As a fan of the Netflix series Outer Banks, we embarked on a Charleston Outdoor Adventures boat tour. Aside from seeing several filming locations (The Morris Island Lighthouse, Rockfish Boathouse, and John B’s house), it was another beautiful fall day on the water!!
Visited the H. L. Hunley, a 40 ft long submarine of the Confederate States of America that played a small part in the American Civil War. She was the first combat submarine to sink a warship, the 1,240-ton United States Navy screw sloop-of-war USS Housatonic, which had been on Union blockade-duty in Charleston’s outer harbor.
The museum, which amazingly detailed the discovery, recovery and restoration, completely blew my mind! I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to check out!!
In celebration of Laurie’s birthday, we enjoyed a pre-dinner sunset dolphin cruise with Barrier Island Ecotours. Having never been to Capers Island, it was fun to explore one of the many barrier islands just to the north of Charleston, SC.
Another weekend, another Charleston area plantation toured. Boone Hall Plantation, one of America’s oldest plantations still in operation, includes a 1936 Colonial Revival-style dwelling, and multiple significant landscape features, including an allée of southern live oak trees, believed to have been planted in 1743. Several movies and TV productions have also been filmed there, including North and South, The Notebook & Queen.
On a perfect fall day in the Charleston area, we took a scenic drive down to Edisto Island. I love that it’s still so rural with several roadside markets to stop at and grab some local treats. We also enjoyed strolling the beach in search of unique shells all while taking in the most beautiful lowcountry views. Then, on the way home, we stopped at one of our favorite restaurants, Roxbury Mercantile.
Enjoyed a beautiful Fall afternoon stroll around Stono River County Park on Johns Island, SC. The park is situated at the foot of the Limehouse Bridge and offers beautiful Lowcountry river views from 1.5 miles of wooded trails and marsh boardwalks. Be sure to check it out if you’re ever in the area!!
Spent the afternoon roaming around Cars at Kiawah River. What an incredibly vast collection of automobiles!!
My favorite, by far, was the ‘65 Pontiac GTO convertible! Just absolutely impeccable!!
Since the National Park Service will be removing Fort Sumter’s Civil War-era flag collection (Palmetto Guard, United States 33-star garrison, and United States 33-star storm flags) for conservation tomorrow (09/19/2023), we decided to hop on the first ferry of the day to check them out one last time!!
According to the National Park Service, the Palmetto Guard flag was the first Confederate flag to fly over Fort Sumter after the departure of the United States Army on April 14, 1861.
The United States 33-star garrison flag flew over Fort Sumter until April 11, 1861. It was replaced by the smaller United States storm flag, which flew over the fort during a 34-hour bombardment from Confederate artillery – an event that gave rise to the American Civil War.
The flag collection has been on display at Fort Sumter for more than 20 years!
Situated at the mouth of the Charleston harbor, Fort Sumter is such an amazingly unique, historical place!!
After an appointment this afternoon, we did a quick loop around the South Carolina Aquarium. It’s such an incredible place to visit!!
“Koalas & rhinos & turtles, OH MY!!”
Spent the morning roaming around ZooTampa at Lowry Park. It’s always a great experience!!
After living in the Charleston area for ~10 years, we finally made it to the Charleston Museum. I have to say, it was worth the wait!! Such an incredible collection of all things Charleston / South Carolina = History galore!!
The cherry on the top of our North Carolina / Upstate South Carolina mountain getaway, we were thrilled to see O.A.R. open for the Goo Goo Dolls at the Heritage Park Amphitheater in Simpsonville, South Carolina. They're both great bands to see live as they consistently put on an amazingly fun show… The other night did not disappoint!!
Took a factory tour at the BMW manufacturing facility in Spartanburg / Greer, South Carolina. What an incredibly impressive operation! I’ve never seen SO MANY robots in my life!!
We were lucky to spend a few nights at this incredible treehouse located in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. The place reminded me of something you would see in a magazine and/or on TV. The outdoor shower was an added perk! SO COOL!!
Took a ride to see the Wildcat Wayside Waterfalls. Though we didn’t trek to see the upper falls, it was neat to see the middle and lower falls. Sweet spot - Just off US 276 in Cleveland, SC!!