Getting out of the Office

One of the best parts of my job here at the SC Campaign is being able to get out of the office and meet dedicated teen pregnancy prevention professionals across the state.  And, as someone who loves to eat, having a chance to visit some wonderful restaurants, quaint cafes, and little diners makes the experience even better.  

So, today, I am going to take a break from my “real” role in research and evaluation and talk about some great places I’ve been able to visit. South Carolina is full of historic small towns and locally owned cafes and restaurants. Below are a few of my favorites*:

Sumter: Whenever visiting Sumter to meet with some of our wonderful partners at Sumter Family Health or the United Way Diamonds program or the Sumter SCOOP coalition, we always make a point to stop at Baker's Sweets for amazing cappuccinos, muffins, or a lemon bar.  Since it’s on the way into downtown, we have been known to visit twice in one day!

Hampton County:  On our way to meet Shedron Williams at Access Network, we stopped for tea and cookies in the charming historic downtown area at Julienn's Espresso Cafe.  The inside is exposed brick and has an array of sweets and lunch items.  It’s a pleasant spot to rest after walking around the downtown area.

Cheraw: After visiting the Chesterfield County Coordinating Council, we stopped for lunch at the Rivers Edge Restaurant .  This is a fantastic restaurant that serves simple, delicious food and a staggering array of desserts!  And, they bake their own bread which you can bring home with you and you can buy a handmade quilt on display in the spacious dining room.  The restaurant is also located on a quaint main street in downtown Cheraw.

Conway: Last year when visiting the Horry County Adult Education program, I heard about the Trestle Bakery .  Located on the main drag of Conway in a lovely old store front, it has great coffee (which was nice after a 2 ½ hour drive from Columbia) and an amazing cinnamon roll I still think about!  Luckily for other staff at the SC Campaign, we’ll be spending a lot of time in Horry County over the next five years as part of our intensive community efforts in Horry County

Spartanburg: We have been working closely with the Spartanburg community for a few years and will continue to have intensive community efforts in Spartanburg County.  There are many restaurants in the charming downtown Spartanburg area, but a favorite is: Lime Leaf. At the Hub City Bookshop, you can visit two great little eateries: the Cakehead Bakeshop and the Little River Coffee Bar.

Where else have you been that you’d love someone else to try?  

*The SC Campaign does not have any relationship with any of the restaurants mentioned in this blog and does not endorse any private business. 

By Shannon Flynn, Director of Research and Evaluation