South Carolina is a gentle state. Myrtle Beach is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway (starts in Massachusetts and ends in MIami). The coast is the hard kind of sand that makes walking easier. Shells speckle the path. The waves roll in with a soft, lulling roar. The brisk temps 40s/50s keep the number of folks on the beach down. I can tell the locals from the tourists. The Southerners are bundled in Midwestern winter attire. We, Northerners, frolic in layered wannabe summer ensembles.
We’ve decided to visit Charleston, South Carolina. Myrtle Beach is a modern-day golf course and restaurant mecca. Two hours away, Charleston is an old fashioned throwback. It represents the refinement of the old South. The drive there is its own chronicle of the past. Historical markers indicate location significance. Plantation signs hint to Tara-esque life just down the road. The closer we get to Charleston the more basket huts we see. These open-air stalls sell sweetgrass baskets alongside the highway. There were at least thirty scattered down the road. The ride is also connected with bridges. This massive bridge with sail-like steel beams is the welcome mat into Charleston.
We spend the day primarily on King Street. The old South downtown has been creatively preserved. Every store from Louis Vuitton to H&M is housed in these old buildings. The street is lined with palm trees. And every once in a while there is a cemetery, a horse drawn carriage or historical marker to remind us of the past.
We ate at Sticky Fingers . They boast about their many different barbecue sauces and smoked meats. It was tasty and zesty and bountiful. The real standout of this dining experience was our server Kendall. He was exceptional. Without being intrusive, he observed and anticipated our every need. We were sampling the table sauces so he brought out more from the kitchen. When we ran out of things to dip with, he showed up with fries. He even took 10% off the bill because he really liked us. I would highly recommend his section to anyone going to Sticky Fingers.
After strolling the shops, we headed to Battery Park. Elegant homes are perched on the waterway. The grandeur is lovely. Some of the mammoth three story houses require a little TLC but most are just spectacular. The second floor balconies look out over the water and the community park square. I could easily visualize hoop skirted ladies and dapper gents chortling over mint juleps.
What Joey likes about his Myrtle Beach hometown, after golf, is the exploring that he and Kylie do. By just traveling an hour or two, they are in a completely different world. Charleston is a beautiful Southern showpiece.