If you own a home or a business, you should already know that at some point, you will need to hire an electrician in cityname to fix electrical issues and maintain your property's wiring systems. Unfortunately, many people forego certified, experienced electricians to save money. The reality is, trying to fix an electrical issue in your home or business is no small task and often costs more money than hiring a professional. Working with electricity can be dangerous to your property and, more importantly, your health.
It might seem like a good idea to try a DIY approach or call your "do it all" local handyman, but going pro will save you time and money when it comes to serious projects like thermal imaging and three-phase panel installations. Think about it: why spend money buying expensive supplies and countless hours watching electrical repair videos when there's a good chance you'll need professional help in the end? Many DIY electricians have good intentions but often end up damaging electrical systems worse than before.
At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we get the job done right the first time, so you can focus on enjoying life while we fix your electrical problem. We bring the same level of quality and reliability to every job we perform, whether it's a routine safety inspection or a whole home electrical installation. Unlike some electricians in South Carolina, we go above and beyond to ensure our customers are safe and satisfied with our work. We pride ourselves on keeping customers informed throughout their electrical job and follow up on our projects to make sure our fixes stick.
At the end of the day, excellent customer care is what we strive to achieve. We do so by providing the highest quality commercial and residential electrical services at affordable prices, all year long. Here are just a few reasons why Lowcountry residents trust Engineered Electrical Solutions:
Call us:
Any homeowner with a little confidence can open their YouTube app and search for DIY fixes for residential electrical problems. To be fair, many minor fixes in the home don't require a pro. With that said, electrical work is not something you should tackle on your own. Trying to perform an electrical repair on your own can be counterproductive at best and fatal at worst. In fact, around 400 people are electrocuted at home every year, and almost half of those result in deaths.
Why put yourself and your family at risk when Engineered Electrical Solutions can get the job done safely and effectively for you?
Our expert electricians only work with the best materials available and provide a three-year guarantee on all labor - no questions asked. We never
compromise quality for time and always give our clients realistic schedules to accommodate their busy lives.
During the course of the year, we serve many Lowcountry homeowners just like you, who know they need a professional
electrician to help.Some of our most common residential electrical services include:
If you're having electrical problems in your home, one of the quickest, most efficient ways to find out what's going on is with professional troubleshooting. At Engineered Electrical Solutions, our highly-trained, licensed technicians have years of experience diagnosing and remediating residential electrical problems across South Carolina.
If you're having electrical problems in your home, one of the quickest, most efficient ways to find out what's going on is with professional troubleshooting. At Engineered Electrical Solutions, our highly-trained, licensed technicians have years of experience diagnosing and remediating residential electrical problems across South Carolina.
Installing a new electrical panel or upgrading your current one can be a great way to protect your home from electrical issues. It controls the entire electrical system of your home and, when properly installed and maintained, can last for years without problems. Replacing or updating your electrical panel can prevent short-circuiting and overloaded circuits and offer features like arc fault protection.
If your electrical panel seems to be malfunctioning, don't try to troubleshoot the mishap by yourself. At Engineered Electrical Solutions, our team will come to your home to inspect your electrical panel's wiring, so you don' have to. Once we diagnose the problem, we'll offer suggestions based on your needs and budget.
An electrical safety inspection is essentially a thorough examination of your home's electrical system. Using National Electric Code guidelines, our residential safety inspectors will examine your home's electrical systems, wiring, and components (like appliances) to ensure they meet safety standards. Once we're done, your electrical inspector will give you a thorough checklist to look over, including electrical problems that need attention ASAP. We will also suggest areas of improvement and possible areas where upgrades are needed. In our experience, homeowners need electrical safety inspections when they:
High-tech appliances, kitchen gadgets, and computers are all vulnerable to power surges caused by lightning storms. When too much electricity runs through your home's connecting wires, it can fry the circuits in your most expensive electronics. Since many professionals in today's society work from home, losing critical documents and files can be catastrophic.
That's why it's a good idea to consider whole-home surge protection. Surge protection for your home suppresses fluctuating power by diverting excess electricity to a ground wire. If you're interested in learning more about surge protection for your home, call our office today to learn more about the options we can install for you.
Having a reliable electrician on hand that you can trust with electrical repairs is of utmost importance when you own a business in South Carolina. For years, Engineered Electrical Solutions has provided business owners with the most effective electrical repair and installation services in the Lowcountry. Our team is adept at assisting businesses of all sizes, from small "mom and pop" shops to industrial plants and everything in between.
We offer a wide range of electrical services, from electrical panel installation and business rewiring to transformer installation and thermal imaging. Modern businesses count on energy-efficient electricity to help run their day-to-day operations. If you need your electrical systems to run smoothly so you can stay focused on building your business, count on Engineered Electrical Solutions to be there when you need us the most.
A few of our most popular commercial and industrial electrical services include but are not limited to:
Commercial and industrial-sized buildings are large and complex by the nature of their construction. By proxy, commercial buildings have complicated wiring and electrical systems. Electrical work in the commercial market is best left to experienced, licensed professionals. If you're looking for the very best commercial electricians in Metro Sullivan's Island, Engineered Electrical Solutions is here to serve you.
We have completed hundreds of commercial electrician projects for companies like Blue Oyster Restaurant, Shell Gas Stations, Flex Warehouses, Dentist Offices, and many more. With the most up-to-date equipment and years of professional experience, our team is ready to tackle your electrical problem, no matter how large.
A few of our most popular commercial and industrial electrical services include but are not limited to:
Your businesses' electrical system will trip when it has too much electricity running through it. These problems are very common in commercial properties and usually stem from one of three culprits: circuit overloads, short circuits, and ground fault surges. Obviously, when your circuits are tripped regularly, your business operations suffer. To help solve your circuit breaker problems, our commercial electricians will come to your location for in-depth troubleshooting. Once we discover the root cause, we'll get to work on repairing your circuit breaker, so you can continue working and serving your customers.
Like tripped circuit breakers, dimming or flickering lights are among the most common commercial electrical problems in South Carolina. These issues typically stem from poor electrical connections. These poor connections will usually cause sparks, which can start fires and wreak havoc on your commercial building. While dimming lights might seem minor, if you leave this problem to fester, you could be looking at permanent damage to your businesses' electrical systems. Given the danger involved in fixing this problem, it's important that you work with a licensed business electrician like Engineered Electrical Solutions as soon as you're able to.
Dead power outlets aren't always dangerous, unlike other recurring commercial electrical issues. They are, however, disruptive to your company's productivity. Dead outlets are common in older commercial buildings and are often caused by circuit overloads. Connecting multiple high-wattage devices and appliances to the same power socket can cause overheating. When the power outlet overheats, it can lead to tripped circuit breakers. In some cases, the live wire catches fire and burns until it is disconnected. For a reliable solution using high-quality switches, sockets, and circuit breakers, it's best to hire a professional business electrician to get the job done right.
Finding a real-deal, qualified commercial electrician in South Carolina is harder than you might think. Whether it's due to availability or budget, you might be tempted to hire a residential electrician for your commercial electrical problem. While it's true that great residential electricians can help solve commercial issues in theory, it's always best to hire a business electrician with professional experience.
Unlike their residential colleagues, commercial electricians are licensed to deal with different materials and procedures suited specifically for businesses. Commercial wiring is much more complex than residential, and is strategically installed with maintenance, repair, and changes in mind. Additionally, commercial properties usually use a three-phase power supply, necessitating more schooling, skills, and technical ability to service.
The bottom line? If you're a business owner with commercial electricity problems, it's best to work with a licensed commercial electrician, like you will find at Engineered Electrical Solutions.
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
We want to be sure every one of our customers is satisfied, which is why we offer a three-year guaranteed on our labor. If you're in need of an electrician for your home or business, give our office a call and discover the Engineered Electrical Solutions difference.
By Brian Sherman for The Island Eye NewsIn April of this year, Sullivan’s Island officially completed work on a $25-million project that completely overhauled its wastewater treatment plant and six lift stations. In addition to replacing an obsolete system with one that can stand up to the wrath of nature and serve the needs of the town’s residents and businesses for the next 50 to 100 years, the work also caught the eye of the South Carolina Rural Water Association. At its annual conference in November, the SCRWA presente...
By Brian Sherman for The Island Eye News
In April of this year, Sullivan’s Island officially completed work on a $25-million project that completely overhauled its wastewater treatment plant and six lift stations. In addition to replacing an obsolete system with one that can stand up to the wrath of nature and serve the needs of the town’s residents and businesses for the next 50 to 100 years, the work also caught the eye of the South Carolina Rural Water Association. At its annual conference in November, the SCRWA presented Sullivan’s Island Water & Sewer Department Manager Greg Gress with its 2022 Wastewater System of the Year Award. “The upgrade of the facility proves the system’s willingness to look forward and readiness for managing future capital improvement projects,” according to SCRWA. “The crew is progressive-minded in the efficiency of the treatment works and in all facets of operations. The management staff works hard to improve the sustainability of the system, which was demonstrated during the construction phase of their project.” The citation from SCRWA went on to say: “The facility was upgraded to climate resiliency. All upgrades were designed with natural disasters in mind, such as hurricanes, earthquakes and floods, in order to protect the crucial infrastructure assets. All system and electrical features were elevated above the 100- year flood elevation, piping and equipment supports were installed and a generator was installed at each station. All of these measures will help protect their system against any potential coastal vulnerabilities for years to come.” “It was a ‘we’ award, not a ‘me’ award,” Gress pointed out, giving credit to his small but experienced staff. “These guys are literally the ones who kept the plant running during the construction process. They were instrumental in keeping everything running while the new plant was being built. Now they are tasked with keeping it maintained.” Gress also said he appreciates the support he and his staff has received from the Town Council. The Water & Sewer Department staff includes: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Matt Williamson; Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator John Myers; Chief Operator Andy Williams; Wastewater Collection System Lead Operator Tyler Potter; and Operator Trainee BJ Van Marel. Gress, who has been with the Department since 2001, said each staff member has a specific job, but they have learned to handle other responsibilities as well. “We do a lot of cross training,” Gress said. “With a small utility like us, it’s the nature of the beast.” Gress and his staff were praised by Council members at their Dec. 20 meeting, and later Councilman Bachman Smith, chair of the Water and Sewer Committee, offered additional accolades.
“Greg Gress is an amazing individual who knows his work very well. What he’s done for us as far as innovative and forward thinking and planning is remarkable,” Smith commented.
“He takes care of his people, and they all seem to love working there. It seems to be a really unique situation. I’m super proud to be a part of it.”
Dear Island Neighbors,I hope y’all had a great Christmas and are on your way to a healthy, happy, peaceful and rewarding 2023.For this episode of “As The Year Turns,” we’ve got a number of items.Town Hall New Year’s Day holiday observanceSince Jan. 1 is a Sunday, the holiday will be observed with Town Hall closed on Monday, Jan. 2. The usual garbage and yard debris collection schedules will be unaffected. Of course, all public safety and other essential functions will be fully staffed...
Dear Island Neighbors,
I hope y’all had a great Christmas and are on your way to a healthy, happy, peaceful and rewarding 2023.
For this episode of “As The Year Turns,” we’ve got a number of items.
Town Hall New Year’s Day holiday observance
Since Jan. 1 is a Sunday, the holiday will be observed with Town Hall closed on Monday, Jan. 2. The usual garbage and yard debris collection schedules will be unaffected. Of course, all public safety and other essential functions will be fully staffed over the holiday weekend. … and then some: See the next item.
New Year’s Day Polar Plunge
The 28th Annual Polar Plunge event, originated and promoted by Dunleavy’s Pub, is now a treasured New Year’s Day tradition for the entire island. The actual plunge into the water is at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, but folks will begin gathering and celebrating hours before that. Many of our Island restaurants will be participating with special outside service for food and beverages. Please be careful driving through the commercial district, and remember that many more folks than usual will be milling about very close to Middle Street. Station 22½ seaward of Middle Street will be closed to vehicular traffic. Please recall that the “Reason For The Freezin’” is to raise funds for the Special Olympics. Come out to celebrate with neighbors and strangers, enjoy food and beverage, but please bring cash to contribute to the many Special Olympics volunteers. If you plan to actually join – vs. watch – the plunge, here is a tip from painful personal experience: Wear some kind of dunkable footwear. Running barefoot over hard-packed little sand ridges gets painful quickly, especially in the cold. Wear your wackiest costume. (Tom P.: I know you don’t need encouragement) Come on out to see hundreds of your neighbors go off their meds all at once at a great family event.
Possible IOP Connector reconfiguration concepts
You may recall that the South Carolina Department of Transportation re-striped the Connector a couple years ago, and that those changes have not been universally applauded. Recently, SCDOT representatives made a presentation to the IOP City Council to show several possible reconfigurations to address issues with the current layout. Mayor Pounds and his Council graciously invited us to attend that presentation, which is summarized here: bit.ly/ IOPConnector. SCDOT will be soliciting public comments on all this in the near future, so stay tuned.
Vehicle Identification tags for emergency re-entry to the island
Those island decals we’ve become accustomed to having on our windshields, designed to identify residents so they can re-enter the island in the event of an emergency, have outlived their usefulness. We are replacing them with tags to be hung from your inside rearview mirror when needed. They are issued per licensed resident in each household, with verification of their Sullivan’s Island address on their driver’s license. Nonresidents may have up to two per property with verification of ID and one of the following: real estate closing statement, property tax bill or tax return. Proof of partnership must be provided for properties owned by an LLC or other entity. Get yours now. Whenever the need for them arises, you will be very occupied with other urgent things.
Charlie Post 5K and 15K Run and Walk
It’s hard to believe this is the 39th annual occurrence of this run/walk event, always in a time of the year with wildly unpredictable weather – and tidal – conditions, but here we are. It’s happening Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8:30 a.m. Over the years, we’ve had gale-force winds, blinding fog, frigid cold, stifling heat – for January – ultra-high tide that put a half-foot of cold water over part of the course. … you name it. Last year we got to check what may have been the last open weather box: a few flakes of snow. While that admittedly doesn’t sound like much of a sales pitch, especially the snowflakes, this really is a very interesting event right here in our neighborhood. And part of the proceeds go to our Fire and Rescue Squad. For more info: charliepostclassic.com. I hope to see you there.
Dog tag renewal time
If you’ve got a pooch, don’t forget it’s time to renew Fido’s town license. Info is at bit.ly/ SIDOG.
See you around the island, and here’s to a wonderful 2023 for all of us.
Mayor Pat O’Neil
843-670-9266
Video by Rusty Williamson for Island Eye News
Your email address will not be published.
<div pseudo="-webkit-input-placeholder" id="placeholder" style="display: block !important;">Your message</div><div></div>
Gianduja Polenta Cake
<div pseudo="-webkit-input-placeholder" id="placeholder" style="display: block !important;">Do you have an Eye Capture you would like to share? Submit your image here:</div><div></div>
The wealthiest neighborhood in the South is Fisher Island, an exclusive 216-acre island a couple miles off the coast of Miami — and it’s only accessible by helicopter or by boat.With less than 400 residents, $90 million condos and an exclusive golf course, Fisher Island ranks first in terms of median home values, according to a recent analysis of ZIP codes by realty service RealtyHop.Homes here cost a median of $6.1 million — more th...
The wealthiest neighborhood in the South is Fisher Island, an exclusive 216-acre island a couple miles off the coast of Miami — and it’s only accessible by helicopter or by boat.
With less than 400 residents, $90 million condos and an exclusive golf course, Fisher Island ranks first in terms of median home values, according to a recent analysis of ZIP codes by realty service RealtyHop.
Homes here cost a median of $6.1 million — more than double the amount you’d pay for almost all of the homes in the rest of the top 10 most expensive ZIP codes in the South.
That’s followed by two other small, beachfront neighborhoods, including Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, near Charleston Harbor, and Anna Maria, Florida, near Tampa, which have homes closer to a median value of $3 million.
Here’s a look at the rankings.
Median home sale price in 2022: $6,100,000
Median home sale price in 2022: $3,200,000
Median home sale price in 2022: $2,800,000
Median home sale price in 2022: $2,275,000
Median home sale price in 2022: $1,650,000
Median home sale price in 2022: $1,647,000
Median home sale price in 2022: $1,605,000
Median home sale price in 2022: $1,590,000
Median home sale price in 2022: $1,550,000
Median home sale price in 2022: $1,450,000
Aside from the top three spots, the list is mostly rounded out by posh suburbs in Washington, D.C. and Dallas. Overall, the median home price is just under $2.4 million across the top 10 most expensive ZIP codes.
The analysis examined ZIP codes in the South as defined by the Census Bureau, which includes the following places: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia.
To compile the rankings, RealtyHop looked at prices for all types of homes in all ZIP codes in the U.S. between Jan. 1, 2022, and Oct. 19, 2022. Listings with invalid ZIP codes, including single-building ZIP codes, were excluded.
Sign up now: Get smarter about your money and career with our weekly newsletter
Don’t miss: People with perfect credit scores have 3 key traits in common, Experian reports
VIDEO7:4807:48
Inside a 95-square-foot NYC apartment renting for $1,100/month
SULLIVAN'S ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — Sullivan's Island banned short-term rentals more than two decades ago, except those that were grandfathered in.Residents are concerned with one company they say is bending the rules.Tim Emrich says the home, located at 3115 Ion Avenue, has fractional ownership and is overseen by Pacaso.Emrich said Sullivan's Island is for families and retirees, not people on vacation, and with three children, they don’t want to live next to a home with many different owners.According to...
SULLIVAN'S ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — Sullivan's Island banned short-term rentals more than two decades ago, except those that were grandfathered in.
Residents are concerned with one company they say is bending the rules.
Tim Emrich says the home, located at 3115 Ion Avenue, has fractional ownership and is overseen by Pacaso.
Emrich said Sullivan's Island is for families and retirees, not people on vacation, and with three children, they don’t want to live next to a home with many different owners.
According to him, other residents on Sullivan's Island share his opinion and are not happy about it.
To try and stop it, he and his wife created a campaign to keep Sullivan's Island community oriented.
"We saw an advertisement where you could buy 1/8 of the house. After we dug a little deeper, it became apparent that this was, this is really a scheme to circumvent the rules that have been in place for over 20 years in a small town that limit short-term rentals; they prohibit them unless you were one of the properties prior 20 years ago," Emrich said.
Driving up and down streets on Sullivan's Island, you can't miss the signs that read "Stop timeshares on Sullivan's."
Emrich and his wife passed around the yard signs and have been attending town council meetings to try and stop Pacaso from selling homes on the barrier island.
"Our aim is to first of all raise awareness. We've obviously got over 200 signs out across the island. Any residents you speak to on Sullivan's Island adamantly oppose this game. Every member of the council is opposed to the scheme. And so, really, we're pushing the politicians to do something about it," Emrich said.
Emrich tells us the campaign's primary goal is to get town leaders to enforce the rules that are already on the books and push these types of companies and homes out.
He says communities across the country have successfully fought these types of companies.
"They're assuring us that they are on this. The government does not move this fast, and we would like them to, but they are giving us every assurance that they that they're going to do something about it," Emrich said.
Mayor Patrick O'Neil says residents feel short-term rentals destroy the sense of neighborhood.
He thinks no one wants to live next to a group of people on their first night of vacation.
“After a great deal of research and study, last week we issued a notice of zoning violation to the owners of the property in question here, and we are awaiting a response," Mayor O'Brien said.
Pacaso spokesperson Brian McGuigan stated: "Pacaso is not a timeshare. We help families co-own second homes, which is common practice and can help reduce competition for single-family homes on Sullivan's Island. Research shows that co-ownership contributes more to the local economy than the typical second home while redirecting second home buyers away from median-priced single-family homes in demand by locals and into high-end, luxury homes.”
Pacaso explains they aren’t a timeshare and retain no ownership interest in the home once sold, but they provide property management services.
Pacaso insists they will collaborate with Sullivan's Island leaders on any related public policy questions.
The company believes an ordinance addressing Pacaso’s model could broadly impact many houses.
Charleston, South Carolina has been making 'best of' travel headlines for years now with no signs of losing steam. This charming historic city packs an unbelievable punch for its small size. From the meticulously preserved antebellum architecture to world-class culinary offerings, a thriving arts scene, historical significance, and its array of beautiful beaches, there is no shortage of amazing things to do in Charleston....
Charleston, South Carolina has been making 'best of' travel headlines for years now with no signs of losing steam. This charming historic city packs an unbelievable punch for its small size. From the meticulously preserved antebellum architecture to world-class culinary offerings, a thriving arts scene, historical significance, and its array of beautiful beaches, there is no shortage of amazing things to do in Charleston.
Charleston is a thriving year-round destination, but with its oppressive heat during the summer, now is an excellent time to think about a Charleston getaway. The off-season enjoys much lighter crowds while temperatures remain fairly mild, and prices and availability are more favorable to visitors as well. Whether a seasoned vet or a Charleston first-timer, here are some great activities to enjoy in the Holy City.
A post shared by Bohemian Bull (@bohemianbull)
Oyster season in Charleston opens annually on October 1st (when shellfish harvesting is permitted) and runs until the spring. The steadfast rule has always been that oysters are best enjoyed during the 'r' months, so winter is the best time to sample the local oysters that Charleston is famous for.
While there is certainly no shortage of options for oyster consumption in Charleston, head to an oyster roast for an authentically-Charleston experience. Fresh oysters are steamed over hot coals and served family-style at large, communal tables where guests then shuck their own oysters and eat them with saltines, lemon, and hot sauce.
Charleston's Boone Hall Plantation holds the largest oyster festival in the world every January, but small-scale roasts pop up constantly and almost everywhere, from breweries to parks to bars and backyards.
A post shared by Seashell’s Folly Beach House (@seashellsfolly)
Charleston is surrounded by a series of barrier islands and each of these nearby beach communities has its own unique vibe. Folly Beach has the most eclectic personality of all the Charleston beaches thanks to its vibrant local community and unpretentious atmosphere.
Located only a few miles from downtown Charleston, it is easy to incorporate into the daily itinerary, although one could easily choose to base themselves in Folly Beach instead.
With some of the best waves in the southeast, surfers have long flocked to Folly Beach. Advanced surfers will find the most optimal conditions at the area known as the Washout, but novices can take a surfing lesson with one of the island's reputable schools.
Wetsuits are provided with the cost of lessons during the cooler months conditions are often better than in the summer, too.
Historic downtown Charleston has a longstanding reputation as a retail shopping hub. The peninsula's most iconic shopping area is the picturesque and palmetto-lined King Street. Here shoppers will find popular international brands, unique local boutiques, furniture and home decor stores, a slew of art galleries, and many antiques and collectibles shops too.
Also found on King Street is The Shops at Charleston Place, home to high-end retailers like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
The historic Charleston City Market is another must-visit downtown shopping attraction (open daily from 9:30 am - 6 pm). On Friday and Saturday nights, it comes to life as a night market too. All the night market artists are selected via an application process for their local and handmade works.
With so much water surrounding Charleston, a sailboat is a great way to explore the city from a different perspective.
Hourly and daily yacht charters are available at any of the area marinas, and sailing courses are also available through Charleston Sailing School for anyone wishing to acquire their own set of skills on the water.
The colorful homes along the Charleston Battery make for excellent sightseeing from within the Charleston Harbor. Check out some of the uninhabited barrier islands, such as Capers Island, that are only accessible by boat.
Another fun sailing option is to 'dock and dine'; sail over to Isle of Palms or Sullivan's Island and drop anchor at one of the lively waterfront establishments.
Head over to Anson Street (next to the historic City Market) to be greeted by a slew of friendly faces of the equine variety. Learn the history of Charleston while perched atop a horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the sights of the city.
The tour guides are certified by the city and are extremely knowledgeable. Visitors will learn new facts with every tour they go on, and explore different areas of downtown as well. The barns are open to the public and patrons and welcome to visit with the gentle giants.
An important note for animal lovers: the carriage companies have large farms outside the city and rotate different horses in and out of pasture each week (they do not live downtown, or work every day). The industry is closely regulated (number of daily tours, cooling times, body temps, etc.), and draft horses and bred and built for this sort of work.
The carriage horses are all former Amish plow horses. Not only is their new job far more humane, but it also saves them from an otherwise unspeakable fate.
It's no secret that Charleston's food and beverage scene is world-class. The city has long been a food haven, with drinking and dining a staple of any Charleston vacation.
There is an incredible array of options to suit all tastes and budgets, boasting everything from Michelin-star and James Beard award chefs and restaurants to humble soul food and gritty dive bars. Be sure to come hungry (and thirsty)!
While this entire article could be devoted to the culinary offerings in Charleston, here are a few tried-and-true favorites broken down into four categories.
Charleston has a wonderful music scene, with numerous venues that consistently welcome both emerging artists and famous headliners. Many of the downtown venues are small, allowing for intimate shows where attendees can get up close and personal with the musicians and sometimes even share a drink with them at the bar.
Check out the Music Farm and Charleston Pour House for laid-back vibes and music spanning a variety of genres. The Galliard Center and Charleston Music Hall are elegant venues with incredible acoustics.
For large-scale concerts, there is also the North Charleston Coliseum and Credit One Stadium, which can each host over 10,000 patrons.
Additionally, Charleston is home to some excellent outdoor venues including the Windjammer, Charleston Harbor Resort at Patriot's Point, The Refinery, and Riverfront Park that host many fun shows and festivals in the warmer months.
Anyone visiting Charleston during baseball season (April - October) should be sure to catch a Charleston RiverDogs game. Recently named the Minor League Baseball Team of the Year, the team is co-owned by local celebrity Bill Murray who often pops up at home games.
The stadium is conveniently located downtown and the games offer cheap beer and tons of fun in a family-friendly atmosphere. The games are loved by locals and tourists alike, and everyone is sure to have a great time.
The Charleston RiverDogs also host frequent special events to contribute to the community, from litter clean-ups to animal fundraisers, as well as cultural heritage celebrations, golf events, food festivals, and more.
Charleston is home to over 30 breweries, where locals and tourists mingle side by side. The beer scene has grown rapidly over the last decade, with only three breweries in Charleston 10 years ago.
Beer enthusiasts will find a diverse range of offerings, encompassing lagers to stouts to IPAs and everything in between. Some of the Charleston breweries offer full-service dining, while others just have food trucks on-site during certain hours.
With so many breweries to choose from, below are a handful of the favorites to visit, according to locals. Remember not to drink and drive; if no designated driver is available opt for a guided tour with transportation instead.
The Ravenel Bridge is becoming to Charleston what the Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco. Besides connecting the Charleston peninsula with neighboring Mount Pleasant, crossing the Ravenel Bridge is also a popular recreational activity for locals and tourists alike.
Don't forget to take a few snaps because the views of Charleston Harbor are out of this world!
The Ravenel Bridge features a designated pedestrian lane with a safety barrier from traffic, and it is wide enough to comfortably accommodate both walkers and bikers. The bridge spans 2.5 miles from one end to the other, so keep in mind it is a 5-mile roundtrip journey.
Rather than going back and forth, another great option is to head over to the waterfront bars on Shem Creek and then use Uber or Lyft to return to the peninsula.