Week of April 27
A King Street debut, a Folly closure, and the city's loudest week of music since Spoleto. Here's what happened, and what to do about it.
Charleston had a busy seven days. Two long-rumored restaurant projects opened within twelve hours of each other on upper King, the Folly Beach Pier renovation hit a new delay, and city council moved a short-term-rental cap one step closer to a vote. On the cultural side, the High Water Festival announced a 2027 return after a year off, and the Spoleto Festival USA opening lineup leaked early via a vendor mailer. The week's rankings on CharlestonRanked moved with it — see the items below for places that climbed.
What mattered this week
- 01Opening↳ Sorelle
Sorelle opens its second location on upper King
The Indigo Road group quietly opened the second Sorelle inside the old Macintosh space last Tuesday. Pasta menu is identical; the bar program leans heavier on amaro.
Why it matters · A second location for one of the highest-rated Italian rooms in the city — expect waitlists to stretch citywide, not just downtown.
via Eater Charleston · Apr 22, 2026 - 02Closing↳ Folly Beach Pier
Folly Beach Pier renovation pushed to 2027
Charleston County Parks confirmed the rebuilt pier won't reopen until spring 2027, citing concrete supply delays. The temporary boardwalk stays open through summer.
Why it matters · If you were planning a fishing trip or sunset photo run, the workaround is the Mt. Pleasant Pier — currently the longest open public pier in the metro.
via Post & Courier · Apr 24, 2026 - 03City Hall
Short-term rental cap clears committee
A proposal capping non-owner-occupied STRs at 1.5% of housing units per neighborhood passed council's housing committee 4-1. Full council vote expected May 13.
Why it matters · If passed, the cap would meaningfully tighten Charleston's vacation rental supply — both a win for housing advocates and a friction point for visiting bachelorettes.
via Charleston City Paper · Apr 23, 2026 - 04Culture↳ Riverfront Park
High Water Festival returns in spring 2027
Shovels & Rope confirmed a 2027 return for High Water at Riverfront Park after sitting out 2026. Lineup hints point to a North Charleston-leaning bill.
Why it matters · High Water is the festival that put North Charleston on the national music map. Its return signals the city's mid-size venue scene is healthy enough to host it again.
via Charleston City Paper · Apr 25, 2026 - 05Food & Drink↳ Vern's
Spoleto vendor list leaks the 2026 food roster
A mailer to vendors went out early — Lewis Barbecue, Estadio, and newcomer Vern's are all confirmed for the festival's food village this year.
Why it matters · Vern's on the Spoleto bill is the news here — the Park Circle wine bar has spent two years climbing local rankings and this is its biggest stage yet.
via Eater Charleston · Apr 26, 2026 - 06Business
Workshop Charleston signs a third tenant on Morrison
The Morrison Drive food hall added a Vietnamese concept from the Xiao Bao team, joining the previously announced bakery and natural wine bar. Opening late summer.
Why it matters · Morrison Drive is quietly turning into the next King Street for new openings — worth tracking if you're scouting where the city's gravity is shifting.
via Live 5 News · Apr 26, 2026
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