A SOLAR ECLIPSE IN THE HOLY CITY

By now I’m sure you’re all aware of what might be happening on August 21, 2017 at 2:47p.m. (est). Yes, that exact time. If you’re not sure what’s going on on that date, you’re in for a treat. For the first time in thirty-eight years, a total solar eclipse will be visible from the continental United States, stretching across 14 states, including right here in the Holy City.

Luckily Charleston sits right in the “path of totality”. If you’re like me, you might be wondering what the heck that even means. Right? Essentially right at 2:47p.m, the moon will orbit directly in front of the sun, blocking its path to Earth. The moon will cast a shadow onto Earth causing complete darkness.

Fact check me all you want, but I do believe this is a once in a lifetime "holiday" for Lowcountry livers. Between school and work closings, hotels discounts, and special offers throughout the state, make sure you plan your Eclipse getaway before it's too late! 

For more information on what an eclipse is, what to expect during, how to take that perfect eclipse Instagram pic (I’m not kidding!), popular viewing spots in the city/state, some fun facts, and a LIVE countdown until the event, visit charlestonmag.com/eclipse/. 

Illustration by Jude Shiflett and can be found in the Total Solar Eclipse guide of Charleston magazine's July issue. // Cover image courtesy of Great American Eclipse.

CARRIAGE TOURS: YAY OR NEIGH?

We’ve all seen them. Heck, some of us have even been on them. (Guilty!)

I'm talking about carriage tours pulled by mules and horses throughout our historic downtown streets. "What’s the big deal?" some, like me, might think.

I grew up around livestock and worked in an Amish community during my college years, being around horses and mules pulling large objects never really bothered me—it’s what they’re bred for! But, like my friend Bob Dylan once said, “The Times They are A-Changin’”.

The Charleston City Council met on Tuesday, March 28 to discuss and approve a plan focused on the welfare of downtown’s working animals. 

Since the new plan was approved during the meeting and before peak carriage season, carriages will be pulled from running their usual routes once the temperature rises to 95 degrees Fahrenheit or an 110-degree heat index, as opposed to the current 98-degree/125 degree heat index limit. 

90-degree summer temperatures, millions of visitors during peak travel season, added on top of bumper to bumper car fumes during those heated hours, do you agree with the city’s new bill of lowering the heat limit for our downtown working animals?

Image by Margret Wood

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!

Opening day, essentially a national holiday to some. The smell of cut grass, peanut shells crunching beneath your feet, the beginning of warmer weather and dinners that consist of hot dogs and cheap beer.  

Thursday, April 6, the Charleston RiverDogs open the gates of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park (commonly known as The Joe) to host the Lexington Legends at 7:05 p.m., in a four-game weekend series that will start off their 2017 season. 

RiverDog fans take note- this isn’t just any old Opening Day celebration. Nope. This is an Opening Day AND birthday celebration! The Joe celebrates its 21st birthday with a full on party. What better way to celebrate a 21st birthday, but with a Thirsty Thursday night. That’s right, join the RiverDogs celebration for Budweiser Thirsty Thursday presented by 95SX. Catch the game while partying with music by DJ Natty Heavy and dollar beers at the Budweiser Ashley View Pub. In addition to dollar beers, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will also receive a RiverDogs magnet schedule. 

Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks...right? Or in dining at The Joes' case, buy me some Jacked Cotton Candy Burgers and Angry Apple Pie Shakes! The RiverDogs Food & Beverage department announced that a few new treats will be added to the 2017 season’s menu! Make sure you plan to get one of the following on your next trip to The Joe:

• Jacked Cotton Candy Burger—a combination of cotton candy and cracker jacks topping your normal burger.

• Angry Apple Pie Shake—a sweet treat made with Angry Orchard Cider, fresh apple pie, cinnamon, and vanilla ice cream. #SUMMERGOALS

• Dorito Nacho Dog—an all-beef Hebrew National six-inch hot dog topped with crushed Doritos chips, taco cheese, and jalapenos. Yum!

• New Awlin’s Dog—Your traditional dog topped with freshly cooked crawfish, sautéed peppers and onions with Cajun-inspired brown gravy topping it all off, I do declare.

• Apple and pecan pie can be found at Pie House for a little midgame dessert.

• “Take Me Out With the Crowd” Nachos—chips tossed with cinnamon sugar, topped with cracker jacks, and drizzled with caramel sauce.

• Funnel cake fries at the State Fair stand.

Typical baseball meals not your favorite? Try an alternative at the MUSC Health Fresh & Fit Café like the Harvest Salad, an entire head of lettuce stuffed with quinoa, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, fresh fruit, and feta cheese served up in a souvenir baseball helmet. Also, try Bill Murray’s Black Bean Burger, a local handmade black bean burger topped with cilantro slaw, or how about other a la cart items like the turkey burgers, veggie cups, and fruit cups!

Catch me at the RiverDogs' opening game, I'll be at the Budweiser Ashley View Pub cheering on my favorite Holy City baseball team! 

Tickets for Opening Day and other games throughout the season can be purchased online or at the stadium gates. Prices for seating sections vary.