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…

 

 

 

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:

 

 

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…

 

 

 

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

 

…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!

 

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:

 

One of the beautiful ENORMOUS horses that pull the carriages:

 

 

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.

 

“strolling”…

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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:

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Till we meet again, Charleston…♥

 

XOXO,

Stephanie