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

Charleston, St. Simons Island, The Peabody Memphis Among Top Winners

Tampa And Annapolis Rank In The Top 20 South’s Best Cities For The First Time

NEW YORK and BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Southern Living announces the winners of its ninth annual South’s Best Awards. The annual survey highlights top Southern destinations, accommodations, and experiences, voted on by Southern Living readers. Full coverage of the South’s Best Award winners will appear in the April issue of Southern Living, on sale March 21 and are online now at SouthernLiving.com.

This year’s survey reveals the South’s Best Cities, Top Beach Towns, Top Classic Hotels, Top Resorts, Top Beach Bars, Top Barbecue Joint in Each State, Top Seafood Dives, and for the first time, Top Cruises. St. Simon’s Island, Georgia takes the top spot in the Best Beach Towns category, while Charleston, South Carolinaremains the South’s Best City for the ninth consecutive year, recognized for its rich culture, food, and history.

In addition to the survey results, Southern Living editors have handpicked special features for this year’s awards, including: Vacation of the Year (Outer Banks, NC), Restaurant of the Year (Lost Isle in Johns Island, SC), and a list of Top New Hotels in the South.

“Southern hospitality is more than just a saying–it’s a way of life, and no one knows the best experiences better than the locals. That’s why, year after year, we turn to our readers to share their favorite places that define the South,” said Sid Evans, Southern Living Editor in Chief, “This year, we decided to focus on vacations, which led to the new editor-chosen categories: Restaurant of the Year, Vacation of the Year, and Best New Hotels. We also included the Top 50 Beach Towns because there are so many that our readers love, and now is the perfect time to start planning summer travel.”

Highlights from Southern Living’s 2025 South’s Best Awards survey results are as follows:

South’s Best Cities – Top 10

1. Charleston, SC
2. Savannah, GA
3. Asheville, NC
4. New Orleans, LA
5. Nashville, TN
6. Greenville, SC
7. St. Petersburg, FL
8. Chattanooga, TN
9. Atlanta, GA
10. Lexington, KY

South’s Best Beach Towns – Top 10

1. St. Simons Island, GA
2. Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL
3. Hilton Head Island, SC
4. Tybee Island, GA
5. Jekyll Island, GA
6. Sanibel Island, FL
7. St. Augustine Beach, FL
8. Myrtle Beach, SC
9. Fairhope, AL
10. Fernandina Beach, FL

Best Barbecue Joints – Winner in Each State
Alabama: Big Bob Gibson (Decatur)
Arkansas: Wright’s Barbecue (Multiple locations)
Florida: Big John’s Alabama BBQ (Tampa)
Georgia: Southern Soul Barbeque (St. Simons Island)
Kentucky: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn (Owensboro)
Louisiana: The Joint (New Orleans)
Maryland: Blue Pit BBQ (Baltimore)
Mississippi: The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint (Ocean Springs)
Missouri: Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque (Kansas City)
North Carolina: Lexington Barbecue (Lexington)
Oklahoma: Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Cue (Multiple locations)
South Carolina: Lewis Barbecue (Charleston & Greenville)
Tennessee: Charlie Vergos Rendezvous (Memphis)
Texas: Franklin Barbecue (Austin)
Virginia: Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que (Williamsburg)
West Virginia: Rollin’ Smoke BBQ (Charleston)

For the full results and methodology from Southern Living’s 2025 South’s Best survey, including the lists of winners in every category, visit SouthernLiving.com.

About Southern Living

Southern Living celebrates the essence of life in the South, covering the best in Southern food, homes, gardens and travel. Southern Living connects consumers to the region’s rich culture through a robust multi-platform presence, including print, digital and social as well as its Biscuits & Jam and Ask Grumpy podcasts and licensing partnerships. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Living is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

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A Piggly Wiggly store that dates back 50 years is closing its doors in Columbia, S.C. Owner/operator Darrell Miller shared details of the closure on the grocer’s social media page. 

The supermarket at 3818 Devine Street in Columbia – billed as “The Social Pig” – has long served residents as well as members of the nearby University of South Carolina community. According to Miller, the closure follows difficulties in renewing the soon-to-expire lease.

Miller shared his gratitude to patrons and personnel who supported the store over the years. “I submit our sincere thanks to the residents of the surrounding communities and the Greater Columbia area for your steadfast and generous support over the past fifty years. You have blessed us,” he declared. “I also want to thank the hundreds of associates that graced this business with their presence, and provided the great goods and services that our guests expected and deserved. You took a structure of concrete and mortar, and a patch of asphalt, and made them into a living and important institution in this great city.” 

Miller has served as a Piggly Wiggly store operator for 37 years and has spent more than 50 years with the business.

There is a fair amount of competition in the greater Columbia market. Trader Joe’s operates a site in that area, as do The Fresh Market, Lowe’s Foods and Whole Foods Market, among others. A new 49,000-square-foot Publix in northeast Columbia is slated to open later this year. 

There are more than 600 Piggly Wiggly independently owned and operated stores serving communities in 17 states. The banner is an affiliate of Keene, N.H.-based C&S Wholesale Grocers. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases and institutions with 100,000-plus products, in addition to operating corporate stores. Earlier this year, C&S announced it is part of a consortium of private investors acquiring Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners from ALDI U.S. The company is No. 17 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.

Source: Progessive Grocer

$134 million investment will create 462 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – TS Conductor, a manufacturer of next-generation advanced conductors, today announced it selects Jasper County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation and second U.S. manufacturing facility. The company’s $134 million investment will create 462 new jobs. 

TS Conductor specializes in advanced conductor technology that enables utilities to double or triple transmission capacity while cutting costs for customers. This patented technology is critical for expanding and modernizing the power grid to meet growing demand from data centers and domestic manufacturing. The company currently operates a production facility in Southern California.

TS Conductor’s new 301,275-square-foot facility, located in Clarius Park Hardeeville, will manufacture advanced carbon-core conductors for use in transmission lines, including critical high-voltage direct current (HVDC) capacity. This represents the first of a three-phase expansion plan. As part of this investment, TS Conductor is also planning to add an additional one million square feet within Clarius Park Hardeeville in future phases.

Operations are expected to begin by the end of 2025. Individuals interested in joining the TS Conductor team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $5.11 million Closing Fund grant to Jasper County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

QUOTES

“TS Conductor is proud to partner with the state of South Carolina to build our second U.S. manufacturing facility. This state-of-the-art plant will enable us to meet growing demand from leading utilities across the Southeast and nationwide. Our patented technology helps modernize America’s power grid by providing more capacity while lowering project costs, making electricity more affordable and reliable for everyone. South Carolina’s business-friendly environment, skilled workforce and strong support made it the perfect choice for our expansion. We plan to create hundreds of high-paying manufacturing jobs and invest over $100 million in the state over the next few years. We look forward to being a long-term partner in South Carolina’s economic growth and creating opportunities for local families and communities.” -TS Conductor Co-Founder and CEO Jason Huang, PhD

“Once again, South Carolina is proving itself to be an ideal location for innovative companies to establish operations. We are delighted to welcome TS Conductor to our impressive portfolio of energy-related companies and celebrate the tremendous impact this investment will have in Jasper County and South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster 

“TS Conductor’s announcement showcases that cutting-edge energy companies recognize the many advantages of doing business in South Carolina. We are grateful for this remarkable $134 million investment in Jasper County and are proud to support TS Conductor as it continues working to modernize the power grid.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Jasper County welcomes TS Conductor as the largest announcement of jobs in our county’s history. We appreciate the company’s investment in our community and the good direct, indirect and induced jobs this manufacturing facility will bring to the people of Jasper County.” -Jasper County Council Chairman John Kemp

“We appreciate the good jobs and capital investment that this innovative company will bring to our region. SouthernCarolina Alliance welcomes TS Conductor and congratulates Jasper County on this big win for our people. Every good job created provides an opportunity for a family here, and we are looking forward to working with TS Conductor as they ramp up operations in Jasper County, creating 462 jobs.” -SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Marty Sauls

FIVE FAST FACTS

• TS Conductor selects Jasper County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation and second U.S. manufacturing facility.
• The company’s $134 million investment will create 462 new jobs.
• TS Conductor is a manufacturer of next-generation advanced conductors.
• The company will be located in Clarius Park Hardeeville in Hardeeville, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the TS Conductor team should visit the company’s careers page. 
  

Source: The South Carolina Office of the Governor

Introducing The Southern Welcome, located at 1952 Long Grove Drive, Suite 5, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Last week, the team in partnership with the Town of Mount Pleasant had a formal ribbon cutting.

Here is why you should check out this new gifting spot:

Originally a premier gifting service for the Charleston region, The Southern Welcome has now expanded into a brick-and-mortar retail store, offering:
🛍️ Apparel, jewelry, home decor & local artwork
🎁 Custom gift sets & event gifting
🏡 Welcome services for realtors, HOAs, hotels & more

Owner Steph Ryan remains committed to her core value—locals supporting locals. Every purchase helps uplift other small businesses in the community.

• Official Website
• Follow on Instagram
• Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM / Closed: Sundays

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“A real choice is unpredictable. A real choice is freedom”

CHARLESTON, SC – { 2025} – PURE Theatre is proud to announce the World Premiere of Pleasure Never Lies, a new musical by Broadway veterans Marshall Hagins and Brad Moranz. Going from high kicks to high science, the duo has created Charleston’s most intriguing new musical, which tackles evolutionary biology with the same flair the former castmates brought to A Chorus Line. Performances will run from April 10 – May 3 at the Cannon Street Arts Center.

Pleasure Never Lies follows Sam, a maverick bird scientist working in the jungle of Papua New Guinea whose radical theories about female choice in evolution threaten the academic establishment. When her former mentor (and lover) arrives to film a nature documentary, the embers of their relationship and professional rivalry ignite personal drama in a race to save both careers and a pristine wildlife reserve.

“It’s Legally Blonde meets David Attenborough…with better singing.” quips Brad Moranz. Best known for his scene-stealing turns on Broadway as Cosmo in Singin’ in the Rain and as Groucho Marx in A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, Moranz has since settled in Charleston and composed the score for this new musical. The score blends contemporary musical theater with birdsong-inspired melodies, while the story tackles significant themes about who gets to tell the story of science.

Moranz as Groucho Marx in A Day in Hollywood, Broadway, 1984

Hagins in the first  national tour of A Chorus Line, 1982

His collaborator Marshall Hagin’s journey is equally surprising. Hagins went from dancing in Mame on Broadway to earning a PhD in Biomechanics. “I never imagined my scientific career would lead me back to theater,” says Hagins, “But when I read Richard Prum’s book about female choice in evolution, I knew it had to be a musical.”

The show was commissioned in August 2020 by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in New York and has gone through several phases of development, including a twelve-month workshop at PURE Theatre. Early audiences have praised the show’s wit and unexpected emotional depth. “We’re not explaining science,” Hagins shares. “We’re asking what happens when you challenge the accepted narratives—in science, in love, in life.”

“People hear ‘musical about science’ and expect something dry,” says Moranz, “But this is a passionate story about fighting for your ideas and following your heart.” 

The show is directed by PURE Artistic Director Sharon Graci and features a host of local talent, including Kindred Moore, Matt Shingledecker, Tiffany Parker, Teresa Catherine, Maddie Casto, Noah Anderson, and PURE Core Ensemble member Shivam Patel. 

Tickets for Pleasure Never Lies range from $47 to $53. Pay What You Will Performances will be on April 10 and 16, and Pay What You Will tickets will be available for online purchase two weeks before the show’s opening. There are $12 student tickets available for every show. Tickets are available now at puretheatre.org.

Additional information about Pleasure Never Lies can be found on PURE’s website at puretheatre.org or by calling the box office at 843.723.4444 (Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm). 

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ABOUT PURE THEATRE

PURE Theatre is a professional regional theatre in Charleston that creates consequential theatre experiences by and for a diverse gathering of artists and audiences. PURE produces work that inspires thought, ignites dialogue, heightens consciousness, and contributes to our community’s urgent exchange of ideas, viewpoints, aspirations, and inspirations.

PURE’s staff includes Sharon Graci (Co-founder and Artistic Director), Rodney Lee Rogers (Co-founder and Director of New Media and Education), David Mandel (Associate Artistic Director), Joy Vandervort-Cobb (Associate Artistic Director), Richard Heffner (Technical Director), Shivam Patel (Education and New Media Associate), Meagan McMahon (Patron Experience and Marketing Manager), and Tippy Trombly (Patron Experience and Marketing Associate). 

Serving on PURE Theatre’s board of directors are Michael Culler (President), Peter Calcagno (Treasurer), Chris Burgess (Secretary), Amy Gaffney, Bridget Durkan Laird, Liza Elsner, David Smalls, Brad Erickson, Stephanie Hunt, and Drew Childers.

DQ Restaurant Opens in James Island, SC

Local Restaurant Operating Group Opens First DQ in Charleston County

James Island, S.C. – James Island just got a whole lot tastier with a new DQ® restaurant coming to town.

American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), an iconic leader in treats and food, announced today a new DQ Restaurant with its grand opening on March 7. Conveniently located off the James Island Expressway at 345 Folly Road, the restaurant will be owned by Dream Cone LLC.

“We chose to franchise with Dairy Queen because of our admiration for such a longstanding, reputable brand and the joy it brings to people of all ages, especially kids,” said a representative from Dream Cone LLC. “Everyone has a happy memory of sharing an ice cream with family and friends, and we want to help create those same moments for residents in the Charleston area. We believe this restaurant will be a gathering place for our community, where people can come together to enjoy tasty treats and make lasting memories.”

This is Dream Cone’s first restaurant in South Carolina. The group looks forward to supporting the local MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital through Dairy Queen’s partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network Charity, as well as sponsoring local youth and baseball teams in the area.

The restaurant will serve its iconic food and treats, including Signature Stackburgers™, Chicken Strip Baskets and world-famous DQ soft serve in cones, sundaes, shakes, and the signature Blizzard^® Treat, among many more craveable menu items.

A welcoming environment for all, the new DQ restaurant features a modern design with large comfortable booths, community tables and chairs, a designated mobile order pick-up counter, drive-thru lanes, an outdoor patio and fireplace, and an iconic 14-foot DQ red spoon.

The restaurant will be open, starting on March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sunday through Saturday, with the drive-thru open until midnight. The James Island location is the first DQ restaurant owned by Dream Cone LLC.

About International Dairy Queen

International Dairy Queen, Inc., (IDQ), headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,500 DQ restaurants in 20 countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Berkshire), which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire. For more information, visit www.DairyQueen.com. 

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BY: ANNA CLAIRE MILLER

The Lowcountry of South Carolina is more than just picturesque coastal towns with stunning views — it’s a cinematic treasure trove that’s attracted some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

With its charming antebellum homes, towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why filmmakers continue to flock here.

For 2025, another popular show is set to make its return to the picturesque backdrops and open landscapes of Beaufort.

What’s coming in 2025?

According to Dan Rogers, representative for the South Carolina Film Commission, the fifth and final season of the Netflix show, “Outer Banks,” will begin filming in Beaufort County starting in May.

The cast and crew of Outer Banks have traveled across the coast from Charleston and even down to Morocco for filming. The first time they set foot in Beaufort County was for season one back in 2019. They also briefly revisited for season four last year.

What is the show about?

Set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this show brings together a group of teenagers, divided into the haves and have-nots, known in the show’s universe as “Kooks” and “Pogues.”

John B, one of the main characters, is on a hunt for the treasure that may link him to his missing father.

He enlists the help of his friends to help him track it down, but drama and romance unfold along the way.

Where in Beaufort County will they be filming?

Back in season one, Hunting Island was the primary spot for the show’s filming.

Located just over 15 miles east of Beaufort, its sandy beaches, natural driftwood and landmark Hunting Island lighthouse made it a pristine location for one of the sets of the show.

Other neighboring Lowcountry locations that were used for filming in previous seasons include:

• Kiawah Island Golf Resort
• Charleston and North Charleston
• McClellanville

While Outer Banks is the only project on the horizon for now, Rogers confirmed that several additional projects are also coming to the Lowcountry, potentially as soon as the fall and winter of 2025. Details about these potential projects are still under wraps.

Why is the Lowcountry a popular spot for filming?

It’s no surprise that the Lowcountry has become a hotspot for filmmakers due to its natural beauty and strategic location.

Charlie Clark, vice president of communications for the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, noted that the region is surrounded by Georgia and North Carolina, both of which offer attractive tax credits and incentives that draw productions to the area.

Clark also shared that the area’s distinctive charm has made it a popular setting for a wide variety of projects and that the Chamber offices often collaborate with film crews from the “Today Show,” “Food Network” and “HGTV” productions, as well as commercial shoots for brands like adidas and Mercedes-Benz.

Popular films in the past

Beaufort’s captivating beauty and timeless charm have made it a go-to backdrop for some truly unforgettable films, including but not limited to:

• “Forrest Gump” (1994)

This Academy Award-winning film starring Tom Hanks is perhaps the most famous movie filmed in Beaufort. The landscapes of Fripp Island, Hunting Island and Beaufort’s rural roads were featured in many memorable scenes, making it a standout in both cinematic history and Beaufort’s film legacy.

• “The Great Santini” (1979)

This drama starring Robert Duvall and Blythe Danner is another standout. It was filmed at the historic Tidalholm Mansion, which has since become one of Beaufort’s most recognizable landmarks. Based on Pat Conroy’s novel, it highlights Beaufort’s timeless charm and Southern elegance.

• “G.I. Jane” (1997)

A classic and unforgettable film starring Demi Moore, G.I. Jane was shot on Parris Island, where it filmed key military training scenes. The film’s military setting makes this an important project for showcasing the region’s connection to the U.S. Marine Corps.

• “The Prince of Tides” (1991)

This film, based on Pat Conroy’s novel, stars Barbra Streisand and Nick Nolte. It was shot in Beaufort and the surrounding Lowcountry. The stunning natural beauty of the region is highlighted in this film.

• “A Perfect World” (1993)

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Kevin Costner, this crime drama used Beaufort’s atmospheric streets and marshlands to tell the story. This film is a common standout for Beaufort due to its creative use of the natural landscape.

These films are all significant for their iconic status, representation of the region and contribution to the cinematic history of Beaufort County.

Learn more about the Lowcountry film industry

If you’re interested in exploring the history and filming locations of other movies and shows in the Lowcountry, Beaufort, SC Tours offers guided excursions that take you to some of the town’s most iconic filming spots.

Beginning at the downtown marina, these tours share behind-the-scenes stories and offer a richer understanding of Beaufort’s cinematic heritage.

You can choose between a walking or golf cart tour and tickets start at $30.

For film enthusiasts, Beaufort is also home to the Beaufort International Film Festival, which takes place every February.

Although this year’s festival has just ended, it continues to draw filmmakers and cinema lovers from across the globe, celebrating the art of storytelling in one of the South’s most iconic and memorable film locations.

Source: The State

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This luxurious downtown home right on The Battery and includes an elevated pool is for sale in Historic Charleston, South Carolina.

Here are the details:

Cost: $11,800,000

Rooms: 5 beds and 7 baths

Size: 6,755 sqft

Location: 100 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401

Official Listing Website

About the property

Experience luxurious living in this contemporary style home with incredible direct waterfront views in the vibrant heart of downtown Charleston. Completely renovated and reimagined in 2021 with sophisticated design, this spectacular modern home was built to take advantage of prime views of the Ashley River, Charleston Harbor, the new Battery promenade, and beautiful sunsets.

The large floor-to-ceiling windows across the front of the home frame the waterfront as art, while yachts and other boats glide by on the river. With an open floor plan and top-of-the-line finishes, this extraordinary home has a stunning steel and glass floating staircase rising 3 levels, an elevated pool, large outdoor pool terrace with outdoor kitchen, fireplace and television perfect for entertaining.

Other incredible features include a garage, elevator, roof top deck with 360 degree views of Charleston and beyond, as well as Fleetwood retractable doors slide open for seamless indoor/outdoor living. Two large porches, one off the living room and one off the master bedroom, provide birds eye views of the waterfront and the Battery.

The master suite is incredible with direct long waterfront views, luxurious bathroom with fireplace between the bedroom and shower, soaking tub with riverfront views, coffee maker and beverage refrigerator. All 5 bedrooms have gorgeous en suite bathrooms. There is a fantastic guest suite with bedroom, full bathroom, stacked laundry, full kitchen and living room, with private elevator access.

This property was designed for entertaining and wellness with a Miami/Los Angeles vibe, featuring a home gym, infrared + steam sauna, massage room, theater room with surround sound and terraced seating, billiard room, wine + wet bar, elevated pool, and plenty of space for entertaining. The property is walled and gated for privacy and security, with off-street parking for 8+ cars plus a garage for one car and a golf cart.

This spectacular contemporary home is a unique trophy property in historic downtown Charleston in the prestigious South of Broad neighborhood. Contemporary style new homes are rare in the historic district, and this one surpasses all expectations. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a turnkey home that embodies resort style living. Please refer to list of Features and Floor Plans for more details on this special property.

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Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) gains the only nonstop flights to Newark (EWR) and Orlando (MCO) and new, nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

DANIA BEACH, Fla., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Spirit Airlines announced today that it will touch down in the heart of South Carolina this June with new, high-value service at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). The carrier will offer nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and the only nonstop flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and OrlandoInternational Airport (MCO), the airport nearest to Orlando’s major theme parks and attractions. Spirit’s all-Airbus fleet will take off from CAE for the first time on June 5, with travel options ranging from premium to economical.

“We’re excited to kick off our Columbia service just in time for summer and deliver a great value to visit some of the most popular leisure destinations along the East Coast,” said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. “Travelers from South Carolina’s capital city will soon enjoy convenient nonstop options and Spirit’s recently transformed experience on their way to various destinations with beaches, theme parks and big city attractions.”

Spirit Airlines Columbia (CAE) Service
Destination:	Flights Available:	Launch Date:	Introductory Fare:
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)	3x Weekly	June 6, 2025	Starting at $50* one way
Newark (EWR)	4x Weekly	June 5, 2025	Starting at $50* one way
Orlando (MCO)	3x Weekly	June 5, 2025	Starting at $50* one way

“Securing three nonstop routes on Spirit Airlines is a significant accomplishment for the airport and likewise a big win for this entire community and region,” said Gregg Hornsby, Interim President & CEO and CFO at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. “We’re excited to welcome the Spirit team to the airport and look forward to seeing travelers in the coming months taking advantage of these fantastic air service opportunities.”

The airline first launched its South Carolina service at Myrtle Beach (MYR) more than 25 years ago and later added Charleston (CHS) to its route map in 2023.

Introductory Fare
Guests traveling between Columbia (CAE) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Newark (EWR) and Orlando (MCO) can take advantage of an introductory fare starting at $50* one-way for travel from June 5 through Aug. 12, 2025. Must be purchased 14 days in advance to be eligible. These special introductory fares are available for purchase through March 20, 2025.

Spirit’s Enhanced Guest Experience
Columbia Guests can enjoy Spirit’s recent transformation and new travel options, which provide an elevated and more seamless experience no matter the destination. The four new travel options include:

• 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, complimentary snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages and streaming access to fast Wi-Fi.
• Go Comfy to choose an aisle or window seat with no one in the middle, a carry-on bag, no change or cancel fees, priority boarding, a small snack and non-alcoholic beverage.
• 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 recognized by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) as a 2025 Four Star Low Cost Carrier. The airline’s Fit Fleet^® was also named one of the world’s youngest for 2025 by ch-aviation. Additionally, the carrier was recognized with the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence for the seventh consecutive year.

*One-way fares subject to a 14-day advance purchase, valid for booking on March 5, 2025, through March 20, 2025, and travel from June 5, 2025, through Aug. 12, 2025. No Fri/Sun travel. Blackout dates: July 2, 2025, through July 7, 2025. Subject to availability.

About Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is a leading low-fare carrier committed to 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 Caribbean with its Fit Fleet®, one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the U.S. Spirit is committed to inspiring positive change in the communities it serves through the Spirit Charitable Foundation. Discover elevated travel options with exceptional value at spirit.com.

SOURCE Spirit Airlines

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