We’ll take the Holy City for 400

15 interesting facts about the Holy City

We’re bringing you the latest trivia knowledge. | Photo by @charlestonspired

Did you know Darius Rucker is originally from Charleston?

Nah, just kidding. If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there’s plenty of interesting factoids to go around.

As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of Charleston’s history, quirky characteristics, and more.

Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new. Either way, test your local knowledge with these 15 interesting facts.

CHS_DockStreet_NOV2022 — Today, Dock Street Theatre hosts plays + performances.

1. The Holy City is home to the historic Dock Street Theatre, recognized as “America’s first theater.” This landmark was the first structure in the country constructed exclusively for theatrical performances.

2. Similarly, Charleston is also home to America’s First Museum. Read up on the history of The Charleston Museum, established in 1773. Pssst: This local landmark is commemorating its 250th anniversary on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023.

College of Charleston in Charleston, SC — You’ll never regret a stroll through the College of Charleston campus on a sunny day.

3. The College of Charleston is recognized as the oldest municipal college in the United States. Shout out to you, CofC Cougars.

4. One of history’s most mysterious + eerie poets, Edgar Allan Poe, was stationed at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island between 1827-1828, where he enlisted under the name Edgar A. Perry. The island is where Poe’s short story, The Gold Bug, takes place.

5. Pawleys Island is said to have a friendly neighborhood ghost dubbed “the Gray Man.” This figure becomes visible ahead of inclement weather to warn locals that a storm is coming and has said to have appeared before five major storms that have impacted the coast of Pawleys Island.

Your turn. Think you can get one over on us? Let us know your favorite local trivia tidbit and you just might make it into the newsletter.

10 MORE INTERESTING FACTS

Did our fun facts surprise you?

A. Yes, I didn’t know any of these
B. I knew a few but there were still some surprises
C. I know my city well and knew all these already

LET'S HEAR IT

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Monday, Nov. 21

Holiday Festival of Lights | Monday, Nov. 21 | 5:30-10 p.m. | James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston | $15-$20 | Get into the holiday spirit while you cruise along a three-mile display featuring an estimated two million lights.
Name That Tune Trivia w/ OH YAH BBQ Food Truck | Monday, Nov. 21 | 5-8 p.m. | Snafu Brewing Company, 3280 Industry Dr., North Charleston | Free | OH YAH BBQ food truck will be on-site until 7:30 with bites to enjoy during trivia — dog and family-friendly.

Tuesday, Nov. 22

Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 11-2 a.m. | Bonny’s Hideaway, 549 King St., Charleston | Free | This holiday pop-up is back for its second year featuring festive food and beverage menus, holiday-inspired glassware, and spirited decor.
Hitchcock Films at Johns Island | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Johns Island Library, 3531 Maybank Hwy., Johns Island | Free | Discover the third film in the Hitchcock series, the suspenseful “Rear Window.”
Discovery Day: Terrific Turkeys | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 10-11 a.m. | The Dill Sanctuary, 1163 Riverland Dr., Charleston | $10-$15 | Grab a ticket for this family-friendly nature walk and learn about turkeys at the Dill Sanctuary.

Wednesday, Nov. 23

Harvest Hangout | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 4:30-8 p.m. | Wild Dunes Resort, 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms | $25-$50 | Celebrate Thanksgiving at this family-friendly event featuring a Southern buffet, bingo, and a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving feature on the rooftop — drink package available.
Awendaw Green Barn Jam | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 5:50-10 p.m. | Sewee Outpost, 4853 U.S. 17 N., Awendaw | $10 cash | Join Awendaw Green every Wednesday at the Barn Jam, an outdoor concert event featuring five different artists performing original music.

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

The Ridge Wallet Black Friday sale is live

The Ridge wallet on a rocky, dark background.

You can’t go wrong with essentials made right. | Photo by The Ridge

Ready to find the perfect holiday gift? Get up to 40% off the Ridge Wallet and other essential gear. This well-built, minimalist, RFID-blocking wallet is a slim, front-pocket wallet option that is perfect for your everyday carry. Every order ships free (with a 99-day return window), and includes a lifetime warranty.

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Weather

62º | Mostly cloudy | 2% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 6:54 a.m.
Set: 5:17 p.m.

Tide

Low: 11:48 a.m. + 11:57 p.m.
High: 5:29 a.m. + 5:38 p.m.

Open

The Quinte, a new 40-seat oyster bar located off the lobby of The Pinch hotel, officially opened on Friday. The spot is said to feature a “Paris-meets-old-New-York interior” and offers hyper-local seafood dishes like seafood towers + shrimp rolls. Check it out at 36 George St. 🦪 (Eater Carolinas)

Coming Soon

Pizza A Modo Mio, currently serving its New York-style slices via food truck, is expected to open in the former West Ashley Ladles restaurant location in January. Expect 15 styles of 18-inch pizza, garlic knots, and subs at 3125 Bees Ferry Rd. A tentative grand opening is planned for Jan. 10, 2023. 🍕 (WCBD)
Get ready to dig in, Charleston: A new store is hosting its grand opening on James Island tomorrow. Wisconsin Meat & Cheese is set to offer 200+ cheeses, meats like beef, pork, and venison, and charcuterie board spreads at 1027 Folly Rd. 🍴

Civic

Charleston City Council may partner with Dominion Energy to convert approximately 7,000 street lights to LED. Dominion would be providing a cash incentive for the update, which would be made at no cost to the city. This change expected to be up for discussion on Tuesday. 💡 (WCSC)

Travel

As you prepare for Thanksgiving travel, check out these tips from Charleston International Airport leaders to ensure that you reach your destination on time — from recommended arrival time to parking tips. ✈️ (WCBD)

Plan Ahead

Mark your calendars. Firefly Distillery is set to host its third annual Adopt and Shop Market on Saturday, Dec. 17. Swing by this Park Circle spot to check out local vendors with handmade goods, adoptable dogs, and holiday cocktails. Pssst: The event will also have on-site food trucks including &Lobster + Lola’s Lumpia.

Holiday

If you’re looking for a little holiday cheer this season, check out these three Christmas-themed shops in downtown Charleston, plus a bonus spot on James Island. The local spots offer a selection of festive decor + tree ornaments featuring the Holy City’s culture and landmarks. 🎄 (WCBD)

Community

Looking to give back this season? Local Charleston Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants are partnering with Toys for Tots to serve as donation drop-off sites from now through Wednesday, Dec. 14 — and as a special thank you, Moe’s is offering $3 off in-store purchases.*

Eat

Need help preparing your Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) meal? Let Lowes Foods do the slicing and dicing for you with their Pick & Prep option.*

Health

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is here, which means it’s time to ask yourself a big question: keep your coverage, or change it? Fidelity Medicare Services can help. Fidelity’s licensed Medicare advisors provide customized advice based on your situation — and if you choose a new plan, they’ll help you enroll.*
Experiencing dementia, geriatric depression, frailty, falls, or mobility issues? Talk to someone who specializes in age-related healthcare. Meet Dr. John E. Kleckley, an award-winning geriatrician + the newest physician at Palmetto Primary Care Physicians’ Island Court office in Mount Pleasant. Call (854) 444-7676 to schedule an appointment.*

Learn

Babbel — a premium, subscription-based language learning platform — is offering CHStoday readers up to 55% off subscriptions to learn a new language (in just three weeks). Choose from 14 languages and learn through bite-sized, 10-minute sessions that focus on everyday phrases + relevant topics. 🗺️ *

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Development

A new resource in the Lowcountry

The future Hope Center is expected to offer a courtyard and outdoor gathering space. | Rendering provided by City of Charleston

On Friday, future plans for a new Hope Center were unveiled, set to be located at 9 Cunnington Ave. in North Charleston.

The center is expected to offer service providers and caseworkers working to assist at-risk + homeless individuals and families with necessary resources. These include food assistance, health care, showers, and laundry facilities.

This development is part of the Hope Center Campaign, launched in 2021 with a goal to construct a permanent center to provide these resources. According to the city, roughly $4.6 million has been raised, with a goal of $7 million.

Make a pledge or give a donation.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alexandra.

Editor’s pick: Hey friends, I just want to give a quick shoutout to RALtoday editor Anne who was in town to run the 12th annual Bohicket Half Marathon on Saturday.

We co-worked at Mercantile and Mash on Friday and properly fueled up with an order of avocado toast (with an iced dirty chai on the side, of course). Share your congratulations with Anne. 🎉

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Check out seven seasonal cocktails, here.

Connect with us.

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

Sales: Stephanie Zapiecki | Advertise with us.

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