Irmo

After tasting Loveland Coffee at a local establishment and loving it, we realized the company roasted locally in the neighboring town of Irmo, SC!

Normally I am a health nut but I do splurge when out like I did with this perfect coffee cake to accompany my cappuccino. We will definitely be back here for the amazing coffee! This is a small, socially responsible business which feels good to support.

Since Irmo is not a town we have really visited since we were house hunting, we decided to explore its lovely town park.

There are beautiful flowers, plants and trees around a pond to enjoy.

 

Below is the chaste tree. The bees were all over this! It looks like a gigantic butterfly bush.

The park also features a Little Free Library (take a book, leave a book).

Fun playground pieces for the kids.

Walking trails throughout. 

An amphitheater.

This park is also home to the annual Okra Strut. Jim and I have attempted to like okra. So far we have found we only like them pickled or in a tomato dish that Jim makes. It is an odd veggie, but common around here since it has been a local crop for centuries.

If you go, the Irmo Community Park is located at 7507 Eastview Drive. Open 7am - 10pm. Restrooms are conveniently on site.

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

Saluda Shoals Park

 Saluda Shoals Park is a 400 acre spot to escape safely into nature.

A paved trail runs the length of the park along the Saluda River. So even if it has been raining, there are no worries of mud! It has been perfect for social distancing too since this park does not get crowded the way the free riverwalks do.

There are overlooks leading to the river. The walkways are well shaded so in the hot, summer months it can be comfortable for a morning walk.

One can relax with a snack, a book or whatever.

Fishing is permitted here so one is likely to see a sportsman or 2 along the river.

Kayaks and canoes are also common to see.

If unpaved nature trails are your thing, the option is here as well.

The park is fantastic for biking and walking the dog.

This gigantic acorn just got a face lift. The twig topper was worn by nature so it was replaced to appear new again.

Fragrant wildflowers fill the olfactory senses. They may also stuff up those senses depending on allergies!

Gigantic thistle makes occasional appearances.

In spring, pretty tulip poplar flower droppings decorate the walkway.

Southern snow can be seen in spring (I believe this is from the Eastern Cottonwood Tree).

Like any great park, there is locally made artwork.

Usable artwork is a bonus.

The park has nature programs for the kids. Art made by the little ones is also on display.

Other pluses to this park include:

• a boat ramp for kayaking and canoeing
• dog park
• picnic shelters
• splash pad for the kids
• playground

If you go, the park is located at:

5605 Bush River Road

Columbia, SC

Open daily:

March thru October 7am - 8pm

November thru February 7am - 5:30pm

Visitor admission is $5 per vehicle. An annual pass is $55.

Park Website

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