Doin the Charleston: Shrimp, Grits and the Intra Coastal

We are so lucky.  So damn lucky!  We've seen a lot of cool stuff this year, and Charleston makes the very short list for one of our favorite cities.  Plus, it was a bonus family visit: Aunt Christy and Uncle Doyle were starting their sailing adventure on the IntraCoastal Waterway, and dad and Linda were joining them for a couple of days.  As we were "in the neighborhood," in Suches, Ga., we went east for a couple of fun-filled days. 

the obligatory state sign

The Millers' new home, The Abaco Lady

Emm on the bow, searching for pirates

Our biggest score, for both food and gear, was at the Pearlz Oyster Bar.  As quoted by the poet laureate, Emmett Pearlz, "they even spelled it right!"  We bought more gear than food, but the food was divine.  We slurped raw oysters and had fabulous, spicy shrimp and grits.  My mouth is watering….

Really, Gar!  That's how you spell it!  Pearmine plus Volz equals Pearlz!

I'm doing it!  My first raw oyster!

Aunt Christy arranged for a walking tour of the city by a 14th generation Charlestonian, who took us on winding paths and told us fabulous stories about the history of this amazing place.  And for an American city, it's got some history!  

Pearlz parkour at Patriot's Point

#lifewithdes

Emm is wiping his non-muddied shoe on the original shoe cleaner outside an old home.  We enjoyed imagining the streets with horses on the narrow streets, and the mess that may ensue on a rainy day.

spring has sprung!!

little bit older than the PNW

cool alleyways

Christy, dad and the Pearlzes had the opportunity to walk across the New Cooper River Bridge, 2.5 miles across into Mt. Pleasant. We saw dolphins following boats, and all of Charleston frolicking in the sun.  Beautiful!
 

Of course, we couldn't end this blog post without another talk of food.  Emm had his first chicken and waffles, but it won't be his last.  It's on his short list for Atlanta, which we'll be back to soon.

GREAT BOOK RECOMMENDATION (Thanks Aunt Christy and Christine Walter!): The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.  Great history, girl power, Charleston imagery.  Read it!