The Tar Heel Traveler occasionally takes an out-of-state trip that is worth reporting. Charleston on a warm winter weekend is heavenly. What struck me most about this trip were the wonderful aromas downtown. Some of the best food in America is served up Low Country style in historic Charleston.

As you stroll down Meeting Street toward the market area your sense of smell is massaged by culinary delights. Who can resist the smell of shrimp and grits, she crab soup and lump crab cakes cooking? And the scent of fresh pralines just out of the oven at the Charleston Candy Kitchen will bring you to your knees.

What are your favorite eating places in Charleston? I have a new favorite. It's Anson's near the market. The best she crab soup on the planet! I also really like Carolina's on Exchange Street and Blossom's was excellent for lunch. I wanted to try Hyman's in the 200 block of Meeting Street but the lines were too long. Southern Living magazine recently ranked Hyman's seafood as the best in the Southeast.

I know a lot of you go to Charleston. I can't count the number of times people came up to me and said hello. There is so much to do in the Charleston area. Tomorrow, something a little different.