Lowcountry Local First hosted its fourth annual “Ready, Set, Pitch!” competition and awarded $10,000 to a local entrepreneur. | Photo provided by Lowcountry Local First
The giving season is upon us, and we’re kicking off a new series highlighting local nonprofits — starting with Lowcountry Local First, an organization focused on local economic development.
What’s the Lowcountry Local First’s mission?
Since 2007, the organization has worked to help local businesses get off the ground — creating a movement that fuels a thriving local economy, fosters local pride, and builds community connection.
The group says every dollar spent with a locally-owned business keeps three times more money circulating in the local economy (compared to spending with a national chain competitor).
The nonprofit helps advocate for a level-playing field for local entrepreneurs. It offers commercial space advising, access to unconventional funding sources, pro-bono marketing projects, and general business consulting.
Mayoral races on the Isle of Palms and Folly Beach will head to a runoff on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Neither city’s candidates secured the 50% threshold to be declared a winner. (WCBD)
Announced
On Thursday, Nov. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the City of Charleston will host a second public meeting to discuss the new city office buildings in West Ashley. The meeting will be at the Lowcountry Land Trust Office Building. RSVP to learn more about the project and provide feedback.
Opening
Berkeley County leaders announced its Mega Boat Landing, located at the former Atkins Boat Landing and Lions Beach, will reopen in May 2026. The project has been in the works for more than four years. Check out some of the amenities. (WCBD)
Festival
The Coastal Carolina Fair is known for its food and rides, but don’t miss out on the animals. There are sea lion shows, a petting zoo, and a livestock barn. Head to Ladson to get in on the fun; the fair is here through Sunday, Nov. 9. (WCBD)
Outdoors
Mount Pleasant’s PalmettoTree Beautification Project is set to begin this month. Use extra caution when driving along Coleman and Ben Sawyer Boulevards. The town’s Public Services Department is trimming trees from Monday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 30. (WCBD)
Plan Ahead
Next spring, “MJ The Musical” will make its first stop in the Lowcountry at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. The show will run March 10-15, and tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 10, at 10 a.m. (Holy City Sinner)
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about?*
Finance
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We’re making this year’s Holy City Thanksgiving easy for you. | Photo provided by Poogan’s Hospitality
Want to celebrate the day of thanks, but not planning on cooking a full dinner this year? Don’t quit Thanksgiving cold turkey — we’ve got you covered with where to carry out.
Carry out options Palmira Barbecue| This West Ashley barbecue spot is adding a Puerto Rican twist to Thanksgiving. Choose from Puerto Rican beans, mac and cheese, collard greens, and arroz con gandules, plus packs of empanadas and caramel apple bread pudding.
Petit Merci | Choose from sweet potato with honey butter, Brussels sprouts with caramelized apples, and festive desserts like pumpkin pie and gingerbread cake.
Lewis Barbecue | This popular barbecue spot is offering pre-orders for local pickup with smoked turkey breast, prime rib, brisket, mac and cheese, and green chile corn pudding.
Sugar Bakeshop | Stress less, and let this local bakery take care of your holiday dessert. Choose from pies, cakes, cookies, and Charleston classics like pecan chewies.
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.
In the spirit of celebrating local ingredients, during each week of November, Indaco’s Executive Chef Tito Marino is starting a new series that will spotlight one of the restaurant’s partner farms and purveyors.