Nature parks

• Angel Oak Park, 3688 Angel Oak Rd.
  Head to this free park on Johns Island to admire the 65-ft high Angel Oak Tree that’s estimated to be ~300-400 years old.
• Palmetto Islands County Park, 444 Needlerush Pkwy., Mt. Pleasant
  Explore this 943-acre plot with paved trails, picnic sites, and access for fishing, crabbing, and kayaking.

Family parks

• Folly Beach County Park, 1100 W. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach
  Discover this spot on the west end of Folly Beach and check out a major Eastern Brown Pelican rookery.
• Isle of Palms County Park, 1 14th Ave., Isle of Palms
  This beachfront park offers a playground, grills, sand volleyball court, and rentals.

Dog parks

• James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr.
  The lake is perfect for those hot summer days with your pup — just make sure you’re keeping an eye on them while they paddle.
• Wannamaker County Park, 8888 University Blvd., North Charleston
  Expect separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs, a shade cloth, and a spray fountain for your pup to cool off called the Splash Paw.

Sports parks

• SK8 Charleston, 1549 Oceanic St.
  Check out this 32,000-sqft concrete skate park that boasts a ~200-ft long snake run, a large viewing deck, and multiple bowls.
• Moultrie Playground, 41 Ashley Ave.
  Get a little friendly competition going with lighted tennis courts, pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a ball field with views of Colonial Lake.

• The Art of Abstraction: Modernism in Quilting | Monday, May 20-Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St., Charleston | Free with admission | Explore abstract artwork + quilts thanks to a partnership with the Gibbes Museum of Art and the museum.
• Kublai Khan TX | Monday, May 20 | 8 p.m. | Music Farm, 32 Ann St., Charleston | $44+ | Enjoy a night of music from this metal-punk group.

• Tai Chi | Tuesday, May 21 | 10-11 a.m. | Daniel Island Library, 2301 Daniel Island Dr., Daniel Island | Free | Join 90-year-old Gwen Bihun for a workout for all ages that uses slow and smooth movements.
• Gem Candy Necklace & Pearl Knotting Jewelry Making Class | Tuesday, May 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Patriots Point, 85 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant | $75 | Learn to expertly knot gemstones + pearls on silk to create your gem candy necklace.

• Blooms and Bubbles: Exclusive Garden Tour | Wednesday, May 22 | 4-5 p.m. | The Joseph Manigault House, 350 Meeting St., Charleston | Free with admission | Join the Garden Club for a tour to learn more about the flowers and trees featured in the historic formal garden.

• Lady Loutrel’s Afternoon Tea | Thursday, May 23-Sunday, June 30 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Loutrel, 61 State St., Charleston | $85+ | Head to the rooftop for a luxe two-hour tea experience.

• Turtle Talk | Come face-to-face with current sea turtle patients and learn how biologists rescue, rehabilitate, and release patients back into the wild.
• Dive into the Great Ocean Tank | Wave to a diver in North America’s deepest tank + learn what it takes to care for its 550 resident animals.
• Animal Encounters | Join Aquarium staff as they spotlight the creature of the day and dive into its various wild adaptations.

• Sea Fox Boats rescinded its request to talk about rezoning the old Baker Hospital property. Currently, the property is zoned for residential projects, but the boat company wanted it zoned for industrial projects. Sea Fox has plans to build a new manufacturing facility. (WCBD)

• Vinnie’s Seafood and Soul has opened its Summerville location at 140 Hemphill Ct. Owner Kouvarius Butler says the newest location will be his focus. The Charleston location is closed, and he says he has plans to close the North Charleston location. (The Post and Courier)

• It’s the start of a new era for the SC Stingrays. Next season, the team will be under new leadership. Jared Nightingale, who played 13 seasons of professional hockey and has coached for six years, will lead the team. Nightingale is the 12th head coach in franchise history.

• The James Island Town Council is discussing changes that would qualify trees 18 inches in diameter as grand trees; the current standard is 24 inches. This move would protect more trees, however, make it more challenging to clear land for projects. The second reading and the public hearing are on Thursday, June 20. (WCSC)

• Charleston County is looking to improve traffic on Johns Island by adding lanes and roundabouts. The plan also calls for a 12-foot path for pedestrians and bikers that would run along the river for ~ nine miles. Take a closer look at the plans and map for the project. (The Post and Courier)

• One Lowcountry spot is receiving honors for its beauty. OpenTable and PEOPLE teamed up to name The 50 most beautiful restaurants in America. Representing the Palmetto state… drum roll, please. Camellias, this bold pink room has a velvety blush interior and a gorgeous crystal chandelier.

• A kitten has been reunited with its mom and siblings thanks to a CPD animal control officer. The officer went into an abandoned home and climbed over fallen rafters and debris to return the cat to safety. Take a look at the sweet kitten. (WCIV)

• Ready for some fun? On Wednesday, May 22, the RiverDogs will take on a new persona as they take on the Down East Wood Ducks. Check out the team’s alter ego.

• $598.3 million. That’s how much the South Carolina Education Lottery raised to support state education programs in 2023’s fiscal year — 6.1% more than the previous year. Dive into the data.*

• Did you know? Mental health challenges have surged since the start of the pandemic. Charleston Southern University’s Master of Science in Clinical Counseling equips students with real-world skills to meet the growing demand for mental health professionals. Finish in eight semesters full-time or 48 months part-time. Learn more.*

• Need a reason to visit the North Carolina Zoo? We’ve got 50. Celebrate the Zoo’s 50th Anniversary with these 50 Fabulous Finds in Randolph County. Bonus: Snag a free 2024 travel guide, too.*

• You deserve beautiful, energy-efficient windows and doors. Renewal by Andersen^® is offering buy one, get one 40% off + $200 off your order for a limited time.*

• ~Eight hours of live music
• Food trucks
• Kids activities
• 40+ art and apparel vendors
• The Best Pirate Costume Contest