A walk in the park 🌳

Visit May Forest, a new 23-acre state park on James Island

You’ll have views of Charleston Harbor, Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter. | Screengrab via SCStateParks

Updated with visitor information on Friday, Oct. 13

Something green is coming to Charleston, and we’re not talking about St. Patrick’s Day. A new state park is in the works at the tip of James Island. We spoke with SC State Parks Director Paul McCormack for the latest on the project.

Where will it be located?

The waterfront park will be located on 23 acres at the end of Fort Johnson Road, adjacent to the Fort Johnson historic site. The parcel is managed by the SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

In 2021, the state purchased the land from the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy for $23 million. The May Forest Convent located on-site is expected to be converted into an event venue that will be the main component of the new park. Funding has not yet been secured for the venue construction project.

Screenshot 2023-03-07 at 4.14.50 PM.png — Take a look at plans for Fort Johnson, which surrounds the future state park. | Via Fort Johnson & May Forest Master Plan Meeting

What will the park feature?

Charlestonians can look forward to a day-use recreation and picnicking area with views of the Charleston Harbor, the Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter. There is an existing gazebo and bench swing. Conceptual images are not yet available, but stay tuned.

An event space, lodging, and a dock may be added in the future. A structural assessment of the property is expected to determine park features down the road. What would you like to see this new park offer? Let us know.

In addition, there is a master plan that envisions the entire ~100-acre Fort Johnson area that is separate from the state park project.

What is the timeline?

The park is expected to open this spring or summer. There is currently no timeline for potential future amenities, but keep an eye on the newsletter for updates. The plans for Fort Johnson, which surrounds the state park area, are long-term.

Visitor Info

May Forest launched its soft opening phase. The new state park on the northeast waterfront of James Island offers views of the Charleston Harbor, Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter, plus woodland and fields abutting the shore.

The park is far from finished — but you can stroll for yourself now.

A grassy shoreline bordered by trees, with a long pier in the distance. — May Forest State Park sits on 23 acres of shore. | Screengrab via SCStateParks

In case you missed it

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources bought the 23-acre park land from the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy for $23.25 million in 2021.

May Forest State Park and the ~100-acre Fort Johnson area make up a long-term development plan including updated trail access, greenspace, historical interpretation, and research campuses.

Getting there

The park is located at 424 Fort Johnson Rd. Since it occupies one tip of James Island, navigating is easy: just follow the road to its end and follow the signage for visitor parking.

Hours

During the soft opening phase, the park is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays, grounds only.

May Forest is currently hiring a park ranger. Once they do, you’ll be able to visit on weekends, too.

What to expect

Currently, May Forest offers walking trails and four picnic tables to unwind by the water. Pets are welcome in most areas, but you’ll need to keep them leashed.

As the park grows, look forward to an event space at the old May Forest Convent, overnight accommodations, and dining options.

What would you like to see this new park offer?

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Wednesday, March 8

Midday Matinee presents: “To Kill A Mockingbird” | Wednesday, March 8 | 1:30 p.m. | Cynthia Graham Hurd/St. Andrews Library, 1735 N. Woodmere Dr., Charleston | Free | Catch a showing of this classic film that’s set in Alabama during the Depression.
Native Gardens | Wednesday, March 8-Sunday, March 26 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St., Charleston | $15-$75.50 | This contemporary comedy features two couples living next door to each other in D.C.

Thursday, March 9

Cheers on the Pier | Thursday, March 9 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Free | Wrap up your workday with good friends, beer, and live music by Sticky Pickles at sunset.
Public Input Matters Meeting: Carolina Park/Ten Mile/Rural Districts | Thursday, March 9 | 5-7 p.m. | Wando Mount Pleasant Library, 1400 Carolina Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Free | Attend this open house hosted by the Town of Mount Pleasant and share feedback.

Friday, March 10

Austin Dixon LIVE at Whiskey Jack’s | Friday, March 10 | 7-10 p.m. | Whiskey Jack’s, 2061 Savannah Hwy., Charleston | Free | Austin Dixon will perform old-school country covers on the outdoor container bar stage.

Saturday, March 11

Midnight Moon Alcohol Ink Workshop | Saturday, March 11 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Snafu Brewing Company, 3280 Industry Dr., North Charleston | $38 | Paint a moonscape using alcohol inks with instruction by artist Sherri Welser and sip on WildHeart Art craft beer.
Charleston Battery vs. Phoenix Rising FC | Saturday, March 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Patriots Point, 85 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant | $18+ | It’s opening night at Patriots Point and the Charleston Battery are kicking off the 2023 season.

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

Travel and Outdoors

This new attraction in Columbia is worth seeing 👀

Presented by a CHStoday partner

A preview of the desert biome at the new Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center.

The renovations were made possible through support from The Boyd Foundation, transforming it into a state-of-the-art animal care facility. | Photo provided by Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

It’s o-fish-al: Things just got wilder at Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, which just opened a brand new recreational and education facility (and we couldn’t be more ex-sssited). 🐍

The Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center gives guests an engaging experience and a chance to see the zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts first-hand.

The immersive experience provided by the new center will feature:

Conservation Labs: See hands-on work that was previously only experienced during behind-the-scenes tours.
Coral Lab: Get an up-close view of the critical role Riverbanks plays in protecting coral reefs. The lab showcases colonies of corals that were rescued off the coast of Florida near Key West.
Terrestrial Lab: Take a look at endangered reptiles and amphibians from around the globe and learn about Riverbanks’ work supporting populations of geckos, plus collaborative projects protecting SC’s most endangered wildlife.
Desert Biome: This new immersive habitat features desert dwellers like tortoises, rattlesnakes, and Gila monsters, as well as thick-billed parrots and burrowing owls.

Other highlights:

Floor-to-ceiling views of some favorite aquatic + reptilian residents
A giant wall of moon jellies
In the coming weeks, guests will have a chance to meet a giant octopus named Susan (in honor of Susan Boyd and her favorite animal).

Don’t be jelly and miss all of the fun. Swim on over and explore Riverbanks’ new Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center. Plan your visit.*

LEARN MORE + PLAN YOUR VISIT

Weather

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Sunrise + sunset

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Open

Iron Tribe Fitness is now open on Meeting Street near Palmetto Brewing Company. The new 3,500-sqft gym offers group classes and personal training and joins another location in Mount Pleasant. 🏋️ (Charleston Regional Business Journal)

Development

The northern end of the former Charleston Naval Base in North Charleston may become a mixed-use community. Four proposals will be pitched to a panel on Thursday, April 6. See the finalist projects. We’ll keep you posted. 🏗️ (The Post and Courier)
A new gas station is coming to the corner of Main Road and McLernon Trace on Johns Island, right by the Marsh View Place Apartments. Charleston’s Design Review Board voted to approve the proposed plans earlier this week. (WCBD)

Featured

Charleston was named The South’s Best City in 2023 as part of Southern Living’s South’s Best Awards, recognized for its walkability, architecture, and culinary scene. Folly Beach ranked No. 9 on the list of The South’s Best Small Towns. See more rankings. (Southern Living)

Sports

In case you missed it, single-game tickets are now on sale for Charleston RiverDogs games. You can root, root, root for the home team starting Tuesday, April 11. See the schedule and tickets. ⚾
Calling all pickleheads: Charleston’s first rooftop pickleball tournament is set for Sunday, March 26 at The Loutrel by the City Market — participants and spectators are welcome. The event will end with a professional pickleball match. 🏓

Edu

Get a taste of college life at the University of South Carolina. Academically talented students in grades 6-12 can jumpstart a future career, refine skills, or spark a new interest while meeting friends through the Carolina Master Scholars Summer Adventure Series. Learn more + register.*

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“Reverent Ornament: Art from the Islamic World”

Try This: “Reverent Ornament: Art from the Islamic World”

Presented by a CHStoday partner

The Persian word for “tile,” like the eight-point one from the 13th century seen here, is “kashi.” | Photo by the COLAtoday team

The Columbia Museum of Art’s new exhibition “Reverent Ornament: Art from the Islamic World” opened on February 18, and we were thrilled to get to check it out. This collection offers 45 works that explore centuries-old arts and crafts traditions and scientific innovations from Iran, Egypt, India, Syria, and Turkey, featuring objects that could be found anywhere from ordinary homes to palaces. We were transported, and we highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.

What we tried:

We attended the exhibition’s opening day festivities, which included a CMA members drop-in as well as dance and musical performances. (Read: CMA membership comes with big perks.) “Reverent Ornament” is currently on view alongside the exhibition “Our Own Work, Our Own Way: Ascendant Women Artists in the Johnson Collection,” and includes glassware, ceramics, metalwork, painting, weaponry, weaving, and more. Think: timeless Islamic art that celebrates everyday life, history, and culture.*

WHAT NOT TO MISS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Tatum.

Editor’s pick: The other day I told y’all South Carolina has 11 seasons, but I’ve changed my mind. There are only two: Winter, and palmetto bug season. After a recent encounter with one of these flying terrors, I think I’m ready for winter again. Have a scary palmetto bug story? Let’s hear it.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out six local homes for sale, 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.

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