Yeah, I know that’s Ted Turner’s nickname, but since he’s keeping a low profile I thought I might use it for the title of this blog post. Besides, I just got back from Atlanta, so I’ve still got “Georgia on my Mind!” I was in “The Big Peach,” as they often call Atlanta, as part of a summer book tour and grit-stuffing vacation. I’m happy to report that both went quite well. Atlanta has some remarkable restaurants, and the folks that live there were extremely friendly.

My summer hiatus began in late June, in the charming Hill Country town of Comfort. (The real name of the place, and just down the road from Welfare!) The wife and I were attending the wedding of my brother-in-law, Tim McCloskey, and his beautiful bride, Eileen Campbell. My two gorgeous grand-daughters, Goldie and Fiona, served as “flower girls,” and everyone had a marvelous time. (Although I had to bring a gift, which is always painful.)

After a great weekend in Comfort, we flew to the Florida Panhandle, where we spent a week at one of our favorite places, Rosemary Beach. Signing books in the sand is a little messy, but still great fun. (Young ladies in bikinis got a special autograph!) We stayed at the Pearl Hotel, which is a wonderful “boutique establishment” right on the beach. By happy coincidence, they also have one of the best restaurants and bars in town, a lovely spot called the Havana Beach Bar & Grill. (The barkeep makes a terrific Mojito!)

The only unanticipated excitement occurred at the “tail end” of my last snorkeling trip, when I inadvertently stepped over a small reef shark. (No joke) I think I might have frightened the poor creature, because he swam off rather quickly. (and so did I!) By sheer coincidence, divers spotted a 30-foot long whale shark the very next day, but as you may know, they are not considered harmful to humans. (unless you count heart attacks when you see one!)

Our next and final stop was in the “Holy City,” a/k/a Charleston, South Carolina. I was in town to have some more fun (what else is new) and to complete some research on the subject of my next history book, titled, WONDER OF THE WEST. The subject’s name is John C. Fremont (known as “The Pathfinder) and as you might know, he was raised and educated in Charleston.

Between mint juleps, we took a private tour of the Citadel, a military college that is ranked as the #1 public college in the South. It was very interesting and inspiring, and the campus is truly a work of art. Ted Turner is actually among their most generous benefactors, and as we learned, two of his sons have graduated from the college.

Back in town, we dined at some memorable restaurants, and I can heartily recommend 82 Queen and Fig, which are expensive and tasty. (Think small portions and big prices) We stayed at a really nice hotel called The Dewberry, which I can also recommend. All in all, Charleston is a great place to visit, and if you like American history, you can’t find a better place to tour. (Fort Sumter will be one of your most memorable stops, but don’t forget to bring a hat and some sunscreen.) And a mint julep.

In closing, I would like to share some exciting news with you….. my latest “Adam Gold Mystery,” titled, DEAD ENDING, has recently been selected as a FINALIST in the 2023 NEW YORK BOOK FESTIVAL! (In the category of “general fiction.”) The Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards will be announced shortly, so keep your fingers crossed for me.

Well, due to our continuing heat wave (we have now had over 30 days of 100+ degree temperatures) I must go take another shower. God, has it been hot down here. Yesterday I opened all the windows and took off all of my clothes. (The other people on the bus were shocked!) What can I say, some folks are very modest. If you’ll scroll down, you will find some photographs of my recent adventures.

Until we meet again, stay cool, drink plenty of water, a few mint juleps, and smile!

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff