We’re spending a week in the Johns Island/Charleston area next month and wondering a couple things. First, given recent events, what's the current political climate and does this inhibit tourism? Secondly, what’s your COVID situation and practices? And lastly, most importantly, what fun and food do you recommend? We like nature, history, architecture, art and food. I’m excited about a Downtown Culinary Walking Food Tour. Any other suggestions?

I'm really not sure why you would worry about the political climate unless you plan to picket somewhere! LOL As they said about SC (Pendergass in 1864ish), it's too small to be a republic and too big to be an asuylum. There is a truly awful surge in Covid and in NC/ Charlotte we are being URGED to stay home.
Our kids just went to Husk about 2 weeks ago and ate outside, which in Charleston is not an impossibility year round. I will add that my kids are super careful everywhere--I am sure there was indoor seating with appropriate distancing.
There are a jillion thread on here about what to do in Charleston. Don't forget you can go to a cat cafe.
https://www.pouncecatcafe.com/mission
You might look up articles in Garden and Gun for new special restaurants and things to do. Reservations will be a real necessity for the restaurants.
I think a restaurant on Bowen's Island was voted best oysters a couple of years ago.
Vivian Howard has opened a quick pick up restaurant and her new one may be open by now.
https://carolinas.eater.com/2020/8/1...afe-charleston

Just for kicks I googled "new restaurant in charleston" and got this page
https://www.google.com/search?
sxsrf=ALeKk02SavOHHl_GHaW9GPsLz9UrYVgQDA%3A1610882 642047&source=hp&ei=Uh4EYNV5gd7mAse0hQg&q=new+restaurants+in+Charleston&oq=new+restaurants+in+Charleston&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIFCAAQyQMyAggAMgYIABAWEB4yBgg AEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeM gYIABAWEB46BAgjECc6CAguELEDEIMBOggIABCxAxCDAToHCCM QyQMQJzoCCC46CwguELEDEMcBEKMCOgoILhDHARCvARAnOgUIA BCxAzoFCC4QsQM6BQgAEJIDOggILhDHARCvAToOCC4QsQMQgwE QxwEQrwE6CAgAELEDEMkDOgsILhCxAxDHARCvAVDMFFiURmC5S mgAcAB4AIABngGIAcMUkgEEMjQuNZgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXo&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwjV6pu97aLuAhUBr1kKHUdaAQEQ4dUDCAk&uact=5

Maybe you'd like to make your stay in Charleston REALLY memorable and go glamping in an Airstream
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3129233...lFR%2FeOocHP0E

Gretchen , thanks for your ideas. Outdoor dining is what I’m most interested in. Also outdoor activities.

Hi, I live in Charleston and can give some recommendations. Right now there is now worry about the political situation, but there can be locations that people seem to just ignore the mask requirement. It's not uncommon to walk downtown and have a lot of people not wearing masks, even though you can get a ticket for not doing so. As stated in an earlier post, restaurants and bars are offering both indoor and outdoor seating in most places.
For restaurants, one of my favorites is Wild Olive out on Johns Island. They source most of their ingredients from local farmers and the food is fantastic. Also on Johns Island you have the Fat Hen (good french), and the Tattood Moose (out door seating, live music, duck fat fries). While you're out in John Island, drive over and visit the Angel Oak tree (It's free).
For Downtown, you really can't go wrong with the restaurants on Queen Street ( Husk, 82 Queen (lots of patio seating in the back), and Pooghans Porch. Cru Cafe is another one of our favorites located near market street. On King Street, you'll find lots of newer restaurants that are really good, mixed in with ton's of bars and shops. If you make it across the bridge to Mt Pleasant, you should visit Shem Creek area. Red's Ice house is a local spot right o the water and is great for Oysters (in season now) and cold beers.

Our kids live Xi BAo Biscuit.