Our Honeymoon- Part VI

On the last whole day that we spent in South Carolina, we decided to go enjoy the beach, especially since ours are now going to be ruined by oil {that’s a whole other complaint though}.

It was apparently your standard Atlantic beach. I wasn’t too happy with it though. I wanted my white sand that you sink yours toes into. I wanted lots of shells everywhere to find in the water. I wanted sunshine.

Instead, I got sand that felt like mud. I found the few seashells that were very sparse. I found cloudy skies that looked like they were going to bring in a thunderstorm. Not my idea of a beach day.

Oh. I forgot to mention. There were no people. Just Colby and myself. We parked our chairs where we pleased. Craziness I tell you!

I did go looking for shells though. I figured my niece would enjoy them. She hasn’t ever really seen shells like these. I was happy to find some that were a pretty good size and that were still whole.

This is what else we discovered. A giant jellyfish. Glad I didn’t decide to swim in the water.

I didn’t even know what this was until Colby told me. It’s a horseshoe crab. Evidently, people have to flip these things over when they get washed up on the beach. Otherwise, they will die. Unfortunately, this one was already dead.

Want proof that this beach is way different than our nice beaches on the Gulf?

These people were riding bikes down the middle of the beach.

Hope you enjoyed the honeymoon posts!

 

Our Honeymoon- Part V

Okay…I’m sorry if you’re tired of honeymoon posts.

I just have to record this stuff as I remember it, so when I get old and gray I’ll be able to look back and enjoy the memories.

Back to the honeymoon now…

After we visited Fort Sumter, we decided to try to visit the Boone Hall Plantation, and it was definitely worth the time to me. Like I said before though, I’m a huge fan of the movie, The Notebook.

Want to see something beautiful?

This was the entrance to the plantation. The Avenue of Oaks. One word. Breathtaking.

Look familiar? This is the house that Allie lived in The Notebook. It’s absolutely gorgeous in person.

Beautiful pond on the property. Just as we were going across the dam by the pond, a humongous alligator made himself known to us by splashing around. I would have hated to see his entire body just by seeing the size of his eyes sticking out of the water.

Wildflowers were growing in one particular field on the property. I’ve always wanted to plant wildflowers in a field. Maybe I should add this to my 101 list…haha.

Slave cabins on the property.

These baskets were for sale all over Market Street in Charleston, and I wanted one so badly. However, after just paying for a wedding, money was limited. One of these babies was over $150. Not exactly a priority right now. I’m not saying it’s not worth what it’s priced though. The craftsmanship is awesome!

I thought the fence was pretty neat as well. It’s certainly got character to it because of the shape of it.

Recognize the gate that was ran into by Ryan Gosling when he was trying to look for Allie before she left for the summer?

After taking an open air bus tour around the property and touring the house, as well as touring the plantation, we ended the day perfectly.

Isn’t this the sight you want to see when leaving such a wonderful place?

I highly suggest visiting here if you ever get the opportunity to visit Charleston.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that the war scenes for Army Wives are filmed here. They just use computers to take out the sand and the trees, so they’re in Iraq. Funny how that works!

Our Honeymoon- Part IV

After touring Charleston for a day, Colby and I decided that we would venture outside of the city some. For the next two days, we visited places we each wanted to see.

Because of Colby’s interest in history, we decided we would take a boat tour of the harbor and visit Fort Sumter. As it was the entire trip, it rained and was very windy.

Fort Sumter

I clearly did not wear enough clothes to keep me warm when the rain comes in South Carolina. I’m used to Alabama weather where you can wear a skirt, dress, or shorts with no problem. No need for a jacket! Ha! Not in South Carolina! I’m pretty cold natured anyway though.

Fort Sumter turned out not to be as good as we thought it might be. I was cold because the wind was blowing so hard. See the proof below. Check out my hair.

Unless you’re a major history buff and just can’t wait to see it in person, save yourself the time and look at my pictures.

We also got a look at U.S.S. Yorktown {forgive me if this is not correct}.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s nice to say I’ve been there. I just would recommend to others to find something more appealing to do. Spend your money on something more worthwhile.

Our Honeymoon- Part III

While we were in South Carolina, we ventured from place to place exploring somewhere we had never been before. Now that we’ve been once, we know what to expect, and I have a good idea of some things I would like to do next time.

One thing that was a MUST while we were there was to take a carriage tour of the city. We learned once we were on it though that Charleston monitors where the carriage tours go to prevent a major amount of traffic congestion. I mean, can you imagine a bunch of carriages in one area holding everything up?

Anyhow…we decided to go with the Palmetto Carriage Tours, and we toured Section 2 of the city. Basically, we got to see where the {and I quote} “rich and the filthy rich” live. Apparently, to show your status you want to live South of Broad {Street}. If you’re still rich, but not rich enough to live South of Broad, you live “slightly north of Broad.” How funny is that!

I thought the sign was somewhat funny. Palmetto Carriage Tours are the only carriage tours that use mules instead of horses. Mules have a better temperament than horses in busy areas such as Charleston. They also name their mules in pairs. For example, Law and Order. Lucy and Sully. You get the picture. Ours was Lucy and Sully.

We saw some gorgeous homes and gardens while we were touring. Poor Colby got the bad end of the deal. It rained the entire time we were in the city basically, so he sat on the edge of the carriage like the wonderful husband he is to prevent me from getting soaking wet.

Click on the picture above and you can get a better look at their version of a barb-wired fence.

Notice how the house above looks as if it is constructed of cement blocks. Guess what though! It’s not. It’s brick that has been stuccoed {don’t know how to spell it} over and had lines drawn in it to resemble cement blocks. It’s all over Charleston. Here’s the proof though.

Crazy, huh?

As we were on our way back, our guide shared with us about this particular building below. It’s a museum that is only ran by volunteers. It’s not open on a regular basis with set hours though. Instead, to know if it is open, the volunteer will place a flag out front.

Sorry for the poor pictures. The tour guide was moving pretty fast since it was raining, and I was trying to work around him to get photos.

We also ventured around the city to see the U.S. Customs building.

On our way to the Waterfront Park, I also stumbled across this place. This is where we were originally going to stay until I found the house we stayed in.

We did finally make it to the Waterfront Park, but my pictures aren’t too hot because of the rain.

Do you see Fort Sumter in the background?

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Well…I have some more to share, but I would be surprised if you’re still reading this. More to share later!

Follow This Blogger On Her Journey

Yesterday, I discovered that a girl I have known for quite a while through college and acquaintances has decided to go on a year long mission trip to Honduras to be a part of Orphanage Emmanuel.

 

Leigh is the sister of one of Colby’s best friends. She just recently graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Elementary Education, so clearly she loves children.

I have always known Leigh to be such a kind person, and I’ve never heard anyone say anything negative about her. She’s really an amazing person, and her faith in God is truly extraordinary.

I encourage you to read her blog as she ventures through this mission for the next year. You can find her blog at this link. If you feel led to give Leigh words of encouragement, you can email her at leighcooper[dot]emmanuel[at]gmail[dot]com.

You can also send any snail mail or care packages to her here:

Volunteer Leigh Cooper

c/o Orphanage Emmanuel

Dr. Don Reynolds

4611 Hixson Pike

Hixson, TN 37343

From there, Dr. Reynolds will forward a container once a month to the volunteers. Please be praying for Leigh as she goes on this journey. Pray that she will be kept safe from harm and that she will make an impact on many lives while she is there.

Our Honeymoon- Part II

Beware: This is the food post.

On the first night we were there, we were so tired from traveling that we thought it would be a great idea to go to a real cutesy type grocery store in Freshfields Village.

Let me tell you people…this is grocery store heaven. Everything you could possibly want was in there, and of course, it was FRESH!  Imagine that! You can get a whole meal already prepared from their deli, which is exactly what we did.

Here’s your warning though. It is very pricey. Be ready and willing to pay major bucks for groceries in that store.

We ventured into Charleston the next day, and I decided that morning that we would eat at 82 Queen, precisely named for its address. Can’t forget that I guess.

This is what we came to though. I have to say that I wasn’t too impressed by the entrance, but once we stepped inside it was a different world. You’re led into a garden type area to eat. It’s beautiful, and the rain held off long enough for me to enjoy some crab cakes and key lime pie.

After exploring the city some, we ventured into a recommended restaurant from our tour guide. Let me warn you now. I’m a huge fan of the movie “The Notebook.” Apparently, the dining scenes were filmed in the restaurant, High Cotton.

It was an absolute beautiful setting inside, and once they found out we were honeymooners, they were especially friendly to us. We got treated to two glasses of champagne, and we were brought out a sample from the chef to try which was amazing.

You just can’t beat the food we ate either. It was impeccable. Both Colby and myself had the mixed grill special that night which consisted of roast and a pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon and stuffed with lobster. Amazing!

On another night we ate at the King Street Grille, which was in Freshfields Village. It had a good atmosphere, and it was much more relaxed.  It’s more bar-like I suppose.

On the last night though, we stumbled upon a restaurant that had been recommended by our neighbors in Auburn. We took their advice and gave it a try, and I certainly do not regret it.

The tables were set with various sizes of mason jars for the drinks. You used kitchen towels for your napkins, yet everything was set up so nicely that you thought you were at a pretty fancy restaurant. The mood that was set there was fantastic.

I thought the drink specials were quite funny. You’ll probably have to click on the picture to see what all it says.

Might I bring your attention to….

One Flew the Coop and Big Rooster

TOO FUNNY!

If I had to rate this restaurants starting with my favorite…

1. High Cotton

2. 82 Queen

3. Fat Hen

4. King Street Grille

Try them out if you go! You won’t regret it.

Our Honeymoon- Part I

As you all know, I just recently got married on May 22nd.

Because it is easier to write, I’m starting with the honeymoon. I want to capture the wedding just right in my post, so I’m waiting on some more photos to surface.

For now though, I’m beginning with the honeymoon, which will be broken into several segments. Reason why: I’m sure I’ll get interrupted in some shape or form, and I hate to do a blog post half way.

Anyway….

Colby and I left the reception and headed to Auburn, Alabama.

No. We did not spend our honeymoon there. This was just our resting spot. I was so glad to see that house. The feeling of exhaustion had taken over my entire body by this point. I was so glad to finally sit down and eat.

So, eat we did. I plopped out our picnic basket that had all of the goodies from our reception, and we snacked until we couldn’t anymore. I have to say that I was pretty pleased with my food selections.

The next morning we got up and packed up the truck {and moved to Beverly….haha….sorry, I couldn’t help myself.} We were on our way to Charleston, South Carolina.

Actually though, we stayed on Kiawah Island, which is only about a 20 minute drive to Charleston. It was worth it for the amount of privacy we had. Here’s a peak into the house we stayed in…



And of course my favorite part…the jacuzzi tub.

There was the cutest little shopping village between Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, too.

FreshFields Village.

Have you ever seen a cuter gas station? Even the gas pumps looked nice.



We went to Vincent’s Drug Store on our last day because we were at the ResortQuest office too early. They had all kinds of breakfast foods. It was the cutest little store inside and out.

This is what I loved though.

If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, but want the privacy and slower pace, you might want to consider renting a home in Kiawah Island. I’m sure you would love it as much as we did.

The dining and sites we visited ahead…