Writers David Joy, Valerie Bauerlein, and Dick Harpootlian headline the festival. | Image via Southern Gothic Festival
Cool October nights call for ghost stories — and Camden’s Southern Gothic Festival has plenty to share. On Friday, Oct. 10 + Saturday, Oct. 11, historic downtown Camden hosts writers, journalists, and musicians who delve into Southern history, folklore, and true crime. With author talks, panels, and after-dark tours, it’s a weekend built for readers and culture lovers alike.
Festival Highlights
Notable Guests | Hear from Wall Street Journal correspondent Valerie Bauerlein (Murdaugh saga), Appalachian noir novelist David Joy, and Columbia lawyer Dick Harpootlian (prosecutor of Pee Wee Gaskins).
Live Music | The free Friday night street concert features Valentine Wolfe’s dark Victorian soundscapes and Wasted Wine’s theatrical cabaret.
Haunted History | Take the Lantern-lit tour that dives into Camden’s eerie legends, from the Craven House ghost to notorious Boo Hags.
When you travel the 35 miles to Camden for the Southern Gothic Festival in 2027, you’ll have a new place to stay. The $23 million Haigler Hotel, a 60-room boutique stay, broke ground near the city’s historic clock tower. The project includes an event space and a restaurant.
Put a bow on it — this Chapin lakefront estate has 6 beds, 6.5 baths, and its own gift-wrapping station. You’ll also find an elevator, dual kitchens, a pop-up KitchenAid station, hot tub, sun deck, screened porch, and 115 ft of private shoreline with a boat lift.
Sports
In case you missed it, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is set to headline Super Bowl LX’s halftime show. The big game is scheduled for Sunday, February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California — until then, we’ll keep cheering on the Panthers in hopes that they make it. (Variety)
Seasonal
Stocking up for trick-or-treaters? In South Carolina, you can’t go wrong with Hershey’s Milk Chocolate — it’s the most popular candy in the state, according to a new Instacart study. And let’s be honest: We’ll be sneaking sweets all month long — a little sugar rush pairs perfectly with October’s nonstop festivities.
Read
Come in and cozy up. According to new data from Google Trends, search interest in “cozy romance” and “cozy books” are at an all-time high, and searches for “fall romance books” have increased by more than 400%. Find your next cozy, fall-themed read at one of Columbia’s local bookstores.
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Have you seen the new Keith Haring exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Art? I stopped in on the opening weekend, and it’s a must-see. Here’s a peek inside at what you’ll see on display.
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