AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

Summer travels do not have to be long distance. We have places close by that are fun and can be traveled in a day.

Catherine Williams tells us:

“Laura’s Tea Room is a great hidden treasure found in the quaint town of Ridgeway just north of Columbia. It is located in a brick store built in 1911 and known as The Thomas Company. My mother, Eleanor Thomas Parrish, aunt and uncle worked in the store and it remained a family business. My grandparents, Laura and Bob Thomas were the owners who ran the store when I was growing up.”

The old general store still has the original wooden cash register, wooden cheese block and wooden shelving for showcasing shoes for the entire family.

“Laura’s Tea Room was named for my grandmother, Laura Muller Thomas, former teacher and S.C. state Mother of the Year in 1992. Both Laura and her husband Bob served as Mayor of Ridgeway.

“If you go for high tea, you may choose a fancy hat or bring your own. You will choose a favorite cup and tea will be served the tea sandwiches and desserts. My favorite tea is blackberry sage.”

Many book clubs and other social groups meet at Laura’s weekly, so make reservations with the owner, Carol, at 803-337-8594.

Cynthia Satcher, a native of the Johnston-Ridge Spring area, reports:

“You must visit and tour Tyson Farms and buy some of their delicious peaches. After lunch at Juniper’s, browse the secondhand store on Marl Street, where you will find treasures. On the way home, stop for homemade ice cream at the Log Cabin Restaurant by Watson’s packing shed.” This is peach country, and it’s that time of year!

Anne Bull reports her delightful visit to Lake City to attend Artfields, an annual 9-day event which exhibits artists from across the Southeast. Attending along with Anne were Beth Speaks, Loretta Smith Gobbel and Retta Whitehead.

They combined shopping and dining in the many unique shops and restaurants while seeing the artwork displayed throughout the town.

The group visited the museum rich in history that was the former infirmary where Retta’s husband, Dr. J.D. Whitehead, was born.

No trip would be complete without a visit to the Moore Botanical Gardens filled with plants indigenous to SC Japanese gardens, yard art and a roof garden.

Lake City is the home of the famed Darla Moore, who has contributed much to the beauty and development of her home town.

Members of our family were in Isle of Palms, also a short trip, last week for a luncheon shower honoring bride-to-be Caroline. All of her attendants, some from out of state, came for the happy occasion. They enjoyed historic downtown Charleston, the beach, and a harbor cruise.

We have many attractions in South Carolina. Happening right here in Lexington are:

American Legion Post 7 Commander David Griffith reminds all veterans to go to the Icehouses Amphitheater June 28, 7 pm, where veterans will be recognized with a tribute. Post 7 will be recognized for its 100 Year Charter Celebration.

Veterans will be recognized July 5 at 6 pm at the BlowFish Baseball game. Veterans should call the BlowFish office for reservations, as a meal and admission are free to all veterans. Post 7 will again be recognized for its 100 years of service.

Don’t forget the July 4th celebration Boat Parade June 29 on Lake Murray. It’s a patriotic sight to behold. View it from backyards around the lake, the two parks at either end of the dam, Dreher Island park, or from your own boat on the lake.

Happy Birthday to V.J. Shealy, Ebony Perkins, Alacia Quinton, Brittany Frost, Thomas Stafford, Sammy Allen, Dot Jones, Libba Rhoad, Loree Brazell, Randy Scott, Susie Dock, Mary Anne Rentz,Carol Morse, Wayne Vestal, Jim Wells, Vic Berwick, Ben Davis, Luke Davis, Rynn Fitzpatrick, Jan Hendrick, Lindsay Lyon, Cody Epps, Jack Hayes, Marilyn Boyd, Sylvia Howell, Barron Keel, Kati Morris, Bobbie Roof, Kayla Skipper, Peyton Windham, Bodie Hester, Gracen Torbett, Melissa Rawl, Ben Gies, and Jason Gordon.