The Brown Sugar Cinnamon Bundt Cake I Swore I’d Never Share

There are some recipes you tuck away like family heirlooms…the kind you make so often you don’t even think about measuring anymore. This brown sugar cinnamon bundt cake was one of those for me.

For years, I swore I’d never share it.

Not because it’s complicated (it’s not). Not because it’s fancy (it isn’t). But because it’s ours. It’s the cake that shows up on my kitchen counter nearly every weekend, perched on a well-loved family heirloom cake stand, feeding my people without me ever having to make breakfast on Saturday morning. It’s the cake my kids slice into late Friday night and my husband enjoys with coffee on Saturday morning.

But after taking it with me last week to visit MeMe and getting yet another round of “You have to give me this recipe”—I finally gave in. This cake has become a favorite in other homes now too and I suppose that’s how you know it’s time to pass it along.

A Little History First…

I’ve been making this cake for close to fifteen years. When my son was diagnosed with celiac at a young age, I slowly figured out how to adapt our family staples to be gluten-free without sacrificing comfort or flavor. This was one of the first recipes I reworked and truthfully, whether it’s made gluten-free or not, you’d never know the difference. Trust me, I serve it to my all things gluten neighbor and he can’t tell the difference! I’ve even seen him slice it with a pocket knife on the porch!

It’s forgiving. It’s flexible. And it’s always, always good.

I’ve even heard from friends who’ve made variations…subbing in chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding for a richer twist and they swear it’s just as delicious.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Bundt Cake

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (I use Aldi’s gluten free version)

• 1 package vanilla pudding mix

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• ¾ cup vegetable oil

• ¾ cup water

• ½ cup sparkling white wine, apple juice, or Sprite

• 4 eggs

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup white or cane sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a bundt pan.

2. Add all cake ingredients to a large mixing bowl.

3. Mix well until fully combined and smooth.

4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

The Glaze (Don’t Skip This Part)

This is where the magic happens and it’s meant to be poured over the cake while it’s hot.

You’ll need:

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter

• ¼ cup sugar

• ¼ cup sparkling white wine, apple juice, or Sprite

I’ve used just about every light-colored, slightly citrusy or fruity liquid you can imagine here—whatever I had on hand. Don’t overthink it.

1. Melt the butter.

2. Stir in the sugar and liquid.

3. Pour the mixture slowly over the hot cake, letting it soak in.

4. Allow the cake to cool completely.

5. Flip it onto a cake stand and enjoy!

This is the cake you keep on the counter. The one you slice into all weekend long. The one that makes your house smell like comfort and care.

And now…it’s yours too.

If you make it, I’d love to know. Some recipes are meant to stay close, but the best ones? They find their way into other kitchens, other stories, other families.

With love,
Rebecca

The Palmetto Plate: Gluten-Free Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats

Soft, gooey, nostalgic — and totally safe for your GF kitchen.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies (make sure the box says GF. I got the Publix store brand.)

• 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows

• 4 tbsp salted butter

• 1 ½–2 tsp McCormick Cake Batter Flavoring (start with 1 ½ tsp; add more if you want a stronger cake-batter note)

• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional but chef’s kiss)

• ¼ tsp fine sea salt

• Holiday sprinkles — GF ones! (I recommend Sweetapolita, Great Value GF, or Wilton GF)

Directions

1. Prep your pan.
   Line an 8x8 or 9x9 pan with parchment and lightly butter it.

2. Melt the magic.
   In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth.

3. Flavor it like cake.
   Remove from heat and stir in:

   • Cake batter flavoring

   • Almond extract (optional)

   • Sea salt

4. Combine.
   Add Rice Krispies and gently fold until every piece is coated.

5. Sprinkle + press.
   Press the mixture into your pan using buttered hands or parchment.
   Add sprinkles on top and lightly press them in.

6. Set + slice.
   Let cool 30–45 minutes. Slice into squares and try not to eat half the pan.

The Palmetto Plate: Ritz Cracker Toffee (Christmas Crack)

A quick, no-fuss treat that feels like magic every single time.

Ingredients

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

• Holiday sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer, touching edge-to-edge.

3. In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar.

4. Bring to a boil and let it bubble for 3 full minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the crackers.

6. Bake for 5 minutes, until the toffee is bubbling across the top.

7. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee.

8. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate into an even layer.

9. Top with sprinkles if you’d like.

10. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes, then break into rustic pieces.

Storage

Keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days.
Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.

4 Simple + Charming Christmas Table Ideas

There’s just something about a Christmas table that sets the tone for the whole season. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive—sometimes the most meaningful settings are the ones that feel gathered, personal, and touched by a bit of Southern warmth. Whether you’re hosting a full holiday feast or simply setting the table for your family, here are four easy DIY ideas to make your Christmas table feel special, inviting, and beautifully festive.

1. The Evergreen & Ribbon Runner

Bring a touch of Carolina winter indoors with a simple evergreen runner. Lay fresh cedar or pine branches down the center of your table, letting them fall naturally. Weave a ribbon through the greenery—sage, navy, or classic Christmas red all work beautifully.
For a festive touch, tuck in dried orange slices, pinecones, or tiny brass bells.
DIY tip: If you don’t have a full garland, gather a few clippings from your yard and layer them loosely. It looks effortlessly elegant… because it is.

2. The Mismatched China Charm

There’s beauty in the pieces that hold our stories. Pull out your favorite mismatched plates—Grandma’s hand-me-downs, thrifted treasures, or the ones you reserve for special moments.
Stack them with intention: a patterned dinner plate, a solid salad plate, and a linen napkin tied with twine and a sprig of rosemary.
DIY tip: Print small name cards and clip them to the rosemary with a mini clothespin for a personal touch.

3. Candlelight Cluster Centerpiece

If there’s one thing that instantly elevates a table, it’s candlelight. Gather candles of all shapes and heights—tapers, pillars, tea lights—and cluster them in the center of your table for a soft, glowy ambiance.
Add a few ornaments or evergreen clippings around the base for sparkle and texture.
DIY tip: Arrange your candles on a tray or cutting board so you can move the whole centerpiece easily when it’s time to serve.

4. The Linen + Ornament Place Setting

Sometimes simple is the most beautiful. Start with a neutral linen tablecloth or even a cozy folded throw blanket. Set each place with white dishes, a cloth napkin, and a single ornament on top.
It’s understated, timeless, and just festive enough.
DIY tip: Personalize each ornament with a paint pen so guests can take it home as a sweet holiday keepsake.

4 Festive Christmas Simmer Pot Ideas to Make Your Home Smell Magical

Last week, I walked into my friend’s home and immediately felt myself exhale. You know that feeling when a scent greets you before anything else does? It wrapped around me like a hug — warm, bright, a little citrusy, and absolutely Christmas.

Her home smelled incredible. Not in an overpowering, store-bought candle way, but in that unmistakable, cozy, lived-in way that only comes from something simmering low and slow on the stove. She had the simplest little simmer pot bubbling away, filled with things she already had in her kitchen, and in that moment I was reminded of how small things can shift the entire atmosphere of a home.

It struck a place in me I didn’t realize I’d been missing — that longing for intentionality, for tradition, for making home feel like more than just a place we pass through. Hosting Thanksgiving for both sides of our family last-minute taught me this all over again: it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Warmth comes from the people and the intention… the scent is just the first invitation.

So today, I’m sharing a handful of my favorite festive simmer pot blends — simple ingredients you can toss into a pot in lieu of candles to make your whole home smell like comfort and Christmas.

Pour a cup of something warm, set a pot on the stove, and let these scents welcome everyone who walks through your door.

Southern Citrus & Pine

Fresh, bright, and reminiscent of a Christmas tree farm.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• A handful of pine or cedar clippings

• 2–3 cinnamon sticks

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

• Splash of vanilla

Cover with water and keep on a low simmer. Add more water as needed.

Cranberry Christmas Cheer

A tart, merry fragrance that turns the pot the prettiest ruby red.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 rosemary sprig

• Orange peel

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 teaspoon whole allspice

Perfect for a bright, cheerful holiday morning scent.

Gingerbread House on a Snowy Day

Warm, cozy, and nostalgic — like fresh gingerbread cookies.

Ingredients:

• 3 slices fresh ginger

• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• Dash of vanilla

This one feels like baking without even turning on the oven.

Peppermint & Cocoa Delight

Sweet meets refreshingly minty — like a holiday movie night in a mug.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract or one crushed candy cane

• 1 cinnamon stick

• Splash of vanilla

Surprisingly elegant and absolutely delicious-smelling.

The Palmetto Plate: White Chocolate Chex Mix

There are certain treats that don’t just taste like Christmas… they announce it.
You know the ones…where the very first bite feels like slipping into the coziest part of the season, like turning on the tree lights or hearing the opening notes of your favorite carol.

A sweet reader, Tasha Rogers, sent in a family recipe that does exactly that for her crew. She told me, “This is the treat that always means Christmas has begun for us.” And y’all… it is perfect.

Simple, nostalgic, a little crunchy, a little sweet, and absolutely made for gifting, snacking, and keeping on the counter in a pretty jar that everyone mysteriously empties.

Today, I get to share it with you thanks to Tasha sharing it with all of us!

Tasha’s White Chocolate Chex Mix

Festive, foolproof, and perfect for sharing

Ingredients

• 1 package vanilla almond bark

• 4 cups Chex cereal

• 1 big bag M&M’s (regular or peanut—both are delicious!)

• 1 can or jar roasted, salted peanuts

• 2 cups pretzels

Instructions

1. Add the Chex, M&M’s, peanuts, and pretzels to an extra-large bowl.

2. Melt the vanilla almond bark in the microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring often until smooth.

3. Pour the warm white chocolate over your mix and stir until everything is fully coated.

4. Here’s Tasha’s best tip: add a little more Chex at this point until the proportions look just right to you. You truly cannot mess this up!

5. Spread the mixture onto a long sheet of parchment paper and let it cool completely.

6. Once hardened, break it apart and store it in an airtight container.

It makes a lot—which is exactly what we need this time of year. Bag it up for neighbors, teachers, delivery drivers, your kids’ friends… or pour it into a bowl for the very important job of snacking while watching Christmas movies.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

I love that this recipe comes straight from one of our readers & friends, passed with kindness and community from Tasha to all of us. These are the little treasures that make the holidays feel warm and connected.

Tasha, thank you for sharing a piece of your Christmas with us. And to everyone reading the very first edition of Palmetto & Pine… I’m so honored you’re here!

If you try this mix, you better believe I want to see it. Tag me on Instagram and let me know if this becomes a new tradition in your home too. 🎄💛

The Palmetto Plate: Gamecock Cherry Bars- A Chewy, Buttery Treat for Game Day and Beyond

Whether you're gearing up for game day or simply craving something sweet with your afternoon coffee, these Gamecock Cherry Bars deliver the perfect blend of chewy, buttery, and tart. They’re easy to whip up, gorgeous on a tailgate table, and even easier to devour. With a simple swap to gluten-free flour, they’re ideal for families who need flexibility without sacrificing flavor. These are the kind of bars that disappear before they’ve even had a chance to cool.

Why You’ll Love These Gamecock Cherry Bars

• Perfect for University of South Carolina game days, tailgates, and potlucks

• Comes together with pantry staples

• Easy to make gluten-free

• Chewy texture with bright pops of dried cherry

• Great for gifting, gathering, or keeping on the counter for snacking

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries

• Optional: white chocolate chips or chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

2. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth.

3. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.

4. Fold in the dried cherries and any optional mix-ins.

5. Spread batter into a greased 8x8 baking dish.

6. Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.

7. Cool before slicing into bars.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars

• Use dried cherries for the best texture—they give a bright, tart bite without bleeding color.

• Add white chocolate chips for sweetness or chopped pecans for Southern crunch.

• For gluten-free, choose a high-quality 1:1 baking blend.

• Let the bars cool completely for clean slices (or serve warm and gooey—no judgment).

The Palmetto Plate: Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles (No Bake)

There’s nothing more Southern than finding a way to make hospitality both sweet and simple. These no-bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are the perfect little treat to set out when friends drop by, take to a fall tailgate, or package up as a thoughtful neighbor gift. They’re festive, rich, and require no oven at all—just a few minutes of mixing, rolling, dipping, and chilling. Around here, we like to dip them in dark chocolate while the kids sneak a few from the parchment-lined tray. They’re quick, effortless, and taste like a bite-sized piece of autumn.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles

• No-bake and ready with minimal prep

• Perfect for fall entertaining, tailgates, or gifting

• Made with simple ingredients you may already have

• Easy to make ahead and store in the fridge

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almond flour

• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin

• 1/4 cup cream cheese

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• White or dark chocolate for dipping

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth and well combined. Chill the mixture for easier rolling.

2. Roll the dough into small truffle-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes.

3. Dip each ball into melted white or dark chocolate and return to the tray to set.

4. Store chilled until ready to serve.

Keep them in the fridge, but don’t expect them to last long—these are little bites of autumn joy.

Tips for Perfect Truffles

• For a stronger pumpkin flavor, add a pinch more pumpkin pie spice.

• Use high-quality chocolate for dipping; it gives a smoother finish.

• If the mixture feels too soft to roll, chill it longer before shaping.

• Keep truffles refrigerated to maintain the perfect texture.

The Palmetto Plate: Caramel Apple Dip Board The Easiest (and Prettiest) Fall Treat for Your Family

If there’s ever a day that calls for a little something sweet before the main event, it’s Thanksgiving morning. While the turkey’s in the oven and everyone is drifting in and out of the kitchen hoping for a taste, this Caramel Apple Dip Boardis the perfect thing to set out. It keeps little hands happy, gives grown-ups a cozy something to nibble on, and feels festive without spoiling the big meal. A creamy caramel dip surrounded by crisp apple slices, pretzels, and graham crackers turns an ordinary moment into a warm, fall-flavored welcome—like a Southern hug before the feast even begins!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dip Board

• Ready in 5 minutes

• Kid-approved and company-ready

• Perfect for Thanksgiving morning, holiday gatherings, or cozy family time

• Budget-friendly and beautiful enough for hosting

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cream cheese

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp caramel sauce

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• Apple slices

• Pretzels

• Graham crackers

Optional toppings: crushed pecans, mini chocolate chips, flaky sea salt, or extra caramel drizzle.

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, blend together the cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel sauce, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.

2. Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and place it in the center of a small board or platter.

3. Surround with apple slices, pretzels, and graham crackers.

4. Optional: sprinkle crushed pecans or sea salt on top. Serve immediately.

Tips for Building a Beautiful Fall Snack Board

• Use Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples for the best crunch.

• Dip apple slices in lemon water to prevent browning.

• Add small bowls of toppings for an interactive feel.

Your Carolina Christmas Guide

10 Magical Towns, 5 Dazzling Light Displays, and Cozy Southern Traditions

There’s something about Christmas in South Carolina that wraps itself around your heart like a soft quilt — familiar, warm, and full of memory. Whether you’re driving through small towns lit in gold or wandering past live oaks dripping with lights, the holiday season shines a little brighter here in the Palmetto State.

This guide pulls together some of the most magical places, traditions, and experiences to make your Carolina Christmas unforgettable — whether you stay close to home or pack up for a festive day trip.

10 Small South Carolina Towns That Feel Straight Out of a Christmas Movie

1. Aiken

Flickering lanterns, horse-drawn carriages, and the historic charm of downtown make Aiken a true Christmas postcard. Don’t miss the Christmas Craft Show or Night of 1,000 Lights.

2. Camden

Historic homes dressed to perfection and classic Southern hospitality. Visit the Revolutionary War Park then explore downtown for antique finds and cocoa.

3. Abbeville

The town square lights up like an old-world village. If you haven’t strolled around the opera house at Christmas, you’re missing magic.

4. Beaufort

Live oaks, waterfront walks, boutique shops, and the famous “Night on the Town.” It’s coastal Christmas in its purest form.

5. Summerville

Known for its charming inns and old cottages, Summerville offers twinkling lights under towering pines and a beloved Christmas Parade.

6. Greenwood

Uptown Greenwood’s Festival of Trees is a hidden gem worth discovering.

7. York

Historic farmhouses, holiday markets, and one of the best small-town tree lightings in the state.

8. Seneca

A mountain Christmas full of charm — plus quick access to cozy cabin escapes.

9. Newberry

With the Opera House dressed in greenery and the historic district glowing, Newberry feels like a winter storybook.

10. Conway

Tree-lined riverwalks sparkling with lights and carriage rides through downtown—pure Christmas magic.

5 Light Displays Worth the Drive

1. Riverbanks Zoo Lights (Columbia)

Millions of lights, dancing trees, roasted marshmallows — a family favorite.

2. Holiday Festival of Lights (Charleston – James Island County Park)

This one is iconic. Three miles of twinkling scenes + a holiday village.

3. Upstate Holiday Light Show (Easley)

A long drive-through with light tunnels and a festival atmosphere.

4. Anderson Lights of Hope

A peaceful, meaningful drive-through light show supporting local charities.

5. Saluda Shoals Holiday Lights (Irmo)

Closer to home — walk through the Winter Wonderland trail and warm up with cocoa.

Cozy Carolina Traditions to Start This Year

1. Make a Christmas breakfast that feels like home:

Think: grits casserole, cinnamon rolls, or your grandmother’s special recipe.

2. Visit at least one small town you’ve never explored:

Make it a tradition to discover a new place each year.

3. Take a family photo at a local landmark:

State House steps, Pitt Street Bridge, Lake Murray dam, Downtown Aiken, or Falls Park.

A Simple Southern Styling Tip: Create a Charming Coffee Table Stack

If your coffee table has ever felt a little bare or like it’s missing that special touch, there’s an easy, timeless trick that instantly adds warmth: the classic book stack. In Southern homes, décor isn’t just decorative—it tells a story. Stacking a few well-loved hardback books brings texture, nostalgia, and personality to a space without overthinking a thing. It’s a simple styling technique that adds character while making your home feel collected and lived in.

Choose books that reflect your story and your roots: an old Southern classic, a vintage horse novel discovered in a secondhand shop, or even a beloved family heirloom with worn pages and a fading spine. Layer two or three books, then tie them with a soft ribbon in linen, velvet, or satin. Suddenly, you’ve created a coffee table centerpiece that feels like it could have been borrowed from your grandmother’s parlor—warm, inviting, and rich with quiet history. This small touch adds depth and charm while keeping your home beautifully approachable.

What makes this styling trick so delightful is its ability to spark conversation. Guests naturally reach for books, ask about their origin, or comment on the ribbon-tied bundle that feels both elegant and cozy. It’s a way to bring subtle equestrian style, Southern storytelling, and curated beauty into your living room without spending a dime. When you style with intention—and a little nod to tradition—your home becomes a place that feels personal, warm, and wonderfully welcoming.

A Day Trip to Camden, South Carolina: Southern History, Small-Town Charm, and Timeless Beauty

If you're searching for a day trip that blends South Carolina history with small-town charm, Camden is a destination that never disappoints. As the oldest inland city in the state, Camden carries a sense of quiet dignity—shaded streets, historic homes, and the kind of Southern hospitality that makes you slow down and breathe a little deeper. Just a short drive from Columbia, this town feels worlds away, offering a perfect escape for anyone craving a blend of learning, leisure, and lovely scenery.

Your first stop should be the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, where stories of our state’s earliest days come alive beneath towering, centuries-old trees. Stroll the peaceful grounds, explore the historic structures, or join a guided tour to hear the tales of soldiers, settlers, and the pivotal moments that shaped the Carolina backcountry. There’s something grounding and almost sacred about walking through history in a place that has held so many footsteps before yours. It’s the ideal spot for families, history lovers, or anyone wanting to reconnect with the roots of the South.

After soaking in the history, spend the afternoon wandering downtown Camden—an absolute treasure for antique hunting, sipping coffee, and discovering hidden garden paths tucked between brick-lined streets. Boutiques, antique shops, and charming local eateries make it easy to spend hours exploring. Every corner feels like stepping back in time, especially as sunlight filters through the trees and settles over the historic storefronts. A trip to Camden feeds your curiosity, quiets your mind, and nourishes your soul in the most unexpected ways. It’s the kind of Southern outing you’ll want to return to again and again.

The Palmetto Plate: Bourbon Pecan Brownie Bites

If you’ve ever been to a church potluck or a family reunion, you know there’s always that one dessert tray that gets emptied first. These Bourbon Pecan Brownie Bites are the kind of sweet treat that has folks coming back for seconds before the tray even makes it halfway down the table. Rich with cocoa, kissed with a splash of bourbon, and dotted with toasted pecans, they’re bite-sized reminders of Southern hospitality. Best of all, they’re easy enough to whip up on a weekday and special enough to serve when company comes calling.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup gluten-free flour

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and bourbon until smooth.

2. Add cocoa, flour, and salt. Stir well, then fold in pecans.

3. Pour batter into greased mini muffin tins.

4. Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes. Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.

A Weekend Escape to Aiken, South Carolina: Timeless Charm, Southern Elegance, and a Touch of Magic

If you’re craving a weekend escape that blends timeless beauty with true Southern charm, look no further than Aiken, South Carolina. Just an hour from Columbia, this horse-loving town is known for its gracious hospitality, moss-draped oaks, and air of easy elegance. Aiken has long been a haven for equestrians, artists, and travelers seeking a slower pace, making it one of the most enchanting small towns in the South. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a day trip, or a quiet retreat, Aiken offers a gentle reminder of how lovely life can feel when we slow down and savor it.

Begin your visit at Hopelands Gardens (135 Dupree Place, open daily dawn to dusk), a 14-acre treasure filled with winding pathways, reflection pools, and lush, serene corners that feel worlds away from everyday life. As you walk beneath towering trees and listen to the breeze hum through the bamboo groves, you’ll understand why locals consider this the heart of Aiken. Bring your camera—golden light spills across the gardens in a way that turns every scene into a postcard. From spring blooms to winter stillness, Hopelands is pure Southern serenity in every season.

Just a mile down the road awaits the iconic Willcox Hotel (100 Colleton Ave SW), one of the South’s most romantic and storied inns. Built in 1898, The Willcox is an experience in itself—polished wood, crystal chandeliers, stately fireplaces, and soft piano music create a warm, amber-lit atmosphere reminiscent of grand hotels from another era. Stop in for afternoon tea, a lingering lunch, or a glass of wine by the fire. If you go in late afternoon, the tall windows flood the lobby with golden light, making everything feel touched by magic. Plan your visit or book a stay and treat yourself to a weekend that feels restorative, elegant, and beautifully Southern.

The Palmetto Plate: Sweet Potato Spoonbread

There’s a fine line between pudding and cornbread—and somewhere right there lives sweet potato spoonbread. It’s soft, Southern, and pure comfort. The kind of dish that belongs next to a roast chicken or a bowl of collards, or even all on its own with a drizzle of honey butter. Around here, it’s the first thing gone at Sunday dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, baked and mashed (about 1½ cups)

• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

• ½ cup melted butter

• 1 cup milk (or coconut milk for dairy-free)

• ½ cup cornmeal

• ½ cup sugar (or ⅓ cup honey)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but lovely)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a medium casserole dish or 9x9 baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla.

3. In another bowl, stir together cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.

5. Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 35–40 minutes, until lightly golden and just set in the center.

6. Serve warm with a pat of butter—or go all out and add a drizzle of sorghum syrup.

It’s the taste of fall, pure and simple.

Create a Cozy Welcome Nook: A Simple Southern Tradition for a Warmer Home

There’s something about this time of year that invites comfort—a quiet pull toward slowing down, softening the edges, and creating spaces that feel like a warm embrace. In Southern homes, hospitality begins long before anyone sits down at the table; it starts the moment you walk through the door. One of my favorite, most soul-soothing traditions is creating a simple “welcome nook.” It doesn’t require a remodel or a full décor overhaul—just a thoughtful little corner near the entryway that tells every guest (and every family member), “You’re home.”

A welcome nook blends charm, scent, softness, and light in a way that instantly grounds the whole household. I love tucking a woven basket by the door filled with cozy throw blankets, placing a small lamp on a side table with that perfect amber glow, and setting out a bowl filled with dried oranges, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. The gentle fragrance alone can shift the atmosphere—warm, citrusy, and nostalgic—whispering a quiet reminder that home is meant to be a refuge. These tiny touches do more than decorate; they help create an intentional, calming entryway that eases away the busyness of the day.

The real secret behind a welcome nook is not the décor—it’s the feeling. In every season, but especially during fall and winter, a cozy entryway can anchor your family to a sense of belonging, peace, and comfort. When the world outside moves fast, your home can offer softness and steadiness. A simple corner with gentle lighting, comforting scents, and familiar textures reminds everyone who steps inside that warmth still lives here. If you’re looking to cultivate a home filled with hospitality, intentional living, and Southern charm, start at the door—your own little welcome nook might just become the heart of your home.