SOUTH CAROLINA – Whether Upstate, in the coastal Lowcountry or somewhere in-between, South Carolina simmers with culinary treats for travelers...
SOUTH CAROLINA
– Whether Upstate, in the coastal Lowcountry or somewhere in-between, South Carolina simmers with culinary treats for travelers. Roll in the grits with the locals in St. George -- the gritseating capital of the nation. Mash hash and learn about this barbecue delicacy’s African American origins in Greenwood. Sharpen the senses with celebrity chefs in Greenville during Southern Exposure. A multitude of year-round food festivals awaits in the Palmetto State. Here’s a sampling:
SEAFOOD
Lowcountry Oyster Festival – Mount Pleasant – Jan. 27
Based on the number of blackened oyster shells found in prehistoric mounds near the coast, Native Americans were having oyster roasts long before Europeans arrived on the scene. This time honored culinary tradition is celebrated annually in Mount Pleasant, S.C. at Boone Hall Plantation. On Jan. 27, grilling up no less than 65,000 pounds of oysters, the festival will offer a wide variety of activities, including live entertainment, the famous oystershucking and oyster-eating contests, and even a best-dressed oyster contest for children. Oysters will be sold by the bucket to satiate the heftiest appetite. For more information on the festival, visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/ oyster_festival.php/oysterfestival.html.
Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival – Mount Pleasant – April 27
Each year, folks in Mount Pleasant and nearby Charleston gather to celebrate the thriving shrimping industry and ask for a “divine blessing” for the safety of those at sea and another prosperous year. The event entices festival goers with a sampling of dishes from 11 local seafood restaurants accompanied by the music of local favorite "The East Coast Party Band” on the main stage. A smaller stage hosts the actual blessing of the fleet at 1p.m. This traditional blessing includes two local clergymen who bless each individual boat as it passes down the creek to the harbor. For more information, please visit www.charlestonlowcountry.com/specialpages/blessingfleet.html.
Lobster Race – Aiken – May 2
It started as a spoof of the Kentucky Derby in downtown Aiken, 24 years later the red crustacean rivals are cawling and creeping with an occasional lengthy antennae determining the winner. The $5 proceeds benefit local charities. For more information, visit www.lobsterrace.com.
Lowcountry Shrimp Festival – McClellanville – May 3
This McClellanville tradition started in 1976 and is truly the coastal community favorite. Sample selections of shrimp prepared in endless ways. There is also a children’s area with pony rides and arts and crafts! For more information, visit http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/887.aspx.
Ware Shoals CatfishFeastival – Ware Shoals – May 24 - 25
More entertaining than your mother-in-law’s whiskers, catfish aficionados off the Atlantic gather for two days of catfish feasting at its best in the quaint town of Ware Shoals. Delve into the catfish stew and spice it up with seasoned catfish before stepping to the bluegrass, oldies and country music entertainers. The fifth annual Catfish Feastival 5K Run and Fun Walk will commence Saturday morning. For more information, visit www.catfishfeastival.com.
Yemassee Shrimp Festival – Yemassee – Sept. 18 – 21
A key community in the evolution of shrimp baiting, Yemasse invites visitors and locals alike to celebrate everything shrimp! With the Lighted Boat Parade, a Mud Run, a fireworks display and more, this year’s shrimp festivities are sure to impress. For more information, visit http://www.yemassee.net/festival.html.
Beaufort Shrimp Festival – Beaufort – Oct. 3 – 4
Patrons find a big taste of the Lowcountry at this festival, which is set against a backdrop of lighted shrimp boats.
There is a “Popcorn Shrimp Race” for children and a best recipe contest for adults. For more information, visit www.beaufortsc.org/gen_ipage.php?cat=visitor&subcat=fest_events&submenu=Shrimp.
Society Hill Catfish Festival – Society Hill – Nov. 8
Boasting fried catfish, arts & crafts, a parade and an auto show, this showcase of the South entertains the entire family. For more information, visit www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/3024.aspx.
Elgin Catfish Stomp – Elgin – Dec. 6
A Christmas parade kicks off this catchy catfish event. For more information, visit www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/25825.aspx.
BBQ
Smoke at the Lodge – Summerville – April 4 - 5
This annual BBQ cook-off features a "No Pork Friday" event. For more information, visit www.smokeatthelodge.com.
South Carolina Festival of Discovery’s BBQ and Hash Cookoff – Greenwood – July 10 - 12
The traditions of the South come alive during the weekend event featuring the annual BBQ & Black Kettle Hash Cookoff, a South Carolina State Championship event and sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). While barbecue is relatively common, the culinary and historical origins of hash are lesser known.
Tracing back to slaves working as cooks in the kitchens of rice plantations in South Carolina, the recipe was devised by utilizing the less desirable parts of the hog such as the head, organs, feet and tail. The meat was seasoned with spices and hot pepper and cooked for hours in a pot until it could be chopped or hashed into a gravy-like, meaty mixture. Today, hash is considered a Southern delicacy. While feasting, patrons are encouraged to soothe with five venues featuring blues musicians. For more information, visit www.festivalofdiscovery.com.
Beach, Boogie and BBQ at Sun Fun Festival – Myrtle Beach – Aug. 29 - 30
Offering new meaning to the term “stuffed like a pig,” the festival hosts the International federation of Competitive Eating BBQ Sandwich Eating Contest as well as the Official Barbecue Competition of South Carolina at the former Air Force Base in Myrtle Beach. A car show, kid’s play zone and boat rides and live music make this a gluttonous good time. For more information, visit www.sunfunfestival.com/beachboogiebbq/default.htm.
Smoke on the Beach – Myrtle Beach – Aug 31 – Sept. 1
A little smoked barbecue never hurt anyone. Try a taste of the South’s best while soaking up the sun and sizing up the surf. For more information, visit http://www.omarshrine.com/Programs/SmokeontheBeach/tabid/66/Default.aspx.
Squealin’ On The Square –– Laurens – Oct. 3-4, 2008
The 8th annual KCBS State Championship BBQ Cookoff and Festival will be held again in historic Laurens. Known as Squealin’ on the Square, the competition and festival is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, or KCBS. Cook teams from across the Southeast gather to compete for cash and prizes. Besides great barbecue, the festival features arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, a car show and cruise in, an antique tractor show, a kids area and wraps up the weekend with a beautiful fireworks display on Saturday night. For more information, visit www.mainstreetlaurens.org.
Kershaw Hog Jam – Kershaw – Oct. 10-11
This third annual event is a barbecue cookoff that helps cookers earn points toward Master Barbecue Award championship. So while the cookers are doing their best, festival goers can sample their food and also partake in live music, arts and crafts, other food vendors and children’s activities. For more information, visit www.hogjam.org.
Piedmont Blues and Hash Bash – Abbeville – Oct. 12-13
Blues, slow-smoked barbecue and hash are the headlines at this community festival in historic downtown Abbeville. This is a S.C. Barbeque Association “Master Barbeque Award” event. For more information, visit www.bluesandhash.com.
Kingstree Pig Pickin' – Kingstree – Oct. 18
Pig on the Ridge – Ridgeway– Nov. 7 - 8
This is a barbecue showdown with more than 70 teams competing annually. Other attractions include a street party, a classic car show and of course, food. For more information, visit http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/27051.aspx.
FRUITS / VEGETABLES
Strawberry Festival at McLeod Farms – McBee – May 17
McLeod Farms celebrates its fresh crop of berries with a line up of events that boasts a strawberry recipe contest. For more information, visit http://www.macspride.com/event.asp.
Hampton County Watermelon Festival – Hampton – June 14 – 22
What is summer without watermelon and what is Hampton County without its annual celebration of the seasonal fruit? Family fun, pet shows, the Watermelon Eating Contest and more will keep have the whole family spittin’ out seeds! For more information, visit http://www.melonfest.org/.
Lexington County Peach Festival – Gilbert – July 4
Most Americans don’t know that South Carolina is the second largest grower of peaches in the country, second behind California and ahead of Georgia. The Lexington County Peach Festival boasts a peach of a party for all ages. Events include a parade (9:30 a.m.), arts & crafts, free entertainment, a Lexington County Peach Queen Contest and a fireworks show at 10 p.m. A variety of peach refreshments such as peach ice cream, peach slush, peach tea, peach parfaits and peach cobbler are available. For more information, visit www.midnet.sc.edu/peach.
Peach Festival at McLeod Farms – McBee - July 12
Children will adore the opportunity to test the farm's famous peach desserts, breads and ice cream or bite into a tree-ripe peach. Parents will enjoy the peach cook-off contest and shopping at the roadside market. A tour of the S.C. Peach Museum or a horse-drawn wagon ride through the fields is an excellent way to top off a peachy day at McLeod Farms. For more information, visit http://www.macspride.com/event.asp.
Pageland Watermelon Festival – Pageland - July 18 - 20
Sit back, relax and watch a watermelon-themed parade travel down Main Street in Pageland, a historic community in northeast South Carolina near the North Carolina border. Local beauty queens compete for the title of Watermelon World Queen. Stroll through the streets of Pageland and savor the delicious selection of foods.
Enjoy the wonderful assortment of traditional music, including beach, country and southern gospel. Delight in the specialties of the car show and admire the talents displayed at the festival rodeo. For more information, visit www.pagelandchamber.com
Ridge Peach Festival – Trenton – July 21
This family festival kicks off the day with a morning parade led by the 116th Georgia Army National Guard Band.
Patrons will enjoy a variety of activities and offerings such as arts and crafts, antiques, homemade peach desserts and preserves, peach ice cream, live music all day, children’s areas, food vendors, a street dance and a live band playing beach and top 40s music. For more information, visit www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/11.aspx.
Pelion Peanut Party – Pelion – Aug. 7 – Aug. 9
Attendees go nuts for the three-day festival in Pelion, a mere 20 miles from Columbia, where farmers have been producing and harvesting peanuts for years. An autumn tradition: The townspeople gather annually for the boiling of the peanuts. Members of the Pelion Ruritan club continue the tradition at the 27
The Ruritans will not share the secret recipe for boiling the peanuts, but, they will let festival-goers feast on the little protein packers. This year’s festival features a craft show, parade, bingo, a car show, a home grown Idol competition and amusement rides for the children. For more information, visit www.scpeanutparty.com.
Great Southeast Balloonfest – Anderson – August 30
As part of the weekend celebration, The Anderson County Sports and Entertainment Center will host both a Beer Tasting and Wine Tasting. Both events will provide guests the opportunity to sample regional beers and wine while pairing them with the local fare. For more information, please visit http://www.greatsoutheastballoonfest.com/about.asp
Gaston Collard Festival – Gaston – Sept. 14 - 15
Go for the green in Gaston at this two-day family festival with a live auction, parade, beauty pageants, festival rides and games, live entertainment, crafters, vendors, a cake decorating contest, a cookie decorating contest and a photography contest. Don’t forget to try the town’s famous collards. For more information, visit http://townofgaston.org/Festival.html.
Irmo Okra Strut Festival – Irmo – Sept. 26 - 27
It is the largest celebration of the green, slimy vegetable. The town of Irmo, a bustling Columbia suburb, hosts two days of all things okra. The strut began as a fundraiser by the Lake Murray-Irmo Women’s Club in 1973 to raise money for a new library. The festival includes the Okra Strut street dance, a parade, a 10K “Dam Run” to Irmo and more than 100 arts-and-crafts exhibitors. Green pod lovers of all ages will enjoy “Okryland” kids' area, okra-eating and -growing contests and musical entertainment. For more information, visit www.irmookrastrut.com.
South Carolina Sweet Potato Festival – Darlington – Oct. 11
Festival goers savor a sweet time in Darlington with entertainment, amusements, arts and crafts, food booths, a balloon release, antique car show and fun for everyone. For more information, visit www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/2165.aspx.
Apple Harvest Festival – York – Oct. 18
In rural York County, apple lovers delight in this seasonal South Carolina festival. Patrons partake in apple picking, hay rides, cider making, pumpkin picking, apple peeling contests, Johnny Appleseed stories and delicious baked apple goods. For more information, visit www.windyhillorchard.com.
Sweet Potato Festival – Langley – Oct. 18
SOUTHERN FAVORITES
World Grits Festival – St. George – April 11 - April 13Patrons bite into something special at AppleFest. Attractions include a variety of apple desserts from the Apple Bake Shop, games, vendors and a silent auction. For more information, visit www.woodsideplantation.com/community_calendar.html.
Did you know the people of St. George eat more grits per capita than any other place in the world? That’s what they say. Join in with the town as they put on the G“rits” for a three-day celebration of the Southern culinary favorite. Events includes a parade, rolling-in-the-grits contest, beauty queens, grits meals, crafts, grits grinding, art show, street dancing, clogging, gospel music, carnival, live bands, grits eating contest and more. For more information, visit www.worldgritsfestival.com.
Colleton County Rice Festival – Walterboro – April 25 - 26
It was introduced to the Carolinas in 1685, and by 1859, South Carolina was the nation's leading producer of rice, producing 95 percent of the country's total production. Even throughout the Civil War, rice was the main crop and economic mainstay of Colleton County in the Lowcountry. The focus is family entertainment that includes a fireworks display, live entertainment, arts and crafts, food concessions, cultural displays and performances depicting our local heritage. For more information, visit www.ricefestival.org.
South Carolina Poultry Festival – Leesville - May 8 - 10
Enjoy family entertainment and fun with a parade, five stages of live entertainment, contests, crafts, a street dance, fireworks and amusement rides. For more information, visit www.batesburgleesville.org/poultry/indexp.htm.
St. Mary’s Chocolate Festival – Aiken – Oct. 7
The 20th annual St. Mary's Chocolate Festival is a fundraiser for the school. Patrons can partake in carnival games, a remote car race track, mechanical bull, horse-drawn carriage rides, musical entertainment, book sale, silent auction and plenty of chocolate. For more information, visit http://aikenandaround.blogspot.com/2007/10/stmarys-chocolate-festival-comes-to.html.
Loris Bog-Off Festival – Loris – Oct. 18
This annual festival features a parade, a chicken bog cooking contest, crafts, arts, games, bands, local entertainment and gospel singing. For more information, visit www.lorischambersc.com/bogoff.cfm.
Chili Cook-Off – Anderson – Nov. 4
This 10th annual event is a tradition for the entire family. Local and regional restaurants and independent chili cookers come together to boast their favorite recipes and vie for the grand prize. Whether seeking a spicy treat and milder tasting, this is the place to find a chili to suit your taste buds. For more information, visit www.mainstevents.com/acco/.
Chitlin' Strut – Salley – Nov. 29
It all started in 1966 as a gutsy attempt by the city mayor and his colleagues to raise money for new Christmas decorations for the town of Salley. Today the Chitlin Strut attracts more than 50,000 patrons to try chitlins, also known as "chitterlings" (pig intestines). Activities also include a parade, hawg-calling and strut contests, food and craft vendors, beauty pageant, carnival rides, an antique tractor show and a car show. For more information, visit www.chitlinstrut.com.
FOOD AND WINE FESTIVALS
BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival – Charleston – Feb. 28- March 2
The culinary styles of top chefs and culinary experts from around the world will be featured at the BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival. Southern traditions will be intertwined with the art and culinary tastes of top chefs from the West coast, New England, France and Switzerland. Please get acquainted with the masters of the festival. The purpose for the BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival is to highlight and celebrate Charleston's extraordinary culinary history and culture. The Festival also recognizes and supports various culinary-related establishments that support the local industry. The Festival is a world-class, four-day event which promotes and supports a variety of culinary interests and charities. Expanded and enhanced, the Culinary Village features the best of the culinary world and provides a one-of-a-kind tasting and savory experience. Designated the official hub for the Festival, the Culinary Village main feature are the two Grand Tasting Tents filled with more than 70 companies featuring food and wine tastings and interactive activities. For more information, visit www.charlestonfoodandwine.com.
WineFest 2008 – Hilton Head – Feb. 7-10
Sure to impress aficionados and beginners alike WineFest 2008 is a public tasting dedicated to wine education.
Meet and greet some of the world’s most knowledgeable wine experts while sampling more than 1,000 domestic and international wines. For more information, visit www.hiltonheadhospitality.org/sections/wine-fest
International Festival of Wine and Foods – Columbia – Feb. 18
The Central Carolina Community Foundation will hold its 14th annual gala event at the Marriot Columbia to benefit nonprofit organizations in the Midlands. Attend and sample more than 300 domestic and international wines as well as delectable dishes from some two dozen Midland chefs. A gala would not be complete without a silent auction so bid on an assortment of extraordinary items including over 140 vintage wines and an original painting by local artist James Blackburn. For more information, visit www.yourfoundation.org.
Southern Exposure – Greenville – Sept. 12-14
Restaurateur Carl Cobocinski and platinum–selling singer and songwriter, and hometown favorite, Edwin McCain will host the third annual celebration. Fusing the fine and culinary arts Southern Exposure showcases the treats true talents of Greenville. The event also benefits local non-profit organizations. Come and join the celebrity chefs, master sommeliers and national recording artists for a weekend that will surely satisfy all five senses. For more information, visit www.woodsideplantation.com/community_calendar.html.
A Taste of Wine and Art – Aiken – Oct. 19
An expansive variety of domestic and imported wines, foods from the finest restaurants, music, three galleries of paintings and a silent auctions. For more information, visit www.woodsideplantation.com/community_calendar.html.
‘TASTES OF’ TOWNS, FOOD FAIRS OR FOOD EVENTS AS PART OF LARGER FESTIVALS
Key Ingredients, A Smithsonian Institute Exhibit – Dec 7, 2007 – Jan 26, 2008
Key Ingredients is an exhibition hosted by Museum on Main Street (MOMS) that explores the relationship between Americans and the cultural and historical traditions of food. The project is a result of the collaboration between the state humanities councils, The Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Services. For more information, visit http://www.schumanities.org/index.php?c=projects&s=keyingredients.
Gourmet Gardens at Come-See-Me – Rock Hill - April 19 - 20
A focus on food and a taste of Rock Hill. For more information, visit www.rockhill.net/.
Taste of Darlington – Darlington – May 6
Famous for its fertile farmland, the Darlington area is also known for its traditional Southern hospitality (and, of course, NASCAR.) The Taste of Darlington provides attendees the chance to embrace the cultural and culinary personality of this northeastern county. Enjoy the opportunity to sample different foods, beverages and desserts prepared by local chefs. For more information, visit www.visitdarlingtoncounty.org.
Taste Of Hartsville – Hartsville – May 15
Sample a variety of local foods and beverages on the grounds of beautiful Kalmia Gardens of Coker College, a 30-acre botanical garden. For more information, visit www.hartsvillechamber.org.
The Greek Festival− Greenville − May 15-18, 2008
Experience the transformation from Greenville to “Greekville” this May with live music, traditional folk dancing, imported jewelry, food and fun. Take one of the hourly guided tours though the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. For more information, please visit http://www.stgeorgegreenville.org/GreekFestival.html,
Epicurean Feast – Belton – Aug. 15
Come to Belton's downtown square and enjoy the special tastes of Anderson County chefs & restaurants. Fee charged for samples. This event is part of Key Ingredients, America by Food, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition now on display at the historic Belton Train Depot. For more information, visit www.visitanderson.com/calendar.php.
Taste Of Society Hill – Society Hill – Sept. 18
Sample different foods and beverages prepared by local chefs and cooks. Served on the grounds of historic Japonica Hall. For more information, visit www.societyhillsc.com.
Food Fest 2008 – Hilton Head – Sept. 8 - 13
The first FoodFest was held in 1997 and has continued to grow in popularity each year. The multi-day food focused celebration includes more than 13 events and activities - some free of charge and some ticketed for admission. The FoodFest 2008 schedule includes events transpiring at individual food establishments and at the festival’s central location of Shelter Cove Community Park on Hilton Head Island. For more information, visit http://www.hiltonheadhospitality.org/sections/food-fest/.
Aiken’s Makin’– Aiken – Sept. 12 - 13
An annual display of juried arts and crafts from Aiken County and the Southeastern states. The festival also includes food vendors, baked goods, and entertainment. For more information, visit http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/25950.aspx.
International Festival - Spartanburg -- Sept. 27
With a population hailing from more than 60 countries, Spartanburg has reason to celebrate! International festivities include music, food, activities, and exhibits. Don’t forget to have your “passport” stamped after visiting each country. For more information, visit: http://www.cityofspartanburg.org/international-fest/.
Fall For Greenville, a Taste of Our Town – Greenville – Oct. 10 - 12
The Fall for Greenville, A Taste of Our Town features 40 full-service restaurants and live musical entertainment on five stages--all along our beautiful Main Street. For more information, visit www.greenvilleevents.com.
Taste Of The Town – Myrtle Beach – Oct. 14
With more than 1,000 restaurants, Myrtle Beach is a food lovers’ paradise. In October, visitors can enjoy more than 50 of the city’s most popular restaurants. Selected restaurants gather at the convention center and provide samples of culinary treats for a nominal price. This event is considered a make or break for the area’s new restaurants, so the chefs go all out to showcase their specialties. For more information, visit http://standrewcatholicchurch.org/events_taste_of_town.html.
Oktoberfest – Walhalla – Oct. 17-19
Paying homage to the world-renowned traditions of the German festival by the same name, Oktoberfest is a fun and festive celebration of German culture. From lederhosen to skydivers Oktoberfest has it all! This fall, Walhalla invites locals and tourists to experience “Gemutlichkeit!” (good spirits, food times, laughter and goodwill) at Sertoma Field. For more information, visit www.walhallasc.com/ofest.htm.
Annual Taste of the Town – Summerville – November 9
Bring in the flavors of Fall in Summerville’s historic Town Square this November. Sample menu selections from local restaurants, listen to live music and explore the charming downtown streets. The “Kids Korner” will keep little ones entertained with bouncy-castles and games. For more information, please visit: http://www.summervilledream.org/events.php.
Taste of the Season – Hilton Head – November 14
Held at Sea Pines Country Club, visitors can sample menu items from more than 30 area restaurants. There will also be a silent auction for anyone anxious to get a head start on holiday shopping. For more information, visit http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/.Sweet potato treats and a variety of entertainment such as a carnival and a pie-eating contest. Ms./Mr./Baby Sweet Potato Festival will also be crowned. For more information, visit www.midlandvalleyarea.com.St. John’s AppleFest – Aiken – Nov. 4 Highlights of this year's event include the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Benefit Concert, BBQ cook-off, tennis and golf tournaments, a car show, arts & crafts, food vendors, live bands, lancing tournament and children's activities. For more information, visit: http://www.kingstreepigpickin.com/.