In the spring of 1680, the city moved to what was called Oyster Point, where it still stands today. The name Charles Town was adopted to honor King Charles II of England.
On Aug. 13, 1783, the city took on its current name, Charleston. State Senate President John Lloyd and House Speaker Hugh Rutledge signed the bill establishing the city.
So although today isn’t when the city was founded, it is the day the city became official, and we think that’s worth celebrating.
Nature POP! | Through Friday, Aug. 15 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Magnolia Plantation | Included with admission | This is your last week to check out this art and nature exhibition featuring 40 sculptures made entirely of LEGO bricks.
Gracious Day | 7 p.m. | Henry’s On The Market | Price of purchase | Enjoy acoustic country + classic hits on Henry’s Stage.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Storeroom Tour | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Charleston Museum | $40+ | Explore summer fashions suitable for picnics + learn how Lowcountry residents have dined al fresco throughout the years — arrive early to enjoy light refreshments before the tour.
The Birthplace of World Trade | 6-7 p.m. | Charleston Library Society | $10+ | Join historian and author Dr. Kim Cliett Long to explore the history of international commerce and trade in Africa.
Friday, Aug. 15
Julia Child Dinner | 5 p.m. | The Glass Onion | $58 | Make plans to join the 17th annual dinner + celebrate the former American chef, author, and television personality.
Saturday, Aug. 16
End-of-Summer Tent Sale | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | T.D. McMurry, Mount Pleasant | Price of purchase | Join this community-friendly event, an ideal opportunity to shop back-to-school looks.
Monday, Aug. 18
Hip & Knee Pain Lunch & Learn | 12-1 p.m. | East Cooper Medical Center, Mount Pleasant | Free | Join Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. H. Del Schutte Jr., to learn about surgical and non-surgical treatment options for hip and knee pain — plus, enjoy free lunch.*
Students in the Charleston County School District, the Berkeley County School District, and the Dorchester School District Two are all back in the classroom. If your kiddos have the back-to-school blues (understandable, really), plan to do something fun with them this weekend around our city — here are some ideas.
Open
Speaking of heading to the classroom, Johns Island Elementary School opened its doors to students for the first time this week. The STEAM-focused campus welcomed ~700 2nd-5th graders. Its mascot, the river otter, was chosen in a district poll sent to parents. (WCSC)
Watch
Whoa, have you seen this video? During Monday’s thunderstorms, a Mount Pleasant officer’s dashcam captured the moment when a utility pole was struck by lightning, causing an explosion that knocked out power on Highway 17 near Shelmore Boulevard. Police say no one was hurt + power was restored quickly. (WCBD)
Announced
Chef Alex Eaton has joined Félix Cocktails et Cuisine + La Cave as their Culinary Director. Eaton will oversee all back-of-house operations and menu development. Fun fact: Eaton began her career in the Charleston area as a sous chef at The Ordinary, under chef Mike Lata.
Kids
Four City of Charleston playgrounds are set to receive major upgrades. Three of the playgrounds, Mary Utsey Park, Stephen Washington Park, and Brittlebank Park, are currently in the design phase. Fun fact: Since the Playground Replacement Program launched in 2012, the city has replaced 29 aged systems + added 18 new playgrounds.
Correction
Hungry for something new? Restaurant Week South Carolina is set for Thursday, Jan. 8, through Sunday, Jan. 18. But until then, you can hit the road and explore the best Greenville and Spartanburg Counties have to offer during Restaurant Week Upstate, which starts tomorrow, Aug. 14, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 24.
Job
Looking to grow your career or snag that next pay raise? Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime local, the Charleston regional job board can connect you with roles at top companies like Google, Thomas & Hutton, Booz Allen Hamilton, and more. Explore all opportunities.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
This summer, make every weekend count with Groupon. Score up to 70% off chef-curated experiences, wine tastings, riveting tours + attractions, spa days that melt the dress away, and more.
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.
🍇 Need weekend plans? This Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Deep Water Vineyard is hosting its 21st Annual Grape Stomp Festival. You can expect food, drinks, and a grape stomping competition.