Friendly faces and the sweet sound of songbirds. Spring is here, Chucktown. Whether you were lucky enough to escape the nightmarish northern winter, or dreaded the short stretch of cold that was atypical of your southern Florida climate, the warm sun is here to stay in the Holy City. Before we all begin the hectic last cram for finals, it is appropriate to take a step back to reflect upon what a wild first year it has been. Join me as I travel back in time highlighting the seven activities that made my freshman year unforgettable.
7. Restaurant Week. Hungry for some food that isn't from the dining hall? Is your lack of summer savings keeping you from asking out that cute girl in your first-year experience? If you answered yes to either of those two questions, Charleston has the perfect solution to your college appetite that fits within your college budget. One must look no further than the Charleston Restaurant Association's unique Restaurant Week. Last September from the 9th to the 20th almost every place you dreamed of dining at offers unbeatable deals for couples and groups. If you miss it in the fall, have no fear for the same deals reappear at the start of spring semester. You cannot miss Restaurant Week.
6. Charleston City night market. March through December, Friday and Saturday Nights, if you are looking for something to do past 6:30 p.m., look no further than Charleston's historic market. While the market is always a great place to go if interested in browsing through the work of local entrepreneurs, the night market combines a collection of high end art from local craftsmen with the breathtaking sunsets our city is famous for.
5. Ultimate at Marion Square. Going to college in the heart of a city often transforms what began as a routine jog into an ever intensifying obstacle course as the bustle of pedestrians through downtown ceases to ease up. Luckily, we have Marion Square. Situated across from the Francis Marion Hotel, on the corner of King and Calhoun, this patch of grass is the perfect place to catch some sun in between classes or my personal favorite; a game of ultimate Frisbee. Whether you are solo, or you roll squad deep, around 2 p.m. marks the perfect time to get a pickup game going in our little piece of heaven. I spent countless afternoons, this year, making grabs and throwing ridiculous tosses with the people who have become some of my closest friends here in Charleston.
4. Late night Bistro Oh, late night Bistro. Nothing screams freshman louder There is not a window that doles out incredibly tasty, and equally unhealthy snacks quite like City Bistro's late night weekend window. Every Friday and Saturday night, from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. our very own dining hall graces us with two options of food and two choices of drink. While it may not seem like much, this ethereal snack spot is the perfect remedy for those nagging munchies. After a late night out on the town, I found God many a time, after waiting in a long line, when I finally could dig into my chili cheese fries. Pro tip: weather permitting, eat there! Do not be a hero and try to get everything back to your room! You will drop it!
3. CofC Baseball Stadium at Patriot's Point. If you came to College of Charleston for the crazy atmosphere surrounding our sports teams, you are probably going to be a little disappointed. I don't intend to undermine the athletic prowess of our faithful athletes, however, many a time I wished I didn't feel like the only one attempting to restore the roar at basketball games. Number three on my list is only accessible if you have the means to get off the island, but I highly recommend getting out to Patriots Point to support our successful men's baseball team. The stadium, alone, could make the list as a must see. Add talented division one talent to the mix and you have the perfect recipe for an awesome Friday afternoon. Come out to the right field fence where the tickets are free (yes, free) and heckling the other team becomes a sport.
2. Folly Beach. The edge of America. Folly is a beach town steeped with culture and its own unique outlook on life. My freshman year has been shaped around trips to the beach with friends The waves down by the pier are perfect for surfing and the sand heats up to get you that solid bronze. I know its tough to access, but everybody needs to get out to Folly at some point. Number two on my list is Folly all the way, baby. From the Pier to the Washout, Folly is a must see destination for students and parents, alike.
1. Second Sunday. Every second Sunday of the month, downtown King Street is closed off for Charleston's promotion of local businesses and artists. Everybody and their dog makes it out for the all day affair that takes place between Calhoun and Queen along historic King Street. It's pretty tough to miss as most of the campus runs through the heart of King. Second Sunday sits atop my list as the event that made my first year at the College unforgettable because it is so Charleston. To my knowledge, no other city in America cares half as much about its citizens and their passions quite like the Holy City. This is a tradition I will continue to attend every month for years to come. Thank you, Charleston, for all the great memories.
