Region Rundown: Lowcountry
The term "Lowcountry" refers to the geography from the inner piedmont and sandhills to the salt marshes and coastal waterways, it's the term for land that falls beyond the Atlantic Seaboard Fall Line. But for many South Carolinians, the true definition of Lowcountry lies within the region's culture and customs.
There's historical charm in cities Charleston and Beaufort. There's soft sand and clear ocean in Hilton Head and Kiawah. Oh, and just about everywhere there is delicious food! Got a craving for she-crab soup and Frogmore stew? Maybe you have a hankering for shrimp and grits and a fresh fish fry? This region of our great state is known for having food as rich as its history and culture.
But don't be fooled by the relaxing atmosphere and southern comfort, the Lowcountry Region is anything but slow! Business is booming here, from bustling ports to airplane manufacturing, there is plenty of steadfast spirit and entrepreneurship in the Lowcountry.
The counties in the Lowcountry region include: Allendale, Bamberg, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, Jasper, and Orangeburg.
Boeing (photo credit - Boeing South Carolina)
Big business is full speed ahead in this region! Airplane and car manufacturing are center stage here. Boeing has several facilities in the area, in fact, the entire production of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner takes place in their Charleston location. Other operations at the facility include technology, engineering design, and research. Boeing is one of the largest employers in not only the region, but within the state, making aircraft manufacturing a major player in Lowcountry!
It's more than just planes! Mercedes-Benz Vans and Volvo Cars each have plants for production in the area. The Mercedes-Benz Plant Charleston has produced over 100,000 vans since its 2006 opening. Volvo Cars has opened a university campus in Ridgeville where education and training for retailers, employees, and technicians takes place! Other companies making waves in the Lowcountry are Blackbaud Software Publishers, Greystar Real Estate Partners, and Roper St. Francis Healthcare. This region dips its toe into all of the industries, an easy thing to do with the Charleston Port to help bring in business!
Sweetgrass Baskets
Of the Palmetto State’s cities, many with the largest populations belong to Lowcountry. Charleston is the most populous city within South Carolina, though North Charleston and Mount Pleasant are also high on that list. As the oldest city, Charleston has centuries of culture, and you can't discuss Lowcountry culture without mentioning the Gullah-Geechee! From sweetgrass baskets to celebratory festivals, Gullah culture is synonymous with the region. The Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor is nationally recognized, stretching across the Carolinian coastal line to surrounding states.
Architecture is a big stand out in the Lowcountry. Most are familiar with "The Battery" and its panoramic views of the harbor. Many know "Rainbow Row", the stretch of colorful historical houses that line Charleston's streets. Did you know the only college in the United States that fully integrates professional training in the traditional building trades with a liberal arts core curriculum is in Lowcountry? The American College of Building Arts teaches everything from blacksmithing to plaster craft. This college is joined by several others who produce the business minds of tomorrow right here in the marshes!
Major Institutions of Higher Education:
- College of Charleston
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Roper Hospital School of Practical Nursing
- The Military College of South Carolina
- Trident Technical College
Hilton Head Harbor
Every seen Hilton Head’s Harbour Town Lighthouse or paid a visit to one of the many sea islands? The barrier islands and their cities bring in billions to the state's tourism economy. With resorts run by the Marriott and Hilton, it's hard to want to stay anywhere else! Tourism and the hospitality industry are vital components of South Carolina's economy.
All across the Lowcountry region lovely landscapes make great filming locations! Movies like Forrest Gump and series like Outer Banks (it might be set in North Carolina, but the crew films here!) show off the gorgeous greenery and wetlands the region offers. Everyone knows the iconic (and romantic!) boat scene from The Notebook amongst cypress gardens. Spanish moss drapes the setting of many movie backgrounds and locations like Fort Multrie and Fort Sumter have even made their way to the big scene. The film industry brings in millions each year and is steadily growing as more people get to know the beauty Lowcountry has to offer.
Outer Banks Filming (photo credit - Outerbanks/Netflix/Curtis Baker)
So, whether you’re in the area for a bite or a business venture, Lowcountry offers unmissable sights and opportunities. There's plenty to see, to sample, and to appreciate in South Carolina's most historic region. The balance between cutting-edge innovation and classic culture make Lowcountry the place to be.
