The report was released this week. | Photo by the CHStoday team
Explore Charleston and the College of Charleston teamed up to release the Economic Impact of Tourism report for 2024, conducted by the College’s Office of Tourism Analysis — and the numbers show that tourism is booming.
The greater Charleston area had a record-breaking year, generating more than $14 billion — a 7.1% increase from 2023. Interestingly, this growth wasn’t driven by a huge surge in visitors. Tourist numbers rose by only 1.2%.
Instead, the visitors who did come, spent more — about 5.5% more per person compared to the previous year. That suggests Charleston is attracting travelers who stay longer, spend more, and may be flying in.
As we know, tourism is a big part of our economy, the reports shows 23.5% of all sales in the region. The report also noted a record number of locals working in hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related jobs.
Charleston’s breaking records in tourism — but let’s be real, it’s not just the sights drawing people in. With National Barbecue Day tomorrow, May 16, we want to know: where’s the best barbecue spot in the Lowcountry?
Are you going with Lewis Barbecue, Rodney Scott’s, Palmira Barbecue, Home Team — or another spot altogether?
Thursday, May 15 Lone River Lemonade Splash | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | The Wonderer | $36 | Celebrate the launch of Lone River’s new Lemonade Splash Variety Pack with a HIIT workout followed by a refreshing happy hour.
Adults Only Night | 5:30-7 p.m. | Charleston Aqua Park, Johns Island | $30 | Dive into an evening of laughter, splashes, and good vibes during exclusive adult-only sessions.
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy | Through May Friday, May 16 | 6-11:30 p.m. | Planters Walk Clubhouse, Goose Creek | $49+ | Led by the speakeasy’s lead mixologist and Poe historians, be transported to the past as you sip on cocktails inspired by four of Poe’s most beloved stories.
Law Enforcement Week Blood Drive | City of Charleston Police Department | Free | Join the Charleston Police Department for a blood drive recognizing those who serve and protect the Holy City.*
Friday, May 16 Dock Discovery | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Palmetto Islands County Park, Mount Pleasant | $9 | Explore the marsh edges and the organisms that live underwater on the dock itself.
Cane Bay Choirs Variety Show | 7-9:30 p.m. | Cane Bay High School, Summerville | $0+ | Don’t miss this pop + Broadway-based variety show.
Saturday, May 17 Furever Homes Pet Adoption | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Commonhouse Aleworks, North Charleston | Free entry | Find your furever friend at this pet adoption with Southern Tails for Precious Paws.
James Island Wellness Festival | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | O’Brion’s Pub | $55 | Celebrate community and wellness through movement, mindfulness, and connection.
Pyrography Workshop | 1-3 p.m. | Indigo Reef Brewing Company | $65+ | Learn how to properly and safely use burning tools to create a unique piece of art.
Lowcountry Moontime Market | New Realm Brewing | 12-6 p.m. | Price of purchase | Shop vendors, listen to live music from two rockin’ local bands, and sip on craft brews and enjoy a full bar.
Local chef and Lowcountry native Brittney Simmons has openedBritt Bratt Garlic Crabs in Moncks Corner. Menu standouts include the Black Box Special with crab legs, shrimp, lobster tail, corn, eggs, and sausage. Bonus: Kids eat free spaghetti plates on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. (The Post and Courier)
Development
Phase four of The Waterfront Daniel Island is officially underway. Called Marin at The Waterfront, this phase includes 128 new marshside apartments with amenities. Heads up: the intersection of Pier View Street and Daniels Landing is closed during construction, and a temporary roundabout is in place.
Cause
Want to make someone’s day? Local project Be Kind Charleston has a limited number of free card-making kits available for volunteers. Kits must be picked up in Mount Pleasant, and volunteers are asked to return at least 10 completed cards. All skill levels are welcome. Interested?Fill out the form.
Eat
Ready for a taste of summer?Islander 71 is heating things up with a new lunch and dinner menu filled with fresh coastal flavors. Highlights include the seafood tower, shrimp + crab pasta marsala, and Bettie Jane’s Crab Cakes. We can’t wait to try it out and enjoy waterfront views.
Festival
Food & Wine Charleston Classic tickets go live today, May 15. Back for its second year, the culinary festival runs Nov. 14–16 and features renowned talents like Anthony Giglio and Claudette Zepeda, plus local stars like Mike Lata and James London.
Opening
Caliente Ballroom is growing. The dance studio recently broke ground on a new location in Mount Pleasant, offering lessons, training, and showcases. The studio is expected to open by the end of the year or early next year. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
Try This
Sandpaper Water Tours is throwing it back with a new ’80s Retro Dance Party Cruise. This 21+ harbor cruise features iconic hits from the 1980s and encourages guests to dress the part. It currently sails on Saturday afternoons, but more dates may be added. (Holy City Sinner)
Ranked
Charleston ranked No. 6 on WalletHub’s list of “Best Cities to Start a Career.” The personal finance site considered factors like projected population growth and average starting salaries. See the full report. (Holy City Sinner)
Stat
50%. That’s how many dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer in their lifetime. In addition to lots of tears, pet cancer care can cost you lots of money. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% on applicable pet care costs.*
Biz
What if building a house could be as simple as building a car? Boxabl is revolutionizing homebuilding by bringing assembly line technology to the outdated industry. Learn how(and how you can join the movement).†‡*
With a little planning, some prep work in the morning, and the help of a slow cooker, you can come home to tender, flavorful chicken tacos that are ready to eat when you are. Just add your favorite toppings.Get the recipe.*
Real Estate
Craving a slower pace, organic food, and fresh air? Located at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Easley, South Carolina is Longview Carolina, a modern “agrihood” where community, wellness, and nature meld. See what it’s like. Hint: The panoramic views are stunning.*
Category
Cause
Supporting local students this summer
Trident United Way offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, like the Young Leaders United Backpack Drive pictured above. | Photo provided by Trident United Way
With summer break quickly approaching, Trident United Way is supporting students and families by collecting essential items during the summer months.
Three of Trident United Way’s leading donor networks — Young Leaders United, PULSE, and Women United — are teaming up to host a summer school supply + food drive, now through Friday, July 19.
The drive will focus on collecting school supplies, non-perishable food, hygiene products, and clothing, benefiting students and families from River Oaks Middle School, Chicora Elementary, Cross High School, and students in the McKinney-Vento program in Berkeley County.
Want to help? You can drop off donations at any South State Bank or Bank of South Carolina branch in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties during regular business hours. Online donations are also welcome via the organization’s Amazon Wishlists for food, clothing, and personal hygiene items or through Roonga.
The Buy
Summertime’s humidity + extra time in the sunshine can take a toll on your hair. Add these five essentials to your haircare routine to keep your locks nourished all season long:
Heads up — the Magnolia Landing cleanup has been postponed due to wet, muddy conditions from recent weather. We’ll keep you posted when a new date is announced.
‡This is a paid advertisement for BOXABL’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.boxabl.com. Reserving a Nasdaq ticker does not guarantee a future listing on Nasdaq or indicate that BOXABL meets any of Nasdaq’s listing criteria to do so.
‡‡Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
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