Greenwood
Greenwood, South Carolina is a small city in the northwest corner of the state. It boasts a population of almost 23,000 and is the county seat of Greenwood County. This beautiful southern city is known for its gorgeous gardens and well-maintained and preserved Old Southern charm. They are also known as the birthplace of a southern specialty known as “black kettle hash”, a stew-like meal that was a staple of early settlers’ tables.
Greenwood is well known in the region for hosting two festivals each year, drawing thousands to this small town. The Festival of Flowers is held each year in June. The festival began in 1968 and celebrates the Park Seed Corporation, a well-known seed manufacturer located in Greenwood. The festival boasts plane rides for children, concerts, global cuisine, a classic car show, and even a dog show.
Every year over the second weekend in July the Festival of Discovery is held. This festival combines food, music, and a raucous good time alongside a celebration of education about the rich history of the state of South Carolina and the role the city of Greenwood has played in that history. There is a BBQ cook-off, with some notable barbecue competitive teams from all over the country participating. There is also a wealth of bands that play over the weekend, mostly celebrating the southern tradition of blues music. In fact, during the Festival of Discovery, downtown Greenwood hosts a Blues Cruise, with seven venues playing music as patrons “cruise” from one location to the next in a feast for the senses.