Motor Supply Company Bistro

The Motor Supply Company Bistro gets its name from the vintage sign on the late 1800s building. The space went from motor supplies to delicious farm to table and house made meals back in 1989.

We had been wanting to try this place for a while in the Vista of Columbia, South Carolina but it requires reservations. Commitment is not our thing! We finally made reservations for an early brunch.

The inside is quaint and its walls are filled with local artwork for sale.

I particularly love that this restaurant is eco conscious and supports local businesses and farmers.

The food was perfect! Jim had the brown sugar pork loin sandwich. This is a farm fresh egg, cheddar, bourbon soaked mustard aioli and caramelized onions on Texas toast with crispy potatoes on the side.

I opted for the super healthy vegetarian sweet potato grain bowl. This included arugula, farro, avocado, pecans, golden raisins, toasted oats and low country yogurt. Low country refers to the southern region of South Carolina.

The focus at this restaurant is local ingredients. They also offer beers from local breweries.

The old auto bays have been converted into a charming outdoor patio for al fresco dining.

There is also an old style bar.

We will definitely be back since I need to try the brioche french toast!

If you go, the restaurant is open:

Tuesday  - Friday for lunch 11am - 2pm

Tuesday  - Thursday for dinner 5pm - 9pm

Friday - Saturday for dinner 5pm - 10pm

Saturday brunch from 11am - 2pm

Sunday brunch from 10am - 2pm

located at 920 Gervais Street in Columbia, SC.

website

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

The Old Point of Beaufort - Part 2

In continuing the walk through the Old Point of Beaufort, SC you will find many charming cottages.

Bungalows too.

There is a lovely park to relax in.

Beautiful bay windows.

Our house has a delightful front porch we enjoy but I do fantasize about a wrap around porch like this one below!

There are many inviting entryways, driveways and yards to admire.

Part 1 can be found here. In watching Netflix's Movies That Made Us, I learned that most of Forrest Gump was filmed in Beaufort. This town was used to portray Alabama and Vietnam. How versatile this charming place is!

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

The Old Point of Beaufort - Part I

 The Old Point in Beaufort, South Carolina is bordered with marsh filled beauty.

Strolling the streets here is my favorite thing to do in Beaufort.

The gigantic old live oaks are awe inspiring.

Creepy too!

Besides live oaks, there are many other varieties of mature trees to gawk at.

The Spanish moss adds such beauty as it finds all sort of places to hang itself.

 This tree below has a little surprise on it. Do you see it?

One of the roads has low clearance. I believe live oaks are protected so these will stay until they are no longer living.

I love how this one below is framed with Spanish moss.

Strolling this neighborhood is a must for any visitor!

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

A New Riverwalk Section

The newest section of the Three Rivers Greenway in Columbia, South Carolina opened this summer along the Saluda River. 

It starts off from the parking lot with a long boardwalk along the river.

There are plenty of spots to stop and take in the views and sounds as the water rushes down the river.

Besides walking, this is an area to kayak, fish and picnic.

The opposite end of this section is more my preference since it is loaded with dreamy Spanish moss.

Throughout the walk are picnic tables and benches with gorgeous scenery.

If you go, the parking lot is located at 650 Candi Lane in Columbia, SC. 

The lot has 40 spaces and was overcrowded when we went but there is an overflow parking area which was plenty. Bathroom facilities are located here as well. 

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Second Wave Coffee

 Second Wave Coffee is located in Lexington, South Carolina.

This coffee with a purpose is run by the Arc of the Midlands. Its mission statement is The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

The coffee house provides employment for those with special needs. The inside is charming with its inviting order window. Besides an assortment of coffee beverages, there are light bites and alcoholic beverage options.

There are various rooms and spaces for peace and quiet.

Eclectic mismatched furniture is a must for any coffee house.

There are numerous areas outside for enjoying your treat.

The property drops down to an enchanting wooded creek with even more places to hang out.

There was an event here the night before and there were plenty of citronella candle about to keep the bugs away.

There is even a trail through the woods with overhead lighting. This must be fun for the kids when there are evening events!

Definitely better than your typical coffee house experience! Perfect for a date too. I love that there is a great organization behind this one too.

If you go, Second Wave is located at 529 S Lake Drive in Lexington, SC.

Open

8am - 9pm Monday thru Saturday

9am - 6pm Sunday

website 

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val