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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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Eat & Drink

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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Time Immemorial/Vega Release begins at noon. Check the previous bottle post for more details.

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Here’s Why Travel Gurus Have so Much Love for Greenville, SC

Image Source: visitgreenvillesc.com

 

Greenville is quickly becoming South Carolina’s not-so-hidden gem. This year, it’s been named third best small city in the U.S. and one of the top five places to retire. It’s also made Travel & Leisure’s lists of Most Underrated Cities and 50 Best Places to Travel in 2018. So what makes Greenville so deserving of these fabulous titles? We’ve got 4 reasons why Greenville should be your next weekend getaway.

1. If you’re feeling outdoorsy…

Explore, bike and hike all over the parks and trails this city has to offer– because there are so many. Located on the Reedy River, Falls Park is a beautiful landscaped garden escape situated smack dab in the middle of downtown. The park has a little something for everyone, but be sure you check out the Liberty Bridge, a suspension bridge overlooking a 30-foot waterfall. Some other state parks you can find around Greenville include Paris Mountain, Caesar’s Head and Jones Gap. If exploring by foot isn’t your thing, hop on a bike. Bring your own or rent one from Reedy Rides for $20-30, depending on the length of your rental. The GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 21-mile path that runs from Lake Conestee Nature Park through downtown and on to Travelers Rest (which is a fun spot for a day trip!). Three lakes, Hartwell, Keowee and Jocassee, provide a tranquil setting for an afternoon of R&R. Or, if you’re up for it, white-water raft the Chattooga River rapids. Whether you are looking to become one with nature or just need a little fresh air, Greenville will likely exceed your expectations.

2. If you’re a foodie…

And let’s face it, who doesn’t consider him or herself a foodie these days? The ever-growing food scene in Greenville is a satisfying blend of refined, upscale eateries and local watering holes. With almost 100 restaurants downtown, you’re sure to quell any craving. Spend your mornings exploring coffee shops and afternoons getting hopped up at tons of craft breweries. If you want to try a little bit of everything, Greenville offers culinary tours featuring brews, breakfast and chef’s table, among other options. And because the weather in South Carolina is gorgeous nine out of 10 days, dining al fresco is almost always an option and Greenville’s got these spots in spades. Here are some of our suggestions:

1.The Anchorage

2. Soby’s

3. Community Tap

4. Menkoi Noodle House

5. The Village Grind

6. UP on the Roof

7. Sidewall

8. Jianna

9. Upstate Craft Beer Co.

10. The Lazy Goat

11. Methodical Coffee

12.Stella’s Southern Brasserie

13. Birds Fly South Ale Project

14. Passerelle Bistro

15. GB&D

16. Vault and Vator

17. Golden Brown and Delicious

3. If you’re looking for new insta content…

The epitome of Southern Charm, you won’t find a neighborhood that’s not worthy of a candid shot. Greenville has cultivated it’s own culture that you can’t help but soak up. The streets are lined with more than 70 sculptures sure to entice creatives. You’ll probably stumble into a free community exercise class or by a local jazz musician playing in the square. Speaking of, ONE City Plaza is Greenville’s central meeting place and it’s the perfect spot to mingle, shop and wander. The art and music scenes are thriving. Pop into galleries like the Greenville County Museum of Art or the Center for Creative Arts. GLOW Lyric Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts center focused on socially relevant performances with the hope of encouraging understanding and change. You can also find plenty of live music, poetry and stand-up comedy. You can’t turn a corner without finding a reason to fall in love with this city.

4. If you’re not sorry for partying…

There are festivals aplenty that take place throughout the year in Greenville. They encompass everything the city has to offer. Fall for Greenville is a hallmark event for the city. It is a full weekend of music, culinary demonstrations, competitions, and carnival rides for the kid. Artisphere comes around when spring does and Main Street becomes a haven for the arts community and its supporters. The Craft Beer Festival and Sippin’ Safari, a wine tasting at the zoo, celebrate the best in food and bev. Cultural festivals like Gallabrae, a scottish games event, and the annual Greek Festival celebrate the city’s highlands and Grecian heritages. There’s always something going on in this lively little town.