It’s time to head to the polls. | Photo provided by CHS Votes
Today, Tuesday, Nov. 5, is Election Day. To make your voting experience as smooth as possible, we’ve curated need-to-know information on how and where to vote.
Charleston County polling places will be open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you’re unsure where to go, find your polling location. You’ll be required to show a photo ID or documentation that verifies your current address.
You can also identify your voting district + find your sample ballot by checking your voter registration status. Find more information on how congressional and state legislative district boundaries are established.
Absentee voting
Voting absentee? Completed ballots must be received by 7 p.m., today, Nov. 5,to be counted. You will be asked to show a photo ID when returning your ballot.
The Trivia Wizard | 7 p.m. | New Realm Brewing | Free | Get ready to play and win — join in on mind-bending, magical trivia.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Pop-Up Palooza | 4-6 p.m. | Ritual Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge | Free entry | This exclusive pop-up will feature local brands, displayed on the rooftop for a picturesque shopping experience.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Puzzle Competition Night | Thursday, Nov. 7 | 6-7 p.m. | Two Blokes Brewing, Mount Pleasant | Free | Be the first to complete a 300-piece puzzle and win a gift card.
Music Bingo & SNAFUD Truck | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Snafu Brewing Company, North Charleston | Free | Come jam to some tunes and enjoy a Philly steak with your sours.
Quoizel Lighting Warehouse Sale | Friday, Nov. 8-Saturday, Nov. 9 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Quoizel Lighting, Goose Creek | Free | For two days only, Quoizel Lighting will offer its products directly to the public at significantly discounted prices. More than 600 items will be available at up to 80% off.*
Fire up your weekend with all-you-can-eat barbecue
Presented By CB Events
A portion of all ticket proceeds will go toward Hogs for the Cause and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, two nonprofit organizations that support families battling pediatric brain cancer. | Photos by Jonathan Boncek
Ready, set, grill: The fourth annual Holy Smokes BBQ Festival presented by Sysco is happening this Saturday, Nov. 9 at Riverfront Park — and it’s not too late to reserve your spot.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you’ll get to watch 50+ of the nation’s best pitmasters and chefs show off their skills. Here’s a taste of what’s on the menu:
Four distinct barbecue villages (think: Texas, Traditional, Coastal, and “new school” flavors)
An all-you-can-eat feast featuring slow-smoked hog, pork, and beef ribs + Texas-style brisket, Lowcountry seafood staples, and more
This family-friendly event offers free admission for kids 6 and under. Plus, you can catch college football games on big screens throughout the day, so you won’t miss a single play.
Pro tip: Grab VIP tickets for exclusive perks, like access to a special VIP area with additional chefs + dishes.
Nola’s Creole and Soul, a new restaurant on Dorchester Road in Summerville, brings New Orleans-inspired cuisine to the Lowcountry. The menu features items like gumbo, spicy chicken wings, and beignets. The restaurant is by Nigel Drayton, owner of Nigel’s Good Food. (The Post and Courier)
Closed
After 15 years on Kiawah Island, King Street Grille has closed its Freshfields Village location. While the team didn’t share a reason for the closure, they announced the last day of operation was Sunday, Oct. 27. Diners can still enjoy King Street Grille at its Mount Pleasant and Myrtle Beach locations. (Charleston Daily)
Civic
Approximately 1.5 million SC residents participated in early voting, with Charleston County contributing 8.6% of that total. During the early voting period, 139,086 votes were cast in Charleston County. (WCIV)
Coming Soon
Park Circle is about to get even sweeter.Cakette Bakeshop, a new bakery on Durant Street, is scheduled to open by early December. The concept will be a “quick-service, to-go business.” Guests can order from a selection of daily pastries at the indoor counter, plus there’ll be some outdoor seating. (Charleston City Paper)
Environment
The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge was recently added to the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network. This network includes areas nationwide that offer educational and research opportunities on the historic period post the Civil War and joins 33 other SC sites, including Fort Sumter. (The Post and Courier)
Festival
The Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival returns on Saturday, Dec. 7, along Ocean Boulevard. From 2 to 7 p.m., enjoy this free event filled with live music, carnival rides, local arts and crafts, vendors, and delicious restaurant offerings. Pro tip: This is another chance to see Ole Saint Nick. (Island Eye News)
Closing
The Publix on Daniel Island will temporarily close after Tuesday, Dec. 24 for renovations. The goal is for the grocery store to reopen during Q4 in 2025. In the meantime, Publix employees will be relocated to other locations. (The Daniel Island News)
Active
There’s still time to register for the 11th annual Cocoa Cup, happening Saturday, Dec. 7, at Brown Family Park in Nexton. The event features a 5K and a one-mile kids’ fun run. Plus, enjoy festive fun with a holiday costume contest and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Better sleep in as little as two weeks + workout breakthroughs in eight to twelve weeks — get the benefits Magnesium Breakthrough, with seven powerful forms of magnesium.*
Category
City Guide
Food is in the forecast
The Black Door Cafe is at the corners of Queen and Meeting Streets. | Photo provided by @theblackdoorcafe
Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
With slightly cooler temps, we’re ready to catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 50+ Charleston patios.
Coffee shops
babas | Head to either location of babas for a European neighborhood café vibe.
Queen Street Grocery | Sip your coffee at this historic corner spot, which has been around since 1922.
Orange Spot Coffee | Looking to get some work done outdoors? This spot right off the main strip in Park Circle is ideal.
The Black Door Cafe | Enjoy your coffee outside Charleston’s iconic pink hotel at this cozy corner spot.
Restaurants
The Kingstide | Try out some seafood and enjoy the waterfront views.
39 Rue de Jean | There’s something romantic about dining on this French café’s outdoor patio.
La Bonne Franquette | Savor a baguette sandwich under the umbrellas at this French bistro.
Tavern and Table | Order shrimp and grits and watch for dolphins in Shem Creek.
Hey Charleston, it’s good to be back. I recently took a morning walk along the Battery, and it reminded me how serene it can be — always a great way to start the day.
If you’re looking for peaceful spots to escape the hustle and bustle, here are five places that offer a little slice of calm.
