Meet Rachel Carpenter Horne, Owner of Gold Star Coffee on Johns Island – Where passion, coffee and community gather

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by Mark A. Leon

There are thousands of stories in the Holy City about finding happiness through adversity; meaning and legacy; community from loneliness. One of those stories is about the courage and strength of Rachel Carpenter Horne, former educator, widow and single mother who has found a re-connection and purpose in her passion project, Gold Star Coffee on Johns Island.

After losing her husband Terrell, a 14-year Coast Guard veteran who lost his life during a drug interdiction off the California coast in 2012 while pregnant with their third child, Rachel moved back to South Carolina to look for direction. Through family, friends and the Lowcountry community, she manifested a fresh start. To honor her late husband and give back to those that surrounded Rachel with love in her time of need, Gold Star Coffee was born.

We had time to sit down and talk to Rachel as she discussed her story with open and thoughtful transparency. After a few minutes with Rachel, it was clear that Gold Star Coffee is more than just a coffee shop; it is a place to find a deeper sense of community.

Our Conversation with Rachel, Owner and Operator of Gold Star Coffee

  1. Gold Star was born out of tragedy and passion and as a result one of your core values was to create a sense of community for the neighborhood. Ultimately, what you created is muchbigger than you anticipated. Gold Star has become a place to console, gather and find comfort. What has it meant to you personally to know that others that have a similar shared experience, can enter your shop and find comfort in your community culture?

When someone experiences significant loss or tragedy, a new version of themselves is born. In my experience not only did I not recognize myself, but even friends and family sensed significant change in me. As a result, I went through a very lonely period trying to rebuild.Coffee shops became mini respites where I could walk in and have easy, but healing interactions. Coffee can be a love language for many. A good coffee shop is warm, welcoming,and offers a sense of comfort. For a few minutes, I could just be a normal human. No one looked at me with pity or sadness…they just simply would chat, serve me a latte, and give me a quick sense of feeling like the world was going to be ok. Now in a position to reciprocate, I hope others can find comfort in Gold Star. Since opening, other Gold Star families and thosewho know Terrell’s story have found us. Some have even found us unexpectedly and I question what led them in. For me, it is extremely rewarding to have a space where his story continues tobe told and maybe even feel a sense of how special he was. Oh, and he really loved a good cup of coffee.

  • What has it meant for you be a groundbreaking force on Johns Island being one of the first full-service coffee shops in this emerging demographic?

My belief was that Johns Island needed more gathering spaces, but I did not know just howbadly it was needed. I have been extremely overwhelmed by the number of people walking in each day looking for community connection. On a daily basis the shop sees old and new faces.Relationships are constantly forming with our regulars, and I love to see them running into

friends and neighbors during their visit. When I hear excited voices, warm exchanges, andlaughter I remind myself that the idea has become a reality. In a world where so much negativity is being thrown back and forth on social media, it is refreshing to see people off their phones in the shop.

There have been a few organized events…neighborhood groups, as well as Mayor Cogswell and the CCSD Superintendent. All have been well attended and overall pleasant experiences for everyone that showed up!

  • You have a very special staff made up on compassionate, positive individuals.What do you look for when you hire ambassadors?

Before opening doors, everyone said staffing would be a challenge. The industry lends itself to individuals needing part time work with lots of turnover. I was told early on by Josh with Foresight Coffee Roasters to find my pillars. The idea is to find a few strong and solid individuals that will hold the entire staff up even when things are hard. Incredibly, five of our team members have been with me since day one and have proven to be incredible pillars. It hasn’t always been a walk in the park, but we have certainly grown together. When hiring I look for people who have a combination of grit and grace. To me this means being able to workthrough challenges while remaining kind and calm. It is a tight bar, so thankfully we all really like each other most days!

  • As a customer for the first or hundredth time, what will I expect when I come to Gold Star?

A clean space, kind employees, and really good coffee!

  • As a mother and business owner, how do you find time to balance the daily challenges?

Honestly, it was a really challenging first year with very early mornings and late nights. Luckily, I am a morning person and can get a lot of work done (with the help of good coffee) before thekids are even out of bed. Each day running the business gets a little easier and I’m learning how to manage my time and build in breaks. I have also really improved my diaphragmatic breathing exercise for when equipment breaks, or something goes south unexpectedly!

  • If we asked your children to describe you, what would they say?

So many times I questioned my sanity (as I’m sure my family and friends did) when making the decision to quit teaching and open a small business. Not to mention, there was significant mom guilt I felt when dividing my time between family and work. However, the boys really love theshop and enjoy watching it grow along with me. I believe there is value in showing children the importance of hard work and perseverance in meaningful missions. My middle schooler alwaysnotices when a teacher leaves school and returns with a Gold Star cup. On our one-year anniversary I was in the kitchen dealing with a rush and he put his arm on my shoulder and told me he was proud of me. As a very tired single mom, that is everything.

How Summerville DREAM is keeping the “dreams” of Summerville, SC small business owners alive and well

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By Mark A. Leon

Owning, operating and marketing a small business is hard work. It takes passion, drive, partnerships, learning and many sleepless nights. Having support is the greatest gift a small business owner can have. In Summerville, South Carolina, that support exists in the Summerville DREAM, an organization focused on helping the community thrive.

Let’s learn a little more and see how you can get involved.

What is Summerville Dream?

DREAM is a cohort of small businesses, specialty vendors, and entrepreneurs working together to facilitate improvements in economic vitality, direct to consumer marketing, merchant district landscapes, entertainment, and community outreach.

Our work enhances the small business profile and associates a mindset that celebrates the shop local approach and creates a competitive advantage over major retail stores and online shopping. DREAM Community Partners are recognized as trusted advisors that embraces the “I am because we are” mindset where together we all succeed.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Bank of America to Open More Than 165 Financial Centers by End of 2026

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Continuing its decade-long expansion, company opens first financial center in Louisville, Kentucky – with plans for five there over the next year

Since 2014, BofA has invested over $5 billion in financial center expansion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Over the last 10 years, Bank of America has been expanding its financial center network, opening locations nationwide in new and existing markets. The bank is on track to open more than 165 new centers across 63 markets by the end of 2026, including nearly 40 this year. This is in addition to the more than 100 centers the company opened over the last two years.

“We are reaching more and more clients through the expansion and modernization of our financial centers,” said Aron Levine, President of Preferred Banking at Bank of America. “While most clients are using our digital capabilities for their everyday banking, they are visiting our centers for in-person conversations about their more complex financial needs and advice on their life priorities and financial goals.”

Open in Louisville

Bank of America is continuing to expand its retail banking presence in Kentucky, with the opening of its first Louisville-area financial center today and a second center set to open on Oct. 7.  In total, the company plans to open five financial centers in the Louisvillemarket by the end of 2025.   

The bank’s first financial center in Kentucky opened in Lexington in 2021. This latest expansion will bring its total number of financial centers in the state to 10 by the end of 2027. Bank of America currently serves nearly 95,000 consumer and small business clients throughout Kentucky through existing centers, along with clients of its well-established Merrill Wealth Management business, and corporate and business banking clients.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our presence in the Bluegrass state by opening our first financial centers in Louisville,” said Felicia Lewis, Division Executive, Southeast at Bank of America. “By expanding our capabilities in this market, we are able to better serve clients, and further drive local community growth and development.”

Ongoing Expansion and Investment

Bank of America’s financial center expansion began in 2014, and over the last 10 years, the company has invested more than $5 billionin its centers. Later this year, the bank will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its first financial center opening in Colorado – where it now has 32 centers– and the five-year anniversary of its first center in Ohio, where it now has 54 centers.

Earlier this year, the bank completed renovating and modernizing its financial centers across the country. Through this effort, more than 3,000 existing centers were renovated with a focus on creating offices and meeting spaces for clients to talk with financial specialists; making state-of-the-art technology easier to access at the front of the centers; and ensuring clients have a consistent, modern experience inside every center.

As part of these renovation efforts and a partnership with ArtLifting, over 1,500 financial centers now feature artwork by artists living with disabilities or impacted by housing insecurity.

Following Bank of America’s entry into Louisville this year, the company also plans to open its first financial centers in Boise, Idaho, in early 2025.

Financial Centers Align to Client Behavior

With more than 95% of client interactions taking place on the bank’s digital platform, Bank of America has adapted its financial centers to focus on meeting spaces where clients can have in-depth conversations about their finances.

In the past year, clients have made nearly 10 million appointments with financial specialists in financial centers. Nearly 20% of these appointments have been meetings between clients and Financial Solutions Advisors to discuss investing. This has helped drive assets in the Bank of America Consumer Investments business to record levels.

Through its financial center and ATM networks, Bank of America provides banking access to 246 million people across more than 200 markets, or more than 75% of the U.S. population. Approximately 30% of the bank’s financial centers are in low- and moderate-income communities.

Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 58 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

Lowcountry Best Selling Author Stephanie Alexander releases her latest novel “Mean Low Water”

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By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina based Stephanie Alexander, Award-winning Author of Tipsy Collins Series and The Cracked Slipper Series is proud to announce the publication of her latest work, Mean Low Water.  This latest novel explores the complexities of relationships, intrigue and suspense all in the beautiful backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina.

Here is what you need to know before you dive into this latest journey by Stephanie Alexander.

Summary:  

Mean Low Water by Stephanie Alexander (Red Adept Publishing, print and ebook released August 2024; audiobook forthcoming from Tantor Audio)

A psychic Charleston divorce attorney’s seemingly perfect life is upended by the reemergence of her first love—the recovering addict who may be responsible for her best friend’s mysterious disappearance.

About Mean Low Water 

Charleston attorney Lisa “LeeLee” Lightstone Moretz has a beautiful family, a successful career, and a coveted South of Broad address, but underneath the tranquil surface, her own marriage is crumbling. When her first love, recovering addict Peace Smith, appears at her office with alarming news about her estranged friend Ginny Blankenship, LeeLee is catapulted into a missing person case. She also realizes she’s never truly gotten over Peace, who left town with mercurial wild child Ginny over a decade ago. Peace is finally sober, but he’s also a prime suspect in Ginny’s disappearance. LeeLee—who harbors secret psychic abilities—must uncover the truth about Ginny, and her own future hinges on Peace’s innocence. So begins a dual timeline narrative, skillfully alternating between LeeLee’s and Ginny’s perspectives over the course of two decades. Through LeeLee and Ginny’s divergent life trajectories and complicated bond, Mean Low Water explores the power of lifelong relationships. “Alexander’s characters are well developed and feel authentic throughout. The complex, fluid relationships of the main players ebb and flow over time, which reflects reality in a striking way. A well-crafted tale of friendship and  discovery.” — Kirkus Reviews 

About Author Stephanie Alexander

Stephanie Alexander is the award-winning author of Mean Low Water, the Tipsy Collins Series, and The Cracked Slipper Series. Stephanie’s work always features strong female protagonists, relatable emotional journeys, and a dash of magic. A graduate of the College of Charleston and the Charleston School of Law, she practices family law in Charleston’s French Quarter. She lives on Daniel Island with her husband, their blended family of five children, and their two dachshunds, Trinket and Tipsy.

Shop Local

Signed copies available at The Village Bookseller on Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant, and downtown at Buxton Books on King Street.

Purchase Online

Cllck HERE to purchase on Amazon

Click HERE to purchase at Barnes and Noble

Follow Stephanie Alexander

Best Places to enjoy the Autumn season in Charleston, South Carolina

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Charleston, South Carolina, offers some beautiful spots to enjoy the fall foliage, although it’s important to note that the fall season in Charleston is not as dramatic as in some other parts of the country due to its subtropical climate. However, you can still experience some lovely autumn colors in and around the city. Here are some of the best places to enjoy the fall foliage in Charleston:

  1. Angel Oak Tree: Located on Johns Island, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, the Angel Oak is a massive live oak tree that’s estimated to be around 400-500 years old. While the leaves don’t change color dramatically, the tree itself is a sight to behold year-round.
  2. Charleston Waterfront Park: This downtown park along the Cooper River offers stunning waterfront views, and the trees along the promenade can have beautiful fall foliage. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery.
  3. Middleton Place: A historic plantation located about a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, Middleton Place features beautifully landscaped gardens and can be particularly scenic during the fall months when the leaves change color.
  4. Caw Caw Interpretive Center: This nature preserve, located about a 30-minute drive from Charleston, is a great place for hiking and birdwatching. The cypress trees in the swamp area can take on fall hues, making it a serene spot to enjoy autumn.
  5. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Another historic plantation, Magnolia Plantation, offers extensive gardens with camellias, azaleas, and other plants that can display vibrant fall colors.
  6. Folly Beach: While not known for its fall foliage, Folly Beach is still a beautiful place to visit during the autumn months. The beach may be less crowded, and the weather can be quite pleasant for walks along the shore. During the final week of September (2023), Folly Beach is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of fun local events.
  7. The West Ashley Greenway: This 8.25-mile-long trail in West Ashley features a mix of urban and natural scenery. It’s a nice place to go for a fall bike ride or a leisurely walk with the family.
  8. Francis Marion National Forest: Located to the north of Charleston, this forest has some trails where you can experience the changing leaves. The Swamp Fox Passage of the Palmetto Trail is a popular option.
  9. Hampton Park: With its pond, gazebo, ducks, multitude of flowers and foliage, Hampton Park is a great place for a walk, run, picnic or event. During the fall season, it explodes in color with every turn.

If you are open to a road trip:

  1. South Carolina Botanical Garden: Located in Clemson, which is about a 3-hour drive from Charleston, this garden features a variety of plants that can showcase fall colors. If you’re up for a day trip, it’s worth the drive.
  2. Visit Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains: The stunning colors of the Blue Ridge and skies are breathtaking during the fall months in the Western Carolina mountains.

Keep in mind that the fall foliage season in Charleston is relatively short, typically peaking in late October to early November, and the colors may not be as vibrant as in other parts of the country. Nonetheless, Charleston’s mild climate and beautiful surroundings make it a lovely place to enjoy the changing season.

Official Statement: Security Incident at Joint Base Charleston Naval Weapons Station Concluded

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For Immediate Release                                                                                                     

Release No. 09-20-02 

Update: Security Incident at Joint Base Charleston Naval Weapons Station Concluded 

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Joint Base Charleston Naval Weapons Station was in lockdown today as first responders reacted to a hostage situation.  

  
At approximately 10:45 a.m. today, Security Forces responded to a domestic dispute in base housing. The Child Development Center, Marrington Elementary and Marrington Middle School were locked down. Residents of base housing were informed to shelter in place. 

A suspect barricaded himself inside of a home on base while armed with a firearm. A 6-week-old infant, who allegedly belongs to a former colleague, was also in the house. Members of the Goose Creek Police Department entered the home and found the suspect with life threatening injuries. The infant was unharmed. 

Events leading to the incident are unknown at this time. All lockdown protocols are lifted at this time.  

 
We take any threat to the safety and security of our installation seriously, and as such, we activated our established procedures to ensure the safety of our personnel and the surrounding community.  

Law enforcement will investigate the incident.  

Revelry Brewing Toasts 10-Year Milestone, Decade of Giving Back with The Green Heart Project

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10th Anniversary Block Party on Sunday, October 27 Benefits Local Farm-To-School Programs

Charleston, SC (September 18, 2024) – Revelry Brewing Company, Charleston’s award-winning brewer of craft beer and boisterous good times, is proud to celebrate 10 years of cultivating community since opening its Conroy Street brewery and tasting room in 2014. 

“Revelry’s tenth anniversary is a meaningful achievement for our entire team,” says Revelry Brewing Partner Sean Fleming. “Our brand has grown significantly over the last decade, and we’re especially grateful to our loyal fans and partners who have contributed to Revelry’s continued longevity in the industry.”

What began as a homebrewing project now encompasses two area locations – the recently opened Revelry Brewing Folly Beach joins the bustling 4,000-square-foot downtown Charleston brewery – and a lineup of quality craft brews that have racked up dozens of awards from the U.S. Open Beer Championship, LA International Beer Competition and Best of Craft Beer Awards, among others. 

Alongside its expanding footprint, Revelry is also toasting a decade of local impact through farm to school non-profit, The Green Heart Project. Since 2014, the partnership has generated more than $210,000 in ticket proceeds from Revelry’s annual Block Party, benefiting the organization’s garden-based experiential learning projects and school garden program. Last year alone, the event raised a landmark $21,000 in sponsorship donations. This total contribution has been foundational in growing The Green Heart Project’s outreach to 18 school garden locations currently operating across the Charleston area. 

“We knew from the beginning that it was important for Revelry to contribute to something meaningful and close to home,” continues Fleming. “It’s an honor to partner with our friends at The Green Heart Project to make a lasting impact in kids’ lives while building community around locally grown food.” 

Revelry Hosts 10-Year Party For A Purpose

Revelry Brewing’s 10th Anniversary Block Party will take place on Sunday, October 27th from 12 to 6 p.m. at 10 Conroy Street in the heart of the Charleston Brewery District. Revelers of the highly anticipated annual event can expect a full lineup of festivities, giveaways, music by DJ Sparkbox and tasty food pairings for Revelry’s award-winning brews, featuring Chef Michael Toscano and friends.

A highlight of the 2024 Block Party celebration, attendees will also experience a first look inside The Green Heart Project’s forthcoming Singleton Park Garden, located adjacent to Revelry Brewing. The garden serves as an outdoor classroom for students at Meeting Street Academy.

“It’s incredible to celebrate a decade of community support from the generous team at Revelry and the thousands of attendees who come out to this event every year,” says Jesse Blom, Executive Director of The Green Heart Project. “Revelry’s partnership has been instrumental in connecting students with their food, with their environment, and with their community through The Green Heart Project’s Farm to School programs.”

“We’re especially thrilled for Block Party goers and Revelry patrons to see their impact first-hand with the transformation of Singleton Park as our newest school garden.”

Revelry Brewing’s 10th Anniversary Block Party tickets are $10, available online at City Paper Tickets and for purchase at the door until the event reaches capacity. Children under 10 are free, along with canine friends. 100% of ticket sales will benefit The Green Heart Project’s Farm to School programs.

For full event details, visit Revelry’s official Facebook event page and follow @revelrybrewing on Instagram.

About The Green Heart Project   

Founded in 2009, the Green Heart Project is a 501c3 non-profit organization that builds urban gardens and farm-to-school programs in the Charleston area. With a high value placed on health, education and community, the Green Heart Project pairs local volunteers with students to maintain school gardens while teaching academic standards and interpersonal skills. By doing so it looks to educate students and volunteers about healthy, local foods while fostering lasting relationships and building community. For more information on how to get involved, please visit their website at www.greenheartsc.org. Follow them on Facebook and on Instagram @greenheartchs.

2 More Charleston Lowcountry Area Restaurants Close

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By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina like many other parts of the country suffer the challenges of competition, inflation, operational cost increases and brand relevance. Yet, we are resilient and have a strong loyal base that keeps our local businesses thriving. Sometimes, good places, unfortunately, succumb to the pressures of operating a business and must say goodbye.

It is with sadness to announce two end of summer closings. Colectivo (Johns Island) and Mex 1 Coastal Cantina (Mount Pleasant) have closed their doors.

Colectivo – 2901 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455 – announced their closing on Instagram with this message:

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, 1109 Park W Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466, announced their closing indicating a need to focus efforts on their other two locations on Sullivan’s Island and West Ashley. Click HERE for the official website of Mex 1 and their other two locations.

Both restaurants made positive contributions to their communities and will be missed.

Related: 9 of the Most Highly Anticipated Grand Openings of 2024/25 in Charleston, SC from Restaurants to Businesses to Residential Communities!

US Open Finalist and Top-Ranked American Jessica Pegula to Play Credit One Charleston Open

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Six-time WTA singles champion and World No. 3 to compete in Credit One Charleston Open player field

CHARLESTON, S.C. – 2024 US Open finalist, Olympian and top-ranked American Jessica Pegula has entered the 2025 Credit One Charleston Open, the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The World No. 3 will compete in the Charleston main draw for the seventh time when the tournament returns March 29 – April 6 to Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina. 

The Credit One Charleston Open was recognized as the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Originally held on Hilton Head Island and now in its 53rd year, the tournament will celebrate 25 years in Charleston in 2025.

Pegula is currently the No. 1 ranked American. She has captured six WTA singles titles and seven WTA doubles titles. She recently had a career breakthrough, reaching her first Grand Slam final at the 2024 US Open, her best Major result to date. Before the US Open, Pegula had reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments, making her a six-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist.

“We are excited to welcome Jessie Pegula back to Charleston for the Credit One Charleston Open. She has a great history with our tournament, and her remarkable performances on the court have always been a highlight with tennis fans,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “She is ending her 2024 season with amazing momentum, winning in Canada and making the finals in both Cincinnati and the US Open. As we celebrate 25 incredible years of tennis in this great city, we’re looking forward to hosting an exceptional player field and event, with more exciting announcements coming your way.”

In addition to her result at the US Open, Pegula reached three more finals this year – in Berlin, Toronto, and Cincinnati – securing titles in Berlin and Toronto. She also advanced to the semifinals in Adelaide, San Diego, and Charleston, and reached the quarterfinals in Miami. This summer, Pegula qualified and competed in the 2024 Olympic Games, representing Team USA for a second time. 

The 2025 Credit One Charleston Open will be Pegula’s 11th appearance in the Charleston player field and seventh in the main draw. She holds an 11-6 win/loss main draw record and was a semifinalist in 2023 and 2024. 

“I’m always excited to return to Charleston for the Credit One Charleston Open. This tournament holds a special place in my heart, with wonderful memories from my two semifinal appearances and time spent in the Lowcountry over the past decade. I can’t wait to kick off my clay season in Charleston next year and play in front of a home crowd at Credit One Stadium.”

The nine-day Credit One Charleston Open showcases a singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 24 players, and a doubles draw of 16 players. The event traditionally hosts more than 90,000 attendees on Daniel Island. 

Charleston Tennis, LLC, which manages Credit One Stadium under a lease from the City of Charleston, renovated and modernized the 20-year-old facility in 2022. The city-owned venue underwent upgrades to enhance the stadium experience for patrons, performers, tennis players and event management, allowing the venue to attract world-class athletes and talent to Daniel Island.

The Credit One Charleston Open has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports since 1973, paving the path for female tennis players to receive equal recognition, respect and pay in the sport. Originally held on Hilton Head Island, the event moved to Charleston in 2001 and is played on Daniel Island at the LTP Daniel Island tennis center, home to the Credit One Stadium.

Ticket packages will be available for purchase at creditonecharlestonopen.com or by calling (843) 856-7900 on October 15. For additional information, please email tickets@charlestontennisllc.com or visit creditonecharlestonopen.com

About the Credit One Charleston Open:
The Credit One Charleston Open is North America’s largest women’s-only tennis tournament. The event, formerly known as the Family Circle Cup and Volvo Car Open, moved to Charleston, S.C., in 2001 from Hilton Head Island, S.C., and celebrated its 50th year in 2022. The tournament was recognized as the WTA 500 event of the year in 2022 and 2023. The Credit One Charleston Open traditionally welcomes more than 90,000 spectators each year. The tournament features a singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 24 players and a doubles draw of 16 players. In conjunction with Tennis Channel and WTA Media, the Credit One Charleston Open is showcased from the first ball struck in main draw competition to the last ball played in finals, throughout the U.S. and 174 international partners. The tournament receives more than 100 hours of tennis coverage, broadcast live from Charleston across the globe to millions of fans. The Credit One Charleston Open is owned and operated by Charleston Tennis, LLC. For more information on the Credit One Charleston Open, visit creditonecharlestonopen.com, call (843) 856-7900, email info@charlestontennisllc.com, Facebook (Credit One Charleston Open), Twitter (@CharlestonOpen) or Instagram (@CreditOneCharlestonOpen).

About Credit One Bank:

Credit One Bank is one of the fastest-growing credit card issuers in the U.S. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Credit One Bank offers a full spectrum of credit card products including cash back and points-based cards as well as high-yield certificate of deposit and savings accounts. Credit One Bank is also an official partner of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Official Credit Card of NASCAR, the Vegas Golden Knights, and Best Friends Animal Society. Learn more at CreditOneBank.com, in our Newsroom, or on social media (@CreditOneBank) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.