7 Towns in South Carolina With Thriving Local Businesses
The charming state of South Carolina sits along the Atlantic Coast, surrounded by the states of Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Run by Southern hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere, this unique state brings together mountain living in the Appalachians, to warm coastal living. With 46 counties, it's easy to find the sweetest little town, full of adorable cafes, beautiful boutiques, fresh and local grocery stores, scrumptious restaurants, and lively bars and lounges. Enjoy farmhouse decor, brick-and-mortar shops, fresh seafood, and fishing bait along the beaches. And do it all while supporting locals. The following are 7 towns in South Carolina with thriving local businesses.
Spartanburg
Coffee fixes are easy with Buck n Brew Coffee, a cafe with dozens of syrup flavors, ice cream, and lots of seating. Acapuko Bakery is a Mexican Riviera-inspired bakery with pastries and lunch options. The Pharmacy Cafe serves Little River Roasting Co. coffee, espresso-based drinks, and breakfast sandwiches.
Shop local at the Kindred Spirits, a boutique selling jewelry, pottery, clothing, and much more. The Spice and Tea Exchange is great for picking up unique spices, oils, vinegar, honey, maple syrup, and salts. And Companion Skate Shop has your skating needs covered with boards, wheels, clothing, and everything else you could need.
Grab something new at Blue Moon Specialty Foods, either at their flagship or their bodega down the street. There is an onsite restaurant and shelves full of spices, sauces, marinades, snacks, dips, dressings, pies, and casseroles. Bellews Country Store has all your produce, jams, candy, cooking wines and oils, and dairy in stock.
Find an amazing plate of food at Boots and Sonny's Drive-In, where you can chow down on chili dogs and fried food while being surrounded by retro decor, old cars, and a jukebox. Apollo's House of Pizza doesn't hold back on the cheese and also has pasta and wings. Smoky Blues Barbeque will leave you satisfied with their delicious comfort food, such as ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
Meet some friends at Underpin Lanes and Lounge for some bowling and beers at the large bar or lounge space. Bond Street Wines creates a fancy night out with dozens of wines, a tasting lounge, and wine pairings.
Fort Mill
In Fort Mill, grab a cup of Joe at Humble Cup Coffee Co, where you can sit in cozy chairs amongst the modern interior and treat yourself to fresh bread and pastries. Sweet Dough serves up delicious, creative donuts and hot coffee, which can be enjoyed on its front patio. Z Bakery and Cafe is built within a charming home and sells espresso-based drinks, sandwiches, scones, and cakes as well.
Get your shopping on at stores like Buy The Bunch, where you can pick up the perfect vase or bouquet or plan your big event. Bries Boards creates some of the fanciest and most delectable charcuterie boards in the USA and can cater to any event, big or small. 22Five is an eclectic shop with shelves full of vinyl, vintage clothing, plants, books, stickers, and patches.
Grab the basics at the Peach Stand, a grocery store with a butcher shop, bakery, aisles of locally sourced produce, and an on-site restaurant. For more niche needs, check out Fort Mill's Farmer's Market, where you can buy fruit, veggies, flowers, coffee, bread, oils, vinegar, honey, and so much more.
Hungry? Check out the Dining Car, a restaurant inside a little house serving juicy burgers and fried chicken. Maui Acai Food Truck is perfect for a healthy breakfast or lunch, with tons of acai fruit bowls to choose from. Hobo's is another great choice, with a huge patio, live music, and items like burgers, sandwiches, and amazing milkshakes.
Finish the night off at Untamed Water's Brewing, a warehouse-style brewery featuring dozens of craft beer options. Illumination Wines is a fancy stop offering a tasting room, charcuterie boards, small plates to share, weekend brunch, and fun weekly events.
Hilton Head
At Carolina Coffee and Crumbs, enjoy the sun on their adorable patio while munching on a breakfast sandwich and cinnamon bun. Watusi Coffee has homemade bagels, pastries, lunch and breakfast options, and even macaroons. Daily Cafe makes a great stop for a pick-me-up or a quick bite, with salads, wraps, and snacks on the menu.
Once you're charged up, check out shops like the Island Fudge Shop, which sells freshly made fudge, chocolates, taffy, and gift sets. Island Quilters is perfect for getting started on your next project with dozens of fabrics and quilting supplies. And the Bargain Box is a thrift shop selling antiques, collectibles, clothing, and furniture.
Groceries are easy to find in stores like Palmetto Dunes General Store, which sells candy, beachwear, snacks, non-perishables, frozen items, liquor, and drinks. The South End Seafood Market has your fish, shrimp, bait, produce, and shellfish needs covered.
Grab a bite at the Salty Dog Cafe, a waterfront restaurant with live music, an outdoor bar, and delicious seafood. Annie O's Kitchen has fantastic Southern comfort food. Captain Woody's is great for oysters, fish and chips, crab legs, and more, which can be enjoyed on their huge patio.
End the night with a drink at the Hilton Head Tavern, a massive sports bar with yummy bar food. Rollers Wine and Spirits offers a more relaxed night out, with wine flights, craft beer, and cheese plates.
Clover
Brick and Mortar Coffee and Merchantile features a beautiful brick exterior and wood interior. Enjoy sandwiches, iced coffee, and espresso drinks in the chill atmosphere. Clover Donuts is perfect for picking up a fun donut, breakfast sandwich, or hot coffee. The Carolina Chocolate Company crafts amazing ice cream sandwiches, chocolates, and milkshakes.
Shop local at Textile Skate, which sells skateboards, accessories, and clothing. Tender Hearts Thrift Store is great for finding amazing deals on gently used clothing, household goods, toys, and electronics. And Puddin's One Stop Shop has funky clothing, gifts, candy, dishware, and bath products.
Groceries can be found locally at Nichol's Food Store, which serves hot food and has aisles full of snacks, drinks, and non-perishables. Mondragon Mexican Store caters to those looking for cross-border goods, like canned items, drinks, and snacks.
Get your stomach ready for a delicious meal at Victoria's Diner, which serves up Southern comfort food in a relaxed dining setting. El Mexicano is great for an authentic Mexican meal, with items like fajitas, churros, and margaritas. Pop Pop's Pizza not only makes giant pizzas, but also serves sandwiches, cheesy bread, and appetizers.
Grab a fun cocktail and dance the night away, or play a game of pool at Last Call Social Club. Or play some arcade and video games at Bull Pin Spots and Arcade Bar.
York
At York Coffee Roastery, treat yourself to a delicious espresso drink, or buy a fun mug or take-home bag of coffee beans. Greenhouse Coffee is full of lush greenery and textiles for sale and serves tasty, handcrafted drinks. Southern Touch Bakery is great for a refreshing iced coffee and a quick bite.
Find the perfect item for your coffee table at Secret Treasures Gift Shop, which is full of home decor, jewelry, and knickknacks. Sweet Tea Refill has your outfit ready with clothing, bags, and jewelry. And the Blush Blossom Boutique is full of fun gifts, women's clothing, hats, books, journals, and decor.
Grab some fresh produce at Black's Peaches, which also stocks its shelves with herbs and honey. Tienda Latina Groceries has all your Latin spices, non-perishables, snacks, and drinks. Lunch is easy at Garden Cafe, where you can munch on a fresh salad and sandwich on the terrace and shop the local well-stocked shop inside. Congress St Cafe is great for some unique wine, charcuterie, and flatbread pizza. Hoof and Barrel is a Western-inspired restaurant serving up steaks, burgers, and chicken.
End the night on a high note with Working Theory Beer COmpany, which offers beer flights and guest taps, all brewed on-site. Windy Hill Orchard and Cider makes a great weekend stop in the fall, with an apple U-pick, hard cider, and weekend tastings.
Gaffney
Brett's Bakery is a tiny but mighty cafe with its own drive-thru, ice cream counter, and delicious cupcakes for sale, while Sunny's Donuts is great for finding a fun donut or cinnamon bun. Zakary's Coffee Shop crafts drinks like Italian soda, tea, and espresso-based cups, as well as snacks like muffins and biscotti.
At Broad River Boutique, you can find amazing deals on women's clothing and adorable jewelry. Carol's Hope for Childhood Cancer is another great stop. This is a South Carolina-based thrift store that sells clothes, books, furniture, tools, and appliances, all for a worthy cause. Gamers Dream Haven is located inside the mall and sells everything from video games to action figures, comics, and collectibles.
Find all your farm-fresh needs at Gaffney Station Farmer's Market, where vendors sell produce, flowers, eggs, and much more. Or stop in at Abbott Farms, which stocks its shelves with fruits, veggies, cider, jams, and bread.
Fill your stomach at Bronco Mexican Restaurant, where you can chow down on authentic Mexican food and wind down with a salted rim margarita. Aegean Pizza has giant pizza pies, as well as dishes like spaghetti and lasagna, and of course, dessert. And Boston Annie's is a lunch hotspot, serving sandwiches, salads, and sweet treats.
Grab a cold beer at Harold's Restaurant and play pool with some friends. This restaurant was also featured on the Food Network, which they proudly display in the front window. P.Y.T.S Legendary Bar and Grill is located within the Historic District and offers not only beer but fantastic bar food options as well.
Seneca
Wake up and treat yourself to 313 Cafe, where you can order lattes, waffles, and lunch items surrounded by beautiful exposed brick. Blackwater Roasters sells coffee beans and makes in-house drip coffee and espresso drinks. And the Farmhouse Coffee Exchange has an on-site boutique with local goods, pastries, tea, and protein shakes.
Shop your heart out at Dear Rosie Boutique, which sells cute women's clothing, shoes, and accessories. Stock and Barrel is a butcher shop with amazing cuts like wagu beef, as well as local wines and beers. And the Red Door is perfect for finding a one-of-a-kind gift, with its shelves full of decor, toys, dishware, and candles.
Stock up for the week at Hochstetlers Country Store, where you can purchase cheese, deli meats, bakery items, and bulk foods. Buddy's Market is great for fresh farm items like raw milk, bread, flowers, eggs, and produce.
Take the family out to Main Street Diner and choose from delicious breakfast options like omelets, sandwiches, and pancakes. Grab lunch at the Ye Olde Sandwich Shoppe, which also serves salads, loaded fries, and ice cream for dessert. Or enjoy date night at Vangelis Bistro, a fine dining establishment with dishes like steak, seafood, and lamb.
Finish the night at BREWS on the Alley, a craft beer and espresso bar with take-home options, and weekly events. Or wear your new favorite dress or shirt to Ram Cat Cellars, a wine bar that also offers cocktails and charcuterie boards.
Hopefully, you've become inspired, and are ready to hit the roads into and through South Carolina and find yourself a delectable latte, your new favorite outfit, some farm-fresh produce, a plate of southern comfort food, and a craft cocktail served on the rocks. No matter what you're looking for, there's a small town or city here ready with booming businesses ready to greet you.
