Destinations

SC Governor to Reopen Public Attraction Facilities

Prior to memorial day weekend, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster stated that public attractions are now allowed to reopen throughout South Carolina.

The facilities themselves cover a large span of locales. From zoos and museums to parks and go-kart tracks, people are once again allowed to enjoy their services. This excludes nightclubs, bowling alleys, sporting events, and any other indoor activities where you could be within close proximity to others. The 6-feet-apart social distancing rule is still suggested.

The Carowinds amusement park is excluded as they’ve chosen to remain closed.

McMaster announced that youth and adult sporting leagues are now welcome to host practices. In Master’s guidelines for re-opening, he states “The value of team sports as a form of recreation that provides positive impacts on both individual physical health and the social health of our communities.” Outdoor activities, especially in the summer, are a large part of the South Carolina community.

Effective May 31st, practices return. Effective June 15th, games and competitions return. This slow integration is in response to coronavirus and public health recommendations.

McMaster reinforces communication, sanitation, and hydration during this transition. With these pillars in place, he is hopeful sporting events will return in a safely this summer.

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Darlington Raceway, “The Track Too Tough to Tame”

Featured Image: Play Florence

In the PeeDee of our beautiful state stands a classic, action-packed icon. The Darlington Raceway has been one of NASCAR’s prized tracks since 1950. With nicknames like “The Lady in Black” and “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” how could you not want to learn more about this Palmetto State treasure?

In 1948, Harold Brasington, a retired racer, was inspired by the Indianapolis 500 to make a track back home in Darlington, South Carolina. He bought 70 acres of land from a local farmer and started constructing the raceway. He designed an egg-shaped track to stay true to his deal with the farmer not disturb the land’s minnow pond, giving the track a sharper turn on the west side of the track.

The first race held in 1950 occurred on Labor Day, starting a tradition of Labor Day races at Darlington up until 2003 when the race was moved to Mother’s Day weekend. However, in 2015, the tradition carried on, moving the Southern 500 back to its classic Labor Day weekend date.

As for the nicknames, “The Lady in Black” was given for the fresh asphalt sealant laid on the track the night before race days, giving a dark black appearance in the early days of Darlington Raceway. “The Track Too Tough to Tame” comes from the number of cars that hit the wall several laps into the race. Many NASCAR drivers have attested to this name, saying that when racing at Darlington, you’re racing the track, not the competition. Those that do hit the wall earn the “Darlington Stripe”, a term coined after the stripe of missing paint on the side of the car.

The Darlington Raceway is still going strong with events throughout the year. Take a look at their calendar or stop by the museum to get a taste of this South Carolina tradition.

Featured

Plan Your Next Vacation To One Of These Underrated Gems In S.C.

While we all know and love Charleston, Hilton Head, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, there are a few hidden gems in our state that are worth visiting. It’s time to turn these pass by towns and tucked away cities into destinations and enjoy all that they have to offer.

So, get out your map (or Siri) and start planning your next trip to one of these underrated South Carolina treasures:

Bluffton

Minutes from well-known Hilton Head Island is a hidden Lowcountry gem called Bluffton, South Carolina. Located on the May River, Bluffton is a gorgeous town just an hour from Savannah and is filled with rich history, beautiful mossy oak trees, and charming boutique stores and restaurants. It has a little bit of everything, with a bustling downtown area, a phenomenal art scene, and in close proximity to the beach.

What to do:

Visit one of the oldest (and most gorgeous) churches in the South at Church of the Cross, take a bike ride to explore the downtown area or shop in the old town.

Where to eat:

Eat a bit, drink a bit, and listen to a little bit of music on the rooftop bar of The Bluffton Room. Or, if you want the best burgers in town head over to Old Town Dispensary.

Where to stay:

Stay in one of the fourteen rooms at Old Town Bluffton Inn for a good night’s sleep and welcoming accommodations.

Beaufort

Not far from the Holy City is the second oldest city in South Carolina, Beaufort. Located on one of South Carolina’s coastal Sea Islands, Beaufort was once named “the best small southern town” by Southern Living. With sprawling historic mansions and water views like no other, we can’t argue with this. Beaufort is a must visit in South Carolina.

What to do:

Take in the beauty at Waterfront Park, book a Catamaran Wild Horse & Dolphin Scenic Cruise, or explore the many shops in the historic district.

Where to eat:

You can’t go to Beaufort without eating at Old Bull Tavern or Wren Bistro.

Where to stay:

Book a room at Anchorage 1770 in the main house or cottage and you won’t regret it.

Pendleton

Just under an hour from Greenville is this small town founded in 1790. Pendleton has a rich history and was once a summer home retreat for Lowcountry plantation owners in the 1800’s. The entire town is on the National Historic Registry so everything in the town is historic. With quaint antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants, Pendleton is sure to give you those Hallmark small-town vibes.

What to do:

Stroll through Pendleton Square and admire the artwork of Pendleton Square Artists Cooperative at the Art Gallery on Pendleton Square and shop at one of the many boutiques located on Exchange Street or E. Queen Street.

Where to eat:

Eat up at 1826 Bistro then go enjoy a glass (or bottle) of wine at Viva Pendleton.

Where to stay:

After a long day of shopping, strolling through the town, and eating all the delicious food, you can catch a good night of sleep at Liberty Hall Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1849, this bed and breakfast is full of history and heart and has over ten rooms to choose from.

Georgetown

Georgetown is often just a pass by town in between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, but it boasts many reasons why it should, in fact, be a destination, or at least an extended stop in between destinations. This small coastal South Carolina town is a beautiful historic waterfront community offering many things to see and do. With just one visit you’ll see why Georgetown is a destination, not just a rest stop.

What to do:

You can’t go to Georgetown without strolling along the Harborwalk on Front Street. After visiting one of the many museums or get a little spooky with a ghost tour.

Where to eat:

Front Street is filled with waterfront dining but the River Room is some of the best seafood you can find.

Where to stay:

Catch a few zzz’s in 620 Prince, a gorgeous luxury bed and breakfast located in historic Georgetown.

Where are you headed to first?

News

Greenville Named Among Top Destinations on the Rise

This SC City Named One Of The Top Destinations On The Rise in the Country

Image Source: City of Greenville

Millions of travelers from around the world recognize the best in travel each year for TripAdvisor’s annual Traveller’s Choice Awards. This year travelers chose Greenville as one of the top U.S. destinations on the rise.

Greenville, no stranger to popular top lists, is sitting pretty in the number eight spot on TripAdvisor’s list of “Top Destinations on the Rise in the United States“.

“Greenville, South Carolina is anchored by what Forbes Magazine calls one of America’s Best Downtowns,” TripAdvisor states. “Featuring a one-of-a-kind “floating” suspension bridge and set against the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville boasts a thriving arts scene, hundreds of restaurants, shops and boutiques, popular annual festivals, numerous historic sites and museums housing significant art collections. Excellent interstate service and a user-friendly international airport make access easy.”

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TripAdvisor and tourists chose Falls Park on the Reedy, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, and Fluor Field at the WestEnd as the three things visitors can’t miss when in the city.

Other cities in the top ten include Kapaa, HI; Waco, TX; Wilmington, NC; Bend, OR; Boulder, CO; Paso Robles, CA; Richmond, VA; Omaha, NE; and Lexington, KY.

Head over to TripAdvisor to check out the other categories.