Kitty Deschanel | Food, Wine, and Travel Adventures Across the USA

Where to Eat in Charleston, SC Planning a trip to Charleston? This historic coastal city is a foodie paradise, offering everything from Lowcountry classics to gourmet donuts, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table dining. Here’s our list of the best places to eat in Charleston, based on our week-long culinary adventure. Top Charleston Foodie Highlights Nigel’s Good Food – Famous for Bam's Gumbo and Lowcountry Ravioli. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – Southern biscuits served fresh at the Historic Charleston City Market. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Creative flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Raspberry Rose Jelly Donut. Glazed Gourmet Donuts – Inventive flavors including The Red Nosed Goat and Sweet Corn Blueberry. The Grit Counter – Customizable grits with bold flavor options like Pimento Cheese and Smoked Gouda. Fair warning though - you know when you're thinking about Southern food, it can lead to... A Change in Plans Step 1: Sexy Nerd and I have way too muc...

Highlights of August Local Wine Festivals: Sample regional wines and meet the winemakers. Farmers Markets: Peak-season produce and artisanal goods. Craft Beer Tastings: Seasonal brews perfect for summer evenings. How to Plan Your Event Calendar Book tickets early, especially for popular wine dinners and brew fests. Pair your event visits with nearby attractions to make a full weekend out of it. Park It + Pour It! Food & Drink Festivals Happening Across the USA: August, 2025 If your perfect summer involves sipping rosé under twinkle lights, dancing in the streets with a lobster roll in one hand and a craft beer in the other, or tasting your way through a garlic-infused fantasy, then August is your month. I’ve curated a definitive list of food and drink festivals across the United States this August. Whether you're looking for wine tastings, taco trucks, cultural feasts, or quirky small-town celebrations, there’s something for every palate. Each event includes ...

Festival Highlights Fresh lavender bouquets and plants for sale. Handmade lavender soaps, lotions, and culinary treats. Live music and artisan market stalls. Tips for Visiting Arrive early for the best selection of lavender goods. Bring a sunhat and water—it gets hot! Check the festival schedule for cooking demos and workshops. Lavender in the Village New Mexicans dress to impress. Established in 1994, Lavender in the Village is a lavender-focused event held in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM every July. It's the largest Lavender Festival in the Southwestern USA and is fun for lavender-enthusiasts and lavender-newbies alike. The mission of the Lavender in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is to preserve and enhance Los Ranchos public open space, stimulate an interest in sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on educating the public, including such matters as historic agriculture, lavender and its uses, and fostering community spirit. Lavender in...

Update: Was that the Culligan water man or not? More Than Beer at the (AMAZING!) NM Brew Fest My husband and I have seen ads for the New Mexico Brew Fest, which coincides with Albuquerque's world-famous Balloon Fiesta, year after year. Why haven't we ever gone? Obviously, we are ridiculous fools because the New Mexico Brew Fest was the best time ever ! It's our all-time favorite beer festival. (Don't tell the Fall Ale Fest . It was only their first year. They'll get there.) You know you're in for a great time when it's socially acceptable to wear food. Festival Highlights Sample from dozens of local and regional breweries. Live music and local food truck favorites. Games, entertainment, and shaded picnic areas. Tips for Attending Buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Plan a safe ride home—consider ride-share or designated driver. For a mere $25 per person, New Mexic...