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Exquisite taste in all things posh and pretty. From modern restaurants, bars and bistros to classic children’s clothing and southern fashion & flair. Highlighting luxurious hotels, swanky spas and vintage tea rooms, proudly presenting, “these are a few of our flavorite things”.

Greenville Summer Bucket List

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

With school out, all us mommas are on the hunt for creative ways to keep our kids busy, happy, healthy and entertained (and maintain our sanity) during summer months.  We camp out at the pool most days, but when you’re feeling waterlogged and sunburned and need to get kids out of the house and off electronics, we’ve got some great recommendations.   Yes, life with kids is a rodeo, so we’ve rounded up our favorites for ya’ll – Greenville Summer Bucket List!!….family friendly activities, fun interactive outings, hot dates and cool treats to facilitate memory making!


Nothing is quite as iconic as popsicles in the summertime.  We were first introduced to King of Pops at Ponce City Market in Atlanta a few months ago and I was hooked and then thrilled to find out they’re is also a King Of Pops franchise in Greenville!!  Organic and fruity with no artificial flavorings and over 50 varieties to choose from, these are a guilt-free treat for kids (or adults).  Follow King of Pops on Instagram to see where their mobile cart is each day and snag a sweet frozen treat or go by Swamp Rabbit Cafe where they’re always readily available.  And here’s a little known secret, you can order them to be delivered to your door!!  Thanks to the modern marvel of dry ice, your popsicles can be shipped to you to satiate summertime cravings when you just want to stay home and sun yourself by the blow up pool on the back porch!

Whether you’re spending time at the Greenville Zoo, burning off steam at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park, or enjoying dinner as a family at Roost, ICE CREAM is the “cherry on top” to a perfect day!  While Greenville has no shortage of
frozen yogurt shops and ice cream parlors, we have a couple favorites, and here’s why….

Blueberry Frog frozen yogurt is made on site with nonfat milk, non-fat plain organic yogurt, water and a powdered mix that includes all the probiotics.  With no added chemicals, sugar alcohols, binders or fillers, you know that this cool concoction passes the healthy mommy screening.  It’s all gluten free and they have dairy free/vegan options as well.  In addition to fun for the whole family and a “selfie” wall to pose and tag @gvlfrog in your instagram snaps, your fur babies are welcome too!  Doggie froyos have become quite popular in this pedestrian city where man’s best friend deserves a little love too!
Self serve with 10 flavors and over 50 toppings.



Pink Mama Ice Cream was a fun afternoon stop for our family last week after a visit to Beechwood Farms and photos in the sunflower field!  This darling boutique ics cream parlor is located in the heart of the quaint Travelers Rest town with scenic views and lovely window shopping.  Tantalize your tastebuds with all these sweet tooth indulgences…In addition to over 24 Hersheys ice cream flavors, the extensive menu includes hand crafted milkshakes, sundaes, floats and malts, banana splits, cookies, brownies, cake pops and ice cream sandwiches.  I mean, can you get any more decadent?  Pink Mamas can cater your next summer party with a “sweet table” and their Pink Mamas Ice Cream truck would be a huge hit at your next event with shaved ice and novelty ice cream fun for all.  Scoops and sprinkles and all sweet things…we give Pink Mamas two thumbs up!  Follow on Instagram for the “inside scoop”!
Here’s some yogurt with an attitude for your kid with an attitude (I know I’ve got one of those!!)  Twisted Cup is the “new kid on the block” in the Five Forks area and is creating quite a swirl!  Keep an eye on Instagram for their occasion $5 special – (fill your cup as full as you can for only $5) or their Beat The Clock bonanza – (10%, 15% or 20% off depending on what time you come!).  A loyalty program allows you to get notifications of special deals and earn points towards sweet rewards!  Fun incentives to pack the kids in the minivan and let them create a sticky, sweet mess in someone else’s kitchen!   In addition to no-fat and low-fat yogurt options, there are refreshing sorbets, shaved ice, smoothies, frozen coffee and seasonal flavors to choose from…… and, occasionally gelato!

Take to the hills for berry picking at Gentry Farms or spend the day splashing around at the Discovery Island Waterpark.  But when you’ve had all the South Carolina humidity you can stand, we’ve got a fabulous indoor option for you…

Its time again for Summer Games Passes from Bowlero Corporation to be used at AMF Star Lanes in Greenville.  These passes are a one-time fee that allow you to utilize the bowling lanes every. single. day. all. summer!!!!!  Passes are good through the first week of September for up to 3 games every day!  Thank God for an air-conditioned option to keep kids busy and active.  And you momma can get yourself a fountain drink and sit back and watch them ‘have a ball’!!  View more details HERE.


And…..if you love bowling yourself, we’ve got a fun date-night recommendation that your guy will love you for!!  Skip the movie and snag your sweetie for an interactive and entertaining night at Stone Pin, a boutique bowling lane, bar and bistro.  With upscale food, adult beverage options, low lighting and quaint atmosphere, this is a great place to gather a group of friends for an evening out.  Call Stone Pin to find out happy hour specials and live music schedule.


This converted industrial space is by far the coolest use we’ve ever seen of an old warehouse.  Lanes can be reserved for corporate events, bachelor/bachelorette parties or private gatherings.

There ya go….make your own bucket list from our top picks and utilize the summer weeks left to make memories as a family and squeeze in some unforgettable dates!

Have A Ball!! – Greenville, South Carolina Blogger

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Summers here and we are DYING from heat exhaustion, but keeping 7 kids cooped up inside just isn’t an option.  You can only spend so many hours at the pool before you are waterlogged and sunburned, so we’re grateful for any indoor, air-conditioned, energy-exerting activities to keep our crazy crew occupied.  We were gifted summer games passes through the Bowlero Corporation that is our go-to fix for boredom and stir crazy afternoons.
Get up.
Get active.
Unplug.
And have a ball!!

Summer Games Passes are essentially season passes that allow you bowl THREE games per day, every day throughout the summer.  For a fixed fee, this all inclusive pass covers the lane as well as shoes, so no hidden fees and tack-on expenses!

Summer Games Passes through the Bowlero Corporation have numerous locations nation wide, but for you Greenville friends, you can pick up passes at AMF Starlanes Greenville 
740 S Pleasantburg Dr
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: (864) 242-5764
The AMF Starlanes are a family friendly atmosphere with fun for all, adequate space, neon lights and 80’s music to boot.

The passes are available for purchase now through August 22nd. Bowlers of all ages can buy a Summer Games Pass, ranging from $9.95-$43.95 for children 15 and younger and $27.95-$58.95 for those 16 and older (price varies by state and center).

We may not be the most talented family at the bowling alley, but thank heavens for guardrails for the peanut gallery.  The younger kids feel like pros with this amendment which keeps the ball out of the gutter and ensures conquest of at least a few pins!  That’s how we roll!!

Get your passes sooner rather than later.  Valid through September 3rd.
Your “spare” time will be well spent 🙂

Top Picks for Hot Dates

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Since dates come in all different shapes and sizes and with various price tags, we’ve rounded up our favorites in the Columbia area to give our readers our Top Pics for Hot Dates.  Be it your first date – a no pressure morning jog together and stop for a cup of joe, or a fancy 10 year anniversary or special occasion celebration, we have the inside scoop and an invitation for you to visit some of our favorite spots!…

Zombie Coffee and Donuts

Owner Tony Raffa has made his debut in Columbia after first opening in Washington DC and Athens GA.  This young entrepreneur opened his doors downtown with coffee and made-to-order donuts catering to the college crowd (and local patrons) who flock to get their day started right with “donuts your way”.  A unique concept much like a frozen yogurt shop.  For one set price, you can customize your perfect creation.  Start with a chocolate or vanilla donut base, then pick your flavored glaze or coating and add limitless toppings.  Here are just a few variations to tempt your tastebuds – Lemon Coconut, Cinnamon Sugar with Pecans, Chocolate with Raspberry Drizzle, or for the true donut enthusiast, Maple Bacon!!

And to sweeten the deal even more, Zombie is passionate about giving back to the community through supporting local charitable organizations and allowing visitors to vote for monthly nominations that they give to.
Web Address
Facebook
650 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Grill Marks

In the 17 years that Columbia has been “home base” for us, we’ve watched the downtown scene grow and develop and love the new faces we see on the block!!
Grill Marks came on the scene a few years ago and is best known for their upscale burgers crafted  from a custom blend of chopped Certified Angus Beef, resulting in something more akin to a “steak on a bun” than a common hamburger.  Noted for serving ‘The South’s Best Burgers’ and being one of ‘The 31 Best Burger Joints in America’, Grill Marks also serves fresh salads, and “undressed” options for the health conscious or gluten free diner who prefers a lettuce wrap and to go easy on the carbs.  And while they are famous for their burgers, it is perhaps their “Freakshakes” that set them apart as no competitor on the scene comes close to competing with these architectural, artistic and culinary wonders!!   Get a load of that thing!!  Grill Marks makes their own ice cream in house and spins each milkshake to order.

We recommend dining al fresco on the patio with beautiful exposed brick walls and a great “people watching” vantage point near the Vista.

Website
Facebook
Instagram and Twitter
ADDRESS
711 Gervais St
Columbia, SC 29201

 

 

 

Main Street Public House

Located on the corner of Main Street and Taylor sits the Main Street Public House.  This place is hopping on weekends as its become a popular dining experience for dinner parties and group gatherings as the place to mix and mingle.  Serving up refined casual cuisine which is described as “quality without pretension”, they are open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday.  Main Street Public House offers unique spins on classic favorites and has been recognized and awarded for a number of their culinary achievements such as their outstanding “shrimp and grits” which I can personally attest is the best Ive ever had!

Their chef sources the freshest , seasonal ingredients and shops local whenever possible, utilizing both new and old world techniques throughout the well versed menu.  Almost everything is made entirely from scratch and Main Street Public House also proudly serves premium, NY style pizza in their custom brick oven (one of only two in the state!!).  The menu boasts a wide assortment of hand crafted cocktails, unique wines and a vast variety of quality brews on tap. For the later crowd (which we are not because, well….7 kids) the Main Street Public House brings in live music from regional musicians and DJ’s.

Website
Facebook

ADDRESS
1556 Main Street
29201 Columbia, South Carolina

Alodia’s

This has been our go-to for a couple of special occasion dinner dates because, well, Italian food…it’s my love language!  On our most recent visit, our waiter, Gabriel, took a moment to share with us that the intimate dining experience is enhanced because of the relationship amongst staff.  “We are like family” he said as he knowledgeably offered suggestions from the wine menu and answered questions about our entree selections.  “Its a work environment we all love” he expounded, which gives the quaint restaurant a homey, comfortable, yet elegant ambiance.  The emphasis on family and team comes directly from the inspiration of the restaurant…It was was opened by Adam Huneau whose great grandmother (for whom the restaurant was named) passed on not only the secret family recipes, but a great devotion to family!
We’re partial to the Mushroom Crespelle if you really want a decadent splurge, but we have never been disappointed.   The menu offers authentic Italian cuisine, including homemade sauces and Abruzzo pastas, in homage to the family’s Italian heritage.  Really, you cant go wrong selecting from classics that will tantalize your tastebuds and set the tone for a romantic evening!

Due to its popularity, Alodia’s has just opened a second location and is serving lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays!

Website
Facebook

LEXINGTON
101 W. Main Street
Lexington, SC 29072
Call: (803) 957-1986

IRMO
2736 North Lake Drive
Columbia, SC 29212
Call:(803) 781-9814