The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in South Carolina
Charleston, a charming city nestled along South Carolina’s coast, is widely celebrated for its culinary heritage, and nowhere better embodies this than the Old Village district. Here, the Lowcountry boil—a sultry, fragrant dish of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes simmered with Old Bay seasoning—comes alive in a communal feast. To experience this, visitors often flock to local spots like The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene, a rustic seafood shack where the Lowcountry boil is prepared with fresh catches brought in daily. The Old Village’s cobblestone streets and pastel-colored homes add a historic backdrop, while spring and early summer offer the best seafood bounty, making it ideal for savoring these coastal flavors under warm, clear skies.
Moving inland, just outside Columbia, the capital city about 15 minutes west, lies the historic Vista neighborhood. This vibrant district is known for its modern take on classic barbecue, but the true South Carolina signature here is mustard-based sauce, a tangy, golden concoction tied to the Midlands style of barbecue. At places like Southern Belly BBQ, smokers work overtime to slow-cook pork shoulders to tender perfection, then slather them in the bright, vinegary sauce that South Carolinians adore. Arriving on a crisp fall afternoon, when the leaves turn and the smoky aromas fill the air, makes for a memorable culinary outing paired with the Vista’s lively galleries and street art.
Not far from Columbia, in Orangeburg County, is the Gullah Festival in the town of St. Helena Island, roughly 90 minutes southeast. This area is the heartland of Gullah culture, a rich African American heritage that heavily influences the region’s foodways. Visitors here can sample benne wafers, a crisp sesame seed cookie that traces its roots to West African benne seeds brought by enslaved cooks. These delicate treats are often found at local markets and cultural gatherings, especially around the festival, which celebrates Gullah traditions with music, crafts, and, critically, authentic cuisine. Experiencing the benne wafer alongside live storytelling and sea island cotton fields gives a deep sense of place and history that few other food experiences can match.
Traveling further south, the town of Beaufort, about an hour from Savannah, Georgia, offers an iconic twist on the classic Southern biscuit at Plums, a beloved restaurant that champions local ingredients. Here, the flaky, buttery biscuit is often enjoyed with savory shrimp and gravy, a dish that represents the blending of coastal seafood abundance with Southern comfort food. Beaufort’s historic district, with its antebellum homes and moss-draped oaks, provides a peaceful setting for a morning meal. Springtime, when azaleas bloom and the temperature is mild, is the perfect moment to sit on one of the restaurant’s porches and indulge in this leisurely, iconic dish.
In the northern part of the state, close to Greenville and about 30 minutes south, Travelers Rest is a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a surprising hotspot for craft brewing and unique cocktails. At the Upstate Craft Beer and Food Festival, held annually in Falls Park on the Reedy, visitors can sample local brews infused with South Carolina’s famed peaches—a fruit that thrives in the nearby Piedmont region. The park itself is a scenic urban oasis with waterfalls and walking trails, making it an ideal destination for combining outdoor adventure with tasting regional specialties. Late summer, when peaches are at their peak, is the best time to savor these fruit-forward drinks amidst the park’s lush greenery and soothing sounds.
In the small town of Walterboro, about an hour south of Charleston, the Colleton County Historical and Farmers Market brings together local growers and artisans who celebrate South Carolina’s agricultural bounty. Here, the boiled peanut stands are a must-try for visitors unfamiliar with this Southern snack. Boiled peanuts, soft and savory, reflect the state’s peanut farming legacy, and sampling them fresh from the market captures a quintessential rural flavor. Fall, during the peanut harvest, is when the market is most vibrant, and the cooler weather encourages guests to linger over these humble yet addictive treats amidst displays of fresh produce and handcrafted goods.
For a taste of South Carolina’s rice and seafood heritage, the historic town of Georgetown, about an hour northeast of Charleston, offers a window into the state’s past at the Rice Museum. While the museum itself educates visitors on the cultivation and cultural impact of rice, local eateries like the High Tide Cafe bring this history to life through dishes such as shrimp and grits, made with locally harvested rice and fresh shrimp from the nearby Waccamaw River. Georgetown’s waterfront district, lined with stately antebellum buildings, provides a picturesque setting to enjoy these flavors. Early mornings or late afternoons in the fall, when the air is crisp and the river calm, enhance the sensory experience of this culinary tradition rooted in the Lowcountry’s waterways.
Finally, the town of Clemson, nestled in the northwest corner of the state about two hours from Columbia, is home to a unique sweet treat tied to the university’s community—red velvet cake, which has strong ties to Southern baking traditions. While many local bakeries offer their take, the Clemson Coffee Roasters is a notable spot where visitors can enjoy a slice alongside a cup of locally roasted coffee. The university’s campus and surrounding trails, like the Fall Creek Falls Trail, offer a lively backdrop for this indulgence. Visiting during the fall football season, when the town buzzes with excitement, adds a festive atmosphere to the enjoyment of this classic dessert that feels both celebratory and deeply Southern.