Revisit the Joys of Historic Downtown Charleston

As a resident of Charleston, surely you’ve enjoyed one of our city’s iconic carriage tours. Rolling along at a stately pace through the old city’s historic streets, listening to the rhythmic clip clop of horse hooves is a rite of passage that every visitor and local must experience. Many of us have enjoyed taking these tours multiple times – there is, after all, so much to see downtown.

In fact, there is so much to see, at one point it dawned upon me that I should, literally, hop off the carriage and take a walk around the place. A handful of tour companies decided a few years back that walking tours would be a great way to see the nooks and crannies of the city, such as the many alley ways and hidden gardens, inaccessible to carriage riders.  If stretching your legs out exploring our historic city is right up “your alley”, we can highly recommend a tour that is run by Charleston Strolls. Their walking tour last 2 hours and departs from Mills House Hotel at 115 Meeting Street twice daily (10am and 2pm) 365 days a year.  Tickets price are $20/Adults, $10/Children (7-12) and FREE for kids 6 and under. Best of all, the tour guides are entertaining and knowledgeable!

Some highlights of their tour:
Tour where carriages and motor coaches are not allowed as you take a fascinating stroll with stories and traditions revealing Charleston’s rich history and colorful past.  This two hour tour through America’s most charming historical district is sure to be the highlight of your visit.

Stops on your tour include:
Rainbow Row
Historic Waterfront Battery
Antebellum Mansions
A visual tour of Fort Sumter
Hidden Gardens & Courtyards
Historic Churches & Graveyards
The Revolutionary and Civil War

Visit their website at www.CharlestonStrolls.com to read more and to order tickets online.

Charleston Area Farmer’s Markets

Our local farmer’s seeds have taken sprout and are now ready for your table! We’ve compiled a list of local farmer’s markets where you can stock up on the freshest fruits and veggies straight from the source.

Charleston Area Farmer’s Markets

Awendaw Farmers and Fresh Seafood Market
6971 Doar Rd, Awendaw, SC (Town Hall)
2nd Saturday of the month only, 9:00 – Noon

Charleston Farmer’s Market
Marion Square (King St. @ Calhoun St)
Saturdays, 8am-2pm

Cross Community Center’s Farmers Market
1690 Old Hwy. 6, Cross, SC 29436
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Days/Hours will vary according to crop production
Call Community Center for info at 843-753-2196

Daniel Island Farmers Market
Island Park Dr., (across from the Publix Shopping Center)
Thursday, from 4 pm until dusk

Freshfields Village Farmers Market
149 Village Green Lane, Johns Island, SC  (Crossroads of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Island)
Mondays,  4pm – 8pm

Goose Creek Farmer’s Market – City of Goose Creek
519 North Goose Creek Blvd. (Goose Creek Community Center by City Hall)
Thursdays, 3pm -6pm, May 6-September 30

Goose Creek Farmer’s Market
150 Howe Hall Rd., Goose Creek, SC
Saturday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Moncks Corner Farmers Market
Gulledge Street at Heatley Street, Moncks Corner, SC
Saturdays, 8am – 2pm

Mt. Pleasant Farmer’s Market
645 Coleman Boulevard (adjacent to Moultrie Middle School)
Tuesdays, 3:30pm – ‘til dusk

North Charleston Farmer’s Market
Park Circle’s Felix C. Davis Community Center
Thursdays between 12noon-7pm

Stono Farm Market/Ambrose Farm Store
842 Main Road, Johns Island, SC
Monday-Friday, 9 am-6 pm and Saturday, 9 am-5 pm.

Summerville Farmers Market
218 S. Main Street (First Citizens Bank parking lot)
Saturday from 8 am-1 pm

Kayaking in the Lowcountry

With so much water right outside our doors, it is no wonder that kayaking continues to grow in popularity in the area. Thinking about getting started? We’ve assembled a variety of useful resources to help you give this paddle sport a try.

First off, your timing is perfect for exploring all the possibilities by attending the hugely popular East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival held at James Island County Park. This year’s event takes place at April 20-22, 2012. The festival includes on-water classes and demonstrations geared for everyone from novice to experienced paddlers. Dozens of vendors are also on hand so that you can test boats, paddles, and accessories.

Like any idea that pops up in our minds, you’ll be wise to “take a test drive” before fully committing to your . I’m reminded of the oft heard tale of the newly retired couple who has dreamed of spending their golden years on the open road, enjoying each others company traveling to interesting destinations in a brand new RV. You wouldn’t be surprised to hear that many RVs are sold before they are even a year old after the owners decide that RV travel is not for them. While kayaks and canoes are relatively inexpensive, we highly recommend taking one out for a spin before you buy one. If you are unable to attend the East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival, don’t worry. The Lowcountry is blessed with plenty of outfitters who are happy to introduce you to the water. Guided tours offer a great opportunity to paddle while picking the brain of your tour guide about places to paddle, equipment, etc. Here are several well established businesses you might consider:

Nature Adventures

http://www.kayakcharlestonsc.com

843-568-3222

Charleston Kayak Company

http://charlestonkayakcompany.com/

843-628-2879

Sea Kayak Carolina

http://www.seakayakcarolina.com

843-225-7969

Charleston Watersport

http://charlestonwatersport.com/

843-884-9098

When your initiation into the sport is complete (for some it only takes one trip into the marshes!) you’ll begin the process of making a purchase. All of the local guiding companies can help you in this regard. You may also want to do a little research online. These two sites can help you get familiar with what’s available and and what price: http://www.paddling.net/buyersguide/ and http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/learn/kayak.html

We have found that local shops are very competitive with the online sites – plus you get the added advantage of actually being able to sit in the product before making a decision. Expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 – $2,000 for your first kayak.

Once you are a bona fide kayak owner the real fun begins: deciding where to paddle! We highly recommend getting involved with one of several local groups that meet up for the sole purpose of paddling together. Here are a few of our favorites:

Lowcountry Paddlers

Meet up/Kayaking

Lastly, you can do your own research online to find cool new spots to explore. We hear that this book, from local kayaker Ralph Earhart is worth it: Kayak Charleston. Or jump online to browse these two websites:

Charleston Adventure Guide

Berkeley County’s Blueways

Happy Paddling!

 

 

 

Drew Sineath’s Goose Creek SC Community Newsletter: “Up the Creek: Your Connection to What’s Happening in the Lowcountry”

 Welcome to Drew Sineath’s “Up the Creek,” a community newsletter with the latest and greatest on what’s going on in Goose Creek, SC and the rest of the Lowcountry. “Up the Creek” is the paddle to navigating your weekend activities. Find community events, garage sales, new business openings, community news, and an update of the real estate market in the Creek all in one place. We hope you find this information helpful. Enjoy

Drew Sineath & Associates’ New DSA PERKS PROGRAM

  Drew Sineath & Associates would like to thank all of our loyal clients for the pleasure of their business and the confidence in us to recommend DSA to their friends and family.   We thought is was about time you get rewarded for your loyalty to DSA. For every referral you send us, you will have your name entered into a monthly drawing for a chance to win an assortment of prizes such as gift cards, goodie bags, and more. Click here for full contest details. 

Congratulations to another DSA perks winner, Jeff Weber! Please come by our office on Friday, September 9th, between 9am and 5pm to pick up your prize!

 

What’s New at DSA:

NEW Drewsineath.com is Now Live!

Drew Sineath and Associates Take Second Place at Charleston REALTORs Got Talent

 Drew Sineath and new associate, Brian Guerry, perform at REALTORs Got Talent last week at The Trio Club in Downtown Charleston SC last Thursday. The event was a fun time to get together and showcase your talent to raise money for the RPAC.

 Charleston SC Calendar of Events:

08/31/2011
Freshfields Village’s outdoor movie screenings continue in August with top family movies.
 
09/01/2011
Cruise the Charleston harbor, enjoy a Home Team BBQ Buffet and hot Live BLUES from Shrimp City Slim.
 
09/01/2011 and 9/02/2011
The RiverDogs are a professional minor league baseball team competing in the South Atlantic League and are a Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Tickets start at $5 and the RiverDogs are known for family fun and zany promotions.
 
09/02/2011
Each doorway on Gallery Row offers you something special to treasure, be it a painting, a gift, or simply a wonderful memory.
 
09/02/2011
Shag dance on the water and under the stars at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier.
 
09/02/2011
Freshfields Village’s free, live music series is back for the summer to entertain locals and visitors. Music on the Green will take place Fridays through Labor Day from 6-9 p.m.
 
09/02/2011
Charlton Singleton with special guest, Cyrus Chestnut
 
09/03/2011
The 2011 Charleston Farmers Market offers Charleston residents and visitors fresh locally grown produce and locally processed food products as well as distinctive hand wrought arts and crafts.
 
09/03/2011
The Center for Birds of Prey is celebrating one of nature’s most amazing recyclers at International Vulture Awareness Day
 
09/03/2011
Boney James, Gerald Albright, Peter White, Rick Braun- The Jazz Attack
 
09/03/2011
Enjoy fantastic fishing at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge on Charleston Harbor
 
09/03/2011
Visit Sewee in September to learn about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Fossils, Alligators, Diamondback Terrapins and more!
 
09/04/2011
Boone Hall is proud to present two of the most celebrated and accomplished acts in bluegrass and country music circles to headline the 2011 Piggly Wiggly BBQ and Bluegrass Festival.
 
09/08/2011
Art Uncorked will feature work from local artists, inspired by beautiful views and culture from around the world.
 
09/09/2011
The Charleston Pro Tennis League (CPTL), a non-profit Davis Cup style team tennis league, is returning to Charleston, S.C. for its ninth season. Competition will be held every Friday night for seven consecutive weeks, beginning at 6:30pm on September
 
09/09/2011
Experience the sounds that define this most charming and historic of cities – jazz, gospel, Gershwin, spirituals, Civil War songs and colonial era classics – coming to life in historic Circular Congregational Church during a 75 minute live concert.
 
09/10/2011
The Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts invites you to “taste the arts” at the 2nd annual “OPEN” Arts Expo.
 
09/10/2011
The CSO Spiritual Ensemble, under the direction of Nathan L. Nelson, open its 2011-2012 season with the Summerville Community Orchestra in a musical commemoration of the ten year anniversary of the September 11 events.
 
09/10/2011
The Junior Master Naturalist program immerses children in their natural environment, teaches them how to make a difference, and is loads of kid-friendly fun!
 
09/10/2011
Learn to knit a miser’s purse using a pattern from The Art of Knitting, 1892 with local knitting instructor Tamara Goff.
 
09/10/2011
Throw on your dancing shoes Charleston! It’s time to dance the night away at Shaggin’ on the Cooper!
 
09/11/2011
The City of Charleston is sponsoring a community commemoration concert in remembrance of the tragic events on September 11, 2001.
 
09/11/2011
Patriots Point memorial service for September 11th.
 
09/11/2011
Take Coastal Expeditions’ Island Cat to the Secluded North End of Bulls Island ? for a Day of Shelling, Swimming, Birding and Bliss.
 
09/11/2011
Who let the dogs out? Your dog is invited to enjoy Whirlin’ Waters for a day of fun at the end of the summer!
 
09/01/2011 – 09/04/2011
“Barbados Comes Back to Charleston” is a five day celebration from September 1-5, 2011 highlighting the shared history and heritage of Barbados and Charleston.
 
09/09/2011 – 10/19/2011
The exhibit features artwork by Leroy Campbell, Arianne King Comer, Tom Feelings, Tyrone Jeter, Cassandra M. Gillens, Jonathan Green and more!
 

Charleston SC Real Estate News:

 Homebuyer Richard Millman Says Thank You to Drew Sineath & Associates’ Jeanne Snoza for Staying In Touch

Homebuyer, Richard Millman, says thanks to Drew Sineath & Associates’ senior buyer representative, Jeanne Snoza, for being dedicated and staying in touch for so long before he was ready to buy.

Banks Agree to More Short Sales in the Charleston SC Market

Banks are agreeing to more short sale transactions, and short sales are taking less time to sell, which is helping to clear large inventories of distressed properties more efficiently, says James J. Saccacio, RealtyTrac CEO, in releasing new housing data this week. 

“This is a glimmer of hope that lenders are getting more realistic,” Rick Sharga, senior vice president of RealtyTrac, told Bloomberg News. “It’s a win for borrowers who avoid foreclosure, buyers who get a house in better condition and banks that lose less money, which is also a win for taxpayers.”

New Listing in Haleswood of Crowfield Plantation in Goose Creek SC

Just Listed! 115 Haleswood Cir in Goose Creek, SC by Drew Sineath and Associates.

VIRTUAL TOUR: http://www.charlestonvirtualhomes.com/1120228/mls.htm

Charleston Trident Association of REALTORs Legislative Update – Summer 2011 Edition

2011 CTAR President Rob Woodul and Government Affairs Director Ryan Castle share an update on local and federal legislative issues affecting the Charleston, SC real estate community.

Topics include the Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) proposalFHA loan limits and there-authorization of flood insurance.

Drew Gets Words of Thanks from Seller/Buyer in Goose Creek SC

Debbie and John Bonanni say thanks to Goose Creek SC Realtor Drew Sineath of Drew Sineath and Assoicates who assisted them on both selling and buying a new home inGoose Creek SC.

 

Drew Sineath’s Goose Creek SC Community Newsletter: “Up the Creek: Your Connection to What’s Happening in the Lowcountry”

 

What’s New at DSA:

New DrewSineath.com Set to Launch This Week

Kristen Lanier, the marketing coordinator at the Goose Creek real estate company Drew Sineath and Associates, gives a presentation at the local LLA (Lowcountry Leads Group). She briefing talks about the new DrewSineath.com website set to launch this week. Watch the video to hear some of the new features the site has to offer and stay tuned for the exciting launch of this great new and improved website.

Another DSA Perks Winner Picks Up Prize

Congratulations to the Drew Sineath and Associate’s second DSA Perks Program winner, Joe Utley. Thanks for the referral and hope you enjoy your gift card.

New Programs and New Happenings at Goose Creek Real Estate Firm Drew Sineath and Associates

Drew Sineath and Associates’ marketing coordinator, Kristen Lanier, talks about new things happening at DSA such as new departments, new agents, new program at a local leads group, Lowcountry Leads Group (LLA) in Summerville, SC this past Tuesday.

Charleston SC Calendar of Events:

2011 Summer Concert Series on the Grand Lawn at The Sanctuary!
08/12/2011
Shows begin at 6:00pm and are complimentary to the public.

Palmetto Breeze Pirate Sailing Adventure
08/12/2011
Join the crew of the spacious sailing vessel PALMETTO BREEZE for a legendary Pirate Adventure complete with Pirate Lore Historian “Wild Will”, our Buccaneer expert!Special hidden treasure is shared with all the passengers…if they can find it!

Free Outdoor Music Series at Freshfields Village
08/12/2011
Freshfields Village’s free, live music series is back for the summer to entertain locals and visitors. Music on the Green will take place Fridays through Labor Day from 6-9 p.m.

Jerry Seinfeld – North Charleston Performing Art Center
08/12/2011
Due to popular demand, America’s premier comedian is hitting the road in a return to his first love – stand-up comedy.

Hootie & the Blowfish Add Second Night to Homegrown Benefit
08/12/2011
08/13/2011
Marking their ninth anniversary of annual benefit concert, Homegrown, in hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, world-renowned Hootie & The Blowfish will come together for their only public appearances of 2011 during a two-night musical engagement.

Southern Bridal Show
08/14/2011
Brides are able to meet face to face with wedding professionals and find everything you need to create the wedding of your dreams!

Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas & Jeremy Lister
08/14/2011
A truly breathtaking collection of 11 exquisite songs, Paper Airplane is Krauss’ 14th album and the band’s follow-up to 2004’s triple Grammy® winning Lonely Runs Both Ways (Rounder).

Starlight Cinemas Continues at Freshfields with Free, Outdoor Movies for the Whole Family in August
08/17/2011
Freshfields Village’s outdoor movie screenings continue in August with top family movies.

Palmetto Breeze 3 for Thursday Wine Tasting!
08/18/2011
Board Charleston’s ultimate sailing catamaran and set sail to sample fine wine while enjoying all the historic sites at sunset!

The Sound of Charleston
08/18/2011
Experience the sounds that define this most charming and historic of cities – jazz, gospel, Gershwin, spirituals, Civil War songs and colonial era classics – coming to life in historic Circular Congregational Church during a 75 minute live concert.

Free Outdoor Music Series at Freshfields Village
08/19/2011
Freshfields Village’s free, live music series is back for the summer to entertain locals and visitors. Music on the Green will take place Fridays through Labor Day from 6-9 p.m.

Charleston County Parks’ Reggae Concert Series
08/20/2011
For the perfect ending to a hot summer day, bring your chair or blanket, kick back, and relax to an outdoor reggae concert in the beautiful outdoor setting of your county parks.

Folly Pier Fishing Tournament
08/20/2011
Come join us for great fishing at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, the second largest pier on the East Coast!

Sweetgrass Basket Workshop at The Charleston Museum
08/20/2011
Learn to make traditional sweetgrass baskets with the Charleston Museum and basket maker Sarah Edwards-Hammond.

Local Garage Sales

111 Pineview Dr.
EVERYTHING MUST GO! Pineview Sub. 111 Pineview Dr., Sat/Sun, 8 – 5, Selling full contents of House. All priced to sell. No Del. Avail … more
107 Jillian Circle
The Hamlets at Crowfield Plantation, 107 Jillian Circle, August 13th, 7AM-12PM. Yard Sale!!
136 Red Cedar Dr
136 Red Cedar Dr, Aug 13-14, Sat & Sun, 7a-6p. Moving out of State in a wk. Everything MUST GO!! Beds, TVs, Couch, Tbl, Chairs, Bedd … more

Charleston SC Real Estate News:

Has The Charleston SC Real Estate Market Stabilized?

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors releases their 2011 2nd Quarter Charleston Skinny Report. This video will demonstrate that despite what you hear on the news the best source for accurate real esate market stability for the Greater Charleston area can best be sourced to a more local informant.

Charleston Trident Association of Realtors Host 2011 Midyear Residential Market Update

Goose Creek Realtor, Drew Sineath, attends Mid-Year Market Update presented by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors this week. The Key note speaker was Joseph Von Nessen of the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. The presenter had good news to share: Confidence is slowly improving!

Just Listed: Cute Home on Pond in Wescott Plantation

5047 Thornton Drive, Summerville SC 29483. Charming 3 bedroom home on pond in Wescott Plantation. A full front porch welcomes you to this well maintained home. A nice foyer leads you to a spacious family room open to the eat-in kitchen. Nice vaulted ceilings give you an open feeling.

New Listing in Oak Creek at 231 Two Hitch Rd in Goose Creek SC

New Listing at 231 Two Hitch Rd in established and convienently located Oak Creek community in Goose Creek SC. Cute one story home in established community. Nice clean floors and well maintained carpet throughout. Cathedral ceilings and fireplace in family room. Eat-in kitchen has extended cabinets and tile counter tops. Master large enough for king sized bed and a full master bath. Full hall bath has tile flooring. There is a sun room but it is not included in the square footage. Nice outdoor storage building and privacy fenced yard.