Charleston is a city that is exploding with around 100 people moving in everyday! It is a short two hour drive from Savannah, Georgia or as the folks that live there say, “Savannah is our evil sister.” In Savannah the first question asked is “What kind of bourbon do you drink?” In Charleston the first question asked is “Where do you go to church?” Alex and I passed a Hueguenot Church during our stay. Sunday mass is in French. Oh my goodness the formality here on a Sunday. Church means men in suits and ties, women in flowery dresses and big hats. Church bells ring all day. I find it to be very charming!
Speaking of charming Charleston runneth over with sweetness. “Bless your heart dear.” “You’re as pretty as a peach.” “Well I declare you have gumption.” The city has at least fifty art galleries downtown. Charleston is a walking city making it so easy to see as much art as you want. Watch out New York and L.A. you are going to have some serious competition here!
Why should you visit Charleston?
1. It has one of the most unique main streets in the country. King Street will tempt you with enticing shops and fine dining. While most of the folks walkng on King St. are tourists like myself you might run into a native. Native introduce themselves as third generation, thank you very much!
2. It has a vibrant history of southern culture and state of the art architecture. Like Savannah, Charleston has an active group of restoration experts who will spend a great deal of time matching every little original detail. I find this respectable.
3. It has beautiful plantations and gardens. We spent a half day walking through the extensive gardens at the Magnolia Plantation. It was a warm lazy day. Too bad I left my straw hat and lacy fan back in our room. It would have been most approriate y’all!
4. It is full of southern live oak trees that are dripping with Spanish Moss.
5. It has Waterfront Park where you can grab a bench and watch large ships or small sail boats. Great spot to people watch too!
6. It has boutique clothing stores that specialize in southern style. Colorful sports coats and floral long sleeved shirts for men possibly a brimmed straw hat. Gauze dresses for women possibly a lace slip the shows below the hem.
7. It has mouth watering restaurants that offer a wide variety of tempting southern dishes.
8. The famed chef Sean Brock lives in the area. He owns three restauarants in town. You can catch him on the food and travel show “Parts Unknown Savannah”.
Southern Elegance Belmond Charleston Place Hotel
Isle of Palms SC home on the water.
Famous Arthur Ravenel Bridge
JBBoyd, artist in residence, RLS Gallery.
Typical house in Charleston.
Blind Tiger Bar; oldest bar in Charleston.
Fig “Food is Good” best restaurant in Charleston.
Fish dish at Fig, Charleston.
Lazy day in Charleston.