Out-of-the-way gems recommended by Helen Ross, long-time friend and resident of Mt. Pleasant (suburb of Charleston), were certainly that: a morning hike across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge showed an awesome panorama of Charleston; a visit to Ft. Moultrie whose history spanned nearly 200 years of active duty was unlike any fort visit we had seen; lunch on the deck overlooking Shem's Creek was atmosphere plus; one word for the day—wonderful.

Second day in Charleston held a walking tour of the old walled (albeit short lived) city of Charleston. Lunch at Jestine's was sausage gumbo, collard greens, ocra gumbo and oysters helped us feel like we were truly in the South. The afternoon stroll around Rainbow Row (an avenue of houses with the facades painted every color of the rainbow), The Battery where Southern weathy citizens lined up to watch the spectacle of the South bombarding the North's Fort Sumter, and the ambiance of gardens, cobble streets, and horse-drawn carriages. Attending Avenue Q last night at the historic Dock Street Theater was the crowning touch to two days of balmy Charleston weather and sights.

The "Hunley" -- Confederate submarine -- first submarine to ever sink another vessel.  Note the fixed torpedo.

"Sweet Grass" basket weaver.  The baskets sell for $75 to $850.

Garage entrance passes right through the house's chimney!