“If we bear all this suffering and if there are still Jews left, when it is over, then Jews, instead of being doomed, will be held up as an example.” – Anne Frank
The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this annual day of commemoration, the UN urges every member state to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism and to develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides.
Join the conversation and share your reflections about International Holocaust Remembrance Day on social media using #WeRemember.
Why we should never forget
It is difficult to talk or think about the Holocaust without becoming emotionally drained by the thoughts of mass genocide and the murder of women, children and men in such unspeakable acts of torture for the sheer sake of satisfying the insanity of an madman. The idea of innocent people brutally murdered at will, showered in gas chambers, starved to death, worked to the point of collapse and piled into ditches hundreds at a time upon their last breath is unthinkable during any time in our history.
The moment homes were raided and families were separated and forced into dirty, dark, germ and rat infested trains, their lives were over. There was no allies watching out for their well-being. There were no prayers for a speedy return. There were only death sentences for the crime of being born a certain way. In the end, hundreds, turned to thousands, then hundred thousands and then millions.
The murders were so systematic and random. How could anyone let something like this happen?
Image after image, video after video, memorial after memorial serves as a reminder that we cannot forget, ever. One man sought to annihilate all the Jews, lesbians, gays, sympathizers and others that didn’t fit his model of a perfect race in his quest for world domination. There are no words to describe this act of terror. Even today, as we speak openly about terrorism, hijackers, bombers and fanatics, there is no comparison to the fear that spread throughout Europe and the world. The Holocaust was such a traumatic time, that many have mentally blocked the entire idea of this time from their memory bank.
If you speak to survivors or descendants there are so many extreme emotions of hatred, fear, sorrow, pain and remorse for families, friends, neighbors who had their families ripped apart, tortured and killed. There was no escape from the pure evil on Earth that Hitler and the Nazis brought into every territory they invaded and took over.
Today survivors, families and descendants continue the message of remembrance and hope that an event like this should never repeat. At the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., each guest is given a card with a picture and biography of a Holocaust victim to hold during their stay. As you slowly walk through each room and corridor hearing the stories and seeing the images, you hold the memory of one that lived and died during this period. It is hard to imagine that over six million people would have to walk through those doors to each hold one memory. That is only those that were able to be identified.
VINEA COURTYARD KITCHEN 115 River Landing Drive, #101, Charleston vineakitchen.com
Restaurateurs Nick and Kelly Ruhotina from Nick’s German Kitchen in Mount Pleasant introduce their new concept Vinea, which translates to vineyard in Latin. Its vision is to bring fresh energy and a new story to Daniel Island space that was once home to the renowned Sermet’s Courtyard. Vinea will be rooted in European flavors, heartfelt hospitality and the same spirit of connection that always made Sermet’s Courtyard so loved. Opening September 2025.
ANNIE MAE’S BAKESHOP 185 Saint Philip Street, Charleston anniemaesbakeshop.com | @anniemaesbakeshop
Founded by Jason and Annie Vieira, Annie Mae’s Bakeshop is a Southern-inspired bakery that has evolved from a micro-bread operation into a charming pink brick-and-mortar café. The Vieiras, who currently supply breads and desserts to more than 30 Charleston restaurants, will continue their wholesale business while expanding their offerings in the new bakeshop. Patrons can expect Southern staples like bacon-egg-and-cheddar biscuit sandwiches, key lime pie, coconut cream cake, apple caramel sticky buns, hand-blended teas and imaginative coffee and espresso flavors like vanilla date and raspberry pistachio. At night, the space also transforms into a dessert-driven espresso martini bar offering cocktails crafted with vermouth, sherry and sake, alongside wine and beer. Opened December 2025.
BAR WEEMS 1921 Reynolds Avenue, North Charleston barweems.com | @weemsramen
Weems Ramen, the latest concept from owner Weems Pennington, has opened a brick-and-mortar location in North Charleston after operating as a pop-up at spots like Sweatman’s Garden and Estadio. Alongside its housemade noodles and flavorful broths, the restaurant features a craft cocktail menu with creatively named drinks such as Everynight Fireworks, You’d Prefer an Astronaut and Searching for a Former Clarity. Opened December 2025.
Bellerose Hotel Bar
BELLEROSE HOTEL BAR 158 Church Street, Charleston bellerosehotelbar.com | @bellerosehotelbar
Bellerose is an intimate, European-inspired cocktail bar and dining destination tucked into Charleston’s historic district that channels the timeless glamour of a classic hotel bar, without actually being part of a hotel. With just a handful of tables, the space feels cozy and refined, setting the tone for lingering conversations over expertly crafted martinis, classic cocktails and elevated steakhouse-style fare. Opened December 2025.
The North Carolina brunch chain is ready to pop the Champagne in Mount Pleasant. The spot known for its tagline “Mimosas made me do it,” will offer a lineup of brunch favorites, including burritos, bowls and Benedicts, with standouts such as the Chicken Biscuit Supreme, Notorious BLT, breakfast tacos, Carolina Sunrise and shrimp and grits. All dishes are made with Vital Farms eggs for exceptional quality and beverage options range from classic mimosas—available by the glass, carafe or eye-catching tower—to Bloody Marys, coffee cocktails, brunch shots and playful adult juice pouches. Opening Winter 2026.
CACHITA’S KITCHEN 6 North Market Street, Charleston cachitaskitchenchs.com |@cachitaskitchen
After winning over the city from the streets, this popular Charleston food truck has brought its flavors to a downtown storefront. Named Mount Pleasant Magazine’s Best of Mount Pleasant in 2024, this Mexican restaurant offers a creative take on classic street tacos filled with chicken, beef, al pastor, chorizo, carnitas, shrimp or fish. Menu highlights include the Fishin’ in the Dark, featuring blackened mahi-mahi topped with jalapeño tartar, black bean and corn salsa and crispy onion straws; the Mexican Sushi Burrito Roll, a tempura-coated seaweed wrap filled with crab, shrimp, mango, asparagus, jalapeño, carrots, cream cheese and cilantro, served with yum yum sauce; and the Mexican Cuban Sandwich, made with a Gigante bakery roll layered with carnitas, ham, sliced avocado, pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, pickles and yellow mustard. Opened November 2025.
Overlooking The Cooper’s marina, Cooper Coffee & Wine will offer a dynamic day-to-night experience. During the day, it will serve as a refined café, featuring artisanal coffee, freshly baked pastries and a bright, welcoming atmosphere perfect for breakfast or a morning pick-me-up. As evening falls, the space will transform into an intimate wine bar reminiscent of a European boulangerie, highlighting curated charcuterie boards, select wines and a cozy ambiance. Whether visiting for a morning coffee or an evening toast by the water, Cooper Coffee & Wine will provide a versatile and inviting destination for both guests and locals. Opening March 2026.
THE CROSSING 176 Concord Street, Charleston thecooper.com | @thecoopercharleston
The Cooper’s signature restaurant will serve as a vibrant meeting point between land and sea, blending classic Lowcountry flavors with coastal Mediterranean influences. Featuring locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients, the menu will highlight fresh, refined dishes that celebrate Charleston’s culinary heritage through a global lens. Designed by Meyer Davis, the restaurant’s sophisticated interiors will pair seamlessly with sweeping harbor views, creating an atmosphere as captivating as the cuisine. A stunning raw bar and exceptional wine program will also further elevate the dining experience. Opening March 2026.
Perched at the edge of Waterfront Park, CurrentBurger will offer a fast-casual spin on the classic soda shop experience, serving an all-day menu of smash burgers, golden fries, fountain sodas, creamy hand-spun milkshakes and soft-serve ice cream. As one of The Cooper’s signature dining spots, the restaurant will bring a fresh yet nostalgic take on the traditional burger joint — blending old-fashioned charm with modern coastal flair. Guests will be able to enjoy their meal inside or pick up from the convenient walk-up window overlooking the park. Opening March 2026.
GIANNONE EATERY & ITALIAN MARKET 216 Scott Street, Mount Pleasant giannoneeatery.com | @giannonechs
Giannone Eatery and Italian Market will bring a taste of Italy to Charleston with a warm, European-inspired atmosphere and an enticing mix of offerings. Part sandwich shop, part restaurant and part wine bar, the new concept will feature a curated wine and charcuterie bar, a bakery with housemade breads and a menu rooted in fresh, artisanal ingredients. Designed to be both a neighborhood gathering spot and a destination for authentic Italian flavors, Giannone will invite guests to linger over a glass of wine and savor the simple pleasures of good food. Opening Winter 2026.
JOHNNY’S GARAGE 1256 Yeamans Hall Road, North Charleston johnnysfullservice.com | @johnnysgaragechs
From the owners of The Royal American and The Bounty Bar comes Johnny’s Garage, a new restaurant in North Charleston serving thin-crust Northeast-style pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, “dirty sodas” and boozy milkshakes. The venue features a spacious barroom and a large covered patio with a stage for live entertainment. With its laid-back atmosphere, Johnny’s Garage offers a family and dog-friendly environment, perfect for watching sports, enjoying a meal with friends or gathering the kids around for delicious pizza. Opened October 2025.
MIX N’ MELODIES 2021 Reynolds Avenue, North Charleston @mixnmelodies
North Charleston is set to welcome Mix N’ Melodies, a new creative hub that will blend food, music and art into one vibrant gathering space. Designed as a place for socializing, networking and collaboration, Mix N’ Melodies will also introduce The Coffee Table, an extension of the hub that highlights local talent through professionally recorded mini-concerts. Opening Winter 2026.
NEAT BOURBON BAR 440 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant neatbourbonbar.com
NEAT Bourbon Bar, the popular concept from husband-and-wife team Lisa and Howard Dozier, is expanding to Mount Pleasant. With existing locations across South Carolina, NEAT is known for its elevated bar snacks, small plates and inventive cocktails. Menu favorites will include roasted Brussels sprouts, a signature charcuterie board, Hot Brown Sliders on King’s Hawaiian buns and the indulgent Tuxedo Bomb dessert. The cocktail list will be equally creative, featuring drinks like The Parent Trap with chili-ginger–infused bourbon and prosecco, Honey I Shrunk the Kids with honeydew boba and muddled oranges and You’re Killin’ Me Smalls with housemade blueberry limoncello. Opening February 2026.
Park Circle’s quirky café and retail spot is opening a second location in downtown Charleston. Steps away from Hampton Park, the new Odd Duck Market location will offer a mix of coffee, matcha, wine cocktails, bagels, vegan options and seasonal flavors for breakfast and lunch. The new spot will have a massive wrap-around patio and a walk-up window. Shelves will be stacked with local favorites like Second State Coffee, Ruby’s Bagels, Little Peanut Bakery, Storey Farms and more. Opening Winter 2026.
A bright orange two-story shipping container is set to make a bold debut in North Charleston as Smalls Sliders opens its first Lowcountry location. The Atlanta-based franchise, backed by 10 Point Capital and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, will bring its signature “can” design–a modular stack featuring walk-up ordering, a shaded AstroTurf patio and plenty of eye-catching curb appeal–to one of the area’s busiest corridors. Known for its crave-worthy menu of perfectly grilled sliders, seasoned waffle fries and thick shakes, Smalls Sliders offers a modern, fast-casual twist on the nostalgic burger joint. Opening January 2026.
Sushi | Bar is an Omakase Speakeasy that serves up a whimsy of its namesake fare in 17 courses. Behind an unmarked door lies an intimate counter housing 10-12 prized seats where you will sit right up to the chef’s cutting boards. Sushi | Bar Charleston will be the group’s sixth location. Relax and enjoy as the chefs prepare a playful reverie on new-wave nigiri and other delicacies from both land and sea in a free-form interpretive take on the traditional sushi counter experience, where you can expect unexpected riffs on beloved standards. Opened December 2025.
SWEET PALM COFFEE 471 King Street, Charleston sweetpalmcoffee.com | @sweetpalmcoffee
Sweet Palm Coffee is a locally owned and operated café located in downtown Charleston. Founded and run by husband-and-wife team Jonathan and Aylin, the shop combines culinary expertise with a love for community. Jonathan, a professional chef with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, brings his background to the menu, crafting signature coffee drinks and house-made sauces for their breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients and partnerships with local suppliers, Sweet Palm Coffee offers guests a distinctive and vibrant Lowcountry Charleston experience. Opened October 2025.
UNDERGROUND CHUCK’S 2126 Henry Tecklenburg Drive, Charleston undergroundchucks.com | @undergroundchucksrestaurant
Underground Chuck’s has opened its first South Carolina location, bringing genuine hospitality, elevated bar fare and a laid-back atmosphere to the neighborhood. Enjoy craveable American-style burgers, USDA steaks, hand-breaded tenders, craft beers and signature cocktails, all served with a friendly smile. This new spot aims to become a go-to for delicious comfort food and good times. Opened November 2025.
Eli’s Table, a longtime Charleston favorite, has reopened with a refreshed look and updated menu. Owned by Sam Mustafa of Charleston Hospitality Group, the renovation features a larger 15-seat bar, high exposed ceilings and a redesigned courtyard filled with greenery. The menu will showcase returning favorites like Duck and Waffle alongside new dishes crafted by the culinary team. Reopened November 2025.
MONDO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT EXPANSION 915 Folly Road, James Island eatatmondos.com | @mondositaliancuisine
Mondo’s Italian Restaurant, a beloved James Island staple for 27 years, has unveiled a major renovation and expansion at its longtime location in the Shoppes of Folly Road. The refreshed space features an expanded dining room with additional bar seating, larger tables for families and groups and a brand-new kitchen outfitted with a hybrid wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza oven. This marks the first time Mondo’s will serve pizza, adding a new layer to Charleston’s Italian dining scene. Unveiled October 2025.
PROPHET COFFEE NEW LOCATION 194 Jackson Street, Charleston prophet-coffee.com | @prophet_coffee
Prophet Coffee has expanded into downtown Charleston. The founders, Bryson and Savanna Purcell, originally opened the smallest café in the Charleston area, serving craft coffee inside a 1996 Subaru Sambar Classic that was parked in North Charleston. A few months later, they debuted Prophet Coffee as a brick-and-mortar cafe at 4411 Spruill Avenue, a space they then traded for a larger one next door. Prophet Coffee patrons can expect coconut cold brews, lattes and masala chai at the shop’s first peninsula location. Opened October 2025.
The Pass
THE PASS NEW LOCATION 976 Houston Northcutt Boulevard, Mount Pleasant thepasschs.com | @thepasschs
Chef Anthony Marini’s beloved downtown Charleston sandwich shop is set to open a second location in Mount Pleasant’s Northcutt Plaza. Known for its unapologetically interesting sandwiches, antipasto platters, Italian snacks and wines, The Pass has built a devoted following since opening in 2021 in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. The new 1,100-square-foot space will bring the same flavor-packed menu, including the viral Such a Nice Italian Boy sandwich, plus new additions created just for Mount Pleasant area guests. The Pass Mount Pleasant will also expand catering and delivery options to reach Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. Opened January 2026.
RETAIL & BUSINESS
Ladybird Books
LADYBIRD BOOKS 229 King Street, Charleston ladybirdbooks.org | @ladybirdbooks_chs
Ladybird Books has arrived in Charleston, with every shelf featuring bestselling literary fiction, contemporary Southern fiction and nonfiction, culture-driven cookbooks, a “How to Be a Human” section for memoirs and other thought-provoking works. Ladybird Books is the vision of Summer Anderson, whose life and career have long centered on a passion for stories. Before bookselling, she worked in events in New York but found her true calling at Books-A-Million, the company her husband’s grandfather founded. Over the past 15 years, she has curated, read, reviewed and recommended titles through her platform, Summer Says. Beyond books, this shop also carries an eclectic selection of greeting cards, wrapping paper and gifts. Opened October 2025.
La Coqueta, the British children’s wear brand renowned for its timeless, Spanish-inspired designs, has opened its first U.S. retail location in Charleston. The long-term pop-up at The Charleston Place marks a key and exciting milestone in La Coqueta’s continued international expansion. It is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship and thoughtful design – key values that resonate deeply with the Charleston community. The Charleston store showcases a carefully curated selection of La Coqueta’s signature collections for babies and children, including best-selling styles and seasonal favorites. With interiors reflecting the brand’s elegant and nostalgic aesthetic, the space is designed to offer a warm, family-friendly environment infused with the brand’s heritage-inspired sensibility. Opened October 2025.
MODERN MOVEMENT YOGA OPENS 140 East Bay Street, Suite B, Charleston modernmovementyoga.com | @modern_movement_yoga
Modern Movement Yoga is a locally-owned boutique fitness studio dedicated to building strength, resilience and community. Offering yoga, pilates, strength, sculpt and meditation classes, the studio will focus on helping individuals nurture both mind and body. Founded by women and rooted in Charleston, Modern Movement Yoga provides an experience that both challenges and supports every participant. Each detail of the studio’s thoughtfully designed space is intended to guide guests on their personal journey toward balance, strength and peace. Opening January 2026.
PINK CHICKEN RELOCATES 202 King Street, Charleston pinkchicken.com | @pinkchickenny
For more than a decade, King Street has been the Lowcountry home of Pink Chicken. The Charleston community has embraced the brand, celebrated with it and grown alongside it and now Pink Chicken is taking the next step. The beloved children’s clothing boutique is moving just across the street into a larger, brighter space designed to host more events, create lasting memories and spread even more sunshine. This exciting new chapter reflects Pink Chicken’s love for Charleston’s charm and its commitment to providing a welcoming space where families, children and friends can gather. Opened October 2025.
Rancher Hat Bar
RANCHER HAT BAR 309 King Street, Charleston rancherhatbar.com | @rancherhatbar
Rancher Hat Bar is now open on King Street. Specializing in high-quality, customizable hats, the new boutique offers guests the chance to design their own look through a variety of trims, bands, charms, branding and embellishments. This will be a new go-to for hat lovers and anyone who enjoys personalizing their accessories. With its stylish workshop-inspired atmosphere and emphasis on creativity, Rancher Hat Bar will add a unique, hands-on retail experience to one of the city’s most iconic streets. Opened November 2025.
SLOANE BOUTIQUE 409 King Street, Suite 101, Charleston sloaneboutiquemtp.com | @sloaneboutique_
Sloane Boutique has opened a new location on King Street. Elevate any everyday look at the ultimate destination for curated selections of clothing, jewelry and accessories. Shoppers can discover a handpicked lineup featuring stylish tops, versatile bottoms, eye-catching dresses and statement accessories. Whether one is exploring historic streets or unwinding by the scenic waterfront, Sloane Boutique embodies the charm of Charleston, ensuring effortless style throughout the Lowcountry and wherever else the journey leads. Opened October 2025.
SOCCER5 3297 Pacific Street, North Charleston soccer5usa.com | @soccer5charleston
Soccer5, the premier indoor soccer complex, has made its debut in North Charleston, introducing a new level of sports entertainment to the region. Located just outside the heart of the city, this state-of-the-art facility features full-size indoor fields, turf rentals, league play, pick-up matches and training sessions, ideal for players of all ages and skill levels. With flexible booking options, a modern design and amenities geared toward both serious athletes and casual players, Soccer5 aims to become a central hub for the local soccer community. Opened December 2025.
Stoney Clover Lane
STONEY CLOVER LANE 316 King Street, Charleston stoneycloverlane.com | @stoneyclover
Stoney Clover Lane, the beloved accessories brand known for its customizable bags, pouches and patches, has opened its first South Carolina location in the Charleston area. The new store offers the signature Stoney Clover experience, on-site customizations, exclusive events and a full range of travel and lifestyle essentials. Bright, playful and endlessly personal, the boutique brings the brand’s signature blend of style and self-expression to the Charleston area. Opened October 2025.
THE WORKS 1137 Savannah Highway, Suite 620, Charleston theworkschs.com | @theworkschs
The Works has opened a sixth studio which will be a non-heated space offering mat sculpt, yoga and cardio classes. Founded in 2018 by Sarah Frick, The Works, A Sweat Studio has grown into a vibrant community with multiple locations across Charleston’s peninsula and Mount Pleasant. The new West Ashley location is dedicated exclusively to The Works Renew, a lower-impact yoga and sculpt concept first introduced in Mount Pleasant in 2024. Opened December 2025.
ACCOMMODATIONS
FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT® HOTEL 144 Bee Street, Charleston fairfieldinn.com | @fairfieldhotels The 129-room Fairfield by Marriott in Charleston opened with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. The new guestroom design is impactful, unique and addresses the functional needs of the Fairfield guest for a seamless experience. The rooms were designed with the modern traveler’s needs to stay productive on the road in mind, without overcomplicating the guestroom. Additional hotel amenities include a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, complimentary hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Opened November 2025.
RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT CHARLESTON PATRIOTS POINT 15 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Boulevard, Mount Pleasant marriott.com | @marriottbonvoy Residence Inn by Marriott Charleston Patriots Point will be a new 100-room all-suite hotel offering stunning views of the harbor, historic downtown Charleston and the College of Charleston Athletic Complex, including the Cougars Baseball Stadium. This newly built property will feature beautifully appointed suites with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for short or extended stays. Guests will be able to enjoy the comfort of modern amenities while taking in the charm of Charleston’s scenic surroundings. The gorgeous lobby and Patriots Bar will provide a welcoming space to relax or socialize. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Residence Inn Charleston Patriots Point will combine comfort, convenience and unforgettable views to create a memorable stay in the heart of the Lowcountry. Opening February 2026.
THE MILLS HOUSE SEASONAL PACKAGES 115 Meeting Street, Charleston millshouse.com | @the_mills_house
The Mills House has introduced Events by Iron Rose, a highly personalized private dining experience for every event, from cocktail receptions to seated dinners for 30 to 200 guests. Groups can choose from distinctive venues like the historic outdoor courtyard, accommodating up to 150 guests; Iron Rose’s private dining room, accommodating up to 120 guests; or a full restaurant buyout, accommodating up to 200 guests. In addition, Events by Iron Rose now offers a Taste of Charleston group experience which highlights iconic Southern staples like Mini Tomato Pies, Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs, a Lowcountry Grits Bar, Biscuit Bar or Oyster Bar so groups can enjoy the bounty of the Lowcountry against the sophisticated backdrop of The Mills House. Offerings can now be booked year-round. Debuted November 2025.
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
American Gardens
AMERICAN GARDENS OPENS 141 Meeting Street, Charleston americangardenschs.com | @americangardens
American Gardens, now open on King Street beside the Charleston Library Society, introduces a fresh, thoughtfully designed green space to downtown Charleston. From BHC of The Charleston Place and the new Cooper Hotel, this one-acre garden offers an urban retreat complete with year-round community programming, gathering areas and quiet corners to unwind. Envisioned as a living reflection of the city’s role in shaping the American story, the space honors Charleston’s layered past while embracing its dynamic present. American Gardens adds a meaningful new chapter to the city’s public landscape, an inviting stop for travelers exploring what’s new in the Charleston area. Opened November 2025.
CHARLESTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NEW FLIGHT TO CANCUN 5500 International Boulevard, North Charleston iflychs.com | @iflychs
Breeze Airways is going international! The Seriously Nice™ airline will commence its first-ever flights beyond the U.S., with nonstop service from Charleston to Cancun, Mexico. The new route begins in January 2026, just in time for a winter beach escape. This is a historic first for Breeze and for Charleston: the airline’s first international destination and Charleston’s inaugural nonstop connection to the Caribbean. Launching January 2026.
INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM UNVEILS SPEAKING TRUTH EXHIBITION 14 Wharfside Street, Charleston iaamuseum.org | @iaammuseum
The new Speaking Truth exhibit serves as a national archive of family oral histories reflecting on the lasting impact of slavery, emphasizing that reconciliation begins with truth, facing the realities of slavery and its enduring effects, while offering a path toward understanding, healing and collective renewal. Permanently housed in the museum’s Center for Family History, Speaking Truth features 52 testimonials from Americans sharing their families’ connections to enslavement, its ongoing legacy and efforts toward reconciliation. The short videos capture personal discoveries made through family stories, letters, plantation ledgers and wills that inspired participants to confront their family histories and work toward atonement. With connections to early American colonists, prominent slave traders and signers of the Declaration of Independence, these accounts reveal a more complete and unflinching history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and chattel slavery in what became the United States. Opened October 2025.
HOLIDAY CARD PAINTING WITH REBECCA ILLUSTRATED AT THE MILLS HOUSE 115 Meeting Street, Charleston millshouse.com | @the_mills_house
Guests and locals alike are encouraged to let their creativity shine at the holiday card painting station at Rebecca Illustrated, located on the ground floor of The Mills House. Priced at $15, the holiday card painting kit includes a custom Mills House postcard, painting supplies and a stamp. Once complete, postcards can be dropped into the pink mailbox outside the Rebecca Illustrated shop and The Mills House will take care of mailing them. Launched December 2025.
MIDDLETON PLACE WELCOMES CONVERSATIONS OF FREEDOM EXHIBITION 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston middletonplace.org | @middletonplace
Middleton Place Foundation received a grant from the SC250 Commission to support a new exhibition in the historic South Flanker, the surviving portion of the original house complex. The exhibition will explore the Revolutionary era through stories that inspire reflection, dialogue and shared understanding, while highlighting South Carolina’s pivotal yet often underrecognized 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, the House Museum will provide a unique Lowcountry setting for examining the layered meanings of liberty and independence. Featuring carefully interpreted period rooms, personal narratives and historical objects, the exhibition will examine the ideological, political and personal struggles of the era, encouraging reflection on the complexities and contradictions of freedom in the nation’s founding and will be accompanied by a year-long series of public programs, special tours and educational initiatives as part of the statewide 250th commemoration. Opening April 2026.
During the month of January 2026, enjoy access to participating Museum Mile sites for the purchase of one low ticket price. With the Museum Mile Month pass, visitors can spend an entire month learning about Charleston’s rich history and culture while visiting six museums, five historic houses, four scenic parks and many other historically significant sites., in the order that best fits your schedule. January 1 – 31, 2026.
Charleston Museum
THE CHARLESTON MUSEUM PRESENTS RINGLEADERS OF REBELLION 360 Meeting Street, Charleston charlestonmuseum.org | @charlestonmuseum
The Charleston Museum presents a major special exhibition, Ringleaders of Rebellion: Charleston in Revolt, 1775 – 1783. The exhibition will explore Charleston and the Lowcountry’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, from early resistance against the Crown to the final victory for independence, with major topics including the causes of the war, the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, the Siege and British occupation of Charleston and the crucial roles played by enslaved people in the conflict. Featuring highlights from the Museum’s extensive collections along with significant national and international loans, the exhibit will include rare items such as the HMS Bristol logbook and one of the first copies of the Declaration of Independence printed in Charleston by Peter Timothy, both displayed for limited engagements. Additional objects range from weapons and military gear to garments belonging to Thomas Heyward, Henry Laurens, Thomas Sumter and Eliza Lucas Pinckney, as well as artifacts associated with Revolutionary War figures William Washington and George Washington. Archaeological materials recovered from key battles and sieges across South Carolina will also be on view. Runs January 31 – September 20, 2026.
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival. Highlights include live music on the main stage, raw oyster eating and shucking contests, a children’s area (Pluff-a-Palooza) and a food court showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste. There will also be wine, specialty cocktails and a selection of domestic and imported beers available for purchase. February 1, 2026.
SEWE is a three-day showcase of everything to love about wildlife and nature. It brings together people of all ages, men and women, sportsmen and conservationists, artists and artisans, fans and families. Through an incredible lineup of events including fine art exhibits, conservation education, sporting demonstrations and parties, SEWE invites all to explore their “wild” side and pay tribute to the naturally beautiful world. February 13 – 15, 2026.
Charleston Wine + Food
CHARLESTON WINE + FOOD CELEBRATES 20 YEARS 1061 Everglades Avenue, North Charleston charlestonwineandfood.com | @chswineandfood
Charleston Wine + Food returns, marking the festival’s 20th anniversary. This milestone year will be reflected in programming that celebrates the past, present and future of Charleston’s culinary community, with five days of signature events, chef demos, beverage tastings and one-of-a-kind dinners. March 4 – 8, 2026.
Since 1947, Historic Charleston Foundation has celebrated houses, history and culture through its annual Spring festival, originally titled the Festival of Houses and Gardens. As the Foundation’s longest-running fundraising and educational event, the Festival has evolved into a celebration of Charleston’s history, architecture, culture and community. Known as The Charleston Festival since 2025 to reflect this evolution, the annual event continues to present House & Garden Tours and exclusive programming, in addition to a variety of new experiences to enjoy. March 18 – April 11, 2026.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – JGB Brothers LLC (JGB Brothers), a food fibers manufacturer, today announced it is establishing operations in Bamberg County. The company’s $7 million investment will create 40 new jobs
JGB Brothers is a subsidiary of InterFiber, a family-owned and operated manufacturer headquartered in Poland. For more than 20 years, InterFiber has been creating innovative and effective solutions that result in new product improvement and reduction of production costs with a final goal of improving the nutritional value of food products.
The company’s initial investment supports its new facility located at 66 Innovation Drive in Bamberg. The manufacturing site will be used to produce plant-sourced food fibers, which are used as additives in human and pet food, and have extensive applications for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and building materials.
Operations are expected to be online in late 2026.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to Bamberg County to assist with the costs of building improvements.
QUOTES
“The InterFiber Group proudly announces a groundbreaking milestone — the acquisition of a brand-new manufacturing site in Bamberg, South Carolina. Under this momentous project, we will eventually invest a total of over $36 million covering the acquisition and outfitting of this new facility. The new state-of-the-art plant will feature fully robotic production lines, setting new standards for automation, precision and efficiency in food fiber manufacturing. Alongside the plant, we are also planning to establish a modern R&D and Application Center that will serve as a springboard for developing next-generation solutions for the food and pet food industries. This investment is part of InterFiber’s strategy to expand our global manufacturing capability. The brand-new facility is expected to generate a substantial number of jobs and production will utilize locally sourced agricultural raw materials. Completion is anticipated in 2026.” -InterFiber President Jacek Bednarek
“South Carolina’s skilled workforce and business-friendly environment make our state the ideal location for companies like JGB Brothers to open their doors here. The addition of 40 jobs in Bamberg County will continue to provide new opportunities to hardworking South Carolinians.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“We are proud to welcome JGB Brothers to South Carolina. By investing more than $7 million in its Bamberg County facility, the company will support two of our state’s key industries — manufacturing and agriculture.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“JGB Brothers’ investment will not only expand our state’s agribusiness industry, it will also serve existing South Carolina food processing businesses. I’m proud to welcome this globally innovative company to South Carolina.” -Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers
“Bamberg County welcomes JGB Brothers LLC, and we appreciate their investment in our community and our people. We believe Bamberg County is a great place to live, work, and invest, and good jobs are key to creating strong communities. On behalf of the county, we look forward to working with JGB in the coming years and to providing a pro-business environment so that their company and employees will flourish here in Bamberg.” -Bamberg County Council Chairwoman Michelle Martin
“We are excited to welcome JGB Brothers to the Southern Carolina region and congratulate Bamberg County on this significant economic development win. JGB Brothers’ choice of location in the CrossRhodes spec building and $7 million investment along with the creation of 40 new jobs highlight the strength of our workforce and the value of regional collaboration. Congratulations to Bamberg County and to the SCA team on another job well done!” -SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Steve Murdaugh
FIVE FAST FACTS
JGB Brothers LLC (JGB Brothers) is establishing operations in Bamberg County.
The company’s $7 million investment will create 40 new jobs.
JGB Brothers is a food fibers manufacturer.
The company will be located at 66 Innovation Drive in Bamberg, S.C.
Operations are expected to be online in late 2026.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 21, 2026) – The official groundbreaking of The Inlet at Seabrook Island marked an exciting milestone for the boutique coastal community, celebrating the start of construction on a limited collection of just 11 luxury townhomes designed to honor the island’s natural beauty and timeless character.
Developed by Seabrook Island resident Paula Murphy in collaboration with her son, architect Keith Murphy ofIsland Architects, The Inlet reflects a deeply personal vision rooted in preservation, quality, and intentional design. Together with Matt Sargent of Island Architects, the team worked closely to ensure the project reflects Seabrook Island’s natural character and architectural heritage.
The ceremonial event brought together project partners and community leaders, including Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman, along with representatives from Island Architects, David E. Looper & Company, and SouthState Bank, to commemorate the beginning of a thoughtfully planned addition to the island.
Nestled within Seabrook Island’s private community, The Inlet was intentionally limited in scale to preserve the site’s live oak corridor, protect the surrounding marsh, and maintain the sense of retreat that defines the island.
“As a resident, this project is incredibly personal to me,” said Paula Murphy, co-developer of The Inlet. “From the very beginning, our goal was to build with care and restraint, ensuring these homes respect the land and the community we love. Seeing that vision come to life at the groundbreaking was both special and deeply rewarding.”
Designed by Island Architects, the three-story townhomes range from 2,330 to 3,239 square feet and feature three- and four-bedroom floor plans. Each residence includes a private elevator, a two-car garage, and dedicated golf cart parking. Architectural details draw inspiration from classic Lowcountry forms while incorporating modern conveniences and refined finishes.
“Our approach was to listen to the land and let it guide the design,” said Keith Murphy, co-developer and architect with Island Architects. “By limiting the number of homes, we were able to focus on thoughtful siting, strong proportions, and architecture that complements its surroundings rather than competes with them.”
Interiors feature open-concept layouts with 9- and 10-foot ceilings, White Oak hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, and expansive windows that invite natural light throughout the home. Kitchens are appointed with quartz countertops, high-end fixtures, and a curated selection of finishes, allowing buyers to personalize their space while maintaining a cohesive, timeless aesthetic.
Residents of The Inlet will enjoy proximity to Seabrook Island’s renowned amenities, including championship golf courses, a world-class racquet club, miles of scenic nature and equestrian trails, resort-style pools, and pristine beaches. The community offers a lock-and-leave lifestyle within one of the Lowcountry’s most sought-after coastal destinations.
Construction is being led by David E. Looper & Company, with completion of the first townhomes anticipated in fall 2026. Sales for The Inlet are exclusively represented by Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, a leading luxury brokerage with deep expertise on Seabrook Island and throughout the Lowcountry.
“With only 11 residences available, The Inlet represents a rare opportunity for brand-new construction on Seabrook Island,” said Ruthie Ravenel, CFO of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty. “The enthusiasm surrounding the groundbreaking reflects just how special this project is, and we look forward to sharing more details when sales officially launch.”
Additional details regarding the formal sales launch will be announced soon. With an exclusive offering of only 11 residences, prospective buyers are encouraged to visit www.theinletseabrook.com to learn more and join the interest list for early updates on availability and the opportunity to secure a home within this limited community.
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About Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty
Serving the Lowcountry for more than 40 years, Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty has closed over $3 billion in real estate sales. Joining the Sotheby’s International Realty brand in 2007, the company has taken its local market expertise and expanded into the international arena through a close partnership with the Sotheby’s Auction House and a powerful referral network across affiliate offices worldwide. As of fall 2024, the brokerage supports over 100 agents throughout its markets of Charleston, Savannah, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort. To learn more about Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, visit www.danielravenelsir.com
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 21, 2026) – CF Evans Construction, one of the Southeast’s leading multifamily general contractors, has been selected by Buvermo as the general contractor for Album Dorchester, a new 55-plus active-adult community located in North Charleston, South Carolina, one of the fastest-growing regions in the Southeast.
Located at 8601 Dorchester Road in the greater Charleston metropolitan area, Album Dorchester will deliver a thoughtfully designed residential experience tailored to active adults seeking a vibrant, amenity-rich lifestyle. The community will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments surrounded by lush landscaping and a full suite of resort-style amenities, including a resort-inspired saltwater pool and sun deck, event lawn, fitness and yoga studios, a pet park and spa, grilling stations, walking trails, and a clubhouse with a community lounge and demonstration kitchen designed for social gatherings. Album Dorchester will be professionally managed by Greystar, a global leader in rental housing management.
Since 1978, Buvermo and its affiliated European family offices have provided LP capital to real estate sponsors across asset classes, including multifamily, active adult, office, senior housing, condos, and mixed-use. In 2020, Buvermo partnered with Rinkelberg Capital to establish a vertically integrated real estate investment and development platform focused on demographically driven residential communities. Together with its partners, Buvermo has developed or acquired eight 55+ Living communities since 2022, meeting rapidly rising demand among renters aged 65 to 74 – the fastest-growing renter demographic nationwide – amid a limited national supply of roughly 700 purpose-built active-adult communities.
“CF Evans is proud to partner with Buvermo on this exciting new community in North Charleston,” said David Summers, President of CF Evans Construction. “The Album brand represents a modern approach to active-adult living, focused on community, comfort, and connection. Our team looks forward to bringing this vision to life and continuing to build multifamily communities that serve South Carolinians across generations.”
Construction on Album Dorchester began in September, with pre-leasing slated for the second quarter of 2026.
North Charleston’s population has surged by more than 50% since 2000, driven by strong job growth, expanding retail and healthcare hubs, and its proximity to Charleston’s dynamic metro. As the area continues to attract working professionals and retirees alike, nearly a quarter of residents now fall within the 55-plus age band, underscoring growing demand for housing options that support both active adults and younger households seeking community-oriented multifamily living, making the area an ideal setting for a 55-plus active-adult community.
“We have long admired CF Evans and their reputation throughout the Southeast as an honest, knowledgeable, and highly skilled general contractor,” said Kevin Woodley, Managing Partner of Buvermo. “We have been in conversations with their team for several years, looking for the right opportunity to collaborate, and are fortunate to have found that partnership with the Dorchester project.”
The announcement comes on the heels of CF Evans being awarded the 2222 Main View project in Columbia, South Carolina, a premier 320-unit multifamily development rising along Columbia’s historic Main Street corridor. The back-to-back project wins showcase the company’s continued momentum and trusted reputation as a partner for high-quality multifamily and senior living developments across the Southeast.
Headquartered in Orangeburg, South Carolina, with offices in Charleston and Greenville, CF Evans Construction has completed more than $3.2 billion in projects and 23,000 units across the Southeast. The company is recognized for its expertise in multifamily construction and its enduring culture of integrity, collaboration, and putting people first, which has earned CF Evans a place on SC Biz News’s Best Places to Work in South Carolina list for 17 consecutive years, ranking number three statewide in 2025.
CF Evans was also recently named to Engineering News-Record’s 2025 Top 100 Green Contractors, earning the number 73 spot nationally. This recognition underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, high-performance construction practices that deliver long-term value for clients and communities. From energy-efficient multifamily developments to LEED-certified projects across the Southeast, CF Evans integrates green principles into every step of the building process as a standard to uphold.
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About CF Evans Construction Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Orangeburg, South Carolina, CF Evans Construction is a nationally recognized general contractor specializing in multifamily, mixed-use, and senior living communities throughout the Southeastern United States. With more than seven decades of experience, the firm is known for delivering complex projects with precision, integrity, and a people-first approach that has made it a trusted partner for many of the region’s leading developers and investors. For more information, visit www.cfevans.com.
The Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis event, was announced today as the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), is voted on by the players and honors a tournament for the excellence of its staff and organization, its passionate fans and its broader commitment to tennis and its athletes. The Credit One Charleston Open was selected from among 18 WTA 500 tournaments worldwide, competing against events in North America, Australia, Europe, China and the Middle East, among other international locations.
“Earning this honor again in 2025 is a proud moment for everyone who brings the Credit One Charleston Open to life each year,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “This recognition belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and attention to detail set the standard for excellence, and to the Navarro family, whose unwavering support and vision continue to elevate this event and our sport. We remain deeply committed to growing women’s tennis, celebrating its athletes and delivering a world-class tournament in Charleston.”
The ‘Tournament of the Year’ awards are divided into three categories, reflecting the different levels of WTA tournaments. The winners for 2025 are:
“I always look forward to coming back to Charleston each year. The site, city, fans and energy makes the experience so positive for me and all the players,” said Jessica Pegula, 2025 Credit One Charleston Open champion. “Overall the facilities are simply world-class.”
The Credit One Charleston Open will return March 28 – April 5, 2026. Current player commitments include World No. 6 Pegula, World No. 7 Madison Keys and World No. 15 Emma Navarro.
“I am delighted to share that once again the Credit One Charleston Open has been selected as the recipient of the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year, marking an extraordinary fourth consecutive year of receiving this honor,” said Portia Archer, WTA CEO. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Charleston team for creating an environment where athletes feel supported, comfortable and able to compete at their highest level. Their dedication and tireless efforts have established a well-deserved reputation and set an inspiring benchmark for others.”
In April, Credit One Bank extended its title partnership of the Credit One Charleston Open through 2031 and announced the tournament will offer equal prize money beginning in 2026, a historic milestone for the event. This move reflects the bank’s belief that women athletes deserve equal investment and opportunity, and further cements Charleston’s role as a leader on the Hologic WTA Tour. With this announcement, the Credit One Charleston Open becomes the first standalone WTA 500 tournament tovoluntarily increase prize money to match comparable ATP 500 events.
The nine-day Credit One Charleston Open showcases a singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 24 players, and a doubles draw of 16 players. The event traditionally hosts more than 90,000 attendees on Daniel Island.
The Credit One Charleston Open has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports since 1973, paving the way for female tennis players to receive equal recognition, respect and compensation in the sport. The tournament has a long history of breaking new ground in tennis, having been the first women’s tennis event to offer $100,000 in prize money in 1973 and the first to be broadcast live on network television. The inaugural champion, Rosie Casals, received a check for $30,000, which was the largest prize money payout awarded to a woman that year. Originally held on Hilton Head Island, the event relocated to Charleston in 2001 and is now played at the LTP Daniel Island tennis center, home to Credit One Stadium.
Tickets are currently on sale at creditonecharlestonopen.com or by calling (843) 856-7900. For additional information, please email info@creditonestadium.com or visit creditonecharlestonopen.com. When purchasing tickets for the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open, patrons have the option to choose from single session tickets and a limited number of ticket packages, including the Intro Package and MUSC Family Weekend Package. Packages provide exclusive and premier views of the court, as well as the best value on tickets. Special discounts are available for juniors, seniors, USTA members and military members. Juniors aged 16 and under receive complimentary general admission with the purchase of an adult ticket, courtesy of Credit One Bank.
Join us on Folly Beach for the Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K to support the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse by Save The Light, a grassroots non-profit organization that formed in 2000 to save the Morris Island Lighthouse from being lost to the sea. Both races are USATF-certified and start and finish near the Folly Beach Pier. Half Marathon is a run only event. The 5K is open to runners and walkers. Awards and post-race food provided. Registration is required and ends by February 4; on-site registration not available. The race is open to runners of all levels, including beginners. For more information, visit https://ccprc.com/3258/Save-the-Light-Half-Marathon-5K.
Fee: $45 5K, $65 Half Marathon
Ages: 10 and up for half marathon, ages 8 and up for 5K (chaperones required for 15 and under)
Lincoln Regional Center in McClellanville – High School Basketball Gymnasium
Sat., Feb. 21, 4 – 6 p.m.
Join us for the second annual Senior Sneaker Dance at Lincoln Community Center in McClellanville for a fun evening of dancing and refreshments wearing your favorite sneakers and formal attire.
Fee: FREE
Ages: 50 and up
https://ccprc.com/3765/Senior-Sneaker-Dance
Schroder Community Center Senior Sneaker Dance
Schroder Community Center – Basketball Gymnasium
Sat., Feb. 28, 4 – 6 p.m.
Join us for the inaugural Senior Sneaker Dance at Schroder Community Center in Hollywood for a fun evening of dancing and refreshments wearing your favorite sneakers and formal attire.
Fee: FREE
Ages: 50 and up
https://ccprc.com/3765/Senior-Sneaker-Dance
February 2026 Programs
Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw
Wednesdays and Saturdays, Feb. 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 28, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center Registration is required. Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, accessible water fountains, and accessible picnic tables are available at this location. The program route is a flat, loop and benches are available along the trail route. The trails are unpaved. The program speed is moderately slow and will require periods of standing and gazing upwards.
Fee: FREE for Gold Pass members or Non-member: $12 (registration required) Ages: any Register Online
Belay Basics
Sun., Feb. 1, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
James Island County Park – Climbing Wall at Outdoor Zone New to belaying? This class will teach you the essential skills to belay safely and confidently on top rope. We’ll cover proper setup, communication, catching falls, and gear handling—all broken down step by step. No experience required, just a willingness to learn. By the end, you’ll be ready to belay a climbing partner outdoors or indoors. Gear is provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Kids on the Go: Little Longboarders – 4-5 year-olds
Tuesdays, Feb. 3 and Feb. 10, 11 a.m.
Palmetto Islands County Park
Let the kids go! Foundations for board sports start with balance. Have your little one join in to learn the basics on a longboard. All activity equipment provided.
Ready to flutter into a world of wonder? Join us to discover the secret lives of bats! We will learn how these tiny night flyers “see” with sound, where they live, what they eat, and more. This program nurtures curiosity, early science skills, and love for these amazing nighttime creatures. Join us for lots of hands-on exploration and fun as we celebrate one of nature’s coolest creatures – bats!
Ages 18 months – 6 years. Chaperone must accompany child.
Throughout time, nature has inspired people’s artistic expressions. Accompany us as we connect with nature and explore various creative art concepts. Bring your creativity and we will supply the rest!
Bring your curiosity and engage all of your senses while exploring natural habitats at your county parks! Led by Charleston County Park’s Education staff, the multi-seasonal Junior Naturalist program series offers a wide variety of fun and educational nature-based activities focused around a central theme. Children who attend 8 classes earn the title of a Certified Junior Naturalist.
Ready to take your climbing to the next level? This class covers the basics of lead climbing in the gym—how to clip safely, manage rope drag, belay a lead climber, and fall safely with confidence. We’ll walk you through key techniques and safety protocols, with plenty of hands-on practice. No prior lead experience needed, but participants should be comfortable top rope belaying and able to climb at a 5.9 level or higher. All gear provided; bring your own if you prefer.
Experience the beauty of a bottomland hardwood forest with a trained naturalist. Beneath the towering cypress trees, we’ll uncover some secrets of the plants and animals that inhabit this uniquely southern ecosystem.
Ages 12 & up. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.
Join a Master Naturalist instructor to see the natural wonders of our parks in a new light. Discover plants and animals while learning about their connections to the world around them and how that connectivity may circle back to you!
Ages 12 & up. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.
This walk focuses on the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This site is a leader in number of bird species seen in South Carolina. At this time of year, we hope to see a variety of seabirds, sea ducks, and shorebirds such as Northern Gannet, Black Scoter, Piping Plover, and much more.
Come out and learn the art of flying discs! We’ll start with the basics, including: types of discs, throwing techniques and etiquette on the course. We’ll have the opportunity to play a few holes at our course.
Winter is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to familiarize yourself with many species that may be found there. We’ll search for artifacts and living creatures along the beach such as molluscs, sponges, corals, and more. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about adaptations that allow for life near the ocean.
Ages 9 & up. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.
Identifying trees without their distinctive leaves demands scrutiny, dedication, and practice. Through the use of dichotomous keys, helpful instruction, and your powers of observation, learn more about twigs, buds, and bark!
Join us for a delightful morning of Southern storytelling and culinary tradition at the Folktales Fish Fry. This immersive experience brings together the rich folklore of the South, featuring tales of High John the Conqueror, a legendary figure who embodies resilience, wit, and triumph. The program will be a celebration of the deep connection between food and community, where stories are passed down from generation to generation, and every meal is an opportunity to connect with the past while creating new memories, celebrating the joy of food, friendship, and shared traditions. This program will take place at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site Pavilion where seating is available for all participants. The program location is outside in a shaded area. A small, tasting portion of food will be provided to each participant.
Winter is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to familiarize yourself with many species that may be found there. We’ll search for artifacts and living creatures along the beach such as molluscs, sponges, corals, and more. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about adaptations that allow for life near the ocean.
Ages 9 & up. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.
Discover the secret social lives of plants, animals, and everything in between! Who are partners and who are rivals in different ecosystems? We will explore the surprising and sometimes sneaky ways living things work together – or against each other – in the wild. From best-bud partnerships like flowers and bees, to one-sided freeloaders, like dreaded ticks! This program will help us see that in nature, everything (and everyone) is linked – sometimes in the most unexpected ways!
Clemson University has the fourth-best honors college in the country and the best in South Carolina, according to a list of the 50 Best Honors Colleges in 2026.
The report, published by College Transitions as a resource for high school students and college counselors, evaluates and ranks hundreds of honors colleges and programs throughout the U.S. using three criteria: selectivity, benefits offered and program rigor.
“We are incredibly proud to be ranked among the top honors colleges in the nation—an achievement that reflects the excellence and dedication of our students, staff and faculty,” said Sarah Winslow, dean of the Honors College. “Through interdisciplinary learning, research and intentional mentorship, our Honors College cultivates a vibrant community of learners and leaders who grow through connection and purpose.”
A key goal of the Honors College is to recruit the highest-achieving and highest-potential undergraduates to Clemson. The median student in the college’s Fall 2025 incoming class was ranked in the top 2% of their high school graduating class. These students were also deeply engaged outside the classroom in service, volunteer and extracurricular activities, often holding leadership positions.
At Clemson, Honors students join and create a community designed to foster both academic excellence and personal growth. The nationally recognized Honors Residential College offers a state-of-the-art environment for collaboration and learning. Students also have access to high-impact academic and research opportunities, including professional and academic development grants, specialized cohort-based programs, peer mentorship and leadership-focused experiences.
As a result, Honors students go on to earn major college and University-level awards as well as national and international recognition, including Rhodes, Churchill, Truman and Fulbright scholarships.
When they graduate, almost 96% of Honors students report immediate post-graduation plans. Some join leading employers, such as Amazon Web Services, NVIDIA and the Bank of America. Others pursue graduate studies at prestigious institutions like Yale University, Stanford University, Cornell University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The Honors College’s national prominence mirrors Clemson’s continued rise as a leader in undergraduate education and the student experience. The value of a Clemson degree has never been higher. The University was recently recognized as the best national and public university in South Carolina in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings. Forbes also named Clemson as the best university in the state and No. 33 nationally among public colleges.
Robert Huffman’s Camino Caffeino is more than a mobile coffee stand; it is a personal manifesto—an attempt to stitch together the loose threads of a life shaped by movement, loss, and a persistent yearning for belonging. The influence of his grandfather, a deep commitment to community, an ethic of self-care, and the responsibilities of family converge in a project that is at once nostalgic and forward-looking.
The grandfather’s shadow is central to Robert’s narrative. He learned in his twenties that his maternal grandfather had taken his life at 37, a revelation that prompted existential questions about purpose and wellbeing. Robert recalls asking himself a question that would recur throughout his life: “What am I doing with my life? Am I pursuing what I want, or am I letting life pursue me?” That moment launched a search for meaning that moved him away from a conventional finance career and ultimately toward projects that prioritized human connection.
There is another grandfather in Robert’s memory—the one whose small farm in Kentucky embodied hospitality. Summers at that farm, where oversized tomatoes were sold more for company than profit, gave Robert an early lesson in the social value of simple acts. He describes how his grandfather “just does it so people will come over,” a philosophy that would crystallize into a business model built around presence and conversation rather than purely transactional goals. That ethos is visual and literal in Camino Caffeino: an old El Camino parked by the shore, coffee served out of its back, an invitation to slow down and trade stories.
Community is the oxygen of Camino Caffeino. For Robert, community emerged both as a corrective to loneliness and as an aspiration. After years living in different states and working remote jobs—experiences that, he says, often left him “behind a computer all day, just crunching numbers”—he moved to Charleston seeking roots. The El Camino became a vehicle for relationship-building: “The point is to meet people,” he said, reflecting that the business was initially about making coffee and making connections. Those connections are not incidental; they are the product. Robert has translated that goal into concrete efforts like monthly Build and Brew meetups and partnerships with local artisans, choosing community resilience over scale-at-all-costs.
Self-care informs both the personal and operational logics of Camino Caffeino. Robert’s work with Movember—an organization focused on men’s mental health—has continued to shape his attentiveness to mental wellbeing. The cafe is an embodiment of a philosophy he phrases succinctly: “drive fast, drink slow.” Chase your dreams with urgency, he argues, but enjoy the moments along the way. That tension—pursue boldly, savor slowly—underpins his cautious approach to growth. He recognizes the grind that often turns passion into drudgery: “While you are fulfilling a dream, you are doing a lot of things that you hate,” he observes. Still, he chooses practices meant to preserve the original joy: keeping operations simple, favoring local sourcing over mass outsourcing, and resisting the pressure to monetize every aspect of the brand.
Family is both a motivator and a boundary for Robert. Becoming a father intensified his desire to live intentionally. He worried about letting resentment build from deferred dreams, asking himself whether he could model bravery for his son if he never pursued his own passions. That calculus tipped him toward action: “If it doesn’t succeed, at least I tried it,” he said, showing how the desire to live an examined life outweighed the fear of failure. Yet parenthood also introduced new limits—on social media exposure, for instance. Robert and his wife are protective, refusing to make their child a public mascot and limiting screen time to preserve childhood. That protective stance extends to the business, which prioritizes face-to-face interactions over digital amplification.
Robert’s decision to center local artisans and slow production practices is another family- and community-minded choice. He accepts lower margins in favor of relationships: “The point is going to build local partnerships,” he explains, even if that means higher costs. Those partnerships amplify the communal purpose of Camino Caffeino and root the brand in the place that gave Robert the confidence to pursue it.
The core reasons behind creating Camino Caffeino are simple and consistent: to heal a personal void, to create a place—literal and figurative—where people can slow down and talk, and to model a life that balances ambition with presence. Robert’s project asks that customers do two things at once: pursue the things that matter and savor the ordinary moments that make life worth living. His vehicle, his design choices, and his daily conversations are all instruments in that work.
In a culture that often equates success with scale and speed, Camino Caffeino stands as a small, deliberate rebellion. It is a business shaped by the memory of a man who loved company, by a son’s resolve to choose presence over inertia, and by a father’s commitment to protect and teach. As Robert puts it, the venture is about more than coffee: it is “to meet people,” and through those meetings, to weave a life that honors family, community, and the care that sustains both.
McNeal by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Ayad Akhtar makes its national regional premiere in Charleston, South Carolina.
To properly examine the latest production ofMcNeal we must ask the audience to remove their perceptions, prejudices and subjective thoughts on the current and future state of A.I. in our current social landscape and walk into the theater with an open slate.
I will give you all a moment to close your eyes, clear your mind and begin to explore a journey of discovery without any pre-determined expectations.
Are we ready? Good.
What is McNeal?
McNeal is a new contemporary play by Pulitzer Prize Winner playwright Ayad Akhtar making its national regional debut at the Pure Theatre in Charleston, South Carolina. This production is directed with thoughtful precision by Sharon Graci (Co-Founder and Artistic & Executive Director of Pure) and stars David Whalen at Jacob McNeal and co-starring Sam Smith, Joy Vandervort-Cobb, Andrew Puckett, Journey Townsend, Sylvia Jeferies and Ryka Khanna.
At the heart of this play is the evolution of humanity and a deeper dive into the human condition as it evaluates the place artificial intelligence (A.I.) in the future of our planet and perhaps our own sanity.
Is A.I. to be feared? Yes
Is A.I. to be embraced? Yes
Does A.I. make our lives easier? Yes
Does A.I. complicate our lives introducing elements that question fact form distortion? Yes
Do we have a way, as human, to co-exist with A.I.? Hopefully
Will A.I. have us questioning our intellect and creative capabilities?
There it is! That last question sums up the heart of this play.
That is the journey McNeal will take you on for 90 minutes and certainly much longer as the conversation is sure to continue long after the play has concluded.
In the opening scene we learn acclaimed novelist Jacob McNeal he has just been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Yet sometimes the view from the top isn’t always as glamorous as we hope. At this point, I could add spoilers to paint a much more visual picture of the spiraling downfall of this writer, but I won’t.
As the audience watches each scene progress, we witness a man nosediving into a blackhole of intellectualism, narcissism, metaphysical digital obsession, self-doubt and redemption and he grapples with his past, present and future.
David Whalen’s portrayal of Jacob McNeal was nothing short of exquisite. His use of verbal and non-verbal range captures the essence of a man so driven by passion and relevancy that his loses touch of the core elements of rational thought.
Still I felt a sympathetic sensitivity to this novelist.
To walk away with empathy and likability from a character who has been manipulated by his demons throughout his adult life is truly the work of a stage artist. Mr. Whalen found an inner strength in this role allowed him to express regret, anger and obsession and in the end, even find forgiveness within himself with poignant thoughtfulness and transparency.
I even found a bit of self-reflection through this character whose exposure of hidden truths and repressed memories becomes the fire the alters his future and all relationships with family, colleagues and loved ones.
Mr. Whalen’s performance could not be complete without a supporting cast who collectively played a powerful role as antagonists and influencers providing guidance and direction to McNeal.
What are the core themes of McNeal
A good play follows a clear narrative with a structured story built around strong characters. A great play leaves the audience with an assortment of interpretations, meanings and emotional connection. It explores a story but connects with its audience in varied ways.
McNeal is a great play.
With elements of gender equality, generational social behavioral norms, human creativity vs A.I., plagiarism vs originality, love vs lust, and obsession vs passion, McNeal takes you on an absolute emotional rollercoaster that continues to evolve with each scene leading to an explosive conclusion.
Director Sharon Graci and her technical team cleverly use sound, light and digital visuals to blur the line of actual life versus artificial. It is a beautiful chaos created by the production team.
This play is certainly a ride worth being on. By the end, you may even think differently about your thoughts on A.I.
How can I see this production?
McNeal will be playing at Pure Theatre through February 7, 2026. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
P.S. – No A.I. agents assisted in the writing of this review…..
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