North Carolina, one of the nation’s top craft beer states, celebrates the craftsmanship of 100 breweries and destinations that embrace it with the return of NC Beer Month in April. N.C. Beer Month, co-sponsored by the Division and the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild, directs travelers to a rising range of beerscapes, from brewery-rich cities and welcoming towns to unexpected finds in lesser-known places. Major festivals, singular events, special-edition beers, lodging packages, beer dinners, and brew schools showcase the breadth and depth of the state’s appeal. Continue reading “N.C. Beer Month Returns in April”→
Grab your honey and head for Myrtle Beach for some great off-season fun!
Some people think of Myrtle Beach primarily as a summer beach or golf destination, but there’s plenty to do off-season along the Grand Strand.
Accommodations: Get some great winter rates at Marriott’s Resort & Spa at Grand Dunes. Enjoy an oceanfront/view room or a 2-bedroom villa. Walk on an uncrowded beach, have a drink in the bar with an ocean view, or indulge at their Hibiscus Spa with a winter special of two mini spa services (facial, manicure, pedicure or massage) for just $85.
Upscale dining:
Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro
(1)The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro(Little River, SC) Featuring “Low Country French Cuisine,” this unique restaurant is located in a quaint Victorian home built in 1910. With several fireplaces and private dining rooms this is the place for a great romantic dinner! The staff will gladly share stories about how the house is haunted!
Select from the Chef’s 7-course Tasting Menu, a 4-course “Prix Fixe,” or the La Carte dinner menu. I selected the Cote De Beuf (Cadillac of Steaks) while my husband had a daily special of Beef Wellington. The Brentwood also boasts a huge wine selection. In fact, several rooms are totally wallpapered with wine corks! Chef Eric Masson, who holds three culinary degrees, won first place in the 201 1 Coastal Uncorked Iron Chef competition.
One of Myrtle Beach’s favorite spots for breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner Croissants Restaurant & Bistro on Grissom Parkway won’t disappoint. My husband and I had dinner there recently, experiencing Chef Bradley Daniels’ special creations. Continue reading “A Romantic Getaway in Myrtle Beach, SC”→
Want to experience a different side of Charleston, SC? Then don’t miss the BBQ, Bourbon & Bluegrass Hoedown on Saturday, November 9, from 7-11 p.m. at the Charleston Visitor Center Bus Shed. The 2nd annual Lowcountry Hoedown is a celebration of Southern fare & libations set to a fiddle!
Sip & swig on bourbon, moonshine, and whiskey cocktails from over a dozen distilleries including Charleston’s own Striped Pig Distillery, scheduled to open later this year. Enjoy craft brews from three great Southern states, including local favorite Holy City Brewing. Nibble and nosh on BBQ, brisket & tasty Southern treats from Lowcountry restaurants and artisan food vendors. Continue reading “BBQ, Bourbon & Bluegrass”→
Did you know that North Carolina has over 100 wineries and a new North Carolina Wine Guide has officially arrived and is available free of charge. The wine guide is funded and produced by the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services, but it will now be distributed through the Division of Tourism and can be ordered online or by calling 1-800-VISITNC or 1-877-3NC-WINE.
You can also visit their website for downloadable ready-to-go wine trails. (Click here).
It’s true. I just discovered that the North Carolina Potato Festival will take place in Elizabeth City on May 18th from 10 am. until 10 p.m. Some of the fun and unique activities include:
“Anything but Fries” Restaurant Challenge
National Potato Peeling Contest
Little Miss Tater Tot Contest
Lucky Duck Derby Race
Car & Motorcycle Show
Cornhole Tournament
Live musical performances on the Main Stage are planned throughout the day and feature a wide array of music. In addition, there are arts and crafts, concessions, activities and rides for children, and a grand finale Street Dance under the stars.
Interesting facts about potato growing in North Carolina
North Carolina produces over 18,500 acres of potatoes for commercial sale valued at approximately 23 million dollars.
North Carolina also ranks about 17th in the nation in cash receipts for potatoes.
Most of North Carolina’s potatoes are grown in Northeastern North Carolina along the coast.
Potatoes grow best in Northeastern North Carolina due to the rich, sandy soil and high mineral type soils found there.
Southern-Traveller 