April 1st–5th
Peachtree City, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Holden Beach, North Carolina

April 1st was primarily a day for driving across Georgia and South Carolina, which took us to the historic city of Charleston. We arrived just in time to find the restaurant, called 82 QUEEN, which had been recommended to us by friends. It has a national reputation for its superb Lowcountry menu where meals have been influenced by African, French, Caribbean and Anglo-Saxon tastes.

Being shown to a table in an

intimate courtyard, we were provided a uniquely “Charleston” dining experience. We were surprised to find out that the history of 82 Queen Street can be traced back to 1688 when South Carolina was a newly formed colony.

Waking up to a rainy day, our only day to tour Charleston, we decided that the best thing to do would be to take a bus tour called, CHARMS OF CHARLESTON—JOURNEY BACK IN TIME. Charleston is known as the “Holy City” for all of the elegant steeples and spires that tower over the historic buildings. Our tour along cobblestone streets, took us past historic mansions and churches, The Old City Market, the oldest house in Charleston, and the Battery for views of the harbor and of Ft. Sumter, where the Civil War began.

When the rain stopped, we walked through the city just enjoying looking at the homes and shops and spent time browsing in The Old City Market. Then we headed to a quaint historic home, now an award-winning restaurant, Poogan’s Porch, nestled in the heart of Old Charleston. We certainly recommend the unique southern dishes as well as the ambience in this restaurant.

Our first destination on April 3rd was Middleton Place, a well-preserved 18th century plantation which encompasses America’s oldest landscaped gardens, Middleton Place house, and the plantation stableyards.

First granted in 1675, only five years after the first English colonists arrived in the Carolinas, this National Historic Landmark has survived the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and natural disasters. For two and a half centuries the landscaped gardens

have provided spectacular views of historic trees, blooming bushes and both annual and perennial flowers,

Butterfly Lakes and the Ashley River.

We continued to be overwhelmed with the springtime beauty in the South.

From Middleton Place, which is only 14 miles northwest of Charleston, we began the drive toward Holden Beach, North Carolina.

It was early evening when we reached the beautiful beachside home of our niece, Robin Overcash, her husband, David, and their four year old son, Sam. Saturday and Sunday, April 4th and 5th were relaxing at the beach days with Robin, David and Sam. Spring can be pretty chilly and windy on the North Carolina beaches, but it was great for taking long walks together, for Sam to play in the water and for Sam and his daddy to enjoy kayaking together. Sam carried his small fishing pole, without a hook,during the entire time they were out on the water. He stated, "The person in back is the "rower", and the person in front is the "fisher."

Sam wanted us to go to “the restaurant by the water,” so we all enjoyed an outstanding fresh seafood dinner at The Provision Company, which was right on the water. Our time together as family was fantastic and will remain a highlight of our journey.