Month: March 2026

Johns Island continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in the Charleston region. Buyers are drawn to its sprawling oak trees, expansive marsh views, and the relaxing pace of coastal living. While many shoppers focus on well known master planned communities, there are smaller pockets across the island that offer better value, more privacy, and a stronger connection to the natural Lowcountry landscape. A knowledgeable Real Estate Agent in Johns Island SC, like Heather Gregory, can help buyers discover these quiet gems that rarely show up on typical search results.

Below is a complete guide to the hidden neighborhoods that deserve more attention during your home search.

Cedar Springs: Lowcountry Character With Room To Breathe

Cedar Springs is a favorite for buyers who want a peaceful, established neighborhood with larger lots and natural buffers. The community is lined with mature oak trees and feels tucked away even though it is only minutes from Maybank Highway. Homes vary in style, giving the area a custom, timeless feel rather than a cookie cutter look.

Why buyers love Cedar Springs:

• Spacious lots with privacy
• Mature landscaping and tree canopy
• Easy access to restaurants, coffee shops, and local markets
• Strong long term property value due to limited inventory

Cedar Springs offers the classic Johns Island lifestyle that many newcomers imagine. It is ideal for buyers who want space, quiet, and a neighborhood that feels connected to nature.

Stonoview: Waterfront Living at an Attainable Price

Stonoview sits directly along the Stono River and offers a highly desirable waterfront lifestyle without the premium prices of Kiawah or Seabrook. The community feels active and outdoorsy, making it a great match for buyers who want access to the water, scenic trails, and a social neighborhood environment.

• Notable features in Stonoview:
• Deep water community dock
• Kayak and paddle board storage
• Walking and biking trails
• Riverside sunset views
• Resort style pool and pavilion

Homes in Stonoview hold their value well because neighborhoods with deep water access and riverfront amenities are limited on Johns Island. A local expert like Heather Gregory can point out which homes have the strongest long term position within the neighborhood.

Rushland Landing: Private, Upscale, and Immersed in Nature

Rushland Landing is one of the most visually stunning pockets on Johns Island. Surrounded by preserved wetlands and wildlife habitats, the neighborhood was designed to create harmony with the natural landscape. Homes tend to be elevated, custom built, and thoughtfully planned to take advantage of marsh and river views.

What makes Rushland Landing special:

• Protected natural surroundings and scenic marsh vistas
• Custom architecture rather than mass produced layouts
• Quiet streets and a private, upscale feel
• Close to James Island and downtown Charleston while still feeling secluded

Rushland Landing is a strong match for buyers relocating from out of state who want a luxury coastal lifestyle without entering a large or crowded subdivision.

Gift Plantation: A Historic Setting With Modern Appeal

Gift Plantation sits along the Intracoastal Waterway and blends historic Lowcountry charm with modern homes. It features larger properties, stately oak trees, and amenities that appeal to long term residents.

Appealing features include:

• • A community dock on the intracoastal
• Tennis courts and a neighborhood pool
• Larger homes with generous acreage
• Peaceful setting with easy access to Charleston and the beaches

This community is ideal for buyers who want a more traditional, upscale atmosphere with space and privacy.

Swygert’s Landing: A Coastal Village Feel

Swygert’s Landing is a well kept secret for buyers who want curb appeal, community amenities, and a neighbor friendly atmosphere without entering a massive master planned development. It offers charming coastal architectural styles, front porches, and a walkable layout.

Why it is overlooked but valuable:

• Attractive price points for the island
• Charming coastal design with strong visual appeal
• Community pool and playground
• Quick access to restaurants on Maybank Highway

Swygert’s Landing works well for first time buyers and families who want a beautiful home in a community with personality.

Why These Hidden Neighborhoods Matter

While Johns Island continues to grow, the most desirable pockets are the ones that offer privacy, charm, and natural beauty. Larger planned communities attract most of the attention, but buyers often find their perfect match in these quieter, lesser known areas. Many of these neighborhoods have stronger resale value because they are limited in size, offer unique features, or sit in scenic locations that cannot be replicated.

A trusted Real Estate Agent in Johns Island SC like Heather Gregory can help buyers understand the pros and cons of each pocket, review flood zones, evaluate long term value, and locate homes that align with lifestyle and budget goals.

Start Your Johns Island Home Search With Local Insight

Whether you are relocating from out of state or moving within the Charleston area, working with an agent who knows the island on a deeper level ensures you do not miss the neighborhoods that offer the best opportunities. Heather Gregory brings local knowledge, negotiation experience, and a strong understanding of the island’s hidden gems.

Source: Heather Gregory Realtor

Prophet Coffee, located at 194 Jackson Street on the Eastside has announced their location closing in April, 2026.

In an Instagram message written out of love, the team shared:

“Small business is crazy. One day you’re celebrating your third anniversary, and then next you’re announcing bad news. Some projects just don’t pan out the way you’d hoped.

Can’t thank our staff enough. To our amazing customers, regulars, dogs, and that one burglar. We will miss you everyday. 

Can’t be too sad. Things happen for a reason. We have a lot of really great things going for us, and we’re very excited to focus on those. 

Starting next week, downtown will begin limited hours as some of our staff transition onto new things.

*Wed-Sun 8-1pm*

We’ll be closing up shop mid-late April, and obviously throwing a party. Date TBD!

Looking forward to seeing all of you over the next few weeks to celebrate such a beautiful space we’ve gotten to call home over the last 6 months.

With that being said, 194 Jackson St. Is available for lease. Shoot an email to Bryson@prophet-coffee.com and let’s talk. 

Downtown, this isn’t goodbye, but see you later 😉

STAY BLESSED
PROPHET
XOXO”

We love y’all and know you aren’t going away.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. –Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. and Northwood Investors LLC and its affiliates are excited to announce plans for a new Wegmans location on the Ballantyne® campus. Known for its unmatched customer service, restaurant foods, one-stop shopping and consistent low prices, the popular grocer will be situated at North Community House Road on the east side of Ballantyne. Wegmans is targeting opening by the third quarter of 2026.

“Four years after opening our first store in North Carolina, we’re excited to announce that Wegmans is coming to Charlotte,” said Dan Aken, vice president of real estate and store planning. “We’ve received hundreds of requests from locals asking for a store in their area, and we’ve spent years looking for exactly the right location. We’re thrilled to bring the Wegmans experience to this community.”

At approximately 110,000 square feet, Wegmans’ Ballantyne location will feature all the traditional departments Wegmans customers have come to know and love, including an abundant produce department, a wide variety of seafood, meat, bakery, deli, and cheese options, and a large selection of wine and beer. In addition, the store will have a market café with indoor and outdoor seating for customers to enjoy Wegmans delicious restaurant foods.

“As we’ve continued to enhance the offerings all across Ballantyne, we’ve seen the need for a more experiential grocer in the community,” said Clifton Coble, senior vice president of development for Northwood Office. “Wegmans, of course, was top of mind. We recognize how beloved it is throughout the East Coast and North Carolina and are ecstatic for it to join our tenant mix.”

A premier family-owned supermarket, Wegmans boasts choice, quality and value in every aisle. Its chefs make fresh, delicious meals throughout the day and shoppers are invited to engage with the team’s culinary experts to discuss the preparation of meals, pairings and ingredients. The grocer also provides an unmatched variety of different fruits and vegetables on any given day, including many organic choices. Each location builds strong partnerships with nearby growers and, in season, offers locally grown produce picked daily and delivered directly to the store.

Wegmans is also known for its high-quality seafood and sushi, meats, baked goods, deli, beer, and foods from around the world. Additional offerings include Meals2Go and catering, online shopping capabilities, a floral shop, coffee, home and entertaining options, and family packs.

From its position on North Community House Road, Wegmans will be less than a half mile from Ballantyne’s highly anticipated mixed-use development, The Bowl at Ballantyne™, where tenants including Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, North Italia, Flower Child, Harriet’s Hamburgers, Roosters and more are set to open this year.

To learn more about how Ballantyne continues to evolve, visit goballantyne.com or follow its Facebook and Instagram or contact Kelly Walsh, 585-765-5162, kelly@evolveprandmarketing.com.

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Recognized internationally as one of the most successfully designed and executed mixed-use communities, the Ballantyne® campus is a 2,000-acre community in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Ballantyne® area features thousands of apartments, over 1,000 single-family homes, the highest-rated public schools, nearly 600 hotel rooms, 20+ miles of walking paths and bike lanes plus a greenway extension, over 100 acres of parks and green space, as well as dozens of restaurants, medical and retail amenities. With a laser-sharp focus on providing the nation’s most desirable work-life balance community, Northwood Office owns and manages 4.5 million square feet of Class A office space at Ballantyne® with additional entitlements in place on the 535-acre property. Efforts to create a more urban, walkable environment include The Bowl at Ballantyne™, home to a well-curated lineup of restaurants, shops and services opening in 2024. Visit goballantyne.com for the latest community happenings, project updates and leasing availabilities.

Interested in a career at this location? Click HERE.

Photo Source: Wegmans

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TOP SOUTHERN CITIES, BEACH GETAWAYS, BARBECUE JOINTS, GOLF DESTINATIONS, AND MORE REVEALED AS SOUTHERN LIVING CELEBRATES ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA MARKS A DECADE AT NO. 1 AS SOUTH’S BEST CITY

NEW YORK and BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Southern Living announces the winners of its tenth annual South’s Best Awards. In its 60th anniversary year, Southern Living once again turned to its trusted readers to name the South’s very best destinations, accommodations, and culinary experiences. Full coverage of the South’s Best Award winners will appear in the April issue of Southern Living, on sale March 20 and online now.

This year’s survey reveals the South’s Best Cities, Top Beach Getaways, Top Classic Restaurants, Top New Hotels, Top Inns, Top Legendary Restaurants, Top Barbecue Joints in Each State, and more. For the first time, the awards also recognize Top Golf Destinations, expanding to highlight cities and towns with bucket list-worthy courses.

Golden Isles, Georgia takes the winning spot in the Top Beach Getaway category, while Charleston, South Carolina remains the South’s Best City, marking a decade at the top of the South’s Best rankings thanks to its rich culture, celebrated culinary scene, and historic charm.

“If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past 60 years, it’s that we can trust our readers to know the South better than anyone,” said Sid Evans, Editor-in-Chief of Southern Living. “For our 10th annual South’s Best Awards, we turned to them once again to highlight the destinations and experiences that make the South so special.”

The April issue also debuts a reimagined Southern Living — a fitting way to kick off the magazine’s 60th anniversary year. The new look reflects the energy, charm, and sophistication of the modern South while honoring the storytelling and traditions readers have loved for six decades.

Highlights of Southern Living’s 2026 South’s Best Awards survey results are as follows:

South’s Best Cities – Top 10

1. Charleston, SC
2. Savannah, GA
3. Asheville, NC
4. Nashville, TN
5. New Orleans, LA
6. Lexington, KY
7. Wilmington, NC
8. Chattanooga, TN
9. Greenville, SC
10. St. Petersburg, FL

Top Golf Destinations

1. Pinehurst, NC
2. Hilton Head Island, SC
3. Sea Island, GA
4. Kiawah Island, SC
5. Myrtle Beach, SC

Top New Hotels

1. The Flat Iron Hotel – Asheville, NC
2. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort – Longboat Key, FL
3. The Gilmore – Nashville, TN
4. Embers Hotel – Blowing Rock, NC
5. Hotel Richemont – Charleston, SC

South’s Best Barbecue Joints – Winner in Each State
Alabama: Dreamland Bar-B-Que (Tuscaloosa)
Arkansas: Wright’s Barbeque (Johnson)
Florida: Big John’s Alabama BBQ (Tampa)
Georgia: Southern Soul Barbeque (St. Simons Island)
Kentucky: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn (Owensboro)
Louisiana: The Joint (New Orleans)
Maryland: Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar (Baltimore)
Mississippi: The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint (Ocean Springs)
Missouri: Jack Stack Barbecue (Kansas City)
North Carolina: Lexington Barbecue (Lexington)
Oklahoma: Swadley’s Bar-B-Q (Bethany)
South Carolina: Lewis Barbecue (Charleston)
Tennessee: Peg Leg Porker (Nashville)
Texas: Franklin Barbecue (Austin)
Virginia: Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que (Williamsburg)
West Virginia: Rollin’ Smoke BBQ (Charleston)

For the full results and methodology from Southern Living’s 2026 South’s Best survey, including the lists of winners in every category, visit SouthernLiving.com.

SOURCE People Inc.

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$39.6 million investment will create 57 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Shamrock Technologies, Inc. (Shamrock), a global leader in specialty additives, today announced it is relocating its corporate headquarters as part of the company’s expansion in Laurens County. The company’s $39.6 million investment will create 57 new jobs.

Shamrock produces and distributes micronized wax and other specialty additives used in coatings, inks, greases and lubricants. The company established operations in South Carolina in 2022 with the purchase of a manufacturing facility that produces micronized wax, dispersions, emulsions and related products.

Shamrock’s new facility will be located at 101 Connexial Blvd. in Gray Court. Upon completion of offices, research and development labs, a pilot plant, and a fully functioning warehouse and production space, the company will relocate its New Jersey headquarters to the South Carolina site.

Some operations are expected to be online by the end of 2027, with all phases completed by the end of 2030. Individuals interested in joining the Shamrock team should visit the company’s careers page or contact recruiting@shamrocktechnologies.com. 

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

QUOTES
 

“Shamrock Technologies is proud to continue investing in our South Carolina operations as we build the future home of our company. For 85 years, our growth has been driven by strong partnerships and a commitment to people, and we look forward to deepening those ties as we expand in Gray Court. We appreciate the support of South Carolina and Laurens County leaders, whose commitment to business and community makes this next chapter possible.” -Shamrock Technologies, Inc. CEO Michael Kellen

“Shamrock’s decision to expand in Laurens County is another vote of confidence in South Carolina’s talented workforce and pro-business climate. We are proud to see companies succeed here and look forward to Shamrock’s continued success as they bring 57 new jobs to our state.” -Gov. Henry McMaster 

“With an investment of $39.6 million, Shamrock’s expansion in Laurens County demonstrates the advantages that South Carolina offers to growing businesses. The company’s new headquarters, alongside its expanded manufacturing capabilities and production facilities, will support economic development in South Carolina.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Laurens County is pleased to welcome Shamrock Technologies’ headquarters to our community. Their expansion is a testament to our business-friendly environment and our strong workforce. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Shamrock into the future.” -Laurens County Council Chairman Jeff Carroll

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Shamrock Technologies, Inc. (Shamrock) will be relocating its corporate headquarters as part of its Laurens County expansion.
• The company’s $39.6 million investment will create 57 new jobs.
• Shamrock is a global leader in specialty additives.
• The company’s new headquarters will be located at 101 Connexial Blvd. in Gray Court, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Shamrock team should visit the company’s careers page or contact recruiting@shamrocktechnologies.com.

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Much of the focus is on museums and monuments as America approaches its 250th anniversary, but some of the most authentic threads of the American story are being told through music—and Greater Boone, NC, truly has a soundtrack.

Doc Watson went from playing for change on Boone’s streets to becoming a seven‑time Grammy winner, and his influence still hums through town. That story now echoes across the High Country in banjos on porches, Scottish fiddle tunes in mountain valleys and “traditional plus” festival stages where roots, bluegrass, folk, old‑time and Americana all share the bill.

• Traditions that Play On: In Valle Crucis, the Jink & Diddle Fiddle School (the oldest traditional Scottish fiddling school in the U.S.) keeps centuries‑old tunes alive in the same hills where Scots‑Irish sounds helped shape Appalachian music. Paired with events like the Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest and local museum exhibits, it’s an unusually rich window into how those early influences evolved into what we now group under Americana.
• Today’s Stages + How to Visit: The High Country’s calendar reads like a curated playlist: MerleFest in late April, the High Country Jazz Festival in early summer—followed by the free Boonerang Music & Arts Festival in downtown Boone and Beech Mountain’s Summer Concert Series—and songwriter‑forward events like Antlers & Acorns in September. It’s a rare mix of marquee festivals and intimate, low‑cost community events that give travelers multiple ways to plug into the region’s music throughout the year.
• Crafted by Hand: Even the instruments tell the story. At Capozzoli Guitar Company, luthier Chris Capozzoli builds custom guitars from reclaimed barn wood and cross‑sections of the historic Tweetsie Railroad, turning local history into playable art and tying the region’s maker culture directly to its sound.

NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas to Introduce New Luxury French Wine in Partnership  with Historic Cheurlin Champagne House (est. 1788)

• Nearly 40% of all kosher wine sales occur during Passover
• Celebrity wines from Vera Wang, Isiah Thomas & Amar’e Stoudemire—all Kosher for Passover
• Curated by Royal Wine Corp, the world’s largest producer and importer of kosher wines & spirits
• Passover selections range from $10 to $500

Bayonne, NJ — April 1, 2026 — As Passover begins on April 1, families around the world gather for the Seder, retelling the story of the Exodus—and raising four cups of wine to mark freedom and tradition. Today, wine has become one of the most anticipated elements of the Passover table, and for 2026, kosher wine lovers can celebrate with an extraordinary lineup that blends celebrity influence, global prestige, and award-winning quality.

Leading the Passover season is Royal Wine Corp, the world’s largest producer, manufacturer, importer, and exporter of kosher wines and spirits. From Napa Valley and Champagne to Israel, Italy, and beyond, Royal Wine continues to redefine kosher wine—proving it stands shoulder to shoulder with the finest wines in the world.

Celebrity Kosher Wines Take Center Stage

For Passover 2026, celebrity-backed kosher wines are among the most talked-about bottles on the table:

• Vera Wang, fashion icon and entrepreneur, expands her elegant kosher wine collection with two Provençal rosés from France:
– Vera Wang Côtes de Provence Rosé
– Vera Wang IGP Méditerranée Rosé

• Isiah Thomas, NBA legend, co-owns Champagne Cheurlin, which releases two NEW kosher Champagnes:
– Cheurlin Brut Spéciale
– Cheurlin Thomas Célébrité

• Amar’e Stoudemire, six-time NBA All-Star, crafts world-class kosher wines in partnership with Herzog Winery in California and Tulip Winery in Israel, blending athletic excellence with winemaking artistry.

Global Highlights for Passover 2026

·       United States (California)
• Yesod Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon by Herzog — three ultra-premium expressions
• Herzog Eminence Chalk Hill — limited-edition Sonoma red blend
• Shirah Winery — boutique Rhône and Italian varietals from top AVAs

·       Capio Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021 by Russell Bevan: 94 points, by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

·       Capio Petita Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 by Russell Bevan: 92 points, by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate-

France
• Champagne Cheurlin (Isiah Thomas) — kosher Champagne releases
• Divin — the first dealcoholized kosher wines
• Château d’Aussière (Lafite-Rothschild portfolio) — first kosher production
• Domaine Arnaud Baillot — standout 2023 Burgundy releases
• Pomerol micro-cuvées debut kosher runs: Château Pomeaux & Château Le Bon Pasteur
• Château Marquis de Terme Margaux 2023 — Grand Cru Classé
• Château Tour Saint-Christophe Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2023
• Domaine Les Marronniers — Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2023

Italy
• Masseria Frattassi — first kosher Aglianico using the appassimento method
• Expanding Italian portfolio across top regions
• Bartenura debuts Oro sparkling wines and Moscato-based canned cocktails

Spain
• Clos Mesorah & Elvi Wines — Sublim 2018 (limited release)
• Celler de Capcanes — Flor del Primavera Garnatxa Blanca

Israel
• Lahat • Pinto • Naveh by Château Golan • Ben Porat • Ella Valley
• Psagot releases White Peak, its flagship white wine

Portugal
• The long-awaited return of kosher Port: Porto Cordovero

What Make Wine Kosher?

According to Jay Buchsbaum, VP & Director of Wine Education at Royal Wine Corp.:
“Simply put, kosher wine is produced using the same fermentation methods as traditional wine.

The difference is that all ingredients must be kosher-certified, and the winemaking process is supervised and carried out by Sabbath-observant Jews. Beyond that, kosher wine is no different from any other high-quality wine—and today, it often rivals the very best.”

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Local and Regional Artists Invited to Represent Their Hometowns at CCMF, June 4–7 in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — As Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) prepares to return to Myrtle Beach June 4–7, 2026, organizers are once again opening the door for local and regional talent through their annual Hometown Star Search competition, sponsored by Coors Light.

Created to spotlight artists who represent the spirit of Horry County and surrounding Lowcountry communities, Hometown Star Search gives emerging performers the opportunity to take the stage during the East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest. The program is designed to amplify hometown voices – giving local bands and artists a platform to perform in front of tens of thousands of fans while sharing the stages with some of country music’s biggest names.

Each year, the competition becomes a point of pride for the community, allowing fans to rally behind the artists who represent their city, their county and their local music scene.

“Hometown Stars gives artists from our own backyard – and across the region – the chance to step onto a major festival stage,” said Bob Durkin, co-founder of Southern Entertainment. “It’s about creating opportunity, amplifying their voice and letting fans stand behind the talent that represents their community.”

Selected artists will perform on one of the CCMF Discover Stages, connecting directly with new audiences in an environment built for discovery.

Nominations for the 2026 Hometown Star Search competition are now open and must be submitted by March 11. Fans, friends and artists themselves are encouraged to nominate deserving local and regional talent by visiting: https://carolinacountrymusicfest.com/ccmf-hometown-star-search/ and completing the official submission form.

Selected performers will receive invitations on or before March 16 and will have 24 hours to accept their performance opportunity. Artists chosen to perform will receive fest access for band members and the opportunity to represent their hometown on one of the CCMF Discover Stages.

Now entering its second decade, CCMF continues its commitment to elevating emerging artists while delivering one of the nation’s premier country music experiences. With limited General Admission and Super VIP tickets remaining for 2026, fans are encouraged to secure their passes early and cheer on their favorite hometown talent.

Carolina Country Music Fest returns June 4–7, 2026. Tickets and additional information are available at CarolinaCountryMusicFest.com. For the latest updates, follow Carolina Country Music Fest on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. 

About CCMF:
Carolina Country Music Fest™, (CCMF), the East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest, is located in Myrtle Beach, SC, at the Boardwalk within the Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place. CCMF is host to the industry’s biggest stars with 40+ artists at the beach, June 4th-7th, 2026. CCMF hosts a unique blend of today’s country headliners, regional stars, up-and-comers, and local favorites on multiple stages. With the combination of country music and the scenic beach backdrop, this family-friendly, four-day fest is a summer vacation destination.

About Southern Entertainment:
Southern Entertainment is a full-service event and production company with an unwavering commitment to excellence that has produced more than 500 events across the United States. For more information, visit www.southernentertainment.com

By Hannah Wade

A fencing company in Columbia is set to expand its existing corporate headquarters and add close to 300 new jobs, according to a tax incentives package signed by Richland County council Tuesday night. Amarok, which has an office at the corner of Assembly and Blossom Street in downtown Columbia, has plans to build a new corporate headquarters near the REI Co-op in the BullStreet District, according to county documents.

“AMAROK is immensely proud and excited to be growing our headquarter operations in Richland County,” Kerry Gibson, a spokesperson for the company, wrote in an email to The State. Gibson didn’t answer questions about specifics of the project, but said the company looked forward to “sharing more information about this exciting development in the weeks to come.” The project, which is set to receive a number of tax incentives, will include $69 million in investments by the company and the creation of 296 new, full-time jobs. For the investment of money and jobs, the county will offer the company a cap on its property taxes for the next three decades. While the company declined to share specifics on the project, the tax incentives package outlined Amarok anticipates the first phase of the project will be “placed in service during the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2026.” It’s unclear whether the company’s existing location, on the fifth floor of the building at 550 Assembly St., will be consolidated into the new facility or continue to exist separately. The county council agreed Tuesday to sign a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement, which means the company will pay a fee that’s smaller than what it would’ve paid in taxes without the agreement. The incentives package also included an infrastructure credit, which means the county will provide a 50% credit against that fee for up to 10 years.

Source: The State

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By David Caraviello

The last patches of snow had yet to melt away from the winter storm that swept across South Carolina in late January, but downtown Charleston was already preparing for the tourist season to come. In Marion Square, a large white tent was being erected for the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the mid-February event that serves as the unofficial tourism kickoff in the Holy City.

Hopes for a robust 2026 tourism season were high across the Palmetto State, on the heels of a 2025 report from the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism that said South Carolina’s tourism industry has an economic impact of $30 billion annually. One out of every 10 people in the state work in the hospitality industry, which supports more than 200,000 jobs, according to SCPRT.

That effect is felt throughout the state, from the mountains to the coast:

·        The economic impact of tourism in Charleston was $14 billion in the most recent report issued by the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis, which was released in May of 2025. A total of 23.5 percent of all sales in the region can be attributed to the tourism industry, which employs over 54,000 people in the Lowcountry.

·        Myrtle Beach reported $13.2 billion in direct visitor spending in its most recent report covering 2024, according to the city’s tourism bureau. Tourism supports more than 82,000 jobs in the region, the report added, and generates approximately $59 million in annual Horry County taxes.

·        Greenville touted a $2.5 billion economic impact from tourism in its most recent annual report released in July of 2025. Nearly one of every 25 jobs in Greenville County exists because of visitors, who also generated $201 million in taxes, according to the report by Visit Greenville SC.

·        Columbia’s most recent tourism report covering the 2024-25 fiscal year reported a $1.9 billion impact from visitors, who generated $146 million in taxes and supported over 24,000 jobs. Sporting events alone generated an economic impact of $21.3 million, according to Experience Columbia SC, up 184 percent from the previous fiscal year.

Bucking trends in Charleston

While Charleston has long been a favorite among U.S. and international tourists alike, the $14 billion economic impact reported in May of 2025 still represented a 7 percent increase from the previous fiscal year. Through the third quarter of 2025, Charleston’s hotel occupancy rate stood at 70.1 percent and its average daily rate at $168.41.

Those figures were driven by a strong high-end market, according to a report by the commercial real estate firm Colliers South Carolina, bucking a regional trend of hotel occupancy downturns.

“Despite headwinds associated with weather, consumer uncertainty, the government shutdown, and geopolitical dynamics, (2025) was a good year for tourism in the Charleston area,” said Chris Campbell, vice president of strategy and external affairs at Explore Charleston, the city’s tourism arm. “The destination saw an uptick in hotel demand in a year when U.S. occupancy was down slightly. Moreover, our increase in average daily rate indicates the market is maintaining its pricing power.”

In 2026, Charleston’s vaunted events scene returns mainstays like the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the Cooper River Bridge Run and the Credit One Charleston Open tennis tournament, while the Spoleto arts festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary and the Charleston Wine+Food Festival its 20th. Food and Wine Classic Charleston returns for its third year in 2026, while spring brings the opening of The Cooper, the first and only luxury waterfront hotel on the Charleston peninsula.

“There are a number of positive factors that support stability and cautious optimism in our market amid continued industry uncertainty on a national level,” Campbell said.

Greenville’s basketball boost

Although Hurricane Helene ravaged the Upstate in September of 2024, its aftereffects were still felt in the region well into 2025. Displacement and recovery efforts flattened hotel spending in the Greenville market, which reported a 64 percent occupancy rate and a $124.46 average daily rate as of the third quarter of 2025, according to Colliers South Carolina.

But most other indicators were up in a region that’s seen a 35 percent increase in tourism’s economic impact since 2019. “When the final 2025 reports are available, we expect that it’ll show another record year for tourism in Greenville County,” said Heath Dillard, president and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC.

Passenger volume at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport topped 3 million for the first time in 2025, Dillard added, while spending in bars and restaurants increased by nearly $50 million for the year. The group and events sector saw record activity, and jobs within the region’s tourism industry continue to expand.

“Tourism continues to be a force that contributes significant economic and financial benefits to our community,” Dillard said, “and also increases the quality of life and prosperity for Greenville residents.”

Greenville in 2026 will see the return of annual events like Artisphere and Fall for Greenville, and add two major sports events in the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament and the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. And recruiting group business like meetings and conventions continues to be a key tenet in the city’s tourism strategy.

“I remain optimistic about tourism in Greenville, as we’ve consistently outperformed expectations and overcome national and regional trends that have slowed tourism in other places over the past couple of years,” Dillard said. “We have strong fundamentals as a destination, and 2026 brings a healthy mix of demand drivers including major sports, our signature events, and national exposure that keeps Greenville in the conversation.”

Party like it’s 1776

The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution will be everywhere in South Carolina in 2026, from license plates to events held throughout the state. And it promises to be a driver of tourism as well, with the Palmetto State boasting so many sites related to the struggle for independence — like Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, Historic Camden, Cowpens National Battlefield near Gaffney, and the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site in Clinton.

There’s particular interest in Charleston, which produced four signers of the Constitution, and was named by the U.S. Congress Semiquincentennial Commission as one of four “signature cities” — along with Boston, Philadelphia, and New York — key to American independence.

“There is tremendous anticipation locally surrounding America’s 250th anniversary,” said Campbell, of Explore Charleston. “Being named by Congress as one of only four signature cities in the U.S., and the only Southern city, is an honor for our community and presents an opportunity to highlight a part of our history that many people don’t consider when thinking about Charleston. There’s been a lot of interest nationally and internationally.”

The South Carolina commission commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, known as SC250, has scheduled events throughout the state ranging from lectures to re-enactments. While Greenville has no sites of its own related to the Revolution – only a granite monument stands in tribute to the 1775 Battle of Great Cane Brake in southern Greenville County – the city sees itself as a natural jumping-off point for those interested in exploring Upstate battlefields like Cowpens and Ninety-Six.

“Greenville’s role is a little different,” Dillard said. “We are positioning the destination as a hub, a ‘basecamp to the battlegrounds,’ where visitors can stay, enjoy everything Greenville offers, and take half-day trips to nearby historic areas. We do not expect the 250th to create a new tourism category for us on its own, but it can add depth to itineraries and help us serve visitors well when they are already motivated to travel to the region.”

Struggles on the Strand

In Myrtle Beach, the hope is that 2026 represents something of a rebound from the previous year. Hotel metrics as of the third quarter of 2025 were down across the board, according to Colliers South Carolina, with overall occupancy dropping to 65.5 percent and average daily rate to $155.53.

Economy hotels represent half of Myrtle Beach’s hotel inventory, Colliers wrote, and over the latter half of the summer their performance “plummeted as middle-income families reduced discretionary spending in 2025.” That coincides with early February reports that Myrtle Beach tourism was down 3 percent for the year, according to comments by Chamber of Commerce officials at a city council workshop.

Hotel occupancy in Myrtle Beach was down 3.3 percent in 2025, according to WGHP-TV, while the city’s accommodations tax saw a 10.8 year-over-year decline. The 2025 report was not yet publicly available online, and Myrtle Beach Chamber officials had not responded to calls and emails at press time.

One bright spot for the Grand Strand: a specialized study by SCPRT valued the economic impact of the state’s golf sector at $3.3 billion, making it the South Carolina’s leading entertainment activity by revenue.

Source: Columbia Business Monthly

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