Five best retro-style surfboards still in production  

Surfboards have evolved drastically over the years, but the classics still exist, and for those who have that throwback nostalgia, one of these five boards will be the perfect fit for you! California Square Tail Surfing Malibu Beach in the 70s, you’d be sure to see a few square tails in the lineup, and not […]

9 easy ways to survive the ‘sophomore slump’ in college

Sophomore year is like the middle child in the family – the excitement of starting your freshman year is over, but the thought of graduation is nowhere in sight. The idea of stressing over tests and essays for the next three years seems exhausting. Almost all college students go through this dreadful “sophomore slump,” but […]

10 things, mate, you have to see in Sydney, Australia

Australia was voted the top destination in 2016, so if you’re looking to see what all the fuss is about, I recommend traveling to the iconic Sydney. Located on Australia’s east coast, Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and Oceania. It’s likely you won’t even know where to begin once arriving because the city is […]

3 luxury beauty items worth the extra cash

Just like any other college student, I’m constantly trying to save money and find the best bang for my buck. When it comes to beauty products and makeup, the CVS on George Street usually does the trick. But there are three luxury products I religiously cough up the cash for because they are truly transforming, […]

Live like a local: five of the best small businesses in CHS

When visiting Charleston everyone has his/her favorite spots to visit, and newcomers frequently flock to places like Waterfront Park, The Battery and King Street. These hotspots are undoubtedly beautiful and interesting, but if you really want to get a good feel for the heart and soul of Charleston, then you must travel off the beaten […]

5 ways to summer like a local in Charleston

Charleston is notoriously known for being a tourist hot spot, especially in the summer months. The historic buildings, cobbled streets, sunny beaches, horse drawn carriages and rich history attract visitors form all over the world. The various popular tourist attractions are a big part of what makes Charleston as great as it is, getting the […]

7 quirks of Italians to remember when meeting the family  

If it has come to that point in your relationship where you are being summoned to meet the parents of your significant other, there are probably some instantaneous anxieties that are triggered. Perhaps you envision a cookie-cutter family that will sit you down and interrogate every move. Or maybe the scenario you imagined isn’t quite […]

Eating through Barcelona one tapas at a time

Barcelona, Spain, is a city filled with rich culture and history. Whether you are walking through the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter or enjoying the unique architecture of Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona is a city of pure beauty. And that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes but mostly through its food, which serves as […]

9 reasons Barcelona is the gem of Europe

Europe is an incredibly diverse continent, with grungy northeastern cities, beach towns on the glistening Mediterranean Sea, and small villages in the jagged mountains. So when planning a trip to such a diverse continent, how do you decide where to go? This decision can be made easy for you with one simple answer: Barcelona Barcelona […]

7 of the most important lessons you learn in college

College is all about trial and error. Constantly being knocked down and learning how to get back up and keep going usually because you really don’t have a choice. The good news is, there are really great lessons to be learned from all these “SERIOUSLY??” moments, and here are seven of the most important ones […]

4 things to keep on hand if you live in an old Charleston home

One of the great things about living off campus in Charleston is that students don’t typically live in the average apartment complex but instead will live in old Charleston-style homes that have been renovated and turned into apartments. Students can spend weeks looking for the right place that’s in the right location, for the right […]

9 stages of Spring Break madness

  Spring Break is a beacon of hope centered in the agony of second semester. In theory, at least. But things never seem to go as planned and your once-grand idea for an exotic trip to Cabo, has now devolved into a two-hour trip to Columbia (the one in South Carolina). Your escape from reality […]

11 places to grab coffee downtown that are BETTER than Starbucks

Ever get tired of paying $6 for your favorite pick-me-up, only to be disappointed by sub-par flavors and uptight regulars? Not to mention, the only downtown Starbucks worth visiting has shut down indefinitely. If you’re like me, Starbucks’ Pike Place roast just isn’t that impressive. And a regular brew at a local coffeehouse down the […]

How to be about those positive vibes

One thing I’ve mastered over the years, especially as the owner of the OTPV Brand, is how to consciously improve my spiritual and mental energy. As the orange man with the toupee sits in the White House, and America becomes increasingly divided, the dark cloud of negativity seems to follow many on a daily basis. […]

5 ways traveling will improve your life

Those of us lucky enough to travel know the affect it has on our lives. That feeling of stepping outside of your comfort zone and into something completely different from what you are used to is both exciting and terrifying. The opportunity to travel has given me life experiences that have shaped the person I […]

5 tips for beginner concert photographers

I got my first camera at 13 as a Christmas gift form my parents. My interest grew through high school from taking a bunch of photography classes, but I had always struggled in finding the right subject— what I wanted to shoot. Then I went to a bunch of concerts at a variety of Charleston […]

Five of the trendiest ‘F/W 2016’ presentations

We all want to be on top of the latest trends, but with dozens of new trends every season this may seem like a lofty goal. With hundreds of designers, it can be hard to keep up, and unless your last name is Kardashian, it’s basically impossible to shop for every trend. Worry not, fashionistas […]

4 ways dress code shaming is harming our young girls

Beauty is ever-changing in American society. It is an abstract social construction that media continues to promote in order to advertise products and raise consumer consumption. The pressure girls experience to fit the idolized body of the time isn’t a new phenomenon, but it has gained coverage through “real beauty” campaigns due to the noticeably […]

6 high-end meals on a low-end budget

Running low on cash but want gourmet meals? No problem! Here in Charleston, that is easy to find. Charleston has become a culinary hotspot over the past few years offering endless options for every sort of craving. From pizza to salad, you can find hearty, high-quality meals without the high-priced bill. To indulge in a […]

7 restaurants with the best views in Charleston

Charleston’s restaurant scene is one of the most drooled over in the U.S. with an ever changing list of new places to try. What sets some of these restaurants apart from the rest is location, location, location. Combining the two things the Lowcountry does best – food and beautiful scenery – check out these seven places […]

7 ways being sustainable is attainable – especially while in college

As a college student it can be hard to live environmentally conscious – especially on a student’s budget. But here are seven easy ways that are both practical and affordable, making it possible for College of Charleston students to help the environment and save money. And what college student doesn’t want to do that?   […]

Productive things to do when the next hurricane strikes

Living in the Lowcountry means “hurricane season” should not be taken lightly. And thankfully, the College of Charleston never does, often canceling classes if the storm threat is too great. But rarely is that threat carried out (looking at you Hurricane Matthew), leaving college students a lot of free time while classes are canceled. So […]

5 things harder to do than register to vote

The 2016 election season is finally over. And given the percentage who didn’t vote compared to 2012, it seems Americans have a lot of work to do when it comes to one of our basic rights in a democracy – the right to vote. All those excuses – “Oh, I’m running late…” or “Wait, I’m […]

4 reasons you should ‘Lean In’ to fight for equality for women

Women across the country are banding together to fight for equality thanks to Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s chief operating officer. Sandberg is taking a big step beyond her job with the release of her new book and foundation, “Lean In.” This movement is aiming to encourage and help women to reach the top tiers of the […]

7 reasons Holy City Brewing is the best brewery in Charleston

Do you have a beard? Fancy listening to old Bob Dylan albums on your vinyl record player? Find yourself having an urge to buy a pour-over coffee maker for the freshly ground Ethiopian blend you just picked up at Black Tap? If you answered yes to any (or all) of the previous questions, you very […]

Looking for a better cup o’ joe? Try a cold brew

Cold brew coffee has been the latest java trend the past year and can now be found at nearly every coffee café across the country. Still many coffee drinkers are unaware of the differences between cold brew and a typical cup of joe. The cold brewing process is quite different and the result is a uniquely […]

7 breakout players to add to your fantasy football team before your opponents do

Now that 10 weeks of the season has passed, it’s a good bet that at least part of the fantasy football team you drafted is either underperforming or injured. Of course, it’s what you do now that’s going to make or break your season. So here are seven players you should consider trading for or adding to […]

9 more reasons CofC is the best college ever

There are many great  colleges on the East Coast, but CofC is the ultimate best college to attend. Founded in 1770, The College is the oldest college south of Virginia, and its campus is definitely filled with classic Southern charm. But in case that isn’t enough, here are nine reasons why College of Charleston is the […]

Five signs you’re a Yankee transplanted in the South

  Whether it be for school, business or pleasure, a northerner’s migration to the South is not always easy. There are a number of customs, sayings and surprises that may get your “britches in a bunch.” So for those of you “Yankees” just visiting or recently arriving for an extended stay, here are some helpful […]

Gluten free? No problem. These 9 delicious places to eat in Charleston are for you

Those with a gluten allergy understand the daily struggle of finding a place that will cater to  frustrating food needs. Fortunately, Charleston has a wide variety of options to offer. Whether or not you share this food struggle, I highly recommend these 9 places:   Mellow Mushroom Everyone loves pizza! For those who had to […]