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Welcome to Holy City Dance Center! Feel free to email us at info@holycitydance.com

Discover the Joy of Movement at Holy City Dance Center

Large Multi-Room Dance Studio

  • Dance Classes
  • Dance Lessons
  • Top Dancing Tips for Beginners
  • Dance with Your Heart

Groove to the Music with Dance Classes Near McClellanville, SC

Dancing has a wonderful way of taking us to a special place where we can embrace the moment and forget our worries, if only for a few minutes. It's enjoyable, healthy, and a great way to connect with others who share your passions. It can also be magical, like when you hear your favorite song and nail a high-energy dance routine that you've been practicing. But for new and seasoned dancers looking for classes in The Palmetto State, what options are there to consider?

If you're reading this and looking for a dance studio in South Carolina, look no further than Holy City Dance Center. From first-time beginners to experienced dancers with hours of on-stage experience, Holy City Dance has the leadership, facility, and classes to keep you moving to the music all year long.

Service Areas

Dance School McClellanville, SC

You'll Be Happy to Call Holy City Dance Center Home

When you choose Holy City Dance, you get much more than a place to practice new dance moves - you get access to an elite dancing experience in a warm, welcoming environment full of feel-good juju purpose-driven instruction. We believe that dance lessons and dancing in general help produce happy people. As such, we do everything in our power to provide a happy, positive studio in which dancers, new and old, can learn and express themselves.

Every member of our leadership team and staff is professional, talented, and, perhaps most importantly, fully committed to safely and lovingly guiding dancers. While we specialize in teaching dance lessons, we also focus on building character and kindness - especially for our younger students. At the end of the day, our goal is to combine the best aspects of hard work and dance to create a fulfilling and fun experience for all.

With a long list of both youth and adult dance lessons near McClellanville, SC, Holy City Dance Center offers something for everyone, whether you're looking to join a new performance team or a simple Mommy & Me program. Whether you are two or 102 years old, we want you in class having fun!!

Our class lessons include the following:

  • Ballet
  • Tap
  • Jazz
  • Hip Hop
  • Contemporary
  • Acro-Dance
  • Jumps & Turns
  • Stretch & Strengthen
  • Clogging
  • Musical Theater
  • Adult Dance Classes
  • Award Winning Competition Team
  • Performance Team
  • Recital Performance
  • Much More!

A Glance at Our Facility

Wondering whether or not our dance center is the right fit for you and your family? Located at 1939 Clements Ferry Road in McClellanville, SC, we take a lot of pride in our facility and like to think that shows as soon as you walk through our front doors. With 4000 sq. ft. of space, we're able to provide the best everything you or your loved one needs for a high-quality dance education.

Our dance features many amenities that dancers love, including the following:

Dance Room

Three Large Dance Rooms

Each of our dance rooms is fully equipped with unique sub-flooring to help sustain joint health and to ensure our students can train in a safe environment.

Specialty Flooring

Specialty Flooring for Dancers

We incorporate Vinyl Marley flooring in studios one and two to help reduce injury and promote better training. In studio three, we have applied special acoustic flooring made specifically for tap dancers. By providing enhanced flooring for our students, we can better ensure they enjoy a professional, purposeful dancing experience.

Large Lobby

Large Lobby

Need to wait while your little one or spouse finishes dancing classes? Our lobby is spacious and has free high-speed WiFi, so you can surf the web or get work done while you wait.

Student Lounge

Student Lounge

When our students aren't in class, they have their own lounge with lockers where they can change and enjoy each other's company.

Livestreams

Livestreams

Pull up a chair in our lobby and get a peek into our process! Whether you're a student, parent, or spouse, our livestreams are fun and educational to watch.

 Dance Classes McClellanville, SC

Holy City Dance Lessons Near McClellanville, SC

At Holy City Dance Center, we're proud to offer dancing classes for all ages, from recreational programming for very young students to programs for teens and adults. Thinking we might not have a class for you if you're a beginner? Think again! No matter your experience level, we've got a dance program to help you grow.

A few of our most popular dance programs include the following:

Youth Programs

Our recreational youth programs are a great way for kids to learn about dance while practicing balance, motor skills, discipline, and much more.

 Dance Studio McClellanville, SC

Mommy & Me: Ages 2-3

For toddlers who love to dance and move around, we offer a 45-minute Creative Movement class that focuses on basic ballet movements. This class is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 3 years old and aims to help fine-tune gross motor skills while building a passion for dance at an early age. To ensure that our young dancers stay engaged throughout the year, we integrate music, props, and seasonal themes into our lessons. Moms are welcome to join in on the fun or simply watch their little ones shine.

 Dance Courses McClellanville, SC

Pre-K Combo Ages 3-4 (Ballet & Tap and Ballet & Jazz)

If your little one is between the ages of three and four and interested in dance, these hour-long classes are a great way for them to learn about different styles. Props, music, and games are still incorporated, but with added technical elements that will expand their dance knowledge and prepare them for a successful dance career. During each class session, students will focus on both style offerings and should ensure they have the necessary shoes and attire for each.

 Youth Dance School McClellanville, SC

Youth Combo 5-7 (Ballet & Tap and Ballet & Jazz)

This package mimics our Pre-K Combo with all of the same features but is tailored to older children between the ages of five and seven.

 Adult Dance School McClellanville, SC

Kinderpop Ages 5-7

For children aged five to seven, this 45-minute class offers a fun and lively introduction to hip-hop dance. While training, students will learn the fundamentals and vocabulary of hip-hop in an upbeat environment.

 Child Dance School McClellanville, SC

Recreational Programs

These dance classes near McClellanville, SC, are best suited for beginner and intermediate students between the ages of eight and eighteen.

 Youth Dance Classes McClellanville, SC

For those who wish to delve into the intricacies of tap technique, these classes run for 45 minutes and cover all the fundamental tap moves. As students progress to higher-level classes, they will build on their skills and expand their repertoire. The classes include warm-up exercises, center-floor work, across-the-floor combinations, and complex choreography.

For students dedicated to improving their jazz technique's precision and intensity, these classes are the perfect fit. The classes run for a duration of 45 minutes and cover a range of activities, including a rigorous warm-up with a focus on flexibility training, center-floor work, across-the-floor combinations, and sharp choreography.

Our ballet classes are structured to help students master classical Vaganova techniques through barre exercises, center floor work, across-the-floor combinations, flexibility training, and explanations of ballet terminology. Each class is 1.5 hours long.

These 45-minute classes are designed for students who love to have fun and be the center of attention. They are perfect for lively, cheerful, and enthusiastic learners who want a welcoming and secure environment to express their energy. The classes concentrate on teaching the basics of footwork, body rolls, dynamics, and other essential dance skills.

If you're a student looking to express yourself through contemporary dance, these 45-minute classes are perfect for you. They focus on exploring the connection between emotion and movement, incorporating elements of lyrical dance, floor work, partnering, and improvisation. Through these methods, you'll be able to experience a sense of free movement and develop your own unique contemporary dance style.

These classes focus on building strength and flexibility for dancers while prioritizing injury prevention. Consisting of 45 to 60-minute sessions, taking this class one to two times a week can improve dancers' movement quality, style-specific skills, endurance, and prolong their dance careers.

Other recreational dance programs at Holy City Dance Center include:

  • Musical Theater - Focusing on techniques and dancing styles used in Broadway shows.
  • Dance FUNctions - Learn how to be a well-rounded, successful dancer.
  • Dance Comp & Improv - Learn the foundational skills of dance improv and the building blocks of dance composition.
  • Acro Dance - Learn how to blend the art of acrobatics and floor tumbling with traditional dancing.
  • Inclusive Dance - This class is perfect for dancers who have developmental delays or disabilities.

Adult Programs

If you're looking for a dance studio near McClellanville, SC, that offers dance lessons for working adults, look no further than Holy City Dance Center. Our adult dance classes cater to all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced. We aim to create a free and open environment where adult dancers can express themselves.

It's time to get those jazz hands moving! This 45-minute beginner-intermediate jazz class includes warm-up, strength training, center floor work, across-the-floor combinations, and sharp choreography.

This one-hour ballet class focuses on the power and accuracy of ballet technique. The class includes a well-planned barre warm-up, exercises for stretching and strengthening, center floor work, combinations across the floor, and ballet choreography.

This class is designed for those who are new to line dancing or need to refresh their skills. We will review choreographed steps and dances at a slower pace, covering the basics of line dancing and common dance terms. Each week, we will also learn at least one new dance.

Additional adult dance programs offered by Holy City Dance Center include:

Hip-Hop - This fun class features a structured walkthrough of the high-energy dance techniques known in hip-hop dancing.

Contemporary - Learn how to show emotion through dancing while adopting a free sense of stylization and movement.

Tap - If you're a beginner or intermediate dancer craving a journey that explores the precision and complexity of tap dancing, this class is for you.

 Adult Dance Classes McClellanville, SC

Top Dancing Tips for Beginners in South Carolina

At Holy City Dance Center, we welcome students of all ages and experience levels. In fact, many of our students come to us with little-to-no dancing experience. We work closely with these students to help develop their dancing fundamentals and gradually incorporate new techniques and styles. If you know that you want to begin dancing but feel like the learning curve is too high, don't worry. We can help build your skill and confidence step-by-step with beginner dance lessons near McClellanville, SC.

To help you along the way and expedite the learning process, keep these easy-to-implement tips in mind.

Find Your Inspiration

Find Your Inspiration

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the secret to becoming a great dancer is having the desire to excel. Always remember the reasons why you love dancing, as it will motivate you in moments of discouragement or lethargy. Ignite your passion by watching dance performances, chatting with fellow dancers, attending dance events, or simply listening to music that gets you moving.

Always Warm Up

Always Warm Up

Dancing without taking the time to warm up is sort of like baking biscuits without preheating your oven. You might be anxious to jump in and start, but doing so can leave you deflated and unprepared. Dancing with a cold and stiff body can be unpleasant and may lead to muscle injuries. Therefore, it's advisable to warm up and stretch before dancing. Doing so will help you move with greater range and control and also reduce the risk of injuries.

Let Go and Have Fun

Let Go and Have Fun

Always keep in mind that dancing is supposed to be a fun activity, not a burden or a source of anxiety. Dancing should be an outlet for those negative emotions! When you come for lessons at Holy City Dance Center, you can look forward to a fun, inviting atmosphere. No matter how many (or how few) dance moves you know, you can always have a good time learning how to dance with the right instructors and partners. Relax, have fun, and go with the flow. You'll be happy you did.

Get Your Groove On

Get Your Groove On

To improve your dancing skills, it's best to narrow down the specific styles you want to learn and focus on their foundational movements. One thing that all dance styles have in common is the "groove." You may not know it, but you probably groove out naturally to music all the time. Do you bob your head while driving or sway side to side at the club? If so, you've got the groove. Practicing grooves and becoming more comfortable with your body's movements will help you look better while dancing, whether in class, at a performance, or anywhere else.

Mix It Up

Mix It Up

When you first start dancing, it's common to want to dance with the same partner or friend. However, this can become boring over time. To avoid this, try dancing with a variety of people, especially when you're still learning the dance. Each person's interpretation of the music will give you a new perspective on the dance. You may worry about dancing with someone who is more advanced or less skilled than you. However, dancing with different people can help you practice being a good leader or follower. Every dance can be an opportunity to learn and grow. That's why, at Holy City Dance Center, we encourage multiple dance partners in applicable programs.

Learn and Repeat the Basics

Learn and Repeat the Basics

They say that repetition is key when it comes to learning a skill, and that's especially true when dancing. Practicing techniques over and over helps them become ingrained in your muscle memory, allowing you to execute them effortlessly. For instance, Popping exercises can enhance your control and control. House Step routines can improve your footwork and make you more comfortable on the dance floor. Whatever the dance style, start by nailing down and repeating elementary techniques. Before you know it, you'll be executing full routines from muscle memory.

Request Class Information

Dance with Your Heart and Your Feet Will Follow at Holy City Dance Center

 Child Dance Classes McClellanville, SC

Whether you're looking for an extracurricular outlet for your child or want to learn how to tap dance in your 40s, our dance studio near McClellanville, SC, is the premier choice for quality dance lessons. Our instructors are passionate about bringing your dancing dreams to life and are committed to providing you with an experience like no other. If you're ready to dance with your heart, your feet are sure to follow. All it takes is a little guidance and inspiration. Contact our dance studio today and take the first step toward a true dancing education tomorrow.

Latest News in McClellanville, SC

Remembering Hugo: 34 years ago

It has now been 34 years since Hurricane Hugo devastated much of the coast of South Carolina.What You Need To Know Hugo was a Category 4 hurricane with estimated sustained winds up to 140 mph when it came inland during the early morning hours of Sept. 22, 1989, near McClellanville, S.C.Hugo produced a 16-foot ...

It has now been 34 years since Hurricane Hugo devastated much of the coast of South Carolina.

What You Need To Know

Hugo was a Category 4 hurricane with estimated sustained winds up to 140 mph when it came inland during the early morning hours of Sept. 22, 1989, near McClellanville, S.C.

Hugo produced a 16-foot storm surge in McClellanville. A high school in the small coastal town had been selected as a shelter because maps showed it was at an elevation of 20 feet. It was actually just 10 feet above sea level, and six feet of seawater rushed into the school, where around 400 people were seeking shelter.

Eyewitness accounts say people became trapped and climbed on top of tables and chairs to avoid drowning.

Wind gusts up to 108 mph occurred in nearby Charleston, damaging around 80% of roofs in the city. Over 100 buildings in Charleston were severely damaged or destroyed.

Along the North Carolina coast, Hugo damaged at least 25 beachfront homes at Holden Beach and completely washed away seven to eight-foot dunes. The storm also destroyed a 50-foot section of the Carolina Beach pier.

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Hugo did not only impact coastal areas. The storm produced hurricane-force winds as it moved over Charlotte.

Wind gusts in the Queen City reached up to 100 mph. Around 85% of the city lost power. Windows from skyscrapers in Uptown were blown out and came crashing down on nearby streets.

Hickory reported a gust of 85 mph.

There were numerous downed trees and widespread power outages across the western Piedmont and Foothills of North Carolina.

Heavy rain led to flash flooding in the northern mountains. Mount Mitchell recorded over 8 inches of rain from the storm.

According to the State Climate Office of North Carolina, seven to 12 deaths were attributed to the storm in North Carolina. That included a 6-month old child in Union County who was sleeping when a tree fell on his home.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

Fight against sand mine in McClellanville continues

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The debate between the people of McClellanville and nearby organizations continues as a developer pushes to bring a sand mine to the rural community.The land at Lofton Road off Highway 17 is empty for now. It sits about 900 feet across from Lofton Road from St. James Santee Elementary and Middle. In 2023, the community mobilized and opposed a special allowance for a sand mine through petitions and public hearings.“So the BZA, the board of zoning appeals, they denied Blessing Investment the...

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The debate between the people of McClellanville and nearby organizations continues as a developer pushes to bring a sand mine to the rural community.

The land at Lofton Road off Highway 17 is empty for now. It sits about 900 feet across from Lofton Road from St. James Santee Elementary and Middle. In 2023, the community mobilized and opposed a special allowance for a sand mine through petitions and public hearings.

“So the BZA, the board of zoning appeals, they denied Blessing Investment their special exemption requests to establish a mine at the Lofton Road site. They didn’t like that decision. And so they appealed that,” Riley Egger with the Coastal Conservation League says.

Blessing Investment is now suing the board over its denial. The Coastal Conservation League and Friends of Coastal South Carolina applied to intervene in the legal case, to continue advocating against the mine. Their intervention was granted, and they will be at the table for the next mediation meeting.

“We’re really happy that we can intervene and be part of this case and reaffirm the decision from the BZA because they made the right call here and really speak up for the McClellanville area,” Egger says.

The concerns about the mine are its impact on the nearby school and wildlife.

“It’s primarily rural and mines are disruptive. There’s going to be trucks coming in constantly throughout the day, and it’s only 900 feet from St. James Santee Elementary Middle School. That’s not appropriate. The community was clear,” Egger says.

Grace Gasper, Executive Director at Friends of Coastal SC says in her conversations with neighbors in McClellanville, they are all in agreement.

“The area and the impacts need to be considered and our main concern over this one is the proximity of the school and the property also adjoins designated Wilderness Area, Little Wambaw Samp Wilderness and the Francis Marion National Forests,” Gasper says.

Gasper and Egger say once a wildlife area is disrupted, it’s changed forever and unable to be perfectly restored.

“The potential ecological impacts to an area that’s designated to be kept pristine and unimpacted by humans, you know, is unknown at this point,” Gasper says.

Gasper highlights again that it’s not just about wildlife habitat, but also the nearby school.

“We’re really concerned about the disruption to the kids during the school day. What that will do to their use of their outside facilities, and also the safety concern that the dump truck traffic having to make U-turns to enter the site on 17 would cause and they would actually have to either use the road that the school traffic uses,” Gasper says.

Charleston County is already home to more than 30 sand mines according to DHEC’s records.

“There are going to be areas where there’s sand and dirt mining and we’re not unilaterally opposed to that. We think the environmental impacts need to be more closely considered, and that’s, you know, honestly a statewide issue,” Gasper says.

Egger agrees, saying the organization is looking into mines across the state level to gauge the current situation.

“The Lofton Mine is a prime example of where mines shouldn’t exist. And there needs to be a broader reform at the state level so that these don’t happen again,” Egger says.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Cleanup begins in Charleston, Georgetown after storm brings heavy rains, flooding

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Residents and officials are beginning the cleanup process after a storm system dumped inches of rain across the Lowcountry Sunday.The heaviest rainfall was in McClellanville where rainfall totals exceeded 16 inches. More than 13 inches of rain was recorded in Georgetown.Elsewhere in Charleston County, 8.45 inches of rain was recorded on Isle of Palms, 7.73 inches fell in Mount Pleasant and more than 6 inches fell on Sullivan’s Island and James Island.Flooding prompted road closures around ...

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Residents and officials are beginning the cleanup process after a storm system dumped inches of rain across the Lowcountry Sunday.

The heaviest rainfall was in McClellanville where rainfall totals exceeded 16 inches. More than 13 inches of rain was recorded in Georgetown.

Elsewhere in Charleston County, 8.45 inches of rain was recorded on Isle of Palms, 7.73 inches fell in Mount Pleasant and more than 6 inches fell on Sullivan’s Island and James Island.

Flooding prompted road closures around the area with many Charleston roads still closed Monday morning.

A full list of road closures in Charleston can be found below:

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg called Sunday a “tough and frustrating day” for Charlestonians.

“This was a tough and frustrating day for our citizens, as historic high tides came up and over the land in the city, flooding cars, homes, businesses and streets. Thankfully, no major injuries have been reported at this time, and recovery efforts are already underway.

“As I said recently, I’ve never been more optimistic about the future of our city. But that optimism depends on our ability to adapt to sea level rise and climate change, which forecasters tell us will bring punishing tides like the ones we saw today on a monthly or even weekly basis in the decades to come. That’s why the city is working with the Army Corps of Engineers on a plan to protect our citizens from this kind of tidal flooding. And it’s why we must continue to move forward until Charleston has the perimeter protection and other infrastructure it needs to survive and thrive in the years ahead.”

The city is asking residents to report damage through its damage reporting tool.

The Charleston Water System has issued a public notice, warning area residents that heavy rains and flooding could cause issues with sewer systems.

The group said heavy rains and tidal flooding could cause sanitary sewer overflows to occur.

The Charleston Water System says that residents and pets should avoid areas where manholes are overflowing.

They ask that if you see any manhole overflows, you report it to them as soon as possible by calling 843-727-6800.

Photos and video submitted show flooded roadways and vehicles submerged in water Sunday afternoon. The city saw its fourth-highest tide on record and the highest tide for a non-tropical system. Preliminary reports from the National Weather Service show the tide in Charleston Harbor peaked at 9.86 feet.

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Submit your photos of flood and storm damage here.

A bridge in McClellanville washed out amid Sunday’s heavy rains leaving around 100 people isolated, officials said.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office said they were assisting the state’s department of transportation in the Silver Hills community after a bridge on Old Cemetery Road washed out.

Rain totals in McClellanville topped 16 inches during Sunday’s storm.

Deputies say a pedestrian bridge is accessible.

The effects of the weather were felt by the Charleston County Public Library as the Folly Beach branch of the system was closed Monday. Library officials planned on a delayed opening for the Edisto Island branch pending an assessment.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie were also closed Monday for cleanup.

Authorities rescued dozens of motorists stranded by floodwaters in South Carolina’s waterfront community of Georgetown, Georgetown County spokesperson Jackie Broach said.

There were no reports of injuries or deaths in Georgetown County, Broach said. Gusty winds were strong enough to topple some signs and trees. Outdoor holiday decorations were tossed about, she said.

Broach said the city of Georgetown and town of Pawleys Island were the hardest hit areas of the county.

The Georgetown County Courthouse was damaged by the flooding, limiting the abilities of some government services.

The treasurer’s office was closed Monday and unable to accept cash payments. Other payments could be accepted by deputies at the front door but no payments will post Monday, Broach said. Online payments were not impacted.

The building department was relocated to a conference room across from the planning department. No building certificates could be issued and no building inspections will be performed on Monday as inspectors work on the damage assessment team. That Damage Assessment Team went out to gauge the severity of the damage Monday morning.

That team includes members of the stormwater department whose office was damaged in the courthouse flooding. The department is operating from the airport and emergency operations center.

Broach said three people were displaced by flooding.

All major roadways in the county have been reopened in the county, while some smaller roads remained flooded across the county.

Officials will also survey beaches for damage in the county with Garden City Beach already having reports of erosion.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is helping in Pawleys Island where marsh grass washed onto the causeway and streets.

Residents who have damages they would like to report can do so by emailing photos and supporting information, including exact location, to emergencymanagement@gtcounty.org.

Further up the South Carolina coastline, a radar-confirmed tornado touched down in Horry County.

Damage was reported in areas of Horry County such as Forestbrook and along roads including River Oaks Drive and Burcale Road. Damage along Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach was also reported.

The National Weather Service confirmed on Monday an EF-1 tornado touched down 2 miles east of Socastee.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

The Quiet Fishing Towns In South Carolina That Seem Frozen In Time

South Carolina’s fishing past and present are alive in a few places along the coast of the Palmetto State. And while much of the commercial fishing industry may be shrinking, these quiet and quaint fishing towns in South Carolina seem frozen in time. It’s a perfect place to spend a day – immersed in these little-changed fishing towns remaining in the state. And who doesn’t love visiting the many quaint and charming ...

South Carolina’s fishing past and present are alive in a few places along the coast of the Palmetto State. And while much of the commercial fishing industry may be shrinking, these quiet and quaint fishing towns in South Carolina seem frozen in time. It’s a perfect place to spend a day – immersed in these little-changed fishing towns remaining in the state. And who doesn’t love visiting the many quaint and charming South Carolina small towns?

To be clear, there are several bonafide fishing towns along the coast, but these three are especially amazing because they’ve retained the charm of days gone by and managed to set aside space for visitors to enjoy their nostalgic appeal.

The three towns are only an hour and a half apart so we’ve created a mini road trip and mapped them out for you in a handy Google Maps link. Plan your day correctly and you could have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in different charming little old-timey fishing towns along the South Carolina coast! Have fun!

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This Easy 1.6-Mile Trail In South Carolina Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

This Is The Most South Carolina Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

The City Of Camden In South Carolina Just Turned 290 Years Old And It's The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip

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Fall is the perfect time for this Lowcountry road trip to see three old fishing towns along the coast, although any time of the year will do. Have you visited any of these before? We’d love to know if you’ve ever been to all three on the same day and what are some of your other favorite South Carolina small towns!

If you plan on taking this or any other South Carolina road trip anytime soon, make sure you take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List before you hit the road.

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More to Explore

Melissa M. | December 14, 2023

What are some of the most charming small towns in South Carolina?

Just about every part of the state offers quaint towns that are worth exploring. Here are some of the most charming small towns in South Carolina worth visiting:

Check out more charming small towns in South Carolina.

What are some of the best seafood restaurants in South Carolina? With its coastal fishing villages, it may come as no surprise that South Carolina offers numerous restaurants that serve up some of the freshest seafood. Here are a few:

Check out these must-visit seafood restaurants in South Carolina.

McClellanville-area reef expansion to provide marine habitat

Anglers and fish alike can enjoy an expanded CCA-McClellanville Reef (PA-34) as of this week.On Tuesday, March 9, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina (CCA SC) staff took advantage of calm seas and beautiful weather to add a retired tugboat and 24 four-foot diameter concrete culvert pipes concrete culvert pipes to the existing artificial reef in 50 feet of water. The tugboat and culverts joi...

Anglers and fish alike can enjoy an expanded CCA-McClellanville Reef (PA-34) as of this week.

On Tuesday, March 9, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina (CCA SC) staff took advantage of calm seas and beautiful weather to add a retired tugboat and 24 four-foot diameter concrete culvert pipes concrete culvert pipes to the existing artificial reef in 50 feet of water. The tugboat and culverts joined numerous other structures that form the reef, including remnants of the former Cooper River Bridge, concrete structures and a 105' tugboat. The new reef additions were funded in part by CCA SC and in part by funds provided through the purchase of saltwater fishing licenses. "The Coastal Conservation Association has been a tremendous help to us in getting high-quality material distributed along our coast," said SCDNR artificial reef coordinator Bob Martore. "Vessels like this provide an excellent foundation for a reef community because their complexity attracts a wide variety of species."

Artificial reefs play a similar role as coral reefs, which cannot grow in the temperate waters off the coast of South Carolina. These human-built structures are typically placed on areas of seafloor with little natural relief, improving habitat and spawning grounds for a diverse array of fish and marine life – and in turn attracting recreational divers and anglers.

"Today's deployment marks another fantastic collaborative effort between the conservation community, private industry, and state government that benefits both fish and fishermen" said Scott Whitaker, CCA SC executive director. "Enhancing habitat and expanding access for recreational anglers are two of the cornerstones in CCA SC's coastal initiative plan and we are excited about the additional projects planned for 2021 and beyond."

SCDNR has been constructing artificial reefs to improve offshore fish populations and recreational opportunities for over forty years, sinking everything from bridge spans to military vehicles to subway cars. The environmental benefits of artificial reefs are twofold, as they recycle materials that would otherwise be destined for landfills in addition to expanding critical habitat for offshore fish. Structures intended for artificial reefs undergo a long and rigorous cleaning process to ensure they're safe to sink.

South Carolina is home to dozens of artificial reef sites, the location data for which are free to download to your marine GPS device.

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