While summer begins its wind-down and fresh vegetable bins are at peak capacity, I am thinking of one thing: deviled crab. Obviously, I am feeling a disconnect between the season and the local culinary landscape. I have good reason, though, as I make preparation to head off to Daufuskie Island for a few weeks of secluded work. If you’ve ever spent any time there, you already know the deviled crab is legendary. The Lowcountry waters surrounding the quirky little island are the perfect environment for growing the crafty, crusty critters. In another time, they signified much more than good eating for the Gullah community that called this sea island home.

Experience something new this year by seeking out something old. Take a ride through the Wild West on a real steam engine, view the sea from the top of a wooden coaster, explore the workings of a coal mine, or meet a fairytale mermaid. For a real blast from the past, journey to a forgotten land where dinosaurs still rule the landscape. The biggest attraction, however, might be the prices, which are just as old-timey as these beloved theme parks.

Bookworms and bibliophiles have their pick of cozy, eclectic South Carolina bookstores. Whether you're a collector, an avid reader or just love the sweet smell of aging printed pages, chances are you're not too far from an independent purveyor of books. Typically, such shops are quaint spaces with inviting nooks, shelves of new and used books, and sometimes the aroma of brewed coffee emanating from a back-room java bar. Got a morning or afternoon to spare? Here's a dozen of fascinating bookstore

Lively, alluring and always pulsing - that pretty much sums up the nightlife and entertainment scene along the Grand Strand. Whether you want to take to the mic for karaoke, bust a gut at a comedy club, show off your moves on the dance floor, be dazzled by a musical show or simply listen to some head-thumping live music while drinking a cold beverage; you're invited to the party! Every section of the Strand has a bevy of bars, clubs and theaters to feed your need for grown-up fun. DJs and local

Fulfilling your Myrtle Beach vacation dream begins with choosing where you'll lay your head at night. There are as many lodging options as there are attractions and activities, which means you can tailor your choice to perfectly suit your budget and style. Plan ahead so your room is what you expect. Whether you desire a romantic luxury experience, a roomy home away from home for the whole family, a quiet vintage beach cottage, a motel room in the bustling heart of the Myrtle Beach strip, a modes

Morning coffee on an oceanfront balcony, writing names in the sand, dreamy beach sunsets, candlelit dinners, the soothing sound of the surf at bedtime-this is the stuff of romantic Myrtle Beach getaways. Escaping with your sweetie to the Grand Strand is a surefire way to fan that spark into a fully-involved bonfire. With so many activities framed against the backdrop of the great Atlantic and adjoining waterways, romance is a given whether you're taking a relationship to the next level, honeymoo

There's far more to Myrtle Beach than surf and sand. It is an area rich with culture, history and unique natural wonders, too. These treasured regional aspects are documented and displayed - sometimes for preservation and learning, sometimes just for fun - at the many museums along the Grand Strand. Revelations await you, so don't wait for a rainy day to go. Visit one or more exhibits to see, touch and experience this region of South Carolina in new and surprising ways. Learn about the Native A

Country superstar Darius Rucker might be crooning about amore in his hit song, “My Masterpiece,” but these words could easily apply to another love of his: a live audience. When the pandemic prompted inevitable show cancellations in 2020, it wasn’t just a blow for fans—musicians were feeling the loss, too. As the festival circuit shut down, it left a significant void in Rucker’s world. After all, it was through festival performances as front man for Hootie and the Blowfish that he first connecte

For the First Time When was the last time you did something for the first time? Yeah, yeah, let yourself go, come on follow that feeling. Maybe something new is what you’re needing. Taking a chance on love might be the obvious sentiment of this refrain from Darius Rucker’s hit song, “For the First Time,” but South Carolina’s favorite musical son holds to a broader interpretation. To him, it’s also about falling in love with new experiences and crossing them off the old bucket list. It’s no

The texture. The tanginess. The terroir. The temptation. Cheese is irresistibly delicious and infused with all the complexities of fine wine. But you don’t have to get technical to reach the most important conclusion: the palate knows what it loves and, for a ton of folks, that ardor leans heavily toward cheese. Dairy farms and creameries across the Palmetto State are rich sources of tasty, small-batch cheeses. Our skilled cheesemakers take pride in their wares, be it wheels of nutty Gouda, bri

Fall for Greenville For three days each October, downtown Greenville heralds the season with Fall for Greenville, one of South Carolina’s most popular festivals and one of the biggest food and music fests in the Southeast. Live music, beer, wine and food from dozens of local vendors, kiddie activities, competitions and more make this free event a fun way to usher in autumn. Oktoberfest Break out the lederhosen and dirndl for this lively gathering in downtown Greenville’s NOMA Square. Bra

Many Palmetto Moons ago, the Waccamaw River met the Great Pee Dee, thereby creating a sweeping stretch of sandbar called Sandy Island. Steeped in mystery and wild beauty, the island is owned by the Nature Conservancy, which oversees the 9,000-acre wildlife preserve, a rich ecosystem where rare plant life as well as screech owls, great blue herons, swallowtail kites, endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers and other animals live. If you enjoy bird-watching, fishing, hiking, environmentalism or just s

Top-notch fishing, boating and golfing amidst the vast beauty of Lake Marion - it's a recipe for high adventure that annually lures thousands of sporting enthusiasts to the Santee area. While the old-school fish camps are favorites among those seeking casual, unfussy lodging, some folks prefer a few more creature comforts. Suit yourself by beginning and ending your day in upscale luxury, down-home comfort or something in-between. After a day of reeling in big bass or working up a sweat on the g

You've got your beach chair, Bocce ball set and sand bucket. Ready for some fun in the sun? Good. Build that sandcastle, catch some rays, play a few games, then plan to experience the great coastal outdoors in new and unexpected ways. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to outdoor activities on the Grand Strand - the gear and guidance you need are always at your fingertips. All you need to do is pick your pastime and bring a sense of adventure. Water fun - it's a given when you choose to v

It used to be that a family night out involved loading kids into the family station wagon for a visit to the drive-in movie theater. Once parked, dad headed to the concession stand for a greasy, cheesy pizza while the kids kicked around on the playground, and mom clipped the speaker on the car window and adjusted the sound. When those first images flickered on the screen, it was time to settle back with a pillow and blanket and watch movie magic unfold on the big screen. When the nation's first

My journey began at the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), where I picked up an official Pecan Trail Passport. The booklet is not only your map to participating establishments, but a ticket to acquiring pecan-related gifts. Visit each location, make a purchase and have your passport stamped. When you have enough stamps, head back to the CVB to claim your prize. Four stamps gets you a nifty nutcracker; eight stamps, the nutcracker and a Pecan Trail drawstring bag; and a fully stamped

People flock to Myrtle Beach to experience the sunny beaches, world-class golf, fresh seafood, live entertainment and varied amusements. There's another worthwhile reason, however, to spend time along the shores of South Carolina: history and heritage. Come learn about the compelling past of the Grand Strand as it springs to life through the many tours, exhibits and preservation efforts being carried out at area heritage attractions. Explore the grounds of a former plantation that survived the

The stories of South Carolina’s past come to life at historic inns across the state. From surviving the destructive forces of war to serving as residences for famous folk to offering respite to significant historical figures, these special establishments pay homage to bygone days and the people who occupied them. Here is a sampling of some of the state’s most historic inns, each steeped in old-school elegance and operated by proprietors who want to share their property’s particular history with

The first step to any great girlfriend getaway is deciding where you want to go. Not. If you want to plan the perfect getaway for you and your gal pals, begin with what you have in common. Perhaps you share a love of cooking and dining. Or maybe you were drawn together by a mutual interest in outdoor adventures. A variety of experiences await you in South Carolina, where the ultimate girlfriend getaway is just a planning session away. Pick an activity you all love and then have fun building ar

The smells, the sights, the flavors - food festivals are a multisensory experience and South Carolinians can't seem to get enough of them. Not only do they showcase the best of local bounty, but they provide a stage for dedicated farmers who harvest from both land and sea, and chefs whose inspired treatment of food products create sensational dishes that thrill and wow. These fests go for days and draw crowds from across the globe: Five days of pure gastronomic pleasure at the epicenter of Sou