Today’s Forecast

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☀️ A new take on solar energy

Save on energy by getting outdoors

It’s like finding money on the ground — not much, but it could add up. | Photo by @jonathan.mcrae

One unexpected way to save energy as temps rise? Go outside.

We love sitting in the AC on a muggy day. But closing your blinds, unplugging electronics, and bumping your thermostat by 7-10 degrees (within pet-safe ranges) are all great ways to trim down your bill. The longer you spend unplugged, the more you save.

That got us thinking: What do you save when you get out of the house? We calculated based on last summer’s average 16 cents per kWh and 37 kWh daily energy usage per household. Note: We’re using very simplified numbers here, so your rates may vary.

Happy hour (1 hour): 24 cents

Shut off your work computer, ditch the TV, and catch up at one of Charleston’s happy hours. Bonus: You still get to cool off with a drink.

Take a walk or volunteer (2-4 hours): 49-97 cents

Spend two to four hours on a scenic trail and get up to a whole dollar back in your pocket. Share your incredible savings by donating time at a local volunteer initiative.

A day at the park (6-12 hours): $1.48-$2.96

Pack a Frisbee, picnic basket, and plenty of water for day at one of our city’s parks. Bring a book by a local author and get some reading done in nature.

A trip to Savannah (24 hours): $5.92

Take the ultimate road trip to Savannah, GA. Carpool and save on your electricity and gas bills at the same time.

A getaway or staycation (1 week): $41.44

You definitely want to leave your refrigerator running when you’re out for the week, whether you’re saying bon voyage from CHS or home sweet home at a nearby Airbnb or VRBO.

Events

Monday, April 24

America’s First Museum: 250 Years of Collecting, Preserving and Educating | Monday, April 24-Sunday, June 4 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St, Charleston | $6-$12 | Commemorate two and a half centuries since The Charleston Museum’s founding during this year-long exhibit.

Tuesday, April 25

Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer with Rakesh Chaurasia | Tuesday, Apr. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston | $25 | Spend an evening enjoying sounds of “Newgrass” music during this unique concert.

Wednesday, April 26

Library Games Day | Wednesday, April 26-Wednesday, Dec. 27 | 1 p.m. | Wando Mount Pleasant, 1400 Carolina Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Free | Join an afternoon of your favorite games including American Mah Jongg and Rummikub.

Thursday, April 27

Art Charleston | Thursday, April 27-Sunday, April 30 | Times and prices vary | Gibbes Museum, 135 Meeting St., Charleston | Attend events during the Gibbes’ annual visual arts festival.
Once on This Island | Thursday, April 27-Sunday, April 30 | Times vary | Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St., Charleston | $36-$85 | From the creative team that gave us “Ragtime” comes this Olivier and Tony Award-winning, dazzling, calypso-flavored musical.
STYLEST Swimwear Pop-Up | Thursday, April 27 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Daniel Island Club Pool, 600 Island Park Drive, Charleston | Free | Sip + shop sculpting swimwear with local co-founders Alia Bosworth, Joyann King Michael, and Chrissy McCurdy — use exclusive code CHARLESTON15 to shop 15% off online.*

Friday, April 28

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT | Friday, April 28-Sunday, May 7 | Times vary | Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen St., Charleston | $34-$48 | Catch this Tony Award-winner “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

Tuesday, May 2

Play Dayz | Tuesday, May. 2 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, Mount Pleasant | Free | This free event for kiddos ages 10 and under takes place the first Tuesday of each month, with face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, games, snacks, and more.*

Calendar events here

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News Notes

Biz

In case you missed it: A new Harbor Entrepreneur Center has been announced thanks to massive support from the Town of Mount Pleasant. This space will be up to 22,000 sqft and be useful for classes, specialized programs, and business growth.

Feel Good

Stingrays player Chaz Reddekopp is helping a local child’s dream of playing hockey come true. Chaz met Hayden Green through a mentorship program and heard of his passion for the sport. After learning that Hayden needed funds to play, Chaz raised over $600 for equipment and lessons. (WCIV)

Closing

Mr. K’s Used Books is closing in North Charleston. The low-cost book retailer will officially shut its doors Friday, June 30. Closing sales are anticipated in May, though they will not be accepting any more cash or trade transactions. (Post and Courier)

Plan Ahead

Hotel Bennett will be hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the crown ballroom on Sunday, May 14. There will be flower crown making and a ball pit to keep the little ones entertained. Reservations are required in advance.

Drink

Hydration is key this time of year. Need to buy some water that will actually make you want to drink water? Meet Hint and use code 6AMCITY for over 45% off. (Hint: We love the Watermelon and Peach Raspberry flavors.)*

Travel

Itching to take a vacation? We’re always in support of time off + self care — so we’ve rounded up five drool-worthy vacation spots to help you plan. This romantic chateau in Nova Scotia is one of our favorites on the list. See the rest.

Holiday

Get excited to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our online shop (Six & Main). Cheers with this Margarita Bundle from Simple Times Mixers, and treat your taste buds with Sobremesa, a small-batch mole and salsa company.

Drink

🍸 Last call

A toast to the city: Charleston Cocktail Week kicks off April 21

Mini biscuits with prosciutto and pickles alongside a cocktail in a lowball glass.

Enjoy mini ham biscuits appetizer with Bourbon N’ Bubbles’ Sour Pear cocktail. | Photo provided by Charleston Cocktail Week

In case you haven’t heard, Charleston Cocktail Week starts today and continues through Sunday, April 30. If you still haven’t planned at least one day this week to go out and try prix fixe cocktail and appetizer pairings at your favorite local spots, now’s your chance. We recommend planning two or three.

To recap, follow these steps to make the most of the weeklong event:

Grab festival passes.
Browse 30+ participating bars and restaurants.
Check out signature events and tickets.
Plan ahead with the list of signature cocktails and appetizers.

Looking for recommendations? Check out our full guide and make your reservations ASAP.

Read our recs

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Dayten

From the editor

Apropos of nothing, I was spelunking in the City of Charleston website and learned once again how many hidden gems you can find in civic resources. This gem was in the Fire History and Trivia FAQs: Dalmatians got their start in fire service when the trucks were still horse-drawn. They directed the horses, kept them company, and guarded the firehouse. Firefighters keep them around now to guard the station — but we know it’s really because they’re good puppies.

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