FanFic Help - Deep South THANKS

[Scott]

Steve,
I know this is a little behind, and you may've already decided on 
what your doing but I still thought I'd respond. 

Firstly if they need to be fairly close to South Carolina (for the 
Ginger Ale) then why not North Carolina (I should mention that I 
live in NC). Virginia is and isn't the south and it really depends 
on what part of VA you are talking about. Your best bet I would 
think is somewhere pretty centralized and not that far from Richmond 
(or in it). There are some lovely plantation houses there and near 
Williamsburg and Richmond was afterall the capital of the 
Confederate south.  

But NC would work very well too and GA is definitely a good option. 
If you do use NC (or VA) I could go into MUCH more detail which 
might be helpful.

You could serve a pecan pie, or some simple cookies. I think a sugar 
cookies would go well with lemonade. However, the most traditional 
thing, and esp. on a plantation would be Mint Julep, a drink made 
with bourbon, sugar, crushed mint leaves and crushed ice, it is 
traditionally made one at a time and served in silver Julep cups, 
but you can make it by the pitcher-full if need be. Cheese straws 
are served alongside and can be made long strips with puff pastry, 
or (how I usually have them) as a dough of flour, cheese (a sharp 
cheddar) and butter and turned in a cookie press to create elaborate 
shapes.

I can send you more information if you'd like. Lemonade is always a 
good choice, but the most genteel of plantations would surely serve 
mint julip. 

I hope that helps

cheers,
Scott

who's not even going to start on sweet tea ;)