Enjoy the fresh air on a bike ride in the Holy City. | Photo by @explore.chs.sc
Y’all know it’s easy to feel cooped up in Charleston, from backed up traffic to slowdowns on the sidewalks. Pump up your tires, because we’re highlighting bike trails to explore this spring and summer for some exercise and fresh air.
Head to the 10.5-mile Greenway in West Ashley for scenic marsh views. This out-and-back path is partially paved and great for both walkers and bikers. Bonus: You’ve got a pretty good chance of spotting cute dogs out for a walk.
Soak in the scenery on a ride through Hampton Park.
Hit the trail in Summerville on this paved ~7-mile biking and walking path that runs along the Sawmill Branch Canal. Heads up: The trail is expected to reopen May 4 following construction on the Berlin G. Myers Project.
Did you know Hampton Park closes to vehicular traffic at certain hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays? The Walk, Run & Roll program welcomes walkers, runners, and bikers to enjoy the park without through traffic. Try your wheels on this 1.5-mile path.
Happy cycling, Holy City. Next up: Find out Charleston’s bike score.
2023 North Charleston Arts Fest | Wednesday, May 3-Sunday, May 7 | Times vary | Locations vary | Free | This annual event celebrates arts in the North Charleston community with a wide range of performances and exhibits.
Thursday, May 4
Live Under the Oaks | Thursday, May 4 | 6-8 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr., Charleston | Free | Grab blankets and chairs and sit under the oaks to enjoy live music every Thursday in May.
Friday, May 5
The Book of Mormon | Friday, May 5-Sunday, May 7 | Times vary | North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston | $47-$97 | This musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries sent halfway across the world to spread the good word.
Party at the Point | Friday, May 5 | 5-9 p.m. | Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant | $10 | Head to the first event of this concert series and enjoy live music by The Dave Matthews Tribute Band — bring chairs and blankets.
Saturday, May 6
Charleston Farmers Market | Saturday, May 6 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Marion Square, 329 Meeting St., Charleston | Free | Shop food offerings, artisan crafts, live local music, and 70 farmers and growers.
Derby Party | Saturday, May 6 | 4:30-8 p.m. | Cedar Room at the Cigar Factory, 701 E. Bay St., Charleston | $200 | Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding will host its second annual Derby Party to benefit its Student Scholarship Program.
South Carolina Strawberry Festival | Saturday, May 6 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Walter Elisha Park, 345 N. White St., Fort Mill | Free | Mark your calendar for the town of Fort Mill’s signature salute to spring — this family-friendly event features fun for all ages.*
🧑🚀 Reach for the stars with a career in aerospace
Presented by a CHStoday partner
Each semester in CSU’s one-of-a-kind program includes a two credit-hour flight lab, where students will fly a minimum of two-three times per week in pursuit of FAA qualifications. | Photo provided by Charleston Southern University
There’s plenty of space in the aerospace industry, CHS. Did you know? A pilot shortage is expected at least over the next decade — 600,000+ pilots will be needed worldwide, with only 200,000 in demand in the United States alone.
Charleston Southern University’s aeronautics program is meeting demand and need for diverse workforce in the aerospace industry. Kherry Cohea will be CSU’s first graduate (and female) in the aeronautics program.
Currently, there are only ~65,000 female pilots in the world, accounting for 9% of total pilots. There are only ~900 female pilots in the US.
CSU’s aeronautics program is the first (and currently the only) program of its kind at any South Carolina university, offering three degree tracks:
WestRock Co. will permanently close its paper mill in North Charleston on August 31 after 86 years of business. The mill, which opened in July 1937, is shutting its doors due to financial reasons. Stay tuned for updates. (WCSC + The Post and Courier)
Civic
The City of Charleston received a $10 million grant from the South Carolina Infrastructure and Economic Development Fund to finish the King and Huger Street drainage project, which aims to mitigate flooding in the area. The project is expected to be completed by 2025. Learn more. (The Post and Courier)
The building at 500 North Main St. in Summerville, which houses Dorchester County services, may be sold and redeveloped. The county set guidelines for any potential owners or developers of the site including preserving the veteran’s memorial. (WCSC)
Development
Four Seasons Hotel is coming to the site of the former Days Inn at 155 Meeting St. This will be the luxury hotel’s first location in South Carolina. This is a developing story, so we’ll keep you posted.(The Post and Courier)
A $2.7 million restoration project is underway at Mother Emanuel AME Church and phase one is slated to be completed in late June. The project includes reinforcing trusses and repainting the front of the church. Phase two is expected to begin in about 18 months. (WCSC)
Coming Soon
Kenny Flowers, a tropical clothing and lifestyle brand, is set to open in the two-story building at 345 King St. where Kissmet used to be. The shop is expected to open its doors later this month or in early June. (The Post and Courier)
Festival
Calling all vegan and plant-based eaters: Charleston Vegan Festival is set for Saturday, May 6 in Mount Pleasant. Look forward to food trucks, bakers, and local artisans. Admission to Palmetto Islands County Park is $2 and festival tickets are $5.
Drink
Bar Vauté, Charleston’s only below-street-level bar, is now open for Apéro Hour. Monday through Wednesday from 4-6 p.m., enjoy small bites and sips like oysters on the half shell and the French 75 cocktail.
Plan Ahead
PURE Theatre’s Season 21 begins in August with productions including a world premiere, three regional premieres, and a musical at the Cannon Street Arts Center. Grab a Flex Pass.
Finance
The average retirement savings by age may be shocking, but it’s not too late to seek advice. A financial advisor could help increase your returns and alleviate stress. Try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*
Featured Job
homeRN Charleston, a private pay concierge caregiving and nursing service, is hiring Caregivers. homeRN provides personalized, reliable in-home care to patients and their families. The caregiving team consists of certified nursing assistants, nursing students, and experienced caregivers guided by the medical expertise of a nurse. Learn more + apply.*
Community
Get ready to celebrate, Charleston.Taco Boy has partnered with Patrón Tequila for a Cinco de Mayo celebration with drink specials, spicy beats from local DJs, and all the tacos, queso + guac you can handle. Proceeds benefit Charleston Hispanic Association, with $1 from featured cocktails and Patrón Tequila flights going to support the nonprofit organization.*
Fun Fact
National Beverage Day is this Saturday, May 6. In celebration, we’re featuring some of our Six & Main beverage brands across our markets including Blanchard’s Coffee, a|dash, Sarilla, Matcha Nude, and more. Start sipping now.
Kids
The perfect family-friendly activity does exist, and you can even do it all spring and summer long, rain or shine. We’re talking about Kids Bowl Free — a national program that connects you with local bowling alleys where kids can receive two free games of bowling each day. Learn more + sign up.
Arts
Take a walk on the wild side
First Friday Artwalks in Charleston, SC
Explore John C. Doyle Art Gallery. | Photo by @charlestongalleryassociation
Lace up your walking shoes. The next First Friday Artwalk with the Charleston Gallery Association is this Friday, May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. These self-guided art tours are free and open to the public, so come celebrate the local art scene and kick off your weekend with a pop of color.
Today, I want to spotlight Hay Tire Pros in Mount Pleasant. Every time I’ve gone in or given them a call, staff has been friendly, patient, and efficient. Turns out it was good luck that I got a nail in my tire because I came across this place. Bonus: They have a popcorn machine so you can enjoy a snack while you wait.
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