Charleston, SC

     We have enjoyed a week here in Charleston, SC.  We are staying at the Charleston Maritime Center, located in the downtown area, walking distance from everything, including a great supermarket, pharmacy and a hardware store.

GoodTidings at the Charleston Maritime Center

View from GoodTidings

      I went to the Aquarium - very nice exhibit of the various habitats found in South Carolina from the mountain streams to the salt marsh and ocean.  They have a central 2 story high tank with coral reefs and a lot of large fish including schools of fish that keep to the top, and those that like the deeper water.

Park in front of the Aquarium

Lobster at the Aquarium - not my dinner

These I would love to see in the wild

lovely alligator - behind glass thankfully

     We walked to the "Charleston Market" full of crafts and handmade baskets and browsed the more modern street with many upscale boutiques and had southern BBQ sandwiches in a pub.  On my birthday we went to dinner at "Fleet Landing" and enjoyed a gourmet meal starting with "Hush Puppies" - deep fried corn bread stuffed with creamy shrimp and lobster. They were fantastic.  I even had grits - also creamy and delicious.

Shops on King Street

Handmade baskets in the style of west Africa, the craft brought over by slaves.  The skill is still artfully practiced.

     Today I walked down East Bay Street to the Battery and saw many old colonial and civil war era stately homes along the water and park.  Many of them have gated gardens and 3 story deep set porches.  This is a lovely place to be and explore, even though it has been cold, windy and rainy all week.  Got a chance to catch up on some chores as well as read a good book.

Houses from the mid 1700's to the Civil War era

Our next stops will be Beaufort, SC and Savannah, GA, then on to Fernandina Beach, FL and a visit from Jeff's brother Pete.

We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.