I spent the weekend in Florence, SC and didn't even see the Buc-ee's
During our first year in Charleston, my husband and I stayed close to home, exploring the city and its beaches, rarely venturing beyond a one-hour radius. But this year, I made a commitment to push past city limits and discover more of South Carolina and its neighboring states.
In the spirit of exploration, I purchased the South Carolina edition of Reach International Outfitters this Christmas, a set of scratch-off adventure cards filled with travel inspiration. We knew we wanted to spend the weekend away but didn’t have a set destination in mind. Giving ourselves a 2.5-hour drive limit, we selected cards at random until we got a hit within our travel requirements: Florence, SC.
When we mentioned our weekend plans to friends and co-workers, the most common response was, “Why? Are you going to Buc-ee’s?” Most people had only driven through, never stopping to explore. Rather than following a strict itinerary, we decided to let the scratch-off card guide our day. But, as an avid planner and an insatiable researcher, I couldn’t resist doing a little digging before we left.
The drive from Charleston to Florence takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. There are two routes you can take: one via the main highway, dotted with rest stops (a relief for me, as a small-bladder girl), and a more scenic back road, which we inadvertently took on the way home, a happy accident that turned out to be quite pleasant.
As we neared Florence, I directed Spencer toward a bakery I had seen online, Palmetto Bakeshop. Just outside the main downtown area, the bakery was nestled into a small business center. I could practically smell the croissants (or so I convinced myself) as we pulled in, my hunger growing. But as we approached, I noticed the closed sign, it was reserved for a private event. Bummer.
Sometimes, when I get excited about something, I fixate on it, which can lead to disappointment. After a moment to collect myself, we pivoted and headed to Venus Restaurant, a beloved local institution.
Stepping into Venus felt like stepping back in time. The moment I walked in, memories of the diners in New York flooded back, those familiar places where I’d spent lazy Sunday mornings with my grandparents in Staten Island. Red leather booths, worn smooth by years of conversation and shared moments, lined the walls. Simple marble wall surrounded with golden framed images of Italian streets. The soft hum of voices, mixed with the gentle clink of cutlery and the warm smell of freshly brewed coffee, filled the air
I ordered the veggie omelet with a side of cheesy grits, while Spencer went for three eggs with corned beef and cheesy breakfast potatoes. We decided to share a short stack of pancakes, dusted with powdered sugar and butter. I’m not usually a pancake girly, I tend to opt for a table cinnamon roll if it’s on the menu, but something told me these would be good. My intuition was right! Each bite was like eating a fluffy, sweet cloud that melted in my mouth just in time to savor the taste. My omelet was satisfying, and from the clean plate in front of Spencer, I could tell he enjoyed his meal just as much.
As we made our way out, we had the pleasure of chatting with Constantine, the gregarious owner of Venus Restaurant and Catering. Formerly Venus Pancake House, this Florence staple has been serving the community since 1977. Constantine's passion for his family-run business radiated from every word, his pride and warmth making us feel instantly welcomed. It was the perfect start to what would be a memorable day.
Leaving our car behind, we walked to the City Center Farmers Market, catching the last half-hour before it closed. Though the streets leading there felt quiet and somewhat abandoned, the market itself was an unexpected gem. Housed beneath a bold red steel framework, its industrial yet open-air design reminded me of Santa Fe’s Railyard Artisan Market. Once a warehouse for the Atlantic Coastline Railway, the sleek, modern space now serves as a hub for community gatherings, food entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
One of the highlights was Crafty Mailbritt, a booth tucked in the very back, featuring unique, handcrafted honey flavors like Creamed Ginger, Pumpkin Spice, and Hot Garlic. Before leaving, we struck up a conversation with Rick and Eileen Segers, the dynamic couple behind The Pepper Patch. Their hot sauce, rich fudge, and small-batch jams were delightful, but what truly captivated us was their energy playful, warm, and effortlessly in sync. Watching them interact reminded me of the deep comfort and laughter that come from years spent together, something I cherish in my own marriage. I smiled, imagining Spencer and me years down the road, effortlessly finishing each other’s sentences and teasing one another with playful bickering.
After leaving the market, we wandered over to the Pearl Moore Basketball Center, which had caught Spencer's eye on the way to the market. Inside, the sounds of skidding sneakers, the swoosh of the net, and shouts from a local youth league pick-up game filled the air. The center buzzed with families moving between the two courts, while posters advertising community events adorned the walls. There was even an advertisement for a Galantine's Day event that evening.
Next, we headed toward the downtown strip. Aside from us, the streets were nearly empty, lined with shuttered, abandoned shops and restaurants. The first sign of life appeared as we neared Barringer General Store, a charming shop brimming with gifts and oddities, decorated in a whimsical, post-Christmas style. I purchased two vintage-style postcards to commemorate our trip.
Throughout Florence's downtown, bursts of art in the form of sculptures, murals, and ironwork bring vibrant color to the town. From the corner of my eye, I noticed a peculiar yet familiar mustache on a sculpture of a beloved orange book character. It instantly triggered memories of high school, when my friend Thomas and I would break out into the song, “I’m Granny Norma, I’m Old and I Have Gray Hair!” for reasons I still don’t quite understand. Naturally, I ran over to snap a photo.
Next door was Jack’s Books. From the outside, it looked like any other brick building, but stepping inside felt like entering a storybook world, perhaps into Narnia or down the Rabbit hole. The entrance is nothing short of enchanting. A towering bookshelf mural, painted with beloved literary classics, stretches along the walls in moody tones. On the right, an archway made of stacked books invites you to travel through. Inside, bookshelves filled with well-loved novels, new and old, line the shop, which is alive with people browsing and settling into perfectly placed seating areas. We chatted with the lovely bookseller at the counter, who eagerly shared her recommendations for things to do and places to eat in town. She suggested a visit to the Florence County Museum, home to an exhibit on local artist William H. Johnson.
I’ve found that my appreciation for museums has waned a bit in recent years. While I once dreamed of being a curator, I now tend to gravitate toward street wandering and talking to locals. However, we decided to check out the museum, and I’m glad we did. Natural light spilled through floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighting its contemporary modern minimalist feel. The open design created a sense of spaciousness, allowing each exhibit to stand out.
When I asked about tickets, the woman at the front desk smiled and said,
“It’s free. I just need your zip code; we like to know where guests are coming from.”
Free!
For free, I’ll do just about anything! Spencer, feeling a little tired, decided to take a seat while I explored. The William H. Johnson exhibit was mesmerizing. His bold use of color, simplified forms, and symbolic imagery told powerful stories. His works felt both raw and childlike, which I found captivating. I learned that he drew a lot of inspiration from cartoons and the style of collaging, blending elements in ways that made his pieces feel both playful and deeply evocative. A museum staff member shared that Johnson, who was born in Florence, had ended up in New York, where he now lies in an unmarked grave. The museum owner is working to return him to his birthplace in Florence, ensuring his legacy is honored in the town that first shaped his artistic journey.
Wanting a change of pace, we decided to slow things down and recharge so we headed to Bean Bar, which I had found via Google Maps a couple of months ago. Located on the outskirts of town within a modern social hub that includes a burger joint, brewery, and sportswear store, the café had a prime spot overlooking a large green space and the entrance to the Florence Rail Trail, a 10-mile paved path winding through the city.
We were greeted by a sign that read, "Hello Beautiful People, Order Here," setting the tone for a friendly and welcoming environment. The counter was bustling with baristas expertly crafting drinks, the hum of steaming milk and clinking cups filling the air. Above them, an extensive menu showcased their house-made syrups and foams. This coffee shop alone is worth the visit to Florence, a hidden gem that embodies the warmth and creativity of the town.
I ordered an iced honey lavender matcha with house-made foam. Sitting by the window, sipping our drinks, and watching the afternoon light dance across the green space outside, I felt a deep appreciation for these small, unexpected moments of travel when I can take a moment to journal, read, or just take in my surroundings.
Before leaving, I wanted to thank the barista for my drink and ended up in a conversation with the entire staff, which included one of the owners, a fellow New Yorker. She shared how she had always dreamed of opening a coffee shop but realized Florence, not New York, was the place where she could truly bring her vision to life.
I was starting to realize that this town was more than it seemed. On the surface, it appeared desolate and dated, but as we explored and met the people, it became clear that Florence is full of life and heart. The community cares deeply about their town and creating new experiences for both locals and visitors. Everyone we met was vibrant, kind, and engaging. This energy was infectious, and it was reflected in every aspect of Bean Bar. It wasn’t just a coffee shop, it was a reflection of Florence itself: warm, inviting, and full of passion. Feeling refreshed, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful afternoon and walk a short stretch of the Florence Rail Trail.
With the fresh air still lingering in our lungs, we hopped back in the car and drove about 15 minutes to our airbnb at Rutt Farm Vineyard, where we’d be spending the night in a converted trailer. I had always wanted to stay in something like this, but the timing had never worked out—until now.
As we pulled onto the property, we were giddy at the sight of the light green trailer, cozied up behind a white picket fence, with tea lights glowing around a fire-pit and deck chairs. It looked like something straight out of a dream, the perfect mix of rustic charm and cozy retreat. The camper sat at the edge of the property, offering a peaceful, secluded feel while still being close enough to see Danielle’s farmhouse in the distance, adding to the charm of the stay. When we first stepped inside, we were greeted by a welcome gift of fresh eggs and honey from the farm.
Stepping inside felt like walking into a storybook escape bright, modern, with just the right touch of boho charm. Every detail had been thoughtfully curated to give guests that true home-away-from-home feeling. A brown leathered dinette booth invited us to sit and unwind, while the queen-sized bed, adorned with a vintage floral orange pattern and decorative pillows, created the perfect retreat. On either side, there was just enough space for a drink, book, or phone small. Airy curtains framed the bed, adding a soft, romantic touch that made it feel even more inviting.
Everywhere we looked, there were sweet, personal touches, a tiny vintage wall hook, a hand-painted welcome sign, soft, flowy curtains, all of which made the space feel light and inviting. A TV with a collection of DVDs and a selection of games gave us plenty of entertainment options.
One of the best parts of our stay was the kindness of Danielle, the property owner, who was incredibly responsive over messages. She even checked in to see if we needed propane for the grill, making sure we had everything we needed for a perfect stay. Her attentiveness made us feel truly welcomed, adding to the warmth of the experience. As the evening settled in, the warm glow of the tea lights and fire-pit completed the scene. Spencer, who had been pulling extra hours at work, finally let out a deep sigh of relief, saying he hadn’t felt this relaxed in a long time. We decided to fully embrace the space, settling in with books before heading back out for dinner, savoring every moment of this much-needed retreat.
With two recommendations, we set out for dinner in town at King Jefe, a Mexican-sushi mashup that had us instantly intrigued. Earlier in the day, downtown had felt eerily quiet, but by evening, it was buzzing, restaurants filled with diners and laughter spilling into the streets. King Jefe had a short wait, a promising sign that we were in for something good.
Co-owned by Kyle Hardee and Travis Miller, this wasn’t their first successful venture in town, and the energy inside showed why. The moment we walked in, the bar to our right was packed, drinks being shaken and poured with precision. The dining space stretched into an alleyway-style setup, lined with cozy booths and tables, while a bold King Jefe mural dominated the left-hand wall. We were handed two menus, one for sushi, one for Mexican. Overwhelmed but excited, we dove in.
We started with the King Jefe roll, a decadent mix of crab meat, tuna, black masago, special sauce, avocado, habanero, and fish eggs. Spicy, savory, and downright addictive. For our mains, I opted for the Bruce Banner taco (smashed burger with melted cheese, tomato, red onion, pickle, and comeback sauce) and the Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue (*fried shrimp drenched in house-made bang bang sauce, with green onions) on lettuce instead of a tortilla. Both were knockout choices, but the sushi stole the show.
Still riding the high of a great meal, we wandered over to ChocoBella, an artisan chocolate and gelato shop that looked straight out of a European postcard. The chocolates were almost too pretty to eat, almost. We snagged a few to take home and indulged in gelato on the spot. I went with my usual: darkest chocolate and lemon.
Completely stuffed but not quite ready to turn in, we strolled through town, watching Florence come alive at night. A jazz club, packed with energy, caught our attention, we would have loved to check it out if we weren’t already running on empty. Wanting something more low-key but not quite ready to call it a night, we drove a short distance to Creekside to play a few rounds of pool. I didn’t win (lol), but I gave Spencer a fair shot.
To wrap up the night, we ended up at Buffalo Wild Wings, not exactly a hidden gem, but when it’s the only place still open when your husband refuses to miss the UFC fight, you roll with it. As we finally dragged our feet back to our Airbnb, sinking into the incredibly cozy bed for a well-earned sleep, it hit us, we had completely forgotten about our scratch-off card in all the excitement of the day.
The next morning, we took our time waking up, savoring the peaceful quiet of the vineyard and reflecting on the adventure we’d just had. Florence had completely surprised us. What first seemed like a quiet, overlooked town turned out to be a place brimming with creativity, warmth, and people deeply passionate about their community. From charming bookstores to unexpected culinary gems, and the welcoming smiles of locals, Florence left a lasting impression.
This trip was a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding destinations are the ones you least expect. It’s easy to overlook smaller towns in favor of big-name spots, but Florence proved that beauty and adventure can be found anywhere, if you take the time to explore. We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already thinking about when we could come back.
For more recommendations on things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Florence, check out my other article coming soon!
If you ever come back make sure to check out Forest Lake Greenhouses :) it's a plant lovers paradise.
I found this because air bnb Danielle shared it. This made me emotional! Florence is my hometown and we live in Gville now. Reading through the eyes of a tourist to all my old memories was so special.