Chiropractic Care in Johns Island, SC

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A Charleston County business is raising its prices and the owner says it’s because of inflation, a situation happening across the Lowcountry and the nation.

Chef Tim Erwin owns The Sothern General on John’s Island. He says inflation is the reason he’s charging a 20% “industry tax” on his patrons’ bills right now.

“It’s not just the cost of goods. I mean, it’s going across the board, and you’re talking about rent increases on all the fixed costs have gone up as well,” Erwin says.

Erwin says the money will mostly go towards keeping a full staff and paying them a livable wage.

“We implemented that charge that gets split up amongst the kitchen employees in order to get them a much higher rate of pay. So by doing that, we’re able to create an environment that’s where everyone feels supported,” Erwin says. “And then we can tackle all those challenges like inflation, as I think the easiest way to handle cost control is to stay consistent and steady.”

Economics professor Mark Witte explains when the cost of basic materials and labor goes up and stays up it affects the cost of the end product.

“As costs increase, businesses over time will pass on those cost increases to their consumers. Now, the amount of time it takes depends on how competitive the business is,” Witte says.

Witte says a small business may feel the effects of inflation sooner than a large corporation. If they have a lot of customers, they can increase prices to help their bottom line.

“If you’ve got a restaurant that’s got all kinds of customers lining up outside the door, then that business is going to be in the position to pass on any cost increases that they have, those costs are going to be passed on to the end consumer,” Witte says.

He says it might be a while before inflation rates go back down, and people notice prices drop in stores.

“It can take a year or two, maybe even more, to get inflation back down to rates that we’ve seen in the past, low enough inflation that it doesn’t really impact our decision making,” Witte says.

For now, Erwin says he appreciates his customers and wants them to understand what they are paying for behind the scenes in the restaurant industry.

“The reason why we didn’t just raise our prices and not say a word about it is we could start a dialogue or we can get people talking about it. The more you talk about it more people understand that,” Erwin says. “In fact, I don’t think 20 percent even scratched the surface of what we’re really looking at here.”

Erwin says he and his staff are happy to talk to customers who have questions about the charge.

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You’ve already been charmed by Charleston, maybe even made the trip to some of South Carolina’s best small towns like Bluffton, Georgetown? and Mount Pleasant. But there’s a lot more awesomeness waiting to be discovered in the Palmetto State…or, shall we say, just off the coast. South Carolina has some really incredible islands that are perfect for vacation, whether you’re intrigued by pirate lore, love exploring salt marshes, fancy a birdwatching holiday or just need a stress-free escape where wild horses run free.

1. HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

One of South Carolina’s most popular tourist destinations for a plethora of reasons, Hilton Head Island offers an incredible mix of natural wonder, upscale delights and outdoor activities. You can book whale watching and dolphin spotting boat charters, hit the links, go cycling, hiking and kayaking, play tennis and polo, do some shopping, snap pics in front of the red-and-white-striped Harbour Town Lighthouse and, of course, catch some rays on the beach.

2. DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

No doubt you’ve heard of Hilton Head Island and Savannah in the neighboring state of Georgia. Sitting just off the coast between these well-known vacation destinations is a tiny hidden gem called Daufuskie Island with a population of just 500 residents. There aren’t hotels or big-name attractions. Instead, it's a place of peace, quiet and magical natural wonders—bottlenose dolphins bob in the waters and loggerhead turtles nest on the shore.

3. KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

In terms of true vacation destinations, Kiawah Island is a hole-in-one. It has a huge gated luxury beach and golf resort with loads of swish accommodation and amenities like world-class fairways. You don’t need to be a guest to explore the island, which is open to the public. Daytrippers from Charleston often drive over to enjoy the sandy beaches, hiking and biking trails, tours at Heron Park Nature Center and Marsh Island Park.

4. CAPERS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

A pretty, undeveloped barrier island oasis, Capers Island is the perfect spot for a family vacation. Beaches, maritime uplands and salt marshes provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventure. It’s excellent for birdwatching and wildlife peeping. Be sure to bring your camera to the eye-catching “boneyard beach” where old tree stumps dot the sandy expanse. Bonus: accessibility from Charleston means no long travel days with the kiddos.

5. DEVEAUX BANK, SOUTH CAROLINA

By now you’ve likely gathered that birding is a big deal in South Carolina. Deveaux Bank, a horseshoe-shaped spit of sand at the mouth of the North Edisto River estuary, takes it to the next level as the island actually encompasses a 215-acre sanctuary that’s a protected nesting habitat for many sea and shorebirds. If you’re keen to see eastern brown pelicans and black skimmers, hightail it over to Deveaux Bank.

6. SEABROOK ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Seabrook Island is a downright dreamy place to live or visit. A lot of people choose to reside in this private, oceanfront community. That’s because it’s pretty as a picture with natural beauty galore, nationally recognized birdwatching, two award-winning golf courses, near-empty beaches, a racquet club, an equestrian center and stunning houses we’d happily call home. And the fact that it’s just a few miles from downtown Charleston yet retains a sense of seclusion definitely helps, too.

7. BEAR ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

A nature lover’s dream, Bear Island feels rugged and remote despite sitting just an hour outside Charleston. This undeveloped and pristinely beautiful 12,021-acre Sea Island is part of the ACE Basin estuarine reserve area and managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. That translates to ample opportunities for bird watching (it’s among the top-ranked spots for twitchers in the entire state) and wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking and biking.

8. EDISTO ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Where to Stay: “No Saints” Beach House (sleeps 4), Two-Bedroom Unit at Wyndham Ocean Ridge Resort (sleeps 6), Vacation Home Near Beach (sleeps 14)

For a fantastic family-friendly holiday, consider Edisto Island. A laid-back Lowcountry Sea Island not far from Charleston (some people even call it home and commute into the Holy City, just to give you a sense of proximity) that’s approximately 68 square miles and has loads of low-key appeal in the form of sandy beaches and outdoor activities for all ages, including hiking and camping in Edisto Beach State Park.

9. FRIPP ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Fripp Island doesn’t scream "Shiver me timbers" in that really obvious sort of way. But its treasure hunting past is really interesting and the legends live on. Though, these days, the most seaward of the barrier islands feels a lot less pirate and more residential vacation resort with sandy beaches, tennis courts and golf courses. It’s also a designated wildlife sanctuary. Visitors and residents frequently see great blue herons, wood storks and dolphins.

10. PORT ROYAL ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Where to Stay: Anchorage 1770 Inn, Best Western Sea Island Inn, The Beaufort Inn

If you’ve spent some time in South Carolina or are generally familiar with the Palmetto State, Beaufort probably rings a bell. Port Royal Island is the island where the aforementioned seaside city resides. There are beautiful beaches, scenic walking trails, boat tours and tons of opportunities for birdwatching. It's also a popular pick for foodies, specifically seafood lovers who come from far and wide to sample fresh-caught Lowcountry fare.

11. CALLAWASSIE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Callawassie Island may be one of the hundreds of barrier and sea islands, but this 880-acre private slice of paradise just 17 miles from Beaufort sets itself apart from the rest with its coastline, tidal creeks, lagoons, salt marshes and moss-draped trees. There’s also a butterfly garden and a golf course. Callawassie Island is accessible via the half-mile-long causeway that connects it to the mainland as well as by boat.

12. JOHNS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Where to stay: Renovated Cottage (sleeps 6), Bed and Breakfast Porch Rockin’ (sleeps 13), North Beach Pet-Friendly Cottage (sleeps 10)

Sure, bigger isn’t always better. But, then again, sometimes size ups the appeals of a place. Sprawling 738 acres, Johns Island, the largest island in South Carolina and famously a filming location for The Notebook is enchantingly beautiful with miles of wooded trails, farms and lakes. Back to the whole size thing…its most famous feature, the massive ancient Angel Oak stands a whopping 65-feet tall and shades an area of 17,000 square feet.

Chef Alex Yellan is nearing the opening of what he hopes will be his dream Mexican restaurant.

Named Colectivo, the destination at 2901 Maybank Highway will cater to a local Johns Island crowd, serving Mexican food that Yellan himself craves — dishes you might actually find in Mexico, perhaps with a cheffy twist.

“I think for me that’s one of the things that’s most exciting, is having the chance to cook for a larger portion of locals,” Yellan said. “It’ll be cool to be a part of that growing Johns Island crowd out there.”

Born in Arizona, Yellan spent a summer living with a family in Mexico during college, taking residence there again in his 20s with a former co-worker. Colectivo’s menu will be influenced by this experience and techniques he learned throughout his career in professional kitchens.

“We’re trying to find that line between traditional and modern,” Yellan said. “Mexican food is living and breathing just like any other cuisine.”

After leaving his post as executive chef at downtown Charleston wine bar The Tippling House, Yellan started testing out Colectivo dishes at a friend’s house. Carnitas ribs, shrimp cócteles, bone marrow birria sopes, cochinita pibil and potatoes with Edam cheese are a handful of dishes that could land on the forthcoming restaurant’s menu, which will feature a mix of small plates and larger mains.

Colectivo’s tacos and burritos won’t arrive as they do in other Charleston restaurants. Similar to a barbecue restaurant, meats will be served by the pound along with sides and stacks of house-made tortillas.

The idea is to share among the table.

“You’re going to see the chef on some plates, but when it comes to the meats, I’m kind of over the idea of doing the chef-curated taco,” Yellan said. “What we just want to have is really nicely cooked meats with their garnish and their salsa and everyone’s grabbing at it and enjoying that family-style.”

Mexican meats and sides aren’t the only thing that will be shared at Colectivo, which will open for dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays. On Mondays and Tuesdays, Yellan will lend the 75-seat venue to former Xiao Bao Biscuit colleague Jamey Fairchild, who will serve food from his Gingerbug pop-up. Guests who visit on those nights can expect Thai curries and charcoal-grilled snacks.

Colectivo is targeting a fall opening. Before the restaurant debuts, Yellan plans to host a series of pop-ups starting in August.

JAMES ISLAND — The Lowcountry Senior Center made Stu Williams feel the opposite of how he thought he would feel. Since joining as a volunteer and a member, he has felt younger, not older.

“It’s the best thing that ever happened to me. Being a Vietnam veteran ... you build this shell around yourself,” Williams said. “There was always this sensitive, loving side of me that I couldn’t show. I’ve always had that and this place has really brought it out.”

The center, which offers fitness classes, lectures, wine clubs, golf outings, an open gym and other community center amenities, accepts members starting at 50 years old. But many people put off joining until later in life, said center Director Elizabeth Biggers Bernat.

“The word senior center turns off so many people,” she said. “People say they’ve driven by so many times and thought to themselves, ‘That’s for people who are older than me.’ But when people walk in the door and try us out, they love us every time.”

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sense of community found at the senior center makes it a rare respite for retirees who have moved from other cities or miss the camaraderie they had in an office. Members liken the connections made there to other organizations in their past like a military battalion, a sorority or a sports team.

Outside a exercise class one Friday afternoon, two friends met up and chatted in a pair of arm chairs. Before they knew it, the class was over and they never entered the fitness studio. But like most members, they’d probably come back again later that week.

“Do you remember the 30-minute show ‘Cheers’? Norm would walk in and everyone would say, “Norm!′ It’s kind of like that,” center member Joyce Baker said. “You walk in and you know everyone’s name and they know you.”

This summer, the Lowcountry Senior Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The city-owned facility is staffed by employees of the Roper St. Francis Hospital System, but it also relies on volunteers and outside instructors. The offerings vary based on feedback from the members.

Professors from the College of Charleston have led lecture series, and members can take chess, writing, language, art and fitness classes. Demand grew enough that the city opened a second senior center in West Ashley in 2019. At both the Lowcountry Senior Center, 865 Riverland Drive, and the Waring Senior Center, 2001 Henry Tecklenburg Drive, visitors can sign up for individual classes or pay a membership fee. Memberships range from $70 to $130 per year.

For Baker, the offerings at the center aren’t as important to her as the connections she’s made.

“When my husband passed, I was thinking, ‘what am I going to do?’ I came here and I wasn’t a volunteer at first but everyone is so welcoming I decided to volunteer too.”

Now she volunteers at the front desk and participates in classes and events multiple times a week.

3050 Marlin Rd, Johns Island, SC, July 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Johns Island, S.C. — Many are familiar with ropes courses in trees, but in May 2022, Charleston Aqua Park opened the first-ever above-water ropes course in the United States. This unique challenge course has been a hit with the Charleston community upon its opening, providing exhilarating fun for people of all ages. The park is open daily from 12:00pm-6:00pm, resting atop the Trophy Lakes of Johns Island just a short drive from downtown Charleston.

Designed to bring out your competitive edge and inner child, the ropes course allows people to swing, balance, and zipline their way through the course with a smile on their faces. Originally manufactured in Germany as the Aqua Chimp, the ropes course brands itself as a ‘floating jungle,’ that encourages its participants to be simultaneously challenged and entertained, all while remaining low-stakes above a body of water.

“Since opening in May, our one-of-a-kind above-water ropes course has brought so much joy to our visitors,” says the co-founder of Charleston Aqua Park, Jessica Neumann. “There is such a sense of unity when a group of people comes together to have fun and be challenged— we’re honored to be the first in the nation to offer this experience.”

While Charleston Aqua Park originally gained attraction via its Wipeout-style aqua park, the addition of the ropes course has added new fun for individuals of all ages and skill levels. People have loved using the course for birthday parties, camps, corporate team building, college outings, date nights, and more!

The ropes course can be found atop Johns Island's Trophy Lakes which has been in operation since 1985 with the goal of creating a fun-loving atmosphere for watersports of all kinds. Trophy Lakes is best known for its ski slalom course that has seen some important records throughout its history. Private ski lessons and a disc golf course are available in addition to Charleston Aqua Park’s wipe-out course and on-water disc golf course.

The ropes course is $18.90 for 45 minutes of pure fun and can be enjoyed by all individuals over the age of six. If you think you have what it takes to tackle the challenging and fun features of the Charleston Aqua Park Ropes Course, you can reserve an appointment on Charleston Aqua Park’s website.

To see how it’s done, check out this video and follow along with Charleston Aqua Park for updates on its socials @CharlestonAquaPark.

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Charleston Aqua Park opened in June 2019 at Trophy Lakes of Johns Island where it has been celebrating fun water activities for the whole family ever since. Charleston Aqua Park is dedicated to creating great memories in an authentic and exciting way. To learn more, visit its website, call at 843-279-4520, or email at hello@charlestonaquapark.com.