Today's blogger is the lovely Dana from Really, What Were We Thinking? And her post made me miss Charleston before I've even had a chance to leave it!
When Angela put out a call for guest bloggers during her vacation, I felt like I had been handed a gift.
I spent three wonderful years living in the Charleston area and I have missed it every day. I am always amazed by how much just being in the lowcountry revives my soul. The heat, the humidity, & the smell of the salt marsh are all part of me. It’s been almost 10 years since I left Charleston, which has given me ample opportunities to reminisce about her. However, I’ve never committed my best memories of Charleston to paper, or in this case, the internet.
So, here you go, in no particular order, some of my favorite things about where the Ashley & the Cuppah rivahs meet to form the Atlantic Ocean…
1 – the smell – I am NOT referring to the hot horse pee smell S.O.B. (South of Broad) during the summer. I’m talking about the smell of the salt marsh. I love it. It smells like life. Did you know the saltmarsh is a fully self-sustaining ecosystem? Pretty awesome, eh? Think about that the next time you think pluff mud stinks.
2 – the people – Charleston natives are some crazy people. Crazy in a fun “OMG are you for real?” possibly drunk kind of way. I had to do a lot of genealogical research for a job in Charleston and, well, the S.O.B. tree doesn’t have a lot of branches and I think that adds to the charm of local blue-bloods.The city itself is actually quite cosmopolitan. I met people from all over the world while living and working there. My best friend was a born & bred Long Islander who loves the city as much as I do.
3 – the food – Shrimp, grits, blue crabs, grits, shrimp, she-crab soup, grits, shrimp --- You can probably see where that is going, huh? I’ve never had she-crab soup as good as ANY place in the Charleston area. Sure, there are imitators but they never live up to snuff. If you don’t like fresh seafood and smooth, creamy grits, I don’t know what to tell you.
4 – the outdoor activities – I worked for the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission and if you live in Charleston County and are not taking advantage of this excellent park system, you need to fix that RIGHT NOW! Visit Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel. It’s awesome for birding, canoeing,and learning about the history of the area. It’s not as far away as it seems and it’s a nice oasis if you are tired of the crazy possibly drunk drivers and crowded streets. The big festivals and concerts at James Island County Park are worth it. I also love the beaches. Sullivan’s Island has always been my favorite, but Folly & Isle of Palms were a lot of fun, too.
5 – the walkability of downtown – There is so much to do in such a small area. Downtown Charleston is really tiny and crowded. It was a pain to drive around & park when I had a little old Volkswagen Fox. However, it is a great little city to see on foot. You can park and walk to almost any type of shop, bar, restaurant, clothier, or bank you want to see! You are never at a loss for something to find (and buy). We’ve been hard pressed to find cities that compare to Charleston in this respect, especially on the East Coast.
What are your favorite things about Charleston or your favorite city? Have you taken the time to be a tourist in your own town?
Great choice for guest blogger! Keep her.
Posted by: Jemima | August 16, 2011 at 02:38 PM
HA! Thank you!!!
Posted by: Dana K | August 16, 2011 at 02:44 PM
I love Charleston. I went to college at Clemson University so my husband (then boyfriend) and I used to go there whenever we got a chance! Great post. :) My favorite thing about Charleston is the food, architecture, and history.
Posted by: Karen | August 16, 2011 at 06:04 PM
I have an aunt and uncle who visited Charleston for the very first time this spring and couldn't say enough wonderful things about it!
Posted by: liz | August 16, 2011 at 07:56 PM
I definitely miss the food! Charlestonians know how to eat, for sure! The architecture is very striking - especially when you drive over the bridges and see all of the steeples. It makes for a unique skyline.
Posted by: Dana K | August 16, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Awesome! Charleston is a city that can be visited year round, even though the summers can get a bit extra "sultry" due to the humidity. If you haven't visited, you should! (make your aunt & uncle take you!)
Posted by: Dana K | August 16, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Aww, what a lovely post about my hometown! Thanks!!
Posted by: MamaSuperPow | August 17, 2011 at 12:13 AM
It was easy! I'd love to move back someday.
Posted by: Dana K | August 17, 2011 at 02:19 AM
When Angela posted about Charleston last week, I told that I was dying to visit. Thank you for making me even more excited! It sounds like a pretty fantastic city. Can't wait to experience it for myself!
Posted by: Molly | August 17, 2011 at 02:34 AM
YAY!! I really do love Charleston and I hope I don't build her up too much, lol. I hope you get a chance to go for yourself soon!
Posted by: Dana K | August 17, 2011 at 03:28 AM
I've heard so many great things about Charleston! Now you're going to make me want to go there!
Posted by: Kimberly | August 17, 2011 at 06:26 AM
Charleston is awesome! It's a great place for families or couples...or just a GIRL'S WEEKEND with your favorite bloggers. ;-) (I'd totally meet you there)
Posted by: Dana K | August 18, 2011 at 01:03 AM
It's all about the food in Charleston for me. Oh, and we really enjoy going to the festivals in the spring in fall.
Posted by: Becky | August 18, 2011 at 02:52 PM