Growing up on the East Coast, I was spoiled by the immense natural beauty that exists on this side of the country. From scenic fall drives through the mountains to spring afternoons spent sipping wine amidst the rolling hills and summers on the pristine beaches of the Carolinas, each season brought serenity and wonder in different ways.
Read MoreWe are blessed to live (and eat) in beautiful and bountiful Beaufort, so when it’s come to dining out in the Lowcountry, we’ve found many Food Network-worthy hotspots across the region over the years. Some restaurants seem ideal for Guy Fieri and his searing hot hit show, “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” while others could be on “BBQ USA” and “BBQ Brawl,” as well as many Lowcountry chefs seemingly shoe-in winners on shows like “Chopped” or “Beat Bobby Flay.” With geographic and dining diversity across the Lowcountry, here’s a baker’s dozen overview of 13 foodie destinations we think are Food Network-worthy.
Read MoreIdeally situated just south of the Myrtle Beach area and 60 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina’s Hammock Coast features a wide variety of stops for flavorful meals and snacks, as well as creative libations to help drink in the beautiful coastal views, historic towns, and more.
Read MoreLake City, South Carolina—located in the central part of the state just 25 miles south of Florence—came from humble agricultural beginnings at the turn of the 20th century. Today, Lake City has parlayed those agrarian roots into a vibrant cultural arts scene and destination, with a burgeoning tourism industry and a community that shines a spotlight on the Southeast.
Read MoreWhether you spell it barbecue, barbeque, BBQ, or simply Q or ‘cue, South Carolina offers more diversity when it comes to barbecue than any other state in the nation. From various meats and sauces to tasty restaurants and award-winning pit masters, the Palmetto State—and particularly the Pee Dee region—are right on barbecue.
Read MoreOne cool thing about the Carolinas in the fall? You can stroll a sandy beach in the morning and admire mountain foliage in the afternoon. All it takes is an easy drive to the leafy Appalachian Mountains, which blaze red, orange, and yellow from mid-October through early November.
Read MoreThe recipe for a new restaurant in Georgetown is peppered by a dash of history and a pinch of poetry, but the most important ingredient in the creation of Between the Antlers was the influence of the divergent groups of people who have called this historic coastal city and its environs home for centuries.
Read MoreRaleigh flies under the radar as a U.S. culinary destination – and it shouldn’t. With James-Beard-nominated chefs expanding their culinary empires, old and new restaurants garnering national accolades, and locals enthusiastically promoting the city’s dining riches, Raleigh's restaurant scene will not be a “hidden gem” for long.
Read MoreA travel darling for more than a decade, Greenville has earned accolades as a top destination from the likes of Condé Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, and Lonely Planet. And rightfully so
Read MoreCharlotte looks buttoned-up at first glance. Sleek skyscrapers. A tight grid of uptown streets. Plus, it has that no-nonsense reputation as a major banking hub. But this serious facade hides a fun and fast-growing city, winning raves for its innovative museums, unique outdoor adventures, high-profile sports teams, and inviting neighborhoods. It might be time to take a closer look.
Read MoreThe Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, majestically arching over the Charleston Harbor, is impossible to miss when you visit Charleston and its surrounding communities. Erected in 2005, this visually impressive cable-stayed bridge has shepherded numerous cars, bicyclists and pedestrians safely between the city of Charleston and the neighboring town of Mount Pleasant.
Read MoreForget what you think you know about Columbia. Yes, the downtown is still home to the University of South Carolina. And state legislators still convene at the capitol, where the scars of Union cannonballs mar the granite walls. But these days, students, politicians, and cannonballs are not the only hallmarks of the South Carolina city.
Read MoreShould we call Murrells Inlet the best fishing village along the Atlantic coast, the seafood capital of South Carolina or simply a quaint and welcoming town that has managed to avoid the commercialism of nearby Myrtle Beach?
Read MoreAlthough most of us are familiar with the pleasant languor of the Lowcountry, Georgia’s Golden Isles represent distinctive pace and culture that define them as their own magical destination.
Read MoreJust a few miles to the east is Tybee Island, Savannah’s “beach community,” where the quirkiness of the city pairs with the casual, natural vibes of the shoreline. If you thought the pace of life in “Slow-vannah” was leisurely, welcome to “Tybee Time,” where everything is come-as-you-are and a bathing suit is a year-round necessity.
Read MoreIf you ask most people in the Charleston area where they prefer to hit the beach, you likely won’t be surprised to hear the usual suspects headed your way: Folly, Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms. You may even get the occasional Kiawah beach goer.
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