We headed out the morning of the 28th at 6:00 AM. Gotta get an early start when you've got an 8-hour drive (and a time zone change) in front of you! The drive actually seemed to go by surprisingly quickly. We checked into our lovely bed & breakfast (the Barksdale House Inn) and headed out to do some exploring.
{the carriage house at our bed & breakfast...the bottom left windows were ours}
{our pretty room}
{Randolph Hall on the College of Charleston campus...scenes from "The Patriot" were filmed here}
{You know what's awesome? Spanish moss is awesome.}
{gatehouse...scenes from "The Notebook" were filmed here}
{a Unitarian cemetery we stumbled upon}
{loved this shot}
After taking these, I was walking around completely stunned at the sheer beauty of this city. Our next stop was the Battery. I had told Kate that one of my "must sees" was the legendary houses that sit right beside Charleston Harbor. Words can't even describe the size and grandeur and extravagance of these homes. Holy moly.
It still boggles my mind that people actually live in these houses. Like, this is their home. When they invite people over, this is where they invite them to. Insane!
We ended our tour here when Kate's friend Jossy picked us up to go eat. Jossy was working every day we were there, but she met us every night to hang out. She's absolutely precious and I feel like I can call her a friend now.
We ate at Virginia's, which was a perfect introduction to Charleston cuisine. I had a veggie plate with red rice (which I had never had before but was a HUGE fan), mac & cheese, squash casserole, broccoli, and sliced tomatoes. Since I'm starting my Whole30 on July 5th, I told myself I could "go out with a bang" in Charleston. I sure did, and I am certainly ready to start eating something a little lighter :)
After that, we headed across the street to O-ku for drinks. I had a coconut lime martini, which was absolutely delightful.
I only thought I had fallen in love with Charleston at this point. It got better and better each day, and I can't wait to share it here!
Charleston! I am a little in love with her too! I have been twice, and love the city. Those houses are incredible! I feel like I go back to a different place in time when I am in Charleston, definitely one of my favorite places. We went to Virginia's too on Kate's recommendation. You were so lucky to have such a great tour guide! Can't wait to hear and see more of your trip!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I remember seeing your pictures from your last trip to Charleston, so I was hoping you'd see mine. I was very blessed to have such a wonderful tour guide in Kate! I'll get more pictures up later this week.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being such a loyal reader, friend!
Julie
Your pictures are killing me! We lived just outside of Charleston for the first six months we were married. We used to drive to The Battery on weekends to have picnics. That was almost 18 years ago. I want to go back SO terribly bad! You should look up "Two Meeting Street Inn" - it is on my bucket list. I told Billy I want to go there for my 40th birthday (which is about 25 years from now - HA!). Love, love your pictures!!!
ReplyDeleteKimberly, I didn't realize yall used to live so near Charleston. How fun! I literally couldn't get enough of this city and am already starting to plan my next trip :) I looked up the inn and just added it to MY bucket list. Oh my gosh! Gorgeous! Hopefully when you turn 40 (in 30 years or so), Billy will take you there. And if he does, make sure there's room for me! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. I'm pretty sure it's nearly impossible to take ugly pictures in Charleston! Such gorgeousness.
Thanks for stopping by, sweet friend!
Julie