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The Bloomhaven Foundation will be hosting a Charity Golf Tournament in Mount Pleasant, SC on Monday, November 30, 2026. Here is everything you need to know to participate and support.

• When: Monday, November 30, 2026
• Where: RiverTowne Country Club – 1700 Rivertowne Country Club Drive
  Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466
• Schedule: 7:30 AM   Registration Opens / 9:00 AM   Shotgun Start / 2:00 PM   Reception & Awards (Bar, Raffles, Silent Auction)
• Registration: Click HERE
• Ongoing Online Silent Auction: Click HERE
• Official Event Website

CONTESTS & CHALLENGES

• Closest To The Pin
• Longest Drive (Men & Women)
• Two Golf Pro Challenges
• Putting Challenge
• Drone Golf Ball Drop
• Hole-In-One-Prizes

About The Bloomhaven Foundation

The Bloomhaven Foundation – Planting Hope. Growing Futures.

The Bloomhaven Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit work-study program headquartered in Charleston, SC. We are leading the way in creating job opportunities for teens living in group care and foster homes as they prepare to leave care through an immersive, hands-on floral design program. 

At Bloomhaven, we believe floral design can be a tool for healing, confidence, and connection. It’s not about perfection — it’s about the process and what it unlocks in each student.

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By Zoe Nicholson, zen@mailbox.sc.edu

Carrie Morey and the University of South Carolina were predestined. 

It wasn’t kismet — it was her father.

“To be honest, I wasn’t given much of a choice,” the Charleston biscuit maker and entrepreneur says of where she went to college.

But Morey wouldn’t change a thing. And while the owner and creative force behind Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit — which just opened a location in the Russell House — didn’t find the career she was passionate about while studying education as an undergraduate, she found everything else: confidence, friends, mentorship and a community she continues to pour into more than 20 years later.

“It was perfect for me,” Morey says of USC.

Gameday memories at Williams-Brice Stadium

Morey’s father, Don Bailey, played football at USC and went on to serve on the Board of Trustees. Morey’s earliest memories of the university were Saturdays at Wiliams-Brice Stadium, picking up fried chicken at Bernie’s before cheering on the Gamecocks.

“We were the family that had the stuffed tiger that was tied to a rope,” Morey says. “And we drug that from Charleston to Columbia for every home game. Not just the Clemson-Carolina game.”

When she was planning her wedding, Morey had to set a date around the fall football schedule. “Gamecocks were always first,” she laughs.

Now, she enjoys going to Soda City Market on Columbia’s Main Street or Kudzu Bakery & Market on Forest Drive to pick out local items to make a tailgate spread for her daughters, two of whom followed in her footsteps. Morey’s eldest is a recent Moore School graduate, while another is a sophomore studying hospitality management. Like their mother, both women are members of Kappa Delta sorority. Her youngest is forging her own path at Wofford College. 

The wrong major, the right university

Morey was an education major while attending USC. She loved her classes, but she didn’t love the profession. It still taught her plenty.

“I knew just enough people. I met just enough new people,” the Charleston native says. “I experienced independence in a very positive way.”

While she never took a class with him, Morey says Harry E. “Sid” Varney, a former dean of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management and friend of her father, became an invaluable mentor to her while at USC. She’d drop into the celebrated former football coach’s office at the Coliseum or ring him up on the phone to ask for advice or just to chat.

“He kept saying, ‘Why are you in education? You need to be in hospitality,’” Morey recalls. “He could see it, and I couldn’t.”

Morey was also president of her sorority, Kappa Delta.

That experience gave her the tools needed to open a business: conflict resolution, delegation, public speaking and vision.

“Being the president of my sorority made me a problem solver, a cheerleader, all the things that make up a decent entrepreneur,” Morey says. “And I didn’t know that at the time, but it led me here.”

Biscuits and mentorship: Giving back to USC

Morey launched Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit in 2005 using her mother’s biscuit recipe. What began as a mail-order biscuit company has grown into a brand that ships nationwide, includes multiple storefronts, is sold at hundreds of grocery stores and has led to cookbooks and a docuseries on PBS.

Her latest venture brings it back to her garnet-and-black roots. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit opened in the Russell House in August, serving up a variety of savory and sweet biscuit concoctions for students. 

Morey has been on the ground to ensure her food connects with students. She’s passed out biscuits at First Night Carolina, among other days on campus , and recruited several students to be ambassadors for the brand.

It’s a more visible impact at the university she’s been steadily giving back to for years, namely through a mentorship program at the Darla Moore School of Business.

She does it because it’s what she needed when first starting out.

“When I started Callie’s, I did not have anybody other than my father to talk to,” Morey recalls. “And starting a biscuit business? What I was trying to do didn’t exist. And I just remember feeling so alone.”

Morey keeps up with her mentees. She knows the importance of having someone to call for advice or “just a therapy session,” especially in the beginning of a venture or career, and she hopes to be that for young people.

“Bouncing ideas off of somebody is a survival technique for any entrepreneur,” she says. “You need to know that there’s somebody else out there that’s going through a similar thing.”

Source: University of South Carolina

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By Mark A Leon

From South Lockwood Drive to the Calhoun Street merge off the James Island Connector, tidal flooding creates a daily headache for commuters. Charleston is studying solutions, but the question is how quickly those plans can translate into meaningful relief.

For people commuting from James Island into downtown Charleston, the morning drive can become a test of patience before the workday even begins.

Along the west end of the peninsula, high-tide flooding on South Lockwood Drive can disrupt traffic, force drivers to slow down or seek alternate routes, and add pressure to an already constrained corridor leading toward the Calhoun Street merge from the James Island Connector.

And when water covers a roadway that thousands of people rely on to get to work, school, medical appointments and businesses, the consequences extend well beyond a few extra minutes in traffic.

The frustrating part? It does not always have to rain for the problem to occur.

Charleston’s own flood data identifies Lockwood Drive as one of the city’s most flood-prone roads. The city’s analysis lists 144 flood-related closures on Lockwood Drive, including 87 associated primarily with high tides. That makes it a particularly clear example of how tidal flooding can interfere with daily transportation.

For commuters, the question is straightforward: Can anything be done to keep this vital route moving?

Why this stretch of road is so vulnerable

Charleston faces three overlapping flood threats: high tides, heavy rainfall and coastal storm surge. These problems can compound one another when elevated water levels prevent stormwater from draining efficiently.

During high tide, water can push into low-lying areas and restrict the ability of drainage systems to move water away from streets. When heavy rain arrives before the tide recedes, standing water can become more persistent.

The City of Charleston acknowledges that flooding is occurring more frequently and has reported approximately 13 inches of sea-level rise over the past century, with a substantial portion occurring in recent decades.

The transportation challenge is especially acute along the peninsula’s western edge, where road capacity is limited and commuters converge on a relatively small number of routes.

When flooding affects South Lockwood Drive, traffic disruptions can ripple into nearby streets and the approaches to the James Island Connector. Drivers have fewer convenient alternatives, and even a relatively localized flood can create a much larger commute problem.

Can anything be done? Charleston has several options on the table

The answer is yes, but meaningful relief will require more than clearing storm drains or waiting for the tide to go out. It will take a combination of targeted improvements and longer-term flood protection.

1. Improve drainage and install pumps

One option is to expand drainage capacity and use pump stations to move water out of vulnerable areas when high tides prevent gravity drainage.

Charleston and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are examining options such as larger drainage pipes, pump stations and road elevation as part of a broader tidal and inland flooding study. The goal is to identify practical projects for downtown, James Island and West Ashley.

For commuters, the key question is whether this work can identify specific drainage improvements that reduce recurring flooding along the Lockwood corridor and surrounding approach roads.

2. Build flood barriers along Lockwood Drive

There is already a larger project aimed at protecting portions of the peninsula from coastal flooding.

The Battery Extension project includes a planned flood-protection segment along Lockwood Drive between the U.S. Coast Guard and Ashley River bridges. According to the city’s 2026 project materials, the segment is approximately 7,390 linear feet, with construction planned to begin in 2028.

In September 2026, the Army Corps advanced engineering work on the Lockwood corridor, awarding a $3.31 million design contract for surveys, geotechnical investigations and other early-stage work. The overall project is intended to reduce coastal flooding and storm-surge risks.

This is significant progress, but it is important to distinguish between storm-surge protection and everyday tidal flooding. A flood barrier alone will not necessarily solve every drainage problem, especially when rainfall accumulates behind a barrier.

3. Address the bottleneck as a transportation problem, too

Flood mitigation and traffic management need to be considered together.

Even if water levels are reduced, the merge near Calhoun Street can remain congested because traffic from James Island and other approaches converges on a limited road network.

Potential measures worth evaluating include:

Targeted drainage upgrades at recurring flood points affecting commuter access.

Real-time flood alerts and detour guidance so drivers can avoid impassable streets before reaching a bottleneck.

Traffic-flow studies examining whether signal timing, merge geometry or intersection changes could reduce delays when roads remain passable.

A coordinated commuter corridor plan linking flood protection, roadway operations and emergency access.

These are recommendations for further evaluation, not a claim that each measure has already been approved or funded.

The biggest challenge: turning studies into results

Charleston is no longer simply documenting its flooding problem. The city and Army Corps are evaluating possible solutions, while major flood-protection projects move into design.

But commuters need to know what those plans will mean for their daily lives.

The city’s tidal and inland flooding study is intended to narrow potential projects and develop more specific engineering designs and cost estimates. Officials have discussed options ranging from drainage upgrades to pumps and raising roads, with construction funding dependent on the solutions selected.

That leaves several important questions for city and state officials:

Which improvements could reduce flooding on South Lockwood Drive in the near term?

Can targeted drainage or pumping work be completed before larger flood barriers are built?

How will officials ensure the Calhoun Street merge and James Island Connector approaches continue functioning during high-water events?

What is the timeline from engineering studies to construction, and which agency is responsible for each part?

Those answers matter to residents, employers, medical workers, students and businesses whose schedules are affected by recurring tidal flooding.

The bottom line

Charleston cannot control the tides, but it can invest in infrastructure designed to better manage them.

The long-term Battery Extension project could provide an important layer of coastal protection. Drainage improvements, pumps and better traffic planning may offer additional ways to reduce the impact of recurring high-water events.

The challenge is making sure these efforts work together—and that officials prioritize the specific locations where flooding repeatedly disrupts the morning commute.

For drivers traveling from James Island toward downtown, the goal is not just a more resilient Charleston decades from now. It is a dependable route to work today.

The question for Charleston is no longer whether tidal flooding is a problem. The city’s own data makes that clear. The question is how quickly the solutions can reach the streets where commuters need them most.

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Photo Credit: Shea Gibson – Meteorologist

By Mark A. Leon / Charleston Daily

South Carolina and federal officials are preparing to launch Project Lifeline 250, a new pilot initiative designed to strengthen cybersecurity protections at rural hospitals and help safeguard critical healthcare services.

The announcement is scheduled for Monday, October 26, at Newberry Health Hospital in Newberry, South Carolina. Gov. Henry McMaster will join White House National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Chief Counselor Chris Klomp, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel and healthcare representatives for the event. 

The initiative comes as cybersecurity remains a growing concern for healthcare organizations, where digital systems support patient records, clinical operations, scheduling and other essential services. Disruptions caused by cyberattacks can create operational challenges and potentially affect patient care, making security a particularly important consideration for rural facilities with limited resources.

Project Lifeline 250 is intended to help address those vulnerabilities by focusing on cybersecurity protections for rural hospitals. However, specific details about the pilot’s funding, participating facilities, technical requirements and implementation timeline have not yet been publicly outlined in the available announcement.

For rural communities, protecting hospital technology is about more than preventing data breaches. Reliable digital infrastructure is essential to maintaining access to healthcare, supporting medical staff and ensuring hospitals can continue delivering services during emergencies.

The involvement of state and federal officials also highlights the importance of collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers and technology partners in addressing cybersecurity risks. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is among the state agencies participating in the announcement.

Monday’s event is expected to provide additional information about the program’s scope and how the pilot will be implemented.

As rural healthcare providers face increasingly complex technology and security demands, Project Lifeline 250 could represent an important step toward strengthening the resilience of South Carolina’s healthcare infrastructure.

Source: South Carolina Governor’s Office announcement, October 23, 2026. – Click HERE for official announcement

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Photo Credit: University of South Carolina

 

Approximately $1 billion investment to boost LEU+ fuel production

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Westinghouse Electric Company (Westinghouse), a leading nuclear energy company, today announced it is expanding its Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility in Hopkins to construct one of the most advanced nuclear fuel factories in the United States. The company’s approximately $1 billion investment will significantly boost commercial scale low enriched uranium plus (LEU+) fuel production.

LEU+ fuel has a higher level of uranium enrichment (5% to 8%), which increases reactor power output and lowers production costs by reducing refueling time. Through an industry partnership in 2025, Westinghouse achieved the first successful deployment of LEU+ fuel in the U.S. This new factory in Richland County represents a turning point to bringing this next-generation fuel industrywide.

Built in 1968, Westinghouse’s Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility is one of the largest nuclear fuel plants in the world, generating fuel powering approximately 10% of U.S. electricity. The Richland County facility produces fuel pellets, fuel rods, fuel assemblies and fuel components to support other Westinghouse manufacturing plants and a global base of customers.

As part of the expansion, Westinghouse will construct a new LEU+ facility at its existing Bluff Road campus, which will supply next-generation fuel with advanced equipment to support existing and new customers. 

Construction is underway, and operations are expected to begin in 2030. Individuals interested in joining the Westinghouse team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

Images of Westinghouse and the new factory can be accessed here.

QUOTES

“Drawing on decades of our nuclear fuel expertise, we are advancing the next generation of nuclear fuel for the future. Our significant investment in this new fuel factory marks a transformative milestone for our company and the industry. By evolving our LEU+ operations, we’re securing a clean energy supply, strengthening energy independence and creating new opportunities in South Carolina. We are grateful for the U.S. Department of Energy’s invaluable support, which was key to reaching this historic achievement.”  -Westinghouse President and CEO Dan Sumner

“South Carolina is already leading America’s nuclear renaissance, and this announcement further strengthens our commitment to help meet the clean energy needs of the future. Westinghouse has been a critical partner in this effort, and we look forward to it expanding its work in our state to create next-generation fuel products that will continue to support nuclear energy production well into the future.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Businesses like Westinghouse are propelling South Carolina forward in the advanced energy sector. The company’s $1 billionexpansion in Richland County marks a significant step forward in our state’s capacity to strengthen national security and drive economic growth. With its legacy rooted here in the state, we are pleased to see Westinghouse amplify its capabilities and leadership in the industry.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Richland County has spent years laying the groundwork for investments like this one and we’re grateful to Westinghouse for this historic expansion. Beyond the significant investment that will strengthen our schools and local infrastructure, this new facility will move Lower Richland forward as one of the world’s leading providers of clean energy. Our workforce has supported this facility for generations, and this expansion ensures that we’ll continue to see high-paying jobs and economic stability for years to come.” -Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Westinghouse Electric Company (Westinghouse) is expanding its operations in Richland County.
• The company’s approximately $1 billion investment will boost low enriched uranium plus (LEU+) fuel production.
• Westinghouse is a leading nuclear energy company.
• The company is located on Bluff Road in Hopkins, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Westinghouse team should visit the company’s careers page. 
  

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2026-24, establishing the Governor’s Conservation Commission. The Commission will strengthen collaboration among state and local agencies, private landowners, and entities and citizens in preserving South Carolina’s natural resources, wildlife, historic sites, and cultural heritage.

“South Carolina’s natural beauty and rich history are an important part of what makes our state unique,” said Governor McMaster. “As our state continues to prosper, we must be thoughtful and think broadly about how we preserve the land, historic sites, and cultural heritage that define South Carolina. We know that our economic, academic, and conservation efforts each depend on the other to thrive. This Commission will help bring people together to strengthen our conservation efforts and protect these resources for future generations.”

To date, South Carolina has preserved approximately 3.4 million acres of land, including approximately 400,000 acres added since 2017. Governor McMaster has called for preserving 10 million acres for current and future generations. The South Carolina Protected Lands and Conservation Coordination Act of 2026 established a long-range goal of protecting 7 million acres by 2050, and the Working Agricultural Lands Preservation Act of 2024 addressed voluntary conservation easements, among other actions taken.

The Governor’s Conservation Commission will advise the Governor and Executive Branch on conservation and preservation strategies, promote coordination among state agencies, and assist local governments in developing conservation goals. The Commission will also work to increase public awareness of South Carolina’s history and culture, identify potential funding sources, and encourage partnerships among public, private, academic, and nonprofit organizations.

The Commission will include key state officials serving as ex officio members and up to 26 members appointed by the Governor from the private and academic sectors. The Commission will serve in an advisory capacity.

The executive order takes effect immediately.

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From live music and ballet to comedy, classical performances and the opening of the Coastal Carolina Fair, here are 10 events to check out around Charleston during the final week of October.

Charleston is getting into the Halloween spirit, and the week of October 26–30 offers plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the Lowcountry.

Whether you’re planning a downtown date night, looking for live entertainment, enjoying a night of comedy or searching for a fall outing with the family, this week’s calendar features a mix of touring performers, cultural experiences and seasonal attractions.

Here are 10 events to put on your calendar.

Monday, October 26

1. John Cameron Mitchell:

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

25th Anniversary Tour

Location: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., Charleston
Time: Check the official event listing
Tickets: Charleston Music Hall⁠

Celebrate the cult-classic musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch with its creator and star, John Cameron Mitchell. The anniversary tour offers fans an opportunity to revisit a groundbreaking production that helped reshape alternative musical theater and remains influential in LGBTQ+ culture.

Tuesday, October 27

2. International Piano Series: Jonathan Mamora

Location: Sottile Theatre, 44 George St., Charleston
Time: 7 p.m.
Tickets: College of Charleston event information⁠

Classical music lovers can enjoy an evening with pianist Jonathan Mamora as part of the College of Charleston’s International Piano Series. The program features works by Frédéric Chopin and Robert Schumann, offering an opportunity to experience classical piano in an intimate downtown setting.

3. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

Location: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: North Charleston Performing Arts Center⁠

Fans of classic rock can revisit the music of Fleetwood Mac with Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, a tribute act celebrating the band’s celebrated catalog. Expect familiar melodies, memorable harmonies and a nostalgic evening featuring music from one of rock’s most enduring groups.

Wednesday, October 28

4. CeCe Winans: COME WORSHIP! Tour

Location: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston
Time: 7 p.m.
Tickets: Official event information⁠

Gospel music star CeCe Winans brings her COME WORSHIP! Tour to the Lowcountry for an evening celebrating faith, music and community. The event also features Charity Gayle, Red Worship and Terrian, making it a major midweek option for fans of contemporary Christian and gospel music.

5. Sonic Live in Concert

Location: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: North Charleston Performing Arts Center⁠

Video-game fans can experience the music of SEGA’s iconic Sonic the Hedgehog franchise in a live concert setting. Celebrating more than three decades of Sonic’s musical history, the production brings familiar video-game themes to the stage in a format designed for longtime fans and younger audiences alike.

Thursday, October 29

6. South Carolina Ballet Presents

Dracula: Ballet with a Bite

Location: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., Charleston
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Charleston Music Hall⁠

With Halloween just around the corner, Dracula: Ballet with a Bite offers a theatrical way to embrace the season. The production combines classical ballet with gothic imagery, suspense and a rock-and-jazz score, bringing Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire into a dramatic stage experience.

The production is also scheduled for Friday, October 30, giving audiences another opportunity to experience the show.

7. The Witching Hour

Location: Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Charleston Symphony⁠

The Charleston Symphony sets a Halloween mood with The Witching Hour, a concert featuring music inspired by horror films, Broadway and the classical repertoire.

Featuring vocalists Hugh Panaro and Morgan James, the program includes selections associated with Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera and Psycho, alongside works by composers including Mozart and Bach. It’s an appealing option for music lovers looking for something atmospheric ahead of Halloween.

Friday, October 30

8. An Evening with David Sedaris

Location: Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: David Sedaris official tour website⁠

Best-selling author and humorist David Sedaris brings his distinctive storytelling and sharp social observations to Charleston. Known for his autobiographical essays and offbeat humor, Sedaris has built a devoted following through his books, radio appearances and live performances.

His appearance offers a chance to enjoy an evening of literary humor and personal storytelling in one of downtown Charleston’s premier performing arts venues.

9. Neal Francis Live

Location: The Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway, James Island
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Tickets and details: Charleston Pour House⁠

For those who prefer their Friday nights with a live band, musician Neal Francis brings a blend of rock, funk and vintage soul influences to the Charleston Pour House.

Known for his keyboard-driven sound and energetic performances, Francis offers a concert option for music fans seeking something beyond the larger touring productions at the area’s performing arts centers.

10. Coastal Carolina Fair Opens

Location: Exchange Park, Ladson
Dates: October 29–November 8, 2026
Information and tickets: Coastal Carolina Fair⁠

One of the Lowcountry’s major fall traditions returns as the Coastal Carolina Fair opens Thursday, October 29.

Visitors can look forward to carnival rides, fair food, games, vendors and entertainment throughout the event’s extended run. Friday, October 30, provides an opportunity to kick off Halloween weekend with a visit to the fairgrounds.

The fair is a popular seasonal outing for families, couples and groups of friends looking to enjoy a little classic fall fun.

Planning Your Week in Charleston

With everything from classical piano and symphonic music to rock tributes, comedy and seasonal attractions, the week of October 26–30 offers a variety of ways to enjoy the Lowcountry.

Planning a date night? Consider Dracula at Charleston Music Hall or David Sedaris at the Gaillard Center.

Looking for family-friendly entertainment? Sonic Live in Concert and the Coastal Carolina Fair offer options for different ages and interests.

Want to get into the Halloween spirit? The Witching Hour and Dracula: Ballet with a Bite bring a spooky theatrical atmosphere to the days leading up to Halloween.

Before heading out, check each event’s official website for the latest ticket availability, showtimes, age restrictions and parking information. Some events take place outside downtown Charleston, so allow additional travel time.

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By Mark A Leon

The Holy City’s mix of higher education, coastal culture, restaurants and entertainment helped it stand out in a national study examining what makes a city appealing to college students.

Charleston is known for its historic architecture, celebrated food scene and coastal lifestyle. Now, the city has another distinction to add to its résumé: national recognition as one of America’s leading college destinations.

According to a recent study by personal finance website WalletHub, Charleston was the only South Carolina city included among the nation’s best college towns and cities. The ranking evaluates more than just what happens on campus, examining the affordability, social environment and economic opportunities students can expect in the communities where they pursue their degrees.

The recognition highlights a key part of Charleston’s identity: it is not simply a destination for tourists and retirees, but also a place where thousands of students build their academic, professional and social lives.

Charleston ranks No. 10 nationally

In WalletHub’s 2026 ranking, Charleston placed 10th overall among more than 400 U.S. college towns and cities. The city also ranked second among midsize college cities, according to coverage of the study published by The State on October 21.

The study examined 31 indicators across three major categories: wallet friendliness, social environment, and academic and economic opportunities. Rather than evaluating universities alone, WalletHub considered how the surrounding city contributes to the student experience.

Those measurements included housing costs, cost of living, crime rates, higher education quality, employment prospects, nightlife, restaurants, recreation and the availability of part-time jobs. Even everyday expenses, such as the cost of pizza, fitness-club memberships and bowling, factored into the analysis.

The College of Charleston’s downtown advantage

At the center of Charleston’s college-town identity is the College of Charleston. Founded in 1770, the institution is one of the oldest colleges in the United States and places students within walking distance of much of downtown Charleston’s historic district.

The campus setting offers a distinctive blend of historic buildings, established neighborhoods, restaurants, independent shops, cultural attractions and waterfront spaces. For students, that means college life can extend well beyond classrooms and residence halls.

The surrounding city also provides access to the arts, live music, festivals, outdoor recreation and the region’s beaches. Those amenities contribute to the broader social environment that WalletHub considers in its rankings.

Charleston’s higher education community extends beyond the College of Charleston, with institutions such as The Citadel and the Medical University of South Carolina contributing to the city’s academic and professional landscape.

How affordability factors into the rankings

A high overall placement does not necessarily mean a city is inexpensive for students.

WalletHub’s methodology gives significant weight to academic and economic opportunities while also measuring affordability and social conditions. Its analysis considers housing expenses, education costs, student debt, part-time employment, graduate earnings and local job growth.

For Charleston, the distinction is particularly relevant. The city’s appeal comes with the practical challenge of managing living expenses in a popular coastal destination. Students weighing their options still need to compare tuition, housing, transportation and everyday costs against their budgets.

The ranking is best understood as a broad assessment of the opportunities and experiences available in a city, rather than a guarantee that college life there will be affordable for everyone.

Why the recognition matters for Charleston

The ranking reinforces Charleston’s standing as more than a historic tourist destination. Its universities, cultural attractions, restaurants, entertainment options and coastal setting make it a place where education intersects with the wider community.

A strong college-town reputation can also matter beyond enrollment. Students who establish professional and personal connections during their college years may choose to remain in the region after graduation, contributing to its workforce, businesses and cultural life.

Charleston’s placement is especially notable because it was the only South Carolina city featured in the list highlighted by the recent report. That gives the Holy City a distinction in a national comparison spanning hundreds of communities.

For prospective students and their families, the takeaway is straightforward: choosing a college means choosing a community, too. In Charleston, the experience extends from the historic campus into a city shaped by centuries of history, a diverse cultural scene and an evolving modern economy.

Source: WalletHub’s 2026 Best College Towns in America study, published October 20, 2026, and reporting by The State. 

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by Mark A Leon

From cozy wine bars to neighborhood favorites, these six downtown Charleston destinations prove that a good glass of wine and something delicious to share don’t have to come with a fine-dining price tag.

There is something special about slowing down in Charleston. Maybe it’s a glass of wine after a long day exploring the historic district, a small plate shared with someone special, or a dessert that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable one.

The good news? You don’t need to book an expensive dinner or spend a small fortune to enjoy the city’s food and drink scene. Downtown Charleston has plenty of places where you can settle in for a glass of wine, split an appetizer or indulge in something sweet without committing to a full dinner.

Whether you’re planning a casual date night, catching up with a friend or simply looking for an affordable way to enjoy the Holy City’s hospitality, here are six spots worth considering.

1. Bin 152: A Wine Lover’s Hideaway

Location: 152 King Street

For those who believe wine deserves center stage, Bin 152 is a natural starting point. This intimate wine bar has long been associated with a relaxed, European-inspired approach to drinking and dining.

The appeal is simple: choose a glass of wine, settle into the cozy atmosphere and pair your pour with a cheese board or another small bite. It’s the kind of place where conversation comes easily and there’s no pressure to turn a quick stop into a three-course meal.

The budget-friendly approach: Share a cheese or charcuterie board and order individual glasses rather than a full bottle. It’s an especially appealing option for couples who want a date-night atmosphere without the expense of a formal dinner.

2. The Gin Joint: Small Plates With Big Personality

Location: 182 East Bay Street

Known for its inventive cocktails and intimate atmosphere, The Gin Joint is another downtown option for people who enjoy a lively evening built around drinks and small plates.

Although cocktails are a major draw, the food menu makes it worth considering for a shared bite before dinner or a late-evening stop. Its intimate setting is well suited to couples and friends who want something a little different from a traditional restaurant experience.

The budget-friendly approach: Check the current menu for smaller dishes that can be shared, and keep the visit to one drink and one bite per person. Prices can add up quickly if you get carried away with specialty cocktails, so a little restraint helps.

3. Carmella’s Café and Dessert Bar: Save Room for Something Sweet

Location: 198 East Bay Street

Sometimes the best evening out begins after dinner. Carmella’s is a downtown favorite to consider when your sweet tooth takes over and you’d rather share dessert than order another entrée.

With its dessert-bar atmosphere, the shop is suited to an after-dinner treat, a casual date or an afternoon indulgence. Depending on the current selection, you may find cakes, pastries and other sweets that are perfect for sharing.

The budget-friendly approach: Split one substantial dessert and enjoy the experience together. If you’re meeting someone after dinner elsewhere, Carmella’s can make an appealing second stop without the cost of another full meal.

4. Bodega: Casual Bites in a Relaxed Setting

Location: 23 Ann Street

Not every evening out needs white tablecloths and hushed conversation. Bodega offers a more casual downtown setting for people who want to enjoy food and drinks without making a production of it.

Its approachable atmosphere makes it worth considering for a low-key meet-up, a casual date or a stop while exploring the Upper King Street area. Look to the current menu for smaller bites or shareable options that complement a glass of wine.

The budget-friendly approach: Visit with the intention of sharing a starter rather than ordering a full meal. The relaxed setting is part of the appeal, especially when you’re looking to enjoy downtown without spending the evening’s entire budget in one place.

5. Wine & Company: A Neighborhood Feel for Wine Enthusiasts

Location: 441 Meeting Street

A little farther up Meeting Street, Wine & Company offers a welcoming alternative to the more formal wine-bar experience. Part wine shop and part gathering place, it’s designed for people who enjoy discovering wines without feeling they need a sommelier’s vocabulary to order a glass.

Cheese and charcuterie are natural companions to the wine list, making this a good choice for two people who would rather graze and talk than sit down for a lengthy dinner. The shop-and-bar format also makes it an appealing stop for anyone interested in discovering a bottle to take home. 

The budget-friendly approach: Ask about wines by the glass and choose a shared cheese board or snack plate. If you’re flexible about when you visit, look into the shop’s advertised tasting events, which can offer a more affordable way to sample different wines.

6. Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe: A Sweet Ending to a Charleston Evening

Location: 78 North Market Street

For a final stop that puts dessert first, Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe deserves a place on your list. Located near the historic City Market, this longtime downtown destination is built around a tempting selection of sweets, specialty coffees and dessert-inspired drinks.

Whether you’re craving a slice of cake, a decadent pie or something chocolatey, it’s an inviting spot to extend an evening without ordering another full meal. The atmosphere works equally well for a date night, a catch-up with friends or a spontaneous dessert stop after exploring the historic district. 

The budget-friendly approach: Share a slice of cake or pie and enjoy the experience together. If you’re visiting after dinner, splitting one dessert can be every bit as satisfying as ordering separate plates.

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Thank you to each restaurant for the photo credit.

By Mark A Leon

From a multibillion-dollar flood protection plan to airport access, roadway improvements and wastewater upgrades, the Lowcountry is investing in infrastructure to keep pace with growth. Here’s where the major projects stand.

Charleston’s infrastructure landscape is changing, with public agencies advancing projects designed to reduce flooding, improve traffic flow, modernize wastewater treatment and create safer connections between communities.

The projects vary widely in scale and schedule. Some are approaching completion, others remain in design or permitting, and several of the region’s largest transportation investments will take years to deliver.

Here is a look at six significant projects, their estimated costs, funding sources and current status.

1. The Battery Extension: A multibillion-dollar defense against flooding

Estimated cost: $1.3 billion originally authorized for the full project; approximately $613.2 million for the initial segments under 2026 estimates.

Funding: 65% federal funding through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and 35% local funding, subject to the project’s cost-sharing arrangements.

Status: Engineering and design are underway.

One of Charleston’s most consequential infrastructure projects aims to protect the historic peninsula from storm surge and coastal flooding. The Battery Extension would expand the city’s existing waterfront defenses, combining flood barriers with public spaces and pedestrian promenades.

In September, the Army Corps awarded more than $6.2 million in engineering and design contracts covering two sections, including Adger’s Wharf and the Lockwood Drive waterfront. These contracts represent early design work, not the cost of constructing the entire system.

The city’s 2026 estimates put the initial segments at approximately $613.2 million. That estimate excludes several potential expenses, including aesthetic enhancements, utility relocation and certain environmental mitigation costs.

The project remains in its pre-construction engineering and design phase. Its ultimate price and schedule will depend on design decisions, funding and construction sequencing.

Sources: City of Charleston⁠ | Live 5 News⁠

2. Airport Connector Road: A new route to Charleston International Airport

Estimated funding: $205 million in Charleston County’s FY2025 capital improvement plan.

Funding: Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax program.

Status: Right-of-way acquisition and permitting; construction has not yet begun.

The Airport Connector Road project is intended to create more direct access to Charleston International Airport and improve connections between Dorchester Road, Montague Avenue and I-526.

The goal is to separate airport traffic from other commuter movements in an area experiencing continued residential, commercial and employment growth.

In June 2026, county officials said land acquisition was approximately 50% complete. The project must also complete the necessary permitting before moving into construction.

The federal permitting dashboard lists environmental review and permitting as ongoing, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2027. That is a permitting milestone, not a guaranteed opening date for the road.

The county’s FY2025 capital plan listed $205 million in funding and an expected completion year of 2027. Given the later permitting timeline, residents should watch for updated construction and completion schedules.

Sources: Charleston County Transportation Development⁠ | Federal Permitting Dashboard⁠ | Live 5 News⁠

3. Main Road Corridor: A long-term investment in Johns Island and West Ashley

Estimated funding: $407 million for the broader Main Road Corridor program in the county’s FY2025 capital plan.

Funding: Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax program.

Status: Construction and phased improvements are progressing, with additional work continuing over multiple years.

Main Road is a critical route for residents traveling through Johns Island and West Ashley. The county’s corridor program includes intersection improvements, roadway widening and connections intended to accommodate growth and improve traffic movement.

Segment A includes improvements at the U.S. 17 and Main Road intersection and along Main Road between Bees Ferry Road and River Road. Other segments address additional portions of the corridor.

The county’s published capital plan listed an expected 2029 completion for Segment A, while Segment C was listed for 2027. Individual schedules may change as engineering, construction and right-of-way requirements evolve.

The project is supported through the county’s transportation sales tax program, with funding allocated across a broader portfolio of road investments.

Sources: Charleston County Transportation Development⁠ | Charleston County FY2025 Capital Improvement Plan⁠

4. Ashley River Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge: Connecting downtown and West Ashley

Additional funding approved in 2026: $437,500.

Total project cost: A current, verified total was not established in the available updates.

Funding: A federal BUILD grant, alongside local funding and other project allocations.

Status: Construction is underway; opening is targeted for fall 2027.

The Ashley River Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge is designed to provide a safer way to cross the river between downtown Charleston and West Ashley without relying on existing bridges that prohibit bicycle and pedestrian travel.

The project will connect the West Ashley Greenway with the peninsula’s pedestrian network. Construction began in January 2025.

A July 2026 update from Charleston Moves reported that construction was approximately two-thirds complete and the movable span was being installed. The eastern landing design, including connections to the Medical District and Brittlebank Park, remained an important issue for city officials.

In February, Charleston City Council approved an additional $437,500 for design work and a contract adjustment associated with unexpected site conditions.

The bridge represents a different kind of infrastructure investment: rather than adding vehicle capacity, it creates a dedicated connection for people walking and cycling.

Sources: Charleston Moves⁠ | City of Charleston Projects⁠

5. Plum Island Wastewater Treatment Plant: $115 million in upgrades

Reported investment: $115 million in plant improvements.

Funding: Charleston Water System capital improvement funding; the specific funding breakdown for these improvements was not established in the available report.

Status: Multiple upgrades are at different stages of operation and implementation.

Charleston’s growth requires investments below ground as well as on its roads. Charleston Water System is undertaking $115 million in improvements at the Plum Island Wastewater Treatment Plant to support operations, capacity and long-term reliability.

The upgrades include a new primary clarifier, a solids-dewatering process and a disinfection facility. The clarifier was already online by March 2026, while the solids building was expected to become operational during summer 2026.

The improvements are intended to help the plant manage wastewater volumes and maintain treatment performance as the region grows.

Charleston Water System’s broader 2024–2027 capital improvement program also includes projects to replace aging infrastructure, expand service capacity and address regulatory requirements.

Sources: Charleston Water System Capital Program⁠ | Live 5 News⁠

6. Palmetto Commerce Interchange: A major project completed ahead of schedule

Reported project cost: Approximately $90 million in projected funding; the county reported a construction cost of $60.4 million.

Funding: Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax program.

Status: Substantially complete and opened in November 2025; remaining landscaping work was scheduled for 2026.

The Palmetto Commerce Interchange was designed to improve access between I-26, U.S. 78 and the growing Palmetto Commerce Parkway area in North Charleston.

The project opened in November 2025, ahead of its original February 2026 completion target. County leaders said it was completed under budget, leaving funding available for other transportation priorities.

The new interchange is intended to improve traffic flow, provide additional access options and support the area’s expanding employment and commercial development.

Although the main construction project is complete, associated landscaping and tree replacement work continued into 2026.

Sources: Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Program⁠ | Live 5 News⁠

What comes next?

Charleston County is also developing its next Transportation Sales Tax program, with a proposed long-term investment framework covering roadways, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and green space.

In February 2026, county officials discussed a draft program projected to generate approximately $4.25 billion over 25 years. The proposal has since gone through additional review and public outreach. Proposed allocations and project lists should not be confused with money already spent or construction contracts already awarded.

For residents, the takeaway is that Charleston’s infrastructure needs extend well beyond any single road project. Flood protection, wastewater treatment, airport access and safe transportation connections are all part of the region’s response to growth and environmental challenges.

The coming years will test whether these investments can keep pace with development while protecting the Lowcountry’s historic communities, neighborhoods and quality of life.

Charleston Daily will continue tracking project costs, funding decisions, construction milestones and schedule changes as these major investments move forward.

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