Category: Retail

Coffee — for most of us it’s an everyday necessity, so where can you find the best cup of coffee in Charleston? Whether you need the perfect place for meeting with your real estate agent, need caffeine on the go, a place to plug in your laptop, or a quiet corner for reading, Charleston’s variety of local coffee houses has you covered — and caffeinated! Here are a few of our favorite neighborhood spots.

Collective Coffee, Mount Pleasant

Photo Credit: Instagram User @collectivecoffeeco

This upscale, hipster coffee shop is pretty cool indeed with its loft-like, airy space and tasty breakfast (pimento cheese biscuit is life-changing) and snack (avocado toast) items. We love the friendly service here at Collective Coffee along with the ample outdoor seating, community table, comfy corner seating, and plentiful parking, assuring that you and whoever you’re meeting up with will have plenty of places to perch your coffee cups and your cars. Not the cheapest place but they do take pride in preparing your lattes, we can assure you. They’re delicious. The wifi is free, and laptops are welcome here.

Orange Spot, Park Circle North Charleston

For the most adorable coffee experience, head to Park Circle. Orange Spot is nestled in a cute little house and consists of two rooms with plenty of tables, power outlets, cushioned seats, and sunlight. A spacious backyard patio means they can put on events, like mini markets and art openings, since they line their walls with local art. Wifi? Yep, and it’s free. Pro tip: get the the Cha Yen.

Classic Coffee, Avondale, West Ashley

Photo Credit: Instagram User @classiccoffeecharleston

Avondale residents love strolling on foot over to Classic Coffee for their caffeine fix, and it’s perfect for all kinds of situations. There are couches that make for cozy book-reading nooks, plus outdoor tables, a bar with bar stools, and several inside tables for all your meeting-up purposes. We also love their quiches, which come from nearby Wildflour Pastry, in-house roasted coffee, and fruit smoothies. Parking is a pain at times, though, be ye warned.

Normandy Farm, South Windermere, West Ashley

If you really want to feel fancy and French when you hit the coffee shop, make Normandy your new favorite. Visions and smells of fresh-baked breads, tarts, cakes, pies, and more will have you drooling, but the prices will make you stop in your tracks. Normandy, a light-filled space, is the most affordable coffee shop in Charleston — its pour-it-yourself in-house roasted coffee is only a buck-fifty. The only downside of this place is that the bathrooms are in the back, meaning you have to walk through the kitchen to get there. If you’re having lots of coffee, this can make you feel a bit self-conscious, but, really, they don’t mind at all. Oh and there’s free wifi.

 Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer

Photo Credit: Instagram User @kuduchs

Kudu discourages folks from working on computers by denying guests their wifi password. So save Kudu for those days when you want to meet up with people (friends or clients) or you simply want to sit in their lovely courtyard and enjoy a book al fresco style. They serve coffee by the cafetiere and have a slew of great local craft beer selections. Kudu is also perfect for downtowndwellers; otherwise you’ll be circling the block in search of parking for an eternity.

Starbucks, Multiple Locations

6. Starbucks gets a lot of slack for being corporate, and while supporting local is always best, Starbucks isn’t so bad. They treat their employees pretty wonderfully actually, offering benefits to even part-timers. In West Ashley and Mt Pleasant you’ll find Starbucks with drive-thru windows, which is key for busy moms who can’t just unbuckle all three kids and run in and grab a quick coffee. (There is no such thing as a quick coffee when you’re a mom, unless there’s a drive-through!). Plus if you need to do some work on your laptop, at Starbucks you’ll find all you need for that: plenty of outlets, free wifi, lots of two-top tables and community tables. Starbucks is literally made for all of you laptop workers — be it freelancers or students.  AND most locations stay open until 9 p.m., while most other places shut down much earlier (5 or 6 p.m.).

What’s your favorite local coffee shop?

We love to shop, but more importantly we love to shop local! Charleston wasted no time this year — the warm days are upon us and it’s time to do some spring cleaning with the closet. Here are a few places where you can shop unique finds while also supporting local businesses. We’ve even included a place to take your wardrobe’s remnants from years past!

Bashful, 36 Windermere Blvd. West Ashley
There really is no such thing as window shopping at Bashful. The boutique stocks limited amounts of unique, trendy women’s wear, jewelry, and handbags, so you have to buy before it goes “bye!” You may remember it from its old location in Avondale, but the shop has upgraded now to more space in S. Windermere shopping center.

Consigning Women & Men, Photo Courtesy of Instagram User @consigningwomenandmen

Consigning Women, 21 Magnolia Road, West Ashley
Consigning Women & Men, 1055 Crickentree Village, Mt. Pleasant
A Charleston tradition since 1989, Consigning Women stocks only high-quality, name-brand, currently stylish clothing for a fraction of the original price. Bring in your own gently used clothes and not only will you be doing your once-chaotic closet a favor, but you’ll also get in on a very economic exchange. The shops are good for your wallet, but they’re great for the planet!

MOSA Boutique, 420 King Street, Downtown Charleston
From slinky sundresses to lace mini dresses, MOSA on King also has an in-store bar, complete with craft beer on tap, wine, and mimosas — mimosa, MOSA, get it? They’re stocked on both booze and spring styles, and their comfy seating area will ensure the spouse and kids have a place to rest while you shop.

Channels, 507.5 King Street, Downtown Charleston
Channels arrived to King Street in 2014, combining the surf and skate styles that the owners embrace in their everyday lives. You can expect to see a long list of quality brands here, including Citrine Swim, Reef, Boho Me, and Chucktown Inc. Summer styles range from cute and casual to cool and sporty, and their line of sunnies and swimwear is not to be missed.

Candy Shop VIntage, Photo Courtesy of Instagram User @candyshopvintage

Candy Shop Vintage, 9 Cannon St, Downtown Charleston
Since 2009, Deirdre Zahl has sold incredible vintage jewelry and vintage-inspired jewelry as Candy Shop Vintage. Her own Candy Shop Collection consists of vintage-inspired jewelry that reflect the quality and craftsmanship of the vintage jewelry she has collected for many years. Zahl also introduced her own Charleston rice bead necklaces as an homage to flapper-style costume jewelry she’d discovered in her antique store digs. We think the whimsical colors and fun lengths make for a playful spring accessory.

Holy City Vintage Market
Holy City Vintage Market is a roaming pop-up market where many local vintage vendors who typically have online Etsy shops set up for the day and show you their latest wares. The market only pops up every two months or so, and the vendors can vary — and the vendors’ stock always varies! Each shop has a different eye/style so you’re sure to find something that’s you – from Runaround Sue’s vibrant 1960s style to Red Rose Vintage’s (a shop that travels in an updated vintage airstream) casual 80s gear to the boho, floral styles of Little French Dress. The next HCVM is on Easter Sunday April 16 at Park Cafe (730 Rutledge Avenue, downtown Charleston), so you can sip mimosas from the outside bar and shop while you wait for a brunch table!
Where will you shop this spring?

Hampton Park via Instagram user @tracimagnus

Wagener Terrace is where downtown locals love to live. Away from the bustle of the more touristy parts of downtown, Wagener Terrace is an oasis filled with wide sidewalks, Spanish moss-covered live oaks, quiet living, and friendly neighbors, the latter of which range from families to young professionals. Still on the Charleston peninsula, Wagener Terrace is biking distance to the city’s theaters, antiques, shopping, and nightlife.

photo taken by @leahsuarez

But there’s still plenty of fun to be had within walking distance inside this serene pocket of the peninsula. These are just a few of our favorite things to do in and around Wagener Terrace:

Play:  The biggest highlight to living in this area has to be the accessibility to Hampton Park, which is below Wagener Terrace in the Hampton Park Terrace neighborhood. The largest park on the peninsula, Hampton Park is 60 acres of green space where locals jog, bike, walk dogs, picnic, and play. Weddings are held in the park’s picturesque gazebo, books are read by the fountain, and there are plans for an abandoned concessions stand at the park to be restored by the neighboring Park Cafe.

photo taken by: @theparkcafechs

Eat:  Speaking of Park Cafe, the bright, airy, and simplistic Rutledge Avenue restaurant is a neighborhood favorite for quality farm-to-table food, wine, and coffee. Just up the street, you’ll find Rutledge Cab Co., another popular local eatery and bar that’s half-owned by actor and Charleston local Bill Murray and features live local music each week. Very close to Wagener Terrace and Hampton Park Terrace is a trendy new spot called NoMo, where you’ll find tons of live music and great wings at Home Team BBQ, a killer brisket at Lewis’ Barbecue, a bar menu and brunch you won’t forget at Edmund’s Oast, and duck-fat fries, taxidermy, and good times at the Tattooed Moose.

photo taken by @tattooedmoose

Drink:  Also close to Hampton Park is Moe’s Crosstown Tavern, a buzzing local dive bar with great grub and a casual, unpretentious atmosphere. For a local craft beer, head straight to Wagener Terrace’s own Cooper River Brewing Co. on Mechanic Street, where you can get anything from a glass of Nitro Stout to a growler of IPA. If you’re in the mood for the lighter stuff, check out Huriyali Gardens, a vibrant wee juice haven on Huger Street with nutrient-rich, organic foods and juices and an adjacent garden that will make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a magical hidden gem.

photo taken by @cherry_bryd

Dance:  If you’re in the mood for a boogie, head down to the nearby Faculty Lounge on Huger Street. Not only can you find a reason to dance on weekend nights, the Faculty Lounge also features a quality cocktail menu and a chic, local vibe every single evening.

photo taken by @russelldpowell

Shop:  Locals can bike to Food Lion on King Street, the only large-scale grocery store near the neighborhood. As far as any other types of shopping — be it organic foods or clothes or antiques — there are plenty of great spots a short drive away in either the Historic District or over the Ravenel Bridge in Mt. Pleasant.

If this sounds like your kind of neighborhood, stop by the Real Estate Studio and see what adorable bungalows are for sale!

Folly Beach is where Charleston locals and tourists alike flock to for a slice of paradise with a side of fun. More so than any other beach in the area, Folly, though small as it may be, is packed with stuff to do for the whole family.

Adventure.

One of our favorite things to do while on Folly is to hang a left at the end of Center Street, following Ashley Avenue all the way to the end, park, and walk the 15 or so-minute stroll to the Morris Island Light House. Once there, behold the most secluded part of Folly Beach, a shore covered with beautiful driftwood, and the Morris Island Light House. You’ll love the desolate feeling out there, the staggering beauty all around. Bring a camera, because photo opps abound. To actually get in the water and explore, we recommend a kayak adventure through the meandering creeks we love so dearly in the Lowcountry. Folly Beach Adventures is one of many companies that will facilitate the rental of everything from kayaks and golf carts to stand-up paddle boards and surf boards. They also do guided boat tours.

Eat.

Deliciousness at Taco Boy courtesy of Instagram @tacoboychs

There is definitely no shortage of great food on Folly. We love the Asian-infused food and craft beers at Jack of Cups, the shark tacos at Chico Feo’s outdoor oasis, more Asian-infused goodness at The ‘Wich Doctor, Tex-Mex at Taco Boy, and pizza from Woody’s. Oh, and you can’t miss the tuna watermelon nachos at Rita’s — trust us!

For all-things seafood, the Crab Shack has got you covered, but if you get in the car and drive up Folly Road for less than five minutes, you’ll find another local favorite, at Bowen’s Island (your GPS will get you there just fine!) The restaurant is likely to have a line because it’s that good, but you’ll also find some of the best views in Charleston and a place with a down-home, down-to-earth, casual feel.

Drink.

Rainbow Behind Surf Bar on Folly Beach via Instagram @surf_bar

For a killer view of the sea to go with your cocktail, go to the rooftop of Snapper Jack’s, a bright, blue-colored building on Center Street that’s unmissable. For fun sake cocktails and delicious beers, make your way to Jack of Cups. Don’t miss the frozen screwdrivers at Taco Boy, beachfront pina coladas at BLU‘s beachfront bar, or pineapple jalapeno margaritas at Rita’s. If you’re one of those people who gravitates to the Irish pub in every city, St James Gate is where you need to be.

Shop.

Ocean Surf Shop above the dunes properties office on Center Street

Sure, you can find plenty of your run-of-the-mill beach stores on Folly in case you need anything from sunglasses and bathing suits to tacky magnets and tees, but shop with the local surfers at Ocean Surf Shop for all your surf wear needs (located right above our Folly Beach office). For anything from gourmet to-go sammies, boiled peanuts, cool hats, beer, groceries, coffee, and hotdogs, go to the beloved Folly institution of Bert’s Market. It’s actually a must, so put this at the top of your list and thank us later.

Listen.

Reggae with Dubplates at Loggerheads via Instagram @loggerheadsbeachgrill

Nothing says, “This is the good life” better than live music and an ocean breeze. Luckily, Folly is full of great local talent, and you’ll undoubtedly be able to catch some live tunes one of these spots: Loggerhead’s, Planet Follywood, Chico Feo, Surf Bar, or Drop In Deli.

Sleep.

507 East Arctic Avenue “Pink Flamingo”, charlestoncoastvacations.com

There’s not a lot of choice when it comes to hotels, but there’s plenty of beach rentals — with either the gorgeous marsh or the Atlantic Ocean as your backyard — where you can make yourself right at home. We recommend stopping by our Folly Beach Vacation Rental office or browse our website for all our vacation properties.  Summertime books up quick, but the Fall and Spring are still beautiful times to enjoy the Charleston Coast.

And in the off-chance that you’re in town on a Wednesday during the summer, check out the Folly Farmer’s Market, where you’ll find locally made goodies you can take back home with you. Also on Wednesdays in the summer months, we do movies on the beach! Bring a blanket and watch a movie in the sand behind the Tides hotel. Seeing something like Top Gun while the waves crash behind you — well, it doesn’t get much better than that, folks.

Two Cumberland, right next door to The Real Estate Studio at 216 King Street, is a fun store full of jewelry, trinkets, clothing, and home decor. A self-proclaimed “uniquely Southern” shop, Two Cumberland is located on the second story with an enticing stairwell sitting just between The Real Estate Studio and Savannah Bee Company.

Wondering about the name? They moved from Cumberland and Concord Streets a few months ago and decided to keep their name (which was their original address) when they made the move over to King Street. The new store space is significantly bigger then the Cumberland Street space, and the owner believes the consumer traffic will be higher at the new location.

Two Cumberland is the largest retailer of Bourbon and Boweties

Two Cumberland is the largest retailer of Bourbon & Boweties, a locally owned unique jewelry company that offers handmade bracelets, necklaces, and rings right here in Charleston. Carley Ochs, founder of Bourbon & Boweties, still hand selects every stone, meeting stone suppliers and vendors all over the world.

We recommend stopping in if you’re looking for a gift, a souvenir, or something to spoil yourself. You can’t miss the fashionably dressed mannequin that sits on the sidewalk and the bright baskets lining the stairs.  Two Cumberland also offers monogramming and has a huge selection of jewelry in all shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from. Make sure you tell them their neighbors at dunes properties sent you, and then come in to The Real Estate Studio to show us what you couldn’t live without! Follow Two Cumberland on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Every 6 weeks local artists showcase their work in our office The Real Estate Studio.  It is always a busy day when artists are hanging.  Much was going on today as 4 local artists and friends; Marty Biernbaum, Patricia Huff, Brenda Orcutt, and Mary Sayas hung art for their show entitled “Dawn and Dusk, a Group Interpretation”.  Their art will be featured at The Real Estate Studio from May 22, 2013 through July 2, 2013.  Their art opening will be Friday May 24th from 5-8pm.

Mary, Brenda, Patricia and Marty have developed an “artist circle” similar to historical artist groups that traveled together to paint and support each other.  Artistic and creative strength created by the generation of ideas and positive critiquing, encouragement and, of course, just plain fun in the painting together, have forged the basis of this show’s work.

Join us on Friday May 24th for a festive art party.

by Traci Magnus

I can’t tell you how many locals have mentioned having fond memories of the Red and White Grocery Store just next to the IOP connector on Palm Boulevard. Of course, by now anyone who lives on or near the island knows that the Red and White is no more, and the days of “Newton Farms” are soon to begin.

A photo of the demolition of the Red and White by Donnie Whitaker

Donnie Whitaker, a Realtor® in our Isle of Palms Office, has written a post dedicated to these upcoming changes on the Isle of Palms.  Read “Farewell Red and White Grocery- See You Soon Newton Farms” from Donnie’s blog.

Architectural Digest recently wrote an article all about Charleston and what to do in the city. The article, which describes Charleston’s great balance between keeping the history while incorporating new energy, mentions some of the best places to eat and sights to see. Archdigest names Charleston Place Hotel as the “grandest of the city’s grande dame hotels,” with Charleston Grill as a “fine-dining standard bearer.” As you all know, I cannot agree more, as that hotel and restaurant are number one on my list. But, the article also brings in some hidden gems of the city that are not mentioned enough. A brand new hotel called “Zero George” opened last month that has had rave reviews.

When it comes to dining, most of the popular names are mentioned, such as Husk and McCrady’s, but I loved that they also threw in some smaller, more known places with the locals. Located in Elliotborough, Two Boroughs Larder and The Grocery are a couple of these, which are both fantastic.

Then there are the sights. The must-sees are named, like  Gibbes Museum of Art and Fort Sumter. A fun activity is also to go through house museums. Two homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, the Joseph Manigault House, a Federal-period dwelling, and the pre-Revolutionary Palladian-style Drayton Hall, are some good picks.

Archdigest names some of the classic Charleston boutiques for shopping ideas in the Lower King Street district. There are countless antique stores in this area along with some local clothing stores with many local followers.

Read the full article here.

–Elizabeth Poore

http://elizpoore.com/ | epoore@dunesproperties.com | (336) 408-0360

It’s not as fun as The Daily Mirror, but visit the New York Post online and you’re just as likely to end up losing an hour online with all the salacious news and gossip abounding on every page.  And while doing just that, I found Charleston, South Carolina is in the news again.

The New York Post dared to question Charleston voted as Conde Nast Traveler’s favorite city in the world and top US city. But they came around to the charms of Charleston.

The historic, walkable, (pleasantly) spooky Lowcountry port city of Charleston, S.C., earned the No. 1 spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top U.S. Cities” list for the past two years, and in 2012 readers named it their favorite city in the world. In the world? Really? New York City ranked a measly No. 5, so it all seemed a bit suspicious . . . until we saw it for ourselves.

So what are you waiting for? Book one of our vacation rentals and see for yourself firsthand the historic, friendly, beautiful wonder that is Charleston, South Carolina.

Read The New York Post story here.

CHARLESTON, SC: WHERE THE SKY IS BLUE 365 DAYS A YEAR

JetBlue Announces Daily, Nonstop Air Service to Charleston International Airport CHARLESTON, S.C. (September 12, 2012) — The sky over the Charleston area will be blue regardless of weather beginning February 28, 2013, when JetBlue begins daily nonstop air service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston’s Logan International Airport to Charleston International Airport.

Book your ticket – pack your bags – and don’t forget to visit the Islands of  Seabrook and Kiawah Island – on Charleston’s doorstep. Stop in to Bohicket Marina, conveniently nestled between the two communities – gather your real estate information from The Kiawah Seabrook Group.

Tickets are on sale now.

You know that you’ll want to come back y’all!!!