Author: Charleston Daily

Southern Screams – Charleston’s Premier Haunted House Attraction – Returns with IMMORTAL at Holy City Brewing

Southern Screams is back for its fourth year at Holy City Brewing with an all-new haunted attraction: IMMORTAL — and this year, Club AMP is open, and everyone’s dying for an invitation to the city’s darkest night of decadence.

Step into the pulsing heart of Club AMP, where hypnotic rhythms echo through the shadows and an insatiable thirst courses beneath the surface. This exclusive vampire nightclub is dripping in decadence and danger. Here, more than just drinks are flowing—and the party doesn’t stop until the last drop is gone.​

Beginning Friday, September 26, IMMORTAL will run for 25 nights through November 8. The experience includes:

• General Admission tickets
• The elevated R.I.P. Access experience, featuring private lounge access, exclusive photo ops, discounts on merchandise, and expedited haunted house entry
• Behind the Screams tours on select nights for fans who want a look behind the blood-soaked curtain
• And returning fan-favorite Lights Out! Nights on Nov 7 and Nov 8, where guests enter the attraction with only a lantern to guide them

“Our team is thrilled to unveil IMMORTAL — our boldest, bloodiest concept yet,” said Blake Baylor, Creative Director at Southern Screams. “Every year we challenge ourselves to deliver a more immersive, more intense, and more unforgettable experience to our guests, and this year we’ve done just that.”

​For tickets and full details, visit southernscreams.com and follow @southernscreams on social media.

Full Details and Links

• Click HERE for Tickets.
• Click HERE for scheduled dates
• Location: HOLY CITY BREWING – 1021 ARAGON AVE, N. CHARLESTON, SC 29405

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Expanding compassionate end-of-life care services to Charleston and surrounding communities

CHARLESTON, S.C., August 21, 2025 – Family Hospice, a leading provider of compassionate end-of-life care, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Charleston, South Carolina. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to offer high-quality hospice and palliative care to communities across the state, building upon the established presence of its existing location in Greenville.

The community-centered celebration will take place on Thursday, Sept. 4, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from local leaders and Family Hospice executives, a symbolic butterfly release honoring healing and remembrance, guided tours of the new office, and opportunities for guests to connect with the dedicated Charleston care team.

“Our mission has always been to ensure every patient and family we serve feels supported, respected, and cared for as if they were our own,” said Charles Hall, CEO of Family Hospice. “The Opening of our Charleston office allows us to serve more communities and patients while delivering the same level of compassion and excellence that families have come to trust throughout South Carolina and Georgia.”

The Charleston location serves as the local base for providing compassionate, in-home care to patients and families across the region. From hospice and palliative care to bereavement support, the Charleston team offers 24/7 access to a dedicated group of nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. By working closely with local healthcare providers and meeting patients where they call home, the team is positioned to make a lasting impact on the community.  

“This is more than just a ribbon-cutting. It’s a promise to be here for the Charleston community during life’s most tender moments,” said Sheri Miller, Executive Director of Family Hospice in Charleston. “We want every family to know they have a compassionate team ready to walk with them, providing both guidance and comfort every step of the way.”

The grand opening event is by invitation only and open to community leaders, healthcare partners, volunteers, media, and residents. Guests will enjoy light refreshments featuring locally sourced light bites, a memory-sharing station, and opportunities to learn about volunteer roles. 

The new Family Hospice office is now open at 112 Rutledge Ave, Unit A, Charleston, SC 29401. Information regarding Family Hospice services can be found at homewithfamily.com/ or by calling 1-800-410-HOME. 

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About Family Hospice

Family Hospice is a trusted hospice care organization providing compassionate, quality care for end-of-life needs to families in Georgia and South Carolina. The mission of Family Hospice is to serve those battling terminal illnesses by enhancing their quality of life and preserving their dignity while providing medical guidance during difficult times. For more information, visit homewithfamily.com/.

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It’s easy to see why German Shepherds are a popular choice for anyone looking to add a larger dog to their family dynamic. Besides their loyalty and superior intelligence, German Shepherds are also excellent family companions and working dogs. They’re well known for having protective natures, which makes it easy for them to be recognized as a top choice for watchdogs and family protectors. 

If you’ve added a German Shepherd to your shortlist of potential pets, then you may be wondering how much it will cost to own this breed if you live in Charleston, South Carolina. While the exact amount varies based on several factors, it’s estimated that you can spend as much as $3,500 on your new fur friend in the first year. Fortunately, this amount drops to around $500 – $1,500 for every year thereafter. This post explores a few key costs to expect. 

Adoption Fees

How much you spend on getting your new German Shepherd will be determined by various factors, such as age and the organization or shelter you’re adopting from. Typical adoption costs can range from $150 to $500. Organizations such as Pet Helpers usually offer German Shepherd puppies at $300, while adult dogs can go for as little as $150. Senior dogs (older than eight years) can often be adopted for $125. 

Vaccination Costs 

As with everything else related to dog ownership, the cost of vaccinations depends on various factors such as age and current health. On average, you can expect to pay between $20 – $100 per vaccine. These are often broken down into the following categories:

• Core vaccines: Includes DHLPP, which protects against parvovirus and parainfluenza usually costs between $20-$60 per shot.
• Rabies vaccines: For German Shepherds, these can range between $20-$30.
• Non-core vaccines: These include kennel cough or Bordetella and cost less than $100. 

In addition to vaccinations, your German Shepherd may also require yearly vet visits and wellness checks. The cost of these will depend on health and the reason for the visit. Typical costs of general visits, such as booster vaccines, preventative medications, and basic check-ups, can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500 annually. Pet diagnostics (specialized tests) and emergency care could cost considerably more for a larger dog.

Food and Supplements

Assessing the exact cost of your German Shepherd’s food can be challenging because there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for big or small dogs. The amount of food your German Shepherd consumes will depend on age, health, and food type. 

However, keep in mind that the average adult German Shepherd will eat about three to five cups of dry food every day. Puppies may eat softer food more frequently. Total cost is also determined by brand and whether or not you’re adding veggies and meat separately. More active dogs will also require more meals to keep their energy levels up. You can expect to pay anywhere between $600 and $1,200 per year on food, depending on brand and type. 

Grooming

German Shepherds have relatively short hair, which means they may not need the specialized grooming that other long-haired breeds require. This means you can get away with spending about $60 every eight weeks. You can also brush and bathe your canine at home, which will reduce the potential costs associated with professional grooming. 

Training

If you’re looking to turn your German Shepherd into a guard dog, you may need to invest in specialized guard training. Opting to have this professionally done can cost between $1,000 and $2,500. The exact price will depend on the type of training and facility being used. Basic obedience training is recommended for companion dogs and usually ranges from $50 to $500, and will be cheaper when done as part of a group. 

Choose the Best Pet Insurance

No potential pet cost calculation should be complete without including a top-notch pet insurance. The good news is that Lemonade dog insurance in SC is not only affordable but comprehensive enough to suit a German Shepherd. If you’re living in Charleston, you can expect to pay anywhere between $30-$34 for quality insurance.

With a policy from Lemonade will see your German Shepherd being covered for any of the following procedures and ailments:

• MRI and CT scans
• Hospitilization
• Speciality care
• Emergency care
• Vaccinations and other injections
• Outpatient care
• Prescription medication
• Heart disease
• Hip, elbow, and knee dysplasia 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a guard dog or you simply prefer the companionship of a larger dog, you will never go wrong with adopting a German Shepherd in Charleston. While it’s true that bigger dogs are more costly to own, a clever budgeting plan and comprehensive pet insurance will ensure that your new German Shepherd can easily blend into your home and your financial planning. 

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By Mark A. Leon

Personal finance and research analysis platform WalletHub has released its latest study (August, 2025) on the “Best States to Live In” and South Carolina came in at #44.

The methodology for this study included affordability, economy, education & health, quality of life, and safety as their categories of measurement.

Here is how South Carolina ranked in each category:

• Affordability: 9th
• Economy: 39th
• Education & Health: 42nd
• Quality of Life: 34th
• Safety: 46th
• Overall Score (out of a possible 100): 45.65

Here are the top 5 best states to live and overall score:

1. Massachusetts – 60.23
2. Idaho – 60.19
3. New Jersey – 59.81
4. Wisconsin – 59.66
5. Minnesota – 58.69

Southeast notables and ranking:

• 6. Florida – 58.51
• 22. North Carolina – 52.32
• 27. Georgia – 51.59
• 37. Kentucky – 47.53
• 40. Tennessee – 47.02
• 41. Alabama – 47.01
• 47. Mississippi – 43.53
• 49. Louisiana – 40.57

Click HERE to read and review the complete study results.

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By Mark A Leon

In the South, words carry more than their dictionary definitions—they carry flavor, charm, and a wink of subtext. Few phrases illustrate this better than the enduring expression: “bless your heart.”

The phrase has deep roots in Christian tradition, where blessings were called down upon others as a form of kindness or prayer. To “bless someone’s heart” was once a sincere plea for God’s favor, protection, or healing. In the 19th century, particularly in the American South where church life was woven into daily rhythms, it was a gentle way to show empathy: “She’s been working two jobs to feed her children—bless her heart.” It meant sympathy, solidarity, and compassion.

But as Southerners are known for their delicate art of manners—and their equally delicate art of insults—“bless your heart” began to evolve. Somewhere between the rocking chairs and front porches, it took on a second life: one part sweet tea, one part sharp bite. Suddenly, it could mean “you poor thing” when someone made a mistake, or even a sly way of saying “that was dumb” without ever raising your voice. For example, when a cousin shows up late to dinner because he got lost in his own hometown, the reply might be a smiling: “Well, bless your heart.”

That double edge is what makes the phrase uniquely Southern. It shields both speaker and listener from harshness, coating criticism in sugar. Outsiders sometimes misinterpret it, thinking it’s always kind, but locals know the truth: context is everything. Tone, timing, and the slow drawl of delivery decide whether it’s genuine or tongue-in-cheek.

Today, “bless your heart” remains a cultural staple—equal parts endearing and exasperated. It bridges old traditions of faith with modern Southern wit. Whether offered with a hand on the shoulder or a knowing smirk, it is less about the words themselves and more about the unspoken understanding between two people.

In the end, “bless your heart” is not just a phrase—it’s a story in three words: one of care, of culture, and of the South’s genius for saying the hard thing gently.

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Clemson University was named one of the best colleges in the South, in addition to earning top 25 national rankings in several categories ranging from school spirit to career services, in The Princeton Review’s latest annual rankings.  

The Princeton Review recognized Clemson as Best South in the 2026 Best Colleges: Region by Region rankings. According to the publication, the featured schools are ones “that we consider academically outstanding and well worth consideration in your college search.” 

In addition, the University was ranked No. 16 in The Princeton Review’s Students Love Their School Teams list, a ranking that evaluates which colleges have the most popular intercollegiate sports teams at their schools. Clemson also ranked No. 24 nationally in Best Athletic Facilities, a measure of recreational and athletic facilities available to students.  

Clemson ranked No. 20 in Best Career Services. The award-winning Center for Career and Professional Development supports students with career counseling and assessments, resume and cover letter reviews, information workshops, and job search assistance. In 2024, 72 percent of graduates who completed a bachelor’s degree completed participation in one experiential education opportunity (co-op, internship, student teaching, nursing practicum, etc.), while 58 percent completed two or more. In addition, 85 percent of recent graduates feel prepared to interview for jobs and further educational opportunities. 

The Princeton Review also lauded Clemson as a Best Value College, No. 6 Top 20 Best Alumni Network (Public Schools) and No. 11 Top 20 Best Schools for Internships (Public Schools) in its June rankings.  

Source: Clemson University

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By Mark A Leon

If you’re a young couple in your 20s looking for the perfect downtown Charleston escape, here are three top-notch hotels that combine trendy vibes, central locations, and unforgettable experiences—crafted with you in mind:

1. The Spectator Hotel

Stylish and full of character, The Spectator exudes Roaring ’20s glam with its Art Deco design and speakeasy-inspired bar. It’s a AAA Four Diamond gem that goes the extra mile with 24-hour butler service—imagine having breakfast delivered to your room whenever you want it  . Nestled just a block from City Market, it’s the ideal launching pad for exploring downtown. The combination of plush luxury, thoughtful extras, and unbeatable style makes it perfect for young couples wanting both flair and comfort.

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2. The Vendue Hotel

Dubbed Charleston’s “Art Hotel,” The Vendue immerses you in creativity with over 300 pieces of original art displayed throughout its historic buildings  . Its rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the harbor and Ravenel Bridge—an ideal spot for sunset cocktails or a cozy moment together  . Situated in the French Quarter, you’ll be within walking distance of Market Street, Waterfront Park, and vibrant King Street. With its artsy ambiance, rooftop social scene, and history-forward design, The Vendue is great for couples who appreciate a hip, expressive atmosphere.

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3. The Restoration Hotel

A blend of boutique elegance and modern comfort, The Restoration charms with its stylish interiors and standout rooftop venue, The Watch—a rooftop bar and restaurant offering panoramic views of Charleston’s skyline  . Located just steps from King Street, you’re perfectly placed to shop, dine, or stroll through historic streets  . It’s ideal for couples who want a mix of relaxed sophistication, social flair, and proximity to Charleston’s best. The hotel includes a phenomenal coffee bar, The Rise Coffee Bar, with amazing coffee, pastries and vibe!

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Why These Hotels Work for Couples in Their 20s

Summary

Whether you’re into vintage glamour, creative energy, or slick modern design, The Spectator, The Vendue, and The Restoration each offer a unique blend of style, convenience, and romance. They’re perfect for making your Charleston getaway both vibrant and unforgettable.

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Photo Credit: Charleston Daily, The Spectator, The Venue, The Restoration

Guardsmen Subject to Immediate Recall for Hurricane or Natural Disaster Response

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today authorized the deployment of 200 South Carolina National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C. The guardsmen will support federal law enforcement activities under President Donald J. Trump’s executive order to Restore Law and Order in the District of Columbia.

The guardsmen are subject to immediate recall if a hurricane or other natural disaster requires their return to South Carolina.

“South Carolina is proud to stand with President Trump as he works to restore law and order to our nation’s capital and ensure safety for all who live, work, and visit there,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “As our National Guard works to support President Trump’s mission, should a hurricane or natural disaster threaten our state, these men and women can and will be immediately recalled home to respond.”

The governor’s order comes at the request of the Pentagon’s National Guard Bureau. The deployment will be funded by the federal government under Title 32.

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Source: Office of the Governor of South Carolina

Entering its 19th season in Charleston, South Carolina, Annex Dance Company has created a reputation of fostering an environment of creative release using music, movement, dance and artistic celebration to entertain and foster generations of dancers.

We are so proud to spotlight this wonderful company that we met at a recent event at Gibbes Museum of Art.

Let’s learn more about Annex Dance Company

Annex Dance Company is committed to providing accessibility to professional modern dance in Charleston, SC. Under the artistic direction of Kristin Alexander, the company is rooted in modern dance tradition while pushing the boundaries of movement invention through relationships and intention. Performance, collaboration, and education remain at the forefront of every season. Annex Dance Company supports the arts through collaborative projects with artists of different mediums.

Annex Dance Company teaches classes weekly out of the studio at Dance Moves of Charleston, 349 Folly Road on James Island. Visit our website at https://annexdancecompany.org

Want to learn more?

• Click HERE to purchase tickets or donate to their upcoming events.
• Official Website for Annex Dance Company
• Stay connected and follow on Instagram.

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Photo Credit: Annex Dance Company

(Charleston, SC). Middleton Place Foundation is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant from the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) in support of a major new exhibit, Conversations of Freedom: The American Revolution at Middleton Place, opening to the public on April 1, 2026.

This grant supports the development of a new exhibit in the South Flanker of the House Museum at Middleton Place, commemorating South Carolina’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. As the home of Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a National Historic Landmark with deep Revolutionary ties, Middleton Place offers an authentic setting to explore the layered meanings of liberty and independence.

Conversations of Freedom will present a more complete narrative of the Revolutionary period (1770–1783), inviting visitors to engage with history through multiple perspectives. The exhibit will explore how the ideas of freedom influenced the daily lives of Arthur Middleton, his family, and the people he enslaved.

“The Foundation is deeply grateful to the SC250 Commission for this opportunity,” said Dana Hand Evans, President & CEO of Middleton Place Foundation. “This grant helps us reimagine how we tell the story of the American Revolution by expanding the lens to include voices that have been left out of the national conversation.”

Through thoughtfully curated period rooms and gallery spaces, Conversations of Freedom will examine the ideological, political, and personal struggles of the era, encouraging visitors to reflect on the complexity and contradictions of freedom in the nation’s founding.

The exhibit will be accompanied by a year-long series of public programs, special tours, and educational initiatives tied to the 250th commemoration. These efforts aim to deepen understanding, spark meaningful dialogue, and foster engagement with the legacy of the American Revolution.

Conversations of Freedom will be included with general admission to Middleton Place beginning April 1, 2026.

For more information, visit www.middletonplace.org or contact Alana Long at along@middletonplace.org / 843-266-7476. 

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