Steeped in Southern Tradition: The Story of Tea in Charleston
Sameka Jenkins • June 9, 2026
As National Iced Tea Day approaches on June 10, it's the perfect time to look at Charleston's surprising role in America's tea history and the Lowcountry traditions that turned a simple glass of tea into a symbol of Southern hospitality.
Many people are surprised to learn that some of the first tea plants grown in the United States were planted near Charleston in the late 1700s. French botanist André Michaux introduced the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, to South Carolina at Middleton Place along the Ashley River. While those early efforts faced challenges, they helped establish the Lowcountry as the birthplace of America's tea industry.
Over time, tea became woven into the fabric of Southern life. By the late 1800s, successful tea cultivation took root in nearby Summerville, helping South Carolina become the only state in the nation with a commercial tea industry. But tea's story in the Lowcountry is about much more than agriculture—it's about community, culture, and gathering around the table.
African Americans, particularly the Gullah Geechee people of the South Carolina and Georgia coast, played a significant role in shaping the region's food traditions. Descendants of enslaved Africans brought agricultural knowledge, culinary techniques, and a deep sense of hospitality that continue to influence Lowcountry cuisine today. While tea itself was not native to West Africa, the traditions of sharing beverages, gathering with family, and welcoming guests became central to Southern food culture.
For generations, sweet tea has been present at church suppers, family reunions, fish fries, cookouts, weddings, and Sunday dinners throughout Black communities across the South. A pitcher of sweet tea on the table often meant you were welcome, there was enough to share, and nobody was leaving hungry. Much like a pot of rice, a cast-iron skillet, or a family recipe passed down through generations, sweet tea became part of the traditions that brought people together.
Today, whether served alongside a plate of fried chicken, barbecue, seafood, or your favorite Lowcountry meal, iced tea remains one of the South's most beloved beverages. It represents hospitality, connection, and the stories that unite us across generations.
So as we celebrate National Iced Tea Day, let's raise a glass to Charleston's role in America's tea history and to the families and communities who helped make sweet tea a cherished Southern tradition.
After all, around here, tea isn't just a drink—it's a part of our heritage.
There’s something about a crab crack in Charleston that feels like home. Before the tablecloths, curated cocktails, and Instagram-worthy seafood spreads, there were folding tables in backyards, newspaper spread across picnic tables, and the unmistakable sound of crab shells cracking while somebody’s auntie yelled, “Pass the butter.” A crab crack wasn’t just a meal — it was a gathering. A celebration. A reason to slow down and be together. In the Lowcountry, seafood has always been tied to community and culture. Generations of Gullah Geechee families along the South Carolina coast made a way of life from the water, harvesting blue crab, shrimp, oysters, and fish from local creeks and marshes. Crab cracks became a tradition born from simplicity and abundance. Blue crabs were affordable, plentiful, and best enjoyed with a crowd. Friends and family would gather outdoors with coolers full of drinks, pots seasoned to perfection, and enough seafood to feed anybody who happened to stop by. Nobody left hungry, and nobody left without laughing. Over time, crab cracks evolved. What started as casual backyard gatherings slowly found their way into fundraisers, family reunions, church celebrations, and eventually Charleston’s modern food scene. But the spirit stayed the same — good food, loud conversations, music in the background, and the kind of joy you can’t fake. In Charleston, seafood isn’t just cuisine; it’s storytelling. Every crack of a shell carries tradition with it. That same spirit is exactly what inspired our upcoming Juneteenth Bougie Crab Crack at Holy City Brewing. Juneteenth is about freedom, resilience, culture, and celebration — and what better way to honor that than with a Lowcountry tradition centered around food, fellowship, and community? We’re taking the classic Charleston crab crack and giving it the Carolima’s touch: elevated vibes, curated seating, incredible flavor, and an atmosphere designed for connection. Guests will enjoy crab served in a controlled environment with the option to choose their own table mates, creating the perfect mix of comfort, community, and bougie fun. Think less crowded seafood line and more intentional dining experience — where Southern hospitality meets celebration. Expect seasoned crab, signature flavors, music, cocktails, and the kind of energy that feels like summer in Charleston. So come dressed cute, ready to crack shells, make memories, and celebrate culture the Lowcountry way. Purchase tix HERE . Gather your people and meet us at the table this Juneteenth.
For many Black families in Charleston, the beach has always meant more than sunshine and saltwater. It carries history. Memories. Resilience. Long before integration, African Americans were not welcome on beaches like Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island. During segregation, Black families created their own traditions at Mosquito Beach — a place that became known as “the Black Pearl” of the Lowcountry. What may have started from exclusion turned into culture, joy, music, dancing, and community. Mosquito Beach became a safe place for us to gather, celebrate life, and create memories near the water when other beaches told us we didn’t belong. Fast forward to today, and there’s something powerful about seeing our families spread out on the beaches our grandparents and great-grandparents once could not freely enjoy. There’s joy in knowing our children can simply show up, put their feet in the sand, and belong without question. That’s part of the reason our annual Carolima’s Family & Friends Beach Day means so much to us. This isn’t just another beach outing. It’s community. It’s culture. It’s cousins playing football in the sand, aunties with coolers full of snacks, music floating through the air, and somebody inevitably asking who made the deviled eggs. It’s a reminder that even through difficult history, we’ve always found ways to gather, celebrate, and love on each other. We’re inviting our extended Carolima’s family to join us for a beautiful day at the beach at Isle of Palms. Guests can purchase exclusive beach access and parking passes in advance to make the day smooth and stress-free. For $20, guests will receive convenient access to private parking, restrooms, lockers, and beach access through the venue accommodations. We would love for you to join us, bring your family, bring your chairs, bring your good energy, and come make memories with us this summer. Purchase your beach access and parking passes HERE
Memorial Day in the Lowcountry is more than the start of summer—it’s tradition, family, and remembrance all sitting at the same table. Here in Charleston, the meaning runs even deeper. Many historians trace the earliest Memorial Day observances back to formerly enslaved African Americans in Charleston in 1865, when thousands gathered to honor Union soldiers who lost their lives during the Civil War. They held a parade, decorated graves with flowers, sang hymns, and made sure those sacrifices were never forgotten. Around here, Memorial Day has always been about community, reflection, and coming together over food made with love. And if there’s one thing Charleston knows how to do, it’s how to feed people well. By Memorial Day weekend, the grills are already smoking before noon, somebody’s auntie is making potato salad, and the red rice is sitting hot on the stove waiting to hit the plate. You can’t talk about a Lowcountry Memorial Day spread without red rice—it’s one of those dishes that tells the story of our roots, our culture, and the generations before us who built flavor out of tradition and necessity. Add in some pulled pork, ribs, grilled chicken, baked beans, mac and cheese, and a little slaw on the side, and now you’ve got a plate that feels like home. At Carolima’s, we believe Memorial Day food should feel familiar, comforting, and full of soul. Nothing overly fancy—just real good food that brings people together and keeps folks lingering around the table a little longer. And if you really want to take your cookout up a notch this year, make sure you’re getting the best BBQ has to offer from UndercoverBBQBoss. Good BBQ doesn’t need a sales pitch—you taste it the minute it hits your plate. As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, we also pause to honor those who came before us and the sacrifices that made these moments possible. So fire up the grill, pour a cold drink, and spend time with the people who matter most. Around here, that’s what Memorial Day is all about.
There’s just something special about summertime in Charleston. The days get a little longer, the seafood tastes a little better, and every weekend feels like there’s something fun happening somewhere in the Lowcountry. From live crabs and seafood boils to festivals, concerts, and beach days with friends and family, summer around Charleston is truly a vibe all its own. One of our favorite traditions every year is kicking off the summer with a family beach day in June. No work, no schedules — just good food, laughter, music, and quality time together by the water. Living in the Lowcountry reminds us how important it is to slow down and enjoy the simple things, whether that’s a sunset on Folly Beach, grabbing fresh seafood downtown, or spending the afternoon festival hopping around Charleston. Summer in Charleston is packed with events like Spoleto Festival USA, Piccolo Spoleto, RiverDogs games, waterfront concerts, and local food festivals happening all season long. And of course, Carolima’s is excited to be part of the fun this summer too. You can catch us at the Chef’s Potluck on Sunday, May 17, Family Beach day is Saturday, June 6 from 9am - 2pm and then join us for our Culture and Claws event on June 19 — an evening full of seafood, cocktails, music, and all the Lowcountry flavors we love to share. Whether you’re headed to the beach, downtown for a festival, or just looking for a good meal and good company, summer in Charleston is all about making memories. We hope to see you somewhere around the city this season! Come Join Us Chef’s Potluck on Sunday, May 17 Culture and Claws on June 19
Even in 2026, networking still matters. Social media may help people find your business, but relationships are what help your business grow. Some of the best opportunities come from simply being in the room, having conversations, and building genuine connections with people in your community. Referrals, partnerships, collaborations, and repeat business often start with a quick introduction or a shared conversation over coffee. At Carolima’s, some of our best opportunities have come from relationships we built over time. We have had venues recommend us to clients, fellow business owners refer us for events they could not take, and community connections open doors we never could have created on our own. We have also learned that collaboration is often more powerful than competition. There have been times when we partnered with rental companies, bartenders, planners, and other local vendors to create better experiences for our clients while helping everyone involved grow their businesses. If you are attending a business mixer, do not overthink it. Bring business cards, introduce yourself with confidence, ask people about their business, and look for ways you can support each other. Some of the best networking comes from simply listening, being genuine, and following up afterward. A quick email, social media message, or coffee meeting after an event can turn one conversation into a long-term connection. Growth does not always happen from running ads or posting more online. Sometimes it happens from one meaningful relationship, one referral, or one collaboration. Join us at our upcoming Small Business Mixer ready to meet new people, exchange ideas, and make connections that could lead to your next opportunity. Small Business Mixer Join our weekly newsletter: Carolima's Weekly Newsletter
One of the hardest parts of running a small business is figuring out what to charge. Many business owners worry that if they raise their prices, they will lose customers. But the truth is, if you are not charging enough to cover your time, labor, materials, taxes, overhead, and profit, you are not building a sustainable business. It is easy to price based only on the cost of the product itself, but real pricing should include everything it takes to deliver the experience. At Carolima’s, we have learned this lesson many times over the years. Early on, we would price events based mainly on food costs without fully accounting for staff, rentals, delivery, setup time, breakdown, and all the behind-the-scenes work that happens before and after an event. We quickly realized that what looked like a profitable event on paper did not always leave money in the bank once everything was paid for. Now, we know to factor in everything from parking and ice to disposable supplies, chafers, fuel, insurance, and staffing hours. Another thing many small business owners overlook is hidden costs. Subscription fees, website platforms, payment processing fees, marketing expenses, uniforms, equipment repairs, and emergency expenses can add up quickly. We have had events where unexpected rental needs, additional staffing, or last-minute supply runs changed the numbers completely. That is why it is important to leave room in your pricing and budget for the things you cannot always predict. Revenue is exciting, but cash flow is what keeps your business alive. You can have a calendar full of bookings and still struggle if payments are late, expenses are due upfront, or you are not managing your money well. Understanding what is actually coming in versus what is going out is one of the most important things a business owner can do. If you are trying to improve your pricing, budgeting, or cash flow systems, join us at our upcoming small business mixer. It is a great opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs, share ideas, and learn how others are navigating the same challenges. Small Business Mixer Join our weekly newsletter: Carolima's Weekly Newsletter
For many small business owners, marketing can feel overwhelming, especially when budgets are tight and time is limited. The good news is that some of the most effective marketing strategies do not cost much at all. This month, focus on a few simple things that can make a big impact: share your story on social media, ask happy customers to leave Google reviews, and partner with other local businesses in your community. At Carolima’s, some of our best opportunities have come from relationships we built in the community and from people sharing our name with others after attending an event or tasting our food. One of the biggest lessons we have learned is that your business needs more than just social media to grow. If social media disappeared tomorrow, would your customers still know how to find you? That is why it is important to build an email list, keep your website updated, send text reminders, and stay connected with people in real life. For Carolima’s, some of our strongest relationships have come from networking events, community involvement, and simply showing up in spaces where people can get to know us. One conversation has often led to another opportunity, another event, or another referral. We have also learned that one happy customer can turn into five more. We have had clients book us for a wedding, then call us back for a baby shower, a birthday party, or even a corporate event. We have had guests taste our food at one event and then reach out months later because they remembered the macaroni and cheese or the banana pudding. Great customer service, follow-up, thank-you messages, and simply making people feel cared for can make all the difference. If you are trying to grow your business, do not underestimate the power of relationships. Join us at our upcoming small business mixer to meet other local business owners, exchange ideas, and make meaningful connections. Bring plenty of business cards because you never know who may become your next client, referral partner, or collaborator. Small Business Mixer Join our weekly newsletter: Carolima's Weekly Newsletter
Running a small business can sometimes feel like you are constantly moving but never really getting ahead. You are answering emails, posting on social media, ordering supplies, helping customers, handling invoices, and putting out fires all day long. At the end of the week, you may feel exhausted, but still wonder if you actually moved your business forward. That is the difference between working in your business and working on your business. Working in the business keeps things running day to day, but working on the business means taking time to think about your systems, your goals, your finances, and where you want to go next. One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make in the first few years is staying stuck in survival mode for too long. Many people underprice their services because they are afraid of losing customers. Others forget to track expenses, follow up with clients, or put systems in place that make the business easier to run. It is easy to think you will figure it all out later, but “later” often turns into burnout, frustration, and feeling like you are doing everything yourself. The truth is, every successful business owner has had moments where they felt overwhelmed or made mistakes. That is part of the journey. The important thing is learning from those mistakes and making small changes that help your business grow. Maybe that means finally raising your prices, creating better customer follow-up systems, setting office hours, or finding tools that save you time. Small improvements can make a huge difference over time. If you are a business owner, ask yourself this week: what is one thing in your business that needs to improve? Then bring that answer with you to our Small Business Mixer on Thursday, May 7, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may be surprised by how many other business owners have faced the same struggles and found ways to work through them. Small Business Mixer Join our weekly newsletter: Carolima's Weekly Newsletter
In Charleston, rice is more than just a side dish—it is the soul of the Lowcountry table. Long before Charleston became a celebrated culinary destination, it was known as the “Rice Kingdom” of early America. The tidal rice fields that once lined the coast were cultivated using knowledge brought by enslaved West Africans, many of whom were skilled rice growers. Their expertise not only shaped the agricultural economy of the region but also laid the foundation for what we now recognize as Charleston cuisine. At the heart of many iconic Lowcountry dishes is rice, serving as both the base and the bridge that ties flavors together. From rich, savory red rice to comforting, perfectly seasoned purloo, rice is the canvas that absorbs layers of flavor—meats, fresh seafood, spices, and slow-cooked vegetables. It stretches meals, feeds families, and brings people together around the table. In true Gullah Geechee tradition, rice isn’t just food—it’s nourishment, community, and heritage in every bite. Growing up, rice wasn’t just something we made—it was something we were taught. I remember standing in the kitchen, watching pots simmer low, being told not to rush it, don't touch, and to always respect the kitchen. It showed up at every table—Sunday dinners, family gatherings, even the meals we pulled together with whatever we had on hand. Rice stretched the meal, but it also held it together. And without anyone saying it outright, we were being taught something deeper—that this wasn’t just food, it was tradition. Even now, every pot of rice carries those same lessons, connecting what we cook today to the hands and stories that came before us. If you’re looking to bring the spirit of Charleston cuisine into your own kitchen, start with rice. Build your dishes from the ground up—layering bold flavors with meats, fresh vegetables, and thoughtful seasoning while honoring the traditions that make Lowcountry cooking so special. And when you’re ready to experience it the way it’s meant to be—authentic, soulful, and unforgettable—let Carolima’s handle it for you. Book us for your next catered event and give your guests a true taste of the Lowcountry. Be sure to join our weekly newsletter to stay connected with our community, get updates on upcoming events, and keep the flavor going beyond the table. Join our weekly newsletter: Carolima's Weekly Newsletter
Gullah Geechee cooking is rooted in history, resilience, and deep cultural connection, with flavors that tell the story of West African influence in the Lowcountry. At the heart of this cuisine are simple, humble ingredients that transform into rich, soulful dishes. Whether you’re cooking a pot of okra soup or a comforting bowl of red rice, having the right pantry staples on hand is key to bringing these traditions to life. One of the most essential staples is rice, often referred to as the foundation of Lowcountry cooking. Carolina Gold rice, in particular, holds historical significance and is used in dishes like red rice, chicken bog, and purloo. Another must-have is dried or fresh okra, an ingredient brought over from West Africa that adds both flavor and texture to stews and rice dishes. Okra is incredibly versatile—whether fried, stewed, or sautéed, it’s a cornerstone of Gullah Geechee kitchens. Equally important is a selection of smoked meats, such as smoked turkey, ham hocks, or neck bones. These ingredients add depth and a signature savory richness to dishes like collard greens and field peas. Alongside that, beans and field peas—like red peas & lima beans—are pantry essentials that provide both nourishment and tradition, often cooked low and slow with smoked meats and spices. Finally, no Gullah Geechee pantry is complete without a blend of bold seasonings and aromatics. Staples like onion, garlic, peppers, and a well-balanced mix of spices bring each dish to life, building layers of flavor that define this cuisine. Together, these pantry staples create the foundation for meals that are not only delicious but deeply rooted in heritage, community, and storytelling. Want to bring these bold, soulful flavors to your table? Start with the right foundation. Book Carolima’s for your next gathering—and let us bring the taste of the Lowcountry straight to you.