AC Repair in Charleston, SC

Have you heard of the Angel Oak Tree in Charleston, SC? The 400-year-old live oak on Johns Island is well worth the visit and should be on your list of things to do in the Charleston area.

I had been to the Angel Oak Tree once before but I could only see it through the fence because I happened to go on a holiday weekend when it was closed. When I was back in Charleston, SC, I was determined to make the stop to see the incredible tree. After all, I had seen numerous photos of it, even in places as far as a museum in Florida! I had to see it for myself.

History of the Angel Oak Tree

Arborists estimate the oak tree is between 300 – 400 years old. To say it’s enormous is an understatement. It’s likely the largest live oak tree east of the Mississippi River.

The tree has a diameter of 25.5 feet and is 65 feet tall, providing more than 17,000 square feet of shade, which felt really nice on the hot July day we went. It’s a historical site and is deemed a “Lowcountry Treasure.” I’d agree. Records indicate the tree was initially owned by Abraham Waight starting in 1717 and stayed in his family for four generations. It became part of a marriage contract between Martha W.T. Angel and Justus Angel, hence the name of the tree I assume.

While the tree does grow up, it also grows outwards. The branches and limbs are massively heavy so you’ll notice some of them are held up by wooden beams.

Today, the tree and land are technically owned by the City of Charleston and part of their park system. There’s a gift shop on site and parking and entry are free.

Visiting the Angel Oak Tree

To get to the parking area of the oak tree, you have to drive on a really bumpy road and there is limited parking. People usually don’t spend a lot of time there so parking spots will open quickly and just go slow on the bumpy road. You don’t need a 4×4 and we saw plenty of compact cars there.

Let’s talk about the rules of visiting the tree. Leashed pets are allowed but not within 100 feet of the tree. There are signs about where you can go with them. Secondly, as you may imagine, there is no climbing, sitting, marking, or standing on the tree. No food or drinks are allowed near it as well as tripods, blankets, and props. There are plenty of picnic tables and benches in the park if you’d like to sit and rest while there.

Weddings and special events and professional photography are allowed but permits are required. Contact the City of Charleston to arrange for those: 843.724.7327.

Make sure to double-check the hours before you go (I didn’t the first time I went and it was closed!). Hours are Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm; closed holidays. The last entry is at 4:50 pm. There are port-a-potties on site but it’s probably better to go at a nearby gas station before you get to the park.

What It’s Like at the Angel Oak Tree

I didn’t research the history of the tree before we went so my kids were thinking that the tree should look like an angel and they decided it didn’t. I could see it though, with the limbs spread out and the trunk resembling a body. Others may think of the mythical creature Medusa with her multi-snake hair.

Regardless, let me say that visiting Angel Oak® was really special. There’s a peace surrounding it that I think maybe comes with historical places. I felt the same when I visited the ruins of the Old Sheldon Church further south near Beaufort, SC.

I’m not sure exactly what it is that makes this spot so special but I was thinking of the stories this tree could tell if it could speak, of the battles waged near it, of the people who sat under its shade maybe reading or writing documents and books we still read today. Charleston itself is so steeped in history that I think some of that spills into this particular spot.

I think it’s worth the 10 or 15 minutes you’d spend wandering under the shade of the massive branches that stretch many feet around you and gaze at the wonder of nature that is the Angel Oak Tree.

Things to do Nearby

Charleston is full of adventure for families! Just 10 minutes down the road from the Angel Oak Tree is the Charleston Aqua Park, a super fun place with an over-water ropes course and floating obstacle course.

Downtown Charleston is about 20 minutes away and Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, and Folly Beach are all nearby as well. For more info to help you plan your next trip to the low country, check out the Kidding Around Travel Guide to Charleston, SC: Things to Do, Where to Stay, and Places to Eat

3688 Angel Oak Road, Charleston, SC Hours are Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm; closed holidays

Take a peek inside the historic Blind Tiger Pub. | Photo by @walkandtalkchs

Hey history buffs, this one’s for you. With Charleston’s cobblestone streets and charming buildings dating back to 1670, there’s a whole bunch of history to unpack in the Holy City. As part of our Drink Up Week initiative, we’re traveling back in time to explore historic pub + modern-day hotspot: Blind Tiger Pub.

Prohibition origins

Opening its doors on Broad Street in 1992 + named after the term used to describe illegal drinking and gambling establishments in the Prohibition era, the downtown Charleston pub pays homage to the illicit bars that began popping up around the Holy City in 1893.

Though one of the oldest bars in SC, one thing’s for sure: Blind Tiger’s atmosphere has remained similar throughout the years — even undergoing a months-long restoration in 2016 that focused on honoring the legacy of its previous caretakers.

Reviving the memory of its early reputation, the historic spot features a secret underground tunnel system that can be entered through a latched door at the back of the building.

Paranormal sightings

As you might’ve guessed, the century-old building is no stranger to spirit sightings and whispers of paranormal activity. General manager Jay Hanckel recalls tales of two figures running out of the back door + employees have spotted glasses falling off shelves and coffee mugs flying across the room. We won’t freak you out too much, but there have even been stories of cries of ‘help’ heard beneath the floorboards.

One of the most commonly told ghost tales features a woman wearing a black dress roaming through the restaurant. The ghostly antagonist is known to play tricks on bartenders and tease patrons, rumored to pull hair, appear, and disappear, and create phantom footsteps. Local lore suggests this woman may have frequented the building in the 1920s, though that theory isn’t confirmed.

The former speakeasy also dares its guests to catch a glimpse of the never tamed ‘blind tiger’ that allegedly wanders within its boo-tiful walls.

Recent history

Now nestled in the historic district, Blind Tiger Pub is serving up classic cocktails + dishing out brunch, lunch, and dinner. Stop in for locally–inspired libations like the Broad Street Barrister and Frozen Espresso Tini + snack on summertime favorites from a brand new menu like the Shrimp Green Goddess Sandwich and Heirloom Burrata.

You won’t want to miss your chance to soak in the Lowcountry scenery + catch a glimpse of something supernatural at this historic landmark, voted the Best Bar and the Best Outdoor Patio in Charleston. Make a reservation or stop by at 36-38 Broad St. from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. seven days a week. Happy sipping, Charleston.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Charleston is considering a new program to rein in nuisance rental properties, and that can mean anything from weed-filled yards, trash and noise complaints.

The proposed program would start in the Eastside neighborhood on the peninsula. The city said the neighborhood has around 900 long-term rental properties and has the most nuisance calls per rental unit in the area.

“It would be a database of all rental properties who are permitted,” Director of Livability and Tourism Dan Riccio said. “Anyone who owns two rentals or more would be required to obtain a business license, as well.”

Riccio said the city wants to cut down on the time it takes to resolve nuisance issues, such as trash and noise complaints.

“There are no tools we can use to be able to contact the person who is responsible and can respond or either mitigate the problem that’s occurring on their property in a timely manner,” Riccio said.

Along with the database, property owners would be required to have an inspection every five years, apply for the program with a $25 permit fee, and must have a contact person living within 30 miles of Charleston.

Art Halvorson owns three long-term rental properties in Eastside and is skeptical about the proposed ordinance.

“It sounds like a blanket response to some isolated problems they’re having,” Halvorson said. “How can these problems be so big? I haven’t heard from them in a long time.”

Halvorson also said creating such a tool is not necessary.

“It doesn’t seem they would need that because they know who I am,” Halvorson said. “They know who owns the properties. They have a database. It’s called the property records, and so they can find me if they want to send me a citation already in the mail or call me.”

Riccio said some rentals in the city are listed under LLCs and contacting the owner can be a wild goose chase.

He said the end goal of the program is to improve the safety of neighbors and their quality of life.

“The neighbors will tell us,” Riccio said. “If their quality of life improves because of this process, then that’s an indicator that the program is going and be successful.”

The proposed ordinance will be discussed at the next city council meeting. The city said if the program is successful, then they will possibly expand to more neighborhoods.

The city also said the proposed program would establish a penalty system similar to a driver’s license. If an owner accrues too many points, then their license could be revoked.

People who know of a problem property can report the issue to the city’s livability department.

Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.

A well-stocked bar makes for one happy Charlestonian.

While you may have the usual drink-making tools on hand, these eight local products + ingredients will elevate your cocktail (and mocktail) making game next time you reach for the jigger and shaker.

Mixers

Where to get it: Most grocery stores + liquor stores, restaurants, online

How to use it: DYK you can use Charleston Mix for more than just Bloody Marys? We’re talking dishes like party dip, chicken fajitas, and pickled shrimp. Spice things up at your next family dinner with a new recipe using Charleston Mix.

Where to get it: Total Wine, Half Moon Outfitters, Bittermilk (for a limited time), Taylor’s Wine Shop online

How to use it: Mix Barcoop Bevy with soda water for a non-alcoholic mocktail, or mix two parts Barcoop Bevy, one part spirit, and ice for the perfect cocktail. Bonus: These mixers are made with all natural ingredients.

Where to get it: Online with $8 flat rate shipping

How to use it: It’s simple: Grab your Bittermilk cocktail mixers, check out these recipes, and just add alcohol.

Syrups, bitters + more

Where to get it: Sèchey, Sweet Charleston (in the Charleston City Market), Total Wine, and online, plus various retailers throughout the state

How to use it: Browse the available recipes made with various Tippleman’s products for cocktails including The Big Island and the Fall Daiquiri or submit your own concoction. Bonus: This product was created by Joe and MariElena Raya, the team behind Bittermilk.

Where to get it: Check out the full list of local retailers, including Kudzu Bakery, Total Wine, Sermet’s Courtyard, and NY Butcher Shoppe.

How to use it: In addition to the Charleston home base, Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. is also based in Lexington, KY — hey, LEXtoday. Pair this syrup with gin or vodka for the perfect gin + tonic.

Bonus: Check out The Jack Pack which includes Jack Rudy Cocktail Co.’s Grenadine, Classic Tonic Syrup, Aromatic Bitters, and a Jigger.

Where to get it: Online

How to use it: Add a dash of this organic simple syrup to your morning coffee if cocktails and mocktails aren’t really your speed. The shelf life of this product is two years unopened.

Barware

Where to get it: Online

How to use it: Complete with a graduated jigger, teardrop barspoon, 1.25” ice cube tray, hawthorne strainer, and weighted cocktail shaking tins, this bar tool kit from Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. is your one-stop shop for the essentials.

Where to get it: Online

How to use it: Want the perfect pour every time? Grab a self-closing pour spout from Daysie.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Community Resource Center’s 500 volunteers feed more than 5,000 people a week, but now, as inflation smashes recent records, stretching the already strained budget to maintain the operation is become a major challenge.

“The lines have increased. We have lines now that are bigger than in the middle of the pandemic,” Community Resource Center Executive Director Louis Smith said. “On Wednesday, we had about 300 cars. That is a lot of people, and there is a growing need.”

Year to year, the Community Resource Center has seen a 15 percent increase in operational costs. Smith says that a 15 percent increase means they can help fewer people in need.

“I am telling you right now, we could have gotten more food,” Smith said. “When gas [prices] spiked – to run these trucks, it takes a lot of money.”

It is the same story at the Lowcountry Food Bank, where the Community Resource Center gets much of its food. Brenda Shaw, chief development officer at the Food Bank, says they have seen huge increases in just about everything.

“Inflation has had a significant impact on the Food Bank and food banks all across the country,” Shaw said. “We are seeing about a 40 percent increase in the cost of food across the board. Canned vegetables that we would have bought pre-pandemic, we are paying 75 percent more than we were in 2020 or 2019.”

It is not just the cost of food straining the budget. Shaw says they get food shipped in from all over the country, and the cost of transportation is adding up and not just because of the cost of fuel.

“The cost of shipping is really hurting us,” Shaw said. “We’re also seeing a decrease across the country in drivers. Many independent truckers are just getting out of the business because they can’t cover their costs.”

It is a double whammy for groups trying to feed those in need. Costs are going up for the organizations all while the number of those needing their services increases as well. Shaw says in January, their onsite pantry served 353 people. This month they have already served more than 500.

“It [inflation] is affecting the types of foods we can buy but we are still serving everyone that needs to be served,” Shaw said. “We are not seeing the variety. Some things have become cost prohibitive.”

Shaw says they are particularly concerned about when the school year starts and students will be once again required to pay for their own lunches. For the last two years, the USDA has picked up the tab so all students could eat for free. However, that changes this year as COVID-relief money dries up.

Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.