Southern Byways

Due to technical difficulties, Tales from the Road was delayed.
Well, as much as I hate it, all good things must come to an end, even my visit to the beach. There really isn’t a better way to end it than with a bang by attending the 30th Annual Destin (Fla.) Seafood Festival, followed by dinner at Commander’s Palace (yes, that one.)
Not only was I returning back to HarborWalk (yes, a lot of events and activities go on here), but so was the Destin Seafood Festival. After 30 years, the event was coming back to the place that it started – …read more

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They say every house a story, and this couldn’t be more true than at The Magnolia Grill located in downtown Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
But before I go into the story of the home, let me talk about the food. I was lucky to have a taste of the kitchen, that is I had the opportunity to try a little of everything, including dessert (more about that later.)
Tom Rice, owner, cook (not chef, he says) and all-around fascinating Ft. Walton-ite, says he got his start in the restaurant business at the early age of 17 working at an …read more

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The challenge guidelines set forth by Bon Appetit Management Company to their cafes are simple: chefs can only use ingredients produced within 150 miles of their restaurants, with the exception of salt, of course.
Are they up to it? Of course, and on September 30 -  it’s game on.
During the 4th Annual Eat Local Challenge, around 400 locations in 28 states will take part in this day dedicated to bringing local bounty to the table. At one of the participating cafes, executive chef  Robert Garrett of Oglethorpe University Cafe, Atlanta, Ga., says it’s their time to go all out to …read more

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Be sure to bring you appetite with you if you’re traveling in the South this weekend. If you love food, well, this is the place to be.

Have a craving for some Cajun food? Head to the Lydia Cajun Food Fest in Lydia, La., on September 12-13, and enjoy two days filled with fun and of course, food.

Searching for seafood? It’s all about the underwater delicacies during the Biloxi (Miss.) Seafood Festival on September 13-14. From shrimp to crawfish, it’s all here for you.

Need some barbecue? Well, this weekend, the choices are aplenty throughout the region. There’s the “Pig Out …read more

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Growing up in the South, I was taught there are certain things that you don’t talk about, such as religion, politics, college football teams and barbecue, with company unless you really want to provoke them. Everyone has their strong opinions on each topic, and it’s not worth trying to get them to see your side.
That said, when it comes to barbecue, it’s as varied as the South itself. What you find in Austin, Texas, you won’t find in Memphis, Tenn. What you find in Memphis, Tenn., you won’t find in Chapel Hill, N.C. What you find in Chapel Hill, N.C., …read more

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During the last evening of my Hilton Head Island, S.C., getaway, I enjoyed the much required seafood dinner. Honestly, you can’t leave any beach with having seafood at least once (or in my case, many times.)
One of my favorite places is the Old Oyster Factory. One thing unique about the restaurant is that it’s built on the location of an old oyster cannery. You also can’t get any better than here when it come to views from the restaurant. The style of the restaurant allows for water views  and sunset watching.
When it comes to the menu, the appetizer …read more

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As a general rule when I’m on the road, I’m always on the lookout for good, local places to get breakfast. Well, I definitely made a discovery this morning.

The Flamingo House of Doughnuts (843/686-4606), located in the Park Plaza Shopping Center (near the movie theater and Harris Teeter), is somewhere you can create your own doughnuts. You decide on the glaze and the toppings , and it’s made fresh for you on a homemade thick cake doughnut.  If you’re watching your calories, this isn’t for you. But since you’re on vacation, anything goes, right?  They also have their speciality …read more

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Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend in South Carolina or North Carolina. Well, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is there’s a lot happening. The bad news is that it’s going to be hard choosing what to do.
Let’s take a look at some of the events happening during the holiday weekend.
In South Carolina

You can’t bypass BBQ on Labor Day weekend, it’s just not right. Come to Myrtle Beach on August 29-30 for the Beach Boogie & BBQ. This event is the real deal when it comes to South Carolina BBQ competitions. Not only do …read more

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If you find yourself in the deep south, that is Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia, during Labor Day weekend, don’t worry because there is A LOT going on. Whether you like food festivals, fireworks or laser shows, you’ll find it in this region.
Here’s a short list to get your started:
In Alabama

It seems to be all about the food during the holiday. In Burkville, you can celebrate okra during the Annual Okra Festival on August 30. The day-long festival features locally grown produce and other food,  live music, arts and crafts, and children’s activities. Have your fill of sweet taters at …read more

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Why not go all out and celebrate the end of summer Texas-style? You know the Lone Star state will celebrate Labor Day weekend in a rather “large” fashion.
Here’s an idea of what’s happening around the state:
For those who enjoy food festivals, there’s the 35th Annual World Championship BBQ Goat Cook-Off taking place on August 30 in Brady. The event includes arts and crafts booths, a goat lunch, goat cook-off competition and a street dance. It’s fitting that Texas would hosts a celebration that included the world’s largest chili pot. During the Chili Superbowl XXVII in Buffalo Gap on …read more

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