Eat & Drink

Classic Palmetto State 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

#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.

#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

#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.

#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.

Eat & Drink

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Eat & Drink

Plan Your Next Weekend Getaway To Old Town Bluffton

Old Town Bluffton is a gorgeous and welcoming town nestled on the banks of May River. Located in the town of Bluffton, the old town has charm, culture, history, and fun. It’s laid back, coastal vibe makes for a relaxing time yet it has plenty for people to do.

The entire old town is bikeable, walkable, or if you’re lucky enough to know a local, golf cart-able. Most of the locals own golf carts and drive from their nearby houses into the old town where they can enjoy great food, live music, and shop the local boutiques.

So, now that we’ve convinced you to start planning your trip, here are some tips on what to do, where to stay, and where to eat:

What To Do:

Calhoun Street is where it all happens. Many of the local boutiques have turned historic homes into unique Bluffton shopping experiences. Gigi’s Boutique is owned and operated by a Bluffton native and is a great destination for those who dig the Lowcountry style. Looking to add the Lowcountry vibes to your home or maybe pick up a Bluffton-inspired gift? Check out the Bluffton General Store which has everything from hats and candles to jewelry and kitchenware. And, if you’re looking to pick up a few pieces of art created by local artists, stop by one of Old Town Bluffton’s many art galleries.

Once you’ve shopped all the stores, explore history at the gorgeous Church of the Cross built in the 1800s, enjoy the view at Pritchard Pocket Park, and get to know the roots of Old Town Bluffton at The Heyward House Museum & Welcome Center.

Where To Eat:

Old Town Bluffton has fine dining, casual dining, and some of the best Lowcountry cuisine you’ll ever find. Head to The Cottage Cafe, Bakery, and Tea Room and enjoy brunch in a quaint cottage built in 1868 or even on the porch outside. Don’t fill up on brunch before you try one of their amazing desserts though. You can grab a quick, tasty dish while listening to live music at Captain Woody’s or Calhoun’s or splurge a little at The Pearl.

After dinner grab some drinks at Salt Marsh Brewing or Old Town Dispensary.

Where To Sleep:

Catch some zzz’s right in town at the Old Town Bluffton Inn in one of their fourteen guest rooms. They offer complimentary breakfast, coffee, and wi-fi to all guests. Or if you’d rather feel more like a local, check out one of these Air BNB’s.

When planning your trip make sure to check for festivals that might be going on while you’re visiting as the Old Town has festivals all throughout the year.

Have you been to Old Town Bluffton? What’s your favorite part.

Eat & Drink

Enjoy Some Vino At One Of These South Carolina Wineries or Vineyards

Image Source: Duplin Winery FB

Pinot, Sauvignon, Rosé, and Cabernet are just a few of our favorite words. Who doesn’t enjoy a nice glass of wine or five? And, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just want to learn more about everyone’s favorite grown-up juice, a trip to one of these South Carolina wineries or vineyards will make for a fabulous day.

Duplin Winery

Originating from North Carolina, Duplin is a family-owned winery dating back to the 1970s. Duplin opened the doors of its second location in North Myrtle Beach back in 2015 including a hand-bottling line. Visitors are able to see how Duplin used to bottle their wine before their growth to the largest winery in the south. They sell over 450,000 cases annually and produced over one million gallons in 2016. Magnolia, one of their award-winning wines, was once featured in Martha Stewart Living as a summertime favorite wine.

Deep Water Vineyard

Just thirty minutes outside of Charleston is beautiful Wadmalaw Island, home to Deep Water Vineyard and beautiful live oaks. This 48-acre winery and vineyard was once known as Irvin House Vineyard before the Irvins retired and transitioned the property to Jesse and Andrea. Deep Water Vineyard is home to a variety of animals, beautiful walking trails, a garden, a large pond, the winery, and Firefly Disterilly. You can enjoy a self-guided tour and tasting any time between 10 am and 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

Island Winery

Voted as “the best destination off the beaten path”, Island Winery is lucky enough to call Hilton Head Island home. Island Winery brings in grapes from all around the world including South Carolina, California, Chile, and more. Their uniqueness shines through in their custom labels which each feature artwork from artists who share the same love for Hilton Head. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting for a large group or a party of two at this cozy winery.

Enoree River Winery

Enoree River Winery is just thirty minutes northwest of Columbia. Here you can relax inside in their upper room or outside on the covered porch overlooking the vineyard. This winery features handcrafted seasonal wines and blended wines throughout the year. They also have wine slushies every Thursday through Sunday in case you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new. You can also host parties or weddings at the winery in the vineyard pergola which was added in 2016.

It’s time to hit the road and start checking each one off the list. Remember to take home a souvenir wine glass from each and tell us about your experience. Cheers!

Eat & Drink

This South Carolina Bar is the #1 PBR Seller in the Country

Image Source: Recovery Room Facebook

The Recovery Room, a small dive bar located on the outskirts of Downtown Charleston on Upper King Street, is keeping its crown as the number one seller of Pabst Blue Ribbon bottles and cans in the country for the fifth year in a row.

Typically referred to as Rec Room, the bar also earned the number two spot in total PBR volume right behind the draft-only bar, Sun Down Saloon in Boulder, Colorado, and is the second largest seller of PBR Easy in the country.

Image Source: Recovery Room Facebook

The bar is no stranger to awards though. Back in 2009 they won Best New Bar in Charleston followed by years of being the Best Cheap Bar, Best Late Night Bar, Best Pick Up Joint, and more.

Heading to Charleston anytime soon and want to help them reach number one in volume? They’re open daily from 3 pm – 2 am with the exception of Sundays from noon – 2 am. The kitchen is open every day from 5 pm – 1 am, and they have plenty of activities to keep you busy while you wait for your food.

Come for the PBR, stay for the fun.

Check out The Recovery Room here.

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