Some Like It Hot Video & Blog

I love the springtime in the South. The dark days of winter become just a memory, and warm weather signals an opportunity to get outside and enjoy an abundance of natural, unique and historical sites. Dogwoods are blossoming; the redbuds are sporting their pinkish-purple blooms. Crawfish and crab boils, fish fries and music festivals are springing-up in every southern state from Arkansas to West Virginia.

But, there may be nothing more inviting on a perfect spring day than a tour through a southern city's beautiful downtown historic district.

I recently came across a unique walking tour in one of the South’s classic beauties, Milledgeville, Georgia. What makes Milledgeville distinct is that it actually served as the capital of Georgia during the Civil War; obviously, history envelops this town as much as the natives' Georgia drawl.

Heck, the city is even in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the only city in the world to require trains to stop at a red light. Can you get anymore unique than that?

In Milledgeville, you can venture back in time with driving and trolley tours of the city's historic district and witness such landmarks such as the original Governor's Mansion, the Old Georgia State Capitol, the Flannery O'Connor Room and the Baldwin County Courthouse, which dates back to 1887.

If driving or riding the trolley is not your thing, a new audio walking tour will be right up your alley. Complete with a map, Mp3 player and guided audio featuring narration, music, sound effects and dramatizations, it just might be the most interactive tour this side of the Mason-Dixon Line.

The audio tour perfect for the tech-savvy traveler and adds that extra element of entertainment for friends and family who tag along. And unlike the trolley tours, the audio tour can be taken anytime of the day and at your own pace, not just on scheduled starting times and stops, leaving plenty of time for shopping and a lot of good eatin.'

For more information on Milledgeville or the walking tours, please call 478-452-4687 or visit www.milledgevillecvb.com and request a visitor's guide.

So by now you’ve figured out that I love lists almost as much as traveling around the South and that I’ve totally been intrigued by Forbes magazine’s recent listings.  The Grilled Octopus and Braised Lamb at Kyma in Atlanta, Georgia was recently selected by one of the world’s top 10 chefs as a “meal worth traveling for.”   Here are some snippets:

Some eat to live. Others live to eat. They're called foodies, and they're so dedicated to their quest for the next great meal that many are willing to travel to the other end of the country and, in many cases, to the other end of the world just to experience it. Here are a look at travel-worthy meals selected by 10 top chefs.

Who Picked: Rick Moonen, executive chef of Restaurant RM and R Bar Café at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

The Meal: Grilled Octopus and Braised Lamb at Kyma in Atlanta

Why: "This Greek restaurant serves up innovative food in a hip environment. The grilled octopus and the braised lamb are a celebration of authentic Greek food presented in a clean way. I would walk to Atlanta just to eat here again."

For more information, visit www.buckheadrestaurants.com/kyma.html.

I know a lot of you are laughing at the irony that seems inherent to me in the subject line for this blog entry.  I too have trouble equating “Southern” with “weight loss” since in my home Southern cooking and southern recipes usually involve a lot of butter, a lot of fried food and a basket full of biscuits.  Remember too, I’ve the one who introduced you to Maxine’s Chocolate Cake.  However, like the rest of the world, Southern Chefs, spas, resorts and travel destinations are taking America’s problem with weight in to serious consideration and are now offering healthful alternatives and cooking classes.

Take for instance Duke’s Diet and Fitness Center in Durham, North Carolina.  Their five-day program includes includes access to medical, behavioral, fitness and nutrition evaluations, as well as meals. Along with weight loss, clients often feel more energetic and improve their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The optional Lifestyle Coaching program provides six months of supportive follow-up calls.

Hilton  Head Health Institute in Hilton Head, South Carolina also offers at least a week and attend the Healthy Lifestyles program, which teaches techniques for coping with stress and controlling cravings through meal planning. Cooking demonstrations show guests how to keep it up, and personalized fitness programs help lower their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Unwind with a late-day massage or stretch and relaxation class.

Both were recently recognized by Forbes magazine.

However, working on your weight loss doesn’t have to be all you do when you are there.  Adventure and magnificent scenery await you including whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking, camping and waterfall treks.  There are tons of Festivals and Attractions in both areas (and plenty of restaurants to test your will power).  Not to mention, beaches to fortify your resolve.  Check out the travel packages at the Travel South USA and have them help you plan your trip.

Until next time…

It’s that time of year.   I’ve got a bunch of mom and dad friends who are taking time off to tour college campuses with their high school junior and senior kids (I can’t believe one of the kids I once babysat is now a Senior in  High School-ugh!  How time flies).  From the University of Florida, to Alabama’s Auburn, to Vanderbilt, Duke and Tulane, the roads and skies of the South are heating up with soon-to-be empty-nesters and college freshmen.   Knowing how hard it was for me 20-something years ago when I was making plans to leave home, my advice to all of them is to try and enjoy the ride, make a fun vacation out of it, soak in all the sightseeing they can and check out the culture, food, shopping and opportunities in each city.  In fact, I’ve sent a lot of them to Travel South USA to make plans before they hit the road.   

I also came across Forbes magazine’s recent list of Best Business Schools and was pleased to find out that of the 56 schools ranked, a whopping 11 are located in the South.  What’s great is that Travel South USA has information on each of these cities readily available to my friends and, even better, so does Southern Living (did you know we have Southern Living magazine articles from them on our website now?). 

Here’s where the South ranked in Forbes’ list with links back to more information on the TSUSA site for great trip ideas:

Best Business Schools

4.   Virginia – Charlottesville, VA

12.  Duke – Durham, North Carolina

15.  University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

23.  Emory – Atlanta, Georgia

24.  Tennesse – Knoxville, Tennessee

31.  Wake Forest – Winston-Salem, North Carolina

32.  Vanderbilt – Nashville, Tennessee

34.  Georgia Tech – Atlanta, Georgia

44.  Tulane – New Orleans, Louisiana

51.  Florida – Gainesville, Florida

54.  South Carolina – Columbia, South Carolina

For those of you seeking “green destinations” in the South I’ve found just the ticket for you.  Popular Science recently released its rankings of America’s 50 Greenest Cities recently.  Not surprisingly, seven Southern Destinations were on it.  Using raw data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Geographic Society’s Green Guide, which collected survey data and government statistics for American cities of over 100,000 people in more than 30 categories, including air quality, electricity use and transportation habits, Popular Science compiled these statistics into four broad categories:  Electricity, Transportation, Green living and Recycling and green perspective. 

Most notable Southern cities were Huntsville, Alabama which ranked 18^th on the list and Lexington, Kentucky at 25^th.  Lexington was also distinguished as a category leader for its Recycling and green perspective. “Lexingtonians recycle everything from surplus electronics to scrap metal, and they listed the environment as their third most important concern (behind only employment and public safety)—the highest ranking in our survey.”  For more information on each of these cities, check out our new articles page courtesy of Travel South USA and Southern Living magazine or our Maps & Distances page and get started planning your next road trip to a greener South.

Southern stars making the green list are:

18.  Huntsville, AL

25.  Lexington, KY

30.  Alexandria, VA

33.  Athens-Clarke, Georgia

41.  Newport News, VA

42.  Louisville, KY

50.  Greensboro, NC

Ok, ok…I watch my fair share of CNN.  It’s true.  So….the other day I was watching CNN and one of the anchors started talking about these women he met in New Hampshire for the primaries earlier this month (or was it last month).  He referred to them as “political tourists.”  Apparently, they don’t live in New Hampshire but flew in so that they could be a part of the excitement that is the political primary season in New Hampshire.   

What an interesting new trend, I thought.  With that, I did what all Internet-addicted Americans do…I “Googled” it, I “Asked Jeeves” about it and I was captivated.  As one writer put it, “it’s like when people fly into New Orleans for a jazz festival…except that these are political junkies” who fly from Quebec, New York, Massachusetts, Cleveland and even overseas to check it out. 

So, with that, for all you “political tourists” out there I have one tip…www.TravelSouthUSA.com.   In that one site, you will find all you need to plan your political tour of the gorgeous, beautiful and politically active Southern states as well as articles from the pages of Southern Living magazine.  From dining to shopping to festivals and attractions, it is all there.  And for those of you who can’t make it in person, you can take the South home with you by downloading some great Southern Recipes.  Here are two of my personal faves…

First of all, how often does one get to use the word “fortuitous?”   But it IS fortuitous that this month TravelSouth USA is offering Canadians a chance to win a trip to my second favorite Southern state-South Carolina.  Psst…it is only second to my home state of Arkansas where I was born and have lived my entire life.   But back to the giveaway…it is  HUGE.  The VIP pass must include entry in to 30 different venues in Charleston including the Carles Towne Landing State Park, a round of golf at one of my favorite places, Kiawah Island Golf Resort and a chance to learn about lowcountry cuisine from some of the top chefs in the country at Charleston Cooks!.  To learn more about the trip to Charleston, SC visit the TravelSouth USA website.  In fact, you can check out this video from Southern Living magazine there.

Last, but certainly not least for the media, it is further “fortuitous” that this is also the month of the South Carolina primaries where names like Clinton, Obama, Edwards, McCain, Romney and Huckabee are fighting it out for  political leadership.  I sure hope Candy Crowley, Tim Russert and all the political news analysts in town to cover the Presidential primaries know about TravelSouth USA’s Dining site so that they can visit places like Bowen’s Island (which is back in business after a fire in 2006) and Louis’s at Pawleys when they are in town and share the great experience that is the lowcountry.

In fact here’s one of the recipes I found at Louis’s at Pawleys website:

Enjoy!  Until next time…

I just heard that four Kentucky poets, Lynnell Edwards, Erin Keane and Ben Lesousky of Louisville, and David Harrity of Nicholasville, will read from their work at the first Tapas Tuesday of 2008 at Holly Hill Inn in Midway, Kentucky.  The reading will be on January 29^th.  As an English major, I’ll go anywhere to hear poetry but, unfortunately, I had to ask, “What is a Tapas Tuesday?”  Here’s what I learned from Genie Graf: the tradition of serving food on small plates, or tapas, originated in Spain. These small plates of food can be shared among friends, or several can be ordered as a meal. The dishes, such as gambas al pilpil (shrimp in garlic sauce) or a Spanish tortilla, can range from spicy to light, soups to meats, chilled or hot. 

Sounds awesome.  Gene also told me that vegetarian options are always available at the Holly Hill Inn. Cost for each plate will range from $5-$10.

Holly Hill Inn is at 426 North Winter Street in historic Midway, Exit 65 off I-64, minutes from Lexington, Frankfort and Versailles. Hours are: dinner, 5:30-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; brunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; weekday lunch by group reservation only in winter. Reservations suggested for dinner and brunch at (859) 846-4732. For menus and more information, visit www.hollyhillinn.com.

We've also got articles from Southern Living magazine about Kentucky as well as other locations throughout the south at http://www.travelsouthusa.com/travel-talk/Default.aspx?id=25.  Check it out!

One of my blog friends asked me the other day “What is Lowcountry Cuisine Anyway?”  Well, I’m no expert, but my definition is cooking that features ingredients predominantly found in South Carolina’s Low Country (as in geography) including Charleston and Savannah.  It’s the stuff Pat Conroy must have been eating when he wrote Prince of Tides (one of my favorite books, but not my favorite movie…in my opinion, the book is almost always better.  For favorite movie, see: Steel Magnolias.)  I digress…Lowcountry cooking has a strong French influence, is full of seafood and reminds you a whole lot of its kissin’ cousin, Cajun cooking.  As someone once told me, “it is the food of the water”

Wikipedia also educated me on some foods that, while some are new to me, are traditionally part of Lowcountry cuisine include She-crab Soup, Sweet Potato & Crab Soup, Charleston Red Rice, Hoppin’ John, Frogmore Stew, Perlau, Oyster Roast, Crab Cakes or Shrimp & Grits. 

With that, here’s a recipe for Frogmore Stew which, according to the South Carolina Encyclopedia, originated in the Frogmore community on St. Helena Island near Beaufort. 

Until next time, enjoy!

Yes, you can learn to cook the Southern way. All across the South cooking schools and Executive Chefs teach the magical tricks of their trade. This month, Travel South USA is offering a Charleston getaway package that features a class at Charleston Cooks where Lowcountry and visiting celebrity chefs entertain and inspire. Check out other Southern cooking schools and interactive cuisine experiences on the TSUSA Flavours site.

In fact, here is a great Crab Cakes recipe that I can’t wait to try.  Please send me some of your favorites as well or your thoughts on great cooking schools of the south.

Lowcountry Crab Cakes

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

Lightly toss lump crab meat, onion, parsley, mayonnaise, mustard, pepper, salt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, eggs and 1/2 cup bread crumbs. Form to make eight (8) crab cakes. Heat the unsalted butter at medium heat in a large iron skillet. Roll crab cakes in remaining bread crumbs. Place in heated butter and cook until golden brown, turning once to cook the other side. Careful not to burn! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with tartar or remoulade sauce and lemon wedge. Enjoy your lowcountry feast!

View More Southern Recipes

January is a great time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains.   In fact, Wilderness Week in Pigeon Forge begins its 18th annual on January 12-19, 2008, with a series of outdoor themed activities designed to connect visitors with the outdoor world of the Great Smoky Mountains.  Nearly 100 experts on nature and the great outdoors will host walks, hikes, seminars and lectures on a wide variety of topics, including Smoky Mountain history and plant and animal life. A number of Wilderness Wildlife Week programs are designed for children.

Guided Wilderness Week hikes through the Smokies range from easy, relaxed walks to more strenuous, multi-mile treks. Topics vary with individual hikes. To properly prepare for daylong outings, hikers are encouraged to bring gloves, head cover, rain gear, lunch or trail snacks, a flashlight and an extra pair of socks.  A complete hiking checklist can be found at http://www.mypigeonforge.com/winterfest-03wwwhike-checklist.asp.

Wilderness Wildlife Week offers activities for all ages and attracts thousands of nature lovers to Pigeon Forge. The International Festivals & Events Association has recognized Pigeon Forge Wilderness Week for its environmental and educational efforts.

Wilderness Week activities are offered free of charge and also include the 2^nd Annual AppalachiaFest, the musical component of Wilderness Wildlife Week, which will feature Dr. Ralph Stanley this year.  The Music Road Hotel & Convention Center is the headquarters for the event.

In its December issue, Southern Living magazine spotlights two North Carolina eateries for their talent in making one of my favorite indulgences - banana pudding.  Gary’s Bar-B-Q in China Grove and Clara Marie’s Authentic Southern Bakery, located at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, are both featured for their mastery of this Southern specialty. 

I’ve been meaning to plan a trip to Greensboro.  Did you know that Greensboro is the home of Replacements Ltd.?  For those of you unfamiliar with them, they are the largest selection of old & new dinnerware, china and crystal.  Replacements Ltd is a great place to visit online if you are looking for collectibles or if your china or crystal pattern has been retired, and you need a replacement piece.

Greensboro is also  a furniture shopper’s dream come true.  You can visit Boyles Furniture, Thomasville and Drexel Heritage all in one day.

If history is your thing, you could tour the city’s historic sites including Guilford College, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, the Greensboro Historical Museum, the Blandwood Mansion and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 

Last but certainly not least, NASCAR fans can visit the museum that honors the seven-time Winston Cup Champion Richard Petty at the Richard Petty Museum. 

But back to where I started, banana pudding…send me your favorite recipes while I do some web surfing on its history.  I’m pretty darn sure, like all things wonderful in my life, it started in the South.

Until Next Time…

This year marked my family’s 50^th Anniversary of eating Thanksgiving dinner together.  Started by my great grandfather, each year somewhere around 60 folks get together to break bread, share stories of the past year, check out the newest “significant others” brought home by our college-aged kin (God love ‘em for their bravery) and remember days gone by. 

One of the things I love most about the holiday season are the traditions that make my family, my family.  First, we absolutely do not have Thanksgiving dinner without sausage.  Yes, we have the cornbread dressing, the mashed potatoes, the Turkey, the cranberry sauce, etc.  But, dinner absolutely cannot be served without someone having pattied out and fried up some Jimmy Dean sausage (preferably as spicy as it comes).  As I recall, it all started with my great grandfather’s need for something spicier with his Turkey and not once in my life have I had Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner without a piece of sausage on my plate.

Maxine’s Chocolate Cake is the second must for every holiday occasion.  My grandmother made the absolute best chocolate cake you will ever think about tasting.  Since her death, my father has picked up the tradition and he would not even dare think about attending a church or family gathering during the holidays without it in his hands, leading the way as his ticket through the door.  As my grandmother said, and I have witnessed, it takes all day and every bowl in the kitchen to make, but mercy!  It is worth it.  I’ve shared the recipe below.  It is without a doubt an absolute gift and this holiday I am going to try to make it for myself (for the first time!)

Until next time…Happy Holidays!

One of the activities I love most when I travel is visiting toy stores, especially this time of year.  No, I’m not talking about the big box stores, although they certainly serve a good purpose.  I’m talking about those great hole-in-the-wall, mom and pop stores where customer service is everything and where one-of-a-kind gifts for kids of all ages can be found.  Places like Once Upon a Time in Biltmore Village.  I love this place!  They have toys, they have books, they have gift items and, if you go upstairs to William and Grace you can find “timeless fashions for girls and boys ages newborn to 12.”    In fact, I recommend you have someone take the kids over to Claying Around while you are shopping for all those Christmas goodies.  At Claying Around the kids and adults can try their hand at the potter's wheel, paint their own pottery and even paint their own glassware.  Good, dirty fun – everyone will love it!  After all that shopping and creating, everyone will enjoy some food.  Pick one of the handful of restaurants in the Village and you are sure to find something good.  Restaurants include, The Corner Kitchen, Hot Shot Café, Kismet Café, La Paz, Chelsea’s and The Village Tea Room. 

But don’t take my word for it, I’m hoping you will send me your thoughts on some of the best Toy Stores in the South. 

Until next time…

Welcome! I can’t think of a better time to launch a blog about what’s hot in Southern travel and tourism than the late fall. To me, the South really comes alive when the evenings get cooler, the days are still warm and the trees have turned a potpourri of reds, orange and gold. While I know it signals the hibernation of the leaves and summer, everything seems so alive and brilliant. I enjoy watching the children jumping in huge mounds of autumn leaves and, being a self-proclaimed photography fiend, I absolutely can’t wait to jump in the car and head down some of my favorite southern highways and byways in search of the perfect shot. First route? Arkansas’s Pigtrail Scenic Byway through the Boston Mountain region of the Ozarks. It is always GORGEOUS. On the way up, I think I’ll detour through the Arkansas wine country by visiting Post Familie Vineyards & Winery and Wiederkehr Wine Cellars and Vineyard at in Altus. Really interesting stuff and who would have thought you’d find the “wine country” in Arkansas?

November is also my absolute favorite holiday of all time - U.S.A. Thanksgiving. Who doesn’t love Fried Turkey, Bourbon Pecan Pie and Baked Cheese Grits? I am blessed to have a terrific family and extended friends to visit with over the long holiday weekend. Our getaway with kids and my handsome husband included a trek through Georgia and North Carolina to Tennessee. The foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains are picturesque this time of year. Taking in all the sites of the area, we didn’t resist hopping on the Arts and Crafts Trolley in Gatlinburg. The trolley makes an eight mile loop to easily visit shops, studios and galleries of over 80 working artists and craftsman.

I recently met Chef Phil Evans of Heron’s Restaurant at The Umstead Resort and Spa, when we travelled to Canada with a delegation of southern travel industry folks. What a tremendous chef and outstanding resort. My next visit to Raleigh will definitely include indulging in modern Southern cuisine like lobster, foie gras, and sirloin. Chef Phil’s menu includes ingredients grown in North Carolina and from the Umstead’s own herb garden. Heron's also offers selections from their 2500-bottle wine cellar including the local favorite, Childress Wines. Let me know if you know of any other holiday spots I should visit and, more importantly, send me some of the fall color photos you’ve taken along your favorite Southern Highways and Byways. I can't take all the pictures I want, but absolutely love the fiery colors. Then check back. I’ll post 'em here.

Other interesting tidbits:
Did you know that the North Carolina Fraser fir has been judged the "Nation's Best" by the National Christmas Tree Association and chosen for the White House ten times, more than any other species?

Welcome! I can't think of a better time to launch a blog about what's hot in Southern travel, tourism and shopping than the 2007 holiday season. Especially this holiday season when, thanks to a weak dollar, the shopping deals in the South are hotter than a "two dollar pistol" (my apologies to country music legend George Jones). That being said, I recommend you avoid the hustle and bustle of New York and fill your needs for Versace, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany, Armani and Gucci by driving South. Better yet, the airlines have some awesome deals right now on flights in to one of the South’s biggest hubs and best shopping destinations – Atlanta.

No joke. Atlanta is a shopper's paradise. It's got at least a dozen malls and tons of cute, unique boutiques. My recommendations and personal fave shopping destinations are:

Phipps Plaza which was recently voted "Southern Best" in Southern Living magazine’s Readers Choice Awards. I know why . . . with names like Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Armani Juicy Couture, Nordstron and Saks Fifth Avenue, who wouldn’t vote it the best?

And The Atlantic Station - in addition to featuring retailers like Ikea, Gap, Banana Republic, Dillard's, West Elm, and Old Navy — Atlantic Station has tons of great shops where you'll find all of the latest fashions and accessories. But if you're looking for something a little more unique, in the spring and summer on Saturday and Sunday in Atlantic Station Market is an "Open-Air" market showcasing local artisans, antiques, handcrafted items, and unique vendors. The outdoor festival-style market hosts up to 56 vendors offering unique items, edibles and more. There is no admission, so come browse and enjoy this unique and unusual environment!

Georgia Tourism with the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau have teamed up to offer you a chance to win a trip to Atlanta. No, it won't be in time for Christmas, but the shopping deals don't cool off after the holidays. Check out www.travelsouthusa.com/giveaways now to register and to learn more about what's great to buy in Atlanta.

Next time . . . great places to visit while you are shopping.

Until next time . . .

Welcome! Not only is “Some Like It Hot” the name of our new blog here at Travel South USA, it is also one of my favorite movies of all time. You know the one with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon where the guys dress up as women to escape the mob? It is an absolute classic from beginning to end and I just can’t get tired of it. Of course they headed South to Florida. Who wouldn’t escape New York for the warm, sexy South? Especially, a place like Florida. Plus, I just love character names like “Sugar,” “Sweet Sue,” “Spats” and “Toothpick Charlie.” In fact, my co-workers often laugh at me for saying “Whoops-a-daisy” which I completely and utterly blame on this gem of a movie.

All of this is leading me back to my main point, welcome to our new blog! The “Some Like It Hot” blog is meant to be your online train ticket to all things Southern. Recipes, travel tips, dining guides, things to do, things to see, articles of interest – it’ll all be here and waiting on you.

Most importantly, I need you to contribute! What are your favorite Southernisms? Favorite Southern recipes, chefs, restaurants, artists, sites, sounds, flavours? Did you take a trip to the South lately? Try a new town? Lemme hear about it. Sit down and blog awhile. Help me, help you.

As Marilyn/Sugar Kane says, I hope you like me find the South and this blog about the South to be “a real diamond. Worth it’s weight in gold.”

Until next time…