Stratton Lawrence

Published works and unpublished musings of a Southern rambler

[strattonlawrence]

Wondering what to do this weekend? My 2018 summer guide - http://charlestonmag.com/summerguide- is the cover story of the June @charlestonmag on stands now. It’s a (fun) beast - 20 pages of what to eat, drink, and explore this summer in every neighborhood around town. There’s no excuse to be bored! It’s so long that I couldn’t fit Summerville and Daniel Island on Instagram. Grab a copy or read those online. @explorecharleston #charleston #follybeach #isleofpalms #sullivansisland #northcharleston #westashley #mountpleasant (at Charleston, South Carolina)

[strattonlawrence]

What a double header last night. The Cistern is in my top five places in the world to see live music. Ricky Skaggs brought the thunder to @spoletofestivalusa My review is live at @chascitypaper and on my Facebook page. There’s still time to go tonight - 9 pm

[strattonlawrence]

You've sat on the beach all day soaking up the sun but there's a night of celebration ahead, so you take a cool shower before getting dressed up for a big dinner. That's what listening to the Chucho Valdés Quartet at the Gaillard felt like on Thursday night. My review is live @chascitypaper and posted to my Facebook #spoleto #charleston #chuchovaldes #cuba

[strattonlawrence]

It’s a good thing I love living in Charleston because I’m asked to write about our city all the time. This feature for @wncmagazine was a special treat to work on and may be my most cohesive guide to date for how to enjoy a week in Charleston. If I’m going to spill secrets, it’s for my friends in the Blue Ridge. Full page spreads for @sullivans_island_sc @folly_beach_sc @isleofpalmscarolina + 12 must-try restaurants + bars with atmosphere + #socharleston experiences + where to stay + 10 essential beers. Shout outs to @poestavern @theobstinatedaughter @wilddunesgolf @kiawahresort @iopmarina @tidalwavewatersports @mckevlinssurfshop @thewichdoctor @bertsmarket @fathensc @hominygrill @huskrestaurant @xiaobaobiscuit @rodneyscottsbbq @haroldscabin @barnormandy19 @macintoshchs @zerogeorgest @basic_kitchen @thevendue @thegriffonpub @chsfermentory @bowensislandrestaurant @carolinaheritageoutfitters @charleston_tea @thedewberrycharleston @belmondcharlestonplace @hotelbennett @grandbohemiancharleston @thegetawayonking @thebelmontchs @thecottagesoncharlestonharbor @coastbrewing @freehousebeerchs @lofibrewing @revelrybrewing @munklebrewingco @holycitybrewing @eattheordinary @tradesmanbrew @westbrookbrewingco @holycitybrewing @charlestonmag @cityofcharlestonsc #charleston #follybeach #isleofpalms #sullivansisland

[strattonlawrence]

Gettin Funky with Ranky Tanky

Ranky Tanky is the biggest musical force out of Charleston since Shovels & Rope, and like Cary Ann and Michael, the five members were all local heroes long before finding the combination of songs and bandmates that took them around the world. Here’s my cover story on the band for Charleston Magazine. 

[strattonlawrence]

How to Do Charleston Right — for WNC Magazine

WNC (Western North Carolina) Magazine asked me to pull together a best-of-the-best guide to Charleston for their May/June issue. Can’t beat this pro layout! Here are the first few pages - read the whole piece online here. 

[strattonlawrence]

Thrillist - Best Beaches in SC

Here’s my latest for Thrillist - the best beaches in South Carolina. My favorite part is my Sullivan’s tag line https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/charleston/best-beaches-in-south-carolina

[strattonlawrence]

We lost my grandfather a week ago this morning. It’ll take a long time to process. But the most recurring among my wave train of emotions this week is gratitude for the profound impact he had on me. Last Friday night, I sat down to write at the old typewriter Hunter gave me. I’m sure I got some things wrong and said other things I shouldn’t share publicly, but that’s the soul-baring first-and-final draft nature of an LC Smith. I miss you, Pop-Pop. And I love you, Mom. Thanks for raising me like he raised you. Press on, Captain Howard.

[strattonlawrence]

Looking for something to do this weekend? My Charleston bucket list cover story (volume two) is out now and has lots of ideas for what to eat and explore in the Lowcountry. Thank you @charlestonmag ! #charleston #lowcountry #makeeverydayanadventure #bucketlist

[strattonlawrence]

Why You Need Gutters

Here’s why I needed gutters, at least. I wrote this piece for The Home Depot, published at trustedchoice.com

[strattonlawrence]

Dawes and Effect

Is Dawes a Pop Band Now? Here’s my interview with keyboardist Lee Pardini for the Charleston City Paper. 

[strattonlawrence]

Prine Time

On our last birthday, October 10, 2016, John Prine turned 70 and I turned 35. I have a lot to learn from this incredible human who, for a moment, was exactly twice as old as me. Here’s my Q&A with him in the Charleston City Paper. 

[strattonlawrence]

Four stories I broke at City Paper

The Charleston City Paper just celebrated 20 years. I remember the 10th anniversary party, when I was still a fresh face on staff. It was about that time that I worked on several of these investigative stories, selected as 20 that City Paper broke over its two-decade existence. Articles 3-6 were each pieces I researched and wrote. https://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/20-news-stories-that-we-yes-we-broke/Content?oid=10089662

[strattonlawrence]

The Best Beaches Near Charleston

I'm amused that Thrillist ran a picture of Myrtle Beach as the lead image on this round up of the best beaches near Charleston. Order of inclusion does not necessarily indicate order of the author's personal preference!

[strattonlawrence]

The Best Places to Eat on Folly Beach

Choosing the best 12 places to eat on a tiny island with 2,500 people ought to be easy (that’s what Thrillist asked me to do for this article), but Folly manages to support over two dozen restaurants. It was tough to whittle these down and put each spot into a category (Chico Feo could just as easily have taken “Best Sandwich,” but I find myself eating a Bert’s panini at least once a week, and I love them). It’s subjective, yes, but if you’re visiting or new to the island, hopefully this piece gives you an idea of where to start. And if you’re curious about my personal top three, it’s Jack of Cups, Wich Doctor, Chico Feo all the way, depending on mood, weather and hour of the day. 

[strattonlawrence]

Derek Trucks: Keep on Growing

I spoke with Derek Trucks on May 26, the day before Gregg Allman passed. We talked a lot about Col. Bruce and his role in Derek's life as a teenager, and about the responsibility Derek feels as a musician in a post-Allman Brothers Band musical landscape. The interview felt even more poignant given the events of the following day. Derek has since said that he learned of Gregg's death after arriving at the venue in Jacksonville to play on May 27. Tedeschi Trucks Band opened up with "Ain't Wastin' Time No More," hours later. Here's my interview at Jambands.com

[strattonlawrence]

Bela Fleck Gets His Rocks Off

It's been a good run of interviews lately. Bela Fleck is a mile a minute on the phone - a court reporter's nightmare. I got plenty of material for this Charleston City Paper story in 20 minutes talking to him. Can't wait to hear him play tonight!