I didn’t grow up in a small town but often wish I had. I am drawn to the quiet charm and character of slow-paced cities like Fort Mill, South Carolina. However, on my recent Girls' Day there, I realized that Fort Mill is a “big’ small town with way more to do than meets the eye.
My day began in a parking lot, where Marcelle, the owner and passionate baker from Fort Mill Sourdough, greeted me warmly with one of her children in tow. I had been eyeing her artisanal sourdough loaves through my phone screen for months, so I highly anticipated this meet-up. Although they looked and smelled as I imagined, I decided to stash them in the car for later—a wise move, as you’ll soon discover.
Lunchtime quickly arrived. My friend Karen joined me, and our stomachs led us to Poppyseed Kitchen, a cozy eatery with a whimsical vibe. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods welcomed us. The menu boasted an array of house-made treats, and our eyes zeroed in on the Poppyseed muffin—the café’s namesake. Little did we know that this innocent-looking muffin held a delightful secret: it was entirely vegan!
Kelly, one of the owners and a talented pastry chef, shared the revelation. We took a bite, and our taste buds danced. The muffin was moist, studded with poppy seeds, and had a subtle sweetness. The crumb was tender, and the flavors harmonized beautifully. It was a revelation—vegan baked goods could be this heavenly!
After our meal, we strolled across the street to The Market for Others. Housed in an old house, this boutique was unlike any other. Here, you can build your own gift box! We wandered through rooms filled with charming trinkets, handmade soaps, and quirky accessories. The joy of curating a personalized gift for my mother ahead of Mother’s Day was unexpected but delightful. It was a task well-ticked off my to-do list.
We drove a few miles to visit Apricot Lane for trendy fashion finds. I was delighted to find a blue maxi skirt perfect for Spring date nights. From there, we drove to Baxter Village. Reminiscent of Main Street Disney, Baxter is a must-visit spot for boutique shopping. I scored an adorable summer dress at The Peach Blossom Boutique.
Next, we strolled along Main Street, where 19th-century buildings house charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. In the heart of downtown, we explored Crossings on Main, a delightful 4,000-square-foot gift shop with an eclectic mix of treasures. Whether searching for a unique gift or simply soaking in the ambiance, Crossings on Main invites you to linger.
As we stepped into FM Eatery, the cozy ambiance enveloped us like a warm hug. The warm vibe, friendly hospitality, and mouthwatering cocktails make it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner. We enjoyed the Smoked Burrata and the FM Eatery Shrimp – both made to impress. We fought over the last bite of bread soaked in Worcestershire butter; it was a delightful surprise.
I bid farewell to my friend Karen and wrapped up this fun Girl’s Day with a visit next door to Whitakers to catch up with another friend who lives in the area. Upon entering, I instantly noticed the contemporary bar with cool decor. Arriving a few moments too late for their popular happy hour specials, the creative cocktail and sushi menu made up for it. I enjoyed girl time and toasted a fun-filled day exploring a new town! Fort Mill offers a blend of history, culinary delights, and boutique shopping – all within a quaint and welcoming atmosphere. So, gather your friends and explore this hidden gem. Who’s ready for the next adventure?
Make sure to follow Amy on Instagram and watch her video recap!
