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
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.
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.
May Forest State Park sits on 23 acres of shore. | Screengrab via SCStateParks
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. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, grounds only.
May Forest is currently hiring a park ranger. Once it does, you’ll be able to visit on weekends, too.
What to expect
Right now, 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.
Events
Monday, Oct. 16
Escape to Siberia: A Holocaust Survivor’s Story | Monday, Oct. 16 | 3 p.m. | Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, 1858 South Grimball Rd., Charleston | Free | Harry Schneider will speak about his childhood experiences as his family fled Poland to Siberia.
Main Street Writes Monday | Monday, Oct. 16 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Stop into this open group and discuss your work with other writers.
Tuesday, Oct. 17
Shuckin’ for STEM 2023 | Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston | $50+ | Enjoy oysters, sliders, beer, and live music, with all proceeds supporting AFCEA Lowcountry scholarships.
CharBOOterie Party | Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Striped Pig Distillery, 2225 Old School Dr. A, North Charleston | $60 | Create the perfect festive charcuterie board for the season.
Succulent Pumpkin Workshop | Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Two Blokes Brewing, 547 Long Point Rd., Ste. 101, Mt. Pleasant | $55 | Get creative + make a succulent pumpkin to show off at all your fall gatherings.
Wednesday, Oct. 18
Fall Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Rd., Charleston | $30-$35 | Spend the evening at Middleton Place exploring America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens with a glass of wine in hand.
Fettuccini Workshop | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | RiverTowne Country Club, 1700 Rivertowne Country Club Dr., Mt. Pleasant | $75 | Making fettuccini pasta from scratch with complimentary sauces, a Caesar salad, and lemon mousse with a ginger cookie crumble for dessert.
Saturday, Oct. 28
Fall Festival | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 12-3 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr., Mount Pleasant | Free | Celebrate the beauty of fall with your family and four-legged pals at this festival featuring live music, trick or treating, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and a pet costume contest.*
Unwrap new holiday traditions at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. | Photo provided by Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Looking for a getaway without having to travel? Celebrate the holidays with the ultimate staycation at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Festivities abound from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day with seasonal feasts, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and activities for guests of all ages, like:
The unveiling of a statuesque chocolate masterpiece
A magical, glowing tree-lighting ceremony
Ringing in the new year with a Polar(ish) Plunge in the Atlantic
Ready to turn new traditions into lasting memories?
The Union Pier Stakeholder Advisory Committee selected the team of urban designers who will pilot the next phase of development. The lead planning firm is Sasaki, one of the teams responsible for Joe Riley Waterfront Park.
Cause
Now through Sunday, Oct. 29, you can support Pay It Forward Charleston at 16 bars and restaurants across the city. Participating establishments will donate proceeds from each special Hat Trick Botanical Gin Cocktail to the nonprofit’s Emergency Relief Fund. Stay tuned for more.
Drink
Still thirsty?Charleston Beer Week starts Saturday, Oct. 28 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 5. Enjoy nine days of events for beer enthusiasts hosted by 35+ participating breweries. (The Post and Courier)
Civic
This Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m., all six mayoral candidates will attend AFFA Action’s LGBTQ+ Mayoral Forum. Local action groups and community leaders will engage candidates on issues relevant to Charleston’s LGBTQ+ communities. Registration is free.
Wellness
In our latest edition of CHS Wellnessin partnership with Roper St. Francis Healthcare: What to know about rising breast cancer rates; golden retriever meet-up; local trails to hike; Halloween safety tips; and more. Read the full newsletter.*
Cause
Thanks to a recent donation from Coastal Community Foundation and its affiliate organizations, more than $4 million in local medical debt has been erased. Learn more.*
History
Did you know? The Aiken-Rhett House Museum is the only historic house museum on the peninsula that hasn’t been restored — the 1820s mansion is preserved-as-found. This month, guests can explore the Dark History and more tragic stories of Charleston residents during the Gilded Age by candlelight. Learn more + snag tickets.*
Number
128,000. That’s how many Tri-County households are employed, yet can’t afford all life’s essentials like food, housing, and healthcare. This is represented by ALICE® (which stands for households who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), a program by Trident United Way to help our neighbors thrive. Learn more.*
Try This
What would you do with $1 million? Retire early? Buy a vacation home? All of the above? ICYMI, here’s your chance: The Two Million Dollar Puzzle awards each buyer with a cash reward — and two people will snag that lucky $1 million. Use code 6AMCITY for an extra 10% off.*
The Buy
The Buy 10.16.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Matcha Nude’s organic matcha. Get cozy and indulge in the unique flavors, perfect for cooler months.
This edition of the newsletter was written on Friday the 13th. Any typos are the result of supernatural misfortune — please still let us know, though, so we can correct them.
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