Our state flag blowing in the breeze. | Photo by COLAtoday
We recently told you that the SC state license plate could get a new design that would no longer feature the palmetto tree and crescent moon. Here’s a history lesson on the SC state flag, which our current license plates are based on.
The colors
As one of the original 13 colonies, South Carolina stood at the forefront of America’s fight for independence from Great Britain. Flown over Sullivan Island’s Fort Moultrie in 1776, the earliest version of our flag mirrored the uniforms of its soldiers: navy coats and white buttons, chosen in contrast to the British redcoats.
The charge
In flag lingo, the symbol on a flag’s “field” (background) is called a “charge.” Our flag is charged with a palmetto.
Sabal palmettos absorbed 7,000 rounds of British cannonfire in the ten-hour defense of Fort Moultrie, allowing Continental forces to clinch an unlikely morale victory. As one British surgeon put it, “This will not be believed when it is first reported in England.”
Open Bluegrass + Acoustic Jam | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Fireforge Crafted Beer | Free entry | Anyone with an acoustic instrument is welcome to join the jam, or grab a craft brew and listen.
Trivia Night | 7-9 p.m. | Other Lands | Free entry | Test your knowledge while you sip on a coffee or a brew.
Summer Adventure | Wednesday, May 28-Saturday, July 26 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Roper Mountain Science Center | $15 | Get up close and personal with butterflies, explore the Environmental Science building, and pet a stingray in the Marine Lab.
Pure Barre Pop-Up | 6-7 p.m. | Camperdown Plaza | Free | Experience a full-body, low-impact workout that blends strength, stretching, and toning.
How SC Ports is creating new jobs beyond the coast
Presented by South Carolina Ports
Fun fact: At 52 feet, Charleston Harbor is now the deepest harbor on the East Coast. | Photos provided by South Carolina Ports
South Carolina Ports isn’t just moving cargo — it’s driving our entire state forward, creating billions in economic impact and hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs.
Each year, SC Ports pumps $87 billion into our state’s economy, including $44 billion right here in the Upstate. Plus, the port system supports 1 in 9 jobs across South Carolina.
As the No. 8 container port in the country, SC Ports makes our state a magnet for businesses looking to invest and grow. The newly expanded Inland Port Greer, for example, offers more cargo capacity and gives Upstate shippers direct access to the Port of Charleston.
Or, as SC Ports CEO Barbara Melvin says, “We’re a port for the entire state, and you can see that impact in every region with new investment and high-paying jobs.”
19. That’s how many named storms SC could see between Sunday, June 1-Sunday, Nov. 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year, citing warmer-than-average ocean temperatures + a weak wind shear as the cause. (The State)
Art
New exhibition, who’s this? The Greenville Center for Creative Arts announced its newest exhibition, “Performative Practices.” Starting Friday, June 6, experience the weight and space digital technology holds within our lives through art.
Sports
Playing pickleball with pros? Perfect. Head to PKL Park on Saturday, June 14, for its spring pro exhibition, where you can watch pros take the court, followed by a pro-am where you get a chance to play. Sign up using the free PKL Park app — search “PKL Park GVL” in your app store.
Try This
It feels like summer, which means every hour feels like a happy hour. If you want to partake in actual happy hour, check out our guide. You can thank us later for the tip sip.
Drink
Your new favorite beer is waiting for you in Winston-Salem: Take a Craft Draft Crawl of more than a dozen downtown breweries + distilleries, with everything from historic spirits to small-batch brews.*
Finance
Imagine a place where your financial needs are met with a genuine smile and a helping hand. Enter: Huntington Bank. Their new branch in downtown Spartanburg is ready to welcome you with open arms. Swing by the branch and say hi to the local team.*
Weight loss isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why Noom has created millions of personalized plans — blending cutting-edge technology with expert coaching. Take a five-minute quiz and unlock your custom plan.*
The Buy
A great find in Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale. Markdowns as high as 60% are on the table — here’s what we’re eyeing:
🛍️ This cozy, ultra-soft cardigan is 30% off and perfect for relaxing in.
🛍️ Get 30% off petite wide-leg linen pants that are breezy and light for summer.
🛍️ Take 60% off this blue wrap dress that can take you straight from the office to drinks out.
🛍️ These Nordstrom brand men’s chinos come in tan, grey, or navy — all are up to 40% off.
🛍️ This Tory Burch tote was recently marked down by 30% — we’re only a little obsessed with the print.
Hellman’s fans — stop reading. The social media manager at Duke’s Mayonnaise needs a raise. Our favorite mayo brand dropped these bangers, and I had to share. Tag yourself in the comments, I’m slide one and six.
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