2019 BEST SERVICES in CHARLESTON SC
Assisted Living Center
Bishop Gadsden
bishopgadsden.org
A myriad of health and fitness amenities as well as high-quality programs are offered in this thriving life care community, located in James Island on over 100 acres of lush marshland and majestic oaks. With more than 450 residents and 300 employees, the faith-based retirement community – where they’re anything but retired! – has been nationally recognized for its architectural design and services and provides residents the freedom to live first-class lifestyles in an amazing location. Everyone is welcome!
Bank
South State Bank
southstatebank.com
In these digital times, only 8% of the world’s currency is physical money – but the need for savings and checking accounts is more real than ever. For a safe, trusted place to open a personal or business account, the Lowcountry loves South State Bank. With guided wealth portfolios helping you towards investment independence, mortgage loan programs, and even an advice center, you’ll find all the support you need both at local branches and at your fingertips online.
Barre
The Barre Code
thebarrecode.com/studio/mount-pleasant
Go beyond the barre with positive and empowering cardio, strength and restorative group fitness classes. This comprehensive full-body fitness program is designed for women across the country to find their ’strong.’ Members enjoy a range of class memberships, or first-timers can take one class for $12 or experience their first month unlimited for only $99. Classes range from cardio kickboxing to full mind and body restoration and the Mt. Pleasant location offers retail and a kid’s room!
Bowling
The Alley
thealleycharleston.com
If you’re looking for a perfect 10 when it comes to group fun, friendly competition, great food and even better drinks, make The Alley your next outing destination. Join a league, host a party or fill your pockets with quarters and come play some old-school arcade games, ping-pong and Skee-ball. Not interested in breaking a sweat? Sit instead and watch the best sports games live – Women’s World Cup, perhaps – while snacking on burgers, nachos and specialty cocktails.
Credit Union
SC Federal Credit Union
scfederal.org
With dozens of ATM locations and close-by financial centers, the Holy City’s oldest bank offers convenience wherever you are to withdraw cash quickly, check your balance or conduct other financial services. Looking for bigger transactions, such as borrowing, investing, taking out a mortgage, or refinancing? Trust in this favorite non-profit credit union, which has consistently won top awards from area media like best “financial institution” and “best place to work.”
Daycare
Carousel Early Childhood Center
Selecting the right daycare is one of the most important choices a parent can make for their little one. But you’ll find a trusting place that will care for, protect and foster your child’s growth when you enroll them at Carousel. The West Ashley daycare focuses on children and their families with conscious discipline, self-regulation, creative curriculum and Learn through Play. Open 6:30 a.m. -6 p.m., Carousel prioritizes providing a loving environment.
Day Spa
The Woodhouse Day Spa
charleston.woodhousespas.com
Luxury holds different meanings for everyone, but the dream of self-care, pampering and escaping, even for 60 minutes, is the most luxurious of all – and it’s within your reach. From beginning to end, Woodhouse’s dedicated teams ensure your journey enhances your well-being and enlivens your spirit. Book body, hand, foot and skin care treatments and all-day packages. Or treat yourself to a signature service, such as the Woodhouse hydrafacial, seaweed lead pedicure, or indulgent four-handed massage
Dive Shop
Charleston Scuba
charlestonscuba.com
You can wade in the water, or you can dive right in with Charleston Scuba. The West Ashley shop offers certification, PADI courses and rentals. Take classes; buy, rent or repair gear, including wetsuits, snorkeling gear in all sizes, and air tanks; or sign up for charters and open water sites. New to the diving world? Come learn what you need to know to try it out. Are you a seasoned pro? Come advance your training!
Financial Advisor
Morris Financial Planners
mfcplanners.com
Your financial goals are personal – your journey to success should be, too. As an independent, fee-only financial planning firm, Morris Financial Concepts is dedicated to proving personal, steadfast advocacy and academically-proven strategies to help you create a path towards achieving your financial goals. Come to Coleman Blvd. and meet with their team of certified financial planner professionals, investment analysts, and tax professionals to talk wealth management, 401ks, taxes, retirement and legacy planning, education funding and charitable giving.
Eye Care/Vision Center
Sweetgrass Eyecare
sweetgrasseyecare.com
If you’re looking for an eye doctor, set your sights on Mount Pleasant's premier state-of-the-art eye care facility. Dr. Emily Curry offers the latest in refractive technology, contact lenses, eyewear, and ocular health detection. Come for a comprehensive eye exam (for children and adults), LASIK consultations, frame repairs and adjustments. Or head online to make an appointment or read their blog, which features everything from fashionable lenses and sales to dangers of over-wearing contacts.
Fish Tackle
Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply
haddrellspoint.com
A family-run business with locations in Mt Pleasant and West Ashley, Haddrell’s Point Tackle opened its doors in 1983 and has been serving the area and offering the most professional fishing advice ever since. Come for the low prices and stay for the experienced staff and huge selection of fishing gear and equipment. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’ll order it – but with 27,000-square-foot stores, they most likely have everything you need in stock!
Flooring Company
Carolina Carpet
carolinafloorings.com
Your floor is the foundation of your home – almost literally – so you need it to hold up to life’s wears and tears. Where can you find sturdy flooring, plus affordability and style? Easy. Carolina Carpet, Hardwood and Tile. The full-service flooring provider located in Mount Pleasant is locally-owned, so they understand the Lowcountry lifestyle and concerns. ​Shop their offerings of hardwood floors, carpets, area rugs, laminate, tile and in-stock carpet specials (from 40-70% off). They’ve got you, and your floor, covered.
Florist
Charleston Flower Market
charlestonflowermarket.com
Take time to stop and smell the roses – or to send them to someone you love. Birthday, anniversary or simply “just thinking of you” flowers can brighten anyone’s day instantly. Charleston Flower Market offers bright colors, garden flowers and uniquely creative floral arrangements (from their “luxe collation” to plants and orchids). They have a chic and modern approach to flowers and also sell one-of-a-kind gifts. Oh, and they deliver, of course!
Funeral Home
J. Henry Stuhr
jhenrystuhr.com
Providing genuine care and comfort to others when grieving the loss of a loved one, the Stuhr family has been supporting and guiding the community since 1865. Whether it’s a service at your church or one of their five Charleston chapels, they’ll help you plan traditional burial services, veteran services, cremation and “Green”/Natural burials that are environmentally friendly and meaningful for your family.
Frame Shop
Hobby Lobby
hobbylobby.com
A picture is worth a thousand words, and it’s only enhanced by the frame that surrounds it. At Hobby Lobby, find hundreds of frames that preserve your favorite moments – or bring in your photo or artwork to have it professionally framed in-house. With great discounts and an even greater selection – choose modern, rustic, playful, vintage – you won’t be disappointed. Swing by their North Charleston and Mount Pleasant stores, and don’t forget to check out the weekly ads!
Golf Course
Harbor Course at Wild Dunes
destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes/golf/south-carolina-golf-harbor-course
When Golf Digest says you’re the best golf course in the area, you know you’ve scored a metaphorical hole-in-one. Wild Dunes’ 36 holes of signature courses, which are open to the public, feature a challenging design with beautiful views and will test every aspect of your game. Want more out of your tee time? Practice at the driving range, chipping area and putting green, or head to the the top golf school for clinics and a variety of lessons.
Gym
O2 Fitness
o2fitnessclubs.com
Whatever your motivation for getting fit, O2 has an outlet for you. With more than 30 types of fitness classes, like Les Mills Body pump, Barre, spin and senior fitness, you’ll find you groove – and hopefully lose those pounds. There are 10 local locations, and never a wait for machines, no matter when you go. Get free monthly consultations with a personal trainer or make your own routine. Come in today for the summer deals!
Heating & Air
Pardee Heating & Air
pardeeserviceexperts.com
If this year’s heat waves have taught us anything, it’s that air-conditioning isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. With emergency 24/7 repairs, put Pardee on your speed dial now! The Service Experts of Charleston are dedicated to keeping your systems running with quality A/C repair, maintenance and installation. In fact, they stand by their workmanship so much they guarantee it for an entire year. Hop online to schedule a repair, or get ahead of your worries with a summer tune-up.
Home Audio
SNAP Integrations
Your one-stop shop for cameras, networking, access control and security, SNAP Integrations ensures that even your security systems are secured. Their trusted team is professionally trained to help identify vulnerabilities within residential and commercial security systems networks and provide solutions to help safeguard your systems. Make an appointment to learn more about their state-of-the-art home security systems and visit online to follow updates on their security blog or request a free estimate.
Home Builder
Pulte
pulte.com/homes/south-carolina/charleston
Buying a home is the biggest, most expensive purchase you’ll ever make, and you have every right to want it to be your dream home – so why not build it from the ground up? With Pulte’s insightful Life Tested® design features and easy personalization options, higher standards are the Pulte Difference. Stop by one of their nine communities in the Charleston area from Carnes Crossroads and Nexton to The Reserve at Stono Ferry and Pointe at Primus in Mt. Pleasant.
Home Cleaning Service
Molly Maid
mollymaid.com
There never seems to be enough hours in the day, and sometimes cleaning the house drops off the list – again and again. That’s why Molly Maids is one of the most trusted names in house cleaning – in both Charleston and around the country. Customize the way your house is cleaned on a schedule that works with everything else going on – and you don’t need to provide supplies or equipment! Ask about free in-home estimates and even day-of cleanings.
Home Security
Sonitrol
sonitrolsc.com
Protecting your home or business is worth any price, but luckily with Sonitrol you don’t have to go broke doing it. Be it video surveillance, fire and smoke detection or wireless security systems, equip your home with a solution that meets your needs, lifestyle and budget. Since 1978, these security experts offer state-of-the-art technology to protect your home and business and provide detailed security surveys to customize the right solution for you.
Hospital
MUSC
muschealth.org
The state’s only comprehensive academic medical center, MUSC’s ongoing mission is to provide excellence in patient care, teaching and research. MUSC Health and MUSC Children's Health offer advanced care across South Carolina through hospitals, an extensive network of doctors' offices, and telehealth. The Lowcountry’s staple medical care center for nearly two centuries, it’s also the state’s only transplant center—making MUSC a mecca for the best caretakers in the medical profession with 13,000 employees and 700 doctor residents.
Hotel
Francis Marion Hotel
francismarionhotel.com
Have guests in town? Maybe just looking for a staycation? Check into this iconic luxury hotel downtown. Built in 1924 as the largest hotel in the Carolinas, it’s centrally located by Marion Square, King Street shopping and the best restaurants. Treat your senses to a full-day spa treatment followed by a rich dining experience at the Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar. Then unwind back in your room as you overlook our beautiful city and the surrounding church steeples.
Insurance Provider
Anderson Insurance Associates
aiasc.com
Insuring the future, preserving the past. Anderson Insurance Associates is a Charleston-based independent insurance agency committed to putting its clients first since 1981. They provide high-quality personal, business, life and health insurance products and offer hundreds of policies from leading regional and national providers. Their knowledgeable team is here to help you determine the coverage that is right for you and all your assets, as well as guide you through any claims processes.
Kitchen/Bath Remodeling
Classic Remodeling
classicremodeling.com
Lay out your home however you’d like – the kitchen is still always going to be the favorite gathering space. So when it comes to re-designing it, why not hire a remodeler who’s dedicated solely to kitchens? The skilled in-house designers at Classic Remodeling, which opened in 1989, work to understand your style, your budget, and how you use your space. They then create your design, get the materials and permits, and start constructing!
Landscape
Riverside Landscape Services
rslandscapeservices.com
If you don’t have a green thumb – or Joanna and Chip Gaines designing your landscape – it doesn’t mean you have to give up your dreams of winning Yard of the Month. Riverside Landscape Services provides excellent detail-oriented, experience-backed, lawn care and landscaping. Schedule weekly maintenance April through September, or bi-monthly during the cooler months. Just need a good clean-up and rearranging? They do that, too! Try lawn treatments, which include fertilization and insecticide. Bye bye, fire ants! Hello grass that is always green.
Marina
St Johns Yacht Harbor
stjohnsyachtharbor.com
Located on the Stono River, St. Johns Yacht Harbor is unrivaled with its amenities: dining, lounge, pool and special event facilities. The newly-renovated marina community provides boat slips, fuel, yacht club quality shower and laundry facilities, and a fully-provisioned dockside harbor store with all the necessary supplies needed for your day on the water. Dock facilities includes 176 wet slips and 55 over-water lift slip with plans for 200 additional wet and lift slips in the future.
Mortgage Company
Wells Fargo
wellsfargo.com
The home-buying process is not for the faint of heart. The paperwork, the inspections, the deposits. Wells Fargo makes the latter step a little easier, walking alongside you through the mortgage process. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or refinance your nest, you’re in good hands with one of the nation’s largest banks. Don’t have time for an appointment? Get pre-qualified online and start this next amazing journey in your life!
Museum
SC Aquarium
scaquarium.org
For an aquatic adventure that keeps your feet planted on land, the aquarium, located on the historic Charleston harbor, is open seven days a week and is leading the way to connect people with water, wildlife and wild places. Touch starfish and stingrays; watch jellyfish glow; see alligators, sharks, and otters swim before your eyes or watch as staff rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles. You don’t have to be a child to enjoy the magic of this aquarium.
New Neighborhood
Nexton
nexton.com
This Summerville community is the type of place you hope to live in someday. A fresh take on town living, Nexton is a smart, vibrant blend of businesses, schools, new homes, apartments, shops and eateries. Connected by trails, parks and nature, as well as leading-edge technology, there’s a great lawn, swim club and park for concerts. With homes by seven of the area’s leading builders, you’ll find your forever home and neighbors here.
Pest Control
Ledford's Termite & Pest Control
ledfordspestcontrol.com
No matter what fancy name you call them – no see ‘ums, palmetto bugs, etc. – they’re still pests and they’re still unwanted in households. Get rid of them ASAP by calling the Lowcountry’s favorite and most-trusted pest control: Ledford’s. Operating since 1975, they offer professional and reliable extermination services with three offices in South Carolina. Call today for an inspection of your home or business and learn why so many people trust their termite and pest control services!
Pet Groomer
Barks N Bubbles
facebook.com/barkscharleston
No matter how long it’s been since your last appointment, the friendly team at Barks N Bubbles always remember exactly who your dog is and what he or she needs. It’s comforting to know your furry friend is in such loving hands whether it’s coming in for a day of pampering, or a quick wash or cut. The convenient West Ashley location, with plenty of parking, makes it easy to schedule appointments and drop in again and again.
Pilates
Club Pilates
clubpilates.com
You get more than just low-impact, full-body workouts at Club Pilates James Island. They offer a range of classes that challenge your mind as well as your body, and provide a path to a richer, more fulfilling life. Whether you’re an experienced athlete looking to step up your training or you’re simply looking to start a new fitness routine, Pilates creates a strong foundation of balance, strength, mobility and flexibility. Take a free intro class today!
Pool Company
Michael Greer Pools
michaelgreenpools.com
One of the common themes of luxurious resorts are the water views – or more specifically the pools. You can spend all your cash traveling or joining a club for pool access, or you can create your own backyard oasis with the help of Michael Greer Pools. Offering custom pool and spa design, pool renovations, care and inspections, Michael Greer is backed by 25 years of experience in the business. If you dream it, he can make it!
Private School
Ashley Hall
ashleyhall.org
The education your child receives today will be the foundation for their future. Will they love science or English? Will they love challenges? Will they be a leader? Lowcountry parents love this all-girls private school, its facility, teachers and curriculum. Students are welcome from kindergarten through twelfth grade, and the school offers a co-ed pre-school. Their program is created to recognize and honor how your daughter learns best. Visit the campus or apply online!
Salon Women
Strawberry Blonde Salon
Poll the women around you and chances are they either get their hair done at Strawberry Blonde, or have been meaning to try it! The energetic and friendly stylists are devoted to education and technical advancement in this exclusive Bumble and Bumble Network salon – with locations in West Ashley and Mount Pleasant. Men, women and kids can also come for a cut. They also offer complimentary color consultations (for base, root, highlights, balayage, etc.), Keratin treatment, updos and makeup, blowouts, waxing and more.
Salon Men
Lowcountry Barbershop
lowcountrybarbershop.com
Located in Summerville and beautiful downtown Charleston, on the corner of Cannon Street and Ashley Avenue, this shop offers the classic traditional feel of an old school barbershop with modern updates and amenities, such as free Wi-Fi. They cater to men of all ages, with all styles and types of hair. With a versatile staff, they can accommodate classic to contemporary haircuts, facial shaves and more. Six over-sized chairs offer comfort along with a short wait time.
Tax Prep
Breakthrough Financial Solution
breakthroughfinancialsolutions.com
Taxes and death are the only two certainties in life. Not wanting to do your taxes year after year is probably a close third. For those who need – or simply want – help, Breakthrough Financial Solutions in West Ashley offers services for individuals and businesses. Why not use a pro? After all, 77% of the 71 million taxpayers in the country admit to benefitting from using one. Request a consultation online and get a plan in place for 2020!
Wedding Reception
Lowndes Grove Plantation
pphgcharleston.com/venues/lowndes-grove-plantation
After the bride’s dress, the venue is often the second-most breathtaking aspect. After all, who wouldn’t want to say their vows surrounded by 14 acres of live oak groves and peaceful river views? Downtown Charleston's last great waterfront estate has been beautifully restored, and offers an unparalleled backdrop for one-of-a-kind weddings. The Main House showcases 1786-era architecture and its idyllic setting is sure to enchant your guests as it has been for others for more than four centuries.
