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Lowcountry

What is the Economic Impact of Tourism in the Greater Charleston, SC Area? – Let’s look at the numbers

May 30, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Every day, we see tourists come to the area by car, plane and boat. They shop, dine, lounge, explore, adventure and provide a vital contribution to our economy. Whether it is the fine dining, nationally recognized festivals, outdoor adventures, romantic getaways, friendship vacation or an exploration into our rich history, Charleston has become a national and international destination.

We wanted to provide a consumable look, by the number at the incredible economic impact tourism has on the Greater Charleston, South Carolina economy. Get ready to be blown away!

Estimated total economic impact (billions) – 2023 – $13.10B vs 2019 – $9.67B (35.5% increase).
More people working in the hospitality and tourism industry in the Greater Charleston area than ever before: 53.7K employed.
Average total expenditure per adult per trip: 2023 – $1,048 vs 2019 – $878 (19.4% increase). Breakdown: $503 (accommodations), $234 (dining/food), $63 (local transportation), $100 (tours/attractions), $103 (retail shopping), $45 (other shopping/expenses).
Charleston International Airport had a record-setting year with 6.15M passengers coming in and out of the airport.
Percentage of all sales in the region that were attributable to tourism: 24.7% (up from 23.8% the previous year).
Hotel Average Occupancy Rate: 70.7% with a record 4.9M hotel rooms sold in 2023. The national average is 63.8%.
Average Hotel Rate: $185/night up from $155/night in 2019.
Top origin states (Non-SC) for visitors: North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, New Jersey.
Top origin cities (Non-SC) – Charlotte, New York, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Miami, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Raleigh, Orlando, Tampa.
Number of airlines now flying in/out of Charleston International Airport: 13.

These are some remarkable numbers and our economic future is only looking brighter.

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Source: Explore Charleston and the College of Charleston Office of Tourism

Lowcountry

5 Unique Little Tidbits about Charleston, South Carolina (Did you know?)

May 29, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

How much do you know about Charleston, South Carolina. We are about to find out.

Here are 5 somewhat rare facts about downtown Charleston, SC:

1. The Dock Street Theatre, built in 1736, is considered the first building constructed specifically for theatrical performances in America.

2. Charleston was home to America’s first female newspaper editor and publisher, Elizabeth Ann Timothy, who took over the South Carolina Gazette in 1738.

3. The layout of downtown Charleston is nearly identical to Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, with features like cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and crepe myrtle trees mirrored in both cities.

4. One of the theories surrounding the infamous Lavinia Fisher, dubbed America’s first female serial killer, suggests her arrest and execution may have been a setup, and she may have been innocent.

5. Many historic Charleston homes have ceilings on their piazzas (covered porches) painted “haint blue,” a soft blue-green color used by Gullah Geechee people to ward off evil spirits.

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Lowcountry

Survey Shows Rampant Work Zone Dangers in North Carolina and South Carolina

May 29, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On Thursday, May 23, Carolinas AGC partnered with AGC of Americaand North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for a press conference to release the results of AGC of America’s 2024 Work Zone Safety Awareness Survey consisting of results from CAGC Members. The survey results highlighted the dangers of highway work zones for motorists and workers in North Carolina, South Carolina and nationwide.

At the unveiling, held at the North Carolina Department of Transportation facility in Raleigh, N.C., AGC of America’s national spokesman Brian Turmail released the results of the survey; North Carolina State Representative Dean Arp released new details of a legislative measure to improve highway work zone safety; Chris Peoples, the COO of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, discussed steps the state is taking to make highway work zones safer and shared tips for motorists; and Skip Partington, vice president with Barnhill Contracting, painfully discussed a recent tragedy that involved a Barnhill employee who was killed recently in a highway work zone crash.

Some troubling facts that came out of the survey include:

84% of contractors in North Carolina, 77% in South Carolina, and 64% nationwide, reported at least one crash in the past year involving a moving vehicle at highway work zones where they operate.
56% of North Carolina contractors and 62% in South Carolina reported experiencing five or more crashes during the past twelve months, compared to only 33% nationally.
24% of North Carolina contractors reported that a construction worker was killed in a crash in their work zones (none in South Carolina) while 29% of NC respondents and 27% of SC respondents who experienced crashes reported drivers or passengers were killed.

In addition to the legislative measures in North Carolina presented by Arp at the survey’s unveiling, in South Carolinanew legislation—pushed by Carolinas AGC—will modernize the state’s driver training for all newly licensed drivers. This legislation, signed into law by Gov. Henry McMaster, makes South Carolina only the third state in the country to require construction work zone training be included in the training all new drivers receive before they can obtain a driver’s license.

“We are excited to have worked with Rep. Gary Brewer and Sen. Ross Turner, our lead sponsors, to enact this legislation,” Leslie Clark, Carolinas AGC COO and SC Divisions Director, said. “There’s nothing more important than our members returning home safely to their families after working tirelessly to maintain, improve, and build our state’s roads and bridges. We hope that all newly licensed drivers, after receiving this training, will understand the importance of safely navigating a construction work zone when they are operating a vehicle.”

Survey Results:

For more information contact CAGC Safety Director Jacob Garmon.

SOURCE Carolinas AGC

Lowcountry

7 Common Trees and Flowers found in or around Charleston, South Carolina

May 29, 2024

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

By Mark A. Leon

Trees

Crepe Myrtle: With its arching branches and bright pink, red, and white flowers, this tree is a Southern staple.

Southern Magnolia: Charleston is famous for its magnolias, which are native to South Carolina. These trees produce gorgeous white, saucer-like flowers with a wonderful scent.

Southern Live Oak: Quercus virginiana, also known as the southern live oak, is an evergreen oak tree endemic to the Southeastern United States. Though many other species are loosely called live oak, the southern live oak is particularly iconic of the Old South. Many very large and old specimens of live oak can be found today in the Deep South region of the United States.

Flowers

Azaleas: These shrubs burst forth with blooms of hot pink, red, and white in the spring. You’ll spot them in yards, gardens, and parks all over Charleston.

Camellias: These evergreen shrubs and trees thrive in Charleston’s climate, blooming in a variety of colors like white, pale pink, and red from December to early spring.

Wisteria: A high-climbing, trailing vine that drips clumps of lilac blooms in a showy display of springtime beauty.

Noisette Roses: Charleston is the birthplace of this famous garden rose, the only class of rose to originate in the US. They bloom from late April until the first frost.

Some of the best places to see these blooms include Magnolia Plantation, Hampton Park, Middleton Place, and the gardens along Broad Street downtown.

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Lowcountry

5 things you may not have known about the Gullah Geechee community in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia

May 28, 2024

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Here are 5 things you may not have known about the Gullah Geechee community in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia:

1. The Gullah language is a creole language combining English with various West African languages. It has unique grammar, intonation, and vocabulary influenced by the enslaved Africans’ mother tongues.

2. Gullah cuisine evolved from enslaved African women blending ingredients and techniques from their homelands with local foods like rice, seafood, and vegetables. Iconic dishes like gumbo, shrimp and grits, and red rice originated from their ingenuity.

3. Sweetgrass basket weaving is an important Gullah craft with roots in African basket-making traditions. The intricate sewn patterns and utilitarian baskets were passed down through generations. Please follow Charleston’s Corey Alston, whose exquisite basket weaving skills date back generations.

4. The bright “haint blue” color seen on porch ceilings is a Gullah tradition believed to ward off evil spirits. This practice originated in West African spiritual beliefs.

5. Isolated on the Sea Islands for generations allowed the Gullah Geechee people to retain more African cultural influences compared to other African American communities. Their language, foodways, crafts, and folk traditions have strong African retentions.

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Lowcountry

Charleston Local Spotlight: Non-Profit Warrior Surf Foundation

May 28, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

“There is something about the ocean. You feel cleansed.” – Andrew Manzi, Founder, Warrior Surf

Challenges Veterans Face

Veterans transitioning back to civilian life often face emotional, physical and psychological challenges assimilating back into a life they once knew, but has forever changed due to the experiences and challenges they faced in uniform.

Mission and Value of Warrior Surf

Finding an outlet, a clan, a place where they are understood with patience, compassion and acceptance is a gift upon itself.

That is the true mission of Folly Beach’s Non-Profit Warrior Surf.

The vision statement says it all: “We establish hope in the lives of veterans and their families – One wave at a time.”

Warrior Surf has grown from a passion project made up on a canopy at Folly Beach and a few inspired individuals, led by Andrew Manzi, with a vision to a community of veterans, educators, ambassadors and healers.

We are honored to have this organization as part of the Lowcountry community. Their dedication and commitment to the tireless kindness they have given to all those that have and continue to go through their programs and remain as part of the Warrior Surf family is an inspiration.

Catch the wave and learn more about Warrior Surf Today!

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Services

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Yoga & Wellness

Community

Services and Volunteer Opportunities

Photo Credit: Warrior Surf

Lowcountry

Sea Tow® Shares Seven Tips to Prepare for a Day on the Water this Boating Season

May 26, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Southold, NY – May 26, 2024 – As boating season goes to full throttle, Sea Tow®, recognized throughout the marine industry as Your Road Service at Sea®, predicts a busy season out on the water. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) 2023 Economic Impact Study on Recreational Boating, there are an estimated 85 million Americans who go boating each year.

Summer is the perfect time to embark on a boating adventure and enjoy the beauty of the water. Whether it’s a seasoned boater or someone new to the experience, proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable day on the boat. Sea Tow is sharing a step-by-step guide for boaters to prepare for a day out on the water.

Check the Weather Forecast – Before heading out, always check the weather forecast for the day. Summer weather can be unpredictable, so boaters should ensure they’re prepared for any changes in conditions. Avoid going out during storms or high winds, and plan accordingly based on the forecast.
Prepare The Boat – Inspect the boat thoroughly before departure. Check the engine, fuel levels and overall condition of the vessel. Ensure all safety equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers and navigation lights are in good working order and readily accessible.
Pack Essential Supplies – Gather essential supplies for a comfortable day on the water. This includes sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, towels, snacks and plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated under the sun. Bring appropriate clothing layers in case of temperature changes or unexpected weather.
Plan The Itinerary – Decide on the route and destinations for the day. Whether boaters are fishing, cruising, or engaging in water sports, having a plan ensures they make the most of their time on the water. Boaters should familiarize themself with the area’s navigational markers and potential hazards.
Review Safety Procedures – Ensure everyone on board understands basic safety procedures and knows the location of safety equipment. Teach passengers how to wear and use life jackets properly. Assign designated roles such as a lookout or spotter if engaging in water activities. Designate a Sober Skipper for the day.
Follow Local Regulations – Captains shouldfamiliarize themself with local boating regulations, including speed limits, no-wake zones and anchoring restrictions. Adhering to these rules ensures everyone’s safety on board. Check out U.S. Coast Guard Boating to stay up to date on the boating regulations in the area.
Consider On-Water Assistance Services – Have a backup plan and consider becoming a member of an on-water assistance provider, such as Sea Tow. These services provide assistance in case of dead batteries, mechanical breakdowns, fuel issues or other unexpected mishaps on the water.

By following these steps and taking necessary precautions, boaters will be well-prepared to enjoy a memorable day on the water. Whether boaters are cruising along the coastline or exploring their local lake, proper preparation ensures a fun-filled boating experience.

“We want boaters to enjoy their time on the water and that starts with being prepared and knowledgeable of best practices,” said Sea Tow President Kristen Frohnhoefer. “Sea Tow Captains are a boater’s resource on and off their boat, and on and off the water. We’re confident that these tips from Sea Tow captains will ensure a fun day on the water for all this summer.”

At the forefront of on-water assistance since 1983, Sea Tow marked its 40^th anniversary in business in 2023. In 500+ ports nationwide including the continental U.S., Alaska and Puerto Rico, Sea Tow is a member-driven, franchise-based business and technological innovation has been a large driver of its evolution and expansion. Having broken barriers in the industry, it is the premier provider of non-emergency on-water assistance, and also handles salvage and recovery services, response to catastrophic events and marine spill response. Sea Tow is Your Road Service at Sea®.

With a Sea Tow membership, boaters pay one annual rate of $249/year for Gold Card membership and $169/year for Lake Card membership and receive the most comprehensive on-water assistance services available. Sea Tow offers its members free boat towing in their home area, tow coverage to repair facilities on all covered vessels, alternatives to towing such as battery jumps, fuel delivery, covered ungroundings disentanglements and more, along with additional paid on-water services such as boat salvage and recovery, vessel for hire and environmental response.

About Sea Tow Services International, Inc. 

Sea Tow Services International Inc., better known as Sea Tow®, has been the innovative and premier leader of on-water assistance for 40+ years. Servicing the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, members are provided with a 24/7 connection to Coast Guard-Licensed Captains. The pioneering concept, founded by Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer, was established in Southold, NY when the United States Coast Guard ceased response to non-emergency assistance calls. In addition to on-water assistance, the franchise network handles salvage and recovery operations, and responds to natural disasters, environmental hazards and oil spill cleanups. Visit seatow.com to learn more or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Lowcountry

Group Workshops Now Available at Charleston’s Newest Jewelry Store, Little Bird

May 24, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Little Bird, Charleston’s newest coastal-inspired jewelry store, is now offering workshops ideal for bachelorette parties and friend groups to design one-of-a-kind pieces of art that don’t tarnish when worn at the gym or in the pool/shower/ocean!

Attendees can make a gold or silver necklace ($65/person) or pair of earrings ($59/person) using a variety of rare stones like quartz, turquoise, black pearl and ruby. Workshops are BYOB so groups can sip while they design, and all attendees receive 15% off all Little Bird pieces for the day. Workshops last 90 minutes and have a four-person minimum and a 17-person maximum.

Workshops can be booked on the events page of littlebirdchs.com.

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Lowcountry

5 rewarding volunteer opportunities in Charleston, SC where you can give back to the community

May 24, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

1. Volunteer at the South Carolina Aquarium through their Anchor Volunteer Program. You can engage with guests in education, work behind the scenes in animal care, or assist with conservation efforts. Benefits include an Aquarium membership, field trips, and recognition events. The four categories of volunteer support include: Conservation, Education, Animal Care and Partner Volunteers.

2. Volunteer with the Historic Charleston Foundation for their annual Festival of Houses and Gardens or at their house museums. Volunteers receive benefits like museum tickets, tour admission, and lectures based on hours served.

3. Participate in The Great Charleston Cleanup organized by Keep Charleston Beautiful. You can coordinate a litter sweep with a group, adopt a block to clean, or request a DIY litter cleanup kit as an individual.

4. Volunteer with Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center to advocate for mental illness and health awareness. Opportunities may include peer support, outreach events, and educational programs.

Specific areas of focus:

Participating in various anti-stigma community events
Assisting with administrative and scheduling needs
Assisting our I.T. department and more
Working with our Mobile Crisis Unit
Assisting with our Annual Mental Health Conference

5. Volunteer with the Charleston Parks Conservancy by assisting with sustainability efforts like composting and recycling at their events like Brunch in the Park or Picnic in the Park. You can help divert waste from landfills. Volunteer opportunities fall under: Gardening, Programs & Events, Water in the Parks and Corporate & Community Events.

By volunteering with these organizations, you can contribute to environmental conservation, historic preservation, mental health advocacy, and community beautification efforts in Charleston.

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Lowcountry

Medal of Honor Museum at Patriots Point Set to Re-Open on May 25, 2024 After $3.5 Million Renovation

May 23, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Museum expansion on USS Yorktown, funded by the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, focuses on interactive storytelling about nation’s greatest heroes

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – The Congressional Medal of Honor Society debuted the fully renovated Medal of Honor Museum at Patriots Point with a day of ceremonies and events recognizing the transformative $3.5 million renovation project that highlights the legacy, leadership and core values of the nation’s highest award for military valor.

The Museum on the USS Yorktown, which opens to the public on May 25, tells the story of the Medal of Honor and its Recipients through modern immersive exhibits and never-before-seen artifacts meant to inspire personal and collective action by visitors. The experience takes visitors on a journey from the military training that each of the Recipients, along with all Service Members, received, through the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War and the Global War on Terror.

At each stop, visitors will share in the stories of the Recipients and learn about the values behind their acts of heroism. Information about the Museum renovation can be found here and here.

“This is a Museum about extraordinary service and sacrifice,” said Britt Slabinski, a Medal of Honor Recipient and president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “But it’s also a Museum that highlights the potential in all of us to do heroic things in our everyday lives. Our hope is that visitors will walk in as one person and walk out a slightly different person.”

The Medal of Honor Museum fits seamlessly into the overall Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, which includes the Yorktown, the USS Laffey destroyer and a Vietnam firebase experience. The Medal of Honor Museum was designated by Congress under the National Medal of Honor Memorial Act in 1999 as a National Medal of Honor Site.

“We are excited and honored to welcome our visitors to the completely reimagined Medal of Honor Museum at Patriots Point,” said Allison Hunt, executive director of the Patriots Point Development Authority. “The stories of extraordinary courage and selfless service told within the museum will be a powerful resource in supporting our important mission to promote American pride and patriotism.”

The renovations of the Museum were funded by the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, which is developing a national leadership program based on the core values of the Medal: courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism and citizenship. Besides a digital-based curriculum, the Center for Leadership plans to build a $75 million conference center and values-based immersive experience on land adjacent to the Yorktown.

“Our Board of Directors agreed to fund the reimagined Medal of Honor Museum because we firmly believe the stories that are told within its walls will provide visitors with a deeper sense of what it means to be an American and provide inspiration for those who visit,” said Thomas Mundell, president and chief executive officer of the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership. “Not everyone is called to the extremes of military service as the Recipients were, but this Museum shows that leadership can be nurtured and that we all have the ability to be heroes in our homes and our communities.”

The museum’s design, by M. Catton & Co. of Le Mars, Iowa, encourages physical interaction and personal introspection, preserving the legacy of the 3,536 awards of the Medal and the 19 dual Recipients.

New artifacts will include:

The New Testament & Psalms and The Gospel of St. John that Medal of Honor Recipient Robert Maxwell carried in World War II.
Vietnam War Recipient James Fleming’s aviator gloves and the navigational analog computer” he used during the war as a helicopter pilot.
World War I Recipient Dwite Schaffner’s Medal of Honor and American Expeditionary ID.

The unveiling of the new Museum was preceded by a panel discussion on leadership and values in the Stover Theater on the Yorktown that featured Recipients Harvey “Barney” Barnum and Ryan Pitts, along with Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D., CEO and President of the International African American Museum in Charleston. The panel was moderated by Leyla Gulen of Fox24 News.

Recipients also visited Summerville High School, as part of the Society’s Character Development Program, which is a values-based curriculum for grades K-12.

The Museum opens at a time when there is renewed attention to the Medal of Honor. In March, the Society hosted a gathering of nearly 30 organizations around the country with ties to the Medal of Honor in hopes of amplifying the importance of the Medal and its core values. The Society will be the centerpiece of this in terms of coordination and promotion.

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor and its Recipients, inspiring Americans, and supporting the Recipients as they connect with communities across America. Chartered by Congress in 1958, its membership consists exclusively of those individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. There are 61 living Recipients. Learn more about the Medal of Honor and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s initiatives at www.cmohs.org.

About the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership

The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership’s mission is to inspire, develop empower, and challenge leaders through the values embodied by our country’s Medal of Honor Recipients. With a nationwide digital educational platform and audience-curated visitor experiences, Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and locations will learn leadership values of courage, sacrifice, citizenship, integrity, commitment, and patriotism to inspire them to transform lives, shape the future, and carry forward the best traditions of what it means to be an American. For more information, see www.mohcenterforleadership.org.

About Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, on the Charleston Harbor, is the #1 attraction in Mount Pleasant, S.C., and is home to a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, and the only Vietnam Support Base Camp in the U.S. Patriots Point is also headquarters to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the agency’s official Medal of Honor Museum. Visit https://www.patriotspoint.org/ for more details or find us on social media at @patriots_point.