Exciting Times in Charleston: Burger Throwdown and New Arts Center Unveiling

Exciting Times in Charleston: Burger Throwdown & New Arts Center Unveiling

Hey, Charleston! It’s that time of year again when the locals get to flex their culinary muscles and showcase their love for the beloved burger. Are you ready for the annual Charleston Burger Throwdown? Voting is now open, and this year, it promises to be even more thrilling than ever!

Vote for Your Favorite Burger Categories

From now until October 2, food enthusiasts can cast their votes across six different categories such as Best Hangover Helper, Best Faux Burger, and many more. It’s your chance to spotlight your favorite local eatery and help them clinch the crown for the best burger in town.

Whether you’re partial to the classic cheeseburger, a plant-based option, or something entirely out-of-the-box, get those votes in and support the local burger scene! To get a taste of some of these delectable creations, visiting the participating eateries is highly recommended. Not only will you make your taste buds happy, but you’ll also support independent restaurants during this friendly competition.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe for Local News!

As always, keep up to date with all the exciting happenings around Charleston by signing up for a daily newsletter that delivers the latest news directly to your inbox each morning. It’s like having a little taste of Charleston every day!

New Albert Simons Center for the Arts Unveiled

Switching gears a bit, the College of Charleston has something marvelous to share! After years of anticipation, the college unveiled the newly renovated Albert Simons Center for the Arts this past August. Imagine transforming a building from its dingy and dull past into something that is now bright, clean, and spacious. Can you feel the excitement?

A Transformation Worth Celebrating

Gone are the cramped spaces that art students had to endure while the renovations took place. Students studying arts management, theater, music, and more eagerly stepped foot into the revamped facilities. The Simons Center, located in the heart of the college’s campus on St. Philip Street, has seen a complete makeover over the past three years, featuring cutting-edge technology and enhanced accessibility.

Now, students can benefit from fabulous additions including a new two-story black box theater, a state-of-the-art costume shop, and even dedicated studios for printmaking and drawing. Ceramics lovers will be thrilled to know that two new kilns and spray booths have been added. Talk about raising the bar for arts education!

Why the Renovation Took So Long

The journey to this magnificent renovation wasn’t quick. Built in 1979, the Simons Center was originally designed for around 800 students, but with a surge in enrollment — the college welcomed its largest first-year class this semester, with around 11,000 students — it became clear that upgrades were necessary. Under the guidance of instructors, the college had been planning this renovation for decades!

The renovation process faced some bumps along the way, as it was divided into separate projects. The Cato Center was refurbished first, and funding hurdles delayed further work on Simons for several years. But the improved facilities now truly meet the needs of today’s arts students, positioning them to thrive for decades to come.

Celebrate at the Grand Opening!

Mark your calendars for September 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the grand opening of the Albert Simons Center. The event will feature exciting performances, a showcase of creative work, and the chance to meet the new dean of the School of the Arts, Jayme Host. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to dive into Charleston’s vibrant arts scene!

With burgers and culture filling the Charleston air, there’s never been a better time to be part of this unique community. So, get out there and enjoy everything our city has to offer!