AC Repair in Mount Pleasant, SC

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Ready to get your grub on? Restaurant Week is back. The 11-day culinary event runs from Thursday, Jan. 9 to Sunday, Jan. 19.

Restaurant Week is an annual opportunity to try something new or indulge in favorites at a lower price. From casual spots to fine dining, there are dozens of participating restaurants in the Charleston area.

Here are a few Lowcountry highlights.

167 Raw Oyster Bar | Dinner: Three courses for $45+ | You had us at the first course — crispy oysters (yum).

Oak Steakhouse | Dinner: Three courses for $60+ | Indulge in a decadent meal at this downtown steakhouse.

Church and Union | Dinner: Three courses for $50+ | We recommend the cauliflower risotto and don’t get us started on the mushroom gnocchi.

Grace + Grit | Dinner: Three courses for $45+ | This is the perfect place to try coastal classics like shrimp and pimento cheese hushpuppies and blackened scallops.

The Mill Street Tavern | Dinner: Four courses for $44+ | Enjoy sushi, seafood, and southern classics with the beautiful Shem Creek views.

Ruby Sunshine - West Ashley | Brunch: Two courses for $18+ | Enjoy a New Orleans-style brunch here in the Lowcountry.

Middleton Place Restaurant | Dinner: Three courses for $60 | This prix fixe menu is loaded with southern classics.

Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen | Dinner: Three courses for $30+ | Try southern classics like the Fried Flounder Platter.

The Harlow | Dinner: Three courses for $30+ | Start with a raw bar sampler, then choose between the chicken sandwich and a signature burger.

The Kingstide | Dinner: Three courses for $60+ | This menu has our mouths watering. Calamari, Oysters Rockefeller, and mussels — oh my, how do you only choose one?

Hungry for more? Check out 30+ more dining deals.

The company behind a $500 million real estate project at Patriots Point went before Mount Pleasant officials this week seeking to renew its agreement for five years and to establish a special district for the mixed-use development.

The formal rezoning and renaming of the state-owned land has been in the works for months.

Charleston-based Bennett Hospitality leases the 31-acre property from the authority that oversees Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Now known as the Waterfront Gateway District, it will be formally renamed Patriots Annex if the changes are approved.

Michelle Reed, the town's planning director, said during a Jan. 6 meeting that the company will be held to the same zoning approvals and other requirements.

She called the proposed changes "mutually beneficial." They will cement the details of the Patriots Annex project under a planned development agreement, giving town officials more oversight in the design and scope of the project, she said.

James Wilson, an attorney for Bennett Hospitality, said most of the proposed terms were "copied and pasted" from the previous agreement.

The planning committee sent the requests to Town Council for further review before it will vote on them.

Bennett Hospitality has said it plans to break ground on the first of three hotels at Patriots Annex in 2025. Its previous five-year development agreement with the town expired in October.

Mike Bennett, the company's founder, said the only significant change he's seeking is to move a planned "grand lawn" from the waterfront to the middle of the property. He estimated that 14 percent of the property will be open space, or 40 percent more than the current zoning rules calls for.

"I was not required to make a grand lawn area. It was my idea ... Moving the lawn centered it up so all of the development can benefit from the lawn, creating a central park," Bennett said at Monday's meeting.

He also said the SeaFair Village hotel and cottages to be built along the waterfront will have a similar feel and appeal as the nearby historic Old Village.

Patriots Annex has been designed as a long-term project that will include hotels, residences, offices and retail space along Charleston Harbor. Patriots Point plans to use the revenue from the public land it's leasing to the developer to help maintain its fleet of historic warships.

A recent study by the University of South Carolina estimated Patriots Annex will nearly double the state-owned military museum's annual economic impact to $393 million from $205 million by 2030.

While a broad-based master plan for the project has been approved, each of the phases will require approval from the town.

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When my daughter Sophie and I arrived at the newly-opened boutique hotel, The George, nestled between the shimmering waters of the PeeDee River and historic Front Street in colonial Georgetown, we were greeted by friendly doormen, reservationists and the woman at the helm of the operation, Georgetonian Christy Whitlock. As we sat on a sofa in the front window of the lobby, Whitlock shared the origin story of The George. Inspired by her stay at the Hotel Florence, a development that revitalized Florence’s entire downtown area, she conceived the idea of bringing the first boutique hotel in 50 years to the already charming downtown district of Georgetown.

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PODCAST: The Story of The George

The first step to launching the project, Whitlock said, involved reaching out to Ben Zeigler, one of the co-founders of the Hotel Florence, and Jay and Joe Keenan, whose portfolio includes four thriving hotels in Charleston. Having secured the location on the site of what was the Post and Courier building and previously the Georgetown Times, Joe Keenan joined forces with his wife, interior designer Jenny Keenan, and from there the project took on a life of its own.

A private tour of the property, guided by Whitlock, revealed an enchanting design concept that blends English flair with Lowcountry culture. Downstairs, the walls are hung with paintings from the Charleston Artist Collective, while bespoke wallpaper portraying a lush forest covers the interior of an archway leading from the lobby to the port side of the hotel. Bougie yet comfortable custom-designed furniture invites guests to slow down and lounge awhile. Further accent touches such as Gullah baskets and round shadow boxes displaying Indigenous nature-derived artifacts such as rice, indigo and cotton intertwine the past with the present. “We try to incorporate as much history as we can,” said Whitlock, explaining that these crops are significant to the Lowcountry theme as they were once the largest exports for Georgetown and surrounding areas.

Once the courteous staff checked us in, Sophie and I went upstairs to see our room, which featured an accent wall papered in a pale blue floral, one of many patterns that Jenny curated for the project, which are hanging in the 56 guest rooms throughout the hotel. Also, upholstered headboards anchored plush bedding that promised a delicious night’s sleep. Having stashed our bags, Sophie and I changed clothes for dinner and headed back downstairs for our reservations at the posh onsite restaurant, The Independent, a unique Indigo Road Hospitality Group establishment.

Named for the Independent Seafood market, a family-owned business that served the Georgetown community for 80 years, the restaurant was booked solid on a Tuesday night. The clinking of glasses and laid-back laughter amongst stylishly-clad friends sharing a meal, set against a merlot wall color, coffered ceilings and cane-backed chairs, conjured an atmosphere of a fashionable Parisian cafe. Indeed, the evening called for one—okay, two—glasses of the Louis Metaireau ‘Petit’ Mouton Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine. For starters, Sophie and I shared the crowd favorite, locally-sourced deviled eggs topped with fried oysters. Then, chef Thomas Vance came to the table to greet us, and sent over an artful salad with roasted butternut squash, arugula, pears, spiced pumpkin seeds and burrata that he makes in-house, drizzled with aged balsamic. For the main course, Sophie ordered fresh peel-and-eat shrimp with a side of pommes frites. And as Whitlock and our server Jen McConnell had both gushed over the blackened flounder with lump crab and andouille pileau accompanied by fried okra and lemon beurre monte, I had no choice but to opt in for my entrée. As promised, the selection certainly delivered, so my compliments to chef Vance. Our gastronomic experience would have been remiss without dessert, and Sophie selected the chocolate ganache, another excellent choice for us to share.

By the next morning, a mini tropical storm swept through Georgetown, contemptuously daring The George’s staff and guests to carry on with plans for the afternoon’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Serendipitously, by the time revelers began spilling out from the ballroom onto the sprawling portside lawn, the skies cleared and the sun emerged, dappling the river and her moored vessels. Between passed hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, the prosecco flowed as nearly 300 well-heeled guests greeted each other, often with hugs and side kisses. A ribbon of greenery festooned two columns on the back patio, creating a stage where Keenan emceed the celebration, thanking everyone who has been involved in the six-year-long project. Steve Palmer, founder of the Indigo Road Hospitality Group, held the shears, passing them along to Mayor Carol Jayroe who did the honors amongst great fanfare.

That evening, as we drove back to Charleston with The George fading behind us in the rearview mirror, Sophie and I agreed that we had found our new home away from home for overnight or weekend mother-daughter getaways.

By Sarah Rose

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Nestled in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Perspective Art Gallery has become a cherished hub for local artists and aspiring creatives. Since its inception in May 2017, the gallery has operated as a nonprofit driven by a heartfelt mission: to give back to the community and support the artistic growth of middle school students.

Betsy Jones McDonald, a member of the gallery’s steering committee, has been there since the beginning. She has witnessed firsthand how the gallery’s nonprofit initiative has evolved from its initial focus on scholarships to a broader vision that empowers young artists. “Our mission is to ensure that all proceeds go back to the three middle schools in Mount Pleasant.” This commitment has allowed the gallery to provide funding for local art programs, helping students develop their creative potential.

The gallery was founded thanks to a generous grant from the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild, who recognized the need for a space where artists could showcase their work. “We wanted to create a place that not only highlights exceptional art but also inspires the next generation,” McDonald shared. As sales have grown over the years, so has the gallery’s ability to give back, further fueling its mission.

Art Displayed at Perspective Art Gallery, Mount Pleasant

Operating as a nonprofit is somewhat rare in the art world, only a small percentage of galleries follow this model. Another member of the steering committee, Anne Brownyard said, “We chose this path because we believe in the transformative power of art, especially for young minds.” The gallery currently exhibits work from 34 talented artists, with a diverse range of mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, and sculpture. Each artist contributes not only a portion of proceeds from their artwork, but also engages with the community, often creating art live during events, allowing guests to connect with the creators behind the art.

In addition to exhibitions, Perspective Art Gallery hosts educational workshops and special events, making art accessible to all. Their Sunday workshops, led by well-known artists, offer a rare opportunity for participants to learn without the usual hefty price tag. “We want to make these experiences available to everyone, not just those who can afford expensive classes,” Brownyard noted. The gallery also hosts several events each year, where art lovers can mingle, enjoy refreshments and experience the vibrant community spirit.

As Perspective Art Gallery continues to grow, its commitment to nurturing young talent and enriching the community remains steadfast. Through art, the gallery enhances the cultural landscape of Mount Pleasant while inspiring the next generation of artists. The gallery’s vision is a testament to the belief that art is a powerful tool for connection, growth and transformation, proving that it can truly change lives — one masterpiece at a time.

For more information, please visit perspectiveartgallery.com.

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Lined with beautiful trees and rich with history unique to the East Cooper area, Brickyard Plantation is one neighborhood that keeps homeowners happy for generations. Once considered on the “outskirts” of Mount Pleasant, this community of friendly residents is now perfectly placed in the center of town, with proximity to more restaurants, local businesses and paths to the shoreline than ever before.

Unlike the newer developments, Brickyard Plantation has an interesting back story – it actually was a brickyard, responsible for making many of the bricks that became structures around Mount Pleasant and greater Charleston, including Boone Hall Plantation. Legend even has it that a ghost haunts the very back of the community where the ruins of an old brick kiln is located. While not all Brickyard residents have seen the spirit, or believe in such things, they certainly share pride in a place that helped build the Lowcountry.

Modern families enjoy the variety of amenities that Brickyard has to offer, according to Brickyard Plantation Realtor and expert Amy Templeton. A resident of the community herself since 2002, Templeton emphasized how folks rarely leave for other neighborhoods. Even the tennis instructor has been helping locals perfect their serve since the 1990s.

“We have five lighted tennis courts and a swim team for the kids,” she commented. “Boaters love Brickyard because of the water access on Horlbeck Creek and the storage, which is secure and less expensive than many other neighborhoods that offer boat storage.”

Michael Clifton, another enthusiastic resident, bought a home in Brickyard back in 2000 and, aside from a brief two-year relocation to another North Mount Pleasant neighborhood, has enjoyed the atmosphere ever since.

“We missed the community and amenities during that two years away,” he said. “We love being in an established neighborhood in the center of Mount Pleasant; we just bought our third house here two years ago.”

Templeton and Clifton agreed that having their kids grow up together in an idyllic setting like Brickyard has been a big plus. Long bike rides and walks on the picturesque streets are perhaps the biggest draw to the area, as well as a “family atmosphere that is hard to find nowadays,” according to Clifton.

When it comes time to leave the neighborhood for dinner on the town or a day at the beach, everything is close by. For families with younger children, award-winning schools like Jennie Moore and Laing are a hop and a skip away.

“At the front of the community are great local businesses, everything from food to places to work out,” Templeton said. “My family does a lot of biking to these places, as well as to the beach, which is just 2-and-a-half miles away.”

“When we first moved to Brickyard Plantation, it was considered ‘way out there,’” Clifton added. “Now, with the growth of Mount Pleasant, we’re right in the heart of things.”

Want to learn more about Brickyard Plantation? Visit www.brickyardhomes.com, call Amy Templeton at 843- 425-4100 or email her at atempleton@carolinaone.com.

By Denise K. James

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