My 605: James Payer

What’s home unless you make it your own? My 605 takes you inside the lives, loves and little secrets of those who call South Dakota – area code 605 – home.

This week’s edition features James Payer, director of marketing and business development at The Empire Mall and owner of pigeon Pepper.

My home in the 605 is:  Oftentimes you can scout me running up and down Phillips Avenue on to my next meeting, social engagement or life adventure with my partner, Dylan. We live downtown in the Brownstone Apartments, across from the historic courthouse and neighborhood gathering place Josiah’s.

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: The people. It’s a place where I feel safe. It’s a big little town to me. Like an episode of “Cheers,” I can run into old friends, turning a simple hello into a 15-minute conversation as well as striking up a conversation while waiting in line for my coffee with those who are just traveling through.

After home, I spend the most time here: The gym or the bike trail. I love to run, a hobby I picked up too late in life to grace the track and field in high school or college. This sacred ritual is “me time.” It’s my quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I pop in my headphones, tune in to the latest news podcast or hit playlist and escape, if only for a little while. My stress lifts, my body cleanses and my words rest.

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: Completely depends on the year! Summer, I’m waist high in water, basking in the sunlight at Wild Water West. In the fall, you can find me pumpkin picking or weaving through the Harrisburg Corn Maze. The winter, I’m cozying up next to a fireplace with a good binge-worthy TV series. And spring, I’ll be one of the first on a jog at our local bike trail. It’s a balance.

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: Hands down, Morrie’s Steakhouse. Start your evening with a true Midwest staple: the smoked bacon slab. I’ll telling you, your eyeballs will immediately water with joy.

A thick, 8-ounce cut, slow-smoked bacon slab is delivered to you on a bed of Dimock cheddar jalapeno grits and house sauce. I’m still dreaming about it months later.  And you haven’t even had the main course. Fast-forward to the prime rib and end with the carrot cake.

My go-to coffee shop is: Literally all of them; I truly cannot decide. I guess it depends on my mood, my craving and the purpose of my visit. But who really can choose between all the staples in Sioux Falls? Queen City, Coffea, The Source, Josiah’s – all perfect in their own little way!

My favorite place to grab an adult beverage in the 605 is: Ugh, another real “Sophie’s Choice” scenario. OK, OK – I do have a few favorites, but again it depends on my mood. I love a good dive bar. The specials, the ambiance, the people – all weave together in perfect union making my visit spectacular!

However, I equally appreciate the craftsman’s touch on a handmade cocktail.  Can a “James special” from the Carpenter Bar, “the Cool Hand Luke part two” from Crawford’s or “Ti’ Punch” from The Hello Hi all be my favorites? I think so.

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: At the Palisades. It’s our best-kept secret, and one you must take the time to go see. Absolutely breathtaking.

The spot I’d recommend for a date is: Grille 26. This is the best place to snag a delicious bite of American bistro-fare food!  It’s a little spot where you can arrive dressed up, business casual or on the comfortable side and not feel out of place. They have delectable entrees, fine wines and exquisite desserts.

The best pizza in the 605 is: Pizza Cheeks! Maybe it’s because my alma mater had a pizza by the slice or maybe it’s because they just have good pizza. Either way, it’s a win for me!

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: Supporting a local fundraising event! I love events, almost too much. And I’m always convincing my friends to accompany me and support missions that mean so much to me and our community.

The place you never can go wrong taking kids is: The Washington Pavilion.  This place has everything – enough for a full extravaganza! I mean, that’s where I’d want to go if I was a kid.

When I want to meet new people in the 605 I go: To the local Chamber Mixer. It’s a great way to engage with local business leaders, learn about a host business and network amongst like-minded professionals.

My best memory in the 605 is: Seeing Cher at the Denny Sanford Premier Center, floor seats, nine rows back.

The one thing I’m least crazy about in the 605 is: Insects with stingers. They are like a magnet to me. I’ll be sitting on a patio, glass of wine in hand, totally minding my own business, and then next thing I know, I’m pole vaulting over shrubbery, going for gold in the Olympic 100-meter dash.

And finally, life in pictures. Here are the top three photos that most sum up My 605: