Wednesday, February 6, 2013

CHARLESTON , SC on a cool morning in February 2013

Here are a few pictures of a morning walk in downtown Charleston, SC on a cool February Sunday morning last week. Even with it being so cool, flowers are in many of the planters and window boxes on my way, oh ! and also I passed the carriage tours getting ready for a morning ride...
Here are some of the flowers along the way..
Our native pine cones were used to decorate the tops of the planters.
Instead of mulch, they added pine cones at the base of the plants.
 
 A lovely view in a bridal shop on Church St.Fluffy puffy.
Sidewalk gardens in planters.
Beautiful magnolia leaves and flowers wreath for the door. Here is a close-up...
True Southern charm. Gaslights are on both sides of the door, flickering even in the day.
 
Antique wrought iron gate with sunlight view. It was morning, not many people were out and about. Especially since it was February. In Spring and Summer it is packed in Charleston.
 Large Camilla bush coming through the fence.
Antique wrought iron gate with tree shadows.
Lush windowboxes, those tricky Charlestonian garden wizards.
A quick glimpse through a gate and I saw this for some lucky owner to put in their garden soon.
 
A polite home-made don't pee on my bushes for dogs( owners) sign. 
Pretty.
Great giant Schnauzer dog, who was only 17 months old, with his owner. We stopped and talked for awhile. My husband had gone on this long walk with me,a rarity as I am always by myself on these walks. He has bad knees, so harder for him( plus he gets bored I think). This dog was huge and cute.
He saw another dog , and posed.
Giant live oaks near the battery.
Birds in fountain for morning bath.
Typical sign warning all us tourists to keep out of their gardens, but in a polite Southern way.
 
Heading back to the hotel, Rainbow row, my husband took his jacket off, as I think it got to about 58-60 degrees or so.
Looking down deserted Sunday morning streets. we did see some church- goers, one young man about 14 was so handsome in his suit and tie. I wanted to take his picture, but he was rushing and we just exchanged smiles and good mornings.
Forgot this shot showing Broad street. Look at the old storefronts that are now mainly law offices, restaurants and real estate companies, and some art galleries. 
Back we go...
Great ice-cream shop, also breakfast and lunch I believe. It is on 159 Church Street, right near the market. Plus the very nicest owners are here...
This man is always smiling and pleasant, gives my son the biggest serving in his cone or cup of ice cream on those hot Summer visits. Please stop by and tell them you read about their shop, Wholly Cow, on my blog.
 
Okay, that's about it. Shown above the typical Charleston window shutters, cracked facade of building and ever-present front planters. We left Charleston and hit a few antique stores in Summerville on the way home.
I plan on going back in a few months, as the garden fever will hit there hard at that time.
Take care,
Gina

 
 
 



Sunday, February 3, 2013

SECRET Garden Romantic Trip for Me~Small dream came true

Dock Street Theatre

I had a very romantic jaunt with my husband to my favorite city, Charleston, SC yesterday.It was romantic because we never, almost NEVER, go any where just by ourselves(not that I didn't miss our youngest son very much ). I had heard that a Secret Garden was being played at Dock Street Theatre,so for about 7 months..I have been pining to go. Then I bought us some tickets a few months ago, and we went yesterday, also antiquing a bit beforehand, and stayed at our favorite hotel, The Indigo Inn. That is us below, at St. Philips Church gate, ( running to the play), taken by a sweet passer-by who volunteered.


I have taken so many pictures at this gate, for so many years.Many of me and many of our children have been taken at this gate. We rushed off to the afternoon play...
I was very happy, as what can be more appropriate than seeing A Secret Garden, in the city of the most beautiful gardens in the country?

We had some balcony seats I picked out, but they were really too tight a fit, you couldn't stretch your legs out at all, so next time, we will get a larger area. I spotted the seats I wanted for next time around. It is a small theatre, which I liked, and the production was well done and just wonderful. We left there and headed back to the hotel for wine and dips and fruits and cheeses, and then out for a dinner at Mercato with live jazz music playing.
It was a chilly night, but nice. We walked everywhere we went.
 It is funny in life, how we all have little dreams and one of mine had been to finally go to a presentation here. Last time Sarah went with me to Charleston, I told her I would  bring her here for a play and dinner, but the time never came.
But I did get to go with my husband, and he enjoyed it very much too.
Back at the hotel, this fountain was directly outside our room, and I heard trickling water all night. You can see that people throw coins in to make wishes. My wish came true this weekend.
I bet yours will too.
take care,
Gina

P.S. I took some pics of Charleston in February, and I will add them in a few days.