Charleston is set to become a key embarkation point for an ambitious transcontinental excursion that culminates nearly 4,000 miles away in Alaska, the 49th state.
Travelers will have to board five ships and at least two airplanes to complete this extensive journey.
Recently, American Cruise Lines unveiled several new packages tied to the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration in 2026.
Among the offerings is ‘Spring Across America 2026,’ a remarkable 51-day, 50-night sailing scheduled to depart from the Holy City on April 3.
This voyage will take passengers southward to destinations such as Beaufort and Hilton Head Island.
The first leg of the journey will be aboard the 100-guest American Liberty, concluding at Amelia Island near Jacksonville, Florida.
Here, passengers will switch to the American Pioneer for a scenic trip around Florida’s southern tip and northward towards St. Petersburg.
From St. Petersburg, travelers will then fly to Memphis to embark on a segment of their cruise aboard the American Serenade, navigating down the Mississippi River to New Orleans.
The journey continues with another flight to Clarkston, Washington, near the Idaho border, where travelers will explore the Columbia and Snake rivers on the American Harmony.
The final stretch of this odyssey will be on the American Constitution, departing from Seattle.
This ship will transport guests along the stunning coast of British Columbia before reaching its last port of call in Juneau, Alaska, on May 23.
The Guilford, Connecticut-based boutique cruise company promises ‘seamless ship transitions, immersive excursions, and ever-changing scenery,’ highlighting the uniqueness of this coast-to-coast voyage that showcases the nation’s rich landscapes and cultures.
Pricing details for the ‘Spring Across America’ voyage had not been posted on the company website as of April 14.
Meanwhile, not all sports-related activities were centered in Augusta, Georgia, for the Masters last week.
At Kiawah Island Golf Resort, approximately 160 miles from Augusta National, a high-profile gathering was taking place.
The annual corporate global leadership summit, organized by Bruin Capital and the online news outlet Sportico, brought together influential figures from the sports, media, technology, and finance sectors.
High-profile attendees included NBA commissioner Adam Silver and former U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, among others, as reported by CNBC, which received exclusive access to this mostly off-the-record summit.
Interviews during the event featured billionaire Marc Rowen of Apollo Global Management and Vlad Tenev, the CEO and co-founder of Robinhood.
The event also attracted various celebrities and business leaders, including actor Ryan Reynolds, known for co-owning a Welsh soccer club, ‘Yellowstone’ creator Taylor Sheridan, Dallas Mavericks investor Mark Cuban, and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan.
The Kiawah gathering is described as a ‘super-sized’ version of a luncheon that Bruin Capital previously held in New York.
Organizers are reportedly aiming to establish a sports summit similar to the well-known Allen & Co. media and finance conference that occurs annually in Sun Valley, Idaho.
In a development related to healthcare, the former Roper Hospice Cottage in Mount Pleasant is being repurposed to serve the community’s needs.
The parent company of Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health in North Charleston has acquired the 2.8-acre property at 676 Wando Park Boulevard for this initiative.
The facility, named Sea Grove Recovery, is set to support individuals suffering from substance use and mental health disorders.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on April 15 to celebrate the opening of this 41-bed treatment center, operated by Foundations Recovery Network, part of Universal Health Services Inc.
The organization emphasizes evidence-based treatments and compassionate care within a holistic approach to wellness, according to a written statement.
Universal Health Services, under the name Palmetto Behavioral Health System LLC, purchased the Mount Pleasant property for $4.5 million in September 2023, although specific plans were initially undisclosed.
Roper St. Francis Healthcare closed the end-of-life services campus in mid-2023 as part of a strategic transition to provide care within patient homes and hospitals.
In a technological advancement, Home Telecom has expanded its SmartTown Community Wi-Fi initiative to Moncks Corner after a successful trial launch in Nexton last fall.
This program offers wireless broadband access throughout public parks and spaces in Moncks Corner, ensuring the same speed and security that customers enjoy at home.
The new Wi-Fi access is now available at notable areas such as the Moncks Corner Recreational Complex ballfields, the Train Depot, Unity Park, and the Home Telecom Miracle League Field.
According to Gina Shuler, vice president of marketing at Home Telecom, Nexton and Moncks Corner are just the beginning.
‘Expanded SmartTown connections are on the horizon, ensuring that Home Telecom customers can remain securely connected,’ Shuler remarked.
The Nexton Wi-Fi program launched in November, making wireless connectivity available in areas like Nexton Square and Brighton Park Great Lawn.
In the educational sector, the increasing demand for midwives has prompted the University of South Carolina’s College of Nursing to take action.
The university has announced plans to launch South Carolina’s only accredited nurse-midwifery education program in the upcoming fall semester.
This program will prepare students to deliver reproductive health and primary care, with a specific focus on prenatal and postpartum care, childbirth, and gynecologic health.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 7 percent increase in the number of nurse-midwives over the next decade, highlighting a growing field.
The blended online and hands-on program will allow registered nurses to earn a master’s degree while qualifying for a certification exam.
Ten midwifery practices across the state have already pledged to provide clinical education opportunities for students, including several locations in the Charleston area.
The College of Nursing also aims to launch a doctorate in nursing with a focus on midwifery by 2026, indicating a commitment to expanding this specialty further.
Meanwhile, Santee Cooper’s Camp Hall business park is preparing for the opening of its first recreational amenity with an 18-hole disc golf course.
This addition comes after the successful launch of its first retail outlet and is designed to enhance the community’s recreational offerings.
The disc golf course, featuring Innova Discatchers and concrete tee pads, is set to unveil on April 26, coinciding with a tournament to celebrate its opening.
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