Summerville's Final Third Thursday Topped Off A Successful Year With One Farewell Party

Shopping crowds at Piazza

I had a busy day. The afternoon past by quickly. It was now the hour of five. The final Third Thursday of 2012 was beginning. I drove past Hutchinson Square with one more appointment to fulfill. From appearances, the evening started out with a decent size crowd milling around the streets of downtown Summerville, but rain was in the forecast and it didn't fail to materialize.

By the time I arrived back in Summerville, the raindrops were lightly descending at a steady rate. I would soon regrettably discover the 100% Moreno wool, argyle sweater I was wearing didn't take to rain very well, which became more apparent as the evening progressed. I made a quick stop at Downtown Crossing on Short Central. Sarah was serving up punch and snacks. "We had to abandon our table outside because of the rain," Jewel informed me. Many of the businesses had parties planned and were offering huge discounts.

Sarah serving a young customer

Jewel and a friend

Bill and friends

With the anticipated rain, the Summers were prepared for such an eventuality. Bill erected a canopy over a portion of the front courtyard outside of the shop's entrance to keep their patrons dry while sharing a draft beer supplied by Madra Rua. Providing refreshments for the shopping crowd had been a long time Third Thursday tradition for Aura Lee's, along with Chelsea providing the musical entertainment. This particular night would be bittersweet. It would sadly be the last Third Thursday for Aura Lee's Jewelry, Handbags and Accessories. The little shop with a huge following would be opening its doors for the last time. The ensuing rain cancelled the music but did very little in dampening the enthusiasm of friends stopping by to share in the celebration of a successful venture and others taking advantage of the 50% off sale. I drank a beer and shared a few laughs under the canopy. The festive, blue sign will be missed in the coming year.

Accent on Wine

By now, festivities were winding down and most of the remaining crowd had retreated to the indoors-O'lacy's Pub, Montreux, and Accent on Wine the benefactors. The Fezziwig Party was beginning at Art and Soul. I stopped in to get some quick pictures and catch some of the storytelling of Tim Lowry.

I ventured back out into the rain with one more stop to go. My cranberry, argyle sweater now smelled like a wet puppy. I headed over to Coastal Coffee Roasters in my truck to close out the evening. It was a good choice. Danny Trump, owner of Amazing Cheesecakes, treated me to a candy cane-mint cheesecake, which I took home and ate while watching the holiday reruns on AMC and FX.

Coastal Coffee Roasters open mic night

The final Third Thursday of 2012 was in the books. It was a satisfying conclusion to a successful year for the locally owned businesses of Summerville, and thanks to Summerville DREAM, the Third Thursday event had played an integral part. 2013 will welcome two new businesses to Summerville-Carolina Cottage Consignments opening in January and Homegrown Brew House in February. It has been a privilege meeting many of the local business owners through the course of the year and I look forward to our continued collaboration to make Summerville a great community to live in and to visit. Hope the end of 2012 leaves you and yours happy and prosperous while looking eagerly to next year and continued growth.

Coastal Coffee Roasters Shared Samples of The Most Expensive Coffee In The World-The Place For Great Coffee And Entertainment

As you read this article, it is quite possible you may be sipping on a cup coffee, one of the most consumed beverages anywhere. Across the world, within the forests of Southeast Asia, lives a grayish, shaggy haired animal whose face reminds you of a raccoon but bears a nickname containing the word cat. Apparently this 19-inch long creature savors the sap of the palm flower, which when fermented becomes toddy, a sweet liquor. Similar to the way maple syrup is collected back in my home state of Ohio, buckets are attached to the palm trees to collect its sap. This opportunistic, masked bandit is often seen freely profiting from this harvesting practice. Therefore, because of this it is sometimes called a toddy cat.

This toddy cat is a member of the viverridae family of mammals and for most of the daytime hours stays hidden in the top of coconut trees. Thus, its fitting common name is the palm civet. Its chosen cuisine makes it invaluable to its ecosystem. It feeds on berries and pulpy fruits. Then disperses the digested seeds throughout the tropical forest in its droppings, assisting in the germination and regrowth of the forest trees.

Now, what is the connection between the fact you may be drinking coffee and the Asian palm civet. The palm civet also feeds on coffee berries for their fleshy pulp. The coffee berries pass through its digestive tract where it goes through a few chemical processes involving enzymes and amino acids. Then, the beans are defecated with their shape still intact and collected by humans for cleaning and roasting. It is highly unlikely you are drinking coffee made from these intestinally manipulated coffee beans. This highly naturalized coffee is called Kopi Luwak and costs about $100 dollars a cup. I first heard of this coffee while watching the movie "The Bucket List." Jack Nicholson's character, a wealthy entrepreneur, drank the coffee on a regular basis totally unaware it was made from cat scoop poop. Morgan Freeman, a knowledgeable stranger that became his friend, derived immense pleasure in telling him the truth about his cherished coffee.

Coastal Coffee Roasters in Summerville treated friends and patrons with the opportunity to taste this unusual coffee Saturday, December 1st. Unfortunately, I was unable to be there as a first hand observer and taster because I am still recovering from my car accident, but I was filled in by a friend on the details and judging by the humorous comments left on Coastal Coffee Roasters Facebook page, everyone enjoyed the experience. Dave Keller, otherwise known as Busker, was on hand for the fun. Dave is somewhat of a fixture at CCR.

Dave Keller and friends perform their musical magic on Friday nights at 7:30 pm. Dave's life story is an interesting one. When asked where the name Busker came from, Dave happily relates the story behind the name. He said, "While traveling around Salisbury, England, I saw a sign that said 'no busking.' I asked what that meant. The person informed me it meant no street performing. So, I came up with the name Busker from that word." Dave also fluently speaks German. He lived in Germany as a young boy. Ask him about his birthday. His answer will surprise you. Dave plays a mean acoustic guitar, the bass, and the saxophone. Busker is no stranger to Summerville, they are a local favorite. The Journal Scene named them Readers' Choice in 2011. Rick Olson is Dave's partner. Come and rock out with the gang.

Shopping Local December 7 is an event to keep in mind. It begins at 5:00 pm. Azalea Olive Oil Company and a professional gift basket designer will be on hand to give you hands-on assistance in basket creation. Bring a basket with you to create a gift for the hard-to-buy-for client, friend and family member. A unique one stop shopping opportunity to buy local food items will be on display. For a complete list of offerings go to Coastal Coffee Roasters. Music will follow the event at 7:30 pm.

There is always something going on at CCR. Come join the fun. Kevin Church performs Thursday 7-9 pm. Jeff Trimble is the featured performer on Saturday.

Another Successful Third Thursday In Summerville-Drumming Up Some Business For The Local Economy

Drum circle in Hutchinson Square

There was the sound of off-kiltered drumming in the shade of the big oak trees of Summerville's Hutchinson Square. The famed square in the center of town, which hosts various exhibits throughout the year, was the fitting location for the scheduled drum circle of this weeks Third Thursday. A drum circle is described as any group of people who informally gather together to beat on drums. The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with each other and themselves. Easier said than done when the circle consists of people from the community with no percussion training of any sort, but that is what makes it fun. And that is what Third Thursday is all about, community.

There was a variety of live music throughout the downtown area from Hutchinson Square to Short Central, a quaint pedestrian-only side street where art and craft displays are set up in front of the various eclectic shops and galleries lining it on both sides. An older gentleman was serenading the ladies passing by with songs from the distant past. He was very good. Chelsea Summers was at her usual place outside of her mother's store on W Richardson singing with her guitar in hand and signing copies of her recently released CD. I was introduced to a young boy by the name of Tristan LaMunion. Tristan is an aspiring axe man and plays in a local grocery store.

My first stop of the night was Hutchinson Square where I took some video of the drum circle. I was tempted to join in, but the group I was with wasn't the least bit interested in pounding on a bunch of drums. Food was more of a priority. The Montreax was the next stop where I forked down a Caesar Salad and sucked up some coke, the drink. The crowd was on the light side as it was still early. A young man had gotten up to perform and sang songs like "Cause I'm a picker, I'm a grinner, I'm a lover and I'm a sinner." Impossible to say those words without adding the melody. From there, strolled over to Short Central. Sam Singleton, an extraordinary balladeer, was enchanting the shopping crowd with his soulful style of singing. All the shops were open for business, each with a spread of choice wines, beer, and cheeses for their patrons to sample, a tradition of Third Thursday.

Third Thursday is all about promoting Summerville businesses, an event sponsored by Summerville D.R.E.A.M. to assist store owners in gaining exposure and much needed profit for maintaining a thriving downtown district. Downtown Crossing and Art and Soul were two businesses on my list to visit this night.

135 Central Ave

Downtown Crossing is a quaint space of neatly organized hand-made products. "We make all the items in the store, there are no consignments," Sarah informed me. Sarah is one of two owners. She is partners with a college friend, Jewel, who happens to be her sister-in-law. They attended Charleston Southern. So, the store is family owned and family run. Sarah graciously pointed out the different hand-made accessories and home goods avaiable and informed me of its maker. There is a loft above the sales floor utilized as a work space for creating their complete line of goods. Jewel is also a writer. She just released her own book called "Road Trip To Love" based on her own experiences. You can aquire a copy on Amazon or if you visit her store at 135 Central Ave, she would more than likely be happy to provide you with a copy. To view their line of product click on Downtown Crossing. "Family owned, family made" is the store's motto.

Sarah, one of the partners

Jewel's book

113 West 2nd South Street

My next appointed stop was Art And Soul, a business where a lot is going on. You can't miss it, a brand new sign larger-than-life marks its location. The inside is equally large and spacious, enough room to host "Dancing with the Stars." I introduced myself to Pamela Ward, the owner, who was quite busy, but took the time to explain what Art and Soul is about. There were french mimes present, live entertainment, french food, face painting, and a free photo booth for families. I saw several familiar faces while I was there. The center serves as a venue for children's parties, adult gatherings, meetings, classes, seminar space, and weekend venues for musicians. It is also a tourism and travel company that arranges unique retreats, trips and tours for locals and tourists with costumed, historic tour guides. Artful Dodgers Actors  there and will be offering theater for children and adults. Every year they have a "Fezziwig Party", a character from the beloved, famous holiday story written by Charles Dickens. Fezziwig knew how to throw a party and so does Art and Soul. Check them out at their Facebook page or call 843- 224-4133.

Leslie Vicary and Pamela Ward

Lesley Vicary will be featured in the "Last Flapper", a one-woman play based on the life and writings of Zelda Fitzgerald. The play will be at the South of Broadway Theatre Company starting September 7th. Call 843-745-0317 for reservations or click on dates and tickets.

We ended the night drinking the traditional Yuengling while listening to Chelsea sing at Aura Lee's and then last-but-not-least, Accent on Wine to indulge in a glass of grapy goodness and a platter called the "Drunken Goat", a cheese which has been “made drunk” by submerging it in a wine (Mourvèdre grapes) for 72 hours. The process gives the rind a vivid purple hue. The cheese has a mild, sweet, and fruity taste. Doesn't that description make your mouth water.

Chelsea and Tristan

It was another successful Third Thursday in historic Summerville despite the fact it was competing with "meet the teacher night" at the local schools. See you at the next installment in September when summer will be nearing its end.

Coastal Coffee Roasters In Summerville Was Jammin' With Justin James And Chelsea Summers

When people ask me what it was that brought me to Summerville, I have no clear cut answer other than White Gables, a beautiful development off of Central Ave patterned after homes in Charleston. Of the seven years I have been here in South Carolina, I hadn't spent a whole lot of time in downtown Summerville. Over the years I went to some of its restaurants, investigated the history of some of its more prominent landmarks, but mostly just passed through it on my way to Charleston.

It wasn't until I attended a Third Thursday that I began to take notice of its businesses and the warm hospitable spirit that is the brick and mortar of this truly southern community now overtaken by northerners with a love for what the Lowcountry offers. Aura Lee's Jewelry, Handbags and Accessories became a hang out for me on those occasions, the place where I met the Summers, a well known and well liked family in the town. Aura Lee Summers is the owner and Bill Summers greets patrons with a warm handshake and free Yuengling. Chelsea, their daughter, is the sweetheart of Summerville. She sings and plays guitar at various venues throughout Summerville and surrounding areas. Keep an eye on Chelsea, she is going places. Chelsea was one of the reasons for my visit to Coastal Coffee Roasters this stormy evening.

Bill, Aura Lee, and me

Coastal Coffee Roasters has won the hearts of Summerville's residents and has become the local hot spot. It is a family owned and serviced meet and greet hangout for people who just want to unwind with a cup of their own personalized coffee blend. And although their passion is coffee, they have added wine and craft beers to their selection. Brad and Jacki Mallett will do what it takes to win your patronage starting with a friendly smile. If you have doubts about what selection you want to try, they are more than willing to offer you a sample to tease your taste buds in the right direction. When not behind the counter, you will see them milling around rubbing shoulders with the friends. Special events and live music are also scheduled throughout the month. For a complete take on the services they provide go to Coastal Coffee Roasters. This night, Chelsea was opening for main headliner Justin James, a singer/songwriter from the Dominican Republic.

Chelsea Summers

Coastal Coffee Roasters sits just off of N. Main Street at 108 East 3rd. North Street. There is no flashy neon sign marking its location. It is just a simple, white and red brick building, mostly white, with a garage door. When I first walked through its entrance the open atmosphere and decor gave me the feeling of being at a party in a friends garage. There was an odd collection of old chairs and tables, the kind you would find in garage sales, all randomly spread around the floor. Right away I wanted to start shooting hoops at a basketball net hanging on one of its walls. There were burlap bags above the counter and on the walls, and to the right was the mother-of-all coffee machines. The stage area was set to the left. Some old couches were provided to sit on, the kind you might see on the porches of the coastal shacks in Gullah country. It was a cozy, comfortable state of happiness. Go figure, Summerville's flower, the azalea, was painted on the wall. Chelsea was already into one of her sets when I arrived.

Brad Mallett in white shirt and daughter behind

Coffee machine

Coastal Coffee Roasters' crowd

James and Brandi with friends of White Gables

It was to be Justin James first appearance in South Carolina. Born in Vancouver, Canada, Justin was an avid windsurfer who traveled to other countries at an early age looking for the perfect wind and wave. At the age of 20, while in Venezuela, he was attacked by a tiger shark and the next phase of his life was decided. During his recovery he wrote his first song. From that moment, there was no looking back. He spent a lot of time in Los Angeles perfecting his musical talent and traveled up and down the West Coast. His home is now the Dominican Republic. He wears the beach on his sleeve, has a Buffet attitude, and a Jack Johnson style, but all uniquely Justin. Currently he is on a three month tour of the East Coast, the Midwest, taking him back south through New Orleans and ending in Florida. Summerville was honored as his first stop on the tour. His next gig, the Windjammer on the Isle of Palms, Thursday, July 12th. For his full schedule go to Justin's tour. For his complete bio, music, videos, and lyrics go to Justin James. As Justin would say it's "A beautiful Life".

Justin James

Coastal Coffee Roasters would like to remind you "Life is too short to drink bad coffee".

A Night At Red's Ice House With Eddie Bush And Company-Boats, Beer, And Music

Shem Creek at sunset

While "Rock of Ages" semi-rocked the theaters, Eddie Bush was pickin' his guts out for the party crowd at Red's Ice House on Shem Creek. "Rock of Ages" is a rock/jukebox musical about a night of revelry and debauchery at the beer soaked Bourbon Room on the Sunset Strip with a "Footloose" theme. It features Tom Cruise as the ripped and jaded metal musician/singer Stacee Jaxx decked out in a Bret Michaels type of bandanna, only blue, and sporting an Axl Rose attitude. While the movie has gotten cool reviews, Tom Cruise's performance as Stacee Jaxx has gotten "thumbs up" reviews along with an endorsement from Bret Michaels himself. It features old hits like "Sister Christian", "Anyway You Want It", "Cum On Feel the Noize", and "Wanted Dead or Alive", which makes it worth seeing for a nostalgic trip back to the 80's brand of rock music.

Red's Ice House on Shem Creek is a popular restaurant/bar located in Mt. Pleasant. The views from its water-side decks on the boat busy Shem Creek are spectacular, especially around sunset. It attracts a high-energy crowd with only one objective on their mind, fun. It has its own dock where boats can pull in and out throughout the night, a full service bar close to the action inside and out, and an upper deck for the ultimate view of Shem Creek. It also has a dog-friendly policy, which I soon became quite aware of from the slobbery licks on my hand as I walked on the outside decks.

Upper deck at Red's Ice House

It is not hard to guess where Red's Ice House got its name, because that is what it literally was back in the early days, an ice house owned by Lewis Hughes Simmons, also known as "Red". The Simmons family first built a dock in 1957 along the Shem Creek to provide a shrimp packing shed for local shrimpers. Then, in the 1970s Red Simmons installed a big ice blowing machine to fill the ice holds of the local fleet. So, from that time until the late 1990's he provided both the ice and housing services for fish packing. And so, the restaurant /bar in honor of its one time owner bears the name Red's Ice House.

Every Friday and Saturday night there is live entertainment. Eddie Bush was the featured performer scheduled and the main reason I came to Red's Ice House this particular Saturday night. When I arrived around 8:15pm, the restaurant and decks were packed with young and older. The Palmetto Breeze was just pulling into the docks with a full compliment of sightseers and fun seekers. For your information, the Palmetto Breeze is a sailing catamaran with 1,700 square feet of decking, plus covered seating. It offers a variety of daily public cruises, including dolphin sails, pirate adventures, barrier island sunsets, and historic Charleston Harbor sails. It is also available for private charters. Tonight's cruise was the Harbor Dolphin Sunset Sail. For more information on itinerary and dates go to the Palmetto Breeze calendar.

Palmetto Breeze catamaran

The skies were beautiful and the temperature was a perfect 72 degrees. The air wasn't saturated with the usual southern humidity, but a hint of testosterone and estrogen could be detected. The conversations were boisterous and filled with laughter. Just what you would expect of Red's Ice House on a Saturday night. Tonight, Coronas looked like the favored choice of beer judging by the empty bottles left on the deck rails and tables. I started to make my way around the outside decks to take some pictures, at which time I got my first slobbery kiss from one of the female patrons, this one happened to be on a leash. I thought I might fair better down where the boats come into the docks, so I parked myself for awhile at the boat entrance to take videos and pass the time until Eddie Bush took to the floor. I got a few nods and smiles, but no kisses. I did have a brief conversation with two very attractive, nicely dressed women who were curious about what I was doing at the restaurant.

Boaters on Shem Creek

Boats docking at Red's Ice House

Red's Ice House crowd

Eddie Bush started his first set around 10:15pm. Eddie needs no introduction. He is a Charleston favorite and draws a crowd where ever he goes. He is well known for his fiery guitar riffs and energized performances. Another talent became apparent tonight, he would make an excellent radio talk show host judging by his introduction of his accompanying bassist, Ben Bennett, where he encouraged him to do a rendering of "Billy Jean". Eddie was also joined by Julie Beam, the birthday girl of the night with excellent moves and harmony singer. I will let the videos speak for themselves and enjoy the pictures as well. See you around town.