Cookbook author Nathalie Dupree loves Bowens Island and its oysters. Writer and editor Stephen Hoffius loves Old Sheldon Church, and poet-laureate Marjory Wentworth loves Sullivan’s Island. But novelist Pat Conroy professes love for all of South Carolina and its constant surprise.

“State of the Heart: South Carolina Writers on the Places They Love” will be the topic at Historic Beaufort Foundation’s dinner and a lecture at the Verdier House, 801 Bay Street, November 18 at 5:30 p.m. Edited by writer Aida Rogers, “State of the Heart” includes essays by three dozen state writers that make one want to take a road trip to each of these intriguing places.

This anthology represents a love letter to South Carolina and provides a multifaceted historical and personal view of the Palmetto State. This book of mini-memoirs reveals the places that have inspired and continue to inspire South Carolina writers, Historian Walter Edgar says.

Rogers has won national and regional awards for her feature journalism in newspapers, television and magazines. She will sign copies of her book following the lecture.

Open to HBF members and non-members, the lecture features a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception, 5:30 to 6 p.m. The program is 6 to 7 p.m. followed by audience questions. Admission to the lecture is $15/$25 per member/member couple respectively, and $20/$30 per non-member/non-member couple respectively. Seating is limited; call 379-3331 to make reservations. A three-course dinner at Saltus River Grill is offered at $19 per person for attendees at the lecture. Call Saltus River Grill at 379-3474 directly to make dining reservations
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