Sisters visit!

My sisters' birthday presents this year were tickets for a weekend in Charleston. The best part? Smalls (the youngest) didn't know that Em (middle) was coming! Em doesn't much like surprises, so it couldn't be a double surprise ;)

Anyways, I left campus a little early on Friday to pick Smalls up from the airport. She crashed for a sleep cycle or two at Hotel House while I finished up work. By the time she was showered, we were both rather ravenous. BBQ was in order! Off to Sullivan's Island for some Home Team. After inhaling mountains of pulled pork in mustard bbq sauce, we wandered our way to Fort Moultrie and the beach. It really wasn't the greatest weekend for history lovers to be in Chucktown, since all federal sites (Sumter and Moultry included) were shut down along with the rest of the government. We still saw the fort - and one of the mines that once protected the harbor!

We walked back from the south tip of the island along the beach. It was a beautiful day, especially for two girls looking forward to winter in the rainy PNW!

From Sullivan's Island, we swung by Shem Creek for another view of the Low Country.

finally, we made it to downtown and heard BlueBilly Grit, Cranford Hollow, and the Grasscals at Charleston Music Hall. They were all a lot of fun - it was the sort of concert where you just lose track of time. Where BBG and the Grascals were more traditional bluegrass, Crandford Hollow was Americana. They presented some of their "Low Country Stomp," which had the entire audience bouncing in their seats.
The night finally ended at midnight when we picked up Em (surprising Smalls!) at the airport. Well, it would have ended... we spent the next 2-3 hours catching up ;)

No rest for the weary... Boone Hall first thing in the morning! The Avenue of Oaks should look familiar if you've seen Gone with the Wind...

As beautiful as the house was, the best part of the visit (IMHO) was the Gullah presentation at one of the old brick slave cabins. Our introduction to the culture of the Gullah Geechee corridor had us all enthralled by the rhythm of its oral tradition and singing along with gospel songs. It also made us appreciate how "high on the hog" we were living for the weekend!

Our timing was just right for a walk through the market before catching a ride through town with two new long-eared, four-hooved friends. Charleston on Saturday afternoon is alive with tourists soaking in the architecture and history and sunshine and good food.

Walking towards St Philip's Episcopal Church.

the Calhoun Mansion

After our carriage tour, we went back and meandered our favorite spots on foot. I love the cobbled streets and wrought iron gates in Charleston, from Longitude Ln to Chalmer's north of Broad. In between we visited Goat. Sheep. Cow., a mecca of cheeses and cured meats (and possibly Smalls' new favorite store). 

In the evening we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Slightly North of Broad (SNoB) and a nighttime wandering of the pier. And gelato. You can't forget the gelato. 

Sunday was low-key, with a short wander of King St. and another stop for BBQ before shipping the Sisters back West. All in all, it was an amazing weekend, with almost enough sister time to hold us 'till Christmas!