Charleston Tour by guest blogger Martha

We walked into town for a second day of exercise and looking around, partly because the marina shuttle was not running. Today we took the long way around the picturesque shore of Charleston. We saw so many beautiful homes and gardens. 

First official photo op was White Point Gardens, a pretty park of oaks and palms plus several 13” mortars from the Civil War.

After our wandering path, we visited some art galleries and shops. Then, we had a delicious lunch at Hyman’s Seafood restaurant and I got a selfie with Eli Hyman, who visits all guests. The fried shrimp, hush puppies, and fried okra were worth the trip. Bob got the lowdown on Hyman’s boiled peanuts, which are brined for a day, then boiled for six hours. The shells were not mushy, which Eli explained was part of their goal.

We walked through the market again and saw lots of unique items. Our visit to Geo. C. Birlant & Co. was surreal. Antique furniture, crystal, and sterling silver were displayed and the clerk told me that southerners still use these things in their homes. In home, we pull them out twice a year. Northern shopkeepers tell me that young people don’t want to bother with these family heirlooms.
Charleston is a charming old southern town that is worth visiting.