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Notes from Bryan

Sandlapper Journal

A collection of observations on Charleston, real estate, history, planning, technology, and other subjects that pique my interests.
sand•lap•per
noun
An early regional name for a South Carolinian, especially one from the state’s sandhills and coastal regions.
  • A wooden fence with the signage "West Ashley Greenway" with wild green shrubbery in the background.
    March 25, 2022

    West Ashley Greenway

    The West Ashley Greenway accommodates walkers, joggers, cyclists, and naturalists through more than ten miles of linear park, connecting a number of neighborhoods and business centers. Its path parallels that of Savannah Highway.
  • Outdoor Summerville Farmers Market entrance with an arch made of green, orange, pink, and purple balloons over a driveway lined with vendor tents and shoppers.
    March 9, 2022

    Farmers Markets around Charleston

    Explore recurring farmers markets around Charleston, SC, organized by area with current schedules, locations, map links, and official market information.
  • 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
    September 1, 2021

    Liberty Center

    See how a 2021 proposal to activate Liberty Center at 151 Meeting Street evolved into American Gardens and a new restaurant space in downtown Charleston.
  • The Goose Creek Reservoir at sunset
    June 8, 2021

    A Walkable Goose Creek

    A look at Goose Creek’s walkability plan, updated with Central Creek, Red Bank, zoning changes, and what buyers should watch near the emerging core.
  • Astronaut Ron McNair in the cockpit of the Space Shuttle, seated at the control console and operating switches, with the instrument panel and hand controller in the foreground.
    January 28, 2021

    Astronaut Ron McNair

    Ronald McNair’s journey from segregated Lake City, South Carolina, to MIT, NASA, the Space Shuttle Challenger, and a lasting legacy in science and education.
  • Example FEMA flood zone map for a Charleston area coastal property, labeled with zones X, AE10, AE11, and VE12.
    August 12, 2020

    New Flood Zone Maps

    A 2020 look at Charleston County’s revised flood maps, what changed from the 2004 baseline, and why buyers still need property-specific flood-risk judgment.
  • A dish of shrimp & grits
    May 4, 2020

    Shrimp & Grits

    A practical Charleston shrimp and grits recipe with stone-ground grits, seasoned shrimp, and a flexible pan gravy built for brunch, dinner, or whenever.
  • April 22, 2020

    Rethinking Coleman Boulevard

    How Coleman Boulevard became Mount Pleasant’s main-street experiment, from Old Village history to streetscaping, stormwater, pushback, and suburban retrofit.
  • Brick building partially covered in dense green ivy and kudzu vines, with a small doorway and paved path in front.
    April 11, 2020

    Invasive Plants in the Lowcountry

    A broker-naturalist’s guide to invasive plants in the Charleston Lowcountry – what to look for, what they can reveal about a property, and what to do next.