🌴 Ladybird Books makes a bold entrance

Happy Friday morning, Charleston! Charleston’s newest media magnate was just interviewed on a podcast. If you’re interested and have time—all I’m looking for is 45 minutes—check out my interview with TJ Larkin of Local Newsletter Insider. I go into my journey from commercial real estate broker to Charleston residential real estate broker to local newsletter publisher. And how I’m CONSTANTLY learning what works and what doesn’t. All with the goal of keeping this thing engaging for y’all.

I asked you last week whether you wanted me to jettison our “main story” feature in favor of more events. It was pretty much split down the middle. So I’m keeping it in. And giving you more events. How? Check it out below under our Curated Happenings section.

Congrats to Scott M. of Mount Pleasant and Matthew A. of Wagener Terrace, who both guessed correctly—at the same time— in our “Where Are We” segment last week! It was a tough one, which is why I used a collage of photos. I was on Sullivans Island on one of the prettiest streets in Charleston: I’On Avenue, between Station 17 and 18. Senior Officers Row, a collection of 11 homes built around 1902, was part of the Fort Moultrie Military Reservation.

Friday 68° / 43° ☀️ 💧6%

Saturday 68° / 48° ☀️ 💧5%

Sunday 69° / 50° 🌧️ 💧32%

Halloween Carnival & Witches Dance I 5 - 7 PM | Folly River Park I Check out this family-friendly celebration featuring games, costume contests, treats, and a festive witches dance performance

SC Ballet Presents: Dracula Ballet with a Bite I 7:30 PM | Charleston Music Hall | A seductive, high-energy Halloween performance brimming with chills, alluring costumes, and electrifying dance.

Landis & Red Cup Nation I 8 PM | Building 64 North Charleston | Charleston's top DJs and some out of town friends are getting together for not just an epic party, it's a WareHOUSE Halloween Party

GHOST ON THE COAST I 9 PM | Bowens Island Sunset View Dock | Join us at our haunted shipwreck with a live DJ, tattoo pop up by local artists + other local vendors.

2025 Charleston Scottish Games | 8 AM - 5 PM | Riverfront Park | Experience a lively day of Scottish culture, thrilling athletic competitions, and bagpipe-filled festivities at the 54th Annual Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering

Bark in the Park 2025 | 10 AM - 2 PM | Daniel Island Waterfront Park | Take your family and favorite pup and enjoy the pooch party of the year at the 5th Annual Bark in the Park festival.

The Siren's Ball | 7 - 11 PM | South Carolina Aquarium | It's bound to be a magical evening under the sea. Get ready to dance the night away surrounded by mesmerizing marine life.

Fall Food Truck Feastival | Firefly Distillery | Celebrate the flavors of the season at Firefly Distillery's Fall Food Truck Feastival.

Rancho Lewis Dia de Los Muertos Celebration | 11 AM - 3 PM | Rancho Lewis | Enjoya vibrant and colorful celebration of Dia de los Muertos, a joyful tradition of life and remembrance.

The Music of Lord of The Rings, The Hobbit, & Rings of Power in Concert | 4 PM | Charleston Music Hall| In concert with a special guest from the films, a symphonic orchestra and the Oscar-winning music of Ed Sheeran, Howard Shore, Annie Lennox, Enya, and more great composers.

MashFest 2025 | Holy City Brewing | Join us for the 3rd annual Mashfest - Charleston's premier celebration of smoke and spirits.

For a while, that button below would take you to our events calendar. I’m changing things up. Each week going forward, I’ll curate more events and publish them on their own dedicated page, which that button will link to. It’s my way of giving you what you’ve asked for AND staying in the Gmail Clipping God’s good graces.

Halloween is a state of mind and isn’t just one day. Especially in Charleston. We’ve curated a TON of fun stuff for big and little kids.

I attended a sneak peek party Wednesday evening of the new Ladybird Books at 299 King Street. My expectations were WAY exceeded, even though I was already primed following my early-October interview with Ladybird’s founder, Summer Anderson.

Some of the building’s original character still shines through, like the funky tile floor that spills right onto the corner of King and Liberty. Inside, new touches — a curved corner bench, playful window art, and tidy shelves stacked with colorful reads — make the place feel fresh and full of life. Art deco-style sconces mix with mid-century chairs, and framed art and quirky decor keep things interesting. Warm tones and plenty of texture tie it all together, giving the space that cozy-but-cool Charleston vibe.

Ladybird Books is a fabulous debutant to Charleston’s bookstore scene.

We’re somewhere in the Charleston area and it’s your job to guess where. Just 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!

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A Dracula-inspired ballet and a gala at The Gaillard celebrating 10 years. Check out all the live music below.

Got 15 seconds? Let us know what you thought about today’s newsletter by voting in the poll below (you’ll be done MUCH faster than cars on Johnnie Dodds at 4:00 PM on a Friday). 👇