Blenheim Ginger Ale: Generally pronounced “blen-um,” this heady and addictive retro-style brew is still obtainable at country roadside stores throughout the state. Even if they don’t have a beat-up Blenheim sign out front, feel free to inquire inside.
Boiled Peanuts: Usually pronounced “ball peanuts” and sold from roadside stands, this soft, salty, mouthwatering treat — usually served in plastic grocery bags — is just the ticket on a hot South Carolina day.
Chick-Fil-A: This Atlanta-based chain, which you’ll often find inside South Carolina malls, boasts a signature pressure-cooked chicken sandwich. Enjoy them only Mondays–Saturdays, though — the owners are devout Christians and give all their employees Sundays off to observe the Sabbath day.
Coca-Cola: In local patois it’s “Coke-Cola.” In any case, never call it “pop” — in South Carolina that’s not a soft drink, it’s the sound a firecracker makes.
Duke’s: It seems almost every little town in the state has a barbecue place called Duke’s. While at one time most all had a pedigree descending from the Earl Duke dynasty of Orangeburg, these days many are independently owned.
Iced Tea: Down here it’s just “ice tea,” or even just “tea,” and the default mode is sweet to extremely sweet. If you want it unsweetened, or “unsweet,” you’ll have to ask. You’ll usually get a lemon wedge in any case.
Piggly Wiggly: Though based in Memphis, Tennessee, “the Pig” is the supermarket of choice for much of South Carolina, especially semi-rural areas.