Two years ago we were lucky enough to go to Charleston for Easter and we were lucky enough to get to do it again this year. When we came two years ago, we were looking for warmth and sun and an unusually cold Easter awaited us. We spent our visit adding layers to our spring clothes and huddling against the wind. This year, we were much more fortunate and the weather was gorgeous. Although it was a little cool, we were able to go to the beach. Some of us even ended up with sunburns!
The sky was a achingly beautiful Carolina blue and people were in high spirits with the onset of spring. Flowers were blooming and the air smelled fresh and clean.
We spent lots of time walking downtown - partly to enjoy the sights and sounds, partly, too, to counteract the food that Charleston's known for.
Several places were so good that we ate there twice - Hyman's and Jestine's each saw us twice during our short stay.
The Master's was going on this weekend and during our downtown treks, there were plenty of reminders:
Reminders of Easter were everywhere, and in this Holy City, the tributes were beautiful.
The Easter service at the church we attended when we lived here was glorious - full of little girls wearing smocked dresses and patent leather Mary Janes, and little boys (and big boys) in that oh-so- Southern blue seersucker suit. Bowties and big hats also reminded us that we were in the South where Sunday Best has a meaning all its own.
We took a drive up the coast and saw small towns where shrimping is still the name of the game.
And then it was on to Pawley's Island where John spent so many summer weeks during his childhood.
We took a last trek to the downtown waterfront in Charleston for a couple of last minute photo ops, then shrimp and grits (yum!) for dinner. It's time to pack up and head home, but it's only a matter of time before we return!