Culture

Take a tour of Charleston through the eyes of AI

You’ve probably heard of Siri, or even received some sass from Alexa, but allow us to introduce Craiyon. The artificial intelligence (AI) art project sketches 50,000+ images a day by taking users’ text input, scouring the internet for millions of related photos, while essentially teaching itself how to draw.

It’s probably only a matter of time until androids are actually showing us around Charleston, but until then, join us on a tour of the city through this AI’s… eyes.

✈️ Charleston International Airport

You have to start somewhere, and it seems our digital friend arrived on a direct flight from cyberspace — looks like the weather is holding up nicely for them.

Charleston International Airport drawn by Craiyon. — Think they had a smooth landing?

🌹 Brookgreen Gardens

Who says human eyes are required to enjoy the scenery at this Lowcountry property? We must say, the colors are looking extra vibrant in this shot.

Brookgreen Gardens drawn by Craiyon. — We have to say, this one’s pretty good.

🌇 Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

We had to see what our CPU (computer pal unit) drew up for one of the, if not the most, iconic landmarks in our city. We couldn’t have drawn it up better — quintessential Holy City sunset and all.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge drawn by Craiyon — Nice job capturing the sunset.

⛲ Pineapple Fountain

Ah, yes. The old pineapple-shaped fountain, arguably known for its iconic photo-op in front of the Charleston Harbor + Ravenel Bridge. It’s looking like a bright, sunny day in this image, so we can’t complain. Nice work, little robot.

Pineapple Fountain drawn by Craiyon — Find the fountain at 1 Vendue Range.

What other Charleston sights would you want Craiyon to illustrate? Test it out for yourself and send us the most remarkable creations.

Share this with your friends who appreciate the finest algorithmic art.

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Today

Awendaw Green Barn Jam | Wed., Sep. 14 | 5:50-10 p.m. | Sewee Outpost, 4853 U.S. 17 N., Awendaw | $10, cash only | Join Awendaw Green every Wednesday at the Barn Jam, an outdoor concert event featuring five different artists performing original music. 🎵
Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw | Wed., Sep. 14 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel | $9, pre-registration required | View and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms through many distinct habitats.

Thursday

Starlight Yoga | Thu., Sep. 15 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd., Mount Pleasant | $10 | Join instructor Ji Hwang as the moon and stars enhance this flowing yoga class open to all fitness levels — participants will receive a glow-in-the-dark prize. 🧘

Friday

Flights & Fun Fridays at Freehouse | Fri., Sep. 16 | 2-9 p.m. | Freehouse Brewery, 2895 Pringle St., North Charleston | Free | Join Freehouse every Friday for discounted flights, live music all weekend long, organic beers, sours, seltzers + food trucks. 🍺
Meet the Maker: Vintage Rugs | Fri., Sept. 16 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Celadon Home, 1015 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant | Free | Learn everything you need to know about vintage rugs, then shop a selection of great rugs at great prices.*

Saturday

Bark in the Park | Sat., Sep. 17 | 3-6 p.m. | Magnolia Park and Community Garden, 720 Magnolia Rd. | Free | Calling all pups, pooches, and pals — head to this event filled with dog-lovin’ entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and music. 🐾
Indigo Dyeing Workshop | Sat., Sep. 17 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The Dill Sanctuary, 1163 Riverland Dr. | $120-150 | Join local artist Kristy Bishop as she leads an introductory workshop on dyeing with indigo at the Dill Sanctuary.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

Wellness

Put back in what you’re sweatin’ out 💦

Presented by a CHStoday partner

LMNT is a healthy addition to every lifestyle. | Photo provided by LMNT

To perform at your mental + physical best every day, proper hydration is key. Unfortunately, most electrolyte drinks are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients (read: stuff you don’t want in your body).

Enter: LMNT, a drink that replaces essential electrolytes without sugar, coloring, gluten, artificial ingredients or other junk. LMNT tastes great, too — you can even use it as a cocktail mixer. (Hello, weekend hydration.)

Bonus: Charlestonians get a free gift with any purchase.*

CLAIM YOUR FREE GIFT

Weather

87º | Partly cloudy | 6% chance of rain
Think you felt tornado-speed winds last weekend? The National Weather Service confirmed that Charleston County experienced a small tornado early Saturday morning, with peak winds of 70 mph. The Mount Pleasant Public Works building sustained minor damage. (WCSC)

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:02 a.m.
Set: 7:29 p.m.

Tide

Low: 5:19 a.m. + 5:50 p.m.
High: 11:42 a.m.

Opening

There’s a new barbershop in town. Cougar Cutz Barber Shop plans to open its doors on CofC’s campus tomorrow, Sept. 15. To celebrate, the shop will be hosting giveaways, music, and food from 6-8 p.m. at 97-A Wentworth St. (The College Today)

Civic

The Town of Mount Pleasant wants your feedback on its comprehensive plan. Each month, the community is invited to meetings that will focus on a different part of town, including Coleman District, Towne Centre District, and 17 North District. View the schedule. Heads up: The first forum is tomorrow. ✍️ (WCSC)

Number

$1.5 million. That’s how much the SC Dept. of Natural Resources has received to construct oyster reefs + plant salt marsh grasses as part of the latest phase of the Old Towne Creek restoration project. The project works to restore seven acres of degraded salt marsh in West Ashley and is expected to be completed in four years. 💰 (WCBD)

Festival

Local organization RMHC Charleston is seeking volunteers to help with the upcoming Holy Smokes BBQ Festival, set to be held on Sat., Nov. 19. Those lending a hand will receive breakfast + lunch, a volunteer t-shirt, and access to a break tent. Sign up.

Real Estate

Anyone looking for their next business endeavor? The Immortal Lobster food truck is on the market for $120,000, with the price including hard + intangible assets like two Department of Health and Environmental Control-approved trailers and social media accounts. View the listing. 🍴 (Charleston Daily)

Jobs

Charleston County’s Public Works Department will be hosting open interviews on Fri., Sept. 23 for positions including Spray Technician, Equipment Operator I, II, or III, and Construction Maintenance Worker I. Head to the Public Service Building at 4045 Bridge View Dr. in North Charleston from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. with the required documents. (Holy City Sinner)

Ranked

No. 4. That’s College of Charleston’s ranking on U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 edition of “Best Colleges” in the category Top Regional Public University in the South. Other notable rankings include No. 9 in Best Regional Universities in the South and No. 2 in Most Innovative Schools: Regional Universities in the South. Nice work, CofC. 🏆 (Holy City Sinner)
In case you missed it, Roper Hospital has been ranked the No. 2 hospital in South Carolina by the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Hospital rankings. See why this is important — and the 12 procedures + conditions that helped the hospital earn its high ranking. 🏥 *

Eat

Nothing says fall like a slow cooker recipe. Celebrate the first official day of fall (Thurs., Sept. 22) by trying this Chicken Crock Pot Taco recipe. Read: a warm + cozy (and easy) dinner.*

Drink

Tasty and healthy? Yes, please. Super Coffee is the energy-boosting, great-tasting drink with 0g added sugar, 10g protein, and 200mg of caffeine — and only 80 calories. Taste for yourself to see why it’s creating so much buzz. ☕ *

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Food

Feelin’ bubbly? 🥂

We know there are some mimosa fans out there. | Screenshot via @charlestonwinefestivals

Remember when we shared the scoop on the Summer Wine Festival?

Well Charleston, it’s time to mark your calendars (once again). Charleston Wine Festivals is now hosting the Charleston Mimosa Festival on Sat., Oct. 15 from 1-5 p.m. at the Johnson Hagood Stadium at The Citadel.

Expect “brunch punch,” beer, wine, live music + a DJ, and of course, plenty of mimosas to go around.

Between now and Thurs., Oct. 6, grab your tickets for $45. Heads up: The price increases to $50 after October 6 and $60 the day of the event.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alexandra.

Editor’s pick: Heads up, Holy City. After a week-long summer break, babas has reopened both locations. Swing by the Cannon or Meeting street shops for your favorite cocktails, salads, sandwiches + pastries. View the full menu.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn how to celebrate Summerville and its history this week, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alexandra Garian, Tatum Jacaruso, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Stephanie Zapiecki | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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