CharlestonWELCOME HOME Josephine Traina, Broker Accociate My Heavenly Reward Can Be Yours, Too! Helping people achieve the American dream is the best job in the whole world. Giving back to the community that supports me is my destiny, and I hope every donation shows the love I feel for my profession and the people and community that support me. Very simply, when you buy or sell a home through me, I donate a portion of my net commission to the 501(c) 3 charity of your choice in your name. No smoke, no mirrors, no kidding. www.myheavenlyreward.com Local REALTOR, Josephine Traina, spent Good Friday, “Giving Back” to the community. Not only did she get to wear the “Red Shoes” that Ronald McDonald wears, but got to learn about all the good work this organization is doing. As part of Josephine’s My Heavenly Reward Program at myheavenlyreward.com, whenever a buyer or seller purchases a home, Josephine donates a portion of each sale to the charity of her client’s choice. The Komisorov’s used Josephine’s services during their real estate transaction, and a donation of $1000 was made to the Ronald McDonald site, in their name. Josephine is happy to be supporting children and families in their time of need and is looking forward to helping out The Ronald McDonald House and the Red Shoe Society of Charleston a lot more in the years to come. Josephine commented that this truly is the reason she started MyHeavenlyReward.com and is so happy to be making a difference, one sale at a time. Helping Charleston area Medical Professionals with their residential needs for years. Now let me help you as well! Josephine is also a member of the MUSC 1824 club of philanthropic donors to the Medical University and a proud supporter of Doctors Without Borders. SECTION NAME Photo/Courtesy of City Charleston »Welcome The Charleston region is full of life, history and opportunity. You have probably already discovered this, as you are consid- ering, or have already chosen, the region as your new home. On the surface, the region’s beauty is impossible to ignore. In fact, it’s probably one of the many things that attracted you to the area. Rivers serenely wind through scenic marshlands. Historic buildings are shaded by grand live oaks draped in Spanish moss. There are a lot of advantages to living in an area that’s easy on the eyes, whether you’ve set down roots in Sum- merville, Charleston, Mount Pleasant or somewhere in between. But much deeper than the region’s beauty is its history, which dates back to 1670 when the first English settlers arrived and established Charles Towne on the banks of the Ashley River. As a favorite destination for travelers, the Charleston region proudly celebrates its history and the people who have helped shape the area into what it is today. In addition, quality of life is something each community takes seriously. Schools are a high priority. New pedestrian and family-friendly neighborhoods are being built that mix seam- lessly with established neighborhoods. There are abundant opportunities to experience arts, culture, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and nightlife. We invite you to explore the region, get to know your neigh- bors and discover the charms of the Lowcountry. It won’t take long before you become immersed in the area’s progressive Southern culture and call Charleston your new hometown. We’re certainly glad you’re here. Welcome home. INTRO | 1 WELCOME Why, thank you! The Charleston area keeps racking up »We’ve got it all the recongnition in many areas. Here are a few examples. We’re flattered... Charleston was named No. 1 tourist city in the United States in 2013 by Conde’ Nast Traveler readers for the third year in a row. Here are a few Charleston is the No. 1 Best City in North America reasons why: - Travel & Leisure, 2013 Atmosphere and Ambiance No. 7 World’s Best City Day or night, Charleston’s atmosphere and ambiance beckon. Take a carriage ride to -Travel & Leisure, 2013 learn about the historic area, take in a beautiful sunset at a rooftop bar or venture to the beach to relax. Charleston gets into your soul and we think you’ll agree there’s nothing No. 1 U.S. city and top world destination quite like it. - Conde Nast Traveler, Readers’ Choice Awards, 2013 Arts and History The Charleston area is the home of many A top 10 best place for jobs in firsts. The city was founded in 1670, and the U.S. (among mid-sized metros) you can barely take a step in any direction - Forbes, 2012 without seeing a historic building, plantation or other landmark. From Rainbow Row and No. 5 Best Performing U.S. metro for the Market downtown to Fort Moultrie on high tech GDP growth Sullivan’s Island, there is much to see and -Milken Institute, 2013 learn about. And the Charleston arts scene is surprisingly vibrant as well. Performing No. 11 for Best Performing U.S. metros and visual arts come together in the annual - Milken Institute, 2013 Spoleto Festival. No. 13 for job recovery among U.S. Friendliness metros Our rankings as Friendliest City and Most Mannerly City are two things we’re proud of. - Brookings Institution, 2014 We take life a little slower here in Charleston and extend to visitors and newcomers the same hospitality that the city’s founders did. It won’t be long before you too will be say- No. 3 for Best Cities for Young ing, “Welcome, y’all!” Entrepreneurs - Under30CEO.com, 2013 Lodging Want to stay in a historic inn? No problem. Like the beach with a golf course nearby? Top 12 technology hubs in America You can stay there too. Luxury hotel, bed and breakfast, marsh or ocean view, harbor or - SlateTech, 2013 skyline vista? If you can dream it, we probably have it. No. 2 for overall business environment Restaurants and overall labor climate in the nation Charleston has become a hotspot on the gourmet food scene. Chefs focus on using - Area Development, 2012 farm fresh produce and seafood straight from local waters. Lots of festivals and events feature our local cuisine, from spontaneous Food Truck Rodeos to the annual Wine and No. 2 for economic growth Food Festival. (South Atlantic area) - Area Development, 2012 Shopping Pick up a handmade sweetgrass basket in Top 10 U.S. destinations the Market or shop the latest fashions on King on the rise for 2012 Street downtown. Head out to the Tanger Out- - TripAdvisor.com, 2012 lets in North Charleston if you’re looking for a great deal or swing by Town Centre in Mount No. 2, top 10 downtowns Pleasant for trendy shops and locally owned - Livability.com, 2012 boutiques. Whatever you’re looking for, you can probably find it here. Third best weekend getaway destination - U.S. News & World Report, 2012 Sources: Charleston County Economic Development, S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism 2 | INTRO Welcome messages Why I live here from our sponsors “I like living in Charleston because I love the water. Our “I have been lucky to call the Charleston area home waterfront is a wonderful resource for recreational and for 30 years. Over time, I’ve watched the Lowcountry educational activities, as well as grow into not only a world-class job opportunities. It is the perfect destination, but a wonderful place complement to the city’s landside to live, making Charleston real charm.” estate a great investment.” McKenzie Hutaff, CMM Lorcan Lucey The City Marina Company Lucey Mortgage SOUTH CAROLINA “The Charleston area is a great “Charleston, and surrounding areas, “I live here because my parents place to raise a family. There are so are the perfect backdrop for fami- realized this would be a great many opportunities to participate in lies. Having raised an 18, 21, and 23 place to raise a family. I stayed here family-friendly events that promote year old here myself, I can vouch because I agree.” healthy lifestyles and support good that it offers something for everyone. causes like the American Heart Walk Where else can you spend a day at Linda Page in the fall and the Push Up & Up the beach, enjoy some of the coun- Mayor, Town of Mount Pleasant Challenge in the spring.” try’s best food and take in a baseball game just by Patrick J hopping over Cawley, MD, a bridge?” MHM, FACHE Executive Director/CEO, Cregg Glover MUSC Medical South Carolina Center Federal Credit Union INTRO | 3 Photo/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Partners »Welcome 2 Introduction to Charleston 3 Sponsors’ Welcome 6 Education in the Lowcountry 13 Higher Education 18 Market Facts/Economy 26 Health & Wellness Photo/File »Living In contents 38 Historic Charleston 44 Mount Pleasant 46 Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island 48 North Charleston 50 West Ashley 54 James Island & Folly Beach 57 Johns & Wadmalaw Islands 58 Daniel Island 60 Kiawah & Seabrook Islands 62 Summerville 65 Moncks Corner 67 Goose Creek 2014 Photo/Courtesy of Charleston County Parks and Recreation Volume 6 » Resource Guide 70 Sports & Recreation 76 Golf Courses 77 Dog Parks 78 Dining Out 80 Places to Stay 83 Alternative & Outdoor Venues 84 Arts Abound 88 Attractions & Tours 92 Calendar of Events 96 Newcomer Information & Map 4 | INTRO Photo/Ryan Wilcox Photo/Ryan Intro Editor - Licia Jackson [email protected] • 803.726.7546 Intro Associate Editor - Jenny Peterson [email protected] • 843.849.3145 Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox [email protected] • 843.849.3117 Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly [email protected] • 843.849.3118 Graphic Designer - Andrew Sprague [email protected] • 843.849.3128 LOWCOUNTRY NEWSROOM Managing Editor - Andy Owens [email protected] • 843.849.3142 Senior Copy Editor - Beverly Barfield [email protected]