J&T Adventures

Exploring is fun; however, it is, even more, fun when you are with the love of your life. My wife and I are fortunate enough to get away for an extended vacation thanks to Columbus Day. We are adventuring in Pawley’s Island, and checking out the “Low Country” as the locals call it.

Today we took a cruise down highway 17 to Charleston, SC. I had the brilliant idea to book a historical walking tour through downtown Charleston. We booked a Stroll Through Charleston via Bulldog tours, and they did not disappoint. For two hours we walked the streets with excellent commentary from our tour guide Kim. Side note my wife has found her dream calling once we reach our retirement years, yes she wants to be a historical tour guide. I may be biased, but she would be the best! Anyways back to present day and our stroll through Charleston.

We walked through quintessential Charleston style homes or as the locals call them “singles” and “doubles.” The houses were ornate with beautiful open porches, ionic, and corinthian columns. Doors had pineapple knockers and wrought iron fences that screamed class. Our tour guide pointed out all the architectural features that make Charleston, well Charleston. In addition to all the houses, there were beautiful churches of all denominations that had steeples capping the skyline.

Our tour guide painted a clear picture of Charleston throughout its many stages of history. Charleston has had many triumphs as well as tragedy. In those moments the city has had to rebuild and rebrand itself to adjust to these ups and downs. During the Civil War alone the town was under sedge for 500+ days in a row. In 1861 a great fire tore through, burning 540 acres, 575 homes, and many churches and businesses. Charleston persevered and is still standing today. Now the town is as vibrant as ever known for its’ history and it is always evolving.

The Charleston Port is the 8th ranked port in the U.S. as defined by cargo value and is among the fastest growing ports in the United States. Guess what their most significant export is? It is a German Brand. It has four wheels. If you guessed BMW’s, then you are correct. Roughly 800 BMW’s move through the port daily, due to BMW’s manufacturing plant in South Carolina. In addition to their growth in imports and exports, Charleston has an exploding food scene with restaurants that are bound to appease any taste bud.

I recommend Charleston for anyone looking to take a step back in time and who wants a cultural experience. My wife and I loved our time walking and exploring a small part of what the city has to offer. I must admit it is a romanticized city and it does not disappoint. You are bound to not only learn more about history with your time in the town, but you will probably learn a little bit about yourself. I know I learned to stop and appreciate those moments when you are exploring a new place. To enjoy the moment more and take advantage of time with your loved ones.

There were multiple times today that I found myself staring at my wife not wanting the moment to pass as she looked stunning in the sun bathed breeze. I don’t want these perfect moments to move so quickly because these are what makes life so enjoyable. Sure there are still things that are wrong with the world, but I could not see any of them. Until next time Charleston.