Charleston, SC trip

Just returned from a short trip to Charleston.  This is one of my favorite cities to visit in the South.  The first day was spent relaxing at the Residence Inn near the airport, while hubby attended a conference.  Then it was off to The Lodge Alley Inn (East Bay Street) in the historic district for a couple of nights. 

We had a very large loft room on the second floor.  I liked the exposed brick walls, wood floors, classic furnishings, full kitchen and dining room.  My only complaint was………

stairs more suited for athletic types and daredevils.  Of course, with the bathroom, bedroom and our luggage up there, I made far more dizzying trips up and down than I care to remember.

We strolled through the grounds of the Circular Congregational Church, with its very interesting tombs and markers.  Studied the paintings at the Gibbes Museum of Art and did a little shopping. 

The weather was not what we expected – it was extremely windy and quite cool.  The shorts never made it out of the suitcase and my hair was pulled back to prevent it from whipping around in my face while we walked.  But, that didn’t stop us from enjoying some of the wonderful restaurants that this city is known for. 

I can’t imagine not enjoying at least one meal of shrimp and grits while in Charleston.  This lunch from the Dixie Supply Bakery & Cafe had the creamiest cheesy grits, tender shrimp and applewood smoked bacon – yummy.

We also had dinner at Poogan's Porch on Queen Street. 

I wasn’t adventurous enough to try the Fried Alligator appetizer, but the She Crab Soup was quite good.

 

This fried chicken stuffed with collard greens and served with whipped potatoes, green beans and spicy gravy was delicious.

This really is a great city to visit – so much history.  Many of the locals told us that tourism has increased dramatically in the last little while.  Maybe being named the No. 1 city to visit in the United States by Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards has something to do with it.