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Best Picnic Spots in South Carolina

There has never been a better time to explore South Carolina’s stunningly beautiful parks and gardens. Pack your picnic basket and head to one of these spots for an unforgettable picnic!

Caesars Head State Park

Caesars Head State Park has some of the most incredible views of Greenville, South Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Build up an appetite on a hike through Caesars Head State Park before finding an overlook to enjoy your picnic. The park is located on Geer Highway and has over 60 miles of hiking trails, many of which will lead you to a stunning cascading waterfall.

Lake Murray Public Park

Lake Murray is home to a variety of picnic shelters, many of which can be reserved for large group gatherings. While there are parking fees, the Lake Murray Public Park is a great spot for a summer picnic followed by a dip in one of their swimming beaches.

The Riverwalk Park

Explore Cayce, South Carolina for a day! The Cayce Riverwalk Park, which is located on Naples Avenue, covers 8 miles of land along the banks of the Congaree River. It is the perfect spot to walk along, fish or have a picnic. There are designated picnic shelters that provide access to water and electricity upon request.

White Point Garden

White Point Garden lies in the heart of downtown Charleston. Grab lunch from a nearby cafe or bring your own picnic basket and enjoy the views of Charleston Harbor. There are plenty of grassy areas, shaded by oak trees to relax under. You can also get a short history lesson by strolling through the park and examining the various statues and monuments.

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Unique Airbnb’s For a Weekend Getaway

Looking to take a much-needed weekend away? We’ve got you covered. Check out these unique Airbnb’s around South Carolina.

Bluffton Farm Cottage

Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, this townhouse boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is beaming with southern charm and is near Old Town Bluffton, one of the Lowcountry’s hidden gems. Get away from the hustle and bustle and explore this quaint southern town – you won’t be disappointed.

Folly Beach Jungle Hideaway

This picturesque two bedroom, two bathroom Folly Beach cottage is beaming with charm. It is close to the beach and provides guests with a golf cart and hot tub to enjoy. While there are only two bedrooms, there are also two sleeper sofas, providing extra beds if needed.

Greenville’s Luxury Downtown House and #1 Airbnb

Voted the #1 Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, this luxury home is within walking distance to a variety of downtown hotspots. It contains two bedrooms – one with a king bed and one with two twin beds. This home is an ideal getaway for a couple or a vacation with friends.

Lake Murray Family Retreat

Spend a weekend at the lake at this incredible property located on Lake Murray. This three bedroom, two bathroom home has a large living room and sweeping views of the lake. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind with your whole family.

Light-Filled Home in Hilton Head Island

Enjoy this entire home on your next escape to Hilton Head Island. This spacious home is located in the gated community of Palmetto Dunes and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. This home also has a private heatable pool and dock – both of which you can savor year round.

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Best Feel-Good News Stories of 2020

2020 has been a year that many would like to forget. However, there were plenty of good things that came out of this year. Here are some of South Carolina’s best feel-good news stories of 2020!

Conway Woman Launches Mental Health Clinic During COVID-19

Starting a business during a global pandemic is not an easy feat – but, Alfreda Small was up for the challenge. Alfreda Small recognized the lack of mental health care in her community in Horry County and vowed to make a difference, opening her own affordable mental health clinic in Conway, South Carolina.

Former South Carolina Governor Accepts Nobel Peace Prize

In October, David Beasley, former Governor of South Carolina, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the United Nation’s World Food Program. Beasley currently serves as the Executive Director of the World Food Program, which was recognized for the extensive efforts they are making to not only combat hunger but also improve the conditions in conflict-stricken areas.

‘Grow With Google’ Created To Help Minority-Owned Businesses In SC

In an effort to aid small businesses through this time of uncertainty, Google recently launched a new training program for minority-owned small businesses in South Carolina. The program, “Grow With Google,” provides small businesses with tools to increase their online presence and increase clientele.

Local Philanthropist Vows to Give $10K A Year to Charleston High School Grads For College

Ben Navarro, a local philanthropist and entrepreneur, has vowed to provide high school graduates in Charleston with $10,000 a year to go towards their college tuition with his new Meeting Street Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will undoubtedly help more students be able to afford and attend college.

Volunteers Help Fund Wheelchair Mats in North Myrtle Beach

In July, volunteers of the Adaptive Surf Project and the Surfrider Foundation began installing 6 new wheelchair mats across North Myrtle Beach. These wheelchair beach access points allow those that have a disability to enjoy the shore more easily.

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White Claw Coming to Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina will soon be the home of a new factory pumping out popular beverages – White Claw Hard Seltzer and Mike’s Hard Lemonade.

White Claw Hard Seltzer is a popular alcoholic beverage and comes in a variety of flavors including lime, black cherry, grapefruit, raspberry, and more. In an effort to keep up with the high demand for White Claw and Mike’s Hard Lemonade in the south, the companies made the decision to create this new mass-production factory.

The Richland county based factory will be located in the Pineview Industrial Park. Construction on the $400 million project will begin soon and should be completed by Summer 2021. It is expected to bring around 300 jobs to the Midlands area.

Richland County Council Chair Paul Livingston is eager to get the facility up and running after having helped persuade the company to come to Columbia saying, “once the company expressed their interest in South Carolina we showed them this wonderful site, Industrial Park, it became one of the top priorities for the company and so we persuaded every effort we could.”

Want to work at the new facility? Click here for more information on how to apply!

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Camden, SC opens Riverfront Park

Exploring the great outdoors that Kershaw County has to offer just got a whole lot easier!

On September 16th, Camden, South Carolina opened a new Riverfront Park that was two years in the making. The new Camden Riverfront Park includes a trail, launching area for kayaks and canoes, bridges and observation areas. It is located at 174 Bramblewood Plantation Road, also known as the historic Port of Camden.

The park cost $1.4 million, which was provided through funds from the city itself, the state Department of Natural Resources and a grant through South Carolina tourism officials.

Residents of Camden were able to provide input in the park’s general layout and function before the project began.

Park officials are planning on expanding the existing park in the coming years. Enjoy the changing weather in one of the many beautiful parks South Carolina has to offer!

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The State Will Offer Free Virtual Teaching Instruction To Teachers

The Department of Education in SC recently decided to extend to teachers a free virtual teaching training program. This allows teachers to focus on course material rather than struggle with online technology. The effective virtual instruction seminar is being offered to over 6,000 teachers in the SC area.

As the 2020-2021 school year begins, 1,700 teachers have already signed up for the course. It will remain to be offered throughout the school year. Funding for such a program comes directly from the federal CARES Act.

As for the content of the training seminar, teachers can expect to learn a range of topics. From planning instruction to the actual delivery, the course covers all things necessary for a smooth-running virtual classroom. Each live 90-minute session is available during the evening and weekend so that teachers have all opportunity to attend.

If you’re looking to attend, sign-ups are first-come, first-serve. Registration is open for the fall of 2020, and spring semester dates are still awaiting the announcement.

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Columbia Metropolitan Airport to Receive Millions From Government

In an effort to improve the safety and efficiency of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced some improvements are in the works. With the help of a federal grant of $2,744,932, the Columbia hub will see more than just a fresh coat of paint.

This year Trump delegated $10 billion in grants for improving aviation and airports across the U.S. As coronavirus has changed the way many are traveling, airports and the travel industry have taken a hard hit. This money simultaneously acts as a relief effort for those of the industry struggling.

The funding comes directly from “the U.S. Treasury Grand Fund to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency,” the Federal Aviation Administration explains in their frequently asked questions. Titled the “CARES Act”, the abbreviation stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security.

Columbia will implement this money through improvements made around the terminal building. Beginning with in-line bagging systems, new escalators, and baggage carousels, the changes will help streamline the traveling experience.