The following travel post was sponsored. All thoughts and photography are my own.
When you think about traveling to South Carolina, what comes to mind? Perhaps the beautiful beaches of Hilton Head or the culinary city of Charleston. Well what if I told you there’s much more to explore in South Carolina that is more affordable, and off the beaten path? Today I want to share my wonderful agricultural weekend through South Carolina.
A few weeks ago my best friend and I took a bestie trip unlike any other. We met some amazing people, ate fresh food and got to meet farmers passionate about what they do. Want to take the same trip? Here is an Exploring South Carolina Guide by yours truly.
Day 1: Traveling to South Carolina
Travel Note: The best part about South Carolina is that it’s relatively close to Atlanta. If you get out before traffic, you can easily make the first leg of the trip in less than three hours.
Where to stay: Inn on the Square, Greenwood South Carolina
This cozy boutique hotel is the quintessential way to start your trip in the south. Located in the middle of town, it is walking distance from cute shops and restaurants.
Where to eat: Stay in and eat the hotels restaurant, The Carriage House Restaurant. They offer a delectable menu of French and American fare with creative, seasonal dishes. Within an atmosphere of southern elegance and class, their attentive staff provides exceptional service.
Foodie Note: I highly recommend ordering their Low County Cobbler cocktail (Hendrick’s Gin & Peach Brandy with fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and muddled raspberries), crispy calamari and the Herb Encrusted Lamb over Gnocchi. Everything is made in house and is phenomenal! And just wait until you see the incredible price point- you’ll want to drive in every weekend just to eat here.
Day 2: Let the Adventure Begin
Start your day out with a healthy breakfast at the hotel {it’s complimentary} then pack your bags and hit the road.
First Stop: Emerald Farms, Greenwood South Carolina
Who wouldn’t want to start their day with baby goats and fresh air? Emerald farm is especially perfect for those with little ones because not only does it have friendly animals, but it also has a train room! With 75 acres of beautiful rolling pasture, Emerald Farms allows visitors to experience the basic elements of life.
Where to Eat: Old Edgefield Grill, Edgefield South Carolina
Sourcing all their produce from local farms, this restaurant offers a wide array of fresh dishes. Set in a Victorian House built in 1906, the grill gives you a true Southern experience. It has been featured in famous magazines like Southern Living for its beauty and great cuisine.
Foodie Note: I went with their chicken salad and it was some of best I have ever had. It was served over a bed of greens, strawberries and came with homemade toast.
Second Stop: Titan Farms, Ridge Spring
Being a huge peach lover {does my blog name make it obvious?} we had to make a stop at Titan Farms, the largest peach grower on the east coast-with over 5,000 acres of peaches in production! They also have 385 acres of bell pepper and 325 acres of broccoli.
Third Stop: Windy Hill Orchard , York South Carolina
Windy Hill Orchard is a family owned and operated boutique apple orchard and Hard Cider producer located in the upstate of South Carolina. Open every fall from Mid August until Christmas they offer visitors, Award Winning Hard Ciders, Pick Your Own Apples, Fresh Pressed Apple Cider, Fresh Made Apple Products and much much more.
Foodie Note: I strongly {STRONGLY} recommend ordering their seasonal cider {for us it was blueberry} and an order of the Apple Cider donuts. I kid you not, best donuts I have ever had!
Where to Eat: The Garden Cafe, York South Carolina
This adorable little restaurant is the perfect spot to end your day with. With an extensive menu, The Garden Cafe has something for the whole family.
Day 3: Final Day of Exploring
First Stop: Sanders Peach Stand and Roadside Market, York South Carolina
This was truly the highlight of our trip because we got meet the famous Miss Dori Sanders. Miss Dori was the epitome of a southern lady- beautiful, hospitable and gracious. We had the pleasure of chatting with her and learning more about her life as a peach farmer.
Where to Eat: The Pump House, Rock Hill Souther Carolina
This unique restaurant is situated over the Catawba River and was actually once a pump house! The Pump House Restaurant features the freshest ingredients prepared by accomplished local chefs who know what great food is all about.
Foodie Note: Request to sit outside {if weather permits} and order the Chicken and Waffles. Yum!
Final Stop: Kayaking in Goodale State Park, Camden South Carolina
While all things must come to an end, it’s always a good idea to end them on a high note. We spent our last few hours at Goodale State Park paddling through the gorgeous bald cypress trees in total serenity. It’s on the way back to Atlanta, so if you’re taking our trip I’d highly suggest ending this way. It gave us the opportunity to decompress and relax before starting a busy week.
As you can see there is a tremendous amount to see and do in South Carolina. Every stop along the way was unique and special to us. One of the things that stood out the most is how passionate every person we met was about their state and about their jobs. Our tour guide at Titans Farms, Mazio, said it best when he told us “If you love what you do for a living, it is not work- it’s fun. And if you don’t like what you do, then just leave it behind.”
Happy exploring pretty friends!
Xo,
Leave a Reply