I Tried

I had hoped that going to Charleston in the middle of July would break the spell.

But, no.

First, the weather was unseasonably cool - highs in the 80's, rather than the usual oppressive 90's.

Second, Charleston is Charleston...

This time, I stayed at the Andrew Pinckney Inn, in the historic district.

Complementary Breakfast

Friday night, we walked along Waterfront Park,

then had dinner at Poogan's Porch.

Saturday, we shopped on King Street,

and stopped in the Unitarian Church Graveyard, allegedly one of the most haunted in Charleston.

Legend is, the inspiration for Edgar Allen Poe's poem Annabel Lee is based on a young woman from Charleston ("... a kingdom by the sea"), who is buried in this graveyard, and whose ghost can be seen searching for her lost love.

Later, after a quick seafood dinner, and a piece of the famous coconut cake at the Peninsula Grill, we ended up at the rooftop bar at the Market Pavilion Hotel for a couple of drinks and an impressive view of the city.

We spent the day Sunday at the beach on Sullivan's Island, before having some Carolina barbeque for dinner and meeting up with a friend for trivia at the Mellow Mushroom (we came in 2nd), then cocktails at the Belmont Lounge.

Since our flight wasn't until 7pm, we had time to do more shopping along Upper King Street the next day.

Blue Bicycle Books

At one point, my friend & I agreed that this should be an annual event. But, by the end of the trip, we were already discussing going back in the fall.

That's Charleston!