Wanderlusting in Charleston – I

Summer 2018.

It was a quick summer break, my friend Casey had plans for Charleston and I was lucky enough to hop in at the last moment for the trip to the historical city. Charleston is one of the oldest established cities in USA, named in honor of King Charles II of England. The city is built on the Atlantic ocean and confluence of 2 rivers Ashley and Cooper (named by Ashley Cooper himself!). It was founded in 1670.

We reached Charleston on  Thursday night and had good idea of nothing planned for the rest of the 3 days in town. We were staying in a hostel in the north peninsula of the city which is called ‘Notso Hostel’, and is the only hostel in town, so folks with plan have to plan ahead in time.

First impression.
Palm trees everywhere. My thought was that its Florida and its neighborhood areas in US had suitable weather and soil for palm trees but Charleston had a lot all around the city, which were well planted and maintained. The city is pretty laid back and easy crowded even during the tourist season.

Plan – Roam without a plan.

Charleston was one of the last cities captured from French. The city still lives and cherishes the French reminiscence. It hosts few world famous French bistros and we started our day at one of those.

Breakfast at Cafe Framboise.

Dash Service – Dash service is a free hop-on hop-off bus service running loops around various parts of the city. We found a very friendly and sweet bus operator on one of the buses and she was kind enough to explain interesting facts and trivia about the city.

King Street – King street is the main road running thru the heart of the peninsula. It is a smorgasbord of new and old architecture. The street is reputed for nice shopping complexes, music, fashion and food. I really loved the diversity in the building, its color, structure which blends into each other and the palm trees standing tall on the cobble-stoned pavement is very photogenic.

Battery Park – Battery park is a historical beach front promenade, famous for the antebellum styled historical houses. The city has been thru lot of changes since inception, but it has kept their most valuable possessions in tact and still maintains the rich heritage. I did wonder why it was called the “Battery”, maybe because it was once the house of artillery and defense place for the soldiers during the colonial wars. Battery park is home for good looking, beautiful Villas aging 200 more and it is one of the prime real estate places in US on par with Silicon Valley.

Calhoun Mansion – It is one of the largest and oldest villas on the Battery park. Currently a private property and open for tours, we attended the guided tour of the villa. It is a museum of artifacts and antiques, dating centuries back and also houses materials that you cannot see anywhere. The mansion is 24,000-square-foot, 1876 Victorian home at 16 Meeting Street, is named for a grandson of John C. Calhoun who lived there with his wife, the builder’s daughter. And for reasons whatsoever and fair its called OMG mansion. Interesting fact – The interior shots in movie Notebook was shot here!

Battery park runs along the Cooper river for miles and the view from the sea wall is a beautiful contrast of colors, shrubbery and nature.

Charleston Waterfront park – The waterfront runs all the way north of Battery park and ends at the famous Charleston Waterfront park. The famed pineapple fountain and park around is a ideal hangout place any given day. Pineapples are culturally and traditionally part of Carolina, and it was interesting to learn that back in days the ladies at home send pineapples as good will charm with their men going away for work.

Yes Pineapple stands for love, greetings and hospitality in Charleston. Moreover South Carolina’s got some good air and fertile soil for cultivating tropical fruits.

Charleston Old Market – Old market was established in 1800’s and is a trademark location in Charleston. You are never done with Charleston unless you been to the Old Market. It is a bustling place for shopping clothes, handcrafts, local produce, snacks etc.

River street sweets is the place for the famous Pralines, the store is right across the street from Old Market. It is local to Savannah but popularized in Charleston. Never leave Charleston without a piece of Praline and Pecan turtle.

 

Sunset. We met few friends from the town. Our friend Tao was very kind and friendly to show places around. We had some good time together watching sunset, sharing stories, bar hopping the King street before we called it a day.

Another day another bucket.

Travel is the most edifying way of introspection -Anonymous.

Wanderlusting in Charleston continues..

https://sreeramharidas.wordpress.com/2018/07/16/wanderlusting-in-charleston-ii/

❤ Ram