WEEKEND ROAD TRIPS:

WEEKEND IN ASHEVILLE

The Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina

BREAKFAST: Downtown’s eclectic Early Girl Eatery ( www.earlygirleatery.com) serves up seriously good food from early until late, with kids and kids-at-heart most welcome.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/04/09/3970605/weekend-in-asheville.html#.UjngcsZJPh4#storylink=cpy

10 A.M.: The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site ( www.wolfememorial.com) features the Victorian childhood home of Thomas Wolfe, immortalized in his autobiographical novel, “Look Homeward, Angel.” A tour starts at the modern visitor center behind the house. The site is on the “Asheville Urban Trail,” a self-guided 1.7-mile loop that tells the story of Asheville’s history, famous residents, and culture through 30 bronze statues.

LUNCH: Curate Tapas Bar ( www.curatetapasbar.com) is the hottest downtown table for dinner, but locals swear by hot chef Katie Button’s lunch and brunch menus as well – with a table or seat at the bustling bar much easier to score.

Originally published in The Charlotte Observer

WEEKEND ROAD TRIPS:

WEEKEND IN CHARLESTON

Charleston Cooks! Taste of the Lowcountry cooking class, Charleston, South Carolina

BREAKFAST: Dixie Supply Cafe & Bakery (www.dixiecafecharleston.com) is the place to head for a slice of tomato pie served with a side of sweet potato cornbread, or their equally famous shrimp and grits.

10 A.M.: Only a block from Dixie Supply, on Market Street, the newly renovated Charleston City Market (www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com) is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Comprised of four historic buildings, it is home to 285 local vendors – including more than 50 artisans who weave sweetgrass baskets, one of the region’s prized indigenous crafts – and Food for the Southern Soul (great for a snack or a tasty souvenir).

LUNCH: Cru Cafe ( www.crucafe.com) is in an old house just off bustling Market Street and has a loyal local following for lunch, thanks to their famed Four Cheese Macaroni.

Originally published in The Charlotte Observer

WEEKEND ROAD TRIPS:

WEEKEND IN COLUMBIA

South Carolina State House, Columbia, South Carolina

BREAKFAST: Located in the West Vista area, Cafe Strudel ( www.cafestrudel.com) is a hip and eclectic diner that offers a wide array of breakfast, brunch and lunch options.

9:00 A.M.: Now in its new location in the 1500 block of Main Street, Soda City (www.stateplate.org) is an all-locals farmers market open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Sample local coffee and sweet treats while picking out fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables. 

10:00 A.M.: The Columbia Museum of Art ( www.columbiamuseum.org), 115 Main St., features European art from the Kress Collection and a variety of popular events and exhibitions.

LUNCH: A Five Points favorite, The Gourmet Shop ( www.thegourmetshop.net) is the ideal lunch spot during a day of sightseeing. This delicatessen and gift shop offers in-the-know visitors creative and freshly prepared menu items – as well as useful and fun kitchen gadgets, packaged goods and an extensive wine selection. 

Originally published in The Charlotte Observer

WEEKEND ROAD TRIPS: 

WEEKEND IN THE TRIANGLE

North Carolina Botanical Gardens at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

BREAKFAST: Start the morning right in Chapel Hill at Mama Dip’s (www.mamadips.com), where Mildred “Mama Dip” Council serves the country food she grew up eating—southern-style meats and eggs, homemade biscuits, and more.

9 A.M.: The Carrboro Farmers’ Market (www.carrborofarmersmarket.com) is rightfully famous as one of the top farmers markets in the region. It’s open year-round, 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays ( 7 a.m. openings spring-fall), as well as Wednesday afternoons seasonally.

10 A.M.: Depending on your interests (art or plants), head to Ackland Art Museum (www.ackland.org) on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill or nearby N.C. Botanical Garden (www.ncbg.unc.edu), including the UNC Herbarium.

LUNCH: Weathervane Restaurant (www.southernseason.com) is at famed Southern Season (keep reading) in University Mall and features creative contemporary takes on Southern fare.

Originally published in The Charlotte Observer

WEEKEND ROAD TRIPS:
WEEKEND IN WILMINGTON

Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, Wilmington, North Carolina

BREAKFAST: A downtown landmark diner since 1906, Dixie Grill features famed sweet potato pancakes, apple sage sausage and more. 

9 A.M.: Located along the Cape Fear River, the popular Riverfront Farmers’ Market ( www.wilmingtondowntown.com/farmers-market) runs April-December and features specialties from local farmers, producers and artisans. 

10 A.M.: Explore Wilmington’s past and present during a morning of museum-, house-, or ship-hopping, including Cape Fear Museum ( www.capefearmuseum.com), Bellamy Mansion (www.bellamymansion.org), Latimer House (www.latimerhouse.org), Burgwin-Wright House ( www.burgwinwrighthouse.com), Cameron Art Museum (www.cameronartmuseum.com) or the Battleship North Carolina ( www.battleshipnc.com), just across the river from downtown Wilmington.

LUNCH: Pick from a variety of restaurants along the riverfront, including The Pilot House (www.pilothouserest.com), Elijah’s ( www.elijahs.com) or The Georgewww.thegeorgerestaurant.com). 

Originally published in The Charlotte Observer

WEEKEND ROAD TRIPS:
WEEKEND IN WINSTON-SALEM

A children's tour of Old Salem, Winston-Salem, North Caarolina

BREAKFAST: Mary’s Gourmet Diner (www.breakfastofcourse.com) features a funky and bright atmosphere, homemade biscuits with vegetarian or pork sausage gravy, and lines on weekends.

9 A.M.: Nearby and worthy of a morning or more, Old Salem Museum and Gardens (www.oldsalem.org) explores the historic restored Moravian community. A new visitor center, lots of interactive opportunities and costumed interpreters straight out of the 1800s. Winkler Bakery’s tasty offerings are cooked in wood-burning ovens, while Saturday’s Cobblestone Farmers Market (Saturdays-only, spring-summer) offers fruits, vegetables, meats, and more. The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts features period rooms and galleries showcasing paintings, furniture, ceramics and textiles.

LUNCH: The Tavern in Old Salem (www.thetaverninoldsalem.ws) offers a nice mix of 19th-century Moravian recipes and more modern cuisine. Meals are served on pewter plates by wait staff in period costumes. Reservations are highly recommended (even for lunch).

Originally published in the The Charlotte Observer

MEET CHARLESTON SC:

Darius Rucker, Musician

Most everyone knows his deep Southern drawl and ‘Hootie’ nickname, but some many not know Darius Rucker is a Charleston native who can’t stop singing the praises of his hometown. “I was born here,” Rucker says proudly. “Charleston is embedded in who I am.”

As the frontman for Hootie and the Blowfish in the '90s, Rucker hit international airwaves with songs like “Hold My Hand” and “Only Wanna Be With You” topping the rock charts. The band's 1995 album Cracked Rear View is the 12th best-selling album of all time. As a solo artist, Rucker has released country CDs, Learn to Live and last year's Charleston, SC 1966 revealing his longtime love affair with country music—and Charleston.

In the CD liner notes for Charleston, SC 1966, Rucker says, “I was born, raised and live in the greatest city in the world....You should definitely visit.” The CD’s name is a tribute to an album titled Del Rio, Texas 1959 by Radney Foster, which convinced Rucker to pursue country music. “I’d always liked country music, but that album was the first time I thought I could sing it," Rucker says.

He still lives in Charleston, and says some of his favorite things about the city are the people, history, restaurants, beaches, and weather. “I also like to go out and eat—a lot.” Rucker adds, citing FIG, Oak Steakhouse, Peninsula Grill, Red Drum, and 17 North Roadside Kitchen as his current favorites. He makes time to head back to local live music venues. “I see bands at The Windjammer all the time,” Rucker says. “Music Farm also has great bands.”

Fans might also catch him out on the greens. This self-proclaimed golf addict hits the links at Patriot’s Point, Wild Dunes Resort, and Dunes West. His love affair with golf has led to even more charitable endeavors for the already generous star. During the past two decades, The Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation has donated more than $5 million to 180 causes, including the South Carolina Junior Golf Association. Rucker also sometimes performs at the annual Bulls Bay Golf Challenge in Awendaw benefitting the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital.

Recently, he released a song, "Together, Anything's Possible" to raise money for the PGA TOUR charities. All proceeds from this year's downloads will help causes including The First Tee, an organization dedicated to impacting young lives through golf. And what could be better than golf, music, and a good cause?

Originally published in Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine

MEET UPSTATE SC:

Edwin McCain, Musician

Edwin McCain has launched more marriages than many ministers. With wedding-day favorites such as “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More,” McCain knows a thing or two about love. And although his legendary touring schedule often takes him away from family and friends, he loves heading back to his hometown of Greenville.

McCain's favorite local haunts include Pita House for Middle Eastern fare and Soby’s New South Cuisine downtown. You may also find him performing at The Peace Center, or spending time with his wife Christy and their three kids at Falls Park and the Greenville Zoo (located in Cleveland Park, a title of one of his songs).

McCain raves about Greenville's live music scene: "The Handlebar has been consistently bringing amazing music to Greenville for the last two decades. Smiley’s Acoustic Café is bringing in some really great talent as well. I’m also putting together an outdoor music series next to Saffron’s [Sidewalk Café]. It’s similar to what they do at Stubb’s in Austin.

And no matter where McCain's tour schedule takes him, you'll find him home in Greenville every September for Euphoria, the food, wine, and music event he co-founded with Greenville restauranteur Carl Sobocinski in 2006.

"It gives us a great chance to show off Greenville," McCain says. "I always invite people during Euphoria because I can show off the town. We have people flying in from all over the world now. It’s a lot of fun."

Originally published in Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine

THE SOUL OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Few places in the world can rival this Old World city's blend of grace, beauty, history, and tradition. That's because Charleston, S.C. is lovingly preserved and unique among American destinations.

In this grand old city, church bells still toll the hours and the rhythmic sounds of horse-drawn carriages join in the melody. Visitors can see the antebellum homes and plantations that echo a lifestyle of the old south--and feel and smell the salty sea breeze blowing into the city from beaches of the resort islands nearby.

Shop at the popular open-air public market for native sweetgrass baskets, choose freshly-cut flowers at the Four Corners of Law (an intersection surrounded by government and judicial offices) and search antiques and more along historic King Street. Of course, be sure to taste the delicious seafood and other local delicacies at one of many renowned Charleston restaurants where many chefs specialize in flavorful lowcountry fare (See page 22). Once here, it's easy to understand why residents and visitors never want to leave.

Originally published in AAA Journeys Magazine

HOMEPORT SPOTLIGHT: CHARLESTON

With the debut of year-round cruises aboard the Carnival Fantasy this past spring, the historic port of Charleston, South Carolina served notice that this historic port is making waves--again. Though the city has served as a convenient seasonal homeport for several lines since 9/11, Carnival Cruise Lines' decision shined the spotlight on what many already knew: Charleston is charming.

“Carnival Fantasy’s new year-round program from Charleston has been a huge success, providing consumers with a variety of affordable five-, six-and seven-day cruises to the Bahamas, Key West, and Bermuda from a convenient and attractive homeport,” says Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of marketing planning. “Not only is Charleston within a day’s drive for millions of residents of the southeastern U.S., but the city is also an appealing tourist destination and many of our guests are opting to extend their vacation with a pre- or post-cruise land stay in the Holy City.”

Originally published in Cruise Travel

ONE-TANK TRIP: BLUFFTON, SC

Situated minutes from modern Hilton Head Island, but seemingly in another time zone, historic Bluffton and nearby Palmetto Bluff make for a truly special one-tank getaway along the South Carolina coast.

Founded in the early 1800s on the banks and bluffs of the May River, historic Bluffton is a classic Lowcountry town. Once a summer residence of a local plantation owner, Heyward House Historic Center at 70 Boundary St. is the place to go for insider info on the town.

Originally published in Atlanta Journal-Constitution

CHARLESTON CHARMS:

THE LOWDOWN ON THE LOWCOUNTRY

When you visit Charleston, you're sure to hear the story of a wealthy old Charlestonian woman who was once asked why she so seldom traveled. She replied, "My dear, why should I travel when I'm already here?"

It's easy to understand this woman's complacence, because few places on earth can rival Charleston's blend of grace, beauty, history, and tradition. Charleston has a way of charming visitors (and residents) so that they never want to leave.

Originally published in New York Post

ONLY A DAY IN......

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Charming South Carolina Port Rolls Out the Welcome Mat for Cruise Callers

Even those in Charleston only for a single day are sure to hear the story of a wealthy old Charlestonian woman who was once asked why she so seldom traveled. Puzzled, she replied, "My dear, why should I travel when I'm already here?"

It's easy to understand this woman's complacency, because few places on earth can rival Charleston's blend of grace, beauty, history, and tradition. Charleston has a way of charming visitors so that they never want to leave--even if they’re boarding a ship bound for other far-flung ports.

Charleston is a natural as a popular port for visiting cruise ships--and a growing number are calling on the city or using it as a port of embarkation and debarkation. The deep Charleston Harbor has always welcomed huge commercial ships, but cruise liners--and their passengers--are becoming much more common. Located right in the heart of historic Charleston, the Passenger Terminal couldn’t be more convenient for those enjoying a day docked in town or a pre- or post-cruise stay (which is highly recommended, given all there is to see and do).

Originally published in Cruise Travel Magazine

ONE-TANK TRIP: GREENVILLE, SC

In less than 25 years, downtown Greenville has gone from decidedly derelict to tasteful and tasty. Nationally recognized revitalization efforts brought Main Street and environs back from the dead, with world-class culture, varied activities, superb shopping and a flavorful dining scene unmatched by many much larger downtown areas across the country. Downtown’s diminutive size means visitors can park their car at their accommodations of choice and not need it again until it’s time to head back to the Atlanta area (just walk or take the frequent Downtown Trolley running on Main Street).

City makeover

The transformation of downtown from generally empty buildings and streets to one with people day and night, busy hotels, shops, restaurants, urban living spaces and even a perpetually packed minor league baseball stadium is one that has both locals and past visitors raving.

Originally published in Atlanta Journal-Constitution

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

MEANS MAJOR FUN IN DOWNTOWN WINSTON-SALEM

With Opening Day in early April, downtown baseball has most definitely arrived in Winston-Salem! After the start of construction back in August of 2007, the sparkling new gem of a ballpark is part of the new rage of successful downtown ballparks dotting the nation’s landscape.

When the Winston-Salem Warthogs played the 2008 Carolina League playoff game with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on September 6th, it ended the historic Ernie Shore Field era. The final out also marked the exciting beginning of downtown baseball for the city.

Originally published in Visit Winston-Salem Visitors Guide

ZESTY DESINATION: WINSTON-SALEM, NC

In This Town, It's All About the Hot Sauce

With a name like Texas Pete®, you'd think this popular hot sauce hailed from the Lone Star State. Folks in Winston-Salem, NC know better. The spicy sauce was created, and is still produced, in their state. The origin of Texas Pete is a great little history for heat lovers.

Texas Pete’s Zesty History Lesson

The now-legendary story about the naming of the sauce goes something like this. “My uncle, Thad Garner, plus his father, mother and two of his brothers, actually started this business back in 1929--when my uncle bought a small barbecue stand and sauce recipe,” said Reg Garner, president of the company that produces Texas Pete. As the tale goes, customers of the barbecue stand kept requesting a spicier sauce, so the Garners created a new recipe using red peppers and a still-secret blend of other ingredients (vinegar was and is a key ingredient).

Originally published in Chile Pepper

NOW PLAYING: AT THE NORTH CAROLINA BASEBALL MUSEUM IN WILSON,THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE

HOME PLATE

The history of baseball in North Carolina dates to the 19th century, which is precisely why local officials in Wilson wanted to build a museum that sang the praises of "America’s Pastime.” These dedicated devotees of the game definitely succeeded in capturing the spirit and passion of baseball in this spacious, well-lit, and fascinating state baseball treasure trove.

“This all got started in the stands at a game one night, when we were talking about the history of baseball in Wilson and in North Carolina in general,” says Kent Montgomery, one of the local leaders responsible for the museum. “Someone asked if there was a museum dedicated to minor league baseball in the state and nobody knew. Well, one thing led to another and--about four years later--we had a museum that covered all of baseball in North Carolina.”

Originally published in Our State Magazine

GENEALOGICAL GENIES

For nearly 100 years, the New Hanover County Public Library has been collecting information relating to the history of the area, the state, and the families that live here.

When it comes to Tar Heel genealogical research, the North Carolina Room of Wilmington’s New Hanover County Public Library just might be the best bet for getting genies of the past out of the bottle. Perhaps no other single spot has so much information from southeastern North Carolina for those in search of their own history--or that of others.

“We’re a wonderful resource for genealogical research and much more,” says Beverly Tetteron, the enthusiastic librarian who was hired to open the North Carolina Room back in 1980. “From family histories to the history of a house, the North Carolina Room provides a wealth of information.”

Originally published in Our State Magazine

THE GRAYSTONE INN

WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 

It doesn’t take long to learn why Wilmington’s Graystone Inn won “Most Romantic Getaway” in Arrington’s 2003 Book of Lists. From the stunning architecture to the lovingly restored interior spaces, this coastal North Carolina gem exudes romance inside and out.

Located in the heart of Wilmington’s historic district, just three blocks from the Cape Fear River, The Graystone Inn was built during 1905 and 1906 as the private residence of Preston and Elizabeth (“Miss Betty”) Bridgers. Preston was the son of Robert Rufus Bridges, who was a two-time representative to the Confederate Congress and the president of the Atlantic Coast Line Railway. Seven Bridgers children were raised in the house.

Originally published in Inn Traveler

HOLLYWOOD EAST:

IT'S A WONDERFUL WILMINGTON

When filmmaker Frank Capra, Jr., talks about Wilmington, North Carolina, the word “wonderful” often weaves its way into the conversation. It's no "wonder". Capra’s father, Frank, Sr. directed the hit 1946 feature, It’s a Wonderful Life. That said, it’s obvious the younger Capra’s love affair with Wilmington and its surroundings isn't the stuff of film fantasy.

Feature Presentation

“Dino De Laurentiis and I made Firestarter here in the early 1980s, and I simply fell in love with the area,” Capra recalled. “In 1997, I was asked to come here to run EUE/Screen Gems Studios--and I’ve been here ever since.”

Screen Gems, as it’s called locally, is one of many things that makes Wilmington wonderful. Thanks to the studios and unique locations throughout the area, Wilmington has hosted more than 400 productions. In fact, the city is now referred to as “Hollywood East,” home to the largest working movie production facility and the largest full-time film crew base east of La La Land.

Originally published in Atlantic Southeast Magazine (Delta)