July 4th

Compete to help students and you may even win a suite at the Riverdogs!

I couldn't stand country music, but something changed within me.

Meet a candidate for Secretary of State, a mover, a shaker, and a woman with a plan. This lady may not be your typical choice on the ballot, but don't count her out, she's ready to make major changes.

Let freedom ring? The venomous chants and social media slamming don't represent the clear tone of the bell I would imagine freedom sounds like... Why silence isn't necessarily weakness

Again. Hunker down with these top-notch stormy pics and some rainy day inspiration... what will you do when the sky opens up? (photos by Melinda Monk)

Whatcha cooking tomorrow? Not sure? We've got Firefly sweet tea bourbon-flavored ribs, an over-the-top patriotic dessert, and fish tacos here. PLUS! A Grit giveaway you'll want to see (and drink...)

What in the hell is a Megabanger Garden in Spring? It's part of Grit's rowdy rundown of MUSTS for the 4th, including show times, the best and worst flag swimsuits, and a wicked sweet surfboard

Sitting in traffic for half the day, sleeping in your car: locals weigh in on their big July 4th fails, plus 2 must-have beach toys and... Yep. We've got red, white, & blue Jell-O shots

Musing on conclaves and rising smoke, metaphysics and physics, with insight from two of Charleston's keenest minds: Stephen Colbert and John Keller. Plus, global career advice for all you CofC-ers

If you've ever wondered about growing fruit—how, when, where do I start?—wonder no more! A new society's coming to Charleston that I think you will find a fruitful experience

Sara Vaughan, Miles Davis, and Enya keep my pooch Pansy from pacing during summer thunderstorms. Could music be just as effective for your nervous system?

You can't teach an old dog new tricks? Not true, as proven by my dog, Snowy. It seems you just have to have the right teacher (in this story, said teacher is a box turtle)

Do you love hamburgers? Do you own a Spider-Man costume? Well you're in luck! In a true act of patriotism, Hardees and Carl's Jr. are combining the two in celebration of the U.S. of A.

Get packing, and I'm going to tell you how. Here are my all-inclusive weekend traveling essentials and tips for those great-escape summer days ahead