The Second Jewel: Inside the Exclusive Preakness Celebration at Charleston’s Newest Social Sanctuary, TIDEWATER
- May 22
- 3 min read
If there is one thing we Bluegrass girls know, it’s that a change of scenery is good for the soul, but scenery with cocktails and watching the ponies run is even better.
For those of us who spent the dreary (and what felt like never-ending) winter dreaming of mint juleps and garden parties, summer’s celebration season kicked off with month-long Derby Festival and of course, race-day itself the first Saturday in May. And we are keeping the momentum going through to the final jewel of the Triple Crown!
Celebrate. Literally. Everything.
Triple Crown Celebration Circuit
The Preakness Stakes is the high-stakes middle child of the Triple Crown. While the race is usually synonymous with Baltimore’s Pimlico, this year was a bit different. The race was held at Laurel Park while Pimlico needed a bit of a refresher - sis, don’t we all. But even with a new backdrop, the classic traditions remain-singing "Maryland, My Maryland" and the draping of the Black-Eyed Susans over the winner. It's no “My Old Kentucky Home” and red roses, but let’s give them a pass.
And, sorry, can we just pause for a second to talk about the literal history we witnessed at the Derby? Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer in history to win the Run for the Roses with Golden Tempo, (a colt born in the Bluegrass on the historic Claiborne Farm in Bourbon County, Kentucky). As “This One’s for the Girls” played on a loop in my mind (praise be to 90’s-Country icon Martina McBride) watching this win was an unforgettable moment, I hope it inspires girls and women everywhere to reach for their own Garland of Roses.
While Golden Tempo sat the Preakness out to gear up for the final race in the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, it was a good reminder that even champions need to slow down and prioritize self-care.
And sometimes the best form of self-care is a cocktail party in the Lowcountry.
A Little More South
Since The Galerie Events and Hospitality is adding South Carolina to our service area, traveling back and forth between Lexington and Charleston feels like living life in two places. Feeling connected to community is a priority in this new season - so enter TIDEWATER - a home away from home. Charleston’s newest social club is a soft place to land for transplants and locals alike to connect with same “age-and-stage” friends, entrepreneurs. And bonus for those of us who work remote - a consistent, high-end, and peaceful environment to work flexibly without the isolation of working from home or struggling in an ill-equipped coffee shop.
We are talking about a dream of a complex on the Charleston peninsula overlooking native marsh wetlands that stretch out to the Ashley River - and Psst! The membership drive is still open!!
And for all my Go Sports! girlies, the grounds have pickleball courts, sleek golf bays, a rejuvenating wellness setup complete with a sauna and cold plunge.
And y’all… there is a dedicated lot, say less.
Now that I’m 40 - please, Jesus take the wheel, your girl is over parallel parking.
Horseplay
After recovering from another so-fun Derby celebration in Louisville filled with good friends, the legendary Smoked Bologna Log, and Burgoo that Daniel Boone would be proud of, we snagged an exclusive inside scoop of the most anticipated event of TIDEWATER’s social season preview: the Preakness Party. The event was an across the board winner and is a the must-attend, front-runner event to incorporate into our 2027 Triple Crown Celebration Circuit.
This year’s event had exclusive TIDEWATER swag, music from Reverse Cowgurl and guest DJs, Surfside Seltzer, mobile bars, and of course a Hat Contest. Shout out to winner Kerry Wolfe!
While the exclusive Preakness Party has wrapped, and we are already logging hat inspo for next year, the real magic begins when the doors open this June, and club access for members is 24/7!
With monthly dues for charter members starting at $325 and an application process focused on authenticity and charisma, TIDEWATER offers a place to build community, create connection, and embrace Charleston’s heart for hospitality.
If you want to secure your spot among Charleston’s newest social scene and co-working space, apply for membership before the summer rush - head over to tidewaterchs.com.
Grab your favorite sundress and a cocktail-see y’all on the porch, we'll save you a seat for Preakness 2027!
