Anyone trying to make a dinner reservation for their sweetheart has learned in the last few years that you better not delay. The Southeastern Wildlife Expo is usually right around the same time and with over 40,000 outdoor enthusiasts hitting town, it can cause quite a logjam. It’s back for the 30th year, fair warning.

    The weather has been so warm that tulip trees are blooming around town. Let’s just hope there’s no repeat of the late snow from last year. We want to be looking good when all our visitors start to show up.  Fodor’s, famous for its guide books, is predicting a banner travel year. “From worldwide spectacles like the London Olympics to buzzy destinations like foodie-focused Charleston…” we are on the GO List-21 Places to Go in 2012. We are one of only two US locations, joining Oahu on the list.

     The travelers linked with Trip Advisors have decided on their picks for the Top Hotels in the US. We have three of the top 25 here in our town. The French Quarter Inn came in at number seven and The Restoration on King debuted at number 19. The Wentworth Mansion was on the list at 24.

      Not only do we have Valentine’s Day this month, but President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday of the month.  February 20th is the date this year. It is a federal and state holiday. It’s fitting that we should celebrate it between the Republican Primary and the statewide Democratic Primary which will be held on the 28th.

     February is Black History Month. Since 1976, it has been celebrated in the US and Canada. The Avery Institute is showcasing the Smithsonian exhibit Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Dow Turner.  Dr. Turner cracked the linguistic code of the Gullah language bringing international attention to the Sea Islands. The exhibit opens the 12th.

     Each Saturday during February and March at 2pm the Charles Pinckney Historical Site on Mt Pleasant will host the 2012 Gullah Cultural Series. The programs are different each week and free of charge.

     There’s lots of music to choose from this month, a little something for everyone.  The Welcome to Fin Land Tour 2012 with Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band will hit the Coliseum on the 2nd at 8pm.

     The N.Chas Performing Arts Center will be the place for the family favorite Mary Poppins from the Best of Broadway Series on the 1st and 2nd.

     On the 3rd, Gallery Row celebrates Blues on Broad: from Memphis to Mardi Gras. Each gallery will provide “a gumbo of live music and fine art.”

     The CSO Spiritual Ensemble performs its 4th Anniversary Performance,  Moses: Let my People Go-A Tribute to Moses Hogan, at Trinity United Methodist Church on Meeting St on the 4th.

     Another anniversary on tap this month:  82 Queen celebrates 30 years of serving fresh, local food and delivering a true Charleston experience. They are honoring their past by re-creating some old favorites in the kitchen and coming up with special surprises the 6th-11th.

     On the 8th, ease yourself into the Lowcountry Blues Bash. 14 days, 24 venues, 60 acts and 98 shows all over town, it runs til the 21st.

     Or take a wacky walk down the street of life with Avenue Q, a Musical by the Charleston Stage Company at the Dock Street the 10th-26th.

     Darius Rucker will romance us with the Songs of Frank Sinatra at the North Charleston Center for the Performing Arts on the 13th paving the way for a romantic Valentine’s Day.

     What began in 1993 as a ‘small winter diversion’ with 100 exhibitors and 5,000 attendees has grown into its own as the largest annual event held in SC. It’s the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the largest event of its kind in the country. The three day show now attracts over 500 artists and exhibitors and 40,000 visitors and will run from Feb 17th-19th.

     It’s another Brewvival in North Charleston on the 25th. New Belgium Brewmaster Peter Boukaert will be a distinguished presenter. Shuttles  available.

     Leave room for Chef’s Fest on the 26th at 6pm at Embassy Suites North Charleston Convention Center. Thirty exceptional chefs from some of the best restaurants in the area led by local Chef Robert Carter, the program raises funds for the Lowcountry Food Bank children’s programs serving 3,000 children weekly. 

     Aggie Zed has opened an exhibit of her work at the Halsey Gallery. Aggie went to Bishop England with me so tell her hi if she’s at the gallery. Zed grew up on Sullivan’s Island at a time when animals were allowed to roam your property.  Animal images recur in her unique artistry in Keeper’s Keep til March 10.  

    Power from animal waste? That idea tops our Business Watch. It’s one direction Santee-Cooper is exploring. They have contracted with Green Energy Systems to purchase 25 megawatts of green power. The first anaerobic digester plant will open near Manning in 2013.

      Local businesses Deytens Shipyard, Marinex and Construction Services Group have been awarded major contracts from the Dept. of Defense and the Army Corps of Engineers. In another win, Marinex also got the nod to restore the beach at St Augustine.

     Greenville-Spartanburg won the number one spot for the largest decrease in airfare nationally last year, clocking an impressive 14.3% drop in prices while Charleston came in second. We apparently saw a 7.2% drop in our prices.

     BMW will be hiring. The upscale automobile manufacturer located in Greer has announced they are adding the new X4 sports activity vehicle to its roster. The plant is currently home to the X3, X5 and X6 manufacture.

     Michelin recently unveiled its new 90,000 mile tread all season passenger tire. The Defender will be manufactured, among other locations, at it’s North American headquarters in Greenville.

     General Dynamics is bringing work for their new Stryker to the Force Protection plant in Ladson. There’s another new bank besides TD making its entry into South Carolina. Cincinnati-based Third Fifth Bank is debuting in the upstate.

     The Charleston-area homes sales market posted a 6% increase in the number of closing in 2011 over 2010.  These numbers came in just after we experienced the strongest December sales since 2006. That’s good news to everyone.

     Charleston Girl, a new fragrance inspired by Charleston and the women who  make it their home, has made its debut.  Former journalist, Kelly Gaskins, joined with Alpha Aromatics to create the scent.

     From the Chef’s Table comes the news that Brett McKee has joined Charleston Hospitality Group and recently opened Eli’s Table next to the Gibbes Art Gallery on Meeting Street. If you go, say hello to my friend Raymond in the front of the house.

     The Boulevard Diner was the setting for John King’s show on CNN. The Republican primary had reporters everywhere.

     Cypress was featured on the Cooking Channel. Unique Eats visited Chef  Craig Deihl’s kitchen to highlight some of the menu items there and to check out some of Chef’s favorite dishes

     Ben Arnold has begun distribution of Virgil Kaine’s Bourbon and Ginger, a hand crafted concoction using all natural ginger. Here’s to another local product taking off!

Time for sports in February.

There’s a Tennis Tournament going on at The Legends in Summerville. The Championship at Legends Oaks Plantation will run the 2nd through the 5th.

Schools get into the competition zone on the 4th. The Nativity School Flapjack 5K will be held at the Stono Shelter at the James Island County Park beginning at 8:30.  Ashley Ridge High School will have
their annual Fox Trot 5K the same morning at 8am on the school grounds.

The Go Red Heart 5K Run and Walk will begin and end at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina at Patriots Point on the 11th . If you’d like a weekend away with your half marathon, try the Hilton
Head Island Half Marathon on the 11th. The scenic run/race will take you through Jarvis Park, Crossing Park and over Broad Creek.

The Soccer Six Memorial Tournament will be on HHI on the 18th. The 2nd Annual Eagle Endurance Almost Nine Miler Trail Run is at the Buck Hall Recreation Center in McClellanville on the
18th also. The Family Circle Junior Cup Tennis Tournament (formerly the SMASH Jr. Cup) will be that weekend. The 19th is the Capers ECOrun 5K and 10K. Boat leaves the IOP Marina at 11 for the island.

The 10th Messa 8K for H2O will start at the Folly Pier at 9am on the 25th. The Master of Environmental Studies Student Assn. is all about improving water quality in Charleston area. The 7th
Annual Life Point Gift of Life 5K at the James Island County Park begins at 9am on the 25th to raise awareness of organ donation.

On the 25th and 26th is the Grand Prix Swim Championship at the W.L. Stephens Pool in St Andrews.   Don’t Miss the Race and Roast at Oakland Plantation on the 26th. The 5K trail run and oyster roast benefits the Land Conservancy. Do one or both.  It all fun!

For your well-heeled friends coming into town for the PGA in August, Wild Dunes Resort has proposed a VVIP package. Luxury round trip airport transportation, complete with champagne and Cohiba Robusto cigars, penthouse accommodations for six at their AAA 4 Diamond Village at Wild Dunes, one private chef’s table dinner and a round of golf. The piece de resistance? All six will travel back and forth to the
tournament daily by private helicopter.

Price tag for the package?
$15,000 and you must book by June 25th.

Enjoy the month, Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy President’s Day.

Lilla

Julian E. Smith, Jr.

September 21, 1926 – May 16, 2010

• Ø A first time home buyer- Anyone who hasn’t owned a home for 3 years prior to the day of closing.
• Ø You must complete the purchase this year (2009) before November 30
• Ø Income limits? You bettcha… If you file a 1040 as single or head of household, your adjusted gross income can’t be more than $75,000 to qualify for the full amount. There’s a sliding scale above that and it pretty much peters out at $95,000. If you file as married, your adjusted gross cap is $150,000.
• Ø How much is it and how do I get it? The tax credit last year was $7500 and had to be paid back over time. This year it’s a straight tax credit with no payback. So let’s say you qualify for the full $8000 credit: If you owe $10,000 in taxes, you’d only pay $2000. If you owed $2,000 in taxes, you wouldn’t pay, but you’d get a check for $6,000. If you got a $3000 refund it would be $11,000. It’s not that difficult.
• Ø What do I mean if you qualify for the entire $8000? The credit is $8000 or 10% of the house you bought whichever is less. If the house is $80,000 or more it’s the full $8000. If the house was $70,000, let’s say, your credit would be $7,000.
• Ø What type of home qualifies? A single family detached, condo, townhouse, just about any new or existing dwelling as long as it’s a principle residence (one where you spend over 50% of your time) and is in the United States.
• Ø How do I claim the credit? There’s a new form from the IRS #5405 that attaches to the tax forms.
• Ø You must live in the home for 3 years or you’ll have to pay the credit back. This is to discourage flips.
• Ø Just about any financing will work with this credit, even state housing.

That’s it in a nutshell. I am not a lawyer or accountant so make sure you run your particular situation by them before you send in your taxes

     Charles River Laboratories has announced they will increase their operations by 60 employees over the next 5 years. The biotech company uses horseshoe crab blood to help detect dangerous toxins in new medicines.

     The Hollings Marine Lab at Fort Johnson is looking at coral reefs, very carefully. They are investigating the possibility that as a reef decomposes,  a super antibiotic may be generated. It may be able to take on some of those resistant human bacteria that are baffling doctors lately.  

     For the third straight year ICF International has been recognized as a climate change industry leader. They won Best Advisor in all four advisor categories in this market including the EU Emissions Trading, Kyoto Projects, North American Mandatory and Voluntary Markets.

     Local entrepreneur Jason Bradford’s music label, Tone Box Digital has been selected as a finalist in a Wired Magazine’s small business competition.

     Production Design Associates (PDA) has been nominated for Technical Support Company of the Year in the 2009 Event Solutions Spotlight Awards for top event professionals from around the globe.

     The 2009 SCGA Tournament of Champions will be played at the Tradition Golf Club on Pawley’s Island January 24-25th. Application deadline is January 7th.

     There’s always something here for runners.  The 13th Annual and last Laura Griffen Memorial Run is scheduled for the 17th starting at the College of Charleston.

Some of the wilder sounding running events around the state this month include the Hair of the Dog 5K in Spartanburg on the 1st. You can Get Your Rear in Gear in Traveler’s Rest on the 3rd. If travel isn’t in the cards that weekend, there’s the Alex’s Fat Ass 50 in Mt Pleasant also on the 3rd. The Charlie Post Classic on Sullivan’s Island at the Fire Station is scheduled for the 31st.

     If you’re looking for some help or need to Get Ready to Get Over It, the Cooper River Bridge Run Training Clinics start January 13th. The 10K walking and running clinics will be split between the Town Track on Mt Pleasant and the MUSC Wellness Center on Courtney St.

     The Professional Bull Riders Get Tough Tour hits the North Charleston Coliseum January 9th.  The Lipizzaner Stallions will present their equestrian extravaganza on the 18th at the Coliseum. And last but not least on the 23rd and 24th the 34th Annual SC Square and Round Dance Convention with state callers and cuers will be at the Springmaid Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach.  Grab your partner and head on up.

We are breakfast diners. The menu is usually so limited that it gets very boring, so we are always looking for somewhere special to go. We tried the EARLY BIRD Diner Saturday morning. It’s located on 17S just past the car shops, where Alex’s used to be. If you’re looking for quality over quantity this is the place. Not to say I wasn’t full, I actually left food on my plate. But there’s no sloppy all-you-can-stuff-in buffet where everyone can mingle their germs into a stew. Yum, doesn’t that sound attractive!

The diner has so much going for it. Nicole and Dexter are the top dogs here. I was told that Dexter used to be at Rosebank Café. They serve good grits, fresh tall biscuits and the apple butter was homemade, divine and 24 hours in the making. I now know what those bottled versions were trying to do. There was also a white grape jelly, house made.

Foster and I both had the special omlette and I must say it’s just like I would make it. Fresh lightly wilted spinach with just a light smathering of goat cheese and sprinkled with bacon. The flavors were complementary, balanced and very fresh tasting..

The coffee was ok, not the best, but still a good solid brew and better than most.  The service friendly, not pushy. All in all the best breakfast I’ve had all year. What a great find!

Lunch looks good too; I’m thinking the roast beef with cucumber and creamy chive spread on black bread. Sounds good, as do the soups. OK, I’m there, hope to see you too.

Open

Tues – Thurs      7a-4p

Fri and Sat –       8a-4p

                           6p-4a

Sunday Brunch 10a-3p

Closed Monday

I’d like to share some numbers with you that surprised me. I compared single family homes, since the first of this year, on James Island and the entire Multiple Listing Service area.

                                        James Island             Status                  MLS

 Under $200,000                       29                   Active                      2218

                                                         12                   Contracted               344

                                                           0                   Pending                     266

                                                         39                   Sold                            2382

200,000-300,000                     121                  Active                         1476

                                                        16                   Contracted                   176

                                                          1                    Pending                       162

                                                      133                    Sold                            1495

300,000-400,000                      77                   Active                            788

                                                        10                   Contracted                     68

                                                          4                   Pending                           43

                                                         59                   Sold                            565                                

$400,000-500,000                    48                   Active                            520

                                                           5                   Contracted                      43

                                                           0                   Pending                           14

                                                          19                  Sold                                286

$500,000-1 Million                   69                  Active                          1407

                                                            4                  Contracted                      48

                                                            0                  Pending                           23

                                                          22                  Sold                                443

$1 Million +                                 20                   Active                          1034

                                                            1                   Contracted                       26

                                                            0                   Pending                              7

                                                            3                   Sold                                 176    

Homes are selling. They need to look their absolute best and be priced to sell. Yes, loans are harder to get and investment loans are asking 20% down, but people are selling and people are buying, especially in a destination market like Charleston.

If you’re ready or know someone who may be interested, call me. Buying or selling in the Lowcountry or across the globe, I’m ready to go to work.

Talk to you soon, I hope.

“…The numbers I have on Charleston-Charleston is doing pretty well.  The real estate market ‘s not anywhere near the gloom and doom stuff. It’s not as good as it was two years ago. It’s certainly slowed down. And it’s harder to sell a house than it was and they aren’t bringing as much as they used to bring. But it sure hasn’t crashed versus Florida or Michigan. I mean thank God you aren’t in that mess.”

We are correcting. People were saying that the prices were going up too fast, and guess what? they were right. No area of the country could sustain that fast a price rise for very long. It had to slow down and allow some time to correct.  The market will turn around. You can already see it starting here in Charleston. Showings are increasing, there are buyers here shopping for homes. And they are buying.

No the prices aren’t going to double in a year, but we will have growth. People are buying here, including second or retirement homes. The market is great for investment, I don’t see real estate in Charleston ever being a bad investment.  But the days of a quick flip for a fat check are gone. And that’s just as well. Steady growth is so much better for the area, less volatile too.

     Charleston’s Green Fair will kick off with a “green tie” gala at the Aquarium on the 25th featuring local urban developer, Vince Graham, discussing Urbanism: Past and Present. Marion Square will be the site of the Green Fair showcasing many green technologies, green building roundtables, making your own cleaning products, eating locally and  of sustainable products. It’s all happening on Sunday afternoon, the 28th. The SC Swamp Sweep will be only one of the many events taking place across the state’s rivers, creeks and beaches on the 20th. Help keep our state beautiful.

     Santee Cooper is part of the Solar Power Initiative. Through the program, customers can get help going green with federal and state tax credits and 10 year interest free loans.

     Charleston County has received a cash award from the EPA . The award is part of the EPA’s Community Action for a Renewed Environment program.

     Inc.com has highlighted Charleston, Summerville and North Charleston. The three city  metropolitan area ranked 6 of 30 midsized cities climbing on the list of best cities in which to do business from 15th last year.

     Charleston based Noel Corp has optioned 8 acres in Colleton county to build a 15K sft facility. They will make and distribute automotive sealants but hope to move into the green product and services market in the future.

     Trident is planning a new 3 story, 50 bed hospital in Monks Corner, while the VA Hospital has been ranked number 10 among the nation’s 155 VA hospitals.