Charleston, South Carolina

Over the weekend, John and I went to Charleston, SC to celebration of his birthday and the beginning of summer! It was super hot and so extremely humid, that we had to walk into a store every block to cool off. I think we may have looked crazy because we were so sweaty compared to everyone else, who must have been used to the southern heat, because some people were in long sleeves and pants!

Charleston is a sweet little city on the coast, deeply rooted in US history with remnants of its old-timey charm still hanging out amidst a newer wild party scene. There is so much history in Charleston. I think John and I were both fascinated by the plantation style homes and the idea that slavery existed HERE some 200 years ago. After watching Django Unchained last year, I think we just always think, "Wow that was really messed up." We went to the Charleston Museum which was the 1st museum in the US and there were actual shackles and slave tags there. So crazy to think of how those were intended to be used. On the drive into Charleston, we listened to the first 45 minutes of the audio book 12 Years A Slave, and found ourselves holding our breaths because it was so intense. 

Anyway, the trip was so much fun. It was a perfect combination of beach and city and summer sun! Here are some pictures of our fabulous adventure:

Post-eight-hour-drive at Sullivan's Island. So happy to be out of the car!

At Folly Beach. We rented boogie boards and had a blast trying to catch a few waves. Each time either one of us caught a good one and rode into shore, we'd stand up and turn around as if saying, "Did you see that!!!???!" and look for the thumbs up of approval from the other person.

One of John's buddies from college lives in Charleston so we headed out to King Street, the hub of Charleston's nightlife and restaurant scene. We ate at O-Ku and then found our way through a couple of rooftop bars. I think Charleston is a popular place for bachelorette/bachelor parties and birthdays, so people get seriously dolled up for the occasion. 

View from the tip of downtown Charleston.

Our meal at Hyman Seafood, an old seafood/dry goods market turned restuarant. Their walls are lined with pictures of all the famous people who've eaten there and all the tables  have little placards saying which famous person had previously eaten at that table. We left feeling uncomfortably full.

On the left John is wolverining, and on the left, our drive across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

We drove through both North and South Carolina and apparently they are famous for their peaches! We stopped to get gas and there was a farm stand right next door, so I got some and binged on peaches for the remainder of my stay.

This weekend was such a fun adventure. Thanks John for letting me come along on your birthday fun!