Lay of the Land

About an hour outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 30 minutes outside of Columbia, South Carolina, lies the town of Ridgeway, South Carolina. This quaint area packs a lot into its main street. 

From the water tower standing guard over the town, you can find great restaurants, antiques, boutique clothing, furniture, art, and much more. The town has done a great job of preserving its historical buildings and making use of the large, eclectic spaces.

Lunchtime Delights 

This trip began at Laura’s Tea Room (105 S. Palmer Street, 803-337-8594), just on the corner of the main street. This shop/café offers not only fine, southern cuisine, but also shoppers’ delights of tea sets, bags, candles, sweets, coffee and, of course, a wide variety of tea selections.

Laura’s Tea Room is two stories. The lower level showcases the retail and café area. From this level you can see to the upstairs, with tables and seating covering the spaces along the outer edges. The upstairs is considered the Tea Room, with special events and gatherings taking place. Follow the cat-lined steps to explore this area of Laura’s Tea Room. 

Tea Room Specialties

Laura’s Tea Room hosts a number of events in Ridgeway, South Carolina, every month, including High Tea and Sunday brunch. You’ll need a reservation for these events, and they fill up fast. To keep up with everything going on, sign up for their newsletter by checking out their website. 

The best part of Laura’s Tea Room is the overwhelming variety of tea options. Whether iced or hot, you can take your pick from more than 70 varieties of tea. The options change with the season, so there will be something sure to please your palate. Check out the daily tea special for an even bigger treat.

Southern Fare

Laura’s Tea Room offers soup, quiche, sandwich and salad options for every taste. Creative names such as the Thomas Turkey sandwich or Lady Edith salad add some fun to the menu. You’ll also find a huge display of desserts, changing daily, to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

I opted for a true southern specialty with the grilled pimento cheese sandwich. Homemade daily, with just the right amount of kick, this sandwich melts in your mouth. You can pair your sandwich with a salad or soup; I chose the latter.  Adding on an iced raspberry tea, I relaxed and took in the expansive view of the tea room and café.

Fashion Finds

Next door, you’ll find the Over the Top Boutique (115 S. Palmer Street, 803-337-2427). This is the go-to spot for the newest fashions and accessories in Ridgeway, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas. They were recently nominated as 1 of 5 top boutiques by Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s Best Ladies Clothing in Columbia. This honor was based on votes by the customers who frequent their shop.

Colorful and intricately designed scarves and hats greet you from the front room. You can even find some one-of-a-kind jewelry and shoes to complement any outfit.

As you make your way toward the back, you’ll find pastel-colored capris, shorts and jeans, flowery tops, geometric-deigned tunics and bright camisoles. The clothing options change with the season, keeping you in the know for the latest and greatest fads.

In the back room there are shoes to dress up your outfits, designer clothing finds and jeans for every shape and style imaginable. There are more than enough options for any shopper in this boutique. And, best of all, if you need help, the staff shows true southern hospitality and jumps right in.

Special Events

The upstairs area of the boutique is used as a venue for fashion shows, networking, and wine and shopping events. You’ll also find some local artist work for sale and comfy couches to relax and unwind. The ample space is perfect for just about any outing. Contact the boutique to reserve your space today.

Finding the Perfect Gift

The Palmer Street Market (120 S. Palmer Street, 803-337-0464) in Ridgeway, South Carolina, has everything to host a get-together, add an accent to your home, or just treat yourself. Sample the home-made jellies, spice rubs, candies and baked goods.

Check out their selection of designer handbags, pick out a new outfit or add a jewelry  accessory to be ready for any event. There are plenty of hosting gifts, with their display of local art, candles and sweets. If you need original serving pieces and glassware, they’ve got some great items from which to choose.

Parting Thoughts

The small town of Ridgeway, South Carolina, is big on southern charm, dining and retail options. Take a detour from the big city and spend an afternoon here. You’ll be sure to find a reason to come back soon.