Author: Emily Gautreaux

The Southern State, South Carolina, Americans Are Moving to in Record Numbers

South Carolina emerged as the most sought-after state for relocation in the United States, according to recent migration, and the trend showed no signs of slowing. The analysis of nationwide relocation searches, which was conducted by MoveBuddha and curated in this article from Southern Living, revealed that, for the third consecutive year, more Americans looked to move to South Carolina than any other state. The numbers were striking: nearly 199 people moved into the state for every 100 who moved out. This steady influx reshaped not only population totals but also how travelers and future residents viewed the state’s appeal.

At the center of South Carolina’s migration momentum was Myrtle Beach, which recorded the highest in-to-out migration ratio in the country. With its expansive coastline, walkable boardwalk, and year-round mild temperatures, the city became a powerful draw for people seeking a slower pace without sacrificing access to entertainment and outdoor recreation. Myrtle Beach’s popularity helped reinforce South Carolina’s position as a national relocation leader while simultaneously boosting its reputation as a long-term lifestyle destination.

According to the MoveBuddha 2025–2026 Migration Report, South Carolina’s population growth did not come from natural increase or international immigration. In fact, the state experienced a negative birth rate and relatively limited appeal among international migrants. Instead, growth was driven almost entirely by domestic migration, withAmericans relocating from other states in search of affordability, climate, and quality of life. This trend highlighted a broader shift in how people chose where to live, prioritizing comfort and accessibility over traditional job-centered moves.

Retirees played a particularly influential role in South Carolina’s surge. The state’s combination of warm weather, scenic Atlantic beaches, and comparatively low cost of living made it an appealing option for those leaving colder or more expensive regions. Census data showed that residents aged 65 and older increased from 13.75 percent in 2010 to more than 19 percent in recent years. Coastal communities and mid-sized cities became hubs for this demographic shift, blending everyday convenience with leisure-oriented surroundings.

Population growth was not evenly distributed across the state. Reporting from The Post and Courier indicated that more than half of South Carolina’s population gains were concentrated in just four counties: Horry County, Greenville County, Spartanburg County, and Berkeley County. These areas combined economic opportunity with livability, offering access to healthcare, recreation, and growing downtown districts that supported both long-term residents and newcomers.

While South Carolina led the rankings, it was not alone in attracting movers. Idaho followed closely behind as the second most popular state to relocate to, while North Carolina claimed the third spot. Migration experts noted that interest in North Carolina was particularly strong among older Americans, though affordability, remote work flexibility, and economic growth also contributed to its appeal. Together, these states illustrated a national trend toward livable regions that balanced natural beauty with practical advantages.

For travelers considering a longer stay or scouting a future move, South Carolina offered plenty to explore beyond its migration statistics. Coastal towns, mountain foothills, and historic cities created a diverse landscape that supported both short-term visits and permanent relocation.

As migration trends continued reshaping where Americans chose to live, South Carolina’s rise reflected more than just numbers on a chart. The state combined livability, climate, and access to everyday amenities in a way that appealed to those seeking a practical yet rewarding lifestyle shift. Whether discovered through a seasonal visit or a longer exploratory stay, South Carolina increasingly positioned itself as a place where travel curiosity and long-term plans naturally intersected.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.

A Rich and Festive Sweet Potato King Cake Recipe

Soft, buttery dough wrapped around a sweet potato filling and praline pecans make these king cakes a standout during Carnival season, blending classic Mardi Gras tradition with unmistakably Louisiana flavor-Sweet Potato King Cake. Inspired by this recipe from Louisiana Cookin’, this variation leaned into ingredients long associated with Southern baking—sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and toasted pecans—while still honoring the celebratory spirit of a traditional King Cake. Rich without being heavy, these cakes offered a balance of warm spice, gentle sweetness, and tender crumb that made them equally suited for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon Carnival gathering.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato King Cake:

Dough

  • 4½ cups bread flour, divided
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 (0.25-ounce) package instant yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2½ teaspoons kosher salt

Filling

Glaze & Garnish

  • Vanilla glaze
  • Green, yellow, and purple sprinkles

Directions for Sweet Potato King Cake:

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 2 cups of the flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and instant yeast.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the water, butter, and vanilla over medium heat until the butter melted and an instant-read thermometer registered between 120° and 130°. Add the warm butter mixture and egg to the flour mixture, and beat with the paddle attachment at medium speed until combined, about 2 minutes.
  3. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the remaining 2½ cups flour, mixing just until combined and stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead on low speed until a soft, smooth dough formed, about 8 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a smooth round.
  5. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (about 75°) until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour. Once shaped into a round and set aside to rise in a warm, draft-free space, the dough doubled in size, signaling that it was ready to be shaped. This slow rise contributed to the final cakes’ light interior and delicate pull-apart layers.
  6. In a medium bowl, stir together the mashed sweet potato, butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in the chopped praline pecans.
  7. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly punch down the risen dough and let it rest for 5 minutes. Divide the dough into 12 portions.
  8. Roll one portion into a 9-by-4-inch rectangle, keeping remaining dough covered. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the sweet potato mixture over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge. Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of pecans.
  9. Starting with the long side opposite the border, roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log in half lengthwise, then twist the two pieces together, cut sides facing up. Shape into a ring and place on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
  10. Cover the shaped cakes and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until puffed, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Then, preheat the oven to 375°.
  11. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the tops of the cakes with the egg wash. Bake until the cakes were deep golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the center registered at least 190°, about 15 minutes. Let cool on the pans for at least 10 minutes.
  12. Spread vanilla glaze over the cooled cakes and garnish with green, yellow, and purple jimmies, if desired.

These sweet potato–praline king cakes stored well for several days when refrigerated in an airtight container, making them practical for Mardi Gras season when baking often happened ahead of parades and gatherings. Served warm or at room temperature, they held their flavor and texture, offering a festive alternative to standard fillings while remaining rooted in regional tradition. For more delicious recipes, click here.

2026 Set to Spotlight Louisiana Outdoors and Adventures

Louisiana has officially set the stage for a yearlong celebration of its landscapes, waterways, and outdoor traditions by naming 2026 the “Year of Outdoors.” Announced by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the statewide initiative will invite both residents and visitors to explore the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that have long defined the state’s identity., as per this article from HoumaToday. The campaign is expected to highlight outdoor experiences across every region of Louisiana, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a destination where nature, culture, and recreation are deeply intertwined.

The “Year of Outdoors” designation will place special emphasis on activities that showcase Louisiana’s diverse terrain and ecosystems. According to the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the initiative will encourage participation in hiking, biking, birding, paddling, fishing, camping, and RV travel, while also spotlighting experiences such as swamp tours, agritourism, festivals, walking tours, ziplining, and outdoor dining. Through partnerships with local communities, tourism officials will promote both well-known destinations and lesser-traveled areas, ensuring that the benefits of outdoor tourism extend statewide. More information about the initiative will be shared through official tourism resources such as Explore Louisiana and related campaign materials.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has emphasized that the campaign builds directly on Louisiana’s long-standing identity as “Sportsman’s Paradise.” He has noted that the state’s outdoor appeal stems from its unmatched variety, ranging from more than 7,000 miles of coastline to 21 state parks and an extensive network of waterways, forests, and wildlife habitats. In his view, the slogan represents more than branding; it reflects a daily reality that Louisiana continues to deliver for anglers, hunters, hikers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The “Year of Outdoors”will serve as a platform to reinforce that promise on a national scale through the work of the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

Beyond recreation, the initiative will also focus on the emotional and cultural connection people form with Louisiana’s outdoors. Nungesser has described outdoor experiences in the state as something to be felt as much as seen, whether through casting a fishing line at sunrise, watching bald eagles glide above cypress swamps, strolling through outdoor art gardens, or harvesting fruit from family-owned orchards. By encouraging slower, more intentional exploration, the campaign will align with Louisiana’s broader tourism message of nourishment, reflection, and connection, a theme echoed through the state’s “Feed Your Soul” branding.

Louisiana’s outdoor assets are not only abundant but also internationally significant. In north Louisiana, Poverty Point World Heritage Site stands as one of only 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States, drawing global attention for its ancient earthworks and cultural importance. In south-central Louisiana, the Atchafalaya Swamp Basin, which is larger than the Florida Everglades, spans 15 parishes and represents one of the most complex wetland ecosystems in North America. Meanwhile, central Louisiana is home to the Kisatchie National Forest, where more than 600,000 acres of piney hills, trails, and waterways offer year-round exploration.

Assistant Secretary of Tourism Doug Bourgeois has indicated that the “Year of Outdoors” campaign will create opportunities for every region of Louisiana to highlight what makes it distinct. From waterfront dining and fishing communities to adventure experiences like ziplining over swamp canopies, the initiative will encourage collaboration between state tourism leaders and local businesses. By showcasing region-specific attractions, Louisiana aims to strengthen its outdoor tourism economy while preserving the character and heritage of each area.

As 2026 approaches, the “Year of Outdoors” will position Louisiana as a place where the road less traveled remains endless. Each visit promises new discoveries shaped by changing seasons, landscapes, and communities. Travelers planning future adventures will be encouraged to explore curated itineraries, regional guides, and outdoor resources through the official campaign website at Find Your Louisiana Outdoors, ensuring that the state’s natural magic remains accessible, inviting, and enduring.

For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.

StudyNPlay Partnership Expands Support for Student-Parents at Nicholls

Nicholls State University announced a new partnership with StudyNPlay to pilot a campus-based program designed to support the academic and personal success of student-parents. Through a recently signed memorandum of understanding, Nicholls State University became the founding higher education implementation site for the StudyNPlay framework, marking a significant step in expanding student support services tailored to parenting students pursuing postsecondary education, as per this news release from Nicholls.

The pilot program was structured to address the barriers that often require student-parents to choose between continuing their education and securing reliable childcare. Using the StudyNPlay framework, the initiative focused on creating an environment where students could study while their children engaged in supervised, play-based activities nearby. By offering dedicated study spaces, structured support for children, and access to holistic resources, the program aimed to strengthen retention and graduation rates among parenting students while supporting long-term workforce readiness.

University leadership emphasized that the partnership aligned with broader institutional priorities centered on student success and well-being. Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Michele Caruso noted that parenting students often face unique academic and personal challenges that require targeted support. Through collaboration with StudyNPlay, the university positioned itself to better equip student-parents with the tools needed to succeed academically while balancing family responsibilities.

As the founding campus site for the framework, Nicholls began identifying a dedicated on-campus location to house the program and integrate it into existing student success initiatives led by the Office of Student Affairs. During the pilot phase, StudyNPlay provided the operational framework, technical assistance, and staff training necessary to support implementation. Both organizations committed to collecting and evaluating data to measure the program’s impact on academic performance, student persistence, and workforce preparation outcomes.

The initiative complemented the Office of Student Affairs’ mission to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and cultural development. By embedding the StudyNPlay model within existing campus infrastructure, Nicholls expanded its capacity to serve nontraditional students and reinforced its commitment to inclusive, student-centered solutions that addressed real-life challenges affecting college completion.

StudyNPlay operates as a social enterprise wholly owned by the Generation Upward Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational and economic mobility. Structured as a low-profit limited liability company, StudyNPlay focused on community-driven strategies that supported student-parents as they worked toward improved outcomes for themselves and their families. Through partnerships with institutions like Nicholls, the organization advanced scalable models designed to reduce systemic barriers and strengthen pathways to degree completion.

By serving as the launch site for the StudyNPlay framework in a higher education setting, Nicholls State Universitypositioned itself at the forefront of innovative student-parent support initiatives. This partnership represented a meaningful shift toward recognizing and addressing the realities faced by student-parents, a population that often navigates competing academic, professional, and family responsibilities. By intentionally designing campus-based support that integrated childcare-adjacent study spaces, holistic resources, and academic infrastructure, Nicholls demonstrated a commitment to reducing systemic barriers that can delay or derail degree completion. The pilot program also underscored the university’s broader efforts to promote equity, improve retention and graduation outcomes, and strengthen workforce readiness by ensuring that student-parents were not forced to choose between educational advancement and family stability.

For more education-related information, click here.

How LSU’s New Certificate Addresses the Future of Digital Infrastructure

Louisiana State University recently announced the launch of a new Digital Twin Design and Production Certificate, positioning the institution at the forefront of one of the fastest-growing technologies shaping modern industry and digital infrastructure. Developed through a collaboration between academic leaders and private-sector experts, the program was designed to prepare professionals for the expanding use of digital twins across construction, manufacturing, energy, and other sectors critical to Louisiana’s economy. More information about the university’s engineering and digital infrastructure initiatives can be found through the LSU College of Engineering, while details about online delivery are available via this news release from LSU.

Digital twins are virtual, continuously updated models that mirror physical assets, systems, or processes in real time. These tools allow organizations to simulate conditions, predict outcomes, identify inefficiencies, and address safety concerns before costly failures occur. From monitoring bridge integrity to optimizing factory operations or improving supply chain performance, digital twins are increasingly central to how complex systems are managed. Industry analysts frequently cite their ability to reduce downtime and operational costs while improving decision-making, particularly in infrastructure-heavy regions like Louisiana.

Registration for the certificate program is now open, and LSU officials noted that it is the first digital twin certificate in the nation co-developed by both academic and industry experts. The program consists of seven fully online courses that combine case studies, guided tutorials, and hands-on learning activities. Participants learn how digital twins are designed, what technologies support them, and how they are deployed to track and improve real-world systems. Coursework also includes practice using widely adopted software platforms and instruction on calculating deployment costs and return on investment. Additional details about certificate offerings are available through LSU Continuing Education.

Beyond technical development, the certificate places a strong emphasis on understanding the broader implications of digital twin technology. Participants explore topics such as data ethics, intellectual property considerations, cybersecurity concerns, and legal risks associated with modeling real-world systems. Program leaders emphasized that these non-technical dimensions are essential for professionals who will be responsible not only for building digital twins but also for managing them responsibly within organizations. This interdisciplinary approach aligns with broader conversations in higher education about responsible innovation and workforce readiness, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.

The digital infrastructure certificate was created through a partnership between the LSU College of Engineering, LSU Online, the Baton Rouge–based consultancy DigiTwin Global, and the global engineering software firm Bentley Systems. According to LSU Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin, understanding when digital twins are worth the investment—and how to use them effectively—is becoming a baseline skill for future engineers and business leaders. She noted that demand for these competencies is growing rapidly in construction, manufacturing, energy, agribusiness, and healthcare, all of which play major roles in Louisiana’s economy.

Development of the program was led by Marwa Hassan, associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Engineering, and Kappie Mumphrey, vice president of LSU Online. The development team included LSU engineers, computer scientists, digital designers, and online learning specialists, as well as industry software professionals. Contributors also included faculty from the E.J. Ourso College of Business and leadership from Forte and Tablada, a Baton Rouge engineering firm whose executives co-founded DigiTwin Global. Additional context on LSU’s business programs is available through the Flores MBA Program.

Program developers emphasized practicality as a defining feature of the certificate. Several courses include direct interaction with professional-grade digital twin software, including platforms developed by Bentley Systems. Industry leaders involved in the program noted that Louisiana’s extensive industrial and coastal infrastructure makes the state an ideal environment for applying digital twin technology at scale. Looking ahead, LSU is exploring the creation of a full bachelor’s degree in digital twin technology, while DigiTwin Global is planning a regional symposium on the topic in February—signaling continued momentum for this emerging field.

For more education-related information, click here.

A Statewide Tour of Louisiana’s Best King Cakes

The Mardi Gras season officially began on Twelfth Night, January 6, and continues through Fat Tuesday, marking the annual return of one of Louisiana’s most anticipated culinary traditions: king cake. Across the state, residents once again eagerly awaited the moment bakeries unveiled their seasonal offerings, knowing the colorful confection symbolized Carnival season in full swing. According to Pelican State of Mind, and this article from The Daily Advertiser, these king cakes ranked among the very best found throughout Louisiana during the most recent Mardi Gras season.

The tradition of king cake predated Louisiana by centuries. Its origins stretched back to ancient Rome, when similar cakes were served during Saturnalia, the largest pagan festival of the year. Over time, the custom evolved through European Epiphany celebrations before arriving in Louisiana, where it became firmly tied to Carnival culture. As explained by Gambino’s Bakery, modern king cakes symbolized the biblical Three Kings and were decorated in traditional Mardi Gras colors. Purple represented justice, green symbolized faith, and gold stood for power—turning each cake into both a dessert and a cultural emblem.

Several longtime and regional bakeries helped anchor Louisiana’s king cake tradition throughout the Mardi Gras season. Manny Randazzo’s in Metairie remained one of the most recognizable names in king cake culture, offering cakes for in-store pickup or shipping while supplies lasted, all made using the Randazzo family’s closely guarded recipe. Each cake featured a classic cinnamon-infused base topped with the bakery’s signature icing, a style many Mardi Gras purists continued to view as the benchmark for traditional king cake. In Lafayette, Keller’s Bakery upheld its legacy by producing king cakes from a Danish pastry recipe that dated back more than 120 years, filling each cake with specialty-made fillings and decorating them in classic Carnival colors. Central Louisiana also delivered standout options, with Atwood’s Bakery in Alexandria offering king cakes for pickup or shipping and encouraging early orders for specific flavors and sizes. Alongside traditional varieties, the bakery’s deluxe king cake featured three different flavored sections in a single cake. Nearby in Pineville, The Batter’s Box accepted preorders and call-in orders throughout the season, allowing customers to choose their flavor and pickup time, with personal-sized king cakes available for those seeking a smaller option.

Other bakeries across the state added variety and creativity to the king cake lineup. In Jackson, Chefs To-Go put a modern spin on the tradition by offering king cake not only in its classic form but also as cupcakes, featuring twelve flavors in one standard size during the season. In Gonzales, Ralph’s Market stood out for its expansive selection, producing nearly 50 king cake flavors made fresh daily and available in-store or via two-day shipping, with shipped orders including assembly instructions and materials. In Central, Oak Point Fresh Market sold king cakes through its bakery department while supplies lasted, featuring both traditional options and specialty flavors such as Chantilly and champagne or bourbon pecan praline. In Monroe, Daily Harvest Deli & Bakery baked fresh king cakes throughout the season and encouraged special orders for specific flavors and sizes, with offerings ranging from cinnamon to Oreo, lemon, and chocolate ganache with pecans. Further south, New Roads brought playful flair through Mikey’s Donuts, where customers purchased whole king cakes or individual slices, along with fried king cakes and king-cake-flavored drinks. In Opelousas, Mikey’s Donut King produced king cakes daily during the Mardi Gras season, recommending early reservations and offering cakes plain or filled, in small or large sizes, with flavors including Bavarian cream, chocolate, lemon, strawberry, and caramel cream cheese.

Shreveport featured several notable bakeries, including Julie Anne’s Bakery & Café, which offered king cakes year-round in 28 flavors for pickup or shipping. Each shipped cake included Mardi Gras beads, doubloons, and educational material about king cake history. Lilah’s Bakery, known as Shreveport’s original king cake bakery, operated seasonally and offered 21 flavors in sizes ranging from small to extra large. Tubbs Hardware & Cajun Gifts rounded out the list by selling king cakes in-store or online from January 6 through Fat Tuesday, with classic cinnamon and cream-cheese-based flavors available.

Together, these bakeries showcased how king cake culture spanned the entire state, blending history, regional pride, and culinary creativity into one beloved Mardi Gras tradition.

For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.