Remembering that feeling of Euphoria
The changing colors of the leaves, the crisp and cool nights, and the chance to savor some of the best food, wine and music around. These are all sure signs that fall is here and that it's time to Achieve Euphoria in Greenville, SC. Started in 2006 by singer/songwriter (and Greenville native) Edwin McCain (@TheEdwinMcCain) and local restaurateur, Carl Sobocinski (@CarlSobocinski), Euphoria has grown from a small charity event to a full fledged, multi-day sensory experience.
Just a few years ago, the big white tents emblazoned with the Euphoria logo, wine glass, fork and guitar headstock were lined up along Main Street near the Westin Poinsett Hotel, a centerpiece of Downtown Greenville's renaissance. Now many of the festival's venues have moved including what used to be called the "Tasting Showcase." The Saturday event originally focused on wine and beer quickly grew to include spirits, cocktails, and enough food that the name and location had to be changed to Feast by the Field next to Fluor Stadium.
One of the venues that will likely always host Euphoria is the shell of an old textile mill, now called the Wyche Pavillion. The building and the adjoining Peace Center Amphitheater, play host to the "Taste of the South," a smorgasbord of sampling from the city's best restaurants.
Edwin McCain, co-founder of Euphoria and Greenville, SC native, has headlined many of the concerts at Euphoria over the years.
Music, of course, also plays a big role in the festival. Co-founder Edwin McCain has headlined the festival many years, pleasing crowds with his big hits "I'll Be" and "I Could Not Ask For More" as well as new tunes. Kim Carnes, famous for her hit "Bette Davis Eyes" wowed the crowds on one of the years McCain could not be there. There have been gospel choirs, jazz bands, country rockers and even a digeeridoo at Euphoria's events.
With each year, organizers of Euphoria have tried new events, moved old ones, and worked to make the festival bigger, but still keep its intimate feel. For a few years, there was a "Traffic Jam" featuring the best food trucks around There was also time for "Lambs and Clams" and one year, the evening ended with "Swanky and Sweet" featuring scrumptious sweets, creative cocktails and even alcoholic ice cream.
Guest chef dinners are the hottest ticket in town during Euphoria. Scattered around town at some of Greenville's hottest dining spots, award winning chefs from across the country take over for one night inspiring guests with their creations. In the past there have been dinners crafted around wine, champagne and beer and some with themes centered around geographic locations or certain kinds of food.
While most of Euphoria is only for adults, the Sunday Brunch is designed with the family in mind. Many of the cities best restaurants serve up a wide variety of dishes pleasing to almost any palate. Mimosas and Bloody Marys are often served up at the brunch and of course there's always great music playing on the stage. Euphoria winds up the show with the Sunday Dinner, another event that sells out quickly.
For ticket information visit euphoriagreenville.com .
