whats new in south carolina

Proposed New State Park Includes Access to Black River

A new state park is in the works!

The proposed park would cover areas in Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties, providing public access to the Black River.

There is currently an initiative underway to create the Black River Water Trail, connecting various segments of land owned by both the state and private entities – an initiative that has sparked interest in making the area a state mark. While the park is still in the concept phase, the goal of the park would be to increase the amenities available to those who want to explore the area.

Executive Director of the Winyah River Alliance Tina Christensen is eager for the public to be able to use the land saying, “We see this initiative as a way that we’re going to be able to expand, for the people that live in the area, their ability to enjoy it, but also bring in tourism and allow there to be more recreating on the Black River.”

If the park is approved, it would be the first new state park to open in South Carolina in almost twenty years.

Officials are encouraging the public to share their thoughts on the project through in-person and virtual meetings as well as community surveys.

Eat & Drink

Greenville Continues to Expand Their Restaurant Scene

The food scene in Greenville continues to expand. Check out these three new restaurants coming to the Greenville area in 2021.

Juniper

A new rooftop bar is coming to the top of the AC Hotel in downtown Greenville. Juniper will offer craft cocktails and elevated bar food to patrons, as they enjoy the view of downtown. The 16,000 square foot restaurant will also feature a gin bar in their cocktail garden. They are currently hiring and expect to open in the spring.

Paloma

Another addition to the AC Hotel is Paloma, a Mediterranean restaurant. Paloma recently opened their doors to patrons. They are located on the ground floor of the hotel and are serving up a variety of Spanish and American tapas plates for dinner.

Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack

Hot chicken isn’t just for Nashville. Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack, which is currently based in Asheville, just opened their doors in Greenville. They are located on Laurens Road and are offering southern staples like pimento cheese grits, fried okra and of course, Nashville-style fried chicken.

News

Food Facility Reopening, Bringing 330 Jobs to the Midlands

Tyson Foods is reopening their South Carolina plant – and, bringing hundreds of jobs to the Midlands.

The facility, located on Bluff Road in Columbia, will be producing pre-packaged beef and pork and is expected to begin production in May.

The total investment of the Tyson Foods plant should reach $55 million over the next three to five years. Tyson Foods received tax cuts and exemptions from the state in exchange for the reopening of the facility.

The Columbia-based facility will employ 330 people to carry out its operations and will be paying them a slightly higher wage than before.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is also thrilled about the reopening of the facility saying in a statement that “Tyson Foods’ initial $42 million investment, and the 330 jobs that will result from it, will help continue South Carolina’s tremendous economic growth. We look forward to continuing our state’s fruitful partnership with Tyson and to their continued commitment to South Carolina and our people.”

News

Curbside Sale of Beer and Wine Could Become Permanent

The COVID-19 pandemic has indefinitely changed the way we do a lot of things. Could curbside pickup of beer and wine be permanently added to that list?

The case was made to keep curbside pickup of beer and wine, which was initially approved in March of 2020 through an emergency order from Governor Henry McMaster, during a recent S.C. House Judiciary subcommittee meeting.

Now more than ever, customers are taking advantage of curbside pickup orders for groceries and other necessities, so retailers and restaurants want to continue to meet those needs and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Some individuals are insisting certain restrictions be added to the bill – including only having employees aged 21 and over who are trained at identifying underage individuals be allowed to make the curbside sales.

Another bill was also introduced in the subcommittee meeting that would permit counties or cities in South Carolina to create a binding referendum on the sale of liquor on Sundays.

While neither bill was voted on, the subcommittee is expected to vote on them both during their next meeting.