Hidden Carolinas: Including Ashville, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Great Smoky Mountains, Outer Banks, and Charleston Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a born and bred North Carolinian with deep ties to the South Carolina Low Country as well, I would NOT recommend this travel guide. The only thing hidden is well-rounded information. The section on my native Raleigh listed restaurants that had been closed (for a while) when the edition I read was printed. She also was off the mark about several cultural aspects about the area, making an inaccurate point to mention that most tourists come to Raleigh with low culinary expectations. That's a ridiculous statement considering the city has always been home to top cuisine along with down-home cooking. Establishments such as the Angus Barn, listed as one of the best steak restaurants in the country, Cooper's NC BBQ, and a plethora of additional eateries have put Raleigh and the entire Carolina region on the map for good food.
She makes comments about how Chapel Hill is devoid of native southerners and you'll be "hard-pressed to hear a southern accent" as the town is filled with northerners and westerners. Although many non-natives have moved to the area, Chapel Hill is a southern town; quintessential southern hospitality and laid back Carolina vibe. I went to school at the University of North Carolina and a majority of the students and staff are from North Carolina. AS for the accent? I don't have one and my family has lived in the Carolinas since 1670.
Most of her information seems to be copied poorly from other sources, without offering insight about the attraction. Many key attractions are skimmed over or left out. A few attractions are well described, but it's not consistent throughout the book. The section on South Carolina was lacking, especially Charleston.
I appreciate a simple travel guide with basic price and contact info, I also appreciate a detailed travel guide shedding light on the history and local culture of the area. I didn't think the author did either angle very well. I figured the "Hidden" title would offer more in the form of local culture and hidden gems for visitors not familiar to the area. Although certain "hidden" attractions were okay, it was nothing remarkable with outdated information in certain parts.
I'd recommend another travel guide for a basic or more detailed guide to the Carolinas.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hidden Carolinas: Including Ashville, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Great Smoky Mountains, Outer Banks, and Charleston

From the cobblestone streets of Charleston and the beaches of the outer banks to the cozy inns of Asheville and the campgrounds of the Smokies, Hidden Carolinas is a guide to both the prominent and hidden alike. Using her extraordinary descriptive writing skills, author Catherine O'Neal lets travelers know what to expect from every spot in the area so they can plan a vacation to suit their interests. A virtual bed-and-breakfast guide, this book recommends over 100 one-of-a-kind inns. Local flavor is offered in her reviews of 23 barbecue joints and eight restaurants serving hushpuppies. And since everyone loves the coast, Hidden Carolinas describes over 40 beaches and nine lighthouses. There are also details on 63 parks and wilderness areas including information on camping, hiking, and rafting. Each title in the Hidden series offers readers the comfort of detailed maps, internet information for each listing, author picks, suggested itineraries, and walking and driving tours.

Buy cheap Hidden Carolinas: Including Ashville, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Great Smoky Mountains, Outer Banks, and Charleston now.