Euphoric Over Euphoria

SAVE THE DATE! September 23-26 marks the fifth helping of Euphoria in Greenville, South Carolina. Founded in 2006 by platinum-selling singer and songwriter (and local boy) Edwin McCain and restaurateur Carl Sobocinski, Euphoria is a weekend-long celebration of fine food, perfect wine pairings, and music that moves your soul.

Fish Celebrates 10 Years

One of our favorite restaurants in Charleston is turning 10 and we couldn't be more excited. In August 2000, Fish opened it's doors on Upper King Street and has enjoyed success as one of the pioneer restaurants of the culinary scene in that burgeoning neighborhood. Specializing in sustainable seafood and fish, Chef Nico Romo has created a menu that reflects French-Asian flavors in a unique style. And just this past year, Chef Romo, a native of France, received the honor of Master Chef of France. He is the youngest to receive this title and is among only 500 chefs in America to reach this status, as well as the only chef in South Carolina.

Christmas in August

Somehow, when you think of the temperate climate of North Carolina, Christmas trees are not the first thing to pop into you head. But North Carolina has 1600 growers producing an estimated 50 million Fraser fir Christmas trees growing on over 25,000 acres and is ranked second in the nation in number of Christmas trees harvested. That's big business!

No wonder the National Christmas Tree Association is bringing their annual convention and trade show to the Tar Heel State this year. This year's event will be held in Winston-Salem August 11-14 and draws Christmas tree growers, wholesalers, retailers, Choose & Cut farmers, and related industry members across the country and around the world. A nice reminder that there are only 136 days until Christmas!

Dog Days are Swaggin'

The dog days of summer have us thinking fondly of cooler days (and nights) at the rustic, yet uber-luxury, inn, The Swag.  Located in the Smoky Mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina, The Swag is the perfect summer getaway for rest, relaxation, nature and nurture.  Located in western North Carolina, about 50 miles west of Asheville, atop a 5,000 ft. mountain (hence the cooler temperatures), The Swag offers hand-hewn log cabins, panoramic views, romantic amenties (like copper tubs and steam showers) in every cabin, gourmet dining in The Swag House, and the granduer of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in their backyard.  And that doesn't even mention the drop in blood pressure you'll experience with the slower pace and casual comfort that reminds you of a less hurried era. I'm cooler and calmer just thinking about a few days at The Swag.