At CHStoday, we share hyper-local and need-to-know information about your Charleston faves. Meet: CHStoday’s Best. From restaurants to salons, we’re asking for your insight on the top-tier spots Charleston has to offer. Nominations are open until Friday, August 16.
Exploring Philadelphia Alley
Here are some facts on Philadelphia Alley
Don’t miss your chance to capture the beauty of this alleyway. | Photo by @jonpuckett
Locals and visitors alike can’t help but admire Philadelphia Alley. This spot is one of Charleston’s best photo ops and is included on many local tours. Located downtown, this alleyway connects Queen Street to Cumberland.
In the 1700s, the alleyway was known as Kinloch’s Court and was sometimes called Cow Alley because cattle used the path to get to the market. Fun fact: That former market is now where City Hall is located.
Over several years, the area saw new owners and two major fires.
Citizens from Philadelphia helped rebuild the area following the fires, and it has been suggested that’s where the current name originates from.
In the 1800s, the passageway was shortened and became known as Philadelphia Street.
In 1952, the City of Charleston designated the area Philadelphia Alley.
In 2006, it went through a beautification project.
Check this episode of Charleston Time Machine for a more in-depth lesson about its history.
Fun Fact: You can spot Philadelphia Alley and other Charleston landmarks in Darius Rucker’s “Come Back Song” music video and City Editor Callie took some of her engagement pictures here.
Asked
What was one of the nicknames for Philadelphia Alley?
A. Cattle Alley B. Horse Alley C. Duck Alley D. Cow Alley
Date Night - Adults Only | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Charleston Aqua Park, 3050 Marlin Rd., Johns Island | $60 | Switch up your regular date night and challenge yourselves on the aqua and rope courses.
Costa Rica Movie Premiere | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 7-10 p.m. | Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, 2205 Middle St., Sullivans Island | Free | Nonprofit Warrior Surf Foundation (WSF) and Mex 1 Coastal Cantina will premiere this WSF film about its Costa Rica surf retreat.
Friday, Aug. 2
Wee Wild Ones: Pond Ponderers | Friday, Aug. 2 | 10-11 a.m. | James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston | $10 | Young children will channel their inner explorers while enjoying nature through hands-on activities, games, music, and art.
Firefly Friday Happy Hour | Friday, Aug. 2 | 4-8 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | Price of purchase | There will be discounted sips, Rocket Burger Food Truck, and live music by Phillip Blackstone.
Reggae Nights Concert | Friday, Aug. 2 | 7:30-11 p.m. | James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston | $0-$30 | This event features traditional old-school roots reggae with a new-school attitude – food and drink will be available for purchase + don’t forget your chairs or blanket.
Saturday, Aug. 3
Summer Light: Art by Night | Saturday, Aug. 3-Saturday, Aug. 24 | 6-10 p.m. | Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet | $30 | Spend a summer evening exploring the sculpture garden illuminated by artistic lighted installations, while enjoying live music and a variety of food + drink options.*
Welcome to Meeting Street: Elevated lofts for modern lifestyles
Presented by a CHStoday partner
Can you imagine starting your day with a view like this? | Photo provided by Willow Bridge Property Company
Looking for a front-row seat to city living? Take a tour of Meeting Street Lofts — a contemporary and convenient community in Charleston’s Upper Peninsula District.
Explore floor plans
Choose from studio, one-, or two-bedroom apartments, each featuring upscale finishes and an abundance of natural light streaming through oversized windows. The sleek kitchens, with designer cabinets, quartz countertops + modern appliances, are perfect for cooking — and hosting dinner parties.
A sneak peek at the neighborhood
Living in this community means easy access to downtown’s entertainment, shopping, and dining options, as well as a quick drive to Mount Pleasant. Enjoy a cold brew from Palmetto Brewing, oysters from Leon’s, or pizza from Renzo, all just minutes from your doorstep. On weekends, you can shop on King Street or wander the cobblestone streets of Charleston’s Battery.
Step outside your front door and find luxe amenities like:
A sun-drenched courtyard saltwater pool
Outdoor kitchen and covered lounge
TV lounge and game room with poker + billiards
A state-of-the-art fitness center with a yoga studio
Canyon Barry and the Men’s 3x3 team fell to Poland with a score of 19-17. The team’s next game is today against Lithuania.
Opening
M. Dumas and Sons is expanding with a new location in the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre on Friday, Sept. 13. Like the original King Street location, the store will offer men’s apparel + accessories. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on the opening day.
Eat
Drumroll, please. Now that this year’s Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer has concluded, we’ve got a winner. Congratulations to Prohibition, who won the Golden Tomato Award with its Heirloom Tomato Toast.
Sports
MLB and NFL legend Vincent “Bo” Jackson will headline the RiverDogs’ 21st annual Hot Stove Banquet on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Gaillard Center. Jackson is the only athlete in history to be named an All-Star in two major sports. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, Aug. 26.
Development
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and regional partners broke ground on a project to renovate its ship pier and facility in North Charleston earlier this week. The renovation aims to increase research mission support. (WCBD)
Biz
Yesterday, a ribbon cutting occurred for the city’s Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC) at 91 Hanover St. ERC will serve as a business incubator for all levels of entrepreneurs with an emphasis on businesses owned by those who are underrepresented, disadvantaged, minorities, and/or women. (WCIV)
Weather
Meteorologists are monitoring a tropical wave in the North Atlantic, which could turn into a tropical depression this weekend. It’s too early to tell how or if SC will be impacted, but it’s never too early to keep yourself safe. Check out our hurricane guide, which covers tropical depressions. (WCSC)
Active
Run for a cause. The 25th Annual Race for The ARK is Saturday, Aug. 24, in Summerville. The race features a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile fun run. An anniversary block party will follow. Proceeds will support the ARK’s program + services that provide resources to families affected by Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia.
Ranked
Yelp has released its 25 best new restaurants in the South, and two Holy City eateries made the list. Xo Brasserie, which serves up Cantonese and Sichuan dishes in the NoMo neighborhood, came in at No. 12, and downtown restaurant Costa, which serves up coastal Italian cuisine, snagged the No. 17 spot.
Charlestonian
After competing in a national culinary competition, North Charleston High School graduate Gabrielle Smith was awarded a full scholarship to Johnson & Wales University. Smith’s first-prize dish highlighted the flavors of the Gullah Geechee community. Congratulations.(WCIV)
Shop
Get more from your Costco membership — this week only, get a $40 digital Costco shop card and $60 off an order of $200+ on Costco.com when you buy an Executive Membership on our deals site.*
Community
Celebrating one year of IAAM
A year later: See updates on the IAAM
It takes one to two hours to experience the International African American Museum. | Photo by Greg Noire, Sony, courtesy International African American Museum
The International African American Museum (IAAM) has been open to the public for a little more than a year + it has a lot to celebrate.
This Turkish cotton beach towel — it’s extremely absorbent, made with 100% natural cotton, and is the perfect soft aqua blue companion for your next trip to the ocean.
This week, Callie and I got to try Beautiful South’s new summer menu. Here’s what we recommend: the house special dumplings and the Crab & Chili Fried Rice. You have to try it yourself; swing by the eatery at 128 Columbus St. Ste. 101.
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