After a full night’s sleep and a sumptuous buffet breakfast in the Swamp Fox restaurant, we attended a lecture by Harlan Greene, eminent historian, archivist and award-winning author of many fiction and non-fiction accounts on Charlestown. To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled about sitting for a two hour lecture, but I found that he was a fascinating and insightful speaker. He manage to consolidate the history of this city from the 1600s to the present day in his sly, tongue-in-cheek humorous style, which kept us laughing and entertained.. I wish history had been this much fun in school.
We left the hotel for a walking tour of the area, concluding with a visit to the city market, and time for us to have lunch on our own.
After our visit to the market, we inquired about a suitable place for a drink and were directed to Number 5, for a most unusual experience. We weren’t hungry but our thirst determined that we should have a beer. What a place! This church- turned restaurant and bar was a treat for the eyes, and the stomach. We hope to return for lunch on our free day, but we just had enough time to chug our beers and get on our bus tour!
An unusual treat: the book The Art of War was painstakingly recreated on the ceiling of the edifice. Can you imagine? It took six months to complete!
We met at the Custom House, by the cruise ship terminal – a Carnival ship was in port at the moment – then got on our bus for more touring and sites to see.
Charleston really does have it all: gorgeous mansions and architecture , the first theater in North America, the only French Protestant Church, Ft Sumter, and a beautiful day in which to enjoy these scenes. We also went by Stephen Colbert’s childhood home, situated in one of the most prestigious areas of the city, near Battery Park.
We had an hour to get ready for dinner and we walked down to Eli’s Table for local specialties. I had the catch of the day, which was mahi-mahi with red rice risotto and Beatrice had shrimp and grits. We were told that each restaurant has its own version of grits and it can vary considerably from place to place – everyone seemed to enjoy the food. Our guide Meredith and our single gentleman Rod from Canada, sat across from us.
The dessert was to-die-for cheesecake infused with caramel and brown sugar, the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Tomorrow we leave the city to explore two plantations: Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation.
Really enjoy your narratives, Quist..l
here I sit, eating take-out chow mein, while you feast