Did you search “Roman Empire” this year? So did the rest of the US — but this is what Charlestonians were googling on a more local level. | Photo via @charlestonspired
It may come as no surprise that Travis Kelce was one of the most-searched people on Google this year, but what about the fact that the Charleston area was the only place in the US with citadel as a top trending search?
2023’s Google Year in Search is out, and its local search function provides an interesting peek into our city’s queries. Take a look at what we were searching most this year (plus, our answers to your searches — we may not be Google, but we know a thing or two about where to find dog-friendly restaurants).
Unique local searches
Top trending “tour” search in Charleston | Taylor Swift’s Eras tour
Top trending “tv show” search in Charleston | “The Last of Us”
Top trending “versus” search in Charleston | Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz
Five top trending “near me” searches in the Charleston area
Pilates near me | On a related note, check out these 20+ local yoga studios.
Movies playing near me | Have you seen these 14 movies filmed around Charleston?
Estate sales near me | Charlestonians like to shop, huh? While they may not be historic treasures, you can still find unique (and local) goodies on our e-commerce shop.
Restorative Yoga + Sound Healing | Friday, Dec. 15 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Flow State Wellness Studio, 60 Calhoun St., Charleston | $35 | Join this restorative yoga and sound healing session to ground, restore, and replenish the body and mind.
Sip + Snap Cocktail Workshop - Ugly Christmas Sweater Edition | Friday, Dec. 15 | 6-10 p.m. | Shoot Your Shot Content Studio, 2150 Northwoods Blvd., North Charleston | $50 | Don your ugliest holiday sweater and create festive cocktails at this mixology class.
SC Stingrays vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7:05 p.m. | North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston | $10 | Golden tickets will be hidden all over the Coliseum, and fans who find them will win prizes.
Saturday, Dec. 16
1st Annual Walk-N-Trotathon | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 8-11 a.m. | Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Dr., Charleston | $20 | Join this event to help raise funds for survival packs for those experiencing homelessness.
Sunday, Dec. 17
Kids Holiday Terrarium Workshop | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 10-11 a.m. | PlantHouse-Charleston, 832 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant | $25 | Kiddos can create their own winter air plant scenes at this terrarium workshop.
Monday, Dec. 18
Main Street Writes Monday | Monday, Dec. 18 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Stop into this open group and discuss your work with other writers.
Whether you’re coming for brunch, lunch, or dinner, guests can experience the restaurant’s take on traditional, seasonal Lowcountry favorites.
Reservations are required for dinner (served 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday) with no General Admission needed.
Sunday Brunch (served from 11a.m.-3 p.m.) and lunch (served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday) are both first come, first served and require General Admission.
Dotdash Meredith will bring its annual Food & Wine Classic to the Lowcountry in 2024. The Charleston Classic will begin in addition to the annual Aspen Classic, which brings together top chefs, restaurateurs, and foodies. The event will take place Sept. 27-29, 2024. (Axios)
Coming Soon
Two new clothing shops are headed to downtown Charleston: Rag & Bone and Alice + Olivia. Both shops leased ground-floor spaces on King Street and are expected to open in the new year after improvements are made to the street facades and storefronts. (The Post and Courier)
Travel
Charleston International Airport’s kitchen is set to expand, thanks to the return of Air Canada. Work to expand the kitchen’s dry-goods storage warehouse and food packaging area is currently underway. The expansion will also allow the kitchen to take on 1-2 additional airlines in the future. (The Post and Courier)
Edu
Two James Island schools will soon get new early learning centers. The Charleston County school board approved a plan to build the centers at Stiles Point Elementary School and James Island Elementary School, with anticipated completions by 2026. (WCSC)
Drink
This weekend, the streets of downtown Charleston will be filled with ugly sweater-clad locals. An ugly sweater bar crawl is planned for Saturday, Dec. 16. Purchase tickets. (WCBD)
Shop
Still on the hunt for gifts? Firefly Distillery will host its fourth annual Holiday Market this Saturday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The space will host various vendors and food trucks, and Firefly will offer three craft cocktail classes throughout the day.
Wellness
In our latest edition of CHS Wellnessin partnership with Roper St. Francis Healthcare: 10 local experience gifts we’d love to receive, poll on holiday drinking habits, winter solstice wellness tips + more. Read the newsletter.*
Finance
This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*
Health
Planning for personal growth and emotional well-being in 2024? Connect with a licensed therapist on BetterHelp in just 48 hours + get 25% off your first month.*
Seasonal
Gift Guide: Our Editors’ picks
Gift Guide: Our Editors’ picks for the 2023 holiday season
Here’s what your local news team wants to unwrap this year. | Graphic by 6AMCity
Happy December. Scroll to shop, get inspired, and maybe even snag a local gift or two, courtesy of Erika’s and Callie’s exquisite taste.
Erika’s picks
Working Farm Vrbo Stay, $179 per night | “Want to take a road trip but not travel too far? Escaping to this cabin — Sticks & Twine — on Paris Mountain in Greenville would make for a scenic getaway.”
Blue and White Oyster Shell Ring Dish, $33 | “I would love to support a local maker by gifting someone these blue and white oyster shell dishes. These are shipped from Johns Island.”
Callie’s picks:
Charleston Mug, $22 | “I start every day with a cup of coffee, and having mugs from friends, family, and travel puts a smile on my face. Return the favor and gift your friends a piece of Charleston with this mug.”
Custom Neon Name Sign, $192.50 | “As a 2024 bride, I know how much the details matter. This custom sign would be a perfect centerpiece for a reception and could find a forever home in your office or bar area. So spoil your soon-to-be bride friends with a little neon.”
This smart mug warmer that keeps beverages the temperature of your choice and has automatic shut-off.
Shoutout
Happy birthday, CHStoday member Melissa Milanak. We hope your special day (December 17) is filled with your favorite things in Charleston! — CHStoday team
I’m gonna admit it. I’ve never had an oyster before. I know, I know — dangerous words to speak in Charleston. Apparently, one Raleigh-based company has created vegan oysters, and I’ll be honest, I’m intrigued. I wonder if Thomas Bierce would approve.
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