Summer is almost in full swing, and it’s time to fire up the grill. Better yet — plan a backyard gathering with your closest friends and family to celebrate the sunshine season.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up everything you need to have the perfect summer grill out with all locally sourced products.
Meats + fixins’
Head to Ted’s Butcherblock to stock up on ground beef + ribs. Burbage Meats is another option that offers a wide selection of top-tier meat options like Italian sausage and chicken wings.
For sides like potato salad + mac and cheese, swing by one of Charleston’s finger-lickin’-good barbecue spots.
For bottled and canned craft beers, check out Frothy Beard. Want to toast with bubbles? Try Don Luchi Prosecco. Looking for a zero-proof option — Sèchey is the answer.
Friday, May 23 Spoleto Festival | Through Sunday, June 8 | Times, locations + prices vary | Don’t miss renowned and emerging talent filling Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces.
Piccolo Spoleto Festival | Through Sunday, June 8 | Times, locations + prices vary | Experience artists from across the Southeast transforming Charleston into a celebration of performing, literary, and visual arts.
Saturday, May 24 Keith Urban Pre-Party | 4-7 p.m. | New Realm Brewing Co. | Free | Before the show, swing by for country vibes, live music, food, and cold brews.
Grassroots Gala | 6-10 p.m. | The Wonderer | $40+ | Support Surfrider Charleston with a night of live music and art, local vendors, drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction.
Sunday, May 25 Hatha & Hops Yoga | 11-11:45 a.m. | Two Blokes Brewing, Mount Pleasant | $15+ | Bring your mat and start your Sunday with a good stretch.
Summer Kickoff Pool Party | 2-5 p.m. | Little Palm | Prices vary | Make a splash with a day pass or book a cabana for this sun-soaked poolside celebration.
Blue on the River Music Fest | 3-10 p.m. | Riverfront Park, North Charleston | $44+ | Dress in all white for an evening of live music, DJs, food trucks, and bars by the river.
Catch this summer exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art
Presented by Columbia Museum of Art
Visitors learn about Sam Gilliam’s “Cape III” during last year’s Juneteenth tour. | Photo by Victor Johnson / The Columbia Museum of Art
Have you heard of Sam Gilliam? He started as a painter, developing a unique style that celebrated lines and texture, finding his way to printmaking, where he continued to innovate.
In 1972, he became the first Black artist to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale, and his work is represented at the MoMA in New York City, the Phillips Collection in D.C., and many others — including the Columbia Museum of Art.
This summer, you can see three dozen of Gilliam’s most iconic prints right here in South Carolina. And don’t forget, the CMA is offering free admission all summer long for SC residents.
Pro tip: Make sure to check out the museum’s companion show, “Let’s Have a Talk: Black Artists from the CMA Collection.”
Croghan’s Jewel Box, a longtime Charleston jeweler, is moving just down the street to a new home at 155 King St. To prepare for the transition, the store will be closed Monday, June 9, through Thursday, June 19.
Open
Ooo la la. Parisian brand Sézane has officially landed in Charleston. The pop-up at the Shops at The Charleston Place opens today, May 23, and will remain open through next year. Expect signature styles, accessories, and a few in-store surprises.
Edu
‘Tis the season. High school graduations across the Lowcountry are in full swing. View the full commencement schedule — and congrats to all the grads.(WCBD)
Real Estate
Sold. “Southern Charm” star Madison LeCroy has sold her Daniel Island home. Highlights include sage-green cabinets in the gourmet kitchen and a two-car garage-turned-private gym. (The Post and Courier)
Sports
Throwdown Yorktown, a collegiate wrestling event, will return to USS Yorktown on Saturday, Nov. 15. As of now, the men’s wrestling team from The Citadel and the University of Maryland are in the lineup, as well as the women’s program from the University of Iowa. Tickets will go live in July. (Holy City Sinner)
Listen
Ever wondered about Charleston’s famous cobblestone streets? The latest episode of Charleston Time Machine digs into their history and charm.
Outdoors
Read up on a recent feature on the Island Turtle Team, a group of conservationists dedicated to protecting sea turtle nests and raising awareness in the community. Bonus: Don’t miss their turtle-friendly beach tips at the end. (The Daniel Island News)
Charlestonian
Congratulations to Lowcountry resident Landon Thorne, who recently became Southern New Hampshire University’s oldest graduate at age 82, earning a Master’s degree in writing. What’s next? He hopes to publish the novel he’s written. (WCBD)
Try This
Lala Links is popping up at Sweeter Than Fiction Bookshop tomorrow, May 24, from 12 to 5 p.m. Bring your friends and get linked up with permanent jewelry.
Planning a grad party or summer celebration? Crush Yard has everything you need to keep the fun going, rain or shine. Think: indoor courts, AC, games, a brand-new backyard space, and customizable food and drink options to fit your needs. Learn more + book.*
Family
Calling all parents.Palmetto Parents is a free weekly newsletter packed with fun, family-friendly activities in Summerville, SC. Every Friday, you’ll get one thing to do, one local event, one restaurant to try, and one inspiring thought — delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for free.*
Shop
Summer is almost here — and Hoka shoes deliver all-day comfort and support for any activity. Brad’s Deals has rounded up the best summer Hoka discounts from top retailers.*
Category
Try This
Sculpted in style
We love this vibrant blue woodpecker. | Photo provided by Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is debuting a highly anticipated new exhibition on today, May 23, made from an astonishing 800,000 LEGO® pieces. Yes, you read that right.
Through Aug. 15, visitors can experience “Nature POP!®,” a vibrant outdoor exhibit by acclaimed artist Sean Kenney. Featuring 40 larger-than-life sculptures — from a majestic fox standing tall to a colorful bird captured in mid-flight — each piece is crafted entirely from LEGO® bricks and thoughtfully placed throughout the grounds of Magnolia.
The exhibition explores the dynamic relationships found in nature, blending art with education. Scientific facts are included in the immersive experience, helping guests dive deeper into the natural connections represented.
The “Nature POP!” exhibit is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and access is included with general admission.
The Buy
A great deal from Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. Note: Prices subject to change.
⭐ Get 27% off a portable charger and never lose battery again.
⭐ Shop 15% off Clinique Take The Day Off makeup remover, an oil-free, non-irritating formula.
⭐ Take 41% off an air fryer from the Instant Pot brand that’s rated 4.5 stars.
Callie and I had the best time checking out Sézane’s Charleston pop-up. It has us wondering — what are your favorite French-inspired spots around town? Is it grabbing lunch at Fast and French, picking up fresh fruit at Petit Merci, or something else entirely? Let the team know — we’re taking notes.
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