WRITTEN BY LAUREN B. JOHNSON
1. Visit the library at The Restoration.
Outfitted with a well-curated collection of gorgeous books, magazines, and journals devoted to art, fashion, travel, and architecture, the Assouline library at the Restoration Hotel opens to the public daily until 5 p.m., when it becomes reserved for guests. Grab a cuppa and pastry from the hotel’s nearby Euro-style coffeehouse, The Rise, and settle into deep, tufted leather sofas with a delicious coffee-table classic. If you’re feeling especially cavalier (and it’s after 11 a.m.), journey up to the seventh floor to purchase a more spirited beverage from The Watch—though once you take in the rooftop view, the books may slip from your mind. 75 Wentworth St., therestorationhotel.com
2. Turn the page on children’s storytime.
Our local libraries host an awesome array of activities for children of all ages, but if you’re looking for a novel approach to such literary explorations, check out the kids’ reading sessions in one of these enchanting settings:
- ■ Charleston Library Society: The popular “Storytime in the Rabbit Hole” takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. in the library’s children’s space,named in reference to The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Charleston’s own DuBose Heyward. The “Tiny Tales” series for babes up to age two takes place Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. 164 King St. Free, members only. charlestonlibrarysociety.org
- ■ Charles Towne Landing: Imaginations go wild during “Toddler Time at the Animal Forest” on Tuesdays at 11 a.m., when wee ones can hear a story and learn about an animal and its habitat. 1500 Old Towne Rd. Free with admission. southcarolinaparks.com
- ■ Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m., the museum embarks on “Storytime Adventures” with shared stories, interactive activities, and periodically, character visits for children of all ages. 25 Ann St. Free with admission. explorecml.org
- ■ Drayton Hall: Recently introduced, “Family Fridays” invite little learners into this 18th century estate for educator-led stories, crafts, and games at 10 a.m. Afterward, children and caregivers can participate in an outdoor scavenger hunt. 3380 Ashley River Rd. $5, free for members and kids ages seven and under. draytonhall.org
- ■ Middleton Place: On select days at 9:30 a.m. (June 10 & 14, July 8 & 12), curious kiddos ages three to five are invited for “Storytime Under the Oaks,” a hands-on hour of animal stories, crafts, and a stableyard meet and greet. 4300 Ashley River Rd. Free with admission. middletonplace.org
3. Check out the latest books from local authors.
Looking for an armchair escape? This year delivers new releases from a number of Charleston authors, including Grady Hendrix’s Witchcraft for Wayward Girls and Mary Alice Monroe’s Where the Rivers Merge, as well as Stacy Willingham’s Forget Me Not and Victoria Benton Frank’s The Violet Hour in August. To keep things truly local, make your purchase from one of our charming indie bookstores:
- ■ Downtown: Blue Bicycle Books (420 King St., bluebicyclebooks.com), Buxton Books (160 King St., buxtonbooks.com), Philosophers & Fools (50-A Bogard St., philosophersandfools.com), and Sweeter Than Fiction (204 King St., instagram.com/sweeterthanfictionbookshop)
- ■ Mount Pleasant: The Archive (700 S. Shelmore Blvd., thearchivechs.com) and The Village Bookseller (761 Coleman Blvd., villagebookseller.com)
- ■ North Charleston: Itinerant Literate Books (4824 Chateau Ave., itinerantliteratebooks.com)
- ■ Summerville: Main Street Reads (115 S. Main St., mainstreetreads.com)
- ■ Kiawah/Freshfields: Indigo Books (472 Freshfields Dr., indigo.ca)
4. Throw a 75th birthday party for Charleston Receipts.
Originally published in 1950, Charleston Receipts remains the oldest Junior League cookbook still in print. So why not host a diamond jubilee in honor of this celebrated collection? For a creative twist on the potluck party, ask each guest to make and bring a dish from the book. If Jellied Chicken Loaf sounds a bit too esoteric for your taste, turn instead to the cookbook released by sister cafes The Harbinger and Harken, From Our Kitchen to Yours. Either way promises a delicious dinner party!
Learn about the origins of the Charleston Junior League’s bestselling tome here.
5. Go pickin’.
Strawberries may be the top crop of the U-pick scene, but pickin’ season stretches far past spring. At least half a dozen pick-your-own farms are within an hour’s reach of Charleston, so get your hands on freshly plucked blueberries, tomatoes, peaches, blackberries, and other scrumptious produce. If you prefer to stay rooted to town, visit Boone Hall Farms (2434 N. Hwy. 17, boonehallplantation.com) in Mount Pleasant or Myers Blueberries (212 Twin Lakes Dr., Knightsville; facebook.com/Myersblueberries) near Summerville. Further afield, there’s Blue Pearl Farm (9760 Randall Rd., facebook.com/bluepearlfm) in McClellanville, Champneys Farm (4721 Summit Plantation Rd., facebook.com/champneysblueberries) in Meggett, Newton Blueberry Farm (7834 Hwy. 162, instagram.com/newtonblueberry) in Hollywood, and Bugby Plantation (Bugby Plantation Rd., facebook.com/bugby.u.pick) on Wadmalaw Island, as well as Holly Hill’s Hickory Bluff Farm (245 Hickory Bluff Ln., hickorybluffberries.com) and Shuler Strawberries & Peaches (4983 Old State Rd., shulerpeachcompany.square.site).
Get ready for peach season with this recipe and farm-stand-filled feature.
6. Take a field trip.
More than 70 farms across the state open their gates to visitors through the South Carolina Agritourism Association’s passport program (scagritourism.org/visitors). You can dive into sustainable oyster cultivation, drink in muscadine wine, learn about heirloom grains, and bleat at a Valais cross sheep. Pick up this year’s purple passport at any participating farm, collect stamps from your visits, then redeem the booklet for swag like a drawstring bag, lunch tote, and more. Lowcountry partners include Deepwater Vineyard (deepwatervineyard.com), Lowcountry Oyster Company (lowcooysters.com), Marsh Hen Mill (marshhenmill.com), and Pluff Mud Farm (pluffmuddfarm.com), among others.
7. Befriend an alpaca.
Ever felt alpaca floof? Blackwater Acres on John’s Island offers private tours Wednesday through Sunday of its working fiber farm, home to 26 Huacaya alpacas. “Each has their own personality—some are super curious, a few are watchful, and others are social unicorns who will run up for a hug,” says owner Danelle Routhier, a self-taught weaver who opened the farm in 2021 with her husband, Robby. Purchase tour tickets online (blackwateracres.net, look under “Shop”), along with yarn, art, and felted items made with the herd’s fleece. Blackwater Acres also hosts an Airbnb “barndominium,” an airy, two-bedroom farmhouse apartment that gives views of the herd from every window. Alpaca my bag!
8. Sip sweet tea straight from the source.
Gleaned directly from the Camellia sinensis plants first brought from China to the Lowcountry in the late 1700s, the bushes at Charleston Tea Garden are steeped in history, and the 127-acre farm proudly gushes about its descendancy from the nation’s first tea plantation. Drink in the verdant farm, short factory tour, and tea tasting for free, or sweeten the pot with an air-conditioned trolley tour and greenhouse visit for $18 ($9.50 for children). With food trucks now part of the mix, you can refresh your tea tour with an afternoon picnic. Keep an eye on social media (@charleston_tea) for upcoming offerings. 6617 Maybank Hwy., Wadmalaw Island, charlestonteagarden.com9. Find some flamboyantly feathered friends.
Sporting a spatula-shaped beak and brilliant pink plumage, roseate spoonbills began flocking to our coast several years ago, and low tide in the summer is prime time to spot these Suess-like specimens as they forage for shrimp, aquatic insects, and fish. For a fairly surefire sighting, head to the western end of the West Ashley Greenway (there’s parking at 3484 McLeod Mill Rd., John’s Island) and venture between mile markers seven and eight, where the unpaved trail cuts through the marsh. The Merlin Bird ID app is excellent for assistance identifying birds with a photo or audio sample, or go with a guide: Holy City Birding offers 90-minute tours for $75. birdingcharleston.com10. Commune with goats.
Cat-cow, mountain, goat? Oh, the poses you’ll find yourself in when surrounded by goat gurus! Head to The Goatery at Kiawah River for a one-hour all levels goat yoga class ($25) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 a.m. in the shadiest part of the pasture. “The goats are trained not to jump on participants, but they’re playful, friendly, and curious, so they do interact and cuddle while you flow,” says instructor Majesta Thorndike. The farm provides towels, sunscreen, and bug spray; you bring laughter and an open mind. 2574 Mullet Hall Dr., John’s Island, thegoateryatkiawahriver.com Read on about Kiawah River, the Lowcountry’s first agrihood.11. Book a staycation.
Wanna get away without the travel time? Lucky for us Lowcountrians, there are plenty of summertime rentals on our barrier island beaches. Whether you splurge for a sandcastle on Sullivan’s Island, check into a coastal condo on Isle of Palms, or hop into a hippie hut on Folly Beach, the possibilities and price points are as varied as the people tanning on the sand.12. Clean up the coast.
With the incoming tide of summertime trips to our beaches and waterways comes a flood of trash. Help keep our coast clean by joining an organized creek cleanup, arranging your own pollutant pickup, or simply making it a habit to gather litter during your beach visits. The IOP Cleanup Crew (instagram.com/iop_cleanup_crew) leads beach sweeps every Monday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 a.m. through August (meet at the 1100 block of Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms). Other cleanup events can be found through Charleston Waterkeeper (charlestonwaterkeeper.org), Keep Charleston Beautiful (keepcharlestonbeautiful.org), Lowcountry Land Trust (lowcountrylandtrust.org), and the Surfrider Foundation (charleston.surfrider.org).
13. Revel in the sunrise at Boneyard Beach.
With its skeletal trees and sunbleached sand, Driftwood (aka “Boneyard”) Beach stretches out at the edge of Botany Bay Heritage Preserve like a scene from a dystopian novel. And to watch the morning sun emerge over an endless horizon and spill onto this three-mile stretch of untouched shoreline feels like a glorious reawakening. Erosion has left the beach impassable at high tide, so you’ll want to check the tide chart and make the half-mile hike to the beach when the water is at its lowest. After securing a free day pass at the entry kiosk (which opens an 12 13 hour before sunrise every summer day except Tuesday), follow the crushed shell path through marsh and maritime forest to the unspoiled coastline. Then spend the morning exploring the beach coves, watching for fiddler crabs and seabirds, and adding shells to the organic art displays lined up along the driftwood (the only mark you can leave on this pristine preserve, as taking shells brings a hefty fine and bad luck). Botany Bay Rd., Edisto Island; publiclands-scdnr.hub.arcgis.com/pages/botany-bay-hp-wma
Discover wildly beautiful Botany Bay.
14. Boost your beach game.
Bored with bocce? Jump on the wave of coolly competitive sand sports. There’s the Lowcountry’s own TidalBall (tidalball.com), a cornhole-style setup that fits easily into a beach bag. You could also try Mölkky (molkky.com), a Finnish game that crosses the carnival bottle toss with bowling, or SpikeBall (spikeball.com), a volleyballinspired passing game using a low trampoline net. Or rally your friends for some paddle play with Jazzminton Sport (funsparks.com). And for portable Pong, check out Bucketball (bucketball.com).15. Play with fire and steel.
Ready to really turn up the heat? Try traditional blacksmithing with American College of the Building Arts grad Will Hankinson, owner of Hankinson Ironworks. Using an anvil, tongs, hammer, and 2,300-degree Fahrenheit forge, participants get to handcraft a decorative object or functional tool of their choice—think knives, oyster shuckers, coat racks, fire pokers, ornaments, and beyond. Offered through Charleston Adventure Forest, the two-hour class runs $115 per person and is by appointment only. (Afterward, cool off with the wind in your face as you zip line through the tree canopy for an additional fee.) 1152 Guerins Bridge Rd., Awendaw, charlestonziplineadventures.com/blacksmithing
16. Grab grub at Hum Grocery.
Whether it’s a day trip to Deep Creek Vineyard, a paddle along Bohicket Creek, or a leisurely ride down the oak-lined roads of Rockville, find an excuse to stop into Wadmalaw Island’s Hum Grocery, where the chicken salad will make your taste buds sing. Inside the unassuming cinder-block building that once housed historic P.M. King’s, purveyors Natalie and Andrew Humphrey supply islanders and visitors alike with artisan eats like a hot dog topped with pimiento cheese and candied jalapeños, mustard BBQ sammies, and their droolworthy, cranberry-studded chicken salad. 6998 Maybank Hwy., Wadmalaw Island, humgrocery.com
17. Travel through time with Harriet Tubman.
On the moonlight evening of June 2, 1863, Harriet Tubman helped ferry 756 enslaved African Americans from rice plantations along the Combahee River to their freedom in the nation’s largest and most successful slave rebellion. In its newest exhibition, the Gibbes Museum of Art recreates this intrepid journey through the groundbreaking research of historian Dr. Edda Fields-Black, dynamic environmental photography and videography by J. Henry Fair, and contemporary and historic art pieces. For an insider’s peek at “Picturing Freedom: Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Raid” (through October 5), read our May feature “Finding Freedom” by Stephanie Hunt or pick up Fields-Black’s tome Combee at a local bookstore. And if you’re visiting the Gibbes with little learners, download the free Bloomberg Connects app to access the art detective scavenger hunt, a riddle-some adventure that encourages curious kids to look closely at the museum’s permanent collection. Daily, hours vary. $12, $10 senior/student/military, $6 ages four to 17, free ages three and under. 135 Meeting St., gibbesmuseum.org
Read our May 2025 feature “Finding Freedom” about the Gibbes exhibit.
18. Get crabby.
Crack into crabbing with seasoned pro Tia Clark, who teaches beginners the art of the catch from a private downtown marina. During a 2.5-hour session, ranked as one of Airbnb’s best in the world, you’ll learn to “sling a pancake” (aka throw a cast net), set a hoop net, and haul in sweet blues from the Ashley River. The Casual Crabbing With Tia dockhands provide all of the gear and bait—just bring a pinch of bravery and a South Carolina saltwater fishing license for anyone older than 15. The crew will also help you break down any legal-size catches to take home and savor. $125 per person, casualcrabbingwithtia.com19. Look for flippers from the ferry.
Book passage aboard one of Charleston Water Taxi’s 40-foot covered catamarans and soak up a makeshift dolphin-watching tour as you crisscross the harbor. The ferry makes an hourly circuit with stops at Waterfront Park, the Maritime Center, Patriots Point, and Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. Daily, 9 a.m.-7:45 p.m. All-day pass: $17, $15 ages four to 11, free ages three and under. charlestonwatertaxi.com. The water taxi’s sister company, Daniel Island Ferry, also operates round-trip runs and evening cruises between Daniel Island and downtown, Wednesday through Sunday. Times vary. $26, $18 ages four to 11, free ages three and under. diferry.com
20. Immerse yourself in the Atlantic Ocean.
Fishing for a cool (ie, interesting and air-conditioned) activity? The South Carolina Aquarium recently launched a hot new virtual reality attraction, The Undersea Explorer. Make your way to the second floor beside the Great Ocean Tank to nestle inside a motion-enabled pod and don a pair of VR goggles—the immersive experience delivers an sensation of swimming with humpback whales or scuba diving with sharks. The aquarium also unveiled a splashy new touch tank that allows visitors to get their hands on chain dogfish (which are actually a type of cat shark), sea urchins, sea stars, and more. Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission varies. 100 Aquarium Wharf, scaquarium.org
21. Ladies, learn to pilot a boat.
From the helm of her 16-foot SilverKing skiff, Courtney Hutson is pushing the throttle for women on the water. Through Golden Girls Outdoors, which launched last August, this even-keeled captain teaches private boating lessons to women and girls ages 11 and up. “This business is about empowering women to be more confident in boating and being in charge of their own vessel,” says Hutson, who holds a USCG Master Captain’s license and has been professionally boating since 2006. Her Boating 101 course covers navigation, safety, and boat handling basics; Boating 102 focuses on docking, anchoring, and more advanced handling. Each threehour session departs from the Isle of Palms Marina, accommodates two people, and costs $425 ($800 for a two-session package). Hutson also runs private cruises for up to six passengers aboard a 23-foot Blazer Bay. instagram.com/goldengirlsoutdoors
Check out our 2024 Boating Guide.
22. Explore a blackwater trail.
Shaded by water oaks, red maples, swamp dogwoods, tupelo gums, and old-growth bald cypresses, the Wambaw Creek Wilderness Area Kayak and Canoe Trail winds through the Francis Marion National Forest. Paddled by the Santee and Coastal Plain Indians for thousands of years before settlers converted parts of the swamp into rice fields with earthen dikes, this tributary to the Santee River feels virtually untouched by humans. Wildlife prospers, and paddlers often spy Prothonotary warblers, barred owls, alligators, turtles, and the occasional river otter. Inside this flooded subtropical forest, the knowledgeable guides at Nature Adventures Outfitters have “hidden secrets to show you.” Two-hour tours are offered every day at 10 a.m. for $52 per kayaker (tandem kayaks are available for adult/child pairs). natureadventuresoutfitters.com23. Paddle in the moonlight.
When the moon is at its fullest, paddlers have the opportunity to see our waterways in a whole new light. Local kayak and SUP tour operators typically depart as dusk drapes its velvety cloak across the marshes, when temperatures cool and twilight draws out wading birds, pelicans, crabs, and dolphins. Most tours run two to three hours and cost $50-$75. Full moon dates on the horizon include June 11, July 10, and August 9.
- ■ Folly Beach: Charleston Outdoor Adventures (charlestonoutdooradventures.com), Charleston SUP Safaris (charlestonsupsafaris.com), and Flipper Finders (flipperfinders.com)
- ■ Kiawah River: Coastal Expeditions (coastalexpeditions.com)
- ■ Shem Creek: Nature Adventures (kayakcharlestonsc.com)
24. Chill at the cinema.
Netflix, make way for nostalgia. Terrace Theater’s Summer Family Film Series returns every Tuesday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. from June 3 to August 6. Among this movie mash-up’s credits: creative concessions, cheap tickets, and five-star AC. This year’s lineup includes Oscar-winning Flow, SeaWorld documentary Turtle: The Incredible Journey, animated faves the Bee Movie and Chicken Run, live-action films Stuart Little and Matilda, and the 1979 musical comedy The Muppet Movie. Seating is first come, first served, so buy tix in advance and arrive early, leaving time to load up on cookies from Gala Desserts, Life Raft Treats frozen goodies, and fresh popcorn. $5; free for kids 10 and under. 1956-D Maybank Hwy., James Island. terracetheater.com
25. Heart cool art.
If it’s been a beat since you’ve visited Redux Contemporary Art Center, check out “Creative Corridors,” the annual studio artists exhibition on display until August 9. This showcase from the collective’s 39 resident artists gathers inspiration from the theme “Together.” Don’t miss photographer Christine Patterson’s mixed-media series that pulls from her darkroom archives in a visual exploration of female boundaries. And mark your calendar for the free open studios event (June 26 from 6-8 p.m.), when visitors can mingle with the makers, buy cool art, and discover new works. Exhibition and studio director Maggie Jordan also shared a tip that the Cocktail Bandits may be pouring beverages and studio artist-turned-culinary adventurer Connor Lock might deliver on the snacks. 1056 King St., reduxstudios.org
26. Get your Mahj on.
The ladies behind Holy Mahj have formed a winning hand with the opening of The Card Room, a cheery clubhouse inside the turquoise single house at 78 Line St. While their popular competition league takes a time-out in the summer, play continues with beginner classes, open sessions, pop-ups, and more. Gather to socialize and learn the game so that you’ll be set when The Tuesday Club kicks off a fresh 12-week program just after Labor Day along with two more competitive leagues on Thursdays and Fridays. holymahj.com
27. Guffaw.
It’s time to get down to funny business. At Wit’s End Comedy Lounge (witsendcharleston.com) in North Charleston, local and national stand-up and sketch comedy acts bring hilarity to the black box venue. And for off-the-cuff comedy, try the improv shows at downtown’s Theatre 99 (theatre99.com), where quick-witted entertainers deliver uproarious and unscripted shows based on audience suggestions every Wednesday through Saturday.
28. Gawk at glowing glass.
As night descends on the botanical paradise of Brookgreen Gardens, so, too, does a sense of magic, thanks to fantastical glass installations by Craig Mitchell Smith. The highlight of this year’s “Summer Light: Art by Night” series (June-August), Smith’s kiln-formed creations will be spectacularly illuminated by the same lighting designer responsible for the site’s winter extravaganza. The “Gardens of Glass” exhibit features 30 oversized sculptures, including a climbing Carolina jessamine and a chandelier of Spanish moss. A separately ticketed event, the evening includes garden access, live music, food trucks, and dining at Austin’s Harvest Restaurant with reservations. Wednesdays & Saturdays, 6-10 p.m. $35; $30 member; discount for child. 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet. brookgreen.org
29. Step into a colorful, popart wonderland.
From a bow tie-clad zebra to a dodo bird sporting sunset ombre, brickmaster Sean Kenney put more than 3,000 hours and 800,000 LEGOs into the construction of his “Nature POP!” exhibit. The collection of 40-plus whimsical sculptures will sprout at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens through August 15 in a playful display of bombastic brickwork. Visitors to the site can view the colorful, contemporary pieces as part of their regular admission. $32; discounts for military, seniors, teachers, and children. 3550 Ashley River Rd., West Ashley. magnoliaplantation.com
30. Travel via fork (or chopstick).
The city’s ethnic restaurant scene continues to heat up. With grub from these global kitchens, you need only pack your appetite in order to be transported around the world. Where will you stamp your culinary passport?- ■ Africa: Bintü Atelier (8-D Line St., bintuatelier.com)
- ■ Greece: Stella’s (114 St. Philip St., stellascharleston.com)
- ■ Lebanon: Leyla (298 King St., leyla-charleston.com)
- ■ Pakistan: Ma’am Saab (251 Meeting St., maamsaabchs.com)
- ■ Philippines: Kultura (73 Spring St., kulturacharleston.com)
- ■ Southern China: Beautiful South (128 Columbus St., Ste. 101, beautifulsouthchs.com)
- ■ Vietnam: Pink Bellies (595 King St., eatpinkbellies.com)
- ■ Western China: Kwei Fei (1977 Maybank Hwy., James Island, kweifei.com)
Get a broader sampling of diverse flavors.
31. Grab dinner at the dock.
Rather than cast about for what to serve for supper, reel in fresh seafood at Shem Creek’s Wando Dock (102 Haddrell St., Mount Pleasant). You’ll find sweet brown shrimp and clams from Tarvin Seafood (misspaulashrimp.com), as well as vermilion snapper, black sea bass, king mackerel, golden tilefish, yellowfin tuna, spotted sea trout, and more hooked by Abundant Seafood (abundantseafood.co). While hours can vary depending on the day’s haul and the heat, late morning is a solid time to catch these fishermen and shrimpers.
32. Feast on Folly.
Underneath the tan, salty exterior of this laid-back surf town is a cultivated foodie personality. From sun up to sun down, dedicated diners can nosh on fresh, local, creative cuisine—just don’t plan on fitting back in your bathing suit. Allow us to present our “Folly Foodie Five”:- ■ Early: Locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks from Dead Low Coffee Co. (113 E. Ashley Ave., enjoydeadlow.com)
- ■ Breakfast: The Folly Benedict—shrimp and crab cakes with spicy hollandaise—and abloody mary at Lost Dog Cafe (106 W. Huron Ave., lostdogfollybeach.com)
- ■ Lunch: Any of the seasonal menu selections paired with a crafty draft at Jack of Cups Saloon (34 Center St., jackofcupssaloon.net)
- ■ Dinner: Bun cha and $4 tacos in homemade tortillas at Chico Feo (122 E. Ashley Ave., chicofeo.com)
- ■ Dessert: Wholly Cow handdipped ice cream or anything from the dessert case—looking at you, five-layer chocolate cake—at Bert’s Market (202 E. Ashley Ave., bertsmarket.com).
33. Take a sweet stroll.
With flavors like salted pretzel toffee, vegan Fluffernutter blondie, and temptingly tart key lime (top it with toasted coconut!), the hedonistic treats at Off Track Ice Cream (offtrackicecream.com) are worth every glorious calorie. This artisan scoop shop at 6 Beaufain Street makes everything from scratch using clean and local ingredients. Want to earn a triple-scoop? Start with a stroll along the Gateway Walk, an informal and shady trail that passes through 10 wrought-iron gates and some hauntingly beautiful graveyards and gardens. While the half-mile jaunt officially begins in the churchyard of St. John’s Lutheran and finishes at St. Philip’s Episcopal, walking it in reverse order plops you 0.2 miles from the ice cream shop. Visit thegardenclubofcharleston.org for a map.
Learn the origins of downtown’s Gateway Walk.
34. Sip in a wine bar.
While Charleston has popped the cork on a fabulous cocktail scene, the area has a limited release of wine bars so slim as to feel almost secret. With just a handful of seats, eclectic bottles, and grazing menus, these “tiny wineys” pour out unquestionably cozy vibes. Nab a seat and a snack to enjoy some intimate sipping with a friend.- ■ Downtown: Roseline (125½ Line St., roselinechs.com) and The Tippling House (221 Coming St., thetipplinghousechs.com)
- ■ Mount Pleasant: Saint Urban’s (357 N. Shelmore Blvd., sainturbans.com) and Wine Shop (115 Pitt St., wineshopov.com)
35. Bring on the cheese.
At Jeremiah Farm & Goat Dairy, farmer Casey Price leads monthly goat cheese-making classes inside her petite farmhouse kitchen. The demonstration-style workshops serve to connect people with their food and include a short tour through the gardens, as well as a goat greeting. “Fast and Fresh” ($45) showcases mozzarella and whole-milk ricotta, while “Three Cheeses in Three Hours” ($60) involves queso fresco or feta, curried paneer, and mozzarella. Whichever you choose, “don’t have a heavy lunch, because we’ll eat everything we make,” Price says. Sun-ripened tomatoes with peppery basil and tangy goat cheese mozzarella? Yes, please! Check the farm’s website for dates and times; classes are limited to eight people, so register quickly once they’re announced. 3852 Platt Rd., John’s Island; jeremiahfarm.com
36. Get lost.
Tucked off Maybank Highway behind a one-story white house lies another world, a tropical oasis where a backyard party vibe pulses every night of the week. Welcome to the awardwinning restaurant Lost Isle. Beneath a canopy of string lights and stars, flames leap and line cooks tango behind an outdoor kitchen that turns out wood-fired South American cuisine. The tomahawk chop is the standout here, but the fireroasted olives and grilled clams in zingy chili-chorizo butter are absolutely on point. This hot spot doesn’t take weekend reservations, so arrive early (or late), take your chummiest chums—those you’d most like to be stranded with on a desert island—and chill through the wait with a cocktail in hand. 3338 Maybank Hwy., John’s Island, lostislechs.com
37. Attend an outdoor concert.
Whether you’re on the sand, in a field, under the oaks, or in a downtown lot, there’s something freeing about catching an openair concert. The relaxed atmosphere and a communal ease just hit different than an indoor music hall—though we love those, too. With so many funky outside venues here in the Lowcountry, there’s a show to be found nearly every weekend of the summer, including Moon Taxi (June 27-29) and Wilderado (July 25-26) at e Windjammer’s beach stage (the-windjammer.com), The Driver Era (June 21) and Marcus King Band (August 23-24) at Firefy Distillery (fireflydistillery.com), Hash Cabbage (June 12) and Of Good Nature (July 18) on the deck stage at the Charleston Pour House (charlestonpourhouse.com), and The Allman Betts Band (June 6) and Muscadine Bloodline (August 8) at The Refinery (therefinerychs.com).
Check out the city’s many venues.
Listen to our 2023 “Sounds of Summer” playlist.
38. Mingle with your fellow humans.
Start your week with a hip social in the parking lot of 700 King, where Graft Wine Shop’s “Good Neighbor Sunday” gatherings roll out a harmonious blend of pizza, pours, and personality from 3 to 6 p.m. Shop creative merch and vintage goods from pop-up vendors, uncork a fabulous bottle of wine with guidance from these knowledgeable somms, and then grab a superb slice from Tutti, the pie place recently opened by Graft co-owners Femi Oyediran and Miles White. 700 King St., graftchs.com, instagram.com/tuttichs
Get to know the cool somms behind Graft.
39. Dance like you mean it.
Step out of your workout rut and into a fresh routine with the grown-up dance classes at Dance Lab Charleston. On any given evening, you’ll find fierce music pulsing and bodies of all shapes moving to the beat, turning the studio’s black box space into an “energy vortex” of pure rhythm. The dynamic adult offerings range from beginner to advanced, including hip-hop, contemporary jazz, burlesque, and more. Just know that the classes come with a warning: “You may experience involuntary happiness.” 1660 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., dancelabcharleston.com
40. Groove in a grove.
Since kicking off in 2008, the Barn Jams at Sewee Outpost have struck a chord with loyal listeners who appreciate the pine-forested venue’s low-key atmosphere, high-tech sound, and original musical performances. If you’ve never attended this hump-day hullabaloo, plan to BYOB (that last B stands for beverage and bug spray), bring your kids (twoand four-legged welcome), and snag eats from on-site vendors, e Roost Bar & Grille and Holy City Popcorn. Check the Awendaw Green website for a full lineup, though does it really even matter who’s playing? This gig is worth the haul any Wednesday— plus the occasional Friday and Saturday. $10, kids 12 and under free. 4853 N. Hwy. 17, Awendaw, awendawgreen.com
Meet the mind behind Awendaw Green.
41. Scout new talent.
Every Monday at Chico Feo, Folly Beach’s colorful Caribbean hangout, The Soapbox open-mic night sends out a siren call for burgeoning artists and raw local talent. Hosted by Big Stoner Creek’s ever-enthusiastic songwriter and guitarist George Alan Fox, the platform welcomes original performers of all sorts: musicians, poets, storytellers, comedians, even the occasional homegrown Grammy winner (*cough* Shelby Means). Come ready to listen, appreciate, and, as Fox says, “celebrate people that make sh!t up.” Mondays, 6-10 p.m. 122 E. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach. instagram.com/foxygs_soapbox
Meet Folly Beach-based musicians Shelby Means and Joel Timmons.
42. Stay in a dome home.
If you’ve dreamt of spending the night inside a space-age sphere ever since you laid eyes on Sullivan’s Island monolithic dome home (sorry, not for rent), consider an overnight in one of these geodesic properties in Moncks Corner:
- ■ Echoes & Ember Charleston: is mirrored nook nestles on three wooded acres alongside the Broad Ax Branch stream. Adult visitors can stargaze from the queen bed, enjoy a hot outdoor shower, unplug, and take in the quiet relaxation inside an airconditioned glamping sanctuary. echoesandemberchs.com
- ■ River Dome Retreat: This comfortable two-bedroom house maximizes space and natural light with an openconcept design that embraces panoramic views of the Cooper River. Renters have access to a private dock and boat ramp. vrbo.com/4369483
43. Seek calmer waters.
Wellness meets water with Soothe Sailing’s signature voyage, a 2.5-hour escape that grounds participants by ferrying them off of land. “There’s always a collective exhale when the engine cuts off and the sail goes up,” says captain Holly Hillman. Aboard a monohull sailboat or catamaran (for larger groups), the US Navy veteran-turned-yoga instructor leads participants through journaling, breathing exercises, open-eye meditation, and silent reflection, before concluding with a kumbaya. During the session, lavender towels, cucumber-infused water, and healthy snack boxes help maintain the group’s zen. And everyone leaves with a gift bag, personal journal, writing ritual, and souvenir photo album. Sails start at $145 per person. soothesailing.com
44. Channel your inner artist.
Where’s your favorite spot for watching rich hues wash over the Lowcountry sky as the sun settles into the horizon? Perhaps a bench on the Pitt Street Bridge or the sandy edge of Isle of Palms? Take inspiration from that vivid scene and spend an evening painting en plein air with the Kikkerland’s Huckleberry Landscape Paint Kit, available for $16 from Artist & Craftsman. The portable watercolor set includes a small wooden box that works as a travel easel, eight paint colors, a brush, and a 20-sheet pad. 981 King St., downtown, (843) 937-5199, artistcraftsman.com
45. Move your body.
Break a sweat (on purpose) this summer with the free community classes hosted biweekly by movement studio The Drop In. Guests are invited to join somatic mat-based sessions every Monday at 8 a.m. and rhythm-based cycling courses each Thursdayat 11:45 a.m. Classes are rolling out in a pop-up studio at the base of Meeting Street Lofts (601 Meeting St.) until the gym’s permanent space opens later this summer. Also, zero in on the group’s social (instagram.com/thedropin__) for details about the next Happier Hours installation in late August. These pay-what-you-will community connection classes joyfully blend movement, music, and mental fitness to push participants out of their comfort zones. thedropin.com
46. Scale the walls.
For gravity-defying fun, clamber over to Coastal Climbing indoor rock climbing gym, where monkeys aged five and up can scale the walls. Grab a day pass for $20 (reservations required for children 13 and under) and rent the required climbing shoes ($5), then puzzle your way up a variety of walls and slabs, crawl around tricky corners, and tackle the bouldering cave. For more hands-on guidance, classes are available. 708 King St., coastalclimbing.com
47. Rock a super yacht.
Feeling nauti? Splurge on an opulent overnight stay aboard the exclusive Miss Emily, a posh, 90-foot Broward motor yacht moored at The Harborage at Ashley Marina. With accommodations for six, this vessel is awash in luxury. Guests can enjoy entertaining inside the elegant salon, alfresco dining on the aft deck, sunset gazes from the openair fly bridge, and attentive service from an always-on-call onboard steward. stayduvet.com
48. Attend a dinner party with a chef.
Reserve a front-row seat to the creative action inside Zero Restaurant + Bar’s kitchen. Led by executive chef Vinson Petrillo and his talented team, these intimate, three-course, demonstration-style classes offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the techniques, inspiration, and seasonal ingredients that define the award-winning restaurant’s elevated menu. Participants sip wine and savor time with these inspired chefs as they dish on seasonal ingredients sourced from Lowcountry farms and purveyors. Limited to eight students, the classes take on an intimate and immersive avor. $235 per person. Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Monday 6:30-8:30 p.m. 0 George St., zerorestaurantcharleston.com
49. Buzz around in a boss beach buggy.
Grab the Louise to your Thelma and go for a wild, wind-in-your-hair ride at the wheel of a retro-style Oreion Buggy. Unlike golf carts and other lowspeed vehicles, this street-legal EV reaches 55 mph and can hum across downtown bridges and beach connectors, letting you zip around the city, burbs, and islands with open-top ease. e Buggy covers 150 miles of ground on a single charge (more than twice that of a Moke), meaning a $250 daily rental lands you plenty of cruising. While it technically seats four passengers, know that the back bench is snug. Multiday rentals and delivery are available for an additional charge. carolinaridesrentals.com
50. Take the plunge.
Beat the heat with a day pass to a luxe pool with Resort Pass, the daycation site that buys access to exclusive clubs and boutique hotels around the world, sans the overnight stay. Dive into the glamorous terrace pool at the Mills House Hotel (millshouse.com), enjoy a saltwater soak at social club Paradiso (paradisochs.com), or splash into the vintage-style Starlight Motor Inn (starlightchs.com). To truly immerse yourself in luxury, nab a cabana reservation and sunny cocktails at The Ryder’s retrostyle Little Palm (littlepalmchs.com) or adults-only club The Wonderer (thewonderer.com).