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Eat & Drink

This Year’s South Carolina Fall Festivals

Featured Image: Godwin Motors
October is here, bringing cool weather, all things pumpkin and, most importantly, the start of fall! Thankfully, the Palmetto State has plenty of different festivals every year to get you in the autumn mood. Here are just a few of the many fall festivals you can enjoy throughout South Carolina throughout the next two months!

South Carolina State Fair
When: October 9-20
Where: Columbia
This year’s 150th annual South Carolina State Fair will carry out the tradition of big names in entertainment, competitions, food, rides and exhibits. Held since 1869, you know this fall fair is doing things right to still be going on 150 years later!

Fall for Greenville
When: October 11-13
Where: Greenville
The Southeast’s most popular outdoor festival is put on every fall right in the Upstate. With over 200 menu items from 40 restaurants and 7 stages of live entertainment taking up 8 blocks of downtown Greenville, this event is definitely a fall favorite!

Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest
When: October 11-12
Where: Myrtle Beach
The 10th Annual Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest will include German foods and other items from over 60 vendors, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch and of course a beer garden! Don’t miss out on the Steinholding contest, relay contests or the eating contests.

South Carolina Sweet Potato Festival
When: October 12
Where: Darlington
Since 1983, Darlington’s public square fills up with all types of sweet potato dishes on the second Saturday of every October. From sweet potato pies to funnel cakes, this Autumn root makes for one of the greatest Fall festivals around!

Habersham Harvest Festival
When: October 19-20
Where: Beaufort
This street festival emphasizes all things local for a weekend of family fun in the Lowcountry. With local food vendors, fall crops and artisan crafts, this coastal festival will warm your heart in the cold fall weather!

Art & Music Funk Fest
When: November 2
Where: Myrtle Beach
During every hour of this craft beer and local art festival, a new limited beer is released for attendees to try. Come celebrate local arts and great drinks on the Grand Strand!

Hilton Head Oyster Festival
When: November 8
Where: Hilton Head Island
What better way to celebrate fall than with an oyster roast! This fall festival allows you to try all types of oysters from fried to stewed and enjoy live entertainment. The best part is, it’s all you can eat!

South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival
When: November 28-30
Where: Myrtle Beach
This year’s 50th Annual SC Bluegrass Festival will offer tons of bluegrass artists to celebrate this sweet southern music. Head to Myrtle Beach this Thanksgiving weekend for three days of fall fun, while relaxing to the sound of the best bluegrass musicians around.

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News

10 Hot-Button Questions For Presidential Candidates In The Upcoming Election

The 2020 Presidential Election is right around the corner and the candidates are making their way to all the big stops along the campaign trail. As a key state in the race, South Carolinians can expect to see many of the presidential hopefuls in the Palmetto State.

And, while there are obvious national issues that the candidates are likely to address, there are a few key topics South Carolina residents should be asking the candidates about. Below, are ten questions that matter to South Carolinians.

1. Do you support offshore drilling off of the coasts of states like South Carolina?

Offshore drilling is a hot topic amongst many South Carolinians. Earlier this year, U.S. Representative Joe Cunningham caused a stir after he blew an air horn during a House subcommittee hearing to call attention to how loud and disturbing seismic blast-testing is to marine life.

2. Do you believe the private sector is best suited to meet our country’s energy needs?

A major topic of conversation over the past year was and continues to be the future of Santee Cooper. The state-owned utility found itself billions of dollars in debt after abandoning its V.C. Summer project, creating the largest financial disaster in our state’s history. Now, the question is whether or not to sell to a private utility. In the case that it’s not sold the debt would fall onto the millions of Santee Cooper direct serve and electric cooperative customers living in South Carolina.

3. What are your thoughts on teachers’ pay in South Carolina?

Teachers in South Carolina are fed up with the current education system and it’s showing. With experiencing a statewide shortage, South Carolina ranks in the top 10 worst states for teachers. In May, many teachers protested and demanded higher wages and many other changes to their current working conditions.

4. What are your views on the legalization of marijuana?

With the legalization of marijuana happening in many states across the country, whether medicinal or recreational, the topic made it to the top of the list in the 2018-2019 South Carolina legislative session. However, it wasn’t passed through which means it will most likely be brought back up in the next legislative session and South Carolinians are paying attention.

5. What is your plan for affordable housing?

The cost of living in the Lowcountry and surrounding areas continues to rise significantly as people from around the country pour into our state. Affordable housing in South Carolina is a major issue and one that many residents are worried about.

6. Do you believe the minimum wage should be increased?

Many feel that while the cost of living in our state is increasing, pay is not. During the previous legislative session, a bill was introduced to increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $17 per hour in the state of South Carolina. Many South Carolinians are hoping to see an increase in pay to balance out the higher cost of living.

7. What are your views on the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar?

As climate change becomes an ever alarming issue not only in the United States but around the globe, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are becoming more essential to our future. Incentives such as the solar investment tax credit (ITC) allow more people to afford the high costs of installing solar panels onto their home.

8. As president, how would you help to relieve the high costs of healthcare?

Healthcare continues to not only be a hot-button issue but is also a detrimental one for so many South Carolina citizens. In 2013 alone, 56 million Americans struggled to pay healthcare-related costs, that’s one out of five adults.

9. Student debt burdens millions in the United States and South Carolina is not immune, how do you plan on helping to relieve this pressure from young people?

Student debt has topped $1.5 trillion in the United States and the amount continues to rise. This debt burdens and weighs down young people looking to start their careers and adult lives. The rising student debt is an issue many South Carolinians worry about every day.

10. America’s infrastructure is crumbling. How would you fund expand funding to fix our roads and bridges across the country and in South Carolina?

Our country’s infrastructure is in major need of repair. As roads and bridges crumble, our daily commutes and school bus routes become more dangerous. While funding infrastructure is expensive it is essential to the well-being of our state and its residents.

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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.

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Catch of the Day is Fresh Citrus Seared Mahi topped with Grilled Pineapple and Peppers. #freshisbest #suppersserved #mahimahi #johnsislandlife

A post shared by Stono Market & Tomato Shed (@stonomarkeandtomatoshedcafe) on Jan 11, 2018 at 1:16pm PST

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.

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Oh #TheFlipsideCafe how I love thee. Crispy balsamic brussel sprouts, seared salmon and a lovely aioli sauce on top of field greens ?. If your local check this place out. #getinmybelly #LiveInspired #partyinmymouth

A post shared by Elizabeth M (@sassieryou) on Mar 1, 2017 at 4:16pm PST

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.

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Rise and shine, it’s Friday! #newmooncafe #locallover #aiken4aiken #loveaugusta #coffee #cafe #tgif #fridaymood #fridayvibes #getmetotheweekend #fridaymorning #ineedcoffee

A post shared by The Original New Moon Cafe (@newmooncafe) on Aug 16, 2019 at 4:25am PDT

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.

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Don’t feel like grilling today? That’s okay because all of our burgers ? (meat and veggie) are BBQ approved! Not just because it’s local grass fed beef ? Which burger are you getting today? ? • • • #lovewhereyoulive #eatlocal #goupstate #visitspartanburg #onespartanburg #burgers #brussels #laborday #monday #dayoff #farmtotable

A post shared by The Farmers Table (@farmerstablesc) on Sep 2, 2019 at 6:11am PDT

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

A post shared by Auntybelle (@auntybellecracker) on Jun 22, 2018 at 7:18pm PDT

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Uncategorized

Darlington Raceway, “The Track Too Tough to Tame”

Featured Image: Play Florence

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.

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Eat & Drink

The Best Micro-Distilleries in South Carolina

Featured Image: attadrink

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.

 

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Celebrate the 4th with America’s greatest past time! Tonight at 6pm, watch baseball and fireworks as you drink good booze with @greenvilledrive ~ ~ ~ #baseball #greenvilledrive #greenvillesc #greenvillefoodie #yeahTHATgreenville #gvltoday #greenville360 #gvl360 #whatsgoingongvl

A post shared by Dark Corner Distillery (@dcdistillery) on Jul 4, 2019 at 2:01pm PDT

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.

 

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Happy National Rum Day!! “Drinking rum before 10:00am makes you a pirate not an alcoholic”- Earl Dibbles Jr. #hiltonheadisland #hiltonheaddistillery #NationalRumDay #drinklocal #beachbreeze #adventure #pirate #hiltonhead #bluffton #local #drink #travel #vacation #yummy #foodie #craft

A post shared by Hilton Head Distillery (@hiltonheaddistillery) on Aug 16, 2019 at 10:00am PDT

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.

 

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Come hang out with us tomorrow for a fun Saturday! ☀️@miraclestastyexpress will be serving some delicious food and @whiskey_diablo will be playing music for everyone to enjoy! The music kicks off around 1pm and the food truck will start serving about an hour before, you don’t want to miss this fun day! ✨

A post shared by Firefly Distillery (@fireflydistillery) on Aug 9, 2019 at 5:50am PDT

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!

A post shared by Closed until September (@charlestondistilling) on Jul 19, 2019 at 1:06pm PDT

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News

South Carolina events this weekend

Can’t Miss Events in South Carolina This Weekend May 17-19, 2019

Featured Picture: Greeneville Drive Facebook

Looking for fun things to do in the Palmetto state? Take a look at these fun events happening in South Carolina this weekend!

Friday, May 17, 2019

A Taste of Newberry

Check out downtown Newberry and get a taste of all they have to offer. Enjoy live jazz music, beer, wine and some of the best food from local restaurants. The festivities will go from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday Night Fireworks

Take the family out for a baseball game and fireworks! Support the Greenville Drive as they play West Virginia at the Flour Field at 7 pm. Presented by  Hubbell Lighting.

A Chorus Line

Come out to Arts Center of Coastal Carolina in Hilton Head and enjoy a relaxing night at the theater with Broadway’s upbeat musical, A Chorus Line. The curtain opens at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online.

Saturday, May 18,  2019

Summerville Farmers Market

What better way to spend your Saturday morning then by shopping for local produce, baked goods, crafts and more! Stop by Summerville’s farmers market located in the parking lot of First Citizens Bank from 8 a.m. to  1 p.m.

Military Appreciation Event

Celebrate our veterans at the Technical College of the Lowcountry in Beaufort from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy Nicks BBQ, bounce houses, face painting and words of thanks to those serving our country.

Race for Charity 5K

Break a sweat for a cause! The race will begin at the Lancaster High School track at 8 a.m. Register online. All proceeds for this run will go to local charities around the area.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Beer School at Flying Saucer

Are you a woman in the Columbia area? Wish you knew more about beer? Join us at the Flying Saucer Columbia where you will learn all about beer while tasting some of their 100+ beers. Boys are welcome to hang out and learn at the “Bro’s Brew Out” table.

Movie on the Lawn

Sunday scaries got you down? You’re killing me smalls! For those in the Spartanburg area, check out the All-American baseball movie shown on the lawn at Drayton Mills while enjoying some delicious pizza. The movie begins at 8 p.m.

Bend and Brew at Legal Remedy

Start your Sunday the right way with a Vinyasa flow yoga class at Legal Remedy Brewing in Rock Hill and enjoy a beer afterward. Tickets are available online in advance for $10 and $13 at the door, cash only.

 

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Featured

Underrated Gems in S.C.

Plan Your Next Vacation To One Of These Underrated Gems In S.C.

While we all know and love Charleston, Hilton Head, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, there are a few hidden gems in our state that are worth visiting. It’s time to turn these pass by towns and tucked away cities into destinations and enjoy all that they have to offer.

So, get out your map (or Siri) and start planning your next trip to one of these underrated South Carolina treasures:

Bluffton

Minutes from well-known Hilton Head Island is a hidden Lowcountry gem called Bluffton, South Carolina. Located on the May River, Bluffton is a gorgeous town just an hour from Savannah and is filled with rich history, beautiful mossy oak trees, and charming boutique stores and restaurants. It has a little bit of everything, with a bustling downtown area, a phenomenal art scene, and in close proximity to the beach.

What to do:

Visit one of the oldest (and most gorgeous) churches in the South at Church of the Cross, take a bike ride to explore the downtown area or shop in the old town.

Where to eat:

Eat a bit, drink a bit, and listen to a little bit of music on the rooftop bar of The Bluffton Room. Or, if you want the best burgers in town head over to Old Town Dispensary.

Where to stay:

Stay in one of the fourteen rooms at Old Town Bluffton Inn for a good night’s sleep and welcoming accommodations.

Beaufort

Not far from the Holy City is the second oldest city in South Carolina, Beaufort. Located on one of South Carolina’s coastal Sea Islands, Beaufort was once named “the best small southern town” by Southern Living. With sprawling historic mansions and water views like no other, we can’t argue with this. Beaufort is a must visit in South Carolina.

What to do:

Take in the beauty at Waterfront Park, book a Catamaran Wild Horse & Dolphin Scenic Cruise, or explore the many shops in the historic district.

Where to eat:

You can’t go to Beaufort without eating at Old Bull Tavern or Wren Bistro.

Where to stay:

Book a room at Anchorage 1770 in the main house or cottage and you won’t regret it.

Pendleton

Just under an hour from Greenville is this small town founded in 1790. Pendleton has a rich history and was once a summer home retreat for Lowcountry plantation owners in the 1800’s. The entire town is on the National Historic Registry so everything in the town is historic. With quaint antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants, Pendleton is sure to give you those Hallmark small-town vibes.

What to do:

Stroll through Pendleton Square and admire the artwork of Pendleton Square Artists Cooperative at the Art Gallery on Pendleton Square and shop at one of the many boutiques located on Exchange Street or E. Queen Street.

Where to eat:

Eat up at 1826 Bistro then go enjoy a glass (or bottle) of wine at Viva Pendleton.

Where to stay:

After a long day of shopping, strolling through the town, and eating all the delicious food, you can catch a good night of sleep at Liberty Hall Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1849, this bed and breakfast is full of history and heart and has over ten rooms to choose from.

Georgetown

Georgetown is often just a pass by town in between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, but it boasts many reasons why it should, in fact, be a destination, or at least an extended stop in between destinations. This small coastal South Carolina town is a beautiful historic waterfront community offering many things to see and do. With just one visit you’ll see why Georgetown is a destination, not just a rest stop.

What to do:

You can’t go to Georgetown without strolling along the Harborwalk on Front Street. After visiting one of the many museums or get a little spooky with a ghost tour.

Where to eat:

Front Street is filled with waterfront dining but the River Room is some of the best seafood you can find.

Where to stay:

Catch a few zzz’s in 620 Prince, a gorgeous luxury bed and breakfast located in historic Georgetown.

Where are you headed to first?

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