Lake Murray has been named a top southern summer destination in 2021.

Food & Travel that promotes travel destinations, state parks and vacation homes made the award.

“With our abundance of outdoor recreation and growing dining, our region is receiving the national exposure it deserves,” said Miriam Atria, CEO of Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Office.

This is the 2nd recognition this summer naming the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region a top destination.

For details on Capital City/Lake Murray Country, visit LakeMurrayCountry.com.

Midlands Tech honored, too

Midlands Technical College was named one of South Carolina’s best employers in Forbes Magazine.

Forbes’ annual Best Employers list ranked MTC #1 among colleges and universities and #2 overall behind UPS.

MTC president Dr. Ron Rhames office said the rankings comes from data compiled by market research company, Statista. Nearly 80,000 Americans who work for businesses or organizations with at least 500 employees were surveyed by Statista on workplace safety, competitive pay and benefits and opportunities for advancement.

New Lexington restaurant

Lexington has more than 120 restaurants, town officials report and another is coming.

Another Broken Egg Cafe will open at 929 North Lake Dr. across from Regal Northlake Village movie theater in 2022.

Jeff Sturgis of Another Broken Egg of America Franchising said he likes the demographics of Lexington because it is a large bedroom community with strong retailing.

The breakfast/brunch cafe will serve pancakes, waffles, French toast, shrimp ‘n grits and eggs benedict. If interested in employment, apply next January or February.

Restaurants need help

Family-owned Lizard’s Thicket has closed its Beltline Boulevard restaurant temporar ily because it lacks enough staff to keep it open.

Many local restaurants face a similar labor shortage despite falling unemployment rates. Hiring in many industries including leisure and hospitality is increasing since Gov. Henry McMaster ended federal unemployment benefits that encour aged many workers to stay home.

Duane Parrish, director of the SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism said. “Tourism has exceeded expectations this summer, which has helped propel our recovery, but the labor shortage in hospitality continues to be a real challenge.”

Data from the SC Department of Employment and Workforce showed a dip in unemployment from 4.5% in June to 4.3.% in July, below the national rate of 5.4%. July had an increase of 10,217 employed from the June estimate and an increase of 55,704 more working this year than in July 2020.

A novel food truck

Colleen Graziadei and Cindy Duesler moved to Chapin from New York and bought a Booze Pops franchise, a food truck offering alcoholic popsicles for adults and ice cream for kids.

The Booze Pops Cola food truck offers cocktail pops like the “glacier margarita,” the “vodkaberry snow” and martini pops. They offer kid-friendly non-alcoholic popsicles and ice cream sandwiches, too.

The Booze Pops Cola truck is available for parties, weddings, festivals, and even to drive through neighborhoods.

Modern worship center

Riverland Hills Baptist Church has opened a modern worship center at 201 Lake Murray Blvd. Irmo.

LS3P designed a new 1,200 seat worship center with a large stage, tiered seating, sound booth and classroom/meeting spaces, enclosed courtyard, welcome areas and a new coffee bar.

The lobby/gathering space a central entry and hub connecting program areas.

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