Fun fact: Islander 71 is now open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. | Photo provided by Gately Williams
There are many reasons to love Charleston, and the water is one of them. So... let’s do more on the ol’ salty brine, like heading to dinner via boat. Especially when the weather is warmer, the sun doesn’t set until later, and you get to escape the bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-26 (major bonus).
One of the go-to spots on IOP is Islander 71, which serves southern seafood and cocktails + there is free boat docking while you dine.
Just in time for summer, this waterfront fish house and raw bar is now open seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the dining room. Pro tip: There’s a new summer menu featuring a seafood tower + shrimp and crab pasta marsala.
The waterfront fun doesn’t stop there. Tap the button below for a dozen more restaurants you can get to by boat.
Sweetgrass Basket Making Class | 10 a.m. | Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms | $110 | Learn from a Charleston native the history behind the sweetgrass baskets and how to make your very own.
Clerks Cue Series: Books & Bubbles | 5:30 p.m. | Clerks Coffee | $25 | Join this book swap event where you can sip, snack, and score your perfect page-turner for summer.
Candlelight: The Best of The Beatles | 8:45-10 p.m. | Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens | $45+ | Discover the music of The Beatles under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Friday, June 27
The Black Door Cafe’s Third Birthday Party | 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. | The Black Door Cafe | Free | Celebrate this downtown coffee shop’s third birthday with a full day of fun and freebies.
Children + Family Pirate Cruise Adventures | Times vary | Pirates of Charleston | $39 | The pirates are back, join them on their ship to search the waters of Charleston for treasure and adventure.
Fridays After Five | 5-8 p.m. | Magnolia Plantation | $0+ | Experience live music in the gardens + the enchanting atmosphere during golden hour, with extended hours every Friday in June.
Saturday, June 28
Carolina Day 2025 at Fort Moultrie: A Living History Experience | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Fort Moultrie, Sullivan’s Island | Free | Celebrate Carolina Day and join this hands-on historical experience highlighting the Palmetto State’s role in the Revolutionary War.
AWE Fest | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Town of Awendaw Municipal Park | $15+ | Join this community celebration where history, culture, and community meet.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Inaugural Ralph Mastrangelo Memorial Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Oak Point Golf Course, Johns Island | $400+ | Tee off for a purpose and enjoy a day of camaraderie on one of the Lowcountry’s most scenic golf courses.*
O’Brion’s Pub & Grille and My Father’s Mustache, two James Island spots, have closed. For more than 10 years, O’Brion’s called Merchant’s Village Shopping Center near Harborview Road home. My Father’s Mustache closed Saturday, June 21, but its original location on Ben Sawyer Boulevard in Mount Pleasant is still open. (The Post and Courier)
Civic
Charleston County Council passed a resolution to oppose drilling off the SC coast. The move comes as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is updating its five-year plan, which evaluates the US coastline for potential sites to drill for oil. (WCSC + Charleston City Paper)
Biz
Takin’ care of business, Amazon has expanded its operations with a new Same-Day Delivery site in Dorchester County. The 50,000 square-foot facility in Jedburg Logistics Park is set to create 100+ new full-time jobs. (WCIV)
Concert
Jesse McCartney is bringing his “Beautiful Soul” to The Refinery on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Set your alarm, because tickets for The Weightless Tour go on sale tomorrow, June 27, at 10 a.m.
Civic
The Isle of Palms is considering new rules for recreational fishing that would stop folks from intentionally trying to catch sharks. Currently, city law only prohibits this kind of commercial activity on the beach. The issue is up from more discussion in July. (WCBD)
Eat
Looking to spice things up? Try out La Minerva Cocina & Tequila, the recently opened Mexican spot on Dorchester Road is bringing the Charleston area flavors of Jalisco, Mexico. Warning, if you take a peek at the menu, your mouth will start to water — especially when you see the Torre De Mariscos. (The Post and Courier)
Travel
Planning a trip to Orlando, FL, or Knoxville, TN? 6AM City has you covered. ORLtoday + 865today newsletters are officially live and ready to be your guide to all things local.
Eat
Think of it as a campfire classic — reimagined for your microwave. This s’mores mug cake blends honey graham cracker crumbs, melted chocolate chips, and gooey marshmallow creme in a single-serve dessert ready in just 10 minutes. Sweet tooth, satisfied.*
It turns out all that glitters is gold — at least, in a gold IRA, which lets you hold real gold minus the storage hassle. (Gold is projected to hit $4,000 an ounce by 2026.) Grab your glitter.†*
Shop
This doctor-recommended vibrator has been shown in published studies to help heighten arousal and support comfort when dryness occurs, thanks to its ultra-flexible shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? Save 30% today.*
The basics you need while they’re on sale. Amazon Basics just marked down tons of products in a sale exclusive for Prime members — time to restock the bathroom/office/supply closet shelves:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Here’s a question: What do you do if you don’t have a boat, but still want to travel by water to dinner? We’ve got options for you, try the Charleston Water Taxi or the Daniel Island Ferry.
If you’re looking for something a little more private, consider giving Getmyboat a try — think: Airbnb but for boats. There are self-captained and captained rentals. Pro tip: This could be a great option for your next long weekend or even the Fourth of July weekend on the water.
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