This Lowcountry staple features pimento cheese grits. | Photo by CHStoday
We’re fortunate to be able to explore Charleston + discover all the amazing events, hidden gems, and activities it has to offer. The Holy City is home to some of the best small businesses, and we love sharing our Lowcountry adventures. Keep reading for our latest find.
Let us set the scene. Your windows are down, your favorite song is playing as you cruise over the IOP connector, through backroads framed by large, beautiful trees draped in Spanish moss. The paved road turns to a gravel lot. Enter: Island 71, a casual yet posh fish house, raw bar, and deck bar.
The coastal vibes are evident both inside and outside the restaurant, from the complementary boat docking offered to the nautical + coastal decor. The space also features a boat helm reception stand and offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
City Editor Callie here — Erika + I recently enjoyed an evening of great service, food, drinks, views, and conversation at Islander.
When it comes to the menu, here are a few of our faves:
The She Crab Fries feature piping hot seasoned fries topped with creamy she-crab soup.
Scarecrows on the Square | 6 a.m.-6 p.m. | Hutchinson Square, Summerville | $1 per vote | Check out the creativity on display, the scarecrows are created by businesses, civic groups, individuals, and schools — don’t forget to vote for your favorite.
Brett Young 2024 Fall Tour | 6:30 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, North Charleston | $21+ | “In Case You Didn’t Know,” Brett Young will perform a show in the 843 tonight.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Pumpkin Day | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | South Carolina Aquarium | $28+ | Explore wildlife in costume + spot carved pumpkins in some of your favorite exhibits.
SC Stingrays vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits | 6:05 p.m. | North Charleston Coliseum | $20+ | Cheer on the Rays at it’s “Pucks and Paws” night and keep an eye out for the pet costume contest.
Lucie’s Fall Wreath Workshop | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | A Maker’s Post, Sullivans Island | $88+ | Craft your own Fall wreath — all materials, supplies, and detailed instructions are provided.
Sunday, Oct. 27
Merci Pop-Up at Graft’s Good Neighbor Sunday | 3-6 p.m. | Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar | Free entry | The highly anticipated European-inspired bistro, Merci, is returning to Graft’s Good Neighbor Sunday.
📚 Have a novel experience at the Charleston Literary Festival
Presented by Charleston Literary Festival, Inc
Find new books to add to your shelf during the Charleston Literary Festival. | Photo provided by Charleston Literary Festival, Inc.
The 2024 Charleston Literary Festival is just one week away. From Friday, Nov. 1 to Sunday, Nov. 10, gather with other book enthusiasts at the Dock Street Theatre in Charleston to hear from:
Nikki Giovanni | Internationally-renowned poet and activist
Jayne Anne Phillips | Wrote “Night Watch” + won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
Rachel Kushner | Wrote “Creation Lake” + was nominated for the 2024 Booker Prize
Colm Tóibín | Wrote “Long Island,” an Oprah’s Book Club Pick
The former Butcher & Bee will soon be replaced by Pelato, an Italian restaurant set to open this spring. The new spot will be led by Anthony Scotto Jr., who runs two Nashville restaurants. (The Post and Courier)
Development
If Charleston City Council approves the purchase of a ~$14 million West Ashley Circle property, city firefighters and police officers could see a new training facility. If approved, the project would be funded by a $100 million city operations bond. The next steps include the designing + engineering phase. (WCSC)
Announced
North Charleston leaders announced plans and are moving forward with a possible skatepark. The city council approved grant funding to design the park. The park will include opportunities to teach young people how to skate through clinics + various competitions. (WCBD)
Biz
While Boeing’s largest union rejected a tentative labor contract, this decision likely won’t impact production in the Palmetto State. The Boeing employees at the North Charleston facility are non-union workers. (Charleston City Paper)
History
It’s history in the making. The City of Folly Beach broke ground on its first history museum. Mayor Tim Goodwin said the project has been in the works for years and it is important to educate residents + visitors. Construction is set to be completed by July. ( WCIV)
Sports
Help pack the Point for the Battery’s final regular season home game. The team is taking on Loudoun United FC tomorrow, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $10.
Concert
Greensky Bluegrass will make a stop in the 843 this Halloween. The group known for its lyricism, genre-expansive sound, and dazzling live performances will be at The Refinery on Thursday, Oct. 31. Check out other upcoming concerts.
Drink
The Charleston Beer Fest is tomorrow and we’re beer-y excited about what’s in store. Think: 60+ breweries, live music, food trucks, craft vendors, games, and more. Don’t miss out.*
Try This
This six-ingredient, protein-packed snack is delicious and nutritious. Plus, no cooking is required. Try meal-prepping these peanut butter-banana protein balls, perfect for athletes or anyone on the go.*
Category
Sports
🐎 Off to the races
The event is organized by Steeplechase of Charleston LLC, a non-profit company. | Photo by Grace Beahm Alford + The Post and Courier
Event officials say there are worries for the safety of both the equine and human athletes. The prolonged drought in the Lowcountry has caused the ground to be hard + dry and created a surface officials say is not suitable for racing.
What this means for ticketholders
Receive a refund
Transfer your ticket to the 2025 event
Convert your purchase into a tax-deductible donation to Steeplechase of Charleston, LLC
The event staff acknowledged the news is disappointing and shared “This decision affects our entire steeplechase family — from our dedicated horsemen to our passionate spectators,” Executive Director Chris Zoeller said in a press release.
The Buy
The Buy
An emergency roadside kit. The 90-piece set comes with a LED headlamp, tire repair kit, jumper cables, window breaker and seat belt cutter, first aid kit, and more.
Friday feels: I feel so grateful to live in a place where people choose to visit and vacation. How lucky are we to be surrounded by nature’s beauty, the best small businesses, and the most hospitable community? Love ya, CHS.
