Episodes
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Before going through her studies at Binghamton University, Dr. Katherine “Katie” Seeber didn’t know anything about Mitchelville, the first town built for free people on Hilton Head Island. As an archaeologist and historian, it’s her job to dig up the past to understand people, places, and cultures. But Katie’s visit to this small coastal town left an everlasting impression on her, and changed the trajectory of her career. Devyn catches up with Katie, and they discuss the importance of telling the stories of Mitchelville’s residents — both past and present.
Get more travel ideas at SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
North Augusta is a cozy, family-friendly city nestled along the Savannah River, right at the state line. People often pop in to visit relatives — but local leaders want them to have more than a nice dinner with the folks. Devyn talks to Karl Waldhauer about how he became North Augusta’s first director of tourism, and what the area’s revitalization means to him.
Learn more about North Augusta at SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
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Michelle Cunningham wanted a change of pace. Selling everything she owned, she set out on a trip across the country in a camper. In the Pacific Northwest, Michelle discovered her love for state park systems, and the community around them. Now the park manager for Little Pee Dee River State Park, Michelle hopes to inspire those like her — people who may be looking for purpose, and a place to belong. She joins Devyn on the porch to talk about her journey.
Looking for more about Little Pee Dee State Park? Go to SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
In 2008, busy middle school teacher Erica McCier received news that would change her life forever: her kidneys were failing. As she adjusted to this harsh reality, she found sanctuary in the cooking shows she watched while going through treatment. A transplant and a career change later, and the new Chef Erica—or Trudy, as folks would call her—sets out to bring a unique dining experience to Abbeville, earning herself a place among South Carolina’s 2023 Chef Ambassadors.
Visit SCPalmettoPorch.com to discover more about Abbeville. -
Every day, a restaurant in Loris serves steaming bowls of chicken bog, the town’s most famous dish. But what is chicken bog? And how did it place an entire town on the map for so many travelers? Loris native and “Bog Ambassador” Cobi Williams joins Devyn on the Porch to share about life in his hometown, and how its community has come together over one humble culinary delight.
Want more about Loris? Visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
The unique natural scenery at Cypress Gardens has made it a popular backdrop for films and television shows. As the garden’s resident naturalist, Gabe Shuler is an expert on the wildlife found in its trails, swamps, and exhibits. He joins Devyn to talk shop, snakes, and what he loves most about his job.
Want more on Cypress Gardens? Visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
The legacy of textiles touches almost everything in Lexington. But change is constant, and in the 1980s, the old textile mill in Lexington was converted into a mixed-use commercial area. Through many years of reimagining the space—and one historic flood—the community surrounding the mill shares an excitement for what the future holds. Devyn sits down with owner Laban Chappell to discuss the most recent developments at the historic property.
For more about Lexington, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
In Greenville, those who have a love of the outdoors can find refuge at Paris Mountain State Park. For Greenville’s poet laureate Glenis Redmond, the park holds a special place in her journey as both an artist and a grandparent. Devyn joins Glenis for a day at the park, where the acclaimed writer and performer reflects on her personal connections to nature.
To learn more about Greenville, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
In small towns, historic preservation isn’t always at the forefront of the conversation. But in Cheraw, birthplace of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, there are old and iconic buildings singing its proud heritage for those who visit. Local historian Sarah Spruill opens her porch for us to sit a spell, and chat about what it means for a town like Cheraw to remember and revel in its unique identity.
To learn more about Cheraw, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
Even homegrown South Carolinians don’t know every corner of the Palmetto state. And when it comes to good food, stunning nature, and charming culture — if you want to know, you have to go. Host Devyn Whitmire visits a whole new set of hidden-gem destinations, seeking out the inspiring people behind their town’s personality, appeal, and resilience.
For more about our show, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
The Windjammer has a special place in South Carolina history, having been the launchpad for a host of bands, including Hootie & The Blowfish.The venue has seen its highs and lows over the years. Co-owner Bobby Ross takes his seat on the Porch to share the secrets behind the Windjammer’s resilience and relevance in the Palmetto State’s music scene. And special guest Darius Rucker returns to add his own perspectives on the club’s lasting appeal.
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Local fairs and festivals are a great way to celebrate food and farming. The South Carolina Peach Festival in Gaffney fits that description. With a rich history and significance to local farmers, the festival features big names in music and flavorful experiences for tens of thousands of attendees every year. Shannon Wylie, board chair for the Peach Festival, stops by to talk about Gaffney’s big fruit-themed bash.
To learn more about The Peach Festival, and the town of Gaffney, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
Darlington Raceway is known as “The Lady In Black,” and its reputation precedes itself as a tough track for NASCAR racers. But what exactly is behind its legend? Danny Lockemy, local radio personality and resident expert on the raceway, makes a pit stop at the Porch to discuss its history and legacy.
To learn more about Darlington Raceway, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
Hickory Knob State Resort Park is the only park of its kind in the South Carolina State Parks system. Complete with activities, accommodations, and an 18-hole championship golf course, visitors can come from miles around and enjoy a getaway on the greens. Andrew Spencer, director of golf for the park, drops in to tell us about what the park has to offer for golfers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.
To learn more about McCormick and Hickory Knob State Resort Park, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
The Civil Rights Movement had several epicenters around the country, many of those places taught about in history books. While South Carolina doesn’t always immediately come to mind, it has its place within a time filled with resistance, and hope. Cecil Williams is the founder of the Palmetto State’s first civil rights museum in Orangeburg, and has been lauded as one of the chief photographers of the movement. The area native joins us on the Porch to reflect on his life, the museum he founded, and South Carolina’s role in the struggle for racial equality.
To learn more about Orangeburg, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
In Barnwell, there is a quaint red building nestled along Highway 278, The Little Red Barn Studio And Gallery contains more than art and pottery—it carries with it a journey of mixed purpose and rebirth. Owner Liz Ringus stops by the Porch to talk about the studio’s origin, and how its interesting evolution has helped bring a spotlight to rural artists and local history.
To learn more about Barnwell, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
In Walterboro, sitting Inside what was a stunning Victorian home, the South Carolina Artisans Center contains eclectic treasures and handmade finery, all crafted by South Carolina-based artists. The center is a nice complement to the Lowcountry’s newfound identity as a Southern art haven. David Smalls, executive director, gives his perspectives on the area’s emerging artisan culture.
To learn more about Walterboro and the South Carolina Artisans Center, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
The Carolina Shag is the official dance of South Carolina. Historians have traced its origins to North Myrtle Beach. But what is the Shag? And who are the people–the ‘shaggers’-- keeping the tradition alive? Lori Setzer and Darrell Gaither, both from the Ocean Drive Shag Club, visit the Porch to tell us about the dance, its evolution, and what preserving the Shag means to them.
To learn more about North Myrtle Beach and the Carolina Shag, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
When people leave home, they often take a part of their home with them. Chef Rob Masone is no different, treating hungry patrons to unique twists on comfort food. Back in his native Rock Hill, Chef Rob runs Kounter, a restaurant with a notable history. He stops by the Porch to talk about his travels, his passion for food, and how finding one’s way home can take a surprising turn.
To learn more about Rock Hill, Kounter, and the Friendship Nine, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. -
South Carolina isn’t known for snow, but there’s at least one city where folks can enjoy a white Christmas in the South. Less than fifty miles from South Carolina’s capital, Newberry community-driven holiday events make it seem like a Christmas card come to life. Area native Mary Alex Kopp left Newberry after high school, but found her way back and rediscovered what was great about her hometown. She joins us on the Porch to share how Newberry residents celebrate the holidays.
To learn more about Newberry, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. - Show more
