🌴 Charleston’s $9B glow-up

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Happy Friday morning, Charleston. On this day in 1995, Shannon Faulkner was the the first female cadet to matriculate at The Citadel, under the escort of United States Marshalls. She’d spent the previous 2 years pursuing legal action to permit her to attend The Citadel, successfully asserting that the Citadel, which received state money, was "denying her equal protection under the Constitution”.

The following day, which was the first day of "Hell Week", Charleston was hit by 100-degree weather. A black flag was hoisted, which warned of the heat and signaled that cadets were to drink water frequently. After 6 days, Faulkner, along with 29 other cadets, left the institution.

Two decades later, in a 2012 interview with the Post and Courier, Faulkner said that what precipitated her leaving so abruptly was a threat to kill her parents by a person present when she entered. Her parents' home was also vandalized. In 1999, she told the Associated Press, "I went into it knowing I may not get anything out of it. I was doing it for the next woman."

Pat Conroy—one of my literary favorites, an adopted son of Charleston, and a Citadel grad—later helped pay for Faulkner’s college education.

Congrats to Bruce N. of Summerville, who was the 1st to guess correctly in our “Where Are We” segment last week! Our photo was St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church on King Street, across from Hotel Bennett.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday 90° / 76° ⛈️ 💧58%

Saturday 88° / 75° ⛈️ 💧65%

Sunday 88° / 75° ⛅ 💧24%

CURATED HAPPENINGS

Friday, August 15

Baking Italy: Focaccia, Artisan Loaves & Bomboloni Baking Class | 1 - 4 PM | Chef's Collective | Join for a hands-on exploration of Italian baking, where you'll master three iconic staples of Italian kitchens. In this workshop, you'll learn the techniques behind perfectly chewy focaccia, a hearty Italian crusty loaf, and bomboloni—light, airy doughnuts filled with pastry cream or jam.

Julia Child Dinner I 5 PM | The Glass Onion | This 17th annual event features a champagne toast and a three-course menu lifted straight from her legendary cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Reservations are required — please call (843) 225-1717 to book.

Firefly Friday: Karaoke Night | 7 - 10 PM | Firefly Distillery | Get ready to light up your Friday night with Karaoke at the distillery, where the spirits aren't just in your glass, but also in the air! From 7pm to 10pm, we're turning up the volume and pouring out the good times.

Saturday, August 16

South Carolina Stingrays Fan Fest I 10 AM | North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center | Join the Stingrays at Fan Fest 2025 as we kick off the 2025-26 season! This free, family-friendly event is your first chance to get back in the game-day spirit with exclusive experiences, including the official unveiling of the Stingrays' brand-new jerseys for the upcoming season.

CSOL Art Serenade | 11 AM - 5 PM | Park Circle Community Building | This is a one-day celebration where creativity, community, and classical music will come together in harmony. Hosted by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League, this unique event brings together live painting competitions, stunning local artwork, interactive instrument sculptures, a curated art market, food trucks, and memorable performances by CSO musicians, including Yury Bekker and special guests.

PoHo Night Market | 5 - 9 PM | Pour House | Shop goods from 40+ vendors including local artists, makers, vintage & vinyl collectors & more! Enjoy full bar service & live music on the deck + food from Jack of Cups Bebop in the container kitchen.

Sunday, August 17

Doggie Days of Summer | 10 AM - 2 PM | Magnolia Plantation I Bring your pup and enjoy the gardens! Featuring adoptable pets from Dorchester Paws, treats and toys from Michael’s Barkery, and music from DJ Jenny, all are welcome throughout the gardens, and the event is included with general admission.

Summer Farmers Market Series- Willie's Roadside Market at Boone Hall Farms | 11 AM - 2 PM I Boone Hall Plantation | This event is all about bringing the community together where everyone can feel welcome. There will be more than 20 local vendors taking part in this growing series-from fresh seafood, a variety of specialty foods, locally roasted coffee, small-batch goods, original local art and fresh, local produce grown right where this event takes place.

Local Vendors Market at Prohibition | 12 - 4 PM | Prohibition | Join us for our Local Vendors Market – Carnival Edition, where we’re turning up the summer vibes with local flair, carnival fun, and boozy delights. The event is free and open to the public and includes FREE Popcorn & Hot Dogs, Drink Specials and Live DJ – Bringing high energy and great beats all afternoon.

For a COMPLETE list of events in the Charleston area, bookmark the site below!

Conde Nast Traveler Bestows More Love

Okay, Charleston, we get it. Another Condé Nast Traveler article—“Now More Than Ever, Charleston Is in Charge”—just dropped, and we’re staring at a city high on its own Southern charm. And yes, buried in the back pages, they casually wink that Charleston just scored “Best Small City in the U.S.” again, this time for the third straight year and 13th time in 14 years. It’s old news at this point—like finding out your ex is still getting awards for remaining single.

What’s fresh, though, is this idea that Charleston isn’t resting on its laurels—or its pastel facades—but leaning into a cultural and ecological reinvention. Take the International African American Museum, rising above Gadsden’s Wharf. It’s part history lesson, part photo-op, and wholly essential for a city reckoning with its legacy while upping its aesthetic cachet.

Environmentalism isn't just a talking point—it’s real. The MARSH Project’s “Just Ecological Corridor” and revamped green spaces at Colonial Lake are giving the city serious eco‑upgrade cred. Cambridge, move aside—Charleston’s planting its roots deep and wet.

And let’s talk hotels. The Holy City’s hospitality scene is having a glow‑up—The Dunlin and the forthcoming The Cooper (with its coastal chic and eco-aware design) are proof that Charleston’s staying ahead of “blanket fort in a palace” syndrome.

Charleston’s artisans are making their mark, as Goldbug Collection and Brackish reimagine Southern style with designs you can spot across the room. On the food side, Bintü Atelier and Kultura are blending West African and Filipino flavors into the Lowcountry mix—Charleston’s ditching the shrimp and grits cliché and cooking up a revolution.

And yes, locals are still into the tourist racket—in the article, they’re peddling immersive experiences like Gullah Tours and recreational crabbing. The tone: “Come for the history, stay for the something real.”

In summary: The real headline shouldn’t be how many times Charleston has snagged the “Best” trophy. The real headline is how it's quietly reinventing itself—preserving history while embracing tomorrow, green corridors and global flavors included. It’s a hometown glow-up that’s earning all that tired old praise... even if today it’s just part of the encore.

IN THE COMMUNITY

• Things are tense as College of Charleston investigates building a new dorm on site of historic cemetery. Already built on the block is the former YWCA of Greater Charleston, a college parking garage and the college's Bell Building.

• CHS’s favorite talk show host was once the lead in a cover band. Stephen Colbert was Porter-Gaud’s version of Mick Jagger.

• The peninsula’s population has been dropping since the 1930’s. Until recently.

3 MOST-CLICKED FROM LAST WEEK

• Our events calendar. Planning your own event? Add it to our calendar with this super-easy form.

• Best Housing Markets for Home Buyers Currently in 2025. Maybe you wanted to find out what constituted “best”?

• What Southern Charm Cast Really Does For Work. You were just as intrigued as I was.

THE BULLETIN

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to thousands of friends?

Penny LaCuesta with Intercoastal Mortgage. It all starts with a strategy to pair your Charleston dream home with the perfect loan! I have a knack for numbers and turn the financing process into something you will enjoy. We have fun along the way, strategize and celebrate when you get the keys to your new home. Let's start the conversation!

Perlee Digital. Are customers actually finding your website? Too often, websites act like a digital business card, only reaching the people you have already met. At Perlee Digital, we create websites designed to rank, generate leads, and convert visitors into loyal customers - making your site your best salesperson. With a blend of beautiful design and organic SEO strategy, we help your business get found and grow through authentic, modern solutions. Schedule your free call today and see how we can serve your business!

Art Serenade is a one-day music and art festival happening in Park Circle TOMORROW! With $15 advance tickets, you’ll enjoy all-day performances from incredible classical musicians — in a relaxed, creative setting that’s anything but traditional. This family-friendly event features live art inspired by the music, food trucks, a local vendor market, repurposed musical instrument sculptures, and more. It’s all about making classical music and art accessible, engaging, and fun - whether you’re an artist, a music lover, or just curious. It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday with friends and family while supporting local talent.

The Farrell Group. Some agents chase likes. We chase results. Our playbook? Listen first, act fast, and make the deal happen without the ego trip. No gimmicks, no “look at me” videos—just 35+ years of serious real estate experience. And if you’re wondering how we just sold 2 Mount Pleasant homes at list, in WAY less time than the average… yeah, that’s our lane. When you’re ready for straight talk, smart moves, and closings that stick, call us.

WHERE ARE WE?

Each week, watch this space for a random snap from somewhere in Charleston. Where are we? Just hit reply to this email, or if you’re reading on our website, email me here. The first person to guess correctly will get a shout-out at the top of our issue next week!

I created a nice and easy form where YOU can send me a photo. But only if you think it will stump our eagle-eyed community. Click the button below if you do! Landscape (horizontal) orientation works best.

LIVE MUSIC LOCALLY

Don’t forget, we post live music for your work-week on the website every Monday morning!

Friday, August 15

The Hang on Hazelnut Isle 2025 I 4 PM | The Windjammer

Chris Boone I 5 PM | Wasabi of Daniel Island | Blending a songwriting influence from a lifetime of worldwide travel and musical influences, Chris Boone creates a musical expression driven to inspire and intrigue with an eclectic blend of unique compositions, a philosophically minimalist approach, and an emphasis on a quality delivery.

Drivin N Cryin - on the NÜTRL Beach Stage I 6 PM | The Windjammer

Sufferin' Moses I 6 PM | Henry's On The Market | Sufferin' Moses SOLO @ Henry's Ansonborough Lounge 6-9pm

MARALUSO // LILLY HARTLE & CO. // THE FIORI live at LO-FI | 7 - 11:30 PM | LO-Fi Brewing | A night of indie music at LOFi.

The Wood Brothers, Mason Via I 7:30 PM | The Refinery

Bizness Suit EP Release "Demolition Boogie" with Super Runaway & Faction 15. Door @ 7:30. Show @ 8:30. $10 21+ | 7:30 - 11:30 PM | Tin Roof | Come celebrate the release of Bizness Suit's new EP "Demolition Boogie"!age Green at Freshfields Village for a complimentary, outdoor concert featuring JAVA Band.

Saturday, August 16

Sunset Sessions at The Backyard | 4 - 7 PM | The Backyard at Little Palm | Escape to a tropical paradise every Saturday from 4-7pm with a rotating lineup of DJs for Sunset Sessions at The Backyard. Let the music carry you away as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a glow over our open-air paradise.

Corinne Letourneau I 5 PM | Kiawah River | Originally from Hendersonville, North Carolina, Corinne has a diverse musical background, and has been teaching and performing professionally for over 20 years.

 Summer Sax Session ft. The Louie D. Experience | 6 - 9 PM | New Realm Brewing Co. | Get ready for a groovy night with live saxophone tunes by The Louie D. Experience at our Summer Sax Session!

Music @ Two Blokes with Jack Treibold! | 6 - 9 PM | Two Blokes Brewing | Join us for live music from local musician Jack Triebold.

Sister Hazel on the NÜTRL Beach Stage - Saturday I 6 PM | The Windjammer

Old Mervs w/ Colors in Corduroy | 9 PM - 1:30 AM | Pour House | Catch rising Australian indie-rock duo Old Mervs live at the Charleston Pour House on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Sunday, August 17

Sister Hazel on the NÜTRL Beach Stage - Sunday Afternoon I 11:30 AM | The Windjammer

Motown Throwdown | 1:30 - 5 PM | Pour House |  Motown Throwdown I Patrons of the farmers market will have access to the deck bar and deck restrooms throughout the market.

Sufferin' Moses I 5 PM | Saltwater Cowboys | Sufferin' Moses solo @ Saltwater Cowboys 5-8pm

Jackson Truluck I 5:30 PM | Marsh House | Jackson is an award-winning singer/songwriter from the upstate of South Carolina. There’s no denying his natural talent as he plows full speed ahead forging his own path.

Cowboy Mouth - on the NÜTRL Beach Stage I 6 PM | The Windjammer

Natalie Brooke + Tand | 7:30 - 11 PM | Pour House | Rock, Funk

ICYMI

Another brewery is closing downtown. Rusty Bull Brewing announced it was quadrupling its brewing capacity by buying a Bluffton brewery AND closing its King Street location.

Stars Grill Room & Rooftop Bar is shutting down a piece of its business. Maybe now it’ll be known as “Stars Event Space & Rooftop Bar”?

Huckberry put together its list of each state’s best dive bar. One guess which SC institution made the cut.

A retailer founded by 2 sisters and specializing in customizable bags, pouches, and travel accessories is coming to 316 King Street. Stoney Clover Ln. products are noted for their vibrant colors, whimsical patterns, and playful collaborations (such as with Disney and TV shows like "Friends").

A restaurant that lasts close to 4 decades has to be doing something very well. Charleston Grill’s time is coming to a close on August 23, and will be replaced by a “fresh new dining concept”.

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FEEDBACK

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