Pendleton is a charming Southern town known for its rich history, picturesque views, and friendly community. Though small in size, it offers an array of delicious dining options—from cozy cafés to classic Southern eateries. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, here are some of the best places to eat in Pendleton, South Carolina.

Indulge in a culinary adventure in Clemson, SC, where a multitude of dining options await. From cutting-edge creations to timeless favorites, every restaurant promises a distinctive journey infused with warmth and flavor.

As the leaves start to turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and the air becomes crisp, there’s an undeniable allure to indulging in comforting dishes that warm both bodies and souls. Fall is the season for comfort food, where the mere aroma of dishes can evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. Read on to discover five quintessential comfort food dishes that make autumn the most delightful, and delicious, season of them all, as well as a few of our favourite online recipes.

With its luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency, butternut squash soup captures the essence of autumn. Its velvety texture and comforting, earthy taste make it an ideal choice for savoring on crisp, chilly days. A delightful appetizer, or a heartwarming main dish, this soup stands as a timeless classic of the fall season.

Hearty and satisfying, beef stew is the epitome of comfort food. Tender chunks of beef, paired with an array of root vegetables, create a rich, flavorful dish. Its slow-cooked goodness warms you from the inside out, making it a beloved choice for family gatherings.

Mac and cheese gets a seasonal makeover with the addition of creamy pumpkin puree. This twist on a beloved classic combines the familiar cheesy indulgence with the warmth and subtle sweetness of pumpkin. It’s an excellent side dish for autumn feasts.

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food in a flaky pastry crust. Filled with a hearty mixture of tender chicken, an assortment of vegetables, and bathed in a luscious sauce that’s both savory and comforting, the golden-brown crust adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

For dessert, apple crisp is an absolute must in the fall. Sliced apples are blanketed with a crumbly topping of oats, brown sugar, and spices, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavours. Served warm with a scoop of ice cream, it’s the perfect way to end a comforting fall meal. Looking for something a bit different? Try this blueberry peach crisp.

As autumn unfolds, these five comfort food dishes encourage us to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of the season. Whether it’s the aromatic butternut squash soup, the hearty embrace of beef stew, the comforting nostalgia of pumpkin mac and cheese, the savory delight of chicken pot pie, or the sweet finale of apple crisp, each dish brings a touch of warmth and contentment to our tables. So, put on your coziest sweater, light a few candles, and relish the joys of fall through these timeless comfort food classics.

Next, learn how to host the fall-themed brunch of your dreams, and make a few signature cocktails using these recipes.

Images courtesy of: Love & Lemons, Minimalist Baker and Ahead of Thyme (Butternut Squash Soup); Martha Stewart, Once Upon a Chef and Ambitious Kitchen (Beef Stew); Minimalist Baker, Half-Baked Harvest and Inspired Taste (Pumpkin Mac and Cheese); Once Upon a Chef, Tastes Better From Scratch and Allrecipes (Chicken Pot Pie); The Chunky Chef, Belle of the Kitchen and Handle the Heat (Apple Crisp); BC Chicken Marketing Board (Chicken Pot Pie Banner Image); The Daily Meal (Apple Crisp Banner Image).

EmpireFIT is a new program designed to inspire healthy living in Empire’s communities while strengthening connections among residents. It reflects Empire’s commitment to wellness beyond traditional approaches, integrating movement and well-being into everyday life.

Studies show that access to fitness amenities is linked to increased physical activity, improved mental health, and greater life satisfaction. That’s why Empire builds communities in well-connected locations along Atlanta’s BeltLine and the GA 400 Corridor, ensuring residents have convenient access to recreational spaces that support their well-being.

With outdoor trails, fitness studios, workout classes, and a strong sense of community, life in these neighborhoods offers more than just convenience—it encourages a healthier, more active lifestyle. Through well-connected locations, fitness amenities, and access to outdoor recreation, EmpireFIT makes it easier for residents to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.

Atlanta’s BeltLine and the GA 400 Corridor integrate these wellness-focused amenities seamlessly, making it easier than ever for residents to stay active. With pedestrian-friendly pathways, bike racks, and public transit access, residents can reach gyms, fitness studios, and outdoor activities without needing a car. Whether it’s walking to a nearby class, cycling to a yoga session, or jogging along a scenic trail, staying fit is a natural part of life here.

Green spaces like Freedom Park and The Atlanta Botanical Garden further enhance the wellness experience, offering venues for outdoor fitness classes, farmers markets, and community wellness events. These initiatives promote sustainability, environmental awareness, and a healthier way of living.

On-Site Amenities That Support Your Wellness Goals

The BeltLine is a model of sustainability, and Empire’s communities along this route — Stein Steel, Longreen, and Zephyr — echo that vision with thoughtfully designed on-site amenities that promote fitness, relaxation, and social connection.

With EmpireFIT, we’ve reimagined traditional community spaces to encourage movement and well-being. Whether you start your day with a trail run, unwind in the community dog park, meditate in outdoor green spaces, lift weights in state-of-the-art gyms, or relax with a book in the clubhouse lounge, wellness is built into every aspect of daily life.

Designed for Healthy Living

For those living along these vibrant routes, fitness is more than an aspiration—it’s an everyday reality. EmpireFIT makes it easier than ever to stay active, connect with neighbors, and embrace the energy of one of the South’s most exciting cities—a place many are proud to call home.

Want to learn more about staying active in Atlanta? Discover local fitness spots to find your next workout in Atlanta, and explore everything the BeltLine has to offer.

Who says humans should have all the fun? If you’re a proud pet owner looking to have some fun with your friends, a pet party is the way to go. It’s a great option to bring together your closest pals and their furry friends, and create memories that’ll last for years to come. In this post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to organize an unforgettable pet party of any kind that’ll impress your friends and their four-legged companions.

Need help getting your backyard party-ready? Check out these 9 tips to inspire your outdoor space and discover how you can transform your backyard into an oasis.

Images courtesy of: Etsy (Dog Pawty Birthday Party Editable Invitation); I Heart Dogs (Drinking Out of Bowl).

Originating in Sweden, living lagom is a lifestyle philosophy which emphasizes a sense of balance and moderation. The term lagom is defined as the principle of living a balanced, moderately-paced, low-fuss life. Living within your means, reducing waste, and prioritizing sustainability are just a few examples of a lagom lifestyle, yielding a greater sense of happiness and reducing stress and anxiety. Interested in lagom-living but not sure where to start? Read on to learn how you can use this Scandinavian principle to lead a more balanced life.

Next, discover how to create a healthy home environment, and learn why biophilic design is worth incorporating into your home.

Looking for information related to cocktails, bar carts, or hosting? You’ve arrived at the right place. From cocktail recipes and bar-cart essentials to hosting tips and tricks, we’ve compiled some of our most popular blog posts to create a one-stop shop. Take out your notepad and pen, and get to channeling your inner mixologist.

We asked Amanda Chen, founder of Salty Paloma, for her best tips and tricks to create a well-stocked and stylish bar cart at home. She weighs in on the must-have items you need, best practices when it comes to restocking the essentials, what type of alcoholic beverages you should have on hand, the decorative elements needed to boost your bar cart’s appeal, and the glassware you should purchase to impress guests.

Known as refreshing go-tos at any brunch, the paloma and mimosa are guaranteed crowd-pleasers — but they don’t have to be basic. Mixologist Taylor Redd knows a thing or two about making a winning drink, and her twist on these two classic cocktails is a testament to that. Read on to learn how to make two of the best beginner cocktails for any occasion that’ll have your guests thinking you’re a certified mixologist.

When mixologist Demario Wallace thinks of springtime, a bright, floral, and refreshing gin cocktail with a dash of bubbly comes to mind. Among his vast repertoire of boozy recipes, Wallace created this light and fresh cocktail that captures the change of season beautifully. “The bright Italian aperitif, followed by the mid spring flowers of the gin tied together by the dry Spanish sherry makes for a dazzling springtime sipper,” says Wallace.

Margaritas tend to be the go-to cocktail for those in search of a cool refresher on a hot day, but Amanda Chen would argue that it tastes just as satisfying on a chilly evening. Chen, mixologist and founder of Toronto’s Salty Paloma, knows a thing or two about making a killer cocktail. With the introduction of flavours like apples and cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup, Chen creates a cocktail exuding autumnal warmth, both in colour and spice.

Being the host of a party is hard work — sometimes you deserve to just kick back, relax, and enjoy the gathering you’ve meticulously put together. The solution? Hire extra hands. Having a server, bartender, or mixologist at your soiree will give you the support you need to enjoy your party without worry. Read on for the top three reasons why hiring support staff is sure to make hosting and entertaining a whole lot easier.

Now that you’ve tried our cocktail recipes, how about some food? Check out this one-pan breakfast dish, Chef Sous Chef’s Sunday best lasagna, or this 20-minute carbonara recipe.

As the place where we spend most of our time, it’s no surprise that how we live at home directly impacts our overall health. Empire’s Vice President of Sustainability & Innovation, Andrew Guido, shares his advice on how you can create a healthy home environment to ensure the quality of your living space is top notch.

Looking for some more helpful tips? Check out our advice for all things cleaning and why biophilic design is worth incorporating into your home.

Image courtesy of: Amazon (LEVOIT Air Purifier).

Known as refreshing go-tos at any brunch, the paloma and mimosa are guaranteed crowd pleasers — but they don’t have to be basic. Mixologist Taylor Redd knows a thing or two about making a killer drink, and her twist on these two classic cocktails are a testament to that. Read on to learn how to make two of the best beginner cocktails for any occasion that’ll have your guests thinking you’re a certified mixologist.

Need more inspo for your next get together? Stock up on these bar cart essentials, and check out our tips for hosting an intimate event.

On dessert-duty at your next Sunday brunch? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Try this scrumptious blueberry peach crisp recipe courtesy of Chef Yvette Kerns — Owner of Petite Cook Charlotte — that’ll have the entire party calling you a seasoned baker.

What to Do:

1. Prepare the fruit: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch pan with cooking spray. Open and drain peaches. Wash the blueberries and place them in a medium bowl with peaches. Stir in the maple syrup or honey, flour, lemon zest, vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice.

2. Prepare the topping: In a separate medium saucepan, heat the butter and coconut oil over medium heat until melted. Whisk in the brown sugar until blended. Continue by sprinkling in the oats, white wholewheat flour, cinnamon and salt. With a silicone spatula, fold to combine ingredients, stirring until moistened. Add the chopped pecans or walnuts. The mixture will be crumbly.

3. Assemble and bake: Stir the blueberry and peach mixture before transferring it to a baking dish, ensuring all juices from the bowl are included. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the blueberries and peaches.

4. Place the crisp in the oven to bake and cover with foil for the first 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 – 20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and light golden brown. Top with whipped cream and a mint leaf for garnish.

Need more brunch inspiration? Check out this delicious salty paloma recipe for any occasion and this stellar one-pan breakfast recipe.

Images courtesy of: Tasty Treats and Eats (Peach Pie Filling); Cooking Classy (Peach Crisp).