Our Top Ten Reasons to Visit Charleston this Summer

The first “official” week of summer has just passed and the Charleston sun has been blazing, making a day at the beach delightful and an afternoon snoozing in the shade even better.  Summer in this city means farm fresh tomatoes, concerts in the parks, fireworks over the Harbor, dancing on the Pier and so much more.  Here, in no particular order, is our list of the Top Ten Reasons to visit Charleston this Summer:

1.The Fourth of July:  It’s always a great time to visit Charleston and this year it falls on a weekend, making a spontaneous last minute getaway a fun-filled option. There are tons of celebrations planned all over the city.  Some local favorites include…
• Independence Day at Middleton Place: Middleton Place was the home of Declaration of Independence signer Arthur Middleton.  Visitors can celebrate the contributions by the Middleton family as well as the Southern Continental Army with two days of period experiences including cooking and musket firing demonstrations. July 4th and 5th
• Fourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point: This is an action-packed festival featuring rockin’ live music, a terrific one of a kind “Kidz Zone”, cold drinks and adult libations from the beverage garden, a tempting food village featuring some of the best restaurants in Charleston, and when the stars come out….a SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS show! Admission to the landside festival is FREE. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, smiles and even dancing shoes!
• Sunset Sail on the Schooner Pride: July 4th is a very popular day to be on the harbor. After a long day at the beach or with the family, what better way to relax than a Sunset Sail on the Schooner Pride? The boat will be departing from the Aquarium Wharf at 360 Concord Street (just to the left of the SC Aquarium) on July 4th at 7:00 PM and returning at 9:00. If the Patriot’s Point fireworks display has not started yet, guests will be welcomed to stay on board the boat and watch from the dock, which is just about the best seat you can get for this amazing show. There are only have 49 seats available and this trip will sell out.

2. The Fourth Annual Palette and Palate Stroll:  Throughout the year, Charleston boasts many festivals and events that highlight the Lowcountry’s unique culture, specifically art and food.  The Palette and Palate Stroll combines the two and allows fine art and food connoisseurs to stroll through our historic streets sampling tastings from thirteen of the finest local restaurants at thirteen of the city’s most prestigious galleries. This is a fun event for the galleries, the artists, the chefs, and of course the lucky few who make reservations to attend.  Space is limited but tickets may be purchased on-line at www.cfada.com.  Come to Charleston and see why this is one of the most anticipated visual art and fine food events in the South.

3.BBQ: Nothing says summertime in Charleston like some good ole pulled pork barbeque.  We do things a little different here than they do in Memphis, Kansas City and especially Texas.  We like a mustard-based sauce around here, although you can find your tomato, vinegar, and pepper-based varieties as well. Some folks say that the mustard sauce was brought to SC by German immigrants in the 1730’s, but most agree that Joe Bessinger made it famous in his restaurant here in the 1930’s. No matter where it came from or who introduced it, we think the mustard-based sauce is KING!

There are lots of local spots that specialize in BBQ, but some of our favorites are:

•Bessinger’s Barbecue
1602 Savannah Highway, West Ashley
www.bessingersbbq.com

•Jim N Nicks Barbeque
288 King St., Downtown Charleston
www.jimnnicks.com

•Home Team BBQ
2209 Middle Street, Sullivans Island
www.hometeambbq.com

Looking for BBQ, Blues, and a Harbor cruise?  Look no further.  This summer you can tour beautiful Charleston Harbor aboard the Carolina Belle with a Home team BBQ buffet and live blues from Shrimp City Slim.  For more info check out the Charleston Harbor Tours website.

4. Farmer’s Market: Our nationally-acclaimed market opens every Saturday at 8am in Marion Square to offer Charleston residents and visitors fresh locally grown produce and locally processed food products as well as distinctive hand wrought arts and crafts. Ranked in 2008 by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of the Top 10 Best Farmers Markets in the nation, the 2009 Market offers an expanded variety of food concessions that will tempt appetites from early morning crepes, omelets and donuts to luncheon shrimp and oyster Po-boys, barbecue sandwiches and vegetarian offerings; along with desserts, including Belgian waffles and pies, smoothies and refreshing hand-squeezed lemonade, plus specialized coffees and teas. This is a Saturday morning MUST in the summertime!

5. Historical Significance: As far as this goes, our city has few rivals.  Charleston boasts a lot of “firsts” that make it historically significant besides the obvious “first shot fired in the Civil War” (although that one gathers a lot of attention and rightfully so). Here are just a few of our finer “firsts”:
•Few people realize that Charleston is also home to America’s first public Museum, The Charleston Museum which was founded in 1773 to preserve and interpret the cultural and natural history of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
•Our city was also the location of America’s first public library. In November 1700, a law passed by the S.C. General Assembly established a provincial library in Charles Towne and provided for its governance. This library, located on St Philip’s Street, remained in operation for 14 years.
•Henrietta Johnson, who arrived in Charleston in 1708, began painting portraits and became America’s first recognized female artist. Her work can be seen in the Gibbes Museum of Art on Meeting Street as well as many other museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
•In 1736, America’s first building constructed solely for use as a theater opened with a performance of George Farquhar’s “The Recruiting Officer”.  Currently, the Dock Street Theatre, located on Church Street, is under construction with extensive renovations but will reopen to live performances once again in May 2010 .
•Chartered in 1785, the College of Charleston is the oldest municipal college in America. Additionally, it is the only college in America to have four signers of the Declaration of Independence as founding members.
•The Best Friend of Charleston, the nation’s first regularly scheduled train offering passenger service, originated from Charleston in 1830. It was the world’s largest when the 140 mile rail line was completed to Hamburg, S.C.

This list could go on and on for pages and pages…..the first fireproof building, first golf organization, first tea planted, first musical society, first ballet performed in America, first and oldest landscaped gardens. Charleston is a city of true historical significance.  Come see for yourself.

6. Folly Beach Moonlight Mixers: The Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier is a breathtaking landmark that stretches 1,045 feet into the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  At 25-feet wide and 23-feet above sea level, the pier is the second longest on the east coast and offers not only spectacular views, but a variety of fishing tournaments, special events, and dining. In fact, on certain Friday nights in the summer months (the following Saturday, if it rains) the Pier becomes Charleston’s largest dance floor with “Shaggin on the Pier”.  These Moonlight Mixers offer folks the chance to dance under the stars to the hottest oldies and beach music around. It’s just a good time at Folly. For tickets call (843) 795-4386. July 10, July 31, August 14, Sept 4, Sept 25, 2009

7. Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series:  Good Music. Good Vibes. The Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series features traditional old school roots reggae with a new school attitude in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bring your chairs or blanket.  It’s Irie.  Concerts will be held throughout the summer at both North Charleston Wannamaker County Park and James Island County Park.  For a list of dates and bands, visit the Charleston County Parks and recreation website.

8. Water, water everywhere: Our city is surrounded by a water wonderland with plenty of boating, fishing, skiing, surfing, parasailing, kayaking, kiteboarding, jet-skiing….. you name it, we’ve got it on the Charleston Coast.  There are so many options for getting out on the water that we cannot possibly list them all.  Here are a few of our recommendations:
• A guided kayak tour with Coastal Expeditions includes interpretation of the human history, natural history, geology, and the flora and fauna connections as they relate to you as a paddler.  These tours are led by a group of naturalists who believe kayaking is the least intrusive way to learn about the coastal waters. These tours are truly unforgettable.
• Private surf lessons with Shaka Surf School is the ideal way to stay cool this summer. They have a variety of packages to choose from and all equipment is included.  If you’ve always wanted to learn, take advantage of those legendary Folly waves and get on a board!
• The Innisfail: This is an impeccably restored Mathis-Trumpy yacht, commissioned in the 1930s during America’s “golden age of yachting”. Today she has been immaculately restored and is currently berthed at the Charleston City Marina, a private luxury vessel and a floating work of art. This art deco beauty is available for charters.  A bit decadent, but don’t you deserve it?

9.  Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka: YUM.  This truly southern concoction is distilled on nearby Wadmalaw Island, and thanks to a recent modification in SC’s distillery law tours and tastings at the facility have the green light. They will begin in August, every Tuesday through Saturday. This stuff is so smooth and so delicious it can be downright dangerous!  Good thing the distillery is in such a gorgeous spot! You may have to rest and relax under a hundred year old oak before the 30 mile return trip to Charleston.

10. Pedal to Properties: This new and innovative way to see properties is one of the coolest new offerings from Dunes Properties’ agent Kristin Walker. Kristin leads prospective home buyers on bike tours through Charleston’s streets, really introducing them to the neighborhoods they are considering. “Island living is about hearing the ocean, the sun in your face and the wind in your hair, and you don’t get that in a car,” Walker said. “It’s the best way to get a feel for the lifestyle you’re about to lead.” Plus, it’s fun,  environmentally friendly, and makes finding “parking” very easy.

-Traci Magnus

Bowens Island Pig-N-Pluck June 28, 2009 3 pm

This annual event benefits Habitat for Humanity and features barbecue, bluegrass, and beer. Tickets are $25/adults and include barbecue and three drink tickets. Under 21 are $12 and 12 and under are free. Bowens Island is off Folly Road before you get to Folly Beach. Sunday June 28, 2009 3-8pm.

Groups want Congress to boost and extend a home-buyer tax credits

According to this Wall Street Journal article, Industry Pushes to Extend Home-Buyer Tax Credit, the National Association of Home Builders, other industry groups, and the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executives, are calling on Congress to increase the credit to $15,000 and extend it to all home buyers.

“In February,” according to the article, “Congress approved a 10% tax credit for first-time home purchases, up to a maximum of $8,000. The credit, which expires Dec. 1, phases out for buyers with incomes above $170,000 for married couples and $95,000 for individuals.”

The Business Roundtable is also :

• Pushing for Congress to make permanent recently expanded limits for loans eligible for government backing or purchase.
• Urging policy makers to keep mortgages at or below 5% for one year.

The article provides this estimate: “A buyer typically needs income of $92,000, assuming a 10% down payment, to qualify for a $400,000 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. With rates at 4.5%, the borrower only needs income of around $84,000.”

~ Mary A. Sicard

$6 billion available for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program

The government wants lenders to sell off repossessed homes quickly and it’s lowering buying costs to get the deals done.

Nearly $6 billion is available for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

“…In the Charleston, S.C., area, the Lowcountry Housing Trust, a non-profit organization, has $7.4 million to acquire and redevelop about 70 properties. The agency will issue affordable mortgages for these homes and also sell them under lease-to-own arrangements. In that scenario, buyers pay regular monthly rents that are applied to their purchase prices once they obtain financing…”

~ Mary A. Sicard

Turn-key Restaurant for sale on Folly Beach, SC – $1,699,000

This restaurant (formerly the Seashell) for sale at 41 Center St, Folly Beach, SC has just been reduced from $2,599,000. The owner is motivated to sell. So what do you get for $1,699,000? (Call Keith McCann of Dunes Properties at 843.442.6675 or 843.513.1400)

• A Turn-key property. You can have a restaurant up and running in one week. It includes everything down to the forks and knives.
• Restaurant seats 130 at 2,912 sq ft
• Parking lot for 32 cars
• Large outdoor patio at 851 sq ft fronting Center St (the main shopping/dining area on Folly Beach)
• 1BR Cottage in the back that rents for $1000/month.
• Purchased for approximately $1.1M in 2001, added an additional $1M in renovations. All new electrical plumbing, roof, walls (cinder block, rebar and concrete), kitchen and fixtures. Thermopane windows.
• Custom furniture, fixtures and lighting
• Largest Back of House on Folly Beach

Architect: Dan Sweeney
Interior Designer: Amelia Handegan
Hardscape/Landscape Designer: Sheila Wertimer, one of Charleston most famous landscape architects.
Kitchen Designer: Al Berger, also designed Peninsula Grill, Tristan and Hanks in Downtown Charleston

The property is represented by Dunes Properties Real Estate.

Click here for a link to a Picasa Slideshow or click the picture below

Restaurant for Sale at 41 Center St Folly Beach SC – $1,699,000

About Folly Beach and the restaurant scene

Folly Beach is one of three barrier islands located 15 minutes from Downtown Charleston. Called “The Edge of America”, the Folly community is reminiscent of a 1950s beach town with all the modern amenities. While most of the island has homes for permanent residents or vacation rentals, its primary hotel, the Holiday Inn, just completed major renovations in 2009 (and they are stunning). Added to that is a new chic beachside restaurant and bar, Blu. Other recent restaurant/bar openings include Center Street Kitchen, The Drop-In, Rita’s Grill, the Folly Beach Brewing Company, and Tokyo Crepe.

What do you think about the possibility of King St. closing to cars for a day?

Click the title of the poll to vote and see results!

If King Street were closed to cars for a day – would you come out and shop/dine/walk/skate/ride/play music/celebrate?

• Absolutely! I wish they would close it to cars frequently.
• No. I’d rather be able to park next to where I shop and this sounds like a headache to me.
• Sure. I go to King St regularly regardless of what’s going on.
• Merchant thinks it will help business
• Maybe. If I have nothing better to do.
• Merchant thinks it will harm business

Created on Jun 18, 2009

View Results

poll by twiigs.com

The Charleston Art of Porch Sittin’

Rain or shine, day or night, on the front or on the side, Charlestonians are experts in the fine art of porch-sitting.  Even our President remarked in 2008 that  ”Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and on the front porches of Charleston.”  In one fell swoop, our porches became famous.

Not that it was necessary.  Not that it changed what we do.  

From the beginning of Charleston’s times, the porch (or piazza) has played an integral part of our lives.  Our porches are wide – 12 feet is ideal, and scattered with lounging couches and rocking chairs, dining tables, swings and joggling boards.  We are lost without them.  Where else would we sit and idly watch the passersby?  Where else would we dine with our family on a cool fall evening?  Is there a better place to entertain our friends on a sultry Lowcountry night, cold glass of wine in hand?  Would a morning cup of joe even taste right without the experience of the sunrise as the birds chirp their morning madness?  How would people know that it’s ok to just drop in unless they saw us practicing our art?  

Entire life-changing philosophies are created on our porches.  Loves are sparked, businesses are born, relationships are forged….

I’ve seen new developments being built in Charleston with nary even a balcony in sight.  I say to them – you are obviously not from here.  You obviously don’t get what it is to be a Charlestonian. We need our porch, our outside, our connectedness to nature, our town and our community.

Perhaps it was under the influence of Obama, or perhaps people are just waking up, but the porch is making a comeback.  All of a sudden, a porch is being seen as a way to connect people to their communities (imagine!).  It’s neighborly and charming and is an American Icon.  So check out the recent Post and Courier article about porches.  Get one on your house (if you don’t have one already) or find a home here that has one, and practice the fine art of porch sittin’.  You’ll discover a whole new beautiful world.

-Kristin Walker – Charleston Peninsula Real Estate

New Improvements to Tax Credit

Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES – 06/12/2009

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)–A tax credit currently limited to certain first-time home buyers would expand dramatically under legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.

Under the legislation, any buyer of a home – not just first-time home buyers – would be eligible for a tax credit worth 10% of the purchase price up to $15,000.

A tax credit passed into law earlier this year is worth only $8,000 and is limited to individuals and couples making no more than $75,000 and $150,000 respectively.

The legislation, which Isakson introduced Wednesday, quickly attracted co-sponsors from both parties, including Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.

A beefed-up tax credit has strong backing from business and industry groups. The Business Roundtable earlier this week launched a campaign recommending the key changes to the credit that are proposed in the legislation. The National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors have also pushed for an expanded tax credit.

Still, the measure faces an uphill climb in Congress because of its price tag, which is likely to be high. Lawmakers would also have to justify assisting high earners purchase a home.

“One of the biggest problems facing the American people today is an illiquid housing market, a decline in their equity, a decline in their net worth and a depression in the housing market that we are obligated to correct if we possibly can,” Isakson said in a press release.

The legislation would extend the tax credit, which expires Dec. 1, by one year from the date of enactment. Home buyers would be able to claim the credit on their 2009 tax return for purchases made in 2010.

Real Estate Walking Tours are heating up

Now that the weather is getting good and sultry here in Charleston, our Real Estate Walking Tours are “heating up”.  We invite you to join us in touring some of the most beautiful and historic properties currently for sale in downtown Charleston. Our tours are arranged by neighborhood, price range, and property type, but we are happy to customize a tour to your specifications.  What better way to get the feel of a neighborhood than by strolling through it?  And don’t worry, we start  at 10am to avoid that notorious Southern heat, and each tour ends with an opportunity to rehydrate at a local watering hole.

Stop by our Studio at 214 King Street in the historic shopping district or call 843.722.5618 for more information or to schedule a FREE tour.

Charleston’s real estate market taking a turn for the better

Those of us who live in Charleston always consider ourselves lucky.  There are so many wonderful advantages to being in such a serene environment that is rich in both historical significance and natural beauty.  From the real estate perspective, Charleston’s market remained a strong draw long after other parts of the country were deeply embroiled in the housing market crisis. But as time passed it was inevitable that we would see our market slow, the inventory swell, the prices take a natural decline.  When folks visiting our downtown Studio have asked our agents about the area market, I have heard words like “softened”, “slowed”, or personal my favorite, “unhurried” which I believe is a genteel, Southern way of saying “not moving quickly and requiring more time than is usual or expected”.  While it’s true that in the South we generally prefer things at a more languid pace, this definitely does not apply to our real estate markets.

So it’s a very good thing that an article by M. Anthony Carr posted yesterday in RealtyTimes indicates that our market is poised for a quick recovery. It seems that CTAR has reported some interesting changes in inventory and median sales prices over the past month that have market followers very optimistic.  For more information,  read the full article HERE.