Euphoria 2012: A Weekend of Food, Music and Good Times

My husband and I are both foodies, and we look for any excuse to spend time in Downtown Greenville. It’s no surprise that we had a blast at euphoria this year. If you’re not familiar with euphoria, the three-day food, wine and music festival is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Edwin McCain and restaurateur Carl Sobocinski. Over the past six years, euphoria has made a name among the national food and wine circuit. Southern Living named euphoria the Best Little Food Festival in the South. From Baltimore to Birmingham, people are talking about euphoria. Top chefs offer up their best dishes while the drinks flow from leading wineries and breweries and the music played all weekend.

We attended the Sealevel-sponsored Songwriter’s Recipe. The event was billed as a “behind the music” set with Edwin McCain, Shawn Mullins and Chuck Cannon. Held at the Terrace at Riverplace, the venue provided a relaxed, intimate setting for the performers and a couple hundred of their closest friends. Edwin, Shawn and Chuck told stories and sang their songs while we mingled and enjoyed the company of good friends and coworkers throughout the night. Watch a video of the Songwriter’s Recipe.

On Friday night we returned for Taste of the South at the Peace Center Ampitheater. The weather was perfect for a night by the Reedy River. Edwin and Shawn took the stage once again to perform their hits. The food was AMAZING! In particular, I remember the Korean barbeque pork tacos from Nose Dive. We lost count of how many plates of food we enjoyed, but each one was worth it! I’d like to personally thank Gillian, Allie and their team at euphoria for a fantastic weekend!

As a native of Greenville, I’m proud to see my hometown gain recognition for such an amazing event that showcases talented culinary and musical artists. Growing up in Greenville, I never dreamed that our town would become a tourist destination or be on the national foodie scene. I’m very appreciative of great people like Edwin and Carl who have worked hard to provide a great experience that makes us locals so proud. But most of all, I’m proud that Greenville has retained its small town feel as it continues to grow. It continues to remain warm, friendly and filled with Southern hospitality. I’m also proud to work for a company that gives back to the community.

Sealevel was proud to once again sponsor euphoria’s Songwriter’s Recipe. Charitable giving is a large part of what we do at Sealevel. We truly believe that charity starts at home. Our contributions of time, talents and funding primarily focus on three areas: at-risk children, education and the arts within our communities. Working with local organizations like Local Boys Do Good, The Family Effect and The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Sealevel’s goal is to improve the quality of life for the people who work, live and play in our neighborhoods.

I invite each of you to make plans for euphoria 2013. We would love to show you around our city and introduce you to all of the great things Upstate South Carolina has to offer.