Charleston County water parks are ready for the summer season. | Photo via @charlestoncountyparks
With summer right around the corner, so are the Holy City’s famously sweltering days. To beat the heat, we suggest a trip to Charleston County’s water parks.
The three splashy attractions open for weekend fun starting Saturday, May 17, with daily operations beginning Friday, May 30. With activities for all ages, you’re sure to cool off in no time.
You know it’s summer in CHS when the Charleston County water parks roll out their seasonal hours.
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark Location: Wannamaker County Park, North Charleston Highlights: 65-ft Washout slides, 27,000-sqft Big Kahuna wave pool, The Rollin’ River lazy river Admission: $25 general admission
Splash Island Waterpark Location: Palmetto Islands County Park Highlights: 200-ft body flume, 16-ft otter slide, raindrop waterfalls Admission: $10 general admission; $2 per person Palmetto Islands County Park gate admission also required
Splash Zone Waterpark Location: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr. Highlights: 200-ft tube slide + open slide, rainforest-themed play structure Admission: $16 general admission
Wednesday, May 7 Small Business Expo | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Ruby Sunshine, West Ashley | Free entry | Shop local, discover new services, and connect with Charleston-area makers and movers.
Bingo for Books | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | George H Seago, Jr. Library, Summerville | Free | Play BINGO to win free books.
Watercolor Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | James Island Town Hall | $60 | Dive into the world of watercolors and paint the iconic Ravenel Bridge.
Succulent and Flower Candle Class | 7-8:30 p.m. | Rooted Bottle Market and Bar, Mount Pleasant | $55 | Craft your own dried candle garden while enjoying a complimentary drink and snacks.
Thursday, May 8 Moms & Mocktails: Sip, Shop, & Celebrate with Brighton! | 12-4 p.m. | Carolina Girls Personalized Jewelry & Gifts | Free entry | Celebrate with mom or the mom figure in your life with sips, snacks, gifts, and a DIY Brighton Charm Bar.
Brent Cobb on the NÜTRL Beach Stage | 6 p.m. | The Windjammer, Isle of Palms | $25+ | Catch Grammy-nominated Brent Cobb live on the beach with soulful stories and southern tunes.
Second Thursdays | Times vary | Cannonborough and Elliotborough | Price of purchase | Wander through shops, restaurants, and hidden gems in these two historic neighborhoods.
Friday, May 9 54th Annual Charleston Greek Festival | Through Sunday, May 11 | Times vary | Greek Orthodox Church | $0+ | Savor Greek food, wine, dancing, and live music at this long-running cultural fest.
Saturday, May 17 The Liberty Showcase presents Faithfully: Eagles & Journey Tribute Show | 7-10 p.m. | Liberty Showcase Theater, Liberty, NC | $35+ | Grab tickets for this one-night-only performance with a set of the Eagles greatest hits, and a set of Journey’s greatest hits at the Liberty Showcase Theater.*
The exhibition’s 70 costumes represent nearly six decades of film and television production at Disney. | Photos provided by the South Carolina State Museum
“Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume” — an exhibit, created by the Walt Disney Archives, highlighting how iconic characters are brought to life through costumes — is now on view at the South Carolina State Museum (about two hours from Charleston).
Heads up — REAL ID enforcement begins today, May 7. You’ll need the identification card with a gold star (or another approved ID, like a US passport) to fly domestically or access federal or military facilities. Learn more.
Announced
ParTee Shack is set to open in North Charleston early next year. The entertainment attraction is coming to the Festival Centre — bringing activities like a multi-level go-kart track, arcade, mini golf, and duckpin bowling. (WCBD)
Outdoors
Tomorrow, May 8, head to Hampton Park for a SavATree arborist-led educational walk from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The walk will highlight the park’s diverse, non-native tree species and offer tips on tree maintenance, common health concerns, and best practices for your own yard. Register here.
Ranked
Just in time for National Barbecue Day on Friday, May 16 — Yelp has named Charleston the No. 5 BBQ city in the US. The ranking noted our tradition of cooking meat directly over hardwood coals and our love for vinegary sauces. Featured spots included Poogan’s Smokehouse, Palmira Barbecue, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, and Lewis Barbecue.
Community
Magnolia Landing is teaming up with Charleston Waterkeeper and The M.A.R.S.H. Project for a community marsh cleanup on Thursday, May 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but spots are limited — so be sure to sign up in advance. Pro tip: Supplies will be provided to all volunteers.
Try This
Cheers to 25 years. The South Carolina Aquarium is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a block party at Liberty Square on Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy free, family-friendly activities and local food trucks. Plus, the aquarium is offering $25 general admission tickets on Sunday, May 18 + Monday, May 19.
You know that moment when a company goes from “never heard of” to “suddenly everywhere?”That’s RAD Intel — and you can still invest. Join their supporters like Adobe and Fidelity by May 8.†‡*
Pets
Pumpkin, blueberries, quinoa, USDA-grade meat — those are the air-dried ingredients in Sundays For Dogs, a shelf-stable fresh dog food. Save 50% on your pup’s first order.*
Category
Small business
No storefront? No problem.
Check out this art piece from BrophyInk. | Photo by @brophyink
Today, we’re spreading the local love by spotlighting diverse small businesses that don’t have a storefront — these virtual and online-only gems are doing big things from behind the screen. Whether you’re in the market for art, clothing, marketing help, or something tasty, these Charleston-area businesses have you covered.
Art
BrophyInk| A James Island-based watercolor artist creating charming, coastal pieces you’ll want to hang everywhere.
Tech
Holy City Creative | This Lowcountry-based digital agency brings 20+ years of experience in branding, web design, SEO, and social media management. If you need help growing your digital presence, they’re ready to jump in.
Health + wellness
Holy City Healthcare Consultants | This premier service is redefining what healthcare at home looks like — bringing quality care directly to your doorstep.
Business services
Palmettos & Prickly Pears| Need help with tax filing or advisory services? This business supports both individuals and small businesses with personalized attention.
Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. We love these aromatherapy shower steamers that are USA-made with plant-powered scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, and lemon.
In case you missed it, there are still some teacher appreciation events this week that local educators can still RSVP to. If you know of anything similar happening for local nurses, let us know.
‡This offering is made pursuant to Regulation A Round and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Company valuation is set by RAD Intel. Please review all offering materials before making an investment decision.