For Charlene

Eagle Friend of Mine

Why are you scratching with those chickens?

You know chickens cannot fly...

All the reasons you are an eagle, I will mention.

Remember soaring in the beautiful sky?

Don't you remember what God created you to be?

You are wonderfully and beautiful made in His image.

You are a child of God, don't you agree?

Don't forget your family lineage.

You see my eagle friend, you are not ordinary.

You are fearless, aspiring, creative and wise.

Average people only do what is necessary.

Fly my eagle friend, touch the sky.

Anita M. Powell

A Girl's Guide to a Hometown Getaway

                                                          photo credit: Deborah Kemp

I have a confession, I am a hopeless people pleaser, who was born for spa life. It doesn't matter where I am geographically located, if someone wants to be pampered, I WILL find a spa and I will orchestrate the experience!!!  It is only natural that when my friends' and my busy schedules would not allow us to wander far from home, I would plan a girls' weekend in my own hometown of Hartsville, SC. After all, my little town has an assortment of lovely shops, cool happenings and everything spa centric that anyone could possibly hope for in a getaway. Keeping this in mind, I decided to show my gal pals how to do a proper girls weekend in Hartsville.

Where does one lodge for luxury in Hartsville?

Though our little town has several options for the relaxation-seeking traveler, we chose The Mantissa ExecutiveSuites & Spa.  Spa Soleil, the spa we chose, is located right inside this hotel and it is centrally located downtown where shopping and restaurants are convenient. The Mantissa, as I will refer to it from this point on, won my favor because of their dedication to supporting our local market. From the art hanging on the walls, to the delicate soaps and lotions carefully placed by each bathroom sink, the work of local artisans are incorporated throughout.

Day 1: How can a girl hit the town without the perfect ‘do?

Stop #1 Colours

We stopped here for hair color, gloss and blowouts. This vogue salon is nestled perfectly into Mantissa Row and it is beautiful. Inside the ambiance is alluring. It is smartly decorated with exposed brick walls and stylish furniture.  But charm alone won't get you everywhere!!! The stylists are knowledgeable about all the latest hair trends and styles, and they are very professional.

Let the shopping begin!!!

Talk about southern hospitality...

Stop #2 Brandi's on College

                                                                                 

                                                                     

We were sporting our gorgeous tresses as we walked to the first  “MUST DO” shop in town, Brandi'son College.  There is every kind of attire or accessory for every age, shape, or style a woman could want, which might make a person think that this is the cornerstone of this thriving business. Not so! Brandi's intuitive ability to pair you with that individualized outfit will blow your socks off. Here good old-fashioned customer service is not a thing of the past. We did a little, well maybe a lot of shopping with Brandi. In fact, we stayed so long that it was time to check into The Mantissa.

Time flies when you're having fun!!!

Stop #3 The Mantissa

Before we knew it, it was time to check in to our chic boutique hotel, The Mantissa. Wow!!! Insert whistle here!! No detail was spared. From the elegant art hanging in the stairwell to the strategically placed, hip furnishings adorning the hallways, we were enamored. Even our sleep number beds were plush and luxurious. The end! Just kidding.

                                                                                  

Oh my gosh, cuteness alert!!!

Stop #4 Raised Down South 

Once our bags were all checked in at The Mantissa, we headed to Raised Down South. Let me tell you, inside this ladies clothing boutique, cuteness and variety abide. If you need a baby gift, jeans, jewelry, shoes, a cute candle or that great outfit, this shop is for you.  The options are plentiful and trends are on point.


Hold on to your Stilettos, ladybugs, because we're not in Kansas anymore....

Stop #4 Mahala Reese Boutique

                                                                    

Mahala Reese Boutique looks as if it should be located among the great shops on Rodeo Drive. We made it to this shop a little late, but the owner, Amy Owen, was kind enough to let us sneak in for a peek. Designer, elegant, graceful, Grace Kelly, all these words were swirling around in my head as I took in the sight of a huge white sofa inviting us to sit.  Can you say, all things feminine with glamour, glamour, and more glamour? Please don't let the Manhattan-esque window display fool you; this store offers dress casual options along side the dressier articles of clothing.

And then there is the epicenter for all things creative, artistic, wonderful and local....and we are smitten!!!

Stop #5 Seersuckergypsy

                                                                              

                                                       photo credits: Seersuckergypsy

Seersuckergypsy, is the creation from the brilliant imagination of Roxie Gardner. This shop is absolutely bursting with artistic vibration. One might find handmade jewelry, an original oil painting, a handmade wreath, handmade candles, or essential oils, along with super cool events and classes. Upon entering the building your nose is immediately gifted the scent of an essential oil defusing along with a friendly, “Hello. How can I help you?” There is something for anyone, and I mean anyone, in this “MUST DO” shop, and that's a fact.


If flavorsome had a crossroad, it would be called Black Creek Bistro. The cuisine is hard to pinpoint, but has qualities that are reminiscent of both lowcountry cooking and the cuisine of the south of France.

Stop #6 Black Creek Bistro

                                                                                 

Fine dining at it's best. I'm no food critic but I have experienced my fair share of scrumptious eateries. The food here was absolutely taste bud tantalizing. We started with a fried green tomato appetizer, which oozed from every crevice with pimento goat cheese and was topped with red pepper jelly. AH...MAZ...ING!!! The 6oz filet topped with crab and corn salad was quite possibly the best steak I have eaten, maybe EVER, well at least in a long time. I actually cut the filet with my butter knife. I didn't think food could get more heavenly until the crème brulee made it to our table. TO DIE FOR!!!

As for nightlife....

Stop #7 Retrofit sip-n-seat

                                                                              

For our first night life outing we headed over to listen to some oldies at the marvelous, the awe-inspiring, the new “MUST DO” in Hartsville. Retrofit sip-n-seat. Upon entering it felt like I had stepped through some sort of new dimensional porthole, a place where all things posh and artistic collide in an array of oh my goshness that is indescribable. Did I say earlier that I was smitten? Is it possible to be smitten times two? Visualize this: a grassy turf right as you enter which is guarded by wrought iron and exposed brick, holding inside all types of stylish furniture and décor, along with music. Did I mention it's all for sale? Are you kidding me? A wine sipping, musical paradise with all the furnishing up for grabs? And if you don't drink, no worries, they serve craft sodas as well.

Enquiring minds want to know...What's all the hype about the Rooftop at Mantissa?


Stop #8 The Rooftop at Mantissa

This little retreat within our city is located obviously on the rooftop of The Mantissa, hence the name. It is the perfect way to wind down at the end of a day on the town. We were greeted by the friendly staff members as our eyes were drawn to large comfy couches and a huge fire place. This bar was built not only for comfort, but also for aesthetic pleasure. It is very reminiscent of Charleston, SC, in my own humble opinion. Though we were taken aback by its beauty, we were also very exhausted and eager to rest up for our upcoming spa day.

Day 2: The day we've been waiting for: SPA DAY

Stop #1 Crema Coffee Bar

                                                                              

                                             photo credits: Crema Coffee Bar                                                                

                                                                                                    
A girl can't get her spa on without a serious cup of Joe. Just a short morning stroll, led us to my favorite coffee spot, Crema Coffee Bar. Just as the crema is the best part of a shot of espresso, so is Crema Coffee Bar the best coffee shop in Hartsville, the “Central Perk” of Hartsville, a “cremmunity” as the owners call it. I will spare you the all the intricate details, but I can tell you that even the choice of coffee brand, Counter Culture, was chosen with the idea of community in mind.  And, and, and..... there are some serious fun events like board game night, open mic/karaoke, live music, etc. Did I mention that I love this coffee shop?

The unintentional discovery

Stop # 2 Griggs Circle Bakery

                                                                                 

                                                    

During our short walk back to The Mantissa, we inadvertently stumbled upon Griggs Circle Bakery. They say curiosity killed the cat, well my curiosity discovered a hidden treasure. Just as I suspected the bakery was abundant with breads, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and pastries. What I didn't expect were the gluten free options.  So, we grabbed some honey sweetened black bean brownies and hastily made our way back to The Mantissa. A real spa-goer cannot be late to spa. This is a cardinal sin.


The moment we've all been waiting for...

Stop# 3 Spa Soleil

                                                                              

Through a big glass entrance, a well-lit, elegantly furnished, marble tiled oasis awaited my girlfriends and I. We were greeted by Chasity Ambrose and her friendly staff with blueberry mimosas and soft gray robes awaited us in our private rooms.  We chose the Spa Soleil Escape, which included a 1-hour massage, a spa manicure, a spa pedicure and a European facial.  This is exactly what the doctor ordered, no pun intended, as this is a medical spa. The spa service options, meant to rejuvenate mentally and physically, are endless.  Spa Soleil's highly skilled staff offers Botox, teeth whitening, and laser along with their more typical facial, massage, and mani/pedis.

                                                                                    

There's nothing like a 4-hour Spa to work up a girl’s appetite

Stop #4 The Rooftop for hors d'oeuvres

                                                                                    

After we had been massaged, polished and pampered, we headed up to the Rooftop for our cheese and charcuterie board, delivered by The Midnight Rooster. This was no ordinary meat and cheese tray; it was a work of art. Holy mother I couldn't name it all if I tried; the wooden tray beheld French cheeses, salami, olives, dried apricot/figs and crostini paired with a chilled bottle of Bellstar Prosecco. This exquisite outing was beyond my vocabulary so I'll simply say amazing, amazing, amazing.

But wait, who can stay relaxed when there's more shopping to do?

Stop #5 TheMint Julep

This shop has anything from cooking gadgets, to bath bombs, to one of a kind food and spice mixes. It's definitely a great place to pick up a goody basket for that special gift.  We absolutely loved the atmosphere.

Stop # 6 Wild ChildChildren's Boutique

If you are looking for barely worn upscale children's clothing, this is the place to get them. We were greeted like family by the storeowner, Nikki Belville, as we browsed her very tidy boutique. The prices are great and the store donates tons of children’s clothing to our community. I don't know if we were more impressed with the affordable quality clothing or the mission of this boutique, but I can tell you that I will be frequenting this shop.

The perfect precursor before dinner...

Stop #7 Vintage Craft Beer and Wine Boutique

                                                                                 

Southern hospitality must be in the firewater on College Avenue. This social hot spot is located right across the way from Brandi’s on College and they are as gracious a host on this side of the street as Brandi is on the other. As the name indicates, the décor is very old school vintage, with craft beers and wine; excellent choices curated by the most knowledgeable staff.  Here they invite you to, “drink outside the box” and we had a blast doing just that.

Hartsville's newest dining destination....

Stop #8 SamKendall's

                                                                              

Conveniently located beside The Mantissa, this elegant restaurant boasts a large seating capacity, yet has a cozy one-on-one environment. The food and staff are simply amazing. We started with broccoli bites and salads, and I'm sorry girls but I can only remember my entree. O...M....G, the crab cakes, THE BEST I have ever had, ever, ever.  Who can eat like this and not sample dessert, so we concluded with a delicious cheesecake. I will say, we were all very pleased with Sam Kendall's.

If you know me at all, you will know that one is too many and a thousand is never enough

Stop #9 Retrofit sip-n-seat AGAIN

                                        
                                                                                

                      

We returned to Retrofit sip-n-seat for round two, because if one time is fun, no doubt the second visit will be better. Just as we suspected Karaoke singing the night away did not disappoint. We shamelessly took selfies and sang like drunk college girls without one drop of liquid courage, contrary to what our spectators may have assumed. It was a great way to end our last night of girls' only shenanigans.

                                                                                 

They say all good things must come to an end....

Day 3 Yoga with Jamie Martel

                                                                                

Well if it has to end, then it should be a cherry on top kind of ending. After reluctantly gathering our luggage and saying goodbye to our little weekend sanctuary, we headed over to Black Creek Arts Council. This beautiful place has an art gallery, along with events and classes. It also hosts one of Hartsville's fastest growing and healthiest pastimes. Upstairs is a serene yoga studio called Our Sacred SpaceYoga. So, we ended our all-girls’ weekend with private yoga session with our local yogi Jamie Martel. It goes without saying that she was as spot-on with our session as she is superb at assessing ones level of endurance. Namaste, Jamie, we thoroughly enjoyed our mostly child's pose session.

I hope you have enjoyed my little narrative of our weekend. It was so much fun. I encourage anyone, local or otherwise, to try our little town of Hartsville for that perfect getaway.

Anita M. Powell