Charleston, SC

Checking out Charleston

While we were staying in the wet, muddy woods of Yemasee, South Carolina, we were close enough to visit both Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC. Considering it was my birthday week, I felt very fortunate as these were both cities that have been on my list for quite a long time and I have not yet had the opportunity to see. Both had so much to offer. You can read about Savannah in “A Good Day” – it turned out to be my favorite. But, Charleston had plenty to offer.

The day after we visited Savannah, we drove into Charleston to head to “Magnolia Plantation.” It was absolutely beautiful! If you are ever in the area, I would highly recommend it. It has been open to the public since 1870 making it the oldest public garden in the United States. Pets are welcome, there is a small petting zoo with animals roaming free (including deer that love to be pat on the head)! And the backdrops made for amazing photos.

Sloan and I especially liked the Conservatory and it has now been added to our list as a must have in our future house. Both kids (and adults) loved the large trees (great for climbing and tree houses – that’s been added to the list too). You could do a tour of the Plantation house – we opted not to, but we did visit the souvenir shop. I’m not sure what it is about a place to spend money that pulls children in like a magnet to metal. Every time we are near a gift shop they just “have to go in.” I like to look too so I typically say okay, Ben typically rolls his eyes. In we go, and in just 2 minutes they are arguing, loudly, over who likes which postcard more or something equivalently silly. Embarrassment, apologies, and me walking my children back out to their waiting father and tail wagging dog. Then, me walking away to take a few breaths as my patience was left with the postcards at the register. Turns out, the hangry beast was striking the children and their smart daddy calmed it down at the snack stand.

We wandered around the Plantation for 4 hours and easily could have stayed longer. The only thing that pulled us away was our desire to wander Charleston before the sunset and our dinner reservation came. So reluctantly, we skipped the colorful children’s garden and slaves quarters (well, the kids and I were reluctant, Ben was herding us so we wouldn’t miss our reservation at Husk) and headed into the city.

For me, Charleston could not compare to the walkability and beauty of Savannah. I think that had I been with just Ben or my girlfriends, enjoying cocktails and shopping, it would be higher on my list. While I don’t need a definite agenda when traveling, I do like to have a little plan. Ben found a bit of information on a few walking tours and we chose the area closest to Husk, the restaurant we would eat dinner. It took us along the water front and then down rainbow row. Unfortunately, the waterfront was under construction. Good news – plenty of hotels for those summer tourists are going in on the waterfront! Bad news for us, many sidewalks were closed and the typical beauty just wasn’t there. There was, however, a very cool pier that had swinging benches that the kids loved. I could definitely see that this would be a great spot to sit on a warmer day.

We walked by fountains and green space and then wandered up through Rainbow row. It was beautiful and very reminiscent of New Orleans. Trees spouted from the sidewalk and the children marveled at the colors and architecture of the homes. We walked past one of the oldest courthouses and read about Slave Auctions. Again, my curious children had lots of questions that led to deep discussions. Then arguing started and we realized the hangry beast was back and banging in all of our bellies – luckily it was dinner time. You can read about that it Ben’s blog about Husk.