Another Southern City

I am sure you were a little curious about my absence. {I know I missed writing while I was away!} Last night I returned from a four day trip to Charleston, SC. My mother and sister-in-law made plans to pick my up and Thursday morning we headed to Low-Country.

I have never been to Charleston and loved that we were able to sight-see, wine and dine, and visit with one another. There is so much history in this coastal city which makes me greatful that I had an opportunity to explore it. The image above is from the Palmetto Tours where we went on our first day to get a tour of the city and historic homes.

Our view from the carriage down market street. This is where you can buy local crafts and sweetwater baskets. Those baskets are a dying artform because this trade is not being passed down to the younger generations. Our guide said many of those who make these baskets cannot pass this along to the youth because they are not interested in this tedious craft. (You can pay a pretty penny for these bad boys too)

The homes and architecture we saw on our tour was probably my favorite part! I loved it that single families moved into these beautiful homes and restored them to their original beauty. I picked up a realestate listing to show Jonathan {you know, just for fun and giggles!}

A shot of the porch is on the side of this home. Before air conditioning people used to pull their beds onto the porches to catch a breeze from the Atlantic. The things we do for a good night's sleep!

Wrought iron... I think this is my most favorite shot. I took this when we were entering an old cemetery. Beautiful pieces and detailed works of art are found all over Charleston.

This is the Nathaniel Russell House and was one of the homes we toured on Friday after our carriage ride. I wish I had photos to share from the inside of the home. We were not allowed to take any photos while inside the houses. {shheeeesh I would have kept the flash off, haha}

Above is Rainbow Row and the image shows exactly why. All the homes on this street are painted a variety of colors. At this point we have been walking through the city for hours. We were ready for a break and it's one of those moments when an ice cold beer is exactly what I need!

We had a hard time picking beers from Southbend Brewery so we ordered the sampler. {Smart idea!} I loved getting to smell and sip all the different brews. On the bottom right is their Scarlet Ale and probably my favorite of them all and I never thought I would enjoy a darker beer.

All the images above are from the Middleton Platation on Ashley River. This plantation was absolutely stunning and so much of our country's history lies in the buidlings, land, and water. The grounds were beautiful and extremely hot. The heat index on Saturday was 105 degrees!! I am not joking that I probably took three showers each day I was in Charleston. One when I got up, one before dinner, and one before bed. I was not looking like a clean Southern girl during this trip, but hey it's the summertime!

I had a great trip and appreciate my mother-in-law for getting our girls weekend together. I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend too and I will be posting a blueberry pie recipe this week! Get excited!