First-timers in Charleston

The next leg of our adventure took us to Charleston, SC.  We made reservations at the James Island County Park.  But also had opportunities to get together with family and friends.

It was a very scenic drive into the city!

We were looking forward to the time here and it started with dinner at the Clarke's.  They too traveled to Clemson for the game so it was nice to commiserate together.  Frank's nephew Phil, Angie and the kids hosted dinner in their beautiful home and Phil's mom, Donna, cooked!  It was wonderful having a home-cooked meal with everyone.  And we introduced them to Left-Right-Center.  Fun was had by all!

The next day was "chores".  Found the local laundromat and got a few loads of laundry done.  Then we did something so touristy.......the outlet mall!  (A cold front is on the way and we needed a few more layers.)  Later that afternoon, Hannah had a volleyball match.  Frank was transported back in time when he cheered on Allison and Andrea in their volleyball games.  :o)  And Hannah's team won both games! It was really a lot of fun to watch.

There was a bit of time before Ross's soccer game and it was suggested we experience a local tradition - Jack's Cosmic Dogs!  Hot dogs, skinny fries, sodas in bottles, shakes and all things nostalgic!

As mentioned, we chose the James Island County Park as the place to stay while we're in Charleston. 

 November-December, the park hosts the Festival of Holiday Lights.  It's huge!  And they have already started getting things set up.  There are 650+ acres in the park and it seems nearly every inch has a display.  There's the "under the sea" themed area, Santa's Village, nursery rhyme-themed section, patriotic area and many, many more!  They started in September and the lights come on November 11.  Every lightbulb will be changed out to ensure they are as bright as can be.

Cow jumped over the moon and the dish ran away with the spoon.

Sadly, we will be back in Florida when the lights come on.  But I'm sure it will be spectacular!

On Wednesday, we ventured into downtown Charleston to scope things out and decide what we wanted to do on Thursday.  (Were there any tours we wanted to do?  Any excursions we wanted to take?  Any stores we wanted to shop in?)

Hotel that looks like a fort/castle

Holocaust memorial and one of the many beautiful green spaces.

On our way back to the car, we decided to give one of the local restaurants a try.  After a quick look at the menu, we decided Virginia's would be the perfect spot for some good southern grub. 

Fried chicken, collard greens and mac-n-cheese.

Fried green tomato BLT, sweet potato fries and blue cheese coleslaw.

We had plans to head to Folly Beach where our friends Tom and Raquel rented a house for the week.  We were in for a real treat - a Low Country Shrimp Boil!  But first we spent some time playing on the beach. 

Shrimp from Crosby's, right off the boat!

Potatoes, sausage, corn and shrimp.  Delicious!

Kevin and Annmarie working hard. 

(Yes, that's a Clemson guy wearing FSU ovenmits.)

Nothing like eating outside, with the waves crashing behind us and the breeze blowing through!

Same game, different group.  Left-Right-Center is getting around this trip.  :o)

We have really enjoyed our time in Charleston with family and friends!  The weather has been warm and the mosquitoes, HUGE!  (Now I know why they call it the state bird.)