Editor's Pick

Southern Living, May 2004 by Murphy, Morgan

Charleston ranks as one of those cities everyone seems to love. This vibrant coastal gem boasts a proud history, marvelous food, and, in May, the famous Spoleto Festival USA (see page 22). This year, Spoleto takes place May 28th through June 13th. Want to go? Take these tips.

For discounted rates, call Delta 1-800-241-6760, and make reference to file number 201183A. The airline will offer special fares to Charleston between May 20 and June 16. You'll find affordable beds at the Hampton Inn Historic District ([843] 723-4000, $119-$169). Area hotels fill up quickly during the festival, so you may want to stay at the beach. On a tight budget? Attend the Spoleto Soiree on June 5th. In contrast to the Opening Weekend Gala ($300 per ticket), a soiree ticket is just $65 per person. It includes seating at a jazz concert beforehand and then nibbles and dancing at the event. For information and tickets call (843) 579-3100. Good luck out there. -MORGAN MURPHY

Bargain of the Month

When it comes to golf, I believe if you hit the divot farther than the ball, you should be able to play from where the dirt landed. My duffer friends would say this is precisely why I'm in need of professional help. Fortunately for folks like me, May is PGA Free Lesson Month. Last year, 4,000 pro golfers gave nearly 80,000 free 10-minute lessons. If you'd like to improve your game or are simply interested in giving the noble sport a shot, visit www.play golfamerica.com to find a PGA instructor in your area.

Packing Tip

Sneakers may be one of the nastier items ever to be shoved in a suitcase. Who wants all their fresh clothes to stink like the stank of athletic shoes? Worse, they take up loads of room. If you enjoy exercises such as yoga or pilates and want to keep up your workouts while traveling, check out the ExerSock ($10) from Crescent Moon (www.crescentmoonyoga.com).

Basically a sock with a padded, nonslip bottom, the ExerSock makes a perfect travel alternative to bulky tennis shoes.

Sign of the Month

Seems the highway department needs spell-check. Reader James Dancy of North Little Rock, Arkansas, sent in this photo he snapped on 1-55 south of Blytheville.

Honoring the Greatest Generation

Of the 16 million people who served our country during World War II, only 3.5 million are expected to see the completion of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D. C. The May 29 dedication will draw more than 100,000 WWII veterans. The event takes place during a WWII reunion that includes living-history projects, Big Band music, and exhibits. There will also be a musical celebration called A Tribute to a Generation. Tickets are no longer available for the opening, but you can take part in the 100-day, summerlong event called "America Celebrates the Greatest Generation." For more information visit www.washington.org/americacelebrates.

So You Have a Tip for Postcript?

Have you spotted a funny sign? Know a savvy travel tip? Send them 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 item published you will receive $25.