Western South Carolina: Get Your Fill of Food and Fun

Christine Quinn

Charleston native Trey Black graduated from Clemson University in 2016, then settled down in Aiken, SC, halfway between his coastal hometown and alma mater. After half a decade in that city, he relocated to North Augusta, where he’s lived for three years. 

During that time, Black has enjoyed many of the amenities in the region that appeal to its residents, especially young professionals. Ahead, he shares great options for dining and entertainment in Western South Carolina.

Aiken 

Amp the Alley is a popular free concert series in Aiken that operates from March through October. 

Every Thursday evening, musicians take to a stage in the alleyway behind the city’s municipal building. With seasoned and emerging performers tackling genres from classic rock to dance favorites, there are tunes for everyone. 

“We get an early dinner – sometimes it’s Whiskey Alley, sometimes it’s Electric Eats,” he says. 

During the months concerts aren’t scheduled, the nearby Woodchuckers Axe Throwing is open for business. After the main event, Black often heads to Southbound Smokehouse for karaoke. 

Christine Smith

Edgefield 

Edgefield’s historic downtown is ideal for a relaxing visit. 

Start in the city’s town square, where you can browse shops like ceramics gallery August & House or antiques store Ole Tavern Tiques. Then, hit up Carolina Moon Distillery and TLC Confections, which are great places to pop into for a spirit tasting or tempting treats. 

Have a seat on one of the scenic square’s benches to catch up with a friend and people watch before dinner. Dine just a block off the square at Old Edgefield Grille, which serves Southern classics like shrimp and grits alongside the uniquely South Carolinian bog, a relative of rice pilau that features rice, chicken, seafood and sausage. 

There’s also plenty to do in Edgefield for outdoor enthusiasts. (“GOLF!” is Black’s reaction when asked what comes to mind about the area.) The Pine Ridge Club bills itself as “one of the best-kept secrets in the Augusta area” and is home to an 18-hole golf course. Unlike its famed Georgia neighbor, this course accommodates golfers of all abilities. 

For hunters, Palmetto Shooting Complex is a 300-acre facility with archery, trap and skeet shooting and a pair of sporting clay courses. Head back into Edgefield’s downtown for bites at Christine’s Farm to Fork, which offers weekly live music on its patio and a Southern menu. 

CSRA Photography

North Augusta 

Black’s home in North Augusta is near SRP Park, the home of minor league baseball team Augusta GreenJackets, and he takes full advantage of that proximity during baseball season. 

“The baseball games are pretty cheap. (Tickets go for as little as $12.) They have food there, and they have a connected bar that does bingo, trivia and karaoke with a rooftop bar,” he says. 

Just next door to the ballfield is Rio Cantina, where he often joins friends for Mexican food and margaritas on game days. When the GreenJackets aren’t playing, the area is also home to the North Augusta Greeneway, a paved multiuse trail spanning over nine miles that’s worth exploring. 

“It connects two different sides of North Augusta,” Black says. “It’s covered with greenery. You can ride your bike, and a lot of people take their dogs there. You can get a good workout in and take in the beautiful scenery.” 

Monetta 

For a nostalgic (and shockingly affordable) night at the movies, check out The Big Mo drive-in movie theater in Monetta. Gates open at 7 p.m. and screenings start at dusk, which gives visitors plenty of time to sit down for dinner in one of the nearby communities or bring takeout to the show. 

The Big Mo also boasts a concession stand serving all-American movie snacks, like hot dogs and funnel cakes. The $10 per person (cash only!) admission to the drive-in allows viewers a double feature of first-run movies on one of three different screens. While The Big Mo is only open from March until November, the show goes on rain or shine; it’s even shown movies during a hurricane, according to its website.