Plus, a National Geographic travel writer recommended stop in Charleston.
 
April 12, 2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER
Spoleto Festival

Today’s Forecast

75º | 3% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 7:49 p.m.
High tide 11:48 a.m. | Low tides 5:38 a.m. + 5:41 p.m.
 
Travel writer recommends this stop in the 843
This photo shows the exterior of the International African American Museum at twilight.
It takes 1 to 2 hours to experience the International African American Museum. | Photo by Greg Noire, Sony, courtesy International African American Museum
We call the Holy City home, but it is undoubtedly a popular destination for visitors. Fun fact: A College of Charleston study shows that tourism + hospitality had a record-breaking $12.8 billion economic impact on the region in 2022.

So, maybe you’re planning your trip to the Holy City or looking to play tourist in your home city. National Geographic released ”Here Not There: 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations, and Charleston made the list among spots like Quito, Ecuador, and Lecce, Italy.

We had the chance to catch up with travel writer Andrew Nelson — Keep reading to learn what he says you need to experience while in the 843.

This photo shows Andrew Nelson sitting in a pink chair in a pink room.

Andrew Nelson has worked with National Geographic Travel since 2001.

|

Photo by Andrew Nelson

There are thousands of cities in the US, when writing about must-see travel destinations across the globe what drew you to Charleston?
Charleston as a destination is well known. It’s gotten progressively more glossy, the restaurants more delicious, the hotels more luxurious. It’s on the verge of becoming the Hamptons but with grits. My book ”Here Not There” is about counterintuitive places. I suggest coming to Charleston, not just to play — but to think.

A sculpture courtyard at the International African American Museum in Charleston, S.C., Dec. 12, 2022. (Tony Cenicola/The New York Times)

The International African American Museum opened in June 2023.

|

Photo by Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Why are you encouraging folks to visit the International African American Museum?
It is a vital and affirming place for anyone interested in understanding the real history of one of the country’s most popular cities.

Not only is a visit to the museum, an enlightening one — it is moving. The museum is built on the foot of the Gadsden Wharves where ships arrived from Africa filled with human beings brought here against their will. The sculptures and grounds, beautifully planted and positioned, have turned it into a contemplative and emotional place.

Was there anything shocking or exciting that you found while researching Charleston that you didn’t expect?
What’s shocking? The price of real estate. What is delightful? The rise of Park Circle. It seems to be Charleston’s Brooklyn.
 
Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board
 
Events
 
Friday, April 12
  • Spring Boat Show | Friday, April 12-Sunday, April 14 | Times vary | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr., Mount Pleasant | Free | Get ready to hit the water in style or just have fun exploring new boat models and accessories.
  • Book Tasting: Great Books Paired with Great Wine | Friday, April 12 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Odd Duck Market, 1082 E. Montague Ave., North Charleston | $25 | Enjoy a perfect wine pairing for each book showcased.
Saturday, April 13
  • CPC Beekeeper’s Association Honey and Bee Expo | Saturday, April 13 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Magnolia Park, 720 Magnolia Rd., Charleston | Free | This family-friendly event will share educational information about bees, the art of beekeeping, and promote actions that support the health and sustainability of pollinators in our community.
  • The Citadel Football Spring Game | Saturday, April 13 | 1-4 p.m. | Johnson Hagood Stadium, 68 Hagood Ave., Charleston | Free | Cheer on The Citadel Football team as they wrap up their spring practices.
  • The 19th Hole Party | Saturday, April 13 | 3-9 p.m. | New Realm Brewing, 880 Island Park Dr., Charleston | Price of purchase | Let’s par-tee — golf enthusiasts and those just looking for a good time are invited to enjoy food and drink specials, a golf simulator, putt-putt greens, and a concert.
Sunday, April 14
  • Karaoke Sunday | Sunday, April 14 | 8:30-11:30 p.m. | Tin Roof, 1117 Magnolia Rd., Charleston | Free | Rock the weekday scaries away with a Sunday Funday karaoke session.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
▼SPONSORED▼
Show
 
🎶 The Charleston Symphony’s season finale hits all the right notes
Conductor Lina González-Granados leads with precision during a performance.
Conductor Lina González-Granados has won multiple prizes and is internationally recognized for her powerful interpretations of the symphonic and operatic repertoire. | Photo provided by Charleston Symphony
Looking for the perfect date night? We suggest a night out at the Gaillard Center to catch the Charleston Symphony’s grand finale, happening April 19-20 as they conclude their 2023-2024 season with Dvořák’s “Seventh Symphony.”

Under the baton of conductor Lina González-Granados, experience Edvard Grieg’s “Piano Concerto” with pianist Sara Buechner, “Symphony No. 7 by Antonín Dvořák,” and works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.

And don’t just take our word for it — according to Japan’s InTune magazine, “Buechner has no superior.”
 
News Notes
 
Environment
  • The Charleston Compost program is rapidly growing. When the program started in 2021, there were three sites to drop your food scraps, and now there are 20. City officials say composting can extend the life of the county landfill by 12-15 years. Find a site near you. (WCIV)
Civic
  • The City of Charleston is rolling out a new rideshare pilot program next month. It aims to make Upper King Street more accessible and safer on busy nights. There will be designated pickup and drop-off areas on select streets. City council adopted the temporary plan and will revisit it in six months. (WCIV)
Shop
  • Shop ‘til you drop. Sunday, April 14 from 12 to 4 p.m., you can shop with local vendors at Hank’s Spring Market (10 Hayne St.). This free event is open to the public. Attendees can enjoy music from local jazz artists and complimentary light bites, bubbles, and iced tea.
Cause
  • Also, this Sunday, April 14 from 12 to 4 p.m., you can visit the Kiira Gonzalez art pop-up + champagne event at Candlefish. Gonzalez is a Charleston-based artist. When you purchase her limited-edition candle, 100% of the profits will be donated to the Charleston artist community.
Fun fact
  • There are ~350 bald eagle nests here in the Lowcountry. While the bald eagle population continues to grow, the birds are still facing challenges — to learn more, check out the Caw Caw Interpretive Center’s morning bird-watching programs. (WCIV)
Question
  • Where did the sailboat on Sullivan’s Island go? The large boat was removed Wednesday night. Wounded Nature-Working Veterans said it washed onto the beach ~three weeks ago. The nonprofit worked with law enforcement, the Coast Guard, and the owner to remove the boat. (WCBD)
Travel
  • If the urban hustle + bustle is tiring you out, we have a solution: Escape to the wilderness hiking trails of the Uwharrie Mountains, greenways, and city parks in the Heart of North Carolina. Celebrate the Year of the Trail + see how communities came together to create the growing network of trails.*
 
 
Answered
 
Our own foodie awards
hanks
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant serves seafood and Lowcountry specialties. | Photo via @hanksseafood
We recently asked you to dish on the restaurants and chefs in Charleston that deserve more recognition — and you didn’t disappoint. The nominations are in... Drum roll, please. Here are the local foodie picks we’re pinning medals on.

Fratellos Italian Tavern | This cozy spot in Park Circle offers American Italian comfort food. The house-made marinara is a chef’s kiss.

The Establishment | This cool spot downtown serves up classic southern dishes, seafood, and delicious drinks.

Hank’s | An anonymous reader says, “Hank’s has a solid, reasonably priced menu, everything is delicious, and the service is impeccable. I think us locals take it for granted.”

Honorable mentions:
Thank you to all who sent in their faves.
 
The Buy
 
A ClassPass membership, which lets you use multiple local gyms, fitness studios, and spas with just one membership. We like: Getting 14 days free when you sign up — meaning you can finally see if that gym you’ve been eyeing is worth it.
 
Share CHStoday
 
ReferralGIF1-CHS.gif

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_9}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_9}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
CHS_CallieBrown Today’s edition by:
Callie
From the editor
A notebook filled with advice, stories, jokes, and so much more used to be tucked into the hallow tree near the Daniel’s Landing condos. Read this sweet entry and how it got there in the first place.
Missed our previous newsletter?      ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback      ›
Advertise      ›
Shop      ›
 
 

* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | SHOP