Do you know where this is? | Photo via City of Charleston
A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?
If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept recently drew in a million visitors in just three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.
What is it?
“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple locations.
Where would one go in Charleston?
Our vote?Hampton Park. Across its 60 acres, there’s plenty of tree cover to find a shady spot in the South Carolina summer heat, and open spaces to maximize sunlight in the winter. Couple that with beautiful flora for the perfect visual backdrop, and the gentle sounds of the lake, you’ve got a page-turning haven.
December Promotion | 6 a.m. | TBC Locations, Piedmont | Free | Let’s sleigh this season — donate blood, unwrap a holiday sweatshirt + $30 in TBC Rewards this weekend.*
Charleston is moving up, and so are we. | Photo by @jonathan.mcrae
CHStoday is gearing up to debut The Brief, a new weekly business newsletter designed to keep you in the know without weighing you down. Think: the most relevant local business intel — news, podcasts, events, commercial listings, jobs, promotions, announcements, and more — all in one tidy, scroll-worthy place.
But before we hit “go,” we want to make sure we’re building something you actually want to read. Please take roughly 2 minutes (give or take a coffee sip) to answer a few quick questions and help us shape The Brief.
And because our products will always be free (we think paywalls are bad for biz), we’re opening up just FIVE industry-exclusive launch partnerships. If you want the inside track, email rjohnston@6amcity.com for details.
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Want in on The Brief, our new weekly business newsletter?
Take the quick 2-minute survey below to help shape it — and if you’re interested in an exclusive launch partnership, email rjohnston@6amcity.com.
Officials are looking for long-term solutions for the Isle of Palms’ erosion issue. Scientists say the city is losing sand at an unsustainable rate, and engineering consultants will propose plans to fix the problem in the new year. When we know more, you’ll know more. (Post and Courier)
Award
The Charleston Open just won a prestigious award for the fourth consecutive year, taking home the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year. With exactly 100 days until the next tennis extravaganza in the Holy City, now’s the perfect time to get tickets. Pssst — they’d also be a great gift.
Mailbag
Anne P. wrote in to tell us about the snowfall of February 2010, recalling a rare winter wonderland. “We woke up earlySaturday morning to a winter wonderland of snow (not icy) that was deep. To our surprise, snowmen all over the street were already built by 7:30 a.m. and kids were back in the house warming up.”
List
Summerville, Beaufort, and Mount Pleasant are among the finalists for Parade Magazine’s America’s Favorite Small Towns. Voters can help decide the winner.
Watch
It might be the holiday season, but keeping Charleston beautiful doesn’t happen by magic. Meet the city’s Environmental Services team, who are getting in the festive spirit. Suggestion: Drop them a nice comment to show them how appreciated their hard work is.
Gallery
Funny animals have long been internet favorites. Now, there’s an award for them. Over 10,000 entries were submitted for the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, with these 16 snaps chosen as the best. You can hone your photography skills at a local birding spot, and maybe you’ll be among next year’s winners. (Business Insider)
12 days. 12 daily specials. Charleston Medical Spa is unwrapping a new one-day-only deal each day through Saturday, Dec. 20 during their 12 Days of Christmas promo. Read: the perfect way to glow this holiday season. Check out the deals.*
Real Estate
Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty has been named the exclusive broker for The Inlet at Seabrook Island, an intimate enclave of 11 luxury townhomes blending refined design with the island’s natural heritage. Backed by global reach and local expertise, The Inlet represents Lowcountry living at its most elegant.*
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? We’re talking deals on everything from travel to tires.*
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Last-minute gift picks
Including pjs and a fun card game. | Graphic by 6AM City
Behind on holiday shopping? We’ve all been there. These thoughtful gifts should arrive just in time.
Genuine leather wallet | $31.88 | Upgrade their worn-out wallet to this stylish + functional one that boasts RFID blocking technology.
Owala FreeSip | $29.98 | This 4.7-star rated water bottle is loved for its patented FreeSip design.
Herd Mentality card game | $24.99 | This udderly hilarious + family-friendly card game is a perfect stocking stuffer.
A 2026 planner to keep track of your events, to-dos, goals, and more. We love this best-selling weekly option that includes 12 months of monthly and weekly pages for easy planning + scheduling. Or, opt for this flower-adorned daily planner with monthly tabs, metal cover protectors, and a page for expense tracking.