March 29, 2018

Newberg, Oregon: The Allison Inn & Spa; hotel review

The Allison Inn & Spa  

2525 Allison Lane, Newberg, (877) 294-2525, (503) 554-2525.  85 rooms.  Indoor pool & hot tub; fitness room; full-service spa.  Restaurant.  Free valet parking and self-parking.  Pets ok.  Kids welcome. 

Set on 35 hillside acres that are smack in the middle of Oregon’s scenic Willamette Valley wine country, this sedate hotel offers the area’s only luxury lodging.  The architecture features extensive use of stone, metal, and glass on the exterior walls and a dramatic four-story circular glass stairwell off the lobby.  The main entry is on The Allison Inn & Spa’s third level--an unusual feature that maximizes views.  Expansive gardens, a 7-acre working vineyard, and extensive trails await outside.  An art collection with more than 500 original works from 100 Oregon artists is displayed throughout the hotel.  All guest rooms have a gas fireplace, a comfortable deep-set window seat, a balcony or terrace, and a bathroom with double sinks and a large soaking tub, and everyone gets a welcome gift basket.  The spa makes use of local fruits, herbs, flowers, water, and the area’s renowned pinot noir grapes.  Sauna and steam rooms are available to guests at no fee. 

Thursday evening brings on celebrity wine-maker tastings, and live music is scheduled on Friday and Saturday evenings.  And when you want to leave the hotel for some wine tasting at some of the world-class wineries within minutes of the resort, you can arrange to take a complimentary test drive in one of the hotel’s fleet of Lexus cars.  Jory Restaurant presents fine dining menus that are strongly influenced by local seasonal ingredients and accentuated with thoughtful wine pairings.

exterior of The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon
exterior of The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon


exterior of The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon
exterior of The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon


outside art at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon
outside art at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon


garden path at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon
garden path at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon


dramatic interior stairwell at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon
dramatic interior stairwell at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon


guest room window seat at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon
guest room window seat at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon


Jory Restaurant at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon
Jory Restaurant at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon



More things to do in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

More things to do along Highway 5 in Oregon.


images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


March 27, 2018

Oregon: Willamette Valley wineries; things to do

WILLAMETTE VALLEY WINERIES in Oregon


More than 500 wineries in the Willamette Valley produce a plethora of excellent pinot noir, pinot gris, and riesling.  But this region also grows hops and fresh produce galore (think hazelnuts, cherries, and olives, as well as grass seed and Christmas trees), offers fine dining, and also presents varied recreational opportunities.  The 150-mile-long valley is surrounded by mountains on three sides–the Cascade Range to the east, the Oregon Coast Range to the west, and the Calapooya Mountains to the south, and the Willamette River flows through the entire length,

The valley runs runs from Eugene to Portland, but its heart is in the area immediately surrounding Salem in the Dundee Hills and is best seen along Highway 99 West.  Beautiful at any time of year, it is stunning in fall when the grape leaves turn mustard-yellow and the trees burst into seasonal color.  It was a Reserve Pinot Noir from Eyrie Vineyards in McMinnville that shocked the wine world in 1979 by placing in the top 10 of pinot noirs in a blind tasting at the Gault-Millau French Wine Olympiad in Paris.

colorful fall scenic of Willamette Valley in Oregon
colorful fall scenic of Willamette Valley in Oregon


colorful pinot noir grapes on the vine in Willamette Valley in Oregon
colorful pinot noir grapes on the vine in Willamette Valley in Oregon


WINERIES

     McMinnville

935 NE 10th Ave., (888) 472-5124, (503) 472-6315.  Daily, Noon to 5pm.  Tasting fee $10 & $20, waived with wine purchase.  

It was the Eyrie Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir that shocked the wine world by placing in the top 10 of pinot noirs in a blind tasting at the 1979 Gault-Millau French Wine Olympiad in Paris.

colorful pinot noir grapes on the vine at Eyrie Vineyards in McMinnville in Willamette Valley in Oregon
colorful pinot noir grapes on the vine at Eyrie Vineyards
in McMinnville in Willamette Valley in Oregon


     Dundee Hills AVA

The lovely Dundee Hills AVA (Americn Viticulture Area) is the epicenter of Oregon’s acclaimed wine country, and its red volcanic soil produces particularly excellent pinot noir grapes and wines.  The first vines were planted more than 50 years ago, and today the area is home to more than 50 vineyards and wineries.  The streets in the one-stoplight town of Dundee are lined with tasting rooms, and it is known for having the area’s highest concentration of wine-tasting facilities.

Coelho Winery tasting room  

111 5th St., Amity, (503) 835-9305.  

In informal surroundings, enjoy tasting single-vineyard Willamette Valley wines with a Portuguese flair.

interior of Coelho Winery tasting room in Amity in Willamette Valley in Oregon
interior of Coelho Winery tasting room in Amity in Willamette Valley in Oregon


Domaine Serene  

6555 NE Hilltop Lane, Dayton, (866) 864-6555, (503) 864-4600.  Tasting W-M 11-4.  

This 42-acre hilltop estate property produces exclusively pinot noir in their five-level, gravity-flow winery.  A new state-of-the-art visitor center and tasting room, built in Old World style, offers a stellar experience, and food and wine pairing events are held in a cave-like subterranean warren of rooms.  Sparkling wine and Chardonnay will soon be produced in Oregon’s first dedicated white winery, opening here in summer of 2018.

exterior of Domaine Serene in Dayton in Willamette Valley in Oregon
exterior of Domaine Serene in Dayton in Willamette Valley in Oregon


cellar tasting room at Domaine Serene in Dayton in Willamette Valley in Oregon
cellar tasting room at Domaine Serene in Dayton in Willamette Valley in Oregon


Dusky Goose  

8355 NE Warren Rd., Dundee, (503) 857-5776.  

This tiny little winery recently opened a fabulous new tasting room.  It specializes in small production of great pinot noirs.

bottle of pinot noir at Dusky Goose in Dundee in Willamette Valley in Oregon
bottle of pinot noir at Dusky Goose in Dundee in Willamette Valley in Oregon


Elk Cove Vineyards  

27751 NW Olson Rd., Gaston, (877) ELK-COVE.  Daily 10am-5pm.  

The family of the winery owners has farmed in Oregon for five generations and has been growing pinot noir grapes for more than four decades.  The wines are top-rated (I can attest to the deliciousness of the 2015, Willamette Valley, Estate Pinot Noir), and the tsting room has a view of the Coast Range Mountains.


Lady Hill Winery  

8400 Champoeg Rd NE, St. Paul, (503) 678-1240.  

Enjoy an elaborate tasting in a beautiful tasting room with a stellar view.

tasting room at Lady Hill Winery in St. Paul in Willamette Valley in Oregon
tasting room at Lady Hill Winery in St. Paul in Willamette Valley in Oregon


Winter’s Hill  

6451 NE Hilltop Ln., Dayton, (503) 864-4592.  W-M 11am-5pm.  

Part of a 150-acre farm with 35 acres of vineyards, this winery tasting rooms offers a stellar view and is known for its pinot noir, pinot gris, and pinot blanc.

tasting room at Winter's Hill in Dayton in Willamette Valley in Oregon
tasting room at Winter's Hill in Dayton in Willamette Valley in Oregon


OTHER

Red Ridge Farms  

5510 NE Breyman Orchards Rd., Dayton, 503-864-8502.  

Established in 2008, this family-owned destination is the first commercial olive mill in the Northwest.  Oregon Olive Mill oils can be tasted in the the venue’s nursery and garden shop.  It is interesting to sample the five varietals--Arbequina, Koroneiki, Frantoio, Tuscan, and Mission--to determine which is your own favorite.  This pastoral spot also has expansive lavender fields and grows grapes for Durant Vineyards.  An annual Lavender Extravaganza is held in July.
         Two lodging accommodations are also available--a one-bedroom guest suite overlooking the valley and a two-bedroom Stoneycrest cottage, which overlooks Durant Vineyards.  Both properties are available to rent by the night, weekend or week and feature full kitchens and breathtaking views.

olive oil tasting bar at Red Ridge Farms in Dayton in Willamette Valley in Oregon
olive oil tasting bar at Red Ridge Farms in Dayton in Willamette Valley in Oregon


Wheatland Ferry  

$2. 
 
The Willamette river has several cable-pulled car ferries.  It is worth going out of your way to experience this one, but it very well might turn out to be on your way.


Willamette Valley Cheese Co.  

8105 Wallace Rd. NW, (503) 399-9806, Salem.  Tu-Sat 10-5.  

The dairy cows here have been moved to another location but are still the source of fresh milk for more than 35 kinds of award-winning hand-crafted arisan cheeses.

cheese tasting at Willamette Valley Cheese Co. in Salem in Willamette Valley in Oregon
cheese tasting at Willamette Valley Cheese Co. in Salem
in Willamette Valley in Oregon



More things to do in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

More things to do along Highway 5 in Oregon.



images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


March 22, 2018

NYC: Maison Kayser; restaurant review

Maison Kayser  

326 Bleecker St./Christopher St., (212) 645-7900. 

A sort of French fast-food stop, bright, cheery Maison Kayser is perfect to grab something quick and makes good coffees and a refreshing glass of fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice.  A branch is in Tribeca at 355 Greenwich Street/Harrison Street.

interior of Maison Kayser in NYC
interior of Maison Kayser in NYC


fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice at Maison Kayser in NYC
fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice at Maison Kayser in NYC




More restaurants in NYC.

More things to do in NYC.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

March 20, 2018

Portland, Oregon: Headwaters & Gracie's tea rooms; restaurant review

Top Two Traditional Tea Times in Portland, Oregon


The lavish Russian afternoon tea service in the (CLOSED) Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant of the downtown Heathman Hotel is presented only on Saturdays, at noon and 2:30 p.m.  Reservations are required.  A separate table is dedicated to preparing the tea using a magnificent samovar.  All teas come from local Smith Teamaker, including custom blends.  Two I enjoyed were Chocolate peppermint Pu’erh for a dose of caffeine, followed by Peppermint Leaves for a refreshing caffeine-free sip.  Recipes for some items on the menu have been handed down from chef Vitaly Paley’s own grandmother.  I ate absolutely everything on my tiered tray.  My favorites were Traditional Blini (with salmon caviar and sour cream), Butterbrodi (open-faced rye sandwiches), and Tort Po Kievski (hazelnut meringue, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache).  

Beefeater doorman at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon
Beefeater doorman at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon


samouvar tea table for Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon
samouvar tea table for Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge
of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon


tiered tea tray for Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon
tiered tea tray for Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge
of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon


savory selections at Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon
savory selections at Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge
of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon


savory selections at Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon
savory selections at Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge
of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon


sweet selections at Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon
sweet selections at Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge
of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon




Gracie’s restaurant is the posh site for a traditional English afternoon tea at the Hotel deLuxeSmith Teamaker brews are served here as well, including two custom blended for this venue--a strong malty Provenance Black and fruit Green deLuxe.  A three-tiered tea tray includes a variety of sandwiches (the smoked salmon and tarragon cream cheese on rye is particularly tasty), warm scones with housemade Marionberry jam and clotted cream, and an assortment of cakes.  Most items are made in house.  Tea-based cocktails are also available.

tiered tea tray for afternoon tea at Gracie's restaurant in Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon
tiered tea tray for afternoon tea at Gracie's restaurant in Hotel deLuxe
in Portland, Oregon


afternoon tea selections at Gracie's restaurant in Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon
afternoon tea selections at Gracie's restaurant in Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon


tiny tea cocktail at Gracie's restaurant in Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon
tiny tea cocktail at Gracie's restaurant in Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon




Top tea times around the world.

More tea times around the world.

More things to do in Portland. 

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 
updated September 8, 2023

March 16, 2018

Portland, Oregon: The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel; hotel review

The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel  

545 SW Taylor St., downtown, (503) 553-7000.  327 rooms.  Self-parking $33, valet $45.  Pets ok.  Heated indoor lap pool; fitness center.  Restaurant; room service. 

Transformed through a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Executive Tower portion of the Hilton Portland--now a sister hotel across the street--this venue is stylishly reimagined as The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel.  The intriguing decor is inspired by the city’s industrial heritage and by nature, and the lobby retains its original ceiling and Emperador marble flooring.  The vibrant lobby becomes particularly festive in late afternoon as guests return from activities and gather around the comfortable seating or refresh with a cocktail at the bar.  Between the ground floor lobby and the beginning of guest rooms on the 11th floor is a basically unnoticed parking structure, and there is no 13th floor.  Each spacious, stylish guest room has a small loveseat, a huge 65-inch TV, and a selection of local literature and guidebooks to browse (all are available for purchase).  Queen rooms each have a bathtub, and all rooms feature locally-made amenities.

lobby of The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon
lobby of The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon


antique Blickensderfer No.5 typewriter displayed in the lobby of The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon
antique Blickensderfer No.5 typewriter displayed in the lobby
of The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon


guest room at The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon
guest room at The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon


guest room decor at The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon
guest room decor at The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon


Tucked off the lobby, the kitchen at Jackrabbit restaurant specializes in “head-to-tail cuisine” (it even has its own curing room).  Playfully, various rabbit art is found throughout the decor.

exterior of Jackrabbit restaurant at The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon
exterior of Jackrabbit restaurant at The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel
in Portland, Oregon


interior of Jackrabbit restaurant at The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon
interior of Jackrabbit restaurant at The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel
in Portland, Oregon





More things to do in Portland. 

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

March 13, 2018

Portland, Oregon: Smith Teamaker; things to do

Smith Teamaker  

110 SE Washington St., Central Eastside Industrial District, (503) 719-8752; also at 1626 NW Thurman St., Pearl.  M-Sat 10am-6pm.  Flight tasting $10. 

This vibrant tea company was begun by the late Steven Smith, a legendary tea maker who also founded both Stash Tea and Tazo Tea in Portland.  Smith is known for using quality ingredients to create delicious blends, which run the gamut from simple and clean to robust and complex.  “We try to be cheeky and clever,” says Tony Tellin, Head Tea Maker, who is still wondering what he will be when he grows up. 

The perfect introduction is an actual visit to the Smith Teamaker factory where these small-batch teas are made to do a sampling.  You can view production through a large glass window and will learn where the teas come from and how they are grown and harvested, plus taste a flight of teas.  It is interesting to learn that the silky tea bags are made from corn by-product and are sealed with sound waves.  Another option is to stop in and enjoy service in the small cafe or to select some teas to purchase for at-home brewing.  Tea lattes are also available, as is iced tea, nitro chai on tap, and more.  Look soon for ready-to-drink Masala Chai Tea in a milk carton at your local Whole Foods.





exterior of Smith Teamaker in Portland, Oregon
exterior of Smith Teamaker in Portland, Oregon


cafe at Smith Teamaker in Portland, Oregon
cafe at Smith Teamaker in Portland, Oregon


factory at Smith Teamaker in Portland, Oregon
factory at Smith Teamaker in Portland, Oregon


teabag at Smith Teamaker in Portland, Oregon
teabag at Smith Teamaker in Portland, Oregon




Top tea times around the world.

More tea times around the world.

More things to do in Portland. 

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


images and videos ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

March 9, 2018

Sublimity, Oregon: Silver Falls State Park; things to do

Silver Falls State Park  

45 minutes E of Salem, near Silverton in Sublimity, (800) 551-6949, (503) 873-8681.  $5/car. 

For this excursion, I toured out of Portland with Evergreen Escapes.  At Canby, we drove east through through country known for flowers (dahlias, tulips), grass, hops, and hazel nuts.   Nestled in a temperate rain forest in Oregon's Cascade Mountains, Silver Falls State Park features spectacular waterfalls and trails.  It is considered the “crown jewel’ of Oregon’s parks.

The Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail  

(7.2 miles loop)  The longest trail leads through a rocky canyon along the winding banks of the north and south forks of Silver Creek.  Considered moderately difficult, it includes ten waterfalls, four of which have ledges that lead behind the falls.

The Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
The Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


North Falls  

(1.8 mile)  An easy hike--though it does have 78 stairs plus uphill inclines--takes you to this magnificent 136-foot falls with a deep set-back ledge behind it.  Back at the trailhead, another short, flat trail leads to Upper North Falls.  The trailhead to this 65-foot falls is on the east edge of the park.






sign for North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
sign for North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


bridge to North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
bridge to North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


leaves on North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
leaves on North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


view of falls from North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
view of falls from North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


South Falls  

Another easy hike takes you down to a cave behind this 177-foot falls, but you can also just view it from above.






path to South Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
path to South Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


view of South Falls from above in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
view of South Falls from above in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


South Falls Lodge  

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930s, this woodsy lodge was once a restaurant but now is used as an orientation center for the area.

exterior of South Falls Lodge in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
exterior of South Falls Lodge in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


interior of South Falls Lodge in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
interior of South Falls Lodge in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center  

offers a variety of amenities, including overnight lodging, a pool, and a hot tub.

RV, cabin, and tent camping is also available in the park.



More things to do in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

More things to do along Highway 5 in Oregon.


images and videos ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


March 7, 2018

Spend a few days in Columbia, South Carolina; things to do + restaurant reviews + hotel review

Spend a few days in COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

There is plenty to do in South Carolina's capital city.  Below is enough to keep you in town for several days.  Though it is over and done with, it is interesting to know that this area was positioned to be the best location on the East Coast to see the August 2017 total eclipse.


WHAT TO DO
500 Wildlife Parkway, (803) 779-8717.  Daily 9am-5pm.  

One of the best and most-visited zoos in the U.S., Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offers some exciting behind-the-scenes tours--including feeding the giraffes and an up-close encounter with the koalas.  I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a friendly Galapagos tortoise that in 1928 was the very last one taken from those islands.  Don’t-misses include the Aquarium Reptile Complex (ARC), the Birdhouse, African Plains, Siamang Island where the apes hang out, and the polar bear and sea lion exhibits with underwater viewing.  Tropical rainstorms occur several times daily in the Birdhouse, and a milking demo is scheduled in the children’s barn.  Animal feedings include fish, sea lions, and penguins, and visitors can themselves feed the giraffes, the birds, and the goats.  Among the featured local animals are rattlesnakes from the pine flatwoods, water snakes from the cypress swamps, and long gars from Lake Murray.  Kiddie rides include ponies, a train, and an endangered species carousel.  The zoo also has a rock climbing wall and a zip line.  Special events are scheduled throughout each day.

Next door, a 70-acre botanical garden is situated on a Civil War skirmish site and includes a Bog Garden, a Walled Garden, and an Old Rose Garden.  A tram provides transportation back and forth from the zoo to the garden.

Galapagos tortoise at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina
Galapagos tortoise at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina


Endangered Species Carousel at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina
Endangered Species Carousel at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
in Columbia, South Carolina



WHERE TO EAT
828 Gervais St., (803) 461-4677.  Complimentary valet parking.  

The popular and expansive Liberty Tap Room & Grill has a prime position overlooking beautiful Lake Murray--a popular recreational area.  Diners can choose from an array of beer taps and cocktails.  I figured it would be hard to go wrong with a Mint Julep and was so right.  My large group passed the wait time for our meals with visits to the deck to snap selfies and watch the sun set.  The eclectic menu offers something for everyone--she crab soup, a huge iceberg lettuce wedge salad, pizza, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, fish ‘n’ chips, and my own prime choice--bbq baby back ribs with collard greens and mac & cheese.  Dessert items include a bananas Foster cheesecake and sweet little petite fours.



bar in Liberty Tap Room & Grill in Columbia, South Carolina
bar in Liberty Tap Room & Grill in Columbia, South Carolina

iceberg lettuce wedge salad at Liberty Tap Room & Grill in Columbia, South Carolina
iceberg lettuce wedge salad at Liberty Tap Room & Grill
in Columbia, South Carolina

bbq ribs and collard greens at Liberty Tap Room & Grill in Columbia, South Carolina
bbq ribs and collard greens at Liberty Tap Room & Grill
in Columbia, South Carolina


tray of petite fours at Liberty Tap Room & Grill in Columbia, South Carolina
tray of petite fours at Liberty Tap Room & Grill
in Columbia, South Carolina

Lake Murray 

holds plenty of striped bass (the state fish) and once produced a 9-foot-long, 298-pound sturgeon.  It has North America’s largest roosting sanctuary for Purple Martins, which can be visited via an evening cruise in July and August (by September they are off to South America for winter hibernation).

sunset over Lake Murray at Liberty Tap Room & Grill in Columbia, South Carolina
sunset over Lake Murray at Liberty Tap Room & Grill
in Columbia, South Carolina


Motor Supply Company Bistro  

920 Gervais St., (803) 256-6687.  

This full-service restaurant posts a new handwritten menu every day so as to take advantage of the seasonal ingredients from local sources that change regularly.  On the day I dined at Motor Supply Company Bistro, we started with a tasty and colorful Sherry peach cobbler cocktail in a Mason jar topped with a striking chartreuse green “Yoko Ono pom.”  Menu choices included a strawberry-fennel salad with toasted pecans, feta, and cornbread croutons; and wild-caught local white shrimp with house bacon and Adluh grits.  I zeroed in on a tasty, and filling, Southern Cuban sandwich stuffed with local smoked pork shoulder, country ham, housemade pickles, yellow mustard, and Swiss cheese on Cuban sweet bread.  Seating is available both in a comfortable interior dining room and on an atmospheric back porch.



colorful interior of Motor Supply Company Bistro in Columbia, South Carolina
colorful interior of Motor Supply Company Bistro
in Columbia, South Carolina


Yoko Ono pom cocktail at Motor Supply Company Bistro in Columbia, South Carolina
Yoko Ono pom cocktail at Motor Supply Company Bistro
in Columbia, South Carolina


scallop with pea sauce at Motor Supply Company Bistro in Columbia, South Carolina
scallop with pea sauce at Motor Supply Company Bistro
in Columbia, South Carolina



WHERE TO STAY
1619 Pendleton St., (803) 779-7779.  Complimentary breakfast & afternoon snack; lobby bar.  Fitness center.  Parking $10/night.  

Located on the University of South Carolina campus, this convenient Inn at USC Wyndham Garden is situated within a historical home.  The lobby, library, and three 1910 suites are part of the original Cain-Matthews-Tompkins-Black House.  Minimal changes have been done to the house so it is virtually as it was in 1912.  The contemporary lodging section is attractive and comfortable.  An inn shuttle takes guests around town from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and a guest laundry is available.

library off lobby at Inn at USC Wyndham Garden in Columbia, South Carolina
library off lobby at Inn at USC Wyndham Garden
in Columbia, South Carolina



More things to do in Charleston, South Carolina.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.



images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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