Sailboat

This picture was taken at Cherry Point Boat Launch at Rockville, SC. It was a picture perfect day!

Ravenel Bridge

Closeup view of the Ravenel Bridge - bridge engineering just amazes me!

Brick

This beautiful old building in downtown Charleston has a very intricate decoration set into the front of the building - something that could easily be missed but I bet that the person responsible for it notices it each day.  Enlarge the picture to see it better.

Window to the Past

Magnolia Plantation with the traditional black shutters - looking inside.............

Grillwork

Some of the grillwork that you can find downtown is almost hidden.  I loved finding this little gem!

Loquat Tree

This loquat tree looks like the fruit will be for the birds this year.  But it will be a real treat for them!  I found this tree loaded with fruit in the downtown area of Charleston.

Charleston's Ravenel Bridge

I love the Ravenel Bridge! I take pictures of it whenever I can!  For this picture, I asked my husband to PLEASE get in the far left lane so that my picture out the windshield of the car would be more symmetrical - but he liked where he was!  For a view other than mine - check out Kate from St. Paul's picture by clicking HERE.

Strawberries Anyone?

I love Charleston's Farmer's Market!  So much to chose from.  How about some strawberries?

Ravenel Bridge

I like this picture because it has the bridge, Patriots Point Marina and the USS Yorktown in it.

Lowcountry History

There is so much history in the lowcountry and some of it is still standing.  I love this old house with the wrap around porch and the red tin roof.  If you click on it and enlarge it, it is even better!

Old Santee Canal Park

Located in Berkley County in Monck's Corner this park is one you shouldn't miss.  There are boardwalks winding all through the swamps and marshes, canoes to rent, a museum and places to picnic.  What a great find!

Limerick Plantation - 1707

I actually made Kirby stop and back up so I could go stand in the middle of the road for this picture.  Found on a little back road in Berkley county on our Sunday drive.

Strawberry Chapel

Strawberry Chapel, located in Berkley County was the church for the small but thriving community of Childsbury which was founded in 1707 on the banks of the Cooper River.  Back in the early 1700's there was also a tavern and a ferry landing.  My reading said that there was even a horse track and of course a general store, school, tanner, shoemaker and a doctor.  It is maintained today by the descendants of the Ball and Harrelson families and they open it three times a year for services.

Jasmine

 The Jasmine is in full bloom now and the fragrance is wonderful!

Sweetgrass Baskets

These are famous Charleston Sweetgrass Baskets.  They don't like for people to take pictures but I managed to get some!  They are exquisite baskets!

Carriage Horses

Here are a couple of horses waiting to pull a carriage around the streets of Charleston.  They are really majestic animals who, I think, enjoy their work.  They are pampered and loved by the tour guides and get their picture taken regularly!

In case you worry about the horses working too hard, let me assure you that they are well taken care of and really have a very good life. The animals' temperatures are taken after every tour, every day of the year. Animals are pulled from service if their temperature is too high, if the outside temperature reaches 98 degrees, or if the combined temperature and humidity level reaches 180. Our farrier has over 35 years experience shoeing animals and examines them once a week, and our animals receive a yearly visit from a Certified Master Equine Dentist. Additionally, they are seen by an equine veterinarian twice a year for regular checkups.  And, on top of all that care, they get to go on a nice vacation each year to Johns Island which is a lovely place to spend your leisure time.  I think I am jealous of the horses!

Oh, and one other little note.  When the horses are working, if they have a little "accident" on the streets of Charleston, the driver immediately marks the spot with a little flag and calls it in.  A crew comes right away to clean the street up...no ugly mess or smell from my city!!

Carriage Ride

If you really want to know Charleston, you should begin your visit with a carriage ride.  You can't be assured of what area of the city you will visit, but you can be assured that you will hear some interesting Charleston history and you will see wonderful sights!  This is a backside view of one of the carriage house with horses and carriages waiting.

Blue Shutters

Usually the shutters that you find in Charleston are black so these blue really stand out and are quite refreshing!