The bold, pastel hues seen on the exterior of Holy City homes are a strong representation of the Barbados culture. | Photo by @photo_travelerz
The eastern Caribbean island of Barbados shaped Charleston into what it is today. Say what? I thought Charleston was founded by English colonists.
Technically, it was. The British landed in Barbados in 1627, where they settled + developed sugarcane plantations.In the 1660s, land had become scarce (not to mention expensive), so Barbados planters set out on an expedition north.
In 1670, three ships sailed up the Ashley River and reached Albemarle Point, which is now known as Charles Towne Landing. With the journey deemed a success, more ships set sail from Barbados to the Carolinas, eventually leading to Charleston becoming a colony of Barbados, which brought some of the Holy City’s most popular aesthetics — like the style of homes, paint colors, and cobblestones.
One of the most recognizable architectural influences is the “single house,” or “longhouse.” These abodes, which are popular on the peninsula, are shotgun-style homes with a narrow facade on the street side, often including a large piazza or porch. In the late 17th century, a series of fires destroyed most of the single houses in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Have you ever noticed that several of these single houses’ doors, shutters, and porch ceilings are painted light blue? Tradition is rooted in this Lowcountry home decorating staple. We’re taking Haint Blue.
Gullah Geechee descendants of the enslaved planters believed the soft, blue-green paint would keep the “haints,” or evil spirits, away. Check out more of the paint’s history and 10+ variations of the color you can try on your home.
Last Bites of Summer | Friday, Sept. 13 | 5-9 p.m. | Park & Grove | $45+ | Celebrate the summer’s final stretch with the Last Bites of Summer special three-course menu.
Sober Sip & Stretch | Friday, Sept. 13 | 6-8 p.m. | Sèchey | $45 | Enjoy an evening of mocktails, yoga, and good vibes.
Dierks Bentley - Gravel & Gold Tour | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7 p.m. | Credit One Stadium | $17+ | Head to Daniel Island and enjoy hits from this award-winning country artist.
Saturday, Sept. 14
9th Annual Hope Walk | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 8-11 a.m. | Ravenel Bridge | $7+ | The community is coming together to support victims + survivors of domestic violence.
Seas the Day with Beachkrew x Franny Radeka | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 10-10:45 a.m. | Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, Isle of Palms | $35 | Break a sweat and enjoy good vibes by the water.
Bloomstitching Workshop | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 10-11 a.m. | PlantHouse, Mount Pleasant | $18 | Learn embroidery and add dried florals to your hoop.
The old Chicora Elementary School is set to reopen in fall 2026 as a high school that will provide free, college-preparatory education for low-income students. Cristo Rey emphasizes on-the-job experience, students will spend four days each week in the classroom and one day at an internship with a local business. (The Post and Courier)
History
History buffs + foodies unite. Henry’s on the Market and Palmetto Carriage Works are offering a taste of Charleston’s history… literally. A $50 ticket will get you two signature cocktails, three appetizers, and a 30-minute walking tour. (Holy City Sinner)
Charlestonian
“Now We’re Cookin’” is a new cooking show launching next month on Tuesday, Oct. 8, on SCETV. It features College of Charleston graduate Chef Lauren Furey. The show aims to teach viewers how to prepare locally sourced, seasonal meals. (The Charleston City Paper)
Weather
Grab your rain gear. Both national + local forecasters are keeping an eye on the area off our coast. What does that mean for us? Storm Team 2 says we could see more rain, gusty winds, and some flooding Sunday through Tuesday. (WCBD)
Try This
Tonight is the last Dancing on the Cooper. Tickets cost $10, and the fun will begin at 7 p.m. on the Mount Pleasant Pier. The Cooper River Band will set the tone for attendees to let loose, breathe in the harbor breeze, and dance the night away under the stars.
Announced
A second entrance to Riverfront Revival will open at the Noisette Creek Pedestrian Bridge, north of the festival grounds. Festival parking will be available along 2nd Street N. and Avenue B N. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Community
Do you have a favorite restaurant? What about a pet-friendly spot? We want you to use your voice + passion for local biz and vote for CHStoday’s Best. Voting ends Friday, Sept. 20.
Balance transfer cards: One of the best-kept secrets for managing credit card debt. This card gives you almost two years to pay off your existing balance, sans interest — plus, that sweet, sweet cash back.*
Community
Picture this: You pull into a gas station to fill up your car + decide to play the lottery. Instead of leaving with a full tank, you take home a $300,000 winning ticket. That’s just one of the countless SC Lottery success stories to celebrate.*
Eat
Chow down at the end-of-summer beach bash
Chef Nikko Cagalanan is popping up on IOP for an end-of-summer beach bash
The event will be held at the Grand Pavillion North Pool at Wild Dunes Resort | Photo provided by byrd house pr
Chef Nikko’s beachside barbecue will be cooked on-site, complete with Halo-Halo + lumpia. To wash it down, Wild Dunes Lead Bartender Jessica Backhus will be mixing up tropical drinks and Filipino-inspired cocktails while guests enjoy the beach, pool, and karaoke.
The event is from 2 until 8 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are $55 and include access to the resort’s pool and private beach, a beverage, food, and valet.
The Buy
The Buy 9.13.24 (Affiliate)
This digestive enzymes powder + hand mixer. One scoop of dairy-free supergreens holds over 30 organic nutrients to help balance your gut and increase your immunity.
Call back alert. Last month we asked you what month was acceptable for local coffee shops to bring back fall drinks — 55.1% of you said September.
Right on cue, Cuppa Manna released four frozen fall drinks, perfect for cooling down while channeling all the cozy vibe. I’m eyeing the pumpkin cinnamon roll frappe.
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