How I go Columbia: Anna Ross
As owner of Grapes & Gallery on Taylor Street, Anna Ross works to build community through an appreciation of art, wine and craft beer.
Both a wine bar and a painting studio, Grapes & Gallery offers artist-led painting sessions or paint-on-your-own time in the studio. The shop’s wine bar features wine from around the world, as well as craft beer. It’s a place where Ross encourages folks to “explore your inner artist.”
A Charlotte native who grew up in Six Mile, S.C., and a graduate of Wofford College, Ross calls herself “a recovering banker.” She opened Grapes & Gallery in 2012. In addition to her duties as owner, Ross is one of the instructors of the studio’s artist-led painting sessions and is a cicerone-certified beer server.
EAT: Depending on the day, you might find me lunching at Thirsty Fellow, Bourbon or Mr. Friendly’s. All three places have great lunch options, and I enjoy talking with Cam (Shealy) at Thirsty Fellow and Amy (Windland) at Bourbon while I eat.
DRINK: Since I spend a lot of time behind the bar at Grapes & Gallery serving drinks, I like to catch up on life and with friends when I am free. Drip Coffee is a great place for a caffeine fix before work. It’s also a nice meeting spot and a place I retreat to when I need to catch up on computer tasks. Other places around town that I really enjoy are Kelly’s Deli & Pub and Art Bar. Kelly (Whitlock at Kelly’s Pub) and Andy (Rodgers at Art Bar) are not only amazing people, but they have also been in the service industry for a long time and are excellent sources for advice.
LISTEN: I listen to a lot of music. Sometimes, though, I find that I need to listen to myself. Yoga Masala is where I go to calm my mind and get in touch with my physical being. I love their hot yoga classes on Bluff Road, as well as the yoga and meditation sessions in their Main Street studio, which is just around the corner from work.
PLAY: I frequently have just a few minutes here or there between errands and work. For me, play often turns into browsing at Mast General Store. All of the employees are knowledgeable and friendly. They know how many stitches are in a seam – who wouldn’t want to shop with these guys?
SEE: Since my business hours overlap quite a bit with The Nickelodeon (Theatre) movie schedule, I do not get much of an opportunity to go to the movies. Saturday mornings on Main Street, though, are a great time to see people out and about at Soda City Market. Also, having played basketball in college, I’m really excited about basketball season coming up. (USC women’s coach) Dawn Staley and crew are always worth going to see.
Janet Jones Kendall, jjkendall@thestate.com
This story was originally published November 11, 2015 at 9:39 AM.