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Coastal Culinary History & Delectable Flavors of the Lowcountry in Florida, Georgia & South Carolina

Program Number: 20162RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/20/2013 - 10/27/2013;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Fernandina Beach, Florida
Price starting at: $1,698.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: On the Road; Food & Wine Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 19; 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Experience the South’s delectable culinary heritage in the coastal Lowcountry regions of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. During a study cruise, learn how the scenic coastlines of Cumberland Island and Amelia Island have contributed to this heritage with their bounty from the sea.




Highlights

• Learn about Gullah cooking from a restaurant owner in Charleston and feast on local favorites.
• Meet the clubhouse chef at the Jekyll Island Club and savor a Low Country boil.
• Savor the cuisine and historic district of Savannah.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two city blocks during field trips; slight uneven terrain on some walking trips.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, 2 nights; Jekyll Island, 2 nights; Savannah, 1 night; Charleston, 2 nights.



Coordinated by Center for Educational Adventure.




Fernandina Beach

This is the largest town on beautiful Amelia Island, the southernmost of the Sea Islands that trail down the Carolina and Georgia coasts. The Victorian element of Fernandina Beach's 4,000-year history is on view in the 50-block historic district.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels, Jekyll Island’s only four-star resort and Savannah Historic Landmark.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Tom Murray
Tom Murray is a graduate of San Jose State University but is a Southerner by choice, having spent more than 35 years in the South absorbing the culture, customs and history of the region. Tom specializes in coastal history with an emphasis on the sea islands of Georgia. Few people know and love beautiful Cumberland and Amelia islands better than Tom. He has spent 15 years lecturing and leading Road Scholar groups to sites from the mountains to the sea.
 
Ron Kurtz
Ron has been an Amelia Island resident for more than 20 years. After attending Hiram College, he graduated from New York University with a degree in educational theater. Ron served as the director of the Amelia Island Museum of History and wrote a highly regarded history of the island, now in its sixth printing, as well as a series of children's books. Ron has lectured on the history and architecture of the first coast for the Historic Preservation Trust as well as the Smithsonian Institution.
 
Kevin McCarthy
Kevin grew up in Gloucester, Mass. and settled in Fernandina Beach in 1968. He spent 41 years sailing the waters of northeast Fla. and southeast Georgia. He holds a 100 ton master’s license and developed his knowledge of the wildlife and history exploring the waters that surround Amelia Island, Cumberland Island and St. Mary's, Ga. Generations of Kevin’s family have been shrimpers, and he shares with participants his knowledge of shrimp farming and the future of the shrimp industry in the U.S.
 
Ruth Miller
Ruth Miller, a graduate of Duke University, has lived all over America and journeyed throughout the world. As a Charleston historian and excursion leader, she enjoys tying local history into the American story and worldwide events. Ruth is the author and co-author of numerous books, including “Charleston Charlie — A Family Activity Book for Kids of All Ages,” “Touring the Tombstones,” and “The Angel Oak Story.” She is a member of the South Carolina Historical Society and the National Trust.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Hampton Inn & Suites Historic Fernandina
  Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida 2 nights
   Jekyll Island Club Hotel
  Jekyll Island, Georgia 2 nights
   Country Inn & Suites Savannah Historic District
  Savannah, Georgia 1 night
   Holiday Inn Riverview Hotel
  Charleston, South Carolina 2 nights
 Hampton Inn & Suites Historic Fernandina
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located in the historic district of Amelia Island, overlooking the intracoastal waterway. Within walking distance of restaurants and historic sites.Just 25 miles north of Jacksonville International Airport. Located in a quaint, historic maritime town. The hotel design reflects historic context. Within walking distance of 25 restaurants. Nature in all its unexpected glory—total tranquility or more fun than you’ve ever imagined!
  Contact info: 19 South 2nd Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 USA
phone: 904-491-4911
web: www.hamptoninnandsuites.net
  Room amenities: Beautifully appointed guest rooms. All rooms have a King or Queen beds, hairdryer, alarm clock, HBO and cable TV, voice mail and multi-line speaker phones.
  Facility amenities: Gift shop, laundry facilities, upper deck pool, exercise facility, free high-speed internet access, and deluxe breakfast bar.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $79 - $100 Participants are responsible for making own reservations for any additional nights.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM

 Jekyll Island Club Hotel
Type: Resort
  Description: The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only four star resort and National Historic Landmark. Enjoy casual and fine dining, nine miles of beach, bicycling, 63 holes of golf, tennis, heart of historic district, horseback riding, and much more.
  Contact info: 371 Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA 31527 USA
phone: 800-535-9547 x9126352600
  Room amenities: iPod Dock Clock Radio, Color 32" LCD Flat Panel TV with Cable and DVD player, Iron / Ironing Board, Hair Dryer, High Speed Wireless Internet Service, Phone with V/M & Data Ports, In Room Safe, Refreshment Center, Coffee Maker
  Facility amenities: sweeping verandas and Victorian architecture
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Country Inn & Suites Savannah Historic District
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Country Inn & Suites Savannah Historic District is the perfect spot for those looking to explore all that historic Savannah has to offer. Located within walking distance of Savannah's historical treasures, guests can take advantage of what truly is a walking city. From our beautifully appointed Savannah hotel rooms to our comfortable and inviting public areas, guests will find our downtown Savannah hotel to be the perfect home away from home. Be our guest at the Country Inn Savannah Historic District hotel and begin a memory-making experience in this truly unique city.
  Contact info: 320 Montgomery Street
Savannah, GA 31401 USA
phone: 912-921-5300
web: www.countryinns.com/hotels/gasahist
  Room amenities: In-room amenities include complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, 32" flat screen televisions, coffee and tea makers with complimentary coffee, iron/ironing boards, free local calls, and a microwave and refrigerator in each room.
  Facility amenities: Hotel Highlights: High-Speed Internet Indoor Pool Fitness Center Suites
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Holiday Inn Riverview Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Holiday Inn Riverview is a unique 14-story circular high rise hotel located on the banks of the Ashley River overlooking the sky lights of historic Charleston. Our Harborview Restaurant located on the top, offers our guests the most spectacular panoramic view of Charleston. Additional features are a seasonal outdoor pool, ample free parking with ADA accessible spaces, as well as a loading zone, and courtesy shuttle to downtown Charleston. Whether you're visiting our city for a day, a mini vacation or extended stay, Charleston offers the best in Authentic 18th Century Plantations, Georgian, Federal and Victorian Architecture, Arts and Entertainment and Sporting Events. In addition, you will be enticed to visit our sandy beaches and other attractions. This amazing Charleston, SC hotel's location is perfect for business and leisure travelers looking for lodging near some of the city's best attractions, restaurants, and shopping. Whether you are looking for long days on the beach, exciting nightlife, or beautiful historic sites our hotel allows you to stay your way. Leisure travelers enjoy the many Charleston hotel deals that our property has to offer including our close proximity to many area attractions such as the Charleston Aquarium, Fort Sumter, Hunley Museum, and three of South Carolina's best beaches. Located just a few miles from CHS Airport our Charleston, SC hotel's location is perfect for business travelers looking to move in and out of the city with ease. These guests also enjoy the convenience of our 24-hour Business Center with free Internet access and 780-sq ft meeting room as well as our newly renovated Fitness Center that allows them to stay in shape while they are away from home. Our property offers close proximity to some of the city's greatest attractions and sites such as the Citadel, Charleston Aquarium, and fun beaches.
  Contact info: 301 Savannah Highway
Charleston, SC 29407 USA
phone: 843-460-1440
web: www.hiriverview.com
  Room amenities: Well appointed rooms with new pillow top mattresses and new plush bedding including extra pillows. New Rain Forest coffee and coffee makers in each room. Free Morning Newspaper Delivered to Room Cable / Satellite TV Color TV Phone with Voice Mail Bathtub Hair Dryer Private Bathroom Double Glazed Windows Individually Controlled Air Conditioning Iron / Ironing Board Rollaway Bed/Cot Separate Hanging Closet
  Facility amenities: Outdoor Pool Exercise Facility 1- Free Motion Exercise Bike, 1- Universal Life Fitness machine, 2- Life Fitness Treadmills, 2- 27" TVs with cable, Water Fountain, Family Restroom, Full scale. Health/Fitness Center On-Site Fitness Center Type: LIMITED Restaurant & Lounge High Spirits Lounge The newly renovated High Spirits Lounge has been refurnished with new cloth and leather lounge chairs. We've mounted 4 new 40-plus inch flat screen TVs to catch your favorite team or even check the forecast, or you could peek out the window and check out the panoramic view of Charleston's skyline. Shuttle Service Parking Business Center Business Center Staffed Between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM Copying Courier Service E-mail & Internet Facsimile PC available Service Provider: Printer Unstaffed Business Center High-speed Internet Access Service Provider: Wireless Data Connection Service Provider Public Space Data Services High-speed Internet Access Service Provider: Wireless Data Connection Service Provider: WiFi Housekeeping and Laundry Services On-site Guest Self-Laundry Facilities (washer/dryer) Daily Housekeeping Weekly Housekeeping Dry Cleaning Pickup/Laundry Same Day Dry Cleaning A/C Public Areas ATM/Cash Machine Dedicated Lounge (or 24 Hour Lounge) Ice Machine Porter/Bellman Safety Deposit Box available at Front Desk
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Call for hotel rate Group rates are not available during times outside of the Road Scholar program week. For early arrival or late stayovers, call the hotel directly.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Hotel Check-In begins at 4:00 pm; Road Scholar Registration is at 5:00 pm in the hotel conference room. You will be staying at Hampton Inn & Suites Historic Fernandina that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends at 10:00 am in Charleston, SC. You will be staying at Holiday Inn Riverview Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Fernandina Beach, FL is complimentary. This is your check-in hotel and first city in the itinerary program.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida
  Nearest city or town:  Fernandina Beach
  Nearest highway: Hwy A1A
  Nearest airport:  Jacksonville International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location:  Charleston, South Carolina
  Nearest city or town:  Mt. Pleasant and Beaufort, SC
  Nearest highway: I-26
  Nearest airport:  Charleston, SC
Travel Details
 

Jacksonville, FL to Fernandina Beach, FL

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
GO Airport Shuttle
phone: 904-353-8880
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$35 for 1-3 people, $8 for each additional person. Return trip to airport is a $55 flat rate.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35 - 40 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

25 - 30 miles
   

Call for most recent pricing. www.gojacksonvilleairportshuttle.com/ 5320 Springfield Blvd Jacksonville, FL
 

To Fernandina Beach from Jacksonville, FL

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Amelia Transportation
phone: 904-753-6480
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$47 flat rate up to 6 people, gratuity not included
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

Advance reservations are required and may be made by going to: www.ameliatransportation.com
 
Driving Directions
  I-95 Take Exit 373 and follow the signs to Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island. Go approximately 10 miles and over the intracoastal waterway bridge onto Amelia Island. Go through six traffic lights and turn left at the very next street (no light) onto Ash Street. Continue for six short blocks until you come to 2nd Street. Turn right on 2nd Street. The Hampton Inn and Suites is at the corner of Ash and 2nd Street.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration/ Orientation/ Get Acquainted
(Sunday, October 20)
   
 Afternoon: Hotel check in begins at 4:00 pm in the lobby of the hotel. 5:00 orientation will take place in the hotel conference room. You will receive your name badge and weekly schedule at this time. Your coordinator will go over the itinerary and answer any questions in preparation of our culinary and area history adventure program.
 Dinner: Dinner will be at 6:30 pm at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites Historic Fernandina
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Amelia Island by Trolley/Culinary Behind the Scenes Five Star Ritz Carlton/Evening Fine Dining
(Monday, October 21)
   
 Breakfast: A delightful breakfast buffet will be in the Garden Room overlooking the harbor.
 Morning: Enjoy a field trip of historic downtown Fernandina Beach with an expert that has written several books on the history. He has also published children's books.
 Lunch: Lunch will be at a popular island restaurant.
 Afternoon: Take a culinary tour behind the scenes of the five star Ritz-Carlton. Not only will you see the workings of the kitchen, which is incredible, but you will also see the entire behind the scenes including the laundry area and florist, which is fascinating. Hospitality is key to any hotel starting with the front line. Learn how the Five Star got its rating.
 Dinner: Located at the foot of Center Street at the Fernandina Harbor Marina, elegant Brett's Waterway Cafe is a local favorite, being the only restaurant with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. We have selected this restaurant as one of our fine dining evening restaurants.
   
Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites Historic Fernandina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Amelia River History Cruise/Depart for Jekyll Island Millionaire Village/High Tea Jekyll Island Club
(Tuesday, October 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in the Garden Room overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
 Morning: Come aboard for a cruise that takes you along salt marshes, wilderness beaches and historic river banks narrated by an historian and shrimper. Hear about the shrimping industry woes and learn about fresh shrimp vs. farm raised shrimp and why we should be concerned about what to ask for when we go to restaurants or buy in the grocery store. A fourth generation shrimper will lead the discussion. Watch for wild horses along the Cumberland Island shore and the ruins of Dungeness while listening to the colorful history of the area. See Amelia Island and Cumberland Island from the Intracoastal Waterway. Fernandina is said to be the birthplace of the shrimping industry. See for yourself.
 Lunch: Gourmet box lunch on way to Jekyll Island, Ga.
 Afternoon: The Jekyll Island Museum and its professionally guided tram ride are intended to give an inside look at what life was like on Jekyll Island during the club era (1886-1942) for the club members and the employees. Background information on the history of how Jekyll Island came to be a playground for the wealthy is also provided. Learn where the food was prepared for the millionaire's.
 Dinner: Dinner will be prepared by the expert chef of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. A Low Country boil will be demonstrated and featured for the main course prepared especially for the Road Scholar group. What is the origin of the Low Country boil? Why is it one of the most popular meals along the coast?
   
Accommodations: Jekyll Island Club Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shrimp Trawl/Free Afternoon/Evening of Fine Dining/Entertainment
(Wednesday, October 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip: "Cast the nets" aboard the Lady Jane shrimp boat. Along with jumbo sized opaque shrimp, the haul includes string rays, Horseshoe Crabs, Puffer Fish, Amberjack, Crocker, Blue crab, Skate, baby octopus, some anchovies, jellies and baby shark. All creatures are identified and all but the shrimp are returned to the sea. The juicy shrimp are then cooked on board and served with crackers and sauce. You can't get any fresher than that. A marine biologist willl explain the sizing of shrimp for commercial use, the different kinds of shrimp, the turtle excluder device used by shrimpers and many other facts about one of the most favorite seafoods...the shrimp.
 Lunch: Lunch will be at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.
 Afternoon: Your afternoon is free on Jekyll to enjoy the many activities such as the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, biking, strolling the beach or walking among the ancient live oaks. We will be happy to make suggestions and help you plan your afternoon.
 Dinner: Dinner will be a the historic Crane Cottage, next door to the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Crane Cottage, also in the Italian Renaissance architectural style, was built in 1919 for Richard Teller Crane, Jr. and his wife. The Crane family was fond of world travel, and after an extended visit to Italy the couple returned to America excited about designing a cottage on Jekyll Island to resemble a particular villa they had admired. The cottage is now a favorite dining spot on Jekyll and within easy walking distance of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.
 Evening: The Ring Shouters, all descendants of African slaves, perform sharecropping dances and shouts. Continuing the tradition of their ancestors, you will be entertained as you learn more about the Gullah culture.
   
Accommodations: Jekyll Island Club Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Depart for Savannah/Lunch at Mrs. Wilke's Boarding House/Trolley Field Trip
(Thursday, October 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel before departing for Savannah.
 Morning: Travel to Savannah from Jekyll Island is approximately 70 miles. The visitor center is a great starting point for your trip to Savannah so we will stop off and collect maps and brochures of local attractions. We will then head to Mrs. Wilke's Boarding House Restaurant for lunch.
 Lunch: Lunch will be at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Tabletops are crowded with platters of fried chicken and cornbread dressing, sweet potato souffle, black-eyed peas, okra gumbo, corn muffins and biscuits. In 1943, a young Sema Wilkes took over a boarding house in historic downtown Savannah. Her goal was modest: to make a living by offering comfortable lodging and homestyle Southern cooking served family style in the downstairs dining room. Mrs. Wilkes picked up where the previous proprietor left off, cultivating relationships with nearby farmers who dug sweet potatoes for her in the fall and shelled whippoorwhill peas in the summer. Mrs. Wilke's Boarding House received coverage in Esquire and the New York Times, and was even profiled on David Brinkley's evening news program.
 Afternoon: An expert guide will accompany you on the trolley, which will take you around historic downtown Savannah and the squares. Stops will be made along the way and commentary will focus on the history of Savannah and the historic structures and the planned layout of the Savannah squares.
 Dinner: Dinner will be on your own. Many restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel. A list will be provided for you.
   
Accommodations: Country Inn & Suites Savannah Historic District
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Explore Riverstreet and Squares/Historic Pink House Lunch/Depart Savannah for Charleston
(Friday, October 25)
   
 Breakfast: A continental breakfast will be served in the lobby area.
 Morning: Enjoy the renown and historic Riverstreet of Savannah. Time is allowed for walking the streets of Riverstreet. We will visit Riverstreet Sweets, voted Savannah's best candy shop for 5 years in a row.
 Lunch: Built in 1771 and sheathed with a layer of pink stucco, The Pink House has functioned as a private home, a bank, a tearoom, and headquarters for one of Sherman's generals. Sherman didn't burn down Savannah because he thought it was so beautiful. We will eat our farewell to Savannah lunch at the Pink House, which is now a fine dining restaurant. When finished, we'll travel to Charleston, SC.
 Afternoon: Travel time from Savannah to Charleston, SC is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. We will check into our final hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner will be at a popular Charleston restaurant.
 Evening: Free evening after a travel day from Savannah to Charleston. Settle into the hotel and get ready for a full day in Charleston.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Riverview Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Charleston City Market/Cooking Demostration/Charleston Field Trip/Fine Dining Dinner/Entertainment
(Saturday, October 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: The Charleston field trip will be in the afternoon due to our 11 am cooking demonstration. We will leave the hotel at 9:00 am by motor coach and proceed to the Charleston City Market where you will have to time to explore before a cooking demonstration on Low Country cuisine. This lasts 2 hours and includes our lunch.
 Lunch: We will dine for lunch on the food prepared in our cooking demonstration. The demonstration is called "A Taste of the Low Country" Delicious! Includes a glass of wine with lunch.
 Afternoon: An historian will join you this afternoon for a motor coach field trip through historic downtown. She has written several books and is an expert on Charleston history.
 Dinner: A special evening has been planned just for the Road Scholar group. Dinner will be at the well known Eli's Table Restaurant in Charleston.
 Evening: Entertainment will be specially presented by an African American who will tell Gullah stories, sing and perform.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Riverview Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Charleston's Past and Future/Farewells/Check-out
(Sunday, October 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Founded in 1920, the Preservation Society of Charleston is the oldest community based historic preservation organization in America. Today the Society has over 2,000 members from South Carolina and 35 other states who are concerned about the future of Charleston’s historic districts. A member of the Preservation Society will speak about the past and future of Charleston. Our program has concluded and motor coach transfers will be available to take participants to the Jacksonville International Airport. The cost of the transportation is dependent on the number of participants using the service, the more people going to Jacksonville, the cheaper the cost per person. We usually have about half the group going, which makes this transportation much less expensive than getting a limo on your own. This cost is not included in your program cost. The trip to Jacksonville is 238 miles long. It is approximately three and one half hours from Charleston to Jacksonville.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida Amelia Island Boating
From sailing to kayaking to fishing charters, the waters surrounding Amelia Island offer myriad opportunities for boating. Outfitters such as Kayak Amelia, Fly Fishing Amelia, and Up the Creek Xpeditions offer a variety of guided, open-water and river kayak tours around Amelia Island. Windward Sailing offers sailing charters and tours out of Fernandina Beach Marina. For additional information, visit www.ameliaisland.com and www.flyfishingameliaisland.com
  Amelia Island Museum of History
Learn why Amelia Island has captivated its settlers for thousands of years. The Amelia Island Museum of History takes visitors on a fascinating trip through time that explores everything from the island’s first inhabitants, the Timucuan Indians, to modern-day preservation programs in Fernandina Beach and Nassau County. Permanent exhibits relating to Amelia Island and the Civil War, Spanish Missions, and Florida Railroad are also on display. For additional information, visit www.ameliamuseum.org
  Golf on Amelia Island
In true Florida fashion, golf reigns supreme on Amelia Island. Designed by the industry’s top golf course architects, Amelia Island golf courses offer exceptional play that honors the island’s diverse landscape of oceanfront dunes, oak forests and marshlands. Fernandina Beach Golf Club, North Hampton, Manicipal Golf Course, and The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach also beckon golfers. For additional information, visit www.ameliaisland.com/outdoor_activities
  Historic Downtown District
Fernandina Beach Historic Downtown District.Fernandina Beach’s historic roots as a Victorian seaport village are best experienced in the town’s Historic District. Spanning 50 blocks, the Fernandina Beach Historic District features distinctive 19th century Victorian homes and cottages, brick-façade building, shopping, art galleries, and dozens of restaurants. Fernandina Beach’s historic corridor is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For additional information, visit www.ameliaislandliving.com/newtourist/touristguide/historicdowntown.htm.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Gullah Cuisine : By Land and by Sea


Author: Charlotte Jenkins


Description: Take a journey with Chef Charlotte Jenkins into her creative kitchen, and also into her life. Charlotte and her husband Frank grew up Gullah at a time when the Old Ways were giving way to the New Ways. They are of the generation that bridged those two worlds. Charlotte learned to cook Gullah the way her mama, her grandmamma and all the mamas that have come before her - by working alongside one another. But she also trained at Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute in Charleston where she adapted the traditional recipes to be more healthful. In1997, she and her husband Frank opened Gullah Cuisine in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. They are now widely acknowledged as offering the best of authentic Gullah cooking. Gullah Cuisine: By Land and By Sea brings Charlotte's wonderful recipes to you. But it does more than that - the book is a tale of connection, sharing a world the Gullah built. It features a narrative by critically acclaimed author William P. Baldwin, photographs by Pulitzer-prize-nominee Mic Smith and art by beloved Gullah painter Jonathan Green.



Hoppin' John's Lowcountry Cooking


Author: John Martin Taylor


Description: At rural oyster roasts and barbecues, in fancy Charleston restaurants and renovated townhouses, and on the pages of national magazines, the luxuriant cooking of the Carolina coast, known as the Lowcountry, has made a dramatic reappearance. This is the book that launched the culinary revival. John Martin Taylor, who grew up casting shrimp nets off Hilton Head Island, has collected a wealth of traditional and contemporary recipes that represent the region's best, from She-Crab Soup and Sweet Potato Pie to Shrimp and Grits and Sweet Watermelon Pickles. The result is a lyrical American cookbook and a travelogue to a unique way of life.



Mrs. Wilkes' Boardinghouse Cookbook: Recipes and Recollections from Her Savannah Table


Author: Sema Wilkes


Description: In 1943, a young and determined Sema Wilkes took over a nondescript turn-of-the-century boardinghouse on a sun-dappled brick street in historic downtown Savannah. Her goal was modest: to make a living by offering comfortable lodging and Southern home cooking served family style in the downstairs dining room. Mrs. Wilkes' reputation was strong and business was brisk from the beginning, but it was the coverage in Esquire and the New York Times, and even a profile on David Brinkley's evening news that brought Southern-food lovers from all over the world to her doorstep. Sema is now 95 years old, and four generations of Wilkeses help her keep the tables laden with platters of her legendary fried chicken, pork ribs, and biscuits, while friends and strangers pass bowls brimming with her sublime butterbeans, collard greens, mashed sweet potatoes, and banana pudding. The line snakes out the front door and down the street, where along with the locals and visitors, it's not uncommon to find Jimmy Carter or Roy Blount Jr. among other familiar faces waiting for their turn at Mrs. Wilkes' table. With over 300 recipes and culinary historian John T. Edge's colorful telling of Mrs. Wilkes' contribution to Savannah and Southern cuisine, this rich volume is a tribute to a way of cooking—and eating— that must not be forgotten.





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