Only In Old Town Blog

Old Town Market: May 2012 Music and Kids Activities

Wed, 02 May 12 19:15:07 -0400

PHOTO: Joel Ackerman of Pops Woodturning. Ackerman will return to Old Town Market on May 10th with free woodturning demonstrations. Old Town Market features the freshest local produce, grass-fed beef, farm-fresh eggs, local honey, plants, cut flowers, handmade arts-n-crafts, and much more! The market also welcomes Periwinkle Café and Bakery this season! They will offer drinks and bakery items for sale at the market, as often as their schedule allows. This year, the market will be held in a new location: 190 Dave Lyle Boulevard, across from The Cotton Factory at Dave Lyle Boulevard and E. White Street. Old Town Market will hold its Grand Season Opening on May 10th, 5-8pm. This celebration will feature: * Music by The Perfect Melancholies * Woodturning demonstrations by Pops * Pickles Da Clown and ‘Rapunzel’ with balloon sculptures and face painting * Kids can plant flowers to take home*** * Door prizes and more!

Summer Camps: Charlotte Avenue YMCA and Main Street Children's Museum

Wed, 02 May 12 19:13:42 -0400

This summer, a variety of summer camps are being offered in Old Town. These include: **Charlotte Avenue YMCA Camp Little Feet: K—2nd Grades Camp Quest: 3rd—5th Grades Adventure Club: 6th—8th Grades Full-day programs are available weekly for children in grades K—8th. Activities include weekly themes, field trips, swimming, arts, crafts, games, daily devotions, team building activities, character development, and more. Camps are Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm. Weekly and full summer rates are available. Charlotte Avenue YMCA is located at 402 Charlotte Avenue. For more information or to register children for summer camps, call 803-329-9622 or visit the website: upymca.org ** Main Street Children’s Museum By the Sea: Ages 4—6 The Olympics: Ages 4—6 Art is All Around: Ages 4—6 Children can enjoy a Playcation complete with stories, games, crafts, and visits from special friends. These mini-camps will be held on Thursdays from 9:30am—Noon. Cost is $5 per child for members; $10 per child for non-members. Space is limited. Call 803-327-6400 to register. Main Street Children’s Museum is located at 133 E. Main Street.

Business Spotlight: Overhead Station's 35th Anniversary

Wed, 02 May 12 19:01:18 -0400

This month, Overhead Station celebrates its 35th anniversary! Known for distinctive gift items and an extensive selection of custom-printed invitations, Overhead Station is truly one of Old Town’s gems. Items for sale range from whimsical to elegant and from fun to practical. Vietri fine Italian dinnerware is now available, along with the unique City Landmark Collection—mugs, square plates, and bar towels specially-designed to feature 13 Rock Hill landmarks. A full bridal registry is offered as well.

Old Town Amphitheater Concert Series Announced

Wed, 02 May 12 18:56:18 -0400

PHOTO: 38 Special, scheduled to perform in Old Town on June 15th. The Old Town Association recently announced the lineup for the 2012 Old Town Amphitheater Concert Series. Headliners are 38 Special, Da Throwback Band, and Delbert McClinton. 38 Special has been performing their signature Southern Rock together for more than three decades. Many fans associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes such as “Hold On Loosely,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Caught Up in You,” and “Second Chance.” Opening for 38 Special is The George Hatcher Band. Da Throwback Band is one of the hottest show bands in the southeast, performing a high-energy show full of disco, pop, and funk songs of the 70’s and beyond. Da Throwback Band, along with the winner of the online Battle of the Bands contest, will perform as part of the 10th Annual Red, White, and BOOM! Festival. Delbert McClinton is known for melding blues, R&B, and country music into a uniquely soulful blend. His Album, Nothing Personal, won him his first solo Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Opening for Delbert McClinton is the Blue Dogs.

No Boundaries: Fine Art Meets High Fashion

Wed, 02 May 12 18:53:23 -0400

This month, the Arts Council of York County will debut a unique visual arts exhibition. No Boundaries: Fine Art Meets High Fashion is a joint exhibition between Rock Hill painter Harriet Goode and Charlotte-based fashion designer Luis Machicao. Harriet Goode has become known for her distinctive paintings of women over the course of her 50-year career. Her latest work features a series of women on tall panels. Luis Machicao is fashion designer who began his career in Peru, studied in Paris, and has worked extensively with costumes in TV and theater. Recently, his original costume designs were showcased in the box office hit “The Hunger Games.

Business Spotlight: Arts Council of York County

Thu, 05 Apr 12 17:33:59 -0400

The Arts Council of York County is a private, non-profit organization based in Old Town. It seeks to “connect people through art, culture, dance, drama, and music.” Its vision is to “create and support a thriving, diverse, and vibrant community in York County.

Jimmy John's: Bringing "Freaky Fast" to Old Town

Thu, 05 Apr 12 17:26:07 -0400

Jimmy John’s has been serving delicious gourmet sandwiches in franchises across the country since 1983. And now, Tyler LePhew—a Rock Hill native—has opened one in Old Town! With the City having a focus on redeveloping the Old Town area, LePhew saw the potential for a successful Jimmy John’s here. Jimmy John’s is known for “freaky fast” sandwiches that are made with the freshest possible ingredients: freshly-sliced vegetables and meats; and French or 7-grain wheat bread, baked fresh every day. The family-friendly Old Town location features this high-quality food, as well as excellent service and modern décor.

Old Town Market: 2012 Schedule and New Location

Thu, 05 Apr 12 17:14:55 -0400

Old Town Market is Rock Hill’s destination for fresh, local produce and farm products, as well as unique, handmade works by local artisans and crafters. This season, the market will be open — rain or shine — every Thursday, 5-8pm and every Saturday, 8am-Noon. In addition to local foods and arts-n-crafts, Thursday evening markets will continue to feature musical entertainment, free children’s activities, and more!

Downtown Rock Hill welcomes Jimmy John’s as catalyst

Tue, 03 Apr 12 13:29:05 -0400

Nicole E. Smith 803-329-4068 As a student at the University of South Carolina, Rock Hill’s Tyler LePhew ate at Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches many times. The franchise promotes itself as a shop that offers fresh meats and vegetables with no additives or fillers, and with more than 2,000 shops across the country, LePhew thinks it could be a catalyst for bringing more people and businesses to downtown Rock Hill.

Business Spotlight: Sub Station II

Wed, 07 Mar 12 11:46:42 -0500

Sub Station II has been serving delicious sub sandwiches and salads from its Old Town location since 1986. Owner Charles Ruffalo began the company with his brothers in 1976, and now there are more than 50 Sub Station II locations. Ruffalo is a Rock Hill resident and operates the Rock Hill location. He is passionate about serving high-quality food and even grows the tomatoes, watermelons, and cantaloupes served in the restaurant during the summer months. Everything is sliced fresh to order, and subs are served on bread that is hot from the oven.

Glimpses of Glencairn Photography Competition

Wed, 07 Mar 12 11:42:08 -0500

PHOTO: Last year’s 1st place photo in Water category, by Diane Duncan. All amateur photographers are invited to participate in this year’s Glimpses of Glencairn Photography Competition. Categories are as follows: Blooms, Water, Wildlife, and People & Events. Photos must have been taken at Glencairn Garden within the last two years.

College Town Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

Wed, 07 Mar 12 11:40:53 -0500

The College Town Action Plan is a joint effort between the City of Rock Hill and Winthrop University. This plan makes recommendations about creating “a ‘college town’ atmosphere that attracts economic development to the area around the Winthrop campus, while simultaneously increasing the overall attractiveness of the area to current and prospective students, residents, and investors.” The College Town Action Plan notes that a college town is “walkable / bikeable.” It further notes that, to create this kind of town, safety and pedestrian access needs to improve along Cherry Road; and bike access needs to increase to and from the Winthrop campus. A College Town Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was developed as part of the College Town Action Plan to address these specific needs. An open house was held in January to discuss it with the community.

Excerpt from "Driven by Industry"

Tue, 06 Mar 12 16:28:19 -0500

by Meredith Carter THE HIVE PROVIDES DESIGN EXPERIENCE While the DIFD program provides budding web developers and designers with the technical know-how, it’s The Hive that helps show them how to work with real clients. Jason Broadwater, founder of the web marketing firm RevenFlo, created The Hive as a partnership among Winthrop, York Technical College and RevenFlo. Housed on the third floor of the Citizens Building in downtown Rock Hill, The Hive allows DIFD majors and York Tech students to work in teams on web design and Internet marketing projects for clients. The multi-purpose space is used for classes and presentations as well as team and client meetings. In spring 2011, The Hive’s first semester of operation, the two-year pilot project involved 28 students from Winthrop and York Tech.

Pursue a Healthy Living Lifestyle in Old Town Rock Hill

Mon, 20 Feb 12 15:59:12 -0500

Growing business leads to new, personal training studio Troy Harris has been working as a personal trainer for the past six years. He had clients through his job at the YMCA, and he also worked with people in their homes or workplaces. As his business grew, Harris decided to provide services from his own studio, which is now located at 109 Caldwell Street in Old Town Rock Hill. The grand opening celebration for Get Fit with Troy will be held on February 22 from 4:30pm to 7pm.

City of Rock Hill to Apply for EPA Brownfields Grant

Thu, 02 Feb 12 17:19:14 -0500

The City of Rock Hill intends to apply for EPA Brownfields multi-purpose pilot grant funds for the former Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company property (The Bleachery), 420 West White Street. The requested funding will be used to finalize the assessment of the property, and cleanup contaminants located on the property. The draft proposals are available for public review online at www.cityofrockhill.comor in the Economic and Urban Development office at Rock Hill City Hall, 155 Johnston Street. Public comments on the draft proposals will be accepted until February 9, 2012 at 5 PM. A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 2PM in Room 201 of Rock Hill City Hall. For more information, please contact Jennifer Wilford, Grants Coordinator, at (803)325-2551 or jwilford@cityofrockhill.com.

Barnes Hair and Spa Salon

Thu, 02 Feb 12 16:32:21 -0500

Barnes Hair and Spa Salon has been providing high-quality hair care and salon services downtown since 1979. It has been in its current location since 1993. Barnes is a family-owned, full-service salon featuring hair cuts, weaves, braids, colorings, and much more. It is also known as a healthy hair salon, with a focus on keeping hair as healthy as possible. Home maintenance workshops are offered on a regular basis to help customers learn how to properly care for their hair using styling products and tools. ‘Dudley,’ ‘Design Essentials,’ and ‘Silky Smooth’ are product lines available for sale at Barnes. Barnes also offers full-body massages, nail services, and skin care treatments. Services are offered in a comfortable environment with newly-renovated massage rooms, break area, and restrooms. Applications are being accepted for one esthetician, two nail technicians, and one stylist with multi-cultural styling abilities.

New Mardi Gras Celebration with Grammy-Winning Artist

Thu, 02 Feb 12 16:24:06 -0500

A taste of New Orleans comes to Old Town Rock Hill this month with a first-ever Mardi Gras Celebration. This celebration will feature Grammy-winning Zydeco artist Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience. The festivities will kick off with a Zydeco concert on February 18th at 7:30pm, and will culminate with a Fat Tuesday celebration on February 21st at 7pm. Zydeco is a blend of Cajun, Creole, Blues, R&B, country, and island music. Simien is an eighth generation Louisiana Creole and one of the most respected, internationally recognized recording artists in roots music.

Get Fit With Troy in Old Town

Thu, 02 Feb 12 16:22:14 -0500

Troy Harris has been working as a personal trainer for the past six years. He had clients through his job at the YMCA, and he also worked with people in their homes or workplaces. As his business grew, Harris decided to provide services from his own studio, which opened last month in Old Town. Born and raised in Rock Hill, he chose a location a where he felt he could best contribute to the City. Harris is passionate about helping people get fit. He incorporates elements of yoga, pilates, kickboxing, weight training, and other exercises into each workout, tailoring sessions to clients’ individual needs. He works with people of all ages and experience levels. He also offers the first session free for all new clients. All sessions, for both individuals and corporate groups, are by appointment only.

Indoor Soccer City, LLC

Wed, 11 Jan 12 12:20:00 -0500

Indoor Soccer City, LLC, is “the first facility in South Carolina that is truly dedicated to indoor soccer and Futsal.” Futsal, a sport played worldwide, is “the small sided football format that is officially recognized by FIFA” (International Federation of Association Football). Indoor Soccer City, LLC is a 24,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that includes four Futsal fields, one wall-to-wall turf arena, and an arcade. Regardless of the weather, Indoor Soccer City, LLC is a safe, clean, friendly environment for year-round soccer enjoyment.

Winthrop Installs New Art Sculptures Downtown

Wed, 11 Jan 12 12:17:33 -0500

Last month, thirteen of Winthrop University’s sculpture students installed six new works of art in Old Town’s Main Street Sculpture Gallery at the corner of E. Main Street and Dave Lyle Boulevard. The new works replaced the majority of the ones that were installed there a year ago. The works were created by students in a class taught by Shaun Cassidy, Associate Professor of Fine Arts. Seeing the products of their hard work on display for the entire community to enjoy instills in them a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

The Vault: Now Open Beneath Citizen Corners Restaurant

Wed, 11 Jan 12 12:16:28 -0500

The Vault, Old Town’s newest neighborhood bar, is now open for business. This full-service bar features six beers on tap, an extensive bourbon and scotch selection, and a special appetizer menu. Monday through Friday, patrons can enjoy Happy Hour food and drink specials from 4pm to 7pm. The Vault is a comfortable space with a lounge area, four flat-screen TVs, dart boards, a foosball table, and a juke box. And shuffleboard will be coming soon! On Friday and Saturday evenings, live music begins at The Vault at 9pm. The space is also available for private parties.

Winthrop's archives now available at 'first-rate facility'

Mon, 02 Jan 12 12:01:06 -0500

If you want to read Civil War diaries or study cuneiform records from 2400 B.C., the former Bookworm building is the place to be. Winthrop University's archives have been moved to the Cherry Road building.

Creative Bike Racks Will Double as Street Art

Fri, 09 Dec 11 15:01:50 -0500

BY Eva Moore Sustainable Midlands Brings Attention to Bicycling When Sustainable Midlands’ newest project is complete, you might be chaining your bicycle not to a lamppost or tree, but to a big metal sculpture. (No, not the Hootie and the Blowfish monument.)

Old Town: Destination for Local Shopping, Dining, and More

Wed, 07 Dec 11 15:08:40 -0500

PHOTO: Shoppers at New South Interiors inside the Cotton Factory. New South features upscale home furnishings at an exceptional value. This holiday season, make Old Town Rock Hill your local destination for holiday shopping, dining, gatherings, entertainment, and more. Old Town always features a wide variety of restaurants, retail stores, art galleries, museums, and venues. Numerous studies have found that buying from independent, locally owned businesses strengthens the economic base of the community. These locally owned businesses often invest heavily in the local community, provide good jobs, offer personal service, and leave a smaller environmental footprint. Locally owned businesses also help preserve the character of certain areas—in this case, Old Town.

ChristmasVille festival was 'best we've ever had'

Mon, 05 Dec 11 09:24:10 -0500

Rock Hill's ChristmasVille came to a close Sunday evening, and organizers are calling it the best ever. Featuring several new additions, including a 40-foot Ferris wheel, free pony rides and the Dickens Ball, the 4-day annual holiday festival attracted more people than last year, said festival and events manager Candy Clapp. Last year, attendance estimates were in the range of 15,000 to 30,000 people. This year, said Clapp, the crowds were heavy since ChristmasVille kicked off Thursday night.

ChristmasVille Photo Contest

Thu, 01 Dec 11 12:13:14 -0500

Bring your cameras to ChristmasVille, December 1-4, and shoot the Best Photo Capturing the Magic of ChristmasVille. 1st Place: $150 2nd Place: $100 3rd Place: $75 4th Place: $50 E-mail photos to woolwinea@winthrop.edu by December 5.

Business Spotlight: Saturday Bike and Run

Thu, 10 Nov 11 12:19:09 -0500

Saturday Bike and Run opened in Old Town in June of 2010. It continues to offer a wide variety of equipment, shoes, and accessories for biking and running enthusiasts. Available brands include Trek, K-Swiss, Cannondale, Innova Disc Golf, Brooks, Haro Bikes, and many more. Gift certificates are also available — just in time for holiday shopping! In addition to merchandise, Saturday Bike and Run offers training classes, gait analysis for proper shoe fit, and bicycle maintenance. The store’s knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff always strives to provide excellent service to all customers.

Now Open: Sweet Sensations Sweet Shoppe

Thu, 10 Nov 11 12:15:19 -0500

Sweet Sensations Sweet Shop is Old Town’s new candy store. This family-owned and operated business features all things sweet: old-fashioned hard candies, jelly beans, rock candy, chocolates, homemade baked goods, fudge, ice cream, and trail mix. A selection of sugar-free treats is available as well. Sweet Sensations also offers catering services. “Candy bars” can be custom–created for weddings, showers, and other special occasions. In addition, homemade brownies, muffins, pound cakes, cookies, pastries, or cake pops can be prepared for any event. Gift baskets and gift certificates can also be purchased, just in time for the holidays.

Newly Relocated to Old Town: From Cradle 2 College

Thu, 10 Nov 11 12:13:11 -0500

Early last month, a favorite Rock Hill children’s consignment shop relocated to Old Town. Formerly known as Kid’s Closet, the business is now under new management and has a new name: From Cradle to College. As the name implies, customers can find new and gently-used, name-brand items for children of all ages. Available merchandise includes a wide variety of quality clothing, shoes, toys, books, room décor, bedding, baby equipment, and much more.

El Caribe Sunset Cafe

Tue, 04 Oct 11 15:13:31 -0400

El Caribe Sunset Café is one of Old Town’s newest eateries. This family owned and operated restaurant is proud to feature delicious, authentic Caribbean and Mexican cuisine. Lunch and drink specials are offered daily. College students can also ask about a special discount.