Lowcountry Love

I took a little trip below the Mason Dixon this past weekend for some much needed girl time and warm weather!  Charleston, South Carolina is one of my most favorite places to visit, not just because of its historical charm and geographical location, but also because my longtime bestie, AL lives there!   She coordinated a girls' weekend with some pals from around the south (including another longtime bestie - TTD) and we were blessed with some of the prettiest January weather to top it all off - just what I needed after being chilled to the bone for the past few weeks living up north.   However, it could have been freezing in Charleston and I wouldn't have cared.  Spending time with these gals, a few whom I have known since middle school, was all I needed.   We have seen each other though the best and worst of times, been a part of each others milestones and even supported each other through the "Friends" era, where we all decided to get "The Rachel" hairstyle (which one of us really thought that was a good idea?)  You can't put a price tag on that kind of friendship!

Whenever I visit Charleston, I am always left wanting to live there.   I don't think I would ever tire of the vibe that city has - it marries the best of old south with a fresh, college feel!   People are laid-back, good natured and seem to always have a good time.   There are always new and upcoming hot spots and restaurants, so we had to take in one for dinner on Saturday night.  Whether I was just famished or the food was that darn amazing, I very much enjoyed the meal that The MacIntosh served - seriously juicy glazed pork shoulder that just melted in my mouth and the pork ravioli were to die for - highly recommend this place to anyone visiting!  And Charleston has plenty of oldies, but goodies too - I am never served a bad meal at High Thyme on the island and my shrimp and chorizo grits for brunch was amazing!!   You could really eat your way through the town - and drink!

And no girls' weekend would be complete without hitting a few nightspots and trying to feel young again - especially when you visit a bar that is dubbed "college bar".  The music was good and drinks cold, so we didn't mind hanging even if we were 10+ years older than most inside!   After watching these "twenty-somethings" do their thing, I decided I like being "thirty-something" and am more comfortable in my own skin now than ever.   I wouldn't go back to that time for anything (well, maybe for a few lazy mornings of sleeping in and the ability to stay awake past 10 pm every once in a while!)  

Aaaaah - what a great, relaxing weekend with some of my favorite people.   And I have to give a shout out to my amazing hubby who recognizes how good weekends like this are for me and encourages them!   I am very blessed to have such an awesome Mr. Mom while I am away having fun - makes it a little easier to get on that plane and come home, leaving friends, the beach, and warmer weather behind!   But the weekend wasn't fully complete due to some dear friends who couldn't make it, so a redo is in order - any reason to get back to Charleston!!

The Wonder Years (well just our twenties)

 

 

 

Like fine wine, right? Miss you IUC!

Rooftop bar in January?  Yes, please!