Daily kayak tours, specialty kayak and boat tours + private charters are available. | Photo by Vive Media
You know our city is home to beaches and waterways galore, but how much have you really explored the Charleston sea islands or Kiawah River? Featuring 20 miles of winding coastal rivers, diverse wildlife + beautifulproperties, there’s no better way to explore Kiawah River than by boat.
Here’s how to play Lowcountry tourist for the day (or afternoon) and experience the scenic beauty of Kiawah River from a new perspective (via guided boat cruise or kayak adventure) with Coastal Expeditions Kiawah River Tour. And why not? This natural gem is only 20 miles from downtown.
The Details:Why go to South America when you can go on a safari right in your own backyard? Hop on board for a naturalist-led, safari-style cruise + a wildlife-spotting adventure. Open to all ages, so bring the family or a gang of friends.
Price: Adults: $50, kids: $40 (call (843) 884-7684 to schedule)
The Details: Catch a rare moment. See pelicans with their newly-hatched chicks (from a respectful distance) at one of only four active seabird + shorebird nesting sanctuaries on the South Carolina coast.
Price: Adults: $85, kids: $65 (call (843) 884-7684 to schedule)
Learn about the wildlife as you explore their ecosystem on a naturalist-led tour. | Photo by Vive Media
The Details: Venture off on a guided hike, and then travel into the water in expedition-style sea kayaks as you explore salty marshes, maritime landscapes + hidden creeks.
Price: Adults: $115 (call (843) 884-7684 to schedule)
The Details: While you can’t swim with the dolphins, you can kayak with them. This all-day, sea kayaking expedition includes close encounters with bottlenose dolphins. Kayakers will also enjoy lunch at Captain Sam’s Spit, where they will be joined by coastal birds + seaside treasures.
Price: Adults: $115 (call (843) 884-7684 to schedule)
To learn more + book your tour, check out the full tour details or call (843) 884-7684.*
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical | Tues., May 10-Wed., May 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. | $40.25+ | Follow the story of Carole King during this live musical event — grab tickets before “It’s Too Late.” 🎤
Wednesday
Inclusive Superhero Dance Party | Wed., May 11 | 6-8 p.m. | The Cooper River Room at Memorial Waterfront Park, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd., Mt. Pleasant | $4 | People with disabilities and their families are invited to a night of dancing, a DJ, and refreshments — come dressed as your favorite superhero.
Thursday
Cirque du Soleil: Crystal | Thurs., May 12-Sun., May 15 | Times vary | North Charleston Performing Arts Center | $45+ | Experience a blend of circus art and ice skating during this unique arena show. ⛸️
Sullivan’s Charcuterie Workshop @ Rusty Bull | Thurs., May 12 | 6-8 p.m. | Rusty Bull Brewing Co., 3005 W. Montague Ave. #110, North Charleston | $60 | Create a 8×8 charcuterie board for two — instructions will be given by Sullivan’s Board Co. + all supplies will be provided.
Friday
Cheers to Adoption | Fri., May 13 | 6-9 p.m. | New Realm Brewing Co., 880 Island Park Dr., Daniel Island | $75 | Support the South Carolina Chapter of Gift of Adoption with light bites, craft cocktails, a silent auction, music, cornhole, and prizes.
Saturday
New Mexico United at Charleston Battery | Sat., May 14 | 7 p.m. | Patriots Point Soccer Stadium, 85 Patriots Point Rd. | $12+ | Kick the weekend up a notch by cheering on the Lowcountry’s soccer team against New Mexico United. ⚽️
Sunday
The Assembly, Charleston | Sun., May 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Hotel Emeline, 181 Church St. | $250 | Snag tickets to this collaborative culinary experience featuring a five-course meal + live entertainment to benefit local support group Ben’s Friends.
Plan Ahead
3rd Sunday Market | Sun., May 22 | 12-4 p.m. | Estuary Beans & Barley, 3538 Meeks Farm Rd., Johns Island | Free | Estuary Beans & Barley’s monthly market is here — shop a rotating lineup of local vendors. 🛍
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery’s
new locationopens this Saturday in Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island, where Ladles Soups used to be. An opening party may be held in a few weeks with
free food, frosé + music — stay tuned for details. Swipe through
photos of the new digs at 190 Gardners Cir. here. 👀
Civic
Today at 10 a.m., Mayor Tecklenburg + Charleston artist Kelvin Blufton will unveil a tributeto first responders as part of the “Unity in the Community” initiative.The “ESCAPE” exhibit — aka East Side Civic Art Public Engagement — features paintings of first responders. Watch the unveiling atSt. Julian Devine Community Center at 1 Cooper St. 🖌️
Eat
Lowcountry Local First’s Eat Drink Local campaign is going on now through the end of May. Want to join in? Pledge $10+ of your weekly budget to spend on food, produce, and drinks from local sources such as farmers and brewers in the Charleston area. Sign up. (Charleston City Paper)
Traffic
Car boots may get the boot. Charleston is testing out a new parking penalty as an alternative to booting tires to avoid car damage during removal. The “barnacle” is a GPS-tracked yellow clamp suction-cupped to the windshield of a car. The new method may replace boots entirely. (The Post and Courier)
The South Carolina Film Commission + Trident Technical College are now accepting short film project submissions for their annual INDIE GRANTS program supporting SC filmmakers. The two winning projects will receive up to $35K + production assistance and will be announced in October. Submit hereby Aug. 1. 🎬
Environment
Sea turtle nesting season has begun on Kiawah Island, and nonprofit Kiawah Conservancy has shared
tips. Fill in holes and flatten sandcastles, turn off artificial lights, don’t disturb eggs, and avoid using flashlights on the beach unless covered by a red lens —
psssst: Grab a free filter at town hall or the nature center. Lay eyes on this sea turtle on Kiawah. 🐢
History
Did you know The South Carolina Historical Society, the state’s largest and oldest private archive, creates
monthly history columns? May’s column discusses Parson Weems, bestselling author of “The Life of Washington.” Check out previous This Month in SC History pieces hereand head to the museum at 100 Meeting St.
Edu
The University of South Carolina offers professional education + custom training classes designed to have an
immediatecareer impact and make you more marketable in today’s economy. Courses are
taught by industry experts both in-person and online. Learn more about available programs.*
Learn
Guten Morgen, Charleston.Learning a new language can feel
kompliziert (that’s German for “complicated”) but with Babbel,
it doesn’t have to be. Their bite-size, ten-minute lessons are designed to fit your lifestyle, and right now, you can get 60% off your subscription.*
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College of Charleston, The Citadel, Charleston Southern,and Trident Technical College held graduation ceremonies over the weekend (CSU with its largest class ever). These 10 snapshots of the CofC commencement capture the excitement + tradition of the event. 🌹
More local students will walk across the stage soon — Charleston School of Law graduation is this Saturday + MUSC graduation will be held on May 21.
Readers who attended college or grad school in the area, what made you choose a school in Charleston? Let us know.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick: I love recommending podcasts, so here’s one to check out. Local Emily Hill’s “Embracing Evolution” features stories of evolution + growth from individuals, brands, and businesses and discusses how to adapt in an ever-changing society. Listen in.
If your company is in need of a clear vision + voice, check out Emily’s business The Brand Evolutionist.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out a local’s guide to Charleston here.
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