We stayed at Mt. Pleasant KOA which is north of Charleston. A nice place and location. Easy access to all that is Charleston. We were looking forward to getting to Charleston because all our kids were flying in to visit and we were meeting up with Kevin and Kathleen Fluharty. K and K’s son, David and his girlfriend, Jenny, live in Charleston. Almost a full Flusse gathering, only missing Maxine and her boyfriend, Mike.
Started out the adventure with Kevin and Kathleen (aka Shakes and Flounder) with a visit to Fort Moultrie. We were the first four into town that were available to get together (not working). Our kids were flying in the next day. Fort Moultrie is a series of fortifications built on Sullivan’s Island to protect the eastern coast and the first one was constructed out of palmetto logs that inspired the South Carolina flag and nickname. It was built in 1776 and was occupied by the British from 1780-1782 (then known as Fort Arbuthnot). What I thought was very interesting was the retrofit of the fort for World War II – to defend the eastern coast from the Axis.
You can see where the “modern” day cannons where installed behind the earthen and concrete banks. Also, they left the inside of the bunker set up with details from that era.
Note to self: Always bring our National Park Annual Entrance Pass – you never know what parks are national and what parks are state or local run. Could have saved $24 bucks!
We then headed over for drinks at Delaney’s Oyster House, which is the restaurant that David is the head bartender at:
Let me tell you that he can mix a wicked drink! (Sorry, still some Boston language). Wonderful appetizers from the renowned chef – James Beard! Highly, highly recommend this place – but get reservations as it is small and crowded. We then checked out some other bars including Camellias’ Pink Room – nicknamed “the vagina”. Since a picture is worth a thousand words:
Kids started to arrive. Kevin ran out to pick up Ari and Matt from the airport because I was in no shape to drive. Thanks, Kevin! We headed out to another place and Keenan met us there via Uber. Thanks, Uber! We headed back to the Busse Bus to catch some zzzz.
Had brunch the next day at the Fleet Landing Restaurant right on the river. Got to sit outside – a bit cold, but nice! It was good to get some food in us before we went off to explore Charleston. Started with a nice horse drawn carriage ride to see the historic sites. Chose the Palmetto Carriage Works because they were working the corner when we went by…
Very nice ride and it gave us a great overview of the city. Over the next few days we spent time exploring the sites in more detail.
Rainbow Row – iconic pastel-hued Georgian homes:
Other beautiful houses and buildings:
We toured the Calhoun Mansion and Museum:
What attention to detail:
The place was absolutely filled with collections:
I didn’t appreciate the “stuff” as I thought that it took away from the splendor of the architecture.
The Gardens:
The Battery – landmark defensive seawall and promenade- White Point Garden:
The Old Slave Mart (where they used to purchase slaves) has been turned into a market, selling all types of local things – reed baskets were my favorite – but expensive!
Note the image on the pediment.
Headed out to dinner at a Mexican Restaurant called El Jefe where Keenan enjoyed a little ride:
The following day we visited the Boone Hill Plantation. Interesting to learn about life in the late 1600’s for both the owners and the slaves. Beautiful property:
Quite a good education.
Since it was getting dark and we wanted to take Bear to a dog park that also has a brewery and music playing we had to get moving. All five of us and Bear is a little tight squeeze in the Jeep:
Note to self: get a bigger vehicle!
The dog park was great and Bear got to play with a lot of other dogs and we got to taste a few local brews:
Bear even got to meet some kinfolk.
Off to get some BBQ at Home Team on Sullivan’s Island. Not bad.
The next day we had to get Ari and Matt off to the airport. So sad to see them go! Love getting to spend some time with them!
Keenan, Kat and I headed to visit Fort Sumter. We had to take a boat to the Fort as it is on an island in the middle to the river mouths protecting Charleston. Next to the landing sits the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown and since it was November 11th (Veteran’s Day) the area was decked out:
Fort Sumter was built in 1811 for the east coast protection during the War of 1812 and saw action during the American Civil War (1860’s) changing hands between the North and the South and the North again. During the last battle the fort was reduced to rubble.
Take a look at these pictures:
A cannon ball still embedded in the remainder of this wall.
We were told that the impressions that you see in one of these bricks was actually the fingers of the slave children who made them. Can you see them?
Had to take Keenan to the airport and say our goodbyes to Kevin, Kathleen, David and Jenny as well. Parting is such sweet sorrow….
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