Laser Skin Treatments in Charleston, SC

HANAHAN, SC (WCIV) — Hanahan residents looking for answers about the future of flooding are getting new insight from University of South Carolina researchers, who say the risk of extreme flooding in the area is growing and the need for change is urgent.

Flooding has been a long-term issue for the city, Mayor Rainwater said, dating back to Hanahan’s earliest days as a municipality.

“It’s a big issue in the city of Hanahan since inception in 1973,” Rainwater said. “If you look at the very first minutes of the city of Hanahan, you’ll see flooding as an issue.”

Researchers have identified Hanahan as being at risk for compound flooding, meaning there are multiple ways the area can flood.

One major pain point is Goose Creek, which can overflow during king tides or heavy rainfall. USC professor Jasim Imran said conditions are worsening.

READ MORE | Charleston leaders look to expand flood protection after success of Lower Battery project

“It’s becoming worse and worse because probably sea level is higher, and now we get more intense storms,” Imran said.

Four USC researchers have spent the past two years studying the region, placing sensors from the Turkey Creek watershed to Hanahan to track water movement. USC engineering professor Austin Downey said the team is building models and data infrastructure to keep the work current.

“Right now, the project is where we are building up the models and building up the data infrastructure so hopefully we can update this as we go,” Downey said.

Over the next three years, the researchers are expected to work alongside the city to determine which areas need the most improvements. Downey said the work could also help provide real-time information.

“Can work traffic and give real-time updates,” he said.

City leaders said they welcome the collaboration as they look for solutions for residents.

“This is an issue we’ve dealt with, and we’re going to continue to work on to help residents with their properties,” Rainwater said.

During a presentation, USC experts said even small changes, such as removing a fence or widening a ditch, can make a significant difference as floodwaters move through an area.

Looking to make this weekend special? We've got you covered.

Follow the tunes to the annual Drifter Fest or ride out those weekend vibes at the Low Tide Festival. Then, head out to Park Circle's Oktoberfest, the Flowertown Player's 50th anniversary or Animals, Art and Automobiles.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY (SEPT. 11-12)

Drifter Fest

Scoot on over to the sixth annual Drifter Fest happening over at The Refinery, 1640 Meeting Street Road, Charleston, and scope out the local music scene. Kicking off with a pre-jam at Home Team BBQ, 126 Williman St., Charleston at 6 p.m. this Friday, music lovers will hear from The Backwater Brothers, a high-energy Allman Brothers tribute band with classic Southern rock jams. Saturday brings the main event with music from this year's headliner The Psycodelics at 6 p.m. Explore local merch vendors, and listen to special guest artists like Dangermuffin, Just Groove and more. The festival doesn't end there. Everyone is invited out to a post-jam at The Commodore, 504 Meeting St., Charleston, for more music. Proceeds go to support Rock 'n' Roll Rescue, an organization dedicated to providing children access to music education by supplying instruments and resources that foster creativity. General admission is $41 per person for the main event. For the full lineup of artists, head to tinyurl.com/2fymmbrf.

SATURDAY (SEPT. 12)

Low Tide Festival

Looking to add a brand new music festival to your weekend plans? Then make your way out to Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Ave., North Charleston, for the upcoming Low Tide Festival at 3 p.m. this Saturday. From the team behind the local favorite High Tide Festival, this new concert brings audiences a brand new lineup full of bass-driven acts and DJ sets. Attendees can expect modern dance music gems, laser shows and newer artists on the main stage. Passes start at $99 per person, with exclusive stage access passes at $280. For tickets and more festival info, visit tinyurl.com/3tn7mrdv.

SATURDAY (SEPT. 12)

50th Anniversary Fall Fundraiser Cabaret

Come celebrate 50 seasons with the Flowertown Players at their upcoming fall fundraiser this Saturday. Head out to the James F. Dean Community Theater, 133 S. Main St., Summerville, for a unique presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. The troupe invites everyone who has ever participated, supported or been interested in the Flowertown Players' previous performances to come out to this anniversary cabaret. The evening will feature yummy hors d'oeuvres and beverages before players take the stage for a special cabaret celebrating the people, productions and memories from the past 50 years. General admission is $35 and directly supports future productions. For tickets to this special event, go to tinyurl.com/ykjscv4b.

SATURDAY (SEPT. 12)

Park Circle Oktoberfest

Knock back a few brews and experience an authentic Germanic Oktoberfest at Holy City Brewing, 1021 Aragon Ave., North Charleston. Come thirsty to a replica beer hall from 11 a.m. to 5 pm. this Saturday where the brewery will offer multiple German beers on tap and loaded German grub food stations to experience German cuisine. The event also features live music, games and prizes all MCed by the Dirndl Dames as well as exclusive VIP prizes and experiences. General admission is $16, VIP packages are $68 and kids under 12 may attend free. Got a particular question? Shoot over to tinyurl.com/5n7bavkf.

SUNDAY (SEPT. 13)

Animals, Art and Automobiles

Put a "paws" on your Sunday plans and head out to an upcoming fundraiser for Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary at Charles Towne Landing, 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston. Join in the fun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday. The afternoon will feature awesome automobiles, local artists sharing their works, dozens of vendors, food trucks, adoptable dogs, a silent auction and a special appearance from Charlie, the Charleston RiverDogs mascot. Proceeds benefit Hallie Hill and helps provide food, veterinary care, medications, safe shelter and other essential services for the animals in its care. The event is free and open to the public. Find out how to register your vehicle and more ways to help at this event by visiting tinyurl.com/32s4hnt9.

The weather is finally cooling down in Charleston County following a relentless summer.

For the last two days and through Sept. 14, high temperatures are not expected to exceed 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service — a stark contrast from this summer’s hotter-than-usual pattern.

The meteorological summer starts on June 1 and ends Aug. 31. Of the 92 days in June, July and August this year, 69 reached at least 90 degrees in Charleston County, according to agency data.

This summer, the county's average high temperature was 92.5 degrees — above the overall average of 89.3 degrees recorded from when data collection began in 1937 and through 2026, according to Brittany Schaller, a meteorologist at the NWS Charleston office.

Additionally, as of Sept. 8, Charleston County already has recorded 80 days of at least 90-degree weather in 2026. The first 90-degree day of the year came on March 28, with one more in April and three days in May. Temperatures then cranked up through the summer, with 19 days at 90 or higher in June, 28 in July and 22 in August, according to NWS data.

The annual record is 98 days, which was set last year, Schaller wrote in an email.

However, it appears as if the tide is turning with temperatures expected to hover between a daytime high of near 88 and the dropping to 76 degrees at night all week.

“It’s certainly a sign that the seasons are changing,” Schaller said. “We did just have a cold front pass through, which is why we’re seeing the cooler temperatures, and slightly lower dewpoints.”

Summer heat

Between June 26 and Sept. 7, low temperatures in the county did not drop below 70 degrees — the second-longest streak ever, behind only the stretch from June 9 to Aug. 24, 2014, Schaller noted.

Moreover, there were several stretches this summer when high temperatures reached at least 90 degrees for more than 10 consecutive days in Charleston County, including the 19 days between June 25-July 13 (the streak broken on July 14 when the high was 89), another 11 days from July 15-25, and 17 days from Aug. 9-25, according to the agency.

After the meteorological summer ended on Aug. 31, the heat remained — with the first six days of September reaching temperatures of at least 90.

Nevertheless, Charleston County is not out of it yet. Schaller said that “90 degree days are certainly possible in the future.”

North Charleston’s Ingleside neighborhood is getting two new spots for a coffee run and happy hour.

The Goat, a two-story restaurant and bar, and Morning Ritual, an all-day coffee shop, will open later this month.

The restaurant is designed as a neighborhood gathering spot with a full bar and private event spaces. Its menu will feature shareable dishes, craft beer and cocktails.

Menu highlights include street taco boards with a choice of ancho chicken, chorizo or pulled pork; beer-battered fish and chips; a white pizza topped with whipped feta, caramelized onions, mushrooms and mozzarella; and a harvest bowl with sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, goat cheese, candied pecans and apple cider vinaigrette.

Morning Ritual will cater to those needing a caffeine kick and those looking for a casual spot to work or meet. It will offer espresso drinks, brewed coffee, teas, smoothies and pastries served throughout the day.

Morning Ritual’s menu will include house made buttermilk biscuits served with strawberry preserves or pimento cheese, as well as specialty drinks such as a Spanish mocha made with cocoa, sweetened condensed milk and cayenne and a salted caramel Cuban coffee.

The Ingleside location will also mark the first time Morning Ritual offers a lunch menu, with a new midday menu planned for the location.

Both concepts will offer catering and private events.

The sites will be developer Lifestyle Communities' first South Carolina locations.

Sweet layers

Parlor Doughnuts is on its way to Brighton Park Boulevard in Summerville’s Nexton community.

While the opening date is not set, Parlor’s website says the new eatery is coming soon. It will open in a 2,753-square-foot spot with covered outdoor seating.

The craft donut franchise has locations all around the U.S. and includes vegan and gluten- and keto-friendly treats, artisanal breakfasts and specialty coffee.

Parlor is known for its Famous Layered Doughnuts that are both sweet and savory. There’s a margherita donut topped with tomato and mozzarella, and another with chicken, bacon and ranch. On the sweet side, you can select from bourbon caramel, French toast, cookies and cream, and more.

The chain has five other locations in South Carolina, including Johns Island, Greenville, Okatie, Pawleys Island and North Myrtle Beach.

Just peachy

There is a spot off Meeting Street to satisfy that sweet tooth. The Peach Cobbler Factory opened a restaurant in downtown Charleston.

Located across from the Live Oak Hotel at 28 Woolfe St., the sweets shop is known for its variety of cobblers as well as banana pudding, cookies, brownies, cheesecake in a cup and churro stix.

The Charleston shop marks the brand’s sixth in South Carolina, with plans for a future spot in Aiken. Other locations are in Myrtle Beach, Irmo, Lexington, Indian Land and Florence. The franchise has more than 130 restaurants in more than 20 states.

The list goes on

In addition to the upcoming Parlor Doughnuts, Nexton recently welcomed a slew of new businesses to the retail and dining scene.

New tenants include Dog Park Bar Nexton and Bodenvy at 652 and 651 Scholar Way, respectively; Chipotle Mexican Grill at 1275 Nexton Parkway.; CAVA at 124 North Creek Drive; Dulce Churros Ice Cream + Cocktails at 1288 Neston Parkway and The DRIPBaR at 1565 Rose Drive.

Located within GoDog Nexton, the new Dog Park Bar offers a space where dog owners can enjoy food and drinks while their pets socialize and play under the supervision of trained professionals.

"One of the things that makes Nexton special is the ability to live, work, shop, dine and connect all within the community," said Cassie Cataline, Marketing Director for Brookfield Residential. "Each new business adds something unique to the experience, whether it's a new restaurant, wellness service or gathering place. These openings reflect the continued growth of Nexton and our commitment to creating a vibrant destination for residents and the broader region."

WEST ASHLEY — Joe Walker is no stranger to building things from the ground up. He founded a fitness studio, shops and restaurants, whips up delicious meals in the kitchens and is a hands-on dad who loves projects with his two sons.

But building a 46-foot bar made entirely out of black Lego pieces might be his most exhausting and fulfilling feat yet.

The Charleston resident and owner of the up-and-coming Bad Bambino restaurant recently revealed the fruits of his labor that took months, thousands of Legos and lots of glue to build — becoming the centerpiece of his latest endeavor.

As Walker neared the opening of his new restaurant at 1301 Ashley River Road, the bar was probably the biggest challenge, both in size and concept.

Walker and a friend first crafted the concrete bar top that he said turned out better than they expected and made him up the ante on the base.

“I was completely stumped and anxious about trying to do justice with this base holding such a magnificent, huge — it ended up being over three tons — concrete slab,” he said.

For weeks, Walker sampled tile, wood and various other materials, “completely aimless” on the direction. Then one day he was staring at the bar with his two sons when they started talking abut their Lego collection, chatting away that they should bring in the Leaning Tower of Pisa kit they built to fit with the Italian restaurant’s theme.

“It clicked and I thought how cool it would be to have Legos done as if they’re holding up this monolithic slab of polished concrete,” Walker said.

He got to work instantly on the design and said it soon became an obsession.

Ali McCurdy, director of operations for Bad Bambino and the other local businesses Walker and his wife Donna own, said Walker would bring a giant Lego board to staff meetings and try to figure out how to piece it all together and make a design that works.

“We knew there needed to be a pattern, but not a simple repetitive one,” she said. “It needed a little bit of controlled chaos, an overarching pattern.”

The project became a labor of love for Walker who, once he locked in on all black Legos, got down on the floor and executed it all by hand.

“Thousands of pieces and tons of super glue later, we ended up with what I feel is an amazing center piece of the space and serves as a reminder of the power of childlike imagination and ingenuity,” he said.

Walker and McCurdy are keeping mum on exactly how many Lego pieces were used. They’re planning to share the number in a fun reveal after opening.

McCurdy noted the blocks add a creative texture to something everyone is going to be sitting around.

The restauran will feature an open concept kitchen, and McCurdy said while the food will be the focal point, the bar is the stage that it’ll be set upon.

Bad Bambino is intended to be an intimate space with lots of wood, metal and black — complemented by the Lego bar.

“It’s definitely a date night feel,” McCurdy said, noting there’s one six-top table and all the rest are two- and four-tops for small groups. Dinner will be first-come, first-served with no reservations.

Walker also owns Cafe Roca next door — a breakfast spot he opened in May 2025— and the Corner Shop, which sells wine, local goods and takeout meals.

He and his wife also have owned and operated Shift Pilates since September 2024.

Bad Bambino is expected to open Oct. 2.