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The Second Round of Voluntary Layoffs Offered by Boeing Ensues

As an attempt to conserve the number of people furloughed, Boeing is now offering a second round of voluntary layoffs. This incentivized layoff offers a package to employees that opt to leave the company. Employees are said to receive payments as well as benefits. 

Job cuts became necessary after Boeing discontinued the production of its best-selling jet in April of 2020. The 787 Dreamliner and 777 were both big cuts from the roster of Boeing’s jets. 

The company released a statement explaining that “while we have seen signs of recovery from the pandemic, our industry and our customers continue to face significant challenges. We have taken proactive steps to adjust to the market realities and position our company for the recovery. As we continue to assess our workforce and in response to employee feedback, we will be offering a second voluntary layoff (VLO) opportunity for employees to depart the company voluntarily with a pay and benefits package.”

Back in May, Boeing furloughed 6,770 employees throughout the U.S. This decision came as a response to the mandated travel ban in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

In reference to the second round of layoffs, CEO of Boeing Dave Calhoun told employees that it “will extend our overall workforce reductions beyond the initial 10% target and will allow more employees who want to depart the company to do so voluntarily with a pay and benefits package. Importantly, it also will help limit additional involuntary workforce actions.”

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What To Do During Your Next Weekend Getaway To Hilton Head Island, SC

Summer trips aren’t entirely canceled this year. While you might not be able to book a getaway overseas, that doesn’t mean you can’t travel at all. Gear up for a road trip this summer and head to Hilton Head Island, SC. Your family trip or weekend getaway can still be packed full of adventure. Check out this list of activities for your next visit to Hilton Head.

Hit the Beach

It wouldn’t be a trip to Hilton Head without a relaxing day at the beach. Luckily, they’ve got many to choose from. Coligny Beach Park is a fan favorite and by far the most popular. With gorgeous sunsets and perfect weather for a day on the coast, you’ll be left wanting to extend your trip. For those seeking a bit more peace and quiet, Mitchelville Beach is sure to please. This northeastern end shore is a great remote relaxation spot.

Visit a Museum

Once you’ve got your taste of the sun, head to the Coastal Discovery Museum for free admission. This 68-acre museum offers culture and history your kids will love. Not only will families adore it, but travelers can enjoy the stunning oak trees and gardens as far as the eye can see. There’s something for everyone at this outdoor ecological preserve.

Have a Night in Harbour Town

For fun, shopping, and socializing, a night in Harbour Town is just the answer. The downtown Hilton Head district is filled with scenic views and delicious restaurants. You’ll feel like you’re inside a postcard! Meander down the streets post-dinner for a picturesque evening sunset along the water.

Go Golfing

The famous RBC Heritage PGA golf tournament takes place at the Harbour Town Link. Book a tee time for the same greens your favorite golfers competed on. Not only is Harbour Town a stunning spot, but there are 24 other private and public championship golf courses to choose from. Grab your visor and glove because it’s time to hit the greens!

Rent a Boat Tour

For an up-close and personal look into the elegant waterways, you’ll want to book a boat tour. See the beach from a new perspective while enjoying a nice sea breeze. Cast a line or enjoy a lunch on the boat. Either way, this is an experience you simply won’t want to miss.

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The 5 Best Wedding Venues in SC

It should come as no shock to anyone that South Carolina is one of the wedding capitals of the world. With countless streets lined with Spanish moss and warm weather year-round, engaged couples seem to fall in love with the scenic Carolinas. For those considering tying the knot in the palmetto state, check out this round-up of the five best wedding venues South Carolina has to offer. 

William Aiken House

This Lowcountry locale is located directly off King Street, the main road on the downtown Charleston peninsula. The William Aiken House is a dreamy garden escape just feet away from the most lively boulevard. Its well-groomed green space is almost unheard of! Besides its picturesque location, the open-air piazzas and elegant reflection pool make it quintessential for saying “I-Do.”

Kiawah River

Kiawah Island is known for its vast golf courses and calm beaches, but just down the road is the Kiawah River sea-island. This homestead is cloaked with an awning of oak trees with Spanish moss dangling like a chandelier. The natural beauty paints the perfect backdrop for celebrating love. 

Lowndes Groove

This Charleston waterfront venue has stood for nearly four centuries. Known for its 14-acres of nature, Lowndes Grove attracts couples who have a passion for the outdoors. Dine al fresco or pitch a tented installation. You’re sure to enjoy an evening in this idyllic estate.

Harbour Town Yacht Club HHI, SC

Located in Hilton Head, SC, the Harbour Town Yacht Club has hosted weddings for over thirty years. Its famous lighthouse acts as a beacon for engaged couples. They adore the scenic view and surrounding nightlife its location has to offer. If you’re looking to dine on the finer side, this venue’s got you covered with its Club Room and outdoor patio.

Montage Palmetto Bluff

Hope to many celebrity nuptials over the years, Montage Palmetto Bluff is the pinnacle of elegance. Located in Bluffton, SC, this destination features a pristine chapel and charming Village Square. Guests can enjoy the oversized verandas and luxurious oak ballroom. It’s truly a fantasy come alive.

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.

 

News

South Carolina City Named Top City In U.S.

This South Carolina City Was Named The Top City In The U.S., Again

Locals and visitors know there’s no shortage of welcoming cities in South Carolina. From Greenville to Charleston, each city in South Carolina has its own unique characteristics that have people pouring in to our state to visit and to live. However, there’s one South Carolina city that Condé Nast readers are simply in love with.

For the ninth year in a row, Charleston made the top of the list of small cities in the United States. A year shy of a decade, Condé Nast Traveler recently awarded the Holy City with the title as #1 Small City in the United States.

For 32 years, Condé Nast has done its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, where well-traveled readers cast their votes for the best places they visited around the world. In years past, the vote was a single category of best cities, but with a record-breaking 300,000+ registered voters this year, the vote was broken up into two categories: cities with 350,000 people or less and cities with more.

As the ranking states, “When you consider everything it has to offer—history, culture, food, charm—it’s no wonder the so-called Holy City has topped our list of the best small cities in the U.S. for nine years running.” From the architecture to the world-class restaurants, Charleston cannot be beat, as the past nine years have clearly shown.

With the immense popularity Charleston has gained over the years, Condé Nast even included a separate ranking for the 10 best hotels in Charleston for the Readers’ Choice Awards. The French Quarter Inn topped the list, making it the best place to stay in the best city in the nation!

As the numbers have grown to over 7 million visitors in the Charleston area, so has the yearly economic boost that the area receives from the tourism industry. Currently, at over $8 billion pumped into the region’s economy, that number is bound to grow even more with this year’s rankings.

With number one rankings from Southern Living, Afar and even seven years straight in Travel + Leisure, it’s clear that Charleston, SC is a great place to visit and an even greater place to live!

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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.

Eat & Drink

Old Town Bluffton

Plan Your Next Weekend Getaway To Old Town Bluffton

Old Town Bluffton is a gorgeous and welcoming town nestled on the banks of May River. Located in the town of Bluffton, the old town has charm, culture, history, and fun. It’s laid back, coastal vibe makes for a relaxing time yet it has plenty for people to do.

The entire old town is bikeable, walkable, or if you’re lucky enough to know a local, golf cart-able. Most of the locals own golf carts and drive from their nearby houses into the old town where they can enjoy great food, live music, and shop the local boutiques.

So, now that we’ve convinced you to start planning your trip, here are some tips on what to do, where to stay, and where to eat:

What To Do:

Calhoun Street is where it all happens. Many of the local boutiques have turned historic homes into unique Bluffton shopping experiences. Gigi’s Boutique is owned and operated by a Bluffton native and is a great destination for those who dig the Lowcountry style. Looking to add the Lowcountry vibes to your home or maybe pick up a Bluffton-inspired gift? Check out the Bluffton General Store which has everything from hats and candles to jewelry and kitchenware. And, if you’re looking to pick up a few pieces of art created by local artists, stop by one of Old Town Bluffton’s many art galleries.

Once you’ve shopped all the stores, explore history at the gorgeous Church of the Cross built in the 1800s, enjoy the view at Pritchard Pocket Park, and get to know the roots of Old Town Bluffton at The Heyward House Museum & Welcome Center.

Where To Eat:

Old Town Bluffton has fine dining, casual dining, and some of the best Lowcountry cuisine you’ll ever find. Head to The Cottage Cafe, Bakery, and Tea Room and enjoy brunch in a quaint cottage built in 1868 or even on the porch outside. Don’t fill up on brunch before you try one of their amazing desserts though. You can grab a quick, tasty dish while listening to live music at Captain Woody’s or Calhoun’s or splurge a little at The Pearl.

After dinner grab some drinks at Salt Marsh Brewing or Old Town Dispensary.

Where To Sleep:

Catch some zzz’s right in town at the Old Town Bluffton Inn in one of their fourteen guest rooms. They offer complimentary breakfast, coffee, and wi-fi to all guests. Or if you’d rather feel more like a local, check out one of these Air BNB’s.

When planning your trip make sure to check for festivals that might be going on while you’re visiting as the Old Town has festivals all throughout the year.

Have you been to Old Town Bluffton? What’s your favorite part.

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Romantic SC Weekend Getaways

Four Romantic SC Weekend Getaways That Will Keep Valentine’s Day Going

Looking to keep Valentine’s Day going and getting away for the weekend? If you live in or close to South Carolina these cities make for the perfect weekend getaway.

Here are our top four romantic South Carolina getaways:

Beaufort

 

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Beaufort’s water views, mossy oaks, and historic feel make for the perfect romantic backdrop. With a long selection of romantic inns featuring historical architecture, gorgeous courtyards, and blooming gardens, you and your SO won’t be disappointed by any of the accommodation choices. Some of the activities you can enjoy together include a stroll or bike ride along the water or in the downtown area, a carriage ride, or shopping in one of Beaufort’s many local shops.

Hilton Head

 

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Rent a vacation home or stay in a beautiful resort and enjoy this little magical island. Described by many visitors as relaxing and laid-back, you and your SO can relax at a spa, enjoy great music at the Jazz Corner, take in scenic views on a sunset cruise, or sip on some vino at Island Winery.

Landrum

 

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Landrum is home to the romantic Red Horse Inn. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Red Horse Inn provides a perfect escape from your day-to-day life. The inn offers multiple packages to make your stay even more romantic and adventures if you feel like getting out and exploring the area a bit.

Charleston

 

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Charleston has something for every couple – a bustling downtown area for those who want to enjoy the nightlife, shopping, and food; three beaches just minutes away for couples who want to relax and enjoy the ocean views; and so much more. It’s also home to the number one hotel in the country, French Quarter Inn.

Pack your bags and enjoy a staycation or vacation with your special someone.