Step into the mind of a tour guide. Since this past October, Foothill Foodie Tours has been guiding guests through the culinary scene of Downtown Greenville. From breakfast to craft cocktails to desserts! Now it’s time for you meet the mastermind behind it all. Let’s go meet the owner of Foothill Foodie Tours, Rose Woelker.
360: How did the idea of Foothill Foodie Tours come to life?
Rose: A food tour has been on my mind for a while, but the fire of the idea didn’t fully ignite until last year when I could see the booming food scene in Greenville. There are so many unique and locally owned venues which makes downtown a truly unique place to visit and show people. In addition to the food scene, architecture, history and the beauty all fit into an opportunity to showcase Greenville uniquely during a tour.
360: Walk us through the different tours you offer.
Rose: Currently I offer 4 different tours with 1 on Friday and 3 on Saturday (breakfast, desserts & crafted cocktails!) Friday evenings in particular, we embark on a cocktail tour unlike many cocktail tours that I have ever been on. The tour is called Vine, Stein & Shine and features a fantastic Belgium beer tasting with educational embellishments from one of the staff at The Trappe Door. From The Trappe Door, we walk over to Jerky & Vine, a unique store all unto itself, serving wine and beer accompanied with chocolate and jerky. This is truly unique! Then we move on to The Dark Corner Distillery. This is a special place because the business is housed in one of the oldest building on Main Street, it’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the “hand crafted spirits” are older than the building — making it the perfect match!
The tours continued…
Rose: Finally, we finish off with a quick trip to France (by way of Greenville) at Crepe du Jour, which is a lovely little bistro located within a short walk from The Dark Corner Distillery. They are creating some fantastic one of kind cocktails for the guests to taste along with some very delicious crepe bites. Making this place, the final stop and a wonderful place to hang out, listen to the music and dinner to end the tour. For all other tour options click here.
360: Which tour is your favorite?
Rose: That is like asking which is your favorite child?! They are all my favorites and for many different reasons. So I love all of the tours. They all feature very special experiences that are only available on our tours. None of the tours are alike. All offer experiences different from the other and for that reason there cannot be a favorite!
360: What do you love most about being a tour guide?
Rose: I love people! And I love sharing Greenville with everyone and sharing my passion for this wonderful place… of my adopted hometown. There are just so many things that make it unique, special and wonderful. But it’s the feeling, the vibe… it’s all there and it’s exciting to be here and be able to offer this to people who are locals and visitors alike. I also love food! There’s also, an opportunity to welcome new and aspiring chefs and their creative culinary ideas. That’s exciting and I want to share that with my guests as well. I like to show people a good time, and how can you not have a great time visiting Greenville. Generally there’s such raw beauty to this city with the Reedy River, Falls Park, all the events and more!
360: When you’re not touring around Greenville, what do you love to do?
Rose: My husband and I love to visit our 3 children (who are scattered across the country!), visit family in Germany and travel around Europe when we can. But when we can’t do that, we love to take day trips around Greenville and just immerse ourselves in the beauty across the Upstate. It really is unparalleled and we truly appreciate living here. It’s truly is our home!
360: What’s next for Foothill Foodie Tours?
Rose: Right now we’re gearing up for Greenville’s 1st Annual Galentine’s Day event on Wednesday, February 13th. This special event will begin at 5:30pm and meet at Oil & Vinegar in NOMA Square. On the tour you’ll get to taste an array of appetizers, a chocolate demonstration, tapas with tinis, champagne cocktails, crepes and a special coffee cupping demonstration with a sweet treat! And as always will you also learn fun tidbits about our lovely city that will surprise and delight you. (360: You can secure your tickets for this special tour here.)
360: Thank you for your time and all your passion, Rose! Your tours a great addition to Downtown Greenville. We look forward to what you come up with next!
You can stay up-to-date with all Foothill Foodie Tours has to offer across social media via Facebook, Instagram and of course book your own tour via their website at www.foothillfoodietours.com.