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

2026 Special Event Calendar for Charleston County Parks

*As of 12/18/2025. All dates are tentative and subject to change.

• January 10 • Off-Road Duathlon  Laurel Hill County Park 
• January 16 • Silent Dance Party  Schroder Recreation Center
• January 24 • Fairy House Day  Palmetto Islands County Park 
• January 31 • Inclusive Silent Disco   Wannamaker County Park
• February 7 • Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K  Folly Beach Pier
• February 21 • Senior Sneaker Dance  Lincoln Recreation Center
• February 28 • Senior Sneaker Dance  Schroder Recreation Center
• March 7 • Where the Wild Things Run 5K and Kids Dash Caw Caw Interpretive Center
• March 8 • Palmetto Park Jam  Palmetto Islands County Park
• March 12 • Toast Under the Oaks  Johns Island County Park
• March 14 • Family Camp Jam  Johns Island County Park 
• March 21 • Birds of a Feather Toast Together Caw Caw Interpretive Center
• April 2 • Toast Under the Oaks  Johns Island County Park 
• April 2 • Starlight Yoga  Mount Pleasant Pier
• April 11 • Sunrise Yoga  Caw Caw Interpretive Center
• April 13 • Charleston County Parks Foundation Golf Tournament  Charleston National Golf Club
• April 18 • Lowcountry Cajun Festival  James Island County Park
• April 24 • Dancing on the Cooper  Mount Pleasant Pier  
• April 25 • Sunrise Yoga  Folly Beach County Park
• April 25 • The Boardr Series  SK8 Charleston
• April 29 • Yappy Hour  North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
• May 1 • Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier
• May 6 • Inclusive Superhero Dance Party   Cooper River Room at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park  
• May 7 • Starlight Yoga  Johns Island County Park
• May 9 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Mount Pleasant Pier
• May 15 • Dancing on the Cooper  Mount Pleasant Pier  
• May 16 • Wheel to Surf Adaptive Surfing  Folly Beach County Park
• May 16 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Folly Beach Pier
• May 16 • The Luau and Bowl Jam  SK8 Charleston
• May 29 • Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series  James Island County Park
• May 31 • Inclusive Swim Night  James Island County Park- Splash Zone
• June 5 • Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier
• June 6 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Mount Pleasant Pier
• June 7 • Inclusive Swim Night  James Island County Park- Splash Zone
• June 12 • Dancing on the Cooper  Mount Pleasant Pier
• June 18 • Yoga Fest  James Island County Park
• June 20 • Inclusive Swim Night  West County Aquatic Center
• June 20 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Folly Beach Pier
• June 21 • Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Race 1 James Island County Park
• June 26 • Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series  James Island County Park
• June 28 • Inclusive Swim Night  Palmetto Islands County Park – Splash Island
• June 21 • Go Skate Day  SK8 Charleston
• July 9 • Starlight Yoga  Folly Beach County Park
• July 11 • Summer Splash Bash West County Aquatic Center
• July 12 • Inclusive Swim Night  Palmetto Islands County Park- Splash Island 
• July 12 • Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Race 2 James Island County Park
• July 16 • Inclusive Swim Night North Charleston Wannamaker County Park- Whirlin’ Waters
• July 17 • Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series  James Island County Park
• July 20 • Youth Triathlon Swim Clinic  James Island County Park
• July 24 • Dancing on the Cooper  Mount Pleasant Pier
• July 25 • Inclusive Swim Night North Charleston Wannamaker County Park- Whirlin’ Waters
• July 25 • Youth Triathlon  James Island County Park
• July 26 • Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Race 3  James Island County Park
• July 31 • Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier
• August 1 • Back to School Kickoff  Lincoln Recreation Center
• August 7 • Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series  James Island County Park
• August 9 • Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Championship Race  James Island County Park
• August 15 • Inclusive Prom  Gym at Mount Pleasant Town Hall 
• August 15 • Dog Day Afternoon  Splash Zone Waterpark at James Island County Park
• August 15 • Dog Day Afternoon  Splash Island Waterpark at Palmetto Islands County Park
• August 21 • Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier
• August 22 • Sunrise Yoga  Mount Pleasant Pier
• September 3 • Yappy Hour  James Island County Park
• August 19 • Wildcard Event  SK8 Charleston
• September 5 • Sunrise Yoga  Kiawah Beachwalker Park
• September 10 • Starlight Yoga  Mount Pleasant Pier
• September 11 • Dancing on the Cooper  Mount Pleasant Pier 
• September 12 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Folly Beach Pier 
• September 13 • Dog Day Afternoon  Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at Wannamaker County Park
• September 18 • Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier
• September 19 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Mount Pleasant Pier
• September 26 • Birds of a Feather Toast Together Caw Caw Interpretive Center
• October 3 • Holy City Hustle Marathon Relay, Half Marathon and 5K, Kids Dash Johns Island County Park
• October 3 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Folly Beach Pier
• October 4 • Latin American Festival North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
• October 11 • Palmetto Park Jam  Palmetto Islands County Park
• October 15 • Starlight Yoga  Wannamaker County Park
• October 17 • Fall Family Festival West County Aquatic Center
• October 17 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Mount Pleasant Pier
• October 31 • Trick, Treat and Trail Family Fun Run, Walk and Stroll  Wannamaker County Park
• October 28 • Ghouls & Groms  SK8 Charleston
• November 7 • Harvest Festival  Johns Island County Park
• November 7 • Shake Your Trail Feathers 5K/10K/Kids Dash Laurel Hill County Park 
• November 9 • Starlight Yoga  James Island County Park
• November 11 & 12 • Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run & Walk  James Island County Park 
• November 13 • Holiday Festival of Lights Opening Night  James Island County Park 
• December 2 • Holiday Hoedown Park Circle Community Building
• December 6 • Inclusive Santa  James Island County Park
• December 9 • Ugly Sweater Party  SK8 Charleston
• December 13 • Inclusive Santa  James Island County Park
• December 18 • Silent Dance Party  Lincoln Recreation Center
• December 31 • Holiday Festival of Lights Fireworks Show  James Island County Park

Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission / 861 Riverland Dr. / Charleston, SC 29412 / (843) 795-4386 / CharlestonCountyParks.com

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Mark A Leon

How often has the phrase, “it’s a small world” come into your personal narrative?   Perhaps never more poignant than the 23rd Annual Dickens Dinner at Circa 1886 this past Thursday.

After spending a charming evening of eloquent storytelling of Tim Lowry which fell nothing short of a Broadwayesque one-person narration of Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” the room, unassisted, found their way to the corner of the upstairs dining room of Circa 1886 in a community group photo.  Yet, behind all the smiles and the common shared experience, new individual friendships arose.

Friendships inspired from Dickens

Let me share one.  Using the phrase “middle man” is an understatement.   After spending much of the evening conversating with a wonderful couple from North Myrtle Beach to my left, I uncovered a true love story.  After meeting and courting in college and then moving on to separate lives and families, this couple re-united 25 years later to discover a love that still remained.   

Now 25 years removed from their second encounter, they are about to celebrate their fourth grandchild this coming April.   If she is named Ashley, I won’t take full responsibility, but may have helped.

That isn’t the complete story…

At the end of the night, it was discovered, over a discussion about Christmas prime rib with the couple to my right (told you I was the middle man), that these two couples have residences less than one mile from one another in North Myrtle Beach. 

After exchanging numbers (pen and paper) they have a started to formulate a future steak dinner couples date.

That delightful couple to my right, whose primary residence is Mount Pleasant had their own 2025 miracle story.   The gentleman survived a stroke which MUSC Health doctors gave a 5% – 10% chance of survival.  Not only survived but a full recovery and let me tell you, he looked great.  After telling the story and recalling reading the notes of the surgery from MUSC, he described the event and his life as humbling and fortunate.

An amazing night of unexpected relationship building centered around one of the most important literary storytellers in history under the roof of a heralded culinary institutes.  

Now that is a Charleston story! 

A Night of Memorable Dining and Storytelling

Tim Lowry, author, storyteller, historical ambassador and now honored to be partnering with Circa 1886 for his 23rd year, is a gift.  

A true storyteller whose timing, charm, eloquent demeanor and passion to bring life to words was engrossing.  To see his smiling face slide in and out of the dining room between each of the four courses filled the heart with a sense of childhood wonder.   Tim brought to life Dickens and Scrooge in a way I have never witnessed.  

Channeling the characters both living and spirited with zest, determination and raw emotional power was brilliantly choreographed.  

With carefully placed banter and ad lib sensibility, Tim dictated the flow of the narrative while connecting with each of us in his own way.  An entertainer, through and through.

The 23rd Annual Dickens Dinner was one of the most authentic and beautifully traditional Christmas themed events I have been fortunate enough to attend this season in Charleston.

Thank you Tim, Circa 1886 and Charming Inns.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Mark A Leon

This past Tuesday, December 16, at Joint Base Charleston, Blue Angels Lieutenant Ronny “Downy” Hafeza and Lieutenant Commander Lily “Lunchbox” Montana stood proudly beside their gleaming F/A-18F Super Hornets, ready to share the extraordinary story behind America’s premier flight demonstration squadron. 

Several members of the Lowcountry journalistic community spent a few minutes learning more about this honored group of indivuals, the history of the Blue Angels, the selection process, their peronal inspirations and the mission behind the annual national tour.  

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary and the Blue Angels celebrate their 80th year, the upcoming May 2-3, 2026 air show at Joint Base Charleston promises to be more than just a spectacular aerial display – it’s a tribute to service, precision, and inspiration.

For Lieutenant Hafeza, who joined the team just three months ago, the experience is deeply humbling. “Every time I’m up in the jet and look over my shoulder, I see the blue and yellow, and I’m constantly reminded that this team has trusted me to carry on their mission,” he shared. His journey to the Blue Angels began decades ago, sparked by a pivotal moment in 1996 when he watched the diamond formation in San Francisco and knew instantly that this was his calling.

Lieutenant Commander Montana’s path was equally inspiring. Stationed in Pensacola, she was drawn to the Blue Angels while serving in another command, fascinated by the team’s mission and the possibilities for naval flight officers. Now, she’s living that dream, bringing her passion to every performance.

The team’s upcoming Charleston air show is more than just an aerial demonstration. It’s part of a larger celebration of American service and achievement. With the nation marking its 250th anniversary, the Blue Angels have planned a series of special commemorative events, including an international aerial review over New York City on July 4th and flyovers in Boston, Maryland, and Baltimore.

What makes the Blue Angels truly special is their commitment to more than just aerial acrobatics. As Lieutenant Hafeza eloquently explained, “We don’t only showcase teamwork and professionalism. We hope to inspire service to country.” This mission is reflected in every precisely executed maneuver, from their iconic opposing MRT (Minimum Radius Turn) to their meticulously practiced formation flying.

The team comprises 160 dedicated members, including 17 officers, enlisted sailors, marines, and civilian support staff. Each member understands the profound responsibility of representing the 800,000 service men and women who serve the United States.

Their selection process is rigorous. Potential team members are invited to attend shows, essentially participating in a year-long job interview. Applicants will be notified in May, with finalists spending a week in Pensacola before the final selection on the morning of the Pensacola Beach Air Show.

For Lieutenant Commander Montana, the most impressive moments come during solo maneuvers that demonstrate the F-18’s maximum performance capabilities. Imagine a solo pilot approaching at 400 miles per hour, executing a 270-degree turn to cross paths with another jet, all while maintaining breathtaking precision that leaves crowds in awe.

As the Blue Angels prepare for the Charleston air show, they carry with them a legacy of inspiration. “We hope to inspire children to dream big,” Lieutenant Hafeza said, his eyes reflecting the weight of that mission. “When we see little kids with big, open eyes, wanting to do what we do – that means everything.”

For those planning to attend, the Blue Angels invite you to bring your families, your curiosity, and your sense of wonder. The May 2-3, 2026 air show at Joint Base Charleston promises to be more than a performance – it’s a celebration of American aviation, service, and the enduring spirit of those who dare to reach for the sky.

Stay connected and learn more about the upcoming Charleston Air Show at https://bit.ly/4s6HgjD. 

Follow Charleston Daily at www.charlestondaily.net

Photo Credit: Jenny Hurd and Mark A Leon

Donzelle’s Restaurant has been serving the Conway community since 1962, and for the first time, it will not be open in the new year. Regular customers expressed shock at the news of the closure.

“You know you feel at home when you’re here,” said Branden Bessant, a regular at Donzelle’s Restaurant.

The closure has been devastating for regulars who learned their go-to spot will be no more next week. Customers said they will miss more than just the food.

“I wanna cry right now, we miss this place,” said Andrea Larson. “We’re gonna miss this place. These people put out the most incredible pork you’ve ever had. Roast pork, and their country vegetables, and they have all good food here.”

Larson said she and her family have driven over from Myrtle Beach every week to eat at Donzelle’s for about 10 years. She said she is distraught over what they will do going forward.

“Nowadays things are getting so impersonal in the area, and to be honest with you, there’s nowhere around here that’ll be as comfortable as this has been over the last 50 years,” said regular Darrell Langston.

The sense of family at the restaurant is what is hitting regulars the hardest. Donzelle’s Restaurant owner Marley Crotts said there are multiple reasons for closing, such as relocation and retirements, but she will certainly miss everyone.

“When you walk through these doors, you’re family, you’re part of the Dickerson family, and that’s the way it’s been since 1962, and to think about the lack of social interaction that I’m gonna face on a daily basis is kinda unfathomable to be honest,” said Donzelle’s Restaurant owner Marley Crotts. “It’s unreal, it’s like a dream I wanna wake up from.”

Crotts said this is not the end of Donzelle’s story.

She fully intends to bring the restaurant back in some capacity in the future, but for now, a break is needed.

Source: WMBF News

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Mark A. Leon

In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, a culinary renaissance is brewing at Eli’s Table, where Executive Chef Michael Reiley is reimagining Southern cuisine through a lens of diverse cultural experiences. Reiley’s journey is a testament to the power of travel, technique, and passion in creating memorable dining experiences.

A nomadic chef with roots spanning multiple states and territories, Reiley brings a unique perspective to Charleston’s vibrant food scene. “I’m a traveling chef,” he explains. “I’ve cooked in Oregon, California, my home state of Pennsylvania, and even spent time in Puerto Rico.” This geographical diversity isn’t just a professional footnote—it’s the secret ingredient in Reiley’s innovative menu.

At Eli’s Table, Reiley isn’t just serving food; he’s telling stories through carefully crafted dishes that blend regional traditions with personal memories. Take, for instance, his signature shrimp and grits—a Southern staple transformed by a Caribbean twist. “I’m trying to bring a little influence to these Southern classics,” Reiley shares. “Our shrimp and grits has a Creole coconut flavor that I learned when I was cooking in Puerto Rico.”

The menu is a carefully curated journey, where each dish represents a chapter of Reiley’s culinary narrative. The Southern crab cake with Creole bourbon butter pays homage to his time in the Baltimore area, while the duck and waffles—featuring a butternut squash waffle and meticulously brined duck—showcases his commitment to reinventing classic combinations.

One standout dish, which Reiley admits started as an experimental “soup of the day,” has become a menu mainstay: the roasted bone marrow French onion soup. “It’s very rich,” he notes with evident pride. “It comes with crostinis, a smear of bone marrow, and fried onions, with a really rich bone marrow broth that’s really come out.”

Reiley envisions Eli’s Table as more than just a restaurant—it’s an intimate culinary sanctuary. “I think we’ve created a really cozy atmosphere,” he explains. While welcoming to tourists, the restaurant is particularly aimed at locals seeking a unique dining experience. The expanded bar, now triple its original size, serves as a social hub where industry professionals and food enthusiasts can connect.

The restaurant’s concept balances sophistication with accessibility. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a business meeting, or a casual evening at the bar, Eli’s Table offers something special. “It’s not loud,” Reiley emphasizes, “and it provides a unique experience for locals who might have seen similar dishes in Charleston before.”

His recommendations reveal the depth of his culinary philosophy: the Southern crab cake as an appetizer, the bone marrow French onion soup for those seeking something extraordinary, and the creole shrimp and grits as a must-try main course. Each dish is a carefully constructed narrative of flavor, technique, and cultural fusion.

With the re-opening of Eli’s Table, Charleston gains more than just a restaurant—it welcomes a culinary storyteller who transforms local ingredients into global conversations. Michael Reiley isn’t just cooking; he’s creating edible memoirs that capture the essence of his remarkable journey.

In the words of the chef himself, “I’m trying to take these dishes I’ve seen around and put a little spin on them from the different places I’ve been, while keeping it Southern fine dining.” And that, perhaps, is the most exciting ingredient of all.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

The South Carolina 500 list honors industry leaders and innovators in education and other categories.

President Andrew T. Hsu is being celebrated as one of the most influential leaders shaping the educational landscape in the Palmetto State, earning a spot on the South Carolina 500 list in the education category.  

The inaugural edition of the South Carolina 500 identifies individuals across multiple categories who are driving innovation, building communities and making South Carolina a better place to live and work. 

President Hsu formally took office at the College of Charleston on May 16, 2019, after being selected by the Board of Trustees as the university’s 23rd president. Before joining the College, he was the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Toledo.  

He holds a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. President Hsu worked in industry for 11 years with Sverdrup/NASA and Rolls-Royce, where he developed unique industry perspectives and leadership skills, before joining academia in 1997. 

In 2020, College Cliffs named him one of the 50 Top U.S. College and University Presidents. 

Under his leadership, the College of Charleston has expanded its programs, including appointing its inaugural dean of the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics and launching an Ed.D. in learning and inquiry in practice. 

Source: College of Charleston Today

Photo Credit: President Andrew T. Hsu (Instagram)

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Lowcountry Land Trust and Dorchester County partner to conserve 67 acres of historic, ecologically rich landscape

Charleston, SC, – Lowcountry Land Trust and Dorchester County Government are proud to announce the permanent protection of the Barry Tract, a 67-acre property along the historic Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway. The nonprofit, committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations, has officially recorded a conservation easement and transferred ownership of the property to the municipality, ensuring its transformation into a passive public park that will provide residents and visitors with recreational access to the State Scenic Ashley River.

The Barry Tract plays an imperative role within a larger network of protected lands. To date, Lowcountry Land Trust has conserved 17,450 acres across Dorchester County and 2,047 acres within the Ashley River watershed. Protecting the Barry Tract’s 67 acres of woodlands, wetlands, tidal streams, and trails strengthens the region, helping to reduce storm surge impacts, minimize erosion, support fisheries and wildlife habitat, and enhance recreation and education opportunities. Its coastal fringe maritime habitat, which is increasingly rare across the Southeast, supports migratory birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, while its 31 acres of coastal wetlands reinforce the integrity of the Ashley River Historic District.

Bounded by the State Scenic Ashley River to the north and the Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway to the south, the tract lies within both the Ashley River Blue Trail and the Ashley River Heritage Trail. Its protection advances multiple regional priorities, recognized as a “highest priority area” in the South Carolina Conservation Bank’s State Conservation Priority Map and identified for its exceptional ecological impact in the South Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative’s Conservation Blueprint. Archaeological studies have also uncovered remnants of an 18th-century settlement of enslaved people, later reoccupied by phosphate workers in the 19th century, further deepening the property’s historical and cultural significance.

The project was the first-ever to be awarded funding from the newly established Dorchester County Greenbelt Program. Additionally, trustee and Atlantic Packaging president, Wes Carter, saw the Barry Tract as an opportunity to contribute to the acquisition and subsequent protection of the property as a voluntary mitigation of Atlantic Packaging’s land use footprint. Both Atlantic Packaging and Dorchester County’s partnership, combined with financial support from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant, the Ceres Foundation, and the Dorchester Trust Foundation, enabled Lowcountry Land Trust to acquire it, protect it, and transfer it for public benefit. 

“Protecting the Barry Tract reflects our commitment to safeguarding the Lowcountry’s most imperative natural and cultural resources,” said Matt Williams, president and CEO at Lowcountry Land Trust. “We’re grateful for the partnerships that made this possible and proud to ensure this landscape will serve the community for generations to come,”

“We are proud that we had the opportunity to join forces with our local partners to protect the Barry Tract through our Greenbelt Program funding,” said Dorchester County Chairman David Chinnis. “With this tract protected, the County’s Greenbelt Program has now funded the conservation of almost 2,600 acres of land in Dorchester County. With the land transferred to the County, there will be opportunities for public access on this site to further benefit our residents.”

“We applaud the efforts of Lowcountry Land Trust and Dorchester County to finalize the protection of this property and position it for the much-anticipated public river access,” said Raleigh West, Director of the South Carolina Conservation Bank. 

Stay connected by following @LowcountryLandTrust on social media and signing up for their email newsletter to receive the latest updates on conservation efforts and ways to get involved.

To learn more about Dorchester County’s Greenbelt Program, visit their website here.

ABOUT LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST

Lowcountry Land Trust—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 163,000 acres since 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the most impactful land trusts in the country. Its work includes the stewardship of privately owned land and iconic public places, such as the future Angel Oak Preserve—a 44-acre passive park and living museum in partnership with the City of Charleston. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org. 

ABOUT DORCHESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Dorchester County Government delivers essential services that contribute to the well-being and quality of life of its citizens. In doing so, we seek to meet the collective needs of our citizens in a cost-effective manner. Our vision is that the government of Dorchester County, in partnership with its citizens and businesses, will play a leadership role in achieving a balance between growth, the environment, and preservation of the unique cultural and natural characteristics of Dorchester County. More information is available at www.DorchesterCountySC.gov

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Schumacher, Kravet, and Holland & Sherry Showrooms Now Open in Regional Design Hub, Join Longtime Design Tenancy: The Urban Electric Co., Fritz Porter, and More 

North Charleston, SC –  – Renowned design brand STARK is joining the growing collection of premium home furnishing companies and local tastemakers in the Charleston Design District. The lease signing comes on the heels of Schumacher, Kravet, and Holland & Sherry opening showrooms within the Charleston Design District’s Storehouse Eight, situated at the heart of Navy Yard Charleston—a redevelopment transforming a portion of the historic Charleston Naval Base into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood. At Charleston Design District, they join a community of emerging and established design brands, including The Urban Electric Co. and Fritz Porter (Navy Yard Industrial Campus).

“STARK will add to the growing roster of design offerings at the Charleston Design District and enhance the resources and innovative selection of interior furnishings available to the coastal Carolinas,” said Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown. “This is an exciting step forward in connecting the Lowcountry’s design community with a global design network and amplifying the region’s unique design aesthetic to a broader audience.”

Family-owned-and-operated STARK was created by husband-wife duo Arthur and Nadia Stark in 1938 out of a desire to provide carpets and rugs of unparalleled craftsmanship, quality, and design. Over its eight-decade history, STARK has gained a reputation for collaborating with artisans around the world to make the finest products of their kind at its own weaving mill—leading style icons like Jackie Kennedy, Tory Burch, David Hicks, Mario Buatta, and Bunny Williams to accent their most important rooms with the brand. STARK’s 1,340-square-foot showroom in the Charleston Design District is anticipated to open to the trade this winter.

“Opening a showroom in the Charleston Design District is a natural evolution for STARK. Charleston has become one of the country’s most dynamic design destinations where heritage, craftsmanship, and modern luxury intersect,” said Chad Stark, CEO of STARK. “This showroom represents more than geographic expansion; it’s a commitment to deepening our relationships in the Southeast and contributing to a Design District that’s rooted in creativity and innovation. We’re excited for the role STARK will play in helping shape the development and look forward to inspiring designers with the breadth of our collections for years to come.”

Recent Openings in the Charleston Design District

Inside Schumacher’s 3,760-square-foot showroom, industry professionals can shop more than 7,000 signature fabrics, wallpapers, and trims as well as patterns from its sister brands Backdrop, Iksel Decorative Arts, Boråstapeter, Tillett Textiles, and Raoul Textiles. Patterson Flynn also has a presence in the space, offering a highly curated range of made-to-order rugs, pieces from its signature abaca collection, and a variety of artisanal hand-knotted and flatweave floorcoverings. Antiques, pillows, throws, baskets, coffee table books, art, handmade ceramics, and more are also available for purchase in the showroom’s Schumacher Design Shop.

Kravet’s 2,240-square-foot interactive Workspace is thoughtfully merchandised to align with how designers work, whether by category or color, and features over 20,000 SKUs of fabric, wallcoverings, carpets, and furniture. Inside the space, designers can browse the Kravet Family of Brands, including Kravet, Lee Jofa, Brunschwig & Fils, Donghia, and GP & J Baker, as well as an array of goods from Kravet’s distributed brands, from Cole & Son and Andrew Martin to Paolo Moschino and Gaston y Daniela, and partnerships like The Shade Store at Kravet. 

Situated within a 1,340-square-foot space, Holland & Sherry’s showroom features the brand’s core collection that includes nearly 1,500 SKUs of wool, linen, performance textiles, and embroideries. The space also offers a dedicated rug room, sample room, and three bays of fabrics showcasing collaborations with designers like Katie Leede and Katie Ridder alongside represented lines such as Galbraith & Paul, Zak+Fox, and Charleston-basedHarwood House by Cortney Bishop.

Forming around beloved brands at Navy Yard Charleston and the neighboring Navy Yard Industrial Campus, the Charleston Design District is quickly evolving into a creative ecosystem that’s currently home to dozens of businesses. These include, within Navy Yard Charleston: The Urban Electric Co., Floral Studies, Middleton Made Knives, Kate McDonald Bridal, Post Loyal Architecture, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Inc., Nidum Gallery, Kravet, The Shade Store, Schumacher, Patterson Flynn, Textures, and Artis Construction. Within the Navy Yard Industrial Campus: Fritz Porter, LulaKate, Benjamin Paul Studio, Studio Sontosis, TTS Studios, Sisal Creative, Robert Long Lighting, Datum Workshop, and Robert Thomas Iron Design, as well as Celadon Home and Smithey Ironware Company.

The Charleston Design District is supported by thematic and dimensional programming that connects the showrooms and provides meaningful experiences for designers. In March 2026, Historic Charleston Foundation will extend its annual Charleston by Design fundraising event to North Charleston for the first time ever, partnering with the Charleston Design District to host two Design in Mind Lectures along with showroom tours and an Insider’s Pass luncheon. Tickets for the event are now on sale. 

The Charleston Design District is a central component of the Navy Yard Charleston redevelopment, a project led by Jamestown, which is known for its design-focused approach to real estate, alongside local Charleston real estate developers Weaver Capital Partners and WECCO Development.

To learn more about the Charleston Design District, visit charlestondesigndistrict.com, and watch the design destination take shape on Instagram.

###

About the Charleston Design District

The Charleston Design District brings together showrooms, innovative maker spaces, and elevated dining experiences across Navy Yard Charleston and the Navy Yard Industrial Campus. The collective design guild—located just seven miles from downtown Charleston on the site of the historic Naval Base—functions as a design resource hub for the Lowcountry and is home to celebrated brands such as The Urban Electric Co., Fritz Porter, Schumacher, Kravet, Holland & Sherry, and STARK. The Charleston Design District serves as a convenient one-stop shop for both design professionals and homeowners alike, offering the most extensive and innovative selection of interior furnishings in the coastal Carolinas. For more information, visit www.charlestondesigndistrict.com.

About Navy Yard Charleston 

Navy Yard Charleston is a multi-phase redevelopment to transform the former Charleston Naval Base into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood and regional destination that celebrates and amplifies the history and culture of the Lowcountry. Situated on 85 acres along the Cooper River in North Charleston, Navy Yard Charleston includes the restoration and reactivation of historic buildings as well as new construction. Today, Navy Yard Charleston is home to dozens of companies, including designers and makers. In the future, Navy Yard Charleston is projected to encompass more than 3.2 million square feet and feature a dynamic mix of office, residential, retail, dining, showrooms, entertainment and cultural venues, and community green spaces. For more information, visit www.navyyardcharleston.com.  

About STARK

STARK creates world-class experiences as a global leader in luxury carpets and rugs. Founded in 1938, the company is known for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, diverse assortments, and peace-of-mind service. With headquarters in New York and a worldwide network of showrooms, STARK supports designers and homeowners through a personalized, effortless approach from start to finish. Guided by a heritage of craftsmanship and a future driven by innovation, STARK’s people are its superpower—building trusted relationships and helping clients bring extraordinary spaces to life.

By Mark A Leon

In 1965, a group of Indigenous elders foretold the arrival of a man who would stare death in the eyes yet survive—spared so he could one day unite the tribes of the Amazon and help protect the rainforest, perhaps even existence itself.

Amazing? Far-fetched? Outlandishly mystical? A spiritual odyssey? Or simply a global wake-up call?

No matter how one interprets that prophecy, its echoes form the foundation of a compelling new documentary by filmmaker Gabe Polsky: The Man Who Saves The World?

Polsky approaches the story with a blend of humor, mystique, reverence, and introspection. At the center of this cinematic swirl stands the film’s subject, Rev. Patrick McCollum, a man whose life is as improbable as it is captivating. Polsky doesn’t just present McCollum—he serves as the conduit through which this story is delivered to the world.

To understand McCollum’s message of peace and healing, the film first traces his origins. He was raised by Darla from The Little Rascals and by a father who helped engineer the Apollo missions. At 15, he nearly died in a severe motorcycle accident—an event that eerily aligns with the prophecy spoken decades earlier. Now, at 75, McCollum finds himself fulfilling that foretelling, living a life that is at once profoundly simple—rooted in kindness—and cosmically ambitious: to help save the planet.

The documentary is his story, yet only the surface of something larger—an unfolding movement grounded in unity, compassion, and environmental stewardship.

One of many national screenings took place Friday night at the Charleston Music Hall, followed by a thoughtful Q&A that extended the film’s themes from screen to audience. The evening wasn’t just a viewing; it was a communal call to attention.

Key Takeaways from Q&A with Patrick and Gabe 

1. The documentary explores an extraordinary journey of Patrick McCullom, who claims to have fulfilled an ancient Kogi tribe prophecy by returning gold to the indigenous people, symbolically restoring their spiritual essence. What began as a curious investigation transformed into a profound cross-cultural experience that reunited indigenous tribes after 550 years of separation. Filmmaker GabePolsky initially approached the story with skepticism, meticulously verifying details while documenting McCullom’s seemingly incredible narrative.

1. At its core, the film represents a deeper exploration of humanity’s relationship with the unknown and the courage required to step beyond conventional boundaries. McCullom, despite being 75 years old and facing significant personal health challenges, including multiple knee replacements and a life-threatening infection, ventured into the Amazon to engage with the Kogi tribe. His journey challenges societal narratives about aging and limitations, demonstrating that purpose and passion can transcend physical constraints and traditional expectations.

1. The documentary’s most compelling message extends beyond the specific prophecy, emphasizing individual and collective responsibility in creating positive change. McCullom suggests that the prophecy is not just about his personal journey, but about inspiring others to make meaningful contributions to their communities. By highlighting the potential for interconnectedness between indigenous cultures and “the people of the concrete,” the film invites viewers to reflect on their own capacity to create meaningful transformation, regardless of their background or perceived limitations.

Emphasizing connection, shared purpose, and the possibility of collective change, the film reminds us that each of us—through small gestures or sweeping actions—can contribute to a more sustainable future. Its power lies not only in McCollum’s journey, but in the mirror, it holds up to anyone willing to look.

Fittingly, as I pulled into my driveway after the screening, the opening lines of “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson played through my speakers—a symbolic closing note to a film that urges us to examine ourselves, and perhaps, to begin.

Click HERE to follow on Instagram and follow the journey

Official Website

Collaborative Efforts Identify Key Updates for Sustainable Water Use

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster and South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Director Myra Reece today presented the updated South Carolina State Water Plan. Developed at the governor’s direction by SCDES and the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC) and other key contributors from across the state, the updated plan focuses on the sustainable management of water resources as South Carolina experiences record-breaking economic and population growth. 

“South Carolina’s booming population and record-breaking economic development have brought new demands on our water system, and it is our responsibility to ensure our water resources remain secure,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “This updated State Water Plan provides a clear, long-term strategy for maintaining reliable water supplies over the next 50 years. I am confident in the work SCDES and WaterSC have done to ensure South Carolina is prepared to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.”

To help ensure water resources are managed in the best interest of all South Carolinians, Gov. Henry McMaster proactively established WaterSC in September 2024 to unite key stakeholders — including those from farming and agriculture, public drinking water, energy, industry, tourism, forestry, conservation, academia, and more — to provide necessary input to the state’s water plan.  

Executive Order 2024-22, which established WaterSC, required SCDES to submit an updated State Water Plan to the Governor’s Office by Dec. 31, 2025 — a goal the agency achieved on Dec. 11 and announced with Governor McMaster at the Statehouse. The plan is available at des.sc.gov/WaterSC. 

The State Water Plan is a data-driven report that captures input from WaterSC participants and other key stakeholders. It focuses on topics such as water demand by sector, water availability assessments, drought response preparations, and conceptual considerations for water policies. The plan focuses on ensuring water availability for all water users for the next 50 years. 

Key takeaways and concepts of the plan are summarized in Our Water Future: The Leadership Guide to South Carolina’s Water Plan. 

“The updated State Water Plan isn’t just a report — it’s a roadmap that prepares us for growth, protects us in times of drought, and safeguards the water resources that sustain our way of life,” said Myra Reece, SCDES Director and Chair of WaterSC. “While South Carolina’s water resources are abundant, they are not limitless. If we continue to plan wisely and collaboratively, we will have the water we need to support our residents and economy for generations to come.” 

This is the third version of the South Carolina State Water Plan. The previous two versions, developed in 1998 and updated in 2004, were written by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which was responsible for water planning activities prior to the establishment of SCDES in 2024. 

The state’s eight River Basin Councils contributed data, technical analysis, and modeling to support the updated plan. Additionally, considerable input was received during the public comment period for the draft water plan, all of which was reviewed by water plan development staff. As part of the planning process, six public listening sessions were held throughout the state over the past several months to engage and inform residents about the importance of water planning and sustainable use.  

“The State Water Plan is a living document that will evolve to reflect the latest data and information, and the public will have continued opportunities to engage in plan updates and provide future comments,” said Director Reece. “While we achieved this important milestone for sustainable water use and protection, there is still work to be done as more and more people and businesses call South Carolina home. Our work to protect South Carolina’s water resources will continue.”

To learn more, visit des.sc.gov/WaterSC. 

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.