downtown Charleston

South Market Street Will Temporarily Stop Vehicle Traffic

In order to allow more outdoor social distancing space, a portion of South Market Street will temporarily stop vehicle traffic. Enforcement begins Saturday, August 15th between Church Street and State Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because pedestrians convene at the downtown Charleston market, this sectioning off of streets better allows for social distancing.

“This project in the City Market, which was vetted by members of both the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Citizen’s Advisory Committee and City Council, will create a safer environment for pedestrians and allow for proper social distancing throughout the market area,” said Director of Traffic and Transportation, Keith Benjamin. “We are grateful to the City Market staff, vendors, and surrounding small businesses who worked on this project with us and look forward to continued collaboration.”

Come 5 p.m. each day, the South Market Street traffic lane re-opens for vehicles. This reconfiguration is set to remain throughout the 2020 calendar year. Loading zones are also impacted, as they’re now closed for pedestrian use only.

Charleston walkers can now enjoy the Market cobblestone streets with enough space to social distance during the coronavirus pandemic.

Health and Wellness

Charleston-Area Hospitals Launch New “Masks Saves Lives” Campaign

As a means of preventing the spread of Coronavirus throughout SC, five hospitals have come together to launch a new campaign. Titled “Masks Save Lives,” they’re pushing for Charlestonians to adhere to the statewide mask ordnance.

The five hospitals that make up the movement are Trident Health System, East Cooper Medical Center, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. Each plays a critical role in enforcing cloth face coverings be worn.

“You wear a mask to protect others, and they wear masks to protect you,” Jeff Taylor, CEO of Trident’s Summerville Medical Center, stated in a press release.

Wearing a mask has become a polarized issue in recent weeks. Some community members believe wearing a mask limits their freedoms, while others find it necessary for the greater good. Regardless of your stance on the issue, case numbers in SC continue to climb. The grand total now reaches 78,607, while the fatality rate reaches 1,385. Charleston County surges ahead for the most amount of positive tests reported.

The new campaign will be featured on 32 billboards as well as television advertisements. It acts as a reminder to stay masked in public. You can expect to start seeing the “Masks Save Lives” movement roll out in the next few weeks.

News

Charleston Museum Will Not Accept the Calhoun Statue

After a unanimous vote between The Charleston Museum Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, the John. C. Calhoun statue will not be accepted into the Charleston Museum. This came as an official statement from the museum late last week.

The reasoning behind its refusal lies in the size of the monument. The size and weight would cause problems for the museum, as there isn’t enough space available. As well as space being an issue, the executive committee claims that he was “not a Charleston figure.” The statue could be added to the museum courtyard, but then it would be returning to another public space.

“While we recognize that John C. Calhoun was a man of significant national historical importance, he was not a Charleston figure and as such his biographical history does not fit in with the Museum’s general purpose and mission of interpreting the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the Lowcountry.,” officials explained.

In late June, Mayor John Tecklenburg announced the figures’ official removal from Marion Square. Several protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement were the push that sparked the relocation of the statue.

It seems the search for a new space to move the monument continues.

Uncategorized

Best Ice Cream Shops in CHS

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, this July 19th, we’ll be celebrating the best way we know possible, eating our way through the Lowcountry! What better way to enjoy the day than with a cold scoop of soft serve. If you’re looking to celebrate, here’s a round-up of the best ice cream and gelato joints in CHS.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

This creative flavor chain always has a line out the door, so you’ll want to come early before your favorite scoop runs out. Located in the heart of Downtown, you’ll know you’re close when you smell the savory aroma. Take a pint to-go, or enjoy a waffle cone to beat the summer heat. Hours are noon – 11 p.m. daily.

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream

As a Charleston staple, Ye Ole is known for its lip-smacking good milkshakes and fantastic food. Hit the drive-through for soft-serve at locations in North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt Pleasant, and Goose Creek. Celebrate the holiday with Ye Ole from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. today.

Off Track Ice Cream

Off Track is hardly off the beaten track. This delicious ice cream parlor crafts homemade flavors from pop tart to your classic vanilla. You’ll find their storefront on Beaufain and King Street open 12 p.m. – 10 a.m. With traditional and vegan options, Off Track is sure to please everyone in your family.

Park Circle Creamery

You know it, you love it. It’s the famous Park Circle Creamery. This North Charleston ice cream shop is offering a free scoop this National Ice Cream day for its first 150 customers. Grab a friend and enjoy a cone from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Events

National Kitten Day

This Friday, July 10th, is no normal Friday. It’s National Kitten Day! A day entirely dedicated to appreciating and adopting our furry feline friends. And what better way to celebrate than by giving a kitten a home? Stop by one of the many places where you can adopt a kitten in Charleston on this year’s National Kitten Day!

Charleston Animal Society

As the official animal shelter in SC, Charleston Animal Society houses pets of all shapes and sizes, including kittens! Their easy adopt system is in place from 12 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends. In response to COVID-19, they’re minimizing the number of people allowed at once and require a face mask to be worn.

Pounce Cat Cafe

Though they’re no longer serving food and Bev to visitors, the Pounce Cat Cafe is still open and filled with cats. Patrons are required to wear a face mask and sanitize before entering the cozy cat sanctuary. While walk-ins are available, they encourage you to book a visit so you can secure a slot. The best part? All of their cats are ready for adoption! Fall in love with one of their felines and take em home all in the same day.

Petfinder

The online searchable database is a means for connecting animals with new homes. With updates daily, Petfinder shows you everything you need to know about a purr-fect new addition to your home. Filter through their search bar to get paired with a cat in line with your needs. This easy to use website is a great option for those wanting to adopt from the comfort of their home.

Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

The non-profit Animal Sanctuary in Hollywood, SC is known for housing many animals on the older side. If a laid back cat is more your style, then Hallie Hill has got you covered. Meet and greets and adoptions are available appointment only through their online selection process. If it seems a good fit, the shelter pairs you up with your perfect match.

Eat & Drink

Best Fried Chicken in Charleston

If there’s one thing Charleston does well, it’s fried chicken. This Southern delicacy is a must-have during a visit to the Holy City. Fried Chicken is a staple here, so much so that we have a day dedicated to celebrating the dish. While nothing beats your age-old family recipe, our local restaurants run a close second. Craving this down south dish? Well, you will be after reading our list of the best fried chicken Charleston has to offer.

Here’s a round-up of the best places to get fried Chicken in Charleston on National Fried Chicken day, Monday, July 6th.

Boxcar Betty’s

You’ll want to get a second helping after a visit to Boxcar Betty’s. The local’s favorite gourmet fried chicken sandwich is award-winning, actually. Betty’s took home Buzzfeed’s “Best of Sandwich Shops in SC” title in 2019. With locations in North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and West Ashley, you’re never too far from a Boxcar!

Leon’s Oyster Shop

Don’t be fooled by the Oyster Shop name, Leon’s features delicious fried chicken alongside they’re famous seafood. This old garage turned restaurant will leave you licking your fingers. If the table’s feeling hungry, order the Leon’s Big Chicken Platter for the whole bird and two large sides.

Dave’s Carry Out

If you aren’t paying attention, you might accidentally miss this hole in the wall restaurant. Nestled in the historic neighborhood on the corner of Morris and Coming, Dave’s Carry Out serves food for the soul. While they’re not open on Monday, you can stop in on Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. for their home recipe style fried chicken wings.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Buttermilk biscuits and petit fried chicken, can you think of anything better? Callie’s has it all at their King and Market street locations. You’ll want to add a side of pimento cheese to this decadent dish. Make sure to get em’ while their hot, Charleston!

Edmund’s Oast

Grab your lunch box, or should we say Edmond’s Oast’s “Lunchbox.” This fried chicken sammy is all the entre you could want and more. If you’re dining with friends, go for the “Porch Picnic,” as you won’t want to go hungry. Head to Edmund’s Oast on Morrison Drive from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. for a lip-smacking bite of fresh fried chicken.

New In Charleston

College of Charleston Freezes Tuition for the 2020/2021 Calendar Year

As of June 9th, the College of Charleston Board of Trustees voted in favor of a tuition freeze. The 2020-21 academic year is the first semester set to be enforced. What this means for Charleston students is affordable and accessible academics. There won’t be any unexpected surges in tuition costs.

College of Charleston president Andrew T. Hsu comments, “I appreciate and applaud the Board of Trustees for not increasing tuition. While College administrators will need to be even more creative in dealing with rising costs, not raising tuition is the right thing to do.”

Undergraduate SC residents will continue to pay $6,259 per semester. Out-of-state undergraduates will still pay $16,424. This tuition freeze offers relief for those fearing a high increase in response to COVID-19.

In effect July 1st through Sept. 30, the board will enforce this change. Throughout the 2021 fiscal year, the board will regroup and discuss further changes. This could mean increases in the College’s dormitory halls or an increase in meal plan costs. Both budgets are subject to change in the coming August/September board meeting.

Events

In Remembrance: 5 Years After the Mother Emanuel Shooting

Just five years ago, the nine members of the oldest African Methodist Episcopal Church in the South were devastatingly killed. As an act of terrorism, a white supremacist attended their bible study before opening fire. He’s said to have targeted Mother Emanuel for its stature and history. This 2015 shooting still holds a large piece of Charleston history, especially for the black community. We remember those lost and affected by the Mother Emanuel shooting.

Today, this issue remains as relevant as ever.

Almost four dozen protesters gathered at the Battery last week in honor of the nine victims in the 2015 shooting. This Wednesday is the official anniversary. The group’s call to action honors those who have lost their lives to white supremacy. They were met by a counter group of supporters of the Confederate flag.

With many protests around Charleston, this week is expected to especially highlight these issues. Friday the 19th is the celebration of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. The holiday commemorates the ending of slavery throughout the Confederate South. Community members can find numerous ways to celebrate Juneteenth this year. Join Juneteenth Rock Hill on Instagram and Facebook Live for a virtual commemoration.