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The Best Places to Grab a Brew in Greenville

Featured Image: Draft Mag

With all of the breweries across South Carolina, it’s no surprise that Greenville has emerged as one of the top cities in not only the state but the country, for beer enthusiasts. With 16 breweries per 100,000 residents, it was recently named the 8th Best City in America for Beer Lovers by Apartmentguide.

The last half-decade has seen the craft beer scene take flight in South Carolina with the introduction of two laws. The 2013 “Pint Law,” allowing breweries to sell customers three times more beer than they previously could and the 2014 “Stone Law,” permitting breweries to serve food and sell bottles and cans on-site, have both allowed the craft beer industry to bloom in the Palmetto State.

Take a look at our favorite Greenville breweries:

Birds Fly South Ale Project

Named a “Brewery to Watch” by Draft Magazine, Birds Fly South Ale Project, has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy a cold one at their Hampton Avenue facility. They specialize in farmhouse ales and Saisons and have been consistently lauded as one of the best breweries in Greenville.

Quest Brewing Company

Quest’s mission is to produce unique and innovate beers that will leave a lasting impression on their customers. Even though it’s located just outside of the city on Airview Drive, Quest Brewery is well worth the trip, featuring year-round selections and seasonal brews in a fun atmosphere.

Thomas Creek Brewery

For a tried and true brewery experience, look no further than Thomas Creek Brewery, a mainstay of the craft beer scene on Piedmont Highway since 1998. Thomas Creek is defined by its wide variety, specialized tours, large outdoor patio and of course, great beer. 

Brewery 85

Located right off of I-85, Brewery 85 boasts year-round and seasonal hits that make it a local favorite. Combining Southern culture with traditional German brewing techniques, the Brewery 85 crew creates a beer unique to the Upstate.

The Eighth State Brewing Company

Featuring many of their own brews as well as collaborations with other breweries, Eighth State does craft beer right. Located on Augusta St., the taproom features a full bar that includes liquor and wine as well as a kitchen.

 

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Eat & Drink

The Growing Importance of Mariculture in South Carolina

Featured Image: Coastal Conservation League

Mariculture, or the cultivation of fish and marine life for food, is on the rise in the Lowcountry. Spearheaded by several oyster farmers who have set up shop between McClellanville and Bluffton, South Carolina, the dedication to mariculture has become increasingly important as the world’s population continues to grow and the demand for seafood quickly follows.

Advocates of oyster farming, and oyster farmers themselves, often talk about the economic and environmental benefits of mariculture. For example, oysters can filter an average of 50 gallons of water per day, helping clean the water in our rivers and oceans. Not only that, but the oyster beds also serve as a natural habitat for shrimp, fish and crabs, all of which are staples of the Lowcountry diet. Additionally, the sale of oysters generates more than $1 million in revenue and more than $100,000 in taxes in the Charleston area alone.

To help deal with the demand for oysters in the Lowcountry, the South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement Program (SCORE), which is run by the SC Department of Natural Resources, seeks to re-establish oyster beds in vulnerable areas of the coast using recycled oyster shells. Not only do these oyster beds help prevent the loss of habitats for marine animals like shrimp, fish and crabs, but they also provide a base for future oysters to grow, replenishing the availability of naturally-grown oysters.

Check out these leaders in the Mariculture industry:

In conclusion, the practice of raising fish or shellfish provides an alternative for harvesting wild seafood. Not only would this provide a more sustainable method for providing South Carolina its beloved seafood, but it could also create jobs for South Carolinians. All while helping keep our creeks, marshes and other intercoastal waters clean.

Eat & Drink

The Best Family Farms in South Carolina

Featured Image: Chattooga Belle Farm

From mountains to oceans, South Carolina’s landscape has historically provided us with plenty of crops and animals to produce some of the freshest local food in the country. It just so happens that these five South Carolina family farms produce some of the best farm-to-table products that you could ask for!

Chattooga Belle Farm

In Long Creek, this beautiful farm boasts over 20 unique fruits for you to pick, grazing cattle, an in-house distillery and 138 acres of rolling hills. You can also visit Belle’s Bistro at Chattooga Belle for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re just visiting or using the farm as a venue for a wedding or large event, this quaint farm is one of the best that South Carolina has to offer.

Windy Hill Orchard and Cider House

The “Home of Everything Apples” is located in York, South Carolina and is a family-owned boutique orchard and cidery in York. Visit for the always fun experience of picking your own apples or try some of Windy Hill’s award-winning hard cider!

Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens

Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens have been growing crops for over three centuries. With varying produce based on the season, year-round you’ll find amazing produce from peaches to tomatoes right in Mount Pleasant. Locals look forward to picking their own strawberries at Boone Hall every year!

Legare Farms

Legare Farms has been a family-owned operation on John’s Island for 291 years. Since 1725, they’ve worked to provide local products. All year round, this farm is worth the visit with animals you can sponsor, a beautiful pumpkin patch in the fall, and the freshest foods. Legare Farms’ bacon salsa is a must-have.

Split Creek Farms

This Grade A goat dairy farm is great for produce but even better for the animals. With about 350 in Split Creek’s goat herd, visit this farm in Anderson for all your dairy needs. For the sweet tooth, Split Creek’s award-winning goat milk fudge will be enough to put this South Carolina family farm at the top of your list.

Cahill’s Market

Cahill’s Market is a true family farm, growing their produce one row at a time and bringing it straight to you in some of the best meals you could ask for. Stop by Bluffton to visit Cahill’s Chicken Kitchen for some of the South’s best fried chicken and collards.

Visit any of these farms and you won’t be disappointed, leave with a memorable experience while supporting South Carlina family-owned businesses.

Eat & Drink

Topgolf Debuts in South Carolina with New Myrtle Beach and Greenville Locations

Featured Image: Topgolf

Topgolf has taken the entertainment scene by storm in South Carolina with its new locations now open in both Myrtle Beach and Greenville. The attractions have quickly become a favorite for adults looking for a night out or even a fun family day. But Topgolf isn’t just for golf lovers.

What is Topgolf? How does it work? Why will I love it?

Topgolf is a giant three-story driving range – with a twist. The range is full of massive targets that players try to hit to score points. Each ball is microchipped to score the points accurately so you have less to keep up with as you enjoy the experience. Up to six people can play per game and each group gets their own “bay” to play in.

Before noon, you can get a bay for $25 per hour, but primetime prices can be up to $47 on Fridays and Saturdays. The key is to go on Tuesdays, where you can get a bay for half price. While you are enjoying the game you can order some great food, cold brews, and craft cocktails.

The two recently opened locations in South Carolina are the first in the state at this time and have been well-received. So if you find yourself looking for something to do while in Greenville or Myrtle Beach, look no further than Topgolf. This new phenomenon is one that offers not only competition but fun for all and a great way to relax and enjoy time with friends and family.

Eat & Drink

Classic Palmetto State Recipes

Feature Image: All Recipes

Everyone loves southern food, but when it comes down to it, South Carolina has the best of them all. There’s a reason that the state is filled with top-notch restaurants that are recognized throughout the world. With unforgettable cuisine, we wanted to give you some ideas for classic South Carolina recipes that you can make right at home!

Shrimp & Grits
Being a coastal state, this is not the only seafood dish you’ll see on this list. Shrimp and grits are a staple in South Carolina, with different variations having cheese, peppers and, of course, bacon. For this recipe, we wanted to give you the classic Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits. Try this dish for any meal of the day, you will not be disappointed!

Collard Greens
The most soulful food to make this list is collard greens. This classic side dish can make any meal better. Melting in your mouth, it’ll be love at first bite. Charleston Magazine gives us an amazing recipe for collard greens by simply adding ham hocks to theirs. Take a look and try it out!

Lowcountry Boil
Also known as Frogmore stew, Lowcountry boil, is an entire meal in one dish. Shrimp, sausage, corn and redskin potatoes provide you with a flavorful meal that will please any crowd. This classic South Carolina recipe from Coastal Living is as easy as it is tasty!

Boiled Peanuts
Known as the official state snack of South Carolina, you know we have great boiled peanuts! Throughout this state you will find different variations of this delicious food. Whether it’s Cajun-style or regular, you cannot go wrong with boiled peanuts here. Here’s a simple recipe so you can spice it up yourself with whatever you want to add!

Fried Okra
Side or snack, fried okra is an essential food in South Carolina. You’ll want to make a lot of this dish because it is sure to be a crowd favorite! Take a look at one of our favorite versions of this classic South Carolina recipes from Taste of Home.

What are you waiting for? Get to cooking and try some of the best that South Carolina has to offer!

Eat & Drink

Essential Dishes for a Tailgate

Feature Image: The State

There’s only a few more days until August and if you’re from South Carolina you know that means college football season is right around the corner. That’s right, only a few more weeks until your favorite team is back on the field and your surrounded by friends and family cheering them on to victory. 

Any good game day starts with a fun tailgate, and good food is a tailgate necessity. So, whether you go to the games to cheer on your team or just enjoy a good tailgate, we’ve got the ultimate tailgate menu. 

Here are our favorite tailgate dishes:  

Chips and Dip

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While more of an appetizer than a full-blown meal, it is probably the king of all tailgate appetizers. Never underestimate the power of crunchy chips with a delicious dip of your choosing. Whether it be salsa, guacamole, buffalo chicken dip, onion dip, you name it. People will keep coming back for more and more.

Ham and Swiss Buns

These Easy Ham & Cheese Sliders Are Absolute Perfection

The homemade poppyseed dressing makes these sliders EXTRA special. We like using yellow mustard for it’s bright, acidic flavor, but dijon or whole grain mustard would be just as delicious. In terms of buns, we tend to reach for sweet Hawaiian rolls. The sweetness of the rolls pairs beautifully with the salty ham and cheese.

Source: Delish 

These little sandwiches always seem to be a huge hit. For some reason, caramelized buns stuffed with some ham and swiss taste especially great on gameday. People usually come back for seconds and thirds of these small, yet delicious snacks. 

Burgers and Hot Dogs

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Some of the more common tailgate foods, but when done right, they can elevate any tailgate experience. These items are something that can be enjoyed by anyone who comes along. Using quality meat and having a wide array of toppings and condiments will help your tailgate stand out. Consider even adding Italian Sausage to the mix for something a little different. 

Chicken

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Source: Bojangles 

Chicken wings, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, grilled chicken, whatever kind of chicken you bring to the table, it’s sure to be a hit. Wings and fried chicken tend to be the most popular at tailgates, however. There’s little that can go wrong with adding a little chicken to the mix. Plenty of chicken restaurants even offer special tailgate deals.

BBQ

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Whether making delicious pulled pork in your slow cooker, enjoying BBQ sandwiches, or serving up fantastic ribs, the sky’s the limit here. Adding some great sides to the mix will take it to the next level and will have people coming back every game day for more. 

Chili 

Simple, Perfect Chili

2 pounds ground beef 2 cloves garlic, chopped One 8-ounce can tomato sauce 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground oregano 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 cup masa harina One 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed One 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed Shredded Cheddar, for serving Chopped onions, for serving Tortilla chips, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Long considered a gameday classic, Chili is another great option to add to your tailgate menu. Having your own unique chili is sure to have folks coming back for seconds. 

Pigs in a Blanket 

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These delicious snacks are the perfect addition to your tailgate. These mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls are both incredibly tasty and very easy to make, making it a favorite on game day.

What’s your favorite tailgate dish?  

Eat & Drink

Top 5 BBQ Spots in South Carolina

Featured Image: Southern Living</font size>

If there is one thing all South Carolinians are experts on, it’s good BBQ. The Palmetto State is covered in top-notch BBQ joints from top to bottom. However, in the quest for the best BBQ in the state, which places stand head and shoulders above the rest? We present: The Top Five BBQ Spots in SC

#5 – Ward’s Bar-B-Q

With four locations located in Sumter, South Carolina, Ward’s is an undeniable classic. Not only is the BBQ itself amazing, but Ward’s also has its own original BBQ sauce. However, Ward’s really earns the spot on this list with its hash, which is hands-down the best in the state. Ward’s is definitely your go-to spot in the Sumter area for a fantastic BBQ experience, it’s no wonder that there’s four of them up there.

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#4 – Cooper’s Country Store

Based off that picture alone, you may be confused as to why a gas station is on this list. Well, Cooper’s Country Store is no mere gas station, it is a historical landmark. Cooper’s originally opened in the 30s and the family that originally owned it actually lived on the second floor. The menu is not vast by any means but look no further for amazing BBQ sandwiches. Cooper’s is really about the novelty and the chance to step back into time to experience history itself, all while enjoying the fantastic and unique BBQ of course.

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#3 – Music Man’s Bar-B-Que

Flaunting a wide array of options featuring both an all-you-can-eat buffet and individual plates, Music Man’s is also particularly revered for its Catfish Stew. With slow-cooked whole hogs providing the exceptional BBQ, complimented by their unique sauce, Music Man’s makes for a great experience all around. With daily specials, a great buffet, endless side options, and live entertainment, this is definitely one of the most fun joints on this list

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#2 – Shealy’s Bar-B-Que

Located in South Carolina’s “Twin Cities,” Shealy’s in Batesburg-Leesville is more than happy to share this classic and famous BBQ buffet. Everyone in SC knows Shealy’s as one of the go-to places for an unforgettable all-you-can-eat buffet. People will trek to Shealy’s from all over for good reason. The spread of delicious items on their buffet is incredibly varied. Featuring both mustard and vinegar based BBQ, famous fried chicken, fantastic fixins, and daily specials, there is something for everyone here. Not to mention, great dessert options as well, if you can find the room for it after the impressive buffet. Shealy’s celebrates its 50th year of business in 2019, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

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#1 – Duke’s Bar-B-Que

And now for the number 1, the cream of the crop, the king of all BBQ in SC, we present Duke’s Bar-B-Que. Located in Orangeburg, SC by the Pepsi Plant. This is the premier place for a true SC-style BBQ experience. Duke’s is only open Thursday-Saturday, but if you happen to be in the area for any of those three days, don’t walk, run to Duke’s. With its all-you-can-eat buffet, there is no better stop for classic BBQ meats, fried chicken, and great fixins. For a tried and true South Carolina BBQ experience, this is it, the king of the state’s endless BBQ joints and you will definitely not regret stopping by.

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Eat & Drink

South Carolina Doughnut Shops

Donut Miss Out! These Are The Best Doughnut Shops In South Carolina

Featured Image: Donut Connection/FB

Doughnuts can be traced back long before people started the doughnut/donut debate. And whichever way you choose to spell doughnut, there’s one thing we can all agree on: they’re delicious! We don’t think we’ve ever had a bad doughnut honestly. They can be enjoyed any time of the day, in the morning with a cup of joe, at night before you head to bed, or anytime in between. Thankfully South Carolina has some pretty delicious doughnut shops around the state.

Here are our favorite doughnut shops in the Palmetto State:

Murray’s Donuts

Sumter, S.C.

Just like their sign out front says, these doughnuts are so fresh they should have their faces slapped! Choose from many different flavors like raspberry filled, Bavarian cream, coconut, or glazed. Still have morning hair? No worries, there’s a drive-thru so you can grab a doughnut or dozen on the go.

Murray’s Donuts photos

Photo of Murray’s Donuts – “Lots of donuts…” – Sumter, SC

Sunny’s Donuts

Gaffney, S.C.

This small shop makes their doughnuts from scratch using longtime family recipes. Go traditional with tasty flavors like an iced, jelly filled, and sprinkled or be adventurous and try unique flavors like Fruity Pebbles and Fruit Loops.

Donut Connection

Goose Creek, S.C.

Calling all doughnut lovers, this doughnut shop has everything from the classics to new concoctions sure to please your tastebuds. Try their delicious donut holes, cream and jelly filled donuts, classic ring doughnuts, or venture out and try the chocolate cake and white cake doughnuts.

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My favorite kind of breakfast

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The Donut Experiment

Greenville, S.C.

Be your own doughnut chef. Create your own doughnut by starting with a fresh, warm donut made right in front of you. From there tell the staff how you would like to personalize it by choosing from six different icings and an assortment of topping likes bacon, candy bars, sprinkles, Oreo’s or sea salt.

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Rainbow Donuts

York, S.C.

The loyal fans of Rainbow Donuts are proud to say these are the best donuts ever! See if you agree by stopping in the city’s local doughnut shop and choose your desired flavor from a fresh variety of homemade doughnuts.

Rainbow Donuts photos

Photo of Rainbow Donuts – “My dozen assorted” – York, SC

Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts

Charleston, S.C.

Located on busy Upper King, this doughnut shop is everything your doughnut dreams are made of. The bakery has 200 different flavors and styles to chose from that are sure to spark your sweet tooth. Oh!- and it’s open late night when you need a sugar rush after the bar.

Donut wait, head to your favorite doughnut shop!