Last call. Your business could be in front of thousands when you secure your spot in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide. Save 20% with code PGG2025 at checkout. The deadline for submissions is May 23.
Shaping the next generation of makers
The college has called several locations around the city of Charleston home, including the city’s iconic Old District Jail. | Photo by CHStoday
Some students of the college have their designs approved by the Board of Architectural Review and can be spotted in homes, churches, and buildings that have been renovated around the city. Fun fact: A team from the school is creating elements for the Courier Square Phase II, Building I project, including iron lanterns, gates, stone columns, sculpted terra cotta panels, and hand-carved keystones.
How did the college get started? Following the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Whitehill Report + the devastation caused by Hurricane Hugo, property owners and stewards of historic civic buildings had to search as far as Europe to find professionals with the skills needed to repair the damage. So, a group of local leaders founded the college in 1999.
American Mah Jongg for Beginners | 12-2 p.m. | Edgar Allan Poe Library, Sullivan’s Island | Free | Learn to play American Mah Jongg + make new friends — if you are brand-new, plan to arrive at 12 p.m.
Live Under The Oaks | 6 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre | Free | Pack your chairs, get ready to kick back, and enjoy a soulful blend of rock, folk, soul + reggae.
Friday, May 23
Opening Ceremony of Spoleto Festival USA | 12 p.m. | Charleston City Hall | Free | Celebrate the beginning of the 49th season with chiming church bells, speeches, surprise performances, and festive revelry.
Shrek Rave | 9 p.m. | Music Farm | $29+ | You can’t spell swamp without ‘amp,’ and we’re amped for this party.
HART x Upper East Vintage | HART | 10 a.m. -7 p.m. | Price of purchase | NYC-based Upper East Vintage is bringing a curated selection of clothes and accessories to relish in this summer.
Saturday, May 24
Memorial Day Weekend Glow Up | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Estuary Beans & Barley, Johns Island | $31+ | Make candles and join a mindful workout to relax and rejuvenate yourself.
Keith Urban | 7 p.m. | Credit One Stadium | $44+ | Get ready for a “Long Hot Summer” night and rock out on the “High and Alive World Tour.”
Cal’ Italian Wine Dinner | 7-9 p.m. | Sorelle | $250+ | Join this intimate evening exploring Italian wines and a multi-course menu to complement and elevate each pour.
Last night, leaders met to discuss teen curfews— the proposed rules would not allow those 17 and younger to be in some downtown areas unsupervised from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. If the curfew is approved, the rules could be in place next month and applied through July and August. (WCSC)
Number
$699,000. That’s the new median sales price for single-family homes in Charleston County, which has dropped from the all-time high of $727,500 we saw in March. Experts say the change is a sign the market is softening. (The Post and Courier)
Eat
It’s a foodie’s dream. Estadio is hosting Pintxo Party this Sunday, May 25. Chef Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura + Chef Dave Shuttenburg of Kwei Fei and Beautiful South will team up for an evening of bold flavors and high spirits. Tickets are $125 and include food and beverage pairings.
Environment
Join one of the city’s WaterWise open houses to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn how the city’s efforts to tackle flooding impact you. The next meetings are from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at the Daniel Island Recreation Center and on Thursday, May 29, at Haut Gap Middle School on Johns Island.
Announced
The Gibbes Museum of Art has announced H. Alexander Rich, Ph.D., as the new president and CEO of the museum. Rich will begin his new role in August. Oginally from New York, Rich is wrapping up a successful expansion and fundraising campaign at the AGB Museum at Florida Southern College.
Cause
Enjoy a day of golf while supporting 200+ animals. Next month, Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary is hosting its annual charity golf tournament, Putting for Paws, on Monday, June 9, at the Links at Stono Ferry.
Watch
Cheer on North Charleston’s Chef Shuai Wang who is still in the running to win Season 22 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Catch him in action tonight at 9 p.m. Pro tip: Episodes are also available the following day on Peacock.
Try This
Need Memorial Day plans? Stop by Patriots Point, and while you’re there, explore the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum. The recent $3.5 million transformation will tell the story of those who have received the nation’s highest award for military valor through immersive exhibits and never-before-seen artifacts.
History
Did you know? The North Atlantic right whale skeleton hanging from the Charleston Museum’s ceiling was captured in Charleston Harbor back in 1880. Stop by the museum and see it yourself, and while you’re at it, explore one of Charleston’s 11 other museums.
Real Estate
We recently visited Longview Carolina, a gated “agrihood” in Easley, SC, where nature meets convenience. From a working farm and miles of trails to the panoramic mountain views, you’ll have to see it to believe it.*
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.*
Number
$4,000. That’s how much an ounce of gold is expected to cost in 2026. And since gold thrives in unstable markets, its rally appears far from over.Check out gold IRAs, which let you own physical gold while taking advantage of IRA tax breaks.†*
Category
Civic
Class is in session, we’re teaching GOV 101
The Board of Architectural Review is made up of two sections: the BAR-Large + the BAR-Small. | Rendering by Sottile & Sottile via City of Charleston BAR-L
Today, we’re taking a closer look at the city’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR), which is listed under the City of Charleston’s planning, preservation, and sustainability branch, along with the Design Review Board.
The BAR is made of two sections: BAR-Large (BAR-L), which tackles large projects like Courier Square Phase II, Building I, and BAR-Small (BAR-S) for smaller projects like remodeling the front porch of a church.
⚽️ Calling all soccer fans. You can score free Charleston Battery tickets for the Sunday, July 6, match against North Carolina FC.
Here are the details — stop by the Roper St. Francis Healthcare Mobile Health Unit for a free skin cancer screening or blood pressure check on Saturday, May 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Patriots Point Soccer Stadium before the Battery takes on the Greenville Triumph.
Answered
Answered
How important is it to you to purchase products that are made locally?
Sweetgrass baskets at the Sweetgrass Festival in Mt. Pleasant | Photo via @newgirlontheisland
CHStoday readers love to support local + we’re not surprised. More than 58% said it’s very important, and 35% said it’s somewhat important.
Looking for some local products? Tap the blue button below.
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