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The Best Food Festival in Georgia and South Carolina

Who doesn’t love a great food festival? But with so many to choose from, which is the best food festival in Georgia and South Carolina? Food Festivals are a great…

Best Food Festival Georgia South Carolina
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Who doesn't love a great food festival? But with so many to choose from, which is the best food festival in Georgia and South Carolina?

Food Festivals are a great way to experience some of your favorite foods, try new things, or find the best of the best in your area! Most large food festivals are centered on one particular type of food, or have a certain theme- like seafood or food and wine.

Food festivals in your local area can give you a chance to try out some of the great local fare that you may not have known about or had a chance to sample.

And if you're visiting a new city, Food Festivals offer a great way to check out the local culinary offerings, without having to plan out which restaurants to dine at.  It's a one stop shop!

Usually, Spring is when these big festivals start to kick off.  You may see a few throughout the summer and depending on the theme, you may have some to check out in the Fall as well.

The website Eat This, Not That! has put together a list of the best food festival in every state.

Here are a few of the Best Food Festivals in Georgia, South Carolina and a few other surrounding states:

Georgia - The Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay

Ellijay is located in North Georgia, and they claim to have the best apples.  The Georgia Apple Festival website says Ellijay is the heart of Georgia's apple country.  The festival is always the second and third full weekends in October. Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.

The 2022 Georgia Apple Festival is happening October 8th-9th and October 15th-16th at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. Enjoy a little bit of all things apple! Plus arts and crafts, an antique car show and more!

South Carolina - Boiled Peanut Festival in Bluffton

Who knew there was a whole festival to celebrate a Southern favorite?!  The town of Bluffton, South Carolina hosts the Bluffton Boiled Peanut Festival each September.  The event has live music, a boiled peanut cook-off... and of course, all-you-can-eat-boiled peanuts.  There are sellers from all over the country who come to Bluffton to compete for the coveted title: "Best Nuts in Town."

Looks like this year's event is scheduled for September 24, 2022 at the Historic Heyward House.

North Carolina - The NC Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle Beach

All things oysters can be found at the NC Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle Beach.  The festival takes places at the start of oyster season each October.  There are fun competitions- like oyster-eating, shucking and an oyster stew cook-off.  Many local restaurants get involved to showcase dishes for visitors to try. Plus you can enjoy live music and arts and crafts with many local vendors too.

It takes place at Town Center Park in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.  This year's event is set for October 15th and 16th.

Tennessee - Dollywood's Flower and Food Festival in Pigeon Forge

This festival is a great way to experience the beautiful colors AND flavors in the Smoky Mountains! With over 500,000 flowers throughout the park, and fresh dining options from Dollywood chefs, this is a great way to celebrate spring.  Some featured foods include fresh berry and lavender funnel cake, beef bulgogi nachos and blood orange lemonade.

This year's festival kicks off April 22nd and goes through June 5th. Learn more on their website.

Florida - EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival in Orlando

Disney World and a food and wine festival?  A dream come true! The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is a Florida favorite.  The event is much longer than most festivals, running from mid-July through mid-November.  Dozens of food booths represent the various countries, and each booth features a few dishes and drinks to enjoy!

Heading to Another State?

Check out the rest of the Best Food Festival by State list at Eat This, Not That!


We recently hosted our own food festival... Spring Wing Fest! See some photos: 

Spring Wing Fest 2022 at SRP Park - A Great Afternoon!

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy what turned out to be a beautiful afternoon.  Great wings were consumed, lots of craft beer was drank... and fun was had by all!

Thanks to our sponsors: Bud Light, Yohe Plumbing Heating & Air, Herlong Ford and Camping World!

See who was crowned King of the Wing HERE! And check out crowd photos HERE.

Here are some fun photos!

See more photos HERE and check out crowd photos HERE.

CodyEditor
“Cody” Blaine Jackson is one half of the Kicks Wake Up Krew on Kicks 99, and also serves as the Digital Program Director for Beasley Media Group in Augusta. She’s a Georgia native but currently resides just across the river in South Carolina. She started in the radio industry as a part-time board operator, and moved up through various roles, including on-air positions and program director for multiple stations. Her passions include fitness and anything to do with animals, as she has two fur babies, her dogs Harley and Waylon. Cody likes to write about pets, fitness and Augusta local events.