Charleston was ranked the No. 1 small city in the US in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
The Holy City has won the award 13 times in the last 14 years. | Photo by @preservationsociety
Charleston has once again been named the best small city in the US by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Are we surprised?
In a press release, Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston, said, “Tourism propels economic activity, is one of the region’s largest industries and, in many ways, is the foundation of the Charleston area’s prosperity. ” Hill adds, “Being relevant and staying top of mind in this increasingly competitive industry is critical to supporting local businesses and generating essential revenue for our community.”
Fun fact: Almost 25 cents of every dollar spent in the region is attributable to tourism. A record-setting number of visitors made their way to Charleston last year; see how those trips helped boost the economy + tourism industry.
Check out some of the other local spots that were honored.
Chef Shin Omakase Experience | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 5-10 p.m. | Thoroughbred Club | $20+ | Immerse yourself in the culinary arts as Chef Shin hand-rolls omakase sushi to order.
Fall Market | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Park & Grove | Free entry | Explore a curated selection of local vendors, enjoy live music, and sip on seasonal drinks.
Friday, Oct. 4
Paleontology Workshop | Friday, Oct. 4 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Charleston Museum | $10+ | Travel back to prehistoric times to meet the creatures that once lived in the Lowcountry millions of years ago.
James Island Town Market | Friday, Oct. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Town Hall Parking Lot | Free entry | Enjoy live music, crafts, lawn games, food trucks, and fresh produce.
Marlon Wayans | Friday, Oct. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Gaillard Center | $45+ | This is your chance to see the actor, producer, comedian, writer, and film director up close.
Enjoy tasty oysters, cold drinks, and great company — all while supporting a meaningful cause. | Photos by Kate Paolino
Fall marks the start of oyster roast season, and if you’re a fan of shucking, you won’t want to miss this event.
The Alston Wilkes Society 2024 Oyster Roast, happening Sunday, Oct. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., is a fundraiser that supports statewide programs dedicated to rebuilding lives for a safer community.
AWS works with underserved populations, including veterans facing housing instability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and at-risk adolescents, helping them regain stability + become productive members of society.
Spend an afternoon at the beautiful Bowens Island Restaurant to support AWS’s mission while enjoying:
Fresh roasted oysters + small bites
Cold drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks included with your ticket)
Live music + DJ
Raffle prizes
Pro tip: Get your tickets in advance for $75 (they’ll be $80 at the door).
Pedestrians + cyclists could soon have a new way to get to the peninsula from West Ashley, thanks to the Ashley River Crossing project. Take a look at the latest design.
Sports
Although the Credit One Charleston Open is still more than 170 days away, there is reason to start getting excited. Lowcountry tennis star and World No. 8 Emma Navarro will compete for the sixth time when the tournament returns on Saturday, March 29. This spring will also be the tournament’s 25th year in Charleston.
Cause
Lend a hand to our neighbors in the Upstate + in Western NC. Check out this list of Charleston businesses collecting supplies to help those in need.
Festival
Turn up the heat — no not in the forecast, please. We’re talking about the Hatch Chile Roast this Sunday, Oct. 6. Join the fun from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring 3,000+ pounds of fresh Hatch Chiles, tastings, live music, and a chile-eating contest.
Announced
Martha Stewert will make a stop in Charleston next month. On Sunday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m., you can head to the Gaillard Center to celebrate her 100th cookbook. Pro tip: Every ticket includes a copy of Martha’s new book. (Holy City Sinner)
Shop
The Outlet at Haven’s Furniture & Home Decor has relocated from Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant to its new home on Azalea Square Boulevard in Summerville. Right now, a portion of sales will be donated to Helene relief efforts across the Carolinas.
History
Time for a Lowcountry lesson. Summerville is known as “The Birthplace of Sweet Tea.” Watch this short clip for all kinds of quick facts + a look at record-breaking iced tea events.
Eat
Dig in. Every Saturday this month Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar will host a Lowcountry Boil. For $25, guests will get a platter of local shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn which pairs perfectly with college football.
Travel
$295. That’s a real flight deal from CHS to Cancún this year. Sign up for Going’s Premium plan + never miss a great deal again.*
Three things to know about the port workers’ strike
The strike could continue until a deal is reached or the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 is enacted. | Photo provided by SC Ports
Around 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association, including Charleston workers, have been on strike since Tuesday, Oct. 1
Will the strike impact you? Keep reading as Kent Gourdin, DBA, a professor + Director of the Global Logistics and Transportation Program at the College of Charleston, helps us break things down.
Will I be impacted?
Gourdin told CHStoday that the longer the strike lasts, the longer it will take to restock depleted items. He noted, “I’ve read that it takes roughly five times as long as the strike lasts for the supply chain to recover.” He also explained some people are going into panic mode and buying bulk supplies, which is probably unnecessary right now.
What items will be impacted?
Perishable products will be the first to suffer (think: food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals) because of their short shelf life. Gourdin added, “These can be shipped by air, but at a much higher cost.”
This stretchy knit lounge set. Take this versatile, v-neck tracksuit with you on your next travel adventure or wear at home for maximum comfort and style.
🦉 Things are about to get wild — the dates for SEWE have officially been announced. The event showcases live animal demonstrations, wildlife art, exhibitors, and outdoor experiences. Personally, I cannot wait to see the Dock Dogs.
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