Sunday, October 4
Happy Birthday, Pauline!
Charleston, SC
We awoke early this morning and took a long walk through The Market and then down East Bay Street. We came upon the famous Rainbow Row of houses and buildings that are painted with a Caribbean color scheme that was popular in the Colonial period. In a little while we arrived at the waterfront and followed the walkway enjoying the huge homes and gardens. We cut back into the residential historic district viewing more stately homes and large, old trees that provided a canopy over many of the streets. It was all so beautiful and made for an invigorating walk.
One day is just not enough to spend in Charleston. We will plan on coming back again when we can spend the 3 days we had planned, or maybe even longer.
My favorite souvenirs are Christmas tree ornaments. Before we checked out, I visited "A Charleston Christmas" on Market Street and here is the one I chose:
When I hang this on our tree in a couple of months, I'll remember all of the beautiful houses we saw during our one day in Charleston!
Wadmalaw Island, SC
If you love tea like I do, the Charleston Tea Plantation on the secluded and quiet Wadmalaw Island is a must see. This was #1 on my wish list for things to do while in the Charleston area and I am so glad that we took the time to visit this enchanting spot. It is the only tea plantation in North America.
First, we took the informative factory tour where we saw up close the process of making tea from the descendants of tea bushes brought to the Low Country from China in the mid-1800's. Today, these tea plants (camellia sinensis) are being cultivated on this 127 acre plantation. They provide a high-quality black tea known for its mild and sweet flavor, the aroma of which pervaded the viewing gallery.
Next, we boarded the Charleston Tea Plantation Trolley and took a fun and relaxing ride through the tea fields.
There were acres and acres of tea plants.
Our tour guide boasted of having the one and only tea plant harvester of its kind. A big green tea machine!
Then, we visited the tea gift shoppe and purchased their classic black tea, Charleston Breakfast.
Finally, we enjoyed a picnic lunch under the Grand Oaks! What a wonderful time we had at the Charleston Tea Plantation!
And then, once again, we hit the coastal road.....
A few hours later we stopped in Surfside to stretch our legs and have some refreshments
A quick, up to our ankles, dip in the ocean.
And then, look what we found!!!
(Note: Gigi is the name of our soon-to-be-born grand daughter!)
We listened to some fine beach music, felt the sea breezes on our faces and devoured an order of gooey, gloppy spinach & artichoke dip.
Reenergized, we're off again. Destination - Wilmington, North Carolina by nightfall....
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