W. Hodding Carter

W. Hodding Carter has written about the Everglades, Vikings, the history of plumbing and his own midlife quest to qualify (unsuccessfully) for the Olympics—but he met his match in the Delta Hot Tamale Eating Contest.

Stories from this author

Vying for tamale-downing dominance, Carter demolished 16 of the Delta delicacies. A key part of his strategy: swigging from his opponent’s water bottle.

How the Hot Tamale Conquered the American South

Our intrepid reporter heads back to the Mississippi Delta in search of his favorite food—and the title of tamale-eating champ

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Roadside Attractions

When you see mermaids cavorting just off U.S. 19 in central Florida, you may be tempted to join them