4 of the Best Breakfast & Brunch Places in Charleston

by carolinaone_marketing 18. September 2015 06:45

When moving to Charleston, South Carolina, you aren't just looking for a good neighborhood and school system (although those may be your primary concerns). Most people don't want to live in a place with nothing to eat, and one of the things that draws people to this city is its eclectic food scene. With cultural influences like English, Scottish, French, and Cajun, there is a particular flavor to Charleston that is all its own. Carolina One has already listed some of the best all-around city restaurants in this blog, so we thought we'd cover something a little more specific and review some of our favorite picks for breakfast and brunch. Here they are:


1.  The Hominy Grill
– What's more southern than grits . . . and what's more Charleston than the Hominy Grill? They offer a breakfast menu for weekdays and a special brunch menu on weekends. Their breakfast menu offers a number of standard staples like shrimp and grits, omelets, and biscuits and gravy, but clearly they're incredibly good at making them or the place wouldn't be such an establishment in the city. If you go for brunch on the weekend, they offer such delectable items as she-crab soup with sherry, a Low Country omelet with red rice and shrimp gravy, and a fried green tomato BLT. Yummm! And get a side of their famous grits to go with anything!

2.  Poogan's Porch – Though they only offer brunch on weekends from 9 A.M. to 2:30P.M., Poogan's Porch is well worth it! They have unique offerings like the fried alligator with honey Jalapeño dressing, Blackend catfish with bacon, black-eyed pea, and butter bean succotash, and cinnamon French toast with strawberries and pecans. In addition, they offer essentials with a twist, like chicken and waffles with blueberry Texas Pete maple syrup, and locally-inspired Charlestowne Fry (an omelet with fried oysters, gouda, bacon, and remoulade). The restaurant also has a killer atmosphere, being set in a restored Victorian home and named for a dog that used to live on the porch – in other words, the perfect vision of an idyllic southern brunch! 

3.  Gaulart & Maliclet – This casual establishment reflects the French influence on the city, offering a breakfast every morning (except Sundays) starting at 8 A.M. with a number of basics that will be great for eating in or taking on-the-go. Have a ham and cheese croissant, a fruit salad, or a filled PB&J croissant with made-to-order French press coffee. How many places offer that? And all of these come at an impressively low price that will definitely have you coming back to Gaulart & Maliclet on days when you forgot your lunch.

4.  The Park Café – A local neighborhood establishment right off of Hampton Park in north Charleston, the Park Café emphasizes local, fresh ingredients and unassuming, yet flavorful dishes. They offer both breakfast and lunch menus, replete with distinctive offerings like Ǣbleskiver (Danish popovers), Veggie Mess (scrambled eggs, cheddar, avocado and veggie curry), creamy kale with parmesan, and the Park Burger with bacon, aioli, tomato and cheddar. All of this is offered in a sunny, spacious building surrounded by trees and filled with indoor plants and rustic, but modern décor.

These are just some of our picks for breakfast and brunch in Charleston. What are yours?

 

If you are considering moving to our great city, the many fantastic food options may convince you. Check out our Charleston SC homes for sale at Carolina One and the many other restaurants that you will experience here today!

 

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6 Reasons You'll be Glad You Moved to Downtown Charleston

by carolinaone_marketing 4. June 2015 11:13

If you're looking for Charleston, SC homes for sale, don't overlook the downtown area. Charleston has a lot of great suburbs, and there are a lot of people that prefer them for their natural beauty, space, and peace and quiet. But there are some great things about living in downtown Charleston itself! Here are the best advantages that living in the city has to offer:

1.  Lots of charm – Charleston has been described as one of the best-preserved downtowns in the United States, and you will see that firsthand just driving or strolling around. The steeples of historic churches poke up above tree-lined streets while a mixture of early 20th century and more modern skyscrapers dominate the skyline. Historic apartment buildings remain in use, while former industrial buildings have been converted to shops, condos, and apartments. There's a lot to see and lots of Charleston homes for sale in the heart of the downtown area.

2.  A Huge variety of neighborhoods – Downtown Charleston is actually a large area with a number of distinct neighborhoods. Each of these neighborhoods has its own history, its own vibe, and attracts its own kind of resident. Check out this detailed map of neighborhoods to learn which Charleston one is right for you.

3.  Close to work – Of course, one of the biggest advantages of living in downtown is cutting out the commute. Most people work somewhere in the city itself, which means that by living downtown you will eliminate the long drive and not need to cross the river to go to work. In fact, your commute could be as little as five minutes—or just down the block! Which brings us to . . .

4.  Walkable/Bikable – Living in downtown Charleston puts you close to all the action and that means you can leave the car parked and walk to many of your day-to-day destinations. With mild winters and long, pleasant summers, Charleston is a great walking city, and that means more fresh air, more exercise, less money spent on gas and fewer carbon emissions. It's also a bike-friendly city, with a strong cycling community and light traffic.

5.  Plenty to do – The downtown is the place that most nightlife and cultural events go on. It has the best restaurants, the most popular bars, lots of live music, and a strong arts scene. You will be living a stone's throw from fun festivals and great food.

6.  Property values are only going up – Charleston has been an anchor of the South's economy and is booming, with lots of investment, expansion, and growth. While some neighborhoods will inevitably perform better than others, the fact is that all of them are going only onedirection: up.

What's drawing you to Charleston? Check out our listings at Carolina One to find the perfect downtown home for you!

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Which Repairs or Upgrades Truly Help a House Sell?

by carolinaone_marketing 24. February 2015 02:52

With so many Charleston, SC homes for sale, it can be hard to make your house stand out. You know you’ll need to make some improvements to help it sell, but you also have a limited budget. So which repairs really make a difference? Here is our short list of the changes that will really grab buyers:

Adding central air. In Charleston, there is one amenity that is "make or break" for many owners, and that’s central air. Many home buyers consider this a basic criterion; they know they can add it themselves if they have to, but they may not even ask to see homes that don’t have it. Fortunately, this works in your favor: central AC is a fairly inexpensive amenity to add, and it dramatically increases your home’s appeal

Reforming "problem rooms." It’s surprising how few homeowners organize their "fix list" room by room. Major repairs, like a new roof or raising a settled foundation, can be extremely expensive whereas remaking a single room can be relatively cheap—and has a huge impact, because most buyers make judgments from the gut as they walk through a house. Imagine yourself as a buyer and ask if there’s any room in your house that would just make you wrinkle your nose as you walk in. Maybe it’s a terrible 70s vinyl floor or maybe it’s stains from old water damage on the walls. Choose your worst "trouble room" and make a mini-project out of transforming it into the nicest room in the house. This can be as simple as new carpeting, a fresh paint job and swapping out some cheap looking fixtures.

Cosmetic changes. Again, remember that buyers often make choices based on how pretty something is and not necessarily how much work or cost is involved in the house. Basic cosmetic improvements will always boost home appeal and home value. These can include: filling cracks, replacing stained carpet, removing old wallpaper, changing window treatments, and arranging furniture so each room is easy to walk through. In some cases you may want to make more substantial changes, like replacing old cabinets in a kitchen, but these bigger improvements aren’t always needed.

Refinishing original elements. This won’t apply to every Charleston house, but if you have an older home with antique elements consider if it will be cost effective to restore any of them. Repairing and repainting wooden shutters is an easy way to boost charm and curb appeal, while refinishing hardwood features inside will make your home look like magic. This doesn’t just apply to historic gems; even some mid-century homes have a nice hardwood floor hiding under vinyl or carpeting.

 

 

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The Perks of Living in Charleston

by carolinaone_marketing 17. March 2014 05:18

House hunters, welcome to Charleston! At Carolina One, we realize that you have many choices of communities and cities to call home, but there are some real perks to living in this beautiful area. Whether you are looking for a new home base for your family while you work at Joint Base in Charleston or just want to retire in a laidback place with a lot of history, we have a little something to offer everyone. After you are done checking out the advantages of living here, feel free to look through our vast selection of Charleston, SC homes for sale and find the one for you!

History Surrounds You

History buffs will find themselves surrounded by their passion in this old city. A quick boat ride from our coast takes you to historic Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. If today’s military history interests you, then you can watch it mature in front of your eyes by visiting the Citadel. There are also a number of well-known plantations nearby that you can tour, as well as history museums and other points of interest.

 

Also, if you're into the creepy, there are many paranormal locations around town that may make for an interesting evening of exploring!

Grab Your Walking Shoes

With the recent emphasis that has been placed on getting healthy, you'll want to move to a location that makes it easy for you. Charleston does just that by offering many beautiful parks and quaint, atmospheric streets to walk. The city is very pedestrian friendly, giving you not only the perfect place to live, but a great way to get out and enjoy the place without spending a dime. Whether you are moving by yourself or bringing your family along for the adventure, there are plenty of outdoor locations to stretch your legs and enjoy life.

Easy Access for Visits

Once you move to Charleston, you are going to want to have friends and family over to check out your new home. Thanks to its proximity to Interstate 95, Charleston is an easy city for your out-of-town friends and family to get to. In addition, Charleston has a couple of airports (one international), making it simple for your relatives and friends from any part of the country or world to reach you.

Eclectic Cuisine

Charleston is known for its heady mix of cuisine styles and flavors. Check out The Hominy Grill for simple, yet delicious, Lowcountry fare, or head to 39 Rue de Jean for upscale French dining. Fig offers fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a refreshing mix of new and old in its approach to American cuisine. Or, for the most unique and diverse seafood menu in the city, try out Pearlz Oyster Bar. The selections in the city have lots of culinary heritage behind them, from Cajun and African influences to traditional southern staples like fried okra. Charleston uses all of it to offer something to everyone!

 

Relocating is something that must be considered seriously. Hopefully, we have pointed out some of the many perks of our city and made your decision just a little bit easier. Contact us at Carolina One and we will be glad to show you a variety of houses for sale in Charleston, SC.

 

 

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Things to Know When Purchasing a Vacation Home in SC

by carolinaone_marketing 30. October 2013 05:13

 

Now that we’re in the middle of fall, many of us in the Northeast and Midwest are beginning to prepare for colder weather and some of the problems that come from this. They include higher frequency of illness, icy roads, snow shoveling, and seasonal affected disorder.  To avoid this, many people who can (such as retirees and those who work from remote) will look into purchasing a vacation home to divide the time this year.

 

One of the best places to shop for a second home is in the Charleston, South Carolina area. With warm temperatures and a perfect view of the Atlantic all year round, many tourists have come to call Charleston home. And it can be affordable as well. While certainly a luxury, there are many incentives out there to purchase a second home. Let’s take a look at a few of them to show why owning your own piece of Charleston real estate is a great idea.

 

·         Your loan rate will essentially be the same: According to a Washington Post article published last year, real estate experts who were asked about second home rates said that you could easily get the same rate you would from a principal home. The difference is in the down payment.  While you can put as little as 3.5% down using FHA financing or 5% for commercial financing, you must put at least 10% down for a second home using commercial financing. However, as long as your loan rate is good, your loan rate can be just as low as that of your principal home loan.

·         You’ll get to avoid terrible winters: Depending on where you live, you probably experience winters that aren’t favorable. When you purchase a home in Charleston, you have access to a home that won’t be hindered by many of the bad parts of winters. Charleston winters are generally warmer than other parts of the country, so you can enjoy tennis, walks along the beach and other leisurely activities that require better weather.

·         You’ll experience some of the benefits of a friendly hometown: Most everyone who comes to Charleston, SC will experience friendliness they won’t experience anywhere else. Southern charm isn’t a myth. In addition to great restaurants and beautiful beaches, one of the best benefits of living in Charleston will be knowing who your neighbors are. Those who come call Charleston, SC their second home. You will often find that every person you come across will greet you with a wave and a hello.

 

 

Fun Family Activities for People with Vacation Homes in Charleston

by carolinaone_marketing 5. August 2013 04:30

Charleston, South Carolina is one of the most historic, friendly cities in the country and has a vibrant economy, good schools and a wealth of entertainment options. Many families who visit the city love it so much that they look for vacation homes here just to have an excuse to come back. Families who come to Charleston will want to explore five of the most popular activities for parents and children.

 

Museums

 

Families will enjoy visiting the museums in Charleston, many of which are located along Meeting Street in an area known as the Museum Mile. There one will find the Charleston Museum and the Gibbes Museum of Art, as well as the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, where kids can have fun enjoying the hands-on displays, educational games and play areas.

 

Tours of the Historic District

 

The Charleston Historic District is a nationally recognized area that contains significant buildings that contributed to the history of the country. It is one of the most scenic areas in the city and boasts points of interest like the Joseph Manigault House, a Federal home with an impressive collection of historic furniture, and the Heyward-Washington House, which was owned by a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Families can take one of the many tours of the district that explain the history and meaning of each building.

 

South Carolina Aquarium

 

The South Carolina Aquarium has many large exhibits showcasing the native creatures living just off the coast, but also presents marine life from places like Madagascar. Parents and children will enjoy the special displays and the touch tank where everyone has an opportunity to actually feel the texture of horseshoe crabs, stingrays and sea urchins.

 

Water Tours

 

Another reason Charleston is a popular choice for a vacation residence is because the area is almost completely surrounded by water. Families will enjoy taking one of the many water tours or historic cruises, which provide amazing views of the harbor and ocean. Larger charter tours often have dinner service while sailing. Also, areas like Sullivan's Island offer calm waters and relaxing beaches within close proximity of the city.

 

Charleston is a city that has something for everyone, and it's easy to find high-end dining, sporting events, performing arts, landscaped parks and large festivals during the summer. By checking out Charleston SC homes for sale, people looking for a vacation home that they will love year after year can see all of their dreams come true.

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5 Quick Reasons to Consider Moving to Charleston

by carolinaone_marketing 20. June 2013 03:31

 

Renting a vacation property for the summer in South Carolina is a great idea for families and couples who are looking for a great trip that doesn’t cost a lot of money. The following five reasons should be read by anyone thinking about renting real estate in Charleston SC.

1. Save money on meals. One of the main advantages to getting a vacation rental is access to a kitchen. Instead of spending money on meals in restaurants, it will be possible to cook a few simple meals.

2. Get more space than a hotel. In addition to a kitchen, most rentals come with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Put each family member in a separate room.

3. See Charleston at a self-determined pace. Unlike a hotel, most vacation rentals have flexible check-in and check-out times. Families that want to spend all day at the beach don’t have to worry about leaving early or arriving late to get in or out of their hotel on time. There are also no housekeeping services to schedule around, making them ideal for families that have small children who want to take a nap in the middle of the day.

4. Take advantage of the amenities of a rental. Just like many hotels, most vacation rentals provide access to pools, private beaches and a variety of other entertainment activities.

5. Save money over renting a hotel. In the middle of summer, finding a reasonable-priced hotel can be next to impossible. A lot of vacation rentals, however, lower their prices to attract first-time renters.


Renting
real estate in Charleston SC is a great way to save money on a vacation while having a great time. It’s possible to have a much better vacation, and most people find they can save a lot of money with a rental.

 

Choose Charleston to Give Kids a Great Start

by carolinaone_marketing 28. February 2013 05:55

 

Gracious Southern living isn't the only reason why we recommend Charleston to our clients. Beautiful landscapes and a subtropical climate certainly help, but we're particularly enthusiastic about Charleston because it's such a great place to grow up. Here are just five of the reasons why we think our clients will love it here:

1. Outstanding Schools

The school district is the second largest in the state and serves the needs of 45,000 students. Despite the district's size, teachers are able to deliver personalized lesson plans that help each student capitalize on their strengths, while also addressing weaknesses.

2. Concentration of Museums

Future success is frequently predicated on an understanding of the past, and this is a city that's firmly rooted in its history. Institutions like the Charleston Museum, the Children's Museum and the Edisto Island Museum bring history alive for kids and foster fun, educational experiences.

3. Youth Activities

Sports and recreation opportunities abound for kids. They might join a swim team, play tennis, take singing lessons or express themselves with a dance class. Sports leagues are plentiful, with children able to join in football, baseball, and soccer leagues as well as other team activities.

 

 

4. Ideal Natural Environment

If it seems like your kids don't spend enough time outdoors, then Charleston might be the ideal solution to the problem. With its prime position along the Atlantic coast, this is the perfect place for recreation on the water and in the sand. Kids here hike, kayak, bike and just generally enjoy the great outdoors.

5. Safe Streets

This is one city where parents feel comfortable letting their kids play in the neighborhood. Crime rates are low, and a highly effective and well-funded police force ensures that this is a safe place to raise a family.


 

Growing up in this kind of hometown provides a solid foundation for a bright future and babies, children and teens can all benefit from the lifestyle offered by this gracious Southern city. Choose one of our fabulous Charleston SC homes for sale to give your kids the best possible start in life.

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Choosing Charleston Homes

by carolinaone_marketing 28. January 2013 04:00

Charleston, South Carolina continues to earn accolades as one of the best places to live in America, where residents enjoy world-class recreation in a subtropical climate. Attracted by the city's southern charm, new residents can savor historical tradition with a modern-day flare. For those interested in the homes for sale in the area, the market reflects a wide range of options to fit any style or budget.

Newcomers hoping to buy a home in Charleston will find all types of housing scattered throughout the city and the surrounding area. If you aren't familiar with Charleston neighborhoods, the process of narrowing down your search can seem overwhelming; as long-time residents, we at Carolina One can help you to find the right home quickly, saving you time and money.

Once you determine the most important features you want, we can sift through the inventory and find homes to closely match your needs. List the most important details first, and be sure to include specific information about neighborhood amenities, schools, the distance you are willing to commute, and any other important factors.

Before you start looking at houses, you should also take the time to sort out your financial situation. Pre-qualification for loans makes the process quicker but, either way, get financing set up with a lender. Once you have a price range for your mortgage, add other expenses to your budget, including related expenses like property taxes, home insurance and closing costs.

If you need to stretch your budget, consider what you might be able to compromise on. Instead of a ready-to-move-in property, consider a fixer-upper. Look at homes in another part of the city, or consider moving farther away from your job. As the home buyer, it's all about your needs--we can provide the resources, but the final decision is up to you.

When you are looking at Charleston SC homes for sale, take the time to figure out your must-have list. You are the expert when it comes to the important features in your home. It doesn't matter if your ideal home is a condo on an island or a stately property in a historical district, you can find what you are looking for in this lovely, Lowcountry city.

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Charleston, SC Homes for Sale are Extremely Desirable, According to Conde Nast Traveler

by carolinaone_marketing 30. November 2012 04:49

Over time, Charleston, South Carolina has truly set itself apart from other popular East Coast destinations. Us locals have known that Charleston was a special place for years, so the fact that the city has been dubbed as Conde Nast Traveler's top city in the nation for the second year in a row and climbed the ranks of world destinations to finally land the number one spot is no surprise. The area has always been a go-to destination for those interested in Charleston, SC homes for sale, but the coveted Conde Nast Traveler honor affirms this fact for those less familiar with Charleston.

The Charleston area is home to the most popular examples of coastal real estate in the southeast, and it's no secret why. Charleston has served as a national port since the founding of the nation, and although things look a lot different now than they once did, the natural landscape remains largely unchanged. It is this ambiance and laid-back beauty that attracts visitors and new residents from all over the world, although the innovative mixtures of utilitarian contemporary architecture and classical forms play their part, too.

We're not ones for basing a love of our hometown on other people's approval, but Conde Nast's recent endorsement really imbues Charleston locals with a sense of pride. It reflects not only on the local setting itself but also on the residents who work so hard to keep the city as lovely as it is. The combination of friendly people, great local stores, outlet shopping, and world-class cuisine is in no small part due to the fact that Charlestonians are committed to keeping their city as welcoming as possible.

Charleston is home to traditional displays of Gullah culture and colonial American traditions, but it's also a beloved home for people from all over the world. This quiet little pocket of America has something familiar for everyone, which makes Charleston, SC homes for sale more popular than ever.

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