2020 has been difficult on so many for such a plethora of reasons. I could list out all the bleh things that have happened in my own life, but quite simply, I refuse to. Instead, my plan is to continue to keep my eyes and heart focused on all the good that still exists.
My husband normally works on Saturdays, so any time he's able to take that day off and we get a long weekend together is a blessing. My middle son lives in Columbia, SC, and my dear hubby planned a quick stopover visit on our way to Charleston to celebrate my birthday. We were a little hesitant about traveling outside the state where we live, but never felt uncomfortable. Charleston has a mask mandate and the people there were genuinely kind. Our quick getaway wasn't nearly enough time to see all the amazing things this historic city has to offer, but it was a great start.
Things we loved about Charleston--The history. This city is packed full of history. Good, bad, ugly--it's all there. The historic district is home to some amazing antebellum homes. I never realized Charleston's wealth and role in the events that have shaped our nation, so visiting was a great history lesson, but I've admittedly much more to learn. We spent a lot of time walking around downtown, just admiring the homes and imaging a time long past. We also took a horse carriage tour. Lots of fun and even more great information about the history of Charleston. This city has seen more than its fair share of devastation between fires, earthquakes, and war battles. There's lots of evidence that can still be seen in the buildings from the earthquake from reinforcements to how some significantly slant.
The Churches-- Charleston is known as the Holy City as they offered religious freedom to all. For that reason, there are many gorgeous churches throughout the area.
The food!--Yum. We ate really well in Charleston, so it's a good thing we did so much walking. I didn't take pictures of most of the deliciousness we encountered, but I did a few such as these friend green tomatoes and dish from Hall's Steakhouse. It was a really nice restaurant and the food and service were excellent. When we got home, we had a card from our waitress thanking us for letting her serve us. Never had that happen before.
The trees--There are some amazing trees in the Charleston area. The most famous of which is Angel Oak. We didn't make it there, but did visit Ellis Oak Park where there were also some gorgeous trees (and some pesky fireants! Eek!).
The water--Charleston boasts a bay where fresh water and the Atlantic meet. There are an abundance of sea life, a light house that now sits out in the sea due to land erosion, and gorgeous sunsets over the bay.
Plantations--We only made it out to one--Middleton. It's a beautiful place and interesting to see that glimpse of the past and to learn so much about the culture and people of that time. We hope to visit several others on our next trip to the area.
Although my upcoming Hallmark Publishing October 27th release Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy is set in the South, it's in a fictitional town called Pine Hill, KY. What are some of your favorite Southern cities to visit and why? Or if you don't have a favorite one in the South, then where & why cause I may want to go visit? :)
Lovely blog and pics. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Donna. I had so many pictures it was difficult to choose which ones to post. :)
DeleteCharleston is an amazing city to visit. So glad you had a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Merrilee. It was a wonderful trip. :)
DeleteHow fun! I don't know if I've visited any southern cities. I've been to Nashville for a conference but didn't get out much as it was crazy hot and humid. I'm not sure if that's considered a southern city or not.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your lovely trip with us, Janice!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your lovely trip with us, Janice!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely city!
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