The day was cool so we decided to take Zoey with us; wrong
decision!
Our first stop was theAngel Oak Tree located onJohns Island. The Angel OakTree is estimated to be in excess of 400-500 years old, stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). From tip to tip Its longest branch distance is 187 ft. There is considerable debate about the age of the Angel Oak. Some contend that it is 1,500 years old. Most believe that the more conservative estimates are more accurate.
Next we made our way to Charleston and immediately went to the Visitors Center. Since it was now starting to get warm, we knew that there would be no way that Zoey could walk with us so we figured that we would "drive" around the city to see the sites. At the center I asked for a “driving” map of the city but was told that it was not a good idea to drive, especially in the oldest section. Since it was getting to be lunchtime, we inquired about a restaurant that might have patio dining. She sent us toFleet Landing; however, after finding our way there, we discovered that the only
dogs that were allowed on the patio were service dogs.
On the way in to the city
First glimpses
Saw the Ronald McDonald House on the way to the Visitors Center.
The city was showcased in a glass-topped stand. I'm afraid the glare from the glass sort of ruined the picture.
I'm going to have to start writing down names because I forgot hers. She was very helpful.
So we ate our snack (an apple and granola bars) instead of lunch and decided to find a parking place in the shade on the street, and we would each take a walk while the other stayed with the dog in the car. The meter at theparking spotwe found did not work ( :) ) so we stayed there and I took off on my walk first. This was probably a good idea at this point in time as we each needed some alone time, and I take too many pictures for Bruce’s taste and like things that he doesn’t. I had a ball taking pictures of storefronts, Christmas decorations, buildings, landscaping, a little of this and a little of that.
Don't know who this is but I snapped it anyway!!
The restaurant she sent us to was right near the US Custom House.
The restrooms were in here ..... and they gave out samples of pralines!! Yummy!!
No, we didn't get to take a carriage ride like we wanted to. But maybe next time through!
I didn't realize until after I got back to the RV and started looking at my pictures and researching them, that this side of the sign was the conclusion from the other side. So I have included information about what the other side said:
Charleston - South of Broad: The Seizure of the Planter
Early on May 13, 1862, Robert Smalls, an enslaved harbor pilot aboard the Planter, seized the 149-foot Confederate transport from a wharf just east of here. He and six enslaved crewmen took the vessel before dawn, when its captain, pilot, and engineer were ashore. Smalls guided the ship through the channel, past Fort Sumter, and out to sea, delivering it to the Federal fleet which was blockading the harbor.
Northern and Southern newspapers called this feat "bold" and "daring." Smalls and his crew, a crewman on another ship, and eight other enslaved persons including Smalls' wife, Hannah, and three children, won their freedom by it. Smalls (1839-1915) was appointed captain of the Planter by a U.S. Army contract in 1863. A native of Beaufort, he was later a state legislator and then a five-term U.S. Congressman.
Early on May 13, 1862, Robert Smalls, an enslaved harbor pilot about the Planter, seized the 149-foot Confederate transport from a wharf just east of here [along the eastern face of the Battery, Charleston’s harborfront area. – cm]. He and six enslaved crewmen took the vessel before dawn when its captain, pilot, and engineer were ashore. Smalls guided the ship through the channel, past Fort Sumter, and out to sea, delivering it to the Federal fleet, which was blockading the harbor.
Coates’ Row, on East Bay near Exchange, has many commercial buildings that report activity. The Tavern (c. 1684), 120 East Bay, is one of them. Proprietor Gary Dow said that when he took over the building the prior owners stated that it was better to be gone by nightfall. Gary and his wife, Lisa, have not had any problems with the ghosts, but they know that they’re there. “We have spirits in the front, wine in the back, and apparitions in the basement,” laughs Dow. He says that they seem to have an agreement; he conducts business in the day, and they have the night to roam at will. “I’ve never stayed past 8:30,” he said. “I feel these entities deserve our respect.”
“Think of all the history here,” Dow points out. “I’m certain that in all the years this was a seafaring tavern, a fight broke out a time or two that ended in someone being killed. If not here, then right outside. I was told many years ago that one of the buildings next door had strange stuff happening, and an exorcism was performed. It didn’t seem to help, so they had another one.” Just last summer, one of the buildings was being renovated in the row and a door alarm sounded. Workers couldn’t find a switch to shut it off; the alarm belonged to the old harbor pilot system of the 1800s. When the line was followed, the cord was found severed, hanging in open air. Taken from Black Cat Tours No rest rooms south of Broad?? Click on this link.
Love the cobblestones!
I stopped for a coffee - ended up with a Salted Caramel Latte. Very, very good!!
I forgot his name, too.
When I got back to the car, Bruce started off for his hour walk. I gave him some walking advice (where the restroom was that I used, how to find the waterfront, and where the coffee shop was. I had picked up reading material at the Visitors center, so I was all set. After quite a bit of time, I noticed the “traffic police” (meter people) coming down the road checking on meters. I quickly moved the car down about a block to a side street to the Harris Teeter Grocery Store, and called Bruce to tell him where I had gone.
Later that evening, I showed Bruce my photos; he had not seen many of the things I had. That didn’t surprise me!!
Tomorrow is a Traveling Day so we prepared for that in the evening.
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