Navigate Charleston like a boss

Charleston 101: Our guide to becoming a local resident expert

We’re giving you the scoop on Charleston citizenship. | Photo by @jonpuckett

Picture this: You just moved to Charleston, SC and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and relax on Sullivan’s Island all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Charlestonian 101, our guide to all things CHS citizenship.

The essentials

Voter registration

Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots here.

Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration

New residents in need of an SC driver’s license will need to provide their social security number, proof of identity, citizenship, and date of birth, and two documents confirming their current physical SC address.

For dealer-purchased vehicles, titling and registration will be completed for you (generally). If your vehicle was purchased from an individual that holds the title, here’s what you’ll need to register your car in SC:

A completed Title Application and Statement of Vehicle Operation in South Carolina (if you don’t currently have an SC driver’s license or ID)
A first assignment completed on the title, including the odometer reading, date of sale, buyer’s name and address, sales price, lienholder information (if necessary), and seller’s and buyer’s signatures
Note: A bill of sale may need to be presented if the assignment on the title doesn’t have a sales price section

Find out what you need to transfer a plate or request a new one here. Initial registrations may be subject to title and registration fees.

Visit an SCDMV branch to obtain an SC driver’s license or register your vehicle.

Tap the button below to learn about healthcare, school registration, home necessities, and more. ⬇️

9 MORE WAYS TO BECOME A CHARLESTONIAN

Approximately, what percentage of people fail their driver’s exam on the first attempt?

A. 16%
B. 32%
C. 44%
D. 52%

LET'S HEAR IT

Click here to have your event featured.

Thursday, Feb. 23

Pizza Legend Anthony Falco Presents Mamma Mia Mash Up | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 6 p.m. | Bodega CHS, 23 Ann St., Charleston | $120-$240 | Grab a ticket for this Italian-American dinner served family style with a cocktail pairing available at an additional charge.

Friday, Feb. 24

Nightrain: The Guns N’ Roses Tribute Experience | Friday, Feb. 24 | 9 p.m. | The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms | $10 | Jam out to Guns N’ Roses classics during this tribute show.
Gimme Gimme Disco | Friday, Feb. 24 | 10 p.m. | Music Farm, 32 Ann St., Charleston | $25 | Put on your dancing shoes for this DJ dance party featuring ABBA hits and other tunes from the 1970s and 1980s — disco attire encouraged.

Saturday, Feb. 25

Sweet Jessamine Flower Truck Pop-Up | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Hotel Bennett, 404 King St. | Free | Shop a selection of freshly-cut florals from a 1967 Volkswagen Transporter known as Hattie in front of the hotel’s entrance.
Cork Shuckin’ Festival 2023 | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw Island | $20+ | Head to this annual oyster roast featuring food trucks, live music, tastings, and oysters by the bucket from Old Man Oysters.

We have a calendar filled with events and 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

Credit One Stadium announces 2023 Roper St. Francis Healthcare Concert Series lineup 🎶

Credit One Stadium hosts a variety of events year-round. | Photo provided by Credit One Stadium

Music is in the air, Charleston. The 2023 Roper St. Francis Health Concert Series at Credit One Stadium kicks off on Friday, May 5 with Widespread Panic and continues into the fall with a star-studded lineup, including:

Jimmy Buffet
Kenny Chesney
Chris Stapleton
Dave Matthews Band
Luke Bryan
And more

Peep the full schedule and get access to pre-sale offers by signing up for their newsletter.

Pro tip: Fans looking to take their concert experience to the next level can now grab Club Level + Premium Level season passes to Credit One Stadium.*

BUY A SEASON PASS

Weather

76º | Partly cloudy | 8% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 6:53 a.m.
Set: 6:13 p.m.

Tide

Low: 4:06 a.m. + 4:28 p.m.
High: 10:26 a.m. + 10:48 p.m.

Civic

On Tuesday, Governor McMaster and Congressman Clyburn announced the GetConnectedSC campaign that is set to provide ~$3.3 million in broadband funding to Berkeley and Charleston counties. The initiative features a new website, a 26-community listening tour, and a “Better-Internet” Survey. 📶 (WCBD + WCSC)
Charleston City Council is currently discussing funding for the City of Charleston’s Parks & Recreation Master Plan, One Charleston, said to assess current offerings of facilities and plans for the next 10 years. Projects totaling ~$220 million were presented during a recent workshop meeting. 💰 (WCSC)

Development

The City of North Charleston is seeking a master developer for the upcoming 70-acre waterfront development on the former Navy Base. The developer will be tasked with owning and planning the project, and submissions are due by March 17. Learn about the project. 🚧 (Charleston Regional Business Journal)

Community

Community members are now able to meet with Berkeley County School Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon at five Berkeley County coffee shops as part of the “Coffee and Conversations” program. Heads up: The next meeting will be held tomorrow at Rustic Muffin in Moncks Corner. View the full schedule. ☕ (WCSC)

Festival

Mark your calendars: The Black Food Truck Festival is returning April 22-23 at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson and tickets are on sale now. Last year, the festival generated $1 million+ for Black-owned businesses in the region. Take a look at the full economic impact report.

Drink

Eater Carolinas has released its list of Where to Drink in Charleston Right Now, February 2023. From Sweetgrass Vodka to Bar 167, there’s no shortage of options around town for every beverage enthusiast. 🥂 (Eater Carolinas)

Watch

Good news, “Outer Banks” fans: Season three of the locally-filmed Netflix series premieres today. We’re keeping our eyes peeled for local landmarks like the Morris Island Lighthouse and the Old Village neighborhood this season. 🎬

Number

$29 billion. That’s the financial impact of SC’s tourism industry in 2022, signifying an 11% increase since 2021. Last weekend’s SEWE event was acknowledged as a strong start to tourism, recognizing the large attendance numbers seen at the industry’s annual “kick-off event.” (The Post and Courier)

Health

Need healthcare treatment, but don’t know whether to go to the emergency room or urgent care? Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s symptoms chart decodes it for you, so you know what to do + where to go when illness or the unexpected happens. 🏥 *

Featured Deal

Ready to rock, Charleston? It’s almost time for Home Team’s BBQ’s annual Rock the Block on Saturday, Feb. 25. The street party raises funds to support families battling pediatric cancer and features award-winning guest chefs, craft cocktails, live music + more. Bonus: Get your tickets in advance and save $5.*

Listen

Calling all bibliophiles. Level up your reading routine with an Audible Membership. Why we love it: we can listen to our favorite books and discover new titles while doing everyday tasks like commuting, walking the dog, cooking, and cleaning. Sign up for your first 30 days free. 📚*

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

Development

The North Charleston Sports Complex is now open

Take a look at the project. | Courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Charleston Sports Complex is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, March 1 at 10 a.m. — here’s an overview of the $25 million project.

Located at 1455 Monitor St., the complex is set to include:

A 25-meter competitive pool
Five new tennis courts
A roller rink used for roller skating and street hockey
A multi-purpose field
A gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and badminton

Existing facilities have been demolished to make way for the complex. Find more details on the project here.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alexandra.

Editor’s pick: On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to check out the newly-opened (and highly-anticipated) Sorelle restaurant on Broad Street, and let me tell you: This place is the real deal. The food was spectacular and the ambiance was 10/10.

It may be cliche, but I’ll never get tired of seeing historic buildings transform into new gathering spaces for Charlestonians. Check out the menu and make a reservation. Run, don’t walk — I’m already counting down the seconds until my next visit.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out seven local spots to drop a fishing line, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alexandra Garian, Tatum Jacaruso, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | 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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