Have you gone to order an L.L. Bean Boat and Tote this summer and wondered, “Why is it back-ordered for two months?” The iconic canvas bag, which has been around since 1944, experiences a surge in popularity every few years as part of the “ironic boat and tote” trend.
Here’s the gist: In lieu of your name or a monogram, you customize the tote bag with humorous, sarcastic, or pop culture-referencing phrases (often all in lowercase letters). I, myself, am hopping on this bandwagon and have been waiting since May for my “email girl” tote bag to arrive.
If you want your own, but you’re not sure where to start with customization, we’ve put together a list to proudly represent your city, neighborhood, or the spots you love the most in Greenville.
If you love Greenville
yeah that
duke’s diva
GVLtoday reader
Celebrate your Third Place
stecca stash
methodical af
club 301
Rep your neighborhood
sirrine queen
augusta adjacent
Note: A few of these are too long to fit on an official Boat and Tote, but a local shop like The Pink Monogram may be able to help you customize without character limits.
Well Walkers | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Free | Get your steps in while escaping the heat as you stroll the arena concourse.
Golden Hour Book Release | 4-7 p.m. | M. Judson Booksellers | Free | Celebrate the release of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s latest novel, “The Bewitching,” with specialty items in the cafe.
Greenville Drive vs. Hub City Spartanburgers | 6:45 p.m. | Fluor Field | $8+ | The hilarious Zooperstars return with inflatable characters like Harry Canary, Clammy Sosa, Shark McGwire, and many more.*
Wednesday, July 23
Learn the Shag | 6-10 p.m. | Spare Time Entertainment | $0+ | Join the Carolina Shag Club for a beginner dance class at 6 p.m. and an intermediate class at 6:40 p.m. before a free social dance for dancers of all skill levels.
Thursday, July 24
Music by the Lake | 7:30 p.m. | Furman University Amphitheater | Free | Bring your lawn chairs, a picnic dinner, and a blanket, and get ready to enjoy “the sounds of the summer.”
Million Dollar Quartet | Thursday, July 24-Sunday, Aug. 10 | Times vary | Centre Stage | $30+ | This Tony Award-nominated musical recreates the jam session in 1956 when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley played together at Sun Records in Memphis.
Friday, July 25
Salsa at Sunset | 6:15-10 p.m. | Camperdown Plaza | Free | Enjoy live Latin music and free dance lessons under the stars.
Saturday, July 26
Tomato Sandwich Taste-Off | 9-11:30 a.m. | Trailblazer Park, Travelers Rest | $27 | Local chefs compete to win the trophy and make the best tomato sandwich.
Lt. Governor Pamela Evette joined AFL to announce the results of the giving campaign at Fluor Field. | Photo provided by AFL
AFL is fighting hunger and fueling futures in our community. How? The fiber optic solutions company recently raised $1.1 million to support children in the Upstate through its annual Imagine That! giving campaign.
This initiative challenges AFL associates to “imagine a better community” and live out the company value of being community-centered. Associates can give to nonprofits of their choice and local United Way chapters. Bonus: AFL supplements all contributions with matching programs that increase the impact of each donation.
This year in South Carolina, funds will be used to help relieve childhood food insecurity through local organizations, including:
You can help take this initiative a step further. AFL is encouraging community members to connect with these organizations or explore other giving opportunities through the United Way of Greenville County to continue uplifting local kids.
Reader Keri T. wrote in, “Do you have, or can you get any intel on when the new Smoke on the Water is going to open?” and we have an update. The barbecue spot broke ground on its new location on Pelham Road yesterday, July 21. If you can’t wait for a taste, catering is still open while construction is underway.
Community
Bike Walk Greenville and the Greenville Spinners will host a Community Roll (aka a 7.5-mile social ride) through Downtown Greenville this Wednesday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m. Riders will meet at the Unity Park Welcome Center. Helmets are required + kids must ride with an adult.
Trending
Experts say bear sightings are on the rise in the Upstate, with residents spotting them from Travelers Rest to Gower. South Carolina’s growing population and shrinking wild spaces mean black bears are here to stay. Here’s how to live (safely) with our wild neighbors. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Answered
Where would you staycation? We asked, and 53% of you said The Grand Bohemian Lodge. We think you deserve some R&R at the spa with a dinner at Between the Trees. It’s not too late to weigh in.
Biz
Greenville-based Red Door Brands filed for bankruptcy. The company owns 31 restaurants across Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Drink
If your TV at home isn’t cutting it for Shark Week, The Mill at Fountain Inn and New Realm will have it on the big screen all week long. Plus, dive into shark-themed drinks.
Plan Ahead
Save the date for one last Arts After Dark featuring 12 local artists showcasing their paintings, pottery, and more on Thursday, August 21, during Downtown Alive.
Arts
Celebrate the vivid beauty of the natural world at “Nature’s Voice,” a group exhibition showcasing local talents in watercolor, photography, sculpture + more. Stop by the Shell Gallery on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to explore works that echo nature’s quiet strength.*
Travel
Just two hours from Greenville, Gwinnett County blends global flavors with Georgia charm. Think: shopping sprees at the Mall of Georgia, hikes through Stone Mountain Park, and bites from a wide range of international restaurants. It’s perfect for foodies, families + adventurers alike. Plan your trip.*
Cause
Tickets are still available for Village Quench, a Tour de France-themed fundraiser supporting Mill Village Ministries’ nonprofit bike shop, Village Wrench. On Thursday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m., head to Hotel Domestique for French cuisine, wine and cocktail pairings, Tour highlights, and a silent auction. Grab tickets.*
Pacaso plans to expand to Italy. | Photo provided by Pacaso
How do you follow a record-setting year? By getting stronger.
Take Pacaso. Their real estate co-ownership tech set records in Paris and London in 2024. No surprise. Coldwell Banker says 40% of wealthy Americans plan to buy abroad within a year, so Pacaso’s planned Italy expansion is big.
They’ve already made $110 million+ in gross profits to date, including 41% YoY growth last year. (They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.) And you can invest for $2.90/share. †‡
Hop in the sleigh and ride to Overbrook, because your favorite holiday flavors — like this gingerbread latte — are back at Scout’s Doughnuts for Christmas in July.
It may be 95°, but your taste buds can pretend it’s snowing with peppermint white chocolate, horchata, and Christmas cookie doughnuts. Plus, the classic vanilla and chocolate glaze will feature holiday sprinkles. Keep the change, ya filthy doughnuts.
Meet the anywhere, anytime outfit — your go-to look to finish out the summer. Grab the complete outfit below for under $150:
👖 These loose + lightweight wide-leg pants keep you cool and chic.
👚 Pair them with this ribbed knit tank for a sleeveless look that’s still stylish.
🩴 Cushionaire’s No. 1 best-selling cork footbed sandals are comfy and walkable.
💎 These No. 1 best-selling hypoallergenic huggie earrings feature cute gem studs.
👝 Top it all off with a chic woven clutch that works for summer days or nights.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer is in full force, and so far, it’s going to be hard to top “The Lewis BLT” from Lewis Barbecue. It’s piled high with smoked pork belly and topped with bibb lettuce, a slice of beefsteak tomato, and — of course — Duke’s Mayo (on both the top and bottom bun).
I’ve mapped out the rest of my Hot Tomato week and plan to update you on my tomato mayo journey. However, please let me know if a Duke’s detour is needed for a can’t-miss bite you enjoyed.
‡This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.
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