Spring is in full bloom and this week’s Palmetto Pulse is serving up all the best of the season! 🌸✨ With The Masters just days away, we’re diving into the iconic flavors of Augusta 🏌️‍♂️🍑. Need a quick, no-stress meal for last-minute guests? 🍽️ We’ve got you covered with simple, delicious ideas. And if you’re craving a little outdoor adventure, we’re highlighting a stunning waterfall day trip right here in the Midlands 🌿💦. So grab a sweet tea, get comfy, and let’s soak up the season together! ☀️

This issue of The Palmetto Pulse is sponsored by

Discover the charm of Kathy’s Kreations, Irmo’s go-to boutique for all things embroidery, gifts, and stylish home essentials! With a reputation for excellence and over 20 years of experience, Kathy’s Kreations offers everything from custom monogramming to stunning home décor, fashionable clothing, and must-have entertaining pieces. Whether you’re searching for the perfect personalized gift or a little something special for yourself, this beloved shop has it all. Step inside and experience Southern hospitality at its finest- and say hello to FiFi for us, too! ✨🛍️

This week, we're tipping our hats to The Masters with two Augusta-inspired treats: iconic pimento cheese and a refreshing, kid-friendly twist on the classic Azalea Cocktail. So, whip up these favorites, sit back, and enjoy as Scottie takes on Rory in what’s always the best weekend in golf!

 Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and let it get happy in the fridge overnight or at least for a few hours.  

Enjoy on your favorite crackers, croissant or use as a veggie dip. But, we highly recommend in honor of The Masters that you enjoy it in a Pimento Cheese Sandwich served alongside a delicious Azalea Mocktail!

“I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone’s game: It’s called an eraser.” ~Arnold Palmer

🎨 Artista Vista 🎭

📅 Dates & Times:

• Friday, April 11 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Saturday, April 12 | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Sunday, April 13 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: The Vista, 1200 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC

🎶 Details: Immerse yourself in Columbia’s vibrant arts scene at the 33rd Annual Artista Vista! 🎨✨ This weekend-long festival highlights incredible local artists while celebrating the rich history of the Vista—Columbia’s only Official South Carolina Cultural District. Stroll through art galleries, enjoy live performances, and experience creativity at its finest! 🎭

💰 Admission: FREE!
🔗 More Info: Visit The Vista’s Website for a full schedule of events.

Don’t miss this unforgettable weekend of art, culture, and community! 🖌️💕

⚾ Columbia Fireflies vs. Charleston RiverDogs ⚾

📍 Location: Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC

🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $8 at The Fireflies Website

Game Schedule:

• Friday, April 11, 2025
  ⏰ 7:05 PM
  🎆 Post-game fireworks!

• Saturday, April 12, 2025
  ⏰ 6:05 PM
  👑 Princess Knight: Royal fun + post-game fireworks!

• Sunday, April 13, 2025
  ⏰ 5:05 PM
  🎉 Family-friendly fun

• 🎉 Promotions: Check the official Fireflies website for the latest updates.​

🛍️ Seven Oaks Park Spring Market 🌷

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia, SC
🎨 Details: Spring is in the air, and so are local finds! Stroll through this vibrant market filled with handmade crafts, boutique goods, and delicious bites. 🍪 Support local vendors and snag some one-of-a-kind treasures!
💰 Admission: FREE!

🌿🌸 Hampton-Preston Mansion Spring Plant Sale 🌼🌱

📅 Dates & Times:

• Thursday, April 10 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Members-Only Early Access)

• Friday, April 11 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Saturday, April 12 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Location: Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, 1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC

🪴 Details: Step into the lush gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion for the 2025 Spring Plant Sale! 🌿✨ Browse a beautiful selection of heirloom flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and perennials—many rare or hard to find. Historic Columbia’s horticulture experts will be on hand with pro tips to help you pick the perfect plants. 🌼👩‍🌾

💰 Admission: FREE!
🔗 More Info: Visit historiccolumbia.org/plant-sale for details.

The Best No-Stress Meals for Last-Minute Guests

Southern hospitality means the door is always open—sometimes, that means supper comes with surprise guests! But don’t let that ruffle your feathers. Keeping a few trusty staples on hand makes it easy to serve up a meal that’s warm, welcoming, and effortlessly put together.

Breakfast for dinner is always a winner, so stock up on frozen biscuits, grits, eggs, and bacon for a quick and cozy meal. A good block of cheese, some crackers, and a jar of fig or pepper jelly can easily turn into an elegant snack. Pour that pepper jelly over a softened block of cream cheese and serve with crackers for a Southern staple! Charcuterie is absolutely an acceptable dinner during the warmer months so stock the fridge with a few easy items to throw on a cutting board and call it done! Keep a simple soup base in the freezer—just add leftover chicken or veggies, and you’re set for a comforting bowl of soup in minutes. When you make spaghetti, double the recipe, mix it all together, and freeze for a baked dish that’s ready when you need it.

And of course, there’s usually something sweet sitting on the counter, because no weekend is complete without dessert! A pitcher of sweet tea seals the deal, making it easy to serve a meal that says, “I was expecting you all along”.

Discover the Hidden Beauty of Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve

Tucked away in the heart of Lexington County, Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve is one of the Midlands' best-kept secrets—a slice of untouched South Carolina wilderness that feels like stepping back in time. This quiet little gem is home to ancient sandstone formations, whispering pine forests, and the only natural waterfall in the Midlands. If you’re craving a peaceful escape with a side of adventure, this is the perfect spot for a family day trip. Kids will love scrambling over the rock outcroppings and searching for fossils hidden in the sandy trails, while parents can soak in the quiet beauty of this historic landscape.

✨ Insider Tip: Pack a picnic and make your way to the waterfall—it’s a small, trickling beauty, but the shaded area around it is the perfect place to sit back, listen to nature, and enjoy a slow Southern afternoon. Wear sturdy shoes (the trails can be a bit sandy and uneven), bring bug spray and plenty of water!

Whether you're looking for an easygoing hike, a place to let the kids run wild, or just a peaceful retreat into nature, Peachtree Rock will surprise you with its charm. It’s a reminder that some of the best places aren’t the ones with big signs or ticket booths—but the ones that make you feel like you’ve found something truly special. 

Visitor Guidelines:

• Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk.​

• Activities: Hiking is permitted; however, climbing on the sandstone formations is discouraged to preserve their integrity.​

• Pets: Leashed pets are welcome.​

• Facilities: No restrooms are available on-site; plan accordingly.​

• 883 Peachtree Rock Rd. Lexington, SC 29073

Kathy’s Kreations, Irmo, SC

For over two decades, Kathy’s Kreations has been more than just a boutique—it’s been a beloved part of the Irmo community, offering personalized embroidery, unique gifts, and stylish home essentials. Founded by the husband-and-wife team, Kathy and Craig, the business began in their home, where they embroidered some of my own children’s first bibs and onesies. Their dedication and passion has led them to expand now twice into retail stores, where they offer embroidery, vinyl cutting, heat pressing, digital printing, and laser engraving. 

What truly sets them apart is the way they make every customer feel like family—when you walk through the doors, they greet you by name, ready to help you find the perfect gift or special touch for your home. And of course, their sweet little dog, FiFi, is always there to welcome you with a wagging tail!

With graduation and wedding season right around the corner, Kathy’s Kreations is the perfect place to find heartfelt gifts that will be treasured for years to come. Whether it’s a beautifully monogrammed robe for a bride, a custom-engraved cutting board for a new home, or a personalized tote for a graduate starting their next chapter, they have something for every occasion. Their collection of entertaining essentials—from elegant serving pieces to charming cocktail napkins—makes hosting a breeze, ensuring your next gathering is as stylish as it is welcoming. 

More than just a shop, Kathy’s Kreations is a place where Southern hospitality shines, where giving back to local schools and the community is second nature, and where every customer leaves feeling like family. Stop by soon and experience the warmth, tradition, and impeccable craftsmanship that have made Kathy’s Kreations a local favorite for over 20 years!

Real Advice from Real People!

Each week, we ask a question and you share your best tips, tricks, and secrets. Join the conversation and let’s learn from each other!

This month we are focusing on wellness tips. Here’s what Megan shared on our social media…

🌿Go for Walks Outdoors – Movement and fresh air are a powerful combo for both physical and mental health.

💛Get Outside & Soak Up the Sunshine – Natural light boosts vitamin D levels, mood, and overall well-being.

👉 Hit "Reply" and tell us your #1 wellness tip! We’d love to feature more reader wisdom next week. 🌿

Thanks for spending a little piece of your week with The Palmetto Pulse! We hope you found something to love, laugh about, or look forward to. If you enjoyed this edition, share it with a friend who might love a little Southern charm in their inbox too! 💙🌿