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South Carolina Cities Mandate Masks

To mask or not to mask, is no longer the question. This month, several SC cities are pushing to mandate that all citizens need to wear face protection in public.

The Charleston City Council approved a face mask ordinance which began being enforced on July 1st. The ruling mandates that all citizens must wear face mask protection when entering any retail or restaurant establishment. This movement caters in an attempt to keep businesses open.

Greenville Online shared a sign posted at the door of a CVS Pharmacy on Main Street. “Face masks are required by law. When you wear a face mask, even ones made from cloth or common household items and materials, you promote your own safety and that of our colleagues and other customers,” the sign read. The response to these changes has been both negative and positive. 

With 30,263 confirmed COVID-19 cases statewide, SC has officially become a hotspot this summer. Some say these cases came as a response to establishments re-opening too quickly. 

“The state cannot mandate everyone to wear a mask,” says Governor Henry McMaster on the issue. “It is ineffective, impractical, and unenforceable to have a statewide mandatory mask requirement.” McMaster did plead for citizens to start wearing masks. As of now, there are no further plans to lift restrictions on establishments that facilitate large crowds. 

With cases still rising, we haven’t heard the last of the mask debate. But, it is difficult to say whether or not we will see any permanent legislative changes regarding the wearing of a mask.

Featured

5 Cities in South Carolina That You Must Visit!

Featured image source: HDR, Inc.

Thinking of taking a trip to South Carolina? These five cities are must-stop spots for those looking to soak up the rich history of the state, enjoy fine dining, and experience beautiful views, wildlife and attractions.

Charleston


Known as the Holy City, few places in South Carolina offer such a rich look into the past as Charleston. The city boasts 1,400 historic homes, churches and old buildings, many available to tour by horse-drawn carriage tours or by exploring on your own. Other notable spots include Fort Sumter, the federal stronghold that guarded Charleston Harbor during the American Civil War, and the South Carolina Aquarium, home to a variety of animals like river otters, rattlesnakes, and rehabilitated sea turtles.

Myrtle Beach


Known as “the Las Vegas of South Carolina,” Myrtle Beach is a hotspot for tourists looking to enjoy museums, nightlife, and miles of beautiful sandy beaches. Shop until you drop at Broadway at the Beach (the largest shopping and entertainment centre in the State!) or ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, enjoying a 10 minute ride with spectacular views. To see natural wildlife like egrets and alligators, check out Waccamaw River Nature & Wildlife Tours. For a more peaceful day, just grab some sunscreen and enjoy the sand!

Greenville


Greenville is a blossoming cultural city known for beautiful views and upcoming talent. The Greenville Center for Creative Arts holds multiple galleries with local and regional art. Those looking to explore the great outdoors can visit one of 30+ waterfalls dotted throughout the Upcountry.  For a bite to eat, stop by The Anchorage, a semifinalist for best new restaurant in the 2018 James Beard Awards that plates homemade pastas and locally sourced meats. For those looking for a drink, check out one of Greenville’s many breweries.

Hilton Head


The quieter cousin of Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head is a great place to soak up the sun away from the crowds. Hilton Head has been named America’s favorite island, offering 12 miles of beaches, and extensive opportunities for golf. The island hosts the Coastal Discovery Museum, featuring heritage buildings, trees and themed gardens. It is also home to the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh, housing deer, alligators, and birds. Be sure to enjoy fresh seafood at one of the ocean-view restaurants.

Columbia


South Carolina’s capital has no shortage of fun spots to visit. Visitors to the Soda City Market can sample hot boiled peanuts (the unofficial state snack!) while browsing local produce, food, and crafts. Meanwhile, science lovers can enjoy the four-story South Carolina State Museum, the largest of its kind with both a science theater and planetarium. Other notable spots in Columbia include Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Café and the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, home to more than 2000 animals ranging from koala cubs to Komoda dragons.

 

Eat & Drink

Why Greenville’s Food Trucks are Disappearing

Featured image source: Mykal McEldowney, Greenville News

Despite best efforts to market the city as a haven for food trucks, strict regulations in Greenville, SC are making it more and more difficult for entrepreneurs to keep their businesses going. This week, the Greenville News reported that new fire safety rules intended to make food trucks safer have “left some parked for good,” and that 22 out of Greenville’s 32 active food trucks are no longer able to operate in the city.

The new rules require food trucks to have “exhaust hoods, automatic fire-suppression systems, and other tools and systems in place” in order to pass annual fire inspections. The main issue with the new rules for Greenville truck drivers, according to the News, is not the equipment requirements, but rather the time crunch. According to one food truck owner, he only learned of the new fire-code rules from the city in late November, just a few weeks before the rules were set to take effect on the first of the new year.

The Greenville ordinance also requires all food trucks to operate in a limited number of designated public parking spots, and to be at least 250 feet from all brick-and-mortar restaurants, unless given approval to be closer. The News reports that that last restriction is a “notorious food-truck killer,” and has partially contributed to the recent decline.

Folks who want to hunt down the city’s remaining meals on wheels can use the food truck database Roaming Hunger to see bios, upcoming events and locations, and years of operation for Greenville food trucks. For some of the best out there, try The Gravy Train’s Thanksgiving-inspired poutine, Curry Leaf’s spicy Masala Chai tea, or Pink Mama’s Original Lavender White Chocolate ice cream.

Featured

What To Do During Your Next Weekend Getaway To Greenville, SC

If you’ve never been to Greenville and don’t know what to do, here are a few things you can look into…. 

Check out the artwork!

The Greenville County Museum of Art is home to the world’s largest collection of watercolors! It offers free admission and is conveniently located downtown.

If you want to see more artwork, then check out the Village of West Greenville. This area is an expanding community of the arts, with many art galleries, studios and shops selling locally-made pieces. And, if you happen to be in town for the first Friday of the month, then check out First Friday at the Greenville Center for the Creative Arts! From 6-9pm on First Fridays, you can see local artwork and will have the chance to meet the artists.

Spend some time outdoors!

Check out Falls Park and the Liberty Bridge! These are located downtown on the Reedy River and are a cool spot to take a walk or have a picnic. If you are a more intense outdoor adventurer, then there are many great hiking trails just a short drive from the downtown area!

Go on a brewery tour!

Greenville is now home to 15 breweries, with more in the works to open soon! Can’t decide which one to visit? Then check out one of the brewery tours offered by The Brewery Experience or The Greenville Brews Cruise and spend the day brewery hopping!

Have kids? Take them to the Children’s Museum!

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is a great place to bring your kids for a day of fun and interactive learning. It’s a learning and play museum for kids ages 1-8, with more than 20 hands-on exhibits. Some activities will change on a monthly basis and admission is fairly priced. If you live close enough, memberships are available and you can even book birthday parties and group trips!

See a show!

There are a few different theaters in Greenville where you can see a show! The Peace Center, Greenville Theatre, Centre Stage, and Warehouse Theatre are all cool spots and all have different shows to offer. Whether you like plays, concerts, or ballet, you are bound to find something that interests you.

 

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Things To Do South Carolina Fall

8 Things To Do Around South Carolina This Fall

Cooler temps are here which means South Carolinians can finally go outside and enjoy outdoor events. Get in the fall spirit and check out one of these awesome activities happening in South Carolina this autumn.

  1. Whether you’re interested in learning about Korean culture or you just love the cuisine, the 2019 South Carolina Korean Festival in Columbia on October 26th has something for everyone.
  2. Check out the finest designs and handiwork that South Carolina artists have to offer at the Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic Art and Craft Festival in Columbia on October 26th.
  3. Also being held in Columbia on the 26th is the 32nd Annual Chili Cook-Off in Five Points. The free event will feature live music and a variety of chilis to sample.
  4. Bring the whole family to The 4th Annual Community Fall Festival Block Party in Rock Hill on October 31st, which will feature music and activities, as well as partnerships with over 90 local businesses.
  5. Go for best costume at the Halloween Costume Crawl in Greenville. You’ll make a stop at each of the six participating bars (each with their own drink specials) and take part in the costume contest at the final destination, with $500 in prizes up for grabs.
  6. Watch a match with a view at the Hot Air Balloon Festival & Victory Cup Polo Match in Greenville, which takes place on November 1st and 2nd.
  7. Grab a beer at the Greenville Craft Beer Festival, held in the outfield of Fluor Field. The Festival, celebrating its 7th year on November 9th, is considered one of the state’s premier craft beer festivals.
  8. Seafood lovers should check out the Lexington Fall Festival & Oyster Roast on November 16th, the tickets for which will pay for live music, beer and wine in addition to delicious fresh oysters.

For a taste of South Carolina history right after Thanksgiving, visit the SC State Museum Fall Heritage Festival & Pickin’ Party on November 30th. The event will feature music, artists, craftsmen, folk-life demonstrations, and three different kinds of SC barbeque.

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South Carolina’s Best Biking Trails

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolina’s landscape is hard to not love. No matter where you are in the Palmetto State, one of the best ways to take in the state’s natural beauty is to bike through it. Here are five of the best biking trails and paths that you can pedal through to soak in the beauty of Carolina and break a sweat while doing it!

Swamp Rabbit Trail

This 22-mile trail, located in Greenville was opened in 2009 and has since been a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Winding along the Reedy River, this trail offers paved terrain for a leisurely ride or you can step it up and ride through Downtown Greenville. For both types of riders, there are plenty of incredible food options and places to rest after a hard ride, including the Swamp Rabbit Cafe.

Hilton Head Island Pathways
Throughout Hilton Head exists 60 miles of pathways for cyclists to enjoy. Having been awarded gold status as a bicycle-friendly community, Hilton Head has made it easy to get just about anywhere on the island using your bike. The Pathways allow you to take in the 12 miles of Atlantic coastline while burning some calories!

North Augusta Greeneway

Along South Carolina’s border, the Savannah River offers breathtaking sights for all to see. The North Augusta Greeneway allows bikers and pedestrians to travel over seven miles to admire the beauty that North Augusta and the Savannah have to offer. From wooded areas to riverside, bikers will see this town in a new light along one of the flatter and easier trails on this list.

Bike the Neck

Running along Highway 17, the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway covers everything from Pawleys Island to Murrells Inlet and more. Currently offering 18.6 miles of paved bike pathways, the Neck will eventually span down to Georgetown and all of Horry County, covering 27 miles.

Three Rivers Greenway

In Columbia, 8.5 miles of trails sit next to three beautiful rivers, the Broad, Congaree and Saluda Rivers. As bikers and nature lovers get to ride beside the river banks, they’ll come across outdoor amphitheaters, boardwalks and lighted paths. The Three Rivers Greenway will allow you to see plenty of wildlife while admiring the state capital from your bike!

Eat & Drink

The Best Places to Grab a Brew in Greenville

Featured Image: Draft Mag

With all of the breweries across South Carolina, it’s no surprise that Greenville has emerged as one of the top cities in not only the state but the country, for beer enthusiasts. With 16 breweries per 100,000 residents, it was recently named the 8th Best City in America for Beer Lovers by Apartmentguide.

The last half-decade has seen the craft beer scene take flight in South Carolina with the introduction of two laws. The 2013 “Pint Law,” allowing breweries to sell customers three times more beer than they previously could and the 2014 “Stone Law,” permitting breweries to serve food and sell bottles and cans on-site, have both allowed the craft beer industry to bloom in the Palmetto State.

Take a look at our favorite Greenville breweries:

Birds Fly South Ale Project

Named a “Brewery to Watch” by Draft Magazine, Birds Fly South Ale Project, has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy a cold one at their Hampton Avenue facility. They specialize in farmhouse ales and Saisons and have been consistently lauded as one of the best breweries in Greenville.

Quest Brewing Company

Quest’s mission is to produce unique and innovate beers that will leave a lasting impression on their customers. Even though it’s located just outside of the city on Airview Drive, Quest Brewery is well worth the trip, featuring year-round selections and seasonal brews in a fun atmosphere.

Thomas Creek Brewery

For a tried and true brewery experience, look no further than Thomas Creek Brewery, a mainstay of the craft beer scene on Piedmont Highway since 1998. Thomas Creek is defined by its wide variety, specialized tours, large outdoor patio and of course, great beer. 

Brewery 85

Located right off of I-85, Brewery 85 boasts year-round and seasonal hits that make it a local favorite. Combining Southern culture with traditional German brewing techniques, the Brewery 85 crew creates a beer unique to the Upstate.

The Eighth State Brewing Company

Featuring many of their own brews as well as collaborations with other breweries, Eighth State does craft beer right. Located on Augusta St., the taproom features a full bar that includes liquor and wine as well as a kitchen.

 

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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.