The Hammock Coast beaches are perfect for taking away the cares of everyday life. Numerous national magazines have, in fact, noted that some of South Carolina’s best beaches are found on the Hammock Coast.

Those beach communities each have their own vibe and charm.

Murrells Inlet, for example, is home to Brookgreen Gardens, a world-renowned sculpture and botanical show case across 9,127 acres, and Huntington Beach State Park, a USA Today/10 Best nominee where visitors can relax in more than 180 campsites, and offers some of the best birding opportunities on the East Coast. At the 2,000-acre state park, you can even explore historic Atalaya Castle. Seriously, the Hammock Coast has a real castle at the beach!

Murrells Inlet is also known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” Originally a fishing village on a protected inlet, the community boasts some of the best sea food in the South! The Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, a half-mile-long board walk, allows visitors to experience the salt-marsh ecosystem while restaurants, shops, parasailing, jetskiing and fishing excursions all beckon.

Pawleys Island is the oldest seaside resort in America and is still a great place to enjoy a quiet, laid-back vacation. As the birth place of the Pawleys Island handmade rope hammock, relaxation has a long history here. The historic island has no neon and no commercial development (no, not even a single store or gas station); however, there are two historic inns and myriad homes for rent. And just over the short causeway are first-class restaurants and boutique shops.

Families have been devoted to Litchfield Beach for generations. Little wonder, then, that Tripadvisor has named it one of the Top 10 beaches in America.

Award-winning golf, with 13 courses within a 15-minute drive, can be enjoyed on the Hammock Coast, too. Many are built on former rice plantations, giving a graciously Southern golf experience. Three of Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 You Can Play” are here.

For the history buff, Georgetown is South Carolina’s third oldest city, founded in 1729, and the beaches of DeBordieu Colony are just across the bridge. Five museums, including the South Carolina Maritime Museum, are all within the waterfront historic district. Self-guided walking tours offer insight into the town’s 66 National Historic Register properties. Historic American figures such as George Washington and Harriett Tubman are intertwined in our rich history.

Andrews, located 18 miles inland from Georgetown, offers the perfect place to experience the natural world. From sporting clays to kayaking along the winding Black River, Andrews is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

Throughout the Hammock Coast, visitors discover tempting culinary delights. When the hardest part of vacation is deciding where to eat, you know you’re in the right spot! From fine dining to Southern-fried goodness, myriad eclectic, locally owned restaurants will whet your appetite.

On South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, rediscover life with no schedules. The only itinerary you may need is a tide chart.

For information, go to www.HammockCoastSC.com

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Quiet towns, beautiful beaches, exquisite cuisine. Sounds like something you’d find on an island faraway, doesn’t it? As it turns out, your escape to paradise may be a little closer to home.

As you cross the engineering wonder that is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, take a moment and breathe in the salty air from the Fisherman’s Island overlook. You’ve made it across the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and you’re embarking on an incredible journey through the peninsula of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. This overlook is a perfect spot for experiencing ESVA sunsets!

Once largely undiscovered, this jut of land is now teeming with life while still preserving the longest stretch of natural coastline in the Eastern United States. You can see conservation in action from the moment you arrive! The ESVA is home to multiple wildlife refuges, natural area preserves, and parks.

Find ponies, rockets, and a classic beach-town vibe on Chincoteague Island at the northern end of the Shore. Drive across to Assateague Island and explore the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Cape Charles features a classy array of boutique businesses and restaurants in a town that perfectly balances historical and beach-town qualities. There are three spots in Cape Charles on Mason Avenue that were once banks–can you find them all? Wander the streets of historic Onancock and enjoy the thriving artisan scene on the Bay. Want a slower pace and a little more room? Check out towns like Wachapreague, Parksley, Cheriton, or Saxis or catch the ferry from the Onancock Wharf and spend a couple of days exploring Tangier Island. Miles of trails are waiting for you all along the Shore to explore by foot or bike. In the fall, stop by the hawk watch on Kiptopeke State Park and try your hand at identifying some of the hundreds of birds that migrate through the Shore. Every year, at least one rare species is spotted–you may be the one to find it!

During the winter months is the perfect time to wander the wildlife refuges and experience the hush that falls over the marsh. Watch migrating waterfowl enjoying the waterways and check out historical sites along the trails. Learn more about the area by stopping into one of their local museums and shopping at their small businesses. It’s also a great chance to try an Eastern Shore oyster or clam from one of their local producers. Their waters are some of the cleanest you can find and are the perfect place for growing incredible seafood!

Year-round, there is always something to enjoy as you explore the Shore.

From nature to history to arts to incredible food, you can find a little of anything you want to experience right there on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. What will you discover as you make memories to last a life time on Virginia’s natural coast? Find your piece of paradise between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Virginia’s Eastern Shore can’t wait to see you!

Learn more about Virginia’s Eastern Shore at visitesva.com

The post Your Escape to Paradise: Virginia’s Eastern Shore appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

The Chicken Shack – 1935

Known around town as the home of “the perfect fried chicken”, The Chicken Shack opened its doors back in 1935 and remains Baton Rouge’s oldest restaurant. With delicious fried chicken served alongside some of the best homestyle sides you’ve ever had, a lunchtime trip to Chicken Shack is sure to satisfy your crispy-chicken craving.

Louie’s Cafe – 1941

Locals have flocked to Louie’s Cafe for the last 80 years in search of legendary hash browns and hangover cures. The familiar facade sits just outside of LSU’s North gates, welcoming patrons 24 hours a day. A word to the wise, get there before 11 am to make sure you get some of those iconic biscuits.

Dearman’s – 1958

In a time where fusion restaurants and recipe reinventions are more popular than ever before, Dearman’s Soda Shop is charmingly suspended in a bygone era. No frills, no fluff, just a good, old-fashioned diner burger. Complete with shakes, malts, floats and fresh, hand-cut fries, dining at Dearman’s is a delicious step back in time to the decade when it first opened.

Pinetta’s – 1962

Nestled next to a bookstore nearly the same age, Pinetta’s European restaurant is an unassuming, often undiscovered hidden gem of the Baton Rouge food scene. Known for its magical, mysterious red sauce recipe, Pinetta’s has housed romantic date nights and celebratory dinners in its intimate, warm atmosphere for more than 60 years.

Mike Anderson’s Seafood – 1975

There’s not much more synonymous with Baton Rouge seafood than Mike Anderson’s. The once famed LSU tiger opened up his kitchen, serving traditional, authentic Louisiana seafood to the masses with recipes beloved by locals and visitors alike.

The Chimes – 1983

When you’re in Baton Rouge and on the hunt for good Southern grub, look no further than The Chimes. This iconic eatery has become one of the most popular stops for those making the pilgrimage to the Red Stick, with fresh seafood and Louisiana classics on the menu all year ’round. The Chimes also understands that good food and good beer go hand-in-hand, as craft beer from around the world flows through their 77 taps.

Raising Cane’s – 1996

No one knows if it’s the sauce, the chicken or just the vibe but it’s a fact, Raising Cane’s just tastes better in Baton Rouge. The original Cane’s started slingin’ chicken fingers back in 1996 right off of LSU’s campus. Whatever you like in your box combo, your favorite chicken-finger chain has never hit quite like it does in the Capital City.

Zippy’s – 2001

A fast-casual, Tex-mex tradition since 2001, Zippy’s is known for their lively, open-air patio and 2-for-1 frozen margs – redneck or regular. Zippy’s is a great place to grab a quick bite and a drink as they continue to pour the same margaritas and melted cheese as they have for the last 20 years.

Rocca Pizzeria – 2018

Rocca Pizzeria serves up hand-tossed, wood-fired pizza that’s true to its Neapolitan tradition. A taste of authentic Naples, Italy right in the heart of Baton Rouge, the old-world techniques of the Rocca kitchen mirror what you would find across the Atlantic – right down to the oven. With local, farm-fresh ingredients atop its iconic thin crust, your first evening at Rocca is new and exciting, yet also warm and familiar.

Government Taco – 2020

Rounding out 10 decades worth of dining, we end our trip at Government Taco. Originally concepted inside of a local food hall, this punny taco joint has been pleasing palates since they opened their doors last year. Topped with everything from mac-and-cheese to sugar-cane glazed carrots and more, Government Taco serves tacos by the tray that are as unique as they are delicious.

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