Charleston Daily Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

By Mark A Leon

Charleston may be famous for its graceful architecture, cobblestone streets and Southern charm—but after dark, the Holy City knows how to shed the pearls and have a little fun.

Whether you’re looking for sultry cocktails, rooftop views, live music or a dance floor where nobody cares about tomorrow morning, these five Charleston spots are made for dressing up, feeling good and letting your inhibitions take the night off.

1. The Commodore — Put on Your Dancing Shoes

Web⁠site
Address: 504 Meeting St Suite C, Charleston, SC

Tucked into Charleston’s historic Upper King Street district, The Commodore has earned a reputation as one of the city’s most alluring nightlife destinations. With its intimate lighting, vintage-inspired décor, live soul, funk, jazz, and R&B performances, and a dance floor that stays packed well into the night, the venue creates an effortlessly seductive energy. It’s the kind of place where strangers become dance partners, cocktails flow freely, and the music encourages everyone to let their guard down. Equal parts sophisticated lounge and high-energy music club, The Commodore offers a glamorous escape for locals and visitors looking to dress up, dance close, and experience one of Charleston’s most unforgettable nights out.

Sexy factor: ★★★★★
Best for: Dancing until you forget what time it is.

2. The Cocktail Club — Get Close & Get Cozy

Website
Address: 479 King Street, Charleston, SC

Hidden above bustling King Street, The Cocktail Club exudes an air of sophistication that makes it one of Charleston’s most enticing destinations for a night out. Dim lighting, plush seating, expertly crafted cocktails, and a rooftop garden create an intimate atmosphere that invites lingering conversations and effortless chemistry. The venue strikes a perfect balance between upscale elegance and relaxed energy, attracting couples, friends, and cocktail enthusiasts looking to unwind in style. Whether you’re savoring a handcrafted Old Fashioned beneath the stars or slipping into a cozy corner with live music in the background, The Cocktail Club delivers a refined yet undeniably magnetic nightlife experience that makes it easy to let loose while embracing Charleston’s vibrant after-dark scene.

Sexy factor: ★★★★★
Best for: Date night, seductive cocktails and lingering eye contact.

3. Ritual — When You Want to Turn It Up

Website
Address: 145 Calhoun St UNIT 301, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Located in the heart of Charleston’s Upper King entertainment district, Ritual has become a favorite for those seeking an elevated nightlife experience with undeniable energy. Sleek modern design, immersive lighting, internationally inspired DJs, and expertly crafted cocktails create a stylish atmosphere where the music and mood take center stage. As the evening unfolds, the dance floor fills with a fashionable crowd eager to celebrate, making Ritual the perfect place to unwind, connect, and embrace the excitement of the night. Its blend of upscale ambiance and high-energy entertainment gives the venue a magnetic appeal that keeps locals and visitors coming back for one more dance.

Sexy factor: ★★★★☆
Best for: Groups, birthdays, girls’ nights and dancing after dark.

4. Vintage Lounge — Dress Up & Drink Something Fabulous

Website
Address: 545 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Vintage Lounge brings a chic, after-dark energy to Charleston’s nightlife scene, blending upscale style with a lively social atmosphere that invites guests to stay long after sunset. Rich lighting, modern décor, expertly mixed cocktails, and a soundtrack of upbeat hits create an environment that feels both intimate and electric. Whether you’re meeting friends for handcrafted drinks or stepping onto the dance floor as the music builds, the lounge strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and celebration. Its fashionable crowd, vibrant ambiance, and late-night energy make Vintage Lounge an irresistible destination for anyone looking to dress up, mingle, and let loose in the heart of downtown Charleston.

Sexy factor: ★★★★☆
Best for: Wine, conversation and sophisticated flirting.

5. The Rooftop at The Vendue — Sunset, Cocktails & Charleston Views

Website
Address: 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Perched atop one of Charleston’s most iconic boutique hotels, The Rooftop at The Vendue offers a setting where breathtaking harbor views, handcrafted cocktails, and golden sunsets create an effortlessly romantic atmosphere. As day fades into night, the rooftop transforms into a lively gathering place where locals and visitors mingle beneath the stars, enjoying live music, refreshing drinks, and panoramic views of the historic skyline. The combination of elegant surroundings, intimate seating areas, and an energetic yet relaxed vibe makes it an irresistible destination for date nights, celebrations, or simply escaping into one of Charleston’s most captivating nightlife experiences. Few places blend sophistication, scenery, and after-dark charm quite like The Rooftop at The Vendue.

Sexy factor: ★★★★★
Best for: Sunset dates, dressed-up nights and starting the evening with a little romance.

The Charleston Rule: Dress Like You’re Going Somewhere

The best part of a night like this isn’t necessarily where you end up. It’s how you feel when you walk out the door.

Wear the outfit you save for a special occasion. Put on the fragrance that makes you feel irresistible. Grab someone you love—or your favorite group of friends—and remember that Charleston after dark isn’t just charming.

Sometimes, it’s downright sexy.

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Multi-family developer Lifestyle Communities is opening a restaurant and bar concept and an all-day coffee shop in the Ingleside neighborhood this fall: The Goat, a neighborhood hangout spot with a menu of shareable bites, craft beers and cocktails, and Morning Ritual, a coffee shop serving buttermilk biscuits, specialty espresso and a first-ever lunch menu. Both are South Carolina firsts for the developer.

GATHERING AT THE GOAT 

Made for gathering, The Goat boasts two stories, floor-to-ceiling windows, a full bar and private event spaces. 

Menu highlights include: 

• Street Taco Board – choice of ancho chicken, chorizo, or pulled pork, and corn or flour tortillas; served with pickled onions, queso fresco and smoked chile crema
• Fish and Chips – beer-battered cod, fries, house slaw and GOAT sauce
• Bianca White Pizza – house-whipped feta, caramelized onions, mushrooms, mozzarella, garlic aioli and parmesan (VG)
• Harvest Bowl – mixed greens, crispy sweet potato, brussels sprouts, pickled onion, goat cheese, candied pecans and apple cider vinaigrette

Click HERE for a menu sneak peek.

MORNING RITUAL

Designed for the full range of morning-through-early-afternoon activity: coffee runs, casual meetings, laptop shifts. Housemade biscuits and assorted pastries are served daily alongside espresso, brewed coffee, teas, smoothies, and a rotating Drink of the Month. The Ingleside location will be the first to offer lunch, featuring a brand new midday menu.  

A few to know:

• Spanish Mocha — mocha latte with cocoa, sweetened condensed milk, cayenne, salt
• Salted Caramel Cuban — salted caramel coffee with sweetened condensed milk
• Buttermilk Biscuits — served with strawberry preserves or pimento cheese

WHAT’S NEXT

Slated to open in September, more information is coming soon. Both concepts will offer catering and private events.

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Educators can apply Aug. 17–Oct. 18 for resources supporting student-focused programs

CHARLESTON, S.C.  — Tanger Outlets Charleston announced today that its annual TangerKids Grants Program will return for the 2026/27 academic year, continuing its commitment to supporting local education and providing resources that help students thrive. Educators in the Low Country are encouraged to apply for funding at grants.tanger.com from Aug. 17 through Oct. 18.

The TangerKids Grants Program gives teachers and education leaders across the country the opportunity to identify classroom and school needs and request funding for programs that support student success. Grants may be used for initiatives that enhance learning environments, improve accessibility, address student needs and provide additional resources for schools and classrooms. Faculty members at public and private schools serving pre-K through grade 12 students are eligible to apply.

For 30 years, Tanger has invested in education by providing more than $3.9 million in grants to schools and educational programs across the communities it serves through 38 outlet centers and four open-air lifestyle centers. In 2025, TangerKids Grants awarded an estimated $200,000 to initiatives throughout the U.S. and Canada, with a focus on supporting inclusive classroom environments, underserved schools and programs that address evolving student needs.

Grant winners for 2026 in each community will be announced and celebrated during the center’s annual TangerKids Day in January 2027.

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About Tanger Charleston
Tanger Charleston is North Charleston’s upscale, open-air outlet shopping destination, featuring a coveted collection of top brands and local shops. The 382,000-square-foot center features more than 85 premier outlet stores offering real style and real savings every day. Shopper-favorite brands at Tanger Charleston include Nike, American Eagle | Aerie, Old Navy, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Under Armour, H&M, Columbia and Sephora. For a full store listing and map, as well as directions, events and scoop on the latest sales, visit tanger.com/charleston, download the Tanger App or connect on Facebook and Instagram.

Shoppers can also access the ultimate shopping experience with exclusive offers and rewards by joining TangerClub, Tanger’s exclusive loyalty program.

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Joint Base Charleston Renamed in Honor of Late Senator Lindsey Graham

JOINT BASE LINDSEY GRAHAM, S.C. – Joint Base Charleston is officially Joint Base Lindsey Graham as of Aug. 10, 2026.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted the installation renaming ceremony to honor Senator Graham’s legacy.

“Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated his life to serving this state and serving the Armed Forces of the United States,” Secretary Hegseth said. “This department pays tribute to Lindsey Graham in the naming of this base.”

The renaming of the installation posthumously honors the late Senator and Air Force veteran Lindsey Graham, recognizing his decades of service to the United States Armed Forces, the Department of War and the state of South Carolina. 

“Beyond his time in uniform, Senator Graham was vital to Joint Base Charleston’s success. His unwavering support for the installation’s mission was never limited to just words; his support is cemented into the very foundation of this base,” said U.S. Air Force Col. K. Michael Shirley, Joint Base Lindsey Graham and the 628th Air Base Wing commander.

The ceremony took place at the installation’s South Aviation Avenue welcome sign and featured a delegation of national and state leaders to commemorate Senator Graham’s life of service to our nation. 

Key Attendees:

• Secretary of War Pete Hegseth
• Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent
• Governor of South Carolina Henry McMaster
• U.S. Senator Darline Graham

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Photo Credit: Joint Base Lindsey Graham

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By Mark A Leon

You don’t need a $200 dinner reservation to have a memorable night out in Charleston.

Sometimes the perfect date is much simpler: two glasses of wine, something delicious to share, a beautiful view and someone you love.

Charleston is filled with places where you can slow down, take in the scenery and enjoy a little romance without making a major production of it. Here are five of our favorite spots for an affordable, casual evening with a view.

1. The Watch Rooftop at The Restoration

The Sunset Classic

Location: 79 Wentworth Street, Charleston
Website: The Watch Rooftop⁠

If you’re looking for that classic Charleston rooftop-at-sunset moment, The Watch is hard to beat.

Perched above The Restoration Hotel, The Watch offers sweeping views across the rooftops of historic downtown Charleston. The atmosphere is stylish but relaxed, making it an especially good choice when you want something romantic without committing to a formal dinner.

The best part? You can keep the evening wonderfully simple.

Our recommendation: Two glasses of rosé and a plate of truffle fries. Arrive before sunset, find a rooftop seat and watch the city turn golden.

It’s the kind of Charleston evening that feels much more expensive than it actually is.

Perfect for: Sunset, anniversaries, first dates or simply reminding someone you love that they’re pretty great.

2. The Rooftop at The Vendue

French Quarter Views & Vacation Vibes

Location: 19 Vendue Range, Charleston
Website: The Rooftop at The Vendue⁠

There’s something about being above the rooftops of the French Quarter that immediately makes an ordinary evening feel like a vacation.

The Rooftop at The Vendue offers panoramic views of Charleston’s historic buildings, church steeples and surrounding skyline. It’s lively without feeling overly formal, making it a great place to meet for a drink rather than committing to an entire evening of dining.

Order something bubbly, grab a small plate to share and settle into one of the rooftop’s comfortable corners.

Our recommendation: Two glasses of sparkling wine or rosé and a shareable snack. Come about 30 minutes before sunset so you can enjoy the changing light over the historic district.

Perfect for: A spontaneous date, visiting friends or a little midweek escape.

3. Fleet Landing

Waterfront Romance Without the Fuss

Location: 186 Concord Street, Charleston
Website: Fleet Landing⁠

For couples who would rather watch boats than rooftops, Fleet Landing delivers a completely different kind of Charleston romance.

The restaurant occupies a former naval building that sits directly over the water, giving diners beautiful views of Charleston Harbor. There’s something wonderfully Lowcountry about sitting beside the water with a glass of wine while boats move through the harbor.

And you don’t necessarily need to make it a full dinner.

Our recommendation: Order two glasses of wine and share something from the raw bar or choose a small bite to enjoy together. Grab a spot where you can watch the water and linger a little longer than you normally would.

The setting does most of the work.

Perfect for: Waterfront sunsets, seafood lovers and couples who like their romance with a little sea breeze.

4. Ellis Creek Fish Camp

Marsh Views & Lowcountry Casual

Location: 1243 Harbor View Road, James Island
Website: Ellis Creek Fish Camp⁠

If your idea of romance involves marsh grass, water, a breeze and absolutely no dress code, Ellis Creek Fish Camp might be your place.

Located along Ellis Creek on James Island, this casual seafood spot has the kind of outdoor setting that makes you want to stay awhile. It’s relaxed, unfussy and quintessentially Lowcountry.

You can grab a drink, order something small and find a spot outside overlooking the marsh.

Our recommendation: Two glasses of wine, a shareable appetizer and an outdoor table as the sun begins to disappear. Don’t worry about making it fancy. The scenery already is.

Perfect for: Casual couples, outdoor lovers and anyone who thinks flip-flops can be romantic.

5. California Dreaming

Sunset Over the Ashley River

Location: 1 Ashley Point Drive, Charleston
Website: California Dreaming⁠

Sometimes you simply want to sit outside, have a drink and watch the sun disappear over the water.

California Dreaming has long been a casual Charleston-area destination for waterfront views, with its location overlooking the Ashley River. The outdoor deck is particularly appealing when the weather cooperates, offering a relaxed setting for an evening drink.

This is not about dressing up. It’s about finding a good seat, ordering something cold and watching the river change colors.

Our recommendation: Two glasses of wine and a snack to share on the deck around sunset. Stay long enough to watch the sky go from blue to pink to orange.

Perfect for: Casual dates, sunset chasers and anyone who believes the best nights don’t need an itinerary.

The Perfect Charleston Date Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

There is something wonderfully Charleston about keeping romance simple.

Two glasses of wine.
One plate to share.
A beautiful view.
A little breeze.
Someone you love.

That’s it.

You don’t need a white tablecloth or a seven-course tasting menu. Sometimes the most memorable Charleston evenings happen when you simply find a beautiful place, order a glass of wine and give yourself permission to sit there for a while.

And if we had to choose one?

The Watch at sunset. Two glasses of rosé. Truffle fries. Someone special.

That’s a Charleston date night worth remembering.

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Shortwave Kitsch Is Bringing Old-School Radio Drama Back to Charleston This Weekend

August 14–15, 2026 | Gage Hall | Downtown Charleston

Looking for something a little different this weekend? Step back into the golden age of radio — with a distinctly Charleston twist.

Shortwave Kitsch returns to the stage at Gage Hall for three live performances featuring the sounds, storytelling and theatrical fun of a 1940s radio show reimagined for a modern audience.

The company describes its productions as real-life theatrical presentations of classic radio-style entertainment, complete with performers, sound effects and stories performed live in front of an audience. Each show features two episodes of new and old Shortwave classics.

🎙️ FRIDAY, AUGUST 14

Shortwave Kitsch: What’s the Pitch?!

🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Gage Hall
4 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Kick off the weekend with What’s the Pitch?!, an evening featuring two episodes from the Shortwave Kitsch collection.

Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 day of event.

Tickets & event details⁠

🎭 SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 — MATINEE

Shortwave Kitsch: The Screaming Abdabs!

🕝 2:30 PM
📍 Gage Hall
4 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Prefer an afternoon show? The Saturday matinee brings The Screaming Abdabs! to the stage, again featuring two episodes of Shortwave Kitsch’s new and classic radio repertoire.

Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 day of event.

Tickets & event details⁠

📻 SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 — EVENING

Shortwave Kitsch: What’s Buzzin’, Cousin?

🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Gage Hall
4 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Round out the weekend with What’s Buzzin’, Cousin? — another live presentation featuring two episodes of Shortwave Kitsch’s unique blend of theatrical storytelling and vintage radio-show nostalgia.

Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 day of event.

Tickets & event details⁠

📻 WHAT IS SHORTWAVE KITSCH?

Think 1940s radio theater meets live Charleston performance art.

Shortwave Kitsch recreates the experience of listening to an old-fashioned radio drama — except you’re sitting in the audience watching the magic happen in front of you. The performers bring the stories to life with theatrical performances and live sound effects, creating an experience that is part theater, part nostalgia and entirely its own thing.

The company celebrates Charleston’s vibrant arts community and encourages audiences to support local theater, music and the arts.

📍 THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

Friday, August 14 — 7:30 PM
What’s the Pitch?!

Saturday, August 15 — 2:30 PM
The Screaming Abdabs!

Saturday, August 15 — 7:30 PM
What’s Buzzin’, Cousin?

Location: Gage Hall, 4 Archdale Street, Charleston

Tickets: $20 advance / $25 day of show

If you’re looking for an entertaining way to spend the weekend — and want to experience something that feels wonderfully different from the typical Charleston night out — tune in, sit back and let Shortwave Kitsch take you somewhere between the golden age of radio and the modern stage.

Learn more & buy tickets at Shortwave Kitsch⁠

Photo Credit: Shortwave Kitsch

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By Mark A Leon

There are certain days on Folly Beach when the ocean seems to become something more than water.

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, surfers, families, volunteers and supporters will gather at the Folly Beach Pier for one of the most meaningful days on the island’s calendar: Surfers Healing Folly Beach.

For families of children with autism, the day offers something beautifully simple — the chance to experience the ocean in a completely different way.

Riding waves. Breaking barriers.

Surfers Healing was founded with a powerful idea: introduce people living with autism to the unique experience of surfing and allow the ocean to become a place of freedom, connection and possibility.

The organization describes its mission as enriching the lives of people with autism through surfing. Its camps are offered free of charge, relying on volunteers, supporters and donations to make the experience possible. 

At the heart of the experience are the waves.

Participants head into the water on tandem surfboards with experienced surfers and volunteers. Together, they paddle out, wait for the right wave and ride back toward shore.

It may look like surfing.

But for the families involved, it can mean so much more.

A different kind of beach day

For many people, a morning at the beach is something ordinary — sand between your toes, salt in the air, the sound of waves rolling toward shore.

For families navigating autism, however, a crowded beach or unfamiliar sensory environment can present challenges.

Surfers Healing creates an environment where those differences aren’t obstacles. Instead, the beach becomes a place to explore, participate and simply have fun.

And there is something particularly fitting about doing it on Folly Beach, a community that has long embraced its quirky, independent and welcoming character.

The 2026 Folly Beach camp will take place at 1 Center Street, at the Folly Beach Pier next to the Tides Folly Beach Hotel. Current event information lists the camp for August 19, with volunteer shifts beginning at 7 a.m. 

More than a surf camp

The magic of Surfers Healing isn’t limited to the children who get on the boards.

It reaches parents watching from the beach.

It reaches siblings cheering from the shoreline.

It reaches the volunteers who spend the day helping families experience something they may never have imagined possible.

And it reaches the larger Folly Beach community.

Surfers Healing has been bringing its message to Folly for years. Local coverage of the program has described the event as an opportunity for children with autism to catch waves and experience the freedom of the ocean. 

The organization calls its camps a “quiet revolution” — one built not through complicated technology or grand gestures, but through something wonderfully elemental: a person, a surfboard and a wave. 

August 19 on Folly

The 2026 gathering promises to once again transform the Folly Beach Pier into a place filled with surf, smiles and encouragement.

For participants, there will be waves to chase.

For families, there will be memories to make.

For volunteers, there will be hands to lend.

And for everyone watching, there will be a reminder that sometimes the most powerful form of inclusion is simply opening the door — or, in this case, opening the ocean.

Because on Folly Beach, the water doesn’t ask who you are before sending a wave your way.

It simply comes.

And on August 19, hundreds of people will be there to ride it.

Surfers Healing Folly Beach 2026
📍 Folly Beach Pier, 1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC
📅 Wednesday, August 19, 2026
🌊 A free surf camp for children with autism and their families. 

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY ON SEPTEMBER 11TH

9/11 Day is the nonprofit that founded and leads the National September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance. As we prepare to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, 50,000 volunteers in 50 cities will come together to pack 20 million meals for people experiencing food insecurity. We are organizing the largest day of service in American history and we need your help!

Event Support Volunteers do not pack individual meals but instead are the support and backbone to the event’s success, helping welcome participants, lead meal-packing teams, keep supplies moving, and ensure the event runs smoothly. Volunteers must be 18+, and all positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Event Support Volunteer Opportunities (Assigned as needed)
Table Captains – Lead and energize meal-packing teams
Heavy Lifters / Runners – Keep supplies moving and meal-packing stations stocked
Hospitality & Registration – Welcome, check in, and assist volunteers
Set-Up & Break-Down Crew – Help prepare and reset the event space

Learn more about the event and register for Charleston directly HERE.

Together, let’s honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through compassion, unity, and service. We hope you’ll join us for what will be our most meaningful and ambitious year yet.

Event Details

Charleston Meal Pack for 9/11 Day – Set Up Day 

Join us in packing 20 million meals for the September 11 National Day of Service & Remembrance (“9/11 Day”)

This email includes everything you’ll need to know. Please read it all the way through. Thank you for registering to participate in our Set Up Day for our 9/11 Day Meal Pack for Charleston on Thursday, September 11, 2026 at the Gaillard Center in Charleston. We are grateful for your willingness to be a part of this nationwide effort (visit 911day.org).

Date/Time: Thursday, September 10, 2026 1-5p

Location: Gaillard Center – Grand Ballroom, 95 Calhoun Street Charleston. Garage and street parking is available, and CARTA use from the Visitors Center and carpooling is suggested.

WHEN TO ARRIVE 

Please plan to arrive promptly before our 1 p.m. start. All participants will go through a quick registration/check-in process in the ground floor lobby. You can wear a fanny pack or small bag for phone/keys/light wallet and water bottle but please leave valuables at home or locked in your car. There is no locked storage on site.

HOW TO GET THERE AND WHERE TO PARK 

33 Alexander Street Charleston = garage entrance

Located at 95 Calhoun Street, the Gaillard Center’s Grand Ballroom in Charleston (note: the Grand Ballroom is an exhibition hall, adjacent and connected to the Gaillard performing arts venue – different building).

GARAGE: Look for the garage entrance on 33 Alexander Street, with 600 parking spots. You will receive a parking voucher after the event to “chase” your ticket upon exit to cover your parking fees that day for support staff only.

Alternative if full: the nearby Aquarium Garage on 24 Calhoun Street has plenty of parking just a short walk to the Gaillard, but leave time to find parking and make the 10-minute walk. Neither garage takes cash and is card-only. The venue is ADA compliant. For more details on parking and accessibility, click here.

WHERE TO GO ONCE YOU ARRIVE   

Once you have parked, proceed out of the garage to the Calhoun Street entrance and you will see the Grand Ballroom in the exhibition hall side, across the lobby from the performing arts side. Once you enter, look for the check-in table and show your registration check-in confirmation on your phone – we will direct you from there. 

WHAT TO BRING

• Ticket: Please have your ticket ready for check-in, either printed or accessible on your phone. You can find your ticket in the confirmation email sent by noreply@order.eventbrite.com.
• Bag Restrictions: We discourage volunteers from bringing purses, backpacks and large totes, all of which are subject to search.
• Food & Drink: Food and drinks are not allowed in the meal pack area. You may bring a water bottle.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear comfortable and casual clothing. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The facility is air-conditioned but dress comfortably to lift, pack, and move. It is best to leave jewelry and valuables at home. No weapons or firearms of any kind will be permitted. Permanent jewelry and hard-to-remove piercings (such as nose rings or cartilage piercings) are permitted.

WHAT TO EXPECT

After registration, our set up day for Charleston Meal Pack for 9/11 will be fun and energizing experience setting up supplies and ingredients for the next day’s event, when 500 more volunteers will create red lentil jambalaya meals for the Lowcountry Food Bank to distribute to those in need. Supplies and ingredients include setting up tables with table coverings; bins, bags, boxes and laminators to seal the bags, and of course, all the food ingredients at about 50 stations. 

TRAINING ZOOM CALLS: OPTIONAL FOR SET UP VOLUNTEERS 

We will hold two Support Staff Zoom calls to give you an overview of the day and your role. You may attend either call; this is an optional 30-minute introduction, and we highly recommend that you do.

Links:

TUESDAY 9/8 11AM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8077427872?pwd=nukMHxxZFkvzZ5drt5LDA1h0xbUcp8.1&omn=84578346476

WEDNESDAY 9/9 6PM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8077427872?pwd=nukMHxxZFkvzZ5drt5LDA1h0xbUcp8.1&omn=83794795416

Video of meal pack operations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnJxFG4E4jw

THANK YOU again for your willingness to serve as part of this important effort.  With your help, we will provide much needed support to food-insecure families in the Lowcountry. 

See you Friday, September 11th!  

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Photo Credit: Matt Stone/Boston Herald

By Mark A Leon

Dog owners in the Summerville area have a brand-new destination to enjoy with their four-legged companions. GoDog Dog Park Bar officially opened its doors on July 29, 2026, bringing a unique combination of off-leash recreation, craft beverages and community gathering space to the rapidly growing Nexton development. 

Located at 652 Scholar Way in Nexton, the membership-based dog park and bar is the second phase of the GoDog campus, which first introduced premium daycare, boarding, bathing and training services in 2025. The addition of the outdoor social space completes the company’s vision of creating a one-stop destination where dogs receive exceptional care while owners enjoy time with friends and neighbors. 

Unlike a traditional dog park, GoDog’s newest attraction is designed to be as enjoyable for people as it is for their pets. Guests can relax with beer, wine and other beverages while watching their dogs play safely in a secure, supervised environment. Membership requirements and vaccination policies help ensure a safe experience for every canine visitor. 

The concept has become increasingly popular across the country, combining the social atmosphere of a neighborhood bar with the energy of a community dog park. For many pet owners, it offers an opportunity to meet fellow dog lovers, work remotely outdoors or simply unwind after work without leaving their pets at home.

GoDog founder Ben Eberdt previously said the company designed every aspect of the campus to meet the needs of both pets and their owners. Nexton’s walkable, pet-friendly environment made it a natural choice for South Carolina’s first GoDog location, creating a destination that extends beyond pet care into community building. 

The opening also reflects the continued growth of the Nexton community, which has attracted new restaurants, retailers and recreational amenities as one of the Charleston region’s fastest-growing mixed-use developments. The addition of the Dog Park Bar further strengthens Nexton’s reputation as a lifestyle-focused destination for residents and visitors alike. 

For dog owners across Berkeley and Dorchester counties, GoDog’s July 29 opening provides more than just another place to let pets run free—it creates a new social hub where friendships can form on both ends of the leash. Whether stopping by after work, spending a weekend afternoon outdoors or meeting fellow pet lovers, the new Dog Park Bar offers a fresh way to enjoy life with man’s best friend.

GoDog Nexton Dog Park Bar

• Address: 652 Scholar Way, Summerville, SC 29486
• Opened: July 29, 2026
• Features: Membership dog park, outdoor bar, daycare, boarding, bathing and training services.

Follow their journey on Instagram.

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Photo Credit: GoDog

By Mark A Leon

Three development sites are forcing the Holy City to confront what lies beneath its streets

Charleston likes to call itself a living museum.

But beneath some of its newest construction projects are people who were buried here long before anyone imagined cranes, parking garages, student dormitories or luxury apartments.

In the past few years, human remains and historic burial grounds have emerged as an increasingly uncomfortable part of Charleston’s development story. At one construction site, workers unexpectedly uncovered dozens of graves. At another, more than 50 graves were found beneath a stadium. And at a third, the city is debating what should happen to a proposed student residence hall on land that was once a municipal cemetery believed to contain thousands of graves.

These aren’t murder mysteries. They are something more complicated: Charleston’s forgotten dead coming back into the conversation.

1. Courier Square: 74 graves beneath King Street

In May 2025, construction at 635 King Street, part of the Courier Square development, uncovered 74 unmarked graves.

The discovery occurred on land that was once associated with St. James Methodist Church, founded in the late 18th century. Historical evidence suggested there had been a cemetery there, but the graves were not visibly marked when modern development began.

The discovery was a reminder of how easily Charleston’s historic burial grounds can disappear from the visible landscape.

The remains were ultimately slated for reinterment at Bethany Cemetery after Charleston City Council approved a plan developed with the church, cemetery officials and preservation organizations.

But the bigger question remains: How many other graves are beneath Charleston properties where no one knows they are there?

2. Johnson Hagood Stadium: More than 50 graves beneath The Citadel

Then came another startling discovery.

During construction associated with renovations at Johnson Hagood Stadium, crews uncovered more than 50 unmarked graves containing human remains. The affected area was beneath the eastern side of the stadium, where construction was underway.

Subsequent reporting identified approximately 54 possible 19th-century gravesites. Archaeologists have been painstakingly removing and documenting the remains.

The discovery is particularly significant because this was not an unknown cemetery in the broadest historical sense. Charleston has known for years that the area was associated with historic burial grounds.

And yet, more than a century later, people were still building over it.

The episode illustrates a fundamental problem with Charleston’s historic landscape: the absence of a headstone does not mean the absence of a grave.

3. 106 Coming Street: The cemetery that may contain thousands

Perhaps the most consequential case is also the one where construction has not yet produced a new discovery of human remains.

At 106 Coming Street, the College of Charleston is pursuing plans for a major student housing complex. But the property sits on land that was once an 18th-century municipal cemetery. Historic Charleston Foundation describes the site as a former municipal burial ground and has raised concerns about preservation, memory and development.

The project has become controversial precisely because archaeologists and historians believe the ground could contain the remains of thousands of people.

The College has said the final design will depend in part on archaeological findings, public input and state preservation requirements.

And the debate is no longer theoretical.

In July 2026, the College began demolishing the long-vacant building currently on the property as it moves forward with redevelopment efforts.

That means Charleston is approaching a potentially extraordinary archaeological moment: what happens when construction begins digging into a cemetery that may contain thousands of forgotten Charlestonians?

Charleston’s buried history is much larger than three sites

These three locations aren’t isolated curiosities.

In 2013, construction associated with the expansion of the Gaillard Center uncovered the remains of 36 people of African descent dating to the 18th century. The discovery ultimately led to the creation of the Anson Street African Burial Memorial, which now serves as a place of remembrance.

The story of the Anson Street burial ground is particularly important because it demonstrates what can happen when archaeology, descendants and the community are given the opportunity to transform a construction discovery into something more meaningful.

The people whose graves were uncovered weren’t simply archaeological specimens.

They were someone’s ancestors.

They were mothers and fathers, children and neighbors. They lived in Charleston, worked in Charleston and died in Charleston.

And then, over generations, their cemetery disappeared from the city’s collective memory.

The uncomfortable question

Charleston is experiencing extraordinary growth.

Historic buildings are being restored. Old industrial properties are becoming residential developments. New hotels, apartments and student housing are appearing on land that has passed through centuries of different uses.

But Charleston’s history isn’t confined to its buildings.

It is in the ground.

And the more the city digs, the more it is discovering that the past isn’t always safely contained behind museum glass.

Sometimes it’s underneath a foundation.

Sometimes it’s beneath a parking lot.

Sometimes it’s underneath a football stadium.

And sometimes it may be directly beneath the next place Charleston wants to build.

That creates an uncomfortable challenge for a city that markets its history as one of its greatest treasures:

How do you develop the future without disturbing the people who made the past possible?

The recent discoveries at Courier Square and Johnson Hagood Stadium — and the controversy surrounding 106 Coming Street — suggest that Charleston may have to answer that question much more often in the years ahead.

Because in the Holy City, the most important historical landmark may not always be the building standing above the ground.

Sometimes, it is the ground itself.

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Photo Credit: Historic Preservation Society of Charleston