Charleston Tea Garden (Wadmalaw Island, SC)
We were able visit the Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina when we were in the area visiting one of the kids. It was during the off season so we did not get to see as much of the farm activities during our visit but it was still interesting to see the gardens.
The visitor center and gift shop was out of some of their standard items like a sampler tea gift, key chains but they did have a good number of other fun items for people to purchase. They had a variety of both hot and cold tea for visitors to try during their time on the farm. Since it was a cooler day I went for some samples of the hot tea. My favorite were the Carolina Mint and Cinnamon Spice Tea. Another favorite hot tea in our party was the Charleston Breakfast Tea. Some of the other people in our party tried the sweet cold teas and said that they were great too. If you are there go ahead and try some of their tea!
We took a farm tour which was informative and interesting. We rode on the big red trolley. Since it was off season there was only about ten of us on the tour. The guide did a good job on the tour. We saw the tea fields, learned about the history of the farm, visited the green house, took some photos and more fun. Their harvester was in the shop for repairs so we did not get to see the “Green Monster” that cuts the tea leaves.
Tea fields in the winter and dormant stage. The leaves typically grow seasonally in Spring in late April or May through late September or October. They say when the flowers bloom and it looks like white popcorn all over the fields. It would be neat to see the flowers blooming and the harvester in action.
Interesting sign showing how many miles to various tea plantations around the world. It was neat to see the distance to different locations.
If you enjoy tea or learning about the process of making tea it is worth at least checking it out if you are in the area.
Travel & Vacation: Beautiful Flowers & Busy Bees (Charleston, SC)
Busy Bee going after some juicy pollen on this purple flower.
We enjoy going to Charleston, South Carolina. No matter what time of year you go there always seems to be beautiful flowers in bloom or planted ones in window sills. On this particular day the girls were playing at the Pirate Park on Daniel Island and we took a stroll through downtown Charleston later that day. There were a lot of pretty flowers in bloom and busy bees collecting nectar on this warm sunny day.
The bees were pretty active getting nectar from the purple flowers.
Purple flower in the park
The bee has almost it’s entire body in the flower trying to gather the nectar. You just see his back half sticking out of the middle of the flower.
Pretty yellow flowers
Walking through downtown Charleston you will see plenty of beautifully decorated window boxes.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon (Charleston, SC)
Visiting the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
One of the days while we were in Charleston, SC it was raining so we took the time to explore the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon. We had gotten a Groupon for a discounted tour of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon so we figured it was the perfect day to go. The girls and I had a lot of fun learning about the building and all the history that took place within it’s walls. Another time about a year later we were in Charleston again and Jake joined us for our second tour of the building. It is full of history. The kids really enjoyed it. A friend recommended we go see this historic site a couple years ago and we have enjoyed going more than once.
Old Exchange dates back to the 1670’s when it was used as a Customs and Exchange building for the busy Charleston port. Pirates were placed in the Provost Dungeon. British tea was stored inside it’s walls. You can see the old sea wall inside the Provost Dungeon. During the American Revolution the colonists hid guns and ammunition inside the building. There is a lot of neat history in this building.
Old staircase, not in use anymore
Old Seawall can be seen inside the Provost Dungeon. Half-moon battery.
They had amazing brick work done in the building. It was neat to see.
Old model of the building.
Our tour guide telling about the pirates they captured and held as prisoners in the Provost Dungeon
Pirates biding their time in the Dungeon
The had to keep records of all the exchanges and transactions that took place inside the building.
The colonists put a powder magazine inside the building and then built a wall in front of it. Even during the American Revolution when the British soldiers had control and occupied this building they never found it. After the war when they took down the wall everything was still where they had left it.
Provost Dungeon
Black Beard the pirate
A lot of neat historical pictures line the walls throughout the building
It was a rainy day in Charleston. Perfect day to take a tour of Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.
Information about Preside George Washington’s visit to Charleston.
We the People….
Historical people and swords
Rainy day, but still beautiful
Looking out from the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon building to the street below.
History of the Exchange & Custom House, Faneuil Hall, and more
One of the meeting rooms, beautifully decorated
The Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon Banner
Plagues on the outside walls of the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Rainbow Row (Charleston, SC)
When we go into downtown Charleston, SC the kids always try to see who is the first one to spot Rainbow Row. Rainbow Row is a popular architectural landmark in Charleston, SC along East Bay Street. It is a row of brightly colored 18th century buildings in Charleston.
The buildings were given their name due to their beautiful Colonial Caribbean color scheme. Originally, the buildings were businesses that serviced the Charleston docks. The oldest one of the buildings was built in 1748. The buildings had stores on the bottom floors with the business owners and their families living on the second floor. Currently the buildings are private residences, however, they continue to resemble their historical style and colors. If you are on that side of Charleston go ahead and snap a photo of these colorful houses on Rainbow Row.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Daniel Island Historical Markers & Bike Path (Daniel Island, SC)
Beautiful paved Daniel Island bike and walking path
We love visiting Daniel Island! Over the past few years we have been several times and it seems like every time we find something new to explore on this island on the outskirts of Charleston, SC. On one of our trips we took our bikes with us and found a lot of neat places to ride around town. The kids favorite place to ride their bikes was around the cement and paved path in Smythe Lake Park around a little lake in near the Pirates Cove Playground. The last time we brought our bikes we would ride around the lake, play for a little bit at the playground, and ride around the lake again.
The scenery around the lake is beautiful. On our first pass around the bike and walking trail we noticed Daniel Island Historical Markers along the way. It was a lot of fun to stop at each one and read about the history of Daniel Island. We saw some wildlife on our adventures too from alligators to ducks and more! We got our exercise and learn more about Daniel Island throughout our excursions that day.
Biking around the lake
On of the historical signs along the biking and walking path – “A Proprietary Governor“
“Slave Life on Daniel Island”
We had a friend sunning himself along the biking trail. Needless to say we didn’t stop to see if he wanted to play. Always best to leave the wildlife alone!
“Making Bricks”
“Tenants & Truck Farmers”
“Harry Frank Guggenheim”
Friendly ducks swimming and finding little fish to eat.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Charleston, SC)
The sun is setting and birds are flying by as we go over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston
We typically go over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge as we head into downtown Charleston, SC. Usually if we are in the area for a few days we go over the bridge several times. My favorite time to go over the bridge is around sunset. It is beautiful and you get a great view of the sunset from the top of the bridge. We typically drive over the bridge, but there is a walkway where you can walk as well as a bicycle path over the bridge. We often see people walking, jogging, or biking across the bridge during the day or early in the evenings.
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge first opened its 8 lanes back in 2005. It is a cable bridge with two diamond shaped towers. It is lit up at night and you can see it for miles (it looks pretty neat). The bridge was built so that ocean freighters and other large boats could get into the Port of Charleston. Every Spring they have the Cooper River Bridge Run that crosses over this bridge. Back in 2013 Jake, the girls, and I were in town the day before the run so we did the Cooper River Bridge Kids Run together which was a lot of fun. Not only did they have the kids run, but a lot of great family friendly activities for the kids throughout the day. We haven’t timed it right to participate again, but maybe some day we’ll get the timing right.
If you have kids another cool thing about the bridge is the shaded playground directly under it. The playground is fenced and gated which makes it nice for the younger kids. The kids enjoy going to the playground, walking through the park, or swinging on the swings positioned along the pier under the bridge. The park and playground is called Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. It is one of the few playgrounds you can go to if it is a rainy day because it is almost completely covered. Also, on hot days it is a perfect place to find a shady place to play that has a little breeze. The Mount Pleasant Visitor’s Center is located at the front of the park where you can pick up tickets to a variety of activities in and around Charleston without having to go all the way to downtown Charleston’s Visitor Center. We typically go here if we want tickets to local events or tours because it is closer to where we are staying, faster (not as crowded with people or traffic), and the parking is free.
You will often encounter a fisherman on the pier too (usually they are very happy to show the kids their “catch” for the day). The pier was made from leftover pieces of the old Silas N. Pearman Bridge which was the bridge used prior to the building of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. There is the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop that sells souvenirs, fishing supplies, ice cream, and more. There are clean bathrooms and water fountains located near the Welcome Center and the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop. The park has always been very clean. Sometimes we’ll grab a pizza, eat it in the park, let the kids play for a little bit, then go for a nice walk before heading back to the hotel. During the summer months (a some other times of the year) they do special events in the park, like Movies in the Park, Music events, Fishing Tournaments, and more.
Crossing over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Big bridge
Passing directly under the first tower
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Look Out the Car Window (Charleston, SC)
Through the leaves in the blue sky and you’ll see a plane coming into Charleston
Whether you are flying into Charleston, SC or driving there is always plenty to see. Our family always sees something new or different every time we go to Charleston. There are a lot of learning and teaching opportunities if you just look out your car window while going down the roads. Sometimes we take the little stuff for granted. When the kids see something they will often ask about it.
I did not grow up near the ocean or port so I learned about more of these things later in life. The first time I saw the ocean was when I got engaged to my sweetheart. Yes, that’s what happens when you grow up in Kansas (the middle of the 48 states) and about as far away from the ocean as you can get.
Some really nice private boats are docked in one of the inlets nearby
We usually see this factory when driving to and from Charleston. You can tell when they are doing certain things because there will be a faint “wet paper” odor in the air. Usually that smell will be coming from KapStone Kraft Paper Corporation in North Charleston. It’s not a bad smell just unique which peaks the curiosity of the kids riding in the car with you.
The kids are always on the lookout for the cargo containers being moved around. If you time it just right you can see the huge crane picking up cargo containers and loading (or unloading) them from the ships. They think it is neat to watch.
One of the cargo ships coming as we cross over the bridge.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant (Charleston, SC)
Noisy Oyster Restaurant
When we are traveling to various places we enjoy trying out a couple of the local restaurants. We’ve been to Charleston several times and have found some ones that we really like. Since Charleston is so close to the Atlantic Ocean we like to try different seafood places occasionally when we are in the area. Our family has eaten at both of the Noisy Oyster locations, one in North Charleston and the other one in Downtown Charleston.
Both Noisy Oyster restaurants have great food and a unique atmosphere that is fun for the whole family. The one in Downtown Charleston is right along Market St and it has open windows so you can enjoy your dinner while watching the various activities going on downtown. It is pretty common to see horse drawn carriages or pedicabs (or bike taxi) during your meal. After you eat you can take a stroll through the Charleston’s City Market or browse through one of the many neat shops nearby to find a unique souvenir.
The Noisy Oyster in North Charleston has a different setting, but still great food. It is in a little quieter part of town and doesn’t have the open windows. It looks more like a traditional seafood restaurant. If you want to relax or stretch your legs after dinner you can go to Barnes & Noble or the local mall nearby.
If you are looking for a good family restaurant that serves seafood in the Charleston area you should check out Noisy Oyster. We have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Sometimes its fun to try something new when you are on vacation!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Isle of Palms Beach (Charleston, SC)
Isle of Palms Beach
Our family enjoys going to the Isle of Palms Beach while we are in the Charleston, SC area. We don’t always get a chance to go to the beach, but when we do go we typically go to the Isle of Palms. It is a big beach, has public parking, restrooms nearby, a life guard near the entrance, and outside showers to rinse off the sand before heading back to the vehicle. Even with the showers somehow we always manage to bring home some sand with us, but we are getting better.
You can usually find a good spot to set up your tent, umbrella, or place your cooler. There is a lot of good sand for digging sand castles. You can usually find some nice sea shells. Plus there are usually some nice waves to enjoy a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean. It has always been a really clean beach too. We have been to a couple of the other beaches in the area, but since we are usually on the Isle of Palms side of Charleston and we enjoy going there we usually end up at this beach. If you are looking for a good, family friendly beach this is a great place to go.
Scampering quickly out of our way along the sand.
Waves are rolling in nice. Great day to go swimming.
Relaxing at Isle of Palms
Nice beach and pretty beach houses. There are a variety of stores and restaurants to go to while at Isle of Palms.
Waves continue rolling in peacefully as the day ends.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Beautiful Charleston Sunsets (Charleston, SC)
Beautiful sunset
There is something peaceful about sitting on a swing next to the ocean watching the sunset. A light breeze and the sound of the ocean waves hitting the shore. Some of the parks in Charleston have swings or benches you can sit on and watch the sun set in the sky. Our family has enjoyed several of the Charleston sunsets. If you are in Charleston and have the time to relax for a few minutes you may be blessed by a beautiful sunset too.
Watching the sunset over the dock area where they bring the huge cargo barges.
This one was taken from under the big Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Our family decided to take a walk after dinner around the park and were able to catch the sunset.
The sun has set and the moon is out over Charleston. You can see the small sliver of the moon between the Palm Trees against the dark blue sky. This picture was taken at Battery Park.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
