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Monday, October 29, 2012

in LOVE in Charleston

Before I dive into a post covering our trip to The Homestead in Hot Springs, VA this past week, it may be time I jot a little down about our vacation to Charleston, SC… this past July.

I shall be forever behind in the world of blogging.

 

When we originally planned this trip, we were trying to think of a place not so far away that we would have to hop a flight with the babe, but still get to put our toes in the sand of a sunny beach somewhere. Ever since my trip to Charleston with my girlies, I’ve been dying to go back and take Nick for the first time.

After all, he should see the place where I boldly stated we will live someday ;)

 

After we chose a place close enough to drive, we were then talked into leaving the boy behind with some very eager grandparents! We missed our little buckaroo tremendously, but some alone time for the parental units is always a positive and I can’t say Houston would have appreciated an almost 8 hour drive there and back as well as sight seeing in 90+ degree weather. I’m thinking “that” vacation would have near killed us ;)

So it was a win-win for the whole family!

 

Our little ♥Houston Michael Roberts♥ was forever on our minds while we were away, especially at the beach where I truly wished I could see his chubby little baby toes wiggling in the sand…

 

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To begin the trip, I checked the weather forecast religiously - we were heading out on Thursday and the weather prediction became a sad stark difference that week from what the rest of the very dry, sunny summer had been like:

 

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I was distraught, dramatic and considered cancelling… In the end, we didn’t see a drop of rain the whole stay!

 

 

I didn’t take many pictures while we were there, but the few I took with my phone shall due for memory’s sake. Like this one: I shall never forget this “coal truck” we saw at a gas station in the south on our way – I’ve seen a lot of coal trucks on the roads of Eastern Kentucky, but none quite like this…

 

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Our first night there, eating at Coast Bar & Grill. After we finally found this much recommended place, it was a delicious meal!

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…and you’ll notice, most our “memories” are from eating, just as it should be ;)

 

Both of us at Poogan’s Porch, another must try in Charleston!

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If you’ve been to Charleston, you know you can’t really tour it without the traditional carriage ride around town. Our charismatic tour guide:

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One of the beautiful ENORMOUS horses that pull the carriages:

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Nick and I took a tour one evening that combined fine art and fine cuisine… my loves!♥

An annual event in Charleston, the Palette and Palate Stroll was a lot of fun. We got to sample 8 of Charleston’s best restaurants while checking out some of the stunning artwork that their art district has to offer.

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“strolling”…

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The last time I was in Charleston, we ate at Magnolia’s and I fell in love with their shrimp and grits. Actually, if you want to quote the menu directly, it’s “Shellfish Over Grits” which is sautéed shrimp, sea scallops, & lobster, creamy white grits, lobster butter sauce, and fried spinach.

 

My mouth is now watering.

 

Before that first bite, I was convinced that grits has no business accompanying anything but biscuits and gravy. Since then, I have been on a quest to try shrimp and grits anywhere they are offered, which is quite the quest away from the coast in central Kentucky!

I finally got to enjoy them a second time on the day we took this blurry picture in the mirrored wall at Magnolia’s.

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The last dinner of the trip was on Sullivan’s Island {the most BEAUTIFUL beach in the area in my opinion!} at Poe’s Tavern. The place was packed and everyone was having a blast! We had a great meal and I highly recommend this restaurant as well.

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Sullivan’s Island is technically where I really want to live – not Charleston, though I would take the 20 minute drive to visit often!

When we’re ready for our coastal life to begin, I think THIS house on the beach will do:

 

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A quick early morning trip to Sullivan’s just before we hit the road to return to our Old Kentucky Home:

 

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Till we meet again, Charleston…♥

 

XOXO,

Stephanie

12 comments:

  1. Glad yall enjoyed your trip to Charleston! I laughed when you said you finally found Coast, because it is really hard to find if you're not from here! :) You'll have to eat at Husk next time you visit!

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  2. Charleston is a fun place to call home, and we're always willing to welcome other new Charlestonians! :) Poe's is one of my favorite places to eat--I'm glad you found it because not many visitors make the effort to go out that way. Next time you're in town, try the Acme Cantina on IOP for brunch or Taco Boy downtown for lunch. YUUUM.
    P.S. I'm glad I'm not the only traveler for whom the best parts of my trip are the new restaurants I get to try!!! :)

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  3. Funny, Wes and I say we'll live there someday too. Maybe we'll be neighbors (: I've never heard of Coast, but I've already got it pulled up to check it out. We're heading back there this summer and with the freezing temps today, June can't come quickly enough!!

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  4. Holy moly...that house on the beach is gorgeous! Looks like you both had fun!!

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  5. A great time! That last photo is amazing. Just a not: I made the chicken in the crock pot yesterday...WOW!!!! My mom, and 2 of my neighbors all have it cooking as we speak....getting ready for Sandy to hit.

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  6. glad you love the city i am so fortunate to live in! looks like yall hit up some great spots while you were in town!

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  7. Coast & Magnolia's are two of our favorites too!

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  8. I LOVE your pink shirt and earrings!!!!

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  9. It looks like you guys had a great time. I loooove all the art!

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  10. Do you know the name of your tour guide for the horse drawn carriage? Reason I ask is that I have a co-worker who lives in Charleston by the name of Steve, and the picture you posted is a DEAD RINGER for him. I'm wondering if its him. I could certainly ask him directly, but thought I'd ask you first! Heh, how crazy would that be!?

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  11. Been reading your blog for a while and I live in Charleston! Glad you had a great time! You picked some great restaurants :)

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I just shared my thoughts, I'd love to hear you share yours! {Besides, I'm tired of listening to the voices in my head.} I kid, I kid... ;)