A Visit to Charleston, S.C.

Hello to everyone again! Even though I've been absent from this space several days, my blog hasn't "gone away." Instead, I've had a late winter break, visiting Charleston, S.C.

The Battery, a landmark defensive seawall and promenade in Charleston. It is famous for its stately antebellum homes. It is named for a Civil War coastal defense artillery battery at the site. The Battery stretches along the lower shores of the Charleston peninsula, bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. 

Along with my sister and two cousins, we spent a few days with a cousin who lives in Charleston. And what a wonderful visit we had. 

Charleston is such a beautiful place. It was founded in 1670 as Charles Towne, in honor of King Charles II of England.  The city is known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, fine restaurants and mannerly people.

But we mainly visited Charleston for a cousin get-together, something that's become a regularly scheduled event. (We missed the ones who couldn't make it this year!)

Charleston is known for the lovely Camellia bushes. We saw the gorgeous plant blooming in many colors.

The Camellia bush grows to great heights

One day we visited Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, it survived the centuries and witnessed the history of the  nation unfold -- from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants.

The Drayton family home at Magnolia Plantation.

Along the riverbank at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

We took a drive to Kiawah Island. The others took a walk along the beach but I did not because it was so cold and the wind was so high. In fact, it was quite cold the entire time of our visit, unusual for the Carolina low-country.

The beach at Kiawah.

All of us at Magnolia. Me, Henrietta, Becky, Darry and Edith

Sitting on our host's deck with their beautiful garden in the background.

Lunch at Slightly North of Broad, or S.N.O.B., restaurant. 

Trying to stay warm during an outing. Practically all these photos were shot by Darry. I was too cold to grab my camera and shoot.

The Angel Tree, a Southern Live Oak located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island. One source estimates the tree to be in excess of 1,500 years old, but the "official" age has been revised to 300-400 years old. Whatever the age, it's an awesome sight, measuring 28 feet (8.5 meters) in circumference, 66 feet (20 meters) tall and producing shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 meters). From tip to tip, its longest branch distance is 187 feet. Said to be the oldest tree east of the Mississippi, it is thought to be among the oldest living things in the United States.

A Charleston neighborhood.

A church

So many lovely flowers in bloom.

A stately home.

A charming back garden.

Located in Waterford Park, the Pineapple Fountain represents the welcoming hospitality for which Charleston is so well known. 

Window garden that includes Swiss Chard vegetable.

A few shots of our cousin Henrietta and husband Dennis' beautiful and wonderfully appointed home.

The hosts' back garden.

My photo of the Angel Tree.

An exterior of Henrietta and Dennis' home.

One of Henrietta's camellias.

My dogs, cats and hopefully my husband missed me It was a wonderful few days but as always, it's great to be back home again.