Criminal Defense Attorney inHilton Head Island, SC

After a warm week of beach weather, Hilton Head residents woke up Friday morning to temperatures just over 50 degrees.

Here’s the weather forecast for this weekend, including Sunday, the day of the 40th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Friday

Highs on Friday are expected to reach 67 degrees, according to the seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service in Charleston. It will be sunny and slightly windy, with winds ranging between 6 and 11 miles per hour.

Friday night will be clear, with a low of 53 degrees. Jacket weather is back on the island, at least for now.

Saturday

Saturday will also be sunny, and it will be slightly warmer than Friday, with a high around 73 degrees, the weather service said.

Lows on Saturday night will hit 62 degrees, and there’s a 20% chance of rain after 2 a.m.

Sunday

Here’s when things get a little hairy.

On Sunday, when highs could reach 75 degrees, there’s a chance of showers before 11 a.m., and a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., right when the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is scheduled to start, showers are likely and a thunderstorm is possible.

The chance of precipitation on Sunday is 60%, and winds could range from 7 to 10 miles per hour.

Showers are also likely on Sunday night, with a thunderstorm possible before 8 p.m. There’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., and at 2 a.m., showers are “likely” and a thunderstorm is possible.

Next week

The rain will continue into Monday. Temperatures will be breezy, with a high of 75, and a thunderstorm is possible.

The rain will continue into Monday night, mostly before 8 p.m. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation, and the low will be around 40 degrees.

The rain will finally stop on Tuesday, but it will leave behind colder weather, the weather service said.

Mostly sunny skies are expected from Tuesday through Thursday, but the Tuesday high will be 56 degrees. Highs will reach 59 degrees on Wednesday and 65 degrees on Thursday, the forecast said.

HILTON HEAD, S.C. (WTOC) - The 40th Annual Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, beginning at 2 p.m. on Pope Avenue.

The Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Palmetto State, according to organizers.

Since last year’s event was rained out, the island is excited to bring back the Irish celebration bigger and better than ever.

Parade route and parking

The route begins at Lowcountry Celebration Park/Coligny Beach Parking area, turns left onto Pope Avenue, then left onto Office Park Drive and ends at the Courtyard Building/Park Plaza.

No parking will be available near the parade staging area at the Coligny Beach Parking Lot.

Attendees can park in the area of USCB Hilton Head and will be shuttled to Lowcountry Celebration Park. The Breeze Trolley will operate one-way trips from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office will begin placing cones and barricades along Pope Avenue at 11 a.m. Sunday.

What to expect

Parade Chairwoman Gabrielle Muething said the event stands out among island celebrations.

“It is the one event that is family-friendly, it’s free, you can watch from a bazillion places and enjoy all that the island offers at the same time,” Muething said.

Organizers expect 25,000 visitors to line the parade route. The marching lineup includes floats, the U.S. Marine Corps Band from Parris Island, pipe and drum bands and more. This year’s Grand Marshal is Diane Reilley.

Make sure you wear green and bring some extra rain gear just in case!

WTOC’s Stormchaser and some familiar faces will be in the parade, so keep an eye out and say hi (or Happy St. Patrick’s Day) when you see us.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from the distillery

A Beaufort distillery that opened almost six years ago at the height of the pandemic filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Tuesday.

Rotten Little Bastard Distillery, which opened in the former Kmart building at 2139 Boundary Street in August 2020, filed for bankruptcy March 10 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the district of South Carolina. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is essentially liquidation, which means the debtor’s nonexempt assets will be sold and proceeds will be used to pay creditors.

In a statement posted to Facebook Wednesday afternoon, owner Brigid Fackrell confirmed the distillery would close. Spirits will be available for purchase at South Carolina liquor stores and online distributors Cellar.com and Tipxy.com as long as supplies last, she said.

Opening in the middle of a pandemic led to an “unexpected rough start” for the business, Fackrell said in her statement. In 2023, things seemed like they were getting better, but in 2025 her husband and co-founder Brian had a stroke, which, while not debilitating, changed some of his abilities.

The couple started to look for someone to buy the business, Brigid Fackrell said, but the “current economy and changes in how people drink alcohol were not in our favor and we could not find a buyer.”

“Brian and I are not going anywhere, as Beaufort is our home,” Brigid Fackrell said. “We are just moving on to the next experience. Thank you, again, and see you around.”

In its bankruptcy filing, the company listed assets of $152,554.72 in total property, including $1,061.47 in cash, $2,169.25 in deposits and prepayments, $80,000 in inventory and $66,740 in machinery, equipment and vehicles, among other things.

The company has $395,265.12 in liabilities, including secured and unsecured claims. Its secured debt is a U.S. Small Business Administration loan from United Community Bank in Bluffton, worth $321,445.52; the rest of the debt comes from unsecured credit accounts and a rejected lease. Funds will be available for distribution to unsecured creditors, the company said in the filing.

Rotten Little Bastard made $278,023 in revenue in 2024 and $221,660 last year, documents show. From Jan. 1, 2026 to March 10, the company made $31,494 in revenue, the filing said.

How the distillery got its start

The distillery, started by the Fackrells, sells several award-winning spirits, including the corn whiskey Saint Helena ‘Shine, King Tide Vodka, Spanish Moss Gin and Boundary Street Rum. The name “Rotten Little Bastard” was an affectionate nickname Brian Fackrell’s mother gave to him when he was a mischievous child.

The Fackrells were inspired to start a distillery by the television show “Moonshiners,” according to Island Packet archives from 2020. They developed the business over the course of four years, taking classes at Moonshine University in Kentucky and taking trips to other distilleries for inspiration.

At its Beaufort distillery, RLB sells its spirits and offers tastings, private parties and classes on everything from sea glass wind chime making to sourdough starter.

Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia and more South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports in 2026, and suddenly the entire tourism landscape of South Carolina is buzzing with energy. Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia again as these South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports prepare for a dramatic tourism surge in 2026. Across South Carolina, Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia while more cities hosting major events, concerts and sports transform the state into one of the most exciting destinations in the United States travel sector.

From historic streets in Charleston to the vibrant downtown of Greenville, from the coastal charm of Hilton Head Island to the growing tourism appeal of Florence and the energetic capital Columbia, these South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports are shaping a powerful travel narrative for 2026. Visitors are expected to arrive for festivals, concerts, sporting competitions and cultural celebrations across Greenville, Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia and more South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports.

Travel And Tour World urges readers to read the entire story to understand why Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia and more South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports in 2026 is becoming one of the biggest tourism stories in the United States.

Could Charleston Be the Ultimate Festival Capital of South Carolina in 2026?

Charleston is set to dominate the South Carolina events 2026 calendar. The historic coastal city already attracts millions of visitors each year, but the festival lineup in 2026 could elevate it to another level. According to the official Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, the city hosts major annual celebrations including Charleston Restaurant Week, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, and the globally renowned Spoleto Festival USA. These events bring art, culture, food, and music together. They transform Charleston into a dynamic cultural stage and reinforce its reputation as a leading tourism powerhouse in South Carolina.

Is Columbia About to Shock the United States With One of the Biggest Festival Calendars?

Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, is preparing for a festival season that will energise the entire state. Tourism authorities such as Experience Columbia SC highlight a strong calendar of cultural and community celebrations. The massive St. Pat’s in Five Points Festival alone attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Other major gatherings like the Rosewood Crawfish Festival and Cocky Trot bring families, students, and tourists together. These events show how Columbia is emerging as one of the most exciting urban festival destinations in the South Carolina tourism sector.

Why Is Myrtle Beach Becoming the Coastal Festival Giant of South Carolina?

Myrtle Beach is not only famous for its beaches. It is rapidly becoming a powerful festival hub in South Carolina tourism. The Grand Strand region hosts large events every year, including the Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival and a variety of beach concerts and seasonal celebrations. According to tourism sources such as Visit Myrtle Beach, these festivals draw visitors from across the United States. Food, music, and ocean views combine to create unforgettable experiences. These gatherings also boost hotels, restaurants, and the local economy.

Can Hilton Head Island Turn Cultural Heritage Into South Carolina’s Most Powerful Tourism Story?

Hilton Head Island offers a powerful cultural experience that stands out in the South Carolina events 2026 landscape. The month-long Gullah Celebration Festival honours the heritage of the Gullah-Geechee people who shaped the coastal culture of the region. According to the Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau, the event includes art exhibitions, storytelling, music performances, and culinary demonstrations. Visitors learn about traditions, language, and history. The festival shows how cultural heritage can drive tourism while preserving identity.

Could Rock Hill’s Come-See-Me Festival Become the Most Joyful Event in South Carolina?

Rock Hill may not be the biggest city in South Carolina, but its Come-See-Me Festival brings enormous excitement each spring. Organised by the Come-See-Me Festival organisation, the celebration features colourful street art events such as Chalk on Main, concerts, parades, and family activities. Visitors enjoy music, performances, and creative exhibitions across the city. The festival encourages community participation and attracts travellers from neighbouring states. This lively event highlights how smaller cities contribute to the wider South Carolina tourism and festival ecosystem.

Why Is Summerville’s Flowertown Festival Becoming a Tourism Phenomenon?

Summerville’s Flowertown Festival is one of the most beloved spring events in South Carolina tourism. According to the official Town of Summerville events calendar, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The event celebrates flowers, gardens, and creativity. Streets fill with colourful craft markets, art displays, and food stalls. Families stroll through the scenic town centre while enjoying live music and entertainment. This vibrant celebration shows how community traditions can evolve into major tourism attractions.

Could Folly Beach Deliver the Most Explosive Coastal Celebrations in South Carolina?

Folly Beach is famous for relaxed coastal charm, yet its festivals bring an energetic atmosphere to the region. Tourism information from Visit Folly Beach shows that events such as the Sea and Sand Festival attract large crowds every year. Visitors gather for live music, beach activities, and local seafood. Later in the year, the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration lights up the Atlantic coastline. These events highlight how even small coastal towns contribute to the powerful tourism momentum of South Carolina.

Are Greenville, Spartanburg and Florence Quietly Powering the Upstate Festival Boom?

Beyond the coastal cities, the Upstate region is building a vibrant festival scene. Cities such as Greenville, Spartanburg, and Florence host music festivals, agricultural fairs, and cultural celebrations. The official Discover South Carolina tourism portal lists many of these events across the region. Greenville’s jazz festival attracts music lovers, while Florence hosts the popular South Carolina Pecan Festival. Spartanburg stages arts events and performances. Together, these cities expand the reach of South Carolina tourism and create a balanced statewide festival economy.

They grow up so fast.

Just over two months after hatching from eggs laid by their mother, Gracie, Hilton Head Island’s beloved bald eaglets have started to branch outside the nest.

Photos shared Sunday by the Hilton Head Island Land Trust on Facebook show the two eaglets, called E3 and E4, branching outside their parents’ nest. The eaglets are shown spreading their wings and using their talons to stand on the rails near the nest, where they hatched Dec. 29 and 30.

“This is where they’re learning how to balance and use those wings. They’re doing a lot of ‘wingersizing,’ if you will,” said Robin Storey, president of the Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s board. Eaglets typically start to fledge around 12 weeks, and one starts flying before the other.

“Usually, one fledges first, and after watching them fly around in the sky, the other will take off,” Storey said. E3 and E4 are close in age and similar-looking, Storey said, so it will be interesting to see when they start to fly.

The eaglets have been local celebrities since before they were born. Their parents, Gracie and George, are the stars of the Land Trust’s HHI Eagle Cam. They live on private property in an undisclosed location on the island; the 2024-2025 nesting season produced two eaglets and was the first viewed on the Land Trust Eagle CAM.

E3 and E4 came during the couple’s 14th nesting season; the first egg appeared Nov. 21 and the second came three days later on Nov. 24. Once the first egg is laid, the next one usually follows within three to five days, according to Island Packet archives. After the eggs were laid, Gracie and George spent the next few weeks keeping the eggs warm, to protect the embryos and allow them to grow.