The Palmetto Porch

It takes six years to grow a Christmas tree — talk about a commitment! But in the small town of Monetta, families look to Tom Sawyer for their annual tradition of picking the best tree for their home. And yes, that’s his real name. Devyn ventures down to the farm, and chats with Tom about how his farm gets both young and old into the holiday spirit. For more about Monetta, visit SCPalmettoPorch.co...

Lydia Wherry’s family has been connected to the Edgefield Advertiser—the Palmetto State’s longest continuously running newspaper—for six generations. Lydia shares with Devyn what it was like growing up with the "ink on the walls", the newspaper's impact on locals and how it inspired her to launch Ancesserie, a bespoke letterpress studio. For more about Edgefield, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of the enslaved Africans who lived in the coastal regions of South Carolina. But their stories—and relevance to state history—didn’t end at liberation. Bridgette Frazier, founder of the Bluffton Gullah Cultural Heritage center, speaks with Devyn about her work to preserve some of the area’s most unique cultural landscape in the face of an ever-changing Low...

A typewriter in her closet. That’s what Hartsville’s Elizabeth Boatwright Coker used to write her novels, at a time where a woman’s ambition usually took a backseat to everything else. That’s why the local Coker University, formerly a college for women, honors her hard work and pursuit of the arts through its programs of study. Eliza Ingle, her granddaughter, teamed up with her mother Penelope Cok...

The area around the town of Summerton isn’t exactly known for its hustle and bustle. But there’s still something wholesome and peaceful tucked into its lush, green landscape. Along with his business partners, Chris Biddle has cultivated some of that landscape into an idyllic escape. The Relaxed Retreat offers guests a chance to unwind and reconnect with nature, and Devyn travels down for a visit,...

McClellanville is a very small town—one of the smallest we’ve ever featured on the Porch. But it’s known all over the state for its fish and seafood. And even today, its locally-sourced fare attracts professional chefs and enthusiasts alike. One figure central to its reputation is Jeff Massey, owner of Livingston’s Bulls Bay Seafood. Jeff joins Devyn for a chat about the local seafood industry, an...

Ethan Bedford is a jack of all trades — and he kind of has to be, as the owner of Hazelwood Dairy Farms in Chester. He and his family run the farm, an agricultural center, a rodeo arena and a general store. Devyn corrals Ethan for a chat about the legacy of the farm and his intentional approach to agriculture, teaching, sustainability and building community amongst farmers. For more about Chester,...

Darren Smith, owner and head chef at Conway’s Rivertown Bistro, has had an extraordinary journey. Starting as a child in his grandma's kitchen, he passed on formal culinary school in exchange for practical experience, and opened his now well-known restaurant at just 25 years old. Today, Darren is a South Carolina Chef Ambassador and owns two establishments in the quaint little town along the Wacca...

In the 1980s, the late Bill Wells wanted to build a place where families could enjoy the music he loved. He and his wife opened Bill’s Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor — part shop, part venue, part classroom. Today, his son, Willie, sits down with Devyn to share how bluegrass has surged in popularity, and how it continues to evolve through the talent, programming and community around West Columbia. F...

New places, new stories, same Southern charm. Host Devyn Whitmire brings us another season on the Porch, highlighting individuals who contribute to their town's unique character, charm and enduring spirit. Discover delicious food, stunning natural beauty and captivating culture. Premiering September 17. For more information, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

Scott Newitt, co-founder of Firefly Distillery, started out with a job in the wine industry and a love of music. With that in mind, it makes sense for South Carolina’s largest distillery to also be a vibrant hub for live performances. Scott sits down with Devyn to share his journey, from the challenges of building a successful distillery, through the evolution of Firefly as both a business and a c...

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...

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 SC...

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 State Park, Michelle hopes to inspire those like her — people who may be looking for purpose, and a place to belong. She...

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 Abbevil...

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...

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 r...

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 SC...

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.  ...

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 hi...

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 fr...

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 enthusias...