A Weekend in Charleston

Summer Loving in South Carolina

[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”20872686″]

En route from Orlando to Tennessee—or erm, you know, not at all on the way between the two points—we veered off course to my favorite Southern city, Charleston, to catch up with Jemima, Simons and Beulah, three of our former San Francisco pals, who recently went back to their roots. Lucky for us, they were housesitting on Folly Beach for the summer, so we got to live it up in high style, our own floor and all.

Jemima went and got herself knocked up right before our visit (by her husband of three years, nonetheless!), so there was a lot of straight chilling. She wasn’t feeling so great—first trimester nausea and whatnot (fully convincing me I never want to get pregnant)—so our activities alternated between eating and beach walks during lightning storms (oh how I miss the Southern summer storms!). We were totally fine with that.

SVV had never been to the pretty city, so we took a day combating the heat and covered every nook and cranny of downtown by foot, just the two of us.

We had brunch at Hominy Grill, which I found to be seriously overrated…

…oohed and ahhed at all the pretty, antiquated buildings…

…tried to stay cool (I’ve seriously never sweated so much in my life)…

…marveled at all the schooners in town for some big festival…

…and came face-to-face with a piece of living art big wad of gum.

I also got to see one of my all-time favorites, college suitemate Ashley, whose presence I had missed since our last meeting in 2007. She accompanied us on Jemima’s family’s boat, as we cruised around the bay and went over to Morris Island for a dip, before docking the boat at—where else?—a waterfront bar.

The dog (Beulah) enjoyed herself—that much was evident.

There were porpoises everywhere, playing at the edge of the boat, but they proved to be camera shy. So here’s a pelican—yet another of Charleston’s ubiquitous wildlife friends—instead.

It was a relaxing few days, and I’m fully convinced SVV and I will land in Charleston someday in some capacity or another. Plus, I didn’t realize just how much I missed Jemima until we were reunited. It felt so gooood.

 

COMMENTS
  • July 24, 2009

    I always love to see my favorite Southern city from the eyes of an “outsider.” It’s changed so much since I lived down there 6 years ago, even more so since I was little. It never ceases to amaze me how summer is the height of tourist season — I love to be there in March or October.
    (Hominy is overrated. I’m glad I’m finally not the only one to say so.)

  • July 24, 2009

    Love the wet dog picture! Considering that I have lived my entire life in the South, it is a shame that I have never been to Charleston.

  • July 24, 2009

    I’ve been all throughout the US, but haven’t explore the South that much. It’s high on my “places to go” list! Charleston, Savannah and Memphis are among the top three.

    Your pictures are great. Looks like you had fun with some old friends.

  • July 24, 2009

    So sad I didn’t get to see you when you were in town – but you did get some lovely shots! How much did you love Folly?! You and SVV should definitely return sometime soon (perhaps a post-honeymoon vacation? everyone knows you need a vacation to recover from vacation…)! And I TOTALLY agree that Hominy is overrated. I realize that as a native I’m probably going to be shot for typing that, but it’s true.

  • July 24, 2009

    I’m sorry you didn’t get to try the restaurant I suggested! Love Jestine’s Kitchen. Also love Fleet Landing on the water. A lot of the popular places in Charleston are indeed overrated and over priced. Jestine’s has great atmosphere and just feels more local, as a former local. I miss Charleston and I am glad you both had fun! Was anything washing up on the beach at Folly? All year long I would find the strangest things out there. There would be throngs of sand dollars, conch, jellyfish etc – all alive!

  • July 24, 2009

    I’ve never been – I sense a road trip in my future!

  • July 24, 2009

    This is an adorable town full of southern charm. Haven’t explored much of the east coast. Looks like you had a good time showing SVV around and revisiting friends. The gum sign is very weird.

  • July 24, 2009

    What a great insight to Charleston. I need to plan a trip with my family. Look like it will be a perfect place for family weekend trip.

  • July 24, 2009

    Pretty yellow dress! Charleston has long been on my list of places I want to visit, along with the other Southern charmer, Savannah.

  • July 24, 2009

    Great photos of my town! I could have told you that Hominy Grill was overrated. My personal favorite Southern restaurant is the Glass Onion in West Ashley. Try that one out next time. Also, if you’re looking for the best, most authentically local seafood restaurant in the area, check out Bowen’s Island Restaurant on the way to Folly. It’s an institution.

  • July 24, 2009

    I’ve been wondering where Jemima was…she hasn’t posted on her blog in quite some time (her blog is how I found the rest of you ladies – though I don’t know her either – just found her blog through another friend’s). Glad she’s back home and doing well (pg and all) and glad you enjoyed your visit. You know, this summer has actually been a rather cool one. It gets hotter. And it’s just now getting to the mid 90’s that it normally is…the 100 + days are still to come. But don’t let that scare you off – it’s wonderful here.

  • July 24, 2009

    I loved my time @ CofC!!! I got an incredible education in an incredible city. Very cool to see it through your eyes. I was just there a couple of months ago and I look forward to my next trip in August. 🙂

  • July 25, 2009

    I’m in school in Charleston (CofC) and couldn’t have chosen a better city. It’s absolutely gorgeous and I’m glad you enjoyed your time there. You’ll have to come back sometime though and stay for a LONG time! 🙂

  • July 26, 2009

    My sister was just down there last week and she’s still talking about how beautiful it is and how much fun she had. I need to get down there. Your pictures are so fun and summery!

  • July 26, 2009

    Charleston…I need to dress up like a flapper 🙂 !

  • September 8, 2011

    I’m going through your entire blog to see which US city I have to visit, other than New York. Unfortunately I’m not convinced that South Carolina is a must-see.

    • September 8, 2011
      Kristin

      My favorite U.S. cities:

      1) New Orleans, Louisiana
      2) Austin, Texas
      3) Charleston, South Carolina
      4) Savannah, Georgia
      5) NYC

      I also love DC, Nashville (obviously), San Francisco and Miami.

Leave a Comment