Sweetgrass baskets at the Sweetgrass Festival in Mt. Pleasant | Photo via @newgirlontheisland
Made in Charleston. Yep, that sure has a nice ring to it. From clothing to accessories to snacks and other fun finds, we’ve rounded up 18 goodies homegrown in the 843.
Food
Benne wafers
Most Colonial-era recipes are best left in the history books, but Benne wafers are a definite exception. These crispy sesame seed-laden snacks are bursting with carameland nutty flavor.
Firefly Distillery features several spirits and events at its North Charleston location.
Photo provided by Firefly Distillery
Drinks
Firefly Distillery Home of the very first sweet tea-flavored vodka. This Charleston hotspot’s portfolio also includes other tasty vodkas, a maritime-influenced bourbon, and a whopping 10+ flavors of moonshine. You can buy Firefly products retail or visit the distillery itself, where you can listen to live music and nosh on snacks while you sip. Stay tuned — we’ll continue to update this article with more amazing local brands and businesses putting Charleston on the map.
Corey Smith on the NÜTRL Beach Stage | 6 p.m. | The Windjammer, Isle of Palms | $35+ | Put your toes in the sand and enjoy an evening of live music.
Party at The Point | 5-9 p.m. | Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Mount Pleasant | $15 | Kick off the weekend with the whole family at the longest-running happy hour concert series — this week’s musical guest is the Folly Pirates Over 40 A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett.
Drayton Hall Kids | 10 a.m. | Drayton Hall | $0+ | Bring the little ones for story time, followed by crafts or games, then take your time enjoying Drayton Hall’s landscape together.
Saturday, May 17
Bulls Bay Nature and Heritage Festival | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sewee Center + other off-site locations, Awendaw | Free | Enjoy live music, exhibitors, wildlife, arts and crafts, and food vendors.
Baking with Mom: A Babka Workshop | 10-11:30 a.m. | Charleston Wine + Food Test Kitchen | $125 | Create braided breads + learn about the history of this tradition from Asheville-based baker and cookbook author Elana Pearlman and her mom.
The Beaufort Bonnet Company’s Grand Opening | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre | Price of purchase | Celebrate the opening of this new store with a ribbon cutting, gifts with purchase, balloon animals, and sweet treats.
Sunday, May 18
South Carolina Aquarium 25th Anniversary Block Party | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Liberty Square | Free | The South Carolina Aquarium is turning 25, and you can celebrate with a day along the Harbor, featuring a climbing wall and festive face paint.
Riverdogs 5k + Run Charlie Run | 2-4:30 p.m. | Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park | $65 | Get your run on, then celebrate with a medal, shirt, game ticket, and two drinks to enjoy at the game.
Find your lakeside retreat in this new Cane Bay community
Presented by Meritage Homes
Enjoy morning walks along miles of meandering trails. | Photos + renderings provided by Meritage Homes
Just minutes from scenic Summerville, SC, The Coves at Lakes of Cane Bay features energy-efficient homes starting in the mid-$400s — all in a master-planned community close to top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and plenty of green spaces.
Bonus: You’ll also have access to amenities like a pool, cabana, and boat dock.
🌳 Room to roam
Outside your door, you’ll find an expansive lake system, 25+ miles of scenic trails, and easy access to Hwy 17 and I-26. Spend your weekends hiking, fishing, or relaxing at Lake Moultrie — or tee off at the nearby Berkeley Country Club.
📅 Worry-free closing
Your new home will be ready to close in 60 days or less. The industry-leading closing-ready guarantee is backed by a reimbursement of up to $5,000 to cover expenses related to a delay.
Oliver Pluff & Co., a Charleston-based, veteran-owned company known for its teas + coffee, is opening its first store on John Street on Thursday, May 29. The spot will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Concert
Talk about a bargain. You have the chance to purchase a $30 ticket to more than a dozen concerts happening at Credit One Stadium + Firefly Distillery. On Wednesday, May 21, visit the LiveNation website, select a show, and look for tickets labeled “$30 Ticket to Summer.” (WCBD)
Try This
Mark your calendars. On Wednesday, May 28, at 6 p.m., Chef David Schuttenberg will host a one-night-only mala-style crawfish boil, prepared live on the Kwei Fei patio. Tickets are $88.
Eat
It’s almost that time of year. We’re talking about the 5th annual Hot Tomato Summer. From July 17 to 27, local spots will offer special menu items featuring Duke’s Mayo. Restaurants can now register to participate until Tuesday, June 17.
Community
Have you heard of Goodie Bag? Let us explain — it’s an app that connects local spots with unsold food at a discounted price. The goal is to support local businesses and cut down on food waste. Tap here to learn how to start scoring some deals at spots like Bodega. (WCBD)
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection is raking in the awards in its first year. The spot opened back in August but has already been recognized by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast, Town & Country, AFAR, Esquire, and Modern Luxury. Congratulations. If you’re planning a trip, stop by the spa.
Listen
Spoleto Festival USA has released an album, “Live from Spoleto 2024: Chamber Music.” It showcases concerts by the renowned classical musicians recorded live at the Dock Street Theatre. The album is available now on all major streaming platforms + CDs will be available for purchase on the festival’s website today. (Holy City Sinner)
Legacy
Chef Bob Carter has died at 59. Carter was the executive chef of Peninsula Grill from the late 1990s until 2011, when he left to pursue writing a cookbook and other ventures. (WCIV)
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.*
Family
Looking for a way to keep the kids active this summer? Crush Yard’s fun-filled day camps are packed with pickleball, arcade games, team-building challenges, and more — perfect for kids ages 5-15 of all skill levels. Learn more and register.*
Number
48 million. That’s how many Americans hear so poorly that their quality of life suffers — think: missing out on convos, concerts, and un-captioned movies. Fortunately, this hearing aid changes the game. Try out its dual processing technology for yourself with a free 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Wellness
Improve gut health + boost natural production of GLP-1 (the same hormone Ozempic mimics for weight loss) with Bioma’s 3-in-1 formula. Get an extra 10% off with code 6AM10.*
Category
Eat
🍖 Meat me at the best barbecue spot
We love visiting Lewis Barbecue with a group so we can taste a little bit of everything on the menu. | Photo by @hooobutt
There’s no doubt barbecue is a part of the Lowcountry’s DNA — whether you’re into whole hog + mop sauce, strictly Carolina Gold, or Texas-style, you’re good in our book.
Here at CHStoday, we don’t judge and love smoked meat in all its forms. So let’s get to it, we asked you about your best barbecue spot in the Lowcountry to celebrate National Barbecue Day, and here’s what you said:
A shower scrubber mat. It’s made with 500 soft silicone bristles that remove dirt and dead skin. Bonus: It easily attaches to the floor or wall of your shower with non-slip suction cups.
Did you see the high for today? Yes, it says 92º — I guess it’s safe to say it’s time for the Charleston heat to start settling in. If you’re looking for a place to cool off, stop by The Ryder, which was just featured on Southern Living’s 20 Of The South’s Dreamiest Hotel Pools.
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