In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Allison Horne, Co-Chair of the Junior League of Columbia Holiday Market, and Casey Pash, President of the Junior League of Columbia (JLC). They chat about how this beloved Columbia holiday tradition brings people together every December—and how it powers JLC’s mission to support women’s leadership and improve the lives of children and families across the Midlands. Allison and Casey pull back the curtain on what it takes to plan the Market, what’s new this year (think gift wrapping and more than 100 unique merchants!), and how the event helps fund hands-on service projects and training opportunities for hundreds of local volunteers. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of South Carolina’s favorite holiday events—and discover how every ticket sold helps make a real difference in the community.

Columbia Holiday Market

⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠

Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Matt Lyons, owner of Carefree Boat Club Lake Murray, Lake Life Marine, and Lake Murray Resort. After moving from the Midwest just four years ago, Matt has become a central figure in shaping how locals and newcomers alike experience the lake. From offering hassle-free boating through Carefree Boat Club to creating memorable getaways at Lake Murray Resort and expanding with Lake Life Marine, Matt shares his vision for bringing “all the lake fun rolled into one.” Listeners will hear how his businesses support the Lake Murray community, his passion for connecting people to the water, and what’s next for this ever-growing local entrepreneur.

Carefree Boat Club of Lake Murray

⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠

Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Chef Chris Williams, owner of Roy’s Grille and celebrated South Carolina Chef Ambassador. Chef Chris shares his journey from small-town beginnings in Olar, SC, to building one of the Midlands’ most beloved restaurants. He talks about the inspiration behind Roy’s Grille, his commitment to scratch-made southern cooking, and his experiences competing on the national stage at the World Food Championships. Listeners will hear about the role of food in the community, what makes Lake Murray Country’s culinary scene unique, and what’s next for Chef Chris as he represents the region in 2025.

Roy’s Grille

⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠

Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.
To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠[email protected]⁠.

 In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Suzanne Brooks of Historic Columbia, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the Midlands’ rich history. Suzanne shares her journey into the world of preservation, the unique experiences visitors can have at Historic Columbia’s house museums and gardens, and the importance of telling inclusive stories about our past. From guided tours to immersive events, listeners will learn how Historic Columbia brings history to life and keeps it relevant today. Suzanne also highlights upcoming events that give locals and visitors alike the chance to connect with Columbia’s heritage in new ways.

Historic Columbia

⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠

Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, we’re going behind the scenes of South Carolina’s largest fireworks show with Brent Munnerlyn, owner of Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics. Brent shares the personal passion that led him to a career in pyrotechnics, what it takes to orchestrate Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration, and the cutting-edge effects launching this year. Learn how Capital City/Lake Murray Country, with the support of presenting sponsor Lexington Medical Center and the Taste of Lake Murray fundraiser, brings this beloved event to life.

Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics

Independence Day

⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠

Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.
To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠[email protected]⁠.

 In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes heads to one of the region’s most beloved outdoor destinations—Dreher Island State Park. Park Ranger Sam Worley shares what makes the park such a unique experience for campers, boaters, anglers, and nature lovers alike. With 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline, lakeside villas, hiking trails, and prime fishing spots, Dreher Island is where visitors come to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the outdoors. From pro tips for first-timers to behind-the-scenes stories from life as a ranger, this episode will have you planning your next lakeside adventure.

Dreher Island State Park

South Carolina State Parks Service

Check out our blog post about this episode!

Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, we’re diving into one of the summer’s most exciting events—Weekend With the Pros. Co-founder Chris Farr joins host Kelly Hughes to share the story behind the SC Rough Riders, the roots of WWTP, and how this two-day wakeboarding experience has grown into a major draw for riders and families alike. From pro-led lessons to high-energy exhibitions, Chris gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Lake Murray the perfect place to come alive on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just looking to try something new, this episode will get you ready for June 6th and 7th.

SC Rough Riders

Captain's Choice Marine

Weekend With the Pros

⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠

Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠ad[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, we’re taking a closer look at South Carolina’s capital with Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. From his roots in Columbia to his journey through public service, Mayor Rickenmann shares how the city continues to evolve and inspire. He talks about launching his own podcast, Around Town with @ColaMayor, memorable moments as mayor, and his vision for Columbia as a destination for food lovers, outdoor adventurers, and cultural explorers.

Around Town Podcast

About the Mayor

Capital City/Lake Murray Country

Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Katie Maglocci, the Operations Director of Palmetto Outdoor, is a lover of the outdoors who moved from Cincinnati to Columbia for school. She sits down with Kelly on today’s episode of Explore Lake Murray Country to talk about what drew her to the Columbia area and the summer job at Palmetto Outdoor that transformed into her career. She also discusses her favorite outdoor activities and gives out some info for people looking to book outdoor excursions of their own. Later in the episode, Katie touches on the importance of highlighting women in outdoor recreation spaces and introducing more people to the outdoors.

Palmetto Outdoor

Capital City/Lake Murray Country

Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Located in the small town of Ridge Spring, SC is Juniper, a local restaurant run by Chef Brandon Velie. Chef Brandon sits down with Kelly on today’s episode to discuss his background, what drew him to cooking and the history behind Juniper. Chef Brandon also talks about the success of the South Carolina Chef Ambassador program, which he started to provide a network for local chefs in the area.

Follow Juniper on Facebook

Capital City/Lake Murray Country

Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].