Scott Newitt, co-founder of Firefly Distillery, started out with a job in the wine industry and a love of music. With that in mind, it makes sense for South Carolina’s largest distillery to also be a vibrant hub for live performances. Scott sits down with Devyn to share his journey, from the challenges of building a successful distillery, through the evolution of Firefly as both a business and a cultural space, to how he and his team balance their craft with a commitment to the surrounding area.

For more about North Charleston, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

Before going through her studies at Binghamton University, Dr. Katherine “Katie” Seeber didn’t know anything about Mitchelville, the first town built for free people on Hilton Head Island. As an archaeologist and historian, it’s her job to dig up the past to understand people, places, and cultures. But Katie’s visit to this small coastal town left an everlasting impression on her, and changed the trajectory of her career. Devyn catches up with Katie, and they discuss the importance of telling the stories of Mitchelville’s residents — both past and present.

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North Augusta is a cozy, family-friendly city nestled along the Savannah River, right at the state line. People often pop in to visit relatives — but local leaders want them to have more than a nice dinner with the folks. Devyn talks to Karl Waldhauer about how he became North Augusta’s first director of tourism, and what the area’s revitalization means to him.

Learn more about North Augusta at SCPalmettoPorch.com.

Michelle Cunningham wanted a change of pace. Selling everything she owned, she set out on a trip across the country in a camper. In the Pacific Northwest, Michelle discovered her love for state park systems, and the community around them. Now the park manager for Little Pee Dee River State Park, Michelle hopes to inspire those like her — people who may be looking for purpose, and a place to belong. She joins Devyn on the porch to talk about her journey.

Looking for more about Little Pee Dee State Park? Go to SCPalmettoPorch.com.

In 2008, busy middle school teacher Erica McCier received news that would change her life forever: her kidneys were failing. As she adjusted to this harsh reality, she found sanctuary in the cooking shows she watched while going through treatment. A transplant and a career change later, and the new Chef Erica—or Trudy, as folks would call her—sets out to bring a unique dining experience to Abbeville, earning herself a place among South Carolina’s 2023 Chef Ambassadors.

Visit SCPalmettoPorch.com to discover more about Abbeville.

Every day, a restaurant in Loris serves steaming bowls of chicken bog, the town’s most famous dish. But what is chicken bog? And how did it place an entire town on the map for so many travelers? Loris native and “Bog Ambassador” Cobi Williams joins Devyn on the Porch to share about life in his hometown, and how its community has come together over one humble culinary delight.

Want more about Loris? Visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

The unique natural scenery at Cypress Gardens  has made it a popular backdrop for films and television shows. As the garden’s resident naturalist, Gabe Shuler is an expert on the wildlife found in its trails, swamps, and exhibits. He joins Devyn to talk shop, snakes, and what he loves most about his job.

Want more on Cypress Gardens? Visit SCPalmettoPorch.com. 

The legacy of textiles touches almost everything in Lexington. But change is constant, and in the 1980s, the old textile mill in Lexington was converted into a mixed-use commercial area. Through many years of reimagining the space—and one historic flood—the community surrounding the mill shares an excitement for what the future holds. Devyn sits down with owner Laban Chappell to discuss the most recent developments at the historic property.

For more about Lexington, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

In Greenville, those who have a love of the outdoors can find refuge at Paris Mountain State Park. For Greenville’s poet laureate Glenis Redmond, the park holds a special place in her journey as both an artist and a grandparent. Devyn joins Glenis for a day at the park, where the acclaimed writer and performer reflects on her personal connections to nature.

To learn more about Greenville, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.

In small towns, historic preservation isn’t always at the forefront of the conversation. But in Cheraw, birthplace of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, there are old and iconic buildings singing its proud heritage for those who visit. Local historian Sarah Spruill opens her porch for us to sit a spell, and chat about what it means for a town like Cheraw to remember and revel in its unique identity. 



To learn more about Cheraw, visit SCPalmettoPorch.com.