From December 18 to the 25th, Stacy and I will be in North and South Carolina. We’re starting and ending in Chapel Hill (well, Carrboro), to visit friends and their new daughter! We’re planning on seeing Charleston, Columbia, and Winston-Salem as well (got to go to Old Salem).
Suggestions for points of interest along this route are welcome. Historic or food-oriented a plus!
When you get to Charleston, try visiting Middleton Place Plantation for an expensive historic tour a la colonial Williamsburg, or Cypress Gardens for a black water swamp in a canoe surrounded by alligators and led by a Gulah island native. And you must go back to my favorite restaurant, Gaulart and Maliclet. (Known as Fast and French.)
Peter,
When in Charleston check out Hyman’s Seafood. While it is touristy, the owners actually do customer research. When I was there earlier this year, while waiting for our order, they had us do taste testing on new shrimp breading , and at the table next to us a manager asked them to review upcoming tshirt designs.
But more importantly the food was amazing and decently priced. I posted a whole review of the experience over on my blog: http://blog.colonyinteractive.com/2005/05/hymans_seafood_truely_gets_it.html
Have fun in Charleston. It was an amazing town to visit.
Actually, Hyman’s is *incredibly* touristy, so much so that you’ll wait up to three hours for a seat and find the food is mediocre at best. Skip it if you value your time since the seafood isn’t even that great compared to what else you can get in the city. When I lived in Charleston I spent most weekends eating at South End Brewery, not far away, and the Library Bar and Grill, which sits atop a four story hotel and will give you the best view in the city.
Again: from a Charleston semi-local (and a friend) SKIP Hyman’s!
I strongly recommend BBQ & Ribs in Graham, NC, just off the interstate (I-40/I-85) between the Triangle & the Triad. It’s the best barbecue in the world! Yup, I said it…that is, if you like Eastern North Carolina style. I stop there every time I’m near there.
BBQ & Ribs