Epicopia

Our Route du Bonheur got a bit side tracked in North Carolina last month. Spent a bit longer at Fearrington House than expected, but then it is such an incredible stop could easily spend a month there!

But it’s on to South Carolina as we head into the Deep South. Into the Lowcountry. I have always wondered what it meant when they referred to the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The term is used to describe the South Carolina coastal counties generally south of and including, Charleston. The region also includes the South Carolina Sea Islands.

It is in Charleston we find our next stop on the Route du Bonheur, not at one place but two outstanding Inns.

South Carolina’s Woodlands Inn, an early 1900s revival home, holds the epitome of Southern charm and luxury accommodations. The Lowcountry around the Inn is famous for its white, sandy beaches, historic homes and working plantations. The table at the Woodlands Inn serves New American gourmet cuisine. For an inclusive experience, not far away, is the historic district of Charleston and world-class golf.

Charleston, SC, is known for its architectural treasures. The luxury hotel of Planters Inn overlooks the Old City Market with its art galleries and shopping. Surrounded by colonial houses lining the narrow streets of Charleston, the Planters Inn is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the historic Charleston district. Expect to find period-style furnishings and four poster beds in the luxurious accommodations. Antique shops, art galleries and the theatre district are just outside the door. The Peninsula Grill offering award-winning fine gourmet dining and wines has been named “Charleston’s Best Restaurant” nines year running. Chef Robert Carter will work with you to design a very personal dining experience of your favorites.

Founding of New Orleans - Thank God for America's Greatest Food Experience City (and for Brenda)

The city known as La Nouvelle-Orléans (New Orleans) came into being on May, 7, 1718. Named for Philippe II, Duke of Orléans in France, the city's port made it an ideal area for the French Mississippi Company under the leadership of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. Under the terms of the 1763 Treaty of Paris, the city was turned over to Spain but then reverted again to France in 1801.

Thomas Jefferson negotiated the purchase of the French colony along with a massive swath of land in the middle of the American continent in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Slave labor and fertile Mississippi farm land fueled the sugar and cotton industries in the area. A unique creole culture took root, giving the city a texture and flavor unlike any other city in the country. Even today, Louisiana's court system is the only one in the United States largely based on Napoleonic principles rather than English Common Law.

Yes, we can thank God, the Duke of Orléans, and Thomas Jefferson for securing for us America's greatest culinary experience city.

Are you aware we have our own New Orleans culinary travel specialists?

That's right. Long time resident of New Orleans, Brenda Campbell, is ready to help you plan the perfect get-away to NOLA. With her expert knowledge we are ready to design and create the perfect La Nouvelle-Orléans culinary weekend for you and your group of friends.

An extended New Orleans Culinary Experience is the perfect way for your company to reward top producers and/or executive staff.

Contact us for ideas in creating your culinary experience in America's greatest foodie city. Call 972.771.3510 or 877.661.3844. Contact us by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ...

We are grateful that Katrina sent us Brenda. See, something wonderful did come out of Katrina!

Silversea New Personalized Destination Experiences Reveal Unique Cultures and Breathtaking Scenery

To complement the launch of our new 'Silver Shore Concierge' service in July, we have developed several new destination enrichment programs for Europe and Mediterranean cruises this year. Among the new options, and available under the 'Silver Shore Collection' label, are enticing excursions with a wine, culinary or cultural focus, as well as special tours offering the exclusive use of transportation and flexible itineraries to suit a couple or a group of friends wanting a more intimate and personalized experience ashore.