Charleston, SC

Post date: Mar 1, 2015 12:50:16 AM

We arrived in Charleston, SC on Feb, 15th and stayed through the 25th.  We rented a Condo on the water in Folly Beach (James Island) just 15 minutes out of Charleston, so it was the best of both worlds.  From our balcony, we saw Egrets, Blue Heron, Pelicans and Dolphins.  Dolphins so close when the tide was out, that we could have touched them from the shore!

Folly Beach is a wonderful old beach town.  Many of the homes were built during & after the Civil War which are side-by-side with 1920 to 1940 beach cottages which are next to some amazing new mansions. Cute downtown area, felt like we time-warped back to the 30s & 40s.

Out of the 10 days were were there, we only had 4 "nice" weather days.  It was cold (in the 30's) wet & windy.  Our last night, we had a thunder & lightning show.

We spent one of the good weather days in downtown Old Charleston.  Taking a carriage ride through the Historic streets is the best way to see the homes.  After the tour and after being fortified with a southern fried chicken lunch, we walked the Harbor and along the wonderful narrow streets, shaded with Crepe Myrtle & Magnolia trees.  After 4-miles of walking, we felt like we saw Charleston! A few of the streets are cobblestone.  The stones were used as ballast in the cargo ships. The ships didn't need them on the return voyage, so the stones were dumped along the harbor and later used to pave some of the streets.

On another nice weather day, we visited the Magnolia Plantation, originally built in 1676.  The original home burned twice.  Once, due to a lightning bolt strike and once due to Sherman's Army.  The current house was simple, far from what was expected (not even close to the look and charm of Tara) The 500 acres of grounds and gardens, swamps and lakes were amazing and made the visit exceptional.

We also took a day and visited Ft. Sumter. (the attack by the Confederate soldiers to this Federal Fort, is what started the Civil War) The boat ride across the river was made enjoyable due to the Dolphins swimming along with us.  The Fort was interesting I guess if you are a Civil War buff, but just an OK visit for us.

Our final visit before leaving SC, was to a mini-farm-winery.  Renee liked a number of their wines and I enjoyed the grounds. The weather was still cold & grey, but we enjoyed the visit & tasting.  The best part for me was that I saw my first Cardinal. Such a pretty red color - just like the photos!

Good Bye SC  - on to Lexington, NC....