“I’m going back to dignity and grace. I’m going
back to Charleston” Rhett Butler, Gone with the Wind 1939

Charleston is one of the prettiest cities in the South,
if not, in all of the United States, at least that is
my opinion. The City has received many accolades
including “Americas most friendly city” by Travel
and Leisure magazine and also Conde Nast Traveler
magazine. Southern Living magazine says “the most
polite and hospitable city in America”.
The Gardens of Charleston are beautifully manicured with statues
and flowers adorning many.

The hidden courtyards are so special. A lot of the garden areas
are like this, peeking out of areas you would not expect.

So many beautiful flowers in bloom throughout the city

Just look at the beautiful flower boxes adorning the homes

Strolling down the streets, makes you think you have stepped back
in time, maybe I am on a movie set. It’s so unique that sometimes
you wonder, is this really real.

There are countless blooming trees that compliment the backdrop
of the homes

So many of these homes are behind beautiful wrought iron fences
like this

The lovely gates that are so plentiful in this city.

Now how would you like to have that in your driveway

One of my favorite places is the Historic Charleston Market. Steep
in history and charm, it is a popular destination for those of us
visiting the city. I remember many years ago buying a blue and
white afghan, decorated with the historic homes of Charleston.
It is one of my favorites.

Outside the Market and along the streets, you can always find
vendors selling their handmade sweet grass baskets. They are
lovely.

There are many Parks scattered throughout Charleston, many have
beautiful fountains such as this. Palmetto Fountain, Battery Park.

A statue stands tall of George Washington in Washington Square
Park, Charleston’s first public park. George Washington first visited
this city in 1791 and was honored in grand fashion with a parade
and other festive activities. Notice the replica of the Washington
Monument behind his statue

Charleston is one of those rare places where you can enjoy the
beaches (they have three of them) and still stroll through a historic
downtown area.

A walkway along the pier and across the street from Battery Park.

For four nights, I was able to call the Andrew Pinckney Inn home.
It’s a 41 room elegant but causal hotel. If you are looking for a
unique hotel with historic charm, this is the one. It’s a boutique
style inn with gracious hospitality and undeniable charm, located
in the Charleston Historical District. It’s a short walk to the scores
of retail shops and street vendors selling their handcrafted
jewelry, art and the lovely Sweet Grass Baskets. There are also
numerous restaurants surrounding the area with the best
seafood around.

The presentation and taste was superb.

Charleston is the oldest and second largest city in the Southeast
State of South Carolina. Known for its rich history, well
preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants and mannerly
people, it continues to attract hundreds of visitors daily.
It is like stepping back in time, perhaps reliving the many movies
that have been filmed here, The Notebook, The Patriot, The Jackal,
The Prince of Tides, or just remembering the history of the
Civil War days. Whatever the reason, you will always remember
and long to return.