Day 43: Driving into Virginia

Left Charleston and drove into North Carolina.  Stopped at South of the Border, mostly because I couldn't resist all the billboard advertising.  Put "The Thing" to shame.  This place outdid itself in kitsch!

Then stopped in Raleigh, NC to check it out.  My friend, Robert Stiles, showed me around.  He and his wife re-located here in July, so I knew I'd get the real scoop from a non-southerner.  Although this small city is located in the south, it doesn't feel too southern, which Robert re-iterated.  Probably due to the location of so many fine universities, which has attracted lots of hi-tech companies.
I then headed to Virginia.  My GPS led me through some of the most scenic and windy roads I've driven during this trip.  I forgot how lovely the mountains and changing seasons are in SW Virginia!

Arrived in Floyd, VA, at my mom's house, after 450 miles of driving.  Will spend a few days here before I hit the road again!

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!

Day 41: Savannah

Walked all over this beautiful southern town, exploring as many of the squares and parks as I could.  The hardest thing was to pick one photo that showed what I liked best.  This might not be the best but it does show some beautiful architecture:

I then headed out to Tybee Island, where there is a wonderful lighthouse and fabulous beach.  Of course, there are t-shirt shops and fried seafood shacks, so I was so glad to find the Sundae Cafe, where I had a fantastic salad.  Thank you, yelp.

I then started for Charleston, but noticed a sign for Beaufort, so took a detour.  So glad that I did.  What a cute little town, right on the river, with lots of shops and stunning old homes!

Arrived in Charleston in time to meet Jane's friend, Linda and her husband Mike for dinner.   Off to join them for Oktoberfest.  Prosit!

Day 40: Florida to Georgia

Spent the day in Jacksonville, enjoying the nice weather and some art!
Kingsley Plantation was on the way from Amelia Island to Jacksonville, so we stopped to check it out.  Hard to believe that this was once owned by a very progressive free black, who owned slaves and gave them their freedom!
Then toured the Cummer Museum.  Reminded me of the Isabella Gardner Museum (sensing a theme here?).  The Gardens were fantastic, including this 100-year old (plus) oak:

Then headed into Avondale and nearby Roosevelt for some soft serve.  Apparently Dreamette has been around since 1948.  Great toppings (including my favorite, toasted coconut!):

Then dropped Steph at the airport and headed to Savannah, a mere 2 hour drive away.
Had a fantastic dinner at the Pink House, shrimp and grits!  And a lovely walk through the many parks/squares that this city is famous for.  Will explore more tomorrow,  in the daylight!

Day 39: Amelia Island

Spent the day at the Fort Clinch State Park, which included a fabulous walk on the boardwalk:

 And along the beach, scattering the terns, pelicans and seagulls:

The sun came out and the day got even better...

Day 38: Jacksonville

Another soggy day here in paradise!  I noticed, during the Patriots game, that Foxboro looked pretty clear, so what's up with that?
Headed up to Amelia Island, north of Jacksonville for a couple of days.  Windy on the beach, but that didn't keep us from taking a nice long walk:

Day 37: Jacksonville University

A wet and soggy day here in Jacksonville, but that didn't stop the Dolphins from showing their school spirit:

And by Dolphins, I mean everyone wearing the green & white!  Family Gathering here at JU was a subdued event, but the football game against Dayton University was a victory for Jacksonville University.
Adrian then gave Steph and I a tour of Jacksonville, the city, through the rain...