The buffet breakfast at the Belmond is definitely one of the better ones we've had. Caramel Brioche and Blintzes were the highlights.
We started off the day with a carriage tour of the historic Charleston area. There are many carriage tour companies in Charleston so they have some rules to fight the congestion and to keep the roads clean.
Rule #1 - The lottery. Upon starting the tour, each carriage is assigned a zone of the city by a very sophisticated lottery system which is essentially a bingo-like machine of colored balls.
Rule #2 - Drop a marker when the horse pees on the road. A truck drives around and washes down the road wherever there are markers.
The tour was very good. We learned quite a bit about the city and the mystery of the fake door on the Charlestown style house was solved. The fake door acts as both a privacy door and to keep dirt off the porches and out of the house. Originally, the roads were dirt and a man was considered undressed if he was not wearing a coat. The fake door allowed him to sit on his porch on a hot evening without his coat.
The guide also pointed out the earthquake screws in many of the houses. There was a huge earthquake here after the Civil War. The south was poor at that time and there was little money available to repair the buildings. Large metal screws were inserted into the buildings and turned little by little to straighten the building.
After the carriage ride, we drove out to Boone Hall Planation which is most famous for its oak lined entry.
#coolcar
The Obstinate Daughter in Sullivan's Island was the lunch destination. There was quite a bit of traffic to get out there but it was worth it. They are famous for their chowder - a cream-based combo of corn, potato, sausage and shrimp.
After lunch, we drove all the way over to John's Island to see the Angel Oak. It is estimated to be somewhere between 500-1500 years old.
With visions of large balls of lint, I was skeptical that driving all that way to see an old tree would be worth it but once again I was pleasantly surprised.
For our afternoon snack and round of adult beverages, we stopped at Darling Oyster Bar on King Street. The rumor is that they have an incredible Bloody Mary. We cannot confirm or deny this rumor because the Bloody Mary is only available during Sunday brunch. #fail. However, we did have Oyster shooters. This is pepper infused vodka with an oyster in it.
When asked before the trip what I thought the secret to traveling with family is then I easily would have said "alcohol." While alcohol does keep the edge off, I think organization is the key. Do your research before you go. Pick restaurants and activities that the entire group will like and be prepared with a rough itinerary. Don't fuss if the group decides to do something else. Go with the flow.
Dinner was at McGrady's Tavern from the Husk guy, Sean Brock. The meals were all excellent but I'd skip dessert there. Butch's pork chop easily won dinner.
We started off the day with a carriage tour of the historic Charleston area. There are many carriage tour companies in Charleston so they have some rules to fight the congestion and to keep the roads clean.
Rule #1 - The lottery. Upon starting the tour, each carriage is assigned a zone of the city by a very sophisticated lottery system which is essentially a bingo-like machine of colored balls.
Rule #2 - Drop a marker when the horse pees on the road. A truck drives around and washes down the road wherever there are markers.
The tour was very good. We learned quite a bit about the city and the mystery of the fake door on the Charlestown style house was solved. The fake door acts as both a privacy door and to keep dirt off the porches and out of the house. Originally, the roads were dirt and a man was considered undressed if he was not wearing a coat. The fake door allowed him to sit on his porch on a hot evening without his coat.
The guide also pointed out the earthquake screws in many of the houses. There was a huge earthquake here after the Civil War. The south was poor at that time and there was little money available to repair the buildings. Large metal screws were inserted into the buildings and turned little by little to straighten the building.
After the carriage ride, we drove out to Boone Hall Planation which is most famous for its oak lined entry.
#coolcar
The Obstinate Daughter in Sullivan's Island was the lunch destination. There was quite a bit of traffic to get out there but it was worth it. They are famous for their chowder - a cream-based combo of corn, potato, sausage and shrimp.
After lunch, we drove all the way over to John's Island to see the Angel Oak. It is estimated to be somewhere between 500-1500 years old.
With visions of large balls of lint, I was skeptical that driving all that way to see an old tree would be worth it but once again I was pleasantly surprised.
For our afternoon snack and round of adult beverages, we stopped at Darling Oyster Bar on King Street. The rumor is that they have an incredible Bloody Mary. We cannot confirm or deny this rumor because the Bloody Mary is only available during Sunday brunch. #fail. However, we did have Oyster shooters. This is pepper infused vodka with an oyster in it.
When asked before the trip what I thought the secret to traveling with family is then I easily would have said "alcohol." While alcohol does keep the edge off, I think organization is the key. Do your research before you go. Pick restaurants and activities that the entire group will like and be prepared with a rough itinerary. Don't fuss if the group decides to do something else. Go with the flow.
Dinner was at McGrady's Tavern from the Husk guy, Sean Brock. The meals were all excellent but I'd skip dessert there. Butch's pork chop easily won dinner.
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