BamaSucks

We have not yet been able to get into FIG. But its on our bucket list just have to work out the timing. Everything I hear says it's outstanding

Our go to places in Charleston: John Lewis-If you are there on Sunday his CFS with green chile gravy is out fucking standing SNOB (Slightly North of Broad) Kaminsky's for dessert We love Folly Beach-go early and park at the pier to get good beach access. At the end of the island do the short walk to see the lighthouse. Wild Olive on John's Island Page's Okra Grill in Mt. Pleasant Early Bird Diner-West Ashley Good hotel, convenient not not overly priced is Town and Country Inn-West Ashley Visit the Angel Oak on John's Island, it's very unique and a nice drive Bowen's Island Restaurant for oysters, unique, classic, not fancy Walk the Avenel Bridge Anyplace on Shem's creek

Reviving the thread. Lot's of good info here. Looking for some ideas and suggestions to fill in the blanks. It's our 25th Anniversary celebration. Late August leave NC and fly into Portland, Maine on Thursday. We will sail on Schooner LaDona out of Rockland and need to be in Rockland by later afternoon Friday. Set sail for 3 nights Saturday. Arrive back in Rockland on Tuesday and drive to Kennebunkport where we have reservations for 2 nights at Old Colony Inn. We are ok just knocking around Kennebunkport, will go to beach 1 day. So, looking for info for the drive Portland to Rockland or a great hotel for one night on the way up. Also, places to eat dinner that night. It's not a long drive, will stay off interstate, but it's mid-summer so assume traffic will be heavy around beach towns? Or is there enough to occupy is or a day or so in Rockland? Also trying to decide whether or not to go into Boston on Thursday, return the car and stay 2-3 nights in Boston. 2 nights (really only one full day) doesn't feel like enough to make it worth it. Coming home on Sunday may be just too much with going back to work on Monday. I've been to Boston several times, my never has. I love the food and the history. She says she'll go to a Red Sox game if they are in town but that just takes away more time. Not sure how to maximize time in Boston. Sorry for the ramble. Any feedback is appreciated.

Charleston is so much better than Nashville and can't be that much more expensive or time consuming to get to. May won't be too hot. John Lewis is there and producing glorious product. Beaches are awesome, food scene off the hook. I really should stop recommending Charleston as a destination....too many people already know about it.

If it's Country music and BBQ then Nashville. Memphis is an eating and drinking town and there is some really good local music. I personally despise Beale Street

My comment was just that, a comment and was really neither negative nor positive, but more observatory. Asheville is no more trashy white redneck than any other southern city including Austin. I like both cities. I loved the Austin of the early 80's. I don't love Asheville but it's a nice town. The outdoor opportunities that are there a glorious and it's has beutiful terrain.

We've been in Greensboro, NC for 18+ years now and will only leave to move for retirement on the coast of North or South Carolina. Raleigh has a completely different vibe than the Piedmont area here does-we are less political, a bit slower pace, smaller footprint but growing. Depending on how far you want to commute in the Raleigh area you can easily find property that is rural in nature, rolling hills and lots of pine trees. For instance, when we go into Chapel Hill the back way the last 20 miles is all rural farmland. Asheville is truly a mini Austin and, I think, may even have a higher yuppie douche bag ratio. It can't really grow because of the surrounding terrain but it is beautiful. Dupont National Park is just north of Asheville and is a gem. Beer scene is booming in Asheville, BBQ is of the NC style but there are some great places to eat. I like to visit Asheville but don't have any interest in moving there, unless a new job were to take me there. I despise Charlotte for the same reason I dislike all magalopolis cities. Sprawling concrete jungle with no identity and huge traffic issues. Raleigh has it's share of traffic issues as well but seem to manage them better. From here in Greensboro we can be on the beach south (way south) of Myrtle Beach at Pawley's Island in 4.5 hours and correct, no interstate carrying you all the way in...which I like. Can be in Ashevile in 3.5 hours. Charolotte is 90 minutes. Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill is 45-90 depending. Can be in Wilmington in 3.5 hours. My kids are at East Carolina in Greeneville, NC and one is at UNC-Greensboro right now after starting at Chapel Hill. Let's just say the culture and academic pressure at Chapel Hill was not for her so we took her out, even though she pulled a 3.75 in her 1st semester. Great school and some great kids there. Also many social retards. Anyway, PM me if you have specific questions or interests.

What's it gonna take to get some of Buck's que sent to NC? I've been known to throw down some cash for really good BBQ. Like my wife thinks I'm crazy for getting a shit ton of John Lewis to travel when we are in Charleston. Even frozen and thawed it beats anything I can get in Greensboro. Need some Bucks!

I know it's too late. Never eaten at the Pit. Allen and Sons is probably tops in that area. Definitely Carolina style. I've yet to figure out how there can be no smoke flavor in Carolina que and they cook over wood. I guess hot and fast but not what I prefer. Can get good que here if you adjust yourself to the style.

We have the identical countertop, minus the Christmas pile + halloween shit out already. "It's the BEST holiday!"

I too lived in Memphis for years and did business lunches at Rendezvous regularly. In fact some of the Vergos clan worked for us. Anyway, their style is different as has been said. I liked the ribs well enough but it wasn't my go to their. They do a nice loin chop that is really good and if you have enough people the bbq shrimp are awesome. The cole slaw and baked beans sucked ass then and im guessing they still do. My go to spot in Memphis now when I am back their is Germantown Commissary or Central. The bbq sandwich at Tops is good and there is a shop in the airport, can't remember the name, but it's good, maybe Interstate. Anyway, I like Memphis bbq. I love Texas bbq. I find NC (where I live now) BBQ to be barely tolerable. But i understand the different styles. I you come to NC looking foe Texas style bbq you are going to be disappointed. But if you enjoy good food prepared in a different way, it's a fun exploration. Fortunatley (maybe unfortunately) John Lewis has opened his shop in Charleston, SC and he is doing it right. I like pretty much everything I've had their. Even so, I know I've had better in Texas and I haven't even eaten at very many places since I get there so rarely,

I have so got to get to Houston! Unless Champ is up for FedEx-ing me Bisket and Beef ribs to North Carolina, the bbq wasteland. Champ?

My Sunday ritual is to go to the gym and then head to the grocery store. Locally we have Lowe's foods, some of which have a beer pub in them (they also have a smokehouse which sucks ass) but I can get a 16 oz. pour and drink while I grocery shop. Truly a win-win for both of us!

only

was