Business

Japanese company SkyDrive Makes U.S. Market Entrance with Plans to Develop Practical Use Cases in South Carolina

January 25, 2023 by 0 Comments
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MESA, ARIZONA, January 25, 2023 – SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL1manufacturer headquartered in Toyota, Japan announced today at the 2023 annual VFS eVTOL Symposium in Mesa, Arizona its plans to enter the U.S. market and the establishment of their home base in South Carolina. SkyDrive further outlined their plan to develop an advanced air mobility ecosystem in South Carolina while focusing on building a variety of practical use cases originating from two of its key airports in cooperation with local and state government agencies.

SkyDrive was first invited to South Carolina in July 2022 by the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC). With the BCEDC’s support, we have been exploring market opportunities within the state and building a network of key stakeholders. 

SkyDrive’s focus has been on working with South Carolina to study practical use cases originating from several of its major airports utilizing the Japanese manufacturer’s eVTOL aircraft, the SD-052.

As a result of this business development activity and the overwhelming support of local and state government, SkyDrive has decided to form a business infrastructure within the state and to work with South Carolina in realizing an advanced air mobility ecosystem which will bring the state to the forefront in its ability to support the commercial operations of eVTOL aircraft.

“The decision to make South Carolina our home base and our window into the U.S. market was an easy one considering that it is a significant player in both the commercial and military aviation industries, and it is home to more than 400 aerospace and aviation companies including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. I sincerely believe that the vast number of resources available in South Carolina will provide SkyDrive with a substantial platform that enables us to achieve our goals,” said Tomohiro Fukuzawa SkyDrive’s founder and CEO. 

SkyDrive finds South Carolina an ideal location to establish its base of U.S. operations as it has a mild climate throughout the year, abundant tourism, and airports close to city centers, making it a good fit for the utilization of SkyDrive’s SD-05 eVTOL aircraft. It is also home to some of the nation’s most dynamic aerospace companies including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. South Carolina also has a proven ability to excel in advanced aerospace manufacturing, and its robust supply chain includes companies such as the affiliated company of Toray Carbon Magic Co., Ltd., one of SkyDrive’s major suppliers.

Harry M. Lightsey III, Secretary of Commerce at State of South Carolina Department of Commerce

“The future of advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and vehicle industries is here, and South Carolina is proud to welcome SkyDrive, an industry innovator, to our rapidly growing aerospace cluster. SkyDrive’s advanced electric propulsion technology and sustainable transportation implications are the perfect fit for South Carolina’s business roster and the state’s growing business development goals. South Carolina extends a warm welcome to SkyDrive and we look forward to supporting the company on its journey to continued growth and success.”

Frank Murray, Director of Planning & Facilities at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)

“CAE is very excited about the new possibilities being created in the environmentally friendly advanced air mobility industry and its potential to make a positive impact on our local community and beyond.  CAE is making a concerted effort to contribute to this development by teaming with SkyDrive to model an FAA compliant advanced air mobility ecosystem with infrastructure requirements based on use cases for flights originating from our airport.  CAE is really looking forward to working with SkyDrive and pioneering new possibilities together as we share a common vision of taking the lead in this once in a century mobility revolution.”

James D. Stephens, C.M., Airport Director at Greenville Downtown Airport

“Greenville Downtown Airport is partnered with SkyDrive to assist with the modeling of an FAA compliant AAM ecosystem that will serve our local region and state.  We’ve done so because the airport needs to know what the infrastructure developmental needs will be in the future. We believe that the impact of advanced air mobility in Greenville will create a new form of transportation that eventually becomes part of the normal transportation processes within our community and around the world.”

SkyDrive will continue to work with South Carolina in building a fully developed, operational ecosystem incorporating use cases originating from several of their airports and to form partnerships with local flight operators and beyond so that they can commence commercial operations in 2026. SkyDrive will also be working on the applications and procedures before launching services in the U.S. market.

About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. 

For more information, please visit www.SCcommerce.com.

About the Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Now providing 26+ daily flights with nonstop service to 9 major airports in 8 cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami (seasonal on American Airlines), New York City (LGA), Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National), Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), a two-time Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accredited facility, continues to be a major economic driver for the Midlands region. Welcoming over 1 million passengers in 2022, CAE is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines and serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS. CAE is also served by FedEx. 

For more information, please visit www.flycae.com.

About Greenville Downtown Airport
Greenville Downtown Airport is the largest, and often described as the state’s busiest general aviation airport with a nearly $70 million annual economic impact. It is home to 7 flight schools, the Military History Center Museum, Takeoff Mini Golf and Runway Park.

For more information, please visit https://www.greenvilledowntownairport.com/

About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive was established in July 2018 and since then, the company has advanced the development of “flying cars” and heavy lift cargo drones while working in partnership with other companies around the world to promote the shared vision of a future in which people use air mobility as a means of transportation in their daily lives. The company’s cargo drones, which can carry payloads of up to 30kg, are currently being used at worksites in remote mountainous areas in Japan. SkyDrive is aiming to launch a “flying car” service in the Osaka Bay area in 2025. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi. Tomohiro Fukuzawa is the CEO of the company.

For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/

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Lowcountry

Milo’s Tea Company investing $130M and adding 100+ jobs in Spartanburg County, SC

January 25, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Milo’s Tea Company to establish first South Carolina operations in Spartanburg County

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — According to legend, sweet tea was created in South Carolina. So, it’s only fitting that one of the leading manufacturers of sweet tea and beverages announce it will be establishing operations in the state.

Milo’s Tea Company will be investing $130 million and creating 103 new jobs in Moore, South Carolina, located in Spartanburg County.

The family-owned beverage company makes a variety of flavored teas (even “extra sweet” and “zero calorie sweet tea”!) and beverages and is a leading refrigerated tea brand and one of the fasted growing lemonade brands in America.

The new 110,000-square-foot plant located at Park 290 at I-26 in Moore will accommodate brewing and bottling operations for Milo’s ready-to-drink beverages, and will be the fourth plant in the U.S.

Operations are expected to be online by the end of 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Milo’s team should visit the company’s careers page.

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Lowcountry

Exploring Historic Charleston, SC – Southern Charm and Hospitality at its Best! – New Video by The Wright Life

January 25, 2023 by 1 Comment
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Take a hospitable journey with the Wright Life partners as they spend a wonderful day in Charleston sharing their memories and ideas with you.

About the Video

Welcome to historic Charleston, South Carolina! In this weeks video, we’re going to take you on a tour of some of the city’s most iconic sights and experiences. First, we’ll be visiting the French Quarter, known for its charming cobblestone streets and colorful colonial-era buildings. This is the perfect place to get a feel for the city’s rich history and culture. Next, we’ll be heading to the City Market, where you can shop for local crafts and souvenirs. This historic market is a great place to find unique gifts and mementos of your visit to Charleston.

After that, we’ll be taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city’s charming streets. This is a great way to see the city and learn about its history from a local guide and see some of the city’s grand mansions. We’ll also be strolling through the Waterfront Park, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the harbor and the iconic Pineapple Fountain.

This is a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city. We’ll also be visiting Rainbow Row, a row of colorful houses that are a must-see for any Charleston visitor. This is a great place to snap an Instagram photo and take in the city’s unique architecture.

Finally, we’ll be visiting the Battery, a historic fort that offers stunning views of the harbor. This is a great place to learn about the city’s role in the Civil War and to get a sense of its strategic importance. So join us as we explore the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina. Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss a video! Thanks for watching!”

Business

Voya Financial completes acquisition of Charleston, SC Based Benefitfocus

January 24, 2023 by 0 Comments
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NEW YORK & CHARLESTON, SC–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), a leading health, wealth and investment company, announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Benefitfocus, Inc., an industry-leading benefits administration technology company that serves employers, health plans and brokers.

“At Benefitfocus, we are committed to helping organizations and the people they serve get the most out of their health and benefit investments”

As a result of the acquisition, Voya now serves the workplace benefits and savings needs of approximately 38 million individuals, or roughly one in 10 Americans. The acquisition, which was announced on Nov. 1, 2022, enhances Voya’s offering of integrated health and wealth solutions and capabilities for intermediaries, employers and employees.

“The acquisition of Benefitfocus accelerates Voya’s strategy in health and wealth solutions, adding broad-based benefits administration capabilities that extend our reach across workplace benefits and savings,” said Heather Lavallee, CEO, Voya Financial, Inc. “More specifically, this transaction expands Voya’s ability to deliver innovative solutions for employers and health plans, and helps improve the financial, physical, and emotional wellbeing of their employees and members. At the same time, Voya’s technology resources, digital capabilities, and operational expertise will add tremendous value to Benefitfocus.”

“At Benefitfocus, we are committed to helping organizations and the people they serve get the most out of their health and benefit investments,” said Matt Levin, president and CEO, Benefitfocus. “We are thrilled to be joining forces with Voya to build on our incredible progress and accelerate our impact for employers, partners and health plans.”

“This acquisition allows us to increase our capabilities and insights for the benefit of our customers, while deepening the strength and breadth of our distribution reach,” said Rob Grubka, CEO, Workplace Solutions, Voya Financial, Inc. “Benefitfocus’ capabilities and expertise allows us to better serve customers and deepen partnerships with other benefits administration providers and distribution partners as we create better integrated experiences for customers across their workplace benefits.”

Voya plans to further discuss the strategic and financial benefits of this transaction during its fourth-quarter and full-year 2022 earnings call on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023.

Perella Weinberg Partners LP served as financial advisor, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP served as legal counsel to Voya in connection with this transaction. Barclays served as financial advisor, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP served as legal counsel to Benefitfocus.

About Voya Financial®

Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), is a leading health, wealth and investment company that provides products, solutions and technologies that enable a better financial future for its clients, customers and society. Serving the needs of 14.3 million individual, workplace and institutional clients, Voya has approximately 6,000 employees and had $711 billion in total assets under management and administration as of September 30, 2022. Certified as a “Great Place to Work” by the Great Place to Work® Institute, Voya is purpose-driven and equally committed to conducting business in a way that is socially, environmentally, economically and ethically responsible. Voya has earned recognition as: one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute; a member of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index; and a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” on the Disability Equality Index. For more information, visit voya.com. Follow Voya Financial on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @Voya.

About Benefitfocus

At Benefitfocus, a Voya Financial business, our mission is simple: To improve lives with benefits. We are committed to helping organizations, and the people they serve, get the most out of their health care and benefit programs. Through exceptional service and innovative benefits administration technology we help simplify the complexity of benefits and deliver an experience that engages people for better health and improved outcomes. Learn more at www.benefitfocus.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Forward-Looking and Other Cautionary Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Voya does not assume any obligation to revise or update these statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or changes in strategy. Forward-looking statements include statements relating to future developments in our business or expectations for our future financial performance and any statement not involving a historical fact. Forward-looking statements use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement due to, among other things, (i) general economic conditions, particularly economic conditions in our core markets, (ii) performance of financial markets, (iii) the frequency and severity of insured loss events, (iv) the effects of natural or man-made disasters, including pandemic events and cyber terrorism or cyber attacks and specifically the current COVID-19 pandemic event, (v) mortality and morbidity levels, (vi) persistency and lapse levels, (vii) interest rates, (viii) currency exchange rates, (ix) general competitive factors, (x) changes in laws and regulations, such as those relating to Federal taxation, state insurance regulations and NAIC regulations and guidelines, (xi) changes in the policies of governments and/or regulatory authorities, (xii) our ability to successfully manage the separation of our individual life business on the expected timeline and economic terms, (xiii) our ability to realize the expected financial and other benefits from the transaction with Allianz Global Investors, (xiv) our ability to realize the expected financial and other benefits of the transaction with Benefitfocus; and (xv) such other factors as are set forth in Voya’s periodic public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including but not limited to those described in the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (“MD&A”) – Trends and Uncertainties” and “Forward Looking Statements” sections of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, as applicable, all of which are available at www.sec.gov.

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Lowcountry

Meals on Wheels of Charleston Receives SC Ports Community Giving Program Donation

January 23, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Charleston, SC – Charleston Area Seniors- Meals on Wheels of Charleston has received a grant from the SC Ports Foundation to help feed neighbors in their time of need. This grant will Sponsor a Day of meal deliveries to seniors in Charleston County.

“The ongoing support of organizations like SC Ports Community Giving Program is crucial to serving homebound seniors in Charleston. We could not execute our mission without the helping hands of our community” said Donna Cook, Executive Director.

As an agency. CASC’s mission is “Enhancing the lives of older adults in the community- one life at a time”. This mission is carried out each day by our delivery drivers who smile, greet the client by name and hand them a hot meal. The delivery team is the heart of our mission and each member of the team is dedicated to the very best service for our clients. The foremost objective is to allow a senior to stay independent for as long as possible.
Charleston Area Senior Citizens (CASC) has been distributing Meals on Wheels to local seniors since 1967. Each weekday our team delivers more than 700 meals- our highest number of meals ever. This number has grown from 500 meals a day in 2018 to our current number of 720 in 2022. Fiscal year 22-23, CASC is on track to serve more than 210,000 meals.

South Carolina Ports awarded $252,500 in grants to 90 community organizations and nonprofits throughout South Carolina through its fiscal year 2023 Community Giving Program.

SC Ports dedicates a portion of its revenues each year to support charitable organizations around the state.

“We are so proud that this year marks the most SC Ports has ever given through our Community Giving Program,” said Kelsi Brewer, SC Ports’ Director of Corporate Communications and Community Giving. “These funds will support the efforts of nonprofits around the state who are working so hard to make meaningful impacts for South Carolinians.”

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Lowcountry

Inside Real Estate Acquires Charleston based BoomTown, Forming an Industry-Leading Real Estate Technology Company

January 21, 2023 by 0 Comments
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BoomTown, an industry-leading cloud-based sales and marketing automation platform serving 100,000 real estate professionals and Inside Real Estate, one of the fastest-growing independent real estate software company and trusted partner to more than 400,000 real estate professionals, today announced that they have joined forces to form the industry’s leading residential real estate technology company. 

This combination creates an industry-leading provider of residential real estate software and services, across product and customer segments. As a result of the acquisition, Inside Real Estate is well positioned to help top-performing franchises, brokerages, teams, and agents manage their business more effectively by providing an unparalleled technology, services, and partner ecosystem from a single provider. The combined company will have the R&D and Client Services scale to drive rapid innovation and deliver on their missions to make real estate professionals more successful.

“This is the first day of an exciting new chapter for BoomTown and our clients!” said Grier Allen, CEO, BoomTown. “Joining Joe and the talented Inside Real Estate team enables us to continue on our combined mission to serve the real estate industry with world-class technology and services. With a clear vision for the future, we look forward to accelerating the pace of innovation to fuel our clients’ growth and success.” 

Inside Real Estate and BoomTown each have a proven track record of delivering high value, innovative solutions to help real estate professionals drive more effective business outcomes, achieve a competitive market advantage, and ultimately generate more transactions and revenue. They will bring together the breadth and depth of each company’s award-winning technology solutions, top-shelf client support and services, and one of the largest and most engaged communities of top-producing real estate professionals.

“I’m thrilled to welcome BoomTown to the Inside Real Estate family!” said Joe Skousen, CEO, Inside Real Estate. “I commend Grier and the BoomTown team for what they have built and accomplished with their clients over the past 15 years. Our companies share a common DNA that is focused on driving real results for every client, every day.  Together, we will deliver an unmatched experience for every user from single agents, to top-performing teams and mega teams, to robust national enterprise brands. Our #1 job is being a tech partner to our client – this combination reinforces that commitment.”
 

The combined resources and backing will help deliver:

  • The #1 Front Office Experience for Every User:    The combined technology will deliver an enhanced and elevated front office experience that supports every type of user, from single agents, to top performing teams and mega teams, to top brokerages and enterprise brands in growing their business.  
     
  • The First Complete & Modern Back Office Suite:   Together, the company’s combined portfolio of back office solutions, including CORE Back Office, Brokermint and Inside Real Estate’s recently acquired AmpStats, will provide the foundation for the industry’s most  innovative, modern & complete back office solution.
     
  • Marketplace & Tech Partner Ecosystem:   Inside Real Estate’s Marketplace of leading add-on services and solutions, including the Property Boost listing promotion and lead generation tool, will continue to expand, and be paired with a new Preferred Partner program, unlocking additional value and differentiation for customers through a vetted, network of premium, tightly integrated partner solutions.
     
  • Industry-Leading Home Ownership Solutions:  Inside Real Estate will continue to  invest heavily in the first integrated lifetime homeownership platform, CORE Home.  The technology, paired with smart affiliated services solutions, and branded for Inside Real Estate’s customers, will place brokers and agents at the heart of the consumer relationship.

“This combination brings together significant capability to innovate as a true technology partner and support the needs of our customers,” said Nick Macey, President, Inside Real Estate. “Our passionate, capable team is committed to leading with the features, products and solutions that drive agent, team, brokerage and enterprise brand success.”

Inside Real Estate’s Joe Skousen will continue to be Chief Executive Officer leading an experienced executive team of industry veterans from both Inside Real Estate and BoomTown, including Grier Allen of BoomTown as Chief Strategy Officer and Nick Macey as President. The combination of the two employee and client-centric cultures will create a company that continues to be consistently recognized for their culture and as one of the best places to work.  The company is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, with offices in Charleston, SC and Carlsbad, CA, and employees located throughout the U.S. 

Houlihan Lokey served as exclusive financial advisor and DLA Piper LLP (US) served as legal advisor to BoomTown.

About BoomTown:

BoomTown exists to make real estate agents successful. More than 100,000 of the industry’s top professionals, and 40% of the Real Trends Top 250 teams, trust BoomTown to grow their real estate business with easy-to-use technology that creates opportunities and turns them into closings. BoomTown’s full suite of capabilities include a customizable real estate website integrated with local MLS data, client success management, a cutting-edge CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system with custom marketing automation, personalized advertising and lead generation services, a mobile app for agents on the go, transaction management, commissions, and accounting. BoomTown’s service offerings extend far beyond technology with lead qualification services to contact, qualify, and nurture leads, and dedicated advisors to offer personalized support at every step from onboarding and training to optimizing your business and planning for strategic growth to coaching services from peers who have catapulted their growth with the system. Founded in 2006, BoomTown’s brands include some of the most trusted solutions in real estate like Brokermint, real estate’s leading back-office and transaction management software, and MyAgentFinder. To learn more visit boomtownroi.com

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Lowcountry

Charleston Parks Conservancy Launches National Search for Executive Director

January 21, 2023 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. —  The Charleston Parks Conservancy has launched a national search for an executive director to lead the 16-year-old nonprofit. 

“Since its founding, the Conservancy has become an integral player in the City of Charleston. As a result, we need a leader who understands the critical role parks play in creating strong communities,” said Charley McLendon, board of directors chairperson. “We’re excited to launch this national search for candidates who are passionate about parks and the community surrounding them.” 

Through public-private partnerships and a strong core of volunteers, the Conservancy has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston, including Colonial Lake, Moultrie Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center, The Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park and three community gardens. 

The Conservancy has hired PBR Executive Search, an executive search firm that specializes in national searches for nonprofits. The firm will be partnering closely with a search committee of board members to identify and place a leader this spring.

The executive director will be responsible for strategic leadership and vision-setting, stakeholder engagement, people leadership, fundraising, and brand awareness. Ideal candidates will have executive leadership experience, demonstrated fundraising success, and public-private partnership experience. For the full job description and to apply, visit bit.ly/charlestonparksconservancy. 

Until the position is filled, long-time Conservancy employee Leslie Wade is serving as the interim executive director.

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. For more than 15 years, the Conservancy — through public-private partnerships — has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston. Notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park, Moultrie Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center & Park as well as Magnolia Park and Community Garden and Medway Park and Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org. 

Real Estate

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Charleston SC – New Video by Living in Charleston SC Spenser Harvel

January 20, 2023 by 0 Comments
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About the Video:

Welcome to our video on the top 5 reasons to move to Charleston, South Carolina! As one of the most charming and historic cities in the United States, Charleston offers a unique blend of southern hospitality, natural beauty, and cultural richness. In this video, we’ll be sharing the top 5 reasons why Charleston is the perfect place to call home.

From its stunning beaches and parks to its thriving food and arts scene, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. So whether you’re a retiree looking for a laid-back lifestyle, young professional seeking career opportunities, or a family looking for a great place to raise kids, you’ll find it all in Charleston.

So sit back, relax, and discover why Charleston is one of the best places to live in the country!

Arts & Entertainment - Events - Food & Bev

11 Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina – New Video by A Lady in London

January 20, 2023 by 1 Comment
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Enjoy this entertaining and informative new video by A Lady in London

Video Details

This video is about the best things to do in Charleston, SC. This famous city in South Carolina has everything from a delicious food and drink scene to historic houses, beautiful streets, shopping, sailing, markets, and more. There’s a lot to do around Charleston, too.

From tours at places like Magnolia Plantation to boat trips to Fort Sumter, you’re spoiled for choice in this part of the American South.