A few places on our agenda are.......The Planters, Blackberry Farm, Paula Deens' restaurant, The Lady and Sons, amongst many others that are being added to our list...its going to be fast and furious!
RESTAURANTS, POINTS OF INTEREST, SHOPPING, HOTELS, HORSE FARMS, BOUTIQUES, FAIRS, ANTIQUE SHOPS, MUSIC EVENTS, BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBORHOODS (and if you want to invite us for a good old fashioned southern meal....we will oblige:) . Anything that you think is a "must not miss"...we want to know about it.
Now Paula this little blurb is just for you....I believe you are a kind, good hearted and gracious Southern belle (who I believe is truly sorry for what she said) and if every person in the public eye was held accountable for every word they have EVER said, there would be no one left I am afraid...so we will absolutely be making your Lady and Sons restaurant a MUST DO. I cannot wait and will be bringing my appetite and stretch pants:) but no worries I will make sure they are real pretty! So.....if by some chance Paula, Jamie or Bobby (or anyone affiliated over there) at Lady and Sons happens to be reading this, and you just feel so inclined to roll out the red carpet and treat us two Northern girls to some good fashioned Southern hospitality....we will happily be your guests! (wink).
So....this is where you come in everybody! Need to hear from you as I know you always have such wonderful ideas about all the must see and must do places, cannot wait to get busy taking notes. My pen and paper are at the ready.............
This is just a tiny sliver of what we hope to see......along (hopefully) with blue skies and sun (NO humidity at all) which equates to perfect hair days and just the right glow on my skin are preferable :) We are really looking forward to this little getaway and leaving our diets at the door (and skinny jeans)! So come, now it's on your turn, tell us what you think! Can't wait to hear all about your advice and tips!
Have a fabulous Sunday and end to your weekend!
Hey!
ReplyDeleteI live in Raleigh, NC and will have to tell you that August is the hottest month to come this way. Hoping for low heat and humidity is almost certainly wasted effort! That said, nights are wonderful and walking around Charleston is the best! Why Wake Forest? Just curious. I love you blog, especially decorating your home and Teddy!
I live northeast of Atlanta, but my son lives in Nashville. A must see in the Nashville area is the little town of Franklin. You will see horse farms getting to it and Franklin is quaint with lots of cute shops. I plan to go on a girl's trip there someday. I have never had enough time to spend there.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
Tina it might be hot but visiting the south is going to guarantee you a great time. And its not going to be any hotter than what the northeast has had this last week.
ReplyDeleteFor restaurants in Atlanta if you like fine dining I recommend Restaurant Euguene and Bacchanellia (sp?). We love the Ritz in Atlanta too (daughter goes to school there so we visit often)
Charleston and Savannah are two iconic southern cities, not to be missed. Have heard The Planters is a great place to stay. We were at Blackberry Farm three years ago, just beautiful, quite expensive but I have to be honest my son and nephew were very bored, to me its more of an adult retreat so not sure if young kids are involved?
Sounds like a lot of fun Tina.
Good morning Tina, I have lots of lovely suggestions for you! I am going to organize it all for you and send you an email later today. What an amazing trip... the food...and the homes...I love the South!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
The Swan House in Atlanta has long been a "right of passage" for the women of our family -- just celebrated my daughter's Sweet 16 there! They are very accommodating, great food, have a lot of history, fun shopping, and a lovely art gallery. I think the official name is Swan Coach House -- easy to find online.
ReplyDeleteThe University of Georgia has a beautiful campus, and Athens offers an off-beat downtown experience with churches and bars in almost equal measure! A unique town worth a tour, but UGA is very swampy in August so could be an opportunity for a trip in the fall or spring when it is as its best.
In my opinion the must-see in Georgia is the town of St. Marys. About 100 miles (99 to be exact!) south of Savannah it is the last stop before the Florida line. Nothing upscale or fancy, just an old mill town, but is truly a Mayberry by the sea. Small town history, lovely waterfront park, quiet walking. If you make it that far take the ferry to Cumberland Island. For a back to nature experience, it's heaven!
Hope you have a wonderful speed tour of the South! kelly (a Georgia reader)
Oh my, so many great places to visit. We had two children go to grad school at UNC and visited back in that area numerous times. One time we stayed at a great place outside of Chapel Hill called The Fearrington Inn. It was charming and the food was wonderful. Would recommend it. Also, so many good places to eat in Charleston and Savannah. We loved The Penisula Grill and Magnolia in Charleston. I don't think you can go wrong. We did not ever have a bad meal. We loved visiting Hilton Head and Kiawah Island outside Charleston and Savannah. They have become family favorites and our whole family, 14 of us, go to Kiawah now whenever we can. I love the southern hospitality.
ReplyDeleteyou will fall in love with savannah...one of the prettiest places on god's green earth! don't forget to visit the paris market there and take in all the squares. we always eat at paula's restaurant when we're there and it is true southern cuisine. if you have time, take a short drive to tybee island...paula's brother's restaurant is there and also the tybee island social club....a little hole in the wall but the best fish tacos and daquaris! we have not spent much time in charleston but i hope to remedy that one day. oh...so many places here in my beloved south...you can't go wrong with any of them on your list. we're just south of birmingham where my son lives and we're in the cradle of the confederacy...montgomery! we have a lot to see here too but you'll need more than 8-9 days to take in dixie!
ReplyDeleteSounds like such a great trip, Tina!!! Wish you were coming to Texas, though! :(
ReplyDeleteThe Governor's House Inn in Charleston is the place to stay! Built in 1760 we stayed in the kitchen house,I could move in!
ReplyDeleteAfternoon tea on the beautiful porch walking distance to Kingstreet and the best breakfast by far in the beautiful dinning room.
Have a wonderful trip!
I want to go with you!!! I have lived in the Atlanta area twice in my life. It is a wonderful place as well as a shoppers paradise. The one thing I suggest you absolutely do is go to the top of Stone Mountain in Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, GA. From the top you can see for many, many miles. You can either hike to the top or take the tram. There is also a small shopping area outside the park that is quaint. Go to the top of this mountain and you will never forget the views. I have been many places in the South and you will have a marvelous time. I will live vicariously through you on your trip. Enjoy and Blessings
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteWow, all of these places are wonderful!
Here is a link of one of my favorite places near me in Beaufort, SC.
http://www.palmettobluff.com/
Of course, I love Husk Restaurant in Charleston, visiting the plantations, shopping. King Street in Charleston is filled with antiques. I love Savannah too! Was not impressed with Paula Deen's restaurant either, just another tourist trap!
Tina this sounds like such a wonderful trip! I wish I could meet you girls for dinner up there! We just left Savannah on Thursday. We had dinner on River street. I would have loved to see all of the beautiful homes but I was traveling with 4 boys...my hubby included and they wouldn't have appreciated it that much. Although if I would have mentioned it my husband would have driven me around. We were all just wanting to get home, so I didn't even think about it. Next time! Have a blast!
ReplyDeleteI would add Asheville, NC and stay at the Grove Park Inn; see The Biltmore (George Vanderbilt's home). In Savannah, I would choose The Pink House or Elizabeth's on 37th for dinner and Mrs. Wilkes Boarding house for lunch. If you could get further South, include St. Augustine, FL because it is so old and interesting and pretty. Too bad you can't come to Birmingham (I would love to meet you) or New Orleans. It is extremely hot in all these places in August, so pack a lot of shorts and sundresses and sunscreen. The humidity is ungodly in Savannah so forget about a good hairdo. You will like an updo or a short cut much better. And pack a broad brimmed hat and comfy sandals with good support for walking all those cobblestone streets!
ReplyDeleteYou will love the antiquing in Charleston and Savannah especially.
Ellen
You'll love your trip, but it will be HOT! Savannah has awesome silver shops. Discontinued patterns, unique serving pieces you've never seen or thought of. You'll pick up some treasures, for sure. Take the "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" walk. Thank you for supporting Paula Dean. There's just no place for the judgmental hypocrisy exhibited toward her. AmericasMart is in Atlanta. You can register before you go or on the spot if you show up. Market just ended, but many showrooms are open daily. Just might find some treasures for your shop.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! Here are some of my must sees and do's (we took a similar trip a few years ago) and had an absolute blast
ReplyDeleteThe Swan House- Atlanta
The Biltmore- Asheville
Blackberry Farm is fabulous, we only ate dinner there but loved it, very elegant (more geared towards adults)
Atlanta Botanical Gardens- if you love gardening
Ritz Carlton Buckhead Hotel- loved it
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island was such a treat
Husk restaurant in Charleston excellent
There are so many more great things to see/do. If I remember more I will send them over. Just walking around and taking in all the southern charm to me was a highlight. Great shopping too!
There are several stops I think you should put on your list. In Nashville you should visit the Southern Living Idea House and her in Atlanta you should plan to visit the eco-friendly community of Serenbe which is about 30 min. south of Atlanta. You might even want to consider a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Also, if you happen to be in Atlanta the second weekend in August you should definitely plan to go to Scott Antique Market. Oh, and a must see store here in Atlanta is Boxwoods Home and Garden.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels.
If time permits when you are in and around Nashville… Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant in Franklin. Franklin is a really neat Southern downtown area. Union Station downtown Nashville is a real treat!!! Enjoy your trip!!!
ReplyDeleteKathryn
TINA!
ReplyDeleteAre you a Southern Belle my dear? I LOVE all of these places, some of them having been on my road map years ago when I lived on the east coast! You will make it to all of these destinations, I'm sure of it! Enjoy yourself and I await your return, loaded with gorgeous photos. I just adore those quaint, cobblestone streets and alley ways lined with restaurants and antique shops. Be safe and we're thinking of you! Anita
Thank you for sharing all your thoughts and beautiful lovely personal pictures each day..
ReplyDeleteI too would love to make that trip down South, and all your scheduled points of interest.
You make me want to plan that getaway ASAP.
Have a beautiful trip and so happy you have decided to include a visit to Paula's.
She will surely grace you with her genuine southern charm....she's the best.
Cathy
Tina- what a great trip you have planned. And looks like you are getting tons of good advice too. I have not visited all the cities you mentioned but will say we LOVED Charleston and Savannah, stayed at The Planters Inn, it was so amazing, can't recommend it highly enough! Be sure to visit Drayton Hall a fine plantation and city market and of course famous King Street!
ReplyDeleteHappy you will visit Paula's restaurant, The Lady and Sons, it was a quintessential southern experience, with great food and warm service.I think she got a bum rap and like you said if everyone had to own up to things they have said at any point in their life then we probably would have no one in public office of any kind!
Your trip sounds great, wish I could hitch a ride:-)
Just want to say "thank you" for producing such a beautiful blog. I no longer live in the South and therefore can't ask you to dinner during your trip, but I bet you will get so many invitations! Safe travels!
ReplyDeletehttp://mrswilkes.com/ is a must do in Savannah. The food is wonderful. I love Paula Deen too but I have to say the last time I was in town I had both in the same day and Mrs. Wilkes was by far superior.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun. I am jealous. I have only been to Atlanta in recent years for a wedding of a cousin, loved it there but honestly don't remember all the places, and restaurants, it was a blur of a weekend but let me tell you the southern hospitality thing is no myth, people were so warm and friendly. I need to get back there!
ReplyDeletePlease visit Upper Cumberland Tourism Association for possible venues! We also have developed the Upper Cumberland Quilt Trail which takes you thru some areas "off the beaten path." There are wonderful things to do in Nashville and the upper Cumberland. I would be happy to mail you a copy of our "Busy Bee" trader which list fairs, antique malls and shopping events in our state and the surrounding others. You may already have this! I live in Gainesboro which is a sleepy little town down the Cumberland River from Granville. We are north of I 40 , have about 100 acres on the river and Cordell Lake. I have the Blue Heron Studio. and we are always happy to offer you a place to stay in our guest lodging. Nothing as grand as your beautiful home, but sincerely offered.
ReplyDeleteOK Tina....if you step one foot in Atlanta then I better get to meet you:) If you plan it around the 2nd weekend....then of course Scott's is a must. Or we could have lunch at the Swan House or Local Three...or Tea at the Ritz. Just let me know and I will be there!!!
ReplyDeleteMartha Lous Kitchen in Charleston has the best southern food (friend chicken is out of this world) and I believe was voted best southern restaurant by Southern Living.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if you have time to visit Kiawah Island if so its a beautiful spot. We loved Jasmine Porch and stayed at The Sanctuary and had many good meals there as well.
Your trip sounds like fun. I would love to explore more great cities in the south, cannot wait until you do a recap.
We live in Boston but used to visit Charleston often (where my in laws used to live) and miss our visits there.
What a fun trip. Have loved being born in the south and living in the south my whole life! Charleston is awesome, so many great places to eat there. A few of out favorites are Hominy Grill, Amen Street Grill, Taco Boy are all great. Great scenery and houses to look at there. The market is fun with great shops all around downtown. The battery is a nice beautiful place for a walk. If you have time a drive to Kiawah/Seabrook is well worth it! Beautiful!!! In Atlanta, Lenox and Phiips Plaza are both great shopping. The Buckhead area is great for shopping, people watching, a d great restaurants.
ReplyDeleteI hate that you are missing Tx, so much to do, see, and eat there! Plan that for your next trip! Have a great time, can't wait to hear all about your adventures!!!
Tina ~ I live in Texas and own a small home decor/boutique south of San Antonio... We vacation quite a bit in GA, LA and AL...We have enjoyed Fairhope, AL (we were there a few weeks ago) Please update with everyone’s comments and favorites if you have time! I would love to take our family to some of these wonderful places as well! We have traveled to Biltmore (loved it) and the Blackberry Farm is on my list....waiting for daughters to be a bit older....Hope you receive many wonderful destinations!!!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Tina these are all destinations I've yet to make. As an American I feel guilty about that!
ReplyDeleteYou will love your trip and have a great time. I hope you are able to meet up with some our super bloggers along the way!
xoxo
Karena
2013 Designer Series & Giveaway!
I TOTALLY agree with you about the (tiny print) Paula Deen comment!! Have a fun, fun trip and take lots of photos for us. Lynda
ReplyDeleteWe have stayed at The Planters Inn & it is very nice.Agree that Mrs. Wilkes boarding house (also in Savannah)is a special place.Pearlz restaurant in Charleston was recommended by the locals & the food was really good.Also recommend Franklin Tennesee.
ReplyDeleteTina, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! So glad that you are supporting Paula:-) The media in this country is totally out of control....stirring up trouble at every turn! On another note, there are so many fabulous places to visit in the south...many great restaurants inAtlanta. You will want to shop Miami Circle, maybe pick up some goodies for your shop. If you are in town long enough, try to visit The fabulous Fox Theatre! Carol P.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great trip Tina!! Have a fabulous time, and if you're in Atlanta during the Scott Show it is a must!
ReplyDeletebon journey!
joan
You cannot by-pass Ashville even if only to see the Vanderbilt Estate. It's worth the time and route change. Believe me, you will D.I.E. over this iconic place in our country. I could go on and on and on, but you've got some great suggestions already. When you come to Houston you will stay with me and I will be your guide to both the high places and the low ones. xx's
ReplyDeleteHi Tina!
ReplyDeleteI've a Nashville resident, and here are my suggestions:
Things to See:
Cheekwood Mansion-- Bruce Munro LIGHTS exhibit
Concert at the Ryman, or even just a tour
Broadway at Night
Where to Stay:
Union Station
Hermitage Hotel
Where to Eat:
City House
Catbird Seat (if you can get a reservation!)
Etch
Rolf & Daughters
Capitol Grille
Rumours East
Lockland Table
Jeni's Ice Cream
Drinks:
Patterson House
Funny I cannot offer any suggestions but in Sept. my husband and I are doing a mini version of the same thing from where we live in Northern Va. we are starting in Charlottesville and working our way down so I am very grateful for all the suggestions here. So much good information!
ReplyDeleteI'm a southern girl so I might just have a few suggestions!! :) If you go to Savannah, you MUST eat at The Pink House in addition to The Lady and Sons. I feel the same way as you feel about Paula by the way. I forgive her and miss her... Anyway, The Pink House. Everything is good, but they are known for their flounder dish. Check it out!
ReplyDeleteCharleston is one of my favorite cities. If you like Thai food, check out Basil Thai. Best Thai food ever. Their Farmers Market is probably the best market I have ever been to. It's beautiful and they have really good food, too.
I'm in Atlanta, so if you come here, gosh I would love to see you. We have whole areas dedicated to interior design stores that you would LOVE. My favorite restaurants are Sotto Sotto (Italian), The Optimist (seafood) and Buttermilk Kitchen (best brunch I have ever had). The High Museum and The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are also fun to see in the summer. Let me know if you decide to come here! :)
I am from the south and highly recommend Charleston, Savannah and Nashville. We found the quickest way to cover a lot of ground in a little time in Savannah and Charleston is to take one of the on and off bus tours. You must add the Biltmore in Ashville to your itinerary. Also in Nashville eat at the Loveless café.
ReplyDeleteoh this has been a blast reading the comments!
ReplyDeleteatlanta is nearly my second home going down all the time for gift shows and scotts antiques.(really try to do that!)
having many friends in atlanta they all insisted i try the new 'kind and dukes' in buckhead, oh my, oh my; great food, crazy for the decor, fun people watching and NEED reservations.
ditto; franklin, tn, loveless cafe in nashville, optimist in atlanta, shopping in miami circle
ENJOY! (but august?) :-)
debra
Tina, we used to have a place in Black Mountain, NC. I think you would love Biltmore and Grove Park Inn in Asheville. I think you would also love staying in the mountains where it should b cool. Black Mountain, Cashiers, or Brevard are all mountain towns.
ReplyDeleteIf you travel I-24 between Nashville and Atlanta, slip off the interstate at the Monteagle exit and visit http://www.monteaglesundayschoolassembly.org/ and The University of the South at Sewananee.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl0_Q8FwLec&list=TLHOluEbBUDg8.
ReplyDeleteAnd believe it or not, there's some pretty amazing dining up there as well!
www.pearlsfoggymountaincafe.com
www.highpointrestaurant.net
www.ivywildsewanee.com
You'll be glad you stopped...
It's so hot and humid down here Tina, that you will melt if you visit Charleston, Savannah, and Atlanta. Don't want to put a damper on your plans but August is not the best time to venture into these towns.
ReplyDeletePlease understand that I love all these cities and have spent many great trips visiting them especially Charleston. But after reading some of the comments from your readers was surprised that others haven't told you the same thing.
There's a reason why people left the city and headed to their plantations in the summer or up to the mountains.
This heat and humidity is exhausting. I'm not a weather person but this summer has been really humid.
Love Paula Dean and her southern cooking but waiting in line to eat at her restaurant is not my idea of fun.
My suggestion would be to hit the mountains of NC (Asheville) and head in that direction (Tennessee). Blackberry Farms would be great.
I made a big mistake one August many summers ago. Sent my husband and son to a football camp at LSU and then to New Orleans for a few days. I wanted my son to see the school because we had started our college tour. Needless to say when he got back the first thing he told me was that he would never go to school there. It was too hot!
Linda
South Carolina
Hi Tina! I'm not a Southern Belle, but my husband and I were married in Savannah and we spent quite a bit of time there. We stayed and were married at The Ballastone Inn in the historic district. Such a wonderful Inn! My favorite restaurant is The Olde Pink House (A MUST really - gorgeous, historic building in a beautiful square!). We also liked the Chart House on the riverfront . We didn't go to "The Lady and Sons" because, honestly, when we asked around to the "local" folks, they didn't seem to like it all that much. Sorry :-( Let me know how you like it... There are SO MANY great restaurants in Savannah!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful trip!
Warmly,
Christine
Pink House usually has a formidable waiting list for seating. Make a reservation. There is always a line at Paula's too. If you see Paula, please give her a hug from me. If you get to Savannah you might slip off I-95 and pay a visit over to St. Simon's just so you can say you've been. It doesn't sound like you'll be coming close by me. Drive carefully!!
ReplyDeleteWe were in Savannah last year for a engagement party and spent an extra few days. Loved Paulas restaurant and of course Olde Pink House is southern at its best. Wonderful food in both places, different vibes.
ReplyDeleteStayed at Planters Inn which was beautiful and elegant, would definitely go back.
Tina we had a large family reunion four years ago at Blackberry Farm and I cannot tell you how special that place is.Its the kind of place you wish everyone would be able to visit at least once in their lifetime. Seriously amazing.
Enjoy your trip, sounds like such fun but bring a hat, its going to be hot but worth it:-)
Hi, Tina. I've been a faithful follower of yours for over a year now and love the posts. I'm a native Nashville girl - graduated from Vanderbilt then stayed in TN to obtain a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Now that I'm a mom of two girls, I mostly stay home but enjoy dabbling in interior design here and there. We have made our home in DC, but go home to Nashville yearly. I just wanted to mention that both Franklin (just south of Nashville) and Nashville itself are charming. Several very good restaurants and some great antique stores. And, definitely some charming old homes and architecture to see. f you're going to Blackberry Farm (which I cannot recommend strongly enough. Of all the places in the world we've visited, it is one of my all-time favorites, and I'm not just saying that because it's in TN :), Nashville is only about a 3 hour drive. So, it would be easy enough to include.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Southern tour!
Best, Elizabeth
Cashiers, NC is one of my favorite mountain towns, quaint and wonderful shopping and dining. Others have listed so many wonderful spots, and I will say that The Biltmore is NOT to be missed. The GARDENS at this time of year are amazing!!!!!!!! And the views. Can't wait for your pictures! Have a FABULOUS trip! XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteHi Tina, You've GOT to put Savannah on your list. My family has lived there for years and I visit my parents many times a year! I've compiled all of my favorite shopping, dining and drinking haunts in one post on my blog. Do check it out :-) xo Amanda
ReplyDeletehttp://dixiedelights.blogspot.com/2012/06/guide-to-delightful-savannah.html
I don't live down south but have been and you're going to need at least two days in Charleston and Atlanta. You're going to have so much fun and I'm a tad jealous but in a good way!
ReplyDeleteXXX
Debra~
I'm from NC and live up North! Skip Winston Salem and head to Asheville instead! Mountains!!! The Biltmore Estate!!
ReplyDeleteJust saying... when you reach Blackberry Farm, check your pulse, because you will think you have died and gone to heaven! You will so enjoy all those places. Charleston IS my favorite city.
ReplyDeleteScott Antique Market - 2nd weekend of each month - Friday to Sun (Aug 9-11). Not to be missed in Atlanta. Two buildings full of antiques, decorative items and random stuff. Great Vietnamese restaurant (dive - Dai Loi) up the street to fortify you with pho during a fun day of hunting. You will love it!
ReplyDeleteNikole.
Charleston Place Hotel is one of the top places to stay in Charleston. If you make it to Savannah - it is worth the drive to go to The Cloister on Sea Island in Georgia. One of the nicest hotels in North America. THe Cloister Building is unbelievable. Thats the building I like to stay. The grounds, service, decor, food...the rooms amazing. And the Spa is incredible.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others about adding Asheville, NC and The Grove Park Inn, and seeing the Biltmore Estate! Sounds like a fabulous trip!!!
ReplyDeletei love franklin, TN. i am gonna keep checking back to the comments section here since my husband and i will be visiting savannah and charleston this year--keep me posted, mama!
ReplyDeletehugs.
michele
Looks magnificent - never been there, but can't wait for your report.
ReplyDeleteOh, Tina, how exciting!!! Ditto on the above comment from Leo. Charleston Place hotel is one of my favorite in the world and I am looking forward to staying there a few days in August too! King Street is "the" shopping street in Charleston and not to be missed. If you want to see great beaches, Kiawah and Wild Dunes resorts are both wonderful. Jestine's Kitchen has great southern cooking. As another commenter said, I would skip Winston Salem. Other than Old Salem it is very industrial to me and not worth your time for a short trip. I would definitely add Asheville as the Biltmore Estate is not to be missed. I am 3 hours from Charleston and 1 hour from Asheville (5 minutes from Interstate 26 which connects the two cities) and would love to host you for a meal if I am in town when you pass through. In Asheville, the Biltmore Inn on the estate and the Grove Park Inn are both great. As for shopping, the Antique Tobacco Barn, the Screen Door and several other great shops are 5 minutes from the Biltmore House. You also need to read Christie's post on Blackberry Farm at Three Pixie Lane http://threepixielane.blogspot.com/2013/07/blackberry-farm-top-ten-things-to-do.html
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the follow up post from this trip!!
Charleston . . . Charleston . . . Charleston!!! Stay at the lovely French Quarter Inn and dine at the Cru Cafe--be sure to try their macaroni and cheese! For your carriage ride, go to Palmetto Carriage. By the way, on your way south, take a few hours to stop in Richmond at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts!
ReplyDeleteBetty in Richmond
www.fqicharleston.com
www. crucafe.com
www.palmettocarriage.com
Charleston is always a fav of mine. It's divinely southern! It has it all from the architecture, gardens, history, food & the friendliest people on earth. A southerner's paradise. I have been so many times and have been to just about every restaurant they have and never once have been disappointed. So no matter where you go, I'm sure you won't either. (The only place I've had better is New Orleans;))
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend checking out their barrier islands while you're there. Then when you return home, get yourself copies of the series of books about life in low country written by Dorothea Benton Frank. She's an excellent writer and I guarantee you'll feel like you're there again! Promise :)
Savannah's beautiful too and I've been to Lady & Sons but was disappointed. Maybe because I'm a born & raised southern gal and my mama's cooking is hard to beat when it comes to true southern, comfort food. If I was going to Savannah anytime soon, I would probably stop by but only because I feel Miss Paula got a raw deal and well, it would be the nice thing to do to show her some love & appreciation.
Wherever the road leads, you're sure to love it all. May the Lord bless & keep you safe throughout your travels. Can't wait to hear all about it!
If going to Charleston, you HAVE to grab a meal at Virginia's on King - breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, the food is FANTASTIC. Call for reservations if going for dinner; they're popular & can fill up fast (not a huge place). Everything's fantastic...the food, the people, the atmosphere. Enjoy your trip. Just remember - it's the South, so even in August it's nice-n-warm!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from Charlotte :)
Asheville, NC- The Biltmore House (they have an Inn too). Plan to spend an entire day there. Beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Southern girl! It's REALLY hot down here, so bring your water bottle:) ADAC in Atlanta is now open to the public. Otherwise, most places I'd suggest have already been mentioned. But to reiterate, here goes. In Atlanta: Scott's Antique Market (2nd weekend of every month), retail shopping at Lenox Square Mall & Phipp's Plaza; antiquing on Miami Circle, Bennett St, etc; the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca Cola exhibits/museum. Franklin, TN (and Nashville) is great! Have a great trip. Can hardly wait for you to blog about your adventure.
ReplyDeleteKaren T.
Tina, I see that I am late to the party again.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the rest of the comments about the South in the summer it is HOT and HumiD!!! That said you are going to have a great time. Savannah is a must, I visit there every year and love it more and more. We always go to the Old Pink House(reservations) or Elizabeth's on 37th or the Saphire Grill. Stay at the Inn on Forsythe Park, great hotel. Lots of great shopping, at One Fish Two Fish and there is a great French Market Store on the main street, take in the beautiful SCAD stores to purchase current art from some of the SCAD students.
In Charleston there are so many great places to eat but at the moment the only thing I can thing of is Magnolia's.
Asheville is a must. The Biltmore House is spectacular, as is the Grove Park Inn.
If you are in West Virginia/Virgina, check out the Greenbriar and the Homestead. Both are great! While in the area you can visit the White Sulpher Springs and take the "waters".
If you go further south than Savannah, visit Cumberland Island, there is only one hotel and no cars allowed but it is beautiful. And Jeckyl Island is beautiful too, it is the island where the Vanderbilts, Carnegie's etc built their hunting lodges, a beautiful place to visit and bike around.
Atlanta is great too, do visit Scott's if in town when open. Buckhead neighborhood has a ton of great restaurants and stores.
I cannot wait to see more of the suggestions from everyone else. Have a great day!
i'd love to share with you about an amazing antique store in maryville,tenn..you will be near it if you go to blackberry farm...i have a farm near knoxville,tenn. and i also live in atlanta,ga..i'd love to tell to be sure if you can while in atlanta, please go to antico's for the best pizza in the usa...also right beside it is gio's..go online and check out their websites...it's such a fun,easy dining experience..
ReplyDeletewould you like for me to tell about other interesting places while in atlanta.....i don't know if you like eating a dives and if you do..you gotta go to hankook's tacqueria...korean tacos..amazing sesame french fries...you would crack up with the decor...my husband told me the other day that the decor even gets attention but the food is so yummy and you'll be glad you eat there...it's on the westside of atlanta....
look up star provisions..it's the closes we get to france...5 star dining. "bacchanalia"..i feel like i'm at the king's table when we eat there..i always cry when we go there..i feel so loved,seen and enjoyed...a dining delite.....don't miss it...we buy our coffee from there..batdorf and bronson..you gotta buy some...they make their breads, meats are made in house, lovely desserts..they also have another place called "abattoir".....i have lived in atlanta for 15 years...i attend church of the apostles if you are in on a sunday, come and worship there...we have a 14 acre farm near knoxville...we have restored the smoke house, the barn, woke up the well, the house is an old log cabin that daniel boone's grandson built with added slave made bricks...it's a lovely property...we grow lots of corn,"maters", taters, onions,okra,hoarseradish and make our own sauce...my husband,lee ,bought this canner that is bigger than a green egg grill ha,ha.....
i make all our jams and jellies and the best part of having this farm..i get to give it all away..it's fun to come back from a log cabin on a dead end road and bring back all my city friends and give them things from our harvest..they love it....i have rarely written to a blogger like this...but i have enjoyed watching you build your home..one of these days i've gotta buy something from your online store...i hope i've not bothered you with this wordy email...feel free to call me if you'd like for me to tell you about other southern delights..
i can tell you some great things about charleston too..i was their last july for a visit..i lived in st.simons island,ga..so going to savannah was like the biggest deal to visit..but i like charleston better...God bless your family, your business and your blog...emailing is not that easy for me..i'm an old fashion letter writer with wax seals and pretty paper..so i hope this info. helps you with some of your travels...i'm going to maine on august 1...it's my first trip up north....we're going to stay in kennebunkport....than in novemeber i'm going to london and the countryside...sincerely,deborah
I couldn't agree with you more. As a transplanted southern belle (I'm originally from Baltimore, then NYC, LA and now Palm Beach Florida), Paula Deen has said something that we have ALL said. No matter what race (including blacks) or religion we have all called someone something derogatory. No denying it. What I think is even worse is to try and ruin someone over something so stupid. As a Jew Cracker ( I am white and Jewish), I have been called this on several occasions in Predominantly black Baltimore and did not try to ruin the persons who used this term. Humans will be human, get over it and move on.
ReplyDeleteAll great suggestions here, Tina, but you must come to Beaufort, NC and visit!! We have a room waiting... Happy Monday!!
ReplyDeleteTina, not too much experience in the south but we loved Charleston and Savannah, two cities that to me sum up the essence of fine Southern living. Being a Bostonian, this was a real treat for me and honestly I could easily see myself living in either place.
ReplyDeleteWe loved Paula's restaurant and I thought the food was authentic, its casual and can get loud but fun. I hear its even harder to get into now, longer lines than ever I guess the publics way of showing their support. I think the media decided to roast her and that they did, but I still think she will have the last say and laugh.
We loved Old Pink House and celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary there, very special place. We took a private plantation tour too which I would highly suggest. It was like going back in time, and so unique to the area. I know whatever you do will be such fun, and looks like you have more than enough suggestions here, reading through them makes me want to go back!
How I wish you were planning to visit in October, when the North Carolina mountains are in their glory; you could sample Blowing Rock and our up-and-coming Piedmont wineries. I hope you will visit Winston-Salem, home to the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, Old Salem, the UNC School of the Arts, Wake Forest University (thanks for the beautiful photo in your post!), a thriving downtown Arts district, and chi-chi-la-la fashion and interiors boutiques. I can understand another commenter describing my hometown as "industrial" since it was the cradle of Sara Lee, RJR, Krispy Kreme, and USAirways. But it has always been an elegant city full of gracious folks, and you will always be welcome here. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteOh what fun! I've never been to the South - except to Durham and Atlanta for Nordstrom (and had to spend all my time in the stores during those visits). Sounds like you're getting all sorts of great suggestions. My husband still raves about Foster's Market from his Duke business school days, as does one of my best girlfriends (who is one of the best cooks I know) so that could be worth a stop if you pass through Durham or Chapel Hill. Happy Planning! XO
ReplyDeleteOh my, where to begin! I am a southern girl transplanted in Colorado and miss many things about the south. Southern hospitality is not a cliche, some of the most welcoming people in the world. Savannah, The Pink House restaurant and Mrs. Wilkes restaurant (warning, there is usually a line!). If you have time get off the interstate and enjoy the Natchez Trace parkway, it runs from Natchez Miss. to Nashville Tn. Beautiful country. Too many things to mention, I am jealous, ENJOY! Go Gators!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are driving up to Lexington KY from your visit to Blackberry Farm. Our lovely city is a real must see, with world class horses, their horse farms, 7 colleges & universities, a innovative entrepreneurial spirit, award winning dining, and beautiful homes.It is your kind of town with real neighborhoods and even better it is a very livable small city. Come and see for yourself.
ReplyDeletePlease visit http://gardenandgun.com/ website for all of the fantastic and 'secret' choice dining places, things to do, in the great cities of the south, and the hideaways. Too bad Birmingham (my home town) isn't on this trip. Have fun. This is a fantastic magazine and website for all things southern.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
Linda Lowe
Charleston is my favorite southern city and Asheville might be my second. The Planters is wonderful and the best breakfast in Charleston (those biscuits... mmmmm). Magnolias restaurant is a modern take on traditional southern food. Never disappointing. King street is a must for shopping. Rainbow row is iconic and worth seeing. Even though I visit Charleston often (and my husband is from there!) I enjoy the carriage rides. A horse pulls you through the city and a guide tells you the history on all the buildings and sights. A great way to see everything without sweating to death trying to do it on foot!
ReplyDeleteAsheville has Biltmore. Enough said!
You've received some wonderful recommendations, and I will echo a few:
ReplyDeleteIn Savannah, Paula's restaurant has pretty commercialized. Dare I say it is a bit of a tourist trap now? Elizabeth's on 37th is one of the best - if not THE best - in the city. Mansion on Forsyth is a great hotel.
In Charleston, Virginia's on King and Cypress are both fabulous, but there are SO many incredible restaurants there.
Do check out Garden & Gun magazine's website - they have the best, authentic recommendations.
In Nashville, it's a bit out of the way but a true down-home gem: Loveless Cafe. The best biscuits you'll ever put in your mouth. Fried chicken too.
I think you probably have all the suggestions you need but here's your dining for Charleston:
ReplyDeleteMcCready's. It's a totally a foodie place-locals dine there. I have had some of the most magnificent meals there. Bartenders are mixologists (but not in a hipster way) and the menu is ever changing. It's a tasting menu type place.
Husk is good but kinda touristy. Wherever you go, get reservations.
As some people mentioned…it will be hot. Like hellfire hot. And humid, hard to breathe humid. My Charleston clients all spend their summers in St. Barts or the Highlands. So be prepared and dress accordingly--I would hate for you to get heatstroke!
Email me if you need other recs!
Tina,
ReplyDeleteIf you drive from Savannah to Atlanta you must go through Madison and Monticello.....the old antebellum homes are breathtaking. Wish you had time to come north of Atlanta to spend a day on Lake Lanier and get to visit our little hamlet of Clermont at the foothills of e NorthGa mountains. Please do try The Swan House and Scott's Antiques while you are in Atlanta. Welcome South! Wish we could all get to meet you while you are here!
Candace Turner :-)
If you are coming through Kentucky, Lexington and Paris have gorgeous horse farms and offer tours. You can no doubt see a former or future Kentucky Derby winner!!
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteIn Atlanta, if you really want some "south in your mouth" try Mary Mac's or Gladys knights Chicken & Waffles. The Varsity is an Atlanta Experience not to miss. I also recommend Athens Ga, home of REM, the B52s, and the nation's oldest chartered public university. Great little town!
And PS: don't miss Scott's if you are there the 2nd weekend; I actually saw Paula Deen there one time.