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Sunday, March 13, 2011

A Visit To Charleston

***LAST UPDATED***
October 30, 2014


Visit Charleston, SC
Lowcountry High
Experience soaring Lowcountry vistas from the sky.
This short video offers stunning views and an overall feel for the Charleston Lowcountry.



Visit Charleston, SC
History Lives
Take a peek at the beauty and charm our preserved past presents.
This video provides a narrative on the history, significance, and uniqueness of Charleston, along with relevant views from around the city.

This is the second installment of the first video above, with new soaring views of Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry.



 Webcam is a LIVE video feed.  See where this camera is located, here.
(click green hyperlink above image to see LIVE webcam)

Webcam is a LIVE video feed that automatically zooms in and out and pans around the adjacent beach.  See where this camera is located, here.
(click green hyperlink above image to see LIVE webcam)

Webcam refreshes every 2 seconds.  See where this camera is located, here.
(click green hyperlink above image to see LIVE webcam)

Webcam refreshes every 30 seconds.  See where this camera is located, here.
(click green hyperlink above image to see LIVE webcam)

Panoramic views from around Charleston


Walk the Streets of Charleston


Click on icon at top right to see full screen.  Pan and click to navigate.
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Click on icon at top right to see full screen.  Pan and click to navigate.
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Click on icon at top right to see full screen.  Pan and click to navigate.
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Click on icon at top right to see full screen.  Pan and click to navigate.
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General Tourism

Why Charleston?

2014 Best U.S. City (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2014 (2nd) Best City in the World (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2014 (2nd) Top Islands of the World (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2013 Top 500 Hotels in the World (by Travel & Leisure)
(Six Charleston hotels, including one at #52 and one at #80)
2013 Top City in America & Canada (by Travel & Leisure)
2013 Friendliest City in America (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2013 (Fifth) Top City in the World (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2013 Top City in America (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2012 Top City in America (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2011 Top City in America (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2011 Top Surprisingly Romantic City in America (by Wanderlust)
2011 Best New Restaurant in America (by Bon Appetit Magazine)
2011 (Second) Best-Dressed City in America (by Travel & Leisure Magazine)
2010 Friendliest City in America (by Travel & Leisure Magazine)
Is Charleston the World's Best City? (by USA Today)
See more Charleston awards here.
 A wealth of information on everything from hotels and restaurants to attractions and events.  Start here for your guide to all that Charleston has to offer.

 The official visitor's bureau, with a number of great videos that highlight the beauty and character of Charleston.

 Your passport to a number of historic homes and plantations, all at a great discounted price.

 Comprehensive guide for all there is to see and do in Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia.

Check here for great ideas of what there is to tour in Charleston.  Historic homes, plantations, ghost tours, carriage rides, and harbor cruises are just some of the ideas found here.

 The best tours to experience in Charleston.




One of the oldest known living organisms (and the oldest tree) east of the Mississippi, Angel Oak is a massive live oak which has been estimated at over 1,400 years old.  The tree is only 65 feet tall but has a circumference of 26 feet, with a canopy stretching nearly 200 feet wide and providing over 17,000 square feet of shade.
Angel Oak (April 21, 2013)

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Completed in 2005, spanning 2.5 miles, and rising 572ft. over the Cooper River below, the Ravenel Bridge is the second longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere and has become an iconic symbol of Charleston.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (April 7, 2012)

Snee Farm is the plantation where Charles Pinckney, author and signer of the Constitution and former governor of South Carolina, once lived.  George Washington ate at Snee Farm during his visit to Charleston in 1791.  Today, only 28 acres remain of the original 715-acre estate Charles inherited from his father in 1782.

English settlers landed on the Ashley River in 1670 and established Charles Towne Landing - what would become the birthplace of the Carolinas colony and Charleston itself, one of the first major port cities in North America.

 Four blocks of open-air buildings, set in the heart of historic Charleston and built between 1804 and the 1830's, the Charleston City Market has been a place where local merchants, farmers, and plantation owners have gathered to sell their goods for over 200 years.
Charleston City Market (August 10, 2010)

Founded in 1773, this is America's first museum.

Citadel Military College & Museum
Founded in 1842, this is one of only six senior military colleges in the US.  The campus moved to its current location in 1922 and today the former "Old Citadel" building (seen below) in downtown is now an Embassy Suites hotel.
The "Old Citadel" Building (June 15, 2013)

College of Charleston
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is the oldest institution of higher education in South Carolina, and the 13th oldest in the United States.  The campus has been featured on a number of films and TV series, including The Patriot, The Notebook, Dear John, and Army Wives.
The College of Charleston (April 7, 2012)

Dock Street Theatre (c. 1809)
This was the first building in America designed for use as a theatre and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  Once part of the Planter's Hotel, this theatre has been visited by many notable people over the past 200 years, including John Wilkes Booth's father, Junius.  The theatre was remodeled in 2010 and is open to the public for modern plays.
Dock Street Theatre (December 8, 2012)

Folly Beach Fishing Pier
Built in 1995, this prominent fishing pier is the second longest pier on the East Coast (1,045 feet).
Folly Beach Fishing Pier (November 23, 2012)

The third fortification of the fort, constructed in 1809, now stands today, after the first two were damaged during the Revolutionary War and a hurricane in 1804.

The American Civil War began here on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces fired upon this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor.
 Fort Sumter (June 17, 2013)

Moving in to its current building in 1905, the Gibbes Museum contains over 10,000 pieces of American art, many from the US South and Charleston.
Gibbes Museum of Art (October 20, 2012)

King Street
King Street provides over one mile of upscale shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
See a list of all vendors (including websites) on King Street by category here.
King Street (October 16, 2010)

Morris Island Lighthouse
Built in 1876, this lighthouse was originally constructed 1,200 feet from the shoreline.  The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1938, as Morris Island has eroded to a point that waves were crashing at the light's base.  Today it stands several hundred feet out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Rainbow Row
This row of colorful houses, originally merchant's stores and homes, were built between the 1720s-1790s.  Stretching 4 city blocks, these buildings represent the longest stretch of Georgian row houses in the US.  Rainbow Row is often used in illustrations representing Charleston.
Rainbow Row (December 8, 2012)

Completed in 2000, this aquarium includes a 3-story Great Ocean Tank (385,000 gallons), state-of-the-art learning center, a touch tank, 9 galleries of aquatic animals, a sea turtle hospital, and a rare American albino alligator.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Built around 1771 and considered to be one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States, The Old Exchange has opened its doors to President George Washington, pirates, and a number of signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (May 21, 2011)

The Powder Magazine
Built in 1713, this is the oldest public building in the Carolinas.  This building was used to house the gunpowder and ammunition of the original Charles Town settlement and was used in the Revolutionary War.  The magazine building celebrated its 300th birthday in April 2013.
The Powder Magazine (June 28, 2013)

With the Civil War largely to blame for this building's prolonged construction (1853-1879), the U.S. Customs House still functions today as it has for the past 130 years.  It is not open to the public.
U.S. Customs House (August 10, 2010)
Commissioned in 1943 and measuring 888ft. long, the USS Yorktown (CV-10) was the 10th aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy.  The vessel also recovered the crew of Apollo 8 in 1968.  Decommissioned in 1970, the USS Yorktown was towed to Charleston from New Jersey in 1975 and has remained the centerpiece of Patriots Point in Charleston Harbor ever since. 
USS Yorktown (October 30, 2010)

Waterfront Park
This park in downtown Charleston offers an expansive view of Charleston Harbor, with a quarter-mile of grassy areas and walkways lined with palmettos and live oaks.  When Charleston was a growing port in the 1700s, the land that would become Waterfront Park used to be a plethora of wharfs, bustling with tall ships arriving from and traveling all over the world.
Waterfront Park (August 10, 2010)



* denotes that Stacie and I have ate here

Browse restaurants by locations in the Charleston metro area and by 15 different food genres.  Owing in part to two culinary institutes in Charleston (the Culinary Institute of Charleston and the Art Institute of Charleston) and the rich cultural history, Charleston is internationally acclaimed for its restaurants and executive chefs.

This is an annual event that takes place every January, in which restaurants throughout Charleston have specials available for nearly two weeks.  If you're not visiting in January, check out this website to see an extensive list of restaurants in Charleston, as well as easy access to the restaurant's website and menus.

French Cafe

82 Queen*
Southern, Lowcountry

A.W. Shucks*
Seafood, oyster bar

Seafood & rawbar

Anson
Southern, seafood

Thai

Black Bean Co.
Salads, wraps, gyros

American, Mediterranean

Brasserie Gigi
French

Burwell's Stone Fire Grill
Steakhouse, seafood

 California Dreaming*
American, seafood

World-famous biscuits & bakery

Carolina's
Southern bistro

Carter's Kitchen
American, seafood

Seafood & rawbar

Charleston Grill*
French, Southern, American

 Charleston Harbor Fish House*
Seafood

Lowcountry, international

Seafood Bar & Grill

Lowcountry, international

Lowcountry seafood & grill

D'Allesandro's Pizza*
Pizza, calzones, salads

French-Lowcountry cuisine

Seasonally-inspired local cuisine

French-Asian cuisine

Gourmet cafe

Seafood, southern

Seafood

Glaze*
Gourmet donuts

Grill 225
American grill

American grill & cuisine

Seafood & rawbar

Henry's House
Sandwiches, salads, soups

High Cotton
Southern, Lowcountry

Hometeam BBQ*
BBQ

Hominy Grill*
Southern, seafood, brunch

Husk*
 Southern, Lowcountry

J. Paulz*
Seafood, international, sushi

Jasmine Porch at Kiawah Island
Lowcountry, seafood

Jim 'N Nick's BBQ*
BBQ

Kaminsky's Baking Co.
Bakery, desserts, beverages

Kitchen 208
Sandwiches, salads, brunch

Mediterranean, southern

Cafe, bar and grill

Lowcountry Bistro
Lowcountry, French

Southern, Lowcountry

McCrady's
Southern

Mellow Mushroom*
Pizza

Mercato
Italian, American

Michael's on the Alley
Steak & seafood

Minero
Authentic Mexican

Monza Pizza*
Pizza, pasta, salads

Miyabi
Hibachi grill & sushi

Noisy Oyster*
Seafood

Steakhouse, seafood

 Page's Okra Grill*
Southern, brunch

Southern grill & cuisine

Perfectly Frank's*
Famous hot dogs (featured on The Food Network)

Poe's Tavern*
Burgers, sandwiches, salads

Poogan's Porch*
Lowcountry

Queen Anne's Revenge
Seafood, Lowcountry

Queology
BBQ

RB's*
Seafood

Red's Ice House
Seafood & crabshack

Reel Bar & Grill
Seafood, pizza

Rutledge Cab Co.*
Seafood, grill, pizza, brunch

Saffron Cafe & Bakery
Fresh bakery, breakfast, international, southern

Burgers, sandwiches, brunch 

Sermet's*
 Mediterranean, American

Organic, local burgers

Shem Creek Bar & Grill
Seafood & oyster bar

Slightly North of Broad
Lowcountry bistro

Southend Brewery & Smokehouse*
American, BBQ

Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
Seafood & American grill

T-Bonz Gill & Grill*
Seafood & American grill

The Atlantic Room at Kiawah Island
Seafood, southern

The Barbeque Joint*
BBQ

The Grocery
Local, seasonal seafood & produce, brunch

The Macintosh
Southern, Lowcountry

The Ocean Room at Kiawah Island
Steakhouse & sushi lounge

The Ordinary
Seafood, oyster bar

The Palmetto Cafe*
Southern, seafood, grill

Toast*
Brunch, southern

 Triangle Char & Bar*
Burgers, tacos, brunch

Vickery's*
Seafood, American

Victor Social Club
Seafood, cocktails

Vincent's Drug Store
Old-fashioned burger stand & soda fountain

Vincent Chicco's*
Italian-American

Southern, Lowcountry

Wildflower Pastry
Pastries, desserts

Yo Burrito
Mexican Grill & Bar

Yokoso*
Hibachi grill & sushi



Historic Homes

You can find more info about and see pictures of historic homes by clicking on different districts on the Charleston County Public Library's Historic District's page.

I have highlighted dozens of the houses and architecture styles in the historic South of Broad district, in an ongoing series of photo gallery posts (Part 1 and Part 2).

The Charleston single house (architecture style) is a staple of the architecture in downtown Charleston and the only place in the country this architecture can be found.

Visit Charleston, SC
The Charleston Single House
Discover Charleston's version of an English row house
The Charleston Single House

Aiken-Rhett House (1818)
Part of the Historic Charleston Foundation, this home has been virtually unaltered since 1858.
Aiken-Rhett House (April 7, 2012)

The Calhoun Mansion is the largest privately-owned residence in Charleston, with 24,000 sq. ft., 35 bedrooms, and 23 fireplaces.  As you can see, it is hard to fit in to one picture!
Calhoun Mansion (April 6, 2009)

Edmondston-Alston House (c. 1817)
The Edmondston-Alston House is part of the Charleston Battery and its sister property is Middleton Plantation.
Edmonston-Alston House (September 25, 2010)

See a complete list of the homes (with pictures) that line the famous Charleston BatteryHomes along East Battery St. (August 10, 2010)
This house gets part of its name from a prominent guest who stayed here in May 1791, President George Washington.
Heyward-Washington House (February 18, 2012)

John Ashe Home (1780)
This home is currently on the market, for $9 million.
 John Ashe House (December 1, 2012)

Joseph Manigault House (1803)
This house is part of the Charleston Museum and was designed by architect Gabriel Manigault, who was also a plantation owner and state legislator.
Joseph Manigault House (April 7, 2012)

Louis deSaussure House (c. 1858)
This 3-story mansion lies at the corner of East Battery and South Battery Streets, with perhaps the best view in Charleston.

Louis deSaussure House (February 18, 2012)

These "lower-class" but still impressive homes lie along The Battery at the end of the Charleston peninsula; most built during the 20th century.
Home along Murray Blvd. (April 5, 2009)

Home along Murray Blvd. (April 5, 2009)

Home along Murray Blvd. (April 5, 2009)

Nathaniel Russell House (1808)
This house is also owned by the Historic Charleston Foundation.  Perhaps the most notable feature of this house is its 3-story free-flying staircase.
Nathaniel Russell House (March 20, 2011)

Palmer Home (c. 1847)
Also known as the John Ravenel House or the Pink Palace, this house has been acclaimed as "the best place to stay in Charleston", "home with the best front porch", "home with the most historical charm", and a top 25 US bed and breakfast.
 Palmer Home (August 10, 2010)

Porcher-Simonds House (September 25, 2010)

Sword Gate House (c. 17--)
Built in multiple phases, beginning in the 18th century, this house is currently listed at $23,000,000...if you're interested!

The Pink House (c. 1690)
This is the oldest building in Charleston and one of the oldest buildings in South Carolina.  The building was a tavern in the 1750s, was restored in the 1930s, and today features an art gallery.
The Pink House (June 16, 2013)

This beautiful home was originally a private residence and wedding present from merchant George Williams to his daughter, Martha.  It is now Charleston's oldest and most famous inn.
Two Meeting Street (April 6, 2009)

Wentworth Mansion (c. 1885)
No, you're not in England.  But the views - inside and out - at this huge mansion may cause you to think otherwise.  This house is now an inn.
Wentworth Mansion (August 28, 2013)

William Roper House (1838)
This architect of this house remains unknown, but the pillars and porch are unmistakeable.
William Roper House (August 10, 2010)

Historic Charleston Foundation
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and protect the historical, architectural and material culture that make up Charleston's rich and irreplaceable heritage.  Oh, and they also host great area #InstaMeets at historic locations around town.

Preservation Society of Charleston
See a list of prominent and significant homes in downtown Charleston which are part of the Historic Markers Program.

Charleston Homes For Sale
See homes in Charleston currently on the market for $5 million or more.
(see also here)





America's most photographed plantation
The 3/4-mile, live oak-lined driveway at Boone Hall Plantation (April 6, 2009)

Front of Boone Hall Plantation (April 6, 2009)

Back of Boone Hall Plantation (April 6, 2009)

Charleston Tea Plantation
Wadamalaw Island is an unspoiled island in Charleston that is home to the only tea plantation in America.  Tea has been produced here since 1987, though the island's history dates back to the 17th century.  The 127-acre plantation is open 7 days a week and includes tours of both the fields where the tea leaves are harvested and the factory where the tea is produced.

The alligator-infested swamps of Cypress Gardens (May 25, 2011).  Movies filmed at Cypress Gardens include: The Notebook, The Patriot, Cold Mountain, and Swamp Thing.

Drayton Hall
This plantation house (a National Historic Landmark) sits on land that traces its history back to the late-1600's.  The house itself was built in 1738 and sits on the land adjacent to Magnolia Plantation. 


Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Founded in 1676, Magnolia is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry and the oldest public gardens in America.
Magnolia Plantation (March 6, 2011)

The plantation house at Magnolia Plantation (March 20, 2011)

One of the many picturesque bridges at Magnolia Plantation (March 20, 2011)

Middleton Place is a National Landmark, birthplace of a signer of the Declaration of Independence (Arthur Middleton), and America's oldest landscaped gardens (and less than two miles from our house, across the Ashley River).
Middleton Place (March 6, 2011)

The live oak-lined Ashley River Road, which leads to both Magnolia and Middleton Plantations.



Carriage tours are a great way to take in all there is to see downtown, with guides who offer the stories behind each house, building, cemetery, and street.






October 16, 2010

October 16, 2010

December 4, 2010

December 4, 2010

February 18, 2012

October 12, 2012

December 1, 2012

June 28, 2013



I for one have not gone on a ghost tour, but they are quite popular in Charleston year-round.







These great videos highlight some of the beauty and character of Charleston, in professional and interesting ways.






If you enjoy golfing, there are dozens of beautiful golf courses in the Lowcountry.  One example is the Ocean Course Golf Course, home of the 2012 PGA Championship (August 9-12).  The course recently ranked 4th on Golf Digest's best public courses in America and has more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere.  The course is located on nearby Kiawah Island and is about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston.







An October Collage
 October 25, 2012

Presidents Day the Charleston Way
February 20, 2012

September Staycation
October 5, 2011

Knee Deep in the Water Somewhere
August 3, 2011

March 28, 2011

December 6, 2010

November 18, 2010

October 31, 2010

September 27, 2010



Charleston Weather




Well, since you don't want to stay with us apparently (*tear*), here are some of the top hotel options within Charleston.
(NOTE: This list does not include house rentals or other VRBO options.)


Downtown Hotel and Lodging Map 
View Larger Map

Travel & Leisure listed six hotels in Charleston as part of its 2013 Top 500 Hotels in the World list (see also top hotels by US state).  Topping the list in Charleston was the Market Pavilion Hotel (#52) and the Wentworth Mansion (#80).

Downtown Charleston

Andrew Pinckney Inn
 

Posted by Jesse at 8:24 PM 0 comments  

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Hawkeye Fans Unite

WHEN: February 19, 2011
WHERE: Charleston, SC

What happens when you and your spouse are both sick for weeks, all of your cars are in auto shops, 'American Idol' is on 3 nights a week, and the first waves of spring have hit after a cold winter?

You don't blog, that's for sure! 

I know my blog has become a kind of "after thought" in 2011, but I have not forgotten it.  There have been many distractions so far this year and I have also tried harder this year to not let my blog dictate so much of my time and energy.  With that said, there are some events I have missed highlighting in my absence and one of which I wanted to make sure I shared.  It happened two weeks ago, and it feels longer ago than that. 

Charleston hosted the Southeastern Wildlife Expo downtown again this year, from February 18-20.  Not until that weekend did I find out that this was one of the bigger events Charleston hosts in any given year.  The Expo is branded as the "unofficial start to the tourism season".  While I would probably not have planned to attend the Expo (especially this year, with Stace being sick), I did head downtown for the Expo to meet up with some fellow students I went to grad school with in North Carolina and had not seen in 2 years.  Suzanne was in town from DC for her cousin's wedding and Naomy had come up from Savannah to see both of us.  I was only able to meet up with Naomy because I showed up after Suzanne had left for the wedding. 

Naomy and I had the same study focus in grad school and began the same year. We had the same advisor, the same classes, and spent a majority of our time together in grad school.  She is originally from Puerto Rico and has lived in Savannah since she moved from North Carolina after grad school.  It was fun to have a rare visitor to our city and it was a great excuse to get outside on that beautiful Saturday and see what the Expo was all about.  We were there less for the Expo and spent most of the time just walking around downtown, catching up, and talking about where each other lived now.

Nay and I in May 2009 - our last picture together before moving from North Carolina

Reunited in Charleston

One of the first sights of the Expo we stumbled upon was a few guys "competing" in break dancing in the park, then we wandered over to see some of the wildlife exhibits.  I wore my 2009 Outback Bowl t-shirt ("Iowa vs. South Carolina") that day and noticed more than a couple glances from passer-byers.  As we fought the stampeding crowds walking along the main street downtown, King St., we stopped at a wonderful self-serve frozen yogurt shoppe that I had not noticed before.  I did not indulge myself with any of the well-worth-the-high-sugar options there but I know Stace and I will be paying a visit there soon!

B-B-Breakdancing

Probably the first time I have seen (and petted) a camel - at least outside a zoo

Just a baby ("Awwww!")

Just a block down from the yogurt shoppe was a storefront with an eye-catching yellow, vintage sports sweater with a large "I" on the front.  My immediate thought was our Iowa Hawkeyes but I found no other markings on it that suggested what team it was.  Naomy and I headed in because I had to find out if there was any Hawkeyes gear inside.  The store was full of interesting vintage-looking clothing but I was not spotting any Iowa Hawkeyes apparel.  Every sport was represented, college and professional, including the Big Ten, but I still hadn't found any Hawkeyes gear.  I was determined and continued heading further back in to the store.  Finally, about halfway into the store, I noticed a Hawkeyes t-shirt and reached out to pick it up.

When my hand touched the shirt, I heard an unfamiliar but excited voice exclaim, "Hawkeyes!  That's what I like to see!"  I looked up to see a gentleman standing on the other side of the clothing stand, sporting a Hawkeyes ball cap.  Hawkeye references in South Carolina are few and far between, so fans are especially spirited when they bump in to one another.  I smiled and offered my shared affinity for the Hawkeyes in a word or two then we both looked away and he began to turn away from me.  Before he could step away I asked him if he was from Iowa, to which he replied that he was originally from Iowa and then asked if I was.  I said yes, so he asked me what part of Iowa.  I told him I was from Cedar Falls.  A faint smile crossed his face and he replied, "Really?  I'm from Iowa Falls."  I told him that was where my dad grew up and asked him if he knew "Jim Brass" or "the Brasses".  Perhaps it was a long shot, but Iowa Falls is not what you'd call a big city, especially back in the 1950's.  He paused and stared at me, his faint smile now showing surprise, as if I knew something I shouldn't.

"Yes.", he said slowly and somewhat shocked, "I know that name!".  He continued, "I went to school with Dave Brass, and Mary was his younger sister." (my uncle and aunt).  "They called him 'Breezy'", he said, and I quickly responded, "That was my grandfather's nickname."  At this point he was quickly walking around the table to come closer to me.  "And what was your grandfather's name, again?", he asked, as he reached out his hand to shake mine.  "Lyman", I said.  "That's it!", he added quickly.  "My middle name is Lyman.  I was named after him.", I added, as our conversation was quickly snow-balling in to some kind of dream-like experience.

As we continued to fill in the blanks of what he remembered about my family, I came to find out he owned the store we were in.  His name is Wayne Welden and he moved from Myrtle Beach last summer, around the same time we moved to Charleston, to start his retail clothing business we were standing in, "The Vault".  He ran to get me his business card and then told me the story of the pennant he had in the storefront window, from the 1981 Rose Bowl he attended that the Hawks were in that year.

We shared a few more details until I realized I had forgot all about Naomy being with me.  I ran to find her and we headed out of the store, with the promise he asked of me to make sure I contacted him sometime and come back to see him soon.  I told him I would be bringing Stace back with me soon and would be in touch with him.  We walked outside and I snapped a couple pictures of the storefront then told Naomy I had to go back in and get a picture with Wayne before we left, to at least see if my dad had any memory of him.  After Naomy and I walked a mile further down King St., she decided she wanted a hat she had spotted in Wayne's store so we headed back through the crowds up King St. and surprised Wayne with another visit.  I strutted in like I had always knew him and said hi as we walked past him helping a customer at the register. We go way back! :)

 Hawk fans, Iowa natives...united

 The Vault's storefront

The sweater that first caught my eye

The 1981 Rose Bowl pennant

I Skyped with my parents that night and asked my dad if he remembered "Wayne Welden".  My dad said the name wasn't familiar but that he knew "Steve Welden" (perhaps a brother or cousin?).  Regardless, one could make a strong case that it is a small world after all! I will be sure to take my dad to The Vault whenever they come to visit, and I will take Stace even sooner, to stock up on our vintage Iowa gear!

Hawkeye fans unite!

Posted by Jesse at 10:01 PM 0 comments  

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Micah, The Laughing Baby

WHEN: March 1, 2011
WHERE: Coming soon, to a viral video hot spot near you!


'Micah' - the baby that is sure to make you smile :)

Posted by Jesse at 10:10 PM 0 comments  

Thursday, February 17, 2011

February Th-ahhhhhh!

WHEN: February 17, 2011
WHERE: Charleston, SC

How's this for a wonderful February forecast?

Especially after all this...

90-day Maximum Temperature Anomaly

It has been a brutal winter for most of the country and even those in the south have not escaped winter's wrath.

The 30-day average (red line) for the departure from average high in Charleston has been negative since December 9. That is, until tomorrow (if the forecast holds)!

Translation
It's been persistently abnormally cold here for the past two and a half months - and it's wearing on me.
I'm sure you can relate.

 Graphical forecast for the US tomorrow
It's great to see so much red on the map again!

Thankfully, the grass is starting to grow (as are allergies) and it appears spring has taken over, so I can finally breathe a sigh of relief again - ahhhhhh!

Posted by Jesse at 7:38 PM 0 comments  

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