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Greenville’s new luxury hotel, The Grand Bohemian Lodge, is not only a place to stay, but also a destination for art. Delivering an art-enriched travel experience is at the heart of the Bohemian hotel brand, a collection of luxury boutique hotels founded by Richard C. Kessler. Each Bohemian hotel is an art gallery as well, thoughtfully organized by Kessler and a team of curatorial professionals.

“Mr. Kessler is an avid art collector, and the Grand Bohemian Galleries were born of his love for art and his passion for discovering emerging artists,” says Kara Blanken Soper, the gallery director for Greenville’s Grand Bohemian Lodge. “With six locations throughout the Southeast, each Grand Bohemian Gallery features works from local and international artists who are contributing to the contemporary mindset of today.”

Kessler’s passion for art can be found at every turn. An impressive collection of works fills the walls and public spaces, ensuring guests are never far away from a piece to pause and contemplate.

Private Collection of Native American Art

A permanent installation displayed throughout the hotel includes works from Kessler's private collection, which centers around the natural environment and Native American culture.

Soper says that Kessler has chosen to share his collection with the public and hotel guests, “with the aim of sparking the same curiosity and love of art that he has developed throughout his lifetime.”

More Destinations:The Partridge Inn, beloved Augusta landmark, is a popular gathering spot

While some of the art, fine crafts and artifacts are historical objects, many of the works from Kessler’s collection were made by contemporary artists and artisans,” she added.

The collection includes commissioned sculptures, a stunning and comprehensive collection of Creek Nation arrowheads from the Tanner Bay site, museum-quality Navajo and Zuni vintage turquoise jewelry, Tigua Nation headdresses and paintings.

“When it was discovered how vital the Reedy River was to the prosperity of the Cherokee and Catawba peoples, it made natural sense to showcase Mr. Kessler’s Native American collection at this location,” says Soper.

Must-see works include a pink marble and black amphibolite bison sculpture by Austrian artist Thomas Gyori and Red Cloud by Lakota Nation sculptor Ed Natiya.

On View at the Lodge Gallery

The works in the Lodge Gallery cover various contemporary themes interpreted by a diverse group of local, national, and international artists. Works on view rotate weekly, so there’s always something new to experience. Current exhibits highlight local artists Mark Mulfinger, Janina Tukarski Ellis, Maggie Macdonald, Joseph Bradley, Lewis Carl, Llyn Strong, and Mara Labell. Also featured are artists based in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia and works by acclaimed national and international artists, such as contemporary French Expressionist Jean Claude Roy.

“The current exhibition on Matthew Baumgardner includes notable paintings, works on paper, and objects that have never been on public view prior to this curated survey of his work,” Soper says. “This particular exhibition is one of our most high-profile programs of the year and one not to miss.”

Located in the lobby, the Lodge Gallery is open Sunday through Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 7 pm. For more information, visit artcloud.com/gallery/gbg or Instagram @grandbohemiangallery.gvl

YOU CAN GO

Each month, the Lodge Gallery hosts exclusive art events where guests can meet artists and learn more about their work. Here are a few highlights.

Matthew Baumgardner: Portals to the LightExplore selected works, paintings, works on paper, and objects from mid-1990s to 2018. Artist Reception, Saturday, May 13, 2023, 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Exhibition on view, May 5 through June 14, 2023

Leandra Hill. Exclusive Collection Release Precious metal jewelry artist Leandra Hill launches an exclusive collection of handmade and custom works. Exhibit on display May 5 - 6, 2023, 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Summer Exhibitions Look for a lineup of summer exhibitions featuring Greenville artists Joseph Bradley and Mark Mulfinger and Charleston artist Sardine Press.

A few weeks ago, I took a good friend out for a beer. We ended up at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. because they were close by, and they’ve got a great outdoor space. We each had a beer and that was it. Like many bars today, Yee-Haw has a few signs that announce that at the end of the night, any open tabs will be closed and a 20% gratuity will be added. When it was time for us to leave, I didn’t bother closing my tab. Two beers and a tip should’ve been about $18. The next morning I happened to be on my bank account’s website and noticed a charge of 50-something dollars from Yee-Haw.

Yikes!

This stuff can happen when there are multiple bartenders and crowds of people. I gave them a call, left them a voice mail, expected a return call in six or seven days and went about my business. A few hours later, Nico, the assistant manager, gave me a call, apologized, then courteously explained what happened then told me my new balance and how he was going to handle the overcharge. A couple of hours later my bank account was as promised.

Wow. That’s hospitality. It’s not enough that Yee-Haw has a superb walk-up location, a cleverly designed outdoor space, great beer that’s fairly priced and plenty of carbohydrate-rich beer food for those who need a break from a tidal wave of marinated, steamed, roasted, fried and skewered Brussels sprouts. Yee-Haw also knows how to take care of its customers.

One conversation with General Manager Clay Howard is enough to know that his job is to take care of Yee-Haw’s team. It’s easy to fall under the spell of his English accent as he hails from Melton Mowbray, England, a small town of 25,000 that’s known for its old English charm, Melton pork pies and Stilton cheese.

“My favorite thing about working at Yee-Haw is the people I get to meet, whether they’re staff or guests,” he told me. “I work with a great team and I get to try all these amazing beers from our brew master Lee Chasteen. Life isn’t bad at all.”

Now about that bar food. There are gigantic pretzels served hanging from their own scaffolding, deviled eggs, smashed hamburgers, bites of mac and cheese or corn dogs plus Nashville-style chicken from the originator, Prince’s, served in spiciness levels ranging from plain/mild (is it Nashville anything if it’s mild?) all the way to XXX. Sure, they have a salad on their menu, but my guess is those are so rarely ordered that when they do get a salad order, someone runs across the street to Publix and picks one up. Of course, I could be wrong.

Yee-Haw Brewing is found at 307 E. McBee St. and is open daily.

“City Juice” is a colloquial term for a glass of tap water served at a diner.

John Malik is a culinary adviser and broker with National Restaurant Properties. He can be reached at chefjohnmalik@gmail.com.

Hernan Diaz is among a rare breed of novelists these days — a writer who straddles the world of literary acclaim among critics along with popular appeal among a mass audience of readers.

He achieved a sudden flood of attention in 2017 with his debut book “In the Distance,” a Western novel that he’d been working on “in isolation” after his other work was met with “universal rejection,” as he says. Diaz had no literary agent and no real publishing opportunities when he submitted the manuscript to a small nonprofit press, which decided to publish it. Soon after, the book became a finalist for the Pultizer Prize.

Now his newest novel, “Trust,” has just been released in paperback. Diaz, a longtime New Yorker, will be trekking down South to make a pitstop at M. Judson Booksellers on May 8 at 7:30 p.m.

A generation-spanning novel that follows the interconnected forces of money and finance in New York City, “Trust” is structured as four books in one. The novel is split into different sections, each written in a different style, that combine to tell a single yet overlapping story about a financial baron and his wife, along with the people left in their wake.

“I suppose it’s striking that money is this omnipresent, pervasive, all-encompassing force that determines all of our lives, yet we don’t understand or are purposefully meant to not understand how it works,” said Diaz, speaking by phone from New York City. “We’re also asked not to talk about it because it is gauche and rude, and that was the interesting dissonance that I found facinating.”

The book starts with a section titled “Bonds,” which is presented as a bestselling 1938 book about financial kingpin Benjamin Rask and his wife, Helen, tracking the mystery of their wealth. But as “Trust” moves beyond that single perspective, new versions of the story present themselves. Secrets are unearthed, and characters are seen anew. The result is a story that is just as much a mystery novel as it is a character study.

For Diaz, working in different styles allowed him to channel his literary influences in new ways, from the Gilded Age realism of the book’s first section to more contemporary staccato rhythms of the book’s final section.

“I was writing from traditions I loved,” he said, “immersing myself in a tone of voice that I really found influential to me personally.”

Want to go?

Hernan Diaz “Books Over Drinks” event at M Judson May 8 7:30 p.m. $30 (includes event ticket, a specialty cocktail and a copy of “Trust”)

Mill Village Ministries’ newly named Village Launch Market is moving to the first Saturday of the month.

Formerly known as the Third Thursday Market, the market returns for its third season from noon to 4 p.m. May 6 at the West Greenville Plaza, at the corner of Pendleton and Burdette streets. The market runs through December.

With a focus on supporting local minority- and women-owned businesses, the market shines a light on some of Greenville’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

“The Village Launch Market is more than a market. It’s an incredible opportunity for the Greenville community to come together to support our entrepreneurs and for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate and grow their businesses,” said Dan Weidenbenner, executive director of Mill Village Ministries. “Our entrepreneurs can showcase their products and services in a family-friendly environment. It’s inspiring to see the positive impact that the Village Launch Market is having on our community.”

Fueled by the engineering-construction company Fluor, the Village Launch Market provides startups with an opportunity to expand their community outreach and network with other local businesses. This season also comes with a location change, as the market moves from its former spot at Poe West to the plaza on Pendleton Street.

The market will feature more than 20 businesses that have participated in Village Launch’s entrepreneurial training programs. A wide variety of items such as jewelry, skin-care products, baked goods, herbal tea and more will be sold at the market.

“Economic development and community involvement is a major focus area for Fluor,” said Jennifer Foelske, general manager of Fluor’s Greenville office. “We believe Fluor’s partnership with Mill Village Ministries and their Village Launch Market will not only further empower minority- and women-owned businesses to flourish in Greenville, but also honors the history of West Greenville and the hard work, creativity and culture of its residents.”

Along with the market’s partnership with Fluor, the city of Greenville’s marketing and tourism teams have worked closely with Village Launch to support and provide resources to participating businesses.

“The city of Greenville is delighted to expand its partnership with Village Launch and welcome the market to a new location,” said Mayor Knox White. “Providing a high-visibility space for emerging founders not only supports minority businesses financially, it allows our community to see innovation in action. The founders who display their work at the Village Launch Market are ambassadors for Greenville’s entrepreneurial spirit.”

To promote a lively family-friendly atmosphere, the market will also include live music, food trucks and children’s activities.

For more information about the market, visit villagelaunchmarket.com.

If you are craving brunch, Open Table says head to Greenville.

The online reservation service puts Soby’s New South Cuisine in the top 100 brunch restaurants in the country.

It’s South Carolina’s only one to make the list.

Here’s how Soby’s describes itself on the Open Table website: “an eclectic blend of contemporary continental cuisine infused with traditional Southern ingredients, transforming old favorites into something fresh and new.”

Carl Sobocinski founded Soby’s New South Cuisine in 1997 back when downtown Greenville became a ghost town after 5 p.m. Department stores had fled to the mall. Other restaurants mainly catered to business people needing lunch.

He took what was once Cancellation Shoes and turned it into a cozy brick-walled space with a richly hued wooden bar and a class front that can be opened during warm weather. There is also a special table — 301 — that overlooks the kitchen.

As Sobocinski grew the business, opening new concepts around downtown, he took the Name Table 301 as the parent company.

Soby’s says on Open Table, “The atmosphere is warm and energetic and the staff is well-trained to provide a fantastic dining experience for all of our guests. In addition, the wine list offers more than 500 selections and is a Wine Spectator Magazine award-winner regular.”

Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays with an a la carte menu of “Soby’s classics and Chef’s features” such as Fried Green Tomato Benedict, Challah French Toast, Croque Monsieur and biscuits and gravy and a favorite at brunch and dinner, shrimp and grits.

In case you were wondering if Greenville and its highly touted foodie scene have a bit of an image problem, Open Table lists Soby’s on its drop-down menu as being in Charleston but the accompanying map is definitely Greenville.

Sobocinski has been a spokesman for Greenville and the restaurant industry across the state and nation. Last year, he and two other business leaders in Greenville appeared on “60 Minutes” to talk about America’s changing workforce.

An estimated 90,000 people are expected to fill the streets of downtown Greenville to celebrate craftsmanship ranging from ceramics to printmaking by some of the best artists and up-and-coming creatives in the Southeast.

Artisphere, presented by TD Bank, will take place May 12 to 14 for the 19th consecutive year. Organizers said the event will showcase 143 artists across 18 genres of craftsmanship.

This is a free event and will span from Court Street and Main to Wardlaw and Main during the three-day festival.

Last year, Artisphere returned to a full-capacity festival. In 2021, the three-day art celebration was socially distanced, and a virtual festival took place in 2020. This year will be Artisphere's first festival that integrates events and exhibitions that expand into Falls Park since 2019.

"The art is phenomenal but there's so much more," said Kerry Murphy, director of Artisphere. "There are a lot of things we reenvisioned for changes from last year. There's a real excitement. There's something magical about this year."

Artisphere will kick off with an opening night party at District 365 on May 11 with food, drinks and music by Steel Toe Stiletto.

Money generated by Artisphere impacts artists and Greenville

Since Artisphere's inception in 2005, the festival has contributed more than $700,000 to nonprofit organizations and local students and emerging professional and visual performing artists. Those dollars help facilitate workshops, paid performances, and awards to those involved, according to Murphy.

In 2022, each participating artist averaged $14,376 in sales, and since 2005, local artists' sales have amassed around $1.6 million, Murphy added.

In total, Artisphere has had an overall economic impact of $11.9 million on the city of Greenville since 2005, said City Council member Dorothy Dowe.

Artisphere does not take a commission on sales and charges between $475 and $650 for an artist's booth.

Food Finds:Downtown dining: 10 new spring menu items at 5 Greenville restaurants

What to know for Artisphere 2023: rules, regulations and frequently asked questions

Here is an interactive guide to parking for this year's art festival:

Embedded content: https://grvlsc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/media/index.html?appid=4efb28ee23dc449bb33fe5948be05c13

What to eat at Artisphere at the Culinary Arts Cafe

A selection of tacos, hot dogs, crepes, empanadas and more will be available as five Greenville-based restaurants will be on-hand at Artisphere's Culinary Arts Cafe.

Barberitos, Society Sandwich Bar & Social Club, Abanico, Bonjour Crépe, Latin Flavorz will provide food for purchase during the three-day arts festival. A full viewing of participating restaurant menus can be found here.

Hospitality passes are available for purchase, as well, as it provides VIP access to refuel after a big day in a tented lounge with free food, drinks and cooling fans.

Must See:Kenny Chesney, Artisphere and more highlight Greenville's entertainment scene April to June

What live music will play at Artisphere Performing Arts Schedule

12 acts are set to perform at the Main Stage, during Artisphere weekend including indie folk band The Pinkerton Raid, country combo The Kentucky Gentlemen, and Americana artists Run Katie Run.

Here is a link to the entire performing arts schedule for Artisphere 2023.

Pop Up Street Music Stages

Broad & Main Street

Falls Park Drive

River & Main Street

Exhibits and Demos

Throughout Artisphere 2023, an assortment of demonstrations, presentations and displays will take place during the weekend. Here is a list of events:

Located at Main Street and Wardlaw, the Fine Arts Center Exhibition will showcase young artists and teachers from the Fine Arts Center of Greenville. There will be an Artists on the Rise stage playing youth and student-based jazz, orchestra, voice and wind acts happening throughout the weekend.

The Donaldson Career Center Culinary Arts event will include pimento cheese sandwiches, Cajun boiled peanuts, strawberry cobbler and more.

The official Artipshere 2023 store will offer gifts, custom commemorative posters, T-shirts made by Dapper Ink, private-label Artisphere wine made by Kendall Jackson, and more festival-inspired memorabilia.

Artisphere Festival Store is open all hours of the festival and located on the festival site grounds.

Chris Carlson and his 3-dimensional animal art that appears to pop out of the sidewalk will be on display at the 3D Chalk Art demonstration.

A local art exhibition supported by a grant from the Metropolitan Arts Council that displays Upstate-based artists and the quality and diversity in the Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson art communities.

50 total local artists will be represented in this showcase, a list of participating visual artists can be found here.

Home Grown:Singer Peabo Bryson returns home to his roots for concert at Peace Center in Greenville

A handful of weekend-long workshops offer short courses on wheel throwing, installation art, and printmaking with a mini press on Friday evening. Saturday courses will offer a Japanese ceramics lesson, watercolor-resist techniques, and a rug hooking session.

On Sunday two separate earring-making classes will run, and a printmaking course will be offered.

Kidsphere music will take place at South Main Street, directly in front of City Hall. Activities include a Green Beats, swag station and DRUM street beats parades which involve an interactive music sculpture, crafts creation and a percussion studio.

Kidsphere Arts & Crafts take place on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, masquerade masks, a textile town and handmade Mother's Day card making. This event will take place on South Main Street and Grill Marks at 209 S. Main Street.

The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. Friday. Two more parades will be held on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. and again at 5:15 p.m. and the last parade is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and more for The Greenville News and Anderson Independent Mail. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on Twitter @ajhappened.

W. Gonzalez strikeouts out nine, Meidroth homers as Drive collect 16 hits.

Six days after being chased from his start against Hudson Valley on April 26 after two and one-third innings, where he gave up seven runs on three hits while issuing seven walks, Wikelman Gonzalez relinquished just one run on three hits, while fanning nine batters in five innings of work to bolster the Greenville Drive (8-13) to a 5-1 win over the Asheville Tourists (8-12). Drive batters would provide a barrage of 16 hits in the series opener, including six players with multi-hit games, and six with extra base hits.

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10.00 by Letsile Tebogo in the heats wow!

Wikelman Gonzalez was sharp from the first pitch, striking out the side in the bottom of the first, and bottom of the third. He'd relinquish only one hit through the first three innings, setting up Drive batters to take the lead in the fourth.

Drive newcomer, Brainer Bonaci (who made his debut last week), led off the fourth with a double before advancing to third on a wild pitch. Two batters later, Bryan Gonzalez ripped a triple to right field scoring Bonaci to give the Drive a 1-0 lead. Gonzalez would score on the ensuing at-bat as a wild pitch plated him to make 2-0.

Wikelman Gonzalez continued his stellar play in the bottom of the fourth setting up a fifth inning which saw the Drive capitalize on the momentum from the previous inning. Chase Meidroth crushed his second home run of the year to center field making 3-0 and chasing Tourists starter Deylen Miley out of the game. Later in the inning Nathan Hickey would double on a liner to right and come around to score on the ensuing Blaze Jordan single to make it 4-0 in favor of the Drive.

Wikelman Gonzalez would give up his only run of the game in the bottom of the fifth as a Freudis Nova groundout was enough to plate Tim Borden II from third with one out to make it 4-1. Wikelman Gonzalez recovered, fanning the final two hitters of the inning on strikeouts, rounding out his night on the mound.

In the sixth inning, a two-out Max Ferguson double kept the inning alive, allowing Meidroth to slap a single to center to give Greenville a 5-1 lead.

Jordan DiValerio came on for the Drive in the sixth inning, ultimately throwing two innings, allowing one hit, while giving up one walk and collecting three strikeouts, shutting the door on Asheville. He'd be relieved in the eighth by Maceo Campbell who also turned in a two-inning night which saw him relinquish just one hit while striking out four batters to preserve the 5-1 Drive victory.

Notables at the plate tonight for the Drive included Ferguson (2-for-5, two doubles), Meidroth (3-for-5 with a HR, 2 RBIs), Mayer (2-for-5), Bonaci (2-for-4 with a double), Miguel Ugueto (2-for-4), and Bryan Gonzalez (3-for-4 with an RBI and a triple.)

The Drive (Boston Red Sox) and Asheville Tourists (Houston Astros) take the field for game two of the six game series at McCormick Field tomorrow, May 3 with first pitch slated for 6:35 p.m.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

• Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board...

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

GREENVILLE — It’s a car? It’s a bus? No. It’s a three-wheeled bicycle.

Pedicabs — tricycles rigged with passenger compartments for two to four people — have returned to the streets in downtown Greenville as an alternative transportation method.

Founded by long-time pedicab driver and Upstate native Phillip Gonzalez, Greenville Bike Taxi launched during the week of April 24 after his business proposal received a final stamp of approval from the city. It is not the first time Greenville has seen a bike taxi company downtown. Reedy River Rickshaw operated a similar concept from 2008 until 2018.

Gonzalez said the heart of his company’s success lies in the booming population of Greenville and the number of businesses that have recently popped up.

He rolled his first bike out of the shop on April 28. He picked up one rider but mainly used his first day to hand out business cards and market the idea. Many were familiar with the concept, especially since it thrives in the tourism-heavy Lowcountry.

By April 29, Gonzalez and another driver had booked a handful of rides — locals, people visiting family, a bachelorette party and a birthday.

His company operates six pedicabs, each affectionately nicknamed. For example, Louboutin, or Louie for short, has rosy pedals to echo the designer’s famed red-bottomed shoes.

A map outlines the exact routes Gonzalez’s drivers can cruise but the general perimeters are from Fluor Field to Bon Secours Arena, and from the zoo to Unity Park. Rides cost $7 per person for the first 10 minutes and then 70 cents per minute, per person after.

‘Spinning my wheels in the mud’

When Gonzalez graduated from the College of Charleston in 2014, he secured a job at a hotel in the city. He only lasted about a month before leaving, learning he couldn’t be cooped up behind a desk. It was then that Gonzalez mounted his first bike taxi.

“I got what I thought was going to be a summer job,” he said.

Gonzalez pedaled with several of the main rickshaw companies in Charleston, absorbing insight on both driving techniques and business operations. He called his times as a tricycle driver the best job ever, joking he’s paid to do cardio.

“My sister actually coined the phrase, ‘develop quads and make wads,’” he laughed.

Over the years, Gonzalez earned decent money, “but I was spinning my wheels in the mud, so to speak, I wasn’t really going anywhere.”

Gonzalez grew-up in Taylors, so at the end of January he decided to return to the Upstate and launch his own pedicab company along with his dad and stepmom, who also run the restaurant Josey’s Chuckwagon in Greer.

He submitted a business plan to the City of Greenville and awaited the approval of various departments. In the meantime, Gonzalez located pedicabs for sale in Ohio. He flew to Columbus in February, bought six bikes, loaded them into a 26-foot U-Haul and drove them back to the Upstate.

After the bikes were tuned up by a local mechanic, the next challenge was finding storage in downtown Greenville. Calls to commercial real estate brokers left Gonzalez worried a spot might not be available. He stumbled one day upon a nondescript, white garage at 113 Augusta St., across the street from Gather GVL and next door to the South Carolina Children’s Theatre. He called the owner and within weeks set up a lease on the space.

Gonzalez is ecstatic about being on Augusta Street in the rapidly developing West End.

“I mean, the place markets itself,” he said.

All the puzzle pieces were falling into place for Gonzalez. Greenville Bike Taxi moved from an on-paper business plan to a full-fledged, city-approved concept in 90 days.

“Very long, diligent days,” Gonzalez said.

Person-powered taxi ride

Gonzalez estimated a standard point-to-point trip can be accomplished in 10 minutes or less, so many two-person rides will amount to about $14. Payment is accepted in the form of cash, credit, Venmo or other money-transfer application. Tips are also accepted.

The main way to catch a ride is to flag down a bike similar to a traditional car taxi, call the dispatch number, or reserve a ride ahead of time. Seats can fit two or three adults or two adults and two kids, Gonzalez said. Dogs ride for free.

Gonzalez’s drivers are contracted and required to be permitted. He has five so far, with two others pending. Gonzalez’s pedalers presently include a triathlete, a fireman, a teacher, and other pedicab-driving veterans like himself.

He is still looking for more drivers, which may impact when people can expect to regularly see the bikes on the roads. He hopes by May 4 to have pedicabs stationed throughout the city. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —

The South Carolina House and Senate are now debating how much they should contribute to replacing a more than a century-old dam in Greenville County, just barely holding back tons of toxic chemicals.

Officials said this is the closest state and local government have ever been to replacing the Conestee Dam.

At this point, the South Carolina House has approved the full amount to replace Conestee Dam: $47.5 million. The Senate has approved $30 million. Whatever comes out of conference committee in the coming days could mean the difference between a new dam and billions of dollars worth of damage and pollution.

According to Kelly Lowry, the Conestee trustee, the dam has been a source of controversy for years.

"The dam as you see it there is over 130 years old. Its lifespan was probably supposed to be about 50," he said. "So, it's well past its engineered lifespan. And there's a lot of worry that it could fail sometime soon. We don't know. But the consequence of failure would be significant."

Significant as in if it fails, engineering and DHEC studies show it could cause billions of dollars worth of damage and release chemicals like PAHs (cancer-causing chemicals made from burning oil and coal) into Lake Greenwood. The lake is the main source of drinking water for Greenwood and Laurens counties.

Mills and businesses along the river dumped toxic waste into the Reedy River for years before the Clean Water Act. It settled into sediment behind the now-crumbling dam.

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"We could have an earthquake and it could take it out tomorrow," said SC Sen. Billy Garrett.

Garrett has lobbied for this money for years and helped get $3 million to study how to solve the problem last year.

The answer: Replace the dam for $47.5 million.

The House approved that amount. The Senate approved $30 million.

Reporter: "Why 30 million instead of 47.5 million?"

Garrett: "It's a negotiation tool. Again, the machinations that goes on between the House and Senate come budget time, it's like hamburger, you know? It's great when it comes out finally, but while it's being made it's pretty rough to look at."

The conference committee should begin in a week and a half, according to Lowry. If they don't approve the whole amount, the remainder may fall to local stakeholders.

We reached out to the local stakeholders, and at this point, most both up and downstream are still considering.

Greenville County has committed to helping, if need be, but they say the approval process for local funds are much slower than the state.

For now, Lowry says engineers will continue planning. They can break ground after getting permit approval. It should take three years to build.

Here’s the latest scoop: Clare’s Creamery, a local ice cream shop, is set to open its second location in July 2023.

The shop will be open just in time for National Ice Cream Month, said Caitlin Hayes, founder of Clare’s Creamery.

Located at 1901 Laurens Road in the Olde Town Shopping Center, the new shop will have a similar aesthetic to the original location with pastels, pink, purple and mint colors incorporated into the decor.

“We’re basically trying to be a neighborhood ice cream shop for that neighborhood, but we’ve been looking over there for months, almost a year,” Hayes said. “We love the Gower and Parkins Mill neighborhoods in general. There are a lot of kids, a lot of families, but no local ice cream shops.”

The lease for the new location was signed in March and renovations began recently.

Hayes explained the new Clare’s Creamery shop will have more indoor and outdoor seating for customers. The second location will also feature a special birthday booth for families and friends to reserve for different celebrations.

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A post shared by Clare’s Creamery (@clarescreamery)

The 20 staple flavors and six seasonal flavors of ice cream on Clare’s Creamery’s menu will be hand-crafted at the Overbrook shop and then transported to the second location. Hayes said this transportation process will allow the new shop to have a smaller kitchen and more space for seating.

“We do make everything. We use a lot of the best national suppliers and then also we try to incorporate local businesses as much as we can,” Hayes said. “We do flavor collaborations. We’ve done stuff with Fork and Plough, Bridge City Coffee and a couple of other small businesses here in Greenville. I’ll be interested to see in that neighborhood, who our community partners (will be).”

Clare’s Creamery’s announcement of its second shop comes only two years after opening its first location in May of 2021. Hayes said they were slightly shocked to already be able to expand their business.

“I think that it was kind of serendipitous timing of the right place opened up and we’ve got (a) great staff to back it,” Hayes said. “We’re working on just optimizing everything. I think we’re ready for it.”