Today’s Forecast

Tourism and Hospitality

Coffee shop chats with the Spoleto festival

We had the privilege of chatting with Jenny Ouellette this past week and getting to know more about the Spoleto Festival. Jenny serves as the Media Relations and Communications Specialist for the festival and has all of the tips to prepare you for this art extravaganza.

What is the perfect lineup or time to check out Spoleto?

An event everyone should experience is the finale on Sunday, June 11 at 5 p.m. The finale will be held at Firefly Distillery and will have live music and fireworks. This is by far the most locally attended event and has a great community presence with lawn chairs and picnic blankets spread out all over.

Chamber music is one of the keystones of the festival and not one to miss. We like to say it is “not your grandmother’s chamber music.” Artists are top of the line and it is performed in an intimate setting offering an interactive experience. This event is fun and jovial as it embodies the spirit of the festival with 33 concerts overall, happening daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

CHStoday Spoleto — If this look doesn’t say starstruck than I don’t know what does.
|
Photo by Leigh Weber, provided by Spoleto Festival

What insider tips do you have for visitors?

Make sure to arrive early to performances to get settled in and comfortable. Ideally arriving 15 minutes before curtain time should give you time to relax.

Clear bags are going to be required, therefore it is wise to prepare ahead. We will also have clear bags for purchase on site as everyone forgets sometimes.

Never underestimate the ticket inventory. It is common for visitors to think that shows are sold out but we try our best to provide everyone a chance to partake in the festival. Give the office a call, stop by the visitors center, or sign up for our mailing list to stay up to date on promotions and tickets.

Click for Jenny's best Spoleto memory

Asked

What are you most excited to see at Spoleto?

A. Opera
B. Dance
C. Theater

Let us know

Events

Friday, May 12

Bevi Bene Golden Hour | Friday, May 12 | 6 p.m. | Bevi Bene Brewing Co., 1859 Summerville Ave., Charleston | Free | Wind down for the weekend with local brews and music.
Paint & Sip Event @ The Inn at Middleton Place: Floral Bees | Friday, May 12 | 7-9 p.m. | The Inn at Middleton Place, 4290 Ashley River Rd., Charleston | $37 | Take in beautiful Charleston landscapes all while relaxing and creating your own masterpiece.

Saturday, May 13

Charleston Farmers Market | Saturday, May 13 | 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.
The Blue Dogs on the NUTRL Beach Stage | Saturday, May 13 | 6 p.m. | The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms | $25-$30 | Check out a South Carolina band jam out to Americana tunes at the beachy Windjammer.
Charleston Battery vs. San Antonio FC: Military Appreciation Night | Saturday, May 13 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Patriots Point Soccer Stadium, 85 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant | $14-$40 | Charleston Battery take on San Antonio FC this Saturday for Military Appreciation Night, enjoy a pre-match concert and dine from local favorites — snag tickets in advance to save.*

Sunday, May 14

Second Sunday on King Street | Sunday, May 14 | 12-5 p.m. | King Street, Charleston | Free | Stroll, eat, and shop along Charleston’s main corridor between Queen and Calhoun streets at this dog-friendly event.
Mother’s Day Meal Fit For a Queen at 82 Queen | Sunday, May 14 | 82 Queen, 82 Queen St., Charleston | A meal fit for a queen, snack on Charleston favorites at this special meal.
The Clark Sisters Live In Concert | Sunday, May 14 | Charleston Performing Arts Center, 873 Folly Rd., Charleston | $43-$166 | Gospel fans unite to hear the musical styling of this well known sister choir.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Finance

Kick back and retire (yes, please)

SmartAsset matches you with vetted financial advisors in your area. | Photo by SmartAsset

This billion-dollar startup wants to help you retire.

If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors who serve your area.

It’s never too late to work towards more radiant golden years. Take this quiz to see if you can retire comfortably.*

Take the free quiz

News Notes

Announced

The SC State Fair announced its winners of this year’s college scholarships. There have been 51 recipients of the scholarship from all over the state. The intention of the funds are to support education for high school students who are planning to attend college in the state of South Carolina.

Traffic

SCDOT plans to close south bound lanes on the West Ashley Bridge during nighttime. This process began on Wednesday and is likely to continue for one to two weeks. Construction and lane closures will be from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. (WCIV)

Charlestonian

Local fireman Raymond Lloyd has been honored for his selfless devotion to the local community. Lloyd retired from the Charleston Fire Department in 2018 and went on to volunteer for public safety. Mayor Tecklenburg released last week that May 11 will officially be Raymond Lloyd day to honor his work for the Holy City.

History

An archaeological project has been taking place this week at the Heyward-Washington house by the Charleston Museum and the College of Charleston. The search is hoping to uncover more layers of history behind this site. (WCBD)

Trending

Here’s a friendly reminder that the Lowcounty is home to many creepy crawlies and one of the most popular is alligators. Check out this viral video of a gator found underneath a car in Brickyard plantation. (WCBD)

Edu

On the third Saturday of each month during the school year, the Lowcountry Aerospace Academy hosts a Lowcountry Inspirational Flight Training (LIFT) camp for 16-20 high school students to provide free FAA-certified ground, simulator, and flight instruction — free of charge. Applications for next Fall’s LIFT Camps are available by request at LowcountryFlying@gmail.com.*

Featured Job

The Kickin’ Chicken is looking for an enthusiastic and assertive Full Time Manager with a minimum of one year of full-service (kitchen and bar) restaurant experience. Applicants must have a knack for directing others, basic management administrative functions, and fundamental restaurant operations. Learn more + apply.*

Holiday

How to win Mother’s Day? Send the mother figure in your life iconic meals and desserts from across the country with Goldbelly. Think: Ina Garten’s coconut cake, a New York bagel brunch kit, and a chef’s steak dinner for four. Yup, it’s all on Goldbelly.*

Weather

Instagram

Holy City hurricane preparedness

You know it’s Charleston when people are out surfing during the hurricane. | Photo by @nicholas_skylar

Only in South Carolina... Governor Henry McMaster declared that the state will recognize May as a full month to focus on preparing for the approaching hurricane season.

This affects the Lowcountry as we are —blessing and a curse— a coastal city very prone to flooding. Here are some resources we can use to stay safe.

The South Carolina hurricane guide
Family disaster plan
Charleston County evacuation outline

In order to prepare Isle of Palms is hosting an event next week for the community.

Isle of Palms hurricane expo: Tuesday, May 16 | 4 to 7 p.m. | Recreation Center, 24 28^th Ave., Isle of Palms | Free | This event will be for IOP residents and the surrounding areas to attend and learn about how they can prepare.

Hurricane season begins for the Atlantic on June 1 and runs through November 30. Make sure to get your ducks in a row now and let’s tackle these storms together.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Mia

From the editor

Chatting with Jenny made me really excited for Spoleto and I cannot wait to check out the events. I am a huge live music girl and a sandfly at the Windjammer. Maybe I will see some of you out there at concerts this weekend.

Missed yesterday's newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY