A Weekend in the Holy City

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know I've been in heaven the last few days, heaven as in the "Holy City" as it is lovingly called and it's none other than the exquisite Charleston, South Carolina.  It is known as the Holy City, if not completely then partially, because of the beautiful churches, both Catholic and Protestant, that breathtakingly line the main corridors and deep into the residential areas as well. Their architecture is stunning with their steeples reaching far into the sky as to keep watch over the city. Their history is fascinating, and just their stately presence is something to behold. These houses of worship boast some of the most breathtaking architecture in the southeast. 

The hubs and I had the pleasure of visiting this past weekend for a much-needed (did I say much-needed?) getaway. When you can't even remember the last time you traveled together without a gaggle following you (meaning all your kids and grandkids), it's way past time for just a "you and me" kind of weekend. We were not disappointed. Every stroll, every turn around every corner afforded something delightful for our senses. You might wanna take notes, for this getaway weekend might be yours in the near future...Btw, I didn't include any food pics this time because it would've only been pizza and hotdogs and Thai food. But it was delicious.

We arrived on Friday to great accommodations at the brand-new (four months young) Hyatt on King Street. The room was large with a king bed and very spacious living area with a sectional that also pulled out into a bed (which, of course, we did not need because no children accompanied us!).  Now that I think about it, I believe it was a handicap-accessible room; was there special meaning to that? There was an acceptable continental breakfast, the facility was immaculate and the staff friendly and helpful. The first full day there, we went exploring and by day's end had logged over eight miles. I might add here that one of my absolute favorite things about Charleston is that it is a walking city. You can park your car when you arrive and not see it again until you leave unless, like us, we kept remembering things we'd left in the car and had to make the trek back to the parking deck. Parking is limited in Charleston and a bit pricey, but to me it is totally worth it. We walked everywhere we needed to go, got in our daily steps, ended up in a few places we did not intend but were glad we did, and then headed back to the hotel in the evening. This was our place to get in our choice of exercise but if that is not your idea of a vacation, just take the trolley. The trolley loops to the very end of the peninsula and back. It is provided by the city and is completely free. A great service!

As we explored Charleston on foot, we marveled at the many historical and architectural wonders. I had visited with girlfriends a couple of years ago, but the hubs had not been in 20-plus years when, at the time, we had our girls with us and were completely absorbed with keeping two young ones entertained. At the time they were not so much into history, but I think they'd love to visit now and take in all the history offered. Plus when you're visiting with girlfriends (grown or otherwise), shopping is an understood activity and involves bouncing into all the many shops that line the roads. If you are a shopper, you'll be happy to know that Charleston is a shopper's dream. But in the absence of "others," we were able this time to absorb some of the history and enjoyed doing it so  much. Even visiting the cemeteries is fascinating. Some of the graves date back to deaths in the mid-1800's.  Why is it as you get older you enjoy history more and marvel at tombstones? Is it because you're becoming a bit ancient yourself and a bit closer to your own grave? Maybe so!

Enjoy some of these images of things I love most about this splendid city!

I love "considered" doors because, for me, doors offer the first glimpse of what is to be found inside. Some doors are immaculate and others a bit distressed, revealing that inside there is probably a reno going on or, at the least, some tender loving care being shed upon these wonderful homes. Note the large stone for a step in front of the lower black door. Now, that's an idea! Make your door a take-note color and give those passersby a smile for their day. Your front door is not just your front door; it's the portal to your life...

The beautiful flowers and boxes that line the many windows along the streets. You don't see many flowerboxes around where I live, but in older cities they are alive and well. A gorgeous way to set your home apart from others...

The architecture and pastel colors that inspire me are abundant. I could photograph the old homes all day long in this marvelous city; just think, if I lived in Charleston I could have a pink house! Or baby blue. Or fern green...

The alleyways and "off the beaten path" curiosities found...they are endless here! Loving' the blue Vespa...

The romance of the old south that permeates every corner and crevice of this great city...

And is there anything more romantic than a horse-drawn carriage down a centuries-old-street? ​
“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.”  
- Nicholas Sparks