Savor the Summer: Celebrate July’s Food & Beverage Festival

July evokes thoughts of fireworks, swimming, sultry nights and the relaxing songs of summer crickets and treefrogs. At The Landings Golf & Athletic Club, July includes one more thing: the Food & Beverage Festival, a month-long ode to culinary excellence.  

How best to describe it? Imagine stepping aboard the Orient Express for a sumptuous dinner, serenading the night away with John Denver’s timeless tunes, grooving to the beats of Deas Guyz, indulging in a champagne picnic, and mingling with your favorite Disney and Marvel characters — all in a single month! 

“The Food & Beverage Festival is a true culinary event at The Landings Club,” says Josh Page, assistant director of Club operations at The Landings, “And summer is the perfect time to experience it.” 

The Food & Beverage Festival’s delicious history 

This is the sixth year for the Food & Beverage Festival, and every year, there’s something new and delectable to experience. Most notably the scale and diversity of the event sets it apart from others in the area. While local festivals may last a day or two, The Club’s event spans the entire month. This year, 38 events in 31 days offer something for everyone. 

The festival’s attendance is impressive, as well. In the first year, there were 3,300 reservations for the month. Each time an event is attended, reservations are needed. Last year averaged about 2,700 and this year there are already 2,947 reservations … and that number is expected to grow. 

Keeping it fresh 

In early spring, the Food & Beverage team begins crafting this month’s event, brainstorming and refining a plethora of ideas to create unforgettable experiences. 

“The team brainstorms every conceivable idea and then narrows it down based on each event’s potential to inspire a great menu, add additional experiences we can weave into each event, and most importantly, what will resonate with our members,” explains Rachel Little, Food & Beverage promotions manager. “For returning favorites, we’re always adding new twists and elements to ensure they remain fresh and exciting.” 

A feast for the senses 

The festival’s lineup of events caters to every palate, from themed dinners that transport you to exotic locales, to curated wine and beverage experiences that tantalize your taste buds, and live musical performances that set the perfect ambiance. 

“We’re bringing back some beloved classics this year, like our Sushi and Sake Dinner, the Mezcal and Mexican Tasting Dinner, Lobster Mania, and the member-favorite Dinner Aboard the Orient Express,” says Little. “But that’s not all. We’re introducing exciting new experiences, such as the Family Disney and Marvel Character Round Up and Dinner, a Catch the Veuve Groove Champagne Picnic Dinner, and a Rosé from Around the World Chill Out Tasting Dinner, among others.” 

Highlights of this year’s Festival 

From casual New England clam bakes to Bourbon Trail fare and formal Italian dinners complete with wine pairings, there’s something for every tastebud. Here are some culinary highlights:  

• Mead & Honey Southern Dinner features the star alcoholic beverage mead (made by fermenting honey in water) at the Southern Table. The Southern Table is a place of unhurried conversations stirring recollections of summer afternoons spent on the porch, sipping a favorite beverage, enjoying the company of a close friend. It is a bit rustic and worn at the edges but thoughtfully designed and impeccably maintained.  Ingredients are regional, in season, sustainably and organically grown and raised. Dishes are comforting, soul-satisfying and bring back memories of family dinners, executed with enough sophistication to make traditional favorites fresh and intriguing. It is a place that makes y’all want to come back now, you hear?  

• Lobster Mania’s name says it all. All things lobster is hosted in the Palmetto Ballroom. Dive into the late summer Crustacean Celebration by indulging in succulent unlimited lobster and live music. 

• Sushi & Sake Dinner with Chefs Jin and Jonny at Finjin. Upscale, sushi & noodle bar, more reminiscent of a restaurant than a country club dining room. Leaning on the talent and experience of Master Sushi Chef, Jin Kang, Finjin brings beautifully prepared sushi to the low country. 

If you are more thirsty than hungry, these cocktail and wine events are sure to whet the appetite: 

• Sun’s Out, Rum’s Out: Attendees will learn how to mix their favorite summer rum-based refreshing cocktails in this already sold-out mixology session. 

• Sip ‘n Savor Wine Tasting featuring Antinori in the Azalea Room. This special lineup features well-rounded Italian wines by Marchesi Antinori. In addition to tasting, small bites will be served.  

• Ernest Hemingway’s Birthday – Papa’s Pilar Rum Sipping Party in the Palmetto Ballroom. Raise a glass to one of literature’s most legendary figures. Step into the world of the iconic author and pay homage to his lifestyle. The evening will reflect his tastes and experiences from the Florida Keys to Cuba. Every bite of the hearty American fare is a tribute to what fueled Hemingway’s imagination. 

And if you are looking for something other than eat or drink, there are additional events, some of which are geared toward kids and the entire family: 

• Family Disney/Marvel Character Round Up and Dinner in the Palmetto Clubhouse. This is an unforgettable evening filled with beloved characters straight from the pages of kids’ books, movies and stories. This dinner event promises non-stop excitement and joy for the whole family. 

• Blacklight Bingo in the Palmetto Ballroom. Enjoy a family fun night where winners receive cash or the chance to use that cash to purchase a mystery prize. 

• Food and Beverage trivia evening in the Palmetto Ballroom. This group challenge is an activity played during and after dinner. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second and third place teams. 

• Mid-Summer Afternoon Tea in the Palmetto Ballroom. Sip on fragrant and bright summer teas and enjoy a delectable selection of sweet and savory treats. Dust off your finest attire, including your favorite hat, and join an afternoon of elegance. 

• Fourth of July Fireworks at Deer Creek Driving Range. Here Landings residents meet at 6 pm to enjoy an evening packed with fun-filled activities, food trucks, beverages, a DJ and fireworks. Kids enjoy giant bounce houses, face painting, rock climbing wall, gladiator jousting, bungee run, and much more!  Everyone sets up chairs and blankets, and shares in the laughter and fun while they wait for the fireworks to start at dark.  

With so many offerings all month long, no one walks away still hungry or thirsty from the Club’s Food & Beverage Festival. You can view the full calendar of events here.

If you are already a member, register here for any of these Food & Beverage Festival events.  

If not yet a member, learn more about dining at The Landings Club, and becoming a member today. Or, schedule a Discovery Visit so you can taste our culinary delights for yourself at the annual Food & Beverage Festival and beyond.