Lowcountry

By Austin Edwards

Given the climate and sheer number of people of all ages moving to the Palmetto State, it has been somewhat surprising — not to mention, disappointing (to me, at least) — that South Carolina has been so late to the game when it comes to padel.

Granted, the state was initially an early adopter of padel, with its first court (which I actually had a hand in helping to make happen) opening at the Columbia Racquet Club all the way back in December 2022.

However, until very recently the only other court in the state was a single temporary court here in Charleston at the LTP Daniel Island tennis complex that hosts the women’s pro tennis tournament known as the Credit One Charleston Open.

Yet, all of the sudden, padel is now starting to explode across the state…

This is thanks to:

• The two outdoor courts that were recently opened at the Roy Barth Tennis Center at the Kiawah Island Resort, about 25 miles southwest of Charleston…
• Two more outdoor courts being added at LTP Daniel Island (bringing the total there to three)…
• An additional two outdoor courts being added to the private Daniel Island Club just across the street from LTP Daniel Island later this year…
• The opening of 40Forty Padel Club, a two-court outdoor venue in Mauldin, SC, just outside of Greenville…
• Two private outdoor courts recently being added to The Cliffs at Mountain Park residences in Marietta, SC…
• A third location of pATL opening in Mt. Pleasant, SC, (just across the Ravenel Bridge from Charleston) with six indoor courts plus a stadium court…
• At least one outdoor court reportedly being added to Snee Farm Country Club, also in Mt. Pleasant…
• A two-court club known as The Point Racket and Social Club set to open in the spring of 2026 on Johns Island, SC, and…
• Two outdoor courts set to be added to the Charleston Racquet Club sometime in late 2026 (along with more singles and doubles squash courts and even one of only about a dozen real-tennis courts in the U.S.).

Add it all up, and you’ll discover that in the space of less than a year, the number of padel courts in the Palmetto State is set to soar from just two to more than two dozen.

Of this incredible — and rather sudden — growth, Nick Saltmarsh, a former college tennis player turned padel addict and entrepreneur (who is preparing to open The Point Racket and Social Club mentioned above) tells me:

“Charleston’s combination of year-round playable climate and deeply rooted racquet sports culture creates an ideal environment for padel’s introduction to the Lowcountry.

The region’s active, health-conscious population, with a median age of 36, is already seeking the next evolution in social racket sports. With the metro area growing three times faster than the national average and Charleston’s emphasis on community-oriented recreation, padel fills a clear gap between the accessibility of pickleball and the heritage of tennis.”

He also proudly adds, “The Point Racket and Social Club will serve as a hub for this emerging sport, offering a premium yet welcoming space where the region’s vibrant social culture can thrive on court.”

Catching up — and pushing ahead…

While two-dozen-plus padel courts is admittedly still just a drop in the bucket compared to other warm-weather states like California, Texas, and Florida, it will actually catapult South Carolina ahead of states like Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Nevada, and Virginia when it comes to total court count.

Of course, from the look of things, all those states will continue to add more courts and clubs as well. But, for now, it’s just nice to see my home state of South Carolina claiming its place on the padel map.

Harry Miley, the founder and owner of the Columbia Racquet Club (where S.C.’s first court was built) shares my enthusiasm, telling me:

“I’m not surprised at all at that pace of growth we’re starting to see… padel is addictive! Less than an hour after setting foot on a padel court for the first time at the Kinetic Club in Florida, I said, ‘we’re going to build one of these’ — and we did. I’m just so happy to finally see the addictive powers of padel start to spread across North and South Carolina three years after we built ours.”

Source: Padel Nation

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Under new leadership, the Fund is poised for accelerated impact to connect nonprofits to generous donors 

Charleston, S.C. (March 2, 2026) – The Blackbaud Giving Fund^Ⓡ,  a nonprofit that brings supporters and nonprofits together to advance the state of giving, today announced the appointment of Catherine LaCour as its new CEO and executive director, effective immediately. In this role, LaCour will help nonprofits access charitable funds with greater confidence and clarity through the Fund’s secure and efficient giving programs. Since its inception in 2020, the Fund has disbursed $2.75 billion from generous donors to over 286,000 nonprofits worldwide. 

LaCour will lead the Fund’s strategy, oversee governance and regulatory compliance, and steward its partnerships with Blackbaud and other social impact partners to unlock new streams of generosity. LaCour, who recently retired from her role as Blackbaud’s chief marketing officer, succeeds former executive director Matt Nash, who helped establish and build the organization for five years and successfully strengthened its national profile, expanded nonprofit engagement, and deepened its role as a trusted partner in charitable giving. 

“We are thrilled to see Catherine enter this role,” said Dan Aptor, board chair. “She brings a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, a strong commitment to nonprofit partners, and the strategic clarity needed to guide The Blackbaud Giving Fund into its next chapter. Her experience and values are a natural fit for our mission, and the board has full confidence in her ability to strengthen our impact for nonprofits, donors, and corporate partners.”

LaCour brings over 25 years of experience leading growth, engagement, and innovation across public, private, and nonprofit organizations, as well as deep expertise in building trusted systems that connect people, organizations, and purpose. Her background spans charitable funds distribution, technology-enabled engagement, and sector leadership, positioning her to help expand the Fund’s role within the social impact ecosystem.

“The Blackbaud Giving Fund exists to make giving faster, more transparent, and more effective for nonprofits and the donors who support them,” said LaCour. “By helping corporate employees move their gifts from intention to impact in days rather than weeks, and by reducing the friction and cost often associated with distribution, we’re strengthening trust in the entire giving process. I’m excited to lead the Fund at a time when the work nonprofits are doing is even more critical, and as trust and transparency become even more important.”

As CEO and executive director, LaCour will work closely with the Fund’s board of directors to define priorities, guide policy, and ensure accountability. She will also partner with Blackbaud leadership to explore opportunities for new giving channels, partnerships, and innovations. In partnership with Blackbaud and its YourCause® solution built for corporate social responsibility and employee engagement, The Blackbaud Giving Fund helps power a connected platform that links donors and nonprofits through trusted technology and responsible stewardship to accelerate giving and create a network effect. The Fund eliminates the friction of connecting around shared purpose, powerfully linking individuals, organizations, and systems so resources can be unleashed at the speed of need and impact can grow exponentially. Under her leadership, The Blackbaud Giving Fund will continue to strengthen its role as a connector between donors and nonprofits, while supporting the sector with resources, education, and trusted infrastructure for charitable giving.

For nonprofit resources and tips, visit The Blackbaud Giving Fund’s blog.

For more information about The Blackbaud Giving Fund, visit blackbaudgivingfund.org or follow the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagramfor updates, news, and more. 

About The Blackbaud Giving Fund

Facilitating $2.75 billion in charitable contributions to more than 286,000 nonprofits worldwide since 2020, The Blackbaud Giving Fund is the bridge between corporate giving initiatives and nonprofit organizations, bringing supporters and nonprofits together to advance the state of giving. The Fund simplifies the giving experience by offering companies and individuals a secure, efficient way to give to vetted nonprofits, and it delivers contributions directly to those nonprofits. Beyond disbursing all funds quickly to nonprofits, the Fund offers free resources to organizations, including receipting, a donor communication platform, statistics, reports, ACH payments, and more. 

The Blackbaud Giving Fund is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity and grant-making organization that was organized and operates exclusively for charitable purposes. It is not controlled by and is not a program or activity of Blackbaud, Inc. The Blackbaud Giving Fund’s mission is to unleash generosity by connecting people to causes they care about around the world. 

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What: 4th Annual Holi Festival of Colors at Coterie

Where: Coterie – 17 Warren Street, Charleston, SC

When: Sunday, March 15, 2026 – 12:00 PM

Click HERE for a reservation.

Event Details

Colors to throw included in admission. Special Drinks featuring Nock Mezcal and Tequila as well as Mango Lassi and the NA options. Chef Gita Thali including puri,eggplant potato veg curry, cabbage sauté salad, toorDal(lentil soup), Rice, Frayums (Papad papdi), wheat ladoo.

*Recommended to pre-purchase Thali as the availability is limited

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🌸 Save the date for the 53rd Annual Summerville YMCA’s Flowertown Festival, one of the largest arts and crafts gatherings in the Southeast. 

📍 Azalea Park & Historic Downtown | Summerville, SC

🗓️ March 27 – 29, 2026

For one weekend, the blooming paths of Azalea Park and the streets of Historic Downtown Summerville transform into a massive open-air market featuring 200+ world-class artisans, a curated lineup of food trucks, and a dedicated children’s carnival and ride area.

Whether you’re there for the craftsmanship or the spring scenery, it is the quintessential weekend to experience the Lowcountry at its peak.🪻

For more details click:  https://bit.ly/4u1zJnd

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New Raspberry and Orange THC Infusions are here to elevate your day with fresh flavor and 10mg THC per serving

Charleston, SC (Feb. 26, 2026) – High Rise Beverage Co. is turning up the taste with two new flavors of High Rise THC Infusions: Raspberry and Orange. THC Infusions are crafted with real fruit and thoughtful ingredients so you can show up, stay present and enjoy life to the highest. Raspberry and Orange THC infusions, available with 10mg THC, will make their debut at Charleston Wine + Food, Mar. 4-8, in sophisticated 750mL bottles, followed by availability at retail in Florida, South Carolina, and online for nationwide delivery.

Simple to mix, easy to love and made to elevate social moments, High Rise THC infusions are perfect for mixing into highbations or drinking on the rocks. Two new flavors are now joining the lineup alongside the original Citrus THC Infusion:

Meet Raspberry: Enjoy fresh raspberry notes with gentle natural sweetness. Made with real fruit and organic cane sugar, it ends in a smooth, creamy finish with a bright, playful feel.

Say Hello to Orange: Tastes like a juicy, fresh orange with a soft, creamy aftertaste. Made with real fruit and organic cane sugar, it offers natural sweetness and a well-rounded, sun-kissed character.

Enjoy delicious fruit flavor and a social buzz, with 10mg of uplifting THC per serving, plus 2.5mg CBG, which adds energy and flow, and 2.5mg CBD to smooth it all into perfect balance. Each bottle of High Rise THC-infused Spirit contains 17 servings, with 20 calories per serving. 

“Our new raspberry and orange THC Infusions are made with real fruit, to elevate your real life moments with fresh flavors and a gentle THC uplift,” said Matt Skinner, founder of High Rise. “High Rise is made for the mixologists, the dreamers, the adventurers and everyone who wants to live life to the fullest.” 

Whether you’re sober-curious or a seasoned THC enthusiast, mix things up with a zero-alcohol alternative that allows you to enjoy the fun and skip the hangover. Try new Raspberry and Orange High Rise THC Infusions flavors coming soon to a retailer near you, or learn more at highrisebev.com.

About High Rise

High Rise is rooted in the idea that you can live fully, celebrate freely, and experience the highs of life – without alcohol. Each award-winning THC and CBD-infused seltzer and new THC Infusion is deliciously crafted with real fruit, organic cane sugar, functional ingredients, and a whole lot of intention; in a range of flavors and doses that hit just right. Born on the Coast, High Rise is an easygoing beverage made for those who crave connection, fun and unforgettable experiences. To order online or find High Rise near you, visit highrisebev.com.

Related: Learn more about the amazing Female Chefs at Charleston Wine + Food.

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Post Malone, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, and Riley Green Lead Four-Day Oceanfront Celebration in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (FEBRUARY 27, 2026) — Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) has unveiled the full artist lineup for its 2026 event, set for June 4–7, 2026, in the heart of Myrtle Beach. The East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest will once again transform the oceanfront into a four-day celebration of live music, bringing together chart-topping headliners, multi-platinum hitmakers, and the next generation of country stars.

Leading the 2026 lineup are Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, and Riley Green, four of the most prominent names in country music today. Collectively, the headliners represent dozens of No. 1 singles, billions of global streams, and some of the genre’s most recognizable voices.

Joining them are fan favorites and rising standouts including: Cole Swindell, Tucker Wetmore, Justin Moore, Chris Janson, Lauren Alaina, Tracy Lawrence, Flatland Cavalry, Chris Lane, Rodney Atkins, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, LOCASH, Drew Baldridge, Drake White, Emily Ann Roberts, Zach John King, The Wilder Blue, Graham Barham, Channing Wilson, Julia Cole, Laci Kaye Booth, Whey Jennings, Davisson Brothers Band, Filmore, Myles Morgan, Slater Nalley, Diamond Dixie, Chandler Carpenter and The Reckless Souls, Byrdie Wilson, Darren Deese, Rut Spence and more.

With more than 40 artists performing across multiple stages, CCMF continues its tradition of blending established superstars with emerging talent — a formula that has helped launch rising acts who once played side stages before becoming household names.

Now entering its second decade, CCMF has sold out four consecutive years and earned two nominations for ACM Festival of the Year, further underscoring its impact within the industry. Recognized by outlets including USA Today, Billboard, and Rolling Stone as one of the nation’s premier country music experiences, the event draws tens of thousands of fans annually to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for four days of live performances, immersive experiences, and a coastal atmosphere unlike any other.

“We’ve got two of the hottest artists in country right now — Post Malone and Riley Green — alongside two of the genre’s biggest mainstays, Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton,” said Bob Durkin, co-founder of Southern Entertainment. “From global superstars to artists on the rise, we’re bringing together an incredible mix of talent for four unforgettable days on the beach.”

With the 2026 lineup now unveiled and Main Stage VIP sold out, limited General Admission and Super VIP tickets remain.

General Admission provides access to four days of nonstop live performances across five stages and the full CCMF experience. In addition to world-class music, GA includes entry to the festival’s signature air-conditioned dive bars featuring live music throughout the day, curated shopping villages, interactive fan activities and Music City-inspired favorites such as karaoke, dueling pianos and line dancing lessons — delivering an authentic Nashville-style celebration to the Carolina coastline.

For fans seeking a more elevated experience, Super VIP offers CCMF’s most exclusive access, including a private festival entrance, front-row viewing at the main stage, an elevated viewing platform with a full-service bar, an air-conditioned catering tent with seating, curated food offerings with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and evening buffets Friday through Sunday, posh private restrooms and an open bar within the Super VIP section.

Fans can secure four days of country music for as low as $79 per day* with a three-day General Admission ticket. Friday, February 27 at midnight marks the final opportunity to have Thursday Night included with the purchase of a three-day ticket. 

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.

*Daily rate calculated by dividing total ticket price by the number of festival days. Taxes and fees not included.

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 Mark A Leon

AWENDAW, S.C. — As the sun dips behind the pines off Highway 17, headlights begin turning into a gravel drive just north of Mount Pleasant. By dusk, lawn chairs are unfolding, children are chasing one another near the fence line, and the first guitar chords float into the evening air.

This is Barn Jam — the long-running weekly music gathering hosted by Awendaw Green on the grounds of the Sewee Outpost in Awendaw — and it remains one of the Lowcountry’s most unvarnished and authentic live-music experiences.

Held most Wednesday evenings, the event centers on original music. Songwriters and bands from across the Carolinas and beyond take the stage in a rustic barn setting, offering sets that range from Americana and folk to blues, country, and roots rock. The emphasis has always been on artistry over spectacle. There are no flashing lights or velvet ropes — just musicians, microphones, and a crowd that listens.

The evening traditionally begins with an open jam session, where local players are invited to bring an instrument and join in. As twilight settles, a curated lineup of featured performers takes over, typically rotating through several acts over the course of the night. The format keeps the energy moving and the audience engaged, with each artist bringing a different sound and story.

What distinguishes Barn Jam is not only the music, but the setting. The venue’s open-air layout invites movement — some attendees sit quietly near the stage, others gather around picnic tables, and children often dance barefoot in the grass. Small bonfires flicker when temperatures dip. It feels less like a formal concert and more like a community gathering that happens to have exceptional live music.

Admission is typically a modest donation at the gate, helping support Awendaw Green’s broader mission of promoting original music and providing a stage for emerging artists. The nonprofit organization has, for years, built a reputation as a grassroots incubator for songwriters — a place where touring musicians share the bill with local talent, and where audiences are encouraged to discover someone new.

Food vendors frequently set up on site, and many regulars arrive with coolers and picnic fare. Dogs on leashes are a common sight. The atmosphere is relaxed but respectful — a reflection of the crowd that makes the weekly drive from nearby communities, including Charleston.

In an era when live entertainment often comes with rising ticket prices and crowded venues, Barn Jam offers something increasingly rare: accessibility. There are no assigned seats, no parking decks, no corporate branding splashed across a stage backdrop. Instead, there is space — for conversation, for collaboration, for connection.

For newcomers, the directions are simple: head north on Highway 17, look for the barn lights, and follow the sound of the music. For regulars, Wednesday nights in Awendaw need no explanation. They are a ritual — one built on guitars, gathering, and the enduring pull of a song shared under the South Carolina sky.

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Photo Credit: Barn Jam and Charleston Daily

By Mark A Leon

In the Charleston area, where church steeples rise above cobblestone streets and marsh grasses sway with the tide, small neighborhood markets remain essential threads in the fabric of coastal life. Long before big-box stores and delivery apps, these corner groceries were gathering places — part pantry, part front porch. Today, three beloved markets — Burbage’s Grocery, Bert’s Market, and Charlie’s Grocery — continue to capture the easygoing, community-centered spirit that defines small coastal living.

On Broad Street in downtown Charleston, Burbage’s Grocery has quietly served neighbors since 1946. Located at 157 Broad Street, the narrow shop feels frozen in time, its shelves packed tight and its counter still turning out beloved sandwiches and house-made staples. Founded by Robert Burbage in the years following World War II, the store became a lunchtime mainstay for lawyers, students, and downtown workers. Robert’s son, Al Burbage, later carried the family business forward for decades, preserving its no-frills charm and reputation for friendly service.

When Al retired in 2013, longtime Charleston grocers George and Lisa Bowen stepped in to keep the tradition alive. Rather than modernizing it beyond recognition, they maintained the store’s historic feel — proof that in Charleston, preservation isn’t limited to grand homes. Sometimes it lives in a corner grocery where regulars are greeted by name and the daily rhythm moves at a neighborly pace.

Twenty minutes away on Folly Beach, Bert’s Market stands as a different but equally iconic symbol of coastal culture. Situated at 202 East Ashley Avenue, the market opened in 1993 and has operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week ever since — an anomaly in an age of shortened hours. Founded by Bert Hastings, the store quickly became the island’s unofficial community center, serving everyone from surfers grabbing coffee at sunrise to late-night beachgoers in search of snacks.

Since 2010, Bert’s daughter Julia Colon and her husband, Omar Colon, have owned and operated the market. They have preserved its eclectic personality while expanding its offerings, including a popular deli counter. On an island where flip-flops are year-round attire, Bert’s embodies Folly’s free-spirited ethos — practical, welcoming, and always open.

Back on the peninsula at 1 Jasper Street, Charlie’s Grocery offers yet another take on the neighborhood market. Established in 1996 by Charlie Dabit, the Radcliffeborough corner store blends convenience shop staples with a New York-style deli sensibility. Today, Charlie’s sons continue running the family business, carrying forward a legacy built on hearty sandwiches, cold drinks, and a strong sense of community.

In each of these markets, the details differ — historic downtown, laid-back barrier island, bustling neighborhood corner — but the essence remains the same. They are places where errands turn into conversations, where owners know their customers, and where the spirit of small coastal living endures one transaction at a time.

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Operation HOPE and Wells Fargo Expand Free Financial Coaching to Charleston

New HOPE Inside centers in local Wells Fargo branches increase access to financial education and guidance in low-to-moderate income communities

CHARLESTON, S.C. – February 24, 2026 – Wells Fargo and Operation HOPE, Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to financial empowerment, today announced the opening of a new HOPE Inside center in Charleston.

Each HOPE Inside center is located inside a Wells Fargo branch, and features Operation HOPE financial coaches who help empower community members to achieve their financial goals through free financial education workshops and one-on-one coaching. In Charleston, the HOPE Inside center is located at 1305 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. in the Ashley Landing neighborhood.

“Wells Fargo’s collaboration with Operation HOPE continues to play an important role in advancing financial inclusion,” said Nadia van de Walle, Head of Banking Inclusion Initiative at Wells Fargo. “By providing free, high-quality financial coaching and trusted guidance, this collaboration expands access to essential financial tools and builds financial confidence. Together, we’re helping consumers take control of their financial future while making a meaningful impact across communities.”

HOPE Inside centers are located within select low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhood branches that are specially designed around the needs of its community members. The branches feature redesigned spaces created to deliver one-on-one consultations, improve digital access, and offer financial health seminars.

“Economic inclusion isn’t a slogan — it’s about giving people a real path to ownership and upward mobility,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE. “HOPE Inside brings financial coaching into everyday community spaces, so people can build credit, save, and plan for the future where they already live and bank. Each new location with Wells Fargo helps more families move from surviving to thriving, and that’s how you change communities for the long term. We’re grateful for the partnership.”

The Charleston HOPE Inside location continues Wells Fargo’s commitment to make financial education and guidance more accessible to those most in need through opening HOPE Inside centers in 50 LMI communities by the end of 2026.

HOPE Inside is part of Wells Fargo’s Banking Inclusion Initiative, a 10-year commitment to help provide easier access to low-cost banking and financial education for underbanked and unbanked communities.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $2.1 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 33 on Fortune’s 2025 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellsfargo