Do you recognize this city? It’s on the same longitude as Charleston. | Photo via Canva
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you walked in a straight line around the world from Charleston? Wonder no longer, wanderer.
Let us introduce you to LatLon Connect, an online tool that allows users to explore cities across the world that share the same latitude and longitude.
Here’s what we found
In our search, we stuck with the default settings, looking for places with 100,000+ people with a buffer zone of 6.21 miles (that’s 10 kilometers).
Dozens of results popped up, with the most populated place lying directly to our south: Guayaquil. Ecuador’s largest city is home to over 3 million people, and is renowned for its coastal charm, vibrant neighborhoods, and historic sites.
Palmetto Trail Holiday Party | 6-9 p.m. | Palmetto Trail Headquarters, Columbia | Free | Celebrate another wonderful year on the trail with good company, delicious food and drinks, and a cozy cup of hot chocolate by the fire.*
Thursday, Dec. 18
Holiday Luxe & Lips | 3-6 p.m. | Charleston Medical Spa | Free | Join Charleston Medical Spa and Epicutis and Revanesse for an exclusive afternoon of education, glow-boosting skincare insights, and gorgeous, natural-looking lips.*
Members enjoy discounts on tickets and gift shop purchases, while supporting animal care and conservation efforts. | Photos by Nathan Bell with Richard Bell Photography
Guests can explore the exhibits after dark, surrounded by dazzling holiday lights, festive installations and immersive photo stations that are basically begging to be your next holiday card moment.
Expect delicious refreshments, seasonal surprises and even a visit from Scuba Claus. One insider tip: buy tickets online early — prices go up by $3 the day of each show.
Today is Giving Tuesday, a movement started back in 2012 to inject a little more kindness and radical generosity into our world. If you have a moment to give back today, tomorrow, this weekend, or anytime in the future, Charleston has an abundance of volunteering opportunities for folks in every walk of life.
Award
Charleston’s Ben Silver is among the best clothing stores in the US. Don’t take our word for it. That’s according to the New York Times’ new list of the best 50 places to buy new threads nationwide. The list commends the store for “outfitting men and women of the boldly colorful species known as the Southern prep.”
Eat
Have you been to Shokudô yet? Eater Carolinas just checked out the new Upper King spot and its range of Japanese tavern delicacies. If you prefer forming your own opinion, a reservation awaits.
Seasonal
Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, and that means many folks are turning their attention to the next big holiday meal. If you’ve spent enough time in the kitchen already, there are a few spots around town that are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. (Holy City Sinner)
Quoted
“We weren’t expecting the demand to be this fast,” said Robert Zdenek, owner and operator of Mistletoe Tree Farm in Summerville. Zdenek believes people are swapping fake trees for real ones this year, and expects to sell well over 1,000.
Weather
December’s arrival means the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is officially over. For the first time in a decade, no hurricanes made landfall on US shores, but there was significant damage elsewhere in the Caribbean. There are only 181 days until the next season, and it’s never too early to prepare. (Post and Courier)
Today Is
National Mutt Day, an opportunity to celebrate the mixed-breed doggos in our lives. The day is also used to promote animal adoption at local shelters. For example, 9-year-old Tigger is a terrier mix waiting for his forever home at Charleston Animal Society.
Gallery
“A picture is worth a thousand words,” as the old adage goes. That means Time Magazine’s best 100 photos of the year could fill an encyclopedia. If you’ve taken a photo of Charleston that you love this year, reply to this email and send it in — we’d love to share your best snaps.
Health
Registered dietitian Summer Hudson, RD, highlights three ultra-processed foods to cut from your diet — and shares simple, healthier swaps that can support weight loss and overall wellness.*
Arts
Arts
Stamp your passport to a night of art and elegance
Presented by Columbia Museum of Art
This year’s gala caps off a year of reflection, innovation, and joy. | Photo by Drew Baron, provided by Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia Museum of Art is set to light up the night on Friday, Jan.16 with its landmark 75th Anniversary Gala.
This spectacular evening marks a triple celebration: the museum’s 75th anniversary, the culmination of its yearlong gallery lighting project, and the grand unveiling of the newly reinstalled collection galleries — a highlight not to be missed.
Guests will embark on a global journey through the CMA’s Collection, with galleries spanning Asian, American, European, and modern + contemporary art. As they travel from “country” to “country,” attendees can mingle and make memories while enjoying fine dining, drinks, and lively entertainment inspired by the world’s cultures.
This is more than a gala — it’s a chance to experience the museum in a whole new light, celebrate international art, and toast to 75 years of creativity, community, and culture.
The perfect two-piece sweater set for winter. It features a long sleeve crew neck top paired with a split hem midi skirt. We love that it’s cute, comfy, and warm, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Bonus: It’s available in some great seasonal colorways like almond white + red white.
