South Carolina

Not far from the North Atlantic Ocean and home to acres of cultivated farmland, South Carolina offers an abundance of fresh ingredients. Farm-to-table has long been a way of life here and, at weekends, bustling farmers’ markets sprout up across the state. A couple of standouts include West Columbia’s epic State Farmers Market, scaled up to the size of a sprawling village dedicated to the art of gastronomy, Greenville’s Saturday Market, Columbia’s Soda City Market and Aiken’s Farmers Market in the Alley, where customers are serenaded by live music.

Heading down to the state’s coast, chefs buy their catch of the day directly from the docking fishing boats. In Charleston, food trucks are scattered along the streets, selling hot new takes on creole classics, washed down with refreshing sips of sweet, iced tea.

Each US state puts its own unique stamp on barbecue and in South Carolina, they keep things tangy with the state recognised official sauces. Mustard, vinegar and pepper, light tomato and heavy tomato are all poured over succulent smoky pork, cooked low and slow. In Charleston, Rodney Scott’s mastery as a whole hog pitmaster has made him a James Beard Foundation Award-winning barbecue celebrity. But those in the capital of Columbia will also find a standout barbecue joint: Southern Belly BBQ is an experimental meat-lover’s dream, serving up fresh updates on classic US grills, including a Hawaiian-influenced luau pork sandwich, topped with grilled pineapple and Maui onions. Finally, be sure to stop by One Hot Mama’s for authentic and delicious barbecue flavours. ZG