Underestimating the Heat: Charleston can be incredibly hot and humid, particularly during the summer months. Visitors may underestimate the heat and not bring appropriate clothing or hydration, leading to discomfort or health issues.
Focusing Only on Touristy Areas: While Charleston has many tourist attractions, it is also home to many hidden gems that visitors may miss if they only focus on popular tourist spots. It’s worth taking the time to explore the city’s neighborhoods, parks, and local restaurants to get a more authentic experience.
Not Reserving Accommodations Early: Charleston is a popular tourist destination, particularly during peak travel season. Visitors may find it challenging to secure accommodations if they don’t book early enough, and prices may be higher closer to the travel date.
Not Understanding the Traffic: Charleston can have a significant amount of traffic, particularly during peak travel season or rush hour. Visitors may underestimate the amount of time it takes to get from one place to another, leading to frustration or missed opportunities.
Missing Out on the Local Cuisine: Charleston is known for its unique and delicious cuisine, including seafood, Lowcountry specialties, and traditional Southern dishes. Visitors who stick to chain restaurants or restaurants heavily marketed often may miss out on some of the best food lesser known local cuisines. Use multiple channels to research (Instagram, TikTok, Yelp). In most cases, you will not be disappointed.
Disrespecting the City’s History: Charleston has a complex and often painful history, particularly regarding slavery and the Civil War. Visitors should take the time to educate themselves on the city’s history and be respectful when visiting historic sites or landmarks.
Charleston, SC, is known for its hot and humid summers. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the heat and humidity:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.
Dress appropriately: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made of breathable materials such as cotton or linen. Avoid dark colors, as they absorb more heat.
Use sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Take breaks: If you’re spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks in a shaded area or air-conditioned space.
Avoid peak sun hours: Try to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, typically from 10 am to 4 pm.
Use fans and air conditioning: Use fans and air conditioning to stay cool indoors. Make sure your air conditioning is in good working order before the summer heat arrives.
Use insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be a problem during the summer months in Charleston. Use insect repellent to protect yourself from bites.
Exercise in the morning or evening: If you’re planning to exercise outdoors, try to do so in the morning or evening when the temperature is cooler.
By following these tips, you can stay comfortable and healthy during a Charleston, SC summer.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston Parks Conservancy has announced the relaunch of its Charleston Trees Program in honor of Arbor Day on April 28. Charleston Trees was formed in the 1990’s as a result of Mayor Riley’s initiative to plant 10,000 trees in the City of Charleston. In 2015, Charleston Trees became a subcommittee of the Parks Conservancy’s Programs committee and is now launching a focused campaign to encourage businesses and residents to plant native or naturalized trees on their private property with the goal of increasing the urban tree canopy.
As part of this effort, the Charleston Parks Conservancy, in partnership with the Power Plant SC initiative presented by Duke Energy, is thrilled to offer free trees to residents of the City of Charleston during an event at the Citadel Mall on April 28. During the event, City of Charleston residents who registered can choose from 3-gallon live oak or swamp chestnut oak trees. Trees must be picked up on Friday, April 28 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Citadel Mall.
“In 1991, a group of environmentally-minded Charlestonians in partnership with the City of Charleston, set out to plant trees on public properties. The organization was later named Charleston Trees and through its fundraising efforts City staff was able to plant thousands of trees in neighborhoods on the Neck, the peninsula, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, and Daniel Island,” said Danny Burbage, former Urban Forester for the City of Charleston and founding member of Charleston Trees. “The time has come to pass that critically important baton and Charleston Trees confidently and gratefully passes it on to The Charleston Parks Conservancy.”
Also on April 28, the Charleston Parks Conservancy is partnering with local breweries that are donating proceeds to the Charleston Trees Program with “Cans for Canopies.” Participating breweries include Munkle Brewing from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Garden at Charles Towne Fermentory from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Revelry Pop-up from Shots and Vin at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In celebration of the Charleston Trees Program relaunch and in honor of National Poetry Month, from now until May 21 the Conservancy is holding a Tree Photo and Haiku Contest. The public is invited to send an original photo of a tree along with a haiku poem that it helped inspire now through May 21. Two winners will receive a gift card to spend in the Conservancy merchandise store.
“The Charleston Parks Conservancy is honored to continue the phenomenal work that the Charleston Trees program has done to improve the landscape and health of Charleston’s public green spaces. A thriving tree canopy is essential to the resiliency of our city and the well-being of the people and wildlife that inhabit it,” said Devon Andrews Director of Partnerships and Engagement at the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “They not only help manage flooding and stormwater, and help to reduce urban heat, they also have a proven impact on the mental and physical health of our communities.”
Throughout the summer and into fall, The Conservancy will continue to educate and raise awareness about the immense benefits of the urban tree canopy. The Conservancy is honored to carry on this important work by facilitating tree giveaways, workshops, and neighborhood plantings in areas of the city with little or no tree canopy, all to encourage neighbors to extend the benefits of Charleston’s parks into their own landscapes.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. For more than 13 years, the Conservancy — through public-private partnerships — has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston. In 2020, renovations were completed at Moultrie Playground and at St. Julian Devine Community Center & Park. Other notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park as well as Magnolia Park and Community Garden and Medway Park and Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org, Twitter / Instagram: @charlestonparks, and Facebook / YouTube: @CharlestonParksConservancy.
Today, on my last official day as Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Charleston Stage, I want to thank all of you for your tremendous support of me and Charleston Stage at the Historic Dock Street Theatre these past 45 years. With your support, we have produced over 300 productions and played to millions of theatergoers from all over the world. Along the way, we have provided performances and educational opportunities for hundreds of thousands of young people throughout the Lowcountry.
None of this would have been possible without you filling our seats, donating generously, and responding enthusiastically. You have helped this great city produce the great theatre it deserves. As we conclude our 45th Anniversary Season with Once On This Island today, I congratulate all of you for making this theatrical magic happen.
I am excited about the leadership of Artistic Director, Marybeth Clark, and new Managing Director, Frank Mack, who will be guiding Charleston Stage into the future, joined by an incredibly talented production and administration staff of 37 theatre professionals. I look forward to accompanying you in the audience to enjoy the amazing shows they will be bringing to the Dock Street Theatre stage for seasons to come.
I will also be back next February as Guest Director of The Trip to Bountiful as I take on my new role as Founder and Director Emeritus.
Once again, thank you for your 45 years of wonderful support.
Julian Wiles Charleston Stage Founder and Director Emeritus
From historic military forts whose halls are wandered by the spirits of long-dead soldiers, to graveyards where chilling ghostly manifestations roam amongst the rows of markers. Are you sure you’re ready to brave some of the most haunted places in Charleston, South Carolina?
Less than 30 minutes outside of the Charleston city limits is a wildlife escape. From the sounds of the birds to the slither of snakes to the restful ominous stare of the alligators, Caw Caw Interpretive Center and Wildlife Preserve is a categorical natural wonder. From the rice fields to the swamps, each path introduces you to a new segment of the ecosystem. With miles of pathway, you can lose yourself in this park system.
We warn you not to go alone. There is calming silence throughout, so when the sound of a bird echos, a sea creature lurks from the swamp or squirrels hop from tree to tree you may get a little shocked. At times, the sounds of the birds resembled instruments being tuned up for an orchestra performance. As we walked the grassy path, we encountered five alligators, two snakes crossing the walk way, heron, cardinals and so much more.
From swampland and forests that provide shelter from the scorching sun to open skies and rice fields all around, Caw Caw is educational, healthy and full of natural wonder.
It truly summarizes the authenticity of the Lowcountry from its early nature roots. Pay close attention to the aging and decay of trees, many of which are hundreds of years old.
For $2.00 a person, you cannot beat this bargain. They do cater to tours as we were fortunate to see a group of bird watchers all decked out in their binoculars.
Come with us and see for yourself through these images we captured in our two hour excursion:
Clear open skies for miles
Reflections in the water
Resting gator
Getting a little closer and a little more nervous
Snakes crossed our path
Large gator taking in the sun
Rice fields
Waterfowl area
A nice rest after a long walk
Walkway for all the eye can see
Ready for the swamp boardwalk?
Beware of the creatures lurking in the swamp
Which path to follow?
Pack the kids or your special someone, put on some comfortable shoes and grab some water and make a day out at Caw Caw.
Have you ever been curious about some superstitions that either have origins in the South or became a part of Southern folklore? Well here are a few. If you know of any you have grown up with, share in the comments
Southern Superstitions
If someone rests his foot on your chair while gambling, it’s bad luck. If anyone attempts this, you must challenge them to a gunfight.
If you are fishing, don’t stop to count how many fish you have caught that day because you will not catch anymore.
It’s bad luck to light three cigarettes with the same match.
If you bite your tongue while eating, you recently told a lie.
A knife placed under a bed during childbirth will ease the mother’s labor pains.
If bees create a hive on your roof, your house may burn down soon.
To wear new clothes on Easter Sunday will bring good luck.
The “playoff beard” ensures a sports team good luck as long as the players and fans do not shave until the team is eliminated or has won.
A horseshoe hung in a bedroom will keep nightmares away.
Pick a dandelion that has “gone to seed”, the white ones, and blow on it. Count the remaining seeds on the dandelion and that is how many children you will have.
Cutting your fingernails on a Friday or Sunday will bring bad luck.
A woman struggling to conceive can find success after hugging a pregnant woman.
A wedding ring dropped during the ceremony will bring bad luck. If a ring is dropped, the couple should not pick it up, but the person performing the ceremony should.
If a ferret, stoat or weasel jumps over the belly of a pregnant woman, the child will be born with a birthmark.
If a cow lifts its tail, rain is coming.
When you move, never take your broom with you. Buy a new one.
A loaf of bread should never be turned upside down after it has had a sliced removed from it.
Rub a penny on a wart and it will disappear.
If your friend gives you a knife, you should give him a coin and your friendship will last forever. If not, it will be severed.
If you kill a bee that is entering your home, it will bring bad luck.
Cut an apple in half and count the seeds to see how many children you will have.
If a girl sees a sparrow on Valentine’s Day she will marry a poor man and be happy; however, if she sees a goldfinch she will marry a millionaire.
When eating cherries, keep the pits. Line them up, count them and recite: tinker, tailor, soldier, rich man, poor man, beggar man, their, doctor, lawyer, Indian Chief. When you reach the last pip, you’ll know your husband’s occupation.
If an unborn child kicks the left hand side of the womb, it is a boy.
Keeping a hat on the bed causes bad luck.
Don’t eat both ends of a loaf of bread.
Don’t cut a baby’s hair before his/her first birthday.
Eating cabbage and/or black eye peas on New Year’s Day will bring good luck/health.
Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.
If your ear itches, someone is talking about you.
Sleep with a mirror under your pillow and you will see your future husband.
Dreaming of fish means someone is pregnant.
It is bad luck to wash laundry on New Year’s Day
If someone takes your picture, they are capturing part of your soul.
If a picture of a person falls off a wall, it is a sign of death.
Never buy your boyfriend or husband shoes as a gift, because he will walk out of your life with them.
Charleston, SC is home to many historic churches (donning the name the “Holy City), some of which date back to the colonial era. Here are some of the oldest churches in Charleston, South Carolina:
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church – Established in 1680, St. Philip’s is one of the oldest and most historic churches in Charleston. The current building was constructed in 1835.
First Baptist Church – Founded in 1682, First Baptist Church is the oldest Baptist congregation in the southern United States. The current building dates back to 1822.
Circular Congregational Church – The congregation was established in 1681, and the current building was constructed in 1891. The church features unique circular architecture and is located in the historic district of Charleston.
French Huguenot Church – The French Huguenot Church was established in 1681 by French Protestants who fled religious persecution in France. The current building was constructed in 1845.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church – While the congregation was established in 1751, the current building dates back to 1761. St. Michael’s is known for its beautiful architecture and historic significance.
These are just a few examples of the oldest churches in Charleston, which are also among the most historic and significant buildings in the city.
He does his own grocery shopping – That is a true down to Earth Southern gentleman and hard working man.
The Dolphins finally stopped making him cry after a 9-8 winning season.
He successfully took a great pop career with the Blowfish and crossed over to become an incredibly successful country artist.
His devotion to charity and causes is a symbol of his incredible generosity (Watch this video and I dare you not to cry).
He managed to make it mandatory for every local live performer to include a version of Wagon Wheel in their set list.
He is claustrophobic. Yes, the man that plays in front of thousands nightly has claustrophia.
He does some of the most amazing duets in the world
In 2009, Darius become the first African American artist to win the CMA Best New Artist Award
Darius Rucker has three wonderful children that find most of what his does uncool, but one of their favorite things is when he drops them off at school on his tour bus. If he is heading out on a road tour, he will plan the departure during the time he drops off his children and they love it.
He reads comic books, wants to meet Denzel Washington and Paul McCartney and owns and wears Kiss pajamas.
A BIG #11
He does free concerts for his family and friends in Charleston.
There are so many more and for these and other reasons we will keep singing Hold My Hand, Time and Come Back Song
Dubose Heyward once described himself as a “synthetic Charlestonian.” Having been part French Huguenot and part English Cavalier, he was a direct descendant of South Carolina’s Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Born in Charleston in 1885, he was a major part of the Southern Literary Renaissance and wrote extensive poetry and fiction.
DuBose Heyward (1885-1940) was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the son of a lawyer and a homemaker and grew up in a middle-class family. Heyward attended the College of Charleston, where he developed an interest in literature and writing.
After graduating from college, Heyward worked as a journalist for several years. He wrote for newspapers in Charleston and New York City, where he moved in 1913. In New York, Heyward became involved in the literary and cultural scene of the city, which included writers such as Langston Hughes and James Weldon Johnson.
Heyward’s first novel, “Porgy,” was published in 1925. The novel was set in Charleston and told the story of a disabled beggar named Porgy and his relationship with a woman named Bess. The novel was a critical and commercial success and was later adapted into the opera “Porgy and Bess” by George Gershwin.
Heyward went on to write several other novels and poetry, including “Mamba’s Daughters” (1929) and “Angel” (1926). He also wrote several plays, including “Mamba’s Daughters,” which was based on his novel of the same name.
In addition to his writing, Heyward was also involved in the Civil Rights movement. He was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and worked to promote racial equality.
Heyward died in 1940 at the age of 54. His work continues to be celebrated and studied today, particularly his novel “Porgy,” which remains a classic of American literature.
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