📷️ This week’s photo submitted by Marie Wozniak! Submit your local photo here for a chance to win a $10 gift card to local coffee roaster Liberty Beans Coffee!

 📰 Top 5 Local Headlines

1. Charleston International Airport Expansion Announced – Big changes are coming to CHS, including more gates and local dining options.

2. Partial road closure scheduled as Charleston drainage improvement project begins – Be aware of closures and detours…and drivers in general! 😂 

3. Shem Creek Water Taxi Returns for Summer – Scenic rides and dolphin sightings now available daily.

4. Build-to-rent townhomes open on Charleston marsh as Summerville apartments get $50.4M refinancing – Interested in living on Daniel Island?TDeveloper East West Partners will open its build-to-rent townhome complex on Daniel Island on June 7 with opportunities to tour the model home.

5. Farmers Market Season in Full Swing – Marion Square buzzes with local vendors every Saturday.

🛍️ Five Local Shops To Hit

1. Blue Bicycle Books – This intimate and cozy shop offers a mix of new and used books including some rare gems. King S

2. Finicky Filly – A womenswear store that promises to please Mom, Daughter and Grandmothers alike.

3. George C. Birlant & Co. – A must visit for antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries.

4. Corrigan Gallery – For contemporary fine art. Queen Street

5. Lowcountry Artists Gallery – Locally owned since 1982. Artist owned fine art gallery located in the French Quarter.

☕️ 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.”

Click here to get fresh locally roasted coffee delivered 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”.

While Jim’s experience as a chef for 30 years allows him to roast great tasting coffee, Diane’s science background adds to the complexity of the roasting process. According to Diane…”we roast in small batches, 15 pounds at a time, which allows us to control the consistency of our flavor profiles. A full batch only takes around 15 minutes, but a lot of science is going on in that short amount of time that ultimately impacts the roast level and flavor.” “You deserve great coffee…and we’ll get it to your door”.

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.

🍴 Five Local Bites To Try

1. The Wreck — The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene is a new frills fresh seafood restaurant hidden off Shem Creek in Mt Pleasant. Did we mention it’s FRESH?!

2. Xiao Bao Biscuit — If you’re looking for a place to get some unique comfort food, head to this Asian inspired downtown gem.

3. Jackrabbit Filly — Chinese-American fusion in Park Circle. Our new obsession!

4. Lenoir — Did someone say Blueberry BBQ Chicken Wings!

5. Wild Common — Go for date night or with a group for Tasting Menu heaven!

🌆 Five Events This Week

1. Sunset Sail on Schooner Pride – BYOB and breeze through the harbor. A unique way to view the city. Oh my…the sunsets…

2. Little Palm Cocktail Class – Sign up for a night of shaking, stirring and sipping!

3. Charleston RiverDogs Home Game (Friday) – Minor league baseball with major fun. Tuesday through Sunday home games this week!

4. Beach Yoga at Folly – Start your day the zen way.

5. Live Jazz at Forte Jazz Lounge  – Smooth tunes and cozy vibes. Wednesday through Sunday. Click link for full schedule.

😎 Five Fun Happenings - Local Events Calender

• Friday and Saturday: Charleston Night Market kicks off at 6:30 PM.

• Saturday: Credit One Stadium - Glass Animals. Click for tickets.

• Saturday: For The Family - Story Time Under The Oaks

💡 Insider Tip of the Week…SHHH

Did you know you can take your four legged family member to the beach? Hit IOP…just keep fido on a leash. And bring something for shade!

🌟 Hidden Gem

Kudzu Bakery (Mount Pleasant) — Part bakery, part market. Worthh the trip for the fresh baked honey weat and buttermilk white bread alone!

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

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Stay Salty my friends…

Your Local Gator Staff