The Ravenel Bridge blossoms on a peaceful morning in the Lowcountry. | Photo by Daniel W.
Break out the party hats + cake. It’s almost time to wish the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge a happy birthdayas Tuesday, July 16, marks the 19th anniversary of its official opening.
Back in 2005, there was a week-long celebration for the new bridge, including an open house, black-tie gala, lighting ceremony, fireworks display, and dedication ceremony.
The cable-stayed bridge, which connects downtown to Mount Pleasant, was the largest of its kind in North America at the time. It cost ~$700 million and took four years to complete.
The bridge was named after former US Congressman and State Senator Arthur Ravenel Jr., who was born in Charleston.
The eight-lane bridge stretches 1,500 feet + features two towers reminiscent of sailboats that define the Holy City skyline.
The Ravenel has a bike and pedestrian lane, and thousands of people trot across the bridge for the annual Cooper River Bridge Run. But get this, it’s estimated that 80,000+ cars and hundreds of walkers, runners, and cyclists cross the bridge daily.
We’ll definitely think about that stat the next time drive over this well-traveled landmark.
Two Blokes Brewing Anniversary Weekend | Friday, July 12-Saturday, July 13 | Times vary | Two Blokes Brewing, 547 Long Point Rd., Ste. 101, Mount Pleasant | Price of purchase | Celebrate a local brewery’s eighth anniversary with lots of fun + deals.
Odd Duck Market Turns One | Friday, July 12 | 5-9 p.m. | Odd Duck Market, 1082 E. Montague Ave., North Charleston | Free | Another local business is celebrating a year of success with a birthday bash.
Saturday, July 13
Wimbledon with A Wink | Saturday, July 13 | Times vary | The Backyard at Little Palm, 237 Meeting St., Charleston | Free | This pickleball pop-up is channeling Wimbledon vibes.
Moxy + Grassroots Rosé Garden | Saturday, July 13 | 1-4 p.m. | Moxy, 547 Meeting St., Charleston | $30 | Get ready to relax and sip on some rosé while soaking up some good vibes.
Sunday, July 14
Legos & Lagers | Sunday, July 14 | 1-5 p.m. | Wood’s Ace Hardware - Bolts & Brews, 713 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville | Price of purchase | Let your imagination run wild with Lego bricks while you unwind with a refreshing lager.
Decade of Decadence: An 80’s Concert | Sunday, July 14 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen St., Charleston | $30 | It’s going to be a night of nostalgia, so get ready to sing along with live performances.
Starting this Sunday, July 14, Hotel Bennett Boutique will open its doors on King Street daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The boutique will offer exclusive collections from local designers like Brackish bow ties, along with apparel, jewelry, gifts, and home decor.
Coming soon
Aldi is adding another Lowcountry location to its repertoire. The new grocery store is set to open by the end of the year on James Island and will replace the old BI-LO at 865 Folly Rd. This marks the chain’s seventh store in the Charleston area. (The Post and Courier)
Number
6.4 million. That’s what the Palmetto State’s population is expected to grow to by 2042. Berkeley County is one of the five counties expected to have its population grow by at least 49% by then. (The Post and Courier)
Trending
Tomorrow, July 12, Amanda Seyfried, who is known for playing roles in “Mama Mia,” “Mean Girls,” and “Dear John,” will be at Sewing Down South. From 6 to 8 p.m., she’s hosting a private event to support her brand, Make it Cute. In case we bump into her... we’ll be wearing pink. (The Post and Courier)
Concert
Pack your blankets + lawn chairs because tomorrow, July 12, The Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series continues at James Island County Park. Gates will open at 7:30 p.m., and music will start at 8 p.m. Local food trucks and vendors will be on site. Tickets are sold per vehicle.
Ranked
We told you Charleston was named Travel + Leisure’s best US city for the twelfth consecutive year. But did you know? The Wentworth Mansion was ranked the seventh-best City Hotel in the US. While The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina + Wild Dunes Resort landed in the top 10 for Best South Carolina Resorts. (Holy City Sinner)
Edu
It’s almost time to trade in the pool toys for pencils + paper. That’s right, the countdown to the new school year is on. Check to see if your child’s school district has released a start date. Don’t forget. Tax-Free Weekend will run from Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 4. (WCBD)
Cause
On Sunday, July 21, SCDNR officers will host a softball game against Charleston Police Department officers at James Island High School. Funds raised will go towards the medical expenses of a Charleston County SCDNR officer’s child born with a critical heart condition. Admission requires a donation of at least $10. (WCIV)
Pet
Save the date. You + your pup are invited to James Island County Park for Yappy Hour. On Thursday, Aug. 22, head to the off-leash dog park for live music. Yappy Hour is free with park admission, and no registration is required. Before you go, review the dog park rules.
Drink
Date night idea:Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Edmondston-Alston House, followed by a glass of wine on the second-story piazza overlooking stunning views of the Charleston Harbor. Snag tix.*
Finance
If your last credit card bill sent a chill down your spine — even in this heat — it might be time for a balance transfer. The Ascent recommends these four cards with 0% APR for up to 18 months. (You could have almost two years to avoid interest charges.)*
Health
“The clarity is insane.” That’s what we’re hearing (loud and clear) about this best-selling hearing device. It makes conversation effortless, even in background noise. Join 350,000+ happy customers with a no-risk trial.*
The Buy
The Buy 7.11.24 (Affiliate)
A really soft, breathable men’s performance t-shirt that Nordstrom just marked down. The Vuori shirt is great for everyday wear or working out.
Every now and then, I love to dive into my family’s photo albums and enjoy the memories attached to the photos of yesteryear. It looks like the folks at Charleston Magazine do too; they recently dug into the Folly Beach archive from the ‘40s + ‘50s.
Take a look at which attractions were all the rage, reminisce with a photo collage, and enjoy a curated playlist stacked with songs that would have filled the air.
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