I am "The Prince of Tides"
 

We fly out to Charleston on Thursday for what is becoming an annual fixture. We love the Low Country in October, the weather is usually perfect at around 75oF with very little wind and acceptable sunrise/sunset times, most of the humidity of the summer has gone and if you avoid wayward hurricanes : does it get any better? I doubt it!

We are renting this house, again

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p171417

Why?

Because quite simply it is the greatest house in the world for us, it is very tasteful, reasonable, it faces a wildlife reserve, the bird population is monumental, last trip out count was nearly 100 different species, the dock gives access to the ocean and the beach is a five minute walk away. Charleston is just over 30 minutes by car.

I am starting the trip report 3 days early
1. Because it's been a hard year and I'm excited and
2. Because I just looked at the weather report and the terminology used isn't familiar to Scots. The term used was ABUNDANT sunshine.
3. Because I've just finished my annual read of Pat Conroy's epic book.

It looks wonderful! Have a wonderful time - again.
I love your Scotland but understand why you love the gorgeous coast so much. Soak up the sunshine and the joy!

Starrs

What is the consensus in The States about Pat Conroy's book? I'm intrigued and probably wouldn't ask someone in "the real world".

I've never been a literary giant but "The Prince of Tides" is simply an incredible read for me. Never seen the film, the book is one of my best loved.

I love the South / North aspect. I haven't any time for the North but will die in the South (at some stage).

Have a fabulous trip!! We are going there next week!

Thanks Janet

Where are you staying ? With relatives ?

We had a real trial trying to find a hotel in the historic district for our last night. The hotels were either bonkers expensive, required a two night stay or didn't like children.

In the end we booked here :

http://www.mavericksouthernkitchens....posthouse/inn/

In Mount Pleasant.

I love Pat Conroy, just wish he was a more prolific writer. Have you read his book "Beach Music"? Great vacation read. Also if you like Southern style writers, check out Dorothea Benton Frank and also Ann Rivers Siddons. Most of their books are set in the low country.

FWIW, while you're in the low country, Pat Conroy calls my favorite restaurant in SC, Griffin Market, on Boundary Street in Beaufort, "the best restaurant in the universe". Worth the diversion and you get to see a million dollar wine collection.

Thanks Jamie

I am taking Beach Music to read on the dock. My wife has had it for years and loves it.

Our nine year old "scientist" has me focused on non fiction, reading The Prince of Tides has swung me back into story telling.

Is Pat Conroy seen as low brow in The States?

DRJ

I know of it but we are avoiding too much travel this time. Love Bewfort though.

I wouldn't say "lowbrow". His early work, especially The Great Santini (which was made into a film with a memorable performance by Robert Duvall), got respectful reviews, but the more recent novels are considered well-written middle-brow entertainment--I hope that's not too harsh! I enjoy his work, but find him in desperate need of an editor at times.

That said, the film of The Prince of Tides is a disaster, IMO!

Btw, I love hearing that other readers re-read favorite books, as I do. I feel I should always be reading something new, but those old friends are irresistible!
And isn't it great when one's reading inspires and/or informs one's travels?

I am one of those who loved loved loved reading the Prince of Tides….one of my all time favorites. Last November, we were driving from Charleston to Savannah (first time ever) and we stopped in Beaufort for lunch. We walked past a store that had a poster in the window: Pat Conroy was in Beaufort that very day, signing his latest book! It was fate, but when we drove to the book store, the line was incredibly long with most people planning to have him sign several copies (early holiday gifts) and we couldn't wait the several hours it would have taken. I know that it's silly, but I was so disappointed.

Although the movie is quite imperfect and doesn't come close to the book, I like it.

Enjoy your stay in low country!

It sounds like a wonderful trip. Enjoy! One of his earliest works, the autobiographical "The Water is Wide" is also worth a read.

We have stayed at the Old Village Post House and really enjoyed it. The neighborhood that it's in is completely charming. Be sure to visit the Pitt St. Pharmacy just down the street, with it's old fashioned soda fountain counter…or the Old Village bakery which has some delicious and creative sandwiches and salads….and while your'e in Mt. Pleasant, continue on down Pitt St. to the Pitt St. Bridge. It's not a true bridge any longer, but used to connect a trolley line from Mt. Pleasant over to Sullivan's Island. It is a very pleasant walk and provides you with some really amazing views of Charleston and Sullivan's Island from a different perspective.

I picked up "The Water is Wide" from a used book store and loved it. I laughed so hard and also cried while reading it. I still laugh, just thinking about some of the characters in that book, and the language.

We are staying with SD and SIL at their home on James Island. SIL is in charge of restaurants (and has never let us down).

I know one night we are going to The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan's Island.

Heard really good things about OD on Sullivans. Love Sullivans, very "old school".

We may try

http://www.bowensislandrestaurant.com/

Well aware it is a tourist trap but hey ho.

Our favourite Gullah dive has closed so we are on the lookout for a replacement.

Dickie.....we went there earlier this year and had a great meal!! It's a dive...in the best way possible.

I personally love Bowen's Island, especially if you can time your meal around sunset. Some of the most gorgeous views ever. We ate at the Obstinate Daughter this summer and really enjoyed it.

Emd3, it's one of my all-time favorites.

Bowen's is a local favorite. It's oyster season so you are in luck.

Loved the Prince of TIdes book. The movie was about Barbra. They left out the best part: rescuing the dolphin from Sea World.


I stayed at the Post House when my house was empty and all my stuff was packed. It was a nice way to say goodbye to Mt. P. Take Betsy's advice and walk out to the bridge. Dogs and I spent many happy hours there. I always ran into a friend or two.

That's really nice house. Is it on IOP?

Have fun Dickie! The house looks great! Eat some shrimp and grits for me. I will probably be heading that way the day after Thanksgiving. One of my sisters lives in Charleston. Love that low country!