Go big or gourd home 🎃

The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch in Charleston, SC

We’re looking forward to tapping into our spooky side at this event. | Photo by @theashleysadventures

Picture this. It’s October in Charleston and the temperature is starting to cool down — but is a high of 70 degrees even considered cool? For us, maybe.

You’re looking to get into the fall spirit, but we all know fall in the Holy City looks a little different. Read: Swapping apple picking for oyster roasts and parkas for flannels.

But there’s one fall bucket list item that you just can’t miss in the Lowcountry: Visiting a pumpkin patch.

This upcoming weekend is the first full weekend of the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch, open until Sun., Oct. 30. Let’s break down the details.

What’s it all about?

A true family-friendly Charleston tradition since 1997, this local event features pumpkins for sale by the pound, the iconic eight-acre corn maze, and a tractor tour. In case you didn’t know, it’s also recognized as one of the largest fall festivals in the state.

Not only does the pumpkin patch offer an opportunity to tap into your autumn traditions, it also celebrates farming in our community.

What to expect

Speaking from experience, there’s just something special about picking the perfect jack-o-lantern to carve at home during the spooky season. But that’s not all. Here’s what’s included with your ticket:

“Ask a Farmer” interactive series
Live performances
An interactive honeybee exhibit
Nature exhibits
A petting zoo and pony rides — let’s be honest, seeing real live animals is pretty cool, no matter how old you are.
A variety of food vendors including Nothing Bundt Cakes + Cachita’s Kitchen

Ticket details

Grab your ticket online for $15. Heads up, parents: Children ages three and up require a ticket, but those two and under enter free with an adult.

A limited number of tickets will be available on-site, so online purchase is recommended.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today

A Passion for Nature | Tues., Oct. 4-Mon., Oct. 31 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Lowcountry Artists Gallery, 148 E. Bay St. | Free | Award-winning artist Alice Dobbin’s newest oil paintings will be featured this month with an opening reception on Fri., Oct. 7. 🎨

Wednesday

CofC Theatre: “Violet” | Wed., Oct. 5 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Chapel Theatre, 172 Calhoun St. | $15+ | The Department of Theatre and Dance presents the musical “Violet,” telling the story of a young woman’s quest for beauty during the 1960s. 🎵
Sound Bath in the Gallery w/ Reiki Master, Christian McClellan | Wed., Oct. 5 | 7:15-8:15 p.m. | Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St. | $15+ suggested donation | Relax with energy healer Christian McClellan during this meditative event that “bathes” you in beautiful sound waves using various crystal singing bowls.

Thursday

Computer Fundamentals: Getting Started with Computers | Thurs., Oct. 6 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, 1858 S. Grimball Rd. | Free | Learn the computer parts, the difference between hardware and software, what an operating system is, and how files are stored — call to register. 💻

Friday

Lowcountry Veterans Benefit Gala | Fri., Oct. 7 | 6:30-10:30 p.m. | USS Yorktown, 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant | $100+ | Grab a ticket for the 2nd Annual Lowcountry Veterans Benefit Gala featuring an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent + live auction, and live entertainment — formal black tie attire encouraged. 🤵
Paint & Sip Event: Autumn Reflections | Fri., Oct. 7 | 7-9 p.m. | The Inn at Middleton Place, 4290 Ashley River Rd. | $35 | Enjoy step-by-step instructions to guide you through the creative process — beer, wine, and light snacks can be purchased at the cash bar. 🖌️

Plan Ahead

Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens | Sat., Oct. 22-Sun., Oct. 23 | Saturday: 10 a.m.-4p.m.; Sunday: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Historic Downtown Beaufort | Saturday: $75; Sunday: $150 | Experience Beaufort’s extraordinary setting and architecture by viewing historic homes at this two-day event.*
Holy Smokes - A Lowcountry Barbecue Festival | Sat., Nov. 19 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Ave., North Charleston | $95.00 - $2,750.00 | Enjoy all-you-can-eat BBQ while benefiting Hogs for the Cause, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital + the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston. 🐖 *

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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Celebrate Fall in the Lowcountry at Flyways, a new event from SEWE

Group of friends hold their drinks in a circle to "cheers".

Flyways attendees will also be the first to be able to buy general admission and special event tickets for SEWE 2023. | Photo provided by Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Inspired by the annual migration of waterfowl species across North America, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is hosting Flyways on Sat., Oct. 15 at the Charleston Visitor Center.

The event will showcase the best of SEWE, including:

Curated menu (think: BBQ, oysters + top-shelf open bar)
Dancing and live music from Momentum Party Band
Mingling with SEWE partners and brands
Unveiling of the 2023 Featured Painting with featured artist Ryan Kirby
Raffles for new gear

Tickets are limited, so snag yours before it’s too late. 🦤 *

GET TICKETS

Weather

71º | Sunny | 4% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:15 a.m.
Set: 7:02 p.m.

Tide

Low: 9:37 a.m. + 10:36 p.m.
High: 3:25 a.m. + 4:16 p.m.

Civic

Heads up: The last day to register for in-person voting for the general election is this Friday. For context, the deadline to register to vote in person + update your address is 30 days before Election Day, which is November 8. Register online. 🗳️ (WCSC)

Coming Soon

Calling all coffee fanatics: West Ashley is expecting a new coffee shop. Interstate 95 Coffee plans to open its brick-and-mortar shop in Midway Plaza off Savannah Highway later this month. Expect craft coffee, signature cold brew, food, wine, and beer. An opening date has not been announced. ☕ (WCBD)

Biz

E. Blackhurst has moved from its location on King Street. The retailer shared that its new location isn’t ready yet + plans to wait until early 2023 to reopen. Further details on the new spot haven’t been shared, but we’ll keep you posted. The business shared that it “isn’t going far.”

Community

Following Hurricane Ian, local officials are looking to the community to report damage. City of Charleston residents should plan to report damage online, Berkeley County residents may report damage on the county website, and Charleston County residents should call 800-451-1954. 📱 (The Post and Courier)

Ranked

Drumroll, please... The Holy City has ranked No. 19 on WalletHub’s list of 2022’s Best Foodie Cities in America, out of 182. The survey used 29 key indicators of “foodie-friendliness,” including affordability, cost of groceries, and accessibility of high-quality restaurants. 🍴 (WCBD + WalletHub)

State

Yesterday, a new program geared toward student mental health was initiated in schools across the state. The SC School Behavioral Health Academy is expected to train enrollees, including mental health providers, school districts + youth-serving agencies, in topics like responding to crises, creating safe schools, and counseling. (WCSC)

Number

$135,000. That’s how much Publix Super Markets Charities donated to the Lowcountry Food Bank, set to be used to purchase a new food truck + fresh produce. The local nonprofit works to combat hunger within 10 coastal counties of South Carolina. Get involved. 💰 (WCBD)

Legacy

Mary Elizabeth Armstrong, known in the community as “Mama” from Mama’s Used Cars commercials throughout the years, died last Friday. She was 101 years old. Check out News 2’s interview with “Mama.” (WCBD)

Asked

Now that the seasons have officially changed (hi, 50-degree morning temps), we’re talking all things fall. We want to know: Who’s offering seasonal drinks and treats around town for all the fall feels? Let us know. 🍩

Shop

Pumpkin spice lattes aren’t the only thing heating up this fall. Shop the hottest local fashion in our online retails store, all while supporting CHStoday. We’re talking cozy sweatshirts, comfortable caps, and fashionable bags. Snag your favorite CHS gear now.

Drink

We’re a beverage-loving kind of people (peep our coffee crawl), so allow us to level up your libations. Craft cold brew at home with this Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker and open wine with ease with this cordless electric wine opener. Did we mention each is rated over 4.5 stars? 🌟*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Food

It’s (Home Team) barbecue o’clock 🍖

Trust me: Don’t sleep on the tater tots with harissa mayo. | Photo by @chstoday

In case you missed it, Home Team BBQ was one of a few local barbecue restaurants that landed a spot on Southern Living’s list of The South’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints — ranking No. 38. The restaurant was recognized for its “now-famous chicken wings,” outdoor patio, and large dining space.

Lexa here. By this point, you probably know that this is one of my favorite spots in town. I don’t know if it’s the great atmosphere, amazing food, or delicious drinks (though it’s likely a mix of the three), but my friends + I just keep finding ourselves spending a weekend afternoon with a pulled pork platter and Irish coffee in hand at Home Team.

We recently shared the news of the restaurant’s new Mount Pleasant location, meaning you now have four locations in the Lowcountry to see what the hype is all about. You won’t be disappointed.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alexandra.

Editor’s pick: I had a ton of fun sharing the scoop on the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch in today’s lead story. Growing up in Charleston, this event was one of the most special memories that I have from my childhood (thanks, Mom and Dad) and I can guarantee it’s worth every penny of the $15 admission.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I’ll never get sick of a good old hayride and picking the perfect pumpkin to carve. It’s really one of my favorite pre-Halloween traditions, especially living in a warmer weather state.

Shoutout to my friends + family: We’ve got new weekend plans.

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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.

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