A couple of weekends ago, Steven and I took a little jaunt further South. Ironically, it was a vacay from essentially another vacay, but it was some much needed time to relax and just be with one another.

Sunday we arrived in Charleston, SC and made our first stop at the Boone Hall Plantation, one of the only working plantations today. The weather was quite balmy but the scenery made up for it. The plantation’s drive is 1/2 mile long lined by 96 live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, which is characteristic to the South and what gives the trees their sleepy, romantic look. We took a tour of the grounds, butterfly pavilion, mansion and slave quarters. The slave cabins were made out of brick rather than wood because this plantation specialized in brick masonry and cotton among other things. Consequently, these are some of the last slave cabins still intact.

Does this house look familiar? It was in The Notebook.

We spent the night in a Marriott; our balcony looked right onto the harbor. Aside from the funkae smell and noisy air conditioner, it was a good experience.

The next morning we walked along the pier, and throughout the streets of Charleston soaking in the beautiful architecture and atmosphere that is so characteristic of this city; they have done a wonderful job of preserving its charm.

We spotted a few dolphins. I had to hold Steven back from jumping in with them.

Rainbow Row

Before leaving Charleston, we hopped over to John’s Island to see the Angel Oak. This tree is over 1,500 years old and its canopy spreads over an acre! We were completely awe struck by the magnitude of this beast. Huge branches sprung off the main trunk and gave life to their own tree of sorts. Many branches reach towards the sky then drop to the ground, attached like roots, and then climb back up. This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip and if you have the opportunity, you have to see this natural masterpiece.

That’s a branch, not a trunk, that I’m holding.

Before arriving in Savannah, we stopped in at the Masada Cafe of the House of Prayer for All People. Yup, that’s right, a church cafeteria of sorts. This “cafe” has been highlighted by Southern Living and quite a few other publications for their pure Southern cooking. It was delicious, especially the cornbread and fried chicken.

We arrived in Savannah, GA Monday afternoon with just enough time to pop into some antique/specialty shops I had scoped out from my Domino magazine a few months ago. I salivated on the aesthetics of the shops but couldn’t bring myself to partake of anything. One of my favorite shops was a specialty paper boutique; I absolutely LOVE personalized stationary! Savannah is much more laid back and quiet compared to Charleston, which is pretty easy going itself. Almost every block has a park-like-courtyard with statues; truly picturesque of how I envisioned the South.

After shopping, we turned in for the evening and I think you would too when staying here:

The Mansion at Forsyth Park. I wish I would’ve gotten a picture of the uber luxurious pool with its cascading waterfall over a 20 ft. tiled wall. This was the epidemy of luxurious relaxation and we loved every second of it.

The next morning we headed down to River Street, which runs right along the Savannah river and has tons of shops, restaurants, etc. We had brunch at Hueys on the River and sat at a waterfront table. Between Steven’s Louisiana inspired french toast and my Creole shrimp omelet we gave this place TWO thumbs up.

Steven got a kick out of this “advertisement.” Do people really go on that?

Later that afternoon, we drove up the coast to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We loved seeing the sights, learning the history and lounging by the pool but we were ready for a beach break! We checked into the Main Street Inn bed and breakfast and then scooted right over to the beach.

We had such a fun time acting like kids playing in the water, which was extremely warm. Lounging on the beach, we made our list of beach necessities for our next sandy excursion; we’ll be prepared.

All-in-all we had a fabulous time seeing the sites, dining, relaxing, shopping and chatting. We recommend this trip to anyone and will gladly give you the hotel deets.