Visiting the Carolinas Part One Charelston

 POST NOTE: ASHEVILLE UPDATE

Our experiences on a recent trip to Asheville (before the hurricane) were documented at https://www.facebook.com/sueiseverready/ We had hardly been home a week before the hurricane devastated the town and surrounding areas. We were worried about our friends as it took them several days to contact us. They were lucky with no damage to their home. But since they had no water, out of food, and limited communication, they managed to escape to South Carolina to regroup. Seeing photos of the places we walked and drove by is quite unsettling. The area we were staying in River Arts District is totally gone😟. Our prayers go out to all as they figure out how to move forward. 

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, PART ONE

Exploring the city and surrounding area

An invite from a high school friend, Denise, who lives in the area, was hard to pass up. For five days, it was an "off the charts" experience exploring the city with all its southern charm and cuisine. 

We began with a quick visit to the beach with an expansive ocean view.

A relaxing Happy Hour on her porch was the perfect way to unwind. 

Did you know pineapples are a sign of hospitality? Imagine growing one on your back porch.

The next day, we hit the ground running first with a visit and tour of Boone Hall Plantation. 

On the grounds are slave quarter houses which often housed 15 people.

We were fortunate to hear this woman, who is of Gullah heritage, give a presentation immersing the group in plantation life culture.  

Sweetgrass baskets are a "hot" commodity despite their high price in this city. But to sell them, you need to be a native-born Gullah. 

I was fascinated by the homes in the downtown area, which had elaborate ironwork, gardens, and unique facades.

 

 

 This unusual Pineapple Fountain is located in Waterfront Park. It recalls the city's port town history when pineapples were rare and a symbol of wealth and hospitality.

Shopping knows no bounds here, with every imaginable type of store. There are also many places to stay. I was quite impressed with the Hotel Charleston's fancy lobby. I did wonder what the rooms looked like.

This was an inviting place to stop, sit on a bench, and cool off. Heat and humidity are huge factors in how much stamina one has to walk for many hours. We noted the inviting carriage ride nearby but decided to opt for a pedal cab ride later.

PART TWO MONDAY

ALL ABOUT THE FOOD