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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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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
A refreshing cocktail served in a textured glass with a gradient effect, transitioning from a deep red at the bottom to a pale, frothy top. The drink is garnished with a dried lime wheel and a gold metal straw, placed on a sunlit white table with palm frond shadows.
Food
A toast to the city: Charleston Cocktail Week kicks off April 21
For Charleston Cocktail Week, enjoy specialty cocktails and deals at 30+ local bars and restaurants through April 27.
April 18, 2025
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Erika Ross
A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
Sponsored
What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
Sponsored by
strawberry
Instagram
It’s strawberry season: Where to pick your own strawberries near Charleston this spring
Peak strawberry season runs April through June — here are some local farms where you can fill your basket.
April 16, 2025
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Erika Ross
A wide-angle view of Firefly Distillery in North Charleston, South Carolina, featuring a modern barn-style building with gray siding and red-framed windows. The main entrance is marked by a large “FIREFLY” sign above the doorway. Several people are walking around the front walkway and sitting under large yellow shade sails in an outdoor area. The distillery is surrounded by well-maintained landscaping and greenery under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Events
Firefly Distillery turns 20: A toast to two decades
Firefly Distillery, North Charleston’s beloved distillery, celebrates its milestone with live music, local eats, and a nod to its iconic Sweet Tea Vodka.
April 16, 2025
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Erika Ross
Two people standing outdoors among lush green banana plants, engaged in conversation. The man wears a white shirt with a logo and sunglasses hanging from the collar, while the woman, also in white, looks ahead. Bright sunlight filters through the foliage, and the sky is blue with scattered clouds.
Small Business
Q+A with Kevin Hartley, CEO and founder of Cambio Roasters
With Earth Day approaching, Cambio Roasters is rethinking single-serve coffee — offering a more sustainable alternative to plastic pods.
April 14, 2025
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Erika Ross
Two people stand in a vibrant, immersive art installation featuring Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers.” The walls and floor are completely covered in large-scale digital projections of the iconic yellow flowers and vivid green and blue foliage, creating a glowing, all-encompassing experience.
Events
Step inside the world of art: “Beyond Van Gogh” and “Beyond Monet” are coming to Charleston
Two immersive art experiences bring the works of Van Gogh and Monet to life at Festival Hall this summer.
April 14, 2025
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Erika Ross
Elegant historic home with a patterned stone exterior, black shutters, and a tile roof, featuring a spacious backyard with a heated pool, hot tub, stone patio, covered outdoor lounge, and fire pit at dusk.
Real Estate
Hot on the market: Check out these two standout homes that have been recently listed
From historic charm to oceanfront luxury, these standout homes are a must-see.
April 10, 2025
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Erika Ross
rows of vinyls inside Gray Cat Music in Park Circle
Culture
Spin into Record Store Day with these local spots around Charleston
Here’s where to celebrate Record Store Day around Charleston.
April 10, 2025
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Alexandra Garian
Honeysuckle rose_CHStoday
Food
Answered: You shared which local restaurant should be selected for the Michelin Guide American South
Who deserves the gold star and to be included in the Michelin Guide American South in Charleston?
April 8, 2025
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Erika Ross
High water_CHStoday
Festivals
Know before you go: High Water Festival
High Water Festival is an upcoming musical oasis happening on April Saturday, April 26 through Sunday, April 27 bring musicians from all around the world to North Charleston’s Riverfront Park.
April 8, 2025
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Erika Ross
silhouettes of individuals dancing with the Ravenel Bridge in the background.
Events
Shimmy your way into the weekend at Dancing on the Cooper
Dancing on the Cooper is a live music series featuring different acts performing on the Mount Pleasant Pier.
April 3, 2025
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Erika Ross
A aerial view of Charleston. You can see tops of buildings, a church steeple and greenery.
Restaurants
Michelin expands with the Michelin Guide American South
The Michelin Guide American South will explore six southern states, including South Carolina.
April 2, 2025
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Erika Ross
IMG_1240
City
Charleston’s global connection with Spoleto, Italy
We’re exploring the cultural and economic ties that link to one of Charleston’s sister cities.
April 2, 2025
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Vagney Hampshire
Ritual rooftop_CHStoday
Bars
BarGlance AI brings real-time insights to Charleston’s nightlife
BarGlance AI, the updated nightlife app uses artificial intelligence powered features to help bar-goers find the right spot before heading out.
March 31, 2025
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Erika Ross
Events
Four after-parties in downtown Charleston following the Cooper River Bridge Run
After finishing the race, treat yourself to celebrate at these after-parties featuring live music, food, and fun.
March 31, 2025
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Erika Ross
This image features a red wall adorned with vintage-style posters framed in gold and black. The posters depict advertisements for various products, such as "Schweppes Cider," "Délices Macaroni Vermicelle Ferrand & Renaud," "Anis del Tigre," and "Escargots Ménetrel." There are also two elegant wall-mounted lamps with red shades, casting a warm glow. The floor has a black-and-white checkered pattern, adding to the classic aesthetic.
Bars
Madison Maison is a new champagne and caviar bar opening on Calhoun Street
Madison Maison, the new concept from Kenner Group Hospitality, will serve bubbly and bites in a bold, late-night setting.
March 27, 2025
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Erika Ross
Daniel Island_CHStoday
Culture
Where to Wander: Daniel Island
We’re exploring Daniel Island. There’s tons of ways to spend your free time on the island situated between the Cooper and Wando Rivers.
March 25, 2025
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Erika Ross
A male chef with a mustache, wearing a black patterned shirt, a pinstriped apron, and black gloves, stands behind a cutting board at an outdoor food preparation station. He leans slightly forward with his hands on the board, looking directly into the camera with a confident expression. A chef in a white uniform is visible in the background, facing away. The setting includes a wooden fence and various cooking ingredients and tools on the table, including a knife, lemon wedges, and a bottle labeled "HT Sauce."
Food
Sullivan’s Fish Camp welcomes new leadership with Chef Jason Stanhope
Award-winning Chef Jason Stanhope joins as partner and chef, in hopes of bringing fresh energy to the beloved seafood spot while maintaining its commitment to the community and local purveyors.
March 25, 2025
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Erika Ross
birds eye view of Charleston mixed with trees, roads, and buildings
City
15 historic street names in Charleston
Take a walk down memory lane and explore how these historic streets got their names.
March 21, 2025
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Tatum Jacaruso
A landscaped courtyard at Navy Yard Charleston features a mix of modern and industrial architecture. The outdoor space is lined with trees, seating areas, and a central fire pit surrounded by yellow chairs. People are seen walking, sitting, and engaging in conversation, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The buildings flanking the courtyard have large windows, exposed brick, and metal accents, blending historic and contemporary design elements.
Development
Charleston Design District to debut at the Navy Yard this fall
Charleston Design District will be a new design hub featuring showrooms, maker spaces, and a rooftop dining restaurant.
March 19, 2025
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Erika Ross
Chef Chris Stewart at Glass Onion – A smiling man with glasses, wearing a white chef’s coat and black apron, stands inside a casual restaurant. Behind him, T-shirts hang on the wall, and a counter with various food and drink items is visible.
Food
Q+A with Owner and Executive Chef Chris Stewart of The Glass Onion
Chris Stewart, the West Ashley chef, reflects on 17 years in Charleston’s culinary scene, the rise of diverse dining, and his favorite locally sourced ingredients for spring.
March 18, 2025
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Erika Ross
Bodega sandwich_CHStoday
Food
Nine Charleston restaurants duke it out for the “Best in Bread” sandwich competition
Which Charleston restaurant will come out on top?
March 17, 2025
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Erika Ross
espresso martini
Restaurants
Answered: 20 places in Charleston to get an Espresso Martini
Charleston is loaded with places to get an Espresso Martini
March 15, 2025
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Erika Ross
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