Charleston, SC
Camping
During the first week of October, we traveled to Charleston, SC to meet our friends Sue and Bill for a camping adventure. They were our neighbors when we lived in Pennslyvania in the 70's. They drove in from Pennsylvania, whereas we drove in from Texas. It had been about 8 years since we had seen each other.
Our campsite was on the edge of a small lake in Mt. Pleasant, SC. While in the area we visited downtown Charleston, three national park sites and learned about Sweetgrass Basket making.
For more about the camping part of our trip click on the photo at left.
Our campsite was on the edge of a small lake in Mt. Pleasant, SC. While in the area we visited downtown Charleston, three national park sites and learned about Sweetgrass Basket making.
For more about the camping part of our trip click on the photo at left.
National Park Sites
We visited three national park sites while we were in the Charleston area. These were as follows:
Click on the photo at right for images from our visits to these and other National Park sites.
- Fort Sumter, where the civil war started
- Fort Moultrie, which guarded Charleston for 171 years
- Charles Pinckney Home, a signer of the Constitution
Click on the photo at right for images from our visits to these and other National Park sites.
Downtown Charleston
Our day in downtown Charleston started at the visitor center on Meeting Street. A parking spot was found in a nearby parking garage with a 7'0" clearance. This was the second garage we tried. The first one had a clearance of 6'10". Lesson learned - with a cargo container on top of our car, 7'0" clearance is required.
From the visitor center you can take a free trolley through the downtown area of Charleston. The day was spent touring the city, with a nice lunch at one of the several restaurants on East Bay Street.
Click on the photo to see some images from our self guided tour.
From the visitor center you can take a free trolley through the downtown area of Charleston. The day was spent touring the city, with a nice lunch at one of the several restaurants on East Bay Street.
Click on the photo to see some images from our self guided tour.
Sweetgrass Baskets
The art of sweetgrass basketmaking was brought to South Carolina by slaves from West Africa over 300 years ago. It represents one of the oldest African art forms in America. The tradition has been handed down from generation to generation. There are many stands where you can watch local artists making, displaying and selling these baskets along Highway 17 in Mt. Pleasant, SC. In 2006 a portion of the highway was designated as the Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway.
We stopped at one of thse stands. To read about our experience, click on the photo at right.
We stopped at one of thse stands. To read about our experience, click on the photo at right.