Charleston Daily Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

By Mark A Leon

Nestled in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina at 55 Spring Street, the TiNY Tennis Museum offers a unique experience for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike. 

Opened in March 2025 by Jim McCready, this intimate gallery is located at 55 Spring Street and is set to showcase the Driftway Collection for about a year. The museum stands out as a charming, niche destination dedicated to the rich legacy of tennis, from its earliest origins through the Open era.

Visitors to the TiNY Tennis Museum are greeted with a thoughtfully curated selection of memorabilia and artifacts that tell the story of tennis’s evolution. The collection features vintage rackets, rare photographs, tournament programs, and other memorabilia, all carefully displayed to highlight key moments and figures in the sport’s history. The museum’s compact size belies the depth and quality of its exhibits, making it a must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in tennis.

The museum’s hours are typically 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with additional visits available by appointment—making it accessible for both locals and tourists seeking a distinctive activity in downtown Charleston. The award-winning Driftway Collection is the centerpiece of the museum, offering tennis aficionados a chance to see rare and historically significant items up close.

Collection Summary

The TiNY Tennis Museum’s collection spans the history of tennis, from its early days to the modern Open era. Highlights include vintage equipment, tournament memorabilia, and unique souvenirs. The museum provides an immersive, educational experience, celebrating the sport’s heritage and its enduring appeal. 

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious visitor, the museum offers a rare glimpse into the world of tennis, all within a cozy, welcoming space in the heart of Charleston.

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Photo Credit: TiNY Tennis Museum

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BY: JESSICA HOLDMAN 

Gov. McMaster points to uncertainty in Washington, but urges people to “relax”

A battery cell maker is pausing work on its manufacturing plant under construction in the Pee Dee, delaying its pledge of 1,600 new jobs for South Carolinians.

Envision Automotive Energy Supply Co. (AESC) announced the work stoppage Thursday, two years after breaking ground on the facility near Florence.

“AESC has informed the state of South Carolina and our local partners that due to policy and market uncertainty, we are pausing construction at our South Carolina facility at this time,” spokesman Brad Grantham said in a statement. “We anticipate being able to resume construction once circumstances stabilize.”

The Japanese-headquartered firm already has invested more than $1 billion into the Florence facility, Grantham said.

He said the company “fully intends to meet our commitments to invest $1.6 billion and create 1,600 jobs in the coming years,” but did not indicate what the new timeline might be. The company declined to provide further comment.

Gov. Henry McMaster, while speaking to reporters, pointed to uncertainty in Washington, D.C., as a reason.

“We hate to see that happen, but a pause is OK,” he said, noting a temporary suspension last week at Volvo’s Lowcountry plant.

The staunch supporter of President Donald Trump said “there’s no doubt” that changes must be made to international trade policy, while recognizing the administration’s roller coaster tariff announcements will have an effect.

“The tariffs are going up and down, and some of those are being paused,” McMaster said.

He also addressed the uncertainty of what Republicans’ massive bill on taxes and spending will do for the electric vehicle industry. As passed by the U.S. House, the bill would eliminate electric vehicle tax credits, both for people who purchase new or used electric vehicles and those who install EV charging stations at their homes or business. It’s unclear what the Senate will do.

Regardless, McMaster said he’s confident that South Carolina’s economy, “despite all the ups and downs, is still going up, up, up.”

He said he’s communicating with South Carolina’s delegation, company officials, and the White House.

“Let things play out, because all of these changes are taking place,” the governor said. “So, I’d say, relax if you can. … We believe that, give it some time, and it’ll work out.”

The industry already wasn’t meeting early growth expectations before Trump took office.

However, electric vehicle sales have continued to rise, both nationally and globally.

But the lag in growth has led to multiple setbacks for the fledgling industry, with canceled investments both nationally and in the Palmetto State. Automakers have also eased away from goals of going all-electric in favor of a mix of electric and plug-in hybrids.

A repeal of consumer tax credits could further slow progress.

AESC’s pause comes just four months after the battery cell manufacturer pulled back on earlier plans to expand the plant beyond its original scope.

BMW contracted with AESC to produce battery cells for the German auto giant’s U.S. manufacturing facilities in the Upstate. The automaker has already invested $700 million dollars in its own battery plant in Woodruff, planning to place the cells it receives from AESC into the batteries it assembles there.

BMW spokesman Steve Wilson said those battery assembly plans are still on schedule to begin in 2026.

Between the initial announcement in 2022 and March 2024, AESC rolled out three separate rounds of investment and promises of jobs in Florence. In addition to supplying BMW’s Spartanburg County assembly plant, the company made plans for a second building that was supposed to produce battery cells for a BMW plant in Mexico.

But in February, AESC told the state the first factory would be enough to meet the demand for both of BMW’s facilities. It pulled out of plans for a second, $1.5 billion building, along with the 1,080 jobs that came with it.

In turn, South Carolina withdrew its offer of $111 million in state funding for that particular phase.

The incentives claw back was a rare move for the state. But even with the pull back, AESC’s remaining plant had still been on track to become the largest economic development deal in the Pee Dee region, according to the state Department of Commerce.

The remaining $121 million in bonds and $135 million in grants Commerce offered as an initial incentive to lure AESC to South Carolina are so far unaffected by the shutdown, Commerce spokeswoman Alex Clark.

“South Carolina is fully and unequivocally committed to supporting existing companies, including AESC,” Clark said.

Source: South Carolina Gazette

By Mark A Leon

Charleston’s restaurant scene is rich and diverse gaining international recognition with each passing year. For many, the Charleston foodie scene is the core agenda item for any trip to our charming coastal home.

The choices can be daunting, so we took some time to compile 20 incredible selections for our meat lovers and no bucket list is complete without some of these local favorites (Disclaimer: This is only a small segment of the truly wonderful restaurants and menu items that will make your visit to Charleston complete, but this will help you along in your food journey):

Barbecue & Smokehouse Classics

• Whole Hog BBQ Plate at Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ — Iconic, pit-cooked pork with classic sides and Rodney’s signature sauce.

• Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Ribs at Lewis Barbecue — Texas-style, smoky perfection.

• Wings at Home Team BBQ — Smoked, dry-rubbed, and deeply flavorful. You can find Home Team in Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley or Sullivan’s Island.

Steakhouse Standouts

• Filet Mignon at Halls Chophouse — Charleston’s legendary steak.

• NY Strip Au Poivre at Brasserie La Banque — French-inspired steak with peppercorn sauce.

• Ribeye at Oak Steakhouse located on historic Broad Street — Classic, upscale, and expertly cooked.

Mediterranean & Global Inspirations

• Lamb Porterhouse at Taverna Philosophia — Juicy, perfectly cooked, and finished with mint gremolata for a bright, herbal touch. Located in Mount Pleasant, SC, this spot has quickly become one of our Lowcountry favorites. (Related: Taverna Restaurant Review)

• Lamb Ravioli at Taverna Philosophia — Braised lamb, marinated goat cheese, wild mushrooms, and skordalia soubise.

• Pastitsio – Baked layers of aromatic ground beef, pasta, bechamel, whipped ricotta at Philosophia (sister restaurant to Taverna located in Mount Pleasant with a second location coming to Clements Ferry Road, Charleston) – Mouthwatering, authentic, and packed with flavor (Related: Restaurant Review).

• Braised Lamb Shank at Stella’s — Greek comfort food at its best. Stella’s is located slightly off of King Street at 114 St Philip St A, Charleston, SC.

• Lamb Bolognese at FIG (Meeting Street, Charleston) — Rich, meaty, and deeply satisfying.

Southern Comforts

• Fried Chicken at Leon’s Oyster Shop — Crispy, juicy, and beloved by locals. You will find Leon’s along with some other wonderful spots in the trendy upper King Street area of the peninsula (698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403).

Burgers & Sandwiches

• Little Jack’s Award Winning Tavern Burger — Smash-style, juicy, and classic. Little Jack’s is at 710 King Street as part of a district of restaurants including Leon’s, Park & Grove, Herd Provisions, Renzo, Berkeley’s and more.

• Annabelle Lee Burger at Poe’s Tavern — Creative toppings and island vibes. Make sure this is a beach day because this is located in the heart of Sullivan’s Island. Make sure you walk around and enjoy the Ode to Poe including the amazing bathrooms.

Elevated & Unique

• Steak at Sorelle — Italian-inspired, perfect for special occasions. One of the newest additions to the Broad Street family of restaurants, this spot is a true escape to traditional European decor and culture.

• Beef Carpaccio at SNOB — Elegant, thin-sliced, and flavorful. This East Bay gem holds a rich and deep tradition in Charleston for excellence and quality.

• Steak Tartare at Husk — Dry-aged, wood-fired, and unforgettable. Husk is a traditional Charleston favorite located on Queen Street between King and Meeting across from the Historic Mills House Hotel (Pink Hotel).

Don’t Miss

• Pork Belly at Edmund’s Oast — Creative pork dishes in a lively brewpub setting.

• Smoked Sausage at Lewis Barbecue — House-made and deeply smoky.

This list promises a true carnivore’s adventure across Charleston’s best.

What are your favorite “meaty” dishes in Charleston? 

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Photo Credit: Lewis Barbecue, Home Team BBQ, Taverna and Poe’s Tavern

Columbia travelers gain the only nonstop service to Newark (EWR) and Orlando (MCO) and new service to Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

DANIA BEACH, Fla., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Spirit Airlines (NYSE American: FLYY) is soaring to its third destination in South Carolina with today’s launch of affordable, nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). The new service begins just in time for summer and includes CAE’s only nonstop flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), along with new, nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Columbia Guests can also take advantage of seamless one-stop connections to Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Spirit’s arrival in Columbia brings South Carolina travelers easy access to some of the top destinations on the East Coast at an unmatched value,” said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. “We can’t wait to welcome our Columbia Guests onboard and make it easier for travelers to visit South Carolina’s capital city.”

Spirit Airlines Columbia (CAE) Service
Destination:	Frequency:	Launch Date:
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)	3x Weekly	June 6, 2025
Newark (EWR)	4x Weekly	June 5, 2025
Orlando (MCO)	3x Weekly	June 5, 2025

“We are thrilled to now be able to offer the local community a cost-effective flying option in Spirit Airlines,” said Kim Crafton, Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. “Increasing air service to a community can be a long process, as our airport like many others across the nation are competing for the same service. I’m thankful our team was able to secure Spirit Airlines and I’m thankful Spirit Airlines sees a great opportunity for a successful partnership for the airport and the Midlands region.” 

The Spirit Charitable Foundation commemorated the airline’s new service in Columbia with a grant of $10,000 to Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services, a nonprofit that provides a safe and supportive environment for children and teens who have faced abuse, abandonment, neglect or homelessness.

Following Spirit’s recent upgrade of its Free Spirit loyalty program, the airline is celebrating the launch of its Columbia service with a Free Spirit loyalty program promotion* where members can earn 1,500 bonus points on roundtrip flights and 750 bonus points on one-way flights to and from Columbia (CAE). Travel must be booked by June 10, 2025, and flown by July 9, 2025. The Free Spirit loyalty program is free to join and is the fastest way to earn rewards and status.

Spirit first launched its South Carolina service at Myrtle Beach (MYR) more than 25 years ago and began service at Charleston (CHS) in 2023.

Spirit’s Guest Experience Enhancements 
Columbia Guests can look forward to a more comfortable and seamless travel experience with Spirit. The airline’s transformation introduced four travel options, ranging from premium to economical, that offer more choice and empower Guests to choose how they want to fly:

• Go Big to get enhanced comfort with a Big Front Seat®, a carry-on and first checked bag, no change or cancel fees, Priority Check-In and Boarding, reserved overhead bin space, complimentary snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages and streaming access to fast Wi-Fi.
• Go Comfy and stretch out with more space, a carry-on bag, no change or cancel fees, Priority Boarding, reserved overhead bin space, a small snack and non-alcoholic drink.
• Go Savvy to get a standard seat selection, carry-on bag and no change or cancel fees.
• Go to keep it simple with no extras. Standard seat selection, checked bags and other options can be purchased separately.

Recognition
Spirit was recently named Best Airline Overall for 2025 and earned top recognition for safety and affordability for the second consecutive year by WalletHub. Spirit was also recognized by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) as a 2025 Four Star Low Cost Carrier. Additionally, the airline’s Fit Fleet® was ranked one of the world’s youngest for 2025 by ch-aviation. Spirit also received the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence for the seventh consecutive year.

*To qualify for the Columbia, South Carolina Inaugural Free Spirit® 1,500 (roundtrip) or 750 (one-way) Bonus Points promotion you must (i) be a Free Spirit® member; (ii) book travel on a Qualifying Flight Segment. A “Qualifying Flight Segment” is a revenue trip originating from/to EWR/CAE, MCO/CAE or FLL/CAE flight operated by Spirit Airlines and booked by 11:59 PM ET on June 10, 2025, with travel completed by July 9, 2025. Free Spirit® Bonus Points will be automatically added to your account after completing a Qualifying Flight Segment. Bonus points earned through the Columbia, South Carolina Inaugural Free Spirit® Bonus Points promotion would offer standard Status Qualification Points (SQPs). Offer is subject to change without notice. Other restrictions and conditions may apply and can be found at spirit.com/free-spirit.

About Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines (NYSE American: FLYY) is committed to safely delivering the best value in the sky by offering an enhanced travel experience with flexible, affordable options. Spirit serves destinations throughout the United States, Latin America and the Caribbeanwith its all-Airbus Fit Fleet®, one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the U.S. Discover elevated travel options with exceptional value at spirit.com.  

SOURCE Spirit Airlines

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. is set to open its first fully redesigned store in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 3, 2025, marking the brand’s initial entry into the state. The store will be located at 415 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina.

Franchisees Ross and Mackenzie Theesen, along with local operator Mike Hill, will manage the new location, featuring premium chocolates and handcrafted confections in a modern, inviting space designed to enhance the customer experience.

This store embodies Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s new identity, including an updated design, logo, and packaging, as part of a national rebrand initiative affecting nearly 150 locations. The Charleston store is seen as a flagship launch due to the city’s cultural and culinary significance, supporting RMCF’s broader growth strategy aimed at expanding in major metropolitan areas and achieving over $100 million in annual retail sales.

The store will operate daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, inviting customers to enjoy its offerings and experience the brand’s evolution.

Oliver Pluff & Co. is an all-American company preserving the tradition of time-honored teas and early American coffee blends. The tradition of tea and coffee spans American history in its entirety. Their teas and coffees honor this history through flavors, ingredients, and more. 

On May 29, 2025, Oliver Pluff & Co. opened their flagship Charleston, South Carolina location at 49 John Street.

Tea lovers will delight in browsing classics like Colonial Bohea, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and unique seasonal offerings such as Summer Toddy. Shoppers can also explore exclusive blends available only in-store including a rotating menu of premium high-end teas sourced from some of the finest gardens around the world.

• Click HERE to see where else you can purchase products in the Lowcountry.
• Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays).

The Town of Mount Pleasant is proud to present “A Day In The Life”, a heartfelt mini-movie dedicated to you – the soul of our community. Here, we live, work, and play together, with our individual dreams, passions, and stories. This shared enthusiasm for the town we call home is what connects us.

Share in the enthusiasm and love for Mount Pleasant, in this new and passionate video.

Source: The Town of Mount Pleasant, SC

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• Life Sciences industry generates an impressive $25 billion in annual economic impact for the Palmetto State.
• South Carolina emerges as a Southeastern powerhouse in biomanufacturing, digital health, and biotech specialties.
• More than 16 companies and organizations with deep roots in South Carolina will join SCbio at BIO 2025.

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Led by SCbio, South Carolina’s unifying life sciences leader, the state’s rapidly-growing life sciences industry will be on full display at BIO 2025, the annual international convention hosted by Biotechnology Innovation Organization June 16-19 in Boston.

SCbio, and more than 16 life sciences companies and organizations with roots in the Palmetto State, will showcase South Carolina’srapidly growing life sciences ecosystem and highlight the state’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and economic development in the biotech and medtech sectors. As one of the fastest-growing life sciences hubs in the Southeast, South Carolina is home to more than 1,000 life sciences companies, employing over 87,000 professionals.

SCbio’s presence at BIO 2025 will serve as a platform to engage with global industry leaders, promote investment opportunities, and spotlight the talent, infrastructure, and partnerships driving life sciences growth across South Carolina. With an annual economic impact of $25.7 billion, life sciences is the fastest growing business segment in South Carolina. Since 2017, South Carolina life science jobs have grown two times the average of other southeastern states. In 2024, the South Carolina Department of Commerce recognized the life sciences as a top three business priority for economic growth. As such, the state is committed to fueling innovation, driving growth, and amplifying its position as a burgeoning leader in the advancement of life and science in unison.

“This is an incredible opportunity to tell the South Carolina story on a global stage,” said James Chappell, President and CEO of SCbio. “From cutting-edge research and biomanufacturing to our workforce pipeline and pro-business climate, South Carolina has become a destination for life sciences companies looking to grow, innovate and lead the next era of health and science.”

SCbio will sponsor the South Carolina pavilion at booth #447 and host events, meetings, and networking opportunities throughout the convention to foster strategic partnerships and promote the state’s expanding capabilities in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices and digital health.

The South Carolina delegation at BIO will include multiple companies and organizations from South Carolina, including BFS manufacturer Ritedose, economic development partners such as the South Carolina Department of Commerce, I-77 Alliance and others.  

To schedule a meeting with the SCbio team at BIO 2025, please visit scbio.org or contact Connor Watkins, director of marketing, at cwatkins@scbio.org.

About SCbio

SCbio is the definitive, unifying leader in South Carolina’s life sciences sector, fostering authentic collaboration and innovation across academia, startups, government and established enterprises. As a member-driven economic development organization, SCbio represents more than 1,000 organizations employing more than 87,000 professionals. Our members are unified by a mission to positively impact humanity through science across the ecosystem of advanced and specialty manufacturing; digital health and the data frontier; and cutting-edge health specializations. For additional information about SCbio and the life sciences industry, or to become a member, visit www.SCbio.org.

SOURCE SCbio

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16 Handles self-serve frozen yogurt has arrived in Charleston, South Carolina. The official grand opening was Saturday, May 31, 2025. The new shop is located at 654 Point Hope Parkway, Charleston, in the newly-constructed Point Hope Charleston neighborhood!

Official Website

Store Hours

• Monday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

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By Mark A Leon

In the heart of West Ashley, South Carolina (Charleston), just across from Citadel Mall, sits Monster Music & Movies—a cornerstone of Charleston’s music culture for over two decades. Opened in 2004 during a period of declining CD sales, Monster Music defied the odds, thriving as vinyl made a dramatic comeback and music lovers sought a tangible connection to their favorite sounds.

A Legacy Born from a Passion for Music 

Galen Hudson, the store’s longtime manager and now owner, has steered Monster Music with a collector’s heart. Growing up a “record nerd” in Chapel Hill, Hudson’s lifelong passion for music led him from college jobs at record stores to managing several Cat’s Music locations in Charleston. When Manifest Discs & Tapes closed its Charleston branch, Hudson and his team rebranded it as Monster Music, cleverly reusing the old neon sign’s letters and giving the shop its now-iconic name.

A Hub for Collectors and Community

Monster Music isn’t just a store—it’s a gathering place for Charleston’s music enthusiasts. The shop’s aisles are lined with new releases, rare finds, and classic albums, drawing everyone from casual listeners to serious collectors. Events like the Charleston Record Expo, hosted by Hudson, bring together buyers, sellers, and DJs from across the Southeast, fueling the local vinyl culture and offering a space where stories and sounds are shared.

The store’s sub-culture is defined by discovery and nostalgia. Shoppers can browse for hours, flipping through crates, talking music, and reliving the warmth of analog sound. For many, it’s about more than just buying records—it’s about the hunt, the conversations, and the sense of community that only a brick-and-mortar shop can provide.

Impact on Charleston’s Music Scene

Monster Music has played a vital role in Charleston’s broader musical landscape. As one of the largest independent record stores in the Southeast, it has helped sustain the city’s love for physical media, supporting local artists and hosting events that spotlight regional talent. Its presence has anchored West Ashley as a destination for music lovers and contributed to Charleston’s reputation as a vibrant, eclectic music city.

If you are fortunate to catch a live in-store performance, it is an expressive sense of community love.

For twenty years, Monster Music has been more than a retail space—it’s been a cultural touchstone, a sanctuary for music lovers, and a driving force in Charleston’s ever-evolving soundscape.

Follow the musical journey on Instagram.

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Photo Credit: Monster Music