Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is one of those places that draws you back even before you’ve left. Ever since my last visit there in 2007, I’ve wanted to return. There was something about the quaint Southern city — with its historic cobblestone downtown, beautifully restored waterfront, sandy beaches and renowned cuisine (including, SNOB, COAST and Hominy Grill) that kept calling my name.
Then this weekend, the opportunity presented itself. And, unsurprisingly, it was filled with much of the same.
We lounged on Folly Beach and took a day trip to the Isle of Palms; walked past the homes of the shady Battery while horse-drawn carriages overflowing with tourists meandered by; got drinks on the roof of the Market Pavilion; and had some simply delicious meals — gigantic blueberry pancakes at Joseph’s, fresh crab cakes at Fleet Landing and pancetta wrapped grouper at Fig, whose chef, Mike Lata, won this year’s Southeast James Beard award.
All the while, the Weather Gods graced us with temperatures in the mid-80s and next to none humidity. We couldn’t believe it either.
It’s safe to say this trip to the Holy City won’t be my last.
Marc Zawel 
Not sure I like the look of that grouper but the city and company look great.