A Living Canvas A Living Canvas Fresh & breezy looks for every room Fresh & breezy looks for every room Empowering our youth with cooking skills Empowering our youth with cooking skills Healthy Hands Cooking Healthy Hands Cooking Yoga Therapy Yoga Therapy Easy Milkshake Recipes Easy Milkshake Recipes Romantic Getaway Romantic Getaway $3.95 US www.charlestonlivingmag.com July / August 2013
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Finally... Purposeful, Livable, Affordable Home Plans
Flatfish Island Home Designs offers suitable and flexible home plans designed to fit your personality, your lifestyle, your neighborhood and your budget. Every home plan offers the ability to customize
without the huge investment of time and money most custom home plans require. Explore plan opportunities on our website and build the home of your dreams.
ONE ~ PICK YOUR PLAN AND CUSTOMIZE YOUR PREFERENCES. ~ TWO ~ BUILD IT. ~ THREE ~ RELAX.
Finally... Purposeful, Livable, Affordable Home Plans
Flatfish Island Home Designs offers suitable and flexible home plans designed to fit your personality, your lifestyle, your neighborhood and your budget. Every home plan offers the ability to customize
without the huge investment of time and money most custom home plans require. Explore plan opportunities on our website and build the home of your dreams.
ONE ~ PICK YOUR PLAN AND CUSTOMIZE YOUR PREFERENCES. ~ TWO ~ BUILD IT. ~ THREE ~ RELAX.
(843) 302-2090 WWW.FLATFISHISLANDDESIGNS.COMK I A W A H I S L A N D • W W W . C A M E N S A R C H I T E C T U R A L G R O U P . C O M • 8 4 3 . 7 6 8 . 3 8 0 0
Finally... Purposeful, Livable, Affordable Home Plans
Flatfish Island Home Designs offers suitable and flexible home plans designed to fit your personality, your lifestyle, your neighborhood and your budget. Every home plan offers the ability to customize
without the huge investment of time and money most custom home plans require. Explore plan opportunities on our website and build the home of your dreams.
ONE ~ PICK YOUR PLAN AND CUSTOMIZE YOUR PREFERENCES. ~ TWO ~ BUILD IT. ~ THREE ~ RELAX.
(843) 302-2090 WWW.FLATFISHISLANDDESIGNS.COMK I A W A H I S L A N D • W W W . C A M E N S A R C H I T E C T U R A L G R O U P . C O M • 8 4 3 . 7 6 8 . 3 8 0 0
Listen to your dreams and we’ll listen to you
E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 8 22 | CharlestonLivingMag.com May/June 2013 | 2May/June 2013 | 3K I A W A H I S L A N D • W W W . C A M E N S A R C H I T E C T U R A L G R O U P . C O M • 8 4 3 . 7 6 8 . 3 8 0 0
Listen to your dreams and we’ll listen to you
E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 8 2
K I A W A H I S L A N D • W W W . C A M E N S A R C H I T E C T U R A L G R O U P . C O M • 8 4 3 . 7 6 8 . 3 8 0 0
Listen to your dreams and we’ll listen to you
E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 8 2
4 | CharlestonLivingMag.com
60 Stir It Up
Satisfy your cravingswith these quick and
easy milkshake recipes.
By Julia Chun
March/April 2013 | 5
July | August 2013
Features
28Balance forMind & BodyFind bliss with theselocal wellness centers.By Jason Zwiker
46A Living CanvasCool and soothing colors make for a warm and cozy home surrounded by meticulous landscaping and unobstructed views of the marsh scenery.
By Rob Young
62Healthy Hands CookingHealthy Hands Cookingis on a mission to empower our youth with the critical skills of healthy cooking.
By Katherine Pettit
4 | CharlestonLivingMag.com March/April 2013 | 5
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“I love to learn through the projects our teachers give us. It makes learning fun! My favorite has been our Lego League project. We built from our imaginations not from instructions, and when you can experiment like that, you build at your own risk. It was great! Our group was a great size to work together because when you are sharing ideas and you are all different, you can put all those different ideas together to make something really big.”
Creative. Collaborative. Purposeful.
I am Riley Kerr ‘21, and I am Ashley Hall.
I love to build using my imagination.
To learn more about Ashley Hall please contact us at 843-965-8501 or [email protected].
Ashley Hall provides a classical education with faculty and programs committed to producing educated women who are independent , ethically responsible and prepared to meet the challenges of society with confidence. Accepting girls2 years - 12th grade and boys 2 - 5 years.
SubscriptionsSubscribingtoCharleston LIVINGiseasy,andyousave20percentoffthenewsstandprice. Yoursubscriptionincludes6issues,deliveredrighttoyourdoor.Subscriptionsandbillingarehandledin-house,providingyou with the best in customer service.Pleasecalloremailusifyouexperienceanyproblems with your subscription, and wewillassisttoresolvethemrightaway.YoucansubscribebycallingCustomerServiceat(843)[email protected] or onthewebatwww.charlestonlivingmag.com.Gift SubscriptionsCharleston LIVINGmagazinemakesanexcellent gift! Use the subscription cardfound in each issue or order by phone,email,orourwebsite.Wewillsendoutacomplimentarygift card to each recipientindicatingwhothegiftisfrom.Change of AddressIfyoumoveorchangeyouraddress,pleasecallor emailus andprovideboth theoldandnewaddresses.Thepostalservicedoesnot automatically forward magazines, soplease send us your change of address assoonasyouknowit.Letters to the EditorWe welcome your comments and letters.Send letters to Charleston LIVING,3853ColonelVanderhorstCircle,MountPleasant, SC 29466 or contact us via theweb at www.charlestonlivingmag.com.Pleaseincludeyourphonenumberincaseweneedtocontactyou.Back IssuesWhenavailable,backissuesofCharleston LIVING can be purchased for $7.00,postageincluded.Writing OpportunitiesWe are always interested in receivingarticle ideas from our readers as well asconsidering freelancewriters. Pleasemailor email your ideas or writing queries [email protected] to AdvertiseIfyouwouldlikeadvertisinginformationforpromotingyourproductsorservices,call(843)856-2532orsendanemail [email protected] or on the web atwww.charlestonlivingmag.com.
Lutheran Homes’ Assisted Living programs can help. Guided by licensed nurses, caregivers provide help with personal care, medications, and supervision as needed.
There are plenty of people to enjoyspending time with and a full schedule of award-winning activities. Tasty meals, transportation, salon and other amenities are all close at hand.
Caregivers certified in essentiALZ— the Alzheimer’s Association’s education program, are best prepared to understand the special needs of persons with memory loss.
Flexible Assisted Living and Homeward Bound programs offer short-term stay options.
Learn more. Discover how our assisted living programs can help support your family.
RoseCrestInman864.599.8600
Trinity on LaurensAiken803. 643.4200
Rice EstateNortheast Columbia803.691.5720
the Heritage at LowmanChapin/White Rock803.732.3000
Andattheendofschoolmostofusparentsthinkaboutsomewelldeservedrelaxation,andtimeatthebeach.Wetalkshopwiththreedifferentwellnesscenterstogetthescooponfitnessforthemindandbody,fromyogatherapytoacupuncturetomassages.Onestyleissuretohelpyoudetoxandunwind(seeBalance for Mind & Body, page28).
Wealsoexploreacustombuildthatwasdesignedwithadualvisioninmind,onewithmeticulousdetailsandcoolandsoothingcolors.TheinsideaffordsgrandviewsoftheLowcountrysurroundings,withlargewindowsandmultipleFrench-doorsthroughout(seeA Living Canvas,page46).
And,truthbetold,whenyourpassionisforthephotographythattellsthestoryoftheAmerican South, the Mississippi Delta isn’tsuchabadplacetofindyourselfstranded.Topicturethescene,closeyoureyesandletyourimaginationsoftenthelinesbetweenlongagoandnowjustalittle,likeaphotographinten-tionally left slightly out of focus.That fertilecrescentofblackalluvialsoilremainsthesame.It’sjustthenamesandthefacesofthepeoplethatchangeovertime.
MississippiishometoJacob.ShegrewupinClarksdale,surroundedbyawealthofmusi-calheritageandagriculturaltradition.ShewenttoOleMissforhereducation,earningaB.A.in English and M.A. in Art History. That’swhereshefellinlovewiththeworkofauthorandphotographerEudoraWelty.Thesincerityandstrengthofthoseimages,scenesfromruralMississippi,leftanindelibleimpressiononher.
“It’sawindowforpeopletoseewhatMis-sissippi is andhow thepeople live,” she says.“Thephotographyreallyistimeless.”
Welty’swork,alongwiththeDepression-era photography of Walker Evans and the
“Every artist I represent here has some connection to the South. Another point is that they are all seasoned, professional artists.” — Rebekah Jacob
scene.She’salwaysonthemove.WhensheisnotintownhostinganexclusivearteventatRJG,she’sverylikelyacquiring,appraising,or lecturing in key cities such as NewYorkCity,Houston,PalmBeach,orWashington,DC.Thatmobilityisessentialtoherbusinessstrategy.
“She’snotjustsittinghereinCharlestonwith a catcher’s mitt waiting for the artiststo show up,” says business strategist BaronHanson.“She’sjettingwheresheneedstobetofindtheartists,tomeetthecollectors,andtolearnwhatishappeningbehindthescenes.”
That tenacity has taken her to someamazingplaces.She’stravelledtoCubatoseefirsthandtheworkspacesoftherevolutionaryphotographers she admires. Many of themweredevelopingoutoftheirkitchensinksand,justthesame,creatingprintsofphenomenalquality.
Defining Jacob is a daunting task. Im-agineatop-tiercurator,fineartappraiser,andIndiana Jones all rolled up into one person.Thentakeintoaccountthatsheisadedicatedrunnerwhooftenplansexhibitsdowntothefinestdetailwhilethemilesslipbyunderherfeet. On top of all that, add in the fact thatshe’s still amazingly young for someone soaccomplished.
“That’stheexcitingpart:tohavesomeoneasyoungasherwhocanactuallyacquiresuchrareandhigh-valuedcollections,”saysHanson.“She’s come to the point, within eight years,whereshecanshowaworklike‘RedCeiling’byWilliamEggleston.”
Toputthatintoperspective,considerthis:inthespringof2013,copiesof‘RedCeiling’wereheldbytheMuseumofModernArt,theJ.PaulGettyMuseum(notcurrentlyonview),and Rebekah Jacob Gallery, in Charleston.That’snotalonglist.
RJG features diverse works includingpaintings andphotography, all at thehighestlevel of connoisseurship. Each artist repre-sentedisworld-caliber,havingbeenexhibitedacrosstheglobe,andhasworksinmuseumandcorporatecollections.
Inadditiontoherworkinthegallery,shealso offers appraisal services.The formal ap-praisalprocessisnecessaryformanypurposes,includingresale,estateplanning,andinsurance,andJacobhastheexperienceandcredentialstohandle this with the utmost professionalism.She holds a certificate in Appraisal StudiesinFineandDecorativeArts fromNewYorkUniversity and is aCertifiedMemberof theAppraisersAssociationofAmerica.
Keeping all of this in balance requiresconstanteffort.Travellingaroundthecountryisn’t just a perk of the job, it’s absolutely es-sential.“There’salotofmovementindifferentmarketsrightnow,”explainsHanson.“Thingsthat were once considered unattainable arestartingtobecomeavailable.”
When that once-in-a-lifetime grab sur-faces,eitheryou’rerightthere,readytoacquireit,oryou’renot.RebekahJacobmakesitaprac-ticetobethere.843.697.5471, rebekahjacobgallery.com.¡
soul-stirring portraiture of Doris Ulmann,becametheinspirationforalifelongpassion.ShesoughtouttheworkofCivilRightseraand Cuban revolutionary photojournalists.Thepowerofanimagetocapturetheimagi-nationandinspirechangeissomethingsheunderstandswell.
“Photography is immediate,” she says.“Thephotographerhastogetalittlebitlucky.These photographers were travelling, docu-mentingastoryinaverytruthful,matter-of-factway.Thecameraisveryhonest.”
“IwanttobetheDianeSawyerofthearts,” sheaddswitha laugh.“Ineed todigdeep and see the authenticity behind theworkformyself.IfIcan’t,itwon’tbeshowninthegallery.”
Thisworkethicisalargepartofwhathas kept Rebekah Jacob Gallery consist-ently at the top of Charleston’s visual art
“Franke is unique in that nearly all of our programs and services are under one roof. Residents can go from their apartment to the dining room, activities, beauty shop, or therapy appointments without ever having to go outside—we even have an onsite pharmacy right here.”
Charleston is known for it’s many icons. Terry Hamlin will represent you with the ethics, honesty and great attitude to make your saleor purchase a pleasantexperience.Terry Hamlin....a CharlestonRealtor Icon.
Terry Hamlin, RealtorCarolina One Real Estate3040 Highway 17 NorthMt. Pleasant, SC 29466cell 843-830-3946office 843-266-5000
This stunning 4,387 sq.ft., 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home sits on a deep water creek with access to the Wando River. You’ll feel like you have entered a private estate as you drive up to this lowcountry home surrounded by lush landscaping. Open floor plan with plenty of room to entertain, hardwood floors, bright sunny kitchen with granite counter tops and a custom tiled floor, central vacuum, spacious formal dining room just off the kitchen, large master bedroom with his and her California closets, stone tiled master bath with granite countertops. Sit in the lovely sunroom and take in the view of the saline swimming pool, cabana house, hot tub and deep water private dock with a floater. The boat even goes with the home! This home offers great privacy and the quietude of Dunes West’s gated golf community.
THIS GEORGOUS LOWCOUNTRY HOME HAS IT ALL! Dock and boat lift in place. Beautiful landscaping surrounds the cabana house and saline pool. Enjoy the awesome views of the creek while sitting on the private screened porch or deck off the Master suite. A few of the Interior fea-tures: granite countertops in kitchen and baths, California closets, cher-ry hardwood floors and hot tub. The boat and the workout equipment convey. This home is worth a look. Call today to show before it is too late!
KAPLA allows children to build and create by using their
“All of our services have a non-directive approach, which is what makes us unique. Rather than telling our client what they need to do, our approach offers self-directed lessons which lead to more authentic and long lasting change.”
Featured Restaurants Include:Laura Alberts Tasteful OptionsRita’s Seaside GrilleRelish Distinctive CateringIacofano’s Italian Bistro & BarCru Café and Catering
For more information on joining us as a participating restaurant or sponsor, call (843) 571-1776 or visit marchofdimes.com/southcarolina
The March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction returns with delectable tastings from Charleston’s finest chefs and the opportunity to bid on exciting auction packages!
Presenting Sponsor Platinum Sponsor
Halls ChophouseSmokeSouthCarolina’s82 QueenVirginia’s on KingHamby Catering & Events
Celebrating 75 years of working together for stronger, healthier babies!
Featured Restaurants Include:Laura Alberts Tasteful OptionsRita’s Seaside GrilleRelish Distinctive CateringIacofano’s Italian Bistro & BarCru Café and Catering
For more information on joining us as a participating restaurant or sponsor, call (843) 571-1776 or visit marchofdimes.com/southcarolina
The March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction returns with delectable tastings from Charleston’s finest chefs and the opportunity to bid on exciting auction packages!
Presenting Sponsor Platinum Sponsor
Halls ChophouseSmokeSouthCarolina’s82 QueenVirginia’s on KingHamby Catering & Events
Celebrating 75 years of working together for stronger, healthier babies!
MLS 1221619Great home in great location! Well built 3
BR, 2 BA brick home with a beautiful view of the lake. Fenced back yard, hard woods and tile flooring make it easy to keep clean. New granite countertops,
stainless appliances and a new smooth top stove in the kitchen. New paint and
new architectural shingle roof was installed in Sept 2008. A must see.
$239,000.
MLS 1217626If you have been waiting for a place to call home that is also a dream come true for your horses, this is it! A 1500 sq.ft. log cabin home that is close in and part of Mt. Pleasant. Cozy 2-3 bedrooms with a fabulous porch. Natural wood on the inside,
granite countertops in kitchen. House is on approx. 4 acres with a barn and additional pasture on the adjoining 7 acres. Home could be expanded to accommo-
date a larger family or left as a guest house and build a new home to suit your needs. The barn has 8 stalls and the ability to expand to a second floor for studio living
space. Barn can be purchased separately, or the house and the barn may be purchased together for a real steal of a deal. $775,000.
from this house in Romain Retreat, situated on over 2 acres. Great room with
raised brick fireplace looks over the Intracoastal Waterway. Master bedroom
on main, with three or four BRs and 3 BAs upstairs. Antique pine flooring
throughout. Includes elevator and a short dock with boat lift and water at the pier
head. $850,000.
MLS 1308221Have you always wanted to have a waterfront
lot with stately oak trees to call your own? Fabulous, unobstructed views across the grassy marsh of Copahee Sound to the Isle of Palms. A tidal creek with 126+ feet of waterfront to call your own and the chance of a lifetime to build, why wait? Opportunities at this price seldom
from this house in Romain Retreat, situated on over 2 acres. Great room
with raised brick fireplace looks over the Intracoastal Waterway. Master bedroom
on main, with three or four BRs and 3 BAs upstairs. Antique pine flooring
throughout. Includes elevator and a short dock with boat lift and water at the pier
head. $850,000.
MLS 1025700Private country retreat. Adorable 2 BR, 2 Bath
cottage situated on 15 wooded acres surrounded by 500 acres in a conservation easement. Peace, quiet and nature reigns supreme in this enclave.
Location is within a 6 minute drive to Mt. Pleasant. Great room has a cathedral ceiling and a fireplace. Kitchen is generous in size with wooden counter-tops and a large eat in area that has great views of the back yard and opens through French doors to
the back porch. $595,000.
MLS 1112400Amazing cottage with a dock on Jeremy Creek leading to the Intracoastal Waterway! A quaint
A-frame home with dock and floater. Drive through a nice wooded area before arriving at
the horse pasture of almost 3 acres on one side of the driveway and 1.4 acres of garden area on the other. It is unusual to have this much acreage for
horses, a garden, sheds and out buildings, a short dock on good water, and a home that exudes
One of the top multi-dealer antique shops in Charleston since 1988.
• •
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2037 Maybank Hwy., Charleston 843.795.9689 Mon - Sat 10-5:30www.terraceoaksantiques.com www.facebook.com/terraceoaks
Explore Charleston’s History through Art
Charleston is the birthplace of Southern art. Discover stories of the South through painting, sculpture, photographs — and more — at Charleston’s signature art museum.
Museum and Store Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pmSunday: 1pm – 5pm
135 Meeting Street | 843.722.2706www.gibbesmuseum.org
Carolina Paroquet (detail), 1935, by Anna Heyward Taylor (American, 1879 – 1956). Woodblock print on paper. Gift of the artist.
Chef Jon Cropf is all about servingfresh and sustainable seafood
By DENISE K. JAMES
Photographs By LEA DALES
I once caught a fish in mymother’sbackyard—asmallbass,the first and only fish I’ve ever reeled inwithafishingpole.WhileIneveratethefishmyself(Iwastoosqueamishforthat),I remember feeling proud and awestruckwhen my stepfather pan-seared my catchandenjoyeditfordinner.
When a meal comes straight to youfrom its origins without a middleman,there’s an appreciation for the food thatcannotbematchedbyatriptothesuper-market.ExecutiveChefJonCropf,ofBluRestaurant on Folly Beach, understandsthisphenomenonand,thus,onlythefresh-est food will do in his kitchen. In fact, Idon’tthinkhewouldmindmesayingheisabitofastickleraboutit.
CropfgrewupinBaltimore,whereheworkedhiswayupfromhisjobasadish-washer at a nearby country club. He waspromotedtolinecook,buthewasn’tsatis-fied;herealizedaculinarydegreewouldbehisnextstep.So,aftersevenyearsattheres-taurant,Cropfmoved toCharlotte,N.C.,toattendJohnson&WalesUniversity.
“ThoughIenjoyedcity life—grow-ing up in Baltimore and going to schoolinCharlotte—Iwaseventuallyreadyforsomethingdifferent,”saysCropf.“So,afterschool,mygirlfriend and Imovedout toLakeTahoe, which is the most beautifulplaceI’veeverbeen.”
Before all our readers wrinkle theirnoseindisdainattheideaofsomeonenotthinkingCharleston is themostbeautiful
place on Earth, under-stand that Cropf hadhis culinary in Tahoe,whereheworkedattheTahoe Mountain Clubwith “an incredible”sous-chefandexecutivechef.
“Theychangedmyapproach to cookingand my view on farm-ing,” declares Cropf.“Insteadofusingallthespices, marinades andrubs that I was accus-tomed to using, we letthe ingredients speak
Eventually, though Cropf describeshimselfasessentiallya“mountainperson,”the Deep South called him and his girl-friendbacktotheLowcountryarea,whichhappenstobeherhome.
Cropf ’s team members bring out thelocal tomato and cucumber salad for me.Ithashouse-pulledmozzarella,freshherbsand croutons. It tastes like summer on aplate,andeventheguydownthebarnoticeshowcolorfulitisandaskswhatI’meating.Icanhardlyanswer,ofcourse,becausemymouthisfull.
ThenextcourseisBlu’sshrimpn’grits,with local grits, provided by the GeechieBoyMill,andlocalshrimp.Thetextureissosmoothandcreamy,it’salmostanemotionalexperiencethatis,untiltheybringoutthepan-roastedgrouper,andI’mseriouslyover-whelmedwithdelight.
“These carrots were just picked thismorning,” they tell me, setting down myplate.
I’ve always said that with food thisgood, you almost don’t want anyone elsearoundwhileyou’re eating. It seems likeapersonal act, savoring every bite. Thus, IignoretheSaturdaybarcrowdandconcen-trate on the delicate snap of vegetables. Itisn’tdifficult.
Afterward, Cropf and I discuss theculinarytrendsintheLowcountry.
“I think using local ingredients willcontinue tobea trend,”he says.“It’s awe-sometoseecompaniessuchasGrowFoodwho are helping to distribute from thesmallestfarms—farmswhocouldn’tdoitontheirownotherwise.”
As far as which habits Cropf car-riedwithhimfromhistimeinTahoe,the“pristinevegetables”onBlu’smenuaretheanswer.Therestaurantmaintainsafriendlyrelationship with area farms, includingGeechie Boy Mill, Ambrose Farms andGrowFood.
“Some of the best farmers I’ve everworkedwithareinCharleston,”headmits.“IalsolovehowSouthCarolina’sgrowingseason is so long. It’smildallyear round,whichmeansyoucanalwaysfindbeautifulstuff.”
“What’syourfavoritevegetable?”Iaskhim.
“That’s a tough question,” he replies.“I’m super passionate about strawberrieswhentheirseasonfirstbegins.ThenI loveRomano beans and doing different thingswith those.My favorite vegetable toeat isafreshtomato.Justonaplate,byitself,withsea salt. I’ve always enjoyed tomatoes, buttheoneswegethereinthesummerarethebest.”
And it isn’t only the vegetables thatwerepickedthatday;therestaurantisoneoftheonlytwointheCharlestonareatouselivefish.SwimmingRockFarm,ownedbyRickEager,isaneco-friendlyandsustain-ableenvironmentforraisingfishsuchasreddrumandbass.
respectfortheingredient.”Naturally,when a restaurant is that
diligentabouta freshproduct, it seldomiswithoutaccolades.BluisamemberoftheSustainableSeafoodInitiative—andthey’vebeenplatinum,thehighestaward,for several years. Cropf also points outthat more and more restaurants in theLowcountryarejoiningtheelitelist.
“It’sgoodtoseethatotherrestau-rantsareconcentratingontheenviron-ment.The list theysendusgets longerevery month — it almost doubles,” heremarks.“Andit’snotaneasylisttojoin!
“Our menu changes regularly, aboutfourtofivetimesperyear,”hesays.“Ithinkeverythingonitissomethingwe’reallproudofasateam.Ilovethebutterlettucesalad.Thetastedifferencebetweenfresh,locallet-
Buffingtonandthehomeownerfamiliesactuallyenjoyarela-tionshipthatcoincideswiththebirthoftheBuffingtons’business.The homeowners met the Buffingtons nearly 17 years ago, whenDan and Cathy were building their first home on Ocean CourseDriveonKiawahIsland.“Myhusbandisjustafanaticaboutdetail.We loved thewoodwork,andaswewalked throughthathouse, Ihadneverseenabetterbuilthomeinmylife,”Cindyremembers.So,afterowningacondoforseveralyearsonKiawah, thehomeown-ersknewexactlywho tocontact for theirhomebuild:BuffingtonHomes.
CindyandJim,whootherwiseliveinIndianapolis,weredrawnto theremotenessofKiawahandthesolitudeprovidedby the is-land.Theyparticularlyappreciatedthesurroundings–themarshes,lagoonsandtidalcreeks–andtheviewsaffordedbythearea.Theirvistas, per the couple’s wishes, both of the interior and exterior,wouldbeawashincolor.
sarecreationalartist,Cindy(lastnamewithheldathomeownersrequest)leadsalifeetchedincolor.HerhusbandJim,acorporateattorney,ispartialtodetail.Theirvacationhome,adreamybuildsituatedonKiawahIsland,containstheirdualvision.Thehome–courtesyof constructionfirmBuffingtonHomesandarchitect Marc Camens – encompasses a pointed level of in-tricacy that ably met the couple’s needs. The dwelling’s designconcept is clear, as it maintains an affable relationship to its sur-roundings. All told, the construction unmistakably dovetails withthe mission of Buffington Homes – the group seeks to build thehome of each client as if it was their own. “(Buffington Homes)has so much expertise, and they care so much about the de-tail,” the homeowner says. “They’re not in it for the money.”
Buffington Homes, as spearheaded by co-owners Dan andCathy Buffington, focuses on Kiawah Island and other premiumprojects throughout the Charleston area. For nearly two decadesnow,thefirmhaswonthepraiseofregionalandnationalbuildingassociations.Itsaccolades includea2009silveraward intheWallStreetJournal’sDreamHomescontest,andregionalawardsforbestresort/island products and best service. Dan Buffington has beenperenniallyrecognizedasaTop100BuildingCompanyPresidentbyHomeBuilderExecutivemagazine.Plus, for eight consecutiveyears,BuffingtonHomeshasreceivedthecovetedBestinAmerican
Theuniquevacationhomeisnestledinamaritimeforest.Thewrap-aroundandcircularscreenporch,andadditionaloutdoorliv-ingareasprovideavarietyofindoorandoutdoorlivingchoices,andtheuseofstained,westernredcedarmatchesthewoodedenviron-ment,etchingthehomeinanatural,colorfulsetting.Itfeaturesaninvertedfloorplan,primarilytoallowmaximum,unobstructedviewsof the surrounding landscape,and to facilitateadramatic,vaultedliving area.The kitchen and dining areas are also situated on thesecondfloor,andthemajorityofthebedroomsareonthefirstfloor.
Construction necessitated a thorough and detailed approach.Thefinishoneachtrussconsistedof92separatepiecesofcustomtrim, an important aspect asmost of thehome ismadeofwood.Othercustomelementsincludedcabinetry,travertineandstonetile,milledflooringandmolding.
Theteam’scollaborationsupportedthelevelofspecificationre-quired, enabledbyallparties’ extensiveexperience. It allowed themtosurmount severaldesignrestrictions related tobuildingsetbacks,heightconstraints,minimumfirst-floorheightrequirementsandlotcoverage.Thefocusbecamesingular: situating thehomeamong its
The design fits with Camens’ approach. As the principal ofCamens Architectural Group, he asks crucial questions, seeking todeterminehowhisclientswishtolive,orhowtheyplanonusingthehome.Hegraspedthatthehomeowner’sdriverswerecolorandspace.“Ilovethegreatroomwithallthelightandwindows,”Cindysays.“WhenyouopenupallthoseFrenchdoorsintheroom,youreallyfeellikeyou’reinatreehouse.”
Notonlyatreehouse,butanartist’shome.Theentranceshow-casesoneofCindy’spieces:a15-foottriptych,orpanelpaintingthatisdivided into three sections.Ratherappropriately, theworkofartfeaturesamarshlandscape.
The homeowner’s favorite areas in thehome,whichalsocontainsamasterbedroom,twoadditionalbedroomsandbunkroomthatsleeps five, are the great room, screened-inporch,Jim’sthird-flooroffice,and,ofcourse,the kitchen. Cindy’s family is of Germanheritage,andthespaceprovidesampleroomfor her to whip up sauerbraten, a deliciousGermanpotroastthattypicallymarinatesina mixture of vinegar, wine and other herbs,spices and seasonings. Even the meal tendstoemanatefromthelively,good-naturedtonethehomeownershavecreated.
Alltold,theservicebridgesthegapfrombuild to upkeep, making use of BuffingtonHomes’ specialized database which containssuch information as original paint colors toplanspecifications.It’saparticularlypopularoptionforclientswholiveremotely.Propertyreviewsfacilitatelandscapemaintenanceandhomerefurbishingorrepairs,aswellastimelystormcleanupandpestcontrol.Thevalue isappreciable, adding to Buffington Homes’overallcapabilities.
“What I had found with a lot of thebuilders,” Cindy says, “they will tell peoplethatthepriceisgoingtobemuchlower,thentheykeepgoingupanditcostshomeownersmore.The Buffingtons were right on targetwith price. And with schedule. They wereperfect.Itwasagreatfitoverall.”
eranceorglutensensitivityhasdramaticallyincreased.Onein133peoplearediagnosedwith celiac disease. Since 2003 the salesof gluten free cookbooks and gluten freefoodsisgeneratinga$2.6billionindustry.
What is Gluten, Exactly?Gluten is a protein found in many
grains such as wheat, rye, and barley.Glutenistheingredientthatmakespizzadoughstretchy,givesbreada spongy tex-ture,andthickenssoupsandstews.Glutenisinmostbreads,crackers,pasta–regard-less of the shape, and desserts such ascookies, cakes, pies, puddings and somecandy bars. Surprisingly, it’s also foundin soups, sauces – soy and teriyaki, andmany salad dressings. Two commonlyused, hidden sources of gluten are malt(made from barley) and hydrolyzed veg-etable protein (often contains wheat).
Why Go Gluten Free? Most people can eat gluten. For
thosewithaglutenallergyorceliacdis-ease, gluten free becomes awayof life.Celiac disease is a genetic disorder. Itis thoughtthat2.5millionpeoplehaveceliac disease, despite increased test-ing only 150,000 are diagnosed. Thesymptoms of celiac disease are manyand varied, including chronic diarrhea,unintended weight loss, unexplainedanemia, fatigue, bone and joint pain,andinchildren-failuretogrow.Ifleftuntreated,thisdisordercandamagetheintestines and cause long term prob-lems. For individuals that have seena physician and been tested for celiacdisease, even a crumb can make theirimmune system respond dramatically.
Eating Right With Gluten Intolerance»Readfoodlabelscarefully.»Lookforglutenfreegrains,flour,andfoodproductsinfoodstores.»Packglutenfreefoodsifeatingawayfromhome.
Nonceliac Gluten Sensitivity is an-otherproblemontherise.Thesymptomsare similar to celiac disease – stomachcramps, diarrhea, bloating – but are notasdramatic andwillnotdamage the in-testines. Avoiding gluten “most” of thetimecanimprovethesesymptoms.Someindividualsexperiencingconditionssuch
as migraines,depression,fibromyalgia,andchronic fatigue syndromehave found relieffollowingaglutenfreediet;butthisdoesnotworkforeveryone.
Gluten Free the Latest Ticket to Weight Loss?
Many people are on the gluten freebandwagon to lose weight. Does it work?Weight loss might occur for some dueto healthier food choices. Most desserts,breadedandfriedfoodsareavoided,andtheyarelesslikelytoovereatwithfewerchoices.Butifglutenfreeproductsaresubstituteditcanincreasecaloricintake.Withoutgluten
tobindthefoodstogether,fatandsugarareincreasedandusedtoincreaseflavor.Afewpretzels may be only 110 calories, but thesame portion of gluten free pretzels mayprovide 150 calories or more. Gluten freefoods may be higher in carbohydrates, fatsandsodium.Thefeel–goodeffectofglutenfree eating could be due to simple mind-ful eating rather thangluten avoidance.Byeliminating processed foods and increasingwholefoodslikeveggies,fruits,beansandothernon-glutengrains,you’llfeelhealthier,happierandlighter–whetheryoursystemcantolerateglutenornot.
Burwell’s Stone Fire GrillCharleston’s next generation steakhouse
By WENDY SWAT SNYDER
Photographs by LEA DALES
WhensomeonelikeBravo’sTopChefMastershostCurtisStoneshowsupatyourplaceforabitetoeat,youknowyou’redoingsomethingright.InCharlestonrecentlyforaspecialevent,thecelebritycheffromDownUnderwas reportedlydirecteddowntown to Burwell’s Stone Fire Grillwhenheasked“what’sgood?”
Thetoneyeateryisservingupa“nextgeneration”versionofclassicsteakhousefareinaspaceonlowerMarketStreetborderingthedocks.Inlessthanayearsinceopening,therestauranthasquicklybecomepopularamong the downtown dining-around set,andisafavoritewateringholeofafewlocalcelebritychefsaswell.
“Theconceptof thesteakhouse–big,beefy, masculine – hasn’t changed in 100years,”notesBurwell’spartnerKenEmery,who specializes in restaurant design. “Wewantedtomodernize it,andtohavemoremenu offerings for lighter appetites thanjustafilet.”
EmeryteamedupwithNorthCarolina-based JohnThomas, a corporate restaurantexecutive,back in2011tobringthisvisiontolife.TheysearchedtheSoutheastforasite,anddecidedCharleston–withitsreputation
asaculinarytown–wasaperfectfit.“We also believed that the Market
They found two adjacent buildings –14and16NorthMarket–andbrokethroughwallstocombinethepropertiesinto one, 5,600 squarefootspace.
“Duringthedemoli-tion we found old woodunder the drywall dat-ing back to 1894,” saysEmery. “We wanted topreserve everything thatwecould–that’swhythefloors don’t match. Wealsoresistedputtinginanelevator and refurbishedtheoriginalstairs.”
“I stained every beam on the secondfloor,” says Huff, who’d worked underCirianDuffy,formerexecutivechefatTris-tan.“I helped pick out booths, watched itgrowfromthegroundup.Weallputalotofblood,sweat,andtearsintoit.”
Emery notes that the vision for theinteriorwasa radicaldeparture fromstea-khouse form: creating a variety of spaces– open dining room, exhibition kitchen,barwithTV,andanintimatesecondfloor–tailoredtodifferingdiningexperiences.
“It’s a ‘see and be seen’ venue, some-thingthat’sabigtrendtodaywiththeriseof socialmedia.Wedesigned the space tohavedefined,yetvisuallyopenareas.”
Theexhibitionkitchenisafocalpointfordinerswhowanttogetinontheaction.Bar-style seatingprovides front rowviewsof the kitchen– the non-stop intensity ofthechefs,theline,andservers.
The generous bar exudes a warm,neighborhood vibe with an overheadmonitor for sports fans. Nearby, a winecellar doubles as a lounge with comfort-able, chat-inducing seating arrangements.Surroundingwoodwork is original cypressdating to 1894. The bar top is reclaimedflooringsalvagedfromcentury-oldrailroadcarsfoundbyCharleston-basedReclaimedDesignworks.
The second floor loft blends moderndesign with reclaimed structure: rusticbeamsandbeadboardframebrightpatternson thebanquettes.Perched at the edgeoftheroominapocketoverlookingthelowerlevel,asingletablefortwooffersprivacyfor
a special evening,while, at the same time,showcasingtheevent.
“Creating a yin and yang was thegoal,” recalls Emery of the business plan.“We wanted a mix of old world and new,pockets andopen space. Ithas the energyofopposites.”
And if you haven’t been to Burwell’ssince they opened the rooftop bar—go!Battling bartenders, edgy shipyard views,and a patio decked out in sleek, lounge-yseating covered in eye-popping red areshakingitupforthecocktailcrowd.
The menu surprises with unconven-tional preparations of steak house classicslikeadeconstructedCaesarsaladfeaturinga bed of whole baby romaine leaves, crispsalmonskins,olive tapenade, anda lightlyfriedquailegg.Searedscallopsaretakentoanew levelwithabacon-ychunkofcrispporkbelly.
Thepulledporkhushpuppies—Huff ’splay on the Lowcountry classic—areadornedwithHolyCityporter,housepick-les,andgoldbarbequesauce.
Research directed the team towardleaner, cleaner cuts of beef. “People aretrending away from big steaks with nosides,”saysEmery.“Welookedforalotofuniquecuts andcreated someofourown,like the bistro and the Wagyu New Yorkstripmedallion.”
“We have a chef ’s special everyevening,” notes Emery, “that might beeither a local seasonal fish or somewhatexotic protein—kangaroo, bison—what-ever chef ’s interested in at the moment.It’s an opportunity to do something funanddifferent.
Burwell’s menu also offers a solidmix of non-beef selections: free rangechicken, several fresh fish dishes and a ce-dar planked lump crab cake, for example.
ProbablythemostradicalofBurwell’sapproaches isa700degree lavastone thatis brought to the dinner table for searingyourownsteak.Thewaitstaffiswell-versedintheexcitingcookingtechniqueandpro-videsguidanceandassistanceifnecessary.
“That’spartoftheexcitement–it’sdif-ferent,”musesEmery.“That’sbeenourgoal,not to compete, we love Charleston andwant to get alongwith everyone. If you’relookingforsomethingdifferentwe’rehere...andit’sbeenapleasureintroducingthenextgenerationofthesteakhouse.”
Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill14 North Market St., Charleston843-737-8700burwellscharleston.com
“The concept of the steakhouse – big, beefy, masculine – hasn’t changed in 100 years. We wanted to modernize it, and to have more menu offerings for lighter appetites than just a filet.”
Make Your Own PizzaEmpoweryourkidsandhavefuntooon“MakeYourOwnPizza”night!Giveyourkidshealthytoppingchoicesandletthemcreatetheirownmasterpiece.Here’show...
Jan Pinnington is a Nutritional Consultant and Founder of Healthy Hands Cooking. For more recipes, or to learn about kids healthy cooking classes and instructor business opportunities, visit www.HealthyHandsCooking.com
American17 North Roadside Kitchen(MP)3563Highway17N.,606-2144.Traditionalfavoritesservedupinacasualandrelaxedsetting.Upscaleservicewithentreessuchasbraisedshortribsandsmokedporkchops.Dinnernightly.
Closed For Business(D)453KingSt.,853-8466.Chicbeerpubwithtastybarsnacksliketheporkslapsandwich,burgers,buffalooysters,andsalads.Lunch&Dinnerdaily.
Bars&TavernsBoone’s Bar & Grill(D)345KingSt.,577-6665.Greatselectionoftastyburgers,sandwiches,andappetizers,withanarrayofbeersandbourbonchoices.Lunch&Dinnerdaily.
Market Street Saloon (D)32N.MarketSt.,577-2474.(NC)7690NorthwoodsBlvd.,576-4116.Featuresaward-winningbarbecueandthehottestwaitstaff,thisisthego-tolocationforaraucousparty.Amust-see,highenergyexperience!Mon-Sat4pm-2am,Sun7pm-2am.
Five Loaves Café (D)43CannonSt.,937-4303.(MP)1055JohnnieDoddsBlvd.,849-1043.Gourmetsoups,salads,andsandwichesinarelaxedatmosphere.Lunch&Dinner,Mon-Sat.
Laura Alberts Tasteful Options(DI)891IslandParkDr.,881-4711.Anarrayofhouse-madesalads,gourmetsandwiches,andseafooddishes.Largeselectionofwinesandcraftbeers.Lunchdaily,Dinner-Wed.,Saturdaybrunch.
Our Local Foods Café (MP)1190ClementsFerryRd.,849-0080.Freshfromthefarmhealthyoptionstoincludesandwiches,bakedchicken,andItaliansausagewithgrits.Breakfast&Lunchdaily.Take-homedinners.
High Cotton(D)199EastBaySt.,724-3815.Southerncuisineofferedhighfashionstyle,withfreshlocalvegetables,seafood,andcharbroiledsteaksaccompaniedbytastysauceslikebéarnaiseandcabernet.Dinnernightly.
La Fourchette (D)432KingSt.,722-6261.RusticFrenchclassicsinacozyatmosphere.Servingfavoritessuchascassoulet,tenderduckconfit,hangersteak,andFrenchshepherd’spie.Regionalwinelist.Dinner,Mon-Sat.
Il Cortile Del Re(D)193KingSt.,853-1888.Topspotforaromanticwinebarinacourtyardsetting.FeaturingTuscanspecialtiesincludingpastadishes,freshseafood,soups,andsalads.Excellentwinelist.Lunch&Dinnerdaily.
Pane e Vino (D)17WarrenSt.,853-5955.AfavoritelocalhangoutservingtraditionalItalianfaretrattoriastyle.Heartypastadishes,localseafood,andagreatwinelist.Dinnernightly.
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Eurasia Café & Wine Bar (MP)915HoustonNorthcuttBlvd.,606-2616.ContemporarycuisinewithEuropeanandAsianinspireddishessuchassearedtunaandbeefcarpaccio.Largewineselection.Lunch&Dinner,Mon-Sat.
Red Drum (MP)803ColemanBlvd.,849-0313.TraditionalLowcountrycuisinewithaSouthwesternflair.Fresh,sustainableseafooddishes,steaks,andporkchops,servedinacasualatmosphere.Dinner,Tue-Sat.
FineDining39 Rue de Jean(D)39JohnSt.,722-8881.Frenchbrasseriecuisineinanintimatediningatmosphere.Servingsteaks,sushi,burgers,andsalads.Lunch&Dinnerdaily.Sundaybrunch.
Circa 1886 (D)149WentworthSt.,853-7828.DelectablecuisineisservedupattheWentworthMansion,withdisheslikecrabcakesouffléandbraisedporkshank.Dinner,Mon-Sat.
Yo Burrito(D)77WentworthSt.,853-3287.(MP)675JohnnieDoddsBlvd.,856-0061.Servingupbigburritoswithtastystuffingssuchaschickenorgrilledmahi-mahi.Margaritasandcoldbeersmakeforagreathappyhour.Lunch&Dinnerdaily.
SeafoodAmen Street Fish & Raw Bar(D)205EastBaySt.,853-8600.Traditionalrawbarwithfreshseafoodchoicesincludingoysters,clams,flounder,andshrimp.Extensivebeerandwineselections.Lunch&Dinnerdaily.
Blu Restaurant & Bar (FB)1CenterSt.,588-6658.Freshlocalseafoodwithinanoceanfrontsetting.Spendadayatthebeachandthenenjoytapas-styleentrees.Breakfast,Lunch,&Dinnerdaily.
Charleston Crab House (JI)145WappooCreekDr.,795-1963;(D)41S.MarketSt.,853-2900.“Familyownedfor20yearsandstillcrackin!”FreshLowcountryseafoodserveddailyinacasual,familyatmosphere.Featuringfreshbluecrabs,snowcrablegs,ahituna,freshsaladsandsandwiches,seafoodplatters,andmore.
Finz Bar & Grill(MP)440ColemanBlvd.,654-7296.Relaxedatmospherewithfreshlocalseafood,tastyburgers,anddelectableappetizers.Livemusic,fullbar,andwinelistmakethisaneighborhoodfavorite.Lunch,Fri-Sat.Dinnernightly.
Morgan Creek Grill(IOP)8041stAve.,886-8980.PanoramicviewsoftheIntracoastalwaterwaymakethisatopdestinationforlocalseafood,steaks,andnightlychefspecials.Boatdockingavailable.Lunch&Dinnerdaily.
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet(IOP)101PalmBlvd.,886-8000.OverlookingtheIntracoastalwaterwaywitharotatingmenuoffreshseafood,steaks,andpasta.Alocalfavoriteforoveradecade.
Job Description:sell and service the advertising clients of charleston living and represent our portfolio of products at selected events. Provide
advertising clients with market-based advertising solutions which include print, digital, direct marketing, and design. the Account
Executive will be expected to identify new advertising clients, and grow market share.
Job Requirements: • Meet monthly revenue expectations through selling and/or up-selling advertising clients. • spend 75% of time in the field, calling on existing accounts as well as developing new business. • Maintain a high retention rate among advertising clients.
If you are a proven sales leader,email your cover letter and resume to:
Slightly North of Broad (D)192EastBaySt.,723-3424.Upscalefoodinacasualsetting,withsuchfavoritesasprimerib,poachedmussels,andcrabstuffedflounder.Lunch,Mon-Fri.Dinnernightly.
The Library at Vendue Inn(D)19VendueRange,577-7970.HistoricdiningspotfeaturingtraditionalLowcountrycuisine.Seasonalmenuwithanemphasisonlocallyinspireddisheslikecrabcakesandshrimp&grits.Dinner,Tue-Sat.
Virginia’s on King(D)412KingSt.,735-5800.Upscaleyetrelaxedatmosphereservinguptraditionalfarelikefriedchicken,deviledcrab,po’boys,andanarrayofsidedishes.Breakfast,Lunch,&Dinnerdaily.
SteaksBurwell’s Stone Fire Grill(D)14NorthMarketSt.,737-8700.“Thenextgenerationofsteakhouses”coinedbythoseintheknowofbeeftrends,thisisaseeandbeseeneateryservingupchoicecutsofbeef,localseasonalvegetables,andsustainableseafood.GreatlocationoverlookingtheMarketarea.Fullbar.Dinnernightly.
Oak Steakhouse (D)17BroadSt.,722-4220.Upscalesteakhousefareinanimpeccablesetting,servingcertifiedAngusbeefandfreshlycaughtseafood.Awardwinningwinelist.Dinnernightly.
The Ocean Room at the Sanctuary (KS)1SanctuaryDr.,768-6253.Richmahoganysetsthetoneforthisupscaleeatery,servingupchoicedryagedbeefandfreshlocalseafoodfromaneverchangingmenu.Dinner,Tue-Sat.
hey had me at the caramel creams.Notafancynew-stylebrand,buttheold-fashioned tan-and-white chewy
delightsfrommychildhood,wrappedinthefamiliarcrinklycellophane.IhadbeenatTheRitz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds PlantationforlessthantenminuteswhenIdiscoveredthem, inagiantglassapothecary jar in thenewly renovated club lounge, surroundedby, what else, homemade cookies.To theircredit, thestaffpretendednottonoticemynear-constantvisitsfor“ice”or“bottledwa-ter.”They’dseenitbefore,I’msure.
Thosecaramelcreamsweren’t theonlyfun surprise the resorthad in store forme.Thenextwasmytourofthe30-acreprop-erty.OnaSegway.DuringthedriveinI’dnoticed a few people zooming along thewalking paths on the two-wheeled stand-upvehicles. Iftheycoulddoit,socouldI.AndsocouldmyhusbandBill.Aftermeet-ing“SegwayDave”wholeadsthetours,andeasingunsteadilyaroundthewell-barricadedpracticearea,wetookoff,slowlyatfirst,thengaining confidence. Before long, we wereconfident enough to chat with Dave, whogave us the history of the plantation as heshowedusaround.
Located in Greene County, Georgia(factoid: Greene County was named forRevolutionaryWar hero General Nathan-ielGreene)ReynoldsPlantation ispartofwhatwasonceknownas“Cracker’sNeck.”MercerReynolds,Sr.,thelocalbusinessmanwho patented the process for solidifyingcottonseedoil,acquired7,000acresoflandintheearly1900s,referringtothetractas“LingerLonger” for its uncanny ability tocompel visitorswant to extend their stays.Coupled with the adjoining land ownedby his cousin James Madison Reynolds,the family soon owned more than 10,000acres. Within the property the familyoperated the Rock House, a hunting andfishingretreat.Thelandbecameevenmorevaluable in 1979 when Wallace Dam wasconstructed and subsequent flooding oftheOconeeRiverformedLakeOconee.In1985,thetractwasreleasedtotheReynoldsgrandchildren,whodevelopeditintoRey-noldsPlantation.
Although the original cabin is stillstanding–it’snowanaturecenteropentoresidents–it’sbeenjoinedbyhundredsofotherhomeswithinthehugeproperty.Al-though most are second (or third) homes,there are enough full-time residents tokeep the place from feeling like a ghosttown. Even on a misty, cloudy day, wepassed several walkers and joggers alongtheway.
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge arrived in2002. The lodge itself is rustic, but per-fect: thestonefireplacesarehugeyet freeofmessyash,woodenfloorsgleam,andnocobwebs dangle from the impossibly highwood-beamed ceilings. Plush furnishingsset throughout the lobby are comfortableandinviting,evenforkids,manyofwhomcurlupandquietlyplayvideogameswhiletheirparentssipwineorcoffee.Outside,athicketofpinescarpetedinsoftpinestrawopensonto agrassymeadow that leads tothelake.Treesstruckbylightninghavebeen
The main hotel has 251 freshly re-furbished rooms, but there are also sixtwo-and-three bedroom golf cottages thatcome,intrueRitz-Carltonstyle,withtheirown barbecue butlers, who can whip upjust about anything your heart desires onthegrill. Whenwearrivedat themarina,Segway Dave explained that Ritz Carl-ton guests can also charter pontoon boatsequipped with chefs who can whip up afive-stargourmetpicnicinasecludedcove.Dogs, who are welcome in the resort, cancruisealong,too.
In addition to the Segway tours andboatcharters,TheRitz-Carltonoffersmoretraditional pursuits as well. The second-largest lake in Georgia, Lake Oconee is awaterywonderland,andtheresorttakesfulladvantage,offeringfishingforbass,bream,catfishandcrappy–withaguideorwith-out – kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding,
knee and wakeboarding, jet-skiing, waterskiingandcanoeing.There’sasandybeachforswimmers.
Beyond the lake, there’s biking alongthesametrailswecoveredviaSegway,ten-nis, indoor and outdoor pools, horsebackriding,skeetshooting,afitnesscenterandawhopping117holesofgolf.Unlessitrains,eachnightendswiths’moresaroundthefirepit(tipfromabarbecuebutler:fortheulti-mates’more,swapoutthetraditionalHer-sheybarwithaReese’sPeanutButterCup).Thissummer,Sundaynightconcertsarebe-ingfollowedbyfireworks;theresortisalsoofferinganumberofpackagesthatincludewater sports rentals, golf, boating and spatreatments featuring summery ingredientsliketea,watermelonandlime.Duringthewinter,theemerald-greencourtyardoutsidethe lobby thathostedCarrieUnderwood’sweddingistransformedintoanice-skatingrink.
Those 117 holes of golf are a hugedraw. Within Reynolds Plantation thereare six rock star-designed champion-ship golf courses ( Jack Nicklaus, TomFazio, Rees Jones), five of which are opento hotel guests. The courses have drawnhonors from Golf Digest, GolfWorld andGolfWeek magazines for their impressiveelevations, dramatic topography andgreensettings.UnderthewatchfuleyesoforiginalcoursearchitectBobCuppandformerAu-gustaNational superintendentBillyFuller,Reynolds’first course,TheLanding, isun-dergoing a renovation that includes hole
redesign,newbunkering, the expansionofteeboxesandanewsetofforwardtees,aswellasworkonthecartpathsandbuildings.Moreover,muchofCupp’soriginalatmos-phereisbeingrecapturedwiththeplantingofperipheralornamentalgrassesthatevokea links feel while adding shape and chal-lengestomanyholes.
WecouldhaveeasilydrivenoutofTheRitz-Carlton Lodge for meals – there areseveralclustersofshopsandrestaurantstenminutes outside the gates – but it didn’tseem to make sense when there were somany options within the resort. Besidesthose caramel creams, the Club Loungeoffered a Breakfast of Champions everymorning that ran the gamut from healthy(fruit,cereal,homemadeyogurtincuteglasspots) to decadent (sticky buns, eggs Ben-edict)andeverythinginbetween,includingsparkly mimosas. Even better, everythingwasstillfreshandhotwhenslackerslikeusshowedupatthecrackofteninsearchofbacon.
Lunch offerings were soup, salad,sandwichesandsomethinghot;weusuallypoppedinforacocktailandanibblebeforedinner.Lotsofhigh-endresortshavestea-khousesandTheRitz-CarltonLodgeisnodifferent:LingerLongerSteakhouseiscar-nivorebliss.Forus,though,itwasthede-tailsthatmadeitspecial.Wewerethrilledtodiscoverseveralwell-pricedwinesonthelist,andwhenBillandIsplitasteakatthebaronenight,thebartendernevermadeusfeellikecheapskates.Infact,hedidtheop-
posite,bringinguseachseparatesidedisheswhenweshouldhavehadtosharejustone.There’s also contemporary Southern fa-voritesatGeorgia’sBistro,whichreopenedin April after a complete re-do. The chefhasworkedhardtosourceingredientsfromlocalvendors,andwecouldtasteit.Saladswere composed of greens too delicate andsweet to make a journey of more than acouple of miles and moonshine cocktailswereablasttotry.AtGaby’sbytheLake,whichservesinnovative,upscalebarfood–think lobster grilled cheese and barbecuenachos–withviewsof thewater, youcancome straight from thepoolorbeach.Nomatterwhereweate,though,thebestpartwasthevibe.LocalresidentshavemadeTheRitz-CarltonLodgeagatheringspot.Asguests,welovedthefunandfestiveenergytheybroughttotherestaurants,jokingwithstaff,visitingwitheachotherandchattingwithvisitors.
Andthenwehadtoleave. Thequickdrive back to Columbia – less than threehours–madeiteveneasiertopromisethatwe’dbebacksoon.