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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Charleston, South Carolina

After visiting the tea plantation, the rest of the day was spent in Charleston, walking along the battery, at the end of the peninsula. The sea air was wonderfully refreshing and the park is lovely even though hurricane Hugo did quite a number on the beautiful live oak trees a few years back. Of course you can not visit Charleston without visiting the old Market, it's always fun to see all the unique things people make. If you ever get a chance to visit, you will love it I promise! Oh, and be sure to pick up a sweetgrass basket. They are gorgeous, last forever and I can tell you from experience, the skill involved is amazing. I took a class once from Ms. Mary and it is NOT easy. I never did finish my basket. I got the bottom done and decided it would make a great refrigerator magnet!

We also went to Hymans Seafood for dinner. It's a favorite of ours, the food is fantabulous. Our son was thrilled to again have seafood that was swimming that morning:) The owner, Eli, came by our table, chatted and a few minutes later a plate of fried green tomatoes arrived with his compliments. These are not just plain old fried green tomatoes, they were served on creamy grits with cheese and bacon. OMG It was totally orgasmic I tell you.
One of the locals who produce sweetgrass baskets.
Sweetgrass baskets are only made here and the habitat that supplies the grass is becoming more scarce. These baskets are even on display at the Smithsonian.
Inside the market.
The mural on the market is a recent addition, and so lovely.