STAY in SC by VIP Magazine

A Note From the Editors

ABOUT

Stay in SC

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS, AND VACATIONING SPOTS... H EMMA & WALKER CLARK AT MYRTLE BEAC

Thank you for welcoming us into your home! The first thing you should know about us is that we love South Carolina. We love our state so much that we want to share this passion with everyone else, especially those living in this state along with us. There’s so many exciting things to do and places to see - mountains to climb, oceans to swim, rivers to paddle. It’s time to take advantage of the wonderful adventures that lie in our very backyards.

STAYinSC.com | ABOUT

STAY in SC shares the hidden treasures of the state. As we work on our premier Spring/Summer issue, we highlight a few of our favorite South Carolina attractions. Please travel along with us across the state, making notes of where your next vacation might take you. If you’re in need of a relaxing weekend filled with massages and fine dining, visit page 30 as we take a walk through The Willcox in Aiken. If you’re in search of an adventure this summer, visit page 14 to take a trip around the BMW Performance track in Greenville and page 38 to fly high in the sky with ZipLine Hilton Head. As for us, our bucket list is full of amazing South Carolina travels this summer. Some with the kids in tow and some with a minimum age requirement. If you plan to STAY in SC this summer, send us a picture. We’d love to learn all about your South Carolina hidden treasure! Wishing you a great STAY in SC!

- Heather Page, Editor and Tammy Clark, Publisher

OLIVER PAGE

PADDLING LY

NCHES RIVER

Spring & Summer 2017

TA B L E O F CO N T EN TS

VO LU M E 1.1

IN YOUR STATE

CENTER STATE

8 Total Eclipse of South

28 Total Eclipse Weekend in

10 The Green Book of South

30 The Willcox

Carolina

PIEDMONT 12 Chattooga Belle: Solar Eclipse

Festival

14 BMW Performance Driving

School

16 Bolt Farm Treehouse

Columbia

32 Farm to Table Event Co. 34 Neighborhood at BullStreet

COASTAL 36 Shark Wake Park 38 Ariel Adventure + ZipLine

Hilton Head

40 A Local’s Guide to Mt.

CATAWBA PEE DEE

42 Pawley’s Island Guide Service

22 S.C. Pecan Trail 26 Darlington Raceway

Pleasant

EVENTS 44 South Carolina Festival

Calendar

Experience the best of what a Southern small town can be, Visit Lake City. Where “Make Your Art” means creating a community that values the arts, agriculture, and horticulture in equal measures. Experience true community. Make your art. To see more, travel to page 20 or visit www.visitlakecitysc.com.

CONTENTS | STAYinSC.com

18 Old 96 District

20 Visit Lake City

ON THE COVER:

•••Total Solar Eclipse

TOTAL ECLIPSEOF

OUTH CAROLINA story by Ashley Elvington

STAYinSC.com | IN YOUR STATE

If you ask a born and raised Southerner what’s so great about this region, there will be no hesitation (or short list of reasons) as to why this area is such a charming, quaint place to reside. Smiling faces, beautiful places, friendly neighbors, united and diverse communities, small town charm…the list goes on and on as to why the South is such a great place to visit, raise a family, and retire. While South Carolina is known for landmark places such as the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston, The Beacon Drive In in Spartanburg, and the SkyWheel in Myrtle Beach, did you know that there are many cities located in the Carolinas that provide the best view of the total eclipse? That’s right, you can take a gander at the heavens and beyond from the best seat in the house right here in the heart of Carolina. On August 21, 2017, the total solar eclipse will be making its way across the beautiful Carolina sky and residents and visitors alike are invited to witness it up close and personal. The eclipse will begin in Oregon and leave the United States in the most heartwarming state of all, South Carolina. While an eclipse occurs anywhere from four to seven times a year, seeing it happen firsthand is a once in a lifetime experience. As long as the weather permits, a clear and complete view of the eclipse is expected to be seen from the furthest western point of South Carolina through the center of the state until it reaches the coast, making the Palmetto State a rather important eclipse destination, as it will be the closest spot within totality for at least 100 million United States citizens in the Atlantic Seaboard and Florida.

Viewers in Columbia will receive a sighting of two minutes and 30 seconds of darkness, while Charleston residents shall see one minute and 40 seconds. The eclipse will enter South Carolina at 2:36PM and will exit around 2:49PM. It has been approximately 38 years since the last total eclipse was seen within the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, with 1918 being the last time an eclipse cut across the entire U.S., and the next one after this year’s will not occur again until April 8, 2024. Cities in the pathway of the eclipse include Greer, Greenville, Easley, Laurens, Anderson, Greenwood, Newberry, Saluda, the Northern portion of Edgefield, Lexington, Orangeburg, Kingstree, Andrews, Summerville, Goose Creek, and the Southern portion of Georgetown. With Columbia in the center of the pathway, this city is making a weekend celebration out of the eclipse, including attractions, arts and culture organizations (including a party at the South Carolina State Museum that features a 1926 refracting telescope, an antique telescope gallery, and a planetarium), and various events hosted by local restaurants, hotels, retailers, and community groups. Apollo 16 astronaut General Charles Duke will also be making an appearance on Eclipse Day (8/21). More information is provided on www.columbiacvb.com. Many other cities are already making plans for the event as well. Hotel and lodging packages that focus on the total solar eclipse are available at your local Convention and Visitors Bureau. So ask yourself, what are your plans this August? Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime event. Instead take part in what this great state has to offer. Book your trip to visit South Carolina now to see those smiling faces and beautiful places…a sight best seen amongst the stars.

Spring & Summer 2017

where’s the

best visibility

THIS ECLIPSE IS PROJECTED TO BE THE MOST VIEWED TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN HISTORY.

what to remember

8 The dark line through the middle of the map represents the area of totality from the total solar eclipse. The closer you are to this strip will offer you the longest blackout in the state, anywhere from 2:35 minutes to 2:38 minutes.

IN YOUR STATE | STAYinSC.com

8 Total Eclipse: August 21, 2017 8 Time Begins in SC: 2:36 pm 8 Leaves SC at: 2:49 pm 8 Time of the state’s longest totality: 2:38mins 8 Last Total Eclipse in United States: 1979

THE

GREEN of South

BOOK

Carolina

The 1st Statewide, Mobile Travel Guide to African American Cultural Sites Special to Stay in SC magazine from the S.C. African American Heritage Commission

The Green Book of South Carolina offers something completely new to travelers in the Palmetto State: it is the first statewide, mobile web travel guide to African American cultural sites in S.C., at www.greenbookofsc.com. Thanks to a great deal of hard work by the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission, this responsive, mobile-first tourism guide will allow travelers from all over the world to swiftly navigate through a fresh, modern directory of more than 300 historic homes, churches, schools, districts, monuments and attractions in an easy-to-use interface designed with the smartphone and tablet user in mind. The goal: to help residents and visitors discover the enriching cultural experiences across the state of South Carolina. Every county in the state of S.C. is represented in the Green Book of South Carolina mobile guide, and each listing includes a description of the site defining its historic and cultural significance, maps, directions, photos, tags and more.

Find the guide at GreenBookofSC.com and follow @GreenBookofSC

STAYinSC.com | IN YOUR STATE

Penn Center Historic District

Travelers can discover the intricate Reconstruction history that has been unearthed at the Mann Simons Site in Columbia; become immersed in guided tours and special programming at Historic Brattonsville; explore the recently designated national monument, Penn Center, on St. Helena Island; and survey the plethora of historic AME churches and Rosenwald Schools that were established across the state after the Civil War. The Green Book of South Carolina pays homage to publications that were considered the first travel guides for African Americans in the nation – The Negro Motorist Green Books. New York postman Victor H. Green published these books from 1936 to the 1960s and indexed safe harbors and welcoming establishments for traveling African Americans during times of segregation. Today’s Green Book of South Carolina

Historic Brattonsville

Spring & Summer 2017

is a contemporary homage, featuring tourism destinations that impart a new Southern experience, sharing the compelling story of African Americans in the Palmetto State. The mobile travel guide is accessible via mobile device, desktops, laptops and tablet at www. greenbookofsc.com. Users can search through featured sites based on categories like churches, cultural attractions, historically black colleges and universities, and more. Additionally, users can discover nearby cultural sites based on their location and set favorites. Historically, the number one source of information on which people rely when they travel is word of mouth via friends and family. Those planning travel for family reunions, vacations and more can add the Green Book of South Carolina to their tool chests for building their ideal travel itineraries. The Green Book of South Carolina has been in the works for years; it is a culmination of decades of effort by the S.C. African American Heritage Commission. The Commission works to identify and promote the preservation of historic sites, structures, buildings, and culture of the African American experience in South Carolina and to assist and enhance the efforts of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. The Commission is comprised of close to 30 volunteer professionals from the fields of historic preservation and interpretation, education, tourism marketing, business development and the arts; this group of professors, tourism professionals, activists and advocates includes representatives from all regions of the state of South Carolina. South Carolina is one of two states in the nation with an African American Heritage Commission. (North Carolina is the other.)

IN YOUR STATE | STAYinSC.com

“If this guide encourages one person to discover more about South Carolina’s legacy via even one new visit to one undiscovered site, then we consider this guide to be a success,” says Jannie Harriot, vice chairperson of the S.C. African American Heritage Commission. “The Green Book of South Carolina provides a tool through which our roots can be appreciated and celebrated by diverse audiences across the nation and the world.”

Owners, Ed and Kitty Land

SOLAR ECLIPSE FEST 2017 Chattooga Belle Farm and Distillery, with its already breathtaking vista views, will be the perfect place to witness this once in a lifetime event. story by Ashley Elvington

STAYinSC.com | PIEDMONT

Situated minutes from the Chattooga River in the quaint town of Long Creek, South Carolina lies a 138 acre farm built to make lasting memories. The ideal location for weddings, family reunions, and corporate activities is opening its grounds this summer to travelers from around the world eager to witness the two and a half minutes of the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. Chattooga Belle Farm and Distillery will celebrate with the rest of the state over good food, good music and a great view during its Solar Eclipse Fest. Chattooga Belle Farm is located inside of Sumter National Forest where the mountains meet the river. Spectacular views of rolling hills and mountains surround the property, along with rows of fruit vines and trees. In October of 2016, the farm’s owner Ed Land gained certification as Oconee County’s first legal distillery. Land is focused on providing a great tasting product. He says, “The longer it stays in the barrels, the better it gets.” The distillery is one of few that can say they grow the fruit, ferment it, distill it, bottle it, label it, and sell it right on the farm! Dark Sky Vodka, made at the farm

Land’s tasty selection of liquors will be available to taste and purchase at this years Solar Eclipse Fest, along with an opportunity to tour the distillery. Chattooga Belle will provide a savory menu for visitors and local food trucks will be offering additional delectable options. Astronomy talks, fruit picking, children’s activities, craft vendors, and yard games will begin at 10:00 am on Monday, August 21st and the day will continue as regional bands entertain on two stages. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children, which includes viewing glasses. A $30 VIP ticket is also available, which includes an event t-shirt and food voucher. Primitive lakeside camping is available Sunday and/or Monday to those that want to spend the night sleeping beneath the stars. If you’d prefer more amenities, the staff at Chattooga Belle can recommend nearby lodging that will make your mountain stay complete. As South Carolina takes center stage to the event of the year, allow yourself a moment to unwind and absorb it. Chattooga Belle is situated directly in the “path of totality” allowing for full darkness beginning around 2:35 pm. The farm, with its already breathtaking vista views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, will be the perfect place to witness this once in a lifetime event.

For more information, visit www.solareclipsefest2017.com.

Spring & Summer 2017

PIEDMONT | STAYinSC.com

YES, YOU CAN DRIVE THEM

Fast!

story by Rion McAllister

STAYinSC.com | PIEDMONT

Learn to Drive on the Edge of Physics South Carolina offers a wide variety of blood pumping, gut churning activities to appease the appetites of even the most seasoned adrenaline seekers. From beach front sky diving to swimming with sharks, we have it all! While there is no shortage of ways to raise your blood pressure for the excitement hunter, you might find that few of these sports allow for the total opportunity to harness real power through acquired skill and controlâ&#x20AC;Śand even fewer offer the opportunity to do all this while operating under the most toe curling conditions! Well, buckle up and hold your breath because the BMW Performance Center in Greenville, SC is offering up some wildly unique high performance driving classes that are putting attendees through the paces and leaving these freshly minted racing addicts ready for more! Spring & Summer 2017

The BMW Performance Center offers several different classes to appeal to a wide range of visitors. Whether you are looking for a two day skills class on a closed track or if you only have two hours to burn and just want to check out the scene and drive a few laps; BMW Performance Center has designed a course that will satisfy and inspire! With a slew of different models of BMW vehicles to choose, under the guidance of a team of seasoned instructors, you get the opportunity to light up a closed track all while learning valuable high performance driving skills that can be applied to everyday driving. Most experience packages are paired with valuable class time to give you an opportunity to absorb fundamentals of high performance driving in a way that will literally make your head spin! The center offers an amazing off-road track as well, and all of the many instructors have years of professional racing experience under their belts to ensure the most authentic experience possible.

To see some amazing videos featuring the classes and tracks, check out www.bmwperformancecenter.com.

PIEDMONT | STAYinSC.com

In addition to offering high performance classes, The BMW Performance Center also offers Adventure Tours that include taking a BMW Adventure bike onto the highway and into the mountains that surround Greenville allowing you to explore the capabilities of a BMW bike unencumbered. The Performance Center also offers a wide range of corporate team building/group events for those adventurous enough to break away from your normal, run-of-the-mill outings. So whether you are planning an upcoming conference for 30 coworkers or you are looking to kill a half of day in the most entertaining way possible, be sure to check out the BMW Performance Center to schedule your next adrenaline pumping, heart stopping experience!

PLAY IN NATURE Break away from your busy everyday lives and rest, relax and reconnect with nature at Bolt Farm Treehouse in Walhalla, SC. story by Kimberly Brauss Once you set foot on Bolt Farm, you’ll see why the Bolt family decided to build a remarkable treehouse on their 40-acre property in the small, charming city of Walhalla, tucked in the northwestern part of South Carolina.

STAYinSC.com | PIEDMONT

A couple years ago, Seth Bolt envisioned retreat, where he and the family could stay to unplug, rest, and relax. In talking with his father, Larry, a licensed builder, the two decided to make the vision a reality. The pair spent Father’s Day 2015 building the Bolt Farm Treehouse together. The creative partnership built an inspirational place, where Seth, a bass player and founding member of NEEDTOBREATHE, could create music, connect with God, and spend time in nature. It’s also a place where his friends and fellow musicians could stay when they visit South Carolina. “When we realized how special this place is and how important it became to us to have a place

where the pace of life is slower, we decided to open it to the public in hopes that other busy people would experience it as a sanctuary of rest,” Seth said. The inspirational scenery and breath-taking views along with the standard of building excellence captured what Seth was looking to accomplish in the luxurious one bedroom and one bathroom treehouse. He said he wanted it to be worthy of his wedding day. In fact, Seth and his wife, Tori, were married at the Bolt Farm in May 2016, and they had their first look inside and stayed for part of their honeymoon. “Being in the treehouse on our wedding day was like a fairy tale! Standing there with my soon to be husband, admiring every little perfect detail knowing that he had this day in mind as he created it was such an overwhelming beautiful display of his love,” Tori Bolt said. The treehouse experience set apart from most vacation rentals begins the moment you step onto the farm and walk up the wooden ramp to

the treehouse. Guests are in control of their experience. Travelers looking for all the small details to be taken care of, including homemade meals delivered to them upon request, enjoying vintage records, board games, coffee, and an outdoor grill, shouldn’t look further than time on the farm in the treehouse. A favorite feature at the treehouse is the window wall, from floor to ceiling is a wall of antique windows that make a spectacular view of the forest. There’s plenty of hiking trails such as Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls in the area as well as exploring the trails at Bolt Farm. And there are plenty of options to dine out. “There is a lot to discover and enjoy here from the hammock to the double deck to the swinging bed and outdoor shower. We recommend our guests turn off their phones and place them in our ‘5-star phone hotel’ next to the bedside. They’ll get the most out of this experience when they let their inner child run free and play in nature,” Tori Bolt said. Spring & Summer 2017

AWARD WINNING 35x Airbnb Super Host 3Named “Number one place to visit in S.C.” by onlyinyourstate.com

3Named Top 3 treehouses in the South by The Atlantic Journal

PIEDMONT | STAYinSC.com

Reservations: airbnb.com/rooms/8319626 Info: boltfarmtreehouse@gmail.com

Stepping Back in Time

OLD 96 DISTRICT

South Carolina’s Old 96 District, located in the western section of South Carolina, provides outdoor adventures, history and heritage, arts and culture, and family fun for travelers! Comprised of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick Counties, three of the five counties border Georgia. This region offers the opportunity to experience rural beauty and Old South mystique. The Old 96 District preserves the region’s history by collecting and sharing stories of the people who shaped that history. Along with collections, artifacts, and other objects of historical, cultural, and scientific importance, the museums in the region provide extraordinary insight into the birth and development of the places and people in the Old 96 District.

A trip to South Carolina’s Old 96 District is like stepping back into a time of events that played an important part in our nation’s history. The region was a crucial component of both the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Decisive battles were fought in this area and landmarks still exist that mark the importance of this region in the formation and development of our country.

STAYinSC.com | PIEDMONT

To say that we’re undiscovered, well, that’s no fish story. Head east from Atlanta and look for 2,000 miles of shoreline and 110,000 acres of water. Yep, that’s Old 96 District. The one with the big, blue body of water, striped bass, and beautiful sunsets. The locals call all

this water a part of South Carolina’s Freshwater Coast. The Old 96 District is also home to six state parks and one national forest, and usually where there are state parks, there are trails. Mountain and motor bikers, hikers, and horseback riders will love the almost 150 miles of trails in the Old 96 District. All skill levels are welcome. Hikers and bikers can connect different trails with fire and access roads to embark on multi-day adventures. You might wonder what life was like before cell phones? When a remote was a location far away from it all, and a tweet was something you heard from a bird? Well, the Old 96 District is off the beaten path, and we are proud of it! Our campgrounds are mostly built around our Old 96 District lakes and our six state parks. Pitch a tent or park your RV in one of our RV resort parks. Whether you’re searching for your next DIY project or the perfect family heirloom, the Old 96 District of South Carolina has over 20 antique shops full of treasures just waiting to be discovered. We know junkin’, pickin’, and regular ole’ antiquing can take some time, which is why you may want to spend the night at a local bed & breakfast, inn, or hotel to make sure that you have the time and resources that you need for the perfect weekend of treasure hunting in the District. South Carolina has a long history with moonshine and so does the Old 96 District. We also have a rich history with another tasty beverage - craft beer. South Carolinians love a smooth hooch or a refreshing brew. Moonshine in South Carolina goes back as far as 1791. Farmers in remote areas of the state distilled the grain they could not get to market. By the 1950’s, “moonshining” was quite prevalent in the south. In 2009, South Carolina passed a law making microdistilleries legal in South Carolina. Today, the resurgence of moonshine has sparked a craze of craft distilleries across the state. The Old 96 District has several craft breweries and distilleries.

Spring & Summer 2017

PIEDMONT | STAYinSC.com

When you VISIT LAKE CITY, you do more than visit a historic community with deep roots in the agricultural traditions of our past - you experience the best of what a southern small town can be. While walking through our downtown historic district, you’ll see eye-catching floral scapes made of native plants grown locally by professional horticulturists at Moore Farms Botanical Garden, as well as beautiful, colorful murals that express our artistic heart and soul. More information on all that Lake City has to offer can be found at www.visitlakecitysc.com.

The Bean Market

STAYinSC.com | CATAWBA PEE DEE

Built in 1936 by the Public Works Administration as part of Roosevelt’s “New Deal,” The Bean Market has been renovated to serve as a unique and flexible space for conferences and meetings, weddings and receptions, parties, and even concerts! Featuring 10,000 square feet of space with various options to set up your event including a 5800 square foot open floor, a 750 square foot stage with a 14-foot-high projection screen, catering kitchen, and banquet tables and chairs. The Bean Market rose to acclaim as the world’s largest truck auction of green beans in Lake City’s agricultural prime. Farmers drove to centrally located Lake City from all over the South to bring their bean crops to market; traders would then ship the beans north on one of the many freight trains that rolled through Lake City each day. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and now serves as one of the busiest event venues in modern day Lake City.

Award Winning Festival - ArtFields® ArtFields® is our town’s signature arts festival: a 9-day art competition where artists vie for over $120,000 in cash prizes. Winners are determined by a combination of votes from a juried panel and ArtFields® attendees. Each spring, ArtFields® transforms historic downtown Lake City businesses and event venues into art galleries for the display of all competition artwork, which also allows for wonderful connection amongst artists, visitors, and the local community. This transformation also includes festival activities as varied as a kick-off evening art walk, a 5K run, Maker’s Market, Portrait Contest, artist talks, street musicians, musical concerts on the stage at The Village Green, not to mention the excitement of the finale weekend, including the Dandelion Gala. ArtFields Jr.® runs in tandem with the festival, allowing students from kindergarten through twelfth grade to submit artwork for the competition in their own junior division. Don’t miss the arts festival that inspired CNN to select Lake City as the destination of choice in S.C. for its “50 states, 50 spots for 2014” travel recommendation. ArtFields® continues to collect accolades with its most recent recognition: the Charles A. Bundy Award. Governor Henry McMaster presented the award to ArtFields® during the annual South Carolina Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel this past February in Spartanburg. The Southeast Tourism Society has just named ArtFields one of the STS Top 20 Event in the Southeast for April 2017. ArtFields® was given the award for outstanding efforts to boost tourism in a rural community, according to an announcement from the conference. In its fifth year, ArtFields® has claimed a definitive role as an integral part of Lake City’s cultural identity.

Ronald E. McNair Life HIstory Center Opened in 2011, the Ronald E. McNair Life History Center is a museum that pays tribute to the life of Dr. McNair, a Lake City-born astronaut and physicist who died in the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle explosion. Through moving photography and artifacts, the museum tells the story of Dr. McNair from his childhood to his death. Housed in Lake City’s old public library, the museum sits next to Dr. McNair’s gravesite along with a statue and square erected in his honor. Plans are in the works to expand this life history center into a science and technology museum, dedicated to helping South Carolina students learn about space, physics, computers and other science-related topics. Spring & Summer 2017

creating a community that values the arts, agriculture, and horticulture in equal measures

Jones-Carter Gallery Housed in a former feed & seed store, The Jones-Carter Gallery is a stateof-the-art, Smithsonian-certified art exhibition gallery located in the heart of the downtown historic district of Lake City. The gallery is convenient to contemporary gift shops, clothiers, antique stores, and several restaurants. The gallery hosts several exhibitions throughout the year featuring exhibits from local to major national artists, such as Francisco de Goya. The JonesCarter Gallery opened in April of 2013, just in time to accept incoming artwork for the largest arts competition in the Southeast, ArtFields®. The gallery offers group tours, lectures, visiting artist presentations, workshops, activities for families, and community events based on current exhibitions. For a most unique event venue, plan your smaller-scale corporate or civic meeting, or an enchanting catered dinner surrounded by the artwork from the most current exhibit at The Jones-Carter Gallery.

The Inn at the Crossroads The Inn at the Crossroads is a 57-room boutique hotel featuring traditional guest rooms as well as 5 luxury suites. Beautifully decorated with an eclectic flair, including works from various ArtFields® festivals, the Inn features fine dining at its in-house restaurant, Crossroads on Main. Over 10,000 square feet of meeting space is available, including the renovated McClam Livery Stable (affectionately known by locals as “The Stables”), which is perfectly suited for wedding receptions, parties, meetings or catered dinners. Weather permitting, lounging with a cocktail in the beautifully landscaped outdoor courtyard is a relaxing treat and feast for the senses. Conveniently located in the heart of historic downtown Lake City, step out the front door onto Main Street for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

Moore Farms Botanical Garden Moore Farms Botanical Garden is wildly beautiful, creative and soulful; a place of both inspiration and comfort, where plants rule and there is a feeling of discovery, a sense of hitting upon something that others haven’t. Nestled among fields of corn and soybeans, this dynamic 50-acre garden is set in the rural Pee Dee region in Lake City, S.C. Embracing its southern pastoral setting through an informal, expressive design scheme, the garden is a careful blend of exuberant plant displays, bounding meadows and enduring vistas of greygreen pines. Woven throughout this aesthetic tapestry is innovative research, educational programs and community outreach. The resulting union of art and scholarship is a dazzling example of the modern botanical garden.

Sixth Year as “Tree City USA” and South Carolina’s first “Bee City USA” CATAWBA PEE DEE | STAYinSC.com

Lake City had the honor of becoming South Carolina’s first “Bee City USA” community in November of 2015 and local bee enthusiasts are ensuring the city keeps this important recognition for generations to come! City Administrator Shawn Bell, city horticulturist and beekeeper Katie Dickson, and Moore Farms Botanical Garden’s Education and Events Department staff Rebecca Turk and Kelli Meeker support this mission. In the past year, efforts have been made to bolster the pollinator-friendly plantings at the Community Museum Society office with perennials, wildflowers, and flowering shrubs, and trees. Moore Farms hosted an engaging summer camp last June to educate local children on the benefits of honeybees and other native pollinators, and similar presentations are given to local garden clubs throughout the year. Efforts are underway to present various bee and honey-related products in the local marketplace! Lake City has also been awarded a Tree City USA designation for the sixth consecutive year! We are particularly proud of this recognition as our region has been pummeled with severe weather events for several years in a row, but we bounce back and continue to prioritize our trees and city beautification in spite of the destructive forces. The horticulture staff from Moore Farms Botanical Garden spearheads these efforts to keep our historic downtown public spaces looking vibrantly beautiful.

White Russian Pecan Pie | Julia Belle’s

Pecan Danish | Rebel Pie

go Nuts! about the

STAYinSC.com | CATAWBA PEE DEE

S.C. PECAN TRAIL

Look around the next time you’re at a Southern holiday gathering. No matter if it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, or just a family get-together on a cool autumn night, a pecan pie (or tartlets or log rolls or… the list goes on!) will be found somewhere amongst the food. If we aren’t buying them by the bags from local grocery stores, we are growing them in our own yards, as pecan trees are also popular here in South Carolina. In fact, it can be quite difficult to find a yard in the countryside without one!

located in the ever-growing-city of Florence, which is also the home of the beloved S.C. Pecan Festival (Thought I was joking about our obsession with pecans?). This trail features 20 local restaurants, each offering a delectable item with, you guessed it, pecans! Everything from pecan-encrusted grouper, to pecan pie martinis, to honey pecan muffins, and a mouthwatering cast iron pecan pie! Your taste buds are sure to be satisfied with the wide variety of options available. Holly Beaumier, Director of the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau, states, “More than half of all travelers want to hear about unique dining experiences, and there is an increased interest in local food traditions. The pecan is part of our heritage, and this trail is designed to showcase this segment of our culinary culture.”

It’s no joke that we are passionate about pecans; so much so that we now have a culinary trail dedicated to it – the South Carolina Pecan Trail,

Visitors and residents too can pick up a Pecan Trail “passport” at the Visitors Center, located at 3290 W. Radio Drive in Florence. Passports can also be obtained

As you probably know by now, there is much to be appreciated in South Carolina. While many may claim sweet tea as their favorite staple at the dinner table, there’s another decadency that makes the mouths of South Carolinians water – pecans!

story by Ashley Elvington

at participating restaurants. Participating restaurants include Block and Vino, The Clay Pot Coffee Shop, Dolce Vita Café and More, Freeman’s Bakery, Julia Belle’s, The Library, Rebel Pie Wood-Fired Pizza, Red Bone Alley, Seminar Brewing, Top Hat SpecialTeas, Town Hall, Tubb’s Shrimp and Fish Co., Venus Restaurant and Catering, Victors, Wholly Smokin’, and Young Plantations. Once each restaurant has been visited (marked by a pecan stamp from someone on staff at each location), gifts are available at the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. A complete passport warrants a Pecan Adventurers T-shirt, a drawstring bag, and, fittingly, a nutcracker. Eight stamps earn a drawstring bag and a nutcracker. Four stamps receive the nutcracker only.

For more information, please visit www.visitflo.com/sc-pecan-trail or call the Visitors Center at (843)664-0330.

Spring & Summer 2017

Visit Lake City Continued...

Downtown Lake City

The Lake City Downtown Historic District is a collection of sixtytwo commercial buildings, forty-four of which are contributing to the character of the district, which illustrate the commercial development of the town between roughly 1910 and 1930. The district’s buildings reflect the one- and two-part commercial blocks found in towns throughout the nation, and represent stylistic influences ranging from the late Victorian period examples displaying elaborate brick corbeled cornices and pediments to the more simplified and stripped down Depression-era examples with typical low relief detailing and vertical piers. Corner stores and banks featuring either a Classical or Renaissance Revival style and the brick depot and surrounding brick warehouses help anchor the district along both the town’s Main Street and its broad intersecting railroad corridor. Lake City once had the most diversified agricultural market in both North and South Carolina, marketing such produce as strawberries, snap peas, cucumbers, squash, limas and other assorted vegetables. From its season opening the last of April through the end of July, the city’s agricultural market sold assorted produce. From August 1st until late autumn, the area operated as the state’s second largest tobacco market. As a result of the growth of agriculture in the area in the early twentieth century, the downtown area businessmen began replacing older frame buildings with new brick structures. The success of local cash crops gave a more expendable income to the average farmer in Lake City and was extremely instrumental in changing the face of the downtown area.

The R.O.B.

CATAWBA PEE DEE | STAYinSC.com

The “Ragsdale Old Building”, now known as The R.O.B., was once a tobacco warehouse and a charcoal briquet factory. Newly renovated with modern public restrooms, this 23,000 square foot space now serves as an ideal venue for large scale weddings and parties. The largest “gallery space” during our annual ArtFields festivals also accommodates trade shows perfectly, with its openconcept warehouse style interior and a large parking lot for up to 500 with easy access to the facility.

story by Ashley Elvington

DARLINGTON RACEWAY story by Hunter Thomas

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Darlington Raceway, the track Too Tough To Tame. Some even refer to the track which is one of NASCAR’s oldest venues as the Lady in Black. No matter the tagline, one thing is certain: Darlington Raceway is the premier sporting destination in the state of South Carolina. Each year, the 1.366 egg-shaped oval hosts the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR XFINITY Series on Labor Day weekend. Sunday’s race, the Bojangles’ Southern 500, is one of NASCAR’s oldest events, dating back to September 4, 1950. Seventy-five drivers started that race, and in the end, it was Johnny Mantz taking the checkered flag. In fact, the nearly 40-pound trophy that today’s winners of the prestigious race celebrate with in Victory Lane is known as the Johnny Mantz Trophy. The list of winners at Darlington Raceway includes NASCAR legends such as Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Bill Elliott, Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison and the king himself, Richard Petty, just to name a few. “When you win at Darlington, it’s no fluke,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the Hendrick Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet. “Only talented, smart race car drivers win races here. So, you know that when you win there, you put yourself in a special category of capable, true drivers, true racers. You don’t back in to a win at Darlington, you have to be good, and the car has got to be great.”

NASCAR weekend in Darlington has evolved and come much further than what it once used to be. In 2015, Darlington Raceway and its parent company, International Speedway Corporation (ISC), implemented a multi-year marketing throwback campaign. When teams visit the track on Labor Day weekend, the paint schemes on the cars will honor drivers of the past, and even the crew members will wear vintage apparel and maybe even change their hairdos to fit the era that’s being celebrated. The Thursday heading into the race weekend is a time of celebration as the Darlington Car Hauler Parade is held at the Florence Civic Center. The event features a festival-like atmosphere, and of course, race fans get an up-close-and-personal look at the colorful big rigs that haul the actual race cars. As the sun sets, all of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series haulers hit the road and make their way towards the Darlington Square, where they are welcomed by thousands of race fans and local residents. Friday is a practice and qualifying day. On Saturday, the NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers compete in the 147-lap Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200, and following the conclusion of the race the Southern 500 Parade will begin in Downtown Darlington. The annual 367-lap Bojangles’ Southern 500 is held on Sunday. Overall, the race weekend generates about $53 million for the state of South Carolina. Spring & Summer 2017

Although the overall significance of the weekend is to continue a tradition and crown a winner of the prestigious race, there are many different ways that fans can enjoy the experience. The easiest way is to buy a ticket and sit in the grandstands. Darlington Raceway has some very unique options for fans who want to enjoy the race from a seat. If you sit high atop the grandstands, you can watch the breathtaking sunset behind Turn 4, and view the entire track. If you sit in the lower levels of the grandstands, you get to experience the incredible rush of 40 race cars flying by you at nearly 190 mph. Your t-shirt is bound to be covered in rubber, and you’ll have one heckuva story to tell your family and friends. If you like to party, then look no further than the infield, located inside the racetrack. The experience is unlike any college football tailgate. In fact, it’s better. You don’t need a nice button down or bowtie. Just bring a case of beer and wear your favorite driver’s colors with pride as you yell at the top of your lungs when he or she races by. Everyone is extremely friendly and would love to have you join their tailgate plot. NASCAR is full of tradition, and the infield is where you walk around and learn about the sport from the folks who grew up watching the races at the track over the decades. “You know, in my 32 years in the state of South Carolina, I’ve learned that I think there are two real passions in this state that people have when it comes to sports entertainment. That’s college athletics and Darlington Raceway,” said Kerry Tharp, President of Darlington Raceway during an event at the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion. “And the impact that our racetrack has had on this state is enormous. We’re a bases of state pride, and I don’t think that any other sports team or organization in South Carolina has the depth of fan and tourism drawn as we do in Darlington.” The 2017 season introduces a new era for the sport. Monster Energy has come on-board as the entitlement partner for the Cup Series, NASCAR’s top series. With the new partnership comes an evolved way of doing things. This year’s races at Darlington Raceway will be broken down into three stages. The first two stages in the Bojangles’ Southern 500 will be 100 laps each, and the final stage will be 167 laps. The stages are designed to create an even more intense atmosphere at the track.

To stay up to date on NASCAR, visit thefourthturn.com.

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To experience and enjoy all of the action at Darlington Raceway in-person, visit www. DarlingtonRaceway.com and purchase tickets to the races on Labor Day weekend. If for some reason you can’t make the trip, then the races will broadcast live on the NBC Sports Network (NBCSN).

too tough to tame

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME

Spectacle

story by Julie Heidenreich

A sunny, summer South Carolina day quickly shifts to “dusk” as darkness takes over the sky in the middle of the afternoon. The air becomes still and cool. Everything is quiet. The temperature drops 5-15 degrees. A 360-degree sunset dips over the horizon as stars and bright planets such as Mars, Venus, Mercury and Jupiter become visible. Nocturnal animals emerge to begin their “nighttime” routines, and the sun’s corona – a rare sight – appears. You are experiencing a total solar eclipse.

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On August 21, 2017 at 2:41 pm, twilight will take over Columbia, S.C. for 2 minutes and 36 seconds – the longest duration of total eclipse, or “totality,” for any metropolitan area on the East Coast, making it the “Total Eclipse Capital of the East Coast.” This once-in-a-lifetime celestial spectacle is one of the most unique and extraordinary occurrences one can experience. Most people living in the US have never witnessed a total eclipse due to their rarity. So, what’s the big deal about experiencing “totality” anyway? Dan McGlaun, a veteran of twelve total solar eclipses explains it perfectly:

2:41-2:44 p.m. EDT : Total solar eclipse (100% “totality”) is reached 2 minutes and 36 seconds of Darkness : Greater Columbia, S.C., area

“For those who choose to experience this eclipse outside the path, a partial eclipse is all they will see. Even if the sun is 99.9% eclipsed for these observers, they will not experience the full, jawdropping, knee-buckling, emotionally-overloading, completely overwhelming spectacle that is totality.”

Spring & Summer 2017

Total Eclipse Weekend To celebrate, from Aug. 18 to 21, 2017, visitors and residents in the greater Columbia, S.C., region will enjoy Total Eclipse Weekend Columbia, S.C., a long weekend of eclipse-related activities hosted by area attractions, arts and culture organizations, restaurants, hotels, retailers, community groups and more leading up to and during the eclipse. USA Today, Forbes, Washington Post and more have named Columbia, S.C., as one of the best places to view the eclipse because of its lengthy duration of totality. The closer one is to the centerline, the longer their totality experience will be. Columbia is also the third largest city in the U.S. to be on the centerline of totality and the largest city in S.C. with the longest period of totality. The last time a total solar eclipse made its way across the continental United States was 99 years ago. There was a total eclipse over Hawaii in the 1990s and over the Pacific Northwest in 1979, but that’s it. During the total solar eclipse of 2017, the path of totality crosses 11 states – starting in Oregon and finishing in South Carolina. Now is the time to start planning how you’re going to witness this phenomenon, if you haven’t begun already. This eclipse is projected to be the most viewed total solar eclipse in history. A projected one

Columbia, S.C.

million visitors are expected to travel to the Palmetto State to witness the eclipse. Luckily, for those who choose to do so in Columbia, the eclipse itself isn’t the only thing to look forward to that weekend. The Total Eclipse Weekend Columbia, S.C., initiative is spearheaded by a coalition of regional entities whose mission is to create an incredible, weekendlong experience for those witnessing the eclipse in the region. Whether you’re an astronomy expert, a curious spectator or anything in between, Columbia has something in store for you. Some of the events planned for the weekend include viewing festivals in Cayce, Lexington and on the Lake Murray dam; RV parking and camping at S.C.’s State Fairgrounds; a lowcountry boil and paella party at City Roots farm; a fancy lunch and viewing party at Motor Supply; family-friendly astronomy programming and a NASA exhibit with astronaut Charles Duke at the S.C. State Museum; special releases from local breweries and wineries; ranger-led hikes at Congaree National Park and more. Columbia’s diverse, vibrant culture makes for the perfect weekend getaway; it’s the ultimate viewing hub to celebrate the eclipse before – and during – those exceptional moments when totality takes over.

Plan your Total Eclipse Weekend.

www.totaleclipsecolumbia.com CENTER STATE | STAYinSC.com

THE WILLCOX Voted a Top 50 Hotel in the World, A Top 50 Hotel in the U.S., Best Local Hotel, Best Happy Hour, and Best Wait Staff story by Rion McAllistor

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Tucked away in the beautiful and historically rich town of Aiken, South Carolina is an unlikely world-class hospitality gem that has been winning the hearts of locals and travelers alike since 1898. The Willcox is an internationally recognized and heavily awarded hotel and restaurant that enjoys a long history of service offering a rich array of luxurious amenities and stunning culinary creations for all to enjoy. The team at the Willcox has perfected the art of maintaining an upscale yet comfortable and tangible quality throughout the property. This amazing pairing has allowed for a perfect blend of modern opulence and casual glamour reminiscent of yesteryear. Boasting a rich history and finding favor not only with passerby’s but within the local community as well, this Colonial Revival and National Historic landmark is fondly known as “The Living room of Aiken,” inviting all to gather within her doors and, for a while, be transported back to the leisurely way of life that defined Aiken in the first decades of the twentieth century.

essence of The Willcox using seasonally local dishes featuring ingredients you can actually pronounce! The restaurant has become a timeless favorite among the community and promises to be enjoyed for many years to come!

The Willcox is more than just a great restaurant, however. The hotel exudes luxuriousness that rivals most any property of it’s class in the world! As you enter The Willcox, you immediately exhale as you step onto the white-columned lined front porch scattered with gentle rocking chairs beckoning you to relax and enjoy the trip back to a simpler time. All Guest rooms at The Willcox are quiet, comfortable retreats; lavishly appointed with high ceilings, crown moldings, and cloud-soft beds blanketed in cool, crisp linen. Of course, a visit to the award winning on site restaurant is an absolute must. However, if you are looking for a change of scenery, the full menu is also available to be served absolutely anywhere Owners Shannon and on the property. The space Geoff Ellis purchased first the restaurant and then the hotel, also features two private in 2009 and have continued to dining rooms that provide a add their touch and build upon handsome space for parties what previous ownership had and business presentations. started. Originally restaurateurs Rejuvenation reigns supreme exploring the gastropub concept in the full service salon and Restore yourself at The Willcox — while living on the North Island spa. Reclaim your peace of the quintessential Southern experience. of New Zealand, Aiken native, mind and bodily balance Geoff got wind that The Willcox in serene, fire lit rooms, was looking to outsource the food and beverage piece of orchestrated by expert spa therapists. The property the establishment. As fate would have it, the couple would also boasts a salt water pool and small exercise room end up purchasing the hotel as well within a few months for guest enjoyment. In addition to the long list of onof their return making them the proud sole owners of The site amenities, a 2,000 acre surrounding park is laced Willcox. The husband and wife team were overjoyed at with hiking trails and bridle paths. Golf and equestrian the idea of returning to the States to acquire a place in sports (polo, steeplechase, fox hunting) are also the history of this treasured landmark and to also rejoin available nearby as are quaint shops, museums, the beautiful community of Aiken. They did not, however, and finally the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame on the come home empty handed! It was on the North Island grounds of lovely Hopeland Gardens. The Willcox has that they met and recruited native Regan Browell to also been honored as one of the Best Hotels in the join them as Executive Chef at The Willcox. Browell had World by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure previously spent ten years traveling abroad, cooking in magazines. The Restaurant at The Willcox has been multiple countries for Ritz Carlton properties. Following highly acclaimed receiving Best Chefs of America the gastropub concept, Browell uses the freshest, local awards in 2014 and 2015 and the Award of Excellence ingredients where possible. This brilliant, award-winning from Wine Spectator in 2014 and 2015. chef prides herself on creating food that captures the Spring & Summer 2017

100 Colleton Ave SW Aiken, South Carolina For more infomation, contact THE WILLCOX at (803) 648-1898 or email info@thewillcox.com

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Year round, The Willcox offers a wide assortment of thoughtfully appointed packages to appeal to all variety of guests including sports enthusiasts, spa retreat seekers, food and wine devotees, and many other interests. Driven by detail and mastery, it seems The Willcox has painstakingly thought of everything. This perfect little hotel and restaurant truly has it all. So when you find yourself nearing the little city of Aiken, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to stop into The Willcox to see what the perfect mix of history, luxury and ultimate comfort is all about!

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join us at the table Spring & Summer 2017

MAY 5

Bringing the Freshest Ingredients to the Table in Creative and Unique Ways story by Heather Page It’s becoming more than a trend to know what we’re eating, better a necessity. South Carolina is lucky to have all-natural farms across the state able to provide free range meats and organic produce to consumers. Not only in our homes are labels being read, but restaurants have also become conscious shoppers when preparing menus. A Columbia, South Carolina native, Vanessa Driscoll Bialobreski, has introduced a business that is bringing farms and local chefs together to offer unique experiences while dining on some of the state’s finest ingredients, Farm to Table Event Co.

Guests at events hosted by Farm to Table are seated at a single long table to encourage conversation amongst strangers. Reservations are limited so that patrons have an opportunity to meet the farmers and chefs behind the creative cuisine.

To find your place at the table, visit www.farmtotableeventco.com.

MAY 21

DRINK PINK! ROSE FESTIVAL

JUNE 3

BUTCHER PAPER DINNER

JUNE 5

JUNE HARVEST DINNER

JULY 8

BUTCHER PAPER DINNER

JULY 24

HARVEST DINNER AND A SHOW

AUG 12

BUTCHER PAPER DINNER

AUG 21

SOLAR ECLIPSE LOW COUNTRY BOIL

SEPT 11

SEPTEMBER HARVEST DINNER

SEPT 16

BUTCHER PAPER DINNER

SEPT 28

THE GREAT AMERICAN WHISKEY FAIR

OCT 2

OCTOBER HARVEST DINNER

OCT 30

FALL HARVEST DINNER

NOV 7

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION DINNER

NOV 15

FARM TO TRUNK

DEC 4

DECEMBER HARVEST DINNER

Art City Roots Farm, 3pm-7pm

Art City Roots Farm, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Art City Roots Farm, 3pm-7pm

At Music Farm Columbia, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Art City Roots Farm, 3pm-7pm

Art City Roots Farm, 12pm-4pm

Art City Roots Farm, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Art City Roots Farm, 3pm-7pm

At 701 Whaley, 5:30pm-9pm

Art City Roots Farm, 6:30pm-9:30pm

At James Beard House in NYC, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Art City Roots Farm, 5:30pm-9pm

Art City Roots Farm, 6:30pm-9:30pm

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“The Farm to Table mission is to bring together the community through agri-tourism, local food and local chefs who are experts in bringing the freshest ingredients to the table in creative and unique ways,” says Bialobreski. The event company explores the city of Columbia in search for the perfect locations to set tables. City Roots Farm, the only in-town, local, sustainable organic farm in SC, has become a favorite spot for hosting events such as: the monthly Harvest Dinner series, Butcher Paper Dinners, Annual Pig and Oyster Roast, and Cream of the Crop Beer Festival. Along with hosting events, Farm to Table offers a full service catering and events production where they take care of all of the details so you and your guests can simply “sit back and enjoy the show.”

CINCO DE MAYO HARVEST DINNER Art City Roots Farm, 5:30pm-9:30pm

photo by W. Burton Fowles

ENSOR BUILDING AND FIRST BASE BUILDING

Building a Brand-New

Neighborhood at BullStreet Contributed by the BullStreet Neighborhood Strolling into the brand-new stadium at Spirit Communications Park in the BullStreet neighborhood in downtown Columbia, S.C., for a Columbia Fireflies Minor League Baseball game – surrounded by 10,000 fellow fans – it’s hard to believe that you’re standing in the middle of what was once the enormous S.C. State Hospital campus, by necessity disconnected from the daily operations of the city. A mixed-use redevelopment of the hospital property, BullStreet is one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in South Carolina history, transforming over time into a one-of-a-kind new neighborhood – a city within a city, located within one mile of the S.C. State House.

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photo by W. Burton Fowles

SPIRIT COMMUNICATIONS PARK

The BullStreet neighborhood spans 181 acres, an almost unthinkably big piece of land. In fact, it is widely described as the largest piece of undeveloped urban land east of the Mississippi. Planned to roll out section by section over the next 15-20 years, BullStreet is turning an abandoned piece of land into a new downtown neighborhood, filled with an engaging mix of local and national shops and restaurants, high-quality entertainment, comfortable residences, public art and parks. Before Greenville’s Hughes Development Corporation partnered with the City of Columbia to bring the site back onto the grid, it didn’t have modern roads, nor did it have anything resembling an up-to-date water and sewer system or power network. BullStreet had been an independent community, with its own ice house, bakery, laundry and more, as well as an enormous steam plant – the Central Energy Facility – that heated and cooled the entire campus. More than a mile of trellis carried a network of elevated steam pipes, in addition to underground steam pipes, across the campus to nearly every building on the site. “An existing business district has all of its infrastructure already in place, including road networks, sidewalks and streetlights,” notes Robert Hughes, president of Hughes Development Corporation and lead project manager at BullStreet. “None of that existed at BullStreet when we started, and we have already laid two miles of new roadways with a lot more to come. We still have a long way to go, but we are excited to be bringing 181 acres back on the grid as a partnership with local government.” Spring & Summer 2017

THE BAKERY

photo by Sean Rayford Spirit Communications Park, awarded 2016 Ballpark of the Year by BallPark Digest, is home to the Columbia Fireflies Minor League Baseball team as well as new celebrity team member Tim Tebow. Something unique about the ballpark is that it is open from 7am to dark each day, except for game days and ticketed events, as a public park. Walkers and runners enjoy a 1/3-mile walking track around the concourse, and cross-fitters are often seen running the stairs in the stands for exercise. BullStreet is already home to a growing business community and thriving tech village. The First Base Building office/retail complex at BullStreet is the largest private office building built in Columbia since 2009, and renovations have transformed the historic Parker Annex and Bakery buildings into comfortable, modern offices. Renovations are underway at the Ensor Building and the Central Energy Facility, and a major historic renovation is planned for the iconic Babcock Building. Meanwhile, TownPark at BullStreet will be a residential development of 28 townhomes with roof terraces, garages and a private park.

For more information on the BullStreet neighborhood, visit www.bullstreetsc.com and follow @BullStreetSC on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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“About 20 years ago in the Upstate, our company joined with a lot of like-minded local leaders and businesspeople to focus on transforming downtown Greenville, S.C., from a blighted, desolate area into what it is today: a bustling, vibrant urban core,” says Hughes. “Some unfamiliar with Greenville might think the change happened over the course of a few years; however, it took more than two decades. With broad support and collaboration, we are confident we can emulate what happened in Greenville at BullStreet.”

e m e r t ex s t r o p s

e l b Ca

g n i d r a o b e k a w Shark Wake Park features a 5-tower full-size cable wakepark an 2-tower cable system via Alta Cable Ski complete with UNIT Parktech obstacles. The fullsize is the tallest cable system in the United States!

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story by Heather Page

Located in the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex 150 Citizens Circle, Little River 843-399-WAKE sharkwakepark.com

When searching for the definition of wakeboarding, it’s described as “riding on a short, wide board resembling a surfboard and performing acrobatic maneuvers while being towed behind a motorboat.” It’s typical for one to think that the only way to wakeboard is while being pulled behind a boat. I mean that’s how it’s done, right? Something has to pull you for you to continue skimming across the water. For years this has been the source of execution. With a long lived passion for watersports and an entreprenurial spirit like his father, Greg Norman, Jr. sought to offer an additional option for those eager to attempt the sport. In 2016, Greg and his team welcomed Shark Wake Park 843 to the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex. “I want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy this wake-culture and experience the freedom of being out on the water,” says Greg. Opposed to the traditional way of wakeboarding, Park 843 offers cable wakeboarding where riders are pulled by a high-tech pulley system instead of a boat. The pulley system picks up ropes from the starting dock and pulls riders across the .5 mile radius lake with the option of jumping ramps and rails to try new tricks. A 5-tower full-size cable and 2-tower cable system via Alta Cable Ski complete the UNIT Parktech features. Spring & Summer 2017

The best part of Park 843, no experience is required. The park is equipped for beginners while also allowing advanced riders and pros to go as big as they’d like! Their highly trained staff is available to help you get up on a wakeboard for the first time. From 10 am until noon, on Saturdays and Sundays, cables run at beginner speeds for the novice wakeboarders. Riders must be at least 10 years old to ride the full size cable but any age can attempt the 2-tower system after taking a required Cable Safety Lesson. The park also features a viewing deck for spectators to get a glimpse of the sport at no cost. The on-site Shark Shack provides snacks, smoothies, beer and refreshments, so visitors can spend the day at the park.

Shark Wake Park 843 is South Carolina’s newest addition to a distinguished list of action sports. If you’re looking for a new adventure this summer, let the cable lead the way as you skim across the lake. Just show up and Shark Wake Park promises to deliver an awesome day!

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This summer Shark Wake Park 843 will offer a summer camp perfect for South Carolina weather. Campers will learn how to water ski, wakeboard, wakeskate, and kneeboard. SWP Summer Camp is a great way to keep kids active and learning new sports! Groups are welcome to reserve Park 843 for parties, school and work events. All gear is included in this perfect adventure destination.

soar over hilton head ZipLine and Aerial Adventure are two of the Hilton Head Island activities for family fun. These adventures are 2 hours each, plus there are plenty more cool and hot activities to do at Broad Creek Marina Adventures. story by Sam Harrelson

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Hilton Head Island is one of South Carolina’s richest treasures. From its gorgeous seascapes to its rich history, this island is far from your average Carolina destination. Stretching only 45 miles, the island is home to salt marshes, sandy beaches, rich forest area, tennis courts, golf courses and luxurious hotels. Not only is the island a great place for a private, relaxing getaway, but it’s also the perfect destination to bring the entire family for a day full of fun and adventure. ZipLine Hilton Head, a crowning jewel of Broad Creek Marina Adventures is the way to guarantee your best view and your most interactive tour of the island. With their two hour “eco-tour”, you will glide through the trees as you are able to witness the jaw dropping views of the island’s water, massive oaks, pines and marshlands. The course consists of 8 zip lines reaching up to 75 feet high. Before you begin, you will participate in a short zipline training session led by two tour guides. Safety is the number one

priority for these guides who are professionally trained as well as tested. ZipLine Hilton Head only uses the highest quality course equipment manufactured in the industry to guarantee participant’s safety. As you start out low and slow, the speed and the height of the ziplines increases until you are soaring above the trees catching glimpses of birds, boats and maybe even a dolphin or two. You will also be able to climb the aerial staircase and race other zip-liners on a duel zipline finale stretching 900 feet in length. Although participants of the zipline tour must be 10 years and older, younger children still will have a chance to take to the sky. After you’ve mastered ziplining, you may want to head over to Aerial Adventure Hilton Head for more of a self-guided challenge. Described as a “playground in the sky”, this 6 course challenge with 50 in-thetree activities offers a challenge to anyone from young children to the toughest of adults. Categorized by difficulty, each course color has something in store for individuals of all ages. Children may enjoy lower

heights and lower difficulty activities on the green course, while intermediate level adults may enjoy higher heights and more of a challenge on the blue course. The course also features a black level that reaches heights of up to 36 feet. This level is for the experts. While attached to a sturdy harness you will cross swinging bridges, climb military walls, jump through hoops, and jump into nets. The courses actively celebrate the outdoors by incorporating themes such as kayaking, sailing, fishing, climbing and more. It also features a “hats off” to the military by including challenges that are typically used in military courses such as climbing walls and tube netting. This feature stands as a tribute to all military members in the community. It’s the perfect way to spend an unplugged afternoon. Spring & Summer 2017

book online at www.ziplinehiltonhead.com

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Once your day of zip lining and climbing has come to a close, head over to Up the Creek Pub & Grill to enjoy delicious food and a fantastic view of the marsh. No matter what your taste, Up the Creek has everything from their famous half pound Broad Creek Burger topped with lettuce, tomato and your choice of cheeses, to their fried shrimp baskets complete with your choice of coleslaw, fries or hushpuppies. Kids will have no problem choosing something as well from the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kid friendly menu which includes staples such as hot dogs, grilled cheese and even mac and cheese bites. Serving up burgers, seafood, cold beers, and an exciting cocktail menu, this Pub and Grill is the perfect place to relax and watch the sunset after a day of rigorous exploring.

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT

local jennifer bagwell’s

GUIDE TO MT. PLEASANT TAVERN & TABLE

Jennifer is the manager at Springhill Suites by Marriott in Mt. Pleasant.

Favorite place to eat? Oh my, there are so many wonderful places to eat in the Charleston Mt. Pleasant Area. The culinary opportunity is endless.

MT. PLEASANT TOWNE CENTER

Favorite place to shop? Mt. Pleasant Towne Center and King Street Historic Charleston. The savvy shopper can have the best of both with name brand stores and boutiques that offer a unique style. Both within minutes from the hotel. Favorite place to visit? My happy place is the beach. Nothing beats the salt air and a beach chair. Sullivan’s Island is a short 4.5 mile drive away from SpringHill making it easy to pack up and go!

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND

Favorite sights to see?

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THE VILLAGE BAKERY

Patriots Point Naval Museum and Boone Hall Plantation, the stories and the history are unbelievable. If you want to be a little more intimate, walk the Old Village and Pitt Street Pier. The Historic Markers tell a story that draws you in and makes you want to know more about the area. While you’re there, grab a slice of Coconut Cake from The Village Bakery.

PATRIOT’S POINT

What do you love most about Mt. Pleasant? Quality of life. There is so much to enjoy that we take for granted. Explore all the possibilities of the Lowcountry and experience your stay. It will bring you back.

Spring & Summer 2017

Explore South Carolina’s Coastal And Inland Nature Reserves And All Of The Amazing Wetlands And Estuaries In Between story by Heather Page

Pawley’s Island Guide Services There’s nothing like the calm of the ocean, consuming the quietness that surrounds you, just as a strong pull comes from the end of your fishing rod. One so strong that you realize instantly there won’t be any room for exaggerating on such a large catch. One your friends will immediately believe is fabricated until they see proof. Captain Kevin “Stump” Grant with Pawley’s Island Guide Service is far too familiar with enthusiastic expressions of passengers as they reel in “the big one”.

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Stump is a South Carolina native with a lifetime of experience hunting, fishing, and exploring the beautiful inland and coastal natural areas of the state. His guided Eco-tours explore the beautiful Hammock Coast including Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, McClellanville, Georgetown, and everywhere in-between. These waters make the perfect back drop for an afternoon with family and friends in search of local birds,

reptiles, and other fauna. After sightseeing, the tour leads to a local’s favorite lunch spot, T W Graham & Co in McClellanville for fresh baby clams, or Hopsewee Plantation on the bank of North Santee River for tea and dessert. Stump’s fishing charters cruise backwaters and saltwater estuaries in pursuit of redfish, trout, flounder, tarpon, red drum, black drum, sheepshead, and other inshore species. Saltwater estuaries south of Pawleys Island offer some of the most pristine abundance of wildlife and natural beauty with over 30 miles of uninhabited shoreline where anglers can expect to see all that Mother Nature offers. Beginners and experts alike can appreciate the near-shore custom charters to fish your favorite catch. Half and full day charters are available with all rods, bait, tackle, and licenses included! Charters are kid friendly making it a perfect outing for the family.

In addition to Eco-tours and fishing charters, Stump is an expert guide for open-water and inland hunting for waterfowl, deer, dove, and more. His hunting companion, a French Brittany named Eula, is known as the real expert as she points and retrieves quail, woodcock, and ducks. Stump and Eula also enjoy personalized hunting trips on properties belonging to their customers where they provide the decoys, calls, and other supplies. Together the pair have the experience to take you on the most successful hunt. Whether you find yourself wanting to set ashore this summer or trek through the wetlands, Pawley’s Island Guide Service offers the all inclusive package to get you there. Be sure to have sunscreen in tow along with a great sense of adventure. When Stump and

the odds of a satisfying adventure are inevitable! Eula are on the hunt,

PHONE (843) 833-4477 EMAIL PISCGuide@gmail.com FACEBOOK @PawleysIslandGuide

WWW.PAWLEYSISLANDGUIDESERVICE.COM Spring & Summer 2017

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FESTIVAL DIRECTORY MAY

3-7: North Charleston Arts Fest, North Charleston - 5-day event, live performances, art exhibits, kids’ activities - northcharlestonartsfest.com 4-6: Abbeville Spring Festival, Abbeville - 3 -day event, concerts, flower and car show, amusement rides, 5K run - abbevillespringfestival.com 5-6: Allendale County Cooter Fest, Allendale - “Carolina Cooter” turtle races, rides and games, music, parade, and fireworks - cooterfest.com 5-6: Greer Family Fest, Greer - 2-day event includes live music, KidsZone, Creation Station, arts & crafts, food court - greerchamber.com 5-6: SC Strawberry Festival, Rock Hill - 2-day event includes “Strawberry Jam”, pancake breakfast, car show, recipe & eating contests scstrawberryfestival.com

19: Blackville Music and Art Festival, Blackville - Musical performances, art exhibits, parade, car and bike show, petting zoo - bmafestival.com 19-20: Red Rose Festival, Lancaster - 2-day event, live music, Kidz Zone, arts and crafts market, food court - lancastercitysc.com 19-20: Rhythm on the Rails, Clinton - 2-day festival with live music, a sanctioned BBQ competition, games, rides, vendors - rotrclintonsc.com 19-21: Tall Ships Charleston, North Charleston - 3-day event, ships from around the world, boat show, boat building - tallshipscharleston.com 20-21: Blue Crab Festival, Little River - 2-day event includes live music, arts & crafts, kids’ area, community booths - bluecrabfestival.org

6: Dragon Boat Charleston Festival, Charleston - 250 meter paddling races and party to celebrate cancer survivors charlestondragonboatfestival.com

20: Blythewood Butterfly Festival, Blythewood - Walk-in butterfly experience, petting zoo, artisans, food, crafts -campdiscoverysc.org

6: Peach Blossom Festival, Edgefield - Parade, rides and games, arts & crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, pageant johnstondevelopmentcorp.org 6: Rosewood Crawfish Festival, Columbia- Kids’ area, Creole & Cajun cuisine, live music, Crawdaddy Dash 5K run, artist village rosewoodcrawfishfest.com 7: The Big Nosh Jewish Cultural Festival, Columbia - Authentic foods, live performances, children’s activities, food drive, art - bignosh.org

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19: Birdfest, Panola - Live music, camping available - birdfestmusic.com

5-7: Orangeburg Festival of Roses, Orangeburg - 3-day event, road race, street dance, arts and crafts, children’s area - festivalofroses.com

6: Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet, Charleston - Live bands, kids’ corner, lots of shrimp - lowcountryshrimpfestival.com

18-20: Wagons to Wagener Festival, Wagener - Parade, inflatables, wing cook-off, antique tractor and car show, live music, street dances wagenersc.com

20: Clemson Festival of Arts, Clemson - Outdoor arts festival with local and regional artists, special kids’ area too - explorearts.org 20: Southern Arts and Crafts, Pickens - See local artisans and craftsmen at work demonstrating their skills at old style Appalachian crafts - visitpickenscounty.com 26-27: Flopeye Fish Festival, Great Falls - 2-day event includes carnival rides, car show, live entertainment, food and fireworks flopeyefishfestival.com 26-28: Iris Festival, Sumter - 3-day event, live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, children’s activities, market place, pageant - sumtersc.gov

12-13: Aiken Bluegrass Festival, Aiken - 2-day event features live bands, kids’ activities, camping available - aikenbluegrassfestival.org

26-28: Original Gullah Festival, Beaufort - 3-day event includes entertainment, food, local tours, dance party, inflatables theoriginalgullahfestival.org

12: Charleston Greek Festival, Charleston - Celebrating Greek culture with food, wine tasting, church tours, and entertainment charlestongreekfestival.com

26: Plum Hollow Alternative Bluegrass Festival, Campobello Overnight camping featuring live bands playing various ‘grass’ music - moonshiners.com

12: Bluffton Village Festival Mayfest, Bluffton - Arts and crafts, live music, local food, Ugly Dog contest, pie eating contest blufftonvillagefestival.com

26-27: Seneca Fest, Seneca - 2-day event, concerts, classic car cruisein, Glow in the Dark 5K, arts and crafts, carnival rides - seneca.sc.us

JUNE

13: Greater Columbia Dragon Boat Festival, Leesville - 300 meter course, cultural performances, food and more greatercolumbiadragonboat.com

2-4: SC Festival of Flowers, Greenwood - 3-day festival includes tours, music, kidfest, flotilla on Lake Greenwood, sporting events, 5K scfestivalofflowers.org

13: Mayfest on Main, North Myrtle Beach - Live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, community stage, children’s area - parks.nmb.us

8-10: Party in the Pines Festival, Whitmire - 3-day festival includes carnival rides, parade, live entertainment, food, vendors, street dance angelfire.com

18-20: St. Phillip Neri Italian Festival, Fort Mill - Italian food, wine and beer tastings, rides for kids, cannoli runs, “Italian Idol” contest spnitalianfestical.org

16-26: History Alive Festival, Greenville - 10-day event bringing the past life with music and live performances - greenvillechautauqua.org

17: Americana and Folk Festival, Pickens - Area musicians will showcase the music of Bob Dylan - visitpickenscounty.com 17-25: Hampton County Watermelon Festival, Hampton - 9-day event includes contests, music, parades, rides, mud run, pageants, pet show hcmelonfest.org 18-24: Southeastern Piano Festival, Columbia - Nightly concerts, international piano competition, pre-college pianists training sepf.music.sc.edu 24: Freedom Blast, Greer - Celebration of the freedoms in the US and the men and women who made it possible with music, food, kids activities and crafts, fireworks - freedomblast.org 29-July 1: SC Festival of Stars, Ninety Six - Live music, pageant, fireworks, food vendors, parade, contests, displays, amusement rides scfestivalofstars.com

JULY

1: 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray - Boat parade then evening fireworks launched from Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park lakemurraycountry.com 2: SC Festival of Stars, Ninety Six - 3-day event includes music, pageant, fireworks, food vendors, parade, contests, displays, amusement rides scfestivalofstars.com

2-4: Chapin Labor Day Festival, Chapin - 3-day event includes parade, live music, vendors, classic car show, benefit 5K run/walk, children’s carnival - chapinsc.com 3: Southern 500 NASCAR Race, Darlington - darlingtonraceway.com 4: Labor Day 7-10: SC Tobacco Festival, Lake City - 4-day event includes BBQ cook-off, kids zone, entertainment, yard sale, 5K, golf tournament - lakecitysc.org 8: The Big Grab 43 Mile Yard Sale, Blythewood - Ridgeway and Winnsboro - from dusk to dawn - facebook.com/TheBigGrab 9: Aiken’s Makin’, Aiken- handcrafted arts and crafts, food, live entertainment - aikensmakin.net 15-16: Enchanted Chalice Renaissance Faire, Greenville theenchantedchalice.com 15-16: SpartOberfest, Spartanburg - German food, live entertainment, Christmas market, kinder corner - spartoberfest.com 15-24: SOS Fall Migration, Myrtle Beach- 10-day shag event includes block parties, live music, classes at various locations; Learn more about South Carolina’s state dance, the shag - shagdance.com/migration 16: Aynor Harvest Hoe Down, Aynor - Parade, games, food, arts and crafts, vendors - aynorharvesthoedown.org

4: Red, White and Blue Festival, Greenville - one of the state’s largest fireworks displays, plus live music, kids’ zone, food and beverage vendors - greenvillesc.gov

15-17: Indie Craft Parade, Greensville - A celebration of all things handcrafted - makerscollective.org/indiecraftparade

9-23: Beaufort Water Festival, Beaufort- 10-day event includes concerts, air show, Blessing of the Fleet and boat parade, sporting events, crafts, dances, food - bftwaterfestival.com

15: McCormick Gold Rush Festival, McCormick Gold Rush Festival Parade, live music, car show, rides, arts and crafts vendors, gold mining mccormickgoldrush.com

21-22: Pageland Watermelon Festival, Pageland - 2-day event includes parade, seed spittin’ and watermelon eatin’ contests, live music, crafts, rodeo - pagelandwatermelonfestival.com

21-24: Euphoria, Greenville- Food, wine, and music festival - benefits local charitable organizations - euphoriagreenville.com

AUGUST

22-23: Golden Leaf Festival, Mullins - Parade, kids’ park, 5K run, contests, car show, live entertainment - mullinssc.us

4-6: Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival, Charleston - Tours, film showing, reunion celebration with live music, food - gullahgeechee.info

22-24: Raylrode Daze Festivul, Orangeburg - 3-day event includes parade, carnival rides, contests, street dances, gunfight show, pet show raylrodedazefestivul.com

25-26: Williamston Spring Water Festival, Anderson - 2-day event includes music, kids’ activities, rides, 5K run, antique car show springwaterfestival.com

22: Riverbanks ZOOfari, Columbia - Live entertainment, enjoy cuisine and cocktails, behind-the-scenes view of the zoo - riverbanks.org

27: Summerfest, York, SC - 5K/fun run, car show, sporting events, children’s activities, entertainment, antique show, monster bmx show yorksummerfest.com

SEPTEMBER

26: South Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair, Westminster - Exhibits, carnival and pony rides, livestock, music - carolinafoothillsheritagefair.org 27: Sumter County Fair, Sumter- Amusement rides and games, live entertainment, livestock, art show, flower show, exhibits - sumterfair.com 30: Irish Italian International Festival, North Myrtle Beach - Live music, restaurant competition, spaghetti eating competition - parks.nmb.us

**Some festivals may not be listed; dates were not announced prior to printing. To submit your fall and winter event, email tmclark225@gmail.com.

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1-2: Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival, Myrtle Beach - Wing competition, BBQ sampling, car show, beer garden - myrtlebeacheventinfo.com

22-23: Sooie, Mauldin - 2-day event includes BBQ cook-off, live music, kids zone - benefits the Mauldin Cultural Center - mauldinbbq.com

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SPRING/SUMMER 2017

TAMMY CLARK, PUBLISHER 843.618.0895 tmclark225@gmail.com

HEATHER PAGE, EDITOR 843.687.4236 heather@vipmagsc.com

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