EDITOR’S NOTE: Syracuse University sent a dozen graduate students to the Holy City to gain knowledge during the annual festival season. Half of the students previewed and reviewed performances at Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto.
A pair worked as news interns and the remaining four interned at the Spoleto office. We asked these eight to reflect on what they learned in their three weeks walking our streets and writing about what they experienced. We think you’ll find these eight fresh perspectives interesting on things that you might take for granted – or might not know about!
Terrace Theater delivers
In the midst of all the rich cultural and historical exposure I had during my stay in Charleston, I decided to take a break and test the waters for an experience more familiar to me: going to the movies. One Friday afternoon, I visited the Terrace Theater. As soon as I stepped onto the “Shining”-esque carpet and noticed the walls filled with retro and signed movie posters, I knew that it was a haven for film lovers. To make the most of the trip, I did an impromptu double feature with the limited release of “Young Woman and the Sea” and the children’s film “The Garfield Movie.” As unorthodox as this pairing sounds, it illustrates the diverse selection the Terrace offers, from lesser-known films to family-friendly blockbusters. This sort of personalized, enthusiastic experience is why I love independent theaters, and the Terrace hits the nail right on the head. –Ethan Stinson
“There is a story everywhere”
I appreciate the rich history that Charleson has. From the architecture to the Southern comfort food that reminds me of home, there is a story everywhere. I enjoyed walking around and looking at the buildings and homes on Rainbow Row. I learned about the woman who bought the buildings and her inspiration behind renovating them and painting them in bright colors. I also learned about Philip Simmons and his indelible talent for ironwork. Both of these individuals faced unique obstacles, yet made a mark in a society that undermined them for one reason or another.
I also enjoyed exploring the city’s cuisine. My classmates and I tried several different restaurants (some better than others) and certainly found our favorites. Rudy Royale’s chicken sandwiches were amazing! And as someone who loves her mayonnaise, Duke’s mayo did not disappoint. I tried shrimp and grits for the first time at Slightly North of Broad and completely understood why people love this dish. I also made getting two half scoops from Jeni’s a weekly ritual. Those scoops became my guilty pleasure and go-to after long days. –Za’Tozia Duffie
City’s walkability is a huge asset
When I first stepped outside in Charleston, I didn’t know what to expect. It was my second time ever on an airplane and my first time in the South. When I felt the warm air and saw the palmetto trees, I knew I was going to like it here. During my three weeks living in Charleston, I fell in love with the walkability of the city. There were many days where I would walk to a corner store, grab a lemonade at the City Market or stop in for an empanada at Cafecito on King Street.
Beyond my fascination with the history of the homes and buildings in downtown Charleston, I enjoyed spending my time near the water. As an avid runner, I spent my early mornings running to Colonial Lake. Around 8 p.m. every day, I would return to the same lake to see the sunset. After a lap or two of walking, I would sit down on a bench and soak in the beauty around me. I found Charleston to be a calming but lively city with endless things to eat, drink and do. Although this was my first time here, I don’t think it will be my last! –Greta Stuckey
Berry dragonfruit French toast is a winner
A year ago, the idea of writing about a Charleston arts festival seemed far-fetched, but my master’s capstone experience here turned out great. Some highlights of my time include:
- Edge of America. Folly Beach was crowded but breathtaking, despite the two-hour wait for an Uber on Memorial Day weekend.
- Birthday fete. Celebrating my 22nd birthday at Rudy Royale with a Nashville hot chicken sandwich and the best banana pudding ever.
- IAAM rocked. Exploring the International African American Museum was an emotional and enlightening experience, deepening my understanding of Black culture in the U.S.
- Great breakfast. Another Broken Egg served a delicious breakfast of apricot streusel pancakes and berry dragonfruit French toast on my last day. – Jaden Wilson
Charleston’s rich underbelly of queerness
Charleston has been rewarding and fun in so many ways that I cannot spell out completely — but above all, I’ve truly appreciated being able to enmesh myself in the city’s queer community. Bookending my time in Charleston were two of my favorite shows from Spoleto Festival USA: L.A. Dance Project’s “Romeo and Juliet Suite” at the beginning and Sasha Velour’s “The Big Reveal Show!” at the end. And while the festival showcased world-renowned exploits of queerness on a grand stage (and they were amazing), Charleston also offered a real opportunity to tap into the local community. Whether that be the highlight that was the Void’s “Goodnight, Embryos” or Dudley’s iconic production of “Chicago” by local drag queens and kings, Charleston surprised me with a rich underbelly of queerness that will bring me back again and again. –Brandon Wallace
Soak in city’s history, art
Prior to this trip, I had never been to South Carolina, and to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. As my classmates and I arrived in Charleston, we quickly noticed the numerous shops and cafés the city had to offer. During my three-week stay, I enjoyed the walkable life Charleston provided me. I would often walk to the local parks, lakes and King Street clothing stores with my friends. We also walked to several food places, but Rudy Royale was a favorite amongst us all and the bakery La Pâtisserie offered the most picturesque pastries. We even saw comedian and actor David Spade while eating our danishes and muffins. I also had the opportunity to visit the International African American Museum, which was truly remarkable! I recommend everyone to visit the museum and soak in all the history and art. –Sarah Merke
Charleston is easy to take
Perhaps it’s my newly discovered ancestral roots to the state of South Carolina, the soul food that reminds me of my mother and grandmother’s cooking or just generally being in the Deep South where I was raised that fills me with a spiritual connection to the “Holy City.” Amid the heat and humidity, which I could have possibly gone without at least a few days during my time here, I generally appreciated the culture and the city’s pace. After almost 10 years in the North, I’ve grown accustomed to a particular hustle and bustle where so many of us are going nowhere fast. Charleston and its people take their time. Whether they’re walking down King Street or gathering for a meal at Lewis Barbecue or Bertha’s Kitchen, the people take it easy. They don’t rush. While there are areas where the city (and state) can pick up the pace and align more with the times politically, culturally I loved the nature of being at ease, sitting still and enjoying a glass of sweet tea. My thanks and gratitude to the Lowcountry. –Rayshaun Sandlin
Enjoyed talking with people
My first assignment was a concert at a historic church downtown. Nervously adjusting my press badge, I felt a sense of awe and privilege. I was not just another spectator but an observer tasked with capturing the essence of the moment.
Talking to people was another story. My first few attempts were awkward. Approaching a group of attendees after a performance, my heart raced. “Hi, I’m with the Charleston City Paper. Can I ask you a few questions?” My voice wavered, but they were kind. With each interaction, I found my footing and learned to enjoy the conversations.
Another day, I attended a poetry reading, scribbling away in my notebook as I had ideas of my own. Each of these experiences enriched my understanding of the culture that is Charleston.
The journey was not without its missteps. I once missed a deadline because I got lost in the excitement, teaching me the importance of time management. I also misquoted a source, requiring a swift correction. These blunders were lessons in responsibility and accuracy.
Working with Charleston City Paper was more than writing articles; it was about learning the rhythm of a real newsroom. The capstone experience, with its highs and lows, helped me grow and discover newfound confidence, navigating challenges with grace. –Shirin Gupta
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