Out and About: Picture of the week

Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

We are launching a new series every Wednesday: simply submit your beautiful photos from your favorite spots within North Carolina and South Carolina to:
 admin@sincerelycarolinas.com

Whether you are a local of the Carolinas or just passing through, we would love to share your perspective from the eyes of your camera lens!

Out and about: Picture of the week series

Folly Beach Pier (South Carolina)

We are launching a new series every Wednesday: simply submit your beautiful photos from your favorite spots within North Carolina and South Carolina to:
 admin@sincerelycarolinas.com

Whether you are a local of the Carolinas or just passing through, we would love to share your perspective from the eyes of your camera lens!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Daddy Day!

That's what we call it in our home...and let me tell you- those are the sweetest words coming from tiny voices!

Father's Day Gift Guide

Hey ya'll...just a friendly reminder that Father's Day is just around the corner! It's too late for any wonderful personalized gifts which is such a thoughtful way to tell your father you appreciate him but those items normally take a couple weeks to order. 

I know May has flown by and we're already flying through June. So in case you've been busy here are some easy picks at varying price points to get your ideas flowing.

First, a YETI tumbler. My dad is obsessed with his YETI cooler and swears that it keeps things the coldest out of all coolers. This stainless steel coffee tumbler is perfect for carrying his coffee on early morning fishing trips! (Purchase here.)

Second, a Southern Tide hat. I don't think you can ever go wrong with a hat because you can have several. Eventually one will wear out and you have to break in another. These are great hats! My dad has several and I even have a few myself. (Purchase here.)

Third, a Vineyard Vines bathing suit. It's summer after all, so what's more perfect than new swim trunks? These will have your dad stylin' on the beach or lake! (Purchase here.)

Finally, a Char-Broil grill. This is great if you have brothers and sisters who can help split the cost. I don't know any man who doesn't love being a "grill-master." It would be an even better gift if y'all put it together as a family instead of gifting it in the box! (Purchase here.)

I hope this got some ideas rolling! Remember a heart-felt card goes a long way.

If any wonderful readers have children, my favorite creative gift is a book of coupons for Daddy. (It'll be a cherished keepsake for sure.)

Be sure to stop by Little Lady in the South and say hey!

Brunching in Hickory, North Carolina: Josh's On Union Square

When I was single, brunch was one of my favorite events of the week. I lived in Columbia, South Carolina and there were endless places to eat and sip on a mimosa or two with friends. When I moved up to Hickory, North Carolina after getting married I was sad to see that most brunch places were closed on Sundays. I love that places close for church for their employees but man oh man did I miss a good omelet and community after service.

We celebrated our anniversary June 1st (our first one!) and I was going to find a brunch place for Josh and I to eat. This was going to happen. And Josh’s turned out to be our brunch hero, not my husband (though he did pay for the meal, so in that aspect he was) but Josh’s On Union Square, had a delicious 3 course brunch for a great deal (13 dollars!!!). We called ahead for seating, because we were meeting friends but we didn’t really need to. The place was busy but not slammed.

I got Caesar salad, an omelet full of bacon, spinach and cheddar cheese (these daily omelets change weekly) and blueberry cheese cake (and of course a mimosa to wash it down). Everything was excellent. The portions were perfect, my husband initially thought he would be hungry, but when he finished all three servings of his banana foster pancakes, shrimp and grits and banana pudding he was rubbing his stomach in agreement.

Price-$ (for brunch and lunch) $$ (for dinner)

Kid friendly- Yep! They have high chairs, and wait staff is very accommodating to small children. They don’t have a kid’s menu online but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Parking- Union Square has plenty of free parking available.

Outdoor Seating- Yes

Location: 206 Union Square NW, Hickory, NC 28601

What are your favorite places to brunch in the South?

You can read more restaurant reviews by Lauren on her personal blog here .