Charleston Real Estate and Events

Boeing and BMW are no longer the only two companies bringing thousands of jobs to the Charleston area. Rumor has it that there’s a new Joe in town, and it’s one that may bring more job opportunities than previously expected. Summerville’s wind turbine testing lab is beginning to open up shop where the company will manufacture equipment used to develop power generators for these turbines.

In a few short weeks German-owned IMO USA Corp. will put its $350,000 state grant to good use when it begins production. The facility, costing $98 million, will be used as a testing facility by Clemson University Restoration Institute. The University will break ground later next month, yet won’t open its doors until 2010. The McQueen Industrial Park facility will initially hire 20 people, but more jobs are expected as the business begins to grow.

For some, the location of this research facility may seem unorthodox. Wind plants are a popular trend overseas where the need for electricity and renewable energy are much greater. But, the move for this initiative in South Carolina speaks wonders about the Palmetto State. The Charleston location means that the city is capable of supporting the transportation, work force and spending requirements needed to foster such a company. Additionally, the wind plant will allow the state to potentially become a major player in the global footrace.

Similar plants in countries, such as China, employ nearly one million workers. Is this possible in North America? Time will tell, but Charleston and its residents are looking forward to being a part of that answer.

When you hear someone mention Charleston, SC, what do you think? Do you picture historic homes and cobblestone roads? Do you think art, food and wine? Or are you envisioning the beach, surfing and boating? When you do think of these things, do you also think ‘childhood memories?’ How about ‘vacation home’ or ‘second home?’

As many baby boomers enter retirement they begin looking towards buying a vacation or second home. Real estate prices are at the lowest rates in decades, and now is the time to invest in a property that could potentially earn thousands as the economy rebuilds itself and as you build memories with your loved ones. Charleston is the perfect place to embark on this investment, not just because of the environment and housing market, but because Charleston has so much to offer with its golf, water activities, beaches, history and more.

For many, the Holy City is a place where childhood memories were created. Families and friends have spent time in the area building these memories that have some way shaped their lives and strengthened their relationships. As a child, you may recall the summer you spent in a beach house, soaking up the sun. Or maybe you remember the trip you took with friends as an adult, consuming as much food, wine and culture as humanly possible. Regardless of the time, the fact is that Charleston made a lasting impression because of the priceless experience you left with.

Charleston homes have become more affordable over the past few years. Some people don’t realize the popularity of the city has grown exponentially over the years, and because of this, more people are relocating to the area or investing in second homes. .

If you are considering a second home or vacation home, consider the big picture. Consider a place that has much to offer in the way of recreation, shopping, dining, boating and the arts. Charleston home prices are the lowest prices in decades and has historically shown a return on investment. Additionally, look for a place that has the ability to create what doesn’t come with a price tag. Look for a place that has the ability to expand on the memories you’ve already created and will continue to create with your own family and friends. Consider Charleston.

Charleston myths, architectural structure and color, art and music are heavily influenced by the Caribbean culture first introduced to the area hundreds of years ago. These traditions have continued to show their presence over the centuries and are recognized annually at the MOJA Festival. The Swahili term ‘moja’ means ‘one’. Moja is the perfect description for this event, which recognizes the many contributions of African-American and Caribbean culture in the Lowcountry. It’s one event that encompasses the visual arts, music, dance, poetry, narratives, theatre, food and crafts that these cultures have influenced.

The 2010 MOJA Festival is celebrating 27 years of tradition, and the events schedule is packed with education and exciting events. The Southeast Tourism Society has recognized the festival as one of the top 20 events to attend for the past several years. It will run from Thursday, September 23 to Sunday, October 23. Events are sponsored by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and will be held at various locations in the downtown area.

While some may see the festival as solely for entertainment, the sponsoring committee is using it as an opportunity to educate participants about the cultures and to promote harmony amongst all cultures. Workshops will be held in public school and through senior outreach programs to educate.

he event is a staple to Charleston because it’s a taste of food, art and Lowcountry fun in one. Over the last two decades, Southeastern Tourism Society has ranked The Taste of Charleston as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast. It’s appeal is not solely based upon the Charleston culture it exhibits, but also on the fact that it is an annual event enjoyed by all ages. The three-day festival will host both new and traditional events over the course of the weekend:

Friday, Oct. 8: Iron Chef. This “quick fire challenge” takes place at the Culinary Institute on Charleston’s Palmer Campus. Here, some of the top local chefs will test their skills in a competition-style cook-off.

Saturday, Oct. 9: Arts on Gallery Row. Similar to the monthly Charleston Art Walk, this event allows participants to taste both art culture and food culture. Many local galleries partner with local restaurants to offer walking tours of traditional Lowcountry art and cuisine.

Sunday, Oct. 10: Main Event. The closing ceremonies of the festival will be held at Boone Farm Plantation, where participants will be experience culture overload. Local band, Homemade Wine, will take stage while 45 local restaurants showcase their finest entrees. Over 40 hand-crafted local beers will be sold at the event, as well as wine and food pairings. In addition, the Kids Corner will feature activities for the young foodies, such as snow-cone eating and magic shows.

Prices for each event vary, but tickets to attend all three events are available. To learn more about The Taste of Charleston, or to purchase your tickets online, visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com.

Nearly every bridge in Charleston has a breathtaking view. Rivers, harbors, sailing and shrimping boats are all part of what makes these views special, but one ship in particular reflects Charleston’s place in history, and continues to remind travelers on these bridges of the dedication and service of the men and women whom served upon it.  The U.S.S. Yorktown, originally an aircraft carrier during WWII, has earned 11 battle stars, the Presidential Unit Citation and in 2003 was the backdrop for Senator John Kerry’s announcement to run for President.  It docked in the Holy City in November 2007, and it has remained a staple of the area since its arrival.

The ship has served as an attack carrier and an antisubmarine carrier, but in 1975 it began serving as an historical landmark in the Lowcountry.  The U.S.S. Yorktown resides at Patriot’s Point on the Charleston Harbor where thousands visit her each year.  Visitors have the opportunity to experience what once were living and working quarters of Navy soldiers during WWII and Vietnam.  Additionally, visitors are able to learn about some of the ship’s cargo, such as the submarine, Clamagore, the destroyer, Laffey, and the Coast Guard cutter, Ingham.

The Yorktown is also home to the Cold War Submarine Memorial and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Museum.  Here, plaques and pictures recognize the efforts of the soldiers who have been honored with such high esteem, and the museum educates visitors on the events which led these soldiers to receiving such honor.  For either the individual, veteran, family or school group, this spot represents American pride, as well as pride in having the U.S.S. Yorktown refer to Charleston as home. 

Poet John Hollander once described local farmers’ markets as the “slowly turning Lazy Susan of the seasons”. In Charleston, the farmers’ markets represent so much more than simply the change of weather. They are the melting pot of different lifestyles and traditions that are known to have created the culture of this area.

Most farmers’ markets are dominated by the presence of local farmers selling seasonal produce. The Holy City offers more than the typical market because it is dominated by the presence of local artists, whether that be an artist of farming, art, gardening, pottery or of the culinaries. The markets have become local hotspots on Wednesdays and Saturdays for local families, friends or even visitors to the area. Attendees are able to enjoy the warm weather, grab breakfast or lunch from a local vendor and puruse the various tents to shop or just to experience the culture that exists here.

Aside from fresh produce, farmers will also sale herbs or plants from the garden. Likewise, many of these farmers specialize in only one of two different items. Some farmers may only sell peaches and berries, in which they will not only sale the whole fruit, but also jams, preserves or pies they have made from their product.

Local artists set up stands where they make their art easily available to shoppers. People have the opportunity to see what critics describe as Lowcountry Art, and they often times get to actually see a work of art in the making. Additionally, many vendors sale handcrafted jewelry, antique jewelry and handmade clothing.

Two of the favored tents at the market are those which belong to pet bakeries and pasta makers. Dogs enjoy a treat for their good behavior at the market, and shoppers enjoy taking home a piece of Charleston’s Mediterranean culture for dinner.

Even the person on a tight budget can enjoy the market’s festivities. Throughout the market season, local bands perform free entertainment. Additionally, inflatable slides and jump houses are on-sight to entertain the children. So whether you want great food, live music or just an outdoor stroll of the local arts, the market may become the next best shopping mall.

To learn more about the Charleston Farmers’ Market, and it’s operating times, visit its official website at www.charlestonarts.sc

Powder blue, sky blue, Carolina blue, baby blue, Alice blue.  To many, these shades mean nothing, but to a Charleston homeowner living in a historic home, a shade can mean so much more.  One of the distinguishing traits of homes in this area is color.  Many homes are painted in bright colors, a direct recognition of the strong Caribbean influence in the area.   Shutters are traditionally painted black, the color of paint sent by the government to repair Charleston after the Civil War, and porch ceilings are painted blue, but depending on the individual, the reason for this choice may vary.

Several different myths are used by Charlestonians to explain the blue porch ceilings, and how homeowners choose a shade of blue.  Some claim that the color is an extension of the sky, therefore, they choose sky blue.  Some homeowners argue that the shade helps extend daylight during evening hours, and even to help ward off pesky summer bugs.  It is thought that spiders and wasps will mistake the ceiling for the sky, and will look for more secure places to build nests.  In this case, the owner chooses a more distinguished shade, such as steel blue or Bleu de France.

Most commonly, the shade of haint blue, or “gullah blue”, is used in the area.  The word ‘haint’ originates from the Gullah culture in the Lowcountry.  The Gullah culture describes the mixture of African tribes that were held here as slaves, a culture rich in myths and customs.  Often times these slaves would paint doors, window frames and porch ceilings blue to ward off evil spirits.  If evil spirits did come knocking on a blue door or window, they would be sent back into the sky where they were unable to harm others.

Charleston architecture is one that is truly historical, and one that has cultural significance.  So, whether one believes in legends, or not, a blue porch is just another special facet to the Lowcountry and it’s historical culture.  Note:  A few suggestions from the local Benjamin Moore store are Mystical Blue, Crystal Springs and White Satin. 

Lindsay and Brent Doolittle may not be your average mathematicians, but when it comes to the kitchen, they certainly know how to add the right amount of handpicked ingredients to equal the perfect pie.  Since opening 3.14 Pies just three months ago, the Doolittles have quickly increased their numbers and satisfied the sweet tooth of many Charlestonians.

The couple met in French class during college at the University of Virginia, where they learned that they shared more than group projects, but a passion for baking pies, a skill they each inherited from their own mothers.  After college, they married, and they each began their prospective careers; Lindsay, a consulting firm manager and Brent, a defense contractor.  But, as Lindsay says, while their jobs paid the bills, the couple wasn’t passionate about their careers.  Their solution was one that most are fearful to even consider: give up their careers and start a business. 

As Charleston residents, they decided to bring their passion in the kitchen to the storefronts of Charleston.  The pies range anywhere from the Blueberry Bahama Mama Pie to the Salted Rim Margarita Pie, and they are each baked using only locally and organically grown ingredients.  Consumers have an option between a “Down Home” or “Downtown” style pie.  A “Down Home” pie would be like a traditional pumpkin pie, but a “Downtown” pie would have a gourmet twist using pumpkin.

Like their mothers’ who “never dreamed of brownies out of a box”, the Doolittles have been working tirelessly to prepare for their new fall flavors.  Additionally, they’re exploring outlets to bring their own skill into someone else’s kitchen by offering a cooking class for the public at Coastal Cupboard on October 28.  At the event, they’ll teach participants not only how to bake some of their selling pies, but also how to turn leftover Thanksgiving dishes into delicious meals, such as Shepherd’s Pie.

The Doolittles feel that Charleston was an opportune place to begin their business because the sense of support from fellow business owners is undeniable.  Even when it comes to the customers, Lindsay says that just hearing someone say they loved a pie can make any day brighter.  The couple says they are excited to see what the future holds and continuing to focus on simply having fun.

Charleston has been in the news a good bit lately for real estate reasons.  Sullivan’s Island is one of America’s priciest ZIP codes.  It was named the 88th most expensive ZIP code by Forbes Magazine.  If you want to find a seaside home on Sullivan’s Island, starting searching the MLS.   Charleston’s historic South of Broad district is on the list as well.  Considering a charming pied a terre, historic home or luxury condos in downtown Charleston?  Start your search here.

New bike trails are planned for Goose Creek, Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island.  There is a new bike path planned from Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island which shoud be finished by the end of 2012. The Group Charleston Moves is trying to get more bike paths and pedestrian paths created throughout the Lowcountry.  If it is mountain biking you are looking for, a 7 mile path is being built in Goose Creek which will eventually be accessible from Wannamaker County Park.