Lowcountry SC 7

WHAT ARE

ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

APRIL

APRIL

MAY

MAY

MAY

MAY

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

+ Signature Event

Charles Schwab Challenge Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada CBS, GOLF, ESPN+,

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday

Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship +

Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

** Purse subject to change

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

APRIL

APRIL 13 | CAJUN FESTIVAL

Bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry, the Lowcountry Cajun Festival is a full-day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, kids activities, and all around ragin’ Cajun fun! Savor the tastes of authentic Cajun and Creole fare - jambalaya, alligator, etouffee, andouille sausage, and crawfish. Also enjoy Lowcountry favorites like seafood and Southern barbecue. For those who prefer a tamer menu, we’ll serve up ample portions of festival foods like hot dogs, snow cones, and more. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2GHYxh5

APRIL 27 - 28 | ART MARKET

The Art Market returned with a bang this year! Dozens of accomplished artists from around the country participated in this outdoor fine art and craft sale. Stroll through artists’ booths under historic live oaks to find that perfect piece of original art to take home. Fine art and craft in all shapes, sizes, styles, price ranges, and

mediums will be available during this weekend. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3h4crd2

MAY

MAY 1 - 5 | ARTS FEST

One of South Carolina’s biggest arts festivals, celebrating southern and national artists and performers in the visual and performing arts and literature, in the city of North Charleston. For more info visit: northcharlestonartsfest.com

JUNE

JUNE 13 - 16 | CARIFEST

Charleston Carifest is celebrated in Charleston, SC, during four splendid days in June, which is known as the Caribbean-American heritage month. Have fun dressing up in feathers, dancing to salsa, reggae, and soca, and feasting on traditional cuisines of Cuba, Jamaica, and Barbados. The fun-packed program features parties for all to enjoy. For more info visit: charlestoncarifest.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

Have a blast at the HUGE fireworks display on Folly Beach! Celebrate our great country on Folly Beach with a spectacular fireworks show from the beach just after the sun goes down. Get here early and enjoy some food and beverages in our restaurants before the show. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2j4c3eap

JULY 20 | JERK FESTIVAL

The Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates the best in Caribbean food, culture, and music. The focus of this unique festival is to highlight Caribbean food, specifically food using Jamaican jerk seasoning. The top chefs in the Southeast will “bring it” in an effort to claim the title of Top Jerk Chef! For more info visit: chsjerkfest.com

AUGUST

AUG 2 | ARTWALK

Discover the vibrant art scene of Charleston and indulge in the delightful festivities of our First Friday ArtWalks! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/34hsmuns

SEPTEMBER

SEPT TBA | JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Lowcountry Jazz Festival, South Carolina’s premiere annual Smooth Jazz event, returns to– the Charleston Gaillard Center – with a stellar lineup of numerous worldclass jazz musicians. For more info visit: lowcountryjazzfest.com

SEPT 6 - 7 | AIKEN’S MAKIN’

The sight of colorful paintings and creative crafts, the smell of funnel cakes and kettle corn, and the delight of shoppers when they find just the right gift for someone special – these are just a few of the joys the Aiken Chamber, its numerous volunteers, and attendees look forward to at the annual Aiken’s Makin’ arts and craft show.

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 20)

For more info visit: aikenchamber.net

OCTOBER

OCT 1 - 6 | ARTS FESTIVAL

The MOJA Arts Festival is a combination of African American and Caribbean influences with music, lectures, stage performances, tours, concerts, art exhibits and more. The Festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. So come enjoy a festival full of beautiful art and cultural experiences! For more info visit: mojafestival.com

OCT 4 - 5 | SHRIMP FESTIVAL

Beaufort’s Shrimp Festival is an amazing event that celebrates lowcountry cuisine and incorporates fun activities for all ages. This award-winning Beaufort tradition will feature live entertainment, a morning 5K run/walk, and an interactive and informative educational fair dedicated to highlighting the coastal waterways, unique

ecology, shrimping and fishing industries and more!

For more info visit: beaufortshrimpfestival.com

NOVEMBER NOV 2 | PECAN FESTIVAL

The South Carolina Pecan Festival began as a way to bring people to downtown Florence and to bring our community together and give local vendors a place to showcase their talent and goods.Come on by for the live entertainment, food & craft vendors, rides, antique tractor show, car show, competitions, half metric century bike ride and more. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3quVefV

NOV 23 | CATFISH FESTIVAL

The Annual Kingsland Catfish FestIval began in 1983 and continues today. Enjoy this down-home festival with crispy southern-fried catfish and all the fixings sure to please. Throw in arts & craft booths, a variety of food booths, antiques and collectibles and

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

there will be something to please everyone in the family. Join us for some small town family fun! For more info visit: kingslandcatfishfestival.org

DECEMBER

DEC TBA | CHRISTMAS PARADE

Join us in Santa’s favorite beach town for The Annual City of Folly Beach Christmas Parade! Line up along Center Street as floats, marching bands, and community associations show their holiday spirit. Visitors and locals are all welcome! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2ztua8ez

DEC 31 | FLIP-FLOP DROP

The famous Folly Beach Flip-Flop Drop will take place on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31st. Center Street will be close to traffic as revelers enjoy local restaurants and family-friendly festivities.A spectacular family-friendly fireworks show over the beach will take place earlier in the evening! At 11:59, the huge, sparkly flip-flops

will descend to mark the stroke of midnight and the beginning of the new year. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc6zbdn6

JANUARY

JAN 9 -19 | RESTAURANT WEEK

The Charleston Restaurant Week is a culinary dream and is one of the most highly anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area. It is an opportunity to enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of the Low Country as participating restaurants offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. So come explore all the great food this great city has to offer! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2T9j8RX

JAN 24 - 26 | BOAT SHOW

The Charleston Boat Show has evolved into an event that kicksoff the Lowcountry’s boating season. Taking place each January, this annual event includes everything from powerboats to small jon boats, skiffs, cruisers, pontoons, yachts and ski boats. There

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

is something for everyone’s taste and budget. For more info visit: thecharlestonboatshow.com

FEBRUARY

FEB 2 | OYSTER FESTIVAL

Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does 80,000 pounds of oysters sound? The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival! Highlights include live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3x5bzua

Feb 17 - 23 | Seafood Festival

Here you can sample restaurants’ fresh catch specials, try fresh oysters, and maybe even learn how to fish yourself. From incredible seafood meals to rustic barbecue and bonfires, world-class talent and southern charm collide on one gorgeous Island setting.

For more info visit: hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com

MARCH

MARCH TBA | WINGFEST

We aren’t just “wingin’ it” anymore. Our keys to success? Invite the best local restaurants, add some handpicked bands, sprinkle in some kids activities, pour a little too much alcohol, and spark some semi-friendly competition. Stop on by for a day full of wings and fun! For more info visit: hiltonheadwingfest.com

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.