Water Filtration System for Home in Charleston, SC

Former Charleston County School District Superintendent Donald Kennedy, who stepped into the leadership role during at a challenging time for the district, died Oct. 2. He was 75.

Current Superintendent Anita Huggins notified the Charleston schools community in a message sent Oct. 3.

“Don was a beloved member of the CCSD family and, above all, a champion for children,” Huggins wrote. “He believed deeply in the power of public education to change the trajectory of a child's life, and he brought that belief to his leadership every day.”

The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, according to district officials.

Kennedy, a native of Winnsboro, S.C., was raised by educators and embraced the field as a calling, according to a Dec. 2022 interview on the “The Logan Power Show,” available on YouTube. His mother was food service manager and teacher who instilled values of public service. His sister also was a teacher. He married a teacher.

As a young man, he served in the U.S. Air Force, and the teamwork it required informed his vision for the education sector as he forged a long career as an administrator in several cities. He was chief financial officer of the Baltimore and Boston public school systems, chief operating officer for Bridgeport schools in Connecticut, and chief financial officer and operations officer for the Seattle schools.

He served as CFO of the Charleston district 2004-07, and again 2018-21. When Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait left her position at the end of 2021, Kennedy was appointed interim superintendent by the board of trustees and spent 18 months at the helm.

It was a difficult experience, but not without its rewards.

Kennedy focused on the need to improve test scores and learning outcomes, and noted the large disparities between students of color and White students.

“Under his leadership, CCSD launched Vision 2027 and established the Office of Literacy-Based Learning to bring greater focus and urgency to that work,” Huggins wrote. “His message was simple but powerful: we could not accept predictable outcomes for children based on their circumstances, and CCSD could not truly succeed until all of our students could read well.”

Kennedy took charge of the district during a period of heightened partisanship, and he complained that some board members were creating a hostile work environment, in part by lobbing what he called defamatory and demeaning accusations his way.

The tensions coincided with an official search for a permanent superintendent. That search was contentious. And the list of finalists set by the board did not include Kennedy. After two of the three finalists withdrew their candidacy at the last moment, the board hired Eric Gallien, only to suspend him a few months later, then settle a legal dispute by paying him $300,000 to go away for good.

Huggins, who had been appointed interim superintendent, soon was asked to take the job on a permanent basis. On Feb. 1, 2024, Kennedy, who had been named chief innovation officer, retired from the district.

“I will remember him as a colleague, a leader, a mentor, a friend, and a man who never lost sight of why we do this work: our children,” Huggins wrote.

I'm typing to you with sticky, slivered almonds glued to my fingers, the remnants of the Grit Bakery croissant I just devoured at my desk. Yesterday, they were covered in chocolate and flakes from that same laminated dough.

While I do make frequent visits to the Meeting Street café, these pastries were leftovers from a party we hosted over the weekend, which was also powered by wonderful bites supplied by The Drifter. I know they say freshly baked croissants should be eaten the day they were baked, but Grit owner Allison Anspach's hardly missed a beat during the two days they sat on my counter. They're even better when picked up just after they exit the oven.

Though located in downtown Charleston, Grit Bakery has yet to attract the widespread notoriety of other morning destinations, even though it's one of the very best in the area. It has that in common with the Italian restaurant I'm spotlighting in our first Tip Jar inquiry of the week.

Submit your restaurant, dining and food questions, along with your first name and the neighborhood where you live, to .

It feels like an Italian restaurant opens in Charleston once a week at this point. Which ones have actually stood out to you and are worth a visit?

— Olivia, Summerville

The story of Italian restaurants flocking to the Charleston area — Riva Mare in North Charleston and Bad Bambino in West Ashley are the latest to join the mix — continues to be a topic of discussion.

As you may have read in my latest review, I’ve had multiple positive experiences at OK Donna, though it’s far from a traditional Italian restaurant — something ownership made clear from the outset. Still, the Upper King Street spot serves its fair share of tasty pastas and a fantastic chicken milanese that’s showered in a crisp Caesar salad.

If we’re talking takeout, Pelato is a solid selection, especially if you’re ordering with a gluten-free friend or family member. This fall, ownership is adding a few new dinner items to the menu, including a stromboli and baked stuffed shells made with ricotta, mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano.

I’m due for return visits to Volpe and Legami, which offered flashes of excellence during their first six months in operation, and I’ve heard that Mondo’s Italian Restaurant is back and better than ever after its top-to-bottom renovation.

But if pressed to pick one Italian restaurant to visit right now, I’ll send you to Cane Pazzo in Hanahan.

Located in a strip center between North Charleston and Goose Creek, Cane Pazzo’s off-the-beaten-path address evokes thoughts of an old-school Italian joint, one where tables cloaked in white cloth might be filled with free bread and surrounded by large groups yelling over one another. Though the atmosphere is quite homey, this place and its food are far more modern than that.

On a recent Thursday night, cocktails flowed inside an enclosed patio set beside the next-door Piggly Wiggy. The outdoor area stayed full and lively throughout dinner while, inside, patrons filled the bar area and adjacent dining room through a large archway.

If you go, start with the daily bread, sourdough freckled with burnished bits from the wood-fired oven. Tomato butter pools inside the circular piece, whose chewy char complements the savory center. Save at least one bite for a dunk in the tasty ragù draped over Cane Pazzo’s meatballs, pork blending with beef to produce tender orbs that shine in their red coat.

Pastas are the star, with house-made noodles formed into shells, linguine and crescent-shaped raviolis. But you might leave raving about the vegetables, from the Kindlewood Farms smashed cucumber salad with red onion, mint and basil to the Jimmy Nardello peppers pulsing with a salsa verde topping and crispy garlic garnish.

Dear Parker, thanks for your . I always enjoy your reporting! I’m wondering if you can do a feature on char-grilled hamburgers, which seem to be a dying breed. I’m less enthusiastic about a smash burger done on a griddle than a good old thick hamburger done on a charcoal or gas/charcoal grill. I can’t seem to find one anywhere. Thanks for any info!

— Robert, downtown Charleston

Fear not, Robert — thicker bistro burgers are making a comeback in larger cities across the U.S., and I have no doubt the trend will trickle down to Charleston. As it stands, there are a few places I can suggest for a non-smashed burger.

The burger at Melvin's BBQ, once purportedly proclaimed America's best by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, is worthy of your consideration, as are the ones at Sesame Burgers & Beer, which operates locations in North Charleston and Mount Pleasant.

But I have a feeling you'd appreciate the offering at Ted’s Butcherblock on East Bay Street the most.

Sure, the exclusivity of the Ted’s Butcherblock burger makes it more desirable — owner Ted Dombrowski only fires up the Big Green Egg grill once a week — but in my experience, it lives up to the hype.

Steak trimmings are combined with chuck and brisket to form the patties. They wind up on the Backyard Burger (cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, ketchup, mayo and mustard) or the monthly special. It's been far too long since I've swung by for the Saturday service, but a reader recently assured me that it's still up to par.

"It was possibly the best burger I’ve had in Charleston, seasoned and grilled perfectly," she wrote after a September visit to the counter-serve establishment.

Will there ever be a Wegmans in this area? I know there’s one that's going to open this fall south of Charlotte, but given the demographics and competition, would my beloved Wegmans ever build a store here?

— Skippy

The forthcoming Charlotte Wegmans, slated to open this month, will be the southernmost store for the Rochester, N.Y.-based grocer. You're not the only one hoping they continue to expand.

When news of the Charlotte location dropped, posts on social media urged the company to come further south.

“Keep coming down, Wegmans!! We desperately need you in Charleston SC!!!” wrote one person, according to reporting by our York County bureau last year. Were you behind that post, Skippy?

Wegmans opened its first location in Rochester in 1917. It now has more than 110 stores across nine East Coast states and Washington, D.C.

“We are always looking for new opportunities for store locations, but we do not currently have any plans for a location in South Carolina,” a Wegmans spokesperson told The Post and Courier this time last year. As far as we know, that stance hasn't changed.

Reach Parker Milner at 843-830-3911. Follow him on Twitter @parkermilner_. Subscribe to CHS Menu newsletter

Charleston is one of those cities where every trip, whether it’s your first or your 15th, revolves around food. Yes, there’s the architecture, the history, and the nearby beaches—Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island are my personal favorites—but the culinary scene has long been the star of the show. And it’s not just limited to barbecue and Lowcountry fare (although there’s plenty of both on and off the peninsula).

You’ll also find savory French dishes and Italian-inspired cuisine, along with fresh sushi, mouthwatering burgers, and some of the best pastries in the South. There are beloved Charleston restaurants with loyal followings, steadily built over several decades, as well as brand-new spots that quickly took the Holy City by storm in the past couple of years.

It’s easy to find something to eat in Charleston; the difficult part is deciding where to go. So to help narrow the choices, we went straight to the experts: local chefs and restaurateurs, all of whom will be part of the festivities at the Food & Wine Classic, a three-day event hosted by Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living in mid-November. (Passes are still available to purchase online.)

Below, James London, chef and owner of Chubby Fish; Bethany Heinze, co-owner of Vern’s; Carrie Morey, founder of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit; and Alec Gropman, chef and owner of Uptown Hospitality Group (the team behind spots like Bodega and Uptown Social), share their picks for the best places to eat and drink in Charleston right now.

Best Breakfast

If you have three days in Charleston, that means you have three chances to get breakfast. London recommends starting the day off the peninsula, specifically at Early Bird Diner in West Ashley. “It’s been around forever and always hits,” he says. “I normally get the vegetable plate with a biscuit, side of grits, and their house-made sausage.”

For those who prefer coffee, pastries, and small bites for breakfast, Gropman suggests Babas, which has three locations in downtown Charleston—one on Cannon, one on Meeting, and one on Wentworth. “After years of owning and operating a brunch restaurant myself, I tend to need a quick bite on the go, and for this, there is nowhere better than Babas,” he says. “It’s a constant battle to choose between a breakfast taco, their banana bread, or healthy overnight oats, but I usually fold and end up ordering all three.”

Weltons Tiny Bakeshop, named a finalist in the Outstanding Bakery category in the 2026 James Beard Awards, is worth a stop for coffee, breakfast, or even just a pick-me-up in between meals. “Their seasonal pastries are always phenomenal,” says Heinze. “For savory options, the buttermilk biscuit breakfast sandwich or the pimento cheese and cucumber tiny sammy are my personal favorites.” She also has a soft spot for the salted pistachio milk latte when she’s in need of a “morning boost.”

Best Lunch

Lunch in Charleston can either be a simple affair or something more elaborate. For the former, both London and Gropman recommend Heavy’s Barburger. “Heavy’s provides everything I want in a lunch spot. A casual hang that is welcoming and allows me to eat their incredible Company Salad more often than not,” says Gropman. “But when I need something a little more soul-satisfying, they can also provide one of the city’s best burgers with fries and a shake.” He also adds that it’s a solid option for gluten-free travelers, calling the gluten-free buns “truly something special.”

Thinking barbecue for lunch? Heinze will direct you across the river to West Ashley. “Palmira Barbecue blows me away every time. I’m usually not a huge barbecue fan, but chef Hector [Garate’s] Puerto Rican spin is so special. The lime and herbs take it to another level,” she says. “Get the beef cheeks, barbacoa tostadas, and the beans.”

You may be in the mood for a more leisurely lunch; Morey’s pick for this type of meal is Chez Nous. “Chez Nous is my favorite for a long lingering lunch,” she says. “I feel transported to France instantly. It’s a total departure, and I love how the menu is published every day with just a few options, of which we always seem to order every single one.”

Best Dinner

Few, if any, Southern cities can put on a dinner quite like Charleston. “Chubby Fish has been my favorite for a while. It’s the perfect mix of neighborhood NYC corner bistro, and the menu is outstanding, with small and large plates to share,” says Morey. As you wait for a table—Chubby Fish doesn’t take reservations—grab a smoked olive martini or a Thai basil gin and tonic at Seahorse, the cocktail bar next door.

To experience what Gropman describes as “Michelin-caliber” staff, menu, and service, get a table at Malagón (it received a Michelin star in 2025). “There are truly no misses on the menu, but if you leave without trying the mojama, patatas bravas, and La Bomba, then just make your next reservation on your way out the door,” he says.

And if you’re craving sushi? Have dinner at Sushi-Wa. “If I can get a seat at Sushi-Wa, then I’m in heaven. It’s an omakase sushi spot from two guys who really care about what they’re putting out,” says London.

Legendary Charleston Restaurants

There are several local restaurants with reputations that precede them. They’ve become so intertwined with the city’s identity, it’s basically impossible to talk about Charleston without mentioning them, too.

Morey calls FIG a “classic and an institution,” and a great place to celebrate. As far as what to order, she says you can’t go wrong with the tomato tarte tatin, the chicken liver pâté, the budino, or “any fish dish that’s on the menu.” Heinze highlights S.N.O.B. (Slight North of Broad), revealing her “perfect order” is the beef carpaccio, local clams, and the shrimp and grits, while Gropman says his “death-row meal” is the oyster slider at The Ordinary.

London’s choice for a can’t-miss Charleston spot that everyone should try at least once is Bertha’s Kitchen. “It is a soulful meat-and-three that has the staples like fried chicken, turkey necks, red rice, and okra soup,” he shares. “I normally get dark meat chicken with collards, mac and cheese, and butter beans over rice.” Then, he says, it’s time for a nap.

New Charleston Restaurants

While there are several mainstays in Charleston’s restaurant roster, new spots continue to breathe fresh air into the dynamic lineup. Take Cane Pazzo, for example. A favorite of both Gropman and Heinze, the Italian restaurant is located in Hanahan, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Charleston. “It feels genuine and heartfelt. I always leave feeling completely fulfilled,” says Heinze.

Merci, on the other hand, is more centrally located—you’ll find it on the corner of Pitt and Montagu. “It’s the most elegant tiny space with a smaller menu,” says Morey. A finalist for Best New Restaurant in the 2026 James Beard Awards, the small-but-mighty restaurant was most recently featured on The New York Times’ 2026 Restaurant List.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — “Bugs try to land on me but they slide right off!” “I’ve been in saunas cooler than this.” “You can stand next to me if you promise not to talk about the heat.” These were among the comments we heard on our summer trip to Charleston. (OK, we’re lying about the last one. That’s from the 1981 noir classic “Body Heat,” one of the sultriest film experiences ever. Those sweaty lovers Kathleen Turner and William Hurt? So hot.)

Even when its cobblestone streets are sizzling, Charleston is, well, Charleston. It’s number two on Travel +Leisure’s list of favorite US cities, and has reigned as tops for a dozen years. Called the Holy City because of its 400 churches, this coastal city offers an unbeatable blend of history, architectural gems, inviting waterfront, Lowcountry cuisine, and great shopping. Just 20 or so minutes away are beautiful beaches. It’s got a yacht-y, preppy vibe, style-wise: “It’s the southern version of Nantucket,” a visitor from Watertown said.

If you can’t handle the heat, go now. “Fall typically brings lower humidity and cooler temperatures, offering beautiful weather for outdoor activities, beach visits, and exploring the Charleston region,” says Chris Campbell of Explore Charleston (www.explorecharleston.com). It’s a quieter vibe, but there’s plenty happening, including the third annual Food + Wine Classic in Charleston, Nov. 13-15. (For more, visit www.charlestoncvb.com/events.) And there’s a bonus: Lodging prices trend slightly lower in fall compared to spring, and airfares dip from their summer peak, especially if you travel midweek. We found fares for just over $200 for nonstop Saturday-Tuesday flights.

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Our real find, though: The Inn at Middleton Place (from $161; www.theinnatmiddletonplace.com). Now, this one isn’t downtown — it’s part of a 110-acre complex on Plantation Row along Ashley River Road. Unlike the cheek-by-jowl pastel-hued mansions in the city proper, Middleton Place is pure South Carolina countryside, tucked under live oaks swathed in curtains of Spanish moss. The property, a National Historic Landmark, has hosted Founding Fathers, statesmen, and diplomats. And you, if you choose to overnight in one of the inn’s 55 rooms.

The main house was originally built as the Middleton family residence in 1705; that, and a northern flanking building, was burned by Union troops in 1865 and leveled by an earthquake in 1886. A south-flanking house, built in 1755, became the family’s residence after the Civil War. It is now a museum. The House Museum currently holds an exhibit dedicated to the American Revolution, including a rare silk copy of the Declaration of Independence.

The most stunning element of Middleton Place is the historic gardens, a lush wonderland of crepe myrtles, tea olives, and some of America’s oldest camellias, with floral allées, ornamental butterfly-shaped lakes, terraced lawns, and sunken gardens, dotted with statuary. Animals share the property, heritage breeds including sheep, goats, and guinea fowl. At the equestrian center, guests can sign up for trail rides.

Given all this, you might expect the guest rooms at the Inn at Middleton Place to be ‘ye-olde/quaint,’ but no — they’re situated in design-forward buildings on the riverside. Floor-to-ceiling windows have retractable cedar shutters, flat-screen Roku TVs, Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and cushy king- or queen-size beds. Not to mention air conditioning and wood-burning fireplaces for cooler months. Hammocks and Adirondack chairs add to the pastoral vibe. There’s an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the river — unheated, but Mom Nature takes care of that. The only downside is, you’re a 20- or 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Ride shares are readily available, but you may want to spring for a rental car, especially if you plan to go to the beach.

But we were happy to enjoy the city by day and then escape to the country. And we liked the value-added complimentary amenities at the Inn at Middleton Place: admission to the museum and gardens, happy hour at The Lodge, and a hearty breakfast at the Lake House. Dinner at the Restaurant at Middleton Place is a must for exquisite Lowcountry dining.

The Restaurant at Middleton Place isn’t bargain-priced, but there are several places around town that offer an excellent taste of Charleston that aren’t wildly spendy. Charleston Crab House (www.charlestoncrabhouse.com) offers shrimp and grits in two versions. The entrée-size portion, with shrimp, smoked sausage, and peppers ($25.95), is big enough for sharing; add a house salad ($8.95). Open Monday-Saturday, Legend Deli (legenddeli.com) has quickly become a favorite thanks to overstuffed sandwiches with punny names, like Ham-Ela Anderson ($16) and all-day breakfast. For brunch, Gabrielle at the Hotel Bennett, downtown (www.hotelbennett.com) is worth a splurge; they offer a fun spin on grits, Nashville Hot chicken and grits ($29) featuring stoneground grits, pickles, Brussels sprouts, bacon, pea tendrils, and of course, spicy chicken.

All of the Charleston-area beaches are free, although you’ll pay to park. We chose Isle of Palms, a barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, a lovely long stretch that invites a beach walk. Before you go, grab picnic fixings at Get Carried Away Southern Market (www.getcarriedaway.com). Their chicken salad and Brookies (brownie-meets-cookie) are worth the trip. If you’re still around IOP at dinnertime, pop into Islander 71 Fish House (www.islander71.com) at the marina, a local favorite where you can watch dolphins at play as you dine on crab dip, fresh seafood, and banana pudding that will transport you to childhood. Our waitperson, Buffy, from Plymouth, N.H., has happily decamped to Isle of Palms. “I mean, look at this!” she said, pointing to sunset on the sparkly harbor. We get it, girl.

What else belongs on your summer agenda? The Charleston Museum ($15; www.charlestonmuseum.org), founded in 1773, tells the stories of the South Carolina Lowcountry in a compelling way, including its natural history. The Charleston Tea Garden (www.charlestonteagarden.com) offers free tours of America’s only tea factory and tea farm. The harvesting and production processes are in full swing in summer. We truly loved the South Carolina Aquarium (scaquarium.org); it is massive and beautifully done, with a 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank, the deepest in North America. We wish we could tell you that it’s cheap; it’s not. But they use dynamic pricing, so if you plan a visit for, say, a Tuesday afternoon, you might get lucky and snag an adult ticket for $35.40.

Overlooking Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River, 10-acre Joe Riley Waterfront Park is a perfect place to catch a welcome breeze, watch the boats pass by, and pay your respects to the city’s famous Pineapple Fountain. Still hot? Hop onto the Charleston Water Taxi (all-day pass $17; charlestonwatertaxi.com) to get to popular landmarks, spot dolphins, or simply cool off.

Next time we visit, we’re taking one of those nighttime ghost tours. You’ll get a sense of the city’s dark side at Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (www.oldexchange.org), but there’s more to the story — Charleston is considered to be one of the most haunted cities in America.

Now that’s chilling.

www.explorecharleston.com.

For recommendations on free and low-cost events in Charleston during your stay, follow @chsforless on Instagram, run by bargain queens Riley Davis, Alyssa Driggers, and Grayson Taylor. We asked them to share some of their best, general tips for visitors. Here’s a peek at some we love.

Free museum: The Gibbes Museum of Art (www.gibbesmuseum.org) is free on Wednesday nights from 5 to 8 p.m. The first-floor exhibit area is always free to visit.

Happy hour: Baba’s Apertivo Hour (three locations: 11 Cannon, 804 Meeting, and 115 Wentworth streets; babascharleston.com ) offers free “elevated European-style” snacks with the purchase of a cocktail or glass of wine on Friday and Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Cheap eats: Wednesday nights from 5 to 9 p.m., take advantage of $10 smash burgers at hip/chic Park and Grove restaurant (www.parkandgrovechs.com).

Affordable stay: The retro ‘60s Starlight Motor Inn (www.starlightchs.com) in North Charleston offers poolside double-bunk rooms for under $100 per night. At just $25 per person, it’s a great choice for the bachelor/bachelorette crowd or budget-minded families. They’ve got a swingin’ lounge too.

Lowcountry Lowline: Coming in 2027, this free 1.7-mile linear park, a former railway corridor, will connect downtown Charleston to West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant, and North Charleston.

If the Charleston Southern football team fails to find any offensive consistency, the rest of the 2026 season could be a long one.

Coming off a bye week and riding high after two straight wins, the Buccaneers wasted a stellar defensive effort in losing to Gardner-Webb 12-10 at home Oct. 3. The Bucs fall to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

The CSU defense put the clamps on Gardner-Webb’s explosive, pass-happy offense. The Bulldogs finished the game with 287 total yards but managed only one touchdown. Quarterback Cole Pennington came into the game as the nation’s leader in passing yards but was limited to 27 of 47 passing and 197 yards.

Unfortunately, the CSU offense did not offer much of a fight. The Buccaneers managed 178 total yards, with 140 of that coming on the ground. CSU got nothing from the quarterback position, mustering 38 yards on nine completions. Quarterback Lek Powell was under constant pressure, and CSU was unable to stretch the field through the air.

“Obviously disappointing to lose,” said CSU coach Gabe Giardina. “I thought defensively we did some great things and created some problems. We’re not protecting the quarterback very well. It’s not on the offensive line. We were 0 for 12 on third down. Gardner-Webb is a very good defensive team, but we have to be better.”

The game was tied 3-3 at the half as both teams kicked field goals. Early in the third, CSU’s Hakeem Watters ripped off a 62-yard touchdown run to push CSU ahead 10-3. Watters finished the game with 102 yards, and Dwayne Wright added 77 yards rushing.

It appeared the defense was taking over the game, but Pennington engineered a 12-play, 72-yard drive and tied the game on a 9-yard pass to Brian Green.

Midway through the fourth, CSU was backed up to its own 1-yard line when Powell mishandled the snap and fell on the ball in the end zone for a safety.

“The safety was inexcusable,” Giardina said. “We’re all on the same page. We operate in this situations all of the time.”

Those ended up being the deciding points as CSU was unable to reach field goal range on their last three possessions.

“I believe in our team. We have what it takes,” Giardina said. “But we have to address some things and see where we go from here. We’ve done too much hard work. We’re not going to fall apart. This team cares about each other too much.”

CSU will return to action Oct. 10, hosting FCS No. 15 South Carolina State at 6 p.m. The Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the season, falling to The Citadel 34-31 on Saturday.