Just Where is the best darn Hotdog in Darlington County?

In the past fifteen months I have spent a lot of time in support of activities and attractions in Darlington County.  From the Southern 500 to the Egg Scramble in Lamar I have tried to assist, contribute and be a part of all things Darlington County.  Now the time has come to put aside all these mundane activities and focus all my efforts on answering the most relevant burning question of the 21^st century in this area.  Where is the best darn hotdog in Darlington County?

I take up this cause with the full understanding that, no matter what the answer, there will be those that dissent and those that will cast aspersions on my efforts.  However, undaunted, I begin my task in earnest and with a pure and unbiased heart.  It is also a great way to take accommodations tax money and turn it in to hospitality tax money so everyone benefits; including my appetite that becomes frenzied at the idea of all those wonderful dogs.

This project is not one that I undertake without having given a great deal of forethought and planning.  In fact one may surmise after reading this tome that I actually became Tourism Director in order to satisfy my desire for dogs, dogs, and more dogs.  That accusation is not without some merit.

Be that as it may, to determine where the best dog lies is an accomplishable goal but involves some detail.  For instance I have determined there should be three divisions of evaluation:

1) Best chain restaurant dog,

2) Best service station dog,

3) Best locally owned restaurant dog.  

 

The criteria for determining if your establishments qualifies for entry in to the contest is as follows:

1) The dog must exist as a menu item other than just on the children’s menu (if it’s only the children’s menu you aren’t truly serious about your dogs).

2) It cannot be a turkey, chicken, soy or (God forbid) tofu dog.  It must be beef, pork or other.

3) It cannot be a sausage dog.  Much like the old Ford El Camino, which can’t decide if it’s a truck or a car, the sausage dog is likewise conflicted.

In my next installment I will discuss the criteria for judging the candidates and perhaps share some preliminary thoughts on the candidates themselves.  In the meantime I would love your thoughts on what you’ve read so far and candidates you have in mind (God grant me an endless list for evaluation).

 

 

 

 

WOW - What a start to the Tourist Season

The Southeastern Baseball Classic concluded last Saturday night after four days of near perfect S.C. weather.  The Conference Carolinas Girls Fastpitch Softball Tournament held at Byerly Park concluded last night with the same fantastic weather.  Estimated a minimum of 800 visitors to the area who filled up on fresh strawberries from McLeod's Farm, good eats at local establishments like Shug's Smokehouse, Bizzell's, Midnight Rooster and Westwood BBQ.  One group actually discovered Ruth's Drive-In all on their own!  We sent the entire Queen's University softball team, coaches, and parents (40 folks) to Shug's where they took over the screened in room and severely depleted Jay's rib inventory.  Another group descended on Tony's Fireside Grill who graciously stayed open an hour later to accommodate the folks.

This weekend brings on the Clemson Rural Heritage Festival at the Clemson Pee Dee Research and Education Center/Outdoor Education Trail.  Located at 2200 Pocket Road in Florence, SC this event offers exhibits and demonstrations on all things rural from blacksmithing to beekeeping along with the very best of South Carolina home grown foods.  Hours are 10AM-4PM and admission is free.  For more information you can go directly to the above link.

Hang on for the first weekend in May when we will be holding the first annual Black Creek Kayak/Canoe Festival, the first Black Creek Arts Council, Bluejeans, BBQ and Live Music Festival, the monthly Community Market, and the Junior College Region10 Girl's Fastpitch Softball Tournament.

WOW - I wish there were something to do around here.

Big Sports in a Small Town

Following the most successful RenoFest in their nine year history, we're looking forward to two large amateur sporting events this weekend.

The Southeastern Baseball Classic comes to Jimmy White Field in Hartsville, SC beginning April 15 and running through April 18.  This is a four-day round robin tournament featuring powerhouse in-state and out-of -state high school teams ranging from Maryland to Virginia to North Carolina as well as four traditional powerhouse teams from South Carolina.  In its 13th season the event is put on with strictly volunteer workers from the local Hartsville community.  It features not only fine baseball but also a scholarship program for scholar athletes participating in the tournament.  Add to that the Hartsville hospitality and you get a feel for why local residents say they practice The Art of Good Living.  For more information go to: www.southeasternbaseballclassic.com or www.visitdarlingtoncounty.org or call 888-427-8720.

On April 17 the girls come to town as Byerly Park in Hartsville becomes the site for the Conference Carolina Girls Fast Pitch Softball Tournament.  11 college teams from the Carolinas, including Coker College of Hartsville, will participate in a three-day double elimination tournament culminating Sunday afternoon with the championship game.  Byerly Park is one of the premier sports venues in the region with facilities for softball, baseball, tennis, track, football, soccer, horseshoes, and basketball as well as outdoor performances.