84º | Thunderstorms | 97% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 7:48 p.m. | High tides 6:59 a.m. and 7:40 p.m. | Low tides 1:05 a.m. and 1:12 p.m.
City
Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious time in Charleston
Edgar Allan Poe | Public domain image
When it comes to Charleston’s history, the line between fact + fable tends to get a little murky. That’s especially the case when it comes to chronicling the time Edgar Allan Poe, a man who relished in the mysterious, spent here.
For instance, while we know it to be true that Poe spent thirteen months stationed at Fort Moultrie, we also know that he did so under a false identity: 18-year-old Edgar Allan Poe claimed to be 22-year-old Edgar Allan Perrywhen he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
The trailblazing American writer + poet died on Oct. 7, 1849 — and, just like his life, his death is shrouded in mystery. He was discovered lying in a Baltimore gutter in what a witness describes as being “in great distress.” He was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his ailments days later– but he was never coherent enough to describe what exactly those ailments were.
Fort Moultrie | Public domain image
Poe’s stint on Sullivan’s Island
Long before achieving fame as an author, a teenage Poe took up temporary residence on Sullivan’s Island. Starved for cash, he lied about his age + enlisted in the U.S. Army under the name Edgar A. Perry.
From Nov. 1827 to Dec. 1828, Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie, serving in Company H, 1st U.S. Artillery Regiment. During that time, he rose from the rank of private to regimental sergeant major. He was discharged from the military a year later, where he embarked on a failed attempt to attend West Point.
In his short story, “The Gold Bug,” which takes place on Sullivan’s Island, he describes the area as such: “This island is a very singular one. It consists of little else than the sea sand and is about three miles long. Its breadth at no point exceeds a quarter of a mile. It is separated from the mainland by a scarcely perceptible creek, oozing its way through a wilderness of reeds and slime, a favorite resort of the marsh hen.”
Whiskey + Wing Wednesday | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 4-11 p.m. | The Watch, 75 Wentworth St., 7th Floor South Carolina, Charleston | Free | Stop by for half a dozen wings and selected whiskey for $7.
Thursday, Aug. 31
Hilton Grand Vacations Liberty Place Hiring Event | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 12-6 p.m. | Liberty Place Charleston, a Hilton Club, 475 E. Bay St., Charleston | Free | Attendees will participate in on-site interviews for open positions with the opportunity to receive a conditional offer on-the-spot.
Friday, Sept. 1
Odyssey Adventure | Friday, Sept. 1 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston | $30 | Fulfill your adventurous spirit with this obstacle course including a cargo net, high ropes, and various challenges + elements.
Tuesday, Sept. 5
Play Dayz | Tuesday, Sept. 5, Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr., Mt Pleasant | Free | This free event for kiddos ages 10 and under takes place the first Tuesday of each month, with face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, games, snacks, and more.*
Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2023-29, declaring a State of Emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia for SC. He urges South Carolinians to stay informed through local forecasts and to start preparing. Charleston will likely experience heavy rain, flash flooding, and winds that can cause power outages.
Civic
Due to Hurricane Idalia, The City of Charleston’s city recreation facilities and the City Gallery will close today at noon. The West Ashley Farmers Market is also canceled. Additionally, certain city parking garages will be open to the public to park their cars for free during the storm beginning today at 1 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. Read more of the city’s updates.
Commmunity
Have you ever wondered about our local government? Join the City of Charleston’s Local Government 101 on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room at 2 George St. Learn about what the city department does and how it interacts with other agencies to solve problems. This event is free, but don’t forget to register.
Closing
The owners of St. Honoré Pastry announced its closing. After seven years of baking handmade desserts for wholesale + retail, the sweet shop at 2408 Ashley River Rd. last day was Saturday, Aug. 26.
Shop
Holy City Vintage Market returns on Sunday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Royal American under new management. Charleston’s current Poet Laureate, A$iah Mae, is organizing its first market of the year with a team of experienced creatives. Explore 30+ thrifty vendors and enjoy lunch, rum punch, and tunes. Pro tip: Bring your tote bag.
Arts
The Flowertown Players will present a new Studio Spotlight Series beginning in September. The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe revolves around a coming of age story that explores the resiliency of the American teen. The show will run from Friday, Sept. 15 until Sunday, Sept. 24, Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20, and the studio is located at 113B E. Richardson Ave. in Summerville.
Festival
Charleston Beer Fest is seeking volunteers. The event occurs Saturday, Sept. 9, from 1-7 p.m. at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. Each volunteer receives one free ticket to the event and a t-shirt. Shifts include setting up the day before, morning and afternoon shifts the day of the festival, and a morning shift the next day to help break downs. Sign up to help.
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Charleston, are you in need of some retail therapy? Mount Pleasant Towne Centre is bringing you a new, curated shopping event to meet all of your needs.
Boutiques and Bubbles is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 17, from 1-3 p.m. at Mount Pleasant’s bustling shopping + dining center at 1218 Belk Dr. This free event will give attendees a Shopping Passport with deals, promotions, discounts, and freebies.
Shoppers can expect to shop till you drop and enjoy free bubbles from The Wandering Taps, live entertainment from DJ Michael, and good eats from local food truck Mac Daddy — offering all the mac and cheese bowls you can handle.
Other cool event features include pop-up shops like Magnolia & Poppy’s Mobile Bouquet Bar, where you can create fresh flower boutiques, and Forever Bonded, where you can shop for permanent jewelry.
Register the day of in front of Belk. The first 100 shoppers to complete registration will receive a free canvas tote bag from the Towne Centre. All registered participants have the chance to win a $250 gift card to the Towne Centre store or restaurant they choose.
Fall into the season of baking with Adams Apple Co biscuit mixes. You’ll have all the ingredients you’ll need to create a delicious apple-based treat.
Drink
Hosting a dinner party this fall? Treat your guests to one-of-a-kind laser-etched glasses from CEB Studio. Find your city’s design here.
Wellness
The best thing to scoop into your coffee (or tea, or smoothies) daily? Collagen that’s grass-fed, pasture-raised, and has 18 grams of protein per serving. Enter: NativePath’s Collagen Peptides.
Outdoors
Pro tip: Use a propane-powered fire pit for an easy, smokeless burn. This Amazon Basics gas fire pit makes a great home patio addition or camping buddy.
Home
The piece of furniture we’re drooling over: this Poly & Bark leather ottoman pouf in cognac brown. Hello, soft leather and beautiful living room.
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