Whether you're looking for a special treat for mom this Sunday or just some fun activities for the next couple of weeks, look no further than this edition of The Cultural Report.
This week, we take a look at the best Mother's Day brunch, lunch, and dinner deals, check out some fun weekend events, and hear the latest news out of the Chapman Cultural Center.
Here's what you need to know about the Spartanburg cultural scene fromMay 6-19:
Mother's Day eats and treats
Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 9, and Spartanburg's restaurants are ready to help you make it a special day for the mothersin your life.
The Tulip Tree will be offering a special Mother's Day menu from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday with entreeschoices including braised lamb, smoked pork chops, Seafood Newburg, and sweet tea brined chicken. The curated menu starts at$35 per person and includes a main course and dessert. Reservations are required and can be made on their website thetuliptree.com.
"Our Easter (brunch) was a huge success, and we had people making reservations on Easter for Mother's Day before they even left. So if you're going to come out for Mother's Day, make reservations early because it'll sell out," said The Tulip Tree chef Dean Thomas.
Heirloom - A Milltown Restaurant will be serving Mother's Day brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Their menu includes a variety of salads, Southern brunch classics like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits, as well as sweet choices like cinnamon buns and hummingbird cake from Bak'd. Reservations can be made on their website,heirloomsc.com.
For those looking for a more casual celebration, The Red Horse Inn, 45 Winstons Chase Courtin Landrum, will be hosting a Mimosas for Mothers event from 1-9 p.m. on their Grand Terrace wine bar. Mimosas will be $5 all day, and there's no cover charge if you order from the bar. There's a $15 cover if you're just there for the music — Vilai Harrington will be performing from 2 - 4 p.m. andKristofer Goldman will be on stage from 7 - 9 p.m. No outside food or drinks or underage guests are allowed, but guests are encouraged to bring fold up chairs or picnic blankets for seating and their dogs, if they wish. Masks are required when not eating or drinking.
Southeast Punk Flea Market
Southeast Punk Flea Market is brining their alternative shopping experience to Spartanburg Marriott, 299 N. Church St., this weekend from 12-7 p.m. May 8-9.
The family-friendly market features dozens of local and regional vendors offering everything from one-of-a-kind artworks and vintage clothing to vinyl records and taxidermy. The Southeast Punk Flea Market has visited Greenville and Charlestona number oftimes and can also be seen in Athens, Georgiaand Asheville, North Carolina.
More on art markets:The Cultural Report: Hot chicken, quilts, and everything happening at Drayton Mills in April
"Even if you are not in the mood for shopping, just a walk through our market can be very entertaining. You never know what kind of oddities you may find," said Southeast Punk Flea Market's Chris Hall. "The Punk Flea Market usually brings an attendance of 2,000 plus throughout the weekend, This is our first large event in Spartanburg, and we are very excited to bring something new to the area."
Admission is $5 at the door for everyone over 12-years-old. Children 12 and under get in for free. Early bird admission is available on Saturday at 11 a.m. for $10. Masks are required.
Chapman Cultural Center says farewell to Jennifer Evins
Chapman Cultural Center President and CEO Jennifer Evins will be stepping down from her roleto accept a new position with the United Arts of Central Florida.
Evins will be starting as the United Arts of Central Florida's new President and CEO on June 21.
Evins said it was bittersweet to leaveSpartanburg, her home for 33 years where she's served the arts community for nearly 30 years, but she's excited for the new opportunities that change will offer her and the Chapman Cultural Center.
"I feel like Chapman and the arts are so ready for a new, visionary leader. We just finished our strategic plan and it's so exciting. And I want to grow, and I think I can really grow professionally in Orlando," Evins said. "Everybody's ready -the arts are ready for a new leader and I'm ready for a new challenge."
The Chapman Cultural Center has named Lisa O'Connell-Hall, the center's vice president of resource development, as interim President and CEO while a committee searchesforEvins' successor.
Evins said she's confident in the staff's ability to continue to grow and advance the arts in Spartanburg.
"The community is committed to the arts, and I don't think we'll miss a beat," Evins said.
Thank you, Jennifer:Chapman Cultural Center's Jennifer Evins receives South Carolina Governor's Award
But wait, there's more ...
► Spartanburg Greek Festival will be holding a drive-thru "Taste of Greece" food festival May 7-8 from 11 a.m.-8p.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church,687 Asheville Hwy. in Spartanburg. Some of the most popular platters, sandwiches and pastries from the annual festival will be available,and all money raised in tips will go to the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. Menu and more information at www.spartanburggreekfestival.com/food.
► Harp & Shamrock Farm, 245 Morgan Rd. in Wellford, will be hosting a Spring Farm Fest and Plant Sale on May 9 from 12-5 p.m. Vendors will be offering vegetable, herb and ornamental plants as well as handmade gift items. Free admission.
Weekly events:The Cultural Report: Spartanburg farmers' markets, Fr8Yard Bazaar and more Spring events on tap
► FR8yard's Yard Bazaar is back on May 15 starting at 11 a.m. with plenty of local vendors and an afternoonperformance from Fayssoux and the Bluegrass Messengers.
For the latest in Spartanburg area arts, food, and culture, check out The Cultural Report on the first and third Thursdays of the month.
Samantha Swann covers Spartanburg County K-12 schools and colleges and the food scene in downtown and beyond. She is a University of South CarolinaUpstate and Greenville Technical College alumna. Contact her at JSwann@gannett.com.
