2018 Best of the Best SERVICES
Allergist
Charleston Allergy & Asthma
charlestonallergy.com
843-881-2030
Around these parts, saying “God bless you!” is just as common as “Bless your heart.” Be it tree, grass, mold or pollen allergies, it’s almost impossible not to be affected in the Lowcountry. Charleston Allergy & Asthma offers same day appointments, which you can make online! (You can also reschedule, refill prescriptions and review tests from their patient portal.) The doctors have been servicing the area for more than 30 years and offer three locations: Mt. Pleasant, Charleston and Summerville.
Assisted Living Center
Bishop Gadsden
bishopgadsden.org
800-373-2384
Located on James Island, Bishop Gadsden is the Southeast’s leading life care retirement community. And if you’ve ever visited, you’d see why. The vibrant community has a myriad of health and wellness amenities, a community garden, an art loft, fresh and delicious gourmet dining—and is located in close proximity to historical downtown Charleston. There are more than 450 residents, and 300 employees, that has been welcoming everyone since 1850.
Audiologist
Palmetto Audiology and Speech Therapy
palmettoaudiology.net
843-871-3235
Whether you’re looking for a diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and Auditory Process Disorders, Speech and Occupational Therapy or hearing aids for children and adults, the hearing healthcare doctors are here for you. The highly trained experts will use state-of-the-art testing and fitting equipment to find the right solution and their commitment to better hearing is enhanced with extensive digital products that have proven to be on the leading edge of hearing technology.
Bank
South State Bank
southstatebank.com
843-853-6540
There’s no shortage of branches in the Charleston area, giving residents and visitors both a chance to find their bank of choice. At least 10 facilities offer personal and business banking to customers. Stop by to learn more about how you can refinance, take out a loan, or answer any other financial questions for you and your family. The company has been operating in the U.S. since 1934—committed to relationship banking as its top focus.
Barre Studio
Pure Barre
purebarre.com
843-606-0559
If you want a workout that’s consistent, effective and something you actually look forward to doing—Pure Barre is for you. The workouts are enjoyable, but they give you results—watch those abs form in a few weeks. Classes flow to give a comforting consistency, but the freshness keeps you on your toes and challenges you. Choose from a flexible class schedule 7 days a week, including before and after work days. You’ll feel better, inside and out!
Bowling
Ashley Lanes
843-766-9061
Ashley Lanes is almost a landmark—opening its doors on Sam Rittenburg Blvd. in 1959. With family-friendly bowling, league nights, open play Saturdays and $1.50 games on Monday nights. But even better than the classy shoes is the food. Ashley Lanes upped the ante on their food and beverage in 2016, opening Ashley Lanes Tavern with Queen Street Hospitality. Wash down a double-patty burger or pulled-pork from Swig & Swine with a cocktail or craft beer.
Credit Union
SC Federal Credit Union
scfederal.org
843-797-8300
The oldest bank in the Holy City, this non-profit credit union offers dozens of ATM locations and close-by financial centers to grab some quick cash, check your account balance or conduct other financial services—how about an investment, borrowing or refinancing? For years the credit union has also been the winner of top awards handed out by area media for “best place to work” in the state, as well as “best financial institution,” among others.
Daycare
Sunshine House
sunshinehouse.com
843-552-0822
For parents, leaving your little one is never an easy choice—but choosing Sunshine House as your daycare is! Enroll as early as 6 weeks, and enjoy it up to 12 years for summer camps, homework help and full-day help for school breaks. Their childcare and early education programs focus on school readiness and their curriculum is state-approved and nationally-recognized. They offer literacy programs, Spanish and sign language. Tuition includes baby formula, nutritious meals and snacks.
Day Spa
The Woodhouse Day Spa
charleston.woodhousespas.com
843-203-1772
The word spa alone calms your mind—and at Woodhouse Day Spa, the relaxation continues as long as you’d like, starting with the warm smiles that greet you at the door. Wrap yourself in a luxurious robe, slip on reflexology sandals and relax in the Quiet Room before experiencing one of their signature services: the hydrafacial, four-handed massage, the escape, seaweed leaf pedicure or the hand retreat. Whatever your journey, you’ll enhance your well-being and enliven your spirit.
Dermatology
Dermatology & Laser Center
dermandlaser.com
843-556-8886
This dermatology office, located on the Bon Secours Saint Francis Hospital campus, is built on an historic property dating back to antebellum times—but their center is anything but antiquated. This state-of-the-art center offers a three-dimension dermatological approach, combining medical, cosmetic and research dermatology. They treat acne, eczema, scars, skin cancer and everything in between. They also offer cosmetic treatments, including tattoo removals, vein reduction, skin tightening and more. Complimentary cosmetic consultations are available.
Dive Shop
Charleston Scuba
charlestonscuba.com
843-763-3483
When you’re surrounded by water, it isn’t enough to dip your toes—you need to dive right in. Charleston Scuba offers everything from classes to gear and gear service (rental, retail and repair), and everything in between. Try out diving, advance your training or become a dive professional. Shop for wet suits and snorkeling gear in all colors and sizes—even E (2) oxygen compatible air. You can then select various charters and advanced open waters sites.
Financial Advisor
Commonwealth Financial Group
commonwealthfg.com
843-884-4545
Part of the Lowcountry the last 18 years, this comprehensive financial firm is located on Daniel Island. It prides itself on offering “professional advice and direction” to families, businesses and medical professionals, and helping find the best financial strategy. Main services include financial education, portfolio management, tax/estate planning and business consulting. The group’s foundation is also highly involved in the community work and mission of nonprofits like MUSC Children’s Hospital and Water Missions International.
Eye Care
The Vision Center at Seaside Farms
seasidevision.com
843-388-6200
A very happy client raves: “Best and most complete eye exam in my life!” The testimonials continue with families who love the attention and focus, the quality care, and even how well this optometry practice works with children. Whether it’s an eye exam you need or you’re going frameless with contacts, or even if you have an injury or eye disease—you’ll be seeing your best vision thanks to their friendly, efficient and cutting edge eye care.
Flooring Company
Carpet Baggers
carpetbaggerscarpetone.com
843-410-2680
Come in and learn from a flooring pro all the possibilities to updating your home--or shop from home with Carpet Baggers’ Flooring Guide--your guide from inspiration to installation! The locally owned flooring retailer has been serving the greater Charleston area since 1992 and they’re proudly a part of Carpet One cooperative, which is the largest floor covering cooperative in the world. Check out their online inspiration board with photos, blogs, room visualizer and more.
Florist
Charleston Flower Market
charlestonflowermarket.com
843-795-0015
Take time to smell the roses, and everything else in bloom at Charleston Flower Market. This flower and gift boutique boasts the widest selection of unique garden flowers in Charleston and hand-crafts all their arrangements to offer a chic and modern approach to gift giving. Your love will light up when she sees the familiar, trademarked brown box delivered to her front door or office. You can also opt for a woodland box filled with roses, balloons or edibles.
Frame Shop
Vo Don Custom Framing
vodoncustomframing.com
843-763-7816
In today’s world, we take thousands more pictures—and then what? Showcase your happiest moments by bringing phone photos into the spotlight with a Vo Don custom frame. After all, their motto is, “You name it, we frame it!” They specialize in custom framing, shadow boxes, picture/portrait and conservation framing. Frame an historical heirloom, your newest family portrait or even make a collage. This company offers complementary colored frames and styles for every taste.
Funeral Home
J. Henry Stuhr
jhenrystuhr.com
843-723-2524
Following the loss of a loved one, Stuhr Funeral Home helps handle the important decisions that arise and offer guidance and support. After all, their family has been caring for others in Charleston since 1865. Whether it’s planning a service at your church or one of their five Charleston chapels, they offer traditional burial services, veteran services, cremation and “Green”/Natural burials that are environmentally friendly and meaningful for your family. They even offer aftercare and advance planning.
Golf Course
Harbor Course at Wild Dunes
destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes/golf
855-998-5351
Even Golf Digest agrees that Wild Dunes is the best golf course in the area! Enjoy 36 holes of signature courses that will test every aspect of your game. Like Charleston itself, the Harbor Golf Course, designed by Tom Fazio, is known for its challenging design, beautiful views and its water. Along with the newly renovated Links Course, it’s open to the public, and you can attend clinics and a variety of lessons at its top golf school.
Gym
O2 Fitness
o2fitnessclubs.com
843-641-7773
O2 members rave about the classes (Pilates, cycling, senior fitness and more, which all have designated studios) and the teachers with various styles, making it a perfect fit for every type of gym goer. There’s never a wait for machines, no matter when you go, and you can work with a personal trainer or make your own routine. Trainers are always available for assistance either way. Start your 3-day free trial at one of 11 locations today!
Heating & Air
Pardee Heating & Air
pardeeserviceexperts.com
843-410-6103
Ask a southerner their biggest fear and they’ll most likely say it’s their A/C breaking down in a heat wave. If they use Pardee Heating & Air, though, they probably wouldn’t sweat it--pun intended! With $69 A/C tune-ups, Pardee is devoted 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, along with emergency 24/7 repairs.
Home Audio
Southeaston Systems
southeastonsystems.com
843-608-8476
The sweetest sound is—well, everything when Southeaston Systems installs your audio and video systems. Whether it’s installing or designing, residential or commercial, Derrick Easton and his team have been earning top testimonials from clients for years. Visit their Mount Pleasant showroom to experience firsthand their theater systems, two-channel audio systems, lighting control, window treatment, camera, video wall systems, and wired and wireless network systems in the brands you trust (think McIntosh, Sonos and Integra and more).
Home Builder
Pulte
pulte.com/homes/south-carolina/Charleston
888-406-3006
They call it the Pulte “Difference” for a reason: there’s no comparison to the home and the experience they build. Here in Charleston, Pulte offers beautiful designs with open floorplans, quality construction and a simplified buying experience. For over 65 years, they have built homes with the homeowner in mind and designed to grow with their families. Find your forever home in one of 10 communities in Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley, Summerville, James Island and Johns Island.
Home Cleaning Service
My Sweet Clementine House Cleaning
mysweetclementine.com
843-619-7777
My Sweet Clementine’s founder’s story is a bit of a fairytale—and her dream is for her “fairies” to brighten your home. Kevin’s priority was to raise her daughter in an environment free of harsh chemicals and toxins, so she made her own cleaning supplies! Eventually, she began using her products to clean other houses, and her business grew. Today, her fairies add sparkle to tri-county homes with her botanical and herbal-based, handmade line of cleaning products.
Home Security Provider
Sonitrol
sonitrolsc.com
843-747-0904
Unlike some of the commercials you may see, home intruders aren’t a joke and Sonitrol knows that. Their name is synonymous with electronic security and their security experts in North Charleston offers state-of-the-art technology to protect your home and business—and has been since 1978. Get a detailed security survey and let Sonitrol customize a solution that meets your needs, lifestyle and budget—be it video surveillance, fire and smoke detection or wireless security systems.
Hospital
MUSC
muschealth.org
843-792-1414
The Lowcountry’s staple medical care center for nearly two centuries, the Medical University of South Carolina is a 700-bed hospital boasting a unique children’s center and treatment facilities for cancer and psychiatric care. 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. Education and research are top priorities, and on average the site receives $250 million annually to seek cures and improved treatment options.
Hotel
Francis Marion Hotel
francismarionhotel.com
843-722-0600
Need a relaxing vacation? Or maybe just a night away to unwind? Book a room downtown at this luxury lodging location, built in 1924 as the largest hotel in the Carolinas. Treat your senses to a full-day spa treatment followed by a rich dining experience at the Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar. Did we mention the view? Look out your window and soak in the beauty of the city or majestic church steeples towering overhead.
Insurance Provider
State Farm
statefarm.com/insurance
We all know unexpected accidents happen—whether it’s home, auto or health related—and State Farm helps that chaotic process flow smoothly for your family, your small business or other property. They also offer identity restoration insurance—$25 annually—to help prevent your personal information from reaching the hands of a cyber thief. Go online for an auto quote, find an insurance provider near you, claim or manage a quote, or make a payment.
Kitchen and Bath Design
Classic Remodeling
classicremodeling.com
843-763-3297
The heart of the home is the kitchen, so why not hire a remodeler who puts their heart into their designs? Their skilled in-house designers at Classic Remodeling, which opened in 1989, will meet with you to understand your style, your budget, and how you use your space. From there, they’ll create your design, get the materials and permits, and start constructing! Visit their Johns Island location or scroll their portfolio and raving client testimonials online!
Landscape Design
Remark Studio
remarkstudiollc.com
843-952-7817
Curb appeal starts with a beautiful landscape. At first sight, it conveys to others the wonder that is your property—and instills pride and happiness within you, the owner. The landscape architects and designers at Remark work with their clients from conception through constructions on private gardens, commercial projects, public parks and institutional projects. They offer innovative design and sustainable practices to create the most dynamic designs and a high performance landscape.
Marina
Bohicket Marina
bohicket.com
843-768-1280
Located on Johns Island between Kiawah and Seabrook islands, this tropical oasis is the peaceful, outdoor nook to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. With a marina and market, this is a popular hangout spot without the commercial crowd of other local coastal destinations. Participate in a fishing tournament, sail the sea on a boat charter, shop and dine near the water; or simply sit, sip and survey the serene setting.
Mortgage Company
Wells Fargo
wellsfargo.com
At Wells Fargo, staff hopes to make life a bit easier when it comes to buying a new home or refinancing your long-time, cozy abode—cash-out refinance deal sound good to you? And you won’t have to look far to find an ATM or branch with nearly two dozen around the tri-county. Apply to get pre-qualified from the comfort of your couch; go online to determine your financial options and get the ball rolling in your court.
Museum
The Gibbes Museum of Art
gibbesmuseum.org
843-722-2706
Beauty, wonder and history abound at this downtown treasure, which is home to the foremost collection of American art that incorporates the story of Charleston. View exhibitions like “Vanishing Charleston,” which examines the evolving landscape of the city as new buildings rise. Travel back to the 1500s to explore the Gibbes print collection and the processes used to create them. With ever-changing collections and exhibitions, you can explore the world from your own hometown.
New Neighborhood
Porchers Preserve
pulte.com
866-804-2564
You don’t have to settle for luxury or convenience when you move to Porchers Preserve at Oakland. You get both! Located in the desirable community of Mount Pleasant, it’s just a walk to the Market at Oakland—where you can dine and shop every day. Inside, find 4-5 bedroom homes with 2.5-4.5 bathrooms, while just outside your door there is sun and surf on nearby beaches. Did we mention there are 6 golf courses nearby, too?
Orthopedics
Lowcountry Ortho
lowcountryortho.com
843-797-5050
The hip bone’s connected to the… well, you don’t really need to know how that song goes because the team at Lowcountry Ortho knows exactly how your hip and knee, spine, hand, foot and ankle work—and if there’s trouble, they’ll treat it! Their highly trained and experienced physicians treat all sports related conditions and specialize in orthopedic surgery and pain management--and have since 1975. Make an appointment today at one of their five convenient locations.
Pest Control
Ledford's Termite & Pest Control
ledfordspestcontrol.com
843-766-8298
Creepy crawlies may be a part of nature—but they should never be a part of your home! Don’t wait until it’s too late to call the Lowcountry’s favorite and most-trusted pest control—and don’t think you can just solve things yourself. Ledford’s provides professional and reliable extermination services, and with three offices in South Carolina it offers pest control, termite control and termite treatments for your home or business throughout the area.
Pet Groomer
Coastal Grooming
coastalgroomingllc.com
843-974-5135
If only Fido could wash and brush himself, this world would be a tidier place. Because he can’t, pet owners look to Coastal Grooming on Johns Island to provide pet grooming services—which include de-shedding and maintenance plans with all natural skin treatments. Treat your pet to five-start services—even a special birthday treatment! Check them out as well for cat and small dog boarding services, as well as doggie daycare.
Pilates
The Tradition Pilates Studio
843-367-5280
Stretch those muscles and work that core at this classic Mt. Pleasant Pilates studio—also the only place in town to find Graze Pilates equipment. Unique to the facility is the client’s opportunity to engage one-on-one with an instructor—three total including an acupuncturist—to completely focus on the workout regime’s core philosophies. Try a single session for $70, or three for $140. If you’re new, receive three private lessons for the price of two.
Plumbing
Blitch Plumbing
blitchplumbing.com
843-795-9674
You typically don’t call a plumber until you desperately need one—and when you do, you don’t have the luxury to wait weeks for the next available appointment. Luckily, Blitch is there when you need them. The locally-owned and operated full service plumbing company is in its third generation of family owners, serving the Charleston area for over 70 years. Plumbing repairs, whole house re-piping, gas safety test and leak detection—their services list goes on.
Pool Company
Heritage Pools
swimhere.com
843-762-3417
You can’t survive southern summers (and springs and falls) without water access—be it beach, boat or backyard pool. The Heritage Pool™ is the only one specifically designed for Charleston’s environment—high water tables, unstable soils and ground tremors. It uses the most technologically advanced materials for endless days of relaxing and carefree pool ownership. The pool’s watershape is also a work of art, uniquely laid out to fit your backyard without crowding the space.
Private School
Ashley Hall
ashleyhall.org
843-722-4088
Your child spends most of her waking hours at school, so you have a right to ensure that the facility, teachers and curriculum recognize and fit her individual needs. After all, this foundation will help shape her future. Lowcountry parents love this all-girl private school, which welcomes students in kindergarten through twelfth grade—with a co-ed pre-school. Their program is created to recognize and honor how she learns best. You can even apply online.
Salon for Women
Rickborn Salon
843-763-1021
Every few weeks, women get to sit back, let someone else do the work and feel taken care of. It’s a luxurious feeling that not only improves our beautiful exterior, but makes us glow inside as well. Call it a haircut, or a refreshing recharge—either way, this is one appointment women can’t wait to make. In addition to hair care, color and extensions, Rickborn Salon offers nail care, airbrushing, lash extensions and waxing.
Salon/Barber for Men
Barrelli Barber
barrellibarber.com
843-414-7457
Why should only women get the indulgences of a salon? Besides, men’s hairstyles call for much more frequent grooming than theirs do. That’s why Lowcountry’s classic men come back to Barrelli Barber time and time—and time—again. Men’s cuts start at only $28—and that includes a shampoo and hot towel. Get a hot shave, scalp treatment, beard, neck or mustache trim, or a hot lather head shave. Barrelli even offers waxing and facials.
Tax Preparation
Breakthrough Financial Solutions
(formerly Gilbert Accounting & Tax Services)
breakthroughfinancialsolutions.com
843-571-6497
You know you need to pay those taxes annually, so why not hire one person who can just keep helping you with them year after year. Whether you need individual or business services, you get one-on-one guidance and a comprehensive financial plan from one of Charleston’s leading firms. You can also seek them out for tax prep, tax planning and help with your tax problems. Get a free initial consultation today!
Wedding Reception Venue
Boone Hall
boonehallplantation.com
843-884-4371
The No. 1 destination in the U.S., the Holy City is the perfect location for Holy Matrimony. And when it comes to selecting the venue, locals and tourists (think Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds) want nothing more than to say “I Do” on the famous cotton dock, on the lawn in front of the mansion or with a backdrop of tidal marshes. The beautiful Avenue of the Oaks is romantic as it is breathtaking.
