Hey CHS, Erika + Callie here. Between the two of us, we get the privilege of sharing local news, events, and all things Charleston with our with readers daily — here and on our socials.
Since it’s the beginning of a new year, this may be a perfect time to formally reintroduce ourselves. Consider this us going in for a fist bump, then switching to a handshake, then settling on a hug.
Meet Erika
Q: What were the last three things you did downtown?
Q: Describe Charleston’s personality in three words.
A: Friendly, historic + pretty
We love a great coffee meet up.
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Photo by the CHStoday team.
Meet Callie
Q: What were the last three things you did downtown?
A: I had dinner with my fiancé at Church and Union. Enjoyed cocktails at Hotel Bennett’s Fiat Lux + explored shops on King Street with my best friend. Visited The Mills Hotel’s Iron Rose for appetizers and cocktails (the oyster gratin was *chef’s kiss*).
Q: If you could write about one Charleston-specific topic for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: It would have to be the people. Charlestonians make this city what it is; there are so many stories to unpack and share.
Q: What is your favorite sweet treat in Charleston?
A: Literally anything from Carmella’s, but you can’t go wrong with a cannoli.
Q: Describe Charleston’s personality in three words.
A: Charming, beautiful + kind
Events
Monday, Jan. 8
Quilts of Valor Sit and Sew | Monday, Jan. 8 | 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | People Places + Quilts, 129 W. Richardson Ave., Summerville | Free | Bring your own projects to donate or work on kits donated to the foundation — a great way to socialize and work for a great cause.
Tuesday, Jan. 9
Puzzles + Tea | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 10 a.m. | Bees Ferry West Ashley Library, 3035 Sanders Rd., Charleston | Free | Share a warm, relaxing cup of tea and work on puzzles with others — all ages welcome.
Open Gym Recreation | Tuesday, Jan. 9-Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 5-8 p.m. | Haut Gap Middle School - Rural Rec Complex, 1861 Bohicket Rd., Johns Island | Free | Take advantage of this supervised open gym and facilities for community recreation, fitness, and basketball free play.
From open air, artisan markets to elevated, Southern fare and cozy cocktail lounges, there are more things to do in Columbia, SC than there are hours to do them. | Photos provided by Experience Columbia
A new year calls for new experiences. Maybe you’ve resolved to travel more, exert more independence/confidence, or you’re just feeling ready for an adventure. Here’s an idea: Take yourself on a trip to Columbia, SC, a ~2-hour drive from CHS.
From outdoor adventure to a buzzing culinary scene and vibrant public art, there’s plenty for the solo traveler to explore and enjoy.
Here are four itineraries we’ve bookmarked to treat ourselves to this year:
From lagers and IPAs to sours and seasonal pours, Columbia is a hub for all things hoppy and delicious (thanks to its breweries + brewpubs aplenty). There’s no shortage of restaurants and bars, either. Pro tip: Bookmark these new + noteworthy spots for your next visit.
The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium, is set to become the largest concert venue on the peninsula. The school announced a new partnership with Southern Entertainment to create a concert series. An official lineup for the first season of the concert series will be announced. (WCBD)
Eat
The City of Charleston launched a new website highlighting restaurants in West Ashley. Users can sort restaurants by cuisine and whether they are locally owned. Find your next eating spot.(WCSC)
Number
127,000. That’s how many guests visited the Charleston Museum during its 250th anniversary last year, plus its two historic landmark houses — the Hayward-Washington House and the Joseph Manigault House. This number is a 6% increase from 2022. (WCIV)
Transit
CARTA has launched a service called CARTA OnDemand for older adults ages 55+ and Tel-A-Ride paratransit customers. These groups can use this service for transportation throughout a fixed-route area. It runs Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Eligible individuals can complete this application.
Shop
On the lookout for sweet deals for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day? Enter: The Southern Gates® online outlet store, Beyond The Gate™, for shiny gifts to give your special someone. Pro tip: Use code XOXO for 15% off your entire order.*
Trending
Looking for your new favorite water bottle? The Owala Travel Tumbler combines the best of Stanley’s viral tumbler with Owala’s smart design. We’re liking color “Bunny Hop.”*
Eat
🥪 In bread we trust
Nine Charleston restaurants duke it out for the “Best in Bread” sandwich competition
Bodega, the downtown sandwich spot at 23 Ann St., is hosting its second annual “Best in Bread” sandwich competition.
Each week, three chefs will have the chance to show their skills and create a signature sandwich. Attendees will vote for their favorite to advance to a final showdown. The winning restaurant will receive a trophy + grand prize. Tickets are $25 for each event.
First round - today, Jan. 8
Baguette Magic: Troy Timpner and Rachel Ball
Indaco: Chef Mark Bolchoz
Renzo: Colin Marcelli
Second round - Monday, Jan. 15
Daps Breakfast + Imbibe: Nick Dowling and Jeremiah Schenzel
Storey Farms: Forrest Hogsette
The Drifter: Michael Zentner
Third round - Monday, Jan. 22
39 Rue De Jean: Marcus Shell
Ma’am Saab: Maryam Ghaznavi
TBD
Finale - Monday, Feb. 5
Finale party showdown at Share House
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