Plus, another CofC sailing alum earns an Olympic medal.
 
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Today’s Forecast

75º | 92% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:37 a.m. | Sunset 8:12 p.m.
High tides 11:21 a.m. + 11:23 p.m.| Low tide 5:20 p.m.
 

A Message From Our Team
We need your help nominating local businesses for our Today’s Best voting ballot. Nominations close Friday, August 16 and voting opens Monday, September 2. Now that you have the details, it’s time to celebrate local biz. Ready, set, nominate.
 

Have fun for free

10+ free things to do in Charleston
This photo shows a rainy day in the French Quater.
Stroll through the historic streets of downtown. | Photo by Callie Putnam
Enjoy the 843 for free. Yes, you read that right, free. We know exploring the Holy City can come with a hefty price tag, so we’re rounding up things to do and places to see that will give the wallet a break.

Spend time at a local beach | Get your steps, pack a picnic, or just relax, all while soaking in some quintessential coastal views. Check out where to park for free + make sure you know the rules before you head out.

City Editor Callie here. I love sunrise walks on IOP, and although this requires you to wake up super early, it’s so worth it.

This photo shows a bright orange sunrise over the calm waves on IOP.

Enjoy a peaceful start to your day with a cup of coffee and a morning walk on IOP.

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Photo by Callie Putnam

Tour the factory at the Charleston Tea Garden | Learn everything about how tea is made. Admission to the garden is free, and there is no charge for the garden’s factory tour.

Charleston Gallery Association Artwalk | Discover Charleston’s vibrant art scene by exploring 40+ galleries. The walks take place on the first Friday of each month, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Make your own history tour | Check out the Preservation Society of Charleston’s interactive Historic Marker Map and plan your own history tour. There are ~150 markers with quick facts, photographs, stories, research, and archival resources to explore… this could turn into a multi-day event.

Angel Oak Tree | Photo by @pjbrick7

This Angel Oak Tree is considered the largest Live Oak Tree east of the Mississippi.

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Photo by @pjbrick7

Visit The Angel Oak Park | Head over to Johns Island and check out the 65-foot-tall Angel Oak. Fun fact: it’s estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old.

Take a walk | Get lost in the Lowcountry’s beauty with a walk along the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, around a park, through the Charleston City Market, or down some historic streets.
 
Events
Friday, Aug. 9
  • American Red Cross Blood Drive | Friday, Aug. 9 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Goose Creek Activity Center | Free | You could save a life by making an appointment to donate blood.
Saturday, Aug. 10
  • Paint & Sip: Floral Chicken | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 12-2 p.m. | Ruby Sunshine (Avondale location) | $37 | After you enjoy brunch, join the paint party — don’t forget to mention during your meal that you’re joining the event to receive a free order of beignets.
  • Intro to Hawaiian Hula with Fine Rosen | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Park Circle Community Building | $10 | Learn the basics of Hawaiian Hula dance with the Charleston Pasifiki Dancers.
Sunday, Aug. 11
  • First Day Festival | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 1-4 p.m. | Charleston Gaillard Center + Liberty Square | Free | The City of Charleston will welcome thousands of students and their families to prepare for the school year.
  • Brewlympics | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 4-8 p.m. | New Realm Brewing Co. | $10 | Get ready for a day filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition.
Plan your weekend
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Plan Ahead

🎶 Eat, drink, and enjoy nonstop hits at Meeting Street Music Fest
A GIF of people attending and performing at the Meeting Street Music Fest in West Columbia.
Tune in for two days of free live music across diverse genres, brought to you by the City of West Columbia. | Photos by John Lowry Photography
Get ready to groove, CHS. The second annual Meeting Street Music Fest returns on Friday, Sept. 6 at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater and Saturday, Sept. 7, at 400-700 Meeting Street in Columbia.

Here’s a sneak peek of the lineup:
Both days are free, so bring the whole crew to enjoy tasty bites from food trucks, a variety of drinks, and family fun for all.
Plan your Meeting Street weekend
News Notes
Weather
  • The National Weather Service has confirmed at least two tornadoes in the Charleston area — one in the Edisto Beach area, and the other in Moncks Corner. Crews are still investigating if tornadoes occurred in four other areas. (WCBD)
Asked
  • Do you have a downed tree, flooding issues, or any other damage on your property from the storm? Let the city know; damage assessment teams will be around to check things out today or tomorrow. When you report damage, it helps the city know which flood-prone areas need infrastructure upgrades.
Community
  • Trash pickup is set to resume tomorrow, Aug. 9. Download the CHS TrashTracker for updates. Don’t forget. If you parked in a city parking garage during the storm, you have until tomorrow, Aug. 9 at 8 a.m. to exit for free. See what businesses are still closed and which events have been canceled. (WCSC)
Sports
  • College of Charleston sailing alum, Stefano Peschiera, earned his first Olympic medal while representing Team Peru in the Men’s Dinghy. Peschiera is a member of the graduating class of 2018.
Shop
  • Get ready to go back to school with a party at The Mills House. The iconic pink hotel is hosting a Sip N’ Shop on Thursday, Aug. 22 on its rooftop terrace. Attendees can shop with several local vendors while enjoying live entertainment and complimentary drinks.
Seasonal
  • Spooky season is around the corner. On Friday, Sept. 27, Holy City Halloween, a haunted house attraction, will open in the old Meddin Meats Slaughterhouse + Woolfe Street Playhouse building. There will be a family-friendly version and an adult version of the experience. (Holy City Sinner)
Drink
Older Adults
  • What’s on the horizon? Retirees can dive into volunteering with AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP. Put your skills to work, brighten lives, and enjoy the perks of staying active — physically, mentally, and socially — by giving back to our community. Help neighbors with grocery shopping or provide companionship to those in need.*
Travel
  • Psst. Want to fly out of CHS for less? It’s Going’s annual birthday sale — get 40% off a Premium membership and get notified about amazing flight deals all year long (like $166 to Cancun).*
 
Fun Fact

🐮 Mooore on Bessie the Coburg Cow

Who is Bessie the Coburg Cow and what’s her story?
Bessie the Coburg Cow and her new companion holding down the fort on Savannah Hwy. | Photo by CHStoday
When a storm hits Charleston, Bessie the Coburg Cow, our unique landmark on Savannah Highway, takes center stage.

Did you know? This long-standing display is often recognized as Charleston’s weather forecaster — she’s lowered when a storm is approaching + this signals to locals that things are getting serious.

Bessie was put on her 10-foot high platform in 1959. Throughout history, the cow has never moved from its original location at 901 Savannah Hwy. Fun fact: she’s often decorated for holidays and special occasions.

Check out this timeline of the cow’s complete history from The Post and Courier.
Bessie's beginnings
The Buy

The Buy 8.08.24 (Affiliate)
A great wedding guest look. Shop five looks for summer weddings and five looks for fall weddings, all available to order online from Nordstrom’s wedding guest shop. They’re perfect for the August to October wedding season.
More worth The Buy
Answered

How CHStoday readers prepare for a storm.
The results are in — earlier this week we asked you how you prepare for a storm, and here’s what you said:
  • 1.4%: Buy canned food + non-perishable items
  • 4.2%: Gather flashlights
  • 11.3%: Buy bottled water
  • 14.1%: Fill up on gas
  • 19.7%: Other
  • 49.3%: All of the above
 
The Wrap
 
CHS_CallieBrown

Today’s edition by:
Callie
From the editor
Do you have a stockpile of Spaghettios + soup for the next rainy day? Well, you can upgrade your storm snacks with these recommendations from local food + beverage experts.
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