Hair Salon near Charleston, SC

CHARLESTON — A lauded Lowcountry seafood spot known for the blocks-long line it garners nightly will begin offering limited reservations.

But the walk-in culture that ownership says is a cornerstone of the restaurant's spontaneous atmosphere will remain.

For residents and visitors alike, Chubby Fish is one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston. The seafood destination has landed a spot on The New York Times' list of the 50 best restaurants in America and earned a James Beard semifinalist nod in the Outstanding Restaurant category. In 2025, Michelin added it to its inaugural American South guide.

Patrons flock to the restaurant for chef James London's daily-changing, “dock-to-table” menu. Since it opened in 2018, Chubby Fish has not offered reservations. Instead, guests have waited their turn to be seated or signed up for a time to eat, with some arriving as early as 2:30 p.m., two-and-a-half hours before the restaurant opens its doors, to try to secure a seat.

Now, diners who hold OpenTable Gold status will have access to seats via Gold Tables, a curated selection of hard-to-book tables in cities across the U.S.

The reservation platform announced the new loyalty benefit in July. Through the recently relaunched OpenTable Regulars loyalty program, diners can unlock Gold status after completing six OpenTable reservations within 12 months. Participating restaurants at launch included sought-after destinations like Soothr in New York City, Elena’s in San Francisco, Saffy’s in Los Angeles, Fiorella in Philadelphia and Esme in Chicago.

Chubby Fish, for its part, is now accepting reservations for tables starting Oct. 13. The restaurant will open 12 reservable seats per night, said London, who owns the 40-seat spot with his wife, Yoanna Tang.

With Gold Tables, Chubby Fish is offering a small number of guests the ability to plan ahead without changing what has, for the past eight years, defined the restaurant, London said.

"Being walk-in-only has always been a big part of Chubby Fish, and that isn't changing. We love the energy of the line and the spontaneity of people deciding to come see us that night," London said. "There's something special about a restaurant where you don't have to plan months ahead to get in."

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.

The NWS Charleston SC released a coastal flood advisory at 2:08 a.m. on Wednesday valid between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for Coastal Colleton and Charleston County.

"Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected along shorelines and tidal waterways (7.1 to 7.3 feet Mean Lower Low Water at Charleston)," comments the NWS. "High tide will occur around 11:01 a.m. today at Charleston. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 hours before and after high tide."

"This could result in some roads becoming impassable," states the NWS. "If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property."

This advisory is in effect until 1 p.m.

For either residents or campers of flood-prone, low-lying areas, take immediate action and seek higher ground. Follow evacuation instructions without delay. If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances. Avoid entering basements or rooms where electrical outlets or cords are submerged in water. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate the area immediately. Refrain from entering water that may have electricity in it and avoid walking through floodwaters. Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet. If you find yourself trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and contact emergency services, and dial 911.

During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, according to the NWS.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots South Carolina

When it comes to dream travel destinations in the South, Charleston, South Carolina, is a perennial favorite. With its ever-growing food scene, rich history and colorful architecture, and proximity to beautiful beaches, it’s little wonder that our readers have voted it the South’s Best City multiple times. Of course, the best time to visit Charleston is largely dependent on what you’re hoping to do once you’re there. Whether you’re heading to town for the historic walking tours, one of the city’s many festivals, or a breezy day on the water, here are the best (and worst) times to visit Charleston, South Carolina.

Tourist Seasons in Charleston, South Carolina

Before planning your trip, take the city’s tourist seasons into consideration, as they’ll likely impact everything from the crowds to airfare and hotel prices.

Any time is a great time to visit the best city in the world.

Best Times to Visit Charleston for Good Weather

Spring and fall are prime times to comfortably explore all of Charleston’s beauty. Take it from local meteorologist Josh Marthers: “Any time is a great time to visit the best city in the world, but a couple of periods really shine. Our driest months are typically April and November with quite mild temperatures from late March through mid-May. We see those nicer temperatures and lower humidity levels return late September through mid-November.” Average temperatures in April range from upper 50s to low 70s, while those in November from low 50s to upper 60s.

One caveat worth considering: The city is subject to hurricanes, with the Atlantic season running from the start of June through the end November and peak time for such storms lasting August through October. Of course, to Marthers’ point, assuming that there are no tropical storms or hurricanes on the radar, October is a lovely, mild-weathered month to visit, with average temperatures ranging from low 60s to mid 70s.

Best Time to Visit Charleston for Lower Prices and Smaller Crowds

Planning a trip for the winter months (December through February) is the best way to experience so many of the Holy City’s highlights without having to battle crowds or pay premium rates for accommodations (holidays and festival weekends can be exceptions). While you likely won’t be swimming—unless you brave one of the area beaches’ New Year’s Day Polar Plunges—the milder winter weather still allows for beautiful beach walks and bundled-up picnics.

For Tyler Page Wright Friedman, certified tour guide and founder of Walk & Talk Charleston, winter is actually one of her favorite times of year in the city: “Winter is an ideal season to explore downtown and all of our world-class museums,” she says. And the rewards extend beyond lower cost and smaller crowds: “Historically, the holiday season was the social season in Charleston,” she explains. “Many of the gardens were designed to bloom during this time, and so we have the beautiful camellias, Christmas senna, and the sweetgrass has turned a beautiful shade of pink.” It’s also oyster season, Friedman notes, so put all of those together, and you’ve landed yourself the perfect Charleston winter weekend.

For those who don’t mind a little perspiration, you may also consider visiting during the city’s shoulder season, June through August. Chef Mike Lata, who owns two of the city’s most beloved restaurants (FIG and The Ordinary), says late June is the shoulder season’s sweet spot: “Things start to slow down, so it’s a bit easier to get hotel deals and reservations at restaurants. The weather is warm but not stifling. There is also lots of great local food to eat and the water has had a chance to warm up, making for great fishing, surfing, and general beachgoing.”

Best Times to Visit Charleston for Festivals and Events

The Holy City plays host to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, all of which celebrate the various hallmarks of the historic peninsula town. Festival season here kicks off with mid-February’s Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, more commonly referred to as SEWE (pronounced “see-wee”), when nature lovers, conservationists, and outdoorsmen descend on the city to shop a host of wildlife-oriented artists and exhibitors, attend cooking demos, and watch dogs participate in water jumping competitions. (The weekend is also an exception to winter’s typically smaller crowds.)

Spring and Summer Festivals

In March and April, the Historic Charleston Foundation hosts its longest-running annual event, The Charleston Festival (formerly called the Festival of Houses and Gardens), which celebrates the city’s history and culture through a series of lectures on preservation and design, as well as tours of privately owned homes and gardens. April’s first Saturday also lays claim to the annual Cooper River Bridge Run, which invites runners and walkers of all skill levels to “Get Over It,” “It” being the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge that connects the suburb of Mount Pleasant to downtown Charleston over the Cooper River.

Late May into June brings one of Charleston’s hallmark events, Spoleto Festival USA, when world-class performers, musicians, dancers, and artists from around the globe bring their talents to the Holy City for a 17-day series of live performances, art shows and exhibitions, and artist talks.

You’ll also find the Southern Living team in town twice throughout the year—in November for the Lowcountry Tailgate (part of the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston) and again in December for Illumination Charleston (a curated holiday market of hand-picked vendors, plus demos from our favorite chefs and entertaining experts).

Best Times to Visit Charleston for a Beach Trip

If you’re planning to spend most of your Lowcountry stay playing on the area’s surrounding beaches, rather than diving into historic walking tours, summer is a great time to visit, as an ocean breeze or quick dip in the water can relieve even the hottest, muggiest day. By June, the ocean and other waterways have warmed up, making for comfortable swimming and other watersports, like surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Pop-up afternoon thunderstorms aren’t uncommon in the summer, but they usually clear up as quickly as they roll in. July and August tend to see the most rain (8 or 9 days of rainfall), so if you’re faced with a wet day, take advantage of one of the city’s many museums, from The Gibbes Museum of Art to the recently opened International African American Museum, or explore all the amazing local shops.

The worst time to visit Charleston is subjective, as it depends on your personal travel preferences and the activities you plan to enjoy while there. However, as a born-and-raised Charleston native who often felt pity for the sweating, red-faced tourists who trudged past as I sat in the comfort of my mom’s air-conditioned car, July and August are about the most miserable months to plan a trip centered around walking tours and general sightseeing. In my experience, I’ve found that a beach day on Sullivan’s Island—or a reservation at one of our many delicious (and air-conditioned) restaurants—are about the only antidotes to our summer’s scorching heat.

It’s also worth noting that Charleston is home to a couple of colleges, including The Citadel and the College of Charleston, so if you’re not looking to be swept up in the excitement of move-in or graduation weekends, consult their academic calendars before booking your travel.

CHARLESTON — A new and very unusual-looking structure has popped up on the corner of Meeting and George street next to a historic house, leaving many to wonder amid all the growing development what it is.

Recently, a gray tension fabric building with two garage doors was erected next to a three-story, peach-colored row house with a red metal roof at 292 Meeting St. The two buildings make up the 30,000-square-foot site owned by Clemson University that previously served as the headquarters for the school's Historic Preservation graduate program.

As for the temporary building, it will be used by the Charleston Fire Department — specifically for the crews assigned to Engine 102 and Engine 103 — while their main station undergoes renovation, according to Michael Calabro, spokesperson for the fire department.

The firefighters typically work out of the historic Station 2/3, or Central Station, on Meeting Street.

“The temporary arrangement includes a Sprung Structures building that will serve as the apparatus and operational space for Engine 102 and Engine 103, while the adjacent house will provide crew living quarters,” Calabro wrote in an email.

Their new station is still being prepared, Calabro said, with the fire department and the city’s facilities division working to ensure the crews have the appropriate amount of space, equipment and resources to do their job.

Meanwhile, the renovation project for the fire department’s Central Station is advancing through the planning, design and pre-construction process, with a timeline and cost yet to be defined, according to Calabro. It entails a “renovation and historic preservation” of the nearly 140-year-old station.

“The work will address repairs and structural improvements while preserving the historic character of the facility,” Calabro wrote. “It’s intended to bring key components of the building in line with current code and safety standards. The overall goal is to preserve this important facility while creating a safe and functional environment for the firefighters who work there.”

Following the 1886 Charleston earthquake — which caused 60 deaths and millions of dollars in damages to 2,000 buildings in the Southeastern portion of the country — the city developed plans to construct modern fire stations rather than repairing the old, damaged ones, according to the resource “The Buildings of Charleston: A Guide to the City’s Architecture.”

Central Station was one of them.

“The L-shaped Central Fire Station, built in a restrained Italianate Renaissance Revival style with splendid brick detailing, was completed by 1888 at a cost of $14,000,” the book reads.

Today, the station is still located in the same spot and remains an active facility. It also served as the fire department’s headquarters from 1974 to 2013.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Charleston County Economic Development is investing $2.025 million to help expand Charleston County School District's Universal Pre-K program in North Charleston, a partnership officials say will increase access to early childhood education and support working families across the region.

The funding will help create at least 229 new Pre-K seats in North Charleston, building on the district's first Universal Pre-K program launched this school year at Charleston Progressive Academy on the Charleston Peninsula. The expansion marks the next phase of the district's plan to broaden access to early learning opportunities throughout Charleston County.

The investment, district leaders say, reflects the growing recognition that access to affordable, high-quality childcare can help parents and caregivers enter the workforce, work additional hours, remain employed or pursue education and training opportunities.

"We are so grateful for CCED coming alongside us with this historic investment," Superintendent Anita Huggins said. "Universal Pre-K gives our youngest learners a strong start, but we know its impact reaches the entire family. This partnership will open doors for hundreds of children while giving parents and guardians greater opportunities to work, learn, and build a stronger future for their families."

The partnership will measure not only how many new seats are created and filled, but also broader impacts on participating families, including employment, work hours, educational opportunities, childcare costs and barriers to accessing early learning.

"Childcare is a workforce issue, an economic development issue, and a family issue," CCSD Chief Financial Officer Daniel Prentice said. "This investment allows us to address all three at once. By bringing public education and economic development together, we can use our resources in a way that directly benefits our children today while helping more parents participate fully in our local economy."

Charleston County Council Chairman Joe Boykin praised the investment as an example of addressing workforce challenges beyond the workplace.

"I commend Charleston County Economic Development for recognizing that some of the most significant barriers to workforce participation begin outside the workplace," Boykin said. "This investment demonstrates the forward-thinking approach needed to support working families and strengthen our economy."

CCED Executive Director Merle Johnson said the initiative is intended to strengthen both families and the region's long-term workforce.

"The strongest economies are built long before a person's first day on the job," Johnson said. "They begin when children have the opportunity to learn and when parents have the support they need to participate fully in the workforce. This investment is not simply about creating additional Pre-K seats; it is about removing a barrier for families and strengthening our workforce and economy for generations to come."

The North Charleston expansion is part of a broader district effort to increase access to Universal Pre-K countywide. Additional expansion sites are planned next school year at North Charleston Elementary, Jennie Moore Elementary, Laurel Hill Primary, James Island Elementary and Hunley Park Elementary, serving communities including North Charleston, East Cooper, James Island, Johns Island and West Ashley.

"This is bigger than adding classrooms," Huggins said. "It is about what becomes possible for a child, a parent, and ultimately an entire community when we remove a barrier and create an opportunity."