Editor's Pick

From garden shops to how to pick a roadside diner, read on for this month's travel tips.

Unlike my colleagues in the Gardens department here at Southern Living, whose green digits can coax life out of what appears to me to be dirt and manure, I was born under the Chinese sign of "black thumb of death." Plants beware. Somehow, though, guests to my home and office expect anyone in the employ of this magazine to be surrounded by glorious blooms and full of suggestions on how to keep azaleas from croaking. Never wanting to disappoint, I've discovered a secret that will help Master Gardeners and beginners alike: the public garden shop.

We travel editors tend to visit many of the South's most glorious gardens (see pages 38 and 48) and return with exotic flowers, bulbs for our yards, tools for the sheds, and books that at least make us appear to know our way around an elaeagnus or hydrangea. Even better, many of the shops don't charge local sales tax. Some of my personal favorites are the Gatehouse Gift Shop at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, (205) 414-3970 (pictured at left); Keepsakes, the gift shop at Brookgreen Gardens located outside of Charleston, South Carolina, (843) 235-6042; and the Madame Butterfly Gift Shop at The Butterfly House (a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden) in Chesterfield, (636) 530-0076, extension 15. Good luck out there this spring. -MORGAN MURPHY

Shutterbugs Take Flight

In the ever-changing world of airline check-in procedures, one rule has lightened up, much to the relief of our busy photographers: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now allows travelers to carry on photography equipment. Professional photographers and regular folks hauling camera bags may now carry on two items plus a purse or briefcase. For future flights (in most cases), you won't have to place sensitive and expensive cameras in your checked baggage.

Roadside Dining

A cheeseburger and fries may be the easiest bite on the road, but for those who search for memorable meals while traveling by car, be sure to read Assistant Foods Editor Kim Sunee's "Food Finds" this month on great eats off I-35 in Texas (see page 46). And if you enjoy Kim's story, you'll treasure Gary Saunder's delightful Web site, www.dixiedining.com. Like us, Gary is in pursuit of an alternative to fastfood restaurants. The site, organized by state, lists hundreds of what Gary calls "small, locally owned rib shacks, bbq joints, diners, and fish houses" from Virginia to Texas. Filled with excellent reviews, this is a must-read before any road trip to unfamiliar Southern territory.

Tip of the Month: Luggage by Mail

Flying someplace for a week or more? Either be prepared to lug heavy suitcases (that's why they call it LUGgage), or consider a trip to your local post office. By sending some items ahead, you can avoid cramming everything into just a few bags. A little cash is a small price to pay to save your back and make the trip lighter.

Spotted This Month

While it doesn't exactly adhere to the healthy Food Guide Pyramid as we know it, this menu does cover our two favorite beach food groups for grown-ups. Kay C. Gray of Locust Grove, Virginia, sent in this photo she snapped in Everglades City, Florida.

Tips and Photos for Postscript?

Have you discovered a funny sign? Do you have a savvy travel tip? Send pictures and tips to me at Postscript, Southern Living, P.O. Box 523, Birmingham, AL 35201, or e-mail tips to me at morgan_murphy@timeinc.com. Be sure to include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. For each tip or photo published, you will receive $25.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2004
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