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

12, 13, 14….. My son started counting miniature golf courses on Highway 17 as we approached the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area and got to double digits quickly. The teenage girls in the back seat were happily having similar results with giant gift shops. We saw signs for every imaginable show, restaurant and attraction.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach where, if you can’t find something to do, you’re not trying. ... 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

     Sample the Southeast on a leisurely drive through coastal North and South Carolina. The trip starts in Charleston, a quintessentially Southern city with cobblestone streets, elegant 18th- and 19th century homes, preserved Ashley River plantations and award-winning restaurants serving some of the region's finest Lowcountry cuisine. To the north, The Grand Strand is known for year-round golfing and its seemingly endless string of beaches, not to mention Branson-style family entertainment in Myrtle Beach, rice plantations near Georgetown, a stellar botanical garden in Murrells Inlet and a scattering of... Read More

Question: Kate. R  asks: Taking the family to Myrtle Beach, SC for a week .  Recommendations on what to do in addition to beach time?

Answer:  Debra Moore, auto travel manager and Edith Smitherman, travel sales specialist for AAA Carolinas in Charlotte answers:
-For shopping we like Broadway At The Beach, Barefoot... 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