Charleston Part II :: So Very Southern

After getting settled into the Inn we set out to explore Charleston.

With less than 24-hours in the city we were advised to just take our time

strolling the streets around Rainbow Row and the Battery.

We strapped Annie in her carrier and away we went.

James and I were both shocked at how old and massive the homes were.

How on earth did they have huge homes like this back then?

They were simply stunning and right up my alley.

I must admit, I am swooning over the homes in the South.

I love the traditional style and dream of owning my own brick home with a history 

and bright colored walls inside.

A girl can always dream, right?

Don't you just adore this one?

Brick. Shutters. Walkway.

I wanted to move right in.

I couldn't get over these streets that dated back to the 1700's. 

Annie was pleased as punch to ride right along with Mama.

She was wide eyed and loved exploring.

This moment right here.

I'd like it back already and can't believe James got it on camera.

That little face and big gummy grin has us wrapped around her finger.

Why yes Miss Annie, you can have anything you want.

These horse drawn carriage rides go throughout the town giving tours.

We thoroughly enjoyed the free history lesson as we'd stroll along side them.

I wasn't so sure how Annie would do if we hopped aboard...

and James wasn't so sure how he felt about, "riding behind a horses bum all day."

Ha. I could not stop laughing at that line.

The lighting was gorgeous all day and I couldn't resist snapping pictures.

I love the white brick mixed with palm trees.

These women desperately wanted me to put Annie in this buggy. 

Looking back I am a little sad we didn't walk away with this adorable hand made basket.

I can just imagine Annie wheeling her dolls around in it.

Darn it.

After a few hours walking around, James was hungry.

And when the man is hungry you get him food pronto.

When we walked up to the restaurant and a man was passing out flyers - I knew it was trouble.

But James was hungry...so in we went.

Fried chicken. Fried tortillas. Fried shrimp.

You get the picture.

We ordered the only non-fried items on the "men-ya" 

and got out in a jiffy.

Even Annie was a bit disgusted.

image via

Next stop was the market.

Unfortunately my hands were full with my prized possession 

so I didn't snap a picture but here is the front of the market. 

This long building stretches for blocks and blocks and is full of local vendors.

It is open air - but covered with fans to help with the heat.

Founded in 1788, this public market is open 365 days a year.

It is simply marvelous.

Along the side of the market is a whole slew of tasty shops.

Oh my goodness were we happy.

I may not like fried food but give me some "suga" and I am a goner.

When this woman offered me a sample of praline goodness, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

I managed to pull myself away without buying any

but you better believe I went back and stole a second sample.

Then it was off to the pier.

I can hardly wait to dip my toes into the warm Atlantic soon.

Annie was getting a little tuckered out from her long day of exploring.

image via

After regrouping at the Inn for a few minutes, we headed out to dinner.

My friend Sarah sent us an incredible spreadsheet about restaurants in Charleston.

If you are headed that direction let me know and I will share a few recommendations.

One of my favorite things about this quaint area is that there were hardly any chain restaurants.

James and I are kind of obsessed with discovering a unique spot that is only found in one place.

We decided on Hank's Seafood.

It was one of the best meals I have ever had.

Crab cakes for an appetizer 

and scallops for the main course.

You can't go wrong.

Too bad I was stuffed beyond belief to down a dessert.

Our first southern road trip was nothing short of a success.

We drove home during a beautiful summer thunderstorm.

With green trees forming walls around us, it seemed so very southern.

Be back soon Charleston.