A Sandlapper's Journal

Stamps and Coins of South Carolina

The postage stamps, ranging from the Charleston Sesquicentennial in 1930 to the Poinsettia Day stamp in 2013, vividly depict significant events, landmarks, and cultural elements that define South Carolina.

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An aerial view of Charleston with the High Battery and Low Battery

Homes on The Battery

The Battery, a seawall and promenade, defines Charleston’s southern boundary. It has a long history of construction, destruction, and expansion since the 1720s. The Battery consists of two sections: the High Battery and the Low Battery, each with different heights and eras. It is home to many historic and grand homes, as well as the public park White Point Garden.

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A tower of the Ravenel Bridge as viewed from a boat on the Cooper River below it

The Bridges of Charleston County

Charleston’s bridges: connecting the city and its islands with history and architecture. Discover the stories behind the Ravenel Bridge, the Legare Bridge, the Ben Sawyer Bridge, and more. Enjoy the views they offer of the city, the harbor, and the creeks and waterways.

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An artist's rendering of the proposed Gateway Walk Park and Liberty Center, a bricked walkway with outdoor cafe and people walking among many native plantings and trees

Liberty Center

A proposed a plan to revamp the street level at 151 Meeting Street by activating its covered walkway flanked by stone pillars, which is already continuous with the city sidewalk beyond it.

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A Walkable Goose Creek

The central village would be a vibrant urban core of shops, restaurants, residences, and offices with plenty of green space, all to enhance the livability of Goose Creek.

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A photo of astronaut Dr. Ron McNair standing next to a model of the Space Shuttle with an American flag behind him

Astronaut Ron McNair

From the Ronald E. McNair Science and Technology Center in Charleston to the Ronald E. McNair Aerospace Charter School in North Charleston, his impact on educational programs is profound. McNair’s story is a testament to overcoming adversity and inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars in pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

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Flood Insurance Map for a part of Sullivan's Island

New Flood Zone Maps

Updated flood zone maps for Charleston County will take effect in January 20211. The maps are based on more accurate data and methods that reflect the flood risks from storm surge, rainfall, and tidal forces2. The maps will impact homeowners and insurance rates, with some properties seeing lower rates and others seeing higher rates.

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A dish of shrimp & grits

Shrimp & Grits

Indulge in the flavors of Charleston’s iconic shrimp and grits, a delightful Southern fusion that showcases the city’s rich culinary heritage. My own take on this Lowcountry staple is a harmony of savory shrimp and creamy grits, a beloved symbol of the region’s vibrant food scene and cultural traditions.

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Rethinking Coleman Boulevard

Coleman Boulevard is the main street of Mount Pleasant, SC. It evolved from a colonial road to a suburban highway, and then to a more urban and attractive corridor. Through a long history of construction and expansion, the urbanization of Coleman Boulevard faces challenges and controversies from different groups of residents and business owners.

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A rendering of The Montford Building in Charleston

A New Flatiron Building

The proposed Montford Building will feature ground floor amenities, a rooftop restaurant and pool lounge, and 191 rooms, contributing to the revitalization of the underutilized entrance to Charleston.

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Satellite image of Hurricane Hugo making landfall at Charleston in September 1989

After Hugo: A Stronger Charleston

Charleston became stronger after Hurricane Hugo in 1989 by improving its building codes, ecosystems, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and economic diversity. Measures were taken to reduce the vulnerability and enhance the resilience of the Lowcountry to future storms.

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An aerial fisheye lens view of Riverfront Park in Charleston, with the park area and concert stage in the center, surrounded by coastal water views of the surrounding river along the bottom

Charleston Music Festivals

Charleston’s musical heartbeat isn’t confined to clubs. A dynamic festival scene explodes throughout the year, offering experiences as diverse as the city itself. From jazz-drenched Piccolo Spoleto to the boat-rocking High Water Fest, each festival pulses with unique rhythms, ensuring music lovers find their perfect Charleston soundtrack.

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Huger Street Streetscaping Arial View

Rethinking Huger Street

Marking the boundary between historic Charleston and the Upper Peninsula district, Huger Street has served as a secondary roadway connecting Morrison Drive, Meeting Street, King Street,

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