May 20, 2012 - Touring Charleston and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Up early to hit the plantation early...a bit chilly this morning...the gardens and plantation were kewl...the Magnolia Plantation was established in 1676 and it was in amazing shape...we walked around Charleston on Saturday afternoon and did the Market Street that was set up with many different vendors...I bought a basket carved out of cypress wood...I am trying to upload the pictures but I seem to be having problems with that...hope to figure it out soon...I had to use Larry's camera today ....Tomorrow we take the horse drawn carriage tour...

May 11, 2012 - #1 Carolina Beach, NC to Charleston, SC

After a long delay due to many family issues. we finally got to start our trip for 2012. However, our winter was a mild one in NC and we were able to do a lot of dreaming about places we might go. Our objective for this trip is not to have a destination as a goal, even though we have the charts and research for going to the Exumas, Bahamas, or other Bahama locations. We had to convince our insurance company that we would avoid the hurricanes since this is the season. We spent the winter doing many projects on JR. New covers for the...

May 11, 2012 - Charleston, SC

Hi All, Here we are in Charleston, SC, arrived here about 1:00, early for us as it was a nice easy drive from Savannah, GA. Jumped in the jeep to find and see their Historic District, talk about huge old buildings. We ran into an old US Navy Feet Yard that had been turned into a restaurant and bar right on the bay, so of course we had to stop there and have something to eat and drink. Our waiter said we had to try their She Crab and Blue Crab Roe soup (we all know what roe is right?) and I am not very adventurous in trying new foods. we...

May 10, 2012 - Charleston

Went today to a Tea Plantation where its the only place they grow Tea in the US. What and interesting tour of the property and factor. Great tea, where they have a tasting room and were able to sample all different one. Tomorrow we get the car back and will head out.

May 7, 2012 - Charleston, SC

On Saturday we arrived at the Oak Plantation Campground in Charleston, SC. We took a bus tour of the charming old city. We were impressed with the iron gates, waterfront park, and beautiful old homes. Some of the homes had special front doors that led to a side porch instead of to the interior of the home. This allowed the ladies to go on their porch to cool off without the "proper" attire of the time. The door closed meant they were not receiving visitors. On Sunday we took a boat over to Fort Sumter where the first shot of the Civil War...

May 7, 2012 - Magnolia Plantation Charleston, SC

Today we toured Magnolia Plantation. We came here often during the years that we visited Eileen's folks while they wintered in Myrtle Beach. The plantation now consists of 500 acres after 1,500 acres were sold off some years ago in order for the family to keep the property. It was one of many rice plantations along the Ashley River built and flourishing on the backs of slaves. The home is the third on the property after the original burned down after being hit by a lightening strike and the second was burned after the Civil War. The...

May 6, 2012 - James Island Campground, SC

We're back in another favorite campground, which is on James Island just outside the city of Charleston, SC. It's a county park with miles of walking and bicycling trails, small ponds, marshes, a fishing pier, playgrounds, water parks, snack bars, and some of the nicest campsites we've ever stayed in.

May 4, 2012 - Charleston

Well still in Charleston, because of the dumb Ford dealer ship our transmission to a different city, so stuck here till next week. We have been really busy till today sightseeing and thanks to our wonderful friends Eleanor and Ted, they have been driving us everwhere. We did Fort Sumter and Magnolida Gardens Tours. Had a great dinner at Magnolia's witch so many people suggested, it had great Southern Fried Chicken. Well let us know when we finally leave here. Judy and Van

May 1, 2012 - Tour of Charleston

Tour Overview 7:00 AM Pickup at Broadway at the Beach Charleston: Carriage Tour Shopping in Historic Market (time permitting) Harbor Cruise on the Carolina Belle with Box Lunch Boone Hall Plantation Arrive Mrytle Beach at 5:30 PM http://charlestonadventures.com/myrtle-beach-trip.cfm

May 1, 2012 - Charleston, SC

Arrived in Charleston a few days ago. Again just another bump, left Orlando and within a 100 mileages are transmission in the Ford Escape we are towing burned up again. Not good. So had it towed in to Charleston's Ford dealer and they are replacing it for the 2nd time. I'm beginning to think this car is not towable like they say it is. Hopefully will be ready on Friday before we leave. I think we are going to drive it seperately the rest of the trip. Ugh not to fun!!! Thanks to our wonderful friends Ted and Eleanor Hucks that live here in...

Apr 29, 2012 - Beaufort to Charleston SC

April 29, 2012 – Beaufort, SC to Charleston, SC Left 7:00 am – Arrived 5:00 pm Miles traveled: 68 Weather: Sunny, winds light and variable, temperature 68/80 (we are warming up again…yea!) Hi All! Sadly we had to say good-bye to Viv and Chris in Beaufort and start heading north to Charleston. We had a wonderful time with them. They are so much fun! Charleston and St. Augustine are my two favorite cities on the ICW. I am really looking forward to seeing Charleston today. It is so beautiful in the spring! It’s so fun walking around the city....

Apr 29, 2012 - Playing tourist in Charleston, SC

Hi All! We stayed a few days in Charleston and I got time to play tourist for a few hours. We took the Spirit of Charleston to the Fort Sumter. It was very interesting and I am glad we did it. Fort Sumter was actually 50 feet tall and had officer's quarters that were three stories high. Now only the bottom third remains and the officer's quarters are a few bottom walls. There were only three national flags of the Confederacy. The First National called the Stars and Bars which had a blue square in the upper left-hand corner with a ring of...