Happy Friday morning, Charleston! When we last published, a mere week ago, we were staring down a polar vortex. As I type these words, it’s 64 and sunny. More like that, please.

We’re back at it with our “Where Are We?” segment this week. I hope you enjoyed seeing happy-faced Bruce last week. If you’re thinking of bringing a pet into your life, visit Pet Helpers this weekend! I just checked their page and they have some beautiful cats and dogs that need a home.

Please follow us on Instagram. When we get to 1,000 followers, we’ll do a $50 giveaway to a great local cafe!

In today’s newsletter:

• Dining out in Charleston can hurt your wallet. But there’s still some fabulous inexpensive options in town. Here’s your chance to weigh in. 🍴

• Wonder what’s the fastest-growing sport in the country? You knew this one, right? We have the scoop on a new pickleball gym opening in early March. 🥒

• ICYMI. CHS chef hopes to get in Gordon’s good graces, new Mexican spot in fast-growing area and local bakery makes Southern Living best-of list. 🍰

Friday 65° / 54° ⛅ 💧16%

Saturday 65° / 48° ⛅ 💧9%

Sunday 60° / 45° ⛅ 💧15%

Friday, January 31

• Fossil Friday with Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson | 3:30 - 4:30 PM | The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St, Charleston | Join Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson in the Bunting Natural History Gallery lab. He will be on hand to share projects currently being worked on and to help identify your fossil finds. This program is for children of all ages, especially those young at heart.

• Hot Stove Dinner | 6 - 9 PM | The Joe, 360 Fishburne St, Charleston | Join us for the 21st Annual Hot Stove Dinner on January 31, 2025. This year’s guest speaker will be Bo Jackson. Individual tickets are $180 and only $1200 for a table of eight. There’s also a Meet & Greet opportunity for the first 100 to sign up with a $100 upgrade. Get your tickets today!

• Bob Marley Birthday Celebration - 2 Nights at Charleston Pour House | 9 PM - 1:30 AM | Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston | A 2 Night Bob Marley Birthday Celebration. Featuring Well Charged, Operation Irie, Jimmy 5 Starr, Da’Gullah Rootz, Zandrina Dunning, Ric Mystic and more special guests!

Saturday, February 1

• Commonhouse's 7th Anniversary: Charleston Wavefest Kickoff & Block Party | 11 AM - 11 PM | Commonhouse Aleworks, 4831 O'Hear Ave, North Charleston | Join us as Commonhouse Aleworks celebrates 7 years with their biggest block party yet - doubling as the official Charleston Wavefest 2025 kickoff! This free, family-friendly celebration features live music all day, a local artist market (12-5 PM), and plenty of Lowcountry fun including an oyster roast and brewery tours. Don't miss the entertainment lineup featuring a beard & mustache competition and classic pin-up contest! Come experience great beer, local art, and live music in the heart of North Charleston

• Vibes for Vets Benefit Concert | 5 - 10 PM | New Realm Brewery, 880 Island Park Drive, Daniel Island | Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, community, and support at the Vibes for Vets Benefit Concert! This special event is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for our veterans. Enjoy live performances from local bands and artists, a vibrant atmosphere, and a chance to connect with others in support of our heroes.

• PoHo Winter Night Market | 5 - 9 PM | Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston | In the back lot, shop goods from 40+ vendors including local artists, makers, vintage & vinyl collectors & more! Enjoy full bar service & live music on the deck by OMIWIMO + food from Jack of Cups Bebop in the container kitchen.  

Sunday, February 2

• Motown Throwdown | 1:30 - 5 PM | Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston |  Patrons of the farmers market will have access to the deck bar and deck restrooms throughout the market. Those who want to hang on the deck and enjoy Motown Throwdown will be asked to pay the $5 door charge. This charge goes to the musicians & helps to cover production costs. Thank you for your support of our venue & these incredible artists!

• The Mushroom Gathering: Sunday Supper | 6 - 8 PM | Jackrabbit Filly, 1083 E Montague Avenue, North Charleston | It’s official – the Mushroom Gathering is BACK! Our favorite event has had many different iterations over the years, and this one is no different. We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s Mushroom Gathering will be held at Jackrabbit Filly’s new location on Sunday, February 2nd! Tickets will include a 5-course family-style meal curated by some of Charleston’s best, alongside beer, wine, and a specialty cocktail from the evening’s sponsor Blade and Bow Whiskey. We’ll also be hosting a VIP wine tasting before the dinner for those looking to extend their evening and donation impact!

• Badfish - Sublime Tribute I 7 PM | Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston | The phenomenon known as Sublime, arguably the most energetic, original and uniquely eclectic band to emerge from any scene, anywhere, ended with the untimely death of lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Brad Nowell in May of 1996. But encompassing the sense of place and purpose long associated with Sublime’s music, Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime continues to channel the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time.

For a COMPLETE list of events in the Charleston area, bookmark the site below!

FITNESS

Pickleball Gym Opening In Mount Pleasant

Tennis players are p#ssed. In late-2022, The Guardian wrote an article detailing pickleball’s up-and-to-the-right growth.

The problem? Pickleballers were taking over tennis courts all over the US playing their strange little sport. Tennis aficionados weren’t going to go down without a fight.

The only thing that’s happened since then? Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the country over the past 3 years.

Charleston hasn’t been exempt from the craze. Riding the wave of this growth, a new indoor pickleball franchise called Pickleball Kingdom will be opening in Belle Hall Shopping Center on March 3.

I checked out the new gym this week with Dan Watters, the General Manager. It’s owned by a family in the Hilton Head area, serial entrepreneurs who have operated multiple businesses.

This gym will have 9.5 courts—you’ll just have to show up and see what the half-court looks like—along with a pro shop, mezzanine seating where players can relax after a game, and a private meeting/event room.

They’ll also have a beer and wine license and players can grab a beer self-serve and enjoy it on the mezzanine.

Pickleball Kingdom is all about competitive play—there will be leagues, clinics and lessons available to members. In fact, you can go there and try Pickleball 101 for free.

One unique feature: each court will have a video camera, pole-mounted iPad and 50” TV. So if you really want to improve—or see how badly you just smoked your close friend across the net—you can stop play and check out the last point on the TV.

Dan told me they plan to eventually add 2 more Pickleball Kingdom gyms in the Charleston area. And 1 each in Hilton Head, Bluffton and Myrtle Beach.

WHERE ARE WE?

Each week, watch this space for a random snap from somewhere in Charleston. Where are we? Only true locals will know. DM your guess on Instagram, or email me here. The first person to guess correctly will get a shout-out at the top of our issue next week!

RESTAURANTS

Where Are Charleston’s Affordable Restaurants?

There’s no doubt dining in Charleston has gotten more expensive over the past few years. It’s been a tumultuous few years in the restaurant business, though.

Whenever I spoke with restaurant owners over the past few years, I heard how difficult it was to hire and keep good staff.

Given the number of restaurants that have closed recently, that won’t be such a problem anymore. Call me an optimist—I think prices will start to ease up.

Until then, Eater Carolinas profiled Charleston’s 12 Best Affordable Restaurants.

Just because I can, I pulled out my favorite 5. Who’s your top pick?

HELP ME SPREAD THE WORD!

If you like what you’ve been reading, I’d be SUPER grateful if you click the button below and leave a testimonial. Make it as long or short as you’d like.

It’s a nice, easy, fast setup and should take you 30 seconds or less.

I’ll add your testimonial to my subscription page. Think of it like a Yelp review which lets newbies know “This is definitely worth your time”.

It’ll help me grow CHS Happenings and keep bringing you cool perks like our events calendar. 🙏🏼

ICYMI

🇲🇽 One of Charleston’s fastest-growing areas gets in-house made corn tortillas. And tacos and tequila at this new restaurant.

🍪 A tiny CHS bakery gets its just desserts. Southern Living says it’s one of the best in the south.

🫓 Longtime Mount Pleasant kitchen store is doubling in size. Count on more demos, tastings and must-have lessons on Big Green Egg grilling.

👨🏼‍🍳 North Charleston chef will compete on Season 22 of “Top Chef”. Just in time for Gordon Ramsay to scream “THIS IS RAW!” in his face.

🥞 Brunch isn’t just for those suffering the Irish flu. And here’s your list of the best new spots in CHS.

Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here.

FEEDBACK

Got 15 seconds? Let us know what you thought about today’s newsletter by replying to this email or voting in the poll below (you’ll be done MUCH faster than renewing your license at the DMV).