SEO Company in Charleston, SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Buc-ee’s, the popular gas station brand, filed a federal lawsuit against a North Charleston-based apparel company alleging trademark infringement of the Buc-ee’s beaver logo.

The Texas-based Buc-ee’s filed the suit against Born United.

Buc-ee’s operates a chain of travel centers and convenience stores across nine states, including South Carolina. A “significant and growing portion” of the company’s business involves making, distributing and selling clothing prominently featuring the Buc-ee’s trademarks, the lawsuit, filed last Tuesday, states.

Born United sells clothing and other merchandise bearing patriotic themes and slogans and operates under the slogan, “Bringing brands together that stand for freedom,” the suit alleges. Court documents state it offers its own private label products as well as merchandise from third-party brands like Grunt Style, Palmetto State Armory, Nine Line Apparel, and others.

Buc-ee’s’ lawsuit claims Born United has sold apparel, accessories and gear through its retail stores and website with a logo infringing on the Buc-ee’s trademark. Those items include a t-shirt, shorts and a patch.

The lawsuit alleges the sale of the infringing products continued even after Buc-ee’s sent a cease-and-desist letter, demonstrating what it calls “willful infringement and bad faith conduct.”

The lawsuit seeks a court order to stop Born United from selling any more of the merchandise as well as damages, profits from the sale of the items and attorney fees.

The suit says Buc-ee’s was first founded in 1982, with a handful of valid trademark registrations since 2007.

The products online at Born United’s website have since been taken down. However, as of Monday afternoon, there was a shirt with the beaver logo in the store window.

In a statement, Born United’s founder said the company is open to speaking with Buc-ee’s about the matter.

“We love and respect Buc-ee’s, and we are happy to discuss any concerns that they might have. Born United stands for God, Freedom, and Country. We are strong supporters of our veteran, military, and first responder community,” Founder & Owner of Born United Cameron Bechtold said.

Necessary or not, travelers are venturing beyond the European charm of Charleston into South Carolina's lesser-known.

The proof is no more evident than the vibrant state capital, Columbia, which is seeing record numbers of visitors, but that's not the state's best-kept secret.

Southern Living featured an insightful list of the ‘most beautiful' destinations in South Carolina. Of course, Myrtle Beach was no surprise, but the average Joe or Jane doesn't know the Palmetto State's third-oldest city even exists, as it doesn't pop up on many listicles or guidebooks — until today.

Boasting fairytale vibes, far fewer crowds than Charleston, and access to some of the South's most underrated waterfronts, timeless Georgetown has remained hush-hush far too long and makes for an awesome summer escape, whether you're seeking a beach trip, a relaxing getaway in an old-timey inn, or scenic outdoor adventures.

Georgetown is about halfway between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. It is set along numerous intracoastal waterways and connects to nearby islands that are overshadowed by more popular beach getaways.

Georgetown has it all, whether you're into camping, boating, or simply enjoying a beach day!

There are Riverview restaurants and waterfront campgrounds, plus a locals' favorite beach town a stone's throw away that almost no tourists ever visit, which is why there are only 7 reviews for Debidue Beach on Google.

But outside of Georgetown, Pawley Island is definitely the highlight of the region just 20 minutes away. With less crowds and vintage vibes, it's a great dupe for jam-packed Myrtle Beach.

Georgetown itself oozes vintage vibes of a bygone era too hence its ‘fairytale' allure. The historic Harborwalk is located at the Georgetown Harbor, overlooking beautiful Goat Island, arguably the best place to watch sunsets.

Trust me, it's not baahhhhhhd at all.

Plus, it's within walking distance of Front Street's row of boutique shops, cafes, and mom-and-pop eateries serving Southern classics, such as the top-rated River Room Restaurant.

If there's one excursion you shouldn't skip, visiting Georgetown, Southern Living believes it's a one-of-a-kind tour offered by Swamp Fox Tours, the oldest tour operator in town.

Hopping aboard their popular blue and white trams for an insightful deep dive into Georgetown's stunning antebellum architecture, community churches, and an occasional ghost story thrown in, all for just $15.

You can also book a plantation-specific tour via Hopsawee Plantations. While the history of plantations is undeniably heartbreaking, it's essential to ensure those stories are never forgotten.

Another must-visit is the Gullah Museum, showcasing the unique culture of the Gullah Geechee people if you didn't learn enough from Gullah Gullah Island growing up. Best of all, it's free to enter.

The Rice Museum is another popular attraction based on the town's prosperity derived from a single commodity. Admission is $12.

Georgetown is the type of tight-knit community where a new chain restaurant would make waves, but in this case, it's actually a new hotel.

The George Hotel has been the talk of the town. Small yet mighty with just 56 rooms, this chic boutique scored prime waterfront real estate and it's booking up quick.

As you can imagine new = pricey. Expect to pay upwards of $225 for a standard room this summer.

There are far better deals if you prefer chain hotels or cozy bed and breakfasts, Georgetown's staple.

Check out these 3 amazing properties under $200 per night:

There are also a variety of vacation rentals here, many of which are in the aforementioned historic homes.

Georgetown is well-positioned for an easy escape. Situated just an hour and 15 minutes from Charleston International Airport and an hour from Myrtle Beach International Airport, there are 2 convenient options.

A road trip through the “low country” makes your vacation even more of an adventure with scenic backroads through moss-draped oak alleys and delightful small towns of friendly folks ready to welcome you with contagious southern hospitality.

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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The Nickel hotel is located in Charleston’s buzzy Cannonborough neighborhood.

Charleston’s Upper King Street draws locals and visitors for its charming mix of antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants—and it’s about to get a lot buzzier. The Nickel, a new boutique hotel, opens June 2 in the city’s Cannonborough neighborhood.

On the heels of opening The Pinch just off King Street in 2022, The Nickel is the second Charleston hotel for Philadelphia-based Method Co., in partnership with owner and real estate developer Capital Square and Morris Adjmi Architects. The five-story new build encompasses 50 rooms and suites, a greenery-filled interior courtyard, a library, a rooftop bar, and a soon-to-open guest-only cocktail bar.

“The Nickel is our next love letter to Charleston—a bold continuation of a story that began with The Pinch,” says Daniel Olsovsky, Method Co.’s creative director, in an interview with Travel + Leisure. “We broke ground in July 2022, just months after opening The Pinch, inspired by the creative momentum we saw pulsing through Upper King Street and the Cannonborough neighborhood.”

The hotel takes its name from the French expression "c'est nickel," or ”it's impeccable," a phrase Olsovsky described as capturing “something beautifully executed, just right, effortlessly polished. That spirit lives in every detail of the guest experience.”

Upon checking in, guests will be greeted with a welcome cocktail (with a spirit-free option available, too). Each of the residential-style guest rooms and suites comes with a full kitchen, featuring Bosch appliances and honed marble countertops, as well as washers and dryers, and dedicated dining and lounge areas. In-room mini bars are stocked with local and artisanal snacks.

Envisioned by New York-based Morris Adjmi Architects, who led the building design and interior architecture, as well as Method Co.’s design arm, Method Studios, the hotel's decor seamlessly marries vintage and contemporary elements. Design touches include herringbone oak flooring, custom-designed king beds, and, in select rooms, private balconies overlooking its lush interior courtyard complete with wrought iron details, a wood-burning fireplace, and a tiered fountain.

The hotel’s dining offerings reflect its neighborhood’s creative energy. Bar Daniel, the guest-only cocktail lounge named after Cannonborough founder Daniel Cannon, serves everything from morning espresso to late-night cocktails in an elegant setting of sage velvet banquettes and antique mirror walls. Come late June, the rooftop Rosemary Rose will open to the public, offering small plates and cocktails, along with panoramic views of Charleston’s skyline and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Other highlights include a complimentary bike-sharing program and a guest pass to a nearby gym that features an 82-foot swimming pool and outdoor sports courts. The Parlour, an event space and listening room, has access to a private balcony overlooking the courtyard and a curated selection of vinyl records.

NORTH CHARLESTON — E-commerce giant Amazon has been shopping around the Palmetto State's third-largest city to support its delivery operations.

North Carolina-based developer SunCap Property Group has submitted plans to construct an 87,000-square-foot distribution center on 30 acres along Weber Boulevard for the "everything store."

The roughly 30-acre site near Patriot Boulevard straddles the Charleston-Dorchester County line.

The plans that SunCap submitted to state regulators featured the Amazon logo and included a possible code name, Project Hound Dogs.

A representative said the Charlotte-based real estate developer, which has opened a Charleston office, is "not at liberty to discuss details of ongoing projects or client relationships."

Separately, Seattle-based Amazon giant recently leased a 40,341-square foot warehouse on three acres at 1930 Hanahan Road, near Rivers Avenue. Harbor Commercial Partners represented the landlord in the lease to Amazon.com Services LLC.

Todd Garrett, the lead broker on the deal, said the tenant plans to use the site near I-26 and I-526 as a new delivery-vehicle hub. Built in 1975, the warehouse further has room for about 30 trucks and includes office space and three loading dock doors.

Amazon has continued to grow its South Carolina presence in the last year.

In March 2024, the company announced plans to open a 165,000-square-foot same-day delivery center in North Myrtle Beach this year. It's a first for Amazon in South Carolina.

That same month, the company leased a 158,340-square-foot Summerville warehouse on Jedburg Road, near I-26 and roughly halfway between the Port of Charleston and I-95, according to public real estate records.

With tree-lined walkable streets, gorgeous public parks, piers for dolphin watching, ancient alleys to explore, an internationally significant restaurant scene, art galleries to peruse, boutique shops to hit up, and oysters to slurp down, there's an abundance of good reasons to visit Charleston. And while there are many great hotels to choose from, staying in an Airbnb can offer a bit more privacy and freedom.

The Holy City has a long history of welcoming lodgers into private homes. A scan of the old newspapers from the 1790s alone shows Mrs. Knight advertising her boarding house on Tradd Street promising “satisfaction to those who may please to come,” Mrs. Bricken on Elliott Street “determined to use every exertion to merit approbation,” and Mr. John Hinckley on Union Street (now State Street) “flatters himself no Person will dislike the situation, either by the Week or Day, on the most reasonable terms.” Fast forward to the 21st Century, Charlestonians are a lot less formal now, but still just as gracious.

Most short-term rentals are concentrated in Cannonborough/Elliotborough, a neighborhood whose tree-lined residential streets are packed with eateries and cute shops, all just blocks away from the main thoroughfare of King Street with its oyster bars and snazzy cocktails. The city remains stubbornly parsimonious in granting rental licenses outside of that zone, but it’s for good reason: it helps to support their great hotels and keep the streets as authentic and livable as possible. As a result, visitors get to experience that genuine sense of place.

We’ve come a long way from the boarding houses of yesteryear. Now you can gather all your friends into a spacious Victorian house and clink Champagne glasses on its double piazzas, or retreat for a round of billiards in your handsome loft above Hank’s Seafood Restaurant. From an exclusive 19th-century brick carriage house with a private ornamental garden to an epic urban loft with access to a private chef, these are some of the best Airbnbs in Charleston, South Carolina.

We've selected these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews.

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