Here we are, about 100 miles from home and we had to come here by ship! We’re docked in Charleston, South Carolina today on our way to Fort Lauderdale, Cozumel, Panama and South America! Mark and I have spent a lot of time in Charleston since it is so close to our home, but today, since our ship is docked here we are going to spend the day as tourists and go on one of the Viking Excursions. Here’s what the Viking Daily has to say about this pretty city:
Charleston is a historic center of Southern culture. Founded in 1670, it sits between two estuaries and is fronted by a deep natural harbor. An important commercial port since colonial times, the city was also a leader in the successionist movement; the capture of Fort Sumter by Confederate forces on April 14, 1862, marked the beginning of the Civil War. Today, Charleston is notable for its many well-preserved colonial homes and churches, charming streets and courtyards, and expansive parks and gardens. The Charleston Museum, founded in 1773, is the oldest museum in the US.
Our excursion in the morning was titled “Panoramic Charleston” and was the included tour. It began with a bus tour in the Historic area and also included a drive through the outskirts of town. In the Charleston neighborhoods, we saw typical “Charleston houses” with the front entrance on the side of the house and the door facing the street, simply a facade leading to the porch. We also passed by the University of Charleston, the Citadel, sports complexes, churches and parks. There was so much history about these areas of Charleston as told to us by our guide, that there is no way I can recap everything I heard. I will simply post some of the sites we saw! The first group of photos were taken from the coach, so some may be blurry. Here’s some highlights of that panoramic drive!
Following the ride in the coach, we did a walking tour down a couple of Charleston Streets, namely Broad Street and Meeting Street. We saw beautiful buildings, homes, courtyards and gardens. We even saw several brides and grooms, all dressed up for engagement pictures!
Our first stop on the walking tour was at the intersection of Meeting and Broad streets. This intersection is known as The Four Corners of Law where four buildings representing different types of law stand on each corner: the Charleston County Courthouse (state law), Charleston City Hall (municipal law), the U.S. Post Office and Federal Courthouse (federal law), and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (ecclesiastical law).
Next we wandered down Meeting Street where we saw beautiful historic buildings, houses and gardens. The photos below show not only sites on Meeting Street, but other buildings and streets in the vicinity that caught my eye. I believe that they all reflect the “vibe” of the whole area.
Our last stop on Meeting Street was the Nathaniel Russell House Museum. The Nathaniel Russell House is an architecturally distinguished, early 19th-century house at 51 Meeting Street. Built in 1808 by wealthy merchant and slave trader Nathaniel Russell, it is recognized as one of the United State’s most important neoclassical houses. The house features a three story free flying staircase. The Historic Charleston Foundation has renovated and refurbished the entire house and continues to maintain it.
Before we entered we noticed the artist pictured above painting the house. Mark was able to get his photo!
Fancy hidden chamber pot!
The “tourist” taking her photos!
Dollhouses! One is a replica of the Nathaniel Russell House.
After enjoying the gardens, our group made our way back to the coach for a ride back to the ship. Instead of taking the coach, Mark and I left the group and headed on our own down Queen Street and Bay Street to the Market Pavilion Hotel where we were meeting wonderful friends, Fernando and Cathy, for lunch. We enjoyed the walk very much! My favorite part of Historic Charleston are the secret gardens behind wrought iron gates and flower boxes. Here are some photos that we took on our walk to the hotel.
Here’s the Market Pavilion Hotel where we had lunch on the rooftop. Below is our rooftop view!
We ate on the rooftop of the hotel and enjoyed the views, food, but especially the company! We met Fernando and Cathy on the World Cruise that we took earlier this year and it was wonderful seeing them again! In fact, we had such a nice time that I forgot to take some photos of all of us!
After lunch, Mark and I strolled through the Charleston Market. He bought a T Shirt and I bought a Visor and some postcards - just like real tourists! It was a marvelous day!
Comments
Post a Comment