In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Matt Lyons, owner of Carefree Boat Club Lake Murray, Lake Life Marine, and Lake Murray Resort. After moving from the Midwest just four years ago, Matt has become a central figure in shaping how locals and newcomers alike experience the lake. From offering hassle-free boating through Carefree Boat Club to creating memorable getaways at Lake Murray Resort and expanding with Lake Life Marine, Matt shares his vision for bringing “all the lake fun rolled into one.” Listeners will hear how his businesses support the Lake Murray community, his passion for connecting people to the water, and what’s next for this ever-growing local entrepreneur. Carefree Boat Club of Lake Murray ⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠ Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Chef Chris Williams, owner of Roy’s Grille and celebrated South Carolina Chef Ambassador. Chef Chris shares his journey from small-town beginnings in Olar, SC, to building one of the Midlands’ most beloved restaurants. He talks about the inspiration behind Roy’s Grille, his commitment to scratch-made southern cooking, and his experiences competing on the national stage at the World Food Championships. Listeners will hear about the role of food in the community, what makes Lake Murray Country’s culinary scene unique, and what’s next for Chef Chris as he represents the region in 2025. Roy’s Grille ⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠ Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

 In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Suzanne Brooks of Historic Columbia, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the Midlands’ rich history. Suzanne shares her journey into the world of preservation, the unique experiences visitors can have at Historic Columbia’s house museums and gardens, and the importance of telling inclusive stories about our past. From guided tours to immersive events, listeners will learn how Historic Columbia brings history to life and keeps it relevant today. Suzanne also highlights upcoming events that give locals and visitors alike the chance to connect with Columbia’s heritage in new ways. Historic Columbia ⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠ Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, we’re going behind the scenes of South Carolina’s largest fireworks show with Brent Munnerlyn, owner of Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics. Brent shares the personal passion that led him to a career in pyrotechnics, what it takes to orchestrate Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration, and the cutting-edge effects launching this year. Learn how Capital City/Lake Murray Country, with the support of presenting sponsor Lexington Medical Center and the Taste of Lake Murray fundraiser, brings this beloved event to life. Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics Independence Day ⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠ Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

 In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes heads to one of the region’s most beloved outdoor destinations—Dreher Island State Park. Park Ranger Sam Worley shares what makes the park such a unique experience for campers, boaters, anglers, and nature lovers alike. With 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline, lakeside villas, hiking trails, and prime fishing spots, Dreher Island is where visitors come to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the outdoors. From pro tips for first-timers to behind-the-scenes stories from life as a ranger, this episode will have you planning your next lakeside adventure. Dreher Island State Park South Carolina State Parks Service Check out our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, we’re diving into one of the summer’s most exciting events—Weekend With the Pros. Co-founder Chris Farr joins host Kelly Hughes to share the story behind the SC Rough Riders, the roots of WWTP, and how this two-day wakeboarding experience has grown into a major draw for riders and families alike. From pro-led lessons to high-energy exhibitions, Chris gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Lake Murray the perfect place to come alive on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just looking to try something new, this episode will get you ready for June 6th and 7th. SC Rough Riders Captain's Choice Marine Weekend With the Pros ⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠ Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, we’re taking a closer look at South Carolina’s capital with Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. From his roots in Columbia to his journey through public service, Mayor Rickenmann shares how the city continues to evolve and inspire. He talks about launching his own podcast, Around Town with @ColaMayor, memorable moments as mayor, and his vision for Columbia as a destination for food lovers, outdoor adventurers, and cultural explorers. Around Town Podcast About the Mayor Capital City/Lake Murray Country Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.

Katie Maglocci, the Operations Director of Palmetto Outdoor, is a lover of the outdoors who moved from Cincinnati to Columbia for school. She sits down with Kelly on today’s episode of Explore Lake Murray Country to talk about what drew her to the Columbia area and the summer job at Palmetto Outdoor that transformed into her career. She also discusses her favorite outdoor activities and gives out some info for people looking to book outdoor excursions of their own. Later in the episode, Katie touches on the importance of highlighting women in outdoor recreation spaces and introducing more people to the outdoors. Palmetto Outdoor Capital City/Lake Murray Country Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.

Located in the small town of Ridge Spring, SC is Juniper, a local restaurant run by Chef Brandon Velie. Chef Brandon sits down with Kelly on today’s episode to discuss his background, what drew him to cooking and the history behind Juniper. Chef Brandon also talks about the success of the South Carolina Chef Ambassador program, which he started to provide a network for local chefs in the area. Follow Juniper on Facebook Capital City/Lake Murray Country Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.

Known for decorating the Governor’s Mansion for the holiday season and lighting the State Christmas Tree, the Columbia Garden Club is an organization in the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region that promotes gardening and nature. Stephanie Cordum, the club president, sits down with Kelly on today’s episode to talk about the history of the club, its mission and how people can join. She also briefly talks about her history with gardening and the beginning of her membership in the Columbia Garden Club. Later in the episode, she also provides some information on the events and activities that the club holds throughout the year. The Columbia Garden Club Capital City/Lake Murray Country Check our our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

On today’s episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, Kelly sits down with Mayor Sloan Griffin III, the mayor of Blythewood. Mayor Griffin talks about his background in firefighting and disaster relief and how his work with FEMA led to him getting an initial taste of Blythewood before moving there years later. He also gives Kelly an in-depth rundown of some of his favorite local restaurants in and around Blythewood, like Lizard’s Thicket and Chubby’s Burgers. He also touches on how he’s embraced the Blythewood community as its mayor and some of his plans for the town's future. Town of Blythewood Capital City/Lake Murray Country Check out our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.

On today’s episode of Explore Lake Murray Country Kelly sits down with Anne Pinckney Smith, the executive director of the Newberry Opera House, to talk about one of Newberry’s notable landmarks. Anne discusses the opera house’s impact on Newberry’s local arts scene and some of the big names that have performed at this venue like Willie Nelson and Chubby Checker. She also touches on the refresh that the Newberry Opera House underwent this past summer and some of the changes they’ve made to this historic property. Newberry Opera House City of Newberry Hampton Inn Newberry-Opera House Check out our blog post about this episode Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

The dynamic duo, Janet Jordan and Gloria Freeman with Two Gals and a Fork, join Kelly on this episode to celebrate their tenth anniversary of offering food tours in the area. They discuss their backgrounds in association management, the inspiration behind their food tour business and its evolution in Columbia, South Carolina. They share memorable moments including navigating chaotic events and a sudden downpour during tours. They also highlight unique encounters with guests, such as a death doula and former NASA employees. Capital City/Lake Murray Country Two Gals and a Fork Food Tours Check out our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

Davy Hite is a decorated professional angler and broadcaster hailing from the Lake Murray region. Davy joins Kelly on today’s episode to discuss how growing up on Lake Murray formed his passion for fishing and his successful career as a professional angler. Davy also dives into some of his favorite things about fishing on Lake Murray and what makes it a fun fishing destination. Capital City/Lake Murray Country Check out our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.

The Spirit of Lake Murray is a charter yacht that offers tours and can be rented out for weddings and birthday parties. Captain Rick Crout, one of the co-owners of the Spirit, joins Kelly on today’s episode to talk about the different charters you can take, such as sunset cruises, watching the Purple Martins and renting out the ship for different events. The Spirit of Lake Murray Capital City/Lake Murray Country Check out our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.

Joining Kelly on today’s episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, local birder John Tjaarda talks about how he became a “bird nerd”. He also gives the scoop on the different bird species you can find in Capital City/Lake Murray Country, his favorite bird species and the different bird walks he hosts. Content Warning: Towards the end of this episode, our guest John Tjaarda discusses his profession at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which includes information pertaining to mental health and suicide. The discussion starts at the 23:31 time mark in the episode. If this information is triggering for you we recommend turning off the episode. If you or a loved one struggles with suicide, you don’t need to go through it alone. Please go to https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/ or https://afsp.org/chapter/south-carolina Follow John Tjaarda on Instagram Capital City/Lake Murray Country Check out our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.

Today on Explore Lake Murray Country, Kelly is joined by Chef Brian Duffy and Olympian Mark Henry, who are celebrity judges at the Southeastern BBQ Showdown in Columbia, SC. Chef Duffy, known for his appearances on Food Network and Spike TV’s Bar Rescue, shares his background, how he met co-judge Mark Henry and the secrets to a perfect plate of barbecue. Later in the show, Mark Henry, an Olympic weightlifter and former wrestler, talks about his journey into weightlifting and cooking, and reveals his favorite barbecue dish. Learn More About The Southeastern BBQ Showdown Capital City/Lake Murray Country Check out our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.

In Episode 6, Vickie Davis, Senior VP of Special Events & Funding at Capital City/Lake Murray Country, joins Kelly to give a rundown and history of the annual Taste of Lake Murray fundraiser for the 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray. Tune in to learn about Vickie’s background, her involvement in the fundraiser, and the sentiment of these events to our local community and the village of volunteers it takes to put on the event. Taste of Lake Murray Capital City/Lake Murray Country Check out our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.

Located in West Columbia, Palmetto Outdoor offers tubing and kayaking experiences across the Lake Murray Country region. Owner Micahel Mayo sits down with Kelly to talk about why he started his company and his passionate mission to get people outside in nature. Michael also talks about the different tours that he offers and what to expect when you book a trip with Palmetto Outdoor. Palmetto Outdoor Capital City/Lake Murray Country Check out our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.

In Episode 4 of Explore Lake Murray Country, Kelly sits down with Michael Geddings, a local mural and portrait artist in the area. Tune in to hear about Michael’s history with art and what its creation means to him. Michael also details his process when creating murals and portraits as well as his involvement in the colorful Cayce Arts District. Where to see Michael's work: "Paint the Town" The Cayce Chameleon - Cayce River Arts District (Start your journey at the "Art lot"1908 State St, Cayce, SC 29033) "Sojourner" - Piecewise Coffee (2001 State Street | Cayce, SC 29033) 8, Murals at the SC Military Museum (1 National Guard Road | Columbia, SC 29201) 50+, murals for Richland County School District 2 (& many other schools) "For the Love of Art & Music" works on display at Gallery 537 (537 E Dekalb Street | Camden, SC) Capital City/Lake Murray Country Check out our blog post about this episode! Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com.