Cover Story

On the cover: In our article Snapshots of In-Town Living, Nicki Carrea has chosen an upper floor condominium which she has beautifully decorated to suit her taste and needs. This detail shows an unusual silver vase tucked into a wall niche.

The Getaway

Whitewater’s Soul

Take a day trip to nearby Charlotte and spend an exciting day at the U. S. National Whitewater Center.  Just a short drive up I-77, the Center offers unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Features

Patrick Mahoney: The Carpenter as Artisan

After following a path through life that touched upon art and photography, Patrick Mahoney has found his home in the restoration of all things crafted of wood.

Snapshots of In-Town Living

Two residents of the beautiful and convenient Adesso Condominiums give us a glimpse of different decorating styles that both fit into downtown living.

The Charleston Silver Lady

With a lifelong love of history, antiques, and silver, Dawn Corley offers our readers a rare glimpse into how silver heirlooms, passed down through families, have become an important part of the South Carolina heritage.

By William Thrift

Imagine for a minute that you’re in the British Colony of South Carolina, specifically a farm in the oppressively humid low country.   You make a living growing and harvesting season after season.  Although plants and land are plentiful, family possessions are few and cherished.  Whatever you cannot grow or make, you buy with the silver coins in your pocket.  When the time comes to pass the torch to your son or daughter, you bring your coins to a silversmith and have him melt them down and form them into a wedding goblet garnished with your family name in script. Read more…

A view from the dining room to the kitchen area across the breakfast bar.

Cathy Price

So what’s it like living on the corner of Blossom and Main, just up the hill from Assembly – one of the busiest confluences of traffic (auto and pedestrian) in Columbia?  We asked two owners living in the new Adesso condos to tell us what drew them there and why they love it so much.   You may ask what kind of person would be the first to ante up and buy a pre-construction Adesso condo?  The answer would be Cathy Price, of course.  Read more…

Mr. Friendly’s has become the complete manifestation of it’s owners’ philosophy of using locally grown, seasonal ingredients to create unique, artisan interpretations of traditional southern dishes.  To demonstrate just a sampling of what he produces for Columbians during a typical busy day, Ricky Mollohan (owner) took some time after lunch service at Mr. Friendly’s (and before dinner service at all three of his restaurants), to personally prepare three different dishes (one from each) that he encourages the home chef to try.

Read more…

Mr. Friendly’s has become the complete manifestation of it’s owners’ philosophy of using locally grown, seasonal ingredients to create unique, artisan interpretations of traditional southern dishes.  To demonstrate just a sampling of what he produces for Columbians during a typical busy day, Ricky Mollohan (owner) took some time after lunch service at Mr. Friendly’s (and before dinner service at all three of his restaurants), to personally prepare three different dishes (one from each) that he encourages the home chef to try.

Read more…

By William Thrift

Despite the summer heat, you’ve done all the right things.  You weeded.  You fertilized.  You discouraged (or killed) pests.  You dragged out the hose and soaked everything before the temperature reached triple digits.  Then your happy plants rewarded you with fruits and veggies.  You ate all you could.  You gave away sacks to friends and neighbors.  You were the person at work who was pushing the soft, ripe tomatoes that would spoil if you let them sit over the weekend.  If this is you, then you may already know about the food preservation technique known as canning, or bottling, or putting up whatever it is that your delighted plants keep on producing. Read more…

Barbie Mathis Yellow and White Orchids Watercolor 16” x 20”

Barbie Mathis, a native of Columbia, SC, has been working as a professional

artist since 1980.  Over the years, she has evolved as an illustrator, designer, and painter, working in various media with her main emphasis being watercolor painting. Barbie’s primary focus is on realistic florals and landscapes immersed in layers of colorful glazes, dramatic lighting, and rich, natural backgrounds. She also enjoys doing creative, artsy renditions of people, and has been working on a series for the past two years called  “It’s All About Faith.” The series celebrates the creativity and individuality of her daughter, Faith. Read more…