On the Waterfront in Charleston, South Carolina

Waterfront Park in Charleston, SC.
Nine A. M.  (looking away from the sun) January 13, 2013

A forecast promising sunny days and temperatures in the seventies was enough of a temptation to put us on the road to Charleston, South Carolina. With a drive time under five hours from our home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, we spent little time debating our getaway destination.

We stayed in the historic district where it was convenient to walk through the streets (a few remain cobblestone) in the French Quarter and South of Broad, including the famous Battery. We got caught up in the game of "which house do you want to buy?" as we wandered along the shady streets and drooled over the architecture of homes from the 1700 and 1800s.

It was "Restaurant Week" in Charleston, but the crowds weren't bad. We enjoyed a great dinner with coordinating flights of wine at Social Wine Bar on East Bay Street. We stopped in during the early afternoon and made our reservations for evening.

I started with the arugula and fennel salad with an herbal white wine, Grüner Veltliner, and it was a perfect pairing. My husband started with their homemade chips (blue cheese fondue and scallions) and a sparkling white wine. For entrees, he chose the seared scallops and I went with the flat iron steak over root veggies and a braised shallot ragu. I paired my steak with a bold red La Follette Pinot Noir (North Coast, California). We shared an amaretto tart for dessert. My apologies for the lack of food photos, but I was hungry!

For Sunday morning brunch, we dined at Eli's Table on Meeting Street. We managed to snag a great table in the courtyard and the weather was perfect. Although we opted for the "Mary and Polly Classic Breakfast" of eggs, bacon, grits (topped with cheese) and an English muffin, we drank pots of coffee and toasted with five dollar mimosas. The folks at the next table bragged about their bacon bloody Mary's and sweet potato pancakes with pecan butter—next time!

Our favorite spot to sit and soak up the scenery is the Waterfront Park. There are benches for sitting (while sampling pecan pralines picked up from the market) and wide gravel paths for strolling or running (to work off the calories).

Everywhere in Charleston, the people smile and welcome you. It's true that the city upholds the definition of real Southern Hospitality. Just go!

Waterfront Park in Charleston, SC.
Nine A. M.  (looking into the sun) January 13, 2013

Flower boxes in bloom in January--okay, I want to live there!

Words and photos by Freda Cameron, Defining Your Home, Garden and Travel. All company or product or patented names mentioned are registered trademarks, copyrights, or patents owned by those respective companies or persons.