Babcia and Yia Yia!, Travel With Terri: USA 101

South Carolina 101: Beaufort

Just 45 minutes off of I-95 sits little Beaufort in the low country of South Carolina. This southern charmer has all the small town vibes and plenty of historical features to make a perfect weekend getaway. Beaufort is locally known for plenty of things like good food and great artists but the one fact that will put the biggest smile on your face is that many scenes from Forest Gump were filmed in the area. This includes the big bridge over to Sea Island. Read on to find out our favorite picks (among many) to build your perfect weekend getaway!

via GIPHY

Downtown on Bay St.

Bay St. is the Main St. of this little town that is very proud to share the work of local artisans and talents of great kitchens. Park on either end and take stroll to check out great locally owned shops and galleries. Some of our favorites include:

  • Beaufort River Glass Company where you can find all kinds of glass art as well as plenty of low country prints and jewelry. Take a step inside and enjoy the recycled plastic bottle installation on the ceiling.
  • Rhett Gallery which has been in business and run by the same family of artists for 5 generations. This includes the man you’ll most likely find behind the counter, Thomas Rhett. If you are looking for great art representative of the local low country feel, this gallery is certainly for you! It will be hard to walk away without a little Rhett family treasure.
  • Beaufort Emporium has plenty of little finds and our absolute favorite was a table toward the back with books that are wrapped up. Choose one off the table, read the little summary on the label and then have a blind date with a new book! So fun!
  • McIntosh Books and Nevermore Books will both delight and inspire you to keep on reading. Featuring local celebrity author Pat Conroy of Prince of Tides fame, these book shops do a great job of keeping the good read alive.
  • Bay St. Outfitters connects visitors to the outdoors and has everything that you could need to enjoy all the low country has to offer.
  • Olive The Above greets you with plenty of artisanal olive oils and balsamic vinegars. With flavors like peach and balsamic and rosemary infused olive oil, there’s something for everyone from this female owned business.
  • Atelier Off Bay is the local artist’s collective. With 14 artists in residence it’s hard not to find that perfect piece that speaks to you.

Restaurants

Please note that these areas tend to be very very busy on Fridays and Saturdays as the influx of visitors spikes significantly over each weekend.

  • Q on Bay serves up plenty of main street menu items and has a back patio to enjoy the view and the live music. While the tables may need an updating but the pleasant service makes up for it.
  • Saltus Grill is by far our favorite pick for upscale dining. Every seasonal thing on the menu is well worth the order! Enjoy the atmosphere inside or outside.
  • Paninis in the old bank is perfect for a quick bite during the day. Look for simple lunch items and a look at the old bank building.

Outdoors

Hunting Island State Park

Look to the right as you come onto the island and check out Gay Shrimp Co. Forest Gump calls this area home. Everything from the shrimp boats to Vietnam were all done in this location. Be sure to take a walk along the pier and enjoy the nature center as well.

a man who s on the wooden boat
Photo by Daniel Anuar on Pexels.com

ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is a great way to see some local nature and to introduce yourself to the African American history of the low country.

Spanish Moss Trail: take advantage of the sunny weather and rent a few bikes from University Bikes or Low Country Bike Rentals to enjoy this trail that starts at the train depot and takes you either north or south to see a little more of this low country land.

Coastal Expeditions will get you out on the water whether you’d like to take a sunset cruise or charter a boat for the day. Located downtown on Bay St., it’s an easy process to set up a little fun on the bay.

Rainy Day Options

Every Second Counts Escape Room has plenty of escape room fun. Choose from any of the 5 themed rooms and try your luck at finding every clue in under 60 minutes. It’s a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon!

Beaufort History Museum learn a little about this area that was first found by old world explorers over 311 years ago. This amazing area has had its ups and downs and this little rainy day stop will tell you all about it! Check it out!

Lowcountry Produce Company

Be sure to stop in to this lovely establishment just north of town on Highway 21. It is, by far, the best breakfast in the area. While you are there check out all of the local fare ready for you to take home. It’s all canned in the back! Our fave? The sweet cucumber pickles will knock your socks off! So, go. Sit a spell! It’s totally worth it!

The Few, The Proud…

So, I can’t lie. I really never went to Beaufort because I thought it was a great travel destination. But don’t be deceived, I went there out of love! Beaufort’s next door neighbor is Parris Island. Home to the few and the proud. The United States Marines have been turning out recruits in this neck of the woods for over 100 years. And… you guessed it! My son is among their numbers.

The Parris Island Museum

Parris Island is open for visitors who would like to check out the museum and old fort ruins. Simply check in to the gate toward the right and ask for directions to the areas open for visiting.

Beaufort offers something for everyone and can be the perfect plan for a long lazy weekend to somewhere new! So, enjoy!

architecture buildings business city
Babcia and Yia Yia!, Travel With Terri: USA 101

Texas 101: Road Trip, Dallas!

YeeeeeHaw!!!!! We’re going to Texas!!! Recently my podcast bestie, Terri, shared her great trip to Dallas, Texas on our podcast. Her picks were so great that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share them with you! So, let’s take a trip to one of the great American cities the US has to offer. It’s time to travel to Dallas.

ancient architecture attraction bricks
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Dallas Treats

The Lone Star State has plenty to offer any traveler, regardless of personal interests. From history and arts to sports and ranching culture, Dallas does not disappoint. Both stadiums in Dallas offer amazing tours for the sports lover (and perhaps their reluctant travel partners as well). While Daley Plaza takes you back to the events of November 22nd, 1963 when JFK was assassinated here. Meanwhile, not far away, the Fort Worth Stockyards give you a taste of the Texas ranching tradition that thrives outside of town.

field of texas bluebonnet
Photo by nagaraju gajula on Pexels.com

Local Eats

Like many metropolitan cities, Dallas is realizing the value of local food venues. With plenty of mom and pop set-ups that serve up great tex-mex as well as regional dishes like BBQ and chicken fried steak. Dallas has it’s share of yummy indulgences- they created the deep fried Oreo– so you will not be at a loss for local treats while you are in town.

Y’all Come Back Now, Ya’ Hear?

Beyond things to do and places to eat, Dallas offers the traveler the very thing we all search for- the people. The Lone Star State is famous for their down to earth attitude and friendly hellos to visitors. Soak in the great accent and the cozy feeling. So, whether it’s your first visit to Dallas or you’re back to enjoy more, Dallas wants you to explore and settle in!

Travel With Terri: USA 101

Florida 101: Rainy Days in Palm Beach

It doesn’t happen often but it does happen. You’ve planned and planned the perfect weekend get away from the unbelievable cold of the remains of a dreary wet winter. You’ve dreamed of fun in the sun and perhaps a little sand and surf. As your plane lands and you quickly commandeer a place in the aisle to get your carry-ons, you hear it: “Welcome to Palm Beach International Airport! The current weather is a lovely 81 degrees and raining. Thank you for flying uncomfortable airlines we hope you enjoy your stay.”

“Rain! What about the sand?! What about my day at the beach where I planned to let the kids run free in the surf as I supervised them on a lounge chair preferably with an umbrella drink?” I’m with you! I promise! But what can you do when Mother Nature shows up when you do? Here are four kid friendly Palm Beach finds to enjoy in the rain.

Grab a rainy day treat while you watch the rain come down! Kilwins Ice Cream is a favorite local spot right on Lake Worth Beach, Palm Beach’s boho little sister. Located on the main promenade, there are plenty of outdoor seats under an awning so you can enjoy the beach view, rain or shine.

Kilwins Ice Cream

10 S Ocean Blvd.

Lake Worth, FL 33460

Ahh! the beach!

Check out the underwater locals at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. The hands-on center has lots to do and plenty of fish to learn about. Talk about the best way to live up to that old adage: If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

4801 Dreher Trail N
West Palm Beach, FL

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

Take in a show! Sometimes referred to as the Kennedy Center of the South, The Kravis Center is a top notch theater complex with plenty to do for every age and interest. On the calendar these days is, among many other offerings, The Lion King and Willy Wonka Kids.

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

 701 Okeechobee Blvd.

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Kravis Center, Palm Beach

Grab some wellies and an umbrella and go puddle hopping at the zoo! A rainy day at the zoo could be lots of fun especially when there are not many other people there. Most animals aren’t affected by the rain and you may get a bit up close and personal with a few friends. So throw a change of clothes and your beach towels into the car and splash through the zoo!

The Palm Beach Zoo

1301 Summit Blvd.

West Palm Beach, FL 33405

The Palm Beach Zoo

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