The Palmetto Porch

Sumter is a famous name, it's from the Revolutionary War hero known as “The Fighting Gamecock” Thomas Sumter. But this town's reputation has swelled beyond history, making it a hub for arts, entertainment, and education.Nat Bradford, of the watermelons of the same name, joins us on the porch to talk about Sumter in detail. And Jeffrey Lampkin, most famous for his appearance as a contestant on the hit show American Idol, takes us through the town through his eyes.To sample more of Sumter, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

Greenwood lives up to its name with more than just its nature trails. Nearby Lake Greenwood State Park offers activities for adventurous travelers and their families. The area is also home to the South Carolina Festival Of Flowers, which attracts visitors from all around.Ellesor Holder brings her experiences with the festival to the Porch, and tells us why it is one of South Carolina's marquee events. And Fayette Yenny, park manager at Lake Greenwood, stops by to tell us more ways visitors can enjoy their state park excursions.Get more Greenwood travel ideas at SCPalmettoPorch.com.

If you're into art, you're in luck. Lake City is often celebrated for its eclectic mix of down-home hospitality and vibrant artistry, while being deeply rooted in agriculture and horticulture.Jamison Mady Kerr is a director for ArtFields, and she's bringing her perspectives on Lake City's thriving art scene to the Porch. Phillip “Shady” Rodgers, through his work directing events for the Moore Farms Botanical Gardens and the Lake City Creative Alliance, helps us examine Lake City's past and its incredible resurgence.Thinking of Lake City for your next adventure? Learn more about the town at SCPalmettoPorch.com.

When you think about Hollywood, it's often bright lights and Beverly Hills. But with the number of TV shows and movies filmed in South Carolina's Lowcountry, that may be changing.We hear from Dan Rogers, whose work at the South Carolina Film Commission brings the area to the big screen. Also, Beaufort native Nannette Brown Sutton, who creates a truly wonderful atmosphere at her boutique, Lulu Burgess, reveals why the timeless beauty and quirky charm of her hometown cannot be matched.Ready to add Beaufort to your road trip rotation? Plan your escape at SCPalmettoPorch.com.

The third-oldest city in the Palmetto State, Georgetown is an idyllic town. This charming stop along the Hammock Coast is just a one-hour drive from Charleston, ready to receive visitors eager for a mix of coastal living and small-town flair. But Georgetown is often overshadowed by some of the state's bigger, more famous destinations.Hope McFaddin draws on her experiences managing the South Carolina Maritime Museum to share some of the town's history. And Rob Henry, owner and general manager of 620 Prince, tells us what makes Georgetown a place visitors will find hard to forget.Wanna get more of what's good in Georgetown? Visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

It's in Aiken that a person can find a blend of rich culture and quiet, rustic beauty. Aiken has certainly turned a lot of heads as a destination, and has been recognized as one of the best small towns in America. A lot of that fame has to do with an incredible horse culture, and amazing food to match.Lisa Hall, museum coordinator at the Thoroughbred Museum and Hall of Fame in Aiken, shares the best parts of Thoroughbred Country. And Jason Tufts, a South Carolina Chef Ambassador and general manager of The Village Cafe, describes its growing restaurant scene and walks us through the delicious farm-to-table flair that puts the town on the map.To learn more about Aiken, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

Summerville is the birthplace of the ambrosia of the South: sweet tea. Today, it has a quaint downtown and a host of businesses, restaurants and activities. But it wasn't always that way—the town has come into its more modern identity.We join Diane Frankenberger, owner of downtown staple People, Places, & Quilts, on a porch in Summerville to talk about the town's journey. And Oak Road Brewery CEO Benjamin Bankey drops in to talk beer, food, and what visitors can enjoy while in town.To find out more about what makes Summerville so sweet, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

It's Anderson's proximity to a long-distance power transmitter that earned it the name “The Electric City”. But in modern times, Anderson lures in visitors with its natural amenities and scenic views.Pro bass fisherman Brian Latimer gives us his take on what makes the outdoors in Anderson so great. And Gwen Davenport, who helps promote activities in her work with the State Parks system, tells us more about what the town has to offer.To plan your adventure in Anderson, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

In Camden, visitors can get a heaping of horses, history, and the arts. And while another conflict can quickly come to mind when traveling through the American South, it's here where visitors can learn about the Revolutionary War, and South Carolina's special role in America's origin story.Rickie Good, director of Camden's Revolutionary War Visitor Center, teaches us about South Carolina's significance in the country's fight for independence. National Steeplechase Museum board member Dr. Tom Mullikin stops by to tell us about the Carolina Cup, the traditions around the event, and how it makes Camden special.To learn more about Camden, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. 

Columbia, South Carolina's capital city dating back to 1786, is nestled perfectly in the middle of the Palmetto State. But this jewel of a town is used to being the center of attention for other reasons, as it boasts one-of-a-kind art, parks, culinary experiences, and more.DiscoverSC Official Ambassador Darius Rucker swings by to talk music, local flair, and of course, the Gamecocks. And Historic Columbia's executive director Robin Waites shares some of the city's stories and landmarks.Looking for more info on Historic Columbia? Visit their website. And to learn more about Columbia, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

Want to learn what makes South Carolina so special? Here's a hint: it's not only the places, it's also the people who call South Carolina home. Listen along to Discover South Carolina's Devyn Whitmire as she travels through the state interviewing locals who share their unique perspective on places to visit, foods to try and insider travel tips on the Palmetto Porch Podcast.To learn more about our show, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.