AGP Executive Report

City Breaks: Charleston took the top spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 U.S. small-city rankings, and Greenville also made the list. Coastal Weather: Tropical Storm Isaias could bring heavy rain to South Carolina from Friday into Saturday, with high tides raising the risk of coastal flooding; visitors should check forecasts and travel updates. Conservation: State officials have advanced a proposal to protect Pawleys Island beachfront and provide public beach access, while a Colleton County settlement shields much of the ACE Basin from data-center development. Heritage Travel: SC250 has put $60,000 toward a future guide to African American heritage sites across the state. Outdoor Access: Ramsey Grove has become South Carolina’s 51st state park.

Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to track west of South Carolina, but could bring rain and gusty winds Saturday and Sunday. Travelers should watch for changing conditions. Travel Honors: Greenville made Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the best small cities for 2026, adding a national spotlight to the Upstate destination. Heritage Tourism: SC250 has committed $60,000 toward a travel guide to African American heritage sites, though a launch date has not been announced. Outdoor Getaways: Ramsey Grove became South Carolina’s 51st official state park, expanding the state’s options for nature trips. Fall Planning: A new guide highlights where to see South Carolina’s fall foliage this year. Road Safety: A 69-vehicle pileup on I-95 near Lake Marion brought attention to emergency access on the bridge; the interstate has reopened.

Crash & Community Support: Foam Lake, S.C. is mourning a mother and her two young daughters killed in a three-vehicle crash, while a GoFundMe is raising money for the surviving father. Public Health: South Carolina reported 670 measles cases this year, the second-highest total in the U.S., with officials stressing vaccination as there’s no cure. Gas Prices Watch: Midgrade and premium prices vary by county, with some of the lowest midgrade deals in Horry and Fairfield counties and premium lows in Chesterfield—useful for travelers planning road trips. Politics & Healthcare Costs: Dr. Annie Andrews launched a South Carolina Senate tour focused on prescription drug costs, Medicaid, and insurance premiums, framing it as “patients and prices” vs. Washington. Local Events: Aiken’s Hopelands Gardens hosts “Nature Rocks” for families with crafts, scavenger hunts, and a guided history walk. Travel Spotlight: Condé Nast Traveler ranked Greenville among the best small cities in the U.S. for 2026, boosting the Upstate’s tourism draw. Lowcountry Hospitality: Luxury Simplified Retreats joined Nocturne Luxury Villas, expanding villa options across Charleston and the coast.

Highway Safety: South Carolina State Transport Police launched Operation Safe DRIVE, targeting distracted, reckless, impaired and visibility problems on I-20, I-26, I-77, I-85 and I-95 with enforcement plus outreach. Road Work: S.C. Highway 93 in Central is shifting traffic and closing the shoulder eastbound from Church Street to Tarrant Street from Oct. 5 to Nov. 30. Local Travel & Retirement: Tega Cay was named one of South Carolina’s best small towns for retirees by WorldAtlas, with lake living, golf and safety highlighted. Fuel Watch: Diesel prices hit a low of $5.94 in Dillon County (week ending Sept. 26), while Richland County’s lowest reported diesel was $5.59. Sports on the Coast: The Charlotte Hornets’ preseason opener vs. Brooklyn airs Tuesday at 7 p.m. on WMBF’s Palmetto Sports & Entertainment Network. Heritage Tourism Grant: SC250 awarded WeGOJA $60,000 to research Black Revolutionary War involvement and build CadenceSC.org, with GPS directions planned for sites. Big News Beyond SC: Jim Bakker, whose PTL empire included Heritage USA in Fort Mill, died at 86.

Tourism Recognition: Richmond Hill CVB chief Christy Sherman was named a 2026 “Shooting Star” by the Southeast Tourism Society, spotlighting the region’s behind-the-scenes travel leadership. Beach & Legal Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to revive an antitrust fight tied to a South Carolina beach gear rental case, keeping the dispute from moving forward. Road Updates: Greenville County drivers face temporary Woodruff Road lane closures in Simpsonville for Piedmont Natural Gas gas line repairs, with westbound lanes shifted to the median until at least Oct. 9. Health Alert: Pennsylvania measles cases topped 1,000, the largest U.S. outbreak in decades—an issue that also matters for South Carolina travelers and vaccine planning. Travel Culture: “American Pickers” is seeking collection owners to appear on the show, with filming planned for November across North Carolina and South Carolina. Outdoor Getaway: Congaree National Park highlights include the Boardwalk Trail, ranger programs, and seasonal firefly viewing—an easy Columbia-area nature escape. Local Arts & Community: A Myrtle Beach tap ensemble is bringing adults back to the dance floor, showing how travel destinations can also be community hubs.

Fall Travel & Nature: Clemson’s fall color report says El Niño plus a mild summer could make South Carolina’s Upstate foliage extra vivid, with color shifts more likely to happen at once. Road & Weather Watch: SCDOT plans a temporary Fairmont Rd. closure in Richland County (Oct. 9–12) for intersection safety work, while forecasters flag a Gulf low that could bring heavy rain next weekend from Florida toward the Carolinas. Historic Stays: Historic Hotels of America named its 2026 “Most Haunted Hotels” Top 25, a pick list for heritage travelers planning spooky-season weekends. Local Events: M.Judson Booksellers is hosting a Reader Retreat at Paris Mountain State Park’s Camp Buckhorn (Oct. 16–18), with cabins, meals, and author programming. Myrtle Beach Culture: A tap ensemble in Myrtle Beach is bringing adults back to the dance floor after years away. Safety on I-95: After a major I-95 pileup near Lake Marion, officials reported lanes reopening and highlighted the need for emergency access.

Road & Detours: SCDOT will temporarily close Fairmont Rd. at Leesburg Rd. in Richland County from Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. to Oct. 12 at 6 a.m., with signed detours via Elmtree Rd., Greenlawn Dr. and other nearby streets while crews realign the intersection for safety. Sea Life & Coastal Tourism: The South Carolina Aquarium released three rehabilitated sea turtles—Hope and Buffalo (Kemp’s ridleys) and Honey (a loggerhead)—at Folly Beach County Park, part of its push toward a 500th sea turtle release. Local Travel Events: M.Judson Booksellers is hosting a Reader Retreat weekend at Camp Buckhorn in Paris Mountain State Park (Oct. 16–18), with cabin stays dating to 1937, guided reading time, and an author brunch. Safety on the Beach: A birthday getaway on Edisto Island turned deadly after a bartender allegedly shoved a woman down stairs outside Coot’s Bar & Grill; the suspect faces charges including voluntary manslaughter. Sports (for fans planning game-day trips): College football headlines include Alabama’s big win over Mississippi State and South Carolina’s overtime loss to Kentucky, keeping SEC matchups top of mind for travel this weekend.

Reader Retreat at Camp Buckhorn: M.Judson Booksellers is hosting a fall “Reader Retreat” Oct. 16–18 at Paris Mountain State Park’s historic Camp Buckhorn in Greenville, with cabin stays dating to 1937, meals and drinks included, and an author brunch on Oct. 18. Edisto birthday trip tragedy: A birthday getaway on Edisto Island allegedly turned deadly after a bartender shoved a woman down stairs outside Coot’s Bar & Grill; the suspect faces voluntary manslaughter and assault charges. Coastal wildlife & beach plans: The South Carolina Aquarium released three rehabilitated sea turtles at Folly Beach Sept. 30, and Summerville is also moving ahead with expansion plans for its skatepark. Folly Beach festival despite rain: The Mermaids and Mateys Festival drew crowds to Center Street on Folly Beach, with vendors, costumes and live music continuing through wet weather. Local travel logistics: TSA is rolling out “Families on the Fly” family lanes at 13 airports for travelers with children ages 12 and under, aiming to ease airport security stress. Coastal cleanup milestone: A veteran-led effort reports removing 510 abandoned boats from South Carolina’s coastal waters, marking the state’s first warm-weather completion of this kind of cleanup. Gas prices: The national average for regular gasoline fell nearly 7 cents to about $4.41.

Coastal Cleanup: Wounded Nature Working Veterans says South Carolina has removed 510 abandoned boats from coastal waters, with 315 already disposed—an effort aimed at cutting marine pollution and making popular beach areas cleaner for visitors. Beach Festival: Despite rain, Folly Beach’s Mermaids and Mateys Festival drew crowds to Center Street with costumes, live music, vendors, and family activities. Road Travel Disruptions: South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating a chain of crashes involving 60+ vehicles on I-95 southbound near Lake Marion, with detours and lane closures affecting travelers. Local Safety Update: A pedestrian was killed in a Dillon crash on US-301, and investigators are still working to determine what happened. Gas Prices: The national average for regular gas fell nearly 7 cents to $4.41 after a record September. Hyatt Travel Perks: World of Hyatt updated its “new hotel member bonus” promotion, requiring a specific rate plan to earn extra points at participating new properties.

Hotel & Tourism Honors: Charleston’s Nickel (529 King St.) earned a Michelin “Key,” joining other top-area properties like The Loutrel and several one-Key hotels—another boost for Lowcountry stays. Banking & Travel Economy: Beacon Community Bank and Coastal Carolina National Bank completed a “merger of equals,” rebranding as Beacon Bank in mid-March and expanding the Grand Strand-to-Aiken footprint. Family-Friendly Water Access: Charleston sailing group Wings on Water is expanding adaptive sailing for autistic and special-needs participants, pairing fun on the harbor with serious water-safety training. Road-Trip Disruption: South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating a 60+ vehicle I-95 southbound pileup near Lake Marion; one lane reopened early Friday while cleanup continued. Outdoor & Nature: A study finds ospreys reproduce less in saltwater than freshwater, with coastal regions including parts of the Mid-Atlantic seeing deficits. Local Mystery Closure: Genealogists helped identify a Myrtle Beach-area man missing since 2023, returning remains to family after years as a John Doe. Sports on TV (for visitors): Alabama vs. Mississippi State airs on ABC, with free streaming options via DIRECTV and Fubo trials.

Weather Watch: Showers and thunderstorms could affect several Saturday college football games across South Carolina and Georgia, with the biggest delay risk flagged for Miami at Clemson—rain gear recommended. SEC Spotlight: President Trump says he’ll attend Alabama vs. Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Oct. 10, adding another high-profile SEC stop to the season. Game-Day Updates (Alabama): Alabama’s Jayvin James is listed out for the trip to Mississippi State, with Tyrell Miller expected to step in. Road Safety: Florida Highway Patrol joined a multi-state commercial truck enforcement blitz along the I-95 corridor, sidelining unsafe drivers and vehicles. Local Travel & Leisure: Beemok Hospitality Collection named Lindsey Silver vice president of sales, aiming to boost luxury tourism in Charleston. Myrtle Beach Notes: Four Starbucks locations in South Carolina closed recently, including stores in Anderson, Darlington, Murrells Inlet, and Taylors. Community Calendar: Belton’s Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival returns Oct. 3 with free admission and parking, plus music, crafts, cars, and food.

New State Park: Ramsey Grove State Park opened in Georgetown County, adding 51st SC state park status. The 2,650-acre Black River property features live oaks, pine forests, a waterfowl impoundment, and seven miles of walking and hiking trails; soft opening runs Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with admission set at $8 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children (5 and under free). Road & Travel Disruption: I-95 in South Carolina reopened after a 69-vehicle pileup on the Lake Marion bridge near Santee; 17 people were taken to McLeod Health Clarendon, with dense fog blamed. Upstate Film Push: South Carolina’s film industry leaders say the Upstate still needs steadier production, but a proposed federal tax credit backed by Sen. Tim Scott and a state pilot incentive aim to attract more projects beyond Charleston. Local Food & Fun: The Landing at the Boathouse plans a second location at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, bringing its live-music waterfront vibe to a new spot next year. Insurance Watch: Greenville homeowners are seeing steep rate hikes—up 16% on renewals—showing the insurance squeeze is spreading inland.

Agritourism Boost: A new grant program could expand agritourism for South Carolina farmers, with one York County family already turning their Blue Bird Farm into an overnight Airbnb experience. Public Safety Funding: FEMA announced nearly $55M in federal fire grants across the Southeast, including about $2.8M for Pooler to hire more firefighters. Lowcountry Travel Ideas: A new Pat Conroy-inspired guide, Pat Conroy’s Lowcountry: A History and Guide, aims to make planning a literary trip through Beaufort, Charleston and Daufuskie easier. Local Culture & Learning: Lander University will host the traveling American Revolution Experience exhibition Oct. 16–29. Road Travel Warning: Dense fog contributed to a major I-95 pileup near Lake Marion, with up to 40 vehicles involved and prolonged delays expected. Sports & Tourism Tie-In: Clemson’s Lowcountry native Elysa Wesolek is spotlighted for her role in Miami’s football nutrition program ahead of the Miami-Clemson showdown.

Charleston & Coast Events: The Post and Courier rounded up 70+ oyster roasts across the Charleston area, the SC coast, and inland spots for the 2026-27 season, with details on dates and ticket pricing as the commercial oyster season runs Oct. 1 through March. Arts & Tourism: Clemson will host the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s free “American Soundscapes” concert Oct. 6 as part of its Utsey Chamber Music Series’ 40th anniversary. Marine Life & Outdoor Travel: A decommissioned 510-foot Navy transport ship is being used as an artificial reef, showing how retired vessels can become habitat for sponges, corals, and fish. Local Travel Safety: A Murrells Inlet-area motorcyclist died after a two-vehicle crash on Highway 501 in Horry County, blocking lanes and prompting an investigation. Travel Costs: AAA reports South Carolina regular gas averaging about $4.06 a gallon, up sharply from last year, with Clemson students feeling the hit. Wildlife Rules: Oman’s turtle reserve tightened enforcement after an influencer sat on a sea turtle, highlighting permit and night-access requirements.

Local Government Moves: Horry County offices will close Oct. 2 for a relocation to the new Central Coast Complex in Carolina Forest, with several departments reopening Oct. 5 at 332 Hinson Drive. Road Safety: A foggy tractor-trailer crash in Santee killed Zachary M. Herron, 26, on U.S. 301; investigators say the Volvo was turning when the Camaro hit. Community & Outdoors: Keep the Midlands Beautiful’s Lake Sweep/River Sweep pulled 6,139 pounds of litter and recyclables from Lake Murray and nearby waterways. Travel & Entertainment: “American Pickers” plans to film in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia in November, seeking private collections in barns and warehouses. Family Fun in Charleston: Local guides share underrated Charleston experiences beyond King Street and the beaches, including a progressive dinner idea. Health & Recovery: American Detox & Treatment Center opened a 40-bed medical detox/residential facility in Taylors, expanding access for Greenville-area patients. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Hampton County at $3.82 (week ending Sept. 19).

Caregiver Charges: In Conway, Sarah Smalls was arrested Sept. 28 and charged with perjury, breach of trust, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult tied to the death of Robert Rowland—his daughter says she’s been pushing for charges for months. Fall Waterfall Guide: Lake Hartwell Country released a new waterfall guide for fall visitors near Clemson, highlighting easy-to-moderate hikes like Waldrop Stone Falls and accessible options such as Issaqueena Falls. Monarch Migration: Greer is leaning into monarch season with its Monarch City USA designation and pollinator gardens meant to help butterflies fuel up for their long journey. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel and gas prices shifting across South Carolina counties in the week ending Sept. 19, with local “cheapest” spots noted for drivers planning trips. Cancer Research Push: More than 750 cancer patients and advocates traveled to Capitol Hill urging higher federal funding, including South Carolinians citing NIH and prevention needs. Travel & Tourism Growth: TripStop is set to build a new travel center at I-81 Exit 105 in Radford, a reminder of how interstate corridors keep attracting visitor-focused development. Safety Reminder: Health officials warn about a synthetic opioid circulating online in the Coastal Carolina area, urging caution as testing options lag behind new substances.