By: Shannon Pierce, Founder: New Ocean Health Solutions. Patented Inventor. Registered Nurse. Innovator, Instigator & Entrepreneur.

As a newcomer to the political realm, there has been no shortage of places I didn’t know existed in our district.

Both Greenville and Spartanburg have been gaining national attention for their rapid growth– and what’s so great about said expansion– is that small restaurants are still standing strong and still have a loyal backing from the locals.

Here are a few of my favorite places where I got to sit down and eat while running on the campaign trail.

Traveler’s Rest: Petee’s Good Food

TR is one of the places that has taken a 180-degree turn in the last 10 years. What used to be known as the town with Sunrift and not much else, has quickly become one of the hottest destinations in Greenville County. One restaurant that has been there as long as Sunrift—if not longer than—is Petee’s Good Foods. Why is it worth mentioning? Because Petee’s has the best sweet tea. No kidding– they should be entering their tea into competitions. I would be devastated if they got anything less than first place.

Greer: Blue Ridge Brewing Company

Originally located in downtown Greenville, BRBC has not let the move affect the quality of their food. Although this may not count as “Southern food,” my favorite thing to get there is the Dakota Buffalo Burger. What helped me not feel so guilty for chowing down on that delicious burger is the fact that the buffalo they use is free-range and grass-fed.

Landrum: The Hare and the Hound

Probably the most famous restaurant in the town, we had been recommended this place by several people and I can definitely see why. They have great fried pickles and the most amazing chicken pot pie. It really tastes like grandma made it! Let the creamy slow cooked chicken take you back down memory lane.

Roebuck: Roebuck Fish Camp

My dad always said that fishing is great, but eating it is much better. Roebuck Fish Camp has a larger variety than I expected from a small town restaurant. They had the perfect breading on the catfish, and one of my colleagues said that their oyster po’ boy was the best he had on this side of the Mississippi. I will be sure to stop by there when I make another round to the beautiful Roebuck Green Houses.

Spartanburg: Wade’s

Technically, this is not a hidden gem since it is the destination after Sunday church services. It’s everything you want from a family restaurant: good food, good atmosphere, and good people. It’s no Sunday night family dinner, but it may be the closest thing you’ll get to it.

Inman: Granny’s Kitchen

Granny’s Kitchen is very similar to Greenville’s Tommy’s Country Ham House, but I can tell Granny makes hers with a little extra love. The wait staff was polite, the biscuits were unreal, and we all left very happy and full. Granny’s is the crown jewel in the quiet but dazzling town of Inman.

Greenville: Soby’s

Downtown Greenville has so much to offer– it was really hard for me to choose just one restaurant. Nevertheless, Soby’s takes the cake for my favorite restaurant in the area. Don’t tell my mom– but the grits at their Sunday brunch buffet are the best I’ve ever had. Soby’s isn’t just great for brunch– it’s great for lunch and dinner too. I have yet to find anything on the menu that isn’t extraordinary.

I could go on and on about the food, the sites, and the amazing businesses that continue to evolve to make our Upstate great. More than the things and the places are truly the great folks... the real conversations and smiling faces. I thank God I was born in America and the Fourth Congressional District. I got married here, began my career here, raised my kids here, started a company here, and plan to die here. Until then, I’ll continue to explore the hidden treasures in the precious towns that make up the GSP region.

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