If you are staying in one of our SC vacation rentals, pat yourself on the back. You are part of the biggest biz in the state. The most recent numbers are in. Tourism in South Carolina is big indeed, as it has surpassed the $20 billion mark for the first time, in 2015. Although final numbers haven’t been tallied for 2016, it’s predicted to continue the upward trend. Lower gas prices, an increased number of airline flights to the state, and an improved economy are all combining to bring more folks than ever to the Palmetto State. It’s officially a $20.2 billion industry, which marks a 6.1% increase over the previous year. It’s the fourth straight year of growth. Tourism is the number one industry in South Carolina and is responsible for one in ten jobs. Director of the S.C. Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism, Duane Parrish, had this to say: “This growth was the result of increased consumer confidence boosted by a favorable economy, including lower gas prices. Add to that the enormous appeal of South Carolina’s destinations and a tourism industry that promotes these places, and you have a formula for significant economic impact.” As I covered in recent blogs, the improvements to Charleston International Airport factor right into the equation. Interestingly, 20% of people who visit South Carolina arrive here by air. All of this means that rental homes South Carolina are in higher demand than ever - particularly luxury beach house rentals SC. A Charleston beach house is an ideal way to see and experience the Lowcountry, like a local. Your luxury house on Isle of Palms or Folly Beach house Charleston provides a home base from which to visit historic the downtown Charleston peninsula, area beaches, parks, plantations and gardens. This is all the more reason to call EP well in advance so you have the best selection of Isle of Palms vacation rentals.
It's more pleasant than ever to fly to one of our SC vacation rentals
CHS: great way to get to our SC vacation rentals
Speaking of the airport, the $200 million makeover of Charleston International is pretty much complete. Part of the renovations involved changing the shops and restaurants, giving them a decidedly more local flair. They include Charleston favorite Caviar & Bananas, DeSano Pizza Bakery, Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill, and a couple Harvest & Grounds. A new restaurant has recently opened serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and libations - Charleston Beer Works. It’s located in Concourse A, behind the security checkpoint. So if you’re flying to or from one of our beach house rentals Charleston SC, keep an eye peeled for some new and improved options at the airport. 
Charleston Wine + Food near our SC vacation rentals
A big part of the tourism equation in the Lowcountry is the myriad of festivals and special events that place near our beach rentals Charleston. Thanks to our mild climate, they take place year round in these parts. We’ve just finished up the Lowcountry Oyster Festival and SEWE, and next up is a fun one that’s gotten better each year. Tomorrow marks the official start of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, which runs from Wednesday, March 1st through Sunday, March 5th. This is the 12th incarnation of the foodfest, which draws folks from all over the country and planet. Here’s how they describe it:
Charleston Wine + Food is a cultural entity that champions the region’s unique foodways through world-renowned culinary experiences. Fueled by a contagious passion for the people and places that make Charleston worth celebrating, the annual festival infuses homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, and food enthusiasts from around the globe for a five-day event that spans the first full weekend each March.
Get set for over 115 individual events like special chefs’ dinners and cooking classes, and three days of the Culinary Village. This year the village is the biggest yet, with a new & improved layout and an expanded stage for live music. Many events are sold out, including the Culinary Village for Saturday, but last I checked Friday and Sunday are still available. Here’s the official site: http://charlestonwineandfood.com/ You can also read the latest on their Facebook page. So thanks for being a part of South Carolina’s booming biz. And remember, when you are searching for SC vacation rentals, especially Isle of Palms luxury rentals, to call EP. We’ll connect you with the perfect one. But call early for the most options. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger