Charleston, Sweet Charleston

This past weekend I paid my first visit to  Charleston, South Carolina, a true jewel of the South.  My dear friend Tina and I attended Parents Weekend at the College of Charleston where her daughter, Olivia, attends the Honors College. When Tina’s husband  Rich had to cancel at the last minute due to work obligations, I was more than happy to step in!

This city has is all: academia, history, beautiful homes, along with incredible dining, shopping and art. What more could a person ask for?  Come and join me for a tour of the city, I’m guessing it will enchant and delight you just as it has me!

Our first evening we dined on the patio at The Macintosh, which was just named to Esquire’s list of 2012 Best New Restaurants.  Here I am with Tina, Olivia and her roommate, Ellie (I was also a stand in for Ellie’s parents and I loved every minute).  Ellie is from Mobile and she is just as sweet as the sweet tea she drank.   I loved how  she called me Miss Pam, so southern!

This is the beautiful College of Charleston, nestled into the cityscape.

The Cistern Building

This classic Charleston home features  a double Open Arms staircase, so gracious…History says that the gents walked up the left side and the ladies the right so the men could catch a glimpse of the ladies’ ankles~ oh how things have changed!

Grand Mahogany Doors:It was not unusual to glance down a path to see a what once was a “privy” now  re-purposed, this one was converted to a darling garden house… I am hoping to paint this…

Decorative ironwork can be seen all over Charleston, gracing balconies, gates, stair railings, vents,  and decorative panels and finials.  The city’s ironwork is certainly a great architectural treasure and truly stunning.A variety of ornate architectural details can be seen on houses throughout the city, particularly in the historic section.  Happy colors help to to show off these details.  How  I would love to live in a pink house once in my lifetime, oh yes ~

I could be very happy here too…

This garden was on the Preservation Society House Tour,  I love the mirror detail

On this tour interior photos were discouraged but I just couldn’t resist sneaking a few shots of this outstanding Master Bedroom. The colors were soothing soft greys, so restful and oh so beautiful.Another shot,  just for you (shhhh…don’t tell)Love this vignette:

This  outdoor mahogany bar spoke to me, I’m pretty sure it said, “Come, sit awhile …”Did I mention that the shopping was excellent? These iconic Sweetgrass baskets are handcrafted using local grasses. The baskets  have been made by the descendants of slaves from West Africa living in the Charleston suburb of Mt. Pleasant for hundreds of years.  Amazing!

Apparently “consignment shop” has a very different meaning in Charleston than in Boston.  I visited  The Trunk Show on Meeting Street and… wow!  Very high end and filled with Couture and Designer clothing and accessories.  While there I spied  Prada, St. John’s and even some furs. Unfortunately these shoes were a tad too big… darn!

If you can believe it, this chandelier is hanging in an old theater that is now an Anthropologie store. Incredible!

More amazing Anthropologie chandeliers ~ under this cluster, they were displays of black leather and jeans ~ so modern…And again, ooooh, the restaurants!  I had the most delicious meals ever!  This photo was taken at Halls Chophouse~ There we enjoyed a memorable  Sunday Brunch ~ the singer was jazzy and smooth and the French toast was a religious experience.  Yum!

Charleston also has art of every style and for all tastes. Here, a glimpse at Gallery Row:

We had such an enjoyable stay, thanks in large part to the famous Kevin McQuade, concierge at the Marriott in the Historic District.  Kevin coordinated all of our tour plans, he has an uncanny ability to match the guest to the perfect activity, restaurant and transportation. His enthusiasm and bright smile had me at ‘Hi, welcome to Charleston!’.  When you visit you must stay at this hotel just so you can work with Kevin!

Finally,  a picture of Olivia, Ellie and their posse of outstanding friends from the Honors College at the College of Charleston.  They are all so humorous, bright and outgoing. These young people are our future leaders and I just know they will do a great job!Thank you Tina and Rich for a great weekend!

“Charleston has a landscape that encourages intimacy and partisanship. I have heard it said  that an inoculation to the sights and smells of the Carolina Lowcountry is an almost irreversible antidote to the charms of other landscapes. You can never completely escape the sensuous semi-tropical pull of Charleston and her marshes.”

~Pat Conroy,  The Lords of Discipline

xo,

Pamela

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