Although 2010 seems so last year, I wanted to take this time to have a (very) belated Christmas 2010 recap. Since we went home early in December, we decided that we would take the opportunity (and time off from work) to continue our exploration of the the country, this time heading to the Southern coast. Our plan was to spend Christmas in Charleston, SC and head back to Louisville stopping in Atlanta. We had heard rave reviews of the beautiful Lowlands and were excited to spend our first Christmas just the two of us in this romantic and adorable little coastal city.
We were planning on going to sleep at 9:00 and waking up at 2 or 3 a.m. in order to make the most of our day in Charleston (anticipating that most places would be closed on Christmas). Thankfully God knew what was best and we didn't wake up until 6:30 a.m.!
On our 500 mile, ten hour drive we got to add a few states to our ever growing list (although we have despaired of ever securing all 50 in part due to states like North Dakota and Vermont!).
<>
 |
| Made it to Charleston! |
 |
| Our historic Mills House Hotel in downtown Charleston. (thanks to Priceline!) |
 |
| The hotel all decorated for the holidays! |
 |
| Our comfy room, perfect for Christmas away from home! |
After settling in we decided to explore the city!
 |
| Old City Market (during the summer it is an open air marketplace) |
 |
| Posh King Street, the Rodeo Drive of Charleston with some fancy stores and great design and antique stores! |
 |
| Marion Square with the infamous SC Palm Tree |
 |
| Marion Square decorated for Christmas |
 |
| Churches are everywhere! |
 |
| A much needed rest. Christmas Eve dinner at the delicious Coast Bar & Grill. |
After a long evening of exploring we had a good night's rest. Christmas morning was the most unusual one we have had yet. Instead of tramping down the stairs to Christmas carols and opening presents with the family, we had a nice quiet traveller's meal in our room.
But of course we couldn't forget some traditions. We still remembered to sing happy birthday to Jesus!
After starting off the day slowly we set out again to explore the city.
 |
| The huge trees and swinging Spanish moss were the epitome of beautiful Southern charm at the College of Charleston. |
 |
| We saw many huge historic homes all made from plantation and rice money back in the day. |
 |
| Gorgeous waterfront property, festive for the holidays! |
 |
| I particularly loved how all the houses were so colorful as part of the Caribbean influence! |
 |
| Yes, this is a house built in the harbor. |
It was also so nice to be able to see open ocean and sea again! Just like a breath of fresh air!
 |
| Charleston Harbor |
 |
| Us and the Arthur Ravenal Bridge |
Charlestonians take such pride in their city and subsequently have beautiful parks and areas to walk and stroll on a wonderful Christmas Day.
 |
| Pineapple! |
After getting our fill walking the entire downtown peninsula, we drove across the harbor to nearby Folly Beach to see what was on the Atlantic Coast.
 |
| I just love how Atlantic beaches have beautiful seagrass! |
 |
| Touching the Atlantic Ocean (yes, we did swim in it during our honeymoon, but why not?) |
 |
| This pic was much harder to take than it looks. A hard balance between shutter speed/blurriness and not getting wet. |
We were a bit scared because we had cancelled our Christmas Dinner reservation at one of the area's nicest restaurants, but thankfully God provided a place that was open right on the ocean.
 |
| BLU restaurant |
Later that evening after resting up a bit back at the hotel we went out again to see the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island (one of the top ten light shows in the country!). It was very well done and along with the light show (that you see from your car) there was a walking trail with lights through an "enchanted forest" plus Santa's Village with some attractions and games. I even got to roast a few marshmallows over a fire pit and drink some hot cocoa. We ended the day heading back to the hotel to open gifts and rest up for our next day of sightseeing and travel.
The following day was our last day in Charleston and we booked a must-do carriage ride which takes you on tours throughout the town. Our tour guide was funny and knowledgeable and the trip was definitely a highlight (although a bit cold!).
After our tour we stopped to get some Low Country food from the famous Jestine's Kitchen.
 |
| Seared meatloaf, okra and mac and cheese |
 |
| Good ole shrimp n' grits |
 |
| Decadently rich Coca Cola Cake |
Our departing stop was on the outskirts of the city to get a taste of plantation life in the South. We visited Middleton Place, a huge historic plantation that is best known for its beautiful gardens and has the nickname of the Versailles of the US. Unfortunately for us it was cold and snowy (which hadn't happened in Charleston for 10 years! And we were hoping to get away from the snow!) but it was still enjoyable, especially since they gave us a complimentary tour of their historic home which included a original copy of South Carolina's Declaration of Secession. We certainly learned a lot about the Civil War!
 |
| Quaint plantation life. |
 |
| Nice horsey. |
We left a bit chilled, but so thankful for such a unique Christmas experience and adoring Charleston as much as everyone said we would. On our way out we stopped through the capitol of Columbia and even got to attend First Presbyterian Church, Columbia and hear Dr. Sinclair Ferguson preach.
Our recap of our trip to Atlanta soon to come!
No comments:
Post a Comment