You’ll love the cozy vibes at Saint Urban’s. | Photo by Cameron Wilder
Lately, Charleston has been blanketed with cloudy skies, rolling thunderstorms, and a steady stretch of rain. The rainfall has been much-needed, but it’s starting to feel like it might never end. According to the forecast, it could be sticking around for another day or two.
So if you’re looking for ways to enjoy the gray weather without defaulting to yet another TV binge, here are some recommendations:
Sip and snack like you’re in Europe
Tucked into Mount Pleasant’s picturesque I’On neighborhood, Visit Saint Urban’s is a candlelit escape perfect for a drizzly day. The wine and cheese bar offers a curated menu of international wines, craft cocktails, farmhouse cheeses, charcuterie, tinned seafood, and even rare chocolates.
Tuesday, May 13 Ribbon Cutting | 2-3 p.m. | Wynsum Antiques & Interiors, Mount Pleasant | Free entry | Celebrate the opening of this shop’s second location in the Whole Foods Shopping Center.
SAQUI SUSHI POP UP | 5-10 p.m. | Babylon | $45 | Enjoy hand-crafted sushi from Saqui Sushi, signature cocktails, and music all night
“Les Misérables” | Tuesday, May 13-Sunday, May 18 | North Charleston Performing Arts Center | $42+ | Experience the Tony Award-winning musical about love, sacrifice, and redemption in 19th-century France.
Wednesday, May 14 The Great Curious Cocktail Party 2025 | 7-9 p.m. | Sèchey | Free entry | Dress up and enjoy booze-free drinks in a stylish social setting.
Weekly Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Indigo Reef Brewing | Free | Test your general knowledge with a midweek round of trivia.
Thursday, May 15 Birdwatching BINGO | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Baxter-Patrick James Island Library | Free | Play birdwatching BINGO outdoors in celebration of the Big Week of Birding.
Ashley River Community Marsh Cleanup | 4-7 p.m. | 81 Braswell St., Charleston | Free | Help preserve the Ashley River by joining a marsh cleanup.
An Evening with Chef Michael Mina | 5-9:45 p.m. | Sorelle | $225+ | Dine on a special menu crafted by Chef Michael Mina and Sorelle’s Executive Chef Nick Dugan.
Your tennis star’s favorite summer memory starts here. | Photo provided by LTP Tennis
Looking for a summer activity that keeps kids active, social, and striving for their personal best? LTP Charleston’s summer camps deliver all that and more. With top-tier coaching and a fun, welcoming atmosphere, these camps are the perfect place for young athletes to sharpen their skills and build confidence on and off the court.
Here’s what makes LTP Tennis camps a summer standout:
High Performance Tennis Camps (Mount Pleasant): Happening May 26-Aug. 8 for serious players ages 8+, this full-day training focuses on technical development, match play, and fitness.
U12 ROGY Development Camps (Daniel Island): A fun, skill-building experience for younger players, featuring age-appropriate equipment and courts, also running May 26–Aug. 8.
Pickleball Camps (Daniel Island): For beginner and intermediate players, with sessions on June 9, July 14, and Aug. 4.
Katsubō Chicken & Ramen is now open in Park Circle, taking over the former Jackrabbit Filly space. The eatery is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Menu highlights include double-fried jumbo wings, ramen, frozen sake slushies, and curated Japanese whiskies.
Announced
Applications are open for the city’s Hospitality Worker Parking Pilot program, which will provide free parking to hospitality employees who work on the peninsula. Business owners or managers can apply for up to five permits through Friday, May 30. Approved workers get 24/7 access to 70 spaces at Union Pier Lot B.
Jobs
Alpha Sheet Metal Works, a metal fabricator specializing in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum products, is expanding its Charleston County operations. The $3.7 million investment will create 14 new jobs. Interested candidates can apply by emailing office@alphamachine.com.
Show
See Broadway shows locally. Tickets are now available for the Best of Broadway 2025–2026 season at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Starting in September, see shows like “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Sound of Music,” and “MJ The Musical.” View the full lineup and buy season tickets.
Civic
Isle of Palms may raise parking rates and introduce seasonal passes. A $3 an hour evening rate is proposed for Lots A and B near Front Beach. Non-resident passes could be capped at 350 spaces and $255 each. City Council will discuss the changes today, May 13, at 5 p.m. in the council chambers.
Eat
Halls Chophouse will host a Flâneur Wine Lunch this Saturday, May 17, from 12 to 2 p.m. at its King Street location. Six signature Flâneur wines will be paired with lunch. Tickets are $150. Limited seating — reserve your spot by calling (843) 727-0090.
Opening
International African American Museum invites the community to celebrate the launch of its boutique and café with Sip, Shop, and Savor on Saturday, May 31. The east yard will feature complimentary samples, live music, prizes, a curated mini boutique, and a preview of IAAM’s new summer collection.
Read
That BIG Book Sale returns Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8 at the Omar Shrine Auditorium in Mount Pleasant with 50,000 books across 40 genres, plus local authors, raffles, and deals. Members Night is Thursday, June 5.
Concert
Charleston County Parks’ Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series kicks off Friday, May 30, at James Island County Park with Black Lion Reggae Band. Enjoy live music all summer long with food trucks and local vendors. See the full lineup here. (Holy City Sinner)
Try This
Where creativity meets connection — Redux Contemporary Art Center presents “Creative Corridors: Together,” a group show highlighting community and collaboration among resident artists. The exhibit runs Friday, May 30, through Saturday, Aug. 9, with an opening reception on May 30. (Holy City Sinner)
Number
8. That’s where SC Ports ranks among all U.S. container ports by volume. As one of the top ports in the Southeast, SC Ports helps bring in new businesses, boost investment, and create more high-paying jobs in South Carolina. See how SC Ports is helping our state thrive.*
Drink
Maximize hydration and relaxation when you try Antivdote’s THC-infused electrolytes. They’re third party tested + come in three delicious flavors. Use code 6AMCITY20 for 20% off your order.†*
Cause
From rising temperatures to plastic pollution, our oceans need more help than ever. Ocean Conservancy shares news, stories, and ways to protect our planet. Sign up for updates + learn how to take action.*
Number
$1,300. That’s how much money per year you could be wasting overpaying on car insurance, according to a 2024 survey. See if you’re overspending.*
Category
Small business
🧺 Loads of love
The Carpenters purchased the Reynolds Laundromat, located at 2017 Reynolds Ave., in 2022. | Photo provided by “The Kelly Clarkson Show”
Erin and Jon Carpenter, owners of Reynolds Laundromat in North Charleston, were featured on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” during its Rad Humans segment last week and were left with a huge surprise.
Recognized for their community efforts, the Carpenters received a $10,000 donation from Arm & Hammer Laundry to enhance their laundromat with additions like free WiFi, seating, and books. The funds will also support their monthly Free Laundry Days, which provide no-cost laundry services to residents. As an extra surprise, Clarkson gifted them a lifetime supply of detergent to keep those Free Laundry Days going strong.
The Carpenters, who are both entrepreneurs and renovators, bought the laundromat in 2022 after a cross-country RV trip showed them how vital laundromats are to communities. Since reopening in 2023, the space has hosted concerts, comedy nights, Thanksgiving meals, and expanded into laundry delivery services, partnering with Laundry Stork. Congratulations to Charleston’s own state-of-the-art laundromat.
The Buy
As temperatures rise, we’re upgrading our wardrobe with some new warm weather hangout attire. These are some of our favorite finds:
I’m looking forward to the sunshine — and it sounds like y’all are too. Many of you answered our poll last week on where you’ll be splashing around in Charleston this summer — here’s what you said:
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