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Charleston, South Carolina

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After spending two spectacular days in Savannah, we drove Highway 17 to round out our stylish getaway in Charleston. The drive was relaxing as we took in the sights, the early American plantations built next to antebellum rice fields and the abundance of swamps with  very tall  cypress trees. As we drove past these murky waters my imagination kept turning to what actually lived within these dark rippling bogs; such as alligators, water moccasins or some type of lizard, and while pleased to know of this interesting wildlife, I was extremely glad nothing slithered across the road.

What did cross our line of vision were the enticing fruit and vegetable stands. We stopped to purchase a small basket of peaches from a farmer who stated he travels 52 miles every morning to setup his stand. He had the most fabulous looking blackberries, the plumpest tomatoes and bags of Vidalia onions that hung on the wooden stakes of this open market.

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We arrived in Charleston as the sun was beginning to set over the Ashley River and the view was spectacular because you could see out to the Charleston Harbor.

My primary purpose for being in this refined city was not only to see the historic sites, but also to focus on the elegant gardens and if possible come away with a few creative ideas for my own.

IMG_0491{Sweetgrass Baskets along Meeting Street}

The history on the art of “sweetgrass baskets” is steeped in tradition. Rice was a major crop during the Colonial period and though the conditions were perfect for growing this crop in South Carolina none of the plantation owners had knowledge of this particular plant. So slaves were brought from specific regions of West Africa because of their expertise in growing rice. These slaves also brought the craft of basket making to the new world, and did not allow the art form decline after the Civil War. The descendents and their culture remain throughout the Low Country area and are referred to as “Gullah” and their language is “Geechee”.

You can see the stands dotted along the highway as you enter the city, as well as on most street corners, setup to sell the most artfully designed wares.

IMG_0503 IMG_0505{Me posing against the Civil War cannons at the Charleston Battery}

Quaint homes were tucked along “The Battery” which is a defensive seawall and promenade to these stately manors and is named for a Civil War coastal defense artillery site.

IMG_0531{The Heyward-Washington House}

IMG_0529{Entrance to the “parterre garden” at the Heyward-Washington House}
IMG_0533{The remains of the 18th century garden are still seen in this present day field}

One of the prettiest gardens on our tour was at the Heyward-Washington House. I focused on the symmetry of the garden and how it was maintained with annuals and colorful plants in the midst of summer. The “parterre beds” were delineated by short, clipped boxwood hedges and filled in with a variety of plants. This formal garden was designed on level ground with gravel paths laid between the planting beds.

IMG_0556{Calhoun Mansion circa 1876, an Italiante House Museum and Charleston’s largest private residence}

IMG_0551{Calhoun Mansion water garden}

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The final garden that captivated my attention was at the Calhoun Mansion. The current owner is a collector of fine art and objects, and has filled this 24,000 square foot home to capacity with rare and beautiful pieces.

IMG_1684{Pralines and Fudge from The Fudgery on Market Street}

Now who can leave Charleston without eating some of the most delicious food in the south and trying their “pralines” which were absolutely fabulous. We stopped at The Fudgery on Market Street to taste the treats as they were being made and to talk with the sales staff, who coincidentally all sang beautifully together, which was an additional treat!!!

IMG_1694{Coconut cream cheesecake from Kaminsky’s}

We also tried slices of coconut cheesecake and key-lime pie from Kaminsky’s a few doors down from the Fudgery on Market to go with our “iced coffee’s”.

As always it is wonderful to be able to take in history, the beautiful sites and gardens, as well as taste such wonderful food all within the confines of historic Charleston.

K

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Savannah, Georgia

IMG_0388{Mercer Williams House on Whitaker Street}

IMG_0376{Spanish Moss hanging from trees}

Getting away for a long weekend can be one the most refreshing vacations for those of us who lead extremely busy lives. When life appears to be closing in and your nerves are frayed, now is the time for the perfect getaway. The beauty of these short respites is that they can be taken frequently, and whenever necessary. To start my stylish getaway we are going to Savannah, Georgia for two days and then onto Charleston, South Carolina for an additional two.

IMG_0359{The Pirates’ House}

On Thursday morning a few of us took off for Savannah, Georgia to partake in a bit of history, gracious southern living, delicious food and a lot of fun! We stayed in the historical district of the city a few blocks from the Savannah River, which lent access to all of the cultural sites.  First on our list was stopping for lunch at The Pirates’ House, which is located on one of the most significant spots in Georgia because it is here that the Trustees Garden, the first experimental garden in America is located. The small building adjoining the Pirates’ House was erected in 1734 and is said to be the oldest house in the state.

The buffet was a wonderful inroad to the delicacies we were to taste while in Savannah; collard greens, fried okra, sweet potatoes, macaroni & cheese, and the fried chicken and tilapia were all absolutely delicious! Dessert was a Key Lime Pie and Banana Pudding.

IMG_0402{The Armstrong House on Bull Street}

IMG_0407{Forsyth Park Fountain}

IMG_0447{The Owens-Thomas House on Abercorn Street}

IMG_0457IMG_0449{Garden at the Owens-Thomas House}

Next we were off to see the historic homes of the city, which are dotted between oak canopied streets that are surrounded by churches and unique shops. The architecture of these genteel landmarks are a wonderful sampling of Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian Regency, which gives a focus on the styles of 18th and 19th century America. Even the cathedrals’ range from colonial to medieval architecture with intricate accents.

IMG_0446{Beignets’ from Huey’s on E. River Street}

Savannah has a great many tastes similar to that of New Orleans; we sampled pralines, okra gumbo and Po-Boys made with shrimp instead of oysters.

IMG_0440{Savannah River Bridge}

The Historic Savannah Foundation was started by a small group of women (seven to be exact), who preserved many of these beautiful homes and kept them from being demolished. Most of these estates have been renovated or restored to be museums, inns or homes to the families who have purchased them. It is truly wonderful to be able to see and experience such living history.

K