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Around Charleston
🚚 Amazon Opens New Lowcountry Delivery Hub - Amazon just opened a 39,000-square-foot last-mile delivery station in Orangeburg, aimed at speeding up deliveries across the region. The 10-acre facility brings new local jobs paying up to $19 per hour and is part of Amazon’s larger $8.5B investment in South Carolina. Local officials say the project will deliver long-term economic benefits for Orangeburg families.
🌳 Grand Tree Removal Approved for Archaeology Work - At the Nov. 5 City of Charleston BZA-SD meeting, the board approved removing several trees at 106 Street and 99 St. Philip to allow ground-penetrating radar to search for possible graves. The site, owned by the College of Charleston, may contain historic burial locations. No land disturbance is allowed until the archaeological work is completed.
🌳 Trail Project Adjusted to Save Grand Trees - At the Mount Pleasant Committee of Council Meetings this week, staff confirmed that the Mathis Ferry and Scanlonville trail designs were adjusted to save at least three grand oak trees. The town shifted portions of the 10-foot path, narrowed sections, and added boardwalk segments to protect roots. Council members emphasized that multi-use paths do not always need to be full-width to protect neighborhood character and tree canopy.
💰Edwards Park Pump Station Could Hit $1M in Repairs - Also at the Town of Mount Pleasant’s Committee of Council Meetings, staff reported that the Edwards Park pump station may require nearly $1 million in upgrades. A sinkhole exposed deeper issues with aging pipes, forcing the town to expand the scope of repairs. The project now includes pump replacements, pipe lining, and planning for a future generator.
🏨City Creates New License Categories for Hotels & STRs - The City of Charleston plans to generate an additional $2.3 million in revenue by creating new business license categories specifically for hotels and short-term rentals. A consultant found that these uses place disproportionately high demands on city services, justifying the adjustment.
🛣️ Public Engagement Surges for Transportation Sales Tax Renewal - Charleston County Council was told that the transportation sales tax engagement website has already seen 12,861 survey responses, far surpassing the previous cycle’s total participation. The county is holding in-person sessions, including a Park Circle event on November 17, to continue gathering input. MORE INFO AND SURVEY
👷♂️Charleston and Army Corps Sign Agreement to Advance Battery Extension - The city confirmed it has officially signed a design agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advance the long-planned Battery Extension Project, which would provide peninsula-wide perimeter flood protection. The project is designed to improve public access while strengthening defenses against future storms.
Historic Home of the Week
138 Coming Street - This c.1895 duplex with each unit featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Live in one and rent the other, or rent them both. Well-maintained and FULL of charm.
4 Bed | 2 Bath | 1764 sqft | $1,425,000
🍽️ Charleston’s First MICHELIN Guide Results Are In
The inaugural MICHELIN Guide to the American South just named six Charleston restaurants to its first-ever list.
Three earned the prestigious One MICHELIN Star, and three received Bib Gourmand honors for outstanding food at great value.
The recognition highlights Charleston as one of the South’s most exciting and diverse culinary cities — from inventive tasting menus to classic Lowcountry barbecue.
Overview of Charleston’s Awarded Restaurants
One MICHELIN Star
Malagón Mercado y Taperia — Spanish — Chef Juan Cassalett
Vern’s — American Contemporary — Daniel & Bethany Heinze
Wild Common — American Contemporary — Chef Orlando Pagán
Bib Gourmand
Leon's Oyster Shop — Seafood
Lewis Barbecue — Barbecue — John Lewis
Rodney Scott’s BBQ — Barbecue — Rodney Scott
Why Charleston Earned These MICHELIN Honors
MICHELIN describes Charleston as “one of the South’s finest cities” — equal parts historic, stylish, and culinary-driven.
The city’s dining scene spans refined tasting menus, seasonal Lowcountry cooking, and region-defining barbecue.
This is the first-ever MICHELIN Guide for the American South, signaling a major milestone for the region and for Charleston’s culinary profile.
One MICHELIN Star Restaurants
Malagón Mercado y Taperia
Cuisine: Spanish
Chef: Juan Cassalett
Vibe: Cozy, old-world market feel just off King Street with shelves of imported wines and goods.
Style: Simple-but-brilliant tapas executed with precision.
Standout Dishes:
Fried rabbit leg with savory crème fraîche
La bomba de la Barceloneta (crispy potato + pork)
Paella-style arros con cangrejo
Drinks: Spanish-forward wine list
Vern’s
Cuisine: American Contemporary
Proprietors: Daniel & Bethany Heinze
Vibe: One of Charleston’s toughest reservations; intimate and warm.
Style: Seasonal Lowcountry ingredients + influences from Chef Heinze’s travels.
Standout Dishes:
Charred sourdough with allium butter
Raw yellowfin tuna with Calabrian chili
House-made campanelli with rabbit and vacche rosse cheese
Drinks: Expertly curated wine list by Bethany Heinze
Wild Common
Cuisine: American Contemporary
Chef: Orlando Pagán
Vibe: Creative tasting menu under $100; counter dining with kitchen views.
Style: Playful, globally-inspired plates using local ingredients.
Standout Dishes:
Pho with carrot kimchi
Hamachi crudo with coconut + kumquat
Roasted carrot & walnut tortelli
Dry-aged NY strip with polenta cake
Aged cheddar “sundae”
Bib Gourmand Honorees
Leon's Oyster Shop
Cuisine: Seafood
Vibe: A former filling station turned breezy indoor-outdoor hangout.
Style: Southern staples with clever twists.
Standout Dishes:
Smoked mahi dip with fried saltines
Shrimp roll with jalapeño + crushed chips
Legendary fried chicken (hot sauce-marinated + buttermilk-brined)
Drinks: Surprisingly strong grower Champagne list
Lewis Barbecue
Cuisine: Texas-style Barbecue
Proprietor: John Lewis
Vibe: Smoke-scented patio, Texas swagger, counter-sliced meats.
Style: Slow-smoked beef, served by the pound.
Standout Dishes:
Melt-in-your-mouth brisket
Weekend-only beef rib
Corn pudding + potato salad
Banana pudding for dessert
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Cuisine: Whole-hog Barbecue
Proprietor: Rodney Scott
Vibe: Brick pit-house with nonstop smoke and a busy drive-thru.
Style: Traditional whole-hog cooked low and slow.
Standout Dishes:
Pulled pork with Rodney’s signature vinegar-lemon “electric sauce”
Collards + mac and cheese
Apple hand pie
2651 Park West Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
5 beds | 4 baths | 3002 sqft
$950,000
Classic Charleston charm meets modern Lowcountry living in this beautifully designed two-story home with double piazzas and high-end finishes throughout.
✅ Quick Highlights
5 bedrooms + 4 full baths
Gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, walk-in pantry, and premium stainless appliances
Bright, open living room with gas fireplace
Flexible first-floor room ideal for a home office or guest suite
Luxury primary suite with tray ceiling, soaking tub, walk-in shower, and oversized closet
Bonus 5th bedroom that works as a media room, playroom, or private ensuite
🌿 Interior & Comfort
Flooded with natural light
Beautiful flooring throughout
Thoughtful layout for both entertaining and everyday living
🏡 Community + Location
Located in Park West, one of Mount Pleasant’s most desirable neighborhoods:
Community pool, tennis courts, and clubhouse
Close to shopping, dining, and Mount Pleasant beaches
Surrounded by protected natural areas for added privacy
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Planning ahead…
I just spent 3 days in Orlando this week at my real estate brokerage’s annual conference. Not only did I learn a ton and connect with friends both old and new, but I was also honored to speak on a stage with 2 friends in a breakout session where they had to turn people away because we hit max capacity for fire code! After it was all said and done, it has me thinking about 2026 and my plan and goals. So I decided to put it right here for all of you to see, because what’s a goal if no one knows about it? I have 3 main goals:
Double my Instagram followers to at least 84k
Reach 10,000 newsletter subscribers
Help 40 clients buy or sell a home
To reach these goals, though, I’m going to need your help. And the easiest way to do so doesn’t even cost a dime!
Share my content, my newsletter, and my contact info!
From a few videos in 2024 to just “try something new”, I never imagined the community my content would create and the amazing opportunities that would present themselves that have allowed me to share even more with all of you. As we wrap up these last almost 2 months of 2025, it excites me to think of where all of this will be next year. The stories I will get to share with you about this amazing city we call home. I have no plans of taking my foot off the gas to continue building this community of the most informed locals.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here, and thank you for liking and sharing all that I do to spread what is going on around town.
-Bill Olson
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