Charleston was recently named a favorite gourmet destination by Travelocity.Ca. According to a recent Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) study, 58 percent of all U.S. leisure travellers say they are somewhat/very interested in taking a trip to engage in culinary or wine-related activities in the next year. And, it looks like they may be heading our way for some tasty treats!

Travelocity’s editors went around the world looking for new and old destinations that had something yummy to offer their taste buds. Chosen for its “soul food”, Charleston was one of ten cities worldwide to carry this year’s honor. Here’s what the judges had to say about our grub:

“Some may call it soul food, but in Charleston they call it Low Country cuisine. Prevailing as the undisputed local favourite, this culinary specialty infuses restaurant menus with dishes such as Frogmore Stew, She-Crab Soup and Hoppin’ John. Rice, grits and fresh, local produce play an integral role in the creation of these truly Southern meals, and the waters that surround South Carolina’s Low Country inspire local cooks more often than not with seafood dishes found on just about every menu”

Just saw this in the CRBJ Daily Journal… there’s a groundbreaking for one of Charleston’s green neighborhoods today:

I’On Group will break ground Wednesday on Mixson, a traditional walkable neighborhood in the Park Circle area of North Charleston. Vince Graham, founder of I’On Group, and North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey will lead the ground breaking beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Mixson Avenue between East Montague and Durant Avenue.

Mixson’s streets will be characterized by tree-lined walks leading to parks and plazas. Public gathering places will complement private residences and provide neighbors the opportunity to engage in a healthy civic life. Mixson will be a diverse, walking neighborhood with plans for residences in a variety of forms, including single-family detached homes, rowhouses, multi-unit homes and live-work flats. I’On Group will complete 29 one- to three-bedroom residences by next spring with prices starting in the mid-100s.

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I’m a couple of weeks past due, but I still have to mention how much the world of golf is appreciated in our community… so much to the extent that two major championships recently chose our region to host their professional tournaments. I have to admit that prior to this year I didn’t really consider myself a golf fan, but after experiencing the Senior PGA Tournament on Kiawah Island, the sport now has a new follower. You couldn’t have asked for anything more… the weather was perfect, the greens flawless, the Charleston people as nice as they’ve always been and the players as fearless as ever. And, this challenging course was definitely one to be feared! Coming home from the Tournament, I drove right past the Ginn Tribute hosted by Annika in Mount Pleasant, where the LPGA Tournament took place. Another international championship right at our fingertips!

How cool is it that so many avid golf players and fans choose to spend their time on Charleston greens. It’s nice to be reminded of our wonderful lifestyle, full of inspiring recreational opportunities.