📷️ This week’s photo submitted by Jon Sedgewick. Congrats to Jon on winning a $10 gift card to Liberty Beans Coffee. Submit your photo here for a chance to win!

 📰 Top Local Headlines -

Keep scrolling for Independence Day activities…

*City of Folly Beach to get flood insurance discounts? - Folly beach voluntarily participated in a FEMA community program which resulted in residents in the area are eligible for up to 35% discount on flood insurance!

*Say It Isn’t So! One in the Lowcountry’s oldest breweries closes after 32 years. Palmetto Brewing surprised locals and beer lovers with the announcement.

Newest Charleston area restaurant openings - Tasting menus…a new bakery…French meets Japanese!

🏖️ Battle Of The Beaches…Which One Is Your Favorite?

Perhaps the second most debated question (after favorite restaurants) is which local beach is your favorite? I’m not saying it can get heated, but I have it on good authority that we actually declared Independence because a British General and a local Patriot got into a grog spilling dust up over IOP vs Folly.

Let’s dive into it a bit…

• Sullivan’s Island - Most convenient to Daniel Island and areas of Mount Pleasant.

  Sullivan’s Island has a very laid back vibe. No hotels and very few rentals.

  Free street parking…but get there early on prime beach days! The center of town is the most crowded (but not very) and the longest walk through the

  dunes to the beach. Head up toward IOP for a short walk to the water and

  great beach for the little ones as the water is very calm there.

  Drinks & Bites - The center of town is only a couple of blocks long but

  features some bangers like…Poe’s Tavern, The Obstinate

  Daughter, Longboard, Sullivan’s Fish Camp and Dunleavy’s Pub and

  more, including ice cream and the best gelato!

• Isle of Palms - IOP offers a bit of a party vibe. Think coolers and large parties, although you can certainly find a chiller vibe north on the island. In our

  experience, IOP offers up some nice waves to body surf or boogie board.

  Expect to pay for parking in the center of town with free parking north.

  Drinks and Bites - The Refuge, Coconut Joe’s ( a favorite right on the beach), The Dinghy also has great acoustic acts.. For a little less casual check out Acme Lowcountry Kitchen and The Boathouse.  For live music on the beach The Windjammer is a must.

• Folly Beach - Laid back surfer town meets party town sprinkled with family

  fun. Folly has a little bit of everything! Great beach, some killer surfing waves, chill beach and some great restaurants and bars. If you are going

  to stay more than a day…Folly may be for you due to the many options.

  Drinks and Bites - Some favorites include Rita’s Surfside Grill, Lowlife Bar,

   Loggerheads (Philly transplants…Loggerheads is an Eagles bar…Go Birds)

  and The Washout.

Please choose your favorite local beach below…

☕️ Liberty Beans Coffee Co has locals buzzing!

Founders Jim & Diane are keeping our community caffeinated with their bold…never bitter coffee blends and single origins.

This award winning coffee roastery sources beans from around the world. According to Jim, founder and head roaster…”we have several importers which allows us to select the best organic and fair trade beans from around the world.”

***Order today for quick delivery to your door!

Jim spilled the beans (see what we did there ) on the green coffee bean industry. Says Jim…”we only purchase the best arabica beans that allow us to produce incredible tasting coffee without bitterness. Our coffee is known for its low acid content as well”.

Diane also heads up Liberty Beans fundraising programs. “We work with schools, teams, organizations and charities to help them reach and exceed their fundraising goals. For schools and teams, we realized that whatever kids are selling…adults are buying. We work with them to create a custom label for the coffee bags to highlight their organization. It has been tremendously successful!”

To order or find out more about Liberty Beans Coffee, click here.

🎆 4th of July Shenanigans!

Moncks Corner Celebrates The 4th

June 28, 2025 | 6–10 pm
Regional Recreation Complex
Bounce houses, live music, and fireworks wrap up this FREE celebration that’s great for families with little ones who need an earlier bedtime.

Charleston RiverDogs: Independence Day Celebration

July 3rd, 2025 | Game starts at 6:35 pm
A fireworks show will follow this Charleston RiverDogs game.
Get Charleston RiverDogs Tickets

Annual Daniel Island Independence Day Celebration

July 3rd, 2025 | Starting at 3:15 pm
This community event includes a golf cart parade, lots of decorations, live music, and dancing
DI Independence Day Celebration

Fourth of July Festival at Riverfront Park

July 4th, 2025 | Gates open at 5 pm, Fireworks at 9 pm | FREE!
Riverfront Park 1061 Everglades Avenue North Charleston

Enjoy an evening of family fun with live music and food trucks. Be ready at 9 pm for a large fireworks show to light up the sky.

Patriots Point 4th of July Blast

July 4, 2025 | Gates open at 6 pm, Fireworks after dark
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant
Watch fireworks light up the Charleston Harbor from the deck of the historic USS Yorktown! This event has free landside viewing and paid flight deck admission with live music and food/drinks for purchase.

• Flight deck tickets: TBA (usually sell out early!)

• Bring blankets or chairs if watching from the grassy lawn.

Get all the information: Patriots Point 4th of July Blast

To watch the fireworks for free, try Gadsdenboro Park.

Folly Beach Independence Day Fireworks

July 4, 2025 | Fireworks at dusk (~9 pm) FREE!
Folly Beach Pier & Beachfront
Watch fireworks from the beach with your toes in the sand! It’s one of the most laid-back and scenic ways to celebrate the 4th. Bring snacks, sand toys, and glow sticks for the kids!

• Parking fills fast. Come early and expect traffic!

• Fireworks launch near the pier.

Folly Beach 2025 Fireworks

Summerville Fireworks & Freedom

July 4th, 2025 | 5:30 -9:30 pm
Gahagan Park
Free community festival ending with fireworks.
Summerville, SC Fireworks & Freedom Festival

🎆 Fireworks Viewing Tips: Charleston, SC

• Waterfront Parks like Waterfront Park and Battery offer scenic harbor views during fireworks

• Don’t forget Gadsdenboro Park across from Patriots Point for free USS Yorktown sights

• Bring bug spray, lawn chairs, water, and snacks.

• Consider bringing small toys or coloring books to keep the kids busy while waiting for fireworks to start.

🐶 How To Ease Your Dog’s 4th of July Fears

Our furry friends have various reactions to loud noises such as fireworks and crowds. Here is a link for some suggestions to comfort your best friend this week.

💡 Insider Tip of the Week…SHHH

Here is a link to ALL the Independence Day weekly activities in the area.

🌟 Hidden Gem

Mondo’s Italian Restaurant - James Island

🌟 Please support our local sponsors! Thank you! We appreciate you!

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Stay Salty my friends…

Your Local Gator Staff