Have you ever wondered why so many homes around the Lowcountry paint their porch ceilings “haint blue”? What is the history behind this unique color?
The term haint (pronounced “haynt”) stems from Gullah Geechee culture and is a variation of the word haunt, meaning ghost or supernatural being. The color was believed to trap evil spirits that escaped from humans at night by tricking them into thinking they had encountered water or the sky. Spirits were unable to cross water, and the sky was believed to pull them farther away from their victims.
The porch ceiling below is Rainwashed by Sherwin Williams. Although shades of “haint blue” can vary, look up as you walk around and notice all the different hues of “haint blue”.
We are lucky to live in Charleston! We feel secure in our home’s equity as our town continues to explode in popularity. We remember when Snee Farm was the boonies, when you had to drive through Sullivan’s Island to get to the Isle of Palms, and when people went hunting on James Island. Charleston has changed so much, so quickly. Some of us locals grimace at the change and cringe at the traffic. We aren’t crazy about the fact that everyone wants to live here. Yet all the people who have moved here have enriched our community. To others, what we consider traffic is nothing compared to where they came from. Living here, we’ve learned that growth and change are inevitable.
What will 2026 bring? REALTOR® Chip Davis is here to shed some light on the year to come. Home values are predicted to continue to rise. Even with interest rates suppressing the market, we saw home prices increase by 4% in 2025 compared to 2024. The National Association of Realtors has just named Charleston one of the top 10 home-buying hot spots in the country for 2026. Home sales are expected to rise, and mortgage rates are expected to decline. Trends in our local market matter more than national headlines. We expect a larger price increase this year. Charleston will continue to expand geographically, with hot home markets seeing new construction in areas like Hollywood and Meggett, which we discussed last time. As interest rates improve, home sales will as well. We truly are lucky to live in such a prosperous community.
If you would like a quick, no-pressure update on your neighborhood or price range, just reach out, I’m happy to help. Chip Davis our preferred REALTOR® from Matt O’Neill Real Estate. Call/text him at 843-926-7710 or email cdavis@mattoneillteam.com.
Running into the Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day is tradition! It’s freezing and fun! Start off your new year being BOLD. Information on the two big plunges is below.
1.) Folly Beach – The 2026 Bill Murray Polar Plunge
(1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439 – On the Beach in from of Tides Hotel)
Dress up as your favorite Bill Murray character and “freeze your bills off”! The plunge into the ocean takes place at noon. However, the fun starts with the costume contest at 11:00am. If you’d like to sign up for the costume contest click here. ($5.00) Otherwise, just park and come down to the beach by noon to run into the ocean with your like-minded crazy new year’s people. There is a ton of excitement and hype to start off 2026!
2.) Sullivan’s Island – The 2026 Dunleavy’s Pub Polar Plunge
(Dunleavy’s Pub – 2213 Middle Street #B, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482)
Take a plunge to raise money for Special Olympics South Carolina. Dunleavy’s Pub opens at 9:00 a.m. with food and drinks, followed by a walk to the beach at 1:30 p.m. Make sure to register through the Fundraising Link on the page linked here.
We’ll kick things off with family-friendly New Year’s Eve events.
This first one is free!
1.) Folly Beach Flip-Flop Drop:
(Center Street, Folly Beach)
Fireworks start at 9:00PM. Fireworks can be viewed from the beach or Center Street. At 10:00PM Center Street will close and the sparkly flip-flops will drop at midnight!
Lights, Celebrations, and music “all before bedtime”! Drinks will be available for purchase. Buy your tickets here. (13+ $39.99, 3-12 years old $34.95, 2 and under free)
3.) NYE Glow Party:
(Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes, Osprey Ballroom at the Sweetgrass Inn)
This one is considered kid friendly, but it does start at 9:00PM. The tickets for those under 21 are a reduced price and kids 3 and younger are free. This glow party will have a DJ, drinks, and food. It will be 9:00PM – 12:30AM. For tickets click here. (21+ = $106.35, 4-20 years old $31.25, 3 and under free)
Next up, we’re diving into 21+ New Year’s Eve celebrations.
1. NYE Dinner Cruise:
(Aquarium Wharf downtown Charleston)
The dinner cruise will board at 6:30PM and cruise around from 7:00PM through 10:00PM. There will be live music and of course dinner! Click here for tickets, the menu, and more information. ($119.00)
2. NYE House Party at Holy City Brewing:
(1021 Aragon Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405)
If laid back is more your NYE style this may be your thing. Bring in the new year with an oyster roast, a DJ, and beer. Doors open at 7:30PM and show starts at 8:30PM. Click here for tickets. ($27.50)
A PARTY at the Festival Hall downtown. There will be live music, DJs, a ball drop, and additional performances. Tickets are all inclusive with drinks and hors d’oeuvres included. The party will be from 8:30PM until 1:00AM
(Building 64, 2301 Noisette Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29405)
Speakeasy decor, dueling pianos, dancers and acrobats. You can purchase basic tickets or for more VIP all-inclusive tickets. Ticket prices will increase with time. Click here for tickets. (From $54.36)
Could this location be Charleston next best-kept secret? It certainly feels like it might be! Today’s post is written in collaboration with our preferred REALTOR® Chip Davis from Matt O’Neill Real Estate.
We’re also including Yonges Island in this spotlight since it shares the same zip code (29449). In fact, Meggett, Hollywood, and Yonges Island are often mentioned interchangeably because they are adjacent and all within 29449.
Stacker recently released a list of the places in South Carolina with the fastest-growing home prices – and Meggett made the cut. The town has seen a 66.4% increase in prices over the last five years! Take a look at the map below to get a sense of Meggett’s geographic appeal.
If we were to drive down Highway 17 through Charleston, you’ll find Awendaw on one end – just outside of Mt. Pleasant – where prices have risen significantly. On the other end of Highway 17, you’ll find Meggett/Hollywood/Yonges Island. Keep in mind that this area sits just outside of Charleston and still runs along the coastline. That means water access and the highly sought-after coastal lifestyle, all just outside of West Ashley only about 40 minutes from downtown. You’re also not too far from the beach. The closest being Edisto (about 35 minutes) and Folly Beach (about 45 minutes).
Since this region is coastal, you’ll find several public spots offering water access and we’ll cover those below.
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Toogoodoo Boat Landing:
Charleston County Parks and Recreation maintain the Toogoodoo Boat Landing which is on the Toogoodoo River. (4524 Parishville Rd Hollywood, SC 29449)
Dawhoo Boat Landing:
Dawhoo Boat Landing is also maintained by Charleston County Parks & Recreation. Dawhoo is on the Intracoastal Waterway/Dawhoo River. If you search on maps it will likely come up as being on Edisto; however, Charleston County Park list the address as 3689 Hwy 174 Hollywood, SC 29449.
Willtown Bluff Landing:
(9398 Willtown Rd Hollywood, SC 29449) This boat landing is appropriate for launching kayaks and canoes.
Another great feature of this area is its abundance of public parks. Some offer wooded trails for peaceful walks, while others include docks for fishing & crabbing. Beyond water access, these parks provide ideal spaces for walking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Dungannon Plantation Heritage Preserve:
(Hollywood, off of 162) This area totals over 600 acres of land right off of Highway 162 in Hollywood. Basically right on your way to this area from West Ashley. This park has trails through the woods and swamps. There is a viewing dock that overlooks swampland. This area is an “Important Bird Area in SC” and protects one of the top nesting colonies of the federally-endangered wood stork.
Meggett County Park:
(7247 Ethel Post Office Road, Meggett, SC 29449) We love this park and often frequent it’s walking trails that are wide, well maintained trails through the woods. The trails meander through the woods and by the water too with some beautiful views. This park is 475 acres.
Roxbury Park:
(4480 Highway 174, Meggett, SC 29449) This park is managed by the Town of Meggett. This park is 38 acres and runs along the Toogoodoo Creek. This park is open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily. You can watch a video of the park linked here.
The town of Meggett owns this park too. It totals 125 acres off of Highway 162. There are two entrances, one near the Hollywood Library or off of Church Flats Road. You may walk or bike these trails. It is open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
(4708 Gibson Road, Meggett, SC 29449) The newest addition to the list. Manged by the Town of Meggett. This is a 161 acre park on Ellis Creek. There are walking trails and you may picnic here. You may also fish and crab off of the dock at the park. Park hours are 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM March through October and 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM November through February.
Grocery Stores:
It might not be the first thing you think about, but eventually everyone wonders about nearby grocery options. Hollywood has a Piggly Wiggly, and there’s a Food Lion off of Highway 17 in Ravenel. You’ll also find a Publix about 18 minutes away at West Ashley Place. Off Bees Ferry Road in West Ashley, about a 20-minute drive, there is a Harris Teeter and a Lowes Foods as well.
Restaurants:
If you head toward Edisto, you’ll find some of the best seafood spots in the Lowcountry, but there are great closer options too. One of our current favorites is Easton Barbecue Co. in Hollywood. There is also a cozy Italian spot, Pan E Vino, personally we like this spot for apps and wine for the wine lovers. Our go-to for Chinese is New Dragon, and Pizza A Modo Mio and Cafe is another solid option. Honestly, many people get home to their peaceful retreat out here and say they don’t want to leave the quiet serenity this area offers!
We love this area because, to us, it feels like “old Charleston”. The way Charleston used to be before it was discovered, grew, and traffic increased. It’s more rural, more relaxed, and has the slower-paced Lowcountry charm. The only drawback is the drive if you need to be downtown. That said, many people make the drive daily because living here is worth it to live here. Being just outside West Ashley, it’s roughly 40 minutes to downtown Charleston, and many actually prefer the drive down Highway 17 over the bustle of I-26. Plus, for those who love staying close to the water, this area offers plenty of parks, boat landings, and outdoor spaces to enjoy.
If you’re interested in checking out what this area has to offer or have any real estate questions – reach out to Chip Davis, our preferred REALTOR® from Matt O’Neill Real Estate. Call/text him at 843-926-7710 or email cdavis@mattoneillteam.com.
There are a ton of holiday events in Charleston! More and more seem to be added every year. We are going to focus on our favorites and most of them are Free. We’ve also added a new event to our list this year.
All free events are marked with an asterisk (*).
In no particular order:
1.) * Walk around downtown, specifically King Street.
If you’re staying downtown, great! If not, one of the most centrally located parking garages is the St. Phillip’s Street Parking Garage on the corner of St. Phillip’s Street & George Street (32 St. Phillip’s Street). In fact, you can get two hours of free parking on the City of Charleston from November 26 – December 31 with the parking pass found on the page linked here. Directions for use are on the pass.
2.) * While you’re walking around stop by Hotel Bennett (404 King Street).
They have a large real gingerbread house which is worth the visit. You can purchase hot chocolate and a cookie from the gingerbread house. They have other events linked here.
3.) * Walk through Marion Square.
Adjacent to Hotel Bennett, Marion Square offers beautiful Christmas lights. You’ll also find the Holiday Market here on December 6, 7, 12, 14, & 30, 2025 Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
4.) * Visit St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.
Across King Street from Hotel Bennett, this is a sentimental stop. They provide little ribbons to tie onto their fence to pray for prayer intentions.
5.) * Walk down to the Charleston Place Hotel / The Shops at The Charleston Place (130 Market Street).
There is also an entrance from King Street. Typically they have “snow” around the Christmas Tree at the Market Street Entrance, but this year (2025), due to construction, it’s only available hotel guests. The lobby is still fully decorated, including a gian train display. Their event information is linked here.
6.) * Free Pictures With Santa at the Best Friend Train Museum!
Just book your free reservation time here. Participants are encourage to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. We’re did this for the first time this year and highly recommend! The photos with The Charleston Santa are taken by a professional photographer who takes fantastic photos! You’ll walk over to the Visitor’s Center to pickup your free photo. The Visitor’s Center is also decked out for Christmas. You may also order additional photos or purchase the downloads from the photographer the day after the pictures are taken.
7.) * Take a morning walk downtown.
You can park for free in city lots until 9:00 AM. Head out before the crowds and enjoy the beautifully decorated homes. Walking South of Broad down Church Street is a must. There are many decorated homes along Meeting Street and East Bay Street as well. Don’t miss 17 E Battery Street – they go ALL OUT every year!
8.) * Enjoy a Christmas parade around town!
Downtown Charleston Parade:
Sunday, December 7th at 3pm.
The parade will go from Broad Street at Rutledge, travel North on Meeting Street, and conclude on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. A tree lighting at Marion Square follows.
The Folly Beach Christmas Parade:
Saturday, December 13th at 12pm down Center Street.
Road closures will finalize at 11:30am.
Mt. Pleasant Christmas Parade:
Sunday, December 14th from 5:30pm – 8:00pm down Coleman Blvd.
9.) *Cougar Night Lights (The Cistern Yard, 66 George Street)
The night lights begin Tuesday, December 2nd. The musical light show is free and open to the public. The lights sync to the music every half hour between 5:30 – 9:00 PM through January 1st. This is right by the St. Phillip’s Street Parking Garage (32 St. Phillip’s Street) mentioned in #1. Stop by before or after another downtown activiting. Possibly after walking around downtown in afternoon. Take a slow walk through, sit on a bench or bring a blanket and relax.
From December 4 – December 22nd Hutson Alley will have daily snowfall at 5:00PM and 7:00PM. Complementary hot chocolate will be served too. Holiday vendors will also be there on Thursday through Sunday from 5:00PM – 8:00PM.
11.) Aquarium A Glow
The South Carolina Aquarium goes all out for the holiday season. The aquarium is light up, and Santa dives into the Great Ocean Tank. Click here to purchase tickets.
12.) Holiday Festival of Lights
This classic event has been around for 36 years. It’s located at the James Island County Park (871 Riverland Drive Charleston, SC 29412). Drive through the Festival of Lights and make sure to stop at Santa’s Village. This runs nightly from 5:30 – 10:00 PM, November 14 – December 31. For an additional cost, you can ride the train, take pictures with Santa, ride the carousel, roast marshmallows, or climb the climbing wall. You could also just walk around and see the sites. It is free if you have a Charleston County Park Gold Pass; otherwise, admission is charged per car. More information can be found here.
13.) See a holiday performance at a beautiful theater downtown.
The Dock Street Theater
135 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
Small, intimate, historical, and beautiful. A Christmas Carol is showing there November 29 – December 21. Ticket information linked here.
The Gaillard Center
95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Another beautiful theater downtown. Their event information is linked here.
Charleston Music Hall
Located at 37 John St, Charleston, SC 29403
Renovated not too long ago and located in a lovely area downtown off of King Street. They are showing the Nutcracker on December 1, 2, & 3, followed by the Holiday Swing on December 6th and The Charleston Christmas Special December 12 – 21. Ticket information can be found here.
We’ve lived in Charleston 41 years and want to show you around in our style. We started our journey here in an area called South of Broad in downtown Charleston, which is beautiful, but we’ve raised our kiddo just outside of the peninsula in a neighborhood with strong community vibes.
We prefer more hidden spots away from the crowd, getting into the crowd only if it is worth it. We can do fancy, but prefer the laid back Lowcountry life style. From childhood to adulthood we’ve spent much time in Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, West Ashley, James Island, Folly Beach, and Kiawah/Seabrook Island too.
Here we want to show you the hidden gems, our personal highlights, neighborhood highlights, and the things that make Charleston tick. We’re so happy that you are here! Thank you for being part of this new adventure!
Navigate Charleston 