The “Porgy House” at 712 W. Ashley Ave. on Folly Beach. | Photo provided by Preservation Society of Charleston
The Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC) recently highlighted three culturally significant landmarks in Charleston County that face uncertain futures without preservation efforts: the Folly Beach cottage linked to George Gershwin, a formerly segregated school in the Red Top community, and one of the last remaining Rosenwald Schools.
The “Porgy House”
Located on Folly Beach, this 1930s-era cottage was the summer home of Dorothy and DuBose Hayward, authors of “Porgy,” the novel and play that inspired George Gershwin’s acclaimed 1935 opera “Porgy and Bess.” Gershwin himself stayed at the home in 1934 while composing parts of the opera, making it the last direct link to his time in Charleston.
The house remains well-preserved by its longtime owners, but after being listed for sale last year, its future is uncertain. The PSC team is working with the owner and real estate agent to ensure its permanent protection.
Friday, March 14 St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt in Charleston | Through Sunday, March 23 | Times vary | Charleston City Hall | $10+ | Follow the clues, outsmart suspects, and recover the Golden Shamrock in this thrilling scavenger hunt and race against time.
The Dewberry Foundation presents ART | Through Sunday, April 13 | Times vary | Aiken Rhett House | $16+ | Experience immersive artwork exploring the human spirit and condition through early street art, original paintings, and sculpture.
The Ultimate St. Paddy’s Weekend | Friday, March 14-Monday, March 17 | 11-2 a.m. | Tommy Condon’s, Charleston | Free | Grab your crew and get ready for an epic St. Paddy’s bash featuring live music, green beer, and drink specials that’ll keep the good times flowing all weekend long.*
Saturday, March 15 Magnolia’s Biggest Plant Sale of the Year | Through Sunday, March 16 | Times vary | Magnolia Plantation | Price of purchase | Stock up on plants, learn from gardening experts, and immerse yourself in all things botanical.
Pop-up Reading with Local Children’s Book Author Dawn Burns | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Village Bookseller, Mount Pleasant | Free | Meet Dawn Burns and enjoy a reading of her works, which highlight Charleston’s cobblestone streets, historic homes, and coastal charm.
National Espresso Martini Day | 12-2 p.m. | The Palmetto Hotel | Price of purchase | Sip and savor espresso martinis at the Lobby Bar’s special midday celebration.
Shucking for Hope Lodge | 12-6 p.m. | Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, Isle of Palms | $40 | Enjoy all-you-can-eat fresh local oysters and live music while supporting Hope Lodge Charleston, which provides free lodging for cancer patients and caregivers.
South Carolina Stingrays vs. Atlanta Gladiators | 6:05 p.m. | North Charleston Coliseum | $20+ | Catch the action as the Stingrays take on the Atlanta Gladiators — don’t miss the puck drop.
St. Patrick’s Day Block Party & Parade | 12-5 p.m. | East Montague between Virginia + Jenkins avenues, North Charleston | Free | Celebrate with live music, street vendors, local eats, a Kid’s Zone, and more.
Sunday, March 16 Luck of the Irish Workout | 10-11 a.m. | The Wonderer Charleston | $25 | Get a full-body burn with this boxing and strength training session, open to all fitness levels.
Sunday Brunch Sushi Class | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Edisto River Brewing Company, Johns Island | $60 | Master sushi-making techniques while creating unique brunch-inspired rolls in this hands-on culinary experience.
Holi. You can celebrate the Hindu Festival of Colors at Spice Palette Mount Pleasant all weekend. Book your reservation to enjoy festive Holi decorations, limited-time Holi-inspired cocktails and food specials, and a dessert collaboration with Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop.
Eat
Fleet Landing’s new Friends of Our Fish pop-up showcases local seafood purveyors. Guests can meet suppliers, learn about Charleston’s ecosystem, and enjoy special menu items. The first event on Thursday, March 20 features Andrew Jones of Bird Island Oyster Co., offering a half-dozen oysters and a complimentary pint for $20. (Holy City Sinner)
Drink
Moxy Charleston Downtown is celebrating the limited-edition launch of its bourbon barrel with Beyond Distilling Company at its rooftop bar and terrace tomorrow, March 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy complimentary tastings, specialty cocktails, live music, and free flash tattoos. Admission is free.
Environment
Lowcountry Land Trust announced the permanent protection of a 20-acre property along the Ashley River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this historically rich region represents more than 300 years of heritage. Private landowners donated a conservation easement, making the conservation possible.
Concert
Celebration time. Local band The Midnight City is marking 13 years with anniversary shows on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, at the Windjammer. Get your tickets.
Festival
The Charleston Jazz Festival is expanding to nine days, running Monday, April 21 through Tuesday, April 29. The lineup features world-renowned artists and local musicians across multiple venues, showcasing jazz-infused opera, Latin jazz, soul tributes, and educational programs. See the lineup. (Holy City Sinner)
Trending
Did you know? Shanola Hampton, star of NBC’s “Found,” is a Lowcountry native. The actress recently returned to her alma mater, Summerville High School, to speak with students about her journey from Greenwave to successful actor. (WCBD)
History
Blast from the past. Check out this vintage gem from the Charleston Daily featuring a bookmobile from 1948.
Eat
Your next meal just got tastier at Sesame Burgers and Beer. Their new menu features must-try appetizers like cheeseburger spring rolls, the fan-favorite Hawaiian Burger, a boozy bourbon pecan milkshake, and more. Who’s hungry?*
Put down the messy powders.HONA Athlete Gummies deliver clean, fast-absorbing performance support to help you go further. Get 50% off for a limited time.*
Category
Try This
🪕 Live music, adventure + family fun
Whether you want to paddle, bike, or simply relax under the stars, this festival is designed for more than just music lovers. | Photo by Bain Stewart Media
Ready for a boot-stomping good time? The Charleston Bluegrass Festival is back at the Woodlands Nature Reserve on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29.
This family-friendly camping event spans 6,000 acres and offers live performances, scenic camping options, local food and craft vendors, and outdoor adventures like kayaking and biking.
The music lineup includes:
Kitchen Dwellers (performing both nights)
SUSTO Stringband
Sicard Hollow
Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road
Tan & Sober Gentlemen
Tickets are on sale now, with options ranging from single-day passes to full weekend experiences.
The Buy
The Buy
These best-selling no-show socks. A staple for any sock drawer, this no-show variety pairs well with sneakers, Oxfords, and business shoes.
Happy Pi Day, everyone. Blu Beach Bar & Grill on Folly Beach is celebrating from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the launch of new pizza selections, drink specials, and 3 minute and 14 second pizza-eating contest.
Answered
Answered
What is your favorite local craft or fabric store?
Since the announcement of Joann closing, we asked about your favorite local craft and fabric stores.
Some of you mentioned other chain stores like Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and Michaels.