Category: Uncategorized

I admit it. I followed her recent wedding countdown on Instagram with more interest than I’ve had in some weddings I was actually IN. But go look at her feed and you’ll understand why! I think she is the perfect person to write our first “Local Influencer” post. @lindleymayer

But First….Fashion:

Mandy over at @hubcitytopknot making our mouths water with her review of the newest BBQ spot in Greenville; Moe’s Original Bar B Que in Westone.

The Food:

They have a pretty diverse menu, so even if you aren’t a fan of the typical BBQ fare, there is truly something for everyone. (Fish and tofu for instance). I loved the turkey, grilled cornbread and coleslaw—which I was surprised about, but they make it with oil and vinegar instead of mayo and it’s super good)! My hubby raved about the smoked chicken wings. But we both agreed our favorite item was the pulled pork sandwich. The combination of pickles with red and white sauces are what we think made it so good. The Mississippi mud pie and banana pudding (tasted like Christmas) are both solid dessert choices if you save room.

The Vibe:

I loved the atmosphere; it was trendy yet still gave you that comfort food/inviting vibe that a lot of little BBQ places in the south have. The owners, John and Sam, were above and beyond friendly. They do serve alcohol; we tried something called the Bushwacker, which tasted like banana ice cream and rum (right up my alley). And of course, they are right next to Liability Brewing, so it’s really the best of both worlds.

Go follow Rachel over at @thehealthiestrachel

Welcome back to the second installment of @thehealthiestrachel’s gym reviews! I am eager and ready to share this gym with you all. This gym has been in the area for two years, but I somehow did not know about it. So, I am thinking some of you may have never been there either! Full disclosure, this place is so good that I ended up joining myself. I hope to meet some of you there and if you come by, please SAY HI!!

WHAT:

Trifit Barbell
Think personal training on your schedule!

WHERE:

320 W. Butler Rd. Mauldin, SC 29662
Go down Laurens Road until it turns into Main Street Mauldin. Take a right on W. Butler. The gym is in between the gas station and Sonic.

COST:

There are different levels based on your budget ranging from $50-$120.
$50 gets you access to the gym. $120 gets you the gym, training, workouts, and nutrition.
Looking for something in between? Talk to them about your needs!
Everything is month-to-month- NO CONTRACTS!

THE PERKS:

 The “classes.” Alright, when you look at their schedule you are going to see classes listed. These classes do not work the way you are probably thinking. The programming for these classes is written out on white boards. If you come any time during the day that a class time is listed on the schedule, a trainer will be on the floor to assist with form, questions, a kick in the ass, whatever you need!

 The flexibility. It’s so amazing for anyone with even a slightly busy schedule to not have to arrive somewhere by a certain time or the doors are locked and you must pay a missed class fee! Worked late and don’t arrive until 6:15 PM? Your trainer and training program are still there and ready for you!

 The location. You guys may think I’m crazy for saying this but hear me out! This pricing is significantly less than any personal trainer I’ve used in Greenville and still a good bit less than the specialized gyms in Greenville as well. Could the fact that the town name is “Mauldin” and not “Greenville” be playing in to this? I don’t know for sure, but it’s something to think about!

 The people. Everyone that works out here is nice! Have you ever entered those classes where people are grouped up and don’t talk to anyone else? That is not a thing here. Also, people are workin’ hard, so no forced long conversations or lingering.

 The trainers. I can’t speak for all of them! I have worked with Logan as I am in no way a morning person and he is the one there in the afternoons/evenings. They are extremely knowledgeable though, and will figure out which program will work best for your goals. Also, they are personable and make you feel comfortable throughout your fitness and exercise journey!

THINGS OF NOTE:

 There is a boot camp class on Saturday mornings if you’re really craving that group structure.
 You can use the open gym any time from 6 AM- 8 PM during the week, 8 AM- 5 PM on Saturday and 10 AM- 2PM on Sunday. If you go during open gym when a class is not scheduled, someone will still be there for questions, but they won’t be as actively training on the floor.

PRO TIP:

 Call or email them for a tour of the facility and receive a week-long pass to try it out for yourself!

Check out their website here:
www.trifitbarbell.com

I have lived in Greenville my entire life, and I cannot imagine growing up anywhere else. I have seen first hand how Greenville has grown, and how our little town has turned into a city full of opportunity.  I love going downtown on a Sunday afternoon for brunch, and just taking in the sights and sounds of Greenville. I enjoy working out, running, and trying new restaurants/bars with friends.  I love how there is always something new and exciting happening in our city! – Tyler Center @guysguide_

Favorite Outdoor Spots:

One City Plaza:

One City Plaza sits in the heart of downtown Greenville; it is home to many great shops, restaurants, and businesses.  I love it because it has a different vibe when I go to a restaurant there or up to Sip; from the Plaza I feel like I am transported.  It has such a peaceful yet vibrant feel, especially on a warm weekend afternoon.  You might find some live music from various local musicians, or you might run into a friend doing some shopping at Anthropologie or grabbing a bite to eat at Tupelo Honey. 

Tourist Madison Wright enjoying the pink wall above One City Plaza, located at the top of the Aloft parking deck.

Pretty Place:

Pretty Place Chapel is a not so secret chapel in the mountains of Greenville.  I have been going to Pretty Place for about 5 years now, and every time I go I stand amazed by the beauty of where we live.  Only about an hour from the heart of Greenville, Pretty Place is a breathtaking chapel housed in YMCA Camp Greenville.  While Pretty Place has gained popularity through the years, its beauty has remained constant and steadfast.  Whether you go at sunrise or in the middle of the day you are sure to get some beautiful pictures and create even better memories. 

Favorite Healthy Spot:

Southern Pressed:

If you want to enjoy something sweet, yet don’t want to worry about the calories; you should probably pay a visit to Southern Pressed Juicery.  My favorite thing on the menu is the Bees Knees energy bowl. 

Favorite Family Brunch:

Halls Chophouse:

There is simply not a better place (in my opinion) to enjoy a nice relaxing brunch in town then at Halls Chophouse.  On Sunday there is a fantastic live band, and the views of the Reedy River are second to none.  If you like shrimp & grits Hall’s offers some of the best, and don’t miss out on their Eggs Benedict or French toast.  Lastly, no brunch would be complete without a signature mimosa or Bloody Mary; both go great with anything on the menu. 

Favorite Flavorful Eats:

Tsunami:

I have been going to Tsunami for what seems like forever, the staff is always so accommodating, the food is always delicious, and the atmosphere is perfect for a date night, or just a fun night out with friends.  If you like sushi the city roll is the best in town. 

Sabroso Mexican Grille:

There are few things better in life than a margarita and some chips & salsa, Sabroso’s offers a variety of margaritas, as well as a selection of other cocktails that pair perfectly with their mesquite grilled quesadillas.

Last weekend we had a chance to check out the new Seedlings restaurant (owned by Farm Fresh Fast) in the basement of The Children’s Museum. AND we were able to hang out for the “Microgreen Tasting” with Upstate Greens. (Somehow they had my child eating pea shoots like they were candy!) The Seedlings programs happen once per month and you can find upcoming programs on the museum’s website (linked above). Loving that this farm to table, organic option is now available and that the programs help teach kids about eating healthy and where their food is coming from!

Big thanks to TCM and Seedlings for having us out!

One of my favorite things about running The Local Greenville is when local people and businesses take the time to reach out to tell me about what they are doing. An event, a fundraiser, a meet-up group, an opening or a new business just getting off the ground. It is so hard to keep up with everything that is going on in Greenville as this little city continues to grow–I need all the help I can get staying up-to-date!

So I was really excited to hear from Taylor, owner of Milk & Honey Market because (1) It’s locally-owned (2) everything they sell are fair trade items and (3) all of their jewelry is really pretty.

Taylor’s backstory on Milk & Honey is up on their site, but I wanted to share my favorite excerpt about why buying fair trade is a big deal:

I discovered there were many brands that were producing beautiful
handmade items. They all had incredible missions, stories, and were
empowering women, the artisans, across the globe in impoverished
areas through providing sustainable & consistent jobs, fair wages,
and safe working conditions…Because of these brands, and the
growing demand for fair trade fashion, less and less women will be
trapped in the cycle of human trafficking.  While learning this, I
also discovered there were a lack of platforms that connected these
incredible brands, lines, and stories together. Fast forward a few
months later and a move to South Carolina- the store was born.

Right now Milk & Honey is offering The Local Greenville followers 15% off your entire purchase. Just use the code localgreenville15 at check out! #supportlocal #buyfairtrade

–Courtney

A couple of my personal favorites, the Vivian Necklace and 
Awaken Bracelet are pictured above.

If you’re in need of something to break up the February weekday drag, add this to your calendar. The Escape From New York Comedy Tour is headed to Greenville on Tuesday the 20th. They are performing at Coffee Underground (great little venue).

When Ryan Brown reached out to let me know they were coming to our little corner of the world, I asked “Why Greenville”? Ryan actually has a unique connection to Greenville. Shortly after arriving in NYC, he landed a job as a writer at Greenville-based advertising agency, EP + Co. “That’s what put Greenville on my radar. I traveled there for work a few times and I expected it to be this sleepy little town but it actually had this very unique energy that I wasn’t expecting and I loved it. When we were booking this tour I knew right away that we should do a show there.”

Ryan, Eric and Ron are all based in NYC and while they of course love performing in the city that never sleeps, they also love taking their act on the road to smaller towns and cities. Thus the name “Escape From New York”. Their first tour was in July 2017 and they hit 4 cities in 4 nights. It was a huge success, so they decided to do it again but a little bigger this time.

Doors open at 7 with the show at 8. The pre-sale tickets are just $8 and you can get them here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/escape-from-new-york-comedy-tour-at-coffee-underground-tickets-42241327949