outdoors

Dorchester Residents Get Second Chance To Bring New Parks And Libraries To The Area

A group of local residents are asking for Dorchester residents to “Vote Yes” to Dorchester County Parks + Libraries.

The group, led by a few friends from the Summerville area, is hoping Dorchester County residents will turn out to the polls on November 5 and approve funding for new parks and libraries.

Back in 2016, residents voted in favor of a referendum to build new parks and libraries in Dorchester County. However, it was thrown out by the South Carolina Supreme Court, stating it was illegal for both the parks and libraries to be one combined referendum.

Instead, the court said voters should have the ability to approve one without the other.

Now, three years later, residents will have the chance to vote on two separate referendums and once again approve funding for new parks and libraries.

So, what exactly are the two referendums?

Parks

According to the “Vote Yes” website, the parks “preserve more green space, stops more development and creates recreation facilities” for residents to enjoy.

If approved, the parks referendum will preserve open space, create a trail system, control flooding, and protect the Ashley River. Additionally, it will build and improve the Davis-Bailey Park in St. George and the Ashley River and Pine Track Parks in Summerville.

Among those developments and improvements of the park include baseball fields, playgrounds, adult fitness facilities, ponds, paved walking trails, and more.

Libraries

If approved, the libraries referendum will include the design and construction of new library facilities in the Summerville, North Charleston, and Ridgeville areas.

The library network will include study areas, public meeting rooms, family-friendly zones, and provide opportunities for early literacy, test preparation, and workforce development.

Voting is less than a month away, what are your thoughts on the new referendums?

Featured

The Best Running Trails in the Lowcountry

Charleston is nationally recognized for its beauty, food scene and museums, but there are plenty of other activities for people who are looking to do something different. Check out these running trails for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sawmill Branch Multi-Use Trail (Summerville)

Following along the Sawmill Branch Canal, the Sawmill Branch Trail is a flat, 10-foot wide, out and back trail that is perfect for runners and bikers alike. You can find the starting point at Gahagan Road or the parking area on Luden Drive. Most road crossings on this trail go under the road, but make sure to be mindful of the wildlife which includes deer and even alligators that can occupy the canal.

Distance: 6.5 miles
Type: Out and back
Cost: Free

James Island County Park Trail (James Island)

A vast network of trails weaves in and out of the James Island County Park featuring a variety of wildlife including ducks, heron, turtles and snakes. The trails are accessible from the many parking areas located throughout the park. Located off of Riverland Drive in James Island, these trails are just a short drive from Downtown or for residents all over the Lowcountry.

Distance: 5 miles
Type: Network
Cost: $2 per person

Wannamaker North Trail (Goose Creek)

Designed for mountain bikers in mind, but open to hikers, walkers and runners, the Wannamaker North Trail is full of elevation changes and tight turns, perfect for anyone looking for some hilly training. The trail is lined with oaks and beech trees, creating a nature-filled experience and escape from the city. The trailhead is located off of Westview Rd. in Goose Creek with parking available.

Distance: 13 miles
Type: Network
Cost: $1 per person

Hampton Park (Downtown)

Located Downtown, on the northern end of the Peninsula, Hampton Park features picturesque tranquility while still being located in downtown Charleston. With an outside loop that is nearly a mile, runners can take laps around the park or go inside where there are trails winding in and around the park grounds. With entrances on President St, Ashley Ave, Cleveland St, Elmwood Ave, Jenkins Ave and 10th Ave, Hampton Park is highly accessible for anyone looking to drive to the park or add some extra miles to their downtown run.

Distance: 1 mile
Type: Loop
Cost: Free

Featured

Get Outdoors with These Four Activities in CHS

Featured Image Credit: http://dhmrealestate.com/folly-beach/

As the summer days roll by it’s easy to feel like you’re running out of things to do, luckily there is never any shortage of outdoor adventures in Charleston! If you like walking through beautiful scenery, kayaking, paddleboarding, or doing really anything outside, than we have you covered!

Explore Shem Creek Park

Shem Creek Park is great for a leisurely afternoon stroll. It’s conveniently located right next to Shem Creek, so if all that walking makes you hungry there are lots of restaurants just around the corner. But before you let the restaurants draw you in, be sure to explore all the wooden boardwalks the cross over the marshland. Bring your fishing rod along or just sit and enjoy the view. If you’re looking to spend a day in the serenity of nature, Shem Creek Park is the place to go.

Take a stroll in Hampton Park

Hampton Park is one of Charleston’s largest parks and is located in downtown Charleston. It’s a free public park that is perfect for anyone who wants to walk, bike or run through nature without having to drive far to get there. It features a paved trail that winds through the park and is lined by incredible moss-covered oaks. With the trees leaning over the trails and repelling the summer sun, you’ll be stay cool while enjoying whatever activity you choose. And don’t forget to snap a few pictures of the many unusual oak trees before you leave. They look like something out of a movie.

Get on the water with Sunset Paddleboarding

Sunset paddle boarding, hosted by Coastal Expeditions, is an awesome way to not only see the natural environment of Charleston, but also learn some of the history behind it while getting a workout in. The paddleboard tours are offered in Shem Creek and Folly Creek. They last about 2 hours and paddle boarders often see Bottlenose Dolphins and other wildlife. Sunset tours are also offered! If you want to experience Charleston by water, learn about the ecosystems surrounding Folly and Shem Creek and catch a glimpse of some wildlife. Tickets are $52 per person.

Spend a day on Folly Beach

Don’t let the name fool you, Folly Beach is much more than a beach. The area is overflowing with restaurants, parks, playgrounds, and even a dog park for your furry friend.

If you want to have a relaxing day at the beach, take a stroll along Folly’s 1,045-foot pier and watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll be standing on the 2nd longest pier on the east coast! Or, sign up for one of the many boat excursions offered at https://visitfolly.com/

For a more active beach day, rent a bike and cruise through the parks and nature trails all along the beach. Or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try out surfing, kayaking or paddleboarding. The beach is open year-round to the public and access if free. If you want to visit Folly Beach County Park, however, it costs $20 to park in the lot near the beach.

Guest Columns

Where To Work Outside When You Can’t Bear The Indoors Anymore

Featured Image Credit: Vintage Coffee Cafe/Facebook

There is nothing better than some free wi-fi with a side of fresh air, especially on a stressful day of work or school. Now that the sticky summer humidity is finally starting to subside, we’re sharing some of our favorite spots that have outdoor seating with wi-fi.

Rudi’s Caffe’ e Vino

Image Credit: Rudi’s Caffé e Vino/ Facebook

This cool new spot on King offers free Wi-Fi out on their back porch. The chic clothing store on the bottom floor is Skinny Dip but head up the stairs for a gorgeous wine and coffee bar oasis. This is the perfect place to grab a glass of wine (or their famous frozè) and enjoy some Charleston vibes.

Brown’s Court Bakery

Image Credit: Eater Charleston

Enjoy a coffee, breakfast sandwich, or a pastry (or all three at the same time..we’re not judging) while enjoying some fresh air. Brown’s Court is a local favorite probably because it was once a Charleston house now transformed into a bakery and coffee shop. Take advantage of the free wi-fi on the top or bottom porch, or in the swinging hammock!

Park Café

Image Credit: Park Cafe/Facebook

Ahhhh, Park Cafe, our favorite little neighborhood joint. It’s true, they do have some killer avocado toast but they also have a killer patio with free wi-fi! So kick back on your computer outside while grabbing a bite to eat.

Vintage Coffee Café

Image Credit: Vintage Coffee Cafe/Facebook

Looking for somewhere to pop down with your laptop off the peninsula in Mount Pleasant? Vintage Coffee Cafe has a great outdoor space with picnic tables. No, literally, it’s the cutest outdoor space ever. SO vintage. In addition to unique cold and hot coffee drinks, Vintage offers breakfast items such as quiches, tarts, and of course.. acai bowls.

Frothy Beard Brewing Company

Image Credit: Frothy Beard/Facebook

If you’re in the West Ashley area, this needs to be your go-to spot. Frothy Beard’s recently built deck has plenty of room for you, your friends, your laptops and your dogs. Nothing pairs better with work than a monster slice of pizza from Zombie Bob’s and an ice cold brew from Frothy Beard. Trust us.

Eat & Drink

The Fifth Annual Charleston Beer Week Is Coming…And This Year Is Going To Be Epic

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/ Charleston Beer Week

The fifth annual Charleston Beer Week will be held from Saturday, September 9th through Saturday, September 16th at participating venues throughout the greater Charleston area. As a result of the continued growth and successful outcome in recent years, another day has been added on to the event, resulting in a total of 48 events over the eight day period.

Charleston is now home to 19 breweries, with five more under construction and expected to open by the end of the year. Many existing breweries are undergoing expansion efforts, while new craft beer-focused businesses have also opened their doors over the past year. For example, Frothy Beard Brewing Company located in West Ashley more than tripled their brewing capacity just weeks after opening in early spring.

Featured Image Credit: Charleston Beer Week

While local breweries will be a primary focus for the week, events will also feature many regional and national brands, making for a diverse lineup which will appeal to a broad audience. Many events feature “one-off” beer releases, often brewed specifically for the week, while other events feature various food pairings, collaboration releases, tastings and style-specific offerings.

This year will feature plenty of outdoor activities across the Charleston area, such as a Disc Golf Tournament, Guided Kayak Tour, Bike Ride at Marrington Plantation Trail, Downtown Charity Fun Run, Adventure Ropes Course, and a Harbor Boat Cruise. Other events aim to raise funding and awareness for local charities, such as the Charles Webb Center, Charleston Center for Women, Turtle Survival Alliance, and Charleston Surfrider Foundation.

All 48 events will be posted to the official website http://charlestonbeerweek.com over the next two weeks, with event announcements taking place on social media.

Featured

Take It Outside: 5 Must-Try Outdoor Workouts In Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Serenity Tree Yoga

Charleston is an extremely favorable city for fitness due to the warm climate, plentiful parks and beaches. There are plenty of gyms and fitness centers to get your sweat on, but with summer coming in HOT, literally, we’re taking it outdoors. Here are our five recommended spots for a killer outdoor workout in Charleston.

Hampton Park

Image Credit: Ry Glover via Roots Rated

Enjoy an amazing outdoor workout at this expansive and well-manicured park situated just next to The Citadel. The best part? It’s mostly shaded, which makes it the perfect place for a mid-day workout session, no matter what the temperature is. A 1-mile long track weaves through the park with exercise equipment every .2 miles. You can stop and do some crunches, pull-ups or sit-ups on your run or walk. If you’re on your bike, there is a designated bike lane that circles the outer edge of the park as well!

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Image Credit: Southeastern Traveler

It’s no secret that the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a hot spot for fitness lovers in Charleston. There are always plenty of people running, walking or biking over the bridge. Just going half way up the bridge and turning around is 2.5 miles, and considering the incline, it’s a pretty amazing total body workout. If you’re on your bike, start at the downtown side, head towards Patriot’s Point and then turn around. It’s a whopping 6-10 mile ride with some amazing views of the entire city and a nice breeze as well.

West Ashley Greenway

This 10.5-mile trail (one way) is a part of the East Coast Greenway. While you’re traveling through West Ashley neighborhoods, the scenery varies from suburban to rural. Although there are a number of street crossings, you won’t find much traffic on any of them. The further west you travel on the trail, you will start to see some creeks, ponds, and wetlands. The best part about this trail is it is extremely flat. There are no hills whatsoever.

Folly Beach

If you’re looking for some water sports exercise, Folly Beach is THE place to go. There are plenty of opportunities for wakeboarding, kiteboarding, surfing, and kayaking. The Washout and The Pier are known as the best spots for surfing due to the way they are situated on the coastline. Get your “ohm” on with some beach or SUP yoga real early in the morning; it’s probably the most peaceful experience you will ever have.

Pitt Street Bridge

Image Credit: Mount Pleasant Real Estate

Pitt Street Bridge, also known as Pickett Park, offers a great escape from the city and a great exercise. It’s just a short drive off of Coleman Boulevard through an unsuspecting suburban neighborhood. The walkway offers some amazing opportunities to take in the beauty of Charleston from afar. There is also plenty of birds to see in their natural habitat which adds a nice touch to your workout as well!

These are not in any order!