Parks and Recreation

A rotating gif featuring photos of young children playing tennis + pickleball on blue courts in athletic clothing, being instructed by adult and older teen coaches. LTP (Live to Play Tennis) logo is visible on the fence on the edge of the courts.
Travel and Outdoors
🎾 The local program helping young players find their swing
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This photo shows a rainy day in the French Quater.
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10+ free things to do in Charleston
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Charleston, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
September 3, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
A aerial view of Charleston. You can see tops of buildings, a church steeple and greenery.
History
A look at how Charleston claimed its official city status
From settlement to city, we’re taking a look back at the path Charleston took to becoming official.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
dog with sunglasses
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Dog-friendly business guide for Charleston
Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Charleston that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, swim, and stay the night.
August 11, 2025
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Staff
A water bird flies over the marsh.
Travel and Outdoors
Go birding around Charleston
Use this guide to spot a variety of birds along the Charleston shore, in the sky, and on land.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
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Play
Take a hike: A guide to trails around Charleston
Looking for the perfect hike? This curated guide highlights tried-and-true trails in the area — plus everything you should know about them, from difficulty level to accessibility and beyond.
June 11, 2025
 · 
Staff
A family looks at a turtle in the aquarium.
Play
Kid-friendly activities in Charleston
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Charleston, SC has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
May 30, 2025
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Staff
Charleston County water parks
Parks and Recreation
Makin’ a splash: Charleston County water parks are ready for summer
With summer around the corner, here are three ways to cool off around the Holy City.
May 6, 2025
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Tatum Jacaruso
Visitors browse a vibrant indoor art exhibit showcasing mixed media, sculptures, and colorful wall hangings. People of various ages engage with the artwork, some admiring stained glass, fiber art, or abstract pieces. Sculptures of animals and intricate textures create a lively, creative atmosphere within a spacious, well-lit venue.
Culture
What you can expect at the 42nd annual North Charleston Arts Fest
The North Charleston Arts Fest is a free five-day celebration that will include performances, activities, and exhibits at a variety of venues throughout the city.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
This conceptual illustration depicts a mixed-use development adjacent to a waterfront. The layout features a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, including mid-rise apartment buildings, retail shops, green courtyards, and community gathering areas. Tree-lined streets and pedestrian pathways promote walkability, while parking areas are discreetly integrated. A marina or dock extends into the water, enhancing the coastal appeal. Architectural styles blend modern and traditional elements, creating a welcoming village-like atmosphere. The surrounding landscape includes lush greenery and open space, providing a natural buffer between structures and the shoreline.
Real Estate
Updates on Patriots Annex, a mixed-use project planned for Mount Pleasant
This waterfront work, live, and play project aims to bring marinas, offices, hotels + tourist attractions, restaurants, parks, and homes to the area.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
This photo shows Kelsea Ballerini performing on stage under a soft spotlight, creating an intimate and ethereal atmosphere. Seated on a stool, she strums an acoustic guitar and sings into a microphone, her focus deep and emotional. She wears a layered tulle dress paired with sparkling knee-high boots, adding elegance and glamour to the moment. The background is dimly lit, with a drum set visible behind her.
Events
Answered: Where Kelsea Ballerini should visit on her next trip to Charleston
Did you know? Ballerini collaborated with Apple Maps to highlight a few of her favorite Lowcountry spots.
April 7, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
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A gorgeous home in Isle of Palms, SC. It has multiple floors, a decked pool, balconies, and is surrounded by greenery. we are stationed high above, and can see rolling green in the distance.
Real Estate
Hot homes: Doubling the price of local real estate listings
Charleston is among the hottest real estate markets heading into 2026, so we wanted to investigate.
December 10, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A photo of bright yellow Carolina Jessamine flowers.
Travel and Outdoors
How to turn your Charleston yard into a mini wildlife haven
A grassroots effort is helping Lowcountry properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
December 8, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
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Small Business
Winners announced for CHStoday’s Best 2025
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
December 8, 2025
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
A GIF of guests at the South Carolina Aquarium during Aquarium Aglow.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Charleston
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
December 3, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A satellite image about Charleston. The city is labeled with a blue dot, and there are blue lines heading north, east, south, and west to the edge of the screen.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Charleston’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west, the world awaits.
December 1, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
CHS-OddDuckMarket.png
Small Business
Our Charleston-based Small Business Saturday shopping picks
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle to your holiday shopping.
November 25, 2025
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Staff
Route 66
Culture
Asked: To celebrate the anniversary of Route 66, send in your road trip memories
We’ll get it started with a family road trip along Route 66 to Charleston in the 1970s.
November 18, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
The photo above shows a white home with lots of windows and two brick chimneys, which will be featured in the new Charles Towne Farms.
Real Estate
Charles Towne Farms to offer homes with acres of space
The Charles Towne Farms development emphasizes open green spaces, luxury living, and architectural design.
November 18, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
A white bowl of she grab soup garnished with green herbs on top of white plate with a silver utensil on the side paired with a pink cocktail.
Food
10+ Cozy Charleston soup spots to warm your soul
From creamy chowders to hearty broths, these local favorites will keep you toasty all season long.
November 17, 2025
 · 
Erika Ross
A bartender pours a beverage in a sippin santa mug.
Fa-la-la-la-libations: Holiday pop-up bars around Charleston
These holiday pop-up bars will get you in the festive mood.
November 13, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam