We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Charleston. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Escape to the Golden Isles this spring
Presented by Golden Isles CVB
Sun, sand, and a little bit of Southern charm await. | Photos courtesy of Golden Isles CVB
Our idea of the perfect getaway includes salty breezes, scenic bike rides, and really good seafood. Sounds like it’s time to take a trip to the Golden Isles of Georgia.
Tucked along the Georgia coast between Jacksonville and Savannah, this sun-soaked destination blends natural beauty, coastal adventure, and laid-back charm in all the right ways.
Whether for a long weekend or full vacay, the Isles offer the perfect coastal escape, made up of four barrier islands and a coastal city:
Each spot brings its own personality, from quiet, nature-filled escapes to lively beach towns with shopping, dining, and rich history.
Don’t forget to add outdoor adventures to your itinerary. Spend your days:
Boating
Fishing
Biking
Paddleboarding
Horseback riding
or hiking through maritime forests and along miles of shoreline
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too — the area’s diverse ecosystems are home to everything from coastal birds to Loggerhead Sea Turtles, which begin nesting in May.
Don’t worry, if you can’t swing a trip this Spring, the islands host a slew of events all year round, celebrating food, music, and family fun, including Fourth of July celebrations, Southern Grown on Sea Island, and the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival.
When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find accommodations ranging from luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy vacation rentals.
And wherever you stay, one thing’s guaranteed: amazing food. The Golden Isles serves up classic Southern flavors, fresh-caught seafood, and creative coastal twists that keep visitors coming back for seconds — and return trips.
The city aims to preserve city historic character, focusing on Charleston-inspired architecture.
Rendering provided by the City of Charleston
Announced
Mayor Cogswell’s “Project 3500,” an affordable housing initiative to create 3,500 net new housing units by 2032, has a new zoning classification: MU-3/WH (mixed-use + workforce housing). This zoning directly aims to protect long-term housing stability.
Development
City of Charleston officials say they’re fast-tracking the Johns Island recreation center. Plans for the Maybank Highway center include a basketball court, a playground, and a splash pad, all in one space. The conceptual designs were approved, and the project is now headed to the Board of Zoning Appeals. (WCSC)
Concert
Mark your calendars, Ella Langley is bringing The Dandelion Tour to the North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, July 25. Sign up for a chance to snag presale tickets on Thursday, Feb 5 at 10 a.m. Tickets go on sale to the rest of the public on Friday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m.
Job
Know someone looking for a job? Kiawah Island Golf Resort is hosting several on-site job fairs. Attendees will be eligible for sign-on bonuses: $100 for part-time and seasonal positions and $250 for full-time roles. The next event is at Mingo Point on Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 6 p.m.
Eat
Yes, please. Sugar Bakeshop has a new cookie, and they want your feedback. Tap here to see the creme brulee sugar cookies. If they taste half as good as they look, the Lowcountry is in for a real treat.
Arts
“Revelations: The Art of Leo Twiggs” is now on display at the Gibbes Museum until Sunday, May 3. The exhibition of Twiggs’ work here in his home state coincides with the 50th anniversary of his landmark solo exhibition at the Gibbes in 1976. (Holy City Sinner)
Sports
Dalton Bolon, a former College of Charleston athlete, set the Guinness World Record for most three-pointers made in 24-hours. Bolon sank 10,703 threes during a fundraiser that benefitted his friend Trevor Cherry, conditioning coach at Coker College, who is fighting stage-four colon cancer. Bolon raised $23,000+ for Cherry. (WCSC)
Fun Fact
Did you know? South Carolina State University’s band is performing on BET’s Super Bowl Soulful Celebration this Saturday at 7 p.m. The program will be hosted by former Carolina Panther Cam Newton. Fun fact: SC State Bulldog and current NFL athlete Javon Hargrave will be featured. (WIS)
Seasonal
We gave you the scoop on East Bay Deli’s Kids Night programming, and love is in the air for this month’s celebration. Join Valentine’s Day Craft & Candy events at select locations, February 5-11, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Heads up: the West Ashley event takes place tomorrow. See the full schedule.*
Perelel’s Triple-Support Protein is a clean, doctor-founded, and third-party tested protein powder, with each scoop delivering 20 grams of protein, three grams of creatine, and five grams of no-bloat fiber. Support muscle, brain, and gut health with 20% off using code 6AMCITY20.*
Health
February is about connection, from intimate dinners to catching the game with friends. Don’t let background noise get in the way. Horizon IX hearing aids use advanced German engineering for crystal-clear sound, all-day comfort, and a nearly invisible fit. No wonder 540,000+ customers love them. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
After I give curling a whirl, you’ll find me by this fireplace with a Cool Runnings cocktail.
Photo provided by Little Palm
🥌 Celebrate in style. Little Palm is bringing the energy of the 2026 Winter Games to the Lowcountry and has transformed into an Olympic-inspired playground. Stop by the Meeting Street spot this month for live fire-pit-side screenings and a cocktail menu inspired by participating countries. I’m all about the action, so catch me out back on the synthetic rink trying my hand at curling.
The Buy
Merit Beauty’s Signature Lip Blush. Available in eight pigmented shades, it applies like a lightweight balm with smooth, buildable color.
Congratulations to Ranen Sibug, a Buist Academy eighth grader. He was recently crowned the 2026 Charleston County School District Spelling Bee champ. He sealed the deal with the correct spelling of “bruschetta” in the 18th and final round.
The Top 10 spellers advance to the regional bee on Tuesday, March 10, and the winner of the regional bee will punch a ticket to the 2026 Scripps National Bee.
Photo provided by the Charleston County School District