By Melissa Whiteford St. Clair, Featured Poet, and Getaway Guest
Bringing the pages of “The Prince of Tides” to life was the goal of travel expert, Susie L. McMahon. The Luxe Lowcountry Literary and Leisure Getaway once again exceeded all expectations. For this dual-hatted featured poet and getaway guest, the experience was doubly good!
The Welcome Reception – Evoking true Southern hospitality.
Guests received a warm welcome in an intimate setting with a gathering of featured writers in downtown Beaufort. Small groups gathered on the screen porch facing the Waterfront Park, stepped onto the balcony for city views overlooking Bay Street, or chatted in the great room over bacon-wrapped okra and other delectables prepared by Catering by Debbi Covington.
Round Robin introductions were filled with personal connections or stories how Pat Conroy impacted each of their lives. Guests met and mingled with Cassandra King, Rebecca Dwight Bruff, Stephanie Austin Edwards, Dana Ridenour, Cele and Lynn Seldon, William Walsh, and yours truly.
Historical Walking Tour- Featuring author Rebecca Dwight Bruff
Led by Janet Matlock of Janet’s Walking History Tour, guests learned about the early origins of Beaufort, SC and its significant role during and after the Civil War, and Reconstruction.
Rebecca Dwight Bruff, author of one of my favorite books, “Trouble The Water” infused the history of Robert Smalls. Listening to her speak about his life story and prominence not only in Beaufort but as a U.S. Congressman representing the State of South Carolina and champion for a free public school system in the United States standing in front of his home on Prince Street was a highlight.
A healthy boxed lunch from Herban Market and Café was waiting for Getaway guests.
Pat Conroy Literary Center Tour and Beaufort Tours Pat Conroy Tour
Executive Director, Jonathan Haupt accompanied by author, Dana Ridenour, guided Getaway guests through the Pat Conroy Literary Center while Bill Reynolds took guests on his Pat Conroy’s Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart visiting various locations important to Pat’s life including his homes, and filming locations for scenes from the movies, The Great Santini and Prince of Tides.
Shopping & Sweet Tea
Guests had free time to stroll and shop downtown and sip sweet tea floats at Scout Southern Market.
Wine Room Dinner
Thursday ended with the guests breaking bread in Wine Room of Breakwater Restaurant & Bar. Fine dining in the lowcountry this time of the year enabled guests who chose to, to partake in a local delicacy, soft shelled crab.
Coffee & Couplets
Melissa Whiteford St. Clair facilitated a mini, interactive workshop around poetry and using creativity at Rain – N – Bagels.
Paying respects to Pat Conroy
Jonathan Haupt shared stories about Pat Conroy’s teaching and writing life with guests who took time to pay respects at the St. Helena Memorial Gardens.
“When I die, I fully expect all the shrimp in Beaufort to be pickled that day.” -Pat Conroy
Getaway guests visited the Gay Fish Company for a tour, a history of shrimping industry and a tasty shrimp cocktail treat.
Finishing Friday at Fripp Island
“The people of Fripp Island are very nice to me,” Conroy told Southern Living magazine in 2004. “They leave me alone and let me write.” The home is where he finished “Beach Music.” Several other books, including “My Losing Season,” “South of Broad” and “My Reading Life” were published while Conroy lived on Fripp. [The Island Packet 6.27.2018]
A table-sized charcuterie created by Emily that was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate awaited Getaway guests at their Fripp Island beach house destination.
Author William Walsh chronicled his writing experience and recounted the story of “Lakewood” read by the Susie L. McMahon Virtual Book Club.
After lunch, leisure time included therapeutic massage appointments, meandering along the shoreline, relaxing by the pool, reading (duh!), or maybe catching some z’s.
Dolphins Galore!
Captain Clare and Naturalist John with Coastal Expeditions took guests for an evening cruise. These experienced guides provided in depth education and estuary adventure that included numerous types of birds and dolphins galore!
Culinary Walking Tour with Lynn and Cele Seldon
Travel Journalist team Lynn and Cele Seldon told Pat Conroy food-related stories while strolling the streets of Beaufort with stops for savories and sweet treats. A special sampling of homemade Pickled Shrimp using Pat Conroy’s recipe left mouths salivating!
Creative Organization Workshop
Who doesn’t want to be more organized?! Author Stephanie Austin Edwards gave information to organize one’s writing life with tips applicable to daily life.
The Prince of Tides Movie Screening and Panel
Equipped with gourmet popcorn and box dinner, Getaway guests viewed the 1991 film based on Pat Conroy’s book followed by a panel discussion.
Sunday Brunch and Goodbyes
Brunch with Cassandra King and special guest, Kathy Harvey was an extraordinary ending for Getaway guests.
Capturing Conroy
The haiku I penned in the guest book of Luxe Lowcountry Travel.
The Lowcountry sings his name
Spanish moss heartstrings
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All photos are author’s own unless otherwise indicated.
