No, it’s not just you. The Joro spiders are everywhere this year. On Saturday morning, I left to get my Daylight Burrito, and a spider the size of my hand — identified by its yellow back, huge abdomen, and long legs — was blocking the path to my car.
We warned you about these spiders last month when they started appearing, but now that they’re out in force, it felt like a good time for a refresh.
What are they?
Each fall, the invasive species returns, spinning gold-tinged webs between structures like porches, carports, and power lines. The good news? They have no interest in going inside your house.
How did they get here?
It’s suspected they “hitched a ride” on shipping containers from East Asia before they were discovered along I-85 between Athens and Atlanta in 2014.
Are they harmful?
They don’t really bite, and they don’t pose a threat to humans or pets, but they could pose a threat to native spiders, as research shows there is less native biodiversity when Joro spiders are around.
Greenville Technical College Open House | 2:30-5:30 p.m. | Greenville Technical College - Dreisbach/Anderson Student Success Center (Bldg. 102), Greenville | Free | Join Greenville Technical College’s open house on Oct. 23 to explore academic programs, get expert advice on enrollment, financial aid, transfer options, and take a tour of the Barton Campus.**
Friday, Oct. 24
Greenville Country Music Fest | Friday, Oct. 24-Saturday, Oct. 25 | Times vary | CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park, Simpsonville | $91+
Now comes the fun part: voting. Now through Tuesday, Nov. 25, you can vote for your number one spot in each category. From kid-friendly venues to the best places to golf, there are plenty of options to brag on your favorite biz. You can vote from your mobile or desktop.
Hold tight. Winners will be announced Monday, Dec. 8.
Early voting is happening now until Friday, Oct. 31. Greenville County voters can cast their ballots at McAlister Square Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Community
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport launched a food drive to support government workers affected by the federal shutdown that began Oct. 1. Donations of shelf-stable foods and household goods are being collected for the airport’s federal employees — continuing through the duration of the shutdown. (Greenville Journal)
Seasonal
Halls Chophouse is brewing something scary for Halloween. Its new Halls-O-Ween Spook-Easy is now open, serving spirits of every kind through Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Outdoors
Comet Lemmon will streak across the Upstate sky today + tomorrow, glowing vivid green just below the Big Dipper about an hour after sunset. The comet hasn’t visited Earth in 1,350 years and won’t return for another millennium. Binoculars recommended for the best view. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Quoted
“To everybody in Greenville, we’ll figure out how to make it up to you.” That’s what Keith Urban said on the closing night of his tour in Nashville (hey, NASHtoday), after canceling his performance in Greenville the night before because he was on complete vocal rest due to laryngitis.
Edu
One year after breaking ground, Clemson’s $285 million Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine is on track to open in fall 2026 — the first veterinary school in SC. Applications for the inaugural class are now open through Nov. 17, with graduates expected to enter the field by 2030. (Greenville News)
Number
217,734. That’s how many people have switched to Oricle hearing aids — enjoying conversations, TV, and the sounds of life for under $100. Learn more.*
One of our favorite fall events, Hampton-Pinckney PorchFest, took over the porches of historic homes just steps from Downtown Greenville on Sunday afternoon.
Tap the post to hear a tune from local jazz group Absinthe Minded, and bookmark our Plan Ahead so you know about Greenville’s best events before they happen.
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.
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