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What To Do During Your Next Weekend Getaway To Hilton Head Island, SC

Summer trips aren’t entirely canceled this year. While you might not be able to book a getaway overseas, that doesn’t mean you can’t travel at all. Gear up for a road trip this summer and head to Hilton Head Island, SC. Your family trip or weekend getaway can still be packed full of adventure. Check out this list of activities for your next visit to Hilton Head.

Hit the Beach

It wouldn’t be a trip to Hilton Head without a relaxing day at the beach. Luckily, they’ve got many to choose from. Coligny Beach Park is a fan favorite and by far the most popular. With gorgeous sunsets and perfect weather for a day on the coast, you’ll be left wanting to extend your trip. For those seeking a bit more peace and quiet, Mitchelville Beach is sure to please. This northeastern end shore is a great remote relaxation spot.

Visit a Museum

Once you’ve got your taste of the sun, head to the Coastal Discovery Museum for free admission. This 68-acre museum offers culture and history your kids will love. Not only will families adore it, but travelers can enjoy the stunning oak trees and gardens as far as the eye can see. There’s something for everyone at this outdoor ecological preserve.

Have a Night in Harbour Town

For fun, shopping, and socializing, a night in Harbour Town is just the answer. The downtown Hilton Head district is filled with scenic views and delicious restaurants. You’ll feel like you’re inside a postcard! Meander down the streets post-dinner for a picturesque evening sunset along the water.

Go Golfing

The famous RBC Heritage PGA golf tournament takes place at the Harbour Town Link. Book a tee time for the same greens your favorite golfers competed on. Not only is Harbour Town a stunning spot, but there are 24 other private and public championship golf courses to choose from. Grab your visor and glove because it’s time to hit the greens!

Rent a Boat Tour

For an up-close and personal look into the elegant waterways, you’ll want to book a boat tour. See the beach from a new perspective while enjoying a nice sea breeze. Cast a line or enjoy a lunch on the boat. Either way, this is an experience you simply won’t want to miss.

Eat & Drink

Our Favorite Farm-to-Table Restaurants in South Carolina

It’s hard to beat Southern food, but it’s even harder to beat the fresh offerings of these farm-to-table restaurants.

Stono Market & Tomato Shed Café

Right outside of Charleston is a “real farmer’s market” serving up meals made from their own organic produce. Located one island over on Wadmalaw, their farm grows all of their produce along with preservative-free shrimp that they catch with their own trawlers.

The Flipside Café

Comfort food is Flipside’s specialty, focusing on locally inspired dishes for everyone to enjoy. Located in downtown Fort Mill, the Flipside Cafe does farm-to-table right.

The New Moon Café

The spot for local food in Aiken is the New Moon Cafe. Not only does it offer some of the best coffee roasted in-house, but the food is also made with the best ingredients the Southeast has to offer.

The Farmer’s Table

Bringing the local food movement to Spartanburg is the Farmer’s Table. Family owned and locally sourced, the Farmer’s Table offers the best sustainable and seasonable options.

Grits and Groceries

In the small town of Belton is a farm-to-table restaurant with big flavors. Grits and Groceries tailors their menu to the local produce available to them, creating a diverse menu year-round. Acclaimed by Gourmet and Southern Living, we saved the best for last on this list.

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Y’all want to eat here-oh mercy, you truly do. Two New Orleans trained chefs own Grits and Groceries, they grow their own vegetables and use a local dairy to offer you “real food done real well.” Besides, I just don’t know where else y’all will find deep fried deviled eggs?. (swipe to see menu photo2) Joe was pastry chef for Emeril Legasse in New Orleans and Heidi at the helm at Elizabeth’s. But these two Carolinians wanted to come home to raise their son, so what’s a big city chef to do? Find an old timey meeting spot on the hind end of nowhere and set up a kitchen, that’s what. Your GPSwill whirl and spin, so look at the road signs in 3) just past the 15 foot chicken in the parking lot. It’s at Saylor’s Crossing, you know, just three miles east of Ebenezer Crossing— giving y’all these location tips because I wouldn’t want y’all to miss out on Joe’s Homemade Sweet Corn ? Ice Cream 5). #southernroadtrip #southcarolina #gritsandgroceries #southernfoodways #southernfood #yallcome

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Darlington Raceway, “The Track Too Tough to Tame”

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In the PeeDee of our beautiful state stands a classic, action-packed icon. The Darlington Raceway has been one of NASCAR’s prized tracks since 1950. With nicknames like “The Lady in Black” and “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” how could you not want to learn more about this Palmetto State treasure?

In 1948, Harold Brasington, a retired racer, was inspired by the Indianapolis 500 to make a track back home in Darlington, South Carolina. He bought 70 acres of land from a local farmer and started constructing the raceway. He designed an egg-shaped track to stay true to his deal with the farmer not disturb the land’s minnow pond, giving the track a sharper turn on the west side of the track.

The first race held in 1950 occurred on Labor Day, starting a tradition of Labor Day races at Darlington up until 2003 when the race was moved to Mother’s Day weekend. However, in 2015, the tradition carried on, moving the Southern 500 back to its classic Labor Day weekend date.

As for the nicknames, “The Lady in Black” was given for the fresh asphalt sealant laid on the track the night before race days, giving a dark black appearance in the early days of Darlington Raceway. “The Track Too Tough to Tame” comes from the number of cars that hit the wall several laps into the race. Many NASCAR drivers have attested to this name, saying that when racing at Darlington, you’re racing the track, not the competition. Those that do hit the wall earn the “Darlington Stripe”, a term coined after the stripe of missing paint on the side of the car.

The Darlington Raceway is still going strong with events throughout the year. Take a look at their calendar or stop by the museum to get a taste of this South Carolina tradition.

Eat & Drink

The Best Micro-Distilleries in South Carolina

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Just like craft breweries, micro-distilleries are popping up all over the Palmetto State. In 2017, the state legislature passed a law allowing distilleries to serve mixed drinks in their tasting rooms, letting patrons try a variety of products and pick their favorite to try in a cocktail. Check out our favorite micro-distilleries around the state!

Dark Corner Distillery

This downtown Greenville micro-distillery is quite popular amongst locals and visitors alike. Specializing in moonshine, gin and whiskey, Dark Corner is a great place to take a tour or try one of their unique tasting experiences the next time you’re in the Greenville-Spartanburg Area.

Hilton Head Distillery

If you’re in the mood for a drink while staying on or near Hilton Head Island, check out Dark Corner’s sister distillery, Hilton Head Distillery. Offering tours of the production facility, as well as several different tasting options and even a cozy lounge for non-drinkers, this is a great place to try if you’re looking for a fun distillery experience.

Firefly Distillery

Located 30 minutes outside of Charleston on Wadmalaw Island, Firefly Distillery is well known for its spirits including their Original Sweet Tea Vodka, the world’s first of its kind. Even though it’s off the beaten path, fans of distilleries will certainly feel it is worth the trip.

Charleston Distilling Company

Previously located in downtown Charleston on King Street, Charleston Distilling Company is relocating to James Island and is set to reopen in October. With a $4.2 million investment in a new 10,000-square-foot facility, this popular Charleston distillery is here to stay. Specializing in vodka, gin and rye, this is a great spot for those interested in tours, tastings, or just a good old fashioned cocktail.

 

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Free tasting tonight at Six Mile Wine and Spirits in West Ashley!

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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

Top 5 BBQ Spots in South Carolina

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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 Wineries or Vineyards

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

 

Grape Stomp Photo Gallery | Duplin Winery

Photo gallery of Duplin Winery’s 2018 Grape Stomp Festival held in Rose Hill, North Carolina on September 8, 2018.


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

 

I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love. Stay tuned for our 12 days of Christmas deals, starting tomorrow! #divedeep @deepwatervines

59 Likes, 1 Comments – Deep Water Vineyard (@deepwatervines) on Instagram: “I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a…”


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

 

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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

 

The #winery is OPEN! Join us for a Wine Tasting ?featuring Blackberry Wine & a ton of delicious, seasonal favorites! ⏱Noon-6pm today & Saturday 2pm-6pm Sunday

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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!