Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook Tour, in Charleston, SC

Prepare to step into the enchanting world of Noah and Allie as On Location Tours proudly announces the launch of its newest walking tour, Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook Tour, in Charleston, South Carolina. Fans of Nicholas Sparks are invited to explore the charming streets and iconic film locations that served as the backdrop for this beloved romance. 

Highlights of the tour include:

Dance along King Street where Allie and Noah slow dance in the middle of the road

Take a photo in front of the William Aiken House, where Allie tries on her wedding dress for her wedding with Lon

Stop by the American Theater where Noah and Allie have their very first date

Pack your books and head over to Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston, where Allie attends school during WWII

Peer through the window at the restaurant High Cotton, just like Noah does when he sees Allie with Lon for the first time

And more! 

Their expert guide, well-versed in the film's history and production, will provide behind-the-scenes anecdotes and fascinating trivia, making this tour a must for die-hard fans and those seeking a touch of romance in the charming streets of Charleston. 

On Location Tours is thrilled to offer this unique and romantic experience, celebrating the enduring love story depicted in "The Notebook." Whether you're a fan of the film or simply seeking a romantic escape, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the enchanting locations that brought Noah and Allie's love story to life. 

To book your spot on the 'The Notebook' Tour, visit onlocationtours.com or contact Erin at erin@onlocationtours.com. The tour launches on Sunday, February 25th at 10am, and is approx. 2 hours long. The cost of the tour is $30/person. 

About On Location Tours: On Location Tours is a leading provider of TV and movie filming location tours, with tours in New York City, Boston, Chicago, LA and South Carolina. The tours feature sites from the hottest and latest on the big and small screen. Founded in 1999, it is one of the East Coast’s most popular tourist attractions. Some of the tours include: New York TV & Movie Sites, Sex and the City Hotspots, Gossip Girl Sites, Sopranos Sites, Central Park TV & Movie Sites and Boston TV & Movie Sites.

First Choice Makes Going Back to School Easy and Fun in Columbia

Jump-Start Back-to-School event offers school supplies, backpacks, and more

Select Health of South Carolina’s First Choice health plan will host its second Jump-Start Back-to-School event of the summer, featuring back-to-school information, children’s activities, and backpacks with school supplies provided at no cost (while quantities last). The event will be held Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the First Choice Community Center, 217 Park Terrace Drive, Columbia, SC 29212. Participants are asked to register in advance by calling 1-888-676-9588. Select Health of South Carolina is the state’s oldest and largest Medicaid managed care organization and is part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies.

“This year, we will be ready to serve more than 500 Columbia-area families with school-aged children, helping make sure they’re healthy and ready for the new school year,” said Select Health Market President Courtnay Thompson. “We’re very fortunate that more than 20 agencies and community partners are willing to join us and help children get the school supplies they need.”

Jump Start has served more than 15,000 families in the last 13 years and has now been expanded to locations throughout the state. Select Health’s bilingual staff will assist Spanish-speaking families, and interpretation services will be available for attendees with limited English proficiency.

“Good health is proven to help children perform their best in school,” said Dr. Kirt Caton, market chief medical officer at Select Health. “School-age children and young adults up to age 21 need yearly well visits with a primary care physician, and our staff can help First Choice members schedule these appointments with their doctors.”

Two more Jump-Start Back-to-School events are scheduled this summer: North Charleston on August 5, and Conway on August 12. Learn more by calling 1-888-676-9588 or by visiting www.selecthealthofsc.com/jumpstart.

About First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina

Select Health of South Carolina, part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, contracts with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) to offer First Choice, the state’s oldest and largest Medicaid managed care health plan, in all 46 counties statewide. For more information about First Choice by Select Health, visit www.selecthealthofsc.com.

Select Health also offers the First Choice VIP Care Plus Medicare-Medicaid plan and First Choice VIP Care (DSNP) Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan for dual eligibles in 46 counties, as well as the First Choice Next Health Insurance Marketplace® product in 17 counties. For more information about First Choice VIP Care Plus, visit www.firstchoicevipcareplus.com. For information about First Choice VIP Care, visit www.firstchoicevipcare.com. For more information about First Choice next, visit www.firstchoicenext.com.

About AmeriHealth Caritas

AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 13 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves approximately 5 million Medicaid, Medicare, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Health Insurance Marketplace® members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, and behavioral health services. Headquartered in Newtown Square, Pa., AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 40 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.

South Carolina Aquarium’s Shark Week Begins with Dive Shows and More

The South Carolina Aquarium celebrates Shark Week tomorrow, July 8 through Sunday, July 16. Visitors can experience a JAWesome lineup of shark-themed programs and activities as they learn more about these incredible creatures of the deep. 

                                            Image credit: South Carolina Aquarium

The Aquarium is home to many species of sharks, all of which are native to the waters of South Carolina. During their visit, guests can seek out the largest cartilaginous creatures that reside in the Great Ocean Tank, the deepest tank in North America at 42 feet deep. At its deepest point, large nurse sharks swim in and out of the reef caves before dazzling a few lucky guests by swimming flat against the windows, just inches from the hands of those reaching toward the tank. In the water column above, blacknose sharks and sandbar sharks glide slowly past, showcasing their rigid, triangular dorsal fins characteristic of many species of sharks. In one of several touch tank exhibits, guests can reach into the water to feel the rough scales of chain dogfish, a smaller species with a uniquely patterned body.

Throughout the week, special education programs will feature these cartilaginous creatures front and center. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about shark biology and behavior and even witness shark feedings. There will be plenty of opportunities to get hands-on through a shark scavenger hunt and a crowd favorite: the shark tooth dig, where guests will sift through sandy substrate to discover real shark teeth to take home as keepsakes.

"Sharks are so often misunderstood and have a notorious reputation that deters many from understanding the critical role they play in the health and wellbeing of our oceans," says Drew Heyward, senior visitor engagement manager. "By celebrating Shark Week — and catering our guest programming to share what truly makes sharks so special and influential— we hope to dispel common myths about sharks and create a greater appreciation of their purpose in our worlds oceans."

Shark Week at the Aquarium is the perfect place to escape the summer heat with a myriad of shark-themed experiences, all included with general admission. 

About the South Carolina Aquarium:

The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston's No.1 family attraction, is home to more than 5,000 animals, from river otters and sharks to sea turtles and shorebirds, and represents the rich biodiversity of our state — from the mountains to the sea. Visitors can also get an inside look at the Sea Turtle Care Center™, a working hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured sea turtles. While fulfilling its mission to promote education, conservation, and an exceptional visitor experience, the Aquarium also presents sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor along with interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages. 

The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with the last entry at 3:30 p.m. The Aquarium is open seven days a week with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and a half day on December 24 (open 9 a.m.–noon). Annual Aquarium membership with unlimited visits starts at $99. For more information, call (843) 577-FISH (3474) or visit scaquarium.org.

Certified Barbeque Judging Class Coming to Greenville

The South Carolina Barbeque Association (SCBA) will hold a one-day seminar in Greenville to train new barbeque judges. The seminar is July 15, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Project Host, located at 525 Academy St. 

Registration for the seminar is open to SCBA members and costs $50 per person, which includes a catered barbeque lunch. Non-members must join SCBA prior to or while registering for the seminar to be eligible to attend. SCBA annual membership dues are $45 for an individual or $60 for a family. 

The seminar is the first step in becoming a SCBA-certified barbeque judge. After completing the class, potential judges will continue their training with hands-on experience as novice judges at four SCBA-sanctioned barbeque competitions. Competitions are held around the state at festivals and fairs, as well as other community events or stand-alone BBQ contests. 

Those interested in becoming SCBA-certified judges and attending the July 15th seminar should visit www.scbarbeque.com to register for the seminar and/or join the SCBA. 

Certified Barbeque Judging Training Class February 18 in Columbia, SC

The South Carolina Barbecue Association (SCBA) will hold a one-day seminar in Columbia to train new barbecue judges. The seminar is Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the recreation hall at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1715 Bull St. 

Registration for the seminar is open to SCBA members with a $50 per person fee for the class. Non-SCBA members may join SCBA prior to or while registering for the seminar. SCBA annual membership dues are $45 for an individual or $60 for a family. A catered BBQ lunch is included with the seminar.

The seminar is the first step in becoming an SCBA Certified Barbecue Judge. After completing the class, potential judges will continue their training with hands-on experience as novice judges at four SCBA-sanctioned barbecue competitions. Competitions are held around the state at festivals and fairs, as well as other community events or stand-alone BBQ contests.

Those interested in becoming SCBA-certified judges and attending the Feb. 26th seminar may visit www.scbarbeque.com to register for the seminar and may also join the SCBA. 

New HomeGoods Store Opening November 10th in Columbia, SC

HomeGoods, the leading off-price home décor store in the U.S and worldwide, will open a new store in Columbia, SC on November 10th, 2022. The new store is located in Trenholm Plaza at 4840 Forest Drive, 9A. 

HomeGoods provides an ever-changing selection of high-quality merchandise at excellent values. With prices generally 20%-60% below full-price retailers’ (including department, specialty, and major online retailers) regular prices on comparable merchandise, the HomeGoods shopping experience is fun and inviting. From top brands and designers to exciting finds from all over the world, HomeGoods offers an inspiring selection in countless styles for every room of the house. 

“Our amazing values, brand names, and vast assortment make HomeGoods an exciting destination for shoppers,” states John Ricciuti, President of HomeGoods. “With a large variety of merchandise from around the world, customers will always find thrilling values in our treasure hunt shopping experience. We are happy to provide Columbia, SC with a new HomeGoods.”

HomeGoods merchandise departments include furniture, rugs, lighting, decorative accessories, kitchen and dining, bedding, bath, pet accessories, storage, workspace, outdoor, gourmet, wellness and more. 

GRAND OPENING: November 10th, 2022 from 8am-10pm

Local shoppers can enjoy the newest HomeGoods store opening on November 10th, 2022 from 8am-10pm. All stores, including the newest openings, have updated health and wellness practices to help protect the health and well-being of customers and Associates. To learn more, visit https://www.homegoods.com/customer-info 

STORE FACTS & FEATURES

Location: Trenholm Plaza at 4840 Forest Drive, 9A, Columbia, SC, 29206.

Size: Approximately 23, 588 Sq. Ft., respectively

Regular hours: Monday-Sat 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Store hours may shift. For more up to date hours and additional HomeGoods locations, please visit HomeGoods.com/locator.

HomeGoods expects to fill approximately 65 full- and part-time positions.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

In celebration of its new store location, HomeGoods will contribute to the Columbia, SC community by presenting a $10,000 donation to Harvest Hope Food Bank. Harvest Hope is South Carolina’s largest food bank, providing over 20 million meals on average to neighbors in need across the Midlands, Pee Dee and Upstate. 

ABOUT HOMEGOODS

HomeGoods operates more than 846 stores across the country and is a division of The TJX Companies, Inc., the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. As of January 29, 2022, TJX operated a total of 4,689 stores in nine countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Australia, and five e-commerce sites. TJX's press releases and financial information are available at TJX.com. 

To shop HomeGoods online, visit HomeGoods.com and for more design tips, inspiration and more, visit us on Instagram at @homegoods, Facebook at facebook.com/homegoods, Pinterest at pinterest.com/homegoods and Twitter at @homegoods. Shoppers can also share their online and in-store finds on social with #HomeGoodsFinds. 

Action-Packed Schedule Announced for Everything Outdoor Fest

Whether you’re in the camp of the curious, the brave or the explorer, Everything Outdoor Fest has something to satisfy. Organizers have announced an action-packed lineup of experiences with competitions, hands-on clinics, and demos for the new festival to be held November 4-6 at Historic Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville. 

“Everything Outdoor Fest has something for everyone! We welcome explorers from all walks of life to come out for three days of outdoor recreation, including fun family activities for children and dogs,” said Jacqui McGuiness, President and Owner of event producer JBM & Associates. “This is a wonderful time of year to be outside, and Historic Hopkins Farm is the perfect setting to appreciate nature and connect with outdoor experts and enthusiasts.”

The current schedule includes more than 35 hands-on clinics, plus trail runs, demos, a playground for all ages, kids zone, the DockDogs® canine aquatics competition, and UltiMutt Race obstacles – all free with festival admission. A music stage and food trucks will run throughout the event. A complete schedule of activities with dates and times is available on the festival website, everythingoutdoorfest.com. Check back often for updates.

Tickets are required with online purchase only. Admission cost for adults is $10 for a day pass and $25 for the entire weekend. Military and seniors 65+ are $8 per day. Children ages 4 to 12 are $5 per day and $12 for the weekend; kids 3 and under are admitted free.

Some of the world’s biggest brand names in outdoor recreation will offer professional guidance and the latest gear and equipment. Exhibitors interested in reaching thousands of outdoor enthusiasts can contact chelsea@jbmshows.com. 

Everything Outdoor Fest sponsors are Academy Sports + Outdoors, Adventure Golf Carts, Angels Three Development, Boyd Cycling, Dicks Sporting Goods, Greenville Water, HOKA, The Nobel Dog Hotel, PS Group, REI, Rocket Revolution, Run In, South State, and Winnebago.

Everything Outdoor Fest is a production of JBM & Associates, producers of many of the Southeast region’s largest and most popular consumer boat shows, including The Charleston Boat Show, Savannah Boat Show, Charleston In-Water Boat Show and Wilmington Boat Show. For information, visit JBMshows.com.

EVERYTHING OUTDOOR FEST – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AS OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

Friday, Nov. 4

All-day Demos and Exhibits:

Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding One-on-One Instruction by REI Co-op Experiences

UltiMutt Race Obstacles for Owners and their Dogs

Upstate Archery Range: Take Your Best Shot

Vdovichenko Bee Farm

Wall of Shame presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Heritage Trailer Nature Museum and Real Fur Exhibit presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Clinics and Competitions:

REI Co-Op Clinics – Stop by the REI tent for the schedule of the day.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – All Levels Flow Yoga Class

12 p.m. – Flat Tire Clinic

12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – DockDogs competitions

1-2p.m. – Introduction to Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga

1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Mountain Biking Skills Session and Trail Ride

1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Natural Habitat Pup Walk and Talk

1 p.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Health and Wellness

1 p.m.-2 p.m.  – Yoga, Shine Om Vinyasa

1:30 p.m. – Outdoor Eats: Elevate Your Dinner

2 p.m. – Introduction to Fly Casting

2:30 p.m. – Challenges of a Girl in the Outdoors

3 p.m. – Bike Wash Clinic

4 p.m. – The Importance of Sleep, Stress Management and Recovery for Optimal Health

Saturday, Nov. 5

All-day Demos and Exhibits:

Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding One-on-One Instruction by REI Co-op Experiences

UltiMutt Race Obstacles for Owners and their Dogs

Upstate Archery Range: Take Your Best Shot

Vdovichenko Bee Farm

Wall of Shame presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Heritage Trailer Nature Museum and Real Fur Exhibit presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Clinics and Competitions:

REI Co-Op Clinics – Stop by the REI tent for the schedule of the day.

9 a.m. – HOKA Trail Experience

10 a.m.-12 p.m. – Leaf Rubbings & Compasses for Kids

10:30-11:30 a.m. – Mindful Vinyasa Class

11 a.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Health and Wellness

11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – DockDogs competitions

11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Mountain Biking Skills Session and Trail Ride

11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Introduction to Fly Fishing

11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Natural Habitat Pup Walk and Talk

12 p.m. – How to Prepare for a Gravel Race

12 p.m. and 2pm – Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic

12 p.m.- 2 p.m. – Trail Mix & Knot Tying for Kids

12:30 p.m. – Challenges of a Girl in the Outdoors

12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Outdoor Eats: Elevate Your Dinner

1 p.m. – Intro to SUP Yoga

1-2 p.m. – Cricket Challenges: Building Outdoor Skills and Connecting with Nature

1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Discovering the Outdoors for Kids

2 p.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Women as We Age

2-4 p.m. – Packing a Backpack & Creating Hiking Boots for Kids

2:30 p.m. – How Do I Get There?

3 p.m. – How to Choose a Gravel Bike

3-4 p.m. – Cricket Challenges: Building Outdoor Skills and Connecting with Nature

4 p.m. – The Importance of Sleep, Stress Management and Recovery for Optimal Health

Sunday, Nov. 6

All-day Demos and Exhibits:

Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding One-on-One Instruction by REI Co-op Experiences

UltiMutt Race Obstacles for Owners and their Dogs

Upstate Archery Range: Take Your Best Shot

Vdovichenko Bee Farm

Wall of Shame presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Heritage Trailer Nature Museum and Real Fur Exhibit presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Clinics and Competitions:

REI Co-Op Clinics – Stop by the REI tent for the schedule of the day.

10:30 a.m. – Yoga, Mindful Vinyasa

11 a.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Health and Wellness

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Kayak Bass Fishing Demo

11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – DockDogs competitions

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Mountain Biking Skills Session and Trail Ride

11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Introduction to Fly Fishing

11:30 p.m. – Clinic: Challenges of a Girl in the Outdoors

12 p.m. – Flat Tire Clinic

12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Outdoor Eats Clinic: Elevate Your Dinner

1 p.m. – Nutrition for Athletes

1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – Natural Habitat Pup Walk and Talk

1pm and 3pm – Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinics

1pm and 3pm – Discovering the Outdoors with Jo Hackl

1:30 p.m. –  How Do I Get There?

1:30 p.m. – Intro to Kayak Bass Fishing

2 p.m. – Wellness Coaching Q&A Session

2 p.m. – Yoga-Mindful Flow

3 p.m. – Performance Coaching Q&A Session

Soda City Certified™ App to List All Local Companies Open During COVID-19

In the event that you live in Columbia, SC or surrounding cities, I thought I would share this with you.

Effective July 1, Soda City Certified™ (SCC), Columbia’s only mobile application that aims to help residents and visitors explore our Capitol City, will include all local companies open during COVID-19.

Open businesses in the following areas are encouraged to participate: Downtown Columbia, Forest Acres, West Columbia, Cayce, Harbison, Chapin, Northeast Columbia, Southeast Columbia, Lexington, Blythewood, Elgin, Irmo, St. Andrews, and Pontiac.

“The impact of COVID-19 has devastated all industries in the Columbia metropolitan area. By featuring restaurants, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, users will gain real-time access to businesses by encouraging everyone to shop local,” said Khali Gallman, Soda City Certified™ app creator. “Our main goal is to stimulate Columbia’s economy while practicing social distancing. Be safe and let’s stay connected.”

Since the official launch of SCC in January 2020, the app has reached 1100+ downloads and averages 5,000-8,000 social media views weekly. For more information or add your business on the app, visit www.sodacitycertified.com. Call 803.922.5310 or email sodacitycertified@gmail.com for more information.

About Soda City Certified™ Mobile App

Founded in 2019, Soda City Certified™ is a mobile application formatted for Apple iTunes and Google Play smartphones that allows users to receive incentives for frequenting Columbia, South Carolina’s most notable events, venues, restaurants, historical sites, and attractions. The app is available for free in both app stores. All rights are reserved. Visit www.sodacitycertified.com for details.

Remington College Columbia Campus Offers 50% Off One Salon Service

If you live in Columbia, South Carolina or the surrounding area, you might want to check this out.

Love fills the air in February and Remington College hopes to help Columbia area residents fall in love with their look.

The Salon at Remington College Columbia Campus is offering 50-percent off of one service during the month of February.(1)

Remington College’s Cosmetology Diploma program teaches students the art of hair, skin and nail care through traditional classroom instruction and hands-on training in the Remington College School of Cosmetology, which allows students to work with real clients.

Some of the services offered in the Salon include:(2)

• Cuts (including shampoo and conditioner), starting at $11
• Thermal Style, starting at $12
• Shampoo and Style (includes shampoo and conditioner), starting at $11
• Deep Conditioning Service, starting at $6
• Chemical Services, starting at $27
• Hair Color, starting at $27
• Hair Lightening (includes finishing style), starting at $27
• Specialty Styles, starting at $22
• Plain Manicure, starting at $8
• Pedicure, starting at $11
• Skin Care and Hair Removal, starting at $6
• Facial – Plain, starting at $16
• Machine Facial, starting at $21
• Eyebrow or Facial Wax, starting at $6
• Children’s Cut, starting at $6

The Salon at Remington is located at 607 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, call 803-214-9062.

The salon is open:

Monday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday: Call ahead for availability

For more on the Remington College Cosmetology Program, visit remingtoncosmo.com or call 1-800-448-6405.

(1) Available through February 28, 2018. First come, first serve. Appointments are recommended. Cannot be combined with any other offer.(2) Prices are base prices and may vary depending on length and style. Services and/or prices are subject to change.

About Remington College: Non-profit Remington College, headquartered in Lake Mary, FL operates 16 college campuses throughout the United States offering career focused diploma, bachelor and associate degree programs in a variety of career fields. For more information, please visit remingtoncollege.edu. For the latest news about Remington College, visit facebook.com/remingtoncollege. Remington College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and other school administered programs.