Plus, adding city services and resources in West Ashley.
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Today’s Forecast

84º | 3% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 7:50 p.m.

High tides 11:34 a.m. + 11:35 p.m. | Low tide 5:36 p.m.


A look back at the earthquake of 1886

A historic photograph shows Charleston’s devastation after the 1886 earthquake, with collapsed buildings, debris scattered across the street, and people standing among the ruins of Wm. M. Bird & Co. storefront.
The earthquake’s center was located near Summerville, but its impact was felt several states away. | Photo from the University of South Carolina Libraries, Digital Collections
While the Lowcountry isn’t a stranger to natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and extreme heat, did you know 139 years ago the area was rocked by an earthquake?

On August 31, 1886, the Charleston area experienced the largest earthquake to ever hit the southeast, causing nearly $6 million in damage — around $170 million today.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the upper Ashley River region near Summerville (now called the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone), and damage was reported several states away. Seismographs weren’t around then, but experts now estimate it carried a magnitude of around 7.3.

Take a look at historical photos of the damage. Don’t skip the captions — they provide valuable details, including the cost of the damage.
The type of earthquake that struck

Asked

Which of these have you noticed most in the past year?

According to new data from PODS, our region is currently one of the fastest-growing in the US.

So whether you’ve clocked new jobs hitting the market, more cranes popping up around town, or fresh “sold” signs up and down your street, tell us what you’re noticing in this quick survey.

A. 🏡 More homes being built or sold
B. 💼 New jobs or companies moving in
C. 🚙 Increased traffic or commute times
D. 🛍️ More restaurants, stores, or services
E. 💸 Rising rents or home prices
F. Other
Let us know

Events

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Wine Night at Five Loaves Cafe | 5-9 p.m. | All Five Loaves Cafe locations | Price of purchase | Enjoy any bottle of wine on the menu at half price every Wednesday and Saturday during dinner.

Charleston RiverDogs vs. Augusta Greenjackets | 7:05 p.m. | The Joe | $22+ | Root, root, root for the home team as they look to climb the Carolina League South standings.

Thursday, Aug. 28

Sips of the Summer | Through Sunday, Aug. 31 | 12-5 p.m. | The Charleston Place | Price of purchase | You only have a few days left to browse and sip a curated list of Italian wines + signature cocktails in the heart of Charleston.

Yappy Hour | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | James Island County Park | Free with park admission | Enjoy live music from a local performer and spend some quality time with your pup in the great outdoors

Charleston Candle Co. Candle Class | 6-7 p.m. | Charleston Candle Co. | $55 | In this hands-on workshop, you’ll mix and create your own custom fragrance to pour your own soy wax candles.

Friday, Aug. 29

Southern Tide Trunk Show at M. Dumas and Sons | Friday, Aug. 29-Saturday, Aug. 30 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | M. Dumas and Sons | Price of purchase | The King Street store will welcome Southern Tide for a trunk show weekend shopping event.

Edisto Beach Shag Festival | Friday, Aug. 29-Saturday, Aug. 30 | 2-10 p.m. | Edisto Beach Bay Creek Park | $25+ | This 16th annual family-friendly event celebrates the Carolina Shag dance and beach music, offering a lively atmosphere for all ages.
See our full events calendar
Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

A modern outdoor shopping and dining area with wide walkways, patio seating, umbrellas, and greenery. People stroll and relax under clear blue skies, surrounded by contemporary gray buildings and palm trees.

South Island Market is on Lower Johns Island, about 20 minutes south of Charleston.

Rendering provided by Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic

Development

South Island Market, a mixed-use development, will soon call Johns Island home. Located at the corner of Betsy Kerrison Parkway and River Road, plans show retail, dining, office space, and 79 luxury townhomes covering most of the 34-acre plot (scroll to page 16 for a visual).

Opening

A new coffee, wine, charcuterie, and dessert spot called nook is coming to downtown next month. The cafe and market are set to open on Rutledge Avenue next to the future home of Kultura. (If you missed our update about Kultura, scroll down to the Post of the Day)

Civic

The City of Charleston discussed plans for its newly purchased space on Ingram Road. Mayor William Cogswell said the move aims to bring city services and resources closer to West Ashley communities. The building will have to be renovated, and the city expects the project to be completed by July 2027. (WCIV)

Opening

Just in time for the upcoming cozy season. Elby, a luxe pajamas and loungewear brand designed here in Charleston, is opening its first store. We don’t have a lot of info right now, the company shared a little tease on Instagramso stay tuned.

Show

Sing along to “The Sound of Music” at the historic Dock Street Theatre, Wednesday, Sept. 3, through Sunday, Sept. 28. Presented by Charleston Stage, this beloved classic features hits like “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Every Mountain,” and more. Snag tickets.*

Announced

Attention craft lovers, big gurl, is moving to a new location at 769 Meeting St. The last day to get creative at the King Street spot will be Saturday, Aug. 30. Stay tuned for a grand reopening date.

Sports

She’s back at it. Emma Navarro is in the throes of competition at the US Open. Root for her today as she takes on fellow American Caty McNally in the second round of competition. Stay tuned for the match time.
“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.” That’s how Taylor Swift announced her engagement to Travis Kelce via Instagram. While we raise a glass to the happy couple, consider this Charleston’s bid to host what will undoubtedly be the wedding of the century.

Eat

Looking for dinner inspo? This tasty, wholesome bowl with spicy chipotle chicken, quinoa, and fresh veggies is perfect for a quick, heart-smart meal.*
Experience full-body fitness from the comfort of your home with Hydrow. This Labor Day, save $575 on the Hydrow Pro or $275 on the Hydrow Wave with code NOTES. Dive into immersive workouts that engage 86% of your muscles. Stronger starts here — explore more stunning waterways today.*

Post of the Day

Kultura, a downtown staple led by James Beard Award Finalist Chef Nikko Cagalanan, is moving locations in October. While the Filipino eatery gets the new space at 267 Rutledge Ave. ready, don’t worry — you can still get your fix at the Spring Street location. We recommend trying the Kamayan experience.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

Self-care isn’t all spa days and forest bathing — although we do love a nice hot stone massage. More often than not, it’s the simple things like prioritizing rest, practicing good hygiene, and practicing mindfulness. Elevate your self-care rituals with these five products:

🫧 Treat your skin to a little TLC with a Moroccan exfoliating glove that gently removes dead skin + cleans pores.
💧Elevate your favorite reading or journaling space with an aroma diffuser and lavender essential oils.
🛏️ Look forward to snuggling into bed every night when you score this jersey knit sheet set at up to 75% off.
💤 Pair your new sheets with the Nodpod gentle weighted sleep mask that’s described as “a hug for your head.”
🧥 When you’re craving comfort + relaxation, don this ultra-soft Barefoot Dreams cardigan that’s over 50% off.
More worth The Buy

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:

🎨 Calling all art lovers. Next month, The Vendue will host an exhibition by renowned artist Greg Creason. Don’t miss the chance to see the artist in action, on Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6, Creason will be live painting in the hotel’s lobby.
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