Get down to the pit of it all + meet the ones protecting this fruit. | Graphic by ChatGPT
It’s the orchard’s last line of defense — a peninsula lab on Lake Hartwell where a team of scientists are battling disease, drought, and time itself.
They’re known as Clemson’s Peach Team — the largest group of scientists focused on peaches in the entire world — but after spending some time with them at the Musser Fruit Research Center, we caught a vibe that they’re the Avengers of the Peach Universe.
“We’re all internationals, recruited from other countries to work here, so you can claim they’ve got the best of the best,” said Dr. Guido Schnabel, professor of plant pathology, when floated the Avengers parallel. “We’re from all over the world, working here together for one thing: how to support the peach industry.”
We toured the orchards and stepped inside the labs where the magic happens. Click the button below to see which Avenger each of these Protectors of the Peach reminded us of.
Bastille Day Celebration | 6-9 p.m. | Brasserie La Banque | Free+ | Expect live French music, a curated caviar tasting tray, and specialty drinks — all bringing a touch of Paris to the heart of Charleston.
“Ted Lasso” Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Snafu Brewing Co., North Charleston | Free+, RSVP | Grab your friends and take your TV knowledge (and good luck “Believe” signs) to the pitch.
Saturday, July 19
Shark Week | Saturday, July 19-Sunday, July 27 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | South Carolina Aquarium | Price of admission | From feedings and digging for shark teeth to an Undersea Explorer VR experience, get up close to the ultimate apex predator of the deep.
Bugs & Blooms | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Magnolia Plantation | Free+ | Ladybug Day is getting a makeover — take the kiddos for a day in the garden, STEM-inspired activities, and more to learn about these creatures + local pollinators.
Nate Bargatze | Times vary | North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center | $40+ | You know this comedian from his Netflix specials and “Saturday Night Live” appearances — don’t miss him live.
Sunday, July 20
Beach Drop for Sea Turtles | Times vary | Bulls Island Ferry, Awendaw | $75 | Take an ecotour boat cruise to Bulls Island + see a nest demonstration with the Sea Turtle Nest Protection Team in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.
Handmade Italy | 3-6 p.m. | Chef’s Collective | $125 | Step into the heart of the Italian kitchen to make two iconic comfort foods from the region — handmade pasta + focaccia.
The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System broke ground at Joint Base — the site for a new specialty care clinic. Once complete, the clinic will address some of the major needs of Lowcountry veterans like primary care, mental health support + chronic condition management. (Charleston Business Journal)
Eat
In case you missed it, it’s a Wet Hot American Tomato Summer. The annual celebration with Duke’s Mayo is in full swing in the Holy City now through Sunday, July 27, with 80+ participating restaurants. Check out our recommendations and how to make the most of the week.
Transit
Crews working on the Main Road Segment A Project have installed temporary trestle bridges for the construction of interchange ramps at US 17 and Main Road. Residents can head to St. John’s High School on Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. to hear major project updates + next steps.
Coming Soon
The folks behind El Molino Supermarkets are bringing a La Taqueria to Johns Island this August. Located on Maybank Highway, you can expect street tacos, a bar offering drinks like Micheladas, and more. Bonus: Keep an eye on Instagram for updates on the supermarket planned for College Park.
Featured
The Wentworth Mansion ranked No. 1 on Travel + Leisure’s “Readers’ 15 Favorite Hotels in Charleston of 2025" list — for the third year in a row. If you’re looking for an elevated staycation, check out the other contenders. We’ll be taking in the sun from French Quarter Inn’s courtyard.
Plan Ahead
Here’s the stitch — Stitch Society and Social Paper Co. will host a Sip, Stitch + Shop event on Thursday, Sept. 18. From 6 to 8 p.m., the beginner-friendly workshop will feature a tutorial, a starter kit, bevvies, and more. RSVP on Instagram before space runs out.
Outdoors
Ready to hit the trail, Charleston? On Thursday, July 24 at 9 a.m., join the South Carolina 7 expedition team and Mayor Will Haynie at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park for an educational six-mile hike across the iconic Ravenel Bridge. Pro tip: Bring water + sunscreen.*
Featured Home
Just minutes from Summerville, The Coves at Lakes of Cane Bay features energy-efficient homes starting in the mid-$400s — all within a master-planned community near top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and miles of meandering trails. Explore the neighborhood.*
57,572. That’s how many potential candidates are looking at this right now. Ready to promote your job listing to find your dream hire? It’s absolutely free on our CHStoday Job Board. List it now.
Post of the Day
This week marked the 20th anniversary of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Spanning almost three miles across Cooper River, it was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the US at the time of its construction in 2005.
Before this iconic structure was built + changed the city’s skyline, there were two other bridges that carried residents across the river — get the abridged version of history.
No more gatekeeping. These are our top five summer essentials we wish we’d purchased sooner:
🩴 A pair of comfy + versatile Crocs sandals. Pro tip: Keep them by the front door for last-minute errands, walking the dog, and more.
🧊This No. 1 best-selling cooler backpack that features a built-in bottle opener and can fit up to 40 cans.
🧺 A waterproof blanket that’s perfect for beach days, family picnics, baby playtime, and more.
☀️ La Roche-Posay’s award-winning tinted sunscreen that’s non-greasy and fast-absorbing.
👗This flowy sundress that’s available in 20+ colors and patterns like blue floral, pink, khaki polka dot, and purple.
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.
Hey there, Charleston. I’m filling in for Callie for a couple of days all the way from Chattanooga, TN + the Lowcountry already has me hooked with the sea turtle conservation in the area. I’m now a happy subscriber of the South Carolina Aquarium’s newsletter for future release dates of my favorite sea animal.
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