OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

DAVID M. BEASLEY

State of South Carolina

Dear Mrs. Sarsfield,

Your trip sounds like quite an adventure! I wish you the best of luck. I'm glad to have the opportunity to tell you a little bit about South Carolina. I also hope you'll send me a copy of your postcards at Govemor@state.sc.us.

I've spent all my 40 years in South Carolina and there are so many wonderful things to say about the state, it's difficult to find a place to start. Most of our visitors come to the Palmetto State because of our wonderful beaches and places like Hilton Head Island, Charleston and the Grand Strand. We also have some spectacular lakes that span our Midlands, like Lakes Moultrie, Marion and Murray, that attract
fishermen from around the world. Our western border is lined by the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and we have a number of beautiful state parks in the area. South Carolina is home of some of the most pristine rivers in the country. Try a canoe trip down the Edisto River or the Great Pee Dee River.

Our history is one of the richest in America. More Revolutionary War battles were fought in South Carolina than any other state, and a new Revolutionary War Trail gives visitors a way to almost all of those famous sites. Of course, most schoolchildren know the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter in the Charleston harbor. Our capitol still bears the scars of this famous war, with bronze stars marking the spots where General Sherman's cannonballs struck the building. While you're in Columbia, you can also visit the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson. And not to far up 1-77, Andrew Jackson State Park marks the location where one of our most famous presidents grew up.

l m sure you'll enjoy our food during your visit. I hope you like shrimp, oysters, grouper and other kinds of fresh seafood. They're a staple of many of our best restaurants. I'll be surprised if you don't try a plate of shrimp and grits while you're here. Also, we've got some of the best barbecue in the South. There's an interesting variation in Williamsburg County where the local restaurants flavor their meat with vinegar and pepper. It's a spicy treat!

Please let my office know if I can provide you with any additional information. Again, good luck on your trip.

Sincerely,

David M. Beasley
Governor