No, I’m not talking about some ancient city in a far off land. I’m here to tell you about Charleston, South Carolina, which earned the moniker the “Holy City” in part because of the many steeples that penetrate the heavens above an otherwise low-rise skyline. This physical trait is unmistakable whether approaching the city by land or sea. ... Read More

     When I discovered that the Historic Charleston Foundation was hosting an oyster roast and picnic at Drayton Hall—a circa 1738 plantation house on Ashley River Road—I jumped at the chance to tour the pre-Revolution structure, roam the expansive property and feast on some down home Lowcountry fare.

It was a cool, windy afternoon, actually perfect for strolling along the lovely grounds brimming with azaleas or meandering aside the Ashley River. Inside, the Georgian-Palladian Drayton Hall is quite different from what you might expect. It’s... Read More

As you know from some of my previous blogs, Charleston is a dining joy - Lowcountry buffets, waterfront discoveries, coconut cake utopia. As I worked my way through town, I sampled some mighty fine mac and cheese along with collard greens, corn bread and other savory Southern sides. But, it wasn’t until I ventured to Cru Cafe that I sampled the best mac and cheese ever, in my humble opinion.

It all started innocently enough. I had already received a couple of recommendations to dine at the spot, but... Read More

     On a travel writing assignment covering Charleston, I decided to scoot over the Ravenel Bridge and explore the neighboring town of Mount Pleasant. No pun intended, but I was pleasantly surprised.

First on the agenda was to grab some lunch (can’t sightsee on an empty stomach, eh?). As I headed down Coleman Boulevard on my way into town, I noticed a nondescript little A-frame called Boulevard Diner and figured that someplace so barebones had to be good. Plus, it was listed in my AAA TourBook. Voila! I hit comfort food pay dirt, as I savored my hot... Read More

     Some may find it strange that after a AAA travel writing assignment covering so much of gracious, antebellum Charleston, I find it necessary to pontificate on the perfect piece of coconut cake. But this isn’t just any old slice of sublime sweetness. After all, this specimen is rumored to be chef Bobby Flay’s favorite dessert. It even has its own web page.

So,... Read More