Savor South Carolina Oysters

South Carolina's home-grown favorite foods include okra, watermelon, crabs, oysters, wine and peaches – contrary to conventional wisdom, South Carolina leads even Georgia in peach production. Here are a few foods not to miss on your trip to the state.

Boiled peanuts: In 1935, a man named Julian Cromer packed up his produce – including fresh-roasted peanuts – and opened a stand in downtown Columbia, according to the tale chronicled on the company' s Web site. Locals fell in love with the snack, despite the company's slogan -- Guaranteed Worst In Town. The peanut purveyor has become a landmark.

Peaches: South Carolina, sometimes known as the "Tastier Peach State," is ranked No. 2 (behind California) in nation in the delicate art of peach growing. Its 30 to 40 varieties -- 200 million pounds of peaches -- are grown on about 18,000 acres. To sample the fruit prepared every way imaginable, head to one of the state's peach festivals, including the South Carolina Peach Festival in Gaffney and the Lexington County Peach Fest in Gilbert, both in July.

Gullah: The Gullah live the Low Country region of South Carolina, many of whom work diligently to preserve their African cultural heritage, including a distinctive language and Gullah cooking. Gullah cuisine is often characterized by relatively simple recipes with soul food flavors and seafood stock. Think shrimp gravy, fried fish with grits and seafood gumbo. To get a sense of the Gullah culture, don't miss the Hilton Head Gullah Celebration in February.

Oysters: On one Sunday in January, two semitrailers containing 65,000 pounds of oysters rumble onto the Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant outside Charleston for the Lowland Oyster Festival. What follows is one of the South's best food fests – a single day of oyster debauchery that includes oysters sold by the bucket (about three to four dozen) and oyster eating, shucking, and recipe contests.

Wine: South Carolina is home to a number of prize-winning vineyards, many of which offer tours. The Charleston Food and Wine Festival in March allows visitors to taste some of the South's best wine and sample food from its best chefs. It's a great place to try Southern cooking at its best. Another fun South Carolina event is the World Beer Festival in downtown Columbia in January, where beer enthusiasts gather to try brew from around the globe.