Charleston

October 2018 will always be one of my special month. Apart from my birthday month it was the happiest 30 days of my life. My parents happened to be in USA for first time. Everything felt so real and yet so unreal seeing my dad right next to me. Morning was always fun to see him in my living room tucked in sofa and glued to Netflix. Being the first timer he had a special request to see a beach. Beach!? In the month of October! Yes me and Ani reacted the same way.

The following night Ani end up drafting a long list of beaches out of which we had skipped the Miami beach for two reasons. First, it was a tedious 7 hours drive which will end up in weary and fagged out experience. Second, not so good idea with newbie Anika and old age group people.We finally pinned down Charleston as our final destination. With 4 hrs drive including subsequent halts, we both were sure the ride will be fun and manageable with Anika.

For the Notebook movie fans this is the heaven which brings the romance alive as the charm of south with old colonial houses and beach of Charleston sweep you off the floor. A place where all age group have something to share and live. Apart from lighthouse and cobblestone streets the pastel shades house row is the spot where instagramming never stop. We wanted to keep the trip brief with lot of family sharing moment and decided to spend two days.

Ani booked a fabulous Beach house through airbnb located one block away from the Folly beach. Nestled under oak trees we could already hear the waves crashing from the porch which`was vast and neat overlooking the beach and sea gulls.

Delving inside a large living room greet us. As well the kitchen was equipped with all the basic utensils the living room was just another comfort zone to cozy up in the late winter. The living room came with an adjoining master bedroom with three windows overlooking the beach that brighten the room with influx of light. The moment i stood there i could hear voices screaming, take me! take me! In a tumult of thought i put Anika on the bed claiming later the room to be taken. i could never make better decision in calm state.

Father and daughter had their own share of fun.

The winding stairs took us down to two more bedrooms and another bathroom. Both our parents could not ask for anything better as they tuck in their respective beds snugging the blanket for the rest of the night.

The next day i was an early bird. The first hint of sunlight seeping through the window sill was a welcome note. While Anika was still asleep i tip toed to reach my camera to capture the first light, so fine and bright against the dark. It is a sight to witness once in your life. I was lucky to pick up this room watching the sky coming alive with shades of orange, pink and blue.

The next thing is my dad's exhilaration when he stepped out the door almost thrilled to hear the crashing of the waves. The weather being not in our favor; chilly and cold, we decided just to stroll on the wet sand letting the gentle waves rub our ankle.

Some of our candid moments on the beach.

We were extra careful brushing off the sand from slippers as we made our way back to the room. I put the kettle on stove for quick warm up tea for the family.

Having a quick brunch that included home made chicken curry and rice we quickly dressed up to explore the charleston beauty. We had plan for the whole day and wanted to be sure nothing is missed.

RAINBOW ROAD

Driving few minutes we reached the rainbow road with a parking lot nearby. With the touch of autumn in the air and sunny day we were tempt to stroll this unique and historic area, which is best known for the 14 houses painted in the colors of the rainbow and hence aptly named Rainbow Row.

Right in the heart of downtown we could spot the St. Michael's church standing majestically beaming under the afternoon sun. A beautiful church which is worth a walk inside to marvel at the stained glass windows and the organ. I was happy taking pictures from outside.

OLD EXCHANGE BUILDING

Looking behind we could not ignore the Charleston landmark, Old Exchange building which is a Completed in 1771 and over the last two and a half centuries, the building has been a commercial exchange, custom house, post office, city hall, military headquarters, and museum.Previously the property of the British, United States, Confederate, and Charleston city governments, the Old Exchange Building is today owned by the South Carolina State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and operated by the City of Charleston.

FRENCH HUG CHURCH

Crossing three more lanes we could spot the Episcopal church from our peripheral distance and decided to take that turn. We could not overlook the white vibrant walls of French Hug Church. Located in downtown Charleston diagonally across the street from The Dock Theatre. Built in 1844 and designed by architect Edward Brickell White, it is the oldest Gothic Revival church in South Carolina, and has been designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Being the only independent Huguenot church left in the United States it is must visit.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH

After lot of camera clicking to our satisfaction we walked ahead towards the Episcople church. Situated between the Dock Street Theatre and historic market it is yet another true landmark of Charleston. The cemetery here is the final resting place for Pinckney, Gaillard, Rhett, Rutledge and John C. Calhoun.
For those history buffs out there, Charles Pinckney (1757-1824) was one of the original signers of the United States Constitution and Edward Rutledge (1749-1800) was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Also in the cemetery is the grave of founding father Christopher Gadsden who designed the famous Gadsden flag bearing the picture of a coiled snake and the words, “Don’t tread on me”.

FRENCH QUARTER

In the end of the lane came the most awaited French Quarter, Charleston's romantic district perfect for leisurely walks, exploring historic sites, and immersing yourself in centuries of city history.This quaint borough gets its name from the high concentration of French Huguenots that immigrated to and lived within the area, many coming to escape religious persecution. People suggest horse carriage is the most romantic and family oriented mode to explore the Charleston. We opt for the Palmetto Carriage which not only offered us with amazing tour package but also came with the record of excellent animal care.

DOCK STREET THEATRE

As i was enjoying the carriage tour, clicking interesting alleys and doorways, i happened to overlook the Dock street theater. It was later on coming back home when i googled the name and read about it. It first opened in 1736 and hosted the first opera performance in America with Flora. The original building is said to have burned down in the Great Fire of 1740, and finally succumbed to disrepair following the Civil War. The theatre was rebuilt and reopened in 1937, with another final third reopening after extensive renovations and modernization in March of 2010. The Doc Street Theatre is now owned by the City of Charleston and home to Charleston Stage company, and is easily recognizable for its beautiful brick and ironwork façade. The day came to an end with a healthy smile and lot of memories. Anika was way too cooperative to sleep throughout the ride.

The best time to visit Charleston is in spring when azaleas are in full bloom and the city starts to warm up a bit. Summer is bit crowded and also comes with uninvited mosquitoes and shower of rain with beach fully crowded. So i guess we enjoyed the off season in winter with affordable room package and low carriage rates.