Well, I can finally check Charleston, SC off of my bucket list. I am going to start by saying it did not disappoint. The picture above is of our pimped out ride some of us got to cruise around town in while we were there. We tried to choose music and create a fun atmosphere worthy of this fabulous ride. The lady at the rental agency even made the statement, "I have no idea where this came from, we do not usually get vans like this." We thought it was hilarious and a sign of a fun week ahead.
After gathering some necessities at the store (which was packed) and finding our townhouse on the boardwalk we unpacked and looked around the property a little. Next on the agenda was heading to Red's Icehouse on the water in Shem's Creek to watch the fireworks since it was July 4th after all. I do not think we were prepared for how crowded and how long it would take to eat (we were starving) but the view of the fireworks off the water made it all worth it.
Upon returning to our home for the week we had to walk down to the beach and check out this view before heading to bed. There is just not much prettier than this creation God gave us.
On July 5th we were up and heading to the beach. We hired a service in town to set up beach chairs and umbrellas for us Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. This was money well spent. The chairs were in place by 8:00am and they always tried to place us in a quiet location so we could read, relax, and just enjoy the view. If you ever go to Isle of Palms definitely look for this service, it was so much cheaper to go with a place in town versus the one on the beach. (just a little tip for you)
Don't we look relaxed? I mean how could you not be?
On Monday we did a little shopping in town. There were so many cute stores like Finicky Filly, Roberta Roller Rabbit, Alex & Ani, and a cute haberdashery where Erin is modeling the adorable hat in the above picture.
Some of our group went to Fort Sumter early Monday morning, the rest of us did some sleeping in and shopping mentioned above. All of that to say we met up after the first group finished touring and were going to eat at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit but there was not any seating for all of us so we went with plan B. One of our friends had heard about a place on the Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives Show called Fuel and suggested we try there for lunch. She assured us it was not far so two friends headed to the restaurant and the rest of us finished getting some purchases then headed that way. We should have learned that when this friend says not far it means half a mile or more in the hot blazing July humidity. To say some were not feeling it would be an understatement along with the fact that our footwear choice for the day was for a relaxing stroll while shopping not a hike. When we finally arrived at the restaurant pouring sweat, they placed us on the outdoor patio. That's right, I said outdoor! Thankfully there were a few fans to cool us off by drying our sweat. It is a great image, I know. The food was good, the ice water was divine. Once we were done eating we started the trek back to our cars. On the way to the restaurant we had spotted a cute bakery called Sugar we made a note to come back to. Well, keep in mind there were a dozen of us all walking together not in the best shoe choice. Sweet Heather spotted the bakery and alerted the rest of us we would need to cross the street to get to it, so we all begin to cross the street. (not unlike a herd) Our dear friend Kelly had on the cutest wedges and was carrying a few bags when she found a hole in the grass by the sidewalk and before we could do anything she was on the ground. It was like a slow motion video as the fall was happening. Kelly had a scraped knee which was pretty bad and a messed up pedicure but other that that was good or so we thought. A few steps later someone notices make-up on Erin's shorts and realized when Kelly fell half of her face (the make-up that is) ended up on Erin's white shorts. I know I am not doing the picture justice here but trust me it was hilarious, only because Kelly was okay. We walked the rest of the way laughing, thankful Kelly was okay, and wondering why we trekked so far to eat in the first place.
After our eventful morning and afternoon we went back to the house to get cleaned up for an evening boat tour. The tour took off from Shem's Creek and it was such a beautiful view. We got to see some gorgeous homes (like the one in the above picture), see a few tourist spots, and even watch the dolphins swim with the boat a little.
Melinda, Kate, and Allison
Erin, Megan, and Me
Ravenel Bridge at sunset
Allison, Heather, Me, Kate, and Sherry
Lori, Kelly, Erin, Megan, & Melinda
They served appetizers on the cruise but we were all still hungry so we ended up eating at what would be our favorite restaurant of the week, Tavern & Table on Shem's Creek. If you are ever in the Charleston, Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant area you have to go there. I promise it will not disappoint! The wait staff was amazing as well.
Well the first few days were like a dream...
