TOWN February 2015

Land

Trust

Act Natural

WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS INVEST IN OUR NATURAL HERITAGE

LOOK SPORTY FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY

Well Written THE THANK-YOU NOTE MAKES A CHIC COMEBACK

Cajun Catch A CRAWFISH BOIL FIT FOR MARDI GRAS

FEBRUARY 2 015 TOWNCAROLINA.COM

HOW YOU CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY IS AS IMPORTANT AS WHO YOU CELEBRATE WITH.

Like any celebration, Valentine’s Day is what you make it. Hotel Domestique and

Restaurant 17 want to help you make it one of the most romantic weekends of the year. One thing is certain, if you spend it with us, you’re covered until next year.

HOTEL DOMESTIQUE TWO-NIGHT ROOM PACKAGE FOR TWO / $975*

RESTAURANT 17 VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER

Valentine’s hotel package available February 13 -14 or 14-15.

INCLUDES: / Champagne upon arrival / Valentine’s Day Dinner for two at Restaurant 17 / Two night’s stay at Hotel Domestique / Champagne, housemade truffles and a dozen roses in guest room / European continental breakfast for two each morning

www.HotelDomestique.com

864-516-1715

3 Course Prix Fixe / $65*pp

Call (864) 516-1715 to reserve your room or book your table online.

www.Restaurant17.com

TRAVELERS REST, SC *Tax and gratuity not included. Couples massage is available on an a la carte basis, but must be reserved in advance.

if you want something different‌ from an adorably simple bouquet for yourself, to a permanent botanical arrangement for your home or office, to an event that has to be the talk of the town, visit dahlia today

WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS INVEST IN OUR NATURAL HERITAGE

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Poinsett Plaza Penthouse $1,100,601 RI WP

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108 Lowood Lane Chanticleer $624,605

119 Meyers Drive Augusta Circle Area $607,605

227 Look Off Drive Cleveland, SC $549,635

Joan Herlong Owner, BIC • 864-325-2112 • AugustaRoad.com

VENETIA KING JACKSON HERLONG COURTNEY WORLEY LEAH GRABO JOAN HERLONG

EPIC CLIENT SERVICE

— T H E R E A L E S TAT E P H E N O M E N O N — GREENVILLE SOUTH CAROLINA Joan Herlong, Owner/Broker in Charge, AugustaRoad.com Realty. 864-325-2112.

She is Greenville’s # 1 single REALTOR for the past three years. (Source Greenville MLS Sales volume 2012, 2013 & 2014.)

FIRST

Glance

8 TOWN / towncarolina.com 4

Ladies’ Night: Who: Debra Capps, Kristen Kos, Crystal Marie Stewart, and Amanda Sox. What: Female cast members of the Warehouse Theatre’s recent production of A Streetcar Named Desire get into character.

When: Saturday, December 27, 2014, before the night’s performance.

Where: Backstage in the dressing room at the Warehouse Theatre, Greenville.

Photograph by Patrick Cox

FEBRUARY 2015 / 5

WE SELL dinner for two

Where will you spend your next date night?

Let us find the kitchen that makes “staying in” more appealing than ever.

K1214A

For over 20 years, The Marchant Company has provided the highest level of knowledge and customer service to its clients in Greenville and the Upstate. Our experienced real estate agents are ready to partner with you and meet your highest expectations.

Decades of trust. Confidence in the future.

864.467.0085 www.marchantco.com • www.marchantpm.com 100 West Stone Avenue, Greenville, SC 29609

The latest collection just in time for spring.

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The Marchant Company is dedicated to providing you with the best fit whether you’re buying, selling or renting in the Greater Greenville area. Agents, if you are looking for a new company to call home, finding your fit can be just as easy with The Marchant Company. www.marchantco.com • 864.467.0085 • 100 West Stone Ave., Greenville, SC 29609

Contents 15 21 31 35

49

THE LIST

See, hear, read, react.

The month’s must-dos.

ON THE TOWN

Pics of the litter: Upcountry fêtes & festivities.

WEDDINGS TOWNBUZZ

Angie Carrier brings her Appalachian roots to the masses; a private natural reserve at Hobcaw Barony; handmade tobacco pipes; and more.

TOWN PROFILE

Mrs. South Carolina and entrepreneur Ronnetta Hatcher Griffin is a unique Southern mix of grit, grace, sass, and smarts.

55

STYLE CENTRAL

62

MAN ABOUT TOWN

65

PLACE HOLDER

81

EAT & DRINK

89 96 104

Look sharp in city and country with a handsome collection of classic accessories; sit down to an elegant desk for handlettered notes; and our musthave product finds.

8 6

NATURAL HERITAGE Tom O’Hanlan and a group of land enthusiasts restore acres of Upstate property for sport, camaraderie, and posterity.

/ by Scott Gould // photography by Paul Mehaffey

THIS PAGE: Wild grasses, clover, pines, and other native species such as Partridge Pea dot the landscape of Tom O’Hanlan’s Mill Pine Farm as part of his land restoration efforts. For more, see “Natural Heritage,” page 68.

Photograph by Paul Mehaffey COVER: E.G., Tom O’Hanlan’s German Shorthaired Pointer, pauses during a quail search.

Photograph by Paul Mehaffey

The Man waxes lyrical about the nearly lost art of the thank-you note.

A look back on Memorial Auditorium’s illustrious history and memorable talents.

Biscuits are as Southern as you can get; Charleston’s High Wire Distilling juggles culinary inspiration and sustainable ingredients; and a crawfish boil to pair with Mardi Gras festivities.

DINING GUIDE TOWNSCENE

Got plans? You do now.

SECOND GLANCE

Ashcan School painter Eugene Thomason’s brushstrokes defined the Appalachian landscape and its people.

8 TOWN / towncarolina.com

February

Ultramodern cabin styling

Standard In the Mercedes-Benz SUV tradition, the GLA cabin combines generous passenger space with a clear focus on driving enjoyment.

Its displays and controls are ideally placed and intriguingly designed, with a freestanding central screen atop the deeply hooded dash. Circular air vents with aluminized rings punctuate its winglike span, echoing both the precision and enduring quality of the GLA. The center console flows elegantly from the dash to the padded armrest between the front seats.

tHE 2015 Gla250 4MatIC® sUV starting at $ 33,300

Carlton MotorCars the Upstate’s only authorized sales, service & Warranty Center

www.CarltonMB.com

(864) 213-8000 • 2446 laurens road, Greenville, sC 29607

EDITOR’S

Letter

Photog r aph by Paul Meha f fey

Mark B. Johnston PUBLISHER mark@towncarolina.com Blair Knobel EDITOR-IN-CHIEF blair@towncarolina.com Paul Mehaffey ART DIRECTOR SENIOR EDITOR Andrew Huang

Southern Soul

F

ebruary marks our first issue dedicated to Southern culture—the people, customs, and experiences of our heritage. Southerners are intentional, if downright stubborn, characters. We’re loath to change.

We embrace customs, clubs, societies, and circles. We’re social animals, finding any excuse to have a party. We have an air about us, a bent towards exclusivity. We enjoy manners, rituals, and rites of passage.

From the heft of our biscuits to the draw of our accents to our genteel manners and love of porches, pooches, and cast-iron skillets, we’re a dramatic, well-heeled, prideful bunch. We hold on, and we dig in. We marry the past and the future like a shotgun wedding, full of promise with a little grit. But, at heart, we are fiercely protective. From our family traditions to our food culture, the South is about preserving what was.

In that spirit of preservation, Tom O’Hanlan, CEO of Sealevel Systems based in Liberty, South Carolina, sees his Southern experience in a full-circle way: giving back to the land in order to live off of it (See “Natural Heritage,” page 68). With a wildlife consultant, farm manager, family, friends, and his own two hands, O’Hanlan is restoring a tract in Pickens County he calls Mill Pine Farm. His brand of conservancy and land management seems refreshing this day and age, but it is nothing new. It fell out of practice over the last few decades but is seeing a resurgence through Tom and those passionate about land, habitat, and wildlife.

In many ways, Southern culture is inextricably tied to the roots of our land: vast fields that bore our rise and fall and rebirth. We prize and pass it down. We revere it as a holy place. According to Tom, his family, and associates, giving back to the land is as important as what it gives to us.

Maybe that’s the capstone of what it means to be Southern: understanding that place is more than property. It’s a way of life, an experience of connection. And, at heart, connection is our soulful desire.

Blair Knobel Editor-in-Chief

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS M. Linda Lee Steven Tingle Jac Valitchka CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Cathryn Armstrong, Ruta Fox, Stephanie Garcia, Scott Gould, Laura Linen, Scott Lynch, Kym Petrie & Stephanie Trotter CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS, DESIGNERS & ST YLISTS Chelsey Ashford, Patrick Cox, TJ Grandy, Kate Guptill, Laura Linen, Kym Petrie, Cameron Reynolds & Eli Warren EDITORIAL INTERNS Sinéad Haughey Cynthia Partridge

Holly Hardin OPERATIONS MANAGER GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kristy Adair Michael Allen Whitney Fincannon MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES Sarah Anders Kristi Jennings Donna Johnston Annie Langston Lindsay Oehmen Pam Putman Maddy Varin Emily Yepes Kate Madden DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES kate@towncarolina.com

Emily Price DIGITAL STRATEGIST Danielle Car DIGITAL ASSISTANT

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter Be in-the-know online! Find the best of TOWN Magazine— events, stories, dining, & more!

We have a new Web site!

Check out these stories and more, including videos and extras, at www.towncarolina.com.

10 TOWN / towncarolina.com

IN MANY WAYS, OUR CULTURE IS INEXTRICABLY TIED TO THE ROOTS OF OUR LAND. WE PRIZE AND PAS S IT DOWN, REVERING IT AS A HOLY PLACE.

Lorraine Goldstein Sue Priester Hal Weiss CONSULTING MEMBERS TOWN Magazine (Vol. 5, No. 2) is published monthly (12 times per year) by TOWN Greenville, LLC, 581 Perry Ave, Greenville, SC 29611, (864) 679-1200. If you would like to have TOWN delivered to you each month, you may purchase an annual subscription (12 issues) for $65. For subscription information or where to find, please visit towncarolina.com.

Postmaster: Send address changes to TOWN, 581 Perry Ave, Greenville, SC 29611. All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA.

Romantic Spirits:

The Johnson Collection

Gustave Henry Mosler (1841-1920) The Lost Cause,1868 oil on canvas

opening March 25 on view through May 31, 2015 Greenville County Museum of Art

420 College Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.271.7570 gcma.org Wed - Sat 10 am - 6 pm Sun 1 pm - 5 pm

GCMA TOWN Romantic Spirits.indd 2

admission free

1/14/15 3:45 PM

THE 2015 BOSCH KITCHEN. PERFECTION IN EVERY DETAIL.

Bosch brings its expertise in European design to your kitchen, offering a perfectly flush line that blends in seamlessly to any kitchen style.

10%

Kitchen Package Rebate Available Going On Now – Ends Soon!

Local family-owned and operated since 1951 GREAT LOCATION. AVOID THE TRAFFIC. GREAT PARKING. SHOWROOM HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-6, SATURDAY 9-5, SUNDAY-HOME WITH FAMILY!

Conveniently located at 17 Roper Mountain Road | Greenville, SC 29607 | 864-268-3101 | www.jefflynch.com

YOU KNEW CANCER BREAKTHROUGHS WERE BEING MADE SOMEWHERE. NOW YOU KNOW SOMEWHERE IS HERE.

Researchers at Greenville Health System aren’t just making progress in the war against cancer. They’re making breakthroughs. Like helping to develop the first new treatments for melanoma in more than 30 years. It’s the type of groundbreaking work that only happens in our nation’s elite cancer research institutes—including our very own, right here in the Upstate. Learn more at ghs.org/breakthrough.

List z

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THE MONTH’S MUST- DOS

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February 2015

TOP OF THE

List

JASON MRAZ & RAINING JANE

Mraz sang his way into our hearts (and taught us how to wear a fashionable fedora) way back in 2002 with his hit single “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry).” Thankfully, his career didn’t stop there, and the former coffeehouse musician has racked up the awards and fan following with hits like “I’m Yours” and “Lucky” with Colbie Caillat. 2014’s YES! is Mraz’s first acoustic album, released in collaboration with indie folk-rockers Raining Jane, who will be joining the artist on the Peace Center stage.

Photograph courtesy of the Peace Center

The Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville. Fri, Feb 20, 8pm. $25 and up. (864) 467-3000, peacecenter.org

FEBRUARY 2015 / 15

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zWhat-Not-To-Miss / WICKED

JASON ALDEAN Country superstar Jason Aldean is giving Upstate music lovers something hot to look forward to this February with the 2015 “Burn It Down” tour. Alongside special guest openers Tyler Farr and Cole Swindell, Aldean will roll out fresh material from the recently released Old Boots, New Dirt album, including charttopping hits like “Burnin’ It Down” and “Just Gettin’ Started.” But old school Aldean fans never fear—favorites like “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kind of Party” are also sure to make the evening’s set list.

Photograph Courtesy of The Green Room PR

Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N Academy St, Greenville. Thurs, Feb 12, 7:30pm. $32-$62.

(864) 241-3800, bonsecoursarena.com

RINGO STARR

Let’s face it: it seems a lot more useful to have flying monkeys on your side instead of a town of tiny men singing about lollipops. Long before Dorothy made her way to Oz, Galinda and Elphaba—better known today as Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West— were two young women searching for their true identities in a madcap realm of enchantment. The Broadway smash features songs like “Dancing Through Life” and “No Good Deed,” and provides a glimpse at life before the tornado hit Kansas.

The Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville. Thru Feb 15. Tues–Thurs, 7:30pm; Thurs & Sat, 2pm; Fri–Sat, 8pm; Sun 1pm & 6:30pm. $60-$105. (864) 467-3000, peacecenter.org

In the world of rock music, some couples seem to go hand in hand: Van Halen and Lee Roth, Tyler and Perry, Mick and Keith. But you’ll be hard-pressed to find a group of musicians more talented than Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band.

Fronted by the eccentric drummer himself, the supergroup includes Mr. Mister’s Richard Page, Todd Rundgren, and Steve Lukather of Toto, among others. And since “everyone is a star,” the band performs discography spanning Starr’s solo and Beatles career, but also incorporates hits from accompanying artists’ musical acts.

The Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville.

Tues, Feb 17, 7:30pm. $85-$125. (864) 467-3000, peacecenter.org

Photograph courtesy of the Peace Center

THE

CONNECTED.

2023 Augusta Road, Greenville, SC 29605 | 864.241.2880 | www.cdanjoyner.com

EMILE PANDOLFI

FÊTE TUESDAY

He may be a New York native, but pianist Emile Pandolfi has certainly made Greenville his surrogate hometown, attending both high school and college here in the Upstate. And lucky for us, he’ll be spreading a little romantic cheer our way with the return of his signature Valentine’s Day concert. With songs handpicked from a collection of more than 30 albums, the evening is set to incorporate some of Pandolfi’s most enchanting pieces along with the characteristic humor that has charmed his audiences the world over.

Greenville Little Theatre, 444 College St, Greenville.

Sat, Feb 14, 8pm. $35. (864) 233-6238, greenvillelittletheatre.org

Carnival carousing hits Greenville, courtesy of the Emrys Foundation. This celebration of all things Mardi Gras—Cajun food, New Orleans jazz, and raucous revelry—also happens to support Greenville’s community of literary artists.

Carve out some space for masks, beads, a silent auction, and, of course, king cake.

The Certus Loft at the Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville. Tues, Feb 17, 6:30pm. Individual, $100; table, $1,000. emrys.org

GREENVILLE ROAD WARRIORS Have no fear: hockey is here. Puck lovers are calling the Bon Secours Wellness Arena home, with near-nightly matches pitting our hometown Road Warriors against numerous surrounding league teams. Hockey may not be America’s sport, but with thousands of fans cheering and a fun dynamic for the whole family, it certainly could be.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N Academy St, Greenville. Thru April 11. Days & times vary. $9$25. (864) 674-7825, greenvilleroadwarriors.com

Photograph by J. Aaron Greene

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Quick HITS

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GREENVILLE’S BIG NIGHT OUT

z Like a fine wine, high society and charitable giving only seem to get better with age. And nowhere is this better illustrated than with Greenville’s own Junior League, which celebrates its 85th anniversary this year. An annual go-to for the Upstate’s finest, the 2015 soiree honors this milestone with a “Red Hot and 85” theme designed to dazzle and shine as much as the Junior League’s philanthropic efforts.

And as always, the evening will include plenty of drinks, dinner, dancing, as well as auctions to benefit the organization’s selected grant recipients.

Zen Greenville, 924 S Main St, Greenville. Sat, Feb 28, 7pm. $78-$500. (864) 233-2663, jlgreenville.org

SACRED MUSIC FOR A SACRED PLACE

Photograph courtesy of the Peace Center

z The new sanctuary at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral receives the twentieth-anniversary celebration it deserves as host of the Chamber Ensemble’s 18th Annual Winter Concert. The chorale, conducted by Bingham Vick, Jr., will perform select pieces of divinely inspired music by Hans Leo Hassler, Vytautus Miskinis, and Arlen Clarke. Additionally, Greek selections of sacred works will also be showcased at this one-night-only event.

St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 406 N Academy St, Greenville. Sun, Feb 22, 3pm. Adults, $30; students, $15.

(864) 467-3000, peacecenter.org

THE WHIPPING MAN z While race relations and the Civil War are by no means shining moments in American history, they have provided the foundation for some of theater’s most stirring dramas, including this original work by Matthew Lopez. In the post-War South, both slaves and their former owners are learning how to rebuild their lives in a free world. One such tale comes from the DeLeon household in Virginia, where former soldier Caleb DeLeon returns after fighting for the Confederates. Badly wounded and with no family to be found, Caleb is forced under the care of two former slaves—Simon and John—and the three men form an unlikely bond that will stand the test of time.

The Warehouse Theatre, 37 Augusta St, Greenville. Feb 20–21, 26–28. Thurs–Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. $30. (864) 2356948, warehousetheatre.com

JAMES GREGORY z In a way, comedian James Gregory is just like your grandpa: he tells hilarious stories about life in the South, he hates being politically correct, and he puffs on cigars on his front porch. The “funniest man in America” has been featured on countless radio shows and television specials, bringing audiences to tears with his no-holds-barred takes on everything from obesity in America to growing up in Georgia and global warming.

Centre Stage, 501 River St, Greenville. Fri, Feb 27, 7 & 9pm. $35-$42. (864) 233-6733, centrestage.org 18 TOWN / towncarolina.com

Jackie Evancho When most of us were ten, we were still struggling with learning cursive. When Jackie Evancho was ten, she was performing in front of President Obama. The classical music prodigy, first discovered by legendary producer David Foster, has blossomed into a global phenomenon, garnering her high admiration from the industry’s elite. In celebration of her recently released album Awakening, Evancho is now touring North America, performing classical pieces a la Andrew Lloyd Webber to modern works by U2.

The Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville. Sun, Feb 22, 3pm. $45-$75. (864) 467-3000, peacecenter.org

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MAKE 2015 EXTRAORDINARY

MARCH 17-22

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

FEBRUARY 22

MARCH 12

BEST PRICES ONLY AT 864.467.3000 peacecenter.org 800.888.7768

MARCH 24

MAY 25

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THE NAME TO KNOW. SOL

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20 TOWN / towncarolina.com

49 Deer Track Road

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12 Gossamer Place

$632,500

Town

ON THE Dr. Steve Newman & Erik Whaley

Mike & Joannie Martin with Camille Reams & Stefan Schmidt

Martinis & Mistletoe December 4, 2014

Evelyn McDonald & Jackie Highley

Cameron Kendrick, Liz Rollison, Josh Tew & Josh Kendrick

Walking in a winter wonderland is exactly what guests did at this kickoff party for the 29th annual Festival of Trees. More than 150 guests got into the holiday spirit by enjoying food, music, and a preview of the 60 trees on display at the Hyatt.

Funds raised at this year’s event will benefit the St. Francis Cancer Center, the only freestanding outpatient cancer center in Greenville County.

By Cameron Reynolds Photography ))) FOR MORE PHOTOS, CHECK OUT TOWNCAROLINA.COM

Barry Lynch & Sally Russell

Michael & Tracey Akerman Melissa Gifford & James White

Ralph Barbier & Jeanne Born

Bill & Lori Kelly

Liz Keith & Sr. Dorothy Brogan

Larry & Pam Webb with Linda & Jim Elliot FEBRUARY 2015 / 21

D E S I G N T H A T

864.346.2087 | JMSATELIER.COM | MARC@JMSATELIER.COM J Marc Schreckengost, Owner & Principal Designer

All drawings and designs by JMS Atelier.

Check website for photos of this project and others.

JMS jr Town Feb15.indd 1

L I S T E N S . . .

F A M I L Y 1/15/15 5:11 PM

Robert & Madison Wilson with Bill Fisher

22 TOWN / towncarolina.com

Amanda Mathis, Ronald McDonald & Terenick Medina

Melinda Davis Lux & Brian Lux

Elizabeth Henderson

Kelsey & Andrew Mathias

ON THE

Town

Holiday McGala December 5, 2014 Fine dining headlined the 15th annual Ronald McDonald House Holiday McGala, held at Embassy Suites. This year’s theme was an evening in Italy: guests experienced an authentic Italian dinner with wine pairings by Chef Carlos Echeverri of Da Vinci’s Ristorante and Embassy Suites Resorts executive chef Alan Scott.

$1,250,000 • MLS # 20158243

By Chelsey Ashford Photography ))) FOR MORE PHOTOS, CHECK OUT TOWNCAROLINA.COM

· Exceptional Quality · Professionally Designed and Decorated · 5 Bedroom 4.5 Bath · Deep Water Located Just off Main Channel

Your Go To Agent for Lake Keowee Living

$669,000 • MLS # 20160182

It’s the knowledge of the small things that separate me from the rest.

It’s time to do more than just dream of owning a house on the lake. Lake living is more affordable than you think. Whether it’s a retirement home, a retreat for special time with the grandkids, a second home, or a gathering spot for friends on Clemson game weekends, I can help you find the house that best fits your needs.

Having grown up in the Upstate, my knowledge on lake living spans far beyond just the homes.

I can assist you on topics including water levels, dock regulations, and boat traffic to name just a few.

1214KA

Rita & Mike Storrie

· Completely & Beautifully Remodeled · Very Gentle Slope To Water and Level Driveway · Enjoy Golf, Tennis, Fitness and More · Low Boat Traffic Area with Long Lake Views

Greg Coutu – Top Performing Realtor for over a decade Waterfront Office | 816 Bypass 123, Sene ca | 864-230-5911

GregCoutu TOWN Feb15.indd 1

1/16/15 12:05 PM

Phyllis Cashion, Krish Patel & Marti Spencer

Bob & Nancy Kitterman

Nick & Mary Yates with Shirley & Ted Farrell FEBRUARY 2015 / 23

Aleksandra Makuch & Alice Thalheimer

Jo Ann & Fred Walker

Hair

|

Nails

|

Make|Up

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Ac c essories

www.wilsonsonwashington.com | 864.235.3336 | 794 E. Washington St., Greenville, SC WOW_JrPg_Dec TOWN.indd 1

Joella Helmers & Perry Lenardis

Joey Pearson, Linda Grandy & Sherwood Mobley 24 TOWN / towncarolina.com

11/13/14 1:06 PM

Doris & John Hefner

ON THE

Town

Cascades Verdae Holiday Party December 4, 2014 For some, being “home for the holidays” may mean holiday movies and gingerbread cookies, but the Cascades Verdae Home for the Holidays party was anything but informal. About 300 guests enjoyed an array of holiday ice sculptures paired with hors d’oeuvres that included seafood delicacies. After dinner, guests danced throughout the clubhouse’s music-filled ballroom.

Photography by TJ Grandy ))) FOR MORE PHOTOS, CHECK OUT TOWNCAROLINA.COM

Kari Beam & Jerry Reider

Edie & Chet Janes

Ladies Clothing

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Shoes

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Ethel Lee Sparks & Keeter Horton with Nick & Emily Theodore FEBRUARY 2015 / 25

Beautiful Savings for every room.

Hickory Chair begins its second century of custom quality and American craftsmanship with exciting new designs, styles, and color. Old Colony has the Southeast’s largest display of these heirloom quality pieces. We invite you to take full advantage of Hickory Chair’s timeless designs, talented artisans, and premium materials.

But don’t take our word for it, come sit for yourself.

40% Off Wood 45% Off Upholstery All Hickory Chair Furniture.

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Geno & Jennifer Church

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A breathtaking blend of now and forever.

3411 Augusta Road | Greenville, SC 29605 | 864-277-5330 | oldcolonyfurniture.com OldColony jr Town Feb15.indd 1

Sharon Kopscik, Frances Wortcoetter & Paula Bikulege

Shelly Crockett, Sidney Ann Fowler & Sarah Moore 26 TOWN / towncarolina.com

1/9/15 3:53 PM

Dori & David Impson

ON THE

Town

St. Joseph’s Catholic School Gala December 6, 2014 Disney’s Frozen might have been 2013’s big blockbuster, but the Frozen-themed Annual Auction Gala at St. Joseph’s was a hit for 2014.

More than 500 guests enjoyed an evening of music by the string ensemble and the Knights Chorus.

Guests danced the night away to “Let It Go” and bid on auction items that translate into direct benefit for the school’s tuition assistance fund.

Photography by TJ Grandy ))) FOR MORE PHOTOS, CHECK OUT TOWNCAROLINA.COM

Melanie Calder & Emelyn Jones Brad & Lorry May

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1/16/15 11:35 PM

John Harris, Martha Harris, Greg Harris & Ann Harris FEBRUARY 2015 / 27

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BELLA DAHL

ON THE

VSA CHARLES DAVID DREW

Kenny Reid & Beth Thomason

WHITLEY V

Neighbors, guests, and friends celebrated the unveiling of Alta Vista Place, a new luxury community located at University Ridge and Cleveland Street. The launch party included a sneak peek of the community’s new Federal-style luxury condos, presented by Terry Birch of Renaissance Development.

Alta Vista Place looks to inject new life into the historic neighborhood.

HUDSON MICHAEL STARS CIAO MILANO

LA DAHL TOLANI KORAL

Photography by TJ Grandy

ELLIOTT LAUREN

Visit our facebook page for the latest news at www.facebook/greenvillecopperpenny.

MCDANIEL VILLAGE • 1922 AUGUSTA ST. • SUITE 111 GREENVILLE • 864.241.3360

facebook page for the latest news at acebook/greenvillecopperpenny.

28 TOWN / towncarolina.com

Alta Vista Place Launch Party November 20, 2014

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ARLES DAVID BCBG EW S JOY JOY TLEY V LY DSON HAEL STARS O MILANO ANI N RAL OTT LAUREN BG JOY

Town

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Kathy Harris & Janet Sandifer

Katie Skoloff, Chisana Hice & Ashton Capps

Susan Reid, Brad Halter, & Sharon Wilson

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TOWN

Weddings

/ by Sinéad Haughey

Flint and Tinder Gather close and snuggle up. There’s more to winter warmth than the fire.

Elizabeth Whelan & Michael Wuhrman October 11, 2014

If Liz and Mike are any indication, there is real truth to the adage “absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

The couple began dating while at the University of South Carolina and were together for one blissful year when Mike accepted a job as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan, a position that would require him to be overseas for 18 months. While challenging, the distance between Liz and Mike only seemed to solidify their love for one another. A few weeks after Mike returned home, he took Liz on an Alaskan cruise where, during a photo shoot with the onboard photographer, he proposed. Liz accepted without hesitation. The couple was married at Greenville’s Christ Church. After the ceremony, guests met the bride and groom at the Westin Poinsett for an elegant black-tie reception. The newlyweds live in Greer, SC. Liz is a mechanical engineer at Fluor Corporation, and Mike is continuing his studies at USC Upstate.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CRYSTAL & KEITH CARSON // RED APPLE TREE PHOTOGRAPHY FEBRUARY 2015 / 31

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Weddings Julie Ann Peeler & Lee Floyd October 10, 2014 When Julie and Lee met as kids at church, they were unaware they were on a lifelong journey together. Friends through college, it seemed their paths always ran parallel.

After some years apart, they reconnected when they found themselves working overseas for the same company, but it wasn’t until they ended up back in Greenville at the same time that their paths finally converged. Fifteen years after they met, Lee took Julie on an early morning bike ride out to Fort Fisher, NC. Julie, drowsy and preoccupied by her growling stomach, promptly perked up when Lee got down on one knee. The couple got married nearby in the grove at Fort Fisher where Julie’s sister hosted the reception at her home on the beach. The couple lives in Greenville, where Lee works in human resources at Fluor International and Julie works as a business analyst at Fluor Federal Services.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CRAIG CHILDS // CRAIG CHILDS PHOTOGRAPHY

Mary Williams & Justin Leddon November 23, 2014 It’s hard to be gracious in defeat—a fact that explains Justin’s less-thanamicable exchange with Mary following Clemson’s victory over Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game. To his credit, Justin (a Hokie) mustered the courage to apologize to Mary (a Tiger) and asked her out— despite her loyalties. They’d been dating two years when Mary returned home from military deployment in time to take Justin to Clemson’s homecoming and to accompany him to Tech’s. Walking back from Tech’s Lane Stadium, Justin took Mary to the university’s War Memorial where he proposed. The ceremony was held at Larkin’s on the River and incorporated elements special to the couple—including, of course, a couple of footballs in lieu of the ring bearers’ pillows. The newlyweds plan to live in Columbia, SC, where Mary is working in the SC Office of the Attorney General and Justin is serving in the US Army.

PHOTOGRAPH BY LINDSAY & CRAIG MAHAFFEY // SPOSA BELLA PHOTOGRAPHY

Jamie Gibson & Ladson “Mills” Stover, Jr. November 1, 2014 Often referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is released not only during exercise but also when one falls in love. This couple experienced the powerful hormone’s effects from the beginning. Mills, owner and trainer at 9Round, and Jamie caught each other’s eyes when Jamie visited the gym to work out. Eleven months later, the couple ventured up to Waynesville, NC, to celebrate Jamie’s birthday. Hiking outside Cataloochee Valley Park, Jamie and Mills were enjoying the brisk air and fall colors when Mills suggested they stop to take a picture. Setting up for a time-release photo, Mills walked back to Jamie where he knelt before her, ring in hand, as his phone captured the joyful moment. The couple stopped by Mills’ family mountain home after their hike where friends and family awaited. Jamie and Mills were married at Grace Church Downtown and live in Greenville.

PHOTOGRAPH BY LINDSEY & CRAIG MAHAFFEY // SPOSA BELLA PHOTOGRAPHY HEARING WEDDING BELLS? TOWN Magazine wants to publish your wedding announcement. If you currently live or grew up in the Upstate and were recently married, please write to us at TOWN Magazine, Attn: Andrew Huang, P.O. Box 2266, Greenville, SC 29602, or e-mail ahuang@towncarolina.com. Due to space constraints, inclusion is not guaranteed.

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Charles Courtney Curran, Lotus Lilies (detail), 1888, Oil on canvas, 18 x 32 inches, Terra Foundation for American Art, Daniel J. Terra Collection, 1999.35. Photography ©Terra Foundation for American Art, Chicago.

February 20 – May 17

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Photograph courtesy of Angie Carrier

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OUTSIDE THE BOX / FIELD GUIDE / PROFILE

Native Wisdom Angie Carrier of Carrier Collective channels her Southern roots into prints and home accents

FEBRUARY 2015 / 35

OUTSIDE THE

Box

Home Run

Print Run: Angie Carrier of Carrier Collective features her acrylic and mixedmedia works on wood, fabric, and home furnishings, selling her items coast to coast via online marketplaces such as Joss & Main and Houzz.

Angie Carrier’s original prints are inspired by her Appalachian life

/ by Ruta Fox

// photography by Eli Warren

I

f your home or office could use a pop of color about this time of year, a breath of fresh air—Angie Carrier’s work is like throwing open a window. Toss a bright yellow graphic pillow here, mount a cheery animal art panel print there—and you’re on your way.

Carrier, born and raised in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains in East Tennessee, “grew up spending all my time outdoors . . . in our garden or visiting neighboring farms. I simply love nature,” she says.

In the late ’80s she studied at the Greenville County Museum of Art—where there was a degreed art program— then relocated to Nashville. But she has now circled back, residing in Greenville for the past seven years. The designer and fine artist, who studied engineering graphics, found herself doing technical drawings for GE and Fluor. “I pursued that because even though I always studied art, I knew it could be challenging to make a living financially,” she says.

Now, those diagrams are in the distant past. Carrier’s highquality fabrics feature stylized, upbeat illustrations and grace a wide array of upholstered items: stools, benches, and chairs, as well as pillows. She draws heavily on her love of animals: birds, fish, and dogs along with Native American designs.

(Ironically, none of Carrier’s three dogs are immortalized in her work.) Her original artwork in mixed media and acrylic is either printed on archival paper, then applied to wood for 36 TOWN / towncarolina.com

her art panel prints, or actually printed right on wood for her framed, wooden art pieces. All have limited runs. “We sell coast to coast to designers, interior decorators, gallery and furniture store owners, and manufacture everything domestically. We chose not to have a store because the buying public is moving more and more online.”

Recently, she announced a partnership to sell her products at the elegant, curated flash sale site, Joss & Main (www. jossandmain.com) and in the marketplace section of Houzz. com, the wildly inspirational home décor site. Locally, Carrier Collective can be found at Christopher Park Gallery on Greenville’s Main Street.

Carrier Collective, by artist Angie Carrier, ranges from $27 to $725. Studio open by appointment only; products can be found at Christopher Park Gallery in Greenville or at jossandmain.com and houzz.com. (864) 915-0823, carriercollective.com

Last chance to visit one of the finest model homes in the Carolinas. That is until our new model opens in March We are proud to announce that our newest model, the Asheville, will open soon in Acadia. But don’t wait till then, come visit our Somerset model in Claremont and experience the elegance, craftsmanship and lasting value of an Arthur Rutenberg Home.

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TOP

Bunk

Ageless Beauty Asheville’s Reynolds Mansion is an antebellum jewel / by M. Linda Lee

// photography by Cameron Reynold s

R

ising atop a knoll on Reynolds Mountain, about four miles north of downtown Asheville, the Reynolds Mansion sits like a dignified dowager wrapped in 3,000 square feet of whiterailed porches and Colonial Revival grace.

Daniel Reynolds, who is related to the famous Reynolds tobacco family, had this “double pile” brick house built for his family in 1847. Passed down through many generations of Reynolds heirs, the mansion today stands proudly as one of only seven brick homes remaining in the Asheville area from before the Civil War. Reynolds Mansion, however, wasn’t always as grand as it appears today. When Billy Sanders and his partner Michael Griffith bought the house as a B&B in 2009, it was a crumbling wreck and slated to be torn down. Ivy covered the outside walls, the porches had collapsed, and you literally couldn’t see the house for the trees that obscured it.

Decrepit appearance aside, Sanders and Griffith saw the potential in this house and knew immediately this was where they wanted to live. It took a year and a half of painstaking work to restore the mansion, which now commands a gorgeous mountain view just above the condos, restaurants, and shops of the new Woodfin Village development.

Inside, the house looks much as it did when Senator Robert “Buncombe Bob” Reynolds and his wife Mamie lived here in the 1930s. Once the renovation began, Reynolds family members donated furnishings, and thanks to them, 80 percent of the furniture in the home is original. Portraits of Daniel Reynolds’ descendants decorate the downstairs parlor, library, and dining room, making the place feel as if they never left.

38 TOWN / towncarolina.com

Sanders, who knew nothing of the home’s history when he bought it, suddenly found himself not only an innkeeper, but also the steward of a historic home. Five years later, he is a fount of knowledge about the mansion’s past (ask him about the home’s connection to the Hope Diamond).

The inn’s 13 rooms are all individually decorated with antiques.

Tiny en-suite baths have been carved out of all eight mansion rooms, and those on the second floor have gas fireplaces. Out back are three carriage-house rooms and two cottages near the pool.

Breakfast, served at one long table in the dining room, is a bountiful affair. Daily changing courses encompass the likes of fruit, yogurt, and granola; a crepe filled with scrambled eggs and sun-dried tomatoes, with a side of chicken sausage; and house-made pastries.

At other times of the day, guests have access to a pantry filled with beverages (including beer and wine) and sweets set out on the sideboard in the dining room.

“It’s the history that sets this place apart,” says Sanders, who is currently working with the Smithsonian Institution to eventually open the house as a museum when he’s no longer living here. He points out the full-length wood-framed mirror that has hung at one end of the foyer for 168 years. “I like to think about how that mirror has reflected every person who has entered this house since 1847,” he muses. Oh, the stories it could tell!

Reynolds Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn 100 Reynolds Heights, Asheville, NC (828) 258-1111 or (888) 611-1156, thereynoldsmansion.com Rates run from $185 to $265 (rates are higher in October)

Hill Country: Nearly 80 percent of the furnishings in historic Reynolds Mansion are original pieces donated by the Reynolds family (of tobacco fame).

The B&B, located on Reynolds Mountain near Asheville, boasts 13 rooms, including a poolside cottage with two suites (below).

Grab a drink at the pool’s bar and take a lounge view of the city’s antiquated skyline. At this point it becomes clear that the m.o. of the Belmond Charleston Place is to relinquish every worry, doubt, or pang.

J U LY 2 0 1 4 / 4 5

FIELD

Guide

Land Unlocked

Hobcaw Barony is a nature preserve with plantation history

/ by Steven Tingle

B

efore there was the Wolf of Wall Street, there was the Lone Wolf of Wall Street. Bernard Baruch was born in 1870 in Camden, South Carolina, and by the early 1900s had moved to New York to gain the reputation as one of Wall Street’s best financiers. He was a speculator, and a damn good one, and he earned his nickname by refusing to join any financial house.

One of his rules of investing was to “Beware of barbers, beauticians, waiters, or anyone bringing gifts of ‘inside’ information or ‘tips.’”

Baruch eventually left Wall Street to become an advisor to presidents Wilson, Roosevelt, and Truman, who in 1946 appointed Baruch as the U.S. representative to the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission. Baruch continued to advise on international affairs until his death in 1965 at age 94. But, during his early days on Wall Street, from 1905 to

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Nature Calls:

Wall Street legend Bernard Baruch (bottom right purchased Hobcaw Barony’s 15,000 acres, transforming them into a winter hunting retreat for family and friends (top right), including world leaders. It has since transitioned into a wildlife reserve for education and natural resource protection.

Hobcaw Barony 22 Hobcaw Rd, Georgetown, SC (843) 546-4623, hobcawbarony.org

1907 to be exact, Baruch systematically purchased more than 15,000 acres on a peninsula in Georgetown County, South Carolina, known as the Waccamaw Neck. The land was, and still is, known as the Hobcaw Barony. In the seventeenth century, it was given as a Royal Land Grant to the Second Earl Granville, but by the eighteenth century, the land had been subdivided into 14 individual rice plantations. Baruch purchased the land as a winter hunting retreat, and over the years entertained many friends there, including Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt.

Baruch’s oldest child Belle W. Baruch began purchasing parcels of Hobcaw from her father in 1936, and twenty years later owned the barony in whole. Upon her death, the land was transferred to the Belle W. Baruch Foundation with the mission to use it for the “purposes of teaching and/or research in forestry, marine biology, and the care

FLY AWAY

One of the best ways to experience the natural splendor of the Hobcaw Barony is with a rod and reel. Hobcaw Barony Fly Fishing Adventures takes anglers over the flats and saltmarsh creeks of the Barony in search of trailing redfish or what the locals call “spottail bass.” Guide Captain Steve Thomas describes the experience as much like hunting as it is fishing, as anglers wade through the flats looking for tailing redfish before setting up and casting with crab-like patterns.

But you don’t have to be an experienced angler to enjoy the experience.

Lessons are available and spin reels are provided for those new to fly fishing.

Remember, though, the Hobcaw Barony is a reserve, so catch-andrelease only.

and propagation of wildlife, flora and fauna in connection with colleges and/or universities in the state of South Carolina.”

Today Hobcaw Barony operates as a private research reserve offering a variety of public tours and learning experiences. The Barony’s Discovery Center is a museum chock full of photographs, artifacts, and documents that detail the area’s unique history and ecology. Other experiences include a two-hour tour through the property that allows visitors the opportunity to see the Baruch home, the Bellefield Plantation and Stables, and the Friendfield Village, the last nineteenth-century slave village on the Waccamaw Neck. The tour also highlights the area’s coastal ecosystem, native wildlife, and endangered species. The Barony also serves as an outdoor classroom for kindergartners, high-schoolers, and everyone in between with programs in saltmarsh studies, forest ecology, and marine science.

For the Baruch family, the Hobcaw Barony was a retreat, a playground, and place to immerse oneself in the rich ecology of the Waccamaw Neck. One hundred years later and under the careful and respectful guidance of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, the Barony is continuing this rich legacy, providing a unique gift to scientists, educators, and anyone interested in the beauty and heritage of coastal South Carolina.

Captionhead: text here text here

SHOES HANDBAGS ACCESSORIES

864 271 9750 | museshoestudio.com 2222 Augusta Road, Greenville FEBRUARY 2015 / 41

HOME

Grown

Striking Gold Anson Mills resurrects our Southern food heritage / by M. Linda Lee

// photograph by Paul Mehaffey

W

ith its green tea and almond nuances and storied past, Carolina Gold rice is heralded as the “grandfather of long-grain rice in the Americas.”

Carolina Gold appeared in this country during colonial times from Africa and Indonesia (to date, no one has been able to trace its exact origin). Slaves from the Rice Coast of West Africa were recruited to produce this long-grain rice, and by the late seventeenth century, Carolina Gold— named for its lovely golden hue in the fields—reigned as a commercial staple in the Lowcountry.

“A distinct culture and cuisine rose up around Carolina Gold in the city of Charleston, where cooked rice with butter was called “Charleston ice cream,” and pirlau, a creole casserole of hand-pounded rice mixed with proteins such as shrimp, quail, or dove, was a frequent sight on family tables.

Spoon Bred: Carolina Gold rice was a prized crop until it virtually became extinct; now, Columbia-based, internationally known company Anson Mills has resurrected the grain for world-renowned chefs and home kitchens, alike.

42 TOWN / towncarolina.com

South Carolina’s rice culture disappeared after the Civil War, and after the Depression, Carolina Gold was virtually extinct. It was not until the 1980s that a Savannah plantation owner named Dr. Richard Schulz obtained Carolina Gold seed from a USDA seed bank and reintroduced the rice.

In the 1990s, a would-be farmer named Glenn Roberts became interested in Carolina Gold. Although Roberts grew up in San Diego, California, his Geechee mother’s roots were in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia. Mrs. Roberts, “a great iron-skillet cook,” according to her son, served hand-pounded rice at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Like most things in his life, Roberts says he “fell into farming backwards.” Formerly in the business of restoring historic properties, Roberts’ role evolved into hiring chefs and planning celebratory dinners using recipes that were authentic to the periods in which the properties were originally built.

One sweltering afternoon, he was setting up a special rice dinner at a historic property in Charleston. He had ordered Carolina Gold from a grower in Savannah—the only source of this heirloom rice at the time. When the bags were opened, however, the rice was alive with weevils. So, sweating through his suit, Roberts picked through the grains to remove the beetles. It was then he decided to devote himself to making Carolina Gold rice a viable Southern crop.

Roberts was an unlikely farmer. He had no experience, and by his own admission made his fair share of mistakes.

He obtained his first rice seeds from Dr. Anna McClung, the director and research leader for the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center in Arkansas, and it took three years of trial and error to produce his first crop of Carolina Gold. To support his experiments, he planted corn—which he ground into grits—to pay the bills.

Anson Mills was born in 1998.

Seventeen years later, Roberts’ company produces about 600,000 pounds of new crop Carolina Gold a year and sells its 300 certified organic products to more than 4,000 chefs worldwide.

Why is resurrecting Southern antebellum grains so all-consuming for Glenn Roberts? “These are the building blocks for future cereals,” he explains. “It’s important to keep this genetic material available, and to look at heirloom systems to see why we moved away from them and what we lost when we did.”

“In the South, we have a canon of America’s first fully developed creole cuisine,” Roberts says. “Why are we pretending that all this history doesn’t mean anything?

Find Anson Mills’s products at ansonmills.com.

“I sold real estate in Columbia, SC and then in Cheyenne, WY for over 20 years. After retiring, I wanted a professional to handle our properties in SC. Tom is the best!! He is straight forward about property values, he returns calls quickly, he offers suggestions in a tactful manner and is business like in contract negotiations. He markets your property as promised and is innovative when faced with a property that is hard to sell. I trust him and I highly recommend him. ” - Penny Kamis

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BY

Design

Smoke & Mirrors

Pipe Dreams: Simon Landrum’s pipes, handcarved from Italian briar wood and German ebonite—reference Southern tradition with accents of deer antler or ox horn. To find more or to purchase, go to bluemountainstudios.bigcartel.com

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MY

// photography by Eli Warren

he practice of pipe smoking is an ancient art, one of the oldest known ways to enjoy tobacco. The art of making pipes is even older, a discipline that requires intelligent craftsmanship to marry function with form. For Simon Landrum, the desire to take up pipe-making was straightforward: if he wanted an extra pipe, he might as well make it.

“Pipe carving seemed like something relatively easy and fun to do,” Landrum says. “I was wrong about the easy part—it’s been, by far, one of the most difficult things I’ve ever set out to teach myself to do. But it’s incredibly fun and addictive, and that’s the reason I do what I do.”

Growing up in a family full of craftsmen—painters, sculptors, woodworkers, photographers, illustrators—Landrum found himself drawn to the less “artistic” field of construction. But when his brother needed frames to display his print art in, Landrum took to his woodshop to design frames, then kitchen utensils and cutting boards . . . until his brother bought a pipe-making kit.

While his brother fiddled with his first pipe, Landrum scraped together one of his own before finishing the kit pipe his brother never completed (he still uses it to this day). Suddenly, the notso-artistic-craftsman became an artisan in the most traditional sense of the word.

Blue Mountain Studios is a collection of pipes Landrum himself would like to smoke from. Paying homage to heritage, his designs are classic, taking traditional shapes and experimenting with lines and function. “Function is a big part of it for me,” he says. “My pipes are classic and clean, with a good flow.”

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CM

Simon Landrum’s handcrafted pipes pay homage to form, function, and tradition / by Stephanie Marie Garcia

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Landrum’s pipes are made from classic quality pipe materials— Italian briar wood, German ebonite—mixed with eccentric and decidedly Southern accents of deer antler or ox horn. “Every aspect of each piece I create is cut from raw material by hand—from the actual pipe itself to the stem or mouthpiece to any inlays or rings added,” he says. “A single piece can take ten to twenty hours of work depending upon the complexity of the design.”

Sticking to tradition presents its own kinds of challenges, however. “There are certain rules for classic pipes—if another pipemaker looks at my work, I want them to think ‘That’s the way I would have done it,’” Landrum says.

While Blue Mountain Studios is based in Traveler’s Rest, Landrum’s pipes have garnered widespread popularity through social media. Each piece in Landrum’s collection is commissionbased: when clients see a photo of a work-in-progress or finished custom pipe on Instagram, requests for projects come flying in.

“Word of mouth, making a name for yourself, and the quality of your work is the name of the game,” he says. “I don’t look at the market as a competitive one since most makers have their own uniquely distinguishable style.”

Pipe-carving is perhaps an ancient art, but Landrum is part of a class of artisans that’s ensuring its relevance for aficionados of the future.

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CMY

K

Opening Doors in Your Neighborhood Beth Crigler REALTOR速 2023 Augusta Road | 864-420-4718 | bethcrigler.com Sales Office located at 115 Cleveland Street Open Tues.-Sat. 11-, Sun. 1-5 pm, or by appt. 864-622-5253

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Buzz

Ice Land: A cold-weather hike to Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park offers a stunning landscape and quiet trails. For more hiking advice from Scott Lynch, check out his blog at blazethattrail.com.

Cold Case

Enjoy stunning vantages and crisper air on Upstate winter hikes / by Scot t Lynch

// photography by Blair Knobel

E

ven though winter still has its grip on the Upstate, it doesn’t mean outdoor fun has to stop. Visit a local trail. In winter, the outdoors may not be as colorful, but the foliage has dropped, providing better views of surrounding areas, allowing vistas and vantage points that you’ve never seen before. Forests, waterfalls, and high-atop views look completely different in the colder months. Also, the lack of bugs, heat, and humidity are other great reasons for a winter trek into the woods. The climate in the Upstate is ideal for winter outdoor activity; there are rarely extremely cold days, with temperatures more likely to be 35°–55°F, than below freezing.

So, what are you waiting for? In these days of “virtual” experiences, blazing the trails, even in winter, offers an interesting, healthful, low-cost, and truly natural activity that is yours for the taking. With no leaves on the trees, clearer air, spectacular views, and hundreds of miles of trails, the Upstate of South Carolina has something for everyone.

> FOR BEGINNERS OR FAMILIES, Lake Conestee

Nature Park is a great place to start.

With more than 400 acres of protected wetlands, hardwood, and pine forests, and nearly 6 miles of easy mixed-surfacetype trails, it’s appropriate for all ages.

Paris Mountain State Park’s Lake Placid Trail, at 1.2 miles, offers a quiet, safe hike around a charming mountain lake, and the Mountain Creek Trail, at 1.5 miles (roundtrip), is an easy trek that ambles past a marsh and parallels a quaint stream with beautiful mountain laurel. > FOR SLIGHTLY MORE EXPERIENCED HIKERS,

the 100-ft. Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park is gorgeous anytime of the year.

Roundtrip distance is just shy of 5 miles, but a few hills, boulders, and negotiating the falls will elevate your heart rate. > AND FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR LONGER, TOUGHER WINTER TREKS INTO UPSTATE BACKCOUNTRY , a visit to Virginia Hawkins

Falls via the Foothills Trail is recommended.

At 10-miles roundtrip, climbing over steep mountains, and getting down to and out of the Laurel Valley, it can be a challenging day. The triple falls cascade over 25-ft. with a dramatic temperate rainforest as its backdrop.

))) SHARE YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM @TOWNCAROLINA ))) SHARE YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM @ TOWNCAROLINA

46 TOWN / towncarolina.com

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TOWN

Profile Steel Magnolia: Ronnetta Hatcher Griffin, 1991’s Miss South Carolina, returned to the pageant circuit 23 years later to raise awareness about anemia.

Royal Touch Pageant veteran and entrepreneur Ronnetta Hatcher Griffin embodies style with substance / by Stephanie Trot ter // photography by Eli Warren

I

f the reigning Mrs. South Carolina invites you to a laid-back breakfast, forgo the baseball cap and pilled-cotton, drawstring pants. Ronnetta Hatcher Griffin’s low-key casual serves as most ladies’ Sunday best. “My mother always told me to never leave the house without my lipstick on.

Always put my best foot forward,” she shares, a gleaming smile popping with Chanel Rouge Allure.

But before your mind makes the jump to selfabsorbed pageant queen, look beyond the bling.

The 50-year-old Eastside mom is the modernday Southern woman, that unique blend of grit and grace, sass and smarts, beauty and brawn: a mindset refined over generations and engrained at birth. “I think there’s a special ingredient Southern women have,” she explains. “There’s sincerity, sensitivity, a sense of caring. We have a deep sense of history, we’re soldiers, we’re caretakers, we’re fiercely loyal, and we feel an obligation to meet expectations. We behave and conduct ourselves with dignity, and we pick ourselves up and keep going. You don’t let things keep you down. Get over it and move on.”

The 5’7” dynamo started moving down the runway at age eleven for her first pageant. “My mother made my dress on the dining room table, a ruffled party dress for Little Miss Richland County. I was first runner-up, which ended up being my curse for much of my life,” she chuckles. That curse crumbled liked dried rose petals in 1991, when she was crowned Miss South Carolina. “That was one of the best years of my life because of the kids. I traveled the state talking to students about my struggles in school under my platform ‘Be a Winner for Life.’ I had corrective shoes, braces, headgear and a chin-cup growing up. A chin-cup! And I had to wear it to school!” she laughs. “They knew I could relate to the challenges they were facing.”

After 450 appearances, Ronnetta traded her rhinestone crown for a wedding veil and married undercover narcotics officer, Tom Griffin. “She immediately caught my eye, how could she not?” asks the lawman. “But I quickly learned she’s a living example of the cliché, as beautiful on the inside as the outside.” When Tom became a U.S. Secret Service agent, Ronnetta used the hardearned Southern skill of survival to adapt to life north of the Mason-Dixon. “I had to put a damper on some of that Southerness. They made fun of my accent and personality,” she recalls. “I tried to still be me, but I toned it down because I didn’t want to be a laughing stock. You just can’t walk down the streets of New York smiling at everyone.

Growing up in the South, we take outgoing friendliness for granted.”

Like Scarlett O’Hara in need of a dress, Ronnetta wasn’t taking her resources for granted either. She harnessed her spare time and Columbia College art degree to start multiple businesses.

While Tom guarded presidents and first ladies, FEBRUARY 2015 / 49

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Profile

Ronnetta ran a gift shop and raised two young sons, Thomas and Teddy. She describes her drive saying, “My dad was an electrical and instrument technician, and my mom owned a daycare center. They both have incredible work ethics and passed that on to me. They instilled in me if you’re going to do something, do it well.” Her husband elaborates on her high-energy pace. “First and foremost she’s a dedicated mom, but she amazes me. She’s always researching and working on new interests. She can elevate any project to the next level.” One of her businesses jumped several levels when the family returned to the Palmetto State in 2010. She re-branded her handcrafted soy candles under the Carolina Chic logo. Southern Living noticed and featured them twice last year, putting Ronnetta on top of a lucrative product now sold across the region and into Texas.

Whether overseeing a business or home, Ronnetta does so with flair. “My folks did not have a privileged upbringing and worked really hard to give me what I had,” she reflects. “Mom always made sure the house was spotless and beautiful. It rubbed off on me.” The task is daunting now that her boys are teens. “She holds her own,” smiles Tom. “It’s very challenging. It’s not just a household full of men, but a household full of three alpha males.”

Nonetheless, with a trademark can-do attitude, Ronnetta keeps it running while serving out in the community. “Volunteering makes me feel good,” she says. “I think being a Southern woman is putting your faith and family first, caring about others, and doing things that make a difference.”

Like long ago, children still hold her heart. This past Christmas, she rallied neighbors to help Backpack Blessings feed hundreds of students who would have gone hungry over the break without their free school meals. The swim-soccer-track team mom also serves as the face of the Iron Disorders Institute, which is headquartered in Greenville. “Ronnetta is our star, our light in a very dark area where iron is misunderstood,” 50 TOWN / towncarolina.com

reveals executive director Cheryl Garrison. “I was impressed how quickly she gained knowledge and applied herself to raise awareness. Her efforts will save lives.”

In fact, Ronnetta’s desire to educate other women is what prompted her step back into high-heels and gown 23 years after last competing for a crown. “I wanted to get the message out about the dangers of low iron. Nobody is talking about it, but nearly half of women have it,” she states with passion. “I was diagnosed with anemia at 16, but I didn’t pay any attention to it until a few years ago when I learned I was one click away from a heart attack.”

She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization. “She exemplifies style and grace that goes beyond the stage,” reveals president and executive director Ashley Byrd. “She has a way of giving back in service day in and day out. She possesses great marketing skills and empowers other women.” Byrd credits Ronnetta with helping South Carolina raise more money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals than any other state in the Miss America Organization for the past three years.

Long live the queen? Or long live Southern women? Ronnetta will be the first to tell you pageants only opened doors. Her success and perseverance are rooted in Southern womanhood. “I’m fortunate to have won a few pageants, but I am beyond blessed to have been raised a Southern woman. We take pride in who we are and that pride does not come from a place of vanity, but from a place of respect: selfrespect and respect for others. And most importantly, we do everything from a place of love.” The queen has spoken.

Crowned Jewel: Ronnetta has lent her clout and creativity to her line of handcrafted Carolina Chic candles, as well as community advocacy for underprivileged children, the dangers of anemia, and the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization.

For more on Ronnetta and her interests, go to getyourironup.com; carolina-chic.com; and ronnettagriffin.com

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FEBRUARY 2015 / 55

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// photography by T J Getz

1 LIL’ SLUGGER Leather & stainless steel flask, $79, by Filson. From Luthi’s Outfitters, 1418 Laurens Rd, Greenville. (864) 233-0551, luthisoutfitters.com 2 BUSH LEAGUE Cavalry Polarquilt jacket, $279, by Barbour. From Rush Wilson Limited, 23 W North St, Greenville.

(864) 232-2761, rushwilson.com; animal-print scarf, $30. From Twill, 2222 Augusta St, #7, Greenville. (864) 520-2486, twillsc.com 3 TICK TOCK Serein 16 watch, $965; Deco 16 Gold watch, $845; both by Michele. From Hale’s Jewelers, 532 Haywood Rd, Greenville.

(864) 297-5600, halesjewelers.com; A-1S field watch, $90, by Bertucci. From Mast General Store, 111 N Main St, Greenville. (864) 2351883, mastgeneralstore.com 4 LOAD MASTER Medium duffel, $325, by Filson. From Luthi’s Outfitters 5 HEAD IN HAND Tin-cloth Packer hat, $55; deerskin gloves, $88; both by Filson. Both from Luthi’s Outfitters 56 TOWN / towncarolina.com

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Take time for hand-stamped thank-yous in a chic space / styled by Kym Petrie

// photograph by Eli Warren

W

hen Jimmy Fallon sits down to write his weekly thank-you notes on The Tonight Show, he is most certainly poking fun at a custom many consider to be passé and unnecessary. But, for those of us who call the South home, a thank-you note is more than a simple act of good manners. A well-constructed note takes mere seconds to write, yet conveys a long-lasting sense of sincerity and gratitude—often strengthening bonds between people both in personal life and in business. And, as it happens, says the New York Times, “The handwritten gratitude intervention seems to be experiencing a moment of vogue.” Southern charm . . . always in style.

58 TOWN / towncarolina.com

The Junior League of Greenville presents

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Zen Greenville

For information and tickets visit: www.JLGreenville.org

P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R

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Ring Leader Designer Charme Silkiner— who lives and works by her motto “Life can, and should be, distinct, luminous, and beautiful”—was inspired to create this radiant disc by the way life tends to come full circle. But you can forget the philosophy—the sparkling Colette Ring is the perfect way to wave winter weariness goodbye. $95, from Beija Flor, 618 S Main St, Greenville. (864) 3739497, beijaflorjeans.com —Laura Linen

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60 TOWN / towncarolina.com

Photograph (clutch) by Eli Warren; (ring & serum) by TJ Getz

ypsy Global channeled Ottoman-inspired styling for this leopard print cowhide clutch. A raw turquoise ornament— studded with gold, Byzantine angels, and miniature pearls—adorns i t s fa c e. This indulgent piece is lined in turquoise silk and also features an antique pearl tassel. $1, 080, from Hennessee Haven, 820 S Main St, #101, Greenville. (864) 558-0300, hennesseehaven.com —Andrew Huang

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MAN

About TOWN

Each month, the Man About TOWN will share his Upstate rendezvous, which may or may not involve cocktails.

Card Stock The Man weighs in on the benefits of handwritten thank-yous

T

he other day while browsing through a gift and stationery store, I noticed a sale on discontinued thank-you cards. I viewed this as a sad consequence of our email- and text message-addicted society, and as someone who appreciates the value of handwritten communication, I stared at the boxes of half-priced cards like Iron Eyes Cody surveying a landfill. After “I love you,” “thank you” is one of the most beautiful phrases you can say to someone. And just like a love note, when you take the time to handwrite a thank-you, the sentiment takes on an elegant yet humbling sincerity. It becomes a gift, something we can touch and hold, display on the mantel or stick on the fridge. A memento we can use to remind ourselves of how nice we are.

Last year, despite hosting several cocktail and dinner parties, giving numerous wedding and engagement gifts, and connecting multiple acquaintances both socially and professionally, I can count the number of thank-you cards I received on one hand. Of course, I was told “thank you” by everyone involved—my hand was shook, my back was patted, I was given bottles of wine, and subjected to countless man-hugs, which in my opinion are as clumsy and uncomfortable as the way dogs say hello. I received thank-you texts, thank-you emails, thank-you tweets, and several people even took the time to call. But only a select few sent a handwritten note—and I still have them all.

So, what has happened to the thank-you card, and why is it important to save it from extinction? Ultimately, it comes down

62 TOWN / towncarolina.com

to gratitude. Scientists have recently discovered a link between feeling grateful and a number of health benefits including reduced stress, better sleep, and a more optimistic attitude. When we take the time to handwrite a thank-you note, we immerse ourselves in gratitude. It’s meditative and somehow therapeutic.

And it strengthens the bonds of our relationships in a way no text, tweet, email, or a quickly muttered “thanks” ever can.

But, I too am guilty of not always taking the time to send a handwritten note when I’m grateful to someone. So, I picked up three boxes of thank-you cards at the stationery store, thirty in all. My goal is to send one a day, every day this month. I’m going to thank friends for their friendship, colleagues for their good work, and family members for their love, support, and for posting bail that one time. In fact, once I put my mind to it, I can think of dozens of people to thank for just as many reasons. I’m going to thank my tailor and my barber for doing the best with what they have to work with. And my neighbor, who, knowing my sleep habits, waits until at least noon before cranking up his leaf blower. And next month I’ll do the same thing, and again the month after that. I’ll bask in my gratitude and reap the benefits, both physically and emotionally. And by the end of the year, I hope to have sent more than 300 thoughtful and sincere notes of thanks. I guess it’s a good thing they’re on sale. ))) Catch up on the Man at towncarolina.com/blog

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A TASTE OF THE FINE ARTS Join us Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 7 pm

A Taste of the Fine Arts is a sumptuous evening of fine food and entertainment hosted by the Fine Arts Center Partners and designed to increase recognition and support of the Fine Arts Center of Greenville County Schools.

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Hard Knocks: Just 8 weeks before her farewell performance, Carolina Ballet Theatre’s

Sacred Ground

Greenville Memorial Auditorium remains a hallowed memory of the city’s landscape / by Scot t Gould

Photograph by Joe F. Jordan / courtesy of Doug Jordan

I

Set the Stage: The Greenville Memorial Auditorium, once located at the corner of Church and East North streets, hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment before it was demolished in 1997.

tend to believe in ghosts. Not so much chain-rattling, demon-faced spirits, but more the friendly apparitions that pop up now and again unexpectedly in the memory. I mean, I suppose those sensations that flicker across our brains and bring a prickle on the back of our necks are ghosts, right? If that is indeed the case, perhaps the most haunted place in Greenville is a small, incisor-shaped piece of land bordered by Beattie Place and Academy and East North streets, the site of the longgone Memorial Auditorium.

I call it “haunted” because every time I walk by there, I hear a little bit of Scotty Moore’s guitar twang backing a young, swivel-hipped Elvis. I hear the high harmonies of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys winging in from the mid-’60s. I can almost see the black cases slamming shut on Lynyard Skynyrd’s equipment as they load-out and get ready to catch a Louisiana-bound plane the next morning. These are ghosts. I’m sure of it.

And, yes, I do walk by there. But not many folks do. Not much reason to make the old auditorium site a destination now. The chunk of land is just sort of in the way these days. The ugly privacy fence only hides

dirt mounds and renegade trees and a few chunks of concrete that escaped after the demolition back in 1997.

But catch it at the right time of day, and you’ll feel the ghosts.

Ask Gene Berger. He has the memories, sees the ghosts. Berger, of course, hears music every day in the place he owns, Horizon Records. Sit him down and get him talking about the things he’s seen at Memorial Auditorium, and those particular musical memories take his voice down a half step or so, down to a quiet tone that breathes respect. “It seemed like every town the size of Greenville had a big brick box of an auditorium back then.” He pauses, combing through the shows he witnessed at Memorial Auditorium. “I saw a lot of country stuff, legendary acts. George and Tammy, Conway and Loretta. I saw Waylon Jennings in ’76. And Al Green, I saw him at his peak.” Berger goes on to talk about Green’s Beatle-esque, high-decibel reception by the R&B crowd. “Women were screaming and throwing roses at him on the auditorium stage. Probably throwing other things, too.”

In Memorial Auditorium, Berger saw Linda Ronstadt in her Hasten Down the Wind heyday, when she toured with legendary studio session players like Waddy Wachtel and Kenny Edwards. He saw Foghat in the band’s pre–Fool for the City, post–Savoy Brown era. In 1987, he bought tickets to a benefit concert for soul singer Dee Clark that featured The Drifters and The Shirelles and Clarence “Frogman” Henry. (Yes, that Frogman Henry.) There was one act in the benefit show that Berger can’t forget, the one that still haunts him.

FEBRUARY 2015 / 65

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“I saw The Iceman that night,” he says, holding his arm out so I can check out the goose bumps. The Iceman is Jerry Butler, a Chicago soul legend who was the original lead singer for R&B group the Impressions. When Butler hit Greenville, he was a solo act. “I sat in the balcony, and when his voice came over the PA, it was like a fog rolling over the county.” Berger remembers sitting there, promising himself that when Butler launched into one of his biggest hits, “For Your Precious Love,” he was going to flee the balcony and make his way to the stage. And he did. “The place was like half full and back then security was pretty light. When The Iceman broke it down in the middle of ‘Your Precious Love,’ I was right there, right by the stage.

Look,” he says, “more goose bumps.”

The 7,000-seat Memorial Auditorium is famous among Southern rock purists because it was the venue for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s final performance on October 19, 1977. Two days earlier, Skynyrd had released Street Survivors, with an ominous cover shot on the album featuring the band surrounded by walls of flame. The band stayed overnight in Greenville and the next morning boarded a private plane at the downtown airport, bound for Baton Rouge. They never made their destination. The plane ran low on fuel and crashed into a

Stub Hub: Concert tickets remain some of the few physical mementos from Memorial Auditorium’s legendary roster of performers.

Louisiana bayou, killing lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines. Because of the nature of the accident, Capital Records pulled Street Survivors from store shelves and re-released the record with alternate cover art.

The Lynyrd Skynyrd tragedy wasn’t the first time a horrific accident followed on the heels of a Memorial Auditorium show. On August 5, 1973, Stevie Wonder played to a massive, enthusiastic Greenville crowd. The next day, he and his entourage left for a benefit gig in Durham, North Carolina. Near Salisbury, the car Wonder occupied rear-ended a logging truck, and the singer sustained life-threatening head injuries. He didn’t perform in public again until March of 1974.

But tragedy is rarely on the mind of music lovers when they talk about Memorial Auditorium. They’d rather talk about the shows they’ll never forget. And if you get a chance to speak with Paul Riddle about his experiences at the auditorium, you’ll get a history lesson. Riddle

66

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was the drummer for the seminal Southern rock band the Marshall Tucker Band, from nearby Spartanburg. With their homegrown hybrid of rock, rhythm and blues, jazz, country, and gospel, Marshall Tucker spearheaded the Southern rock invasion in the early ’70s.

The Tucker boys were road warriors, playing up to 300 dates a year in the early days, including sold-out gigs at Madison Square Garden, but Riddle has fond and vivid memories of Memorial Auditorium. “Way back, you know, we played talent shows in Spartanburg at the auditorium there and played Greenville a lot. We loved playing in those halls. The crowd was right on top of you, and we loved that.”

Oddly enough, playing drums during epic Southern rock shows of the ’70s doesn’t dominate Riddle’s recollections of Memorial Auditorium. Ask him which show is at the top of his hit list and you’ll get an unexpected answer: Gladys Knight and the Pips.

“Look, I’m pretty critical about the way bands sound, and the auditorium didn’t have the best acoustics, but let me tell you, that night, man, that night I was close enough to feel that sound coming off the bandstand. Gladys was on her A-game. The horn section was amazing. The Pips were locked in. I got to tell you, that is one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. Great memory of mine.”

The memory of seeing the legendary James Brown hasn’t dulled for Franklin Phillips, a local computer technician who also owns a small music publishing company. Phillips says that he and his friends “almost lived at the auditorium,” seeing the parade of R&B bands and gospel groups that made Greenville a tour stop. “And when I was eleven or twelve, we heard that James Brown was headlining a show at the auditorium. And get this—we walked from way, way over on West Washington to see the show. Walked by ourselves, just a bunch of kids from the neighborhood. We got into the show for a dollar. James Brown for a dollar,” Phillips laughs.

Phillips says he remembers he and his buddies on the floor of the auditorium trying to mimic the Godfather of Soul’s classic dance moves. “We all wanted to dance like James Brown. Oh, and not only did we get into the show for a dollar, but during the show, they threw records into the crowd. A free record and James Brown for a dollar. That’s a deal.” Phillips has to laugh again.

Ask a hundred people about the musical acts they remember at Memorial Auditorium, and you’ll get a hundred answers. The litany of bands and performers reads like a hall-of-fame membership roster: Peter, Paul and Mary, The Kingston Trio, The Monkees, Alice Cooper, KISS, Joe Cocker, Sly and the Family Stone, John Fogerty, Parliament Funkadelic, Charlie Daniels, Dave Matthews and on and on. In the early ’80s, if you had ten bucks in your pocket, you might have seen Rick James and his opening act, an up-and-coming singer who pranced around in bikini bottoms and shredded his guitar like the next coming of Hendrix. His name was Prince. And you’d get change back from your ten spot. Tickets for that show cost $9.75.

Or you might have been there the afternoon in 1991 when Bob Dylan went on an unexpected, pre-show stroll around Greenville’s downtown and wasn’t allowed back in the auditorium. A somewhat overzealous security guard told him that there was a Bob Dylan show that night and he was under strict orders that nobody was allowed through the backstage door. Dylan had to enter Memorial Auditorium with his fans who were filing into the show.

Memories. Stories. Ghosts. They never rest easy. Now and then, rumors surface that a four-story apartment complex is planned for the old Memorial Auditorium site. I wonder if the folks that ultimately live in those apartments will realize the sacred ground they sleep on. I wonder if at night, when they close their eyes, if they’ll hear faint sounds coming through the walls, maybe something that sounds like Toy Caldwell’s high lonesome guitar or the high-pitched wail of Al Green’s fans?

I wonder what the living will think when they hear the ghosts playing encores.

Photographs by Paul Mehaffey; ticket stubs courtesy of Brian Walker

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www.theplantationshutterco.com FEBRUARY 2015 / 67

NATURAL

HERITAGE As Southerners, our relationship to the land is complex. We’re as fiercely protective of it as our people. We have a drive to claim a stake, to preserve, to pass down. In this spirit, Liberty businessman Tom O’Hanlan is restoring a tract in Pickens to pristine conditions—essentially molding it back to its wild glory—for communion, camaraderie, and conservation. b y Scott Gould photography by Paul Mehaffey 68 TOWN / towncarolina.com

FEBRUARY 2015 / 69

L A N D & S E E : Tom O’Hanlan, CEO of Sealevel Systems, aims to restore his Pickens County tract Mill Pine Farm

to its former, wild glory.

I AM NORMALLY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH PRONOUNCEMENTS—AND WITH THE PEOPLE WHO FEEL INCLINED TO MAKE THEM. BUT I MUST TELL YOU, I HAVE, WITH THE BENEFITS OF YEARS AND OBSERVATION, LEARNED SOMETHING THAT EXISTS BEYOND THE SHADOW OF ANY DOUBT, AND IT IS THIS:

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here is still a Southern strand of DNA, and it is deeply rooted in the land. Those of us who possess this strand love having something we can dig our heels into, something we can call our own.

Whether it’s the sliver of an acre where a house sits or the back stoop of a condo or a heritage tract of bottomland that spans a couple of zip codes, we Southerners want a place—crave a place—to cultivate our roots. It’s not our fault. It’s in our cellular make-up. We’re hard-wired for a sense of place, for a place of our own.

I saw this early on, as the son of a forester. Years ago, my father bounced me across four Lowcountry counties in a white Ford Falcon, and I watched him huddle with landowners who needed

70 TOWN / towncarolina.com

help managing their pines or thinning their hardwoods. Though I was only ten or so, I knew then that the men were talking about something important when they put their heads together, something worth preserving. They talked about the land.

That feeling, that sensation of how connected you can get to the dirt under your feet, had been buried in me until recently, when I drove through the simple metal gate of Mill Pine Farm. Mill Pine is a tract of property just shy of five hundred acres owned by Tom O’Hanlan, the CEO of Sealevel Systems, a company headquartered in Liberty, South Carolina, that builds industrial computers and customized computer parts. O’Hanlan is a unique and wonderful mixture of professor and silver-maned rock star. (And if you know anything about rock and roll, connect the dots between 1) O’Hanlan’s love of rock music; 2)

SPO T O N : E.G., O’Hanlan’s German Shorthaired Pointer, sniffs and searches for a quail covey; loblolly pines, with scars from low-burning, blanket Mill Pine Farm.

the Rolling Stones’ long-time keyboard player and arranger Chuck Leavell; and 3) Leavell’s jazz/rock/ blues fusion band Sea Level, then you’ll know how O’Hanlan named his computer company.)

O’Hanlan has a quick laugh and an easy manner with a story, and he’s more than happy to tell the tale of Mill Pine Farm.

The acreage was, in a former life, a cotton farm, terraced and tilled fields subdivided by strips of spindly loblolly pines and white oaks and sycamores. When he talks about the first time he set foot on the land, O’Hanlan says he could “sense something in the property,” something he wanted to work with, something he wanted to bring out into the open. His vision was to restore the property to a bygone look and feel, back to a carefully cultivated habitat that would encourage wildlife and provide space for him and his family to eventually set up residence. He wanted the land to be the main character in the story of Mill Pine Farm, not simply a supporting player.

And the wildlife O’Hanlan was most interested in re-introducing to Mill Pine Farm was bobwhite quail. In the South (and particularly South Carolina), wild quail populations have been on a steady decline for decades, primarily because of habitat loss. Pine forests floored with thick underbrush, where coveys of quail used to breed relatively free from predators and development, have dwindled in number. Forty years ago in the South, you could hear the calls of a bobwhite covey almost every morning and evening. These days, it’s rare music. O’Hanlan wanted to change that on his five-hundred-acres slice of the world.

>> The decline of Northern bobwhite quail is due largely to habitat loss.

The land-loving species requires plenty of food options, as well as ample groundcover and native grasses to thrive.

O’Hanlan wanted the land to be the main character in the story of Mill Pine Farm, not simply a supporting player.

FEBRUARY 2015 / 71

CA LL O F TH E W ILD :

ON MY INITIAL VISIT TO MILL PINE FARM, WHEN I TURN OFF THE COUNTY HIGHWAY, THE FIRST THING I NOTICE ARE THE PINES BORDERING THE GRAVEL DRIVE. (Like I said, I’m a forester’s kid. We’re predisposed—cursed, maybe—to notice trees first.)

And these pines are healthy and thick-barked with a high canopy and the dark, sooty stain of a controlled, prescribed burning decorating the trunks up about four feet or so. Beneath the pines, wild tangles of grasses and brush grow thick in a bed of red pine straw—a perfect setting for quail.

Plenty of spots for coveys to hide and thrive. You can tell immediately that someone is taking care of things, and taking care of them in the right way.

And it isn’t just the trees that gave me this impression. The road has been thought out. It isn’t cut haphazardly on the most efficient line. Rather, it meanders with the flow of the topography. A small, spring-fed creek crosses the road at one point, but there is no bridge. Instead, a natural fording has been constructed with stone and gravel. The land doesn’t appear manipulated or developed or manicured. It looks re-born, instead, a throwback to the days when landowners tamed the natural inclinations of the property into the best possible habitat for people and animals. Mill Pine is a bit of a time warp, frankly. A step backward. hough O’Hanlan has spent his fair share of hours operating a Bobcat—cutting roads and firebreaks or thinning saplings—he hasn’t worked alone. A project of this scope takes more than one person getting his hands dirty.

O’Hanlan’s assistance comes mainly from two sources: wildlife consultant Ron Fleming and farm manager Jeremy Bryson.

Spend five minutes with Fleming, and you’ll discover a man helplessly in love with his work.

He lives for the challenge of transforming a piece of land into pristine habitat for wildlife, for quail and duck, deer and dove. When Fleming isn’t spinning stories or firing off wildlife oneliners (Example: “Man, wild hogs multiply quick.

You kill one, two more’ll come to the funeral.), he says things like, “I love a blank canvas to work on.” And through his company, Wings and Antlers Wildlife Services, Fleming has a number of canvases he’s painting, not only in the South, but across the country.

When he talks about Mill Pine Farm, Fleming’s passion gets the best of him, and he skitters from one subject to another. He might be discussing the wildlife benefits of planting hedgerows of Egyptian wheat when he halts mid-sentence to point out where deer have browsed and nibbled

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the soft tops of the Chinese Privet bushes beneath the pines. Or he might stop to show you where a wild hog left a muddy smear on the lower trunk of a white oak in the middle of a conversation about the benefits of clover. Running beneath Fleming’s excitement is an undeniable streak of confidence in his ability to restore and cultivate wildlife habitat. In short, he knows what animals crave, and he provides it in the most natural way possible across Mill Pine Farm.

If Fleming is the visionary for O’Hanlan’s Mill Pine canvas, Jeremy Bryson is the strong backbone of the restoration process. Byson lives on the property full-time with his family. “Can’t take a snow day from work when your work is right outside the front door,” he says, grinning. But after a quarter hour with Bryson, you realize he, like Fleming, is a man who lives for his job. With Fleming’s guidance, Bryson thins timber, disks swatches of underbrush for replanting, carefully burns undergrowth in March so spring growth comes in healthy and full. He adds lime to acres depleted by generations of cotton farming. To say he tends the land sells him short. The connection goes much deeper. As Bryson says, “This place, it’s like a baby to me. My job is to care for it. Make sure it grows up right.”

Together, O’Hanlan, Fleming, and Bryson have concocted the strategy and provided

the sweat equity to turn Mill Pine Farm into a case study for recreational land management, and this during an age when land and timber management is too often synonymous with clear-cutting and bulldozing. Not so at Mill Pine. Here, the pines are thinned and kept free from hardwood growth, allowing for a high, healthy canopy and lots of sunlight for the forest floor. There, at the base of the trees, Fleming has directed a campaign to plant native, warm-season grasses. Often, these grasses are a mixture of varieties Fleming special orders: Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Maximillian Sunflower, and Partridge Pea, for example. “These grasses provide quail with cover and food,” Fleming says, “not to mention cover for nesting turkeys and fawning deer.”

In some niches of the property, you’ll find cultivated strips between the pines, planted with sorghum, an extra food source for wild animals.

In other spots, Bryson has planted thick patches of clover for deer. The clover is sometimes mixed with fescue in the former cotton fields, planted for the express purpose of, as Fleming says, The land doesn’t appear manipulated or “holding the world together.” In developed or manicured. Mill Pine Farm is a other words, on Mill Pine Farm, bit of a time warp, frankly. A step backward. there is always a plan, and the plan is always about what will benefit the land.

72 TOWN / towncarolina.com

(opposite, clockwise from top) Ron Fleming, formerly of the Department of Natural Resources, is an expert in land and wildlife conservation, working with O’Hanlan to restore the property of Mill Pine Farm to a sustainable state; O’Hanlan’s family, friends, and associates enjoy time in the field; Jeremy Bryson is Mill Pine Farm’s fulltime manager; quail thrive in areas with an abundant food supply.

>> Mill Pine Farm is flush with wild grasses, such as Egyptian wheat, that offer plenty of shelter for grazing quail coveys, turkeys, and deer.

>> Wildlife consultant Ron Fleming (above) special orders varieties of warmseason grasses such as Purple Coneflower, BlackEyed Susan, Maximillian Sunflower, and Partridge Pea as native food sources for quail.

IN GOOD HANDS: (clockwise from top) George Campbell, a friend of O’Hanlan, has a long history of quail hunting, which has been a family tradition for generations; a detail of Tom O’Hanlan’s 1961 Holland & Holland Royal 20-gauge side-by-side shotgun with French walnut stock, improved cylinder and modified choked barrels; land consultant Ron Fleming selected native grasses such as broom sedge that would offer prime shelter and food options for quail and other wildlife; (opposite) Campbell carefully handles a downed bird.

74 TOWN / towncarolina.com

FEBRUARY 2015 / 75

O N P O I N T : E.G. stops in his tracks as he sniffs out another covey; clover is planted in thick patches at Mill Pine Farm to attract deer.

O’HANLAN SAYS HE ISN’T IN A HURRY, THAT THE CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF MILL PINE’S five hundred acres into immaculate wildlife habitat “is an ongoing evolution.” Even while the process continues to unfold, O’Hanlan is able to enjoy the benefits of well-managed quail land with friends who enjoy watching a bird dog zig-zag a stand of pines with his nose to the ground. Recently, on a cold morning early in the new year, several men gather with O’Hanlan around a fire pit outside the front door of “the barn.” (The word “barn” is a misnomer here. At Mill Pine Farm, the barn is a gorgeously rustic lodge of sorts, featuring high, tongue-and-grooved ceilings and museum-worthy folk art.)

This morning, the hunters swap stories about dogs they’ve known and shotguns they’ve owned. But mostly they talk about land. Like O’Hanlan and his family, George Campbell, Tyson Smoak, and Will Kittredge are doing what they can to conserve and restore wildlife habitats in South Carolina and Georgia. Whether ducks or deer or quail, they each have a vested interest in the treatment of Southern forests and wetlands and the animals they hunt, which is difficult for non-hunters to understand, this deep connection to the land.

Too often hunters are stereotyped as

heartless, as only seeking the thrill of the kill.

Eavesdrop on this group around the fire, and you’ll notice that the talk isn’t so much about what is being hunted, but rather where it’s being hunted.

These are people who have an eye for habitat, and they Watching a good bird dog work a f ield know at first glance that O’Hanlan’s Mill Pine Farm is is hypnotic, a constant blaze of energy that prime acreage. f ires in quick, straight lines.

E.G., a German Shorthaired Pointer, quivers

76 TOWN / towncarolina.com

W I L D Y O N D E R : (from left) Will Kittredge, Ben O’Hanlan (Tom’s son), George Campbell, Tom O’Hanlan,

and Jeremy Bryson take a moment in the field to shoot the breeze.

in his box, whining to be released, and the moment the latch opens, he explodes across the clover and fescue and tacks back and forth through hedgerows until he finds a promising stand of thick Switchgrass and Egyptian Wheat at the edge of the pines.

Watching a good bird dog work a field is hypnotic, a constant blaze of energy that fires in quick, straight lines, but must brake to a complete halt, going on point the minute he senses a bird. Even from a distance, you can see the battle of instincts— the bird’s instinct to hide or flee and the dog’s to sniff out the hiding place. It has a traditional, almost ancient feel to it. Out of sight of anything modern, like cars or telephone lines, you are almost transported to an era long-gone, where hunters walked under the pines behind an excited dog, waiting for the frozen moment of a point.

E.G. ferrets out several coveys of birds and scares up a few singles as well. (These are all pen-raised quail. O’Hanlan and Fleming want to preserve the wild quail and build up their numbers in the upcoming years.) I walk behind the hunters with Fleming, as he points out the things I would have missed, like the small holes where skunks

have been night-digging for grubs or the frayed bark on a thin oak, rubbed raw by a deer. He pulls a thin pod from a Partridge Pea vine and breaks it open. The seeds fall into his palm, and he says, “Now, that’s a quail buffet right there.” Ahead of us, E.G. is on point again and three quail erupt from the undergrowth. The shooters drop two of them while the lone escapee glides into the pines. n that second, I catch my own glimpse of the canvas Fleming mentioned earlier, the one O’Hanlan is filling with a new palette. I see a dog, tongue out and his sides heaving happily, heading toward the next scent. I see friends bound together by the sheer joy of walking the land on a clear, cold morning. I see the pines, healthy and straight, skirted with native grasses. And, I swear, at that precise moment, something hits the air I hadn’t heard in probably twenty years—the call and reply of a bobwhite pair. “Not perfect yet, but we’re getting there,” Fleming says. I look around again, and I have to agree.

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>> The German Shorthaired Pointer has powerful legs that allow it to move quickly and turn rapidly.

Developed for hunting in Germany in the nineteenth century, the breed’s strong muzzle makes it able to pick up game of all sizes.

FEBRUARY 2015 / 77

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EAT&

Drink

QUICK BITE / OPEN BAR / KITCHEN AID / DINING GUIDE

Head of the Class: Asheville’s Biscuit Head announced plans to open a store in Greenville in 2016.

Find dreamy combos such as this Pulled Pork Biscuit with jalapeño pimiento, bacon, poached eggs, and maple syrup.

Photograph by Paul Mehaffey

Plate Up Buttermilk biscuits are a Southern legacy

FEBRUARY 2015 / 81

QUICK

Bite

B On the Rise Biscuits are a longstanding Southern staple—for good reason / by Andrew Huang // photog r aph by Paul Mehaf fey

iscuits need no introduction—they’ve been a part of the Southern landscape for nearly as long as there were hungry field hands at work. However, it might be time for a reintroduction, a reevaluation of this humble alchemy of flour, salt, butter, baking powder, and buttermilk.

Chef Jason Roy found himself on that path when he and his wife Carolyn opened Ashevillebased breakfast joint Biscuit Head in 2013 after a stint in fine dining. “I grew up in rural Georgia, and biscuits were a way of life. My mom and I would make biscuits when I was a little kid. It was a really fun, family food,” says Roy. The biscuit focus isn’t purely nostalgic, either. “From a culinary standpoint, you can really do a lot with it because it’s just a blank canvas. It can adapt any flavor.”

The appeal of traditional biscuits is undeniable. “I think the perfect biscuit is 100-percent balanced,” says Roy. “You have this big, almost clunky thing that’s light. It’s all super soft on the inside, but crunchy on the outside.

It’s complete.”

And with a little sweet (from Biscuit Head’s exotic jam bar, for instance) or a little savory (a flight of homemade gravies), a biscuit can transcend its five simple ingredients to be just that—complete.

BISCUIT BLISS

In addition to Biscuit Head, coming to Greenville in 2016, try these options for downhome comfort.

BACON BROS. PUBLIC HOUSE Biscuits are appropriate any time of day, and so is breakfast.

Order up the Breakfast for Supper and get white corn grits, house-made bacon, fried eggs, and jam or jelly to go along with your buttermilk biscuits.

3620 Pelham Rd, Greenville (864) 297-6000, baconbrospublichouse.com TOMMY’S COUNTRY HAM HOUSE Buttered, grilled, with sausage, gravy, pork chops, fried chicken—however you want your homemade biscuit, Tommy’s can do. There’s less polish at this 30-year-old Greenville institution, but you don’t come for show-andtell. You come for a taste of grandma’s kitchen.

214 Rutherford St, Greenville (864) 242-6092, tommyscountryhamhouse.com TUPELO HONEY CAFÉ It hardly matters what you order—you’re getting a biscuit with plenty of Tupelo’s namesake honey. But if you’re wanting something a little savory, try the workman-like buttermilk biscuit with milk gravy.

1 N Main St, Greenville (864) 451-6200, tupelohoneycafe.com

Biscuit Head 733 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC. (828) 3335145; 417 Biltmore Ave, 4F, Asheville, NC. (828) 5053449, biscuitheads.com

82 TOWN / towncarolina.com

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OPEN

Bar

Making Magic High Wire Distilling takes a crafty approach to sustainable spirits / by M. Linda Lee

// photograph by Paul Mehaf fey

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ou might think that the transition from making baked goods to distilling spirits is an odd one, but it makes perfect sense to Scott Blackwell.

Last year, the former owner of Immaculate Baking Company sold his business, moved to Charleston, and opened High Wire Distilling with his wife Ann Marshall.

“When you make spirits, you use many of the same ingredients as you do in baking bread,” says Blackwell, a Greenville native and CIA-trained chef. His culinary approach to distilling entails concocting recipes that take into account both science and his taste buds.

Take the distillery’s bestseller Hat Trick Gin, for instance. “We build our gin on basic juniper, brighten it with citrus and lemongrass, and add licorice root for an anise flavor on the back end,” Blackwell explains. He uses twelve different ingredients to build layers of flavor into his gin, the same way he would if he were cooking a stew. The result is complex, and someone trying it for the first time might think they taste something that’s not actually in the mix. “It’s a sleight of hand,” Blackwell concedes. “Our customers don’t know the trick and how we pull it off.”

For their whiskeys, Blackwell and Marshall focus on single-grain and single-source ingredients. They take a distinctive approach to making spirits, using heirloom, non-GMO products from the region. In the future, such experiments might include a Jimmy Red bourbon made from heirloom Jimmy Red corn, and even a whiskey made from 100-percent Carolina Gold rice. Likewise, Blackwell crafts High Wire’s popular Sorghum Whiskey from 100-percent sorghum, which comes from a farm in Tennessee.

Located on upper King Street next to Butcher & Bee, High Wire was a gamble for the couple, who reports that business has been good their first year, during which they produced 3,000 cases of spirits. “We’ve had an awesome year in the tasting room,” says Blackwell, “and we’re slowly finding our niche. The sustainable model may be harder and more expensive, but that’s what we’re aiming for.”

High Wire Distilling 652 King St, Charleston, SC (843) 755-4664, highwiredistilling.com Tours and tastings (must be 21 or older) offered Thurs–Sun on the hour, 1pm–6pm; reservations recommended.

84 TOWN / towncarolina.com

“We build our gin on basic juniper, brighten it with citrus and lemongrass, and add licorice root for an anise flavor on the back end.”

—Scott Blackwell

Sleight of Hand: High Wire Distilling’s Hat Trick Gin features layers of flavor, courtesy of 12 different ingredients.

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Taste of N’awlins Mardi Gras celebrations just aren’t complete without a crawfish boil / by Andrew Huang // photog r aph by Paul Mehaf fey

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party without food isn’t a party at all, so when it comes to a huge party, there had better be food in equal proportion. With pre-Lent blowout Mardi Gras around the corner, it’s best to take cues from the pros on how to celebrate in true New Orleans fashion.

Heidi and Joe Trull, owners of Grits & Groceries in Belton, SC, are veterans of the New Orleans culinary scene, and consequently, all that Mardi Gras festivities entail. Their grub of choice for sustaining daylong revelry—and dampening the effects of daylong drinking—comes in the form of a crawfish boil.

“Everybody has a hundred pounds of crawfish. Everybody stops by and eats. You bring a cake, you have some gumbo, you move around,” says Heidi.

“It’s easy to share.”

While high-quality crawfish (preferably sourced from Louisiana) are certainly the key to a successful boil, the seasoning also makes a substantial difference. “Joe makes a Creole seasoning that we use. It’s got red pepper, black pepper, white pepper, bay, mustard, salt, celery salt, a little bit of basil, and oregano,” says Heidi. Next comes the boil’s fillers: potato, corn, artichokes, green beans, mushrooms, sausages—or as Heidi simply suggests, “Anything that absorbs the seasoning.”

And if you’re feeding a herd, just remember to save yourself some at the end: “You cook and you cook, and so the broth gets more and more rich,” explains Heidi. “For me, the last batch is the best.”

86 TOWN / towncarolina.com

HOW TO EAT CRAWFISH: • Grab a crawfish by the head and tail.

• Twist the head off, and pinch the tail.

• Peel the tail like a shrimp • Bonus: Pucker up and suck the crawfish head for a quick hit of seasoning, juices, and fat.

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT: Save the broth after the last batch of crawfish and freeze it for instant, intensely flavored stock— perfect for adding to étouffée or gumbo.

“Everybody has a hundred pounds of crawfish. Everybody stops by and eats. It’s easy to share.”

—Heidi Trull, chef and co-owner, Grits & Groceries

))) FOR GRITS & GROCERIES’ CRAWFISH BOIL RECIPE, CHECK OUT TOWNCAROLINA.COM

FEBRUARY 2015 / 87

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DINING

Guide

BARS, CAFÉS, & RESTAURANTS

Henry’s Smokehouse Tender, flavorful barbecue requires time.

That’s why Henry’s cooks their pork butts and ribs for up to 12 hours over hickory logs. To complement the hickory flavor, Henry’s has both a mild, tomato-based sauce as well as a spicy mustard-based one. Order up a plate with classic sides and enjoy ’cue at Henry’s flagship or its sister locations at 1842 Woodruff Road and 123 N Main St in Simpsonville.

Photograph by Cameron Reynolds

$, L, D. 240 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville.

(864) 232-7774, henryssmokehouse.com

KEY : Average price of a dinner entrée (lunch if dinner isn’t served): Under $10 = $, $10-$15 = $$, $16-$25 = $$$, $25+ = $$$$ Breakfast = B Lunch = L Dinner = D Sunday Brunch = SBR FEBRUARY 2015 / 89

DINING

Guide restaurant’s house-crafted bent extends to the cocktail list, which heavily features whiskeys, bourbons, baconinfused liquors, and even smoked sorghum syrup. $$-$$$, L, D. Closed Sunday. 3620 Pelham Rd. (864) 2976000, baconbrospublichouse.com BANGKOK THAI CUISINE

PELHAM & WOODRUFF ROADS GREAT Burgers, Crab Cakes, Shrimp & Grits, Cubans, Salads, Nachos, Cold Beer, Sunday Brunch, and More!

ADAMS BISTRO

Book Your Private Parties With Us • Up to 75 people in Greenville • Up to 100 people in Mauldin • No rental fees on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

116 North Main · Mauldin · 864.991.8863 608B South Main St. · Downtown Greenville · 864.232.4100

2MA15

Hours: Sunday Brunch 11 am till 2 pm; Tuesday–Saturday 11:30 am ‘til late; Closed Monday

www.ChicoraAlley.com

Adams Bistro is located in a little shopping strip on Pelham Road and offers something for everyone, from kids to grandparents. The menu covers the bases from simple sandwiches, soups, and burgers to entrées such as veal Marsala, chicken Piccata, and shrimp stuffed with crabmeat. Adams serves alcohol, but feel free to bring your own wine for a small corkage fee. Friendly service and a scattering of sidewalk tables are just two more reasons to dine here. $$-$$$, L, D, BR (Saturday). Closed Sunday. 221 Pelham Rd. (864) 370-8055, adamsbistro.com ARTISAN RESTAURANT

Chicora 4thS Town Feb15.indd 1

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Modern curves and moody lighting establish Artisan as a great place for a drink or a meal. Located in the 3:36 PM Greenville Marriott, this restaurant serves real Southern cuisine. The mains feature local ingredients, from Carolina mountain trout to pork osso bucco (served with a Thomas Creek reduction). Don’t miss the deep-fried bread pudding for a comforting taste of home. $$-$$$, L, D. 1 Parkway East. (864) 679-1158, artisangreenville.com BABAZIKI

100% ORGANIC AND FRESH

Lunch Special: Salmon Tacos, Lamb Tacos, Greek Pita Pocket $7.95 Dinner Special: Brisket, Seabass, Pork Chops $10.50 Try our Whole Lamb Shank!

1124 North Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville | 864.292.7002 Tuesday - Friday 11am - 3pm; Wednesday - Saturday 5pm - 9pm Reservations suggested.

You are welcome to bring your own beer or wine.

90 TOWN / towncarolina.com

Think of Babaziki as the Mediterranean version of Chipotle. This fast, casual restaurant may combine cuisine from Greece, Tunisia, and Lebanon, but the menu is an easy read for newcomers.

Just pick from three options: salad, sandwich, or plate. Then choose from meat-lover options like beef and chicken to vegetarian-friendly grilled vegetables and falafel. Then come the toppings: feta cheese, tabbouleh, or couscous to give your meal an extra bite. A self-serve sauce bar means you can add as little (or as much) spicy tzatziki or French aioli (mayonnaise base with roasted red peppers and lemon juice) to your meal. $, L, D. 1025 Woodruff Rd Ste D-102. (864) 2881120, babaziki.com BACON BROS. PUBLIC HOUSE

You might have an inkling of what a meat lover’s heaven looks like, but if you show up at Chef Anthony Gray’s gastropub, you’ll know for sure. From the the glass-walled curing room on display, to the menu’s meatdriven options, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering selections. The

It’s not easy to find pad Thai that has flavor beyond noodles drenched in sweet sauce. Luckily, Bangkok Thai manages to bridge the expectation gap with a fragrant offering. The curries are also a surefire hit, though the green curry is of particular note: it is the only one made from fresh chilies. For a different dining experience, take a seat on the floor pillows in the back room. $$, L (Mon–Fri), D (Mon–Sat). 1440 Pelham Rd, Ste M. (864) 458-7866, bangkokgreenville.com BONEFISH GRILL

If you’re craving the ocean’s bounty, Bonefish Grill offers fresh and varied selections, with a style of delicious simplicity. Popular filets such as salmon, Chilean sea bass, tilapia, and more are wood-grilled, served with a lemon or a choice of sauce. Find USDA-grade beef on the menu, and, for a limited time, try Bonefish’s Colossal Winter Menu, offering robust and hearty seafood combinations. $$-$$$, L, D, SBR. 1515 Woodruff Rd, Greenville. (864) 2975142, bonefishgrill.com BRUEGGER’S BAGELS

To get the essence of Bruegger’s, take a bagel recipe from NYC, perfect it over the course of two years, and throw in stone-hearth ovens. In addition to bagels baked fresh daily, the menu includes other fresh breads, Vermont cream cheeses, breakfast sandwiches, soups, and salads—basically anything to satisfy your workday hunger pangs. $, B, L. 1717 Woodruff Rd, Ste A. (864) 234-1565, brueggers.com BUCKY’S BAR-B-Q

There are no shortcuts to getting tender, mouthwatering barbecue. Bucky’s doesn’t even try—their fresh Boston butts go into the smoker for at least 16 hours after being rubbed down with homemade seasoning. Hickorywoodsmoke adds the finishing touch.

And while the pull-apart pork is the main attraction here, you’ll want to round out your meal with the sweet baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad, or macaroni and cheese. $, L (Mon–Sat), D (Wed–Sat). 1700 Roper Mountain Rd. (864) 329-0054, buckysbbq.com CAFÉ VERDAE

A round of golf at Verdae invariably requires sustenance, and for that, there’s the New South cuisine at Café Verdae. The 4-star restaurant at Embassy Suites is situated in an open-air atrium overlooking the hotel’s waterfalls and gardens. Outdoor seating is also available. For dinner, try the panseared trout or the seared duck breast with wild mushroom risotto. $$$, L, D. 670 Verdae Blvd. (864) 676-9090, embassysuites.hilton.com CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Located in a building resembling a castle, dining is very nearly a royal

affair at California Dreaming. Large portions leave no one unsated, and the traditional-American menu appeals to tastes across a wide spectrum. Try the seafood nachos, adorned with spicy shrimp, salmon, and a lobster cream sauce, or dig into a hearty California Dreaming salad, piled high with mixed greens, shredded ham and turkey, tomatoes, and toasted almonds. $$, L, D. 40 Beacon Dr. (864) 234-9000, californiadreaming.co CHOPHOUSE ’47

a contemporary dining experience.

As an appetizer, try the ranch rings, a Panko-crusted upgrade to ordinary onion rings, dipped in a roasted garlic ranch dressing. The slowroasted prime rib (encrusted with fresh herbs and pepper, hand-carved, and served with homemade au jus and creamy horseradish sauce) makes for a substantial main attraction. $$-$$$, L, D. 1025 Woodruff Rd. (864) 704-1555, Greenville. firebirdsrestaurants.com

As a diner at Chophouse ’47, there isn’t much thinking you have to do because the details are already taken care of. Steaks, plain and simple, are aged 28 days and cut to exacting standards, then cooked to caramelized perfection in 1700º Southbend broilers.

If steak doesn’t strike your fancy, try the Maine lobster. $$$$, D. Closed Sunday. 36 Beacon Dr. (864) 2868700, chophouse47.com

GENGHIS GRILL

DELI AT PELHAM FALLS

GIOVANNI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

There’s no danger of a puny, unsatisfying sandwich at this deli.

The New York–style sandwiches are packed to the brim with Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. For rib-eye steak you can eat with your hands, get the Godfather, complete with white American cheese on a grilled garlic sub roll. Or if you find yourself in the area for breakfast, try the Hungry Man Super Sub: two fried eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, American cheese, and home fries, all on a large toasted sub roll. $, B, L, D. Closed Sunday. 8590 Pelham Rd, Ste 6. (864) 675-5888, pelhamfallsdeli.com

The cozy dining room only has a few tables, but the food and service are worth the wait. Giovanni himself greets and takes orders from guests, and the extensive menu is more reminiscent of Little Italy than Olive Garden. The restaurant’s toasted bread is perfect for sopping up generous leftovers from dishes like sausage ravioli with Gorgonzola cream sauce. $$, D. 1178 Woodruff Rd, Ste 4. (864) 297-0999

FIREBIRDS

High ceilings and mood lighting provide the perfect atmosphere for

So maybe you have a preternatural gift for picking ingredients, but a lessimpressive track record with cooking.

No problem—the Genghis Grill lets you pick and choose ingredients for the pros at the grill to stir-fry for you.

While you wait for your bowl, snack on edamame, potstickers, or lettuce wraps. $, L, D. 1140 Woodruff Rd. (864) 990-4560, genghisgrill.com

GREENFIELD’S BAGELS & DELI

New York may be known as the bagel capital of the world, but Greenfield’s has been shaking this stereotype for CaroBee_qtrS_TOWN Feb.indd more than 13 years. The display window is filled with various types of bagels, from sprouted wheat to double crunch cinnamon. Those not in the mood for

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THE

R E S TA U R A N T & B A R

2 3 W. W A S H I N G T O N S T

Belgian inspired cuisine and over 150 belgian beers TRAPPEDOOR.COM

864-451-7490

Photograph by Paul Mehaffey

TRAVINIA Travinia marries fresh contemporary American-Italian cuisine with complementary wines for an all-encompassing experience. The menu is an arsenal of traditional pastas and seafood such as the lobster pappardelle. The house pizzas also feature fresh-made crusts and tomato sauces. Come by on Tuesdays for a discount on bottle wines to go with your meal. A gluten-free menu is available. $$-$$$, L, D. Closed Sunday.

1625 Woodruff Rd. (864) 458-8188, traviniaitaliankitchen.com

FEBRUARY 2015 / 91

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Guide

bagels are also in luck: try any of their classic deli sandwiches. $, B. L. 101 Verdae Blvd, Ste 180. (864) 987-0064, greenfieldsbagelsanddeli.com HANS & FRANZ BIERGARTEN

Hans & Franz resides within a Civil War–era brick building, next door to the strip mall housing Two Chefs Deli. Grab a seat at one of the hightopped tables in this cozy space and dig into traditional German fare: schnitzel, bratwurst, spaetzle, fleishkäse, and the like. Of course, you’ll want to wash it down with one of the German or Belgian beers on the extensive international list. $$-$$$, L (Thurs–Sat), D (Mon–Sat). 3124 S Highway 14. (864) 627-8263, hansandfranzbiergarten.net ILLIANO’S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA

Rich Italian food doesn’t have the same comfort factor without the right atmosphere. Luckily, that’s not a problem at Illiano’s. While diners might not be blood relatives, the food that comes out of the kitchen certainly has the down-home frankness of a meal lovingly prepared by your mother.

Choose from a healthy selection of pasta dishes or pizza, calzones, and stromboli. $$, L, D. Closed Sunday.

113 Orchard Park Dr. (864) 284-9448 IRASHIAI SUSHI PUB & JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Splashes of red and lime green play off the blend of traditional

and modern influences at this sushi restaurant. Chef and owner Keichi Shimizu exhibits mastery over his domain at the bar, but also playfully blends modern-American elements into his menu. Soleil Moon Frye fans should give the Punky Brewster roll a try: tuna, mango, hot sauce, and Panko topped with spicy crab salad and unagi sauce. $$, L (Closed Sat), D (Daily). 115 Pelham Rd. (864) 271-0900, irashiai.com KIMCHEE KOREAN RESTAURANT

Don’t be fooled by the location— Kimchee’s kimchi has locals coming back for more. Try the Kalbi short ribs (marinated in soy sauce, onions, and sesame seeds), or bibimbap (served in a hot stone bowl for crispy rice). All dishes come with ban chan, side dishes that include kimchi, japchae (glass noodles), marinated tofu, and more. $$-$$$ L, D. Closed Sunday. 1939 Woodruff Rd Ste B. (864) 534-1061 KOREAN BBQ

There’s no mistaking what you’re in for at Korean BBQ. This holein-the-wall won’t wow you with its simple interior, but its assortment should. A selection of ban chan (side dishes) should spark your palate with snapshots of flavor before you dive into bowls of bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables, meat, and an egg) or yukejang (a spicy beef and vegetable stew). $$, L, D. Closed Monday.

1170 Woodruff Rd. (864) 286-0505

LIEU’S CHINESE BISTRO

Warm wood paneling and comfortable booths ensconce diners in a blend of old Shanghai and modern America.

While all the usual suspects are on the menu, Lieu’s also has a few authentic specialties worth your time. Try the Ma Po Tofu, silken tofu and vegetables in a chili sauce; the Sichuan Green Beans tossed in a fiery garlic sauce; or the Singapore Noodles—rice noodles and vegetables stir-fried with just a touch of curry and coconut milk. $$, L, D. 1149 Woodruff Rd. (864) 675-9898, lieuschinesebistro.com MIDTOWN DELI

Life on the go doesn’t have to result in a poor diet, at least when there’s an option like Midtown Deli. There’s a full array of sandwich and panini varieties—Reuben, club, meatloaf, BLT, Cuban—as well as salads and custom sandwiches. You can also indulge in a little ballpark cuisine with hotdogs smothered in chili or sauerkraut, or dig into a hearty baked potato. $, B, L. 1022 Woodruff Rd, Ste B. (864) 248-0893, midtowndeli.biz MIMI’S STEAKHOUSE OF JAPAN

Dinner and a show? At MiMi’s, it’s dinner as a show. This family owned and operated hibachi steakhouse is a spacious 7,500 square feet so you won’t have to worry about anyone else’s food getting flipped onto your plate—unless the chef intends it.

So grab a few friends and enjoy the theatrics of onion volcanoes from a grill-side seat. $$$-$$, L, D. 1791 Woodruff Rd. (864) 987-9030 RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

The sound of sizzling butter is a pretty good substitute for a trumpet fanfare when your steak—a perfectly seared sample of thick USDA Prime beef— arrives on a hot plate. Round out your meal with mashed potatoes, fresh asparagus, lobster bisque, or fresh salad. $$$$, D. The Crowne Plaza, 851 Congaree Rd. (864) 248-1700, ruthschris.net SABROSO MEXICAN GRILLE

Sabroso’s strict quality standards are apparent the moment the chips and salsa arrive at your table. In addition to the standard combinations of enchiladas, fajitas, and chimichangas, the menu features specialties bursting with homemade flavor. Try the tequila Chipotle chicken for a tender seasoned breast. $$, L, D. Closed Sunday. 1860 Woodruff Rd, Ste H. (864) 284-0023, sabrosomexicangrille.com SAFFRON INDIAN CUISINE

The aromas of north Indian spice blends are apparent the moment you step into Saffron’s modern, upscale dining room. The restaurant’s tandoor oven produces a mix of slow-cooked, flavorful meats as well as fresh-baked breads like naan and roti. If the spicy

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flavors of your dish need taming, try the raita, a blend of cool yogurt and shredded cucumbers. To try new flavors, go with the lunch buffet’s rotating selection of dishes. $$-$$$, L (Daily), D (Thurs–Sun). 1178 Woodruff Rd, Ste 16. (864) 2887400, saffrongreenville.com SCHWABEN HOUSE

Family-owned means family recipes at Schwaben House. And that’s exactly what you want when it comes to German comfort food: Maultaschen (German ravioli), weiner schnitzel (breaded pork loin), and more. Hearty selections in a homey atmosphere—what more could you need? $$$, L (Wed–Fri), D (Mon–Sat). Closed Sundays.

1810 Laurens Rd. (864) 329-8681, schwabenhouse.com SCIORTINO’S TRATTORIA AND PIZZERIA

When it comes to New York–style pizza and traditional Italian food, the Sciortino family knows a thing or two. More than 35 years of experience have resulted in perfected garlic rolls while you wait and a dazzling selection of creamy pastas and specialty pizzas. $-$$, L, D. Closed Sunday. 3734 Pelham Rd. (864) 991-8636, sciortinos.com SOUTHERN FRIED GREEN TOMATOES

There is really nothing like a heaping helping of Southern fried

Sitton_hlfH_TOWN Feb15.indd 1

chicken, and if that’s what you want, this meat-and-three is where you should go. Southern classics like fried catfish, creamy baked chicken and rice, and chickenfried steak go hand-in-hand with the neighborhood café vibes. For a crunchy take on salad, give the fried pecan-crusted chicken salad a try. $$, L, D. 1175 Woods Crossing Rd. (864) 627-9088, southernfriedgreentomatoes.com

udon noodles and sweet fried tofu, is a good choice if you’re in the mood for something hot. To take home authentic Japanese flavors, Tanpopo, a Japanese grocery, is connected to the restaurant. $-$$, L, D. Closed Sunday. 8590 Pelham Rd. (864) 288-2227, sushimasa.webs.com

juices. The Mean Green Juice blends apples, celery, cucumber, ginger, lemon, and spinach together for a refreshing, cleansing beverage. $, B (Sat), L, D. Closed Monday & Sunday. 115 Pelham Rd. (864) 271-0742, tortillamaria.com

SWEET BASIL THAI CUISINE

This eastside outpost of Two Chefs downtown (104 S Main St) packs ’em in for lunch. Satisfy the midday munchies with made-to-order sandwiches like a hearty grinder or a baguette stuffed with turkey, ham, applewood-smoked bacon, and Muenster cheese. Those with lighter appetites can choose from a tempting roster of salads or the two soups of the day. There’s ample space to eat here, or take your lunch back to the office. The “crafted carryout” items make a worthy case for takeout dinner on your way home, too. $-$$, L. Closed Sunday. 8590 Pelham Rd, Ste 29. (864) 284-9970, 2chefs2go.com

More than 60 years of Greenville tradition can’t be wrong. Strossner’s has become a stalwart and premier go-to when it comes to finding the best baked goods: cakes, tortes, pies, tarts, cookies, chocolates, and breads. There’s also a deli that offers soups, sandwiches, and coffee. If the dizzying array of choices has you baffled, don’t be afraid to ask for a sample to help you decide. $$$, B, L. Closed Sunday. 21 Roper Mountain Rd. (864) 233-3996, strossners.com

Intricate ornamental screens, wicker chairs, and rich, red hues provide a backdrop worthy of the basil, coriander, lemongrass, and gingerinfused flavors that come out of the kitchen. Start with the Sweet Basil Roll, a refreshing bundle of bean sprouts, cucumbers, shrimp, and rice noodles wrapped in delicate rice paper. The mouthwatering combination of coconut milk, lemongrass, cilantro, and lime of the tom-ka gai soup is also sure to whet your appetite for a diverse selection of Thai dishes. $$-$$$, L, D. Closed Sunday. 8590 Pelham Rd, Ste 15. (864) 627-4151, sweetbasilgreenville.com

SUSHI MASA

TORTILLA MARIA

Modern, swanky, and bathed in neon light, Sushi Masa isn’t. But that’s because this sushi spot’s singular reverence for tradition and pure flavor doesn’t require any embellishments. Try the temaki zushi for eight pieces of cone-shaped sushi hand-rolled in crisp seaweed. The kitsune udon, with thick, chewy

Local, organic, and gluten-free— while a growing number of restaurants check off those boxes, it is still a rarity to find Mexican food that satisfies those requirements.

Enter Tortilla Maria. In addition to the innovative takes on enchiladas and tacos, the restaurant offers a colorful selection of healthy smoothies and

STROSSNER’S BAKERY

TWO CHEFS TO GO

))) FIND MORE RESTAURANTS AT TOWNCAROLINA.COM TOWN Magazine accepts no compensation for Dining Guide reviews and selects entries by its editorial discretion. Reviews are conducted anonymously.

F E B R U A R Y1/15/15 2015 93 8:51/ AM

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Thru Feb 14 ROCK ‘N ROLL

FEBRUARY

Thru Feb 8

FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL

Although we all (or most of us) have long since grown out of playing dress-up, there’s still some sense of magical self-assurance that comes with putting on your “fancy” attire. Meet Nancy, our young heroine, whose only dream is to play the lead role in her school’s dance recital. But when this dream is suddenly dashed, Nancy learns that the power of imagination is the true key to happiness—along with a killer outfit. Based on the best-selling series by Susan DiLallo, this show is presented by the South Carolina Children’s Theatre.

Gunter Theatre at the Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville.

Touted as the end-all production of rocking music, this Centre Stage original almost always sells out in a hurry. Whether they’re taking on the genre’s Golden Age, digging into the grooves of the ’70s or rocking the Nirvana flannel, you’re guaranteed to hear your long lost, chart-topping favorite in this wildly popular show. This welcome blastfrom-the-past includes all the best tunes and is sure to send you home with the sudden urge to fire up that record player.

Centre Stage, 501 River St, Greenville. Thurs–Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. $20-$35. (864) 233-6733, centrestage.org

Thru Feb 15 WICKED

Let’s face it: it seems a lot more useful to have flying monkeys on your side instead of a town of tiny men singing about lollipops. Long before Dorothy made her way to Oz,

Galinda and Elphaba—better known today as Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West—were two young women searching for their true identities in a madcap realm of enchantment. The Broadway smash features songs like “Dancing Through Life” and “No Good Deed,” and provides a glimpse at life before the tornado hit Kansas.

The Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville. Fri–Sat, 8pm; Sun, 1pm & 6:30pm. $60-$105. (864) 4673000, peacecenter.org

Thru April 11 GREENVILLE ROAD WARRIORS Have no fear: hockey is here.

Puck lovers are calling the Bon Secours Wellness Arena home, with near-nightly matches pitting our hometown Road Warriors against numerous surrounding league teams.

Hockey may not be America’s sport, but with thousands of fans cheering and a fun dynamic for the whole family, it certainly could be.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N Academy St, Greenville. Days & times vary. $9-$25. (864) 674-7825, greenvilleroadwarriors.com

SMILES OF 5HEALTHY SPARTANBURG LAUGH FOR A CHILD

Kids tend to laugh at anything: cartoons, cats in funny outfits, throwing food at Dad’s unsuspecting face. On the other hand, adults tend to be a little bit harder to please. Comedy Central star and touring comedian Nate Bargatze is more than up to that challenge— especially when it’s for a good cause. The annual event helps raise funds for the Healthy Smiles organization, which provides free dental care for qualifying children ages four to 18. Tickets include heavy appetizers and cocktails.

Chapman Cultural Center, 200 E St. John St, Spartanburg. Thurs, 6:30pm. $75. (864) 592-4696, healthysmilesonline.org

6 WINTER JAM

Proving that not all spiritual music has to come from a hymnal, the touring Winter Jam production brings together some of the genre’s more contemporary acts for an evening of full-fledged praise and worship.

This year’s show includes platinumcertified artists Skillet, speaker Tony Nolan, Family Force 5, the Grammynominated band Newsong and many

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more. Dedicated to faith and the power of ministry, Winter Jam is an all-ages event and even includes some special Q & A segments for exclusive “Jam Nation” members.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N Academy St, Greenville.

Fri, 7pm. $10. (864) 241-3800, bonsecoursarena.com

Photograph courtesy of the Green Room PR

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Whether you’re getting married or just like to scrapbook your dream wedding (and dream husband), this bridal show takes the stress out of scouring the Yellow Pages for the perfect photographer, caterer, and venue. The event covers everything from tabletops to theme ceremonies, and even includes workshops with wedding experts. And if your future hubby feels a little left out, a Groom’s Expo will showcase the latest in men’s trends.

TD Convention Center, 1 Exposition Dr, Greenville. Sat, 10am–3pm. Online tickets, $8; at door, $9. weddingfestivals.com

UMPHREY’S MCGEE

Unlike their jam band counterparts Phish, The String Cheese Incident, and Widespread Panic, Indiana’s own Umphrey’s McGee tends to rely on their own unique brand of “improg” stylings, blending together elements of progressive rock with unpredictable twists in tempo and instrumentals. Hits like “Professor Wormbog” and “Red Tape” have made the group fixtures on the music festival scene, and the release of last year’s Similar Skin album after a threeyear hiatus has earned them the praise of tried-and-true fans, critics, and newcomers.

US Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC. Sat, 8pm. Advance, $30; day of, $35. (828) 259-5736, uscellularcenterasheville.com

FOR THE FASHION SAVVY WOMAN

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JASON ALDEAN

Country superstar Jason Aldean is giving Upstate music lovers something hot to look forward to this February with his 2015 “Burn It Down” tour.

Alongside special guest openers Tyler Farr and Cole Swindell, Aldean will roll out fresh material from the recently released Old Boots, New Dirt album, including chart-topping hits like “Burnin’ It

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Drop in for an All School Open House!

820 S. Main St., Unit101, Greenville • 864-558-0300 www.HennesseeHaven.com • Tuesday - Friday 11-5; Saturday 10-3

Tuesdays at 9 am February 10 & 24 March 10 & 24 829 Garlington Rd. Greenville, SC 29615 | shannonforest.com | 864.678.5107 FEBRUARY 2015 / 97

Unbreakable Hearts 2015

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Down” and “Just Gettin’ Started.” But old school Aldean fans never fear— favorites like “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kind of Party” are also sure to make the evening’s set list.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N Academy St, Greenville. Thurs, 7:30pm. $32-$62. (864) 241-3800, bonsecoursarena.com

14 CUPID’S CHASE 5K

Don’t worry: the odds of a cherubic baby chasing you with a bow and arrow at this event are about as likely as Gary Busey finding a lastminute Valentine. Proceeds from the race directly benefit the Community Options organization, which helps support those with disabilities. Runners of any athleticism are encouraged to participate in their best pink, red, and purple outfits—and advertise their relationship status with the run’s signature “Available” and “Unavailable” tee-shirts. Gives new meaning to “wearing your heart on your sleeve,” doesn’t it?

Gateway Park on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, 115 Henderson Dr, Travelers Rest. Sat, 10am. Early registration, $30; race day, $50. comop.org/cupidschase

llynstrong.com 864.233.5900

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Hand Finishing Makes The Difference!

For over 60 years we have provided the Upstate with professional hand finished dry cleaning and now you can have that same quality cleaning with hand finishing for your laundered shirts, pants, lab coats and home linens. Come in and see why we are so proud of our new Laundry Department!

Lafayette Scientific Cleaners 1707 Augusta Street • Greenville 864.242.5606 98 TOWN / towncarolina.com

119 North Main St. Greenville, SC

Twichell Auditorium at Converse College, 580 E Main St, Spartanburg. Sat, 8pm. (864) 5969725, spartanburgphilharmonic.org

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EMILE PANDOLFI

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FÊTE TUESDAY

He may be a New York native, but pianist Emile Pandolfi has certainly made Greenville his surrogate hometown, attending both high school and college here in the Upstate. And lucky for us, he’ll be spreading a little romantic cheer our way with the return of his signature Valentine’s Day concert. With songs handpicked from a collection of more than 30 albums, the evening is set to incorporate some of Pandolfi’s most enchanting pieces along with the characteristic humor that has charmed his audiences the world over.

Greenville Little Theatre, 444 College St, Greenville. Sat, 8pm. $35. (864) 233-6238, greenvillelittletheatre.org Carnival carousing hits Greenville, courtesy of the Emrys Foundation. This celebration of all things Mardi Gras—Cajun food, New Orleans jazz, and raucous revelry— also happens to support Greenville’s community of literary artists. Carve out some space for masks, beads, a silent auction, and, of course, king cake.

The Certus Loft at the Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville.

Tues, 6:30pm. Individual, $100; table, $1,000. emrys.org

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1/14/15 10:03 PM

MICHAEL FRANTI

Getting a little wary of February’s gray skies and cold chills? Singer, songwriter, and author Michael Franti is here to lift those sagging spirits with his distinct brand of warm music with a message. Fusing together elements of reggae, rock, jazz, and other genres, Franti and his band Spearhead have spread their positive, politicallycharged lyricism across a diverse fanbase with smash singles like “Say Hey (I Love You),” “The Sound of Sunshine,” and “Light Up Ya Lighter.”

He will be joined by bluesy acoustic guitarist and singer Ethan Tucker.

The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC. Wed, 8pm. Advance, $36; doors, $39. (828) 398-1387, theorangepeel.net

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ROMANTIC PRELUDES & PORTRAITS WITH DAME EVELYN GLENNIE

Dame Evelyn Glennie joins the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra for this Valentine’s Day concert.

Dame Glennie, a world-renowned percussionist who happens to be deaf, opened the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London and will be performing a percussion concerto written specifically to showcase her electric talent. Selections by Liszt, Khachaturian, and Tchaikovsky are also on the romance-themed program.

RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL STARR BAND

In the world of rock music, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a group of musicians more talented than Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band. Fronted by the eccentric drummer himself, the supergroup includes Mr. Mister’s Richard Page, Todd Rundgren, and Steve Lukather of Toto, among others. And since “everyone is a star,” the band performs discography spanning Starr’s solo and Beatles career, but also incorporates hits from accompanying artists’ musical acts.

The Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville. Tues, 7:30pm. $85-$125.

(864) 467-3000, peacecenter.org

Photograph (Michael Franti) courtesy of Red Light Management; photograph (Evelyn Glennie) courtesy of the artist

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Treasure Hunting?

W H AT ’ S I N Y O U R J E W E L R Y B O X ?

Chapman Cultural Center, 200 E St. John St, Spartanburg. Fri–Sat, 8pm. Adults, $25; seniors, $20; students, $15. (864) 583-0339, balletspartanburg.com

20–21, 26–28 THE WHIPPING MAN

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JASON MRAZ AND RAINING JANE

Mraz sang his way into our hearts (and taught us how to wear a fashionable fedora) way back in 2002 with his hit single, “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry).” Thankfully, his career didn’t stop there, and the former coffeehouse musician has racked up the awards and fan following with hits like “I’m Yours” and “Lucky” with Colbie Caillat. 2014’s YES! is Mraz’s first acoustic album, released in collaboration with indie folk-rockers Raining Jane, who will be joining the artist on the Peace Center stage.

The Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville. Fri, 8pm. $25 and up.

(864) 467-3000, peacecenter.org

20–21

DANSYNERGY VII

In an effort to usher this beautiful art into the 21st century, DanSynergy symbiotically combines dance along with an eclectic mix of local artists to tell riveting stories to the audience. Always fresh and never dull, DanSynergy revs up the energy with dynamic choreography that is both strong and provocative, and unique to this performance is a special reflective piece dedicated to survivors of cancer.

Go green and be economical too! Have you inherited jewelry or have old jewelry While race relations and the Civil War are by no means shining moments in you don’t wear anymore? Why not do what the rich and famous have been American history, they have provided doing for a long time? Most notable of which was the Duchess of Windsor! the foundation for some of theater’s It just makes good sense - take family memories and make them new for you or most stirring dramas, including this original work by Matthew Lopez. In old jewelry into something new to enjoy - something just your style and in style. the post-war South, both slaves and their former owners are learning how to rebuild their lives in a free world.

Personalize. Customize. Stylize. Our specialty.

One such tale comes from the DeLeon Call today for a design all your own! household in Virginia, where former 864-438-4902 • 864-230-5933 soldier Caleb DeLeon returns to after fighting for the Confederates. Badly wounded and with no family to be found, Caleb is forced under the care of two former slaves—Simon and John—and the three men form an www.wildfirestyle.com • email: beth@wildfirestyle.com unlikely bond that will stand the test of time.

The Warehouse Theatre, 37 Augusta St, Greenville. Thurs– Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. $30. (864) 235Wildfire qtr Town Feb15.indd 1 1/9/15 6948, warehousetheatre.com

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REGIONAL PREMIERE OF THE WHIPPING MAN TO BENEFIT COMPASS OF CAROLINA The 41st class of Leadership Greenville will host an evening to raise funds and awareness for Compass of Carolina, which provides compassionate direction to children, adults and families through counseling and education. Enjoy

Unbreakable Hearts 2015

llynstrong.com 864.233.5900

119 North Main St. Greenville, SC FEBRUARY 2015 / 99

12:29 PM

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heavy hor d’oeuvres, cocktails, live music, and a silent auction before the performance.

The Warehouse Theatre, 37 Augusta St, Greenville.

Sat, 6:30pm, show starts at 8pm. $75. (864) 235-6948, warehousetheatre.com

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JACKIE EVANCHO

When most of us were ten, we were still struggling with learning cursive. When Jackie Evancho was ten, she was performing in front of President Obama. The classical music prodigy, first discovered by legendary producer David Foster, has blossomed into a global phenomenon, garnering high admiration from the industry’s elite. In celebration of her recently released album Awakening, Evancho is now touring North America, performing classical pieces a la Andrew Lloyd Webber to modern works by U2.

The Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville. Sun, 3pm. $45-$75.

(864) 467-3000, peacecenter.org

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S ACRED MUSIC FOR A SACRED PLACE The new sanctuary at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral receives the twentieth-anniversary celebration it deserves as host of the Chamber Ensemble’s 18th Annual Winter

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100 TOWN / towncarolina.com

Concert. The chorale, conducted by Bingham Vick, Jr., will perform select pieces of divinely-inspired music by Hans Leo Hassler, Vytautus Miskinis, and Arlen Clarke. Additionally, Greek selections of sacred works will also be showcased at this one-night-only special event.

St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 406 N Academy St, Greenville. Sun, 3pm. Adults, $30; students, $15. (864) 467-3000, peacecenter.org

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JAMES GREGORY

In a way, comedian James Gregory is just like your Grandpa: he tells hilarious stories about life in the South, he hates being politically correct, and he puffs on cigars on his own front porch. The “funniest man in America” has been featured on countless radio shows and television specials, bringing audiences to tears with his no-holdsbarred takes on everything from obesity in America to growing up in Georgia and global warming. Even the most trivial of events become fodder for a good laugh.

Centre Stage, 501 River St, Greenville. Fri, 7 & 9pm. $35-$42.

(864) 233-6733, centrestage.org

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UPSTATE INTERNATIONAL MONTH GALA

Culture is best when experienced, which is why you might consider this kickoff gala the best opportunity this

Photograph (St. George Cathedral) by Paul Mehaffey

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side of Epcot for some international flavor. With live entertainment ranging from merengue to foxtrot and opera to Bollywood, the spotlight shines on cultural diversity in the Upstate. Hors d’ouevres, cocktails, and a silent auction round out this evening of world sensations.

The Westin Poinsett, 120 S Main St, Greenville. Fri, 7–11pm. Members, $75; nonmembers, $95. (864) 631-2188, internationalupstate.org/ gala2015

28–March 1

FAIRYTALES AND LEGENDS Join the Greenville Symphony Orchestra in a whirlwind escape to the land of fantasy. As part of the Masterworks series, Maestro Edvard Tchivzhel will conduct his musicians through a magical program of works by famed composers Nikolai RimskyKorsakov, Gioachino Rossini, and Georges Bizet.

The Peace Center, 300 S Main St, Greenville. Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. $16-$57. (864) 467-3000, peacecenter.org

28–March 2

CULTIVATE 2015

The brainchild of both Edible Upcountry’s Upstate Food Hub and the South Carolina Organization for Organic Living, Cultivate makes

its debut this February. Centered on the implementation of clean, healthy alternatives in the kitchen, Cultivate offers full-scale classes and workshops on organic and sustainable growing techniques, cooking classes, and educational sessions. The Monday segment will be devoted to networking opportunities, inviting food producers, buyers, and government officials to meet and mingle.

Greenville Tech’s Culinary Institute of the Carolinas, 8109 White Horse Rd, Greenville.

Times vary. gvltec.edu/culinary_ institute

March 6–7

REEDY RIVER RUN

There’s certainly no questioning Greenville’s breathtaking appeal for outdoor activities, and this Upstate tradition has been a staple for runners since the late 1970s.

Complete with a 10k, 5k, youth mile, and fun run, there’s no excuse not to lace up those sneaks and hit the pavement on an early March morning. A Fit Cool School challenge is also a part of this year’s race, designed to reward the area elementary and middle schools with a cash reward for the most participants.

Downtown Greenville. Fri, 5:45– 6:30pm; Sat, 8:30–10:45am. $15$40. reedyriverrun.com

March 7

GUILD OF THE GREENVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BLACK AND WHITE BALL Every year, the Guild invites Upstate arts advocates to celebrate and support the Greenville Symphony Orchestra’s endeavors both on and off the stage. This year’s edition, appropriately titled Legends, is set to honor the organization’s greatest contributors, including Maestro Edvard Tchivzhel and his ensemble of talented musicians.

The black-tie-only affair includes lively dance music by Top Hat, an open bar, gourmet dinner, and both silent and live auctions. Keep the spirit of music alive and thriving in Greenville at this fabulously glamorous event.

The Westin Poinsett, 120 S Main St, Greenville. Sat, 6pm. $160.

(864) 370-0965, guildgso.org

The Right Medication Prepared Just For You

Compounding Solutions IT’S PERSONAL.

Pure Barre is sweeping the nation and transforming

At Compounding Solutions, we focus on building a relationship with you, the patient, and your physician to provide better therapeutic outcomes.

Think of it as individualized medicine – just for you.

the shape of client’s bodies in record-breaking time. Come grab your spot at the barre and find out what the fuss is all about!

Our Specialty…

Womens Health, Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy PMS, Peri-Menopause, Menopause Female Pain Issues, Transdermal Pain Creams Pharmaceutical Grade Nutritional Supplements

Compounding Solutions Pam Bramlett, RPh. 115 Pelham Road, Suite 12, Greenville 864-558-0507 | mycompoundingsolutions.com Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-5:30pm

new clients $100 unlimited for the first 30 consecutive days of classes.

One time per day only.

Nontransferable and not redeemable for cash

www.purebarre.com 1922 Augusta Street, Suite 113 Greenville | 864-477-8312 3722 Pelham Road Greenville | 864-477-8312 FEBRUARY 2015 / 101

7 Chinquapin Lane

105 Tuscany Way

6BR, 5BATH · $1,149,500

4BR, 4BATH · MLS#1292289 · $1,250,000

14 Great Lawn Drive

613 Brixton Circle

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS® Twila Kingsmore (864) 525-6665 twilakingsmore.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS® Melissa Morrell (864) 918-1734 greenvilleagent247.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS® Susan Dodds (864) 201-8656 susandodds.com

4BR, 4BATH · MLS#1292137 · $999,999

3559 Ballenger Road

Coldwell Banker Caine Helen Hagood (864 ) 419-2889 helenhagood.com

5BR, 3.5BATH · MLS#1291877 · $959,900

205 Chamblee Boulevard

9 Waterview Court

3BR, 3.5BATH · MLS#1289087 · $1,089,000 Conservus Realty Tracy Harris (864) 423-1200 conservusrealty.com

109 Ramsford Lane

5BR, 5.5BATH · MLS#1274983 · $899,900

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS® Melissa Morrell (864) 918-1734 greenvilleagent247.com

209 Rolleston Drive

4BR, 4.5BATH · MLS#1287327 · $899,000

4BR, 4.5BATH · MLS#1288646 · $829,000

5BR, 4.5BATH · MLS#1292698 · $$774,900

301 Breton Drive

100 Deerfield Drive

837 Oakcrest Road

The Marchant Company Valerie Miller (864) 430-6602 marchantco.com

6BR, 4BATH, 2Hf BATH · MLS#1278820 · $689,000 The Marchant Company Valerie Miller (864) 430-6602 marchantco.com

Estates

Homes as distinguished as our readers.

Conservus Realty Tracy Harris (864) 423-1200 conservusrealty.com

4BR, 3.5BATH · MLS#1285031 · $648,500

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS® Susan Dodds (864) 201-8656 susandodds.com

Allen Tate Realtors Teresa Brady (864) 918-7095 TeresaBrady.com

5BR, 4BATH · MLS#1290256 · $448,500 Allen Tate Realtors Keaira Huffman (864) 415-3580 allentate.com/KeairaHuffman

TOWN Estates is a monthly feature of TOWN Magazine. To advertise your listing in TOWN Estates, contact Annie Langston at 864.679.1224 or alangston@communityjournals.com

JOIN VOLUNTEER IMPACT TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Join us for a Prospective Member Open House to learn more about the JLG and how to become a member.

Monday, March 9, 2015 | Thursday, March 19, 2015

We Are the Junior League of Greenville

For more information visit jlgreenville.org/join facebook.com/jlgreenville

SECOND

Glance

Mountain View

A

ppalachia’s vibrant landscapes and equally vibrant residents take form in Eugene Thomason’s quick brushstrokes. Thick, spontaneous application combines unembellished realism with emotive subjectivity in the style of New York’s Ashcan School. Thomason, who studied with other Ashcan painters, painted scenes and portraits of his peers in 1920s New York before returning to native Southern soil in the 1930s. Over the next decade, Thomason developed a reputation as “The Ashcan Artist of Appalachia” and a regionalist painter par excellence. Spartanburg Art Museum’s From New York to Nebo documents Thomason’s aesthetic progression, from the ebb and flow of urban life to the colorful vitality of rural life in his later works.—Sinéad Haughey

The Spartanburg Art Museum, in partnership with The Johnson Collection, will be displaying From New York to Nebo: The Artistic Journey of Eugene Thomason from February 12–April 19. The museum, located at 200 E St. John St, Spartanburg, is open Tues–Sat, 10am–5pm; and Sun, 1–5pm.

104 TOWN / towncarolina.com

Eugene Thomason, Bootlegger’s Run. Oil on masonite, 18” x 22”; image courtesy of The Johnson Collection

Painter Eugene Thomason championed Appalachian vitality

some places create great stories.

Others make history.

Wonder is indigenous here, just like the ancient, moss-draped oaks and serenely winding rivers. Here, in south carolina lowcountry, land and architecture resonate with the grace of a bygone era, where families create indelible memories of their own. along with refined cottages, suites and homes, guests savor a remarkable alliance of nature and pastimes, such as kayaking through salty marshes. Perfecting tennis and golf swings. exploring pristine trails on horseback — or the locally inspired menus of our restaurants and spa. at the inn at Palmetto Bluff, not only is history at every turn. it’s always in the making. toWn exclusive offer: stay three nights and receive your fourth night free in a cottage or village Home offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by february 28 for travel through april 30, 2015 (866) 706-6565 • Pa l m e t t o B l u f f

B e v e r ly H i l l s

D e e r va l l e y

montageho t e ls . c o m

K a Pa l ua B ay

l ag u n a B e ac H

To preview residential opportunities and our other destinations, visit montagehotels.com.

532 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC