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.
  • 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.
  • FEMA flood zone map showing X, AE, and VE on Sullivan's Island.
    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.
  • A rendering of The Montford Building in Charleston
    October 23, 2019

    A Proposed Flatiron Building for Charleston’s Upper Peninsula

    A look at a proposed wedge-shaped hotel for Charleston’s Upper Peninsula, inspired by the flatiron building tradition in American cities.
  • Satellite image of Hurricane Hugo making landfall at Charleston in September 1989
    September 18, 2019

    After Hurricane Hugo: A Stronger Charleston

    Thirty years after Hurricane Hugo, a look back at the storm that reshaped Charleston’s relationship with hurricanes, building standards, flood risk, and coastal resilience.