Ready to flex your brain and your Lowcountry knowledge? Our interactive April crossword puzzle is live — and it’s all about springtime vibes, golf season, and local lore. From azaleas in bloom to iconic fairways and fun coastal clues, this month’s puzzle will test how well you really know the place we call home.
Spring is the perfect time for a Lowcountry escape to Boston, where blooming cherry blossoms, historic landmarks, and culinary treasures await. From the vibrant energy of Marathon Monday to the colorful serenity of the Arnold Arboretum, April brings the city to life. Explore iconic neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and the North End, dine al fresco on lobster rolls and fresh seafood, and stroll the Freedom Trail under clear, mild skies. With nonstop flights from Savannah/Hilton Head International, Boston is just a short getaway from the coast — and well worth the trip.
In the Lowcountry, where the breeze carries a hint of salt and happy hour often comes with a view, it’s no surprise that salted rims have earned their place in the spotlight. These locally crafted cocktails — from a zesty Paloma to a vibrant Prickly Pear Margarita — prove that just a pinch of salt can elevate your sip from good to unforgettable. Explore these recipes and raise a glass to a little salt and a lot of flavor.
Crafted with intention, heritage and elegance, Hanatoro Winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla Valley is more than a bottle — it’s a story. Born from a partnership between Steve Thomson and Kevin Bozado, a seasoned hospitality professional at Augusta National, this exceptional wine is rooted in family, craftsmanship and community. With its bold structure and refined notes, Hanatoro is the perfect pour to accompany Lowcountry traditions, like the RBC Heritage and intimate gatherings with friends.
Oysters are more than just a delicacy — they’re a reflection of the waters they come from. According to Chef Chris Carge, executive chef at Poseidon, “Oysters are like wine; they carry the flavor of the place they come from.” Packed with protein, omega-3s, and essential minerals, these nutrient-rich bivalves offer both health benefits and complex flavor profiles, shaped by salinity, temperature, and local plankton. Dive into this guide to explore what makes each oyster unique, and how to taste the Lowcountry one shell at a time.
Not all shrimp are created equal — and Carrie Hirsch, Culinary & Events Coordinator at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, is here to help you spot the best of the best. From sniff tests and shell checks to why local is always better, this guide covers everything you need to know before your next trip to the seafood counter. Discover how to choose fresh, flavorful shrimp that will turn your next dish into a coastal masterpiece.
Sometimes the most unforgettable dishes are rooted in simplicity and tradition. That’s exactly what you get with Vantia White Clam Sauce, a rich, briny Italian classic made from a traditional Sicilian recipe. Chef Trey Place of Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana shares how this elegant, imported sauce — packed with baby clams, olive oil, garlic and herbs — transforms any pasta night into a Mediterranean experience.
As spring awakens the Lowcountry, a fleeting coastal delicacy returns to the menu: soft-shell crabs. Unlike their hard-shelled counterparts, these tender crabs can be enjoyed whole — shell and all — thanks to a natural molting process. Andrew Carmines, owner of Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, explains the science (and the magic) behind this seasonal sensation, and why they’re only available for a short, savory window.
The Lowcountry’s salt marshes are more than just scenic — they’re a culinary treasure trove. We asked local chefs to name their favorite ingredients from the marsh, and their answers reflect the region’s rich blend of flavor, history, and sustainability. From oysters and blue crabs to wild herbs and pluff mud-seasoned produce, these chefs share how marshland bounty inspires their kitchen creations — and how you can bring those flavors home.
Chef Nunzio Patruno brings the flavors of the Italian Riviera to the Lowcountry with this coastal-inspired Zuppetta Ligure — a light, fragrant seafood stew brimming with mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. Balanced by new potatoes and crisp string beans, this dish captures the essence of Ligurian cuisine, blending the briny taste of the sea with comforting, earthy notes. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a side of crusty garlic bread for the perfect bite.