The Selection

The Selection

Tasting History & Health with Wine, by Liz Mitchell

Taste South Carolina

Taste Conway, SC

 

Our visit to Hyman Vineyards produced much more than is expected at a typical wine tasting. Greg Hyman’s vineyards, tasting room, country store, and vineyard homesites will soon be discovered by groups thirsty for a look at the land as well as the wine production.

Just five miles out of downtown Conway, Greg’s refurbished tobacco barn is the site of a good bit of history. He’s an exceptional and knowledgeable speaker on South Carolina agriculture and its changes over the years.

Also, his research begun 12 years ago with partner Dr. Bob Bibb has produced extensive information on the health effects of the grape — the muscadine — called the super fruit. Wow! Who knew? One of only two muscadine estate vineyards in South Carolina, this visit also delivers the perfect view of grape growing and the bottled product of these vines.

The wine can be purchased in Boulineau’ s in Cherry Grove or in 25 different Piggy Wiggly stores. The experience can only be found in the vineyard itself with tours and tastings offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12 Noon until 6 pm. Tasting is $5 per person and includes a souvenir glass. Tours are $5 per person with a group of five.

Watch for more news soon about the Bacchus Festival scheduled for October 7.

Come Taste the Experience at Hyman Vineyards.  A perfect addition to our Wow People and Places as we Celebrate South Carolina and especially its land and its products.

History Discussion

History Discussion

Greg & Disel & Rhonda w/New Find
Greg & Disel & Rhonda w/New Find

 



We saw Hank in Bishopville recently at a multi-class reunion.  Hank Martin, Bishopville/Sumter, SC native, now in Nashville, TN.  He wrote South Carolina on My Mind:  http://vimeo.com/1820062  Visit his site at http://www.hankmartin.net/

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Hank, do you know Kathy Trocolli?

Well, I met this next person at a recent Women’s retreat in Fayetteville, NC.  And, she is a WOW person in my book.  An Italian New Yorker, Kathy Trocolli, now lives in Nashville, TN.  She is a Christian Songwriter and Singer.  Great testimony, too!  https://store.kathytroccoli.com/  She also wrote with a friend:  Spaghetti for the Soul.  Check her out!

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But not from Camden, South Carolina.  Met Aaron McCargo, Jr., or better known as “Big Daddy” on Food Network host of Big Daddy’s House.  He was at the TASTE gourmet food show in Myrtle Beach this weekend.  He is definitely a WOW person in my book.  A true gentlemen of the Food Network Celebrity Chefs.  You can read more about the show at www.1800ToRelax.com

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What a beautiful weekend and Saturday proved to be one of the best.  A trip to Myrtle Market (our local farmers’ market) was first to gather a good vegetable dinner for Sunday! 

And then to Art in the Park, where I met 2 SC artists that I’m adding to my list.  Their websites are to the right.

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In upper SC

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Ray actually has some WOW photos of South Carolina.  You can see some of them on his website.  I’m sure I’ll be sending him some of my photography to put on canvas.  Great idea for gifts. 

Heather grew up around Charleston and now resides in Darlington.  I hope to get up there to write about Darlington.  Heather has her color wheel handy so that she can produce a piece especially designed for you.  You can commission her to create a piece for that spot on the wall that’s been longing for the perfect coastal art.

Oh! I have to mention Friday–my trip to Mr. Harrelson’s garden.  Our trip usually comes a little sooner than this; but, the pickings were a little slim.  The trip through the countryside was wonderful to get there.  Sights and smells brought back memories.  The Homestead-The Harrellsons-The Loot!

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The Carolina Cup represents the South’s Opening of Spring.  Saturday, March 27, 2010 in Camden, South Carolina.  GREAT Road Trip and only about 2 hours from the beach or anywhere in the State!

Official website:  http://carolina-cup.org/index.php  Make plans to take the trip.  You’ll love it!

Google 200 Knight’s Hill Road in Camden, SC for the Map and how to get to Springdale Race Tracks in Camden:  http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Don’t forget to wear your hat!  It’s the thing to do!  You may want to read my article in the archives about:  What do horses have to do with dirt roads!



Our recent visit to Bishopville, SC, took us back to a multi-class reunion.  I was sitting there with a couple I had just met–the Andersons from Rock Hill.  Ann Elliott walked in and I said, “there’s my cousin.” He says, “ if she’s your cousin then so am I.”  It was Ann’s brother.  We got to know each other better.  You see, the Browns are from Brown’s Town right there in Lee County.  His granddaddy and mine were brothers.  Davis & Charlie Brown.

You might want to visit the Natives of Lee County blog by Johnny Reames:  http://natives-of-lee-county-south-carolina.blogspot.com/.   I’ve added the link to right under WOW People and Places.   The following are some pictures taken while I was there.  I’ll try to put them in a slide show.

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Oh, What a Night!  Please bear with me Celebrate South Carolina to include my 40th High School Reunion!  Wish I had taken more pictures.  Camden is a great place to live, work & play–and abounds with history.  Check out the Chamber site to the right under Cities in South Carolina.  I’ve several stories in my category collection of postings to the right.  Please read them if you will.

Camden is a  horse & history little town.  The day of our class reunion the Colonial Cup was going on–one of the great social events of the year in Camden. 

The link is: http://www.carolina-cup.org/colonial-cup.php

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We had over 300 people graduate in 1969 and probably had around 100 plus at the reunion.  Great memories!  Great friends and a great place to come back home to!  Hope that some of you Camden friends will help me “Celebrate South Carolina!”

Oh! Lisa’ Swensson, one of our class officers is currently the Director of the Hickory Museum of Art  http://www.hickorymuseumofart.org/home.php.  A WOW person from CAMDEN, SC that now lives in Hickory, NC–check out Cities in NC to the right!

If you have pictures from the event and you’d like them included, please send with a caption to nnashmb@sc.rr.com and I’ll include them on the slide show above! 



Oyster Festival in Brunswick County

Oyster Festival in Brunswick County

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Calabash, NC, just across the South Carolina boarder is a great little fishing village and filled with so many restaurants–it’s noted for its seafood.  

NEW YORK TIMES Travel Section has written an article on a little of the history and  about how it became Calabash “Style” Seafood.  http://www.nytimes.com/1983/08/28/travel/in-calabash-nc-it-s-seafood-aplenty.html 

The Seafood Festival & Car Show with be held 11/16/09.  We suggest that you visit this weekend and check out the scenery and seafood.  You can read about the event to the right at on Festivals and Events or click 1800ToRelax Events:   http://800torelax.wordpress.com/ for particulars on the event.

Calabash, NC, a WOW place to visit or live!  We always say, “Come, See! Come, Live!”

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Well, I learned last week that hiking is a great way to spend a beautiful day with friends and nature.  The photos above were taken last week while staying in Gatlinburg, TN.  A great place to visit and if you need a rental company, we recommend www.mountainchalets.com

I was pretty worried about the hike, for I felt unprepared physically.  However, my friends pushed me through it and it was quite wonderful.  A mile and three-quarters up/lunch/mile and three-quarters back down the mountain in a total of about 4 hours.  A great thing to do and a great place to visit!  This was Megan’s trail near the 441 National Ranger’s Station.  There’s a historical hunt and fish club that I’ll post some pictures and links later.

I realize that Gatlinburg is not in South Carolina; but, the mountains are!  marthacamera-309Here’s a picture of me on the way down.  The girls said, “This was my right of passage!”  Thanks, for a WOW time on the mountain trail, girls.  I’ll be back in March for another excursion.



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Small town life in South Carolina is all about neighborhoods filled with real families. Nothing could be finer than gathering with friends and neighbors while meeting new friends. Festivals in our small towns are one of the best celebrations of our state and its great people and places.

We savor the season’s best with fall events which are especially delightful right now when the busy summer is gone and the weather is at its most perfect. Just what nature intended for pure enjoyment of the outdoors — a festival for weekend entertainment.

Festivals usually revolve around food. The centerpiece may be chicken bog, shrimp, oysters, crabs, barbecue, yams, you-name-it! If we don’t already have a festival especially for it, well maybe we’ll dream up a new one! The star of the show is only an excuse for the event of course, as vendors always offer additional tastes suitable for street food. What great opportunities for sampling dishes we would not (or could not) create at home!

Live entertainment showcases lots of local and regional talent with music and dance, sometimes with clowns and much more.

Unique arts and crafts exhibited at festivals also are  part of our celebration of the outstanding talent which we find throughout our state.

Loris BogOff SlideShow!

 

Almost every fall weekend brings a new opportunity, free or inexpensive to browse, especially for meeting people and enjoying the sights and sounds of our small towns. Winter and spring will bring even more opportunities for getting together too. Check our events category here often for suggestions of happenings.

How do you celebrate? What are your favorites? Anything special you want to know about our festivals or our small towns? Your comments and questions are invited!

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