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Return to Local Secrets, Big Finds homeView 2005 Local Secrets, Big Finds
Hunting Island
Beaufort
843.838.2011
Find seclusion at this barrier island 17 miles from the nearest town. One of "the few natural beaches left" allows visitors to "observe the wildlife and beauty" of the area, where forest fringes four miles of beach and acres of salt marshes shelter all sorts of sea creatures. Fishing and crabbing are still "favorite pastimes" at this hunting-ground-turned-preserve, and summertime holds the promise of "the experience of a lifetime." Time your visit right to join a guided visit to sea turtle nests as they hatch, and witness "baby turtles dig out of the sand" and seek their way toward the water. Read more.
Jack's Cosmic Dogs
Mt. Pleasant
843.884.7677
The owner of this roadside restaurant's love of hotdogs stems from his childhood, and it shows. Jack's tries to recapture the nostalgia of youth when hot dog stands and ice cream trucks held sway. Here, you'll find everything from "RC Cola in bottles" and "root beer on draft" to "fresh-cut fries." As for the 'dogs--well, they're "out of this world." A menu of "amazing" hot dogs and veggie dogs offers creative condiments like blue-cheese slaw, mango-pepper ketchup, and the sweet potato mustard, which "is to die for." The "old-fashioned arcade games" also make for a kid-friendly atmosphere. Read more.
Monday Night Jam Sessions at the Jazz Corner
Hilton Head
843.842.8620
Most nights, this "hard-to-find gem" serves "wonderful, American-style meals" set to live jazz played by "well-known musicians," but Monday nights, in particular, are "always fun and always a surprise." That's because the jam sessions are comprised of a "variety of island and visiting musicians who take turns entertaining the locals." One Monday you might find drummers and sax players, the next you might find jazz pianists, the next you might find a group of singers, and the next you might find Earl Williams from the Commodores, who is now a local act. Read more.
The Irmo Okra Strut Festival
Irmo
803.781.6122
Get your green vegetable strut on at this annual festival that gives you the chance to fully "experience the small-town feel" of Irmo, where "everyone know each other, and kids run around in the street." This festival occurs in late September or October, and includes "street dancing, lots of fried okra, and a carnival for the kids." It all began over 30 years ago as a way to raise money for building a local library. Today, the parade is filled with floats and beauty queens, there's a race that starts at the Lake Murray Dam, and of course, there's an okra-eating contest. Read more.
Ted's Butcherblock
Charleston
843.577.0094
Foodies swoon over this "charming" international market, meat counter, and café where the "food is delicious and the staff is friendly." In all of Charleston, there is "nothing else like this store" filled with "enticing aromas and colorful displays." Locally owned and operated (the owner is heavily involved in community projects and charities), the market offers a "huge selection" of only all-natural meats and poultry, boutique wines, "artisan" cheese, specialty ingredients, fresh pastas, and made-to-order sandwiches. Each month, the cuisine of a different region of the world is celebrated. Read more.
Before you make plans to experience these local secrets for yourself, we suggest that you contact them to confirm dates, times, and locations. We are not responsible for the information submitted to us, and disclaim any liability for the information. Additionally, the addresses for or links to third party Web sites are provided for your convenience only. These Web sites, their owners, and operators are not affiliated or associated in any way with Travelocity, and we assume no responsibility for the content of such sites, or for any of your transactions or experiences with the owners and operators of such sites.
