Foodie treats in the Palmetto State

Eat your way around the Atlantic Oceanside state of South Carolina - with rich inland habitats and culinary inspirations including European, African, Caribbean, and American frontier influences, it's easy to see why food is such a big attraction for visitors to the state.

You'll find everything here from gourmet dishes and fine wines in five-star restaurants, casual family diners, chain restaurants, fast food, fun themed eateries and regional favourites - Gullah okra gumbo, South Carolina BBQ, and Charleston she-crab soup, to mention a few. Like most things South Carolina, the restaurants, cafes and eateries of the Palmetto State often feature colourful histories, signature dishes and an atmosphere that can’t be duplicated.

Don’t be fooled by cheap imitations, authentic South Carolina cuisine includes specialties that made it into the history books — foods brought to the New World from Africa in the 17th and 18th century and exquisite Carolina culinary treasures.

A smorgasbord of food festivals again highlight the calendar of “what to do” in South Carolina this year. The offerings range from local favourites such as Lowcountry oyster roasts, peach parties in the central part of the state and apples in the Upcountry, to music, wine and gourmet gatherings in such hot spots as Hilton Head and Greenville’s trendy Main Street.

Upcoming Foodie Events

Beaufort Shrimp Festival
2-3 October 2009
Beaufort's Shrimp Festival is a favourite event that celebrates Lowcountry cuisine and incorporates fun activities for all ages. Local restaurants offer samples of Lowcountry dishes featuring shrimp. Prizes are awarded for "best recipe" and "most creative recipe" honours.

Squealin’ On The Square
Laurens
2-3 October 2009
The 10th annual KCBS State Championship BBQ Cookoff and Festival will be held again in historic Laurens. Squealin’ on the Square draws 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 fireworks. mainstreetlaurens.org

International Festival
Spartanburg
3 October 2009
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. cityofspartanburg.org/international-fest/

Kershaw Hog Jam
Kershaw
12-13 October 2009
Another stop on the South Carolina Barbeque Association circuit, this annual event also offers live music, arts and crafts, other food vendors and children’s activities. hogjam.org

Piedmont Blues and Hash Bash
Abbeville
12-13 October 2009
Blues, slow-smoked barbecue and hash are the headlines at this community festival in historic downtown Abbeville, another of the state association’s “Master Barbeque Award” events. bluesandhash.com

Fall for Greenville, A Taste of Our Town
Greenville
10 – 12 October 2009
The Fall for Greenville, A Taste of Our Town features 40 full-service restaurants and live musical entertainment on five stages - all along trendy, pedestrian-friendly Main Street. greenvilleevents.com

Oktoberfest
Walhalla
16-18 October 2009
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 autumn, Walhalla invites locals and tourists to experience “Gemutlichkeit!” (good spirits, food times, laughter and goodwill) at Sertoma Field. walhallasc.com/ofest.htm

South Carolina Sweet Potato Festival
Darlington
17 October 2009
Festival goers savour a sweet time in Darlington with entertainment, amusements, arts and crafts, food booths, a balloon release, antique car show and fun for everyone. discoversouthcarolina.com

Apple Harvest Festival
York
17 October 2009
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. windyhillorchard.com

Sweet Potato Festival
Langley
18 October 2009
An annual favourite in his Aiken County community, sweet potato treats and a variety of entertainment such as a carnival and a pie-eating contest are on tap and the Ms./Mr./Baby Sweet Potato Festival winners are crowned. midlandvalleyarea.com

Loris Bog-Off Festival
Loris
18 October 2009
Chicken bog is a delicious mixture of rice, chicken and vegetables and a big favourite in the Pee Dee Region of northeast South Carolina. This annual festival features a parade, a chicken bog cooking contest, crafts, arts, games, bands, local entertainment and gospel singing. travelsc.com

Kingstree Pig Pickin'
20 October 2009
Highlights of this year's event include the BBQ cook-off, tennis and golf tournaments, a car show, arts & crafts, food vendors, live bands, lancing tournament and children's activities. kingstreepigpickin.com

Pig on the Ridge
Ridgeway
2-3 November 2009
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, lots of food. discoversouthcarolina.com

Society Hill Catfish Festival
Society Hill
7 November 2009
Boasting fried catfish, arts & crafts, a parade and an auto show, this historic little community in northeast South Carolina puts on its best each year for this family friendly feast. discoversouthcarolina.com

Chitlin' Strut
Salley
28 November 2009
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. chitlinstrut.com

Elgin Catfish Stomp
5 December 2009
A Christmas parade helps kick off the season each December at the Elgin Catfish Stomp, held in the town of the same name on U.S. 1 between Columbia and Camden. Another star of the show, of course, is the catfish stew. discoversouthcarolina.com

America as you like it has a seven night trip to South Carolina from £635 per person, including return flights from London Heathrow to Charleston on United Airlines, seven days economy car hire, four nights at the Comfort Inn on Hilton Head and three nights at the La Quinta Inn in Charleston. Book through americaasyoulikeit.com.

See specialist sites scbarbeque.com and SavorSouthCarolina.com for more details.

For more information on planning a visit to South Carolina and special culinary themed itineraries, visit discoversouthcarolina.com .