campus personality. The latest Jack was born in July 2023 and follows in the pawprints of a tradition that dates back to the Class of 1964. He’s known for his love of skateboarding, sunbathing and dragonfly-chasing. Cantaloupe is a favorite snack, along with anything meaty. He lives on campus with his caretaker, Cory Peterson, and regularly draws crowds at games and school events.

Butler Blue IV Butler University

Butler Blue IV is an English bulldog with a big fan base and an even bigger personality. Born in 2019, he took over mascot duties in 2020. Blue rides around basketball games in a custom mini Ford Mustang and greets players before tipoff. According to the school, he loves cuddles, hates being ignored and never turns down a Benebone. He continues a tradition that dates back more than a century.

Reveille X Texas A&M University

Since 1931 Reveille has served as Texas A&M’s top mascot. Known as the First Lady of Aggieland, she’s the highest-ranking member of the Corps of Cadets. The tradition began when cadets rescued an injured stray and brought her to campus. She barked during the morning bugle call and earned her name on the spot. Reveille X, born in 2019, is a rough collie with a regal coat and a strong presence. She lives with a cadet in the Corps and takes her job seriously.

Smokey XI University of Tennessee

Zeke IV Michigan State University

Zeke IV is Michigan State’s high-flying frisbee dog and he’s got the skills to prove it. Formerly named Buckshot, Zeke made his debut in 2016 just one day after the death of Zeke III. He’s an English Labrador with a strong fan following, thanks to his halftime stunts and off-field appearances at festivals, parades and even NFL games. Zeke is more than a show. He’s a Spartan tradition that keeps the crowd on its feet.

EMERGENCY SURGERY

Doctors on staff in hospital for emergent procedures

Oxygen Support I Fluid Therapy Pain Management EMERGENCY CARE

Wound Care I Trauma I Toxicity

Urgent Surgeries I Diagnostic Imaging Full In-House Laboratory

Overnight Continuous Doctor Supervised Patient Care

Tennessee’s beloved bluetick coonhound tradition began in 1953 with a dog named Blue Smokey. Today Smokey XI, also known as Bernie, continues the legacy. He was born in 2021 and lives with his dad, Smokey X, and the Hudson family. On game days, members of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity handle his public appearances. Smokey has been part of some wild moments over the years, including a brief dog-napping and a spot on the injury report. He also does work off the field, helping raise awareness for animal shelters.

Tuffy III

North Carolina State University

Back in the 1940s North Carolina State used real wolves as mascots. That didn’t last long. Today the school is represented by Tuffy III, a Tamaskan dog who was born in 2021 and looks the part without the wild side. Tamaskans are a rare mix of Arctic dogs, bred to resemble wolves but have no wolf blood. Tuffy lives with Lisa and Joe Downey and regularly appears at games and other school events. His presence honors a long history of grit and spirit.

Bully XXII

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State has had a live bulldog mascot since 1935. The early Bullys often wandered campus and occasionally went missing, thanks to rival fans. Things are a bit more secure now. Bully XXII, also known as Dak, was born in 2021 and named after MSU legend Dak Prescott. He lives in Meridian with the Martin family and carries on the tradition with plenty of Bulldog pride.

Picky Eater!

Join the owners of Wild Birds Unlimited Hilton Head for every aspect of backyard birding. From equipment and outings, to solutions and resources.

While they don’t often come to feeders, you can try mealworms or fruit.

Offer live or dried mealworms in a shallow tray feeder or put out halved oranges, grapes, or berries. They may stop by, especially during migration. A moving water source like a dripper or small fountain can catch their attention from afar.

Sponsored By Carolina Vet Critical Care

Adopt this Pet: Jerni

Her tail's wagging, her heart’s healing and her playlist? Classic rock.

STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY BY SASSA ENSCOE

Jerni has the look of a soulful ballad wrapped in a 61-pound bluetick coonhound mix. At 6 years old, this tri-colored sweetheart has been through a few verses of heartbreak but never stopped singing her song. Found as a stray, she arrived shy and quiet — a small-town girl livin’ in a lonely world — but with a little time, a lot of love and a few sunny spots to nap in, Jerni found her groove again. Now she’s a full-on superstar, charming everyone with her hugs, her gossip-loving nature and her complete disregard for personal space. Whether she’s sunbathing, going for a walk or belting out her best “Don’t Stop Believin’” bark in the yard, Jerni is always the life of the party. She’s holding out for a forever family who will sing along.

MORE ABOUT JERNI

Colors: Tri-color Age: 6 years Weight: 61 pounds

Likes: Walks, hugs, food, gossip, karaoke and cuddling like it’s her job Dislikes: Missing out, being told secrets she can’t overhear and sitting too far from her people Adopt: Meet Jerni at Hilton Head Humane between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 843-681-8686 or view her profile at hhhumane.org

COOL CAT: Cady & Minou

Meet Cady and Minou, a pair of brown tabby girls with a story that proves family is about love, not genetics. Cady (1 year old) came to the shelter with a bum knee that required surgery. Minou (just 4.5 months old) arrived in rough shape: underweight, injured and barely hanging on. Though they started in separate kennels, something clicked. When one perked up, so did the other. When one played, the other followed. Soon enough, they were inseparable. Cady became the big sis, teaching Minou how to chase toys and cause a little harmless trouble. Minou returned the favor by reminding Cady how to be silly and live in the moment. Whether they’re curled up in their favorite donut bed, pouncing on each other mid-nap or people-watching like tiny security guards, they’re always side by side. This bonded pair must be adopted together, and trust us, your heart (and home) will be fuller because of it.

Yellow-throated vireo FREQUENT FLYER

MEET THE PICKIEST BIRD IN THE WOODS

STORY BY BAILEY GILLIAM + PHOTO BY ROBERT SHUPAK

oOf all the songbirds passing through the Lowcountry, the yellow-throated vireo might be the hardest to spot, and not because it’s shy; it’s just particular. Painfully particular. This is a bird with opinions, especially when it comes to real estate. Pure pine forest? Hard pass. A scruffy little patch of trees under 250 acres? Don’t waste its time. It’s holding out for mature, mixed hardwood forests with the perfect balance of open canopy and cozy edges. Think of it as the kind of traveler who won’t stay anywhere that doesn’t have Egyptian cotton sheets and a locally sourced mini bar.

And when it comes to nesting? Even more extra. The male arrives first and starts staging

LISTEN UP Scan this QR code to hear the call of the yellowthroated vireo.

sample nests; just a few scraps of material carefully arranged in multiple spots like a woodland HGTV audition. When the female shows up, she takes a look around, politely considers her options and either picks one or vetoes them all. If she’s not impressed, she’ll just build her own. The final nest gets placed 20 to 50 feet up, near the edge of the canopy. Only the penthouse will do.

Surprisingly, these two perfectionists make excellent partners. Unlike many songbirds that hand off the parenting to mom, both male and female vireos share nest duties, from egg incubation to chick-warming. It’s a rare bit of egalitarianism in the bird world.

Spotting a yellow-throated vireo isn’t

impossible, but it does take patience. You’ll hear them before you see them; their song is a raspy version of the red-eyed vireo’s, like a crooner with a pack-a-day habit. Visually, they’re hard to miss: bright yellow throats, olive backs and those bold yellow “spectacles” that make them look like the Iris Apfel of the treetops.

They forage with slow, deliberate hops, favoring bare branches over leafy ones, often singing mid-chew like they’re delivering a review of their meal. Even their alarm calls are precise, scaling in intensity based on the threat level. One squirrel? Mild grumbling. A hawk? Full panic.

In the canopy’s commotion, the yellow-throated vireo offers a gentle reminder: There’s grace in being particular and charm in being just a little choosy.

Where to find them

The yellow-throated vireo doesn’t stick around South Carolina for long. It’s a migratory visitor, passing through just long enough to charm keen birders with its bright plumage, cheerful song and picky real estate preferences. “They forage for insects high in the mid-to-upper canopy, often giving themselves away with a series of short, cheerful-sounding phrases,” said master birder Mary Alice Tartler. “These birds are monogamous and known to form long-term pair bonds. Males can be quite territorial, especially during breeding season.”

Want to lure one in for a closer look? Tartler recommends planting native trees like oak, maple and pine to offer food and cover, along with flowering plants that attract insects. And don’t forget the water. A clean birdbath or shallow dish could be just what a weary traveler needs. Catch them if you can. They’re picky, brief and beautiful.

Essentials

Get everything you need for backyard birding at Wild Birds Unlimited in the Festival Centre at Indigo Park on Hilton Head Island.

FOOD & ACCESSORIES

• Mealworms

• Insect-based suet

• Bird bath

• Misters