Saturday, July 31, 2010

Charleston SC



After we left Myrtle Beach we headed to Charleston for a few days with the other Farrell's - Chris' dad & Marsha. Chris, Rod & Marsha had all been before but this was my first time and it was amazing! Chris & I both love to see where history was made and even more where our national history began. If you remember we have toured Williamsburg Virginia which was a Colonial village. It was wonderful as well but Charleston was by far the best of the best! Charleston is a Colonial City so it has a wealth of history beyond that of Williamsburg. It should be categorized with Philly, Boston & NYC - which are also Colonial cities. For whatever reason though Charleston does not get the same amount of historical press. All that to say if you have the opportunity don't miss it!

We checked in on Friday morning at The Meeting Street Inn. They are located right next to the slave markets and just a short walk away from Rainbow row and many other sites. We meet up with Rod & Marsha for a late lunch at Magnolias Chris indulged in his first Shrimp & Grits experience, I had a fried green tomato sandwich - both were wonderful! Late that afternoon we took a carriage tour through the old city. For dinner we went to La Fourchette which was delicious! Chris had lamb chops & I had duck - not the norm for either of us but very, very good! We rode pedicabs to the restaurant which was a fun experience. After dinner we walked around and ended up at Charleston Place for after dinner drinks and a little piano playing. Saturday morning we grabbed breakfast at the hotel and then headed out for a walking tour of the city. Our tour guide was wonderful! She focused on the history of the churches in Charleston. There are so many! Chris should really post something more on this because I will not do it justice! She also talked about the general history of the city and its people. Completely fascinating! It was a great tour despite the ridiculous hear & humidity! Next time we are going in early spring when its cool :). After the tour we went to lunch at Blossom. I was beyond overheated but I do remember the salad we had being fantastic as well as the pizza :) We did a little more walking around after lunch and then I spent a few hours cooling off in the hotel room while Chris & the parents hung out at a wine bar. Did I mention it was hot? Anyway that evening we had one of the most amazing dinners I have ever had. In keeping with the pattern we had already set we dined at Cypress. Chris had the oysters with ahi tuna as an appetizer, I had the almond fried brie - seriously it was unbelievable! For the main course Chris had the Beef Oscar and I had the Steak Diane. Both were quite tasty! Dessert was a masterpiece all its own! Chris ordered the Grand Marinier Soufle & I had the Chocolate Pecan Torte! Just writing about this brings a smile to my face! Sunday morning we had breakfast back at Charleston Place and then headed to the Aquarium to beat the heat! They have a great little aquarium that includes an albino alligator! It was so cool! Chris even held a small alligator. Then we headed the airport to come back home. Rod & Marsha we wonderful company on this trip as always! Marsha is a wonderful trip planner - we are very fortunate to have her :) Thanks again to the Farrells for taking us along for the ride!































































Monday, July 26, 2010

Myrtle Beach 30-30-60



This was a big year of birthday's in my family and we wanted to do something special. In March my Dad hit the big 6-0 and then in April Susan & I celebrated the big 3-0! So about a year ago we started planning a vacation to celebrate! In late July it all finally came together and we all boarded a plan to Myrtle Beach, SC. We rented a beach cottage for the week and had a blast! We spent the mornings & early afternoons on the sand and then cleaned up each evening for some shopping and dinner. It was so nice to relax and just hang out. We ate at some great seafood joints & a really great steakhouse as well. All in a all a wonderful vacation!