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Erika Ross

City Editor, CHStoday

Erika is a City Editor, born and raised in Charleston, SC. She holds degrees from the journalism schools at the University of South Carolina and Syracuse University and has worked in communications for the past six years. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling and trying out new restaurants.

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Islander 71 on Isle of Palms
Sports
10+ places to watch football in Charleston
Whether you’re rooting for your team or just looking for a good game, you can get your football fix at one of these Charleston locations all season long.
August 14, 2025
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Erika Ross
Street-level rendering of the future Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Charleston, showing two stately buildings with palm trees, storefronts, and people walking outside.
Development
Four Seasons to open first SC location in Charleston
Four Seasons is bringing a luxury hotel and residences to Meeting Street, with completion expected in 2028.
June 9, 2025
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Erika Ross
on lookers watch performers in yellow, blue, and red outfits
Events
8 ways to observe Juneteenth in Charleston
Charleston has educational and celebratory events to commemorate Juneteenth that kick off this weekend.
June 6, 2025
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Erika Ross
An overhead view of a colorful assortment of square and round doughnuts topped with sprinkles, shredded coconut, Fruity Pebbles, glaze, and chocolate. Also visible are a chocolate chip cookie and an oatmeal cream pie sandwich.
Food
Take a sweet tour on our local donut trail
From brick-and-mortar favorites to beachside food trucks, here’s where to grab a donut in and around Charleston.
June 5, 2025
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Erika Ross
Green John Deere tractor parked near a working farm with rows of crops, hay bales, flowers, and pastel-colored homes in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Food
Carnes Crossroads unveils SC’s largest Agrihood
The new Agrihood is a farm-centered community blends sustainable living with walkable access to local goods and educational experiences for all ages.
June 3, 2025
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Erika Ross
A small white building with a gray roof and teal door, surrounded by tall pine trees and a newly paved parking lot — The Creek Collective in Goose Creek, SC.
Development
The Creek Collective opens in Goose Creek
The Creek Collective is a new community space offers classes, exhibitions, and local art — all in a reimagined former chapel.
June 3, 2025
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Erika Ross
Copy of CHS-Lead Story Image Crop.png
Sports
The ultimate guide to sports teams in Charleston
From the RiverDogs to the Stingrays, we’re sharing all details of Charleston’s sports teams.
May 29, 2025
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Emily Shea-Owen
A smiling man in a navy blazer and white shirt stands outside in a sunlit area, surrounded by greenery and white columns. He has short curly hair and a neatly groomed beard.
Festivals
Q+A with Mena Mark Hanna, General Director + CEO of Spoleto Festival USA
Mena Mark Hanna shares what’s new, what’s exciting, and why Spoleto Festival USA 2025 is a can’t-miss.
May 28, 2025
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Erika Ross
Front exterior of 172 Tradd Street featuring tall white Corinthian columns, a symmetrical entry staircase, and lush formal landscaping.
Real Estate
Historic Greek Revival home listed in Charleston’s South of Broad
With designer touches, rare architecture, and a rich history, this home at 172 Tradd St. is officially on the market.
May 23, 2025
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Erika Ross
Meat on a grill
Culture
Grill out with meats, fixin’s, and more from Charleston
Fire up the grill and enjoy a cookout that’s curated with locally procured goods.
May 22, 2025
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Emily Shea-Owen
LEGO sculpture of a blue woodpecker perched on a red and yellow abstract tree trunk, surrounded by dense green tropical plants and trees.
Travel and Outdoors
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens debuts new sculpture exhibit
Explore “Nature POP!®" a colorful new installation featuring 40 larger-than-life creations by artist Sean Kenney using LEGO® bricks, on display through Aug. 15 and included with general admission.
May 22, 2025
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Erika Ross
celebration with streamers for spoleto festival
Festivals
Spoleto Festival USA returns with 100+ performances across Charleston
From jazz and opera to dance and physical theater, here’s one can’t-miss Spoleto Festival USA event from each genre to help you plan your festival lineup.
May 20, 2025
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Erika Ross
CHStoday Piccolo Palette
Events
Free and festive: Your guide to several 2025 Piccolo Spoleto’s complimentary events
From outdoor concerts and art exhibitions to sand sculpting and potlucks, explore some of the best regional and local talent with these can’t-miss Piccolo Spoleto free events running May 23 through June 8.
May 20, 2025
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Erika Ross
Kardea Brown cuts a ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of Kardea Brown’s Southern Kitchen at Charleston International Airport. She stands in front of the restaurant’s colorful sign alongside local officials and supporters.
Food
Kardea Brown brings Lowcountry flavors to the Charleston International Airport
Kardea Brown, the “Delicious Miss Brown” star, opens a new Southern restaurant serving Gullah-inspired classics like shrimp & grits and a cheesy crab dip.
May 16, 2025
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Erika Ross
CHStoday Pineapple Fountain
Charleston’s tourism economy breaks records in 2024
The greater Charleston area had a record-breaking year, generating more than $14 billion in economic impact.
May 14, 2025
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Erika Ross
Three young women smile while holding packs of colorful pencils labeled "Kool Toolz" at a school supply drive. The woman on the left wears a yellow shirt and a name tag that says "Madison," while the two women on the right wear matching blue shirts and name tags, with the middle one labeled "Lyra." They are standing in a warehouse-like setting with black lockers and cardboard boxes in the background.
Volunteer
Trident United Way launches summer drive to support local students and families
Donor networks with Trident United Way unite to collect school supplies, food, clothing, and hygiene items for students across the Tri-County area.
May 14, 2025
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Erika Ross
CHS_Saint Urban_Credit Cameron Wilder.jpg
Rainy day picks for Charleston
From cozy bowls of ramen to live local theater, here’s how to make the most of a rainy stretch in the Holy City.
May 12, 2025
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Erika Ross
Erin and Jon Carpenter sit on a couch, smiling and holding an oversized $10,000 check made out to Reynolds Laundry from Arm & Hammer and The Kelly Clarkson Show. The check is dated May 8, 2025. The background is colorful, and the atmosphere is celebratory.
Small Business
Reynolds Laundromat owners awarded $10,000 on “The Kelly Clarkson Show”
The owners of Reynolds Laundromat were nationally recognized by Arm & Hammer for their dedication to serving their community.
May 12, 2025
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Erika Ross
charleston skyline
Small Business
Charleston local businesses shout each other out for Small Business Week
From grits to gifts, see which hidden gems Charleston’s small businesses are loving and why they think you should check them out, too.
May 8, 2025
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Erika Ross
A three-story historic building with cream-colored walls, sage green shutters, and a dark green storefront. The lower level features large display windows and signage for various businesses, including “Oh Hey Charlee,” a restaurant space, and “Forever Wishful.” The upper levels have rows of evenly spaced windows with matching shutters. The building is framed by a blue sky and a few small trees on the sidewalk.
Real Estate
The Charlee opens in Charleston’s Cannonborough neighborhood
The Charlee is a new short-term rental property featuring eight four-bedroom residences with hotel-style amenities and is now open on Cannon Street
May 8, 2025
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Erika Ross
A flat lay of a watercolor painting in progress featuring a palm tree and bird of paradise flowers on textured white paper. Surrounding the artwork are paintbrushes, a watercolor palette with various colors, a ceramic coaster, and additional botanical watercolor pieces on a light wooden surface.
Small Business
Online-only and virtual Charleston businesses to know
From art and fashion to wellness and marketing, these virtual businesses are proving you don’t need a brick-and-mortar to make a local impact.
May 6, 2025
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Erika Ross
Charleston County water parks
Parks and Recreation
Makin’ a splash: Charleston County water parks are ready for summer
With summer around the corner, here are three ways to cool off around the Holy City.
May 6, 2025
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Tatum Jacaruso
A panel discussion is taking place in a well-lit room with a modern aesthetic. Three speakers are seated on a couch and chairs in front of a red backdrop that reads “CHS AAPI COLLECTIVE.” One woman is speaking into a microphone while others, including the audience, listen attentively. A floral arrangement sits on a pedestal in front of the backdrop.
Events
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in and around Charleston
From panel discussions to a night market, the month-long series honors Asian American and Pacific Islander identity, culture, and creativity across Charleston.
April 30, 2025
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Erika Ross
Aerial view of a lively Kentucky Derby watch party at a waterfront venue, with crowds gathered under umbrellas and tents, a rooftop bar, and boats docked along the marina. A large outdoor screen shows the race.
Events
Where to watch the Kentucky Derby in Charleston this Saturday
From rooftop parties to giant outdoor screens, here are three festive spots to break out your best Derby attire and catch “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
April 28, 2025
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Erika Ross
downtown flooding
Weather
What are King Tides and why they matter in Charleston
Discover when King Tides are expected in 2025 — and how you can help document their impact safely.
April 28, 2025
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Erika Ross
Small wooden trays filled with golden fried fritters topped with fresh herbs, served over a creamy herb sauce, displayed on a wooden surface.
Events
A taste of the Lowcountry: Chef’s Potluck returns May 18
Don’t miss the 17th annual Chef’s Potluck that celebrates local flavor with top chefs, farm-fresh bites, family fun, and a chance to support Charleston’s local food system.
April 25, 2025
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Erika Ross
teacher meet-ups
Events
Celebrate teachers all week long at Charleston’s inaugural TeacherFest
Teachers can join the fun from May 5 to 9 with free events, relaxation, trivia, and a grand finale to honor educators during Teacher Appreciation Week.
April 24, 2025
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Erika Ross
Shelve filled with books on one side and a lounging area with chairs on the other side.
Small Business
Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day in Charleston and surrounding areas
Join the festivities for Independent Bookstore Day on April 26 with raffles, readings, discounts, and special events at local indie bookshops across the Lowcountry.
April 24, 2025
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Erika Ross
CHStoday Firefly outdoor venuee
Entertainment
Your guide to Lowcountry outdoor concert venues
Enjoy the best of warmer weather with local and national acts at these scenic open-air spots.
April 22, 2025
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Erika Ross
Sleeveless A-line dress made of paper featuring a large black and white photographic print of a rose on the front, displayed on a black dress form with a geometric line background.
Arts
The Charleston Museum will debut the new exhibit “Reimagined Fashion: Creations of the Future Past”
Opening May 3, the Historic Textiles Gallery in the Charleston Museum will feature local designers’ innovative takes on fashion inspired by the Museum’s textile collection.
April 22, 2025
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Erika Ross
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