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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.

 

Featured

Get Moving At One Of These Upcoming Races

On your marks, get set, GO….

Governor’s Cup Road Race – Columbia, SC – Saturday, February 22

Come out for the 48th Annual Governor’s Cup Road Race! Participants have the option of running either a half-marathon or a 5k through Columbia. The half-marathon takes runners over the Congaree River bridges, while the 5k is a fairly flat route through several of Columbia’s charming neighborhoods. Runners with children can participate in a kid-friendly 1-mile race.

Leap Frog 5K– North Myrtle Beach, SC – February, 29

Celebrate leap year in North Myrtle Beach! Dress up in costume while running a 5k or participating in a 1-mile fun run. Prizes will be awarded to the participants with the most fun costumes and The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach will receive a portion of the race proceeds.

Myrtle Beach Marathon – Myrtle Beach, SC – Saturday, March 7

Sign up for the marathon, half-marathon, 5k, or family fun run (approx. 1 mile) for a weekend of fun. Dave & Buster’s is kicking off the weekend with the beachfront Health and Wellness Expo on Friday, March 6th. On Saturday, runners can find two post-race celebrations after crossing the finish line! This race is a great way to explore the scenic coastline of Myrtle Beach and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Ashley River Adventure Race– Summerville, SC – March, 21*

This year is the 2nd annual Ashley River Adventure Race. The event includes a 5k trail run, followed by an 8-mile downriver paddle and ends with a post-race party at Middleton Place. Not a runner? No worries! Come participate in the fun float where you can enjoy a leisurely, untimed paddle down the Ashley River. 

*Participants must come prepared with their own kayak or stand up paddleboard. Rentals are available at Edisto River Adventures if needed.

Cooper River Bridge Run – Charleston, SC – Saturday, April 4*

Every year, around 40,000 runners take part in the Cooper River Bridge Run, crossing the Ravenel Bridge on their journey to downtown Charleston. The 10k race starts in Mount Pleasant and ends downtown on Meeting Street. This is one of the largest 10k races in the U.S. and is one of Charleston’s biggest events of the year! Runners are invited to a post-race festival in Marion Square to enjoy entertainment, vendors, food, and refreshments!

*Expect road closures Friday and Saturday this weekend.

Uncategorized

BFF Road Trip

The Ultimate SC Road Trip For You And Your BFF!

Want to know what’s better than a BFF night? A BFF road trip!

That’s right. Just you and your bestie hitting the open road with an awesome playlist, a bag full of snacks, and all the tea to spill. Traveling with your bestie is a major bonding experience that both of you need ASAP! Take yourselves out of your element and relax with your person by your side.

So load up your car because we’ve got a fun and fabulous SC road trip planned for you and your BFF.

Greenville, SC

Kick off the first day of the road trip by heading upstate to Greenville. Once there, stretch your legs and go for an afternoon hike along the Swamp Rabbit Trail where you can enjoy the great outdoors and exercise with your best friend. After, head downtown and go shopping to find a new outfit to wear to your late lunch date. You and your BFF can catch up and take in the up and coming city.

Myrtle Beach, SC

After a night in Greenville, head towards the coast to the casual, but always entertaining  Myrtle Beach. When you get there, find affordable lodging where you can park the car. Take a walk to the crowded boardwalk and breathe in the nightlife of bustling Myrtle Beach. Go through a haunted house, play games at the arcade and find a fun bar to get a quick dinner and enjoy live music together.

Charleston, SC

In the morning drive south along the coast to the Lowcountry and park in Charleston. Head downtown and take a drive to The Battery, then stroll through the market to find matching best friend bracelets. Check out one of the local breweries in town before heading to King St. where you can find low to high-end shopping. Make a reservation for two at one of the many restaurants in town and enjoy a late dinner and drinks before heading back to your hotel. On a budget? Spend less on a hotel by staying in Mount Pleasant or West Ashley which is just a quick Uber or Lyft from downtown.

Hilton Head Island, SC

When you wake up throw on a bathing suit for the last leg of the trip and drive to the relaxing Hilton Head Island. Rent bikes and ride through town and find a casual lunch spot. After two full days of exploring, get some R&R together and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Throw down two towels and enjoy each others company, after all the best kind of friend is the one you can just lay low and do nothing with. Find a cute bed and breakfast for the last night of your trip to watch a movie together in bed and get delivery from the best pizza place on the island.

Closer to Hilton Head Island than Greenville? Don’t worry! You can switch it up. Start wherever you’re closest to and have a blast!

 

 

Uncategorized

Summer Reading List

Best Beach Reads 2019: Books For Your Summer Reading List

The summer months are approaching in South Carolina and if you’ve ever spent any time in the Palmetto State – either on vacation, extended stay, or living here – you know that means many beach days are approaching.

Beach days and South Carolina’s famously hot weather go hand-in-hand, so, this likely means you’ll be spending some time on your favorite South Carolina beach this summer. From the Isle of Palms (the most aptly named beach in South Carolina) to Folly Beach or Myrtle Beach, there will be no shortage of tourists and locals alike soaking up the sun and taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

Luckily for you, we’ve anticipated this and know that you’ll need something to do in your beach chair. So, we’ve prepared a “2019 Beach Book List” so that you’ve got some options for your sunny day read.

Here’s a list of our favorites:

For Fun:

If You’re A History Fan:

If You’re Crazy and Like Politics:

  • Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance (this book actually comes recommended by former South Carolina Governor and Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley)
  • Operation Lost Trust (South Carolina politics) by John Crangle

Self Improvement (You Can Do It!):

Grab your beach chair, one of these books, and head to the beach for a day of sun and relaxation.

News

Meet The Three Great White Sharks Hanging Out Off The Coast Of South Carolina

Image Source: ABC.Net

Have you heard the news? South Carolina just got three new residents. Gray Lady, Jefferson, and Hal each made the long journey from the Northeast to the great state of South Carolina. Around the New Year, these three great white sharks made their way to the South Carolina coast, making it their temporary home.

Ocearch, a nonprofit organization leading research efforts around great white sharks and other large marine species, tracked each of them as they made their way through the dark depths of the ocean.

After leaving the Northeast region, all three great whites made their way down to Florida before heading back up north and taking up temporary residence in South Carolina. Grey Lady, originally from the Nantucket area, and Jefferson, hailing from the waters of Nova Scotia, are right below the Charleston coast. However, Hal, also joining us from Nova Scotia, traveled farther North for the New Year, hitting up Myrtle Beach.

Ocearch has tagged over 300 marine animals during their expeditions allowing you to watch the journey each of them makes as they travel the world.

While Grey Lady, Jefferson, and Hal are the only three tagged great whites off the coast of South Carolina, there are many other sharks hanging out off the coast, including three tiger sharks named Jax, Georgia, and Miss Michalove, and Norris, the hammerhead shark.

Additionally, with the recent arrival of our three new residents, we can bet there are more great whites coming into the area that aren’t tagged.

You can track the journey of all the tagged animals using Ocearch’s tracking map or keep up with each individual shark by following them on Twitter: @WhiteSharkHal, @GreyLadyShark, and @MissCostaShark.

Sometimes you can even catch a conversation between the sharks:

 

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Myrtle Beach is Planning for a Downtown Revitalization

Image Source: Expedia.com

Looks like Downtown Myrtle Beach is getting a little facelift. Nothing too crazy, the City of Myrtle Beach is making plans to revitalize the downtown Superblock. City Council members have plans to inject a little more life into the growing city.

Myrtle Beach sees literally millions of tourists throughout the year who largely impact the core of the local economy. However, the city is also experiencing unprecedented residential growth. Many businesses are thriving, so the goal in revitalization is to maintain and continue to grow the area.

Declared an Opportunity Zone by the Federal Government, the possibilities for the area are endless. Myrtle Beach just turned 80 this year so in terms of age, this city is basically a toddler and has so much room for development. According to the council, a strong downtown is necessary for positive economic and social development where the downtown is a hub for cultural, commercial, and civic activities.

City council members’ proposals focus on establishing an identity for downtown Myrtle Beach. The goals and strategies to achieve that plan reside in four downtown districts – entertainment, the Superblock, the south mixed use area and Family Kingdom – all of which were established by the Myrtle Beach Downtown Redevelopment Corporation.

The concept for the project centers around repurposing buildings for a new children’s museum and library. The renderings show a two story children’s museum and a four story library. The second floor of the library will have an exhibit hall and a covered terrace, the third a space for classrooms and offices and the fourth floor would include a roof garden and observation deck with ocean views.

Of course every procedure comes with complications and Myrtle Beach’s revitalization concept it no different. The key issues they are tackling include public safety, a static experience for tourists, little draw to the area for permanent residents and lack of redevelopment in these areas. The City Council is also debating the possibility of giving the public a chance to weigh in at a forum, with the only downside being a $2,000 price tag.

According to the Downtown Redevelopment Committee, since 2005 the market value of downtown Myrtle Beach has grown from $300 to $534 million and +7 percent growth in market value between 2012 and 2017. The redevelopment is likely only to increase those numbers and see even more visitors and residents.

News

‘Stallone’ the Alligator Makes His Way Down South For Retirement

Image Source: Courtesy of the Virginia Living Museum

Named “Stallone” after famous actor Sylvester Stallone, for his misaligned jaw and crooked smile this alligator had been a local celebrity at his home in the Virginia Living Museum over the past six years.

Ready for retirement, this 40 pound 5.5 foot Alligator is now headed further down south to none only than Myrtle Beach where he will find a new sanctuary at Alligator Adventure.

Originally found by Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries officers in Virginia Beach, May 2012,  Stallone has spent his past in the museum’s cypress swamp exhibit.

Check out the video below of Stallone’s first steps back when he was introduced into his exhibit in 2015, after being a program animal for 3 years!

Stallone will now spend the rest of his days surrounded in an environment full of other alligators, and as many as 200 different species in the Alligator Adventure haven.

If you are in the Myrtle Beach area, be sure to stop by and welcome Stallone to his new home as he will be arriving mid-November!

News

Hurricane Florence Relief Concert Coming Up in Myrtle Beach

Image Source: VisitMyrtleBeach.com

We may be almost two months out from Hurricane Florence’s wrath, but for so many the devastation is still present. That’s why Myrtle Beach is reaching out to its neighbors with some relief in the form of a benefit concert to be held Sunday, Nov. 11th at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Field.

The announcement was made on the Gator 107.9 country music radio show, who will be a partner in the production of the concert. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketreturn.com and via Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Prices range from $50-$200. All proceeds will stay in the area, going to the Area Recovery Council through Waccamaw Community Foundation, as well as the Eastern SC Chapter of the American Red Cross.

According to a Facebook post from Mayor Brenda Bethune, who has been an integral partner in this undertaking, the concert will be a unique and incredible experience. Artists will perform together for the first time, creating mashups with a party-down-south attitude. These artists, who are all performing for free, include:

Love and Theft

Chase Bryant

Michael Ray

Carly Pearce

Josh Philips

Davisson Brothers Band

The Swon Brothers

BlueDog

Darius Rucker

Local organizations such as Visit Myrtle Beach, City of Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, WPDE ABC15, Gator 107.9, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Ticket Return and many more have been working non-stop for several weeks to make this amazing event a reality. The teamwork, love and supper that has made this benefit possible will contribute to disaster relief efforts in the counties of Horry, Florence, Darlington, Marlboro, Dillon, and Marion.

Not only will the concert be an opportunity to come together as a community to help our neighbors impacted by Hurricane Florence, you will see some of your favorite artists performing like never before to do the same. The goal is to raise as much money as possible. In addition to attending, you can donate your time.

From lighting to staging, to artists, to location, volunteers are needed as the more that is contributed at little-to-no cost, the more money can be contributed the disaster relief. So many throughout the community have already donated their labor, services and resources. If you or anyone you know want to help, reach out by emailing MBHurricaneFlorenceConcert@gmail.com.