Welcome to the South Where All the Fun Begins
With the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, the town of Asheville has morphed into more than just a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This small mountain town, known as the “Paris of the South,” is a hotspot for farm-to-table restaurants, lively music, arts and crafts, upscale shopping and a wide variety of seasonal festivals.
Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains, this 100+ year- old, AAA Four-Diamond resort hotel is known for its elegance and southern charm. While every season is spectacular at the Omni Grove Park Inn, the winter holidays kick it up a notch with special events such as the National Gingerbread House Competition, delicious holiday dining, live music and festive decorations. Read entire article originally published in the November 2015 issue of Luxe Beat Magazine.
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:
(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.
(2) Croissants Bistro & Bakery
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”
If you go to Pawley’s Island, don’t miss this wonderful and unique dining experience. Frank’s opened in the 1930’s as Marlow’s Supermarket and was a favorite local spot for making phone calls (it was the only phone in Pawley’s at the time), buying groceries and catching up on gossip. In the 1970’s Salters McClary, a high school student, worked summers for Frank Marlow. After graduating from college and returning to Pawley’s Island, Salters approached Marlow (who was retiring) about leasing the building and opening a restaurant. In 1988 Salters and Elizabeth McClary opened a restaurant and named it Frank’s after Mr. Frank Marlow. Today Frank’s is a beloved establishment among the locals and one of the best restaurants in the Carolinas. Continue reading “Frank’s Outback Restaurant–Pawley’s Island, SC”
Southern-Traveller 