Now why would I go all the way into the wilds of South Carolina? Well, for a rather unique experience of course. Way up in northwest South Carolina is a little town of Greer. It just so happens that it is the home to the Spartanburg BMW plant and …..they offer factory tours!!!!
Leaving the marshes and sea islands of southeastern South Carolina, it is time for sand, sun and the ocean. Surfside Beach is south of Myrtle Beach – in fact it is so close that it probably should be called South Myrtle Beach. I am staying at what is now called a 'Mega Resort' – Ocean Lakes Resort – a metropolis with 850 RV sites, grocery store, laundromat, wave pool and water park. One of those places where you never have to leave because all of your creature comforts are here.
Beaufort South Carolina is located on Port Royal Island, one of the largest Sea Islands along the southeast Atlantic coast of the United States. It is one of only a handful of U.S. towns that has had its entire downtown designated a historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Beaufort was one of the only Southern towns chosen to be occupied by Union troops, rather than destroyed. The story of how this came about is fascinating and even more impressive than the beautiful mansions that were built by the wealthy plantation owners before the Civil War.
It is interesting to note that the Landmark Historic District in Savannah has a very lenient public drinking policy which allows open alcoholic beverages every day of the year. This is noteworthy because Savannah is home to the American Prohibition Museum. Let me rephrase that – the ONLY Prohibition Museum in America. Rather ironic wouldn't you say?
Next stop was supposed to be St. Augustine, Florida. I was previously there in the 90's and I just couldn't get up the gumption to go there again. So, it was on to Savannah. Nothing says genteel like Savannah with it's old world charm. Southern Living named Savannah the second best city in the south after Charleston. I would beg to differ - Savannah is like a grand old lady whereas Charleston, which has it's own charm, is more like a painted up debutante.
Being in Florida, how can you not go to Orlando? Ha, not for the 'Mouse' but for the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. The Morse Museum is “noted for its art nouveau collection, houses the most comprehensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany found anywhere” plus a major collection of American art pottery.
There is more to Florida than the big theme parks or bike week or the overcrowded Spring Break beaches. Old Florida still exists – the Florida before all that craziness started. The Florida of the early twentieth century with its mom and pop fruit stands, real life mermaids, manatees and crystal clear springs is mostly in the northern part of the state. It has almost been forgotten, but I think there seems to be a resurgence in interest recently.
