Archive for the ‘Things to Eat’ Category

Enjoy Craft Beer and Beautiful Food at The Southern Growl in Greer, SC

Have you been to the Southern Growl in Greer, SC and tried their delicious food or craft beer selection? The Southern Growl has grown from a little craft brew shop tucked away in a strip mall to a stand-alone force to be reckoned with in the Upstate. It’s one of our favorites for cispy fries with ranch dipping sauce. YUM.

They are popular in Greer not just for their craft brews, but also for their weekly menu specials. Others have seen their success and tried to duplicate it, but The Southern Growl is GOAT. Find out why, when we “Grill” the folks at this Upstate Brewery!

The Southern Growl in Greer, South Carolina

Everyone can find a menu item to enjoy, even a vegan! The location off Wade Hampton in Greer has a lovely outdoor dining space, with an area for kids ( two and four-legged) to get their wiggles out while you enjoy your menu selection.

The Southern Growl in Greer, SC

Owner name: Matt Bowes

Do you have kids eat free night? No

Do you offer outdoor dining? Yes – Heated, Open Air

What makes your spot unique? The Southern Growl Beer Company’s facility is expansive, yet cozy with an oversized heated patio and enormous lawn. There are sections for families to play and hang out and spaces for people that want more quiet. We pour from a huge selection of 70 taps, featuring 24+ beers brewed on our 10 bbl brewhouse, cocktails, wine, ciders, meads, and sodas. The food menu is concise, exceptionally executed, and changes frequently to highlight what we feel are the tastiest sandwiches of every season.

What dish is the most popular?
The weekly burger and chicken sandwich specials

What dish are you the proudest of?
Two things I’m most proud of are our in-house bakery making all our buns, loaves, crackers, and desserts fresh each day and our house-brewed IPAs, especially “Bury Me In Strata.” The name speaks truth and highlights my favorite hop, Strata.

It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order?
TSG Beertenders are seriously knowledgeable and we strive for excellence in all we do. Best advice: Talk to the Beertenders to help you find the perfect beer (or 4 beers with a flight) and sandwich to fit your mood.

Where do you love to eat when not at work?
That’s a tough choice as there are so many incredible eateries in the area. However, I most often find myself craving Pita House , Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine, La REATA Mexican Restaurant , Sully’s Steamers, and Yee-Haw Brewing Company, which is killing it right now too.

Gifting Options: Gift Cards

Food and owners of Southern Growl brewery and restaurant in Greer, SC

Dedicated Family Space

The Southern Growl has grown even more family friendly with their new family space called ” the pack yard”. Kids can play with the gravel and trucks that they have provided or use their imaginations in the playhouse. Balls are welcome in the family space and dogs are prohibited. No need to worry about the kids running and playing while you are enjoying your meal and conversation.

See the Pack Yard:

What Locals Are Saying About The Southern Growl

Southern Growl is an absolute gem! We frequent it as both a casual hangout and date night spot and it never disappoints. The staff is fabulous at recommendations (and everything really) and the ever-changing menu is superb. Plus there’s a beer for your every mood. Pro tip- the coffee caliente wings are amazing

Monica Pace Greene

Love The Southern Growl! Always an impressive beer selection. And the food is always delicious. We go there a lot! The Staff actually seems to love their jobs too!

Sam Chaffin

Yes!! Those coffee caliente wings are my favorite! My husband and I really like Southern Growl.

Maddie Pace

The southern growl is a go to for us. Their covid safety is still happening, which is rare to find these days. Their food is AMAZING, and their takeout growlers are awesome.

Kristen Pace

100% recommend! There is also a green space where kids can run around.

Kimberly Dawn

Sandwich and fries from Southern Growl in Greer, SC — *Southern Growl | Vegan Seitan Wrap*

Learn More About The Southern Growl

The Southern Growl
155 North Buncombe Rd, Greer | 864.655.7444

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Find more delicious things to eat!

The Ultimate Guide to Restaurants in Greenville, SC and the Upstate

Ready to Eat? There’s a Food Truck Near You in Greenville, SC

Looking for food trucks near Greenville, SC? No matter what type of cuisine you are seeking, there is sure to be a food truck in the Greenville area that has something tasty to satisfy your hunger. Read all about Kristina’s love of food trucks and find a list of some of her favorites, including The Noodle Lady, Henry’s Hog Hauler, and Highway 301.

For more great places to eat in Greenville, SC, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Restaurants Near Greenville, SC!

The advent of the modern-day food truck – a kind of hip repurposed truck that serves up amazing food on the go – can be traced back to Los Angeles in 2008 with the Kogi Korean BBQ truck. The idea of patrons buying food from a mobile unit wasn’t new but what was unique about Kogi, and others that followed their success, was the incredible food they served (Chef and founder Roy Choi was named “Best New Chef” in 2010 by the prestigious Food & Wine magazine – a first for a food truck chef) and the interactive social aspects of a roving kitchen on wheels.

Since 2008, the food truck revolution has swept the nation, including Greenville in recent years. In fact, our awesome city has some truly unique and delicious options when it comes to food trucks.

(more…)

Enjoy Delicious Thai Cuisine at Sweet Basil Thai in Greenville, SC

Have you tried Sweet Basil Thai in Greenville, SC?

The Saiyud family moved from Pattaya Beach, Thailand, and landed in Greenville a few years later in 1997. They opened Sweet Basil Thai in 2005, and a few years later I met the matriarch of the family and fell in love with one of Greenville’s most popular Thai restaurants.

Carrying on his parent’s tradition of treating customers like family, Chin Saiyud is now running the restaurant while his parents enjoy retired life back in Thailand. If you’ve ever dined at Sweet Basil, then you know, this isn’t just a business for the family, it’s a passion. That is reflected in every dish that leaves the kitchen.

Aside from opening one of the Upstate’s most popular Thai restaurants, you might be surprised to know that another popular Thai restaurant in Greenville was opened with help from the Saiyud family.

Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine in Greenville, SC

Owners name: Chin Saiyud

Do you have a kids menu? Yes

What are your contactless delivery options?
Pickup inside, curbside

Do you offer outdoor dining?
Outdoor Dining – Open Air

What makes your spot unique?
Family owned and operated since 2005. We are from Thailand but have been living in Greenville for 20+ years. Family recipes

What dish is the most popular? Pad Thai, Panang Curry, Tom Kha Soup, Amanda Chicken

What dish are you the proudest of?
We specialize in Thai curry

It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order?
Pad Thai, chili noodle, spring roll, Amanda chicken, cashew nut, Panang or green curry, seafood basil.

Gifting Options: Gift certificates

Learn About Other Local Restaurants We’ve Featured on Kidding Around

What Locals Have To Say About Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine

Thai food is so good here!!! Love Sweet Basil

Kimberly S

My kids like the pineapple fried rice (and so do I!) I’ll have to try some of these other dishes.

Joy H

By far the best Thai in the area!

Chad R

Love Sweet Basil and SUPER convenient to those of us living off of Woodruff Rd/Five Forks

Kristen B

This is my favorite Thai restaurant of anywhere I have ate. My go-to is the Massaman and I love the Tom Ka (spelling?) soup. Everything is delicious and tastes so homemade and fancy if that makes sense. We went last week and felt very safe in regards to covid.

Angela W

What!? Our favorite restaurant is getting a highlight! Chinavit Saiyud and Apple Assadaporn Krueakot are amazing chefs and hosts! Sweet Basil is the best you can get!

Nadine L

Learn More About Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine

Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine
8590 Pelham Road – Unit 15, Greenville | 864.627.4151

Do you have a favorite dish to order at Sweet Basil? Let us know, so we can try it too!

Try some of these restaurants in Greenville, SC next time you’re looking for a new place to grab a bite to eat.

12 Local Restaurants that Offer Healthy Kids’ Meals

Where are the healthy kids’ menus in Greenville, SC? Can’t bear to put together another meal for your kid that consists of cheese and a carb? Me neither.

As a parent, meals can be a difficult and dreaded time. Ask your kid a million times to finish eating or suggest they try a new vegetable and be greeted with a look that could kill. So we asked our readers for some help – where do they suggest for a healthy restaurants in Greenville for their kids? Here are several local restaurants that fit the bill. Your family will have plenty of healthy restaurant options for the next time you want to eat out with kids.

Here are some of the best restaurants in Greenville, SC!

(more…)

10 Of Our Readers Favorite Mexican Restaurants in Greenville, SC

Looking for a great Mexican restaurant in Greenville, SC? We recently took to social media and polled our community members, asking them about their favorite place to grab a Mexican meal.

With no shortage of options, the list was long, and the race to top pick was close, but we had some front-runners where readers were concerned! Did your favorite make the top ten list?

For more Mexican Food picks, check out Greenville Speaks: Readers Top Places To Order Nachos or the best places to find tacos in Spartanburg and Greenville.

Favorite Mexican Restaurants in Greenville, SC, According To Kidding Around Readers

1. Rosy’s El Tejano

38 Ray E Talley Court – Suite F, Simpsonville | 864. 962.8657
Homemade salsa, Homemade Sangria, and a manager everyone feels is part of their family make this Simpsonville Mexican restaurant one of our readers’ favorites!

I LOVE Rosie’s aka, El Tejano. She is so sweet and amazing with children. I watched her carry a baby around (pre-covid) so the young parents could eat. It was so touching

Janet F

We love Rosie’s! (El Tejano) Great Food and always great service. Rosie is the sweetest and the staff are always friendly.

Ashley B

El Tejano is absolutely wonderful. They know their customers, they are always so sweet and the service and food is phenomenal every time. My girls love going there and seeing Miss Rosie.

Larissa S

El Tejano is hands down the best! Rosie is always such a joy and if by chance it’s her day off, her husband or brother Francisco will still treat you like family! My kids have grown up bring “her babies” and now at 19 & 23 if they aren’t with us she still asks about her babies! 17 years in Simpsonville & still our favorite!

Amanda M

2. Uncle Berto’s Burritos

100 Batesville Road, Simpsonville | 864.234.6501
Delicious tacos, fajitas, and trendy birria tacos are on the menu at this Simpsonville Mexican restaurant. They have a cheap kids meal menu, and a yummy salsa bar to top your tacos!

Uncle Berto’s Burritos | Birria Tacos & Consume

It reminds me of a walk in taco truck. So good!

Troi B

3. Las Meras Tortas

Locations in Taylors & Greenville
Las Meras Tortas is authentic right down to the telenovelas playing on the tv screens! It is always a favorite with Greenville residents and with our readers.

They bake their own bread for their sandwhiches. It smells so good in there.

Lauren B

The absolute best! Their sauce is to die for.

Temilyn M

4. La Parilla

1 Market Point Drive, Greenville | 864.288.2004
A beautiful outdoor dining area and delicious food make this a popular choice among Kidding Around readers!

La Parilla has the BEST patron margarita and Carne Asada, not to mention, unlimited FREE chips and salsa (unlike their competitor across the street).

Melissa D

5. Papas and Beer

Locations in Greenville, Spartanburg, Simpsonville, Mauldin, Anderson, and Boiling Springs
The clear front-runner with our readers was Asheville-based Papas and Beer. The local favorite offers diners an extensive menu with everything, including Fajitas, Flautas, Enchiladas, Chilaquiles, deep-fried ice cream, and something that has always made me wonder.

The “Mega Burrito Challenge” offers the brave soul who steps up to the plate hungry, 30 minutes to clean their plate. After successfully showing the burrito who is boss, they have bragging rights and a new t-shirt!
Do you know anyone who has attempted this challenge? Let us know in the comments!

Papas and Beer Mexican Restaurant Greenville SC — Papas and Beers | Deep-fried ice cream dessert | Photo credit courtesy Katherine T.

Papas and Beer has delicious food, heaping servings if you like that and great service.

Susan B

Best Mexican Food We’ve had in town!

Nicole I

6. Guacamole

103 E Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greer | 864.801.2999
12196 Greenville Highway, Lyman | 864.336.5023
This is the perfect place to take someone on their birthday! The team at Guacamole goes all out, and then you get to share the fried ice cream with the birthday guest!

Guacamole’s is amazing! It’s very reasonably priced great authentic food

Burgy L

7. Tipsy Taco

Multiple Upstate Locations
Super popular with Greenville residents, there are locations all over the Upstate to make it easy to grab take-out from on short notice.

We had a three-way tie! El Matador, Fonda Rosalinda’s , and Willy Taco!

8. El Matador

2919 Wade Hampton Blvd, Taylors | 864.268.2222
El Matador is a favorite amongst our readers because of its authentic dishes and classic Mexican recipes.

El Matador is my all time favorite!

Rhonda P

El Matador! There is a reason it has been around so long! Probably the first in Greenville.

Teresa C

9. Fonda Rosalinda’s

1124 N Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville | 864.292.7002
Rosalinda’s uses the freshest organic produce to create delicious Mexican dishes. Rosalinda’s also offers vegan and gluten-free options. They are only open for lunchtime most days, so make sure you get there early!

Rosalinda’s off pleasantburg is so fresh and authentic.

Laura T

I love Rosalinda’s! She has really good meats and her tea is really good too.

Carole A

10. Willy Taco

Locations in Greenville, Spartanburg, Easley, and Simpsonville
This Mexican-inspired fusion menu is popular with the people of the Upstate for its creative spin on traditional Mexican fare. Tacos topped with fried shrimp, applewood smoked bacon, pimento cheese, shaved lettuce, chipotle ranch, and pico de gallo aren’t something you’ll find other places and that’s why they have a huge fan base!

Mexican Restaurant Honorable Mentions

Compadres on Pleasantburg. The Best food, the Best Margaritas and the Best Guacamole! My son knows the owner personally and he’s the Sweetest Ever! Always the Best service too!

Dee N

La Reata is the REAL deal and sooo good! It’s always fresh and authentic!

Valerie O

I love Los Mayas up in Taylors/Greer!

Erika M

The Birrieria 101 Food truck is the best!

Danielle N

Amando’s Burriots across from WHHS!

Sarah W

Viva Villa is the best! Their food is amazing and the service is great.

Kaylan M

Looking for other fare? We have the Ultimate Guide to Restaurants in Greenville, SC

You’ll Want To Visit Topsoil Kitchen & Market, A Farm To Table Restaurant in Travelers Rest, SC

Have you visited Topsoil Kitchen & Market in Travelers Rest, SC? Food at Topsoil is sourced from local farmers as much as possible, making it fresh and delicious. Find out what the owners recommend and check out Topsoil Kitchen & Market.

Looking for more places to eat?
Here are some of the best restaurants in Greenville, SC!

Topsoil Kitchen & Market in Travelers Rest, SC

Owners name: Patrick McInerney, Wendy Lynam, and Adam Cooke

Do you have a kids menu? Yes

What are your contactless delivery options? Curbside Pickup

Do you offer outdoor dining? Outdoor Dining – covered, open & heated

What makes your spot unique? We are plant-forward and protein-particular, sourcing everything we can from local small farms. Our chef is James Beard Nominated for Best Chef In the southeast, and we are right on the swamp rabbit trail.

What dish is the most popular? Mushroom risotto

What dish are you the proudest of?
Our menu is ever-changing based on what is coming out of the ground from our farm as well as a number of other small farms in the upstate.

It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order?
Start with a cocktail (or mocktail) by our mixologist Mae. Order a few small plates to share, and try the market vegetable plate for a very unique approach to plants.

Where do you love to eat when not at work?
Jianna, The Anchorage , Fork and Plough , and Sushi Yama Travelers Rest

Gifting Options: Gift cards, virtual gift cards

Learn About Other Local Restaurants We’ve Featured on Kidding Around

What Locals Are Saying About Topsoil Kitchen & Market

This is an AMAZING restaurant!! Go support them, and your stomachs will be happy you did!

Lindsey House

One of the best restaurants around!!

Malgorzata Dragon-Langiewicz

Learn More About Topsoil Kitchen & Market

Topsoil Kitchen & Market
13 South Main Street, Travelers Rest | 864.400.5424

Fruit and Vegetable Plants Near Me: Buy From Local Plant Nurseries in Upstate SC

Ready to do some spring planting? Searching for fruit or vegetable plants around Greenville, SC and the Upstate? There are several local plant nurseries in Greenville, Spartanburg, and the Upstate where you can buy strong plants and get expert advice from experienced gardeners.

Find Vegetable Plants Near Me

Planting Tips for Upstate SC

Plant Nurseries in Greenville, SC

Plant Nurseries in Spartanburg, SC

Everything you need to know for spring in Greenville, SC

Excited for Spring to Arrive?

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Spring in Upstate, SC!

Tips for Buying Plants for Your Home Garden

The only thing better than growing your own fresh fruits and veggies from seed is to purchase them as strong starters from a local plant nursery. Local nurseries can provide detailed information about how plants were grown and processed, give you confidence that you’re investing in a strong and healthy plant, and even offer expert advice for growing in our region.

When you walk into a plant nursery, come with a plan:

Decide in advance where you will plant: directly in the soil, in a raised garden bed, or a container.
Make sure you know the depth and surface area for your garden, too, as different plants require different amounts of space to grow.
Assess the available sunlight in your growing area, so you can choose plants that will flourish in full sun, partial shade, or heavy shade.

These factors will help you research what kind and how many plants you can buy. If you’re still unsure, the experts at your local plant nursery can guide you based on that information, so just bring it with you!

When considering edible plants like fruits and vegetables, don’t forget to consider your appetite:

What do you like to eat? If your kids won’t eat it from the store, they might not eat it from your garden, either. Try starting with plants that you know your family already enjoys.
What is the plant’s yield? Different varieties of plants have different yields—that is, the amount they typically produce. High-yield plants can be especially exciting for beginner gardeners.
What will you do with your leftovers? Especially if you opt for a high-yield plant, you might grow more than your family can eat. Start thinking now about canning or other preservation methods, legal requirements for selling, or just sharing with friends and neighbors!

When in doubt, feel free to visit your local plant nursery to start browsing and talking to the experts there for guidance. The Clemson Extensive Service is also a completely free online resource where you can search for more information all about planting in our region, or find your local office to consult with experienced Master Gardeners!

Growing cantaloupe purchased from Country Boys on a trellis.

Greenville Area Garden Centers and Plant Nurseries

Discover plant nurseries and garden centers in Greenville, SC and surrounding areas in the list below. Know of a local nursery or vegetable seller we’re missing? Let us know in the comments!

Blue Oak Horticulture

Blue Oak Horticulture
198 Fews Bridge Road, Taylors, SC | 864.508.4581
If you are looking for native plants, this is the place to go! They also offer non-native edibles, so you can pick up some fruit and vegetable plants while you’re there. Their inventory list is regularly updated.

Country Boys Home and Garden

Country Boys Home and Garden
1949 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC | 864.331.0291
2917 Wade Hampton Blvd, Taylors, SC | 864.292.0260
With two Greenville, SC locations, you’ll be happy to find tons of vegetable plugs for your garden. They also have house plants, outdoor plants, and tons of garden decor.

Greenville State Farmers Market

Greenville State Farmers Market
1354 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC | 864.244.4023
Not only can you grab some fruit and vegetable plants here, but the awesome farmers market has fresh produce to hold you over until those plants bring forth their bounty. They also have a great selection of succulents and ferns if some home decorating is also on your to-do list.

Hogg Greenhouses

Hogg Greenhouses
312 South Main Street, Simpsonville, SC | 864.967.7544
Hogg Greenhouses offer vegetable plants, herbs, annuals, hanging baskets, local honey, and fresh, hand-picked vegetables.

Lichtenfelt Nurseries

Lichtenfelt Nurseries
947 Anderson Ridge Rd, Greer, SC | 864.458.9864
This is the Upstate’s largest center, open since 1989. They’ve got trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and lots of other plants and flowers. Spring inventory is growing, so if you don’t see what you want online, just give them a call.

Get our top tips for creating a garden with kids in Greenville!

Martin Garden Center

Martin Garden Center
198 Martin Rd, Greenville, SC | 864.277.1818
Martin’s has lots of plants, seedlings, flowers, and anything you could probably want for your indoor or outdoor space. They also have tons of shrubs and trees.

Mile Creek Farm Market

Mile Creek Farm Market
3020 Walhalla Highway, Six Mile, SC | 864.481.5206
This market offers fresh produce, berries, and plants to grow your own goodies to eat. Residents of Pickens also have the option of ordering fresh produce boxes delivered to their homes.

Padula’s Plants and Garden

Padula’s Plants and Garden
2267B Mays Bridge Road, Greer, SC | 864.320.0246
Padula’s Plants specializes in herbs, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of harmful chemicals. They can be found at the Travelers Rest Farmers Market and TheRed Barn Flea Market in Greer and you can pick up plants and flowers from their garden in Greer as well. Just send them a message via Facebook or call.

The Neighborhood Nursery

The Neighborhood Nursery
1655 Fairview Road, Fountain Inn, SC | 864.270.8383
If you’d like to have a lemonade stand next summer, The Neighborhood Nursery offers cold hardy lemon and lime trees at a great price. They also offer unique plants like pink lemonade blueberry bushes.

South Pleasantburg Nursery

South Pleasantburg Nursery
1135 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC
This garden center is spectacular, with so much to explore! They have selection of vegetables plants at the front side of the parking lot closest to South Pleasantburg Drive. The garden center is open Monday – Saturday from 8 am – 5:30 pm.

Staggs Nursery

Staggs Nursery
3010 Locust Hill Road, Taylors, SC | 864.968.2690
A full-service nursery that carries vegetable plants and more. They have a variety of shrubs, trees, and garden decor as well as rocks you can have delivered to your home.

Spartanburg Area Garden Centers and Plant Nurseries

Discover plant nurseries and garden centers in Spartanburg, SC and surrounding areas in the list below. Consider calling ahead to confirm that a certain plant or category of plants is available before visiting!

Carolina Garden World

Carolina Garden World
1701 Union Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 | 864.853.3942
This locally owned nursery offers fruit trees, vegetable plants, and more. If creating a garden to attract fairies in your yard is something you’ve been meaning to do, they’ve got all you’ll need to create one.

Drew’s Greenhouse

Drew’s Greenhouse
964 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 | 864.342.0244
Drew’s Greenhouse is a locally owned business with everything from tropical plants to backyard vegetables available for sale. They also offer some special events from time to time, with details posted on their Facebook page.

Gunter’s Nursery & Garden Center

Gunter’s Nursery & Garden Center
215 Caldwell Circle, Spartanburg, SC 29301 | 864.595.6900
Gunter’s Gardens is a popular plant nursery on Spartanbug’s westside. Opened in 2001, this plant nursery carries a wide range of trees, shrubs, flowers, and garden supplies. They post new inventory on Facebook, so follow their page to watch the plants arriving.

Piedmont Farm and Garden Supply

Piedmont Farm and Garden Supply
7043 Howard Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303 | 864.583.1494
Plant a purple garden with Piedmont Farm and Garden Supply! They sell purple carrots, potatoes, peppers, lettuce, and more. They have rows and rows of pepper plants, tomato plants, and then some. If you’ve got picky eaters, a fruit or vegetable with a surprising color can intrigue them into trying a bite!

If you decide to grow vegetables from seed, visit these FREE Seed Libraries in Spartanburg!

Quick Carl’s Greenhouse & Nursery

Quick Carl’s Greenhouse & Nursery
8830 Asheville Highway, Boiling Springs, SC 29316 | 864.415.8276
For a quick and easy shopping experience in northern Spartanburg County, consider a visit to Quick Carl’s! They’re excited about spring and selling evergreen shrubs, seasonal flowers, firewood, and more.

Roebuck Greenhouses

Roebuck Greenhouses
3339 Carolina Country Club Road, Roebuck, SC 29376 | 864.576.7210
Is this Spartanburg’s oldest operating nursery? Roebuck Greenhouses has been serving the Upstate since 1962! This 22-acre site sells a large variety of indoor and outdoor plants, garden pottery, faux greenery, and even home decor.

Settle Greenhouses

Settle Greenhouses
1360 Settle Road, Inman, SC 29349 | 864.439.0100
This nursery has greenhouses full of plants including tomatoes and peppers. Don’t forget to grab some plants that attract some pollinators to help your garden!

Stewart Farms

Stewart Farms
6600 SC Highway 92, Enoree, SC 29335 | 864.969.7270
Stewart Farms is a working farm and nursery, run by three generations of the Stewart Family. They are open year-round and offer vegetable plants, berries, and more.

Upstate Nursery

Upstate Nursery
1020 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 | 864.342.1171
364 Dillard Road, Duncan, SC 29334 | 864.978.7585
Now with two convenient locations in central Spartanburg and Duncan, Upstate Nursery sells large quantities of trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Find out Where to Buy Fresh Produce in Greenville, SC at local Farmers Markets, roadside stands, and more!

Where do YOU buy local fruit and vegetable plants for your garden?

Joybird Cafe Brings Sunny Charm & Vintage Style to TR

Looking for a new coffee spot in Travelers Rest? Joybird Cafe has officially opened its new permanent location, and it’s already a cheerful place you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. What started as a popular trailer coffee stand has grown into a welcoming sunny space filled with a cozy vintage vibe and plenty of room to relax.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick drink from the drive-thru or sitting down for breakfast with your family, it’s an easy, feel-good stop to start your day or a mid-day lunch pick-me-up.

What to Expect at Joybird Cafe

Joybird Cafe has moved into its new home at 308 Poplar Street in TR, and they’ve kept everything people loved—plus lots of upgrades.

Drive-thru available – still super convenient with easy in-and-out access
Counter Culture coffee – a favorite for coffee lovers
Breakfast and lunch sandwiches available
Fresh pastries – delicious
Check out their menu and more details at the Joybird Cafe Menu Website

The new space also has a fun 50s vintage vibe, which gives it a really cute and welcoming feel.

What We Tried

My husband and I try to get out for breakfast together (without the kids) most Saturdays. It’s pretty much the only time we can carry on a conversation without getting interrupted, so, it’s become an important part of our week. We have some old favorites, and often like to check out new options, too.

So, we stopped by Joybird for breakfast and we will probably be adding this one to our rotation of regular spots. We had:

The turkey breakfast club, which was tasty with very fresh vegetables
The pastrami sunrise was huge and definitely filling
Carmel apple coffee cake

It’s a great option if you want something quick but still fresh and satisfying.

Good to Know Before You Go

Location: 308 Poplar Street, Travelers Rest
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7 am – 6 pm
Parking: Easy access with drive-thru option
Family tip: Quick service makes this a great stop before heading to the Swamp Rabbit Trail or nearby parks.

More Photos: Our Visit to Joybird Cafe

A Great Addition to Travelers Rest

Joybird Cafe is a really nice addition to the TR area, especially for families looking for a quick, easy breakfast or coffee stop without sacrificing quality.

Have you been to the new Joybird Cafe yet? Let us know what you tried—we’d love to hear your favorites!

Visiting Farm in the Wildwood: Fresh Food, Family Values, and a Whole Lot of Heart

If your family loves fresh food, being outdoors, and connecting with your local community, a visit to Farm in the Wildwood is such a special experience. I recently stopped by to pick up my very first Farm CSA share for the spring season—and got to meet owner Danielle Pereira and see firsthand what makes this farm so meaningful.

From the moment you arrive, you can tell this is more than just a place to pick up vegetables. It’s about community, care for the land, and food grown the way it should be.

(Thank you to Farm in the Wildwood for providing an 8-week spring share so we could try out the CSA and bring the experience to our readers!)

My First CSA Pickup

I came to Farm in the Wildwood to pick up my very first Farm CSA share as a new member for the spring season, and it did not disappoint.

My share was full of freshly harvested vegetables, all locally grown and free of pesticides. Some were grown right there at Farm in the Wildwood, and others came from local, like-minded farms and growers.

In my first box, I had some of the freshest veggies I’ve ever seen (and I like to garden, so, that’s saying something):

Arugula
Radishes
Lettuce
Spring onions
Oregano
Beet greens
And a welcome gift with chive seeds for my own garden at home.

I got home and rinsed off my arugula, sliced the radishes, and whipped up a homemade lemon vinaigrette recipe. (Do I usually make dressing from scratch? Absolutely not. But, maybe something about cooking with fresh ingredients makes you inspired to try something new? I don’t know. WORTH IT.) Our arugula and radish salad was AMAZING. While tidying up the kitchen after dinner, the family polished it off—casually plucking arugula leaves from the bowl as they passed by, like it was a bowl of popcorn.

Arugula and radishes from my CSA at Farm in the Wildwood

If you’ve ever thought about joining a CSA, this is such an easy and approachable way to start.

Why Families Love This CSA

The Upstate Farmers Collective CSA is designed to make getting high-quality produce easy and flexible for busy families.

Here’s what stands out to me:

Multiple pickup locations: There are 9 pickup spots throughout the Upstate (plus the farm itself)
Flexible scheduling: Need to skip a week? You can
Customizable boxes: Each week, you’ll get an email with your share items and can make substitutions
Purchase a full membership or customize by season memberships.

When I got my first share’s weekly email, I was pleasantly surprised with the flexibility for pick up and substituting ingredients. Not a fan of kale? That’s okay—you can swap it out.

I think Farm in the Wildwood and the Upstate Farmers Collective have developed a really thoughtful CSA system that makes eating local doable, even with a busy family schedule.

For me, that ease is crucial. I have 4 teenagers myself, and I’m regularly moving in at least that many directions at one time. I really do want to put local, healthy food on my table, but busy schedules often make that feel nearly impossible.

Danielle knows that. She has teens of her own. So, this CSA makes eating local approachable and accessible.

Want to know more about the CSA and see pickup and purchase options? Visit the Upstate Farm Collective Website on Farm in the Wildwood. Shares start at $236 and increase based on the share size and length of season you select.

A Tour: Farm in the Wildwood

Danielle showed me all around her farm, including the gardens, fields, and hoop house tunnel.

She shared all about her dedication to growing without any pesticides and her focus on developing extremely high-quality, nutrient-rich soil. Her goal is simple: grow the tastiest and most nutritious greens and vegetables possible.

The fields with leeks at the Farm in the Wildwood

You can feel her passion for:

Being outside and enjoying nature
Growing food the way it’s meant to be grown
Caring for the land in a thoughtful, sustainable way

Growing things at the Farm in the Wildwood.

Her gardens are beautiful. Stunning, really. Wildflowers, shrubs, and natural spaces are intentionally left to provide habitats for beneficial insects, which help keep the gardens healthy and thriving.

She also shared her commitment to stewarding the land well—restoring areas that have been overused by previous owners and finding solutions that don’t cause harm. And fun fact: the farm has even won an award for its soil!

The Farm Stand (Open to Everyone!)

When you enter Farm in the Wildwood, you’ll park right at their farm stand—and this is something you can visit even if you’re not a CSA member.

The stand is full of both tasty and beautiful things. Everything sold here gets Danielle’s stamp of approval first. Items come from farms that share the same values—no pesticides and a focus on healthy, high-quality products.

You’ll find:

Local meats and dairy
Fresh bread and baked goods
Beautiful flowers
Items from local makers
Seeds used right on the farm

Plants and Nursery at the Farm Stand

Behind the farm stand, you’ll also find beautiful plants for sale. Farm in the Wildwood is a certified nursery, which makes it a great place to pick up plants for your own garden.

Plants to purchase at Farm in the Wildwood

Danielle shared that this farm stand has brought her so much joy, especially connecting people to local food and building friendships within the community. You can really feel that energy and care when you visit.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re thinking about stopping by, here are a few helpful things to know:

Farm Stand address: 107 Collins Road, Piedmont, SC
Parking: Easy parking right at the farm stand
The farm stand is open Wednesday to Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm.

And if you’re able to visit the farm and stand in person, even just once, it’s absolutely worth it. You won’t be disappointed.

Too far? Find a CSA pickup location near you! Learn more about the farm: Farm in the Wildwood

Whether you’re picking up a CSA share, browsing the farm stand, or just looking for a simple way to connect your family to local food, Farm in the Wildwood is a place that makes it easy and enjoyable.

What’s in a share?

Here we are picking up the 6th week of our spring CSA share, at Third Place Coffee in Greer.

Have you visited or tried a CSA before? We’d love to hear about your experience—share in the comments!

More local food options:

Mother’s Day Brunch in Greenville, SC: Here’s Where to Go for Brunch or Dinner (2026)

Want to take Mom out for a Mother’s Day Brunch in Greenville, SC? The general consensus, according to moms I know (and myself), is that mothers shouldn’t have to cook on Mother’s Day. On that note, we’ve compiled a list of restaurants in the Greenville area that are offering Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner.

For ideas on what to get mom for Mother’s Day from local retailers and artists, see our great post on what moms want for Mother’s Day!

Larkin’s

Larkin’s is offering brunch for Mother’s Day from 10 am – 2 pm but be sure to make a reservation as they are pretty popular.

Pomegranate on Main

This popular Persian restaurant in downtown Greenville is usually open on Mother’s Day for lunch. Check their website and Facebook for updates.

Restaurant 17

Restaurant 17 in Travelers Rest is offering a full day Mother’s Day menu from 11 am – 3 pm featuring an elevated brunch menu from award-winning Chef Haydn Shaak.

Roost

Make a reservation for a relaxing Mother’s Day Brunch at Roost in downtown Greenville.

Soby’s

Typically reservations for Mother’s Day brunch go fast at Soby’s and currently, there are only a few spots left.

Tupelo Honey

The Southern cuisine downtown establishment has a huge list of family meals, take & bake meals, and brunch courses to go. You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose here. Open 9 am – 8 pm on Sunday.

Up on the Roof

They are offering a signature mimosas and rosé-all-day starting at 11 am.

AVENUE

AVENUE is serving a buffet Mother’s Day brunch from 10 am – 1 pm. Seating times are 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:30 pm. The price is $58/adults, $25 for children 7 – 12 and those 6 and under dine free. Coffee, juice, and soda are included in the ticket. The credit card bar will also offer Bloody Marys, mimosas, beer, and wine. Tickets required.

Spare Time Greenville

Spare Time is offering a buffet-style brunch on Mother’s Day. Seating times are 11 am, and 1:30 pm. Price is $26.99/adults and $14.99/kids. Reservations are recommended.

Lazy Goat

A family-style Mother’s Day Brunch will be served at the Lazy Goat. Reservations recommended. The cost is $42 for adults, $17 for children 7 – 14, and those 6 and under dine for free.

Drayton Mills

A Mother’s Day Brunch will take place. Reservations required. A cash bar will be available. Brunch is from 11 am – 2:30 pm. The restaurant will serve its normal a la carte menu.

The Westin Poinsett

The Westin Poinsett plans for Mother’s Day 2026 have not been announced as of publication.The Westin Poinsett in downtown Greenville is offering a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm. Call for reservations.

Patterson Kitchen + Bar

The Patterson’s plans for Mother’s Day 2026 have not been announced as of publication. Located at Hotel Hartness, enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. Bruch will be served with a traditional menu that has modern, southern influences. Reservations are encouraged!

Wild Ace Pizza

Wild Ace Pizza plans for Mother’s Day 2026 have not been announced as of publication. Brunch is served 11 am – 2 pm at Wild Ace Pizza in Greer. Reservations are recommended.

Looking for more restaurant ideas? We’ve got an entire Guide to Restaurants in Greenville, SC