Whether you are into surfing, independent films, or just supporting a good cause, we have the perfect night out for you. Pura Vida is best explained in their own words as described on their website.

“The Pura Vida No Pro began 5 years ago when Steve Sanchez, Founder of the non profit group Hearts of Stone, was planning a surf trip to Costa Rica with his crew of buddies. Wanting to give something back, Steve decided to seek out a group of challenged Tico children and introduce them to the sport of surfing. That simple act of kindness was the first step in what has become an annual event that benefits orphaned children and volunteer surfers alike.”

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Although the Charleston winter is mild (or virtually nonexistent as I, a northern transplant, see it), the first signs of spring are always a breath of fresh air. The marsh grass is greener, the days are longer, and those pesky noseeums (aka southern gnats) have arrived. Yes, spring has sprung here in Charleston. And, it’s beautiful! So straight from the {e} house crew, here are a few reasons to leave those “to do” lists behind and get out and enjoy the new season.

AARON’S TAKE:

Spring means saying, “so long” to my wetsuit as the water temperature is rising! Even better, the surf is better at the Washout! It’s obvious that for me Folly Beach is my spot when spring arrives… weekends relaxing on the beach with Owen and Chris, eating at Taco Boy, and surfing (Did I mention that before?!).

BOB’S TAKE:

The spring is a great time and the perfect temperature for a camping trip. There are several different trips I like to take.

It is always fun to Kayak out to Capers Island and camp out on the beach. It is a perfect spot to have a fire and sleep under the stars.

Another great trip is to Brevard County in North Carolina. The mountains are gorgeous and there are some really amazing hiking trails with beautiful waterfalls. It is great to go with the family (dogs included) or rough it and make it a mountain bike trip.

Aside from camping, it’s cool to experience downtown Charleston. With downtown’s intoxicating energy, you don’t have to travel far to catch spring fever. The College of Charleston students excitedly fill the streets as they finish up the semester, everything is green and blooming, the air is warm and the sun is shining. Ahh… nothing like a Saturday morning trip to Kudu coffee garden with Kris, Neve, Tug, Piper and Wally. Then walking down King to the Battery. But don’t forget to take the side streets to enjoy the cobblestone alleys and South of Broad gardens.

CHRIS’S TAKE:

I have to agree with Bob and downtown Charleston, although I like evening walks (since it is light out later). There is such a romantic feeling on the streets south of Broad. In the evening, sometimes you can even get a glimpse into the fascinating interiors of the historic homes (Yes I guess this borders on snooping, but it’s fun!).

I also love that as the weather warms up, weekends are spent at the beach instead of doing the never ending “to-do” list of house repairs that the winter seems to support. Although, that also means bathing suit season is right around the corner. I’m off to the treadmill….

MEDEA’S TAKE:

Charleston rocks in the spring. I love all of it: surfing (or at least watching my husband surf), hanging on Folly, exploring downtown, and evening strolls. So overnight camping isn’t really my thing, but one of the best places to camp out for a few hours before sunset is the tip of Morris Island (close to the lighthouse). As you’ve probably gathered, we’re all big fans of dogs and kids here at {e} house. Ella and Joule in tow, we pack up some snacks, beverages, and a blanket and beach our boat on the island for the sunset show. Morris Island is usually pretty vacant at this time of night, so it’s all ours. If you haven’t done so, try it out sometime…Just not on the night that we’re there….

How ever you decide to spend your spring, we hope you enjoy it. Happy Spring!

-The {e} house crew

Whether you’re walking the busy streets of downtown Charleston or just out for a ride, I’m sure you’ve noticed the growth of new businesses both small and large opening their doors. Having been part of this new business growth in 2006, we always have our eyes out for other new finds. We were lucky to move across the street from a new treat, Sugar Bakeshop, located on Cannon Street downtown just off the beaten path. If you haven’t discovered this new sweet spot, it’s time to check them out! The brains and creativity behind the new creation are Bill Bowick and David Bouffard who have successfully transplanted themselves to Charleston from New York City. And better yet, they came bearing treats to share for all. As a fellow transplant and small business owner, I was intrigued to learn more about these two and the transformation from their life as successful architects in New York City to the slower pace of life in Charleston running the town’s “Best New Bakery” (as voted by the Charleston City Paper.) I hope you find the interview with Bill as interesting as I did.

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: I grew up mostly in Chattanooga, TN. I eventually attended the University of Tennesee where I studied architecture. David grew up in Vermont and Washington.

Q: What brought both of you to New York?

A: Everything New York has to offer, especially the architecture of course.

Q: What type of architecture did you work on while in New York?

A: I worked mostly on high end residential which can be seen at TsAO & McKOWN, but would also design anything from furniture to flat ware. David worked for the company, HOK doing hospital design.

Q: What brought you guys to Charleston?

A: New York is great, but there is so much to offer. Charleston is a smaller city where we thought we could have more of an impact. Not to mention the housing is slightly more affordable than New York City!

Q: What made you want to open a small business in Charleston?

A: I have always loved baking and wasn’t able to find a place to get fresh homemade treats, so I thought I would create that place for myself and others. David has also had the opportunity to work with a local architecture firm liollio continuing with his talents in hospital design.

Q: How did you get into baking?

A: I loved the creative side of architecture and I feel like baking offers a different way of expressing a creative outlet. It also reminds me of days as a child sitting in the kitchen in Tenesee listening to my mother and grandmother talk as they baked.

Q: Where do you get your recipes?

A: My mother and grandmother of course! Being modernist, we also try to stick to the simpler side of baking by using simple, old fashioned recipes like the 1,2,3,4 cake recipe.

Q: What has been your best seller so far?

A: The chocolate chip cookie has to be number one, but the oatmeal raisin and ginger cookies come in as a close second. The Lady Baltimore is our Thursday special which seems to be quite popular as well.

Q: What was the inspiration for the bakery as a whole?

A: As a child, I remember shopping with my mother and my grandmother in small southern boutiques. They had something that just enveloped you. I took that feeling and combined it with David and my admiration for simplicity. Our shop pays homage to the days of old while creating a modern and inviting space at the same time. With the use of white, blues, and greens as the main colors, it allowed us to use the baked goods as our main source of decoration.

Q: What has been the best thing about opening a business in Charleston?

A: The social aspect! Coming from New York, you think you’ve seen it all, but Charleston has so many creative and interesting people. We have really enjoyed everyone we have met so far.

Q: Anything else you want to share?

A: Yea, when do I get to interview you? ( I guess that is the social aspect he was just talking about.)

While doing this interview, I not only had the pleasure of learning more about Bill and David and their wonderful bakeshop, but put in a special order for chocolate cupcakes for my son’s play date later this week. I’m sure I will have to taste test one before giving them to children, right? For a menu of treats, please be sure to stop by www.sugarbake.com. If you want to see more photos of the shop you can see them here.

A special thanks to Bill and David

We have tried to keep the {e} Chalkboard Blog a place where we can share some of the things we love, learn, know, do, and enjoy. We had a great time learning about our neighbors at Sugar Bakeshop and if you have enjoyed reading this post let us know. If you have a business or know of one you think would be a great fit for the {e} Chalkboard Blog let us know either by commenting below or emailing us.

Sugar Bakeshop
59 1/2 Cannon Street
Charleston, SC 29403
p. 843.579.2891