I often find myself looking for that little gem of a coffee shop when I am out shopping or exploring. While the big chain coffee shops are ok, I get tired of adding to the pocketbooks of the big boys who don't do much for their community. With that in mind, I will walk you through some of the best independent coffee houses south of the piedmont. Just over the South Carolina border York County, South Carolina offers some of the best local coffee shops around. Each and every one of these lives up to the old saying "Come on in and sits awhile."
The Inspiration Café, located in the City of Lights, Indian Land, South Carolina, is a Christian based coffee shop. Open Monday-Friday from 7:30-4:00 and Saturdays from 10:00-5:00 and closed on Sundays. Besides their wide selection of coffee and teas, they also offer a selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads and pastries. They also give you the option of 2 international coffee selections that are different each day. Located inside their Christian bookstore, where they invite you to "get a book, order a tall cup of coffee or a tasty specialty beverage, and lounge on one of our many comfortable couches" they also offer a free Wi-Fi signal.
Next stop is Dilworth Coffee, Lake Wylie. Located at 4739 Charlotte Highway, Clover, SC, Dilworth's is so much more than just coffee. From their hand rolled cigars to "Murder Mystery Night" there is something here to please the most discerning of tastes. Open Monday-Thursday from 6:00am-8:00pm. Friday from 6:am-9:00pm Saturday from 7:00am-6:00pm and Sunday from 8:30am-1:00pm, Dilworth Coffee hosts a variety of activities including karaoke on the first and third Saturday, Open Mic night on the second and fourth Saturday, Live music on Friday nights from 7:00-9:00, Game night (includes Wii, board games, Bingo and more) each weekday night and Murder Mystery night, one night a month. Besides a great selection of coffee, the offerings include ice cream made locally by Tony's Ice Cream, a light lunch menu and catering for in house parties and meetings and on-site catering as well.
Next we take a step BacInTyme. Located in historic downtown Fort Mill, SC, BacInTyme's offerings are a little out of the ordinary. From their themed rooms (highlighting both our southern history and European history with a little twist of renaissance thrown in) to their selection of art by local artists and photographs of Fort Mill's by gone days, there is something here for all to enjoy. Top off all of the above with live music from local musicians and great coffee, tea and light lunch selections and you truly have a great historical gem.
