Favorite Pawleys Island Faces and Places - The Shrimpman

When people visit Pawleys Island from land-locked inland areas, they are likely to seek out fresh coastal seafood. In Pawleys Island, the locals know where to get the best, fresh shrimp in town; from Gordon McNeil, The Shrimpman! 

For 17 years, the Shrimpman has been selling shrimp in the Pawleys area. He and his cousin, Charles, pride themselves on the quality of their product. Their shrimp are never more than a day old and never have any sort of preservative added. The Shrimpman calls them "organic" with a smile.  Any product left over at day's end is distributed to family and friends. However, when I pulled up to interview the Shrimpman, it was 2:00PM, and he had just sold his last 10 lbs. While we stood there and chatted, 5 more customers stopped by, only to be turned away disappointed.

The Shrimpman has a simple business model. He and Charles catch the shrimp, select the best of the bunch, and throw them in a cooler. The Shrimpman then drives up to his regular location, out in front of Pawleys Island Supplies, at the corner of Highway 17 and the North Causeway to Pawleys Island. Locals know there is shrimp available if they see his truck parked out front. Apparently, people will sometimes call Pawleys Island Supplies to find out if he is there yet. (You can call them at 843-237-2912.)

Pawleys Island Supplies is a long time local establishment originally owned by the Cribb family. The current owners, Chris and Jennifer Brown, work hard to keep the tradition of this Favorite Pawleys Island Place. PI Supplies has just about anything you could possibly need for a vacation in Pawleys. Originally, Ernie Cribb filled PI Supply with hardware from Orgill. You can still pick up most of what you need for home improvement as well as a wide array of beach supplies, fishing gear, bait, snacks and souvenirs. And, the store also offers non-ethanol gasoline for your boat!

The Shrimpman has a classic, laid-back, and witty personality, with plenty of on and "off-the record" local stories. He can be found in front off Pawleys Island Supplies from May 15 through the end of December.  Jumbo shrimp (16 count, about a pound) runs $5.50, the same as he has charged for 17 years! The Shrimpman says that his business motto is: "You can shear a sheep many times, but only skin it once." Translation, he  strives to always be fair and honest with his customers to ensure that they will keep coming back for more. And they do...

When you stop by Pawleys Island Supply to pick up your shrimp for supper, don't forget to pick up a copy of "The Pawleys Island Shrimpman Cookbook", a compilation of local amateur chefs' favorite recipes for preparing the Shrimpman's treasures. He also has T-Shirts to show your support for local seafood.

The Shrimpman shared with me one more piece of wisdom; how to make a million dollars in the shrimp business. "Start with two shrimp, " he says.

"Charlie" the mascot

One more reason to book your vacation in Pawleys Island or come here to stay...Shrimpman!

Contact me and I will help you find your place in paradise...

Happy House Hunting!

Favorite Pawleys Island Faces and Places: Quigley's

It is a rainy day in Pawleys Island. Fortunately, it is not cold here, but I have a craving for a soft blanket and some comfort food. One of my favorite Pawleys Island eateries comes to mind: Quigley's Pint and Plate.

Quigley's opened in November 2007 under the ownership of Josh Quigley and Michael Benson. Josh Quigley is a long time local, well-known for his beer brewing talents. He continuously brews at least 8 different beers on the premises in his own brewery. 

-photo by C. Connor for Weekly Surge

Quigley's is a family-friendly restaurant with a moderately priced menu. The menu has a decidedly British pub feel, but also a strong Low Country flair. You can order Shepherd's Pie, Shrimp and Grits, or mouth-watering Fish and Chips. The burgers are great and the kids' menu has something for the most picky eaters. (The Quigley's have four delightful children, so Josh must have had picky eaters in mind when he developed the menu!) While you wait for the main course, be sure to ask for an order of fried pickles or fried green tomatoes! YUM!!! Check out the Quigley's menu HERE.

We locals LOVE the atmosphere of Quigley's. Even if the food was not as tasty, we would still come hang out! The English pub-inspired bar area is warm, welcoming, and always packed at Happy Hour. Out back on the patio,  you can enjoy a lovely view of the lake at Mingo. There is even a comfy couch area to chill with friends and enjoy some of Josh's latest brews. Sometimes, a live local band is in house for your entertainment.

Quigley's is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are not necessary, but if you have a large party, you might want to call ahead at 843-237-7010. Check out the Quigley's Pint and Plate website for Happy Hour specials and further information.

Another great reason to book a vacation in Pawleys Island or come here to stay...Quigley's!

Contact me and I will help you find the perfect home in paradise.

Happy House Hunting!

Favorite Pawleys Island Faces and Places - Scott Benston, Surf the Earth

You may have seen my post a couple of weeks ago about the Pawleys Island surf scene. There are a handful of fantastic surfers, young and old, in Pawleys. But, there is only one surf shop in Pawleys Island, and that is Surf the Earth, owned by Scott Benston.

Scott and his beautiful wife, Deanna, opened Surf the Earth in 2000. The shop is now located on the East side on Highway 17 at 47 Da Gullah Way. Surf the Earth is so much more than just surfboards, surf baggies, bikinis, and surf wax. The shop also offers sales and rentals of surf kayaks and paddleboards (pictured below) as well as a selection of skateboards, flip flops, and beach fashions. Deanna has an impeccable eye for choosing the latest hip clothes for tourists and locals to sport around town and at the beach.

Surf Camps are offered for kids starting this week! Monday through Friday from 9AM-12:30PM on Pawleys Island. Camps are now offered at the Litchfield Inn on Tuesday and Thursday from 9AM-noon. 

Surf the Earth also has programs affiliated with Huntington Beach State Park and Hobcaw Barony, offering paddleboard and kayak tours through these scenic locations. Call Scott or one of his friendly staff at 843-235-3500 or visit the Surf the Earth website for more details.

Scott is one of Pawleys Island's friendliest faces, always smiling and offering a kind word. Who could blame him? He owns a surf shop! He and Deanna have three beautiful children and if they are not working hard in the shop, you can find them down by the Pawleys Island pier enjoying the surf, sun, and sand. 

Stop by Surf the Earth today and then head for the beach!!

One more great reason to visit or make the move to Pawleys Island...

Happy House Hunting!

Pawleys Island Faces and Places - Ilka Doubek, Litchfield Dance Arts Academy

Most little girls at least pass through a phase of wanting to be a ballerina. (For some, like me, it is a passion that never departs.) The beautiful costumes and fairy tale stories float through playtime and dreamland. The truth of the matter is that training to be a professional dancer takes a great deal of hard work, dedication, and YES, blood, sweat, and tears. If you have a little girl (or boy!!!) who would like to become a dancer, you might be surprised to find a world-class dance studio tucked away in Pawleys Island - Litchfield Dance Arts Academy, under the artistic direction of Ilka Doubek.

Litchfield Dance Arts Academy (LDAA) is celebrating 17 years of dance education in Pawleys Island. Classes are offered from ages 2 though adult in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theater, hip hop, and tumbling. Although there are classes available for simple recreation, LDAA is definitely a school for dancers who are looking for serious training. Dancers who exhibit a high level of skill and dedication are invited into the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) training program, an internationally acclaimed syllabus for young dancers. Ms. Doubek personally places each student in the appropriate class level; she certainly has the credibility, as her resume is sparkling and impressive.

Ms. Doubek has been a professional ballet and modern dancer since 1973. Prior to founding LDAA, she was a member of the Omaha Ballet, the San Diego Ballet, Frankfurt Ballet (Germany), and the Hamburg Ballet (Germany). She has also been a guest solo dancer and choreographer in many of Europe's performing arts festivals and major opera houses. Her husband, Tom Fox, is a successful international opera singer (Baritone), who has performed in every major opera house in the world. Their daughter, Lida Fox, is a rising star in the modeling world, already jet-setting from New York to Paris and Milan to walk the runway. She and her family have built an amazing facility in the heart of Pawleys Island, rivaling any dance studio anywhere I have ever been!

LDAA functions in association with the Litchfeld Ballet Foundation, a 501-C-3 that provides the dancers of LDAA with opportunities to perform throughout the community, such as annual performances with the Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art . The students participate in local and regional dance competitions and hold regular holiday performances and springtime recitals at Wheelwright Auditorium at Coastal Carolina University.

Ilka is fiercely dedicated to providing the highest level of training for her dancers. This standard is reflected in the amazing artists she produces at LDAA. At times, her approach can seem intense to parents who are unfamiliar with the "real world" of dance. Having spent a lifetime training and performing as a professional dancer, I can attest to the difficult daily challenges faced by dancers, amateur as well as professional. It is a rewarding, if complicated and competitive, career path to take. 

So, if you live in Pawleys Island and your child expresses an interest in dance, start at the top of the crop at Litchfield Dance Arts Academy. (If you do not live here full time, check out the LDAA summer programs and hang out at the beach while your child trains...)

Even if he or she does not pursue a professional career, they will leave LDAA with a foundation of discipline, posture, and dedication that will extend to every aspect of their future life.

Contact LDAA directly at:

dancewithilka@aol.com

843-237-7465

 "I do not try to dance better than anyone else.

I only try to dance better than myself."

- Mikhail Baryshnikov

Another reason to move to Pawleys Island...LDAA! Call me today and I will find you your dream home in paradise.

Happy House Hunting!

, 

Pawleys Island Favorite Faces and Places - My Broker-in-Charge, Stoney Miller

I have always been a history buff.  History was one of my favorite subjects in school. So, it is a real pleasure to work for E. Stone "Stoney" Miller at Litchfield Real Estate, a long time Pawleys Island local. He knows all about the area and is an endless source of history and information. When I first started at Litchfield Real Estate last year, I would wander into his office just to ask him a question or two and get a free history lesson.

Stoney's Father (also Stoney) established Litchfield Real Estate in 1959, offering vacation rentals and real estate sales on Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beaches. At that time, most of what makes up the layout of the Pawleys Island area today did not exist yet. Stoney's family had a great deal to do with the development of this small little coastal community through the 60s and 70s. One major accomplishment was participation in the subdivision and development of Litchfield Country Club (in connection with Litchfield Plantation), the first golf course community in Pawleys Island. The project began in 1964 and was completed in 1966, becoming a prestigious spot for social events and starting a trend for other golf course communities in our area.

One thing I adore about Stoney, is that he has such intimate knowledge about so many properties in the Pawleys Island/Litchfield area. I continues to surprise me when I mention a property to him and have him respond, "Oh yes, that used to belong to so-and-so..." Sometimes, it turns out he or someone else in  his family actually owned it at some time or another! 

Stoney is very involved with his church, All Saints Episcopal Church, as well as his community. He has close ties with such local projects as the Georgetown County Habitat for Humanity and is Vice-Chairman for the Tara Hall Home for Boys. He also enjoys hanging out on his boat. He is an all-around interesting person with a lot of heart and passion. 

Stoney continues a great tradition at Litchfield Real Estate started by his Dad.  In my opinion, he has selected a warm, caring, and hard-working staff at Litchfield Real Estate of which I am honored to be a part. 

Check us out online at www.litchfieldrealestate.com, call us at 843-237-4241, or stop by today to find out if Stoney has a minute or two to tell you about the history of Pawleys Island!

Happy House Hunting!

Pawleys Island Faces and Places: Selena Camp of Island Shoes

Pawleys Island boasts unique shopping in scenic settings. One of the most notable locations is The Hammock Shops, made famous by our Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock. It is impossible to visit the Hammock Shops without at least taking a peek at the absolutely FABULOUS Island Shoes!

The owner of Island Shoes, Selena Camp, is as thrilling and exceptional as her shoe and handbag selection. She opened Island Shoes in 1989, and prides herself on keeping the most trendy and popular styles and selection of shoes found anywhere in the area. You can find Sanita, Jack Rogers, Dansko, Naot, Bella-vita, Sam Edleman, La Plume, and more.

Island Shoes also has gorgeous hats, handbags, and accessories that Selena hand picks with impeccable taste. She is always dressed stylishly, complete with a flashing smile on her face. She has carefully selected a caring and attentive staff that is eager to help you delight in your newest pair of adorable sandals or pumps. What woman can resist?? (Sorry, guys...Island Shoes is primarily a girl thing, but grab a gift certificate to make your woman love you more!!)

Another aspect of Selena that makes her so interesting is that along with her talent for fashion, she is a true Pawleys Island local. Her family has owned the Liberty Lodge, a historical Pawleys Island home, for over 100 years. 

Selena has an arsenal of stories about Pawleys Island and it's history. She is a true pleasure to know...

So, don't delay. If you are in Pawleys Island, throw on your flip-flops and head over to Island Shoes. Ask one of the friendly staff if Selena is in, and say hello. You will have a hard time getting out the door without a fabulous new pair of shoes. Here are a few of my favorites from Island Shoes (aren't they cute?!):

Check out this interview of Selena to experience her charm firsthand...then go buy some shoes!

Rachel Tipton, REALTOR
Litchfield Real Estate
Pawleys Island, SC
843-424-0995 cell
rachel@litchfieldrealestate.com
www.racheltipton.com
www.litchfieldrealestate.com
www.facebook.com/rachelayerstipton
www.twitter.com/racheltipton

 

Please Don't Run...I Said INTERVAL, Not TIMESHARE!

Pawleys Island and the Grand Strand in general are vacation destinations. People come here for the beaches, the golf, and the get-away. I would estimate over half of our real estate to be second home or income property. One effective way to own real estate in paradise is what we call INTERVAL OWNERSHIP.  

In my office, we deal with interval ownership of condos as well as single family homes. When I first joined Litchfield Real Estate, I was not all that familiar with intervals (also known as FRACTIONAL). I thought they were the same thing as TIMESHARES, which, for some, bring to mind images of a creepy, pushy salesman luring unsuspecting tourists into a hotel room with a free watch. If you take a few minutes to do a bit of research, you will find the differences between timeshares and interval ownership are substantial.

Luckily, I did the research for you....:-)

Timeshares versus Interval Ownership

• Timeshares allow a person or persons the right to use a property, there is no claim of ownership on the property.
• Interval Ownership means actually purchasing real estate, the weeks or months are actual DEEDED property.
• Timeshares are generally controlled and owned by a company, who sells the right to use under a contracted period of time. At the end of that agreed time period, usage returns to the company or owner.
• Interval property is divided equally amongst the owners (usually from 4-8 owners), and the interval is secured for their use.
• The value of a timeshare generally depreciates; generally will sell for 25% of original value.
• Property owned in intervals can appreciate in value (depending on the economy!), as property values follow the current market.
• Only those named in the purchase of a timeshare may use the property.
• Interval Owners may rent their property during the interval they own, if the property HOA allows. Family and friends may also use the property during the owner’s interval if the owner allows.
• Timeshares do not allow the transfer of ownership.
• Intervals can be inherited.
• Timeshare useage may be compromised if the company that owns or manages the property defaults or claims bankruptcy.
• Intervals can be claimed as an alternative residence and my be eligible for tax benefits (ask your accountant!).
• Fraud has been noted in the timeshare industry. Cases have been cited in which companies sold properties that did not exist, or misrepresented the actual location (i.e. property marketed as oceanfront ended up being far from the beach).
• Interval Owners are responsible for property taxes, condo fees, and maintenance.
• Intervals are difficult to finance. Most buyers bring cash.

I hope I do not sound like I am slamming on timeshares. I am sure there are folks out there who have had great experiences with purchasing vacation time through a timeshare company.

However, I am in the real estate business. I want buyers to know that interval ownership is a GREAT option for buyers searching for more affordable property in resort areas that may match the individual’s actual time usage.

My local association, the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS, has just voted in the option to enter intervals into the MLS. This is a big deal to us down here, providing more exposure and reliable comparable property history. Yippee!!!

Check out the intervals offered by my office HERE. Call me and ask me about interval ownership!

Happy House Hunting!