Charleston, SC day trip and First Two Play-off Games

Last evening was beautiful so around 8 pm we took another walk around the park. We got a lighted dog lease for Christmas and it worked great with its’ headlight , down light and flashing red lights. We had a safe walk in a very dark CG. Jewel is having a great time with all the walks she has been getting.

We were up early this morning and prepared to go into Charleston. Our neighbor to our left was outside and chatted with Ron for a while. Unfortunately, he was in an accident and his truck that pulls his fifth wheel was demolished. He also told us about his dog that passed away and brought pictures to show us. He and his friend travel together and they carry their dogs’ ashes with them. We have been very fortunate to meet such nice people wherever we travel.

The CG is only 15 minutes from Charleston so was an easy drive with little traffic. We parked at the visitor center and opted to walk down Meeting Street along the Museum Mile. (Actually it’s more like two miles one-way).     Charleston is a very pretty city with the pace of living a lot slower then in the Northeast. No one appears to be in a hurry and every one is very laid back.

As we walked through town we noticed how the buildings resemble those in New Orleans. The houses are long and narrow with doors leading to the piazzas that face the gardens in the side yards. We had been here in 2008 but took a trolley tour so did not get up close to the buildings. Our first stop was Marion Square where their lighted Christmas tree is still standing. Also, a monument dedicated to John Caldwell Calhoun (March 18, 1782 – March 31, 1850) who was a leading American politician and political theorist from South Carolina during the first half of the 19th century stands facing Calhoun Street. Additionally there is a sculpture of a blanket as part of a Holocaust Memorial that sits on the ground surrounded by a tall wrought iron fence.

 

 

                                                                             

 

The side yards of the residents were visible through the fences and are very beautiful. No backyards like we have, just side yards with flowers and fountains.

 

                   

 

There were  cute little shops along the way and I couldn’t resist doing doing my bunny face with the rabbit in the purple sweater.

 

                            

     The architecture was unique and quite beautiful.

                                

 

We had walked and admired our surroundings for  a couple of hours  and made it to the end of the Museum Mile so decided  it was time to tour one of the historic homes. We  chose the Nathanial Russell House famous for its’ unique interior architecture and a free- flying circular  staircase that is three stories high. The outside of the home is a Federal Style townhouse and was completed in 1808. The exterior of the home is very boxy and not especially attractive but the interior spectacular, especially the freestanding circular staircase.

 

                             

 

Our tour guide was excellent and is a transplant from Southern France. She has lived all over the world and chose to settle in Charleston because she stated that it reminded her of the towns in France with its’ beautiful buildings and culture.

 

We opted to walk on the opposite side of the street  on our way back to the visitor center so we could get  a different perspective. Once again the architecture did not disappoint.

                                                        

  Doorway to Piazza                        

                           

 

We stopped fro lunch at a restaurant  called  TOAST  that serves breakfast all day. Surprisingly we didn’t order our favorite meal – breakfast. Ron had a Reuben and I had a blue crabmeat sandwich and sweet tea. Sweet tea in the South is heavenly so we couldn’t resist.

By the time we finished lunch it was after 3 pm. Ron decided that he could miss the start of the Ravens and Broncos game so we could stop to tour the Aiken-Rhett House. It was built in 1820 and was expanded by Gov. and Mrs. William Aiken Jr. in the 1830’s. The house and its outbuildings have survived as a time capsule unaltered since 1858.

We learned the history of this house by an audio tour. Again, no pictures on the inside but OK outside, so I grabbed pictures from their web site.

 

                        

Side door of the Aiken House. In the gift box is me.

I did not want to be in the picture so Ron Gift-boxed me!! LOL

              

 

After touring the Aiken House we headed back to the CG to watch the games. OMG!!!! I could not believe how the Ravens and Broncos game played out. It was an incredible game and certainly much longer then expected with almost 2 quarters of OT. The 49ers and Packers game was also incredible. Not sure how the Pats will make out but hopefully they will show up and play a winning game on Sunday. Also rooting for the Seahawks for Kelly and Patrick.

It was a great day and we enjoyed both the ambiance of Charleston and the great weather. The weather forecasters have decided to call this month June - uary  instead of January because of the record high temperatures. We’ll take it !!!!!