A sneaky good Charlotte-area specialty store — and gluten-free bakery — has recently moved

Interstate 77 is pretty much the bane of my existence — it’s certainly not the road less traveled, and I cry a little inside when I have to take it. The only thing that makes it bearable is a heavenly light at the end of the tunnel known as Southern Olive.

What might be your new favorite spot, Southern Olive, is in quaint Baxter Village off exit 85 in Fort Mill. It relocated earlier this year from Indian Land after almost seven years, and it came across my radar when hunting for a gluten-free, dairy-free coconut cream baby shower cake.

It was the most delicious cake we’d ever had; no one even knew this cake was “different.” Yet the store offers so much more than gluten-free goods — it’s a haven for delicious and healthy fare.

Owner, operator and functional medicine proponent Amber Green believes that good foods have the power to heal — and her offerings reflect that. After losing her father to heart disease, Green discovered how harmful even so-called “healthy” foods can be and vowed to do her part, opening Southern Olive with her husband, Rob.

“Everything in the store represents my passion and I fully vet each product to make sure it’s of the highest quality. We just want to create a safe environment for people with food allergies or health issues,” she said.

Infused olive oils

Get ready to have your socks knocked off: There are more than 25 varieties of fresh olive oils on tap inside the store. There’s always a mild, medium and robust “plain” available, and the oils regularly rotate, depending on where the in-season “crush” is.

The oils are marked with this information along with the biophenol count. (Yeah, I didn’t know what that was either.) Biophenols are organic compounds that contain free radicals and antioxidant properties — the higher the number, the more health benefits.

Besides the regular variety, Southern Olive has 20 different infusions including rosemary, garlic and black ginger, or sage. Be warned: Once you taste these, it will be difficult to go back to your grocery store brand.

Flavored balsamic vinegar

Again with the selection. Southern Olive features more than 20 varieties of white and dark vinegar. The difference? Dark vinegar is held over the fire longer, so the grapes caramelize, providing a darker hue.

Typical store brands have coloring and additives, but Southern Olive is the real deal. There are rich offerings such as dark red apple, and delicate infusions like the white lemongrass-mint. These vinegar selections can help regulate blood sugars, maintain pH balance and aid in digestion.

Gluten-free baked goods

If you’re on a quest for delicious gluten-free baked items, you’ve just hit the jackpot. Imagine walking into a bakery where everything — and I mean everything — is gloriously gluten-free. No cross-contamination fears, no double-checking ingredient lists — just pure, unadulterated gluten-free goodness. All of the baked goods steer clear of artificial dyes or processed ingredients and are color-coded by allergy.

Avoiding sugar? No problem: Southern Olive also offers keto and paleo treats. (The Paleo “Twix” Bar is my favorite, beside the cinnamon chip scones.) When passing through on his 2019 Yellow Brick Road tour, singer Elton John even stocked up on keto desserts and raved. If it’s good enough for Sir Elton … it’s good enough for us.

Artisanal gluten-free pasta

Made in Denver, Colorado, Papparadelle’s pasta is it. Started in 1984, the company was one of the first to introduce flavored pastas stateside. Its gluten-free line is unrivaled and one of the store’s best-sellers, including flavors like lemon pepper, sweet potato (kids love it with butter, cinnamon and sugar), Hatch green chili and dark chocolate. (You heard right: dark chocolate. Serve it as a delectable second course with mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream and vanilla, topped with strawberries.)

Organic, sulfite-free wines and gluten-free beer

You’ll find an impressive selection of organic wines that are also sugar and sulfite-free. A main attraction is Partners and Grapes, a Latina and woman-owned wine company making waves with its organic and vegan offerings. (Yep, believe it or not, some wine is made with animal-derived products.)

I can personally attest all Partners and Grapes’ wines are divine (and don’t give me a headache), plus it recently took home gold and silver medals at the 2023 Sommelier Choice Awards for its Rose and Red Blend, respectively. Southern Olive also carries an array of gluten-free ciders and beers, including the legendary Glutenberg brand. What’s more fun is that everything may be ordered by the glass, so you can sip while you shop.

Charcuterie accompaniments

You provide the meat and cheese, Southern Olive will handle everything else. The store carries several varieties of Delizia, one of the world’s leading olive proprietors. (Have you ever tried orange stuffed olives? Well, you need to. Plus, the jar is so lovely it doubles as a vase — perfect hostess gift.)

You can also stock up on stuffed peppers, pickled items and crackers, paired with sumptuous dips and sauces.

Spices, syrups, honey and jams

Southern Olive also carries freshly dried organic Oakhill Herbs from Port Republic, Virginia — a big deal since these rarely sell outside farmers markets. And a bonus for allergy season is that the store has local organic honey and Vermont’s Maple Craft brand syrups like apple cinnamon, pumpkin spice and peach bourbon.

Include some of TBJ’s honey and habanero bacon jam, and you’ve got the perfect gift basket. Southern Olive can also put one together for you to satisfy the most elevated or picky of gourmands. (Pro tip: Place your holiday orders now.)

I could go on. The store has got you covered on vitamins through Pure Encapsulations, known to be one the cleanest and most respected supplement brands. You’ll also find natural beauty products and Humble brand deodorants. It carries Apple brand CBD salves, oils and balms, as well as products for pets who may have anxiety issues with thunderstorms or traveling. Queen Hemp Company provides Delta 8 and Delta 9 for relaxation and creativity.

So, next time you find yourself on I-77, consider yourself lucky and stop by The Southern Olive. It might be your first trip, but it definitely won’t be your last.

Southern Olive

Location: Baxter Town Center, 940 Market St., Suite 116, Fort Mill, SC 29708

Instagram: @thesouthernolive