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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — After a year-long hiatus, the Park Circle Art Walk is returning on October 10, 2026, with its most ambitious event yet. Founded in 2020 by artist and curator Morgan East as a grassroots response to the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Art Walk has grown from a one-off experiment into one of the neighborhood’s most anticipated community arts events.

What began with just 30 artists and approximately 900 attendees has expanded into a free annual celebration drawing more than 65 artists and close to 2,000 visitors. The event transforms the Park Circle neighborhood into a living, walkable gallery where artists exhibit their work in front yards, parks, and public spaces throughout the community.

“To me, the Park Circle Art Walk feels much like a fun front yard party celebrating art with neighbors and friends,” said artist, Tate Nation, who has participated in the event since its inception in 2020. “The crowds always come, and I love seeing the community coming together to enjoy the event! One of my favorite perks of exhibiting in the art walk is that I’ve been fortunate to meet several new neighbors, make new friends, and I’ve always enjoyed catching up with some old friends, too.”

This year’s return marks an exciting new chapter for the Art Walk with the introduction of curated pop-up mobile Uhual galleries located on Churchill Rd. Inspired by innovative arts activations in cities like New York and Los Angeles, these gallery spaces will showcase artists in unexpected environments while giving the curators creative freedom on how they utilize each truck. 

The inaugural mobile gallery program will be curated by Paperweight, Second Life Supply, Redux Contemporary Art Center, Third Space Charleston, and the Goose Creek Artist Guild. Each curator will develop a unique exhibition experience featuring a selection of artists.

The Art Walk will also serve as a fundraiser for HEART Inclusive Arts Community, which recently moved into a new facility on Jenkins Avenue in Park Circle. HEART provides visual arts, music, and performing arts mentorship and community engagement for adult artists with disabilities who want to grow and develop their skills. In addition to the 10% of sales from the U-Haul galleries, the Art Walk will use its platform to increase awareness of HEART and its work within the community.

In addition to visual arts, attendees can enjoy live performances throughout the day, artist demos, youth artist exhibitions, family-friendly programming, and opportunities to engage directly with artists. People are encouraged to explore the event on their bikes, golf carts, scooters, or even on foot as most of the activities take place within a ½ mile radius. Nidum Gallery will host an after party at Storehouse 9 in the Navy Yard from 4–7 pm with music, snacks, and drinks as well as the closing reception of artist and photographer, KELA’s solo show, EXPOSED: roll one. 

Admission to the Park Circle Art Walk is free and open to the public.

Event Details

Park Circle Art Walk
Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 11 am to 4 pm
After Party at Storehouse 9 in the Navy Yard from 4 pm to 7 pm 
Starting location: Park Circle Pavilion, 4800 Park Circle
North Charleston, South Carolina
Free Admission

For artist information, event updates, and the map, click here. 

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — After 11 years of serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and locally roasted coffee to the Park Circle community, The Junction Kitchen & Provisions is asking its neighbors for help.

In an emotional message shared with customers, owner Kimana said the longtime neighborhood restaurant is facing a difficult period and is asking the community to step through its doors and help the business move from “hoping to survive” toward a more sustainable future.

The Junction opened in 2014, when Park Circle was still developing on the Spruill Avenue side of the neighborhood. Kimana said she took a significant personal financial risk to open the restaurant, without outside investors, relying instead on her own resources and the help of friends, family and neighbors.

Her vision was about more than opening another restaurant.

She wanted to create a gathering place where neighbors could meet over a meal or coffee, connect with one another and build relationships.

That vision has become a central part of The Junction’s identity.

“When I opened The Junction 11 years ago, I wanted to be part of my Park Circle neighborhood in a deeper way — not simply as a business owner, but as a neighbor,” Kimana wrote.

The restaurant became known as one of the area’s early all-day breakfast destinations and later expanded its offerings to include brunch. For Kimana, however, some of The Junction’s most meaningful moments have happened around the coffee station, where customers could grab their favorite mug, meet a neighbor and, in some cases, make a new friend.

Now, she is asking those same neighbors to return.

“If you’ve been thinking about coming in, please make it happen this weekend or upcoming week,” she wrote. “Come have breakfast, brunch or lunch with us, introduce us to a new or old friend, and let us nourish you in this space we’ve built for you.”

Kimana emphasized that every customer matters as the restaurant works through its current challenges.

But the message wasn’t simply a request for people to spend money. She also asked customers to provide honest feedback about their experiences at The Junction.

She invited current and former customers to share what they love about the restaurant, what they would like to see return, what they would like added to the menu and, importantly, what the restaurant could do better.

She said understanding why some customers have stopped coming is just as important as hearing from those who continue to visit.

“I want to listen, learn and make sure we’re giving this community the experience it wants and deserves,” she wrote.

The Junction is also looking for new ways to bring people through its doors. The restaurant is available for private evening events and is encouraging the community to consider using the space for gatherings such as karaoke, trivia nights, art classes, book clubs, movie clubs and open mic events.

For customers who want to visit, The Junction has encouraged guests to make reservations through its online reservation system. A digital waitlist is also available for those who prefer to join from home.

Kimana’s message ultimately comes down to a simple request: Don’t let a longtime neighborhood gathering place disappear without giving it a chance to continue.

“The Junction Kitchen has been a staple part of this community for 11 years, and we hope to continue to be here for many more,” she wrote. “We love Park Circle, we love our Junction team, and we aren’t ready to give up.”

For a restaurant built around the idea of community, the next chapter may depend on that community showing up.

The Junction Kitchen & Provisions is located in Park Circle in North Charleston.

Reservations: The Junction reservation page

Join the waitlist: The Junction waitlist

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Photo credit: The Junction Kitchen

Residents encouraged to learn about concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products and access local prevention and recovery resources through Bridge2Hope

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The City of North Charleston is alerting residents to growing concerns surrounding concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, a potent substance associated with kratom that is increasingly available in products sold online and at smoke shops, gas stations and convenience stores.

While 7-OH occurs naturally in very small amounts in the kratom plant, concentrated and synthetic 7-OH products are different from traditional kratomleaf. These products may contain significantly elevated amounts of 7-OH and are commonly sold as tablets, gummies, powders, drink mixes, shots and dissolvable strips.

Federal health officials are increasingly sounding the alarm.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration describes concentrated 7-OH products as potent opioid products that have not been proven safe or effective for any use. The FDA has received reports of adverse effects associated with 7-OH products, including addiction, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal distress, insomnia, seizures and withdrawal symptoms. There are currently no FDA-approved drugs containing 7-OH.

In July 2026, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced its intent to temporarily place certain 7-OH substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, citing their high potential for abuse and lack of an accepted medical use. The proposed federal action targets synthetic 7-OH and products containing elevated concentrations rather than botanical kratom containing naturally occurring trace levels.

Products Can Be Easy to Overlook

Part of the concern is how these substances are sold and marketed.

Concentrated 7-OH can appear in products that may not immediately look like opioids. Products are available in forms such as flavored gummies, tablets and small drink shots, and may be marketed using terms such as 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy, 7-HMG, 7-OHMG or 7-OH-mitragynine.

The FDA has warned that some products promoted as “enhanced” or “spiked” kratom may also contain substantially more 7-OH than would naturally occur in kratom leaf.

This makes awareness particularly important for parents, caregivers and community members who may not recognize these products or understand their potential risks.

What Residents Should Know

The City encourages residents to:

• Know what 7-OH looks like. Be aware that it may be sold as tablets, gummies, powders, shots and other products.
• Look beyond the word “kratom.” Packaging may instead use names such as 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy or 7-HMG.
• Do not assume a product is safe because it is available for purchase. The FDA states that there are no FDA-approved drugs containing 7-OH and recommends that consumers avoid 7-OH products.
• Talk openly with teens and young adults. Discuss the risks of using substances purchased online, at convenience stores, smoke shops or from friends.
• Recognize signs of dependence. Regular use can lead to cravings, withdrawal symptoms and difficulty stopping.
• Seek credible help. People who are concerned about their own substance use or that of someone they care about should turn to qualified health care professionals and trusted recovery resources.

The City also urges residents to be cautious about products or online services claiming to provide a quick solution for 7-OH dependence. As awareness of 7-OH grows and regulations change, companies are increasingly advertising products and services directly to people seeking to reduce or stop their use. No medication containing 7-OH has been approved by the FDA to treat withdrawal, addiction or any other medical condition.

Recovery Is Possible. Help Is Available.

For individuals struggling with 7-OH, kratom, opioids or other substances — and for family members concerned about someone they love — help is available in the community.

The City of North Charleston‘s Bridge2Hope app connects residents with local overdose prevention, treatment and recovery resources in one convenient place.

Through Bridge2Hope, residents can find:

• Naloxone locations
• 24/7 recovery support through FAVOR Lowcountry
• Local support groups
• Sober living resources
• Resources for veterans
• Support for families
• Local overdose information and additional recovery resources

Download Bridge2Hope for naloxone locations and 24/7 support:

https://qr1.be/VFH8

If you believe someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available.

Knowing what’s out there, recognizing the risks and knowing where to turn for help can make a difference.

Know the signs. Make the call. Save a life.

About Bridge2Hope

Bridge2Hope is a community resource connecting residents of the greater Charleston area and the surrounding Tri-County area with opioid overdose prevention, treatment, recovery and family support resources. The app provides convenient access to local naloxone locations, recovery services, support groups and 24/7 assistance.

SOURCE City of North Charleston

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[CHARLESTON COUNTY] – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) recently acquired property adjacent to the Sol Legare boat landing on James Island. 

The property is over 4 acres in size, including marsh and wetlands, with 3 acres of highland. CCPRC purchased the property with the intention to expand parking at the boat landing in the future while also protecting open space along the water’s edge.

“This addition is important to CCPRC’s inventory, as it represents one of the last undeveloped properties in close proximity to any of our boat landings. We will have the ability to expand this landing’s parking in the future, potentially doubling its current capacity,” said CCPRC Senior Planner Matthew Moldenhauer.

The Sol Legare boat landing provides boat access to the Stono River. As Charleston County’s population continues to grow rapidly, the demand for parking at boat landings throughout the county is increasing as well. By expanding parking at the Sol Legare boat landing, CCPRC hopes to alleviate some of the pressure at other popular boat landings throughout the area.

The property was purchased from private owners who desired that it be available for public use and enjoyment.

CCPRC operates and maintains the Sol Legare boat landing, along with 18 other public boat landings located throughout Charleston County. For more information on the landing and for updates on the expansion, visitCharlestonCountyParks.com. 

The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, three beach parks, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, a historic plantation site, a skate park, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs and much more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.

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South Carolina Ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District signed a feasibility study agreement today, marking the first step toward investigating additional depth to North Charleston Terminal, which is currently maintained at 48 feet.

Charleston Harbor already has the deepest harbor in the Southeast at 52 feet. The successful deepening of this stretch would enable all SC Ports’ container terminals to handle the biggest ship at any tide, further enhancing port competitiveness.

“Deepening this final stretch makes our port more competitive and supports our long-term plan to modernize and enhance North Charleston Terminal,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said. “Having the deepest harbor in the Southeast ensures expedited logistics for port customers and enhances South Carolina’s competitiveness, helping to drive cargo growth and create jobs.”

Charleston Harbor was successfully deepened in 2022 to 52 feet — including up to SC Ports’ Wando and Leatherman Terminals — to accommodate two-way traffic and vessels sailing at any tide. Adding additional depth to this stretch of the Cooper River — between Leatherman and North Charleston Terminals — will complete the deepening project for the Port of Charleston.

Today’s agreement starts the Army Corps’ engineering, environmental and economic analysis of the proposed upper harbor deepening. Congress authorized the study in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, and federal funding was included in the FY26 Federal Appropriations.

“SC Ports, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the SC Legislature and the Congressional delegation worked together for more than a decade to successfully deepen Charleston Harbor, giving South Carolina a lasting competitive advantage,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “This next deepening effort aligns with the port’s mission to deliver projects that support economic growth and jobs throughout South Carolina.”

“Building on the success of the Charleston Harbor Post 45 Deepening Project, the Charleston District looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the South Carolina Ports Authority and stakeholders to evaluate options for improving navigation and to strengthen the economy of South Carolina and the nation,” said Lt. Col. Todd Mainwaring, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, commander.

Federal support:

“The agreement to begin a feasibility study to deepen the Upper Harbor shipping channel of Charleston Harbor is an important step forward for the Lowcountry and South Carolina’s economy. This project will help make sure the region remains an epicenter of the East Coast’s port system, supporting jobs, businesses, and manufacturers across our state. I am grateful to President Trump, the partnership of the South Carolina Ports Authority and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as the efforts of all those who have helped make this project possible.” – U.S. Senator Tim Scott

“The Port of Charleston is the economic engine of our state. Ensuring the harbor remains the deepest harbor in the Southeast preserves the Port’s competitiveness and efficiency by attracting the biggest container ships in the world. It’s vital we examine the feasibility of deepening the Upper Harbor. I look forward to reviewing its findings and working with stakeholders to make sure the federal government remains helpful and engaged.” – U.S. Senator Darline Graham

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Source: Dredge Wire

By Mark A Leon

If you love pickles—or simply appreciate a festival that refuses to take itself too seriously—September is bringing a very big, very briny weekend to Charleston.

Pickle Palooza III: A Briny Bash returns to Charleston September 18–20, 2026, expanding from a one-day festival into a full three-day weekend following last year’s reported sellout and strong demand. The festival will take place at 1734 Signal Point Road in Charleston, at Cannon Distillery. 

Official Pickle Palooza website⁠

Three Days. Three Different Ways to Get Your Brine On.

Organizers are giving each day its own personality.

Friday, September 18 — Palooza Kickoff Party
6–10 p.m.

The weekend begins with a pickle-powered happy hour and dance party featuring pickle-inspired drinks, food, a DJ, themed photo opportunities and early access to festival merchandise. 

Saturday, September 19 — The Main Festival
2–6 p.m.

Saturday is the big event—and the day for serious pickle enthusiasts. The festival promises 40+ food, retail and artisan vendors, live entertainment, pickle competitions, interactive games, pickleball activities, themed photo installations and plenty of opportunities to sample the goods. 

Expect everything from pickle-inspired dishes and drinks to the wonderfully ridiculous competitions that have helped make Pickle Palooza a Charleston curiosity.

Among the planned activities are pickle tasting, pickle-eating and pickle-juice-chugging contests, pickle bobbing, pickle-themed games and Clash of the Cukes, a competition highlighting some of Charleston’s best pickles. 

And this year, pickleball gets a much bigger role, with organizers promising expanded activities, challenges and opportunities for newcomers and experienced players alike. 

Sunday, September 20 — Pickle Brunch & Market
11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Sunday slows things down with a pickle-inspired brunch and market. Guests can expect brunch dishes, mimosa and Bloody Mary bars, artisan vendors, live acoustic music and a more relaxed atmosphere to close out the weekend. 

Tickets & Planning Ahead

General admission tickets are available for individual days, while a VIP Weekend Pass provides access to all three days, early entry, exclusive merchandise and access to a Saturday VIP lounge. Ticket prices increase as the event approaches and ticket batches sell out. 

Pickle Palooza tickets⁠

The festival is family-friendly, with children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Alcohol will be available, but guests must be 21 or older with valid ID to drink. Organizers also note that parking is limited and encourage carpooling or rideshare services. 

Whether you’re passionate about fermented cucumbers, curious about pickleball, looking for a wildly unconventional weekend outing—or just want to see what happens when Charleston goes all-in on pickles—Pickle Palooza III is shaping up to be one of the city’s most unusual festivals of the fall.

After all, Charleston has festivals for food, wine, music and art.

Why not pickles? 🥒

Pickle Palooza III
📅 September 18–20, 2026
📍 1734 Signal Point Road, Charleston, SC
🌐 thepicklepalooza.com⁠
🎟️ Tickets & festival information⁠

Photo credit: Pickle Palooza

By Mark A Leon

Food lovers have another reason to dine out across the Lowcountry this September as Indigo Road Hospitality’s third annual Charleston Restaurant Week returns September 3–13, 2026.

The 11-day celebration brings together nine restaurants from the Indigo Road family, offering diners specially created three-course dinner menus for $55 per person, with Oak Steakhouse priced at $60 per person.

It’s an opportunity to experience some of Charleston’s best-known restaurants while enjoying special menus designed specifically for Restaurant Week.

Nine Charleston Restaurants, One Delicious Week

This year’s participating restaurants span downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island, giving diners plenty of options for exploring different neighborhoods and culinary styles.

Participating restaurants include:

• Brasserie La Banque — 1 Broad St., Charleston
• Edmund’s Original — 1081 Morrison Dr., Charleston
• Indaco — 526 King St., Charleston
• Oak Steakhouse — 17 Broad St., Charleston
• O-Ku Charleston — 463 King St., Charleston
• Two Bit Club — 93 Society St., Charleston
• Shokudō — 479B King St., Charleston
• Post House — 101 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant
• The Kingstide — 32 River Landing Dr., Daniel Island

The lineup offers something for nearly every appetite, from Italian-inspired dishes and sushi to steakhouse favorites, contemporary American cuisine and creative neighborhood dining.

A Chance to Try Somewhere New

Restaurant Week is often about more than finding a good deal. It’s an excuse to step outside your usual dining routine.

Have you always wanted to try Oak Steakhouse? Looking for a new date-night destination on King Street? Maybe it’s time to make the trip to Daniel Island for dinner at The Kingstide.

With nine restaurants participating, diners can turn the week into their own personal Charleston food tour.

And because the promotion runs for 11 days, there are opportunities to fit Restaurant Week into everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a special weekend outing.

Reservations Are Recommended

Restaurant Week is expected to bring increased demand, so reservations are recommended.

Diners can make reservations through OpenTable, where participating restaurants can be found and availability checked.

Make reservations through OpenTable⁠

For complete details about Indigo Road’s Restaurant Week menus and participating restaurants, visit:

Indigo Road Charleston Restaurant Week⁠

Put It on Your Charleston Calendar

Indigo Road Charleston Restaurant Week
📅 September 3–13, 2026
🍽️ Three-course dinner: $55 per person
🥩 Oak Steakhouse: $60 per person
📍 Nine participating restaurants across Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island
📅 Reservations recommended

Whether you’re looking for a new favorite restaurant, a memorable night out or simply an excuse to eat your way through Charleston, Indigo Road’s Restaurant Week is a delicious way to celebrate the Lowcountry dining scene.

Grab your appetite, gather your friends and make a reservation—Charleston Restaurant Week is back.

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By Mark A Leon

There are coffee shops you visit for the caffeine—and then there are coffee shops that become part of your daily rhythm.

In Goose Creek, Ra Coffee Company has built something that feels distinctly more personal: a neighborhood gathering place where a morning coffee can turn into a conversation, a quick breakfast becomes a familiar routine, and customers are treated less like transactions and more like neighbors.

Located at 110 S. Goose Creek Blvd., Ra Coffee Company describes its mission simply: quality products, outstanding service and an atmosphere that feels like being “at home with family.” That philosophy is at the heart of what makes the business feel.

More than a cup of coffee

Ra Coffee’s menu makes it easy to see why the shop has become more than a coffee stop. Specialty coffees, lattes, cappuccinos and mochas share the menu with teas, smoothies, Lotus energy drinks and other specialty beverages. There is also a food component that makes Ra a natural destination for breakfast or a casual lunch.

Customers can choose from breakfast sandwiches, New York bagels, sandwiches, keto and low-carb options, and a selection of pastries baked in-house. 

That combination matters in a community like Goose Creek. A neighborhood coffee shop doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it simply needs to be a place where people can grab a good cup of coffee, pick up something to eat and know they’ll see a familiar face.

The small-town feeling

Perhaps Ra Coffee Company’s greatest strength isn’t found on the menu at all.

It’s the feeling.

There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about having a local place where the staff recognize regular customers, where people linger for a few minutes longer than necessary and where the morning rush still manages to feel personal.

Even as Goose Creek continues to grow, businesses like Ra Coffee help preserve that small-town quality—the sense that a community isn’t simply a collection of neighborhoods and subdivisions, but a collection of relationships.

Ra’s own description of creating an atmosphere that feels like home speaks directly to that idea. 

And while the company has expanded beyond its original shop, that community-centered philosophy remains part of its identity. Ra operates additional Goose Creek locations, including locations serving the military community. 

A place to make part of your routine

The beauty of a neighborhood coffee shop is that it can mean something different to everyone.

For one person, Ra might be the place to grab an iced latte on the way to work. For another, it’s a breakfast sandwich and a pastry before starting the day. For someone else, it’s simply the familiar stop where the people behind the counter know their order.

And that’s what makes Ra Coffee Company worth celebrating.

In an era of increasingly large, polished and impersonal chains, there is something special about a local coffee shop that still feels connected to the people it serves.

Ra Coffee Company isn’t just selling coffee in Goose Creek. It’s helping create the kind of community destination that makes a growing town still feel like home.

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Photo credit. Ra Coffee

By Mark A Leon

Johns Island is getting ready for another addition to its growing restaurant scene — and this one promises to bring plenty of smoke, barbecue and personality to the island.

Anthony DiBernardo, the chef and owner behind Swig & Swine, recently announced that he is bringing a new concept to John’s Island, located next to Wild Olive.

The news was shared with a simple message to the community: “Get ready, John’s Island.”

While details about the new restaurant have not yet been released, the announcement has already generated excitement among local food lovers. The new location will expand the Swig & Swine family into another corner of the Charleston area, giving Johns Island residents a chance to experience DiBernardo’s approach to barbecue closer to home.

Swig & Swine has built its reputation around traditional barbecue, smoked meats and a laid-back, neighborhood atmosphere. DiBernardo’s restaurants have become a familiar part of the Charleston dining landscape, combining serious barbecue with the kind of casual environment that makes people want to linger.

The John’s Island announcement also comes with an interesting backstory.

In a social media post celebrating the deal, DiBernardo recalled advice he received years ago from Sal Parco: “The one thing that will make you money in the restaurant business is the real estate.”

For years, DiBernardo said, his restaurant group had operated primarily through leases. This latest opportunity represents something different — a chance to take another step forward while surrounded by a team of friends and professionals who helped guide him through the process.

DiBernardo specifically thanked John Davis for his work and guidance on the deal and Kevin W. Carroll for helping with due diligence. He also credited his restaurant team and his wife for supporting him as he embarked on “yet another adventure.”

And then came the celebration.

The team marked the occasion with a tailgate-style meal from their new neighbors, Wild Olive, sharing food and celebrating the next chapter.

The location itself offers plenty of potential. Set beneath mature Lowcountry live oaks, the property has an unmistakably Johns Island feel, with open outdoor space and a relaxed setting that could lend itself perfectly to the casual spirit associated with Swig & Swine.

For Johns Island, the announcement is another sign of how quickly the area’s dining scene continues to evolve. Established local favorites are being joined by new concepts, giving residents more opportunities to eat, gather and stay close to home.

For now, DiBernardo and his team are keeping the details under wraps.

But one thing is clear: something special is cooking on Johns Island.

And if Swig & Swine’s track record is any indication, there will likely be plenty of people lining up when the doors finally open. 🐷🔥

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Photo credit: Sig & Swine

By Mark A Leon

There are photographs of Charleston that capture what the city looks like—and then there are photographs that capture what Charleston feels like. For local photographer Amanda Vargo, the difference is in the details: the changing light over the water, the shifting colors of a Lowcountry sky, the quiet beauty of a familiar landscape and the unexpected character found around a downtown corner.

Through AV Photography, Vargo has spent nearly a decade documenting the landscapes and visual personality of Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry. Her work moves naturally between coastal scenes, sweeping landscapes and urban environments, creating a portfolio that feels distinctly Charleston while still revealing new perspectives on places many locals know well. 

Vargo is a self-taught photographer whose connection to the camera began when she was young. Her grandfather introduced her to photographing wildlife and landscapes in parks, planting the seeds for an artistic journey that would eventually lead her to the South Carolina coast.

That journey took an unexpected turn in 2015, when Vargo was injured in the historic flooding that struck downtown Charleston. After surgery and physical therapy, she ultimately left her career as a commercial truck driver and began searching for a new direction.

Photography provided the answer.

A sunrise shoot on Folly Beach became an important turning point. While photographing the morning light and reflections along the beach, Vargo captured an image that caught the attention of another photographer. That encounter eventually led to an opportunity selling photography at the Charleston City Market—and, not long afterward, the beginning of AV Photography. 

Today, the coast remains central to Vargo’s creative vision.

There is a particular magic in her coastal photography: water meeting sky, silhouettes appearing in the distance and sunlight transforming an ordinary stretch of beach into something almost cinematic. She has developed a special appreciation for the moments when the sky changes color, making sunrise and sunset more than simply times of day—they become part of the story.

Her work also demonstrates how much visual variety exists within the Charleston area. Beaches and marshes provide wide-open horizons, while historic streets, architecture and city details offer a completely different kind of composition. Charleston’s ability to shift from centuries-old buildings to tidal creeks, live oaks and oceanfront landscapes within minutes gives photographers an almost endless supply of inspiration.

For Vargo, finding those different perspectives is part of the fun.

Her photography has earned recognition well beyond the Lowcountry. In 2019, three of her photographs were exhibited at Grand Central Station in New York City as part of a Fujifilm global exposition. She has also had multiple photographs featured in the Folly Beach Civic Club calendar over several years. 

Yet some of her most meaningful work remains close to home. Vargo has volunteered her photography for Surfer’s Healing Folly Beach, an organization that gives children with autism the opportunity to experience surfing and the ocean. She has also incorporated reclaimed wood from the former Folly Beach Pier into some of her framed artwork, connecting her photographs not only to the landscape but to the history of the place itself. 

What makes Amanda Vargo’s photography especially compelling is her ability to make familiar places feel worth stopping for.

A sunrise. A wave. A lighthouse. A street corner. A dramatic sky.

Through her lens, Charleston becomes less a postcard and more a living landscape—one constantly changing with the tide, the weather, the light and the people who call it home.

Follow Amanda Vargo and see Charleston through her eyes: www.instagram.com/avphotographysc

Ypu can find her local work at Look Up Charleston – 128 Meeting Street (upstairs) or at the Charleston Night Market on most weekends.

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