Marcia Brody originally from North, South Carolina (and there is a North)–we actually have friends and have spent many USC football weekends there on the pond.

You gotta see:  Part I:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGRKTkS7pW8

Part II:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1soi77QTd8&feature=watch_response

South Carolinians are proud of their hometowns:  North is not far from Columbia and Orangeburg. Links to the right………

As we always say:  “Come, See!”  “Come, Live!”

The Selection

Tasting History & Health with Wine, by Liz Mitchell

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

Greg & Disel & Rhonda w/New Find

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!

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.

In upper SC

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!

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!

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.

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

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

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!”

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!  Here’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.