Most of the homes are stucco-covered brick, painted in neutral colors. But on one street in downtown Charleston is a group of historic townhouses that are among the most famous and recognizable images of the city. They are known as "Rainbow "Row".
Everything was in bloom while we were there. We were really lucky, since normally the azaleas bloom in April, but due to the unseasonably warm weather on the east coast, everything bloomed early - just in time for our arrival! I've never seen such beautiful azaleas in every possible color. Wisteria grows wild there and it was also in bloom. Also gorgeous dogwoods, cherry trees, camellias, and forsythia - all in glorious bloom! And Spanish moss hangs from many trees which adds to the uniquely beautiful scenery.
We visited the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, just outside of Charleston, on our last day there. They have the oldest estate garden in the western hemisphere, begun in 1680. It's still owned by descendants of the original family and open to the public for tours. The gardens contain beautiful reflecting ponds that enhance the natural beauty of Magnolia Gardens, as well as footpaths, wooden bridges and banks of flowers whose dimensions are doubled in the glassy surface of the water. We also saw quite a few alligators who live peacefully in the swamps on the property. Cabins that were used to house slaves in pre-Civil War times have been restored and are also still on the property.
I had read that you shouldn't leave Charleston without trying their famous dish of shrimp and grits. I had it twice in two days, and it was delicious. In fact all of the food there was amazingly good. We enjoyed all of the fresh seafood and the interesting dishes that make up "Lowcountry/Southern" cuisine. Our favorite restaurant was Poogan's Porch, which is located in a spacious home that was built in 1888.
If you ever get the chance, do visit Charleston. There's so much history to learn about, and it's such a beautiful city. And, of course, amazing flowers and gardens.
In my next blog post I'll write about our visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Think of it as the east coast's Hearst Castle.