Author: vipmagsc

story by Zach Hughes

    Within our state, there is no shortage of incredible places to visit. There is however one place that I consider the top of the list and an absolute must, and that would be Charleston, South Carolina.

    When you visit a place like Charleston, it is hard not to fall in love with its elegant historic charm. Like many of you, growing up with Charleston in your backyard, it will always feel like an extension of home. A quick day trip or a weekend stay always does the trick. It doesn’t matter how many times you have been, or if you have even lived there, Charleston will always entice you back to its cobblestone streets.

    I remember as a child going on many day trips there with my family. Even though I was young, I can still remember how magical it felt. The moment my parents would tell us we were headed to Charleston, I would get as excited as a dog that heard the word walk.

    Charleston is brimmed with mesmerizing sights and must-sees, and each of its historic places could easily fill up a few spots on our list of must-see places in South Carolina. Places such as Rainbow Row, or Fort Sumter will always be on the list. However, what I do want to highlight is what I would consider the most iconic, and memorable part of Charlestown – The Charleston Battery.

    Every time I step foot onto the East Battery and feel the breeze lift off of the Charleston Harbor, I can almost feel time stand still. As you walk along the shale, you find yourself walking between immaculate historic homes, and the edge of a Sea Wall; all the while, the road is lined with beautifully manicured Palmetto trees. The antebellum homes that overlook the harbor are magnificent in their stature and regal in their elegance. One could only dream of owning a home of such grandeur. Something only reserved for the social elite. Nonetheless, being in the mere presence of these homes, you feel slightly aristocratic.

    As you near the corner of The Battery, you will find a beautiful park filled with breathtaking moss-draped oak trees and civil war monuments. Some consider this park a part of the battery, but it is formally known as White Point Garden. This park to me serves as the perfect kind of place to have a picnic, read a book, or hang around in your hammock. Not to mention, you can see even more of the breathtaking homes that line South Battery through the trees.

   Make sure to take a moment and stand still, and look out over the Charleston Harbor. On any given sunny day you may find dozens, or even hundreds of sailboats wrestling with the wind to make their way across the sometimes choppy water. Both Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie are visible from the battery as well.

    If you want to make the best out of your trip and are someone who loves history, it is well worth the time to take a ride in one of the cities horse-drawn carriage tours. The tour guide will be able to tell you more about the history of the city than I could ever begin to. You will learn intriguing facts about the historic buildings and homes that make Charleston so important.

   Charleston is the kind of place that goes with you whenever you leave, and it calls you back when the weather gets warm. So this spring, as the weather begins to warm up, make sure to take a day trip down and visit Charleston. You’re sure to find something new to discover each time you visit the Holy City.

 

Zach Hughes resides in Florence with his wife Alexis and their newborn son Christopher. Zach is a local entrepreneur and has spent most of his time working around the automotive industry. In his spare time, Zach enjoys discovering South Carolina and dabbling in journalism.

story by Zach Hughes

    There came a time in which men began to discover that the constant progress of civilization and industry would soon consume the last remaining pieces of natural untouched wilderness. Without the protection of those that saw these lands as something worth saving, many of the natural wonders we get to enjoy today could have very well been destroyed.   

    South Carolina is no stranger to this dilemma, having been home to a local save-the-trees movement. Thanks to their efforts, an area of ancient hardwood trees next to the Congaree River was put under national protection. It could have very easily been logged like millions of other acres of land in the US.   

    Congaree National Park is one of the last remaining and the largest sections of old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the United States. Even though by most it is considered a swamp, it is more or less known as a floodplain of the Congaree River. The sprawling 26,276 acres is home to many National Record Height trees. At one point the Congaree National Park was considered the “Redwoods of the East”.

    As soon as you walk past the Visitors Center, you will find yourself on a boardwalk that descends into the canopy. You immediately encounter a variety of magnificent trees. When you take in their sheer magnitude, you will feel small in the grand scheme of time. It is hard to overlook the fact that you are in the presence of an ancient forest. Take this time to leisurely walk along the boardwalk and immerse yourself in the serene landscape.   

    If you stay straight at the first junction, the trail after that will transform into a wetland boardwalk with no railings. At this point, you are up close to the enormous Cypress trees and wetland floor. This is probably my favorite point within the park because of how close it takes you to the true nature of Congaree.

   Due to the biodiversity of Congaree, each season creates drastic changes to the feel and appearance of the entire ecosystem. In my opinion, the changes are the most evident along this wetland boardwalk. The ecosystem can transform into a flooded wetland or a soggy green scape filled with plants. This diversity is all the more reason to want to visit during different times of the year. Your experience will be filled with surprises each time.   

    If you decide to venture past the boardwalk and onto the river trail, make sure to wear a pair of boots you aren’t afraid to get muddy. I will mention, it is very important to stay on the designated trail. The area past the boardwalk is considered true backcountry and should be explored with caution. Fortunately, the trail has very frequent and hard to miss trail markers. The further you trek into the backcountry, the landscape will begin to transform into different types of foliage and many unique trees. You will encounter a bridge that passes over a small creek, but you are not quite at your destination. The biggest reason for wanting to take the river trail is that it will take you to the riverbanks of the Congaree.   

    As you near the river, you will notice that the atmosphere around you transforms from stagnant and unmoving to a crisp refreshing breeze. You know you are getting close at this point, even though you cannot see it. As you press on further through the trees you will be able to see the broad and fast-moving Congaree River. The vastness of the river in its untouched state will leave you speechless, and the refreshing breeze replenishes you with air you didn’t know you needed. The natural riverbank is like no other you have seen, being that it has in no way been modified to appease people. It is just the way that nature created it to be. No grassy areas to picnic on or park benches to rest. The edge of the river slopes into a drop off that has been carved away over the years. Make sure to spend some time along its edges before you make your way back to the boardwalk.   

    Now, this is the furthest I have made it into the park, but there are so many areas to explore, and many are inaccessible by ordinary means. One of the best ways to discover Congaree is by kayak or canoe.    

    If you are lucky enough to explore Congaree by way of paddling, you will get an even more up close and personal experience with the wetlands. Water blanketed by trees and leaves that curve through the untouched wilderness; you get a real glimpse into what it may have been like to be an ancient Native American tribe paddling through the wilderness.   

   Considered one of the most biodiverse areas known in the country, it is constantly transforming and changing with its surroundings. It is very much alive as it breathes in life from the surrounding area. Unlike many other National Parks, Congaree is still interwoven with the surrounding biosphere. Making It one of the most unique and ever-changing ecosystems.  It is with great appreciation that the heart of South Carolina is home to such a thriving a diverse wilderness, and I’m very thankful for those that saw it worth saving.   

 

 

 

 

 

Zach Hughes resides in Florence with his wife Alexis and their son. Zach has built his career around the car industry, having owned his own shop, and now working at the local automotive auction Manheim Darlington. In his spare time, Zach enjoys discovering South Carolina and dabbling in journalism.”

 

 

 

 

    For three weeks before the second semester begins, students at The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) participate in a “mini-mester”, or January Interim, where they focus on one elective course. Interim classes are a great way for students to ease into the new year, and the wide variety of course offerings allows students to tap into undiscovered talents and explore new hobbies. Several courses include travel, nationally or internationally, and field experiences. In years past, groups have visited places like Silicon Valley, Peru, South America, and the Galapagos Islands. The entire student body has the choice of the class and signs up the summer before school starts.   

    Course topics are diverse and include science, technology, art, music, and drama. Interim courses are taught by members of the GSSM faculty, along with visiting professors from South Carolina colleges and universities.

 

“I think that traveling is an important experience for young people because its how they can learn about the world from their own perspective instead of other people’s stories and accounts. I think you gain respect for other cultures as well.”  -Thandikwe Nixon, Charleston, SC

 

“My favorite part of my trip, by far, was visiting the Paracas Natural Reserve. I have never been to a desert before, and it was more beautiful than I could have imagined. The landscape was absolutely captivating, and I could see for miles. The colors were also amazing, the shades of the dunes ranged from the typical tan to burgundy. It was such a unique place, with a dessert that leads right up to the ocean. The cliffs that stood high over the rolling water provided a juxtaposition that was simply breathtaking. I am so thankful that I was able to visit this hidden gem.” – Hollis Smith, Clover, SC

 

“Travel is such an incredible opportunity and privilege for young people and I would like to point out that there are several educational foundations that support giving these opportunities to students who couldn’t otherwise afford it. First, the GSSM Foundation supports our students taking trips; second, EF Tours Foundation has supported students being able to travel for decades and even organizes at-trip costs for schools to travel as cheaply as possible. Third, there is a charity called FLYTE that supports entire groups of children from project areas to travel abroad. The reason I mention these foundations is that they recognize that travel can broaden a student’s mind and contribute to their educational journey in a way no other experience can, giving them a priceless opportunity they will remember for years to come. All of these charitable efforts were originated by people who had life-changing travel experiences themselves, showing you just how important travel is to education.” – William Hobbs, Lexington, SC

 

 

story by Bryan Holt

    When you’re walking into a store like Micky Finn’s to purchase a bottle of wine, it can be a little overwhelming. There are times when I want to personally pull my hair out and scream with all the wine selections that are out there; I’m partially responsible for this madness. With wines ranging in price from $2.99 to over $200.00, it can be daunting to figure out what you’d like to drink for the evening. Many people have the assumption that you have to pay more (twenty-five dollars or higher) for a decent bottle of wine – that only the great Cabernets start at fifty dollars or higher. Sometimes they are right but a lot of times they are missing the boat with awesome wines in the $10.99-$15.99 price range.

    I became a wine buyer back in 2005. This was the height of the Australian wine boom, Yellow Tail and Lindeman’s were producing wines that retailed for under $5.00 and Fred Franzia (California) came up with the infamous Two Buck Chuck wines. So back then you either had good wines with a retail higher than $25.00 or “eh” wines with a price under $6. In that same timeframe, a lot of wineries and vineyards were noticing one thing. Do we want to sell one bottle at $45 or three bottles at the same retail? Domestically speaking one of the first wineries, that I can remember, to address this question was Duckhorn Vineyards.

    Duckhorn Vineyards was founded in 1976 in Napa Valley, California with their first case production coming out in 1978. Duckhorn quickly became one of the Valley’s premier wineries and received both a domestic and international following. Depending on which grape varietal you purchase (Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot or Pinot Noir) and which vineyard site the juice comes from (St Helena, Howell Mt or Stag’s Leap) you can expect that price to start at roughly thirty dollars and going to eighty or higher. Then the epiphany came around 2005.

    Decoy was first made in 1985 as a Napa Valley red blend. Its grapes came from St Helena and were consistently produced as a Napa Valley wine for the next few decades. With the introduction of a new label in 2005 and the price being in the mid to high twenties, Decoy was beginning to gain momentum in the wine industry. Seeing this growth, and placing a lot of the credit to the growth with its competitive retail price, Decoy became more than just a second label for Duckhorn and in 2008 became its own focused winery with an expanded wine portfolio; including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Sonoma County. All of our Decoy wines are competitively priced at $17.99.

    So all of this boring history and rambling comes down to one simple statement: “Please don’t base your opinion of a wine with the retail you see.” I guarantee that you can come into our stores and find a wine priced at $12.99 that drinks like a $20 bottle. In fact, there are so many wines to choose from in this range, hundreds actually. The market has sustained these prices efficiently, crashes and recessions haven’t affected them at all. In fact, the only thing that may affect these wines and the supply of them in the market is the growth of Cannabis farms in California. A lot of wine and beverage companies are actually pulling up grapes in California to meet the demand for legalized Cannabis. Currently, Constellation Brands is discontinuing the production of Cooks Champagne, Clos du Bois, and Mark West in favor of Cannabis production.

    There are several wineries that do the same as Duckhorn, I just personally like Decoy and chose them as an example. Stretching from California to France, Italy, and Spain to Australia hundreds of wineries have second and third labels to get to the mid-tier prices for the everyday consumer.

 

 

 

Bryan Holt and Gonzalo Guzman, head winemaker at Vina El Principal on a summer trip to Chile.

 

 

 

 

 

550 Pamplico Hwy • Florence • 843.413.1183

194 S Cashua Dr • Florence • 843.317.9463

 

    The American Shad is a species of anadromous herring-like fish that can be found running up the Great Pee Dee River and Lynches River. It’s historically consumed by locals along the Atlantic coast. Like salmon, shad are born in freshwater, spend their life in saltwater, then travel back to freshwater to spawn. Fisherman look forward each spring to the shad run, the opportunity to catch a hen fish (female) and cook up the shad’s true delicacy – the shad roe.

    On March 23rd, Friends of the Revolutionary Rivers (FORevR), a group formed to protect and promote the SC Revolutionary Rivers National Recreation Trail located within the Pee Dee region, will host a limited number of people for the first annual Pee Dee Shad Roe-Deo at Venters Landing in Johnsonville. Local historians will educate attendees on the importance of shad dating back to when Native Americans roamed the area, to when Francis Marion took refuge in the swamps during the Revolutionary War, up until present time.

    Ben Ziegler, attorney and shad enthusiast, is excited to celebrate the indigenous dish, one that his family considered a traditional meal. “When I was a kid, my mother would serve shad roe on Sunday evenings,” said Ben. “Shad was fun to catch using a bow net and was my favorite thing to eat!” In addition to Ben, Dr. David Shields, food historian of the University of South Carolina, will be in attendance to give lively history lessons alongside Lynches River.

    Pickled, baked, fried or roasted, chefs at the event will give cooking demonstrations for fresh shad and roe caught by local commercial fishermen. As guests enjoy a shad and/or roe meal, live music by Hercules Farm will fill the air. Local Motive, a Florence brewery, brewed a special run that is specific to shad.

 

 

    The Shad Roe-Deo will begin at 2 pm and the cost is $75 per person. All proceeds benefit FORevR’s efforts to build platform campsites along Lynches River. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call 843-664-0330.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All proceeds benefit Friends of the Revolutionary Rivers to build platform campsites along the SC Revolutionary Rivers National Recreation Trail on Lynches River. (Platform from Tar-Pamlico River Trail in NC.)