#holycity Archives - Embrace Southern States

What makes Charleston, South Carolina extraordinary? Is it the beauty, food, art, people… or the inexplicable uniqueness? Let’s consider these 17 photos as we further explore the JOY of Charleston.

Dang, y’all… by now you know how deeply I LOVE all things Southern. This photo of Old South Carriage Company salutes a family-owned business that is an example of all the charm, excellence, and joy in Charleston.

Southern excellence and joy on many levels.

BEAUTY

Aesthetically speaking, beauty is a matter of taste or opinion. Which of these pieces of architecture speak to YOUR sense of style? The Primrose house was built in 1817 in the Regency style. I adore the cheery yellow color and the curved piazza. I don’t know the name of the pink building but find the entablature captivating. The U.S. Custom House was under construction during the Civil War and finally completed in 1879. Fluted Corinthian columns add a special dignity, don’t you think?

FOOD

While Charleston is known for shrimp and grits, crab cakes and rice, and even pimiento cheese, I want to highlight other delights that I found fascinating. A true “First” for me was the delicious Banana Puddin’ popsicle by King of Pops, a proudly Southern company! Thanks to Ronnie who works for Bike Taxi for introducing me to this awesome treat. Wine and cheese in the early evening is hard to beat, olives are optional. Notice the joggling board in the background, that’s another true Southern classic! A colorful display of French macarons is irresistible. Don’t you love that sweet meringue-based confection?

Wine & cheese in a courtyard, plus a joggling board!

Colorful macarons make choosing so difficult!

ART

So, this photo of paintings for sale at the City Market is what most folks typically think of when you mention art. But I sometimes think of sculpture like this sweet butterfly. And were you aware that I am a Social Butterfly? Love the mural at Uptown Social!

Lots of paintings for sale at City Market.

Butterfly sculpture outside the Aquarium.

At Uptown Social, proof that I AM a Social Butterfly !

PEOPLE

The joyful lady in the Carifest parade left a lasting impression even though I never heard her name. Wylie Cauthen is the sweetest, coolest, funniest guy ever, and a great Concierge at the Fulton Lane Inn. This inspiring threesome represents friendliness, independence, and strength. Self-published author Paul Attaway, bookstore owner Polly Buxton, and (me) the freelance writer Angela L. Dowdy.

Love his helpfulness and wicked sense of humor!

INEXPLICABLE UNIQUENESS

While in Charleston I took over 500 photos! These last four are like Charleston; hard to categorize or put into words yet completely unforgettable and joyful. Each one has a beautiful and historical story that I will gladly share IF YOU ask me!

The ADVENTURE awaits at Charles Towne Landing! Climb aboard for a 17^th-century history lesson. Or learn how Catfish Row inspired George Gershwin in the 1930’s.

This part of the Charleston adventure began in 1670.

This location now part of a musical, do YOU know which one?

Celebrating much more modern themes, I was a photographer at a Pride pool party at the Ryder hotel. I also stopped to appreciate a new sculpture of a joyful African-American girl named Lilly.

Ask me why THIS was an unexpected experience!

Lilly expresses the joy and wonder that I felt in Charleston!

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Here are great links for your consideration and I would appreciate your Comments!!! https://www.charlestoncvb.com/ #explorecharleston https://oldsouthcarriage.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kingofpops https://biketaxi.net/ https://www.facebook.com/uptownsocialchs/ https://www.fultonlaneinn.com/ https://www.buxtonbooks.com/ https://southcarolinaparks.com/charles-towne-landing

All that charm, history, beauty, & mystery !!! So much to explore.

Part One

Still basking in the thrill of my recent writer’s workshop in Charleston, South Carolina, thought I’d better try to sum up this wonderful town. Most folks probably know about the beautiful architecture, rich history, and how Charleston keeps on winning awards for being an all-around fabulous vacation destination.

Gracious goodness

What you may not know is that the residents are some of the most kind and gracious of any place I’ve ever seen. It’s like they all just decided to show the greatest amount of genuine charm and true Southern hospitality… anywhere on the planet! Seriously, if you long for a place where you can really feel welcomed…Charleston is it.

Now, here are a few other things you may find fascinating about The Holy City, starting with that nickname. The hundreds of steeples in Charleston are part of its beauty and signify a tolerance of faiths and ideas.

Steeples everywhere…led to nickname THE HOLY CITY.

Washington & Poe

George Washington spent one week in Charleston during his Presidency in 1791. Many of the places where he slept, ate, stood, spoke, and attended church are well documented. I found it rather exciting to stand in a couple of spots where he had stood!

Edgar Allan Poe spent time in Charleston and Sullivan’s Island during his Army days in 1827. The Gold Bug and The Oblong Box mention this area. Rumors persist that a lady he dated in Charleston inspired the poem, Annabel Lee. Even today her ghost is said to make appearances in the Unitarian Cemetery on Archdale Street.

Magnolia Cemetery

Speaking of cemeteries, Magnolia Cemetery is huge and captivating. I especially love the intricate ironwork on the fences and gates. Also, the tranquil scenes are just relaxing. My workshop roommate Bonnie and I looked at the graves of the Hunley crews.

I am determined to post at least this “Part One” of the Charleston trip before the end of July. Briefly, here are other things I loved about Charleston: the rivers, the parks, the restaurants, the rooftop bars, the book stores, the historic Fulton Lane Inn, the fountains, the flowers, and the gorgeous weather. More later, bye y’all!

CHARLESTON: a Winner (Part 2)