Day 42: Charleston

Spent the day exploring Charleston.  Started at Magnolia Plantation, where I took the Swamp Garden Walk, along the boardwalk into the swamp.  Spied lots of birds and reptiles, including my first glimpse of an alligator:

Then headed into Charleston and took the Carriage Ride through the city, learning so much more of the history of this fascinating southern city.  This shows the typical situation, of a side piazza, with a false door along the street, where the owners would allow visitors, based on whether or not the door is open!

I then had lunch at S.N.O.B. (Slightly North of Broad).  Apparently Broad Street delineates the city between the "have"s and the "have more"s.  South of Broad is more desirable but slightly north is okay as well.  A lovely lunch, either way!
I then walked all over the city, from the Market area to White Point Gardens.  Met up with my new friend, Linda Klumpf, at her job at the Charleston Library, to thank her for our great dinner last night.  
Tired from all the walking, I headed to the beach.  I stopped by Fort Moultrie and then the Isle of Palms, where I enjoyed a lovely sunset:

Dinner was from the Glass Onion, a restaurant that I had read about in a local food magazine.  Beet salad with goat cheese and terrific crab cakes!
Enjoyed Charleston and surroundings.  Lots of history and food choices and friendly people!