The town of Florence is enjoying some new life up in the skies. Last year, Florence Regional Airport saw a very strong year in enplanements, setting records for the small town. In March 2009, more than 5,000 people boarded planes at Florence Regional, a 30% growth spurt from the the previous March. (Read more in SCNow’s article Florence Airport Expansion will be Felt Throughout the Pee Dee.)

The Pee Dee Regional Airport Commission has jumped on this trend and just wrapped up a large drainage project at the Florence airport, that is preceding a two-gate expansion. The new gates will double the size of Florence Regional and it will allow room for the expansion of up to 12 gates total, if the flight trend continues.

Half of the funding for the projects is coming from Federal Aviation Administration grants. The regional airport is looking to South Carolina government for additional funds to complete the project.

Companies like DuPont, Honda of South Carolina, and Roche Pharmaceuticals (read a press release about Roche expansion in Florence) have seen the potential for the area and have channeled over $1.1 billion into the area. Florence also has a great location to major roadways, being positioned strategically near the intersection of I-20 and I-95.

If the expansion continues, it will draw new business, strengthens existing business and increases jobs in the nine county Pee Dee area.

Read about the Pee Dee’s North Eastern Strategic Alliance.

See flight schedules for Florence.

St. Francis Animal Rescue Centre in Rock Hill needs your help. With the economy down, so are donations. They’ve been victim to a recent break-in which caused their facility damage. They are still burdened by costly repairs and have accumulating back rent.

Most traditional shelters euthanize about 60% of their animals for lack of homes. Animal rescues like St. Francis don’t adopt that policy. They are a no-kill, cage-free place which aims at providing an ethical solution and good homes for stray animals.

In the event they close their doors, found animals will more than likely be euthanized by the state the same day they are captured.

If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact their director Charlene G. Rodriguez at 803-554-9930 or donate at PayPal using the email address stfrancisanimalrescue@yahoo.com

If you cannot afford a monetary donation, please contribute in other ways like donating supplies or signing an awareness petition:

Supplies Needed:
Paper towels
Plastic bags
Cat food
Unscented cat litter
Trash compacter bags (cat pan liners)
Garbage bags
Scratching posts
Climbing trees
Pillows
Pet beds

This weekend, The Citadel celebrates its 166th birthday. The college is ushering in its 167th year with its annual Corps Day Weekend – complete with speakers, exhibits, parades, and even a musical narration entitled The Citadel Story. The theme of the weekend is principled leadership. There will be panel discussions and speeches from military experts like Lt. Gen. Robert L. Van Antwerp who is currently overseeing most of our nation’s civil works infrastructure and military construction. The State newspaper reports that US Senator Lindsey Graham will deliver the keynote address on Friday evening.

The Citadel was founded in 1842 and has an undergraduate program of about 2,000 students who make up the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. Any Charlestonian recognizes these cadets as the short-cropped exercisers along Lockwood Drive with their white belts and navy running gear or the young men walking down King Street in full-dress during a weekend study break.

The school gained public interest from Pat Conroy’s novel, The Lords of Discipline, when it was published in 1980. Conroy, a former student, chronicled the story of a “knob” or “plebe” (a first year cadet) and his emotional and physical trials growing up in a very disciplined environment at a “fictional” military college set in Charleston. It was well-known to most as being The Citadel, though not explicitly said in the novel.

The story was made into a film in 1983 and was planned to be shot on location at The Citadel. The military school film Taps was shot in 1981, and was heard to have presented many shooting delays and burdens to the school. When The Citadel got word of this, they declined to allow the shoot to take place. Some have said the school and its alumni felt that the story also showed Citadel life in a negative light, so some feel that the refusal encompassed that sentiment as well.

Regardless of the differing views, The Citadel has been know to produce great results. The school ranks number 3 nationally for percentage of students who graduate in four years, including master’s level programs. Princeton Review also sings The Citadel’s praise by listing The Citadel School of Business one of the nation’s 290 best business programs.

We certainly wish The Citadel continuing success as one of South Carolina’s best colleges.

Find hotels near The Citadel.

Read more about The Citadel’s accomplishments.

View a video about The Citadel.

Learn more about Daniel Library at The Citadel.

Discover more about South Carolina’s elected officials.

Foothills Trail in Northwest South Carolina is celebrating its 35th birthday!

The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile woodland trail that starts off in Table Rock State Park, runs along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, and wraps up at Oconee State Park. The altitude ranges from about 1000 feet up to over 3,500 at Sassafras Mountain; South Carolina’s highest point.

The trail is a result of the efforts of the Foothills Trail Conference (FTC), which actively supports and promotes the hiking area. In the FTC’s “Guide to the Foothills Trail” they state “The Foothills Trail is truly a walk through history - geological and cultural.”

—  TABLE ROCK | MORE INFO  —

It’s known to be a very challenging and extraordinary hike. Many offshoots and parts of the trail are considered to be Appalachian greenbelt variety suited for the serious backcountry hiker.

Scenic rivers, lakes like Lake Jocassee, brooks, waterfalls, and even part of the famous Chattooga River run alongside the trail. Vehicles have limited access to the trail and the feeling is very remote. Up in the distant heights, there is plenty of wildlife. Many black bears, white-tail deer, bald eagles, wild turkeys, and all sorts of reptiles wander the wilderness as well.

The locale being so close to Greenville, Pickens, and Seneca makes it very easy to access, but is very lightly-used making hiking here a peaceful, natural experience. Many South Carolinians find it so much closer and accessible than the Appalachian.

View a map of the trail.

GreenvilleOnline.com reported these dates for the 2009 hikes:

Pre-registration and membership in the Foothills Trail Conference is required. Contact the Foothills Trail Conference at: info@foothillstrail.org or call: 864-467-9537.

A travel journal site about the Foothills Trail.

View more photos of the Upstate.

Learn more about other places to hike and camp in South Carolina.

Even during the economic downturn, revitalization in North Charleston is on the rise. Once marred by urban blight and heavy industry, areas like East Montague Avenue, Park Circle, and the old Navy Base along the Cooper River are undergoing a significant renaissance. Residential and business districts are embracing green activity, environmentally-friendly thinking, rising property values, and artistic innovation — bringing welcome change to the face of North Charleston.

Read more at From Ships to Sustainability: North Charleston’s Changing Nature

—  10 STOREHOUSE ROW | MORE INFO —

Founded in 1732, Camden is our state’s oldest inland town. Established by a decree from King George II, Camden started as a small backcountry settlement along the banks of the Wateree River – which at the time was about as far west as most Europeans would venture. Arriving in 1758, Joseph Kershaw, the county’s namesake, gave the area a boost when he opened a mercantile in what he called “Pine Tree Hill.” This fostered trade and lured others to settle in what is now known as the “Olde English District.” Camden’s advantageous position as a crossroad and trading post afforded it an important role in South Carolina’s early history.

	CAMDEN CLOCK TOWER		KERSHAW - CORNWALLIS HOUSE		SPRINGDALE RACE COURSE

The same qualities that made Camden ideal for commerce also attracted the English to use it as a strategic outpost during the Revolutionary War. Occupying the town for almost a year, the Redcoats built fortifications around Camden, some of which have been recreated at Historic Camden. The Kershaw-Cornwallis House served as headquarters for General Cornwallis and dominates the area with its stately architecture. Following heavy losses in the Battle of Hobkirk Hill (April 25th, 1781), the English finally surrendered their hold on Camden, burning most of the town in their wake.

After the turmoil of Independence, Camden quickly became one of our state’s most prosperous towns. The milling and trading of wheat, and later cotton, provided the area with wealth and resources. In 1802, Camden had twice as many homes as Columbia – the state capital. By the 1820s, new locks and canals built along the Wateree River further eased trade with Charleston. Washington Monument architect Robert Mills designed two buildings in town: The Mills Courthouse (1826) and Bethesda Presbyterian Church(1822).

	ROBERT MILLS COURTHOUSE		BOYKIN COMMUNITY		GOODALE STATE PARK

During the Civil War, Camden once again played a valuable role, this time as a supply point and hospital center. Abe Lincoln’s brother-in-law, Dr. G.R.C. Todd, worked here as a surgeon. Ultimately, like so many other towns in South Carolina, Camden did not escape the wrath of Sherman’s men. In February 1865, many of its buildings were once again burned. But as before, the town persevered.

By the end of the 19th century, Camden had been discovered as an attractive place to winter by wealthy northerners. Many elegant homes date from this period, and a passion in equine sports continues to
this day. Springdale Race Course hosts the Carolina and Colonial Cups every year, furthering Camden’s legacy of horse racing. While they are still not
allowed on the sidewalks, it’s clear that, like Aiken, this town loves its horses.

Today, Camden continues to prosper. Tourism, industry, a welcoming lifestyle, and proximity to Columbia all make the town an inviting place to live. Recreational opportunities abound in nearby Lake Wateree and Goodale State Park. Downtown retains much of its historic charm, with over 60 buildings listed in its National Historic District. Not too large, or too small, Camden is a joy to visit. In addition, the surrounding countryside is home to unique communities like Boykin and Elgin.

Following a bombardment of campy billboards, a giant sombrero looms above the horizon. No, it’s not heatwaves coming off the asphalt of I-95, it’s South of the Border. If the advertisements haven’t already worked their way into your subconscious, then veer off the interstate and prepare to be amazed … or disappointed. The theme park, started as a modest beer stand in 1949, is one of the more recognizable landmarks on the interminable monotony that is I-95.

Today, South of the Border seems a little past its prime, which may add to its quirky draw. The gift shops are still there, replete with a bevy of unique junk, and the amusement rides are working – when they’re open. A ride up the 200-foot sombrero tower costs only a dollar and provides a unique panorama of SC’s favorite tourist trap.

Thankfully, just a a few miles further off the highway, you’ll find yourself exploring Dillon County. But just in case all of this seems a little too bland, you can always pick up a six-pack of Blenheim’s spicy ginger ale – brewed locally.

Apart from the neon signs of Pedroland, the rest of Dillon County spreads out in this far northeastern part of our state, abutted to North Carolina. Long a relatively isolated region, the area got a boost when railroads spurred development in the late 1800s. Towns like Dillon and Latta sprang up around a new rail line out of Florence in 1888. In its heyday, the region grew cotton and tobacco, accumulating enough wealth to build opulent structures like the Dillon County Courthouse.

Apparent throughout our trip was the county’s rich historical heritage. The many classic homes and restored buildings speak of a population respectful of its roots. As the focal point of the town, Dillon’s Main Street has many reminders of times past. For one, the railroad still dominates the streetscape, as Dillon boasts one of a handful of Amtrak stations in our state.

	SOUTH OF THE BORDER		DILLON		LATTA

If you continue south for several miles on US 301, you’ll pass by the lovely town of Latta. With nearly 1,500 residents, Latta exudes charm, both through the welcoming demeanor of its townsfolk and its many historic buildings. For a glimpse into the early 20th century, we visited the Dillon County Museum. Once a local dentist’s office, the small museum now displays artifacts from the region’s agricultural legacy. Right across the street is the old post office and one-room school, as well as the Latta library, built in 1915 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie.

While the charm of Dillon County is clear at every turn, it’s obvious that this area is faced with economic challenges. Having relied for many years on cotton and tobacco production, this is a place, like so many rural counties in our state, that is struggling with unemployment.
Few industries call Dillon County home, but not for lacks of assets. From its unspoiled nature to its historical places, the county provides yet-untapped opportunities for growth.

Learn More about Dillon County

• Dillon County - SCIway overview guide
  – South of the Border Photos | Dillon Photos | Latta Photos

• Dillon County History & Genealogy
  – South Carolina’s first airplane?

• Dillon County Historical Society