holy city

Mount Pleasant Company Starts Vaccine Trials

The search for a Coronavirus vaccine has been well underway since the start of the pandemic. However, major strides are being made in the right direction. Mount Pleasant’s Coastal Carolina Research Center is beginning to test a COVID-19 vaccination. While things are still in the trial stages, this is huge progress in aiding those affected by the virus.

“We’re looking for men and women 18 and older who are at risk of getting COVID,” announced principal investigator Dr. Cynthia Strout. “Now if you’ve had the diagnosis of COVID, then you cannot participate. There’s a few medical conditions or medications that might exclude you from the study, if you have autoimmune disease or are on medicine that affects the immune system.”

The team dedicated to finding a vaccine has been performing clinical research in order to better understand the virus. Those opting to participate will receive $100 per visit and $30 for tasks that can be performed at home.

How can you join the study? Start by filling out their inquiry form on the Coastal Carolina Research website.

Uncategorized

Charleston Farmers Markets to Check Out

Making plans for the weekend? Join local Lowcountry farmers as they open for essential goods as mini-markets during COVID-19. You don’t have to forgo your favorite stands and sellers. They’re now available under new guidelines and restrictions. With plenty of farm-fresh produce, you’re sure to find what you need while enjoying the displays.

Downtown Charleston

This farmers market is known for its music, delicious food, and lively atmosphere. Though its 2020 Opening Day is still TBD, its return will be filled with all of the above. You can find the sellers at Marion Square on King and Calhoun St. from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays, pending its return.

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market

Open as an essential farm goods supplier, the Mount Pleasant farmers market offers a festival-like atmosphere to their approach. The Coleman Boulevard gathering is still open for business during COVID-19, though their vendor list has since been limited. Join the band of vendors every Tuesday from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. for live music and organic crops.

Sea Island Farmers Market

As of May 17th, Sea Island’s back every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Hosted at Charleston Collegiate’s campus, this farmers market is a paradise for produce. Each vendor sells their goods as a way of bringing the community together. Check out their calendar to see what’s on the lineup.

James Island Farmers Market

Join James Island locals for “Sunday Brunch” behind The Pour House on Maybank Hwy. Recently voted best Pop-up Market by Charleston City Paper’s “best-of” awards, you can expect high-quality goods from this welcoming locale. Open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for a Sunday-Funday you can enjoy with the family!

Events

Safe Sounds at Firefly Distillery

Not all concerts are canceled this summer! Now in regulation with social distancing, Firefly Distillery announces “Safe Sounds,” a seven week-long outdoor concert series which began June 12th.

Listen to live music every Friday and Saturday night throughout the months of June and July. Stocked with beer, wine, and local food trucks, this outdoor arena can be enjoyed by up to four guests in each 10×10 safe space.

In order to respect social distancing, Firefly has several precautionary measures in place. Aside from general suggestions of hand-washing, Firefly has several safe spaces on their field so guests are evenly spread out. With 8-ft distances between each 10×10 square, you won’t have to stress about keeping apart. All common surfaces are sanitized after each customer’s use, and several hand sanitizing stations are scattered around the premises.

At this week’s concert on Saturday, June 27th you can expect performances from The Majestics and Lady & The Brass with special guest DJ Natty Heavy. All sets are 21+ with doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. Leave your furry friends at home and kick back on the greenspace. Each Safe Space Square is available for four friends starting at $25.00 an individual ticket.

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.

News

Airbnb Bans Parties in Charleston Properties

With the warm weather upon us and restaurants reopening their doors, Airbnb guests might be tempted to throw a party in celebration. Airbnb warns that this could now result in a banning from the lodging service app.

In response to Coronavirus, large gatherings and parties are no longer permitted. Stricter rules are coming for renters. With a plethora of Airbnb homes in downtown Charleston, many are to be affected.

In a recent press release, Airbnb states that “While Mayer John Tecklenburg announced the gradual easing of some COVID-19 restrictions, he has continued to emphasize and mandate social distancing, meaning our new policy will continue to prohibit any type of party at an Airbnb listing in Charleston until further notice.”

To reinforce their point, Airbnb temporarily disabled the “event-friendly” search filter. Previously the filter helps to help seek out venues for large gatherings. Without the option, Airbnb hopes to reduce the number of parties.

In a city that’s usually filled with Bachelorette parties and vacation beach-goers, it looks like this Charleston summer will be quieter than usual.

Airbnb has yet to update when they’ll re-allow large gatherings. Until further notice, the app will remain party-free.

What's Trending

Charleston Trivia! How well do you know your city?

Why is Charleston called the Holy City?

Turns out, there’s actually some debate about that. While Charleston certainly boasts an impressive collection of historic churches, the Post & Courier’s research indicates the phrase came from correspondence between a USC history professor and Charleston Renaissance author John Bennett in the early 1900s.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B807bmzHYIG/

What famous haunted restaurant in town is named after a dog?

That would be Poogan’s Porch, one of Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishments. Formerly a historic home, Poogan’s is named after the owner’s original faithful pup and boasts a legacy of supernatural sightings. To this day, dogs of all kinds are welcome at the restaurant (#Pooganspups), though few get to try the infamous Lowcountry cuisine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Rq4STnE3E/

How long is the Ravenel Bridge?

If you’ve spent any time in downtown Charleston you’ve seen the large, beautiful white arches of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge going across the Cooper River. The bridge is 13,200 feet total in length, connecting Charleston to Mount Pleasant, and is a popular destination to walk, run and bike!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B68C6u9Hglr/

The South Carolina Aquarium has a special care center for which animals?

Boasting thousands of residents (from American alligators to fiddler crabs), Charleston’s aquarium facilities also include a Sea Turtle Care Center. Turtles come in, are given medical treatment, and eventually released back to the wild. Check the website to see ongoing status updates for these sweet animals, and donate if you can!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B938y57jrKu/

Eat & Drink

6 Charleston Craft Beers In A Can You Need In Your Fridge

Image Source: Frothy Beard Brewing

We’re big believers in shopping local, eating local, and drinking local so we love the abundance of breweries in the Lowcountry. We were happy when these awesome craft beer spots started popping up around the city and we’re even bigger fans now that many of them are canning their beer. Now we can leave happy hour with a six-pack and continue the party at home.

Here are some of our favorite canned beers:

Palmetto Brewing

Starting today, pints of our core brand beers are now $4 in our Taproom on weekdays! (Monday-Thursday) Which beer are you having?

156 Likes, 9 Comments – Palmetto Brewing Co. (@palmettobrewing) on Instagram: “Starting today, pints of our core brand beers are now $4 in our Taproom on weekdays! (Monday-…”

Palmetto Brewing now has a number of beers available in a can. You can find them at large supermarkets like Publix or pick up a pack right from the brewery. You can find them on Huger Street in downtown Charleston and open seven days a week.

Frothy Beard

Make your refrigerator a little more festive this holiday season ? * * * #frothybeard #tides #andale #chsbeer #craftbeer #candesign

62 Likes, 0 Comments – Frothy Beard Brewing Company (@frothybeardbrewing) on Instagram: “Make your refrigerator a little more festive this holiday season ? * * * #frothybeard #tides…”

Frothy Beard offers two types of canned beers, ¡Andale!, a pale ale and Tides, an Irish red ale. Both are available for purchase at the West Ashley brewery on Sam Rittenberg or at stores around the city. Frothy is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm.

Holy City Brewing

What’s back in stock at the taproom! That’s right! Paradise Session IPA six packs are back around. #charleston #northcharleston #scbeer #southcarolina #craftbeer #chsbeer #charlestonbeer #charlestonfood #eatlocalchs #supportlocal #charlestonbreweries #holycitybrewing #cheers #billpitts

151 Likes, 4 Comments – Holy City Brewing (@holycitybrewing) on Instagram: “What’s back in stock at the taproom! That’s right! Paradise Session IPA six packs are back around….”

Holy City has eight beers available in can through both North and South Carolina stores. Or, you could swing by the taproom on Dorchester Road and get a free tour anytime between 11 am and 8 pm, Sunday through Thursday or 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday.

Edmund’s Oast Brewing

?EOBC SOUR CAN RELEASE ALERT? . Sour Cranberry makes its debut in the Taproom TODAY, just in time for ??????!! . ?SOUR CRANBERRY? . Our series of fruited American Sour Ales come from a love of fresh fruit flavors combined with mouth-watering acidity. These little seasonal berries add a refreshing acidity all their own! Explosive fruit notes erupt from the glass, and one is left with a quenched thirst, yet thirsty for more. 6.5% ABV. 16oz cans, $14/4pk. . Cans are on sale in the Taproom NOW, and the beer is also on tap. While you’re at it, grab some grub! . #chsbeer #beer #chsdrinks #chseats #explorecharleston #craftcans #beerrelease #sourbeer #sour #cranberry #happyholidays #brewerydistrict #nofilter

307 Likes, 7 Comments – Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company (@eobrewing) on Instagram: “?EOBC SOUR CAN RELEASE ALERT? . Sour Cranberry makes its debut in the Taproom TODAY, just in time…”

Offering a wide variety of canned beers, Edmund’s Oast Brewing is on upper King Street right past Edmund’s Oast Restaurant and Edmund’s Oast Exchange. This 20,000 square foot brewery is able to package their cans for wide-reaching wholesale. You can visit the brewery Wednesday through Monday, from 11 am to 10 pm.

Revelry Brewing Co.

$8 Six Packs To-Go today! Open 4-10pm Swing By before the #nationalchampionship or watch the first half w us in the tasting room or at @thehold.byrevelry @sea_kemp

107 Likes, 0 Comments – Revelry Brewing (@revelrybrewing) on Instagram: “$8 Six Packs To-Go today! Open 4-10pm Swing By before the #nationalchampionship or watch the first…”

Located in downtown Charleston, you can sip on one of Revelry’s cans while enjoying a pretty awesome view from their upstairs deck. Or, come on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and catch some live music. They’re open seven days a week with varying hours.

COAST Brewing

It’s a sunny Wednesday and we are Open 4-7! Closed tomorrow for Thanksgiving. Big Boned BBQ is here and we’ve got cans for your holiday festivities. #organicbeer

194 Likes, 2 Comments – COAST Brewing (@coastbrewing) on Instagram: “It’s a sunny Wednesday and we are Open 4-7! Closed tomorrow for Thanksgiving. Big Boned BBQ is…”

COAST has six cans to choose from including two IPA’s, one pale ale, an imperial stout, an American brown ale, and a German-style ale. This brewery is a family-owned craft brewery residing in an old Navy base in North Charleston. You can stop by the tasting room on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday for a taste.

Whether you’re preparing for the apocalypse or another Charleston ice storm, make sure you support your local breweries and stock up on your favorite beer.

Featured

Innovative Solutions Will Protect Holy City From Sea Level Rise

Featured Image Credit: Wall Street Journal

Since Charleston’s founding in 1670, our city’s rich culture, thriving economy, and beautiful scenery have drawn millions of visitors from every corner of the world to our coast for generations. Still, today in 2018, Charleston is a vacation destination, and enjoys unprecedented levels of growth, as any resident is well aware.

With growth though comes growing pains, and there are many issues Charleston faces that we should address. One direct threat to the Holy City in both the short and long-term is sea level rise. Throughout the previous two decades in South Carolina, tidal flooding has increased by 300 percent, with the sea level rising 10 inches on our coast since 1950. If that doesn’t worry you, this should: the rate of sea level rise has tripled in the last 10 years alone, with the water rising an inch every two to three years.

At this point, it is obvious to all of us the risk sea level rise poses to our city. With flooding comes more difficult commutes, damage to our roads and bridges, and destruction of our world-class beaches. Ultimately, this negatively impacts the Charleston economy by hampering tourism and increasing costs and living expenses on Charlestonians through higher taxes to pay for emergency management and infrastructure repairs.

What is being done to combat this growing problem? Fortunately, at the national level, there is growing awareness in Congress from both Democrats and Republicans that the issue of rising sea levels must be addressed. For example, Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) and Democrat Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06) are working together to build bipartisan support for their new legislation, The Flood Protection Act.

In Charleston, our city and her citizens have taken the danger of sea level rise to heart. Since the 1980s, Charleston has implemented an effective flood mitigation system that drains floodwater into local rivers.

While the flood mitigation plan is a good first step, the problem of sea level rise is only going to get worse without further action. We must all encourage leaders like Sen. Tim Scott, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, and State Senator Chip Campsen to make the issue of sea level rise a top priority, both at the national, state, and local levels. We need them to work together to find solutions that will keep Charleston a thriving and growing city for generations to come.