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Snag Swag and Specialty Treats on the South Carolina Pecan Trail
Libby Wiersema
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
It's no secret the good folks of the Pee Dee region are nuts for pecans. In fact, they admire them so much, each November the city of Florence throws a massive affair called the SC Pecan Music and Food Festival. Thousands flock to the annual street party to hear live music, participate in fun and games, and, of course, eat goodies made with pecans.
Can it be they've found yet another way for pecan fans to go nuts? Why, yes they have. With the establishment of the South Carolina Pecan Trail, you're invited to spread even more love by following a map of restaurants and specialty shops offering pecan dishes or products.
"More than half of all travelers want to hear about unique dining experiences, and there is an increased interest in local food traditions," said Holly Beaumier, director of Florence's Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The pecan is part of our heritage, and this trail is designed to showcase this segment of our culinary culture."
Snag Some Swag
Hit the SC Pecan Trail and earn one or more gifts from Florence's CVB.
To begin, stop by Florence's Convention and Visitors Bureau or download the VisitFlo app for the official Pecan Trail passport. As you make your way through the listed establishments, ask to have your passport stamped. Once you've completed your goal, return to the Visitors Bureau for some sweet Pecan Trail swag.
6 Stops = Nutcracker
12 Stops = Nutcracker + Drawstring Bag
18 Stops = Nutcracker + Drawstring Bag + T-Shirt
24 Stops = Nutcracker + Drawstring Bag + T-Shirt + Pie Plate
Getting Started
Here are some of the tastiest stops along the South Carolina Pecan Trail:
Cortney's Cupcakery 288 S. Dargan Street, Florence Featured treats: Chocolate chip pecan cookies, pecan-topped cupcakes
Chocobella 114 N. Dargan Street, Florence Featured treats: Caramel butter pecan pie gelato, white chocolate pecan bars, whiskey pecan caramels, dark chocolate pecan bonbon
Holt Bros. BBQ 2087 West Evans Street, Florence Featured treat: Pecan chicken salad
Julia Belle's 2106-50 W Lucas Street, Florence Featured treat: White Russian pecan pie
LilJazZi's 163 N Dargan Street, Florence Featured treat: Pecan waffle
Lula's Coffee Company 160 S. Dargan Street, Florence Featured treats: Lula's Salad, topped with sliced apples, pecans, craisins, blue cheese, and bacon, pecan-inspired pastries
Main Street Mercantile 111 E Main Street, Lake City Featured treat: Bourbon pecan caramel sauce
Victor's Steakhouse 126 W Evans Street, Florence Featured treat: Pecan pie martini
Wholly Smokin' 150 S. Dargan Street, Florence Featured treat: Salad with warm goat cheese patty encrusted with local pecans
Young's Premium Foods 2005 Babar Lane, Florence Featured treats: Wide array of flavored pecans, pecan candies, pecan pies
Make a South Carolina Pecan Pie
Scrumptious pecan pie from Young's can be bought ready-made or whipped up in your kitchen.
Bring a little of the trail to your table with this pie recipe from Florence's famous purveyor of premium pecans, Young's Premium Foods:
Young's Basic Pecan Pie:
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons (½ stick) softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, chopped
9-inch unbaked pastry shell
30 to 50 pecan halves
Cream butter and sugar together. Add remaining ingredients except pecan halves. Pour into unbaked 9-inch pastry shell. Top with 30 to 50 pecan halves. Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees, then lower heat to 325 degrees and back for 30 to 35 minutes more.
For exotic flavor, add:
* Cream (1/4 cup) for a richer-tasting, less sweet custard.
* Liquor (2 Tbsp. or less; larger amounts can cause curdling and a softer filling.)
* Chocolate (up to four 1-ounce squares or a 6-ounce pkg. of morsels) melted with butter.
* Cocoa (up to 1/3 cup) to the corn syrup for a fudge-like pie filling.
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
