Imagine a 10-day Fall festival of Shakespearean plays. In the theatre and in the park. With college and local talent partnering with professional actors. Like the idea? 
Avondale Alive
winning mural by Shannon Lake
LIVING IN A VIBRANT neighborhood is a beautiful thing. After so many years in large cities—in anonymous condominium developments, dreaming about the charming neighborhoods we meandered through on our Sunday drives—we finally achieved our dream of moving back to Charleston and into Old Windermere.
Old Windermere is a stone’s throw (a five-minute walk) from Avondale which, six years ago, was what I suppose you would call up and coming. Yes, Gene’s Haufbrau had been there since 1952, and a couple of other businesses were holding on, but I wouldn’t have called it vibrant.
All that has changed. Avondale—specifically, around the intersection of Hwy 17 and Magnolia in West Ashley—has morphed into an eclectic array of restaurants, clothing shops, gift shops, salons, wellness studios, coffee and wine shops, and a couple of great watering holes. Together, they comprise Avondale Point (learn more on their facebook page).
Alchemy Coffee shop
Wednesday night, the local businesses hosted the culmination of the Avondale Mural Contest and Art Walk. The contest sought designs for the south-facing tower of the Children’s Cancer Thrift Store. What made the event so great was that almost every business in Avondale participated.
There have been previous attempts at “walks” in Avondale, but turnout was limited. This Wednesday evening, however, the neighborhood was alive and buzzing. Over 16 businesses offered wine, appetizers, music, and discounts on merchandise. People were buying—everything from yoga packages to clothing, and wood flooring.
owner Janie Mallard
The main event, of course, was the mural voting. The final entries were on display at Alchemy Coffee and the public could vote until 8:00 pm for their favorite. Alchemy, which is owned and nurtured by Janie Mallard, was crammed with neighborhood folks wanting to have their say in what would be looming over their turf. The winner was the painting above by artist Shannon Lake. You can see more of his work here. And you can regularly see more art at Alchemy, which is now displaying some fascinating works by Janie’s son, Jack Powell.
According to Wikipedia, “Neighborhood is a geographically localized community within a larger city, town, or suburb. Neighborhoods are often social communities with considerable face-to-face interaction among members.” Wednesday night, Avondale certainly lived up to that definition.
truffle tater-tots
Oh, and if you haven’t tasted the truffle tater-tots at Voodoo Tiki Bar, you’re missing out. I predict it will be the next big thing in Charleston’s casual restaurant scene. At least it should be. •
Maia Ingle is a Charleston transplant married to a Charlestonian with roots.
This is a terrific update on a special place. The Murel by Shannon Lake is a knockout. Thanks for the “Travel Log” and do more!