tour of Charleston, part 3

Not surprisingly, part of the reason I liked Charleston so much is that no matter where I looked, I could see beautiful flowers. When I was there, the jasmine was in full bloom, and its scent perfumed the air. It was a wonderful experience - walking around and having your senses awakened by the sight and scent of these small yet powerful little flowers. Oftentimes I could smell the jasmine before I could see it. I wish I could share the heavenly scent with you, but these photos will have to do!

walking along side of a wall
covered in jasmine blooms

a close-up of 2 little jasmine flowers

it's not an uncommon sight to
see porches like this -
isn't it lovely?

jasmine en masse

foreground - jasmine
background - magnolia
100% Charleston

jasmine climbing and practically
covering this entire building!

tour of Charleston, part 2

Continuing with the tour of Charleston, today's posts highlights more of what this beautiful city offers. From its grand mansions to its many historic churches to abundant flowers and greenery, Charleston doesn't disappoint those of us who appreciate all things picturesque. 

the Calhoun Mansion,
built in 1876 for $200,000

sunset over Broad Street,
with St. Michael's
Episcopal Church in the distance

this type of "curly"
iron-work is used often 

built in 1681,
this is the French
Huguenot Church
of Charleston

crisp white magnolias dot
the landscape of Charleston

outside of St. Phillip's
Episcopal Church,
a National Historic Landmark

the Calhoun mansion's
quiet garden
makes for a great
place for a break

common Charleston decor

tour of Charleston, part 1

Charleston, South Carolina is a city filled with so much beauty. Every street in the historical downtown district is simply stunning. I think this could be the prettiest city that I've visited in the U.S! So much attention is given to little details - the details seen in the ornate wood and iron work is remarkable. You can walk around and really know that the residents of this lovely city take pride in their homes. Here are several photos I took of the many lovely front doors that I saw while enjoying a carriage ride around the historic district. 

ornate wood work

I'd like to sit out on this
screened-in porch with a
glass of lemonade!

I just love this entrance...
look at all that climbing jasmine!

quaint, isn't it?

a sense of grandeur

light and reflections

Walking around Charleston, South Carolina recently, I saw gas lights on so many buildings - restaurants, shops, and houses were all adorned with these fixtures. Charleston is a beautiful city filled with so much history and so many stories. The gas lights lend to the city's charm and make you feel like you could step back in time while there. 

underneath an overhang
of jasmine blooms

southern sun

I recently returned from a long weekend in Georgia and South Carolina. I was amazed by how summer-like it was - warm weather and sunny days made for a most welcome change! I'm back in the north now, and we are wondering if spring will ever arrive. I'm sure it will, one of these days. Meanwhile I will have to be content with the memories of warmer weather and the amazing lush greenness. Here's one of the photos I took while visiting the gardens of a former plantation outside of Charleston. I love how the sunlight hits the water creating an almost mirror image. 

one of the many beautiful prospects
at Middleton Plantation