Tara's Theme

We are off to Charleston this morning and the weather is cool and partly sunny. We decided to visit a plantation and selected Drayton Hall. The drive was pleasant and thanks to the GPS we found it easily. We drove down a lane lined by old Live Oak Trees draped with Spanish Moss.

We immediately went on a guided tour and we were joined by only one other so it was private and full of information. Our guide was knowledgable and we learned so much about this house and the Drayton family who lived here for several generations starting before the Civil War.

The house is not furnished and is being lovingly preserved by the National Trust. We loved the grand staircases, fireplaces and high ceilings. Later generations of family marked their heights on a door jamb which is now covered in plastic to preserve this tradition. The last owner even had her three dogs recorded here. After our tour we walked on the grounds and, of course, visited the gift shop.

We drove into the historic area of Charleston and had a delicious seafood lunch at the Charleston Seafood House. We walked around the City Market and I purchased a tablecloth and a purse.

Finally we toured the stately Nathaniel Russell house on Meeting Street. This was one of the wealthiest homes in the city and it is beautiful. Situated on a double lot you enter through the lush gardens with footpaths. Carol was impressed by the blooming camelias.

The guided tour takes you in the front door and through the public rooms to the family quarters. Their staircase curves and floats up three stories. Exquisite! The house has magnificent curved doors some with the glass set into carved wooden panels. Wallpaper, marble fireplace surrounds and carved plaster accents make this a delight for the eyes.

Now it is time to drive home and Carol participated in a phone/webinar from one of her jobs. It took almost the entire trip and made the time pass quickly. We picked up some take out and had dinner with Jeff at home.