Jeff and I stayed at the loveliest Bed and Breakfast last week.  The Jasmine House was full of charm and the most beautiful antique furniture. We felt immediately welcome by the staff and were happy to learn that our breakfast would be made to order and delivered to us each morning.  In the afternoon, they set out charcuterie, and by evening, wine (and Coke) and cheese were waiting for us; we were immediately spoiled.

Walking into the room felt like stepping back in time with the four-poster bed and the detailed crown molding.  We had been looking forward to this trip for a while, and even though it was only for a few days, we knew it would be so much fun.

After getting our bearings, we wandered through the Historic District, stopping at Rainbow Row and then walking down to The Battery.  The colors of the buildings were so cheerful, and walking along the coast felt like home.  You may or may not know I am originally from Florida, and salt water and sand will always be a part of me.

That evening, we dressed up and went out to eat at a nice restaurant.  The menu had options I couldn’t even pronounce, and after a bit of debate with myself, I settled on the duck.    Jeff loves duck. I’ve only had it once, many years ago, and I remember trying to pretend I was eating it so I wouldn’t be rude.  This time, I decided to really give it a fair shot, and I am disappointed to tell you that I loved it. Disappointed because ducks are so cute, and I can’t believe I ate one and liked it. 

The walk back to our room took us past shops selling purses that cost as much as a car.  Beautiful bags and clothing, but I’ll only ever shop from the window.  It kind of felt like we’d stumbled onto Rodeo Drive.  It was a fun photo op, though. 

The next morning, we rose kind of early and asked the internet for a church tour.  We LOVE old downtowns and old church buildings.  We found an itinerary that would work and, after having a delicious breakfast served to our room, we started out.   So many beautiful buildings with so much history!  At St. John the Baptist’s Catholic Church, we sat quietly in the pew for a bit and took it all in.  The gorgeous woodwork, the colorful stained-glass windows, the ornate ceilings and walls, it really was a sight to behold.

On our church tour, we also visited a nearby graveyard where two of the signers of the Constitution are buried.  Do you like walking through old cemeteries and reading the headstones?  I always try to imagine who the person was and what their life must’ve been like. 

A highlight for us, especially for Jeff, was a wagon ride through some of the city’s most popular streets.  The driver was so knowledgeable and filled us in on many wonderful details.  For example, did you know, according to our tour guide, that Charleston is one of the most historically preserved cities, second only to Paris?  The signage all over town, giving the history of one building after another, is proof.  If you want to change something as simple as the color of your home in the historic district, you have to get permission from the Preservation Society.

By the third day, we’d walked so many steps that our feet were tired, but that didn’t deter us!  There was more to see!  The previous day, when we’d visited an old theater, one that had been renovated decades ago, one of the employees told us about Sullivan’s Island.  Since I never met a beach I didn’t like, we decided to go.  This part required a drive, something we hadn’t done since we got there. 

Once we arrived, we strolled along the coastline, in the hard-packed sand, and watched the waves roll in.   We walked farther than we intended, hand in hand with the wind at our backs and the sun chasing the horizon.  Just me and my favorite person. It was so fulfilling to spend this time together; we didn’t realize how much we needed it.  That night we ate at a fabulous seafood restaurant called The Obstinate Daughter.   We laughed and chatted until the sun went down.  

On our last day, we ate our breakfast on the porch.  It was a perfect way to wrap up our stay. 

I’ve included lots of pictures; it’s such a beautiful place.  I highly recommend going!!