American Grocery downtown near the ballfield has been getting good reviews on some other message boards and everyone loves 33 Liberty, though it is not in downtown. I've read good and bad about High Cotton, that is down in the West End (sister restaurant to the one in Charleston). There is a new Indian restaurant called Handi that I've been wanting to try. I also like Chicora Alley, which is in the West End as well. If you like ice cream, don't miss Luna Rose gelato in W Washington St next to Wild Wings. Just writing about it makes me want to leave work and go there!! If you are further afield, Fonda Rosalindas on S Pleasantburg around the corner from the Fresh Market is a great Mexican restaurant that is definitely different from the typical "beans and cheese" places all over Greenville.

OK, I'll stay away from Charleston when it's hot or there's a festival, because I don't care for crowds and neither does Elery. Actually, I don't really like to travel and going on vacation usually bores me. Elery likes to lie around and do not much, maybe read or take a walk on the beach. I want to be doing something, going somewhere or seeing something. Mostly I'd rather stay home, but I'd go to Charleston and meet Jude and Elery could do something relaxing! Oh, and my nephew is getting married in September. Guess who asked me to bake the cake? Yeah. He did cut me 31 fence posts and put them in my barn, so I guess I owe him. Color scheme is, I kid you not, camoflage. Annie

DH and I are going to Charleston the middle of May for an annual visit, May 15 thru May 18. We've celebrated our anniversary there for about 5 years or so. We don't have an unlimited budget but do try to go to one or two of the nicer restaurants a couple of times. Rue de Jean is a favorite lunch pick. We've gone to 82 Queen a couple of times for dinner but Peninsula Grill and Charleston Grill are a little out of our reach. Can anyone tell me anything about the restaurant at Middleton Place...good food? Any other places you'd recommend for dinner? Some friends and I are going in March for the private gardens tour but we're only staying 3 nights which gives us 2 days to do whatever we're going to do as far as sightseeing etc. I always look forward to going there but I think I may check out Seabrook Island for future reference. We're staying in Mt. Pleasant again this year. jude

I live in the SE, and have been to all the places you listed! The Two Meeting Street Inn is my favorite place to stay in Charleston, as it is right on the Battery there in the residential district. I am a runner, so those early morning jogs down those exquisite residential streets were heavenly to me.There are too many amazing restaurants to list...see if your concierge is a true local and find out where THEY eat! :) If you don't mind a little drive, it is easy to get from NOLA to Natchez...and there is a scenic Hwy. I LOVE Natchez...we stayed in this amazing place called Monmouth Plantation...oh, it was lovely and such a complete Southern experience. We stayed at the Windsor Court hotel in NOLA, which is in the Buiness District, but just a short walk to the French Quarter. It was the best of both worlds to me, you could enjoy the craziness of Bourbon St, but then walk back to a wonderful, quiet hotel! And so close to the Cafe du Monde for your breakfast beignets! I am jealous of your trip! You will have an amazing time in these places! Oh, and the Biltmore Inn makes you feel like you are truly a guest of the Vanderbilts...Inn guests get lots of special perks while on the property. We just went in June for our anniversary. :)