March 15th, 2015
 
It’s Sunday morning. It is quiet at home. I like it that way. The rain stopped last night. It is warm at the Delaware Beaches. It feels like Spring. I am almost out of coffee; not a good thing.
Sundays are just one of those days to put your feet up, read a book, or do nothing at all. Magical Sundays, I call them.
Visiting Historic Charleston, I still have a few posts to write. There are so many churches in Historic Charleston, close to each other, as well. Architecturally, they are wonders and have been able to withstand the test of time.
It does not matter what religious denomination you are. If you are visiting Historic Charleston stop by. They are sanctuaries and not just for Sundays. St Philip’s is a National Historic Landmark.
I stopped at St. Philip’s, located at 142 Church St., one block east of Meeting Street. Website? http://www.stphilipschurchsc.org. This church is considered the Mother Church of the Diocese of S.C. Est. 1670. It first was located where St. Michael’s Catholic Church stands today. The present building was built from 1835-1838, after the original building was completed in 1724 and a fire destroyed it in 1835.
This church distinguishes itself from others…porticos and columns reminiscing of Roman porticos. I believe its steeple is the tallest one in Historic Charleston.
Resting in peace in the Churchyard you will find the graves of John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War and V.P. of the U.S., Edward Rutledge, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Charles Pinckney, signer of the Constitution, among other notables.
The docent on that particular day was so nice. She was like a grandmother. Softspoken, she spoke of the church so proudly. We talked for some time. And, not just about the church. Her personal life had taken her to Historic Charleston. Her kids behind her after she had been divorced….You see, everyone has a journey. A positive attitude is half the battle.
Have a great day!!
March 12th, 2015
Back in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, since visiting Historic Charleston for a week, I have had time to go through about 465 photos. It was my first experience in Charleston, a place that I had wanted to visit for a long time but for one reason or another had not.
When my cousins from Puerto Rico invited me to meet them in Charleston, it was because there was a pathology convention to attend. Onboard and looking forward I arrived at the Belmond Charleston Place, located at 205 Meeting St., Tels. 843-722-4900 and 888-635-2350. Website http://www.belmond.com/charleston-place.
Checking in was so smooth. My room was at the newly renovated floor of the hotel. New softer colors in all the rooms. Everyone wants to know how comfy the beds were…they were very comfortable.
Having been on the road and arriving at a new city, I decided to just stay put and try their in-room dining. Don’t let my healthy eating for that night fool you for a minute. I dove easily into the local food without regret. The brussels sprouts were delish and so was my salad….the fruit was my sweet ending….the butter, smooth and a bit sweet.
Something sweet!
A touch of color was much appreciated.
If you would like to start your first morning having breakfast at the hotel, the Palmetto Cafe will be your place. A healthy breakfast buffet or a la carte.
Charleston Place, as it is commonly called, is large enough for events, weddings…you name it. It does not feel that big, but it is. Plenty of shopping within the hotel. The business office was a plus.
In every corner of the City of Charleston there is plenty to see. History abounds. Throughout the week we walked, shopped and dined. The beauty is that you can stroll downtown with ease. Stop and check the alleys, the houses, and the cobblestone streets.
 
Every day we found something new. Look at the Dock Street Theatre. This was the first building in America built exclusively for theatrical performances. Many years ago it was restored. The inside was rebuilt to resemble a theatre in London in the 1730s. It is used year-round. Location? 135 Church Street. http://www.charlestonstage.com
In the evening the Thoroughbred Club at Charleston Place gets hopping. I already posted about it. Tapas Bar setting…Do not miss Calvin (Deke) Taylor, The Entertainer, playing some pretty good jazz.
I almost forgot to give Carrie, the Concierge a shout!! She was awesome and got us set up with Ian Sanchez for our tour of Middleton Plantation among other suggestions, as well. Thanks Carrie!
Talk to you later…have a great day!
March 10th, 2015
 
My stay in Historic Charleston, South Carolina, took even longer when my flight was cancelled on Sunday, 3/1. Too bad, to be “stuck” in this historic city for a couple more days. My accommodations for those 2 nights were at the Meeting Street Inn. It is located at 173 Meeting St. Tels. 843-723-1882 and 800-842-8022 Website? http://www.MeetingStreetInn.com
Meeting Street Inn was built in the style of the Charleston single house around 1873. The “Charleston Single” was built from 1740s to the late 1800s. The lots are narrow and the porches were called piazzas by the English. The porches also served as hallways for air circulation.
My cousin and I had eyed this inn during our stay. We even stopped by to check the rooms. I thought that on another trip this would be a nice place to stay. It is within walking distance to everything you want to do in Historic Charleston. They do have a small shuttle that could take you around anywhere you would like to go in town if you don’t feel like walking.
So as I sat at the Charleston Airport wondering what to do…..a call, a reservation, and I was good to go.
Checking into the Meeting Street Inn was easy. The staff was so nice and ready to help in any way. The bed was most comfortable.
Sunday was not a nice day but Monday turned out to be the best day of the week. The Meeting Street Inn has a small pool and also outdoor seating for R & R.
Great to enjoy the outdoors early in the a.m. with coffee and breakfast which by the way is included or wine and appetizers in the evening, also included.
 
The breakfast is served from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. Hot and cold breakfast service…fruits cereals, buns, etc. etc.
 
In the evenings wine, cheese and refreshments for the guests from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Appetizers including the ever present Charleston Cheese Spread which is pimento cheese spread.
I really enjoyed it and until next time….thanks to the Meeting Street Inn staff.
March 10th, 2015
I am not sure if you are ready for shopping or not, but stores are open. Historic Charleston offers great shopping for everyone. If your husband decides that shopping is not his cup of tea on this trip, there are a few places you can park him.
Or if you are traveling with your pooch….have your husband or significant other take him to the dog park and meet other Charleston dogs, while you engage in something a little more interesting.
C’est La Vie of Charleston we found on 108 N. Market St. Tel. 843-212-5744. The owner opened the store last year and is ready for the prime months that Historic Charleston offers its visitors. Good weather, plenty of restaurants, history, shopping….the town, I hear is starting to bloom. You can find C’est La Vie of Charleston on Facebook. Check it out because you can get 10% off purchases until 3/17.
 
The shopkeepers of Historic Charleston deserve a shout; so friendly!!….Shopping in local boutiques is what I usually like to do. Individual attention is what we want. No rush, please.
The store is eclectic in the sense that you can find gifts for someone special, or just something to thank a friend. Having a party? Cards, napkins, place cards, cups for an event, or just because.
We fell in love with these beads. They are called Chew Beads. They are perfect for the summer. We just did not realize that they are also chewing beads for your little ones. Mothers, grandmothers you can be in style with these ones.
 
It’s springtime and time to refresh, or update.
 
If you think about it all boutiques are shops, but not all shops are boutiques. C’est La Vie of Charleston is unique and local!! Stop by and say hello.
Have a good one.
March 8th, 2015
 
It is so still in my house you could hear a pin drop. I like it that way. I love Sundays….there is something magical about them. I decided to sit on my computer and continue posting on Charleston.
Prominent families in Charleston are of French Huguenot descent. On the Southeastern quarter of Charleston there is an area called the French Quarter. And, I am not sure if you have seen the beautiful Huguenot Church….it is truly so pretty. It is located at 136 Church St. The church opens its doors to worshipers of all Christian backgrounds. Tel. 843-722-4385. To know more about it, please visit http://www.huguenot-church.org/history.html.
The City of Charleston has diverse influences. With that in mind and strolling Historic Charleston in the evening my cousins and I arrived at Brasserie Gigi. It is located at 102 North Market St. Tel. 843-722-6393. Website? http://www.brasseriegigi.com. It had a good crowd and the menu looked interesting.
The Potage Parmentier or Potato Leek Soup was ordered…topped with chives and croutons. This soup was much welcomed….it was chilly that night.
Two orders of Mahi with potatoes. The fish was perfectly cooked.
And my Roasted Monkfish Bourride was outstanding….leeks, potatoes, parsley, thyme, lemon and white wine aioli.
Creme Brulee was our sweet ending…sharing at this point of our trip.
What’s excellent about Historic Charleston is that you can walk everywhere. And you have to….all this dining and wining can get anyone in trouble.
Note: Brasserie Gigi is open for lunch, dinner, and week-end brunch.
Talk to you later. Have a good one!!
March 7th, 2015
So many restaurants to pick from in Historic Charleston. The Peninsula Grill opened in 1997. Tried and true recipes have been served for many years. The service always attentive. The restaurants has received plenty of accolades. Their ingredients are sourced locally and globally.
Peninsula Grill is located at 112 North Market St., Tel. 843-723-0700. Website? http://www.peninsulagrill.com.
Everywhere we went…you know how it is, we would all start talking about food. Well, it was said that we needed to try the Coconut Cake at Peninsula Grill. Even if you don’t eat there, take a seat at the bar and have dessert. I’m like, what it’s going on with this cake? How about the food? So we got curious. Off we went to Peninsula Grill to see what all the talk was about.
Late dinner, which was good, because I could take the time with some interior photos. The restaurant is elegant and if you look closely you will notice tha the walls are covered in suede.
Our bread arrived in one of the Sweet Grass baskets that are indigenous to the area. Warm it was.
The trip to Charleston was shared with my cousins…3 of us at the table for dinner. Our dishes were so different but as I write tonight I remember saying that everything was really soooo good. I am getting hungry just thinking about it.
First Course:
Classic Steak Tartare with Petite Parmesan and Frisee Salad and Rye Croutons.
A Wild Mushroom Bisque topped with Gruyere and Truffle Crumb.
My Seared Foie Gras with Duck BBQ, Black Pepper Biscuit and Carolina Peach Jam….rich, buttery and delicate.
Main Course:
Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop with Aged Gouda Grits, Fresh Asparagus, and Honey Bourbon Jus. Perfectly cooked, so juicy.
The Grilled Salmon with Roasted Garlic Sauteed Spinach was also well received.
Look at my Pan Seared Carolina Trout….it tasted just as good as it looked.
Dessert:
Personally, I usually do not order cake. I love custards, creme brulee, a cheesecake…you understand, right? So here we were when we were offered the Coconut Cake that has been served to so many customers. By the way, you can have a whole cake sent FedEx to your doorstep. It weighs about 12 pounds. If you are interest please visit their website.
Besides the Coconut Cake we also ordered the key lime tart. One dessert is never enough, really?
The three of us, unanimously, said….we like the cake but we love the tart!! It is really a personal preference.
Bobby Flay had a Coconut Cake Throwdown….and, who won? That’s for me to know and for you to find out.
Have a good one!!
March 7th, 2015
You know, I cannot understand how I have been shopping all my life, and still have nothing to wear!
If my posts this week are from Charleston, South Carolina, is because I was there for a whole week. So much to learn about this Historic City. Southern Living Magazine’s March issue says that there is no better time than to be in Charleston at this time of the year. I was just a little too early. Nothing in bloom and a little cold. They told us that the best months are March, April, May and October. Nevertheless, my cousin and I managed to take advantage of our time….including stopping at some of the shops.
 
I am ready for summer weather. Living in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, our style is very Relaxed and Coastal Chic. And, so we found Lori & Lulu located at 231 King Street in Charleston. King St. is known as the Fashion District of Charleston, but plenty of other streets offer shops and galleries that appeal to every visitor.
 
Charleston, Amelia Island and Raleigh, that’s where you can find Lori & Lulu. Focusing on the shop in Charleston, the tel. is 843-579-9295. For the latest shopping events, please find them on all social media outlets, including Facebook. The website is not completely set up, but you can click on http://www.lorilulu.com, and find out what brands they carry and other info. Best would be to check them on Facebook as mentioned above. Like something? Call them up.
The Charleston store opened last year. Some of the articles mentioned that it is a crossover store, that it serves women that want to wear stylish clothing at any age. I found it to be so. There is something for everyone, including some bubbles for your pet.
 
Southern hospitality was extended to us everywhere we went. And the ladies at Lori & Lulu were great. Very friendly, knowing their products so well.
Let’s go shopping! The importance of the right accessories. They can either make or break what you are wearing.
Arm Candy:
Jewelry:
 
Looking forward to Summer!!
 
 
Stores are opening soon in Charleston….Great to visit a city that has it all. Have fun!!
March 5th, 2015
 
Discovering Charleston at our own pace. Walking, dining, shopping and being just tourists is not a bad thing. I had being told that The Vendue’s Rooftop Bar offers great drinks and one such drink is the Lavender Martini. And, no we did not try it….maybe next time. What we did find is that this boutique hotel is the only hotel in Historic Charleston that is considered an Art Hotel. There are exhibits and even an Artist in Residence Program. The art is for sale. In the next photo if you can see it up close, the sculpture is made out of watches.
 
The Vendue is located in Charleston’s French Quarter at 19 Vendue Range and 26 Vendue Range. Yes, 2 properties one in front of the other. Tel. 843-577-7970 Website? http://www.thevendue.com There are 45 rooms at 19 Vendue Range and 39 guests rooms at 26 Vendue Range. These were warehouse buildings that date to 1780. The restaurant called The Drawing Room is elegant with the beautiful chandeliers that are seen all over Charleston.
Having a few drinks and then curious to see the art housed at The Vendue, we were invited to walk and admire the artwork.
This particular sculpture is made out of bullets.
Across the street the art exhibits continued.
Meet Fred Jamar, who at present and for months has been the Artist in Residence at The Vendue.
The photo above was taken by my cousin Maru….Fred graciously let us take photos. The one on the botton is from one of his paintings of Frat Houses on George St.. Oil on Canvas.
He is a Belgian Artist and will be the first one to tell you that his life has been a journey of discovery. He has been many things and has enjoyed them all. A very interesting life but he says that if he had to do it all over again…a painter always, he would have been.
To visit the studio or commission an oil painting you may call 843-762-5770 or email fredjamar@bellsouth.net. His website is http://www.fredpaintings.com. To buy a painting call or visit RLS on Queen St., Tel. 843-805-8052. Website http://www.rlsart.com.
Discovering Charleston….will continue later.
 
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