Carolina Jessamines are native to the Lowcountry. | Photo via Canva
This chilly weather has us dreaming of sunny days spent in the garden. Want more from your lawn than just grass? You could turn it into a mini “national park.”
Meet Homegrown National Park, a nationwide grassroots movement that invites property owners to restore wildlife habitats through sustainable planting and the removal of invasive species.
Here’s how it works: Swap a portion of your lawn for native plants that support food webs for local fauna, then watch your yard transform into a natural oasis where wildlife thrives. Registered habitats are tracked on a digital biodiversity map, so you can see which Charleston neighbors are pitching in.
“If North Charleston is not moving, the region is not moving,” said Mayor Reggie Burgess. He was talking about the city’s infrastructure project priorities ahead of the inbound proposal deadline. Read about his support for a countywide integrated transportation system. (Post and Courier)
Concert
The College of Charleston Orchestra and Opera is preparing for a patriotic spring concert next year. “Celebration of America’s 250th” will feature music from some of the nation’s most iconic composers: Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, and Aaron Copland. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Dec. 12.
Announced
And in other America250 news, the Charleston Museum is launching an exhibit on the Revolutionary War explored through a Southern lens. From the end of January, museum-goers can explore “Ringleaders of Rebellion: Charleston in Revolt, 1775-1783,” featuring priceless historical artifacts.
Arts
Charleston-based artist Beeple is back at it again. His latest work has been unveiled in Miami Beach, featuring humanoid robot dogs with recognizable human faces, including Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Andy Warhol. By the end of the first day, all the robot dogs were sold for $100,000 each. (Art News)
Sports
Start spreading the news. The Clemson Tigers are Big Apple-bound for The Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 27. They’ll face Penn State at Yankee Stadium for a noon kickoff. IPTAY donors have until tomorrow, Dec. 10 to request tickets.
Number
32,800. That’s how many meals Hamby Catering & Events has now sponsored through its longstanding Thanksgiving partnership with Lowcountry Food Bank. Find out how you can get involved with the food bank’s mission this holiday season.
Feel Good
Good job, Stingrays fans. This past Saturday night, our local hockey team hosted its annual Teddy Bear Toss, an initiative that benefits families and charities across the Lowcountry. This year, 15,973 toys were thrown onto the ice — almost three per fan in attendance.
Family
Ring in 2026 early at New Year’s Eve at Aquarium Aglow. celebration. This family-friendly evening features tens of thousands of lights, festive music, a special ball drop… all before bedtime. Refreshments (including adult beverages) are available for purchase. Don’t miss the fun — snag tickets.*
Jobs
Last call, CHS: Today is the final day of The Cooper’s three-day hiring event at The Charleston Place. Stop by from 2-6 p.m. to explore open roles, with interviews and on-the-spot job offers available. This could be the career move you’ve been waiting for.*
Wellness
Feeling drained this season? We hear you. Modern Minds’ Recharge Circuit delivers energy, balance, and calm through compression therapy, a steam sauna, and a revitalizing cold plunge. Consider this your sign to treat yourself this season or surprise someone with a thoughtful gift.*
Finance
Charleston drivers: Stop overpaying for car insurance and use FinanceBuzz’s free tool to see if you can save $600+ a year in minutes.*
You may have started planning for New Year’s Eve by now, but have you started planning for New Year’s Day?
The 2026 Dunleavy’s Polar Plunge takes place on Thursday, Jan. 1, offering a full day of fun for a good cause. Dunleavy’s opens at 9 a.m. for food, and everyone will then head down to Sullivan Island Beach at 1:30 p.m. to take a dip in the water.
Funds raised throughout the day will benefit the Special Olympics South Carolina.
Another week, another influx of lovely emails from our lovely CHStoday readers. A couple of folks recently wrote in with small business suggestions, and I think these two spots would make for perfect, thoughtful gifts this holiday season:
The Restored Board is a family-run business offering custom woodworking specializing in gorgeous cutting boards.
On Sullivan’s Island, A Maker’s Post offers a range of locally crafted art, plants, books, home decor, and much more.
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