South Carolina is channeling the good ol’ South over the next few weeks, making the The Palmetto State worth a visit:
Head to Charleston April 7 for the Hat Ladies’ Annual Easter Promenade. This is the stuff of Judy Garland movies, the kind of cinematic ambience that has to be experienced just once. See women decked out in their finery promenade—not parade—between Charleston’s famous Broad Street and White Point Gardens between11 and 11:30 in the morning. See how they twirl fancy umbrellas, show off pretty pastel dresses and keep their hats on – all at the same time.
This is the stuff of dreams, folks.
Something a bit earthier, the kind of experience that sticks to your ribs? Go to St. George, South Carolina Friday, April 13, and luck into a mess of grits. St. George is the planet’s self-proclaimed “Grits Capitol of the World,” a fact driven home each year by the World Grits Festival. If you’ve always considered grits gummy, gooey glumps of pastes—the kind of stuff not fit for consumption outside of a middle school cafeteria—a trip to St. George will change your palate’s perception forever. Sample cheesy grits, buttery grits, creamy grits, gourmet grits. No need to grit your teeth to get this stuff down. Savor it.
Work off those extra pounds on the grounds of the festival. Let it all settle out and do a fun run, peruse the arts and crafts, make tracks for the midway. The festival runs April 13 through 15.
Given the warm weather that’s already made itself manifest this Spring best bet is to take along some sunscreen, and bottled water if you’re bound for either Charleston or St. George this April.
Story by Jerry Chandler
