• Occupancy rate: 92%
• 54% of those businesses are local
• 30% are national
• 15% are regional
• 31% of those businesses are retail, while 21% are restaurants

Business owners + aspiring entrepreneurs

• Apply for a business license
• Verify Zoning Compliance
• Get approval for signage
• Visit the Permit Center
• Explore Central Business District resources

• Home businesses use a different business license process.
• Address changes and renaming a business both require a new business license.
• Permits and inspections are required for improvements or renovations.
• Some establishments may need a Late Night Entertainment Permit.
• Businesses using water need approval from Charleston Water System.
• Commercial kitchens require additional permitting from the state.

• Master Gardeners | Monday, Sept. 9 | 2-4 p.m. | Daniel Island Library | Free entry; $6 for soil analysis | The Tri-County Master Gardeners will answer your gardening questions; bring a soil sample and have it sent to the Clemson Extension for analysis.
• Mahjong Mondays | Monday, Sept. 9 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Charleston Place | $100 | Join this game night for laughter, strategy, and time with friends — your ticket includes a glass of wine.

• Cocktails for a Cause | Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 6-8 p.m. | Harbour Club at WestEdge | $30 | Enjoy cocktails while giving back to the Angelfish Program, which provides complimentary aquarium opportunities for the community.

• Annual 9/11 Silent Walk | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | USS Yorktown | Free | The walk takes participants across the Ravenel Bridge, ending on the USS Yorktown Flight Deck, where participants ring a ceremonial bell.

1. The 8-ft skeleton: You have classic taste. You don’t believe in following the trends. You know what you like and you stick to it.
2. The Haunted Harbor Sea Captain: You’re a natural-born leader. You love to plan a night out and always know the best new spots in town (thanks to CHStoday).
3. The Dancing Wednesday Addams: You’re sarcastic and have a dark sense of humor, but you’re a loyal friend and an accidental trendsetter.
4. The Haunted Mansion Musical Headless Knight: You’re kind + lovable but often forgetful. Your friends are used to helping you search for your phone.

• PlantHouse announced it will close its plant store + terrarium workshop on Saturday, Sept. 21. The Mount Pleasant spot will continue with workshops, terrarium making, and selling plants until its last day of operation. Pro tip: Everything in the store has been discounted.

• A new restaurant is set to open this December in the former Harold’s Cabin location. The neighborhood hangout paid homage to Charleston business owner Harold Jacobs + the tradition will continue by naming the new restaurant after Harold’s wife, Lillian. (The Post and Courier)

• From Monday, Sept. 16, through Sunday, Sept. 22, 82 Queen and Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen will celebrate Guest Appreciation Week with three-course dinner offerings. 82 Queen’s dinner will cost $50, and Florence’s dinner offering is $30. Bon appétit.

• A $1 million safety and accessibility improvement project for Pitt Street Bridge is set to get underway this winter. Plans for the area will address parking issues, install lighting, and add a new kayak launch. The project is expected to last ~three months. (WCBD)

• $175 million. That’s how much Capital Development Partners, a real estate and infrastructure developer, will invest in a new Shipyard Creek Logistics Center in North Charleston. The 160,250-sqft facility will open this fall near the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal. (WCSC)

• The Palmetto State was ranked the fifth best state to open a small business. Lendio, a finance and insurance company, formed the list on several factors, including access to business financing, favorable tax environments, and cost of living. (Charleston Daily)

• A shuckin good cause. Secure your tickets for The Lonon Foundation’s Annual Shuck Fest, set for Sunday, Nov. 3. Funds raised at the event help provide resources to children who have a parent or caregiver receive a cancer diagnosis. Tickets start at $50 and include oysters, barbecue, and live music.

• Blake Shelton will be making his way to “Some Beach.” The award-winning country artist’s “Friends & Heroes Tour” will stop at the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday, March 14. Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, and Trace Adkins are some of the guests joining Shelton on the tour. Register for presale. (Holy City Sinner)

• The Charleston Parks Conservancy surpassed its fundraising goal that will revitalize Colonial Lake. Thanks to the community’s contributions, the project’s timeline has been reduced from two years to one and is now set to be finished in October 2025.

• Today’s Best voting is in full swing and there is still time to give your two cents. Remember, you can vote once per day. Share the love for your favorite local businesses here.

• We’re looking for a Sales Executive in our sister market, SEAtoday, to identify and secure new advertising partnerships and grow existing client relationships on the SEAtoday team. Apply to join.

• 3,000+ pounds of fresh Hatch Chiles
• Tastings with ~30 of the area’s top chefs
• Live music
• Chile-eating contest
• Edmunds Oast Brewing Co.'s chile-infused beer
• Kiddie corrals
• Merchandise for sale