I read an incredible article in the New York Times by Ron Stodghill, published Nov. 15, 2016, about Charleston. And it was true…..we like so many were struck by the absolute beauty of Charleston, the wharf and Waterfront Park. There was the most gorgeous pineapple water fountain that children were splashing around in, people walking, running and exploring.
And coming to terms with the history – the Nation’s Slave Trade Capital. Thousands of slaves from West Africa were sold to 13 colonies, experts in rice cultivation and used for laborious work. People that influenced Low Country Cuisine such as Shrimp and Grits, Corn Bread, Hoppin’ John (Carolina peas and rice), Gumbo (Okra Soup) and Frogmore Stew (Shrimp Boil).
We walked the cobblestone streets, explored the Aiken-Rhett house built in 1820, and stood in the original kitchen; saw the slave and owners quarters. How they all lived so differently. We toured Middleton Plantation and I had my first taste of grits in many years. Creamy and delicious, topped with wild mushrooms.
The pineapple is a big deal in the South, a symbol of hospitality and wealth. First recorded by Christopher Columbus after his second journey to the Caribbean. If you couldn’t afford to buy a pineapple you could rent one as a display and return it after the party. Hostesses would put them out to welcome guests and when tired, the pineapples would be removed as a signal for guests to leave.
After a couple of busy days we drove to Savannah, Georgia. Another stunningly beautiful city with a past. The hop on-hop off bus tour really was worth it, as was the drink at the Moon River Brewing Company and Restaurant. It was the operating City Hotel during the Civil War.
Steeped in history, dinner that night was at the Olde Pink House, built in 1771. It’s past includes being a residence, a bank, and the place to get a drink during prohibition. One door in and another out the back in case you had to leave quickly. The original hearth is in the basement (current bar) of this home as compared to many homes that housed the kitchen in a separate dwelling, in case of fire.
Waterfront street in Savannah sits dozens of steps down from the city, with mostly shops, restaurants and the River Street Inn – a 200 year old converted cotton warehouse (some travellers say it’s haunted – in a friendly way).
The architecture in both cities is beautiful. Charleston has more little driveways between the homes, previously used for the horse and carriages to go around to the back than Savannah has, Charleston being older than Savannah.
Both cities are worth a visit and about 2 hours apart, driving time. Now onto Marco Island, Florida and then to Disney World!
