I heard about the Brick House Kitchen long before I actually ate there or ventured there for an event. As one of James Island’s unique landmarks, the Brick House Kitchen is an interesting combination of a restaurant and a community venue. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the Kitchen on a lazy weekend when you can truly appreciate the food and atmosphere. But if you get there and the whole place is crowded, yard and all, you’ll still end up having a blast.

There isn’t a shortage of brunch spots on the Island, but the Brick House Kitchen seemed to be the perfect spot for my sister’s post-birthday gathering. It was an utterly lazy Sunday when we all decided to try out the place for a low-key breakfast. We crossed our fingers that it would be open since we’d never been on a Sunday, but it was.

The atmosphere at the Brick House Kitchen is unlike many other restaurants, since it’s inside of an old farmhouse. Walk inside and you immediately feel like you’re not inside a business, but instead having a meal at a friend’s cozy home. The tables are all different, the décor has a homey feel to it, and there are several different rooms, including one with a giant case of homemade desserts.

“It feels like we’re at someone’s grandmother’s house,” exclaimed my neighbor as we eagerly gathered around our table. We all agreed. It was the perfect place to relax after a night of celebration.

The food was just as wholesome as the vibe. I enjoyed my fried egg and cheese sandwich, complete with a hearty side of grits, a cup of coffee and fresh juice. Everyone enjoyed different entrees and although the food is not fancy, it’s tasty and local.

We eyed the dessert case after breakfast, feeling justified since it was my sister’s birthday, and she took home a piece of homemade cake as part of her gift. All of the desserts are created in-house, and there’s always a great selection. Dinner selections after 5 p.m. include dishes like pasta, fresh seafood, salads and vegetarian options. There’s also a full bar.

But aside from yummy food and welcoming atmosphere, the Brick House Kitchen also hosts a variety of awesome events for the island, from the recent Food Truck Rodeo to plenty of musical features. The old farmhouse has an extensive property complete with shady oak trees. It’s the perfect spot for sipping a beverage and listening to live bands. There is also an outdoor artisan market every so often, with the chance to purchase local crafts from vendors and listen to bluegrass. Private parties are also welcome—just call in advance.

Remember to bring either your checkbook or cash when you visit the Brick House Kitchen, since they don’t accept credit or debit cards. They’re located at 1575 Folly Road. For more information about upcoming events or the menu, visit their website at brickhousecharleston.com.

I’m a movie snob. I admit it. Those big, blockbuster comedies that everyone goes to see are just not my style. Give me the independent flicks any day—and growing up in a small town, I didn’t have the option to see so many indie films until I moved to James Island, the home of the Terrace Theater.

The Terrace is Charleston’s only real art-house theater, although the city is brimming with other terrific options for movies. James Island also has the James Island 8, which offers a lot of popular picks and eight screens. Other areas of the Lowcountry have several theater options, including IMAX and the Cinnebarre, where you can even have dinner as you watch. However, the Terrace is in a class by itself, since you can count on it for a selection off the beaten path.

This past weekend, for example, was one of the hottest Saturdays in Charleston history. It was too hot to go to the beach or enjoy anything outside. It made perfect sense, therefore, to see a movie. After all, movie theaters have some of the best air conditioning around! It was a great time to see a matinee showing of Woody Allen’s newest flick, Midnight in Paris, which was thoroughly enjoyable. Talk about a great way to spend the day! Plus the theater was recently remodeled with much more comfortable seats and even small tables that fold out for your concessions.

Speaking of concessions, the Terrace offers a bit more than your usual soda and greasy popcorn—although there is plenty of that as well. Enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with your movie, since the Terrace has a wide range (over fifty) of beverages. And now, guests can beat the summer heat with Paolo’s Gelato, an Italian type of ice cream made downtown on John Street. For candy addicts your choices include gourmet chocolates and other unusual confections. If you do choose popcorn, you’ll enjoy doctoring it up yourself with the array of butters and seasonings at the bar.

The Terrace offers a lot of show times, but if you’re looking to get matinee prices then make sure to get there early. Tickets typically cost $10 per person, but shows before 3 pm are just $7 per person. If you’re a senior citizen with proper ID, you can enjoy $7 in the evening. Military with ID is $8 in the evening.

The theater really lends itself to being a community space, regularly hosting events like the Charleston Film Festival, art shows, poetry readings, plus other private and public events. Contact the theater if you’re interested in renting the space; they’re more than happy to accommodate.

The Terrace is located at 1956D Maybank Highway, in James Island. You can visit their website for shows and other information at www.terracetheater.org.