Myrtle Beach

One of our first outings was to Myrtle Beach.  We had never been, and we were definitely excited to see this beautiful seaside tourist town.  Driving into the town, I was surprised to see the "amusement park" attractions.  I was not expecting that, but it would surely be a great place to entertain kids.

We made a B-line right to the beach to see the gorgeous ocean views and to listen to the waves.  It was a very sunny and windy day, but it was a spectacular beach.  The ocean and waves were wonderful to watch, but the views down each way of the beach were amazing as well.  I can see how you could spend a couple of weeks right here in this area.

Jeffries Creek Park Loop

We found this little trail loop on the AllTrails app.  It's located in Florence, SC, right in a really upscale neighborhood.  Some of the houses surrounding it were very impressive.

The loop is just under a mile, and it is a very easy hike.  I would call it more of a stroll through the woods.  There are some swampy areas and a small stream with a few cool bridges to cross.  I really enjoyed this trail.

Dolphin Cruise

Mom and I both love to see dolphins, so naturally, we jumped at the chance to take a dolphin cruise.  We went on one of the Voyager cruises out of North Myrtle Beach.  Click here for their website.  The boat had two levels that were both covered.  I knew it would get a little chilly out on the water (it was November), but we still wanted the top deck for the best views!

We traveled down the Intracoastal waterway, than to the Little River, on our way out to the open water.  Along the way, we got to see a few cool attractions.  There were some very large and impressive "beach houses" along the Intracoastal that were absolutely beautiful.  We also got to see a very delightful lighthouse.  We learned that it wasn't real, but the lighthouse and the setting was very charming.  Next came the two large casino boats, an remarkable swing bridge, a floating tiki bar and a shipwreck from a recent hurricane.

Once we got out on the open water, we started really looking for dolphins!  It was a beautiful sunny day to be out on the water.  I mean, who wouldn't love this view? 

We didn't end up seeing any dolphins on this trip, which was a bummer, but it was well worth the time and money regardless.  Being out on the water was amazing!  And you can't beat seeing this sunset out on the water to end the trip.

Charleston - Rainbow Row

These colorful houses line East Bay Street and are a very popular destination in Charleston.  The name Rainbow Row was given to this line of 13 historic houses, dating to the 1800s, because of their colorful exteriors.  It represents the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the US.

These iconic houses weren't always quaint and charming.  In the years after the Civil War, much of Rainbow Row became so run down that the area was considered a slum. It remained in poor condition until the early 1900s when they were purchased and renovated and painted in their rainbow of colors.

It's definitely worth driving down this street to see these gorgeous pieces of history.  The whole area is very charming with tree lined  cobblestone streets and parks overlooking the harbor.

Charleston - The Battery & White Point Gardens

The Battery is a landmark defense sea wall and promenade. It is named for a civil war coastal defense artillery battery at the site.  You can stroll along the sea wall on a raised, paved walkway and see the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge in the distance.

The White Point Garden are full of oaks, palms and civil war cannons and monuments. It’s a beautiful park right on the Charleston Harbor. I can imagine spending an entire afternoon here in this park watching the boats come through the harbor, or reading a book on one of the shaded benches in the park.

Charleston - Riley Waterfront Park

This park is absolutely stunning!  The tree-lined walkways, old fashioned benches, family-sized swings and large grassy area make this a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon. 

The park is very close to The Market and offers great views of the harbor.  But the main attraction for me, is the huge pineapple fountain.  It is spectacular!  You can wade in it to cool off on a hot summer day or just sit back on the benches and listen to the beautiful sounds of the trickling water.  I hear it is exquisite at night all lit up.  I will definitely make it a point to see it at night the next time we visit Charleston.

Charleston - The Market

We were told that we MUST stop by The Market while we were in Charleston.  It did not disappoint!  The Market is one of the nation's oldest public markets. The sprawling four-block retail venue, which dates to 1804 and houses more 300 local merchants, is loaded with handcrafted and reproduction products with local history and character.

The Market is well-known for its sweetgrass baskets, with more than 50 resident Gullah artisans, it is the very epicenter of sweetgrass basketry, one of the nation's oldest and most beautiful handicrafts of African origin. 

you could spend the whole day in this area shopping, taking tours and checking out the local eateries.

**Pictures are from The City Market website and SC Picture Project

Charleston - St. Phillip's Church

St. Phillip's Church was founded in 1680 and is the oldest congregation in the United States south of Virginia.  Buried in its churchyard are leading patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. It is often referred to as the “Westminster Abbey of South Carolina.

The church suffered a major fire in 1835 and was rebuilt.  Services resumed in the new church in 1838 and the congregation continues to worship in that building today.

This building is simply beautiful with its carved wood door and scrolling iron gates and fencing.   It truly is magnificent. 

Angel Oak - John's Island

There are almost no words for this majestic, living beauty! You almost feel like she could wrap her “arms” around you or whisper in your ear. The words enchanting and magical just barely start to explain how you feel standing under her canopy.

She is a southern live oak tree and is estimated to be 400-500 years old. She stands 66.5 feet tall and produces 17,200 square feet of shade. Her longest branch is 187 feet in length and some of them have to be propped up on thick timbers for support.

This magnificent tree is located on John’s Island, just outside of Charleston, SC. If you EVER get the chance to stop and see her, do it! I get chills just thinking about being back there. It is a MUST see.