Hair Salon in Charleston, SC

Another dining venue is coming to a former Mount Pleasant restaurant, and several new shops are now open across the greater Charleston area.

Farm Haus Butcher & Beer Garden is renovating a site at 604 Coleman Blvd. in Moultrie Plaza Shopping Center.

Farm Haus’ menu will feature house-made sausages and burgers using heritage-breed pork and grass-fed beef that will be ground fresh daily.

The space previously housed Asian eatery Bambu.

An opening date for Farm Haus has not been announced. A restaurant representative did not immediately respond for comment. The company also operates a location in Indian Land near Charlotte.

New perk

A new coffee shop is now welcoming customers on the Charleston peninsula, the second in the past month to open.

Big Kick Coffee recently launched at 476-D Meeting St. behind a Sherwin Williams paint store.

The 1,450-square-foot space offers retail, roasting, packing and online orders.

Big Kick comes from Veggie Bin owner Fraser Young, who operates another cafe at 125 S. Market St. in downtown Charleston. It joins the recent arrival of Mudhouse Specialty Coffee Roasters at 375 King St.

Filling up

Two new businesses are coming to southern Moncks Corner, and another opened on May 2.

Fast-food restaurant Wendy’s and Valvoline Instant Oil Change plan to open in Foxbank Towne Center on U.S. Highway 52 near the Publix-anchored Moncks Corner Marketplace, according to Charleston-based developer Twin Rivers Capital.

WenJai Restaurant Group, one of the largest Wendy’s operators in the Southeast, recently broke ground and is expected to open in the second half of 2023.

Kentucky-based Valvoline, with more than 1,500 locations that offer stay-in-your car vehicle maintenance services, intends to break ground later this year and open by year’s end.

Valvoline also plans a new location on Faison Road across from Costco Wholesale in northern Mount Pleasant.

Also, now open in Moncks Corner is a new frozen treat shop.

Alien Cow Flavored Sno can be found at 2033 Old Highway 52. The shop opened Tuesday and offers mixes of “flavored sno” and “sno cream” which are dairy free, lactose free and vegan friendly, according to the new shop’s Facebook page. Business owners say it’s not ice cream or shaved ice. A food truck park also is planned for the future.

On the way

A new discount store is on the way to Goose Creek.

Tennessee-based Dollar General Corp. recently leased a 1.42-acre undeveloped site on St. James Avenue just west of Myers Road, according to Berkeley County land records.

The 15-year lease can be extended up to 25 years, according to terms of the agreement. An affiliate of Coastal Development Partners of Spartanburg bought the land in January for $295,000, land records show.

Now open

A new organic self-care products boutique is now open in Charleston.

Lost River Naturals can be found at 2317 Ashley River Road in West Ashley. Connie and Ricky Young launched the 1,300-square-foot shop in April.

Connie, an herbalist and aromatherapist, started the business online in 2006 after formulating organic, clean-beauty skin care and herbal products for men, women and children.

The shop also carries herbal teas, herbal tinctures and items such as gemstone jewelry, candles and crafts from other small businesses. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Gassing up

An Oklahoma-based convenience store and gas station chain is entering the edge of the greater Charleston market.

Quik Trip plans to open a store at 1857 Bells Highway, just off Interstate 95, in Walterboro.

The Tulsa-headquartered company has two other stores in the eastern part of South Carolina in Orangeburg off I-26 and Hardeeville off I-95. Several other locations can be found in the Midlands and Upstate.

Also, Parker’s Kitchen snipped the ribbon May 1 on its new store at 5644 N. Rhett Ave. in North Charleston. It’s the 75th location for the Savannah-based convenience store and gas station chain.

The company has 12 locations in the Charleston area and 31 in South Carolina. Several others are on the way in the Lowcountry, Grand Strand and North Augusta.

Almost 200 years ago, the arrival of this nation's first locomotive built for public service, the Best Friend of Charleston, inadvertently created a flooding problem that has haunted the city ever since.

Anyone who has tried to drive through King and Huger streets after a heavy rain has seen it close up.

That early 19th century railroad line — which began around Ann Street and extended up the peninsula, eventually reaching Aiken County — formed a barrier between the low-lying headwaters of Newmarket Creek and the rest of the creek, which today flows roughly from Interstate 26 toward the Cooper River, in and around the approach ramps to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Almost 200 years later, this dam problem is about to be solved. Thanks to a $10 million grant from the S.C. Infrastructure and Economic Development Fund, the city is poised to start work on a new pump station capable of sucking about 70,000 gallons a minute from the King-Huger intersection and depositing it a few blocks eastward, across the railroad line (also known today as the Lowcountry Lowline), and into the creek.

This promises to be no ordinary pump station, but rather a handsome civic landmark designed to complement the William Enston Homes and appeal to the thousands of people who pass near the intersection every day.

Is there anything more Charleston than that?

The city could have saved some money by erecting a simple butler building, but it has a reputation of paying much more attention to design than that. Actually, the preceding sentence was one I wrote in 1999 about Charleston's very first pump station, a temple-like brick building at the base of Dockside condominiums that the Preservation Society of Charleston considered handsome enough to recognize with a Carolopolis award.

So not only does the city have a long tradition of taking seriously the design of even its workhorse buildings, but this project arguably sits in the most visible, sensitive location of any pump station built or planned to date.

That's why the engineering company hired the design firm SGA/NW to work on the aesthetics.

The new station will occupy all of the small block on the William Enston Home campus bordered by Huger, Shutterwood, Dawson and Cameron streets. The campus, which was created in the late 19th century, contains brick homes from three different eras and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Architect Luda Sobchuk of SGA/NW knows the neighborhood well; her family briefly lived here after leaving Ukraine when she was a child. She also worked for LS3P when it designed several new affordable cottages for Enston Homes a few decades ago. Her job was to design an enclosure for the massive pump and generator that sit on a concrete slab next to the new retention pond.

That design includes a structure roughly the shape of a cottage, but it's no copy. It will be built of Corten steel, whose weathered, rusty look will make it about as maintenance-free as one can hope for. The structure includes a lower fencing of this steel punctuated by a few sections with wooden slats. "To me, as an architect, it is always very interesting to do the projects that aren’t necessarily so glamorous as far as the size and things like that but that are really interesting and unique," she says.

The project also will create a small urban park. The western edge of the retention pond has a sculptural curve that points toward the King-Huger intersection, and the grounds will include brick paths, seating areas, native grasses and new oaks and flowering trees. Landscape architect Bill Eubanks of SGA/NW notes the northern edge of the property will include a bioswale, a sort of trench with plants that flourish in wet conditions, to be maintained by the Green Heart Project next door. The placement will provide a contrast between the bioswale's natural, small-scale way of absorbing rainfall with the massive, industrial approach represented by the new pump station.

One wrinkle was that the architects began work before knowing exactly what equipment they were supposed to house. "The engineering aspect of this was a moving target," Eubanks says. "They didn’t come to us with a 100% complete design and say, 'Make this work pretty.' They were still working out details on pump and generator size throughout the entire process."

If things go well, we'll see the end result of all this in two years. And we'll know then if the city has pulled off something like what the Dutch advised us to do: build new infrastructure that not only handles water but provides other benefits as well.

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JAMES ISLAND — Plans are in place and permits will soon be sought to alleviate flooding woes on Central Park Road that includes raising a portion of the road by 18 inches.

The road runs through a mostly residential part of Charleston and is prone to overtopping with water during extremely high tides.

An S.C. Infrastructure Investment Program grant worth $3.4 million will help fund construction that elevates a section from Riverland Drive to Fleming Road while replacing the culverts underneath to prevent flooding.

Culverts are big concrete pipes that allow water to drain.

It is anticipated that permits will be in hand and construction can start in the summer of 2025, said Wesley Linker, Charleston County Public Works’ technical program manager.

County Councilwoman Jenny Honeycutt said flooding on Central Park Road affects people regularly.

“It used to be once every couple of months. Now it’s pretty much monthly,” Honeycutt said.

If there’s a high tide, the road will flood.

King tide “is even better,” said James Island resident Franny Henty, who has advocated for flood improvements for some time.

Hundreds of cars travel the road daily as it has become the thoroughfare to get from Johns Island to the James Island connector. Honeycutt said the road wasn’t designed for that much use, and the infrastructure hasn’t changed much in years.

Residents like Henty are glad Charleston County is planning the work and receiving a grant from the state to do it.

“This is a Godsend that this is happening in our lifetime,” Henty said.

Once work is complete, Central Park Road at its highest point will be about 1½ feet higher than it is now.

The project also includes removing the current 24-inch and 36-inch pipes underneath the road and replacing them with three 48-inch pipes.

“It’s improving the capacity under the road a lot,” Linker said. “When we do that, then we’ll fill the road higher and resurface it.”

Soil will be placed on top of the new pipes, and asphalt on top of that.

This project was a recommendation of the August 2020 Central Park Drainage Basin Improvements study. The $3.4 million grant will cover about 75 percent of the project. Money from the county’s stormwater fund is slated to cover the remaining 25 percent, but Linker said staff is looking for alternative funding sources.

Honeycutt noted that the county might receive pushback on the project because it could impact a naturalized marsh area.

But she contends that it will be a massive improvement for people who travel the road.

In early 2020, developers Thomas Nakios and Ross Cowan were ready to break ground on a new three-story, block-long office building on Charleston’s upper peninsula.

Then, the COVID-19 crisis swept across the nation, stalling the 115,000-square-foot Morrison Drive project — The Morris — for a year.

During that time, they made adjustments to their plans by upgrading the air systems and enlarging corridors and common areas.

Construction, which began in early 2021, is now mostly completed, and 35 percent of the two-building complex has already been leased. The first tenants could move in by late summer.

Coming to the new $50-million-plus structure will be a corporate office for Fifth Third Bank, the commercial real estate firm CBRE, LG|Capital Investors, The Raptor Group and three other unannounced tenants, according to Reid Davis of Lee & Associates, which is handling the leasing.

One of the unidentified tenants is a European-based private equity firm that plans to open its North American headquarters in Charleston. They will occupy 11,000 square feet on the third floor.

“We are in discussions with several other prospects for large blocks of space in the building,” Nakios said.

The smaller structure will house XO Brasserie, an upscale Cantonese restaurant with Szechuan influence on the ground floor, while the structure’s developer and investor, Cowan Nakios Group, tentatively plans to put its offices on the upper level.

A tree-shaded courtyard sits between the two structures and will serve as an outside dining area for the new restaurant and an open-air gathering place for tenants.

Shielded behind the main structure is a 347-space, five-tier parking deck that will include several spaces for restaurant patrons who can get tickets validated at the dining venue. The garage is accessible from Morrison Drive and Brigade Street.

The main 107,000-square-foot building includes open floor plans, large windows, terraces and private balconies.

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“Providing outdoor space for tenants has been a big draw,” Cowan said.

To help shield the interior offices from the direct sunlight, vertical fins have been installed on the building’s exterior. Awnings can be cranked out during the day for tenants with balconies.

Large tenant spaces, ranging from 14,000 to 18,000 square feet, anchor each floor on the office complex’s south end. They can be subdivided, but Nakios and Cowan prefer not to, saying they want to focus on leasing the smaller offices elsewhere in the building first.

Along the hallways and near the glassy walls overlooking Morrison Drive, small nooks have been created for tenants’ employees to work out of the office or to take a break and have lunch.

A space near the central staircase and the elevators will also serve as a gathering place for corporate events.

“The Morris is more hospitality-centric than a traditional suburban office building,” Nakios said.

The development is north of the Ravenel Bridge off-ramp and across the street from restaurants Butcher & Bee and Edmund’s Oast. It’s also a few blocks away from the 12-story Morrison Yard office and retail complex that recently opened south of the span.

The developers said they chose the location because of the recent influx of restaurants, technology firms and new apartment developments in that section of the peninsula.

“We believe that as the Charleston market continues to grow, the North Morrison corridor will become the urban core of the city,” Nakios said.

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Welcome to VERANDA's Weekend Guides, where we show you how to make the most of 48 hours in our favorite destinations. When it comes to design, architecture and shopping with a side of southern hospitality and delicious food, there's nowhere quite like Charleston, South Carolina.

We tapped Jaimie Dewberry, Charleston tastemaker and owner of The Dewberry Hotel, to help us curate the perfect weekend in her city. Whether you’re an architecture buff, foodie or nature lover, there’s something for everyone on this fun and action-packed Charleston itinerary. Here’s where to stay, eat and play in this historical southern city.

Friday Afternoon

Jaimie Dewberry says, “The only place to stay is The Dewberry, of course!” While we think she may be a little bit biased, several of our editors have stayed at the hotel and can confirm: It’s absolutely fabulous. Make sure to book the John Derian suite if it’s available; its curiosities and creature comforts will appeal to any design lover.

After checking in to your room, take a quick 10-minute walk over to Babas on Cannon, located right off bustling King Street. Dewberry says her go-to lunch dishes are, “the pickled shrimp salad or pistachio and Parmesan salad.” The peanut mocha (made with peanut milk and chocolate) is a sweet way to end the meal and get a little caffeine boost after a day of travel.

Once you’ve had your fill, walk to King Street to get a taste of downtown and shop at some fabulous boutiques. For clothing, Dewberry recommends Hampden, Veronica Beard, or Beau + Ro. Dewberry says Hampden is especially ideal for visitors since “you can set up a personal shopping experience while in town and they will send you ‘approval boxes’ to try on in the comfort of your home for free!”

While you’re on King Street, make sure to pop into the Juliska’s new flagship store for all your home and entertaining needs (this location also houses their jewelry sister brand, Capucine De Wulf, in case you need an excuse to browse for a sparkly souvenir).

Don’t miss one of our—and Dewberry’s—favorite independent jewelry stores, Croghan’s Jewel Box, which has been a mainstay in Charleston for over a century. There you can find a beautiful assortment of estate jewelry, antique silver and unique stones. To wrap up your day of shopping, walk over to George Gallery for a beautifully curated selection of contemporary and modern art ranging from prints and mixed media to paintings and stoneware.

Friday Evening

Head back to the hotel’s “Living Room” after your day of fun and fuel up with some signature house-made popcorn and a delicious cocktail or mocktail. Dewberry says, “We are known for our cocktail called The Panic Button and non-alcoholic Dewberry Spritzer—both are knockouts!”

When you’re ready for dinner, have one of the hotel’s Volvo house cars take you to Vern’s (a buzzy neighborhood restaurant that serves up seasonal American fare). Dewberry says, “The king trumpet mushroom dish is amazing, and you can’t go wrong with the roast spring chicken!

Another great dinner option? Chez Nous, which dishes out delicious French food in a cozy wine bar setting. Dewberry says, “They change their menu each day, and I have never had a meal I didn’t love!”

Saturday Morning

Once you’ve rested, Dewberry recommends heading downstairs to grab a cup of coffee from the lobby. The hotel’s proprietary blend from Second State Coffee, “Morning Dew,” pairs beautifully with a housemade pastry (fair warning: The hardest part of your day might be choosing between a sticky bun, Nutella babka, or sour cream crumb cake).

Just a two-minute walk from the hotel is the Charleston Farmers Market, which runs every Saturday from April to November. Dewberry says, “It's such a fun activity to see and try delicious bites from our local farmers and restaurants. There is sure to be something for everyone!”

There’s more than just fresh produce to be found at the market; you’ll also find artisans and makers selling handmade jewelry, woodwork, woven sweetgrass products, soaps, sculptures, pottery, furniture and more.

Saturday Afternoon

Spend the afternoon hunting for antiques at some of Dewberry’s favorite places. She recommends Fritz Porter, Wynsum, and Antiques of South Windermere: “They’re all locally owned with the best treasure hunting and one-of-a-kind finds!”

Fuel up afterwards with a fresh and healthy lunch at Basic Kitchen. Known for their veggie-forward options, even meat lovers will love their nourishing grain bowls, salads and pastas. Dewberry adds, “The cauliflower wings will not disappoint!”

After lunch, walk around and take in all the architectural beauty Charleston has to offer. Some gorgeous spots to add to your must-see list: College of Charleston, Rainbow Row, the Aiken Rhett House, Huguenot Church, and the Riviera Theatre. If you want a bit more structure, you can schedule an architectural walking tour through Viator.

Saturday Evening

After a long day of walking, stay close to your hotel room and head upstairs to the Citrus Club. Located on the 8th floor of The Dewberry, it’s considered the tallest rooftop in Charleston.

Dewberry says, “You must get there for the sunset. The views are truly unmatched!” She recommends ordering the crispy piña colada shrimp and the Caribbean rice bowl, followed by the luau pie (made with coffee ice cream, devil's food cake, chocolate sorbet, macadamia nuts, oreos and toasted meringue).

Sunday Morning

For a luxe and low-key end to your trip, Dewberry says you can arrange experiences such as private sunrise yoga, spa treatments, or a luxury Barton & Gray yacht charter with the hotel’s concierge. You can also book a house car and drive out to the beach for the day (Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms are all popular spots).

If you’d rather stay local or have a flight to catch, rent a complimentary bicycle from the hotel to get coffee and breakfast at Harken Cafe on Queen Street. From there, ride through South of Broad, the neighborhood where Broad Street intersects the peninsula. The fabulous residential homes and private gardens are not to be missed. Dewberry says, “Our favorite street is Legare.”

If you have time, wander over to The Gibbes Museum of Art. “The building itself is a stunner,” Dewberry says. “And the curation team does such a fantastic job of bringing thought-provoking exhibits.”

After experiencing an itinerary as fun as this one, we promise this won’t be your last weekend in Charleston.

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