Falling for the South: Charleston, S. Carolina

Our love affair with Charleston began over twenty-four years ago, and the city still charms us every time we return. From the simple joy of the waterfront swings to the cobblestone streets lined with pastel homes, Charleston’s timeless beauty never fades.

Our fascination started back in the ’80s after watching the classic miniseries North and South. Visiting Boone Hall Plantation—where parts of it were filmed—was a dream come true. The historic grounds and the breathtaking Avenue of Oaks are every bit as stunning in person as they are on screen.

Avenue of Oaks, Boone Plantation

This fall, we came back once again, arriving on Halloween just before lunchtime. Before exploring the city’s historic heart, we set out in search of a great local meal—because in Charleston, good food is always the perfect way to begin any adventure.

Our first choice for lunch was the much-acclaimed Husk, but unfortunately, it wasn’t open for lunch.  Our next option was SNOB (Slightly North of Broad). After all, any restaurant that’s been thriving for over thirty years must be doing something right! 

From the moment we stepped inside, the warm welcome and impeccable service set the stage for an outstanding meal. We couldn’t help reminiscing about the incredible crab cake we’d enjoyed here years ago (sadly missing from the current menu). But any disappointment quickly faded with the first bite of their shrimp and grits. Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned—it was absolutely to die for.

Shrimp and Grits

Steamed local clams in wine garlic cream sauce

Crème brûlée

After lunch, we walked off our meal with a leisurely stroll along the Charleston waterfront, continuing all the way to the Battery. The weather was perfect for an autumn afternoon—crisp air, gentle breeze, and that unmistakable Charleston charm everywhere you look. 

Pineapple Fountain, a symbol of Southern hospitality and welcome

USS Yorktown CV-10, WWII-era aircraft carrier, in the distance 

Many of the stately homes along the way were decked out with elaborate Halloween decorations, adding a festive touch to the historic streets. It was the perfect blend of Southern elegance and spooky fun.

From its rich history to its irresistible Southern flavors, Charleston always offers something new to discover. Have you been? We’d love to hear your favorite spots or must-try restaurants in the comments below!

 
This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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Fall Colors and Chattajack

Updated: 10/29/24

A long time ago, the Fall Color Cruise festival was a tradition on this part of the Tennessee River (Lake Nickajack). Boaters from other marinas would cruise over here for the festival and the legendary potluck parties. We were lucky to be here for those fun times. The festival is no more. But ...

We have Chattajack! The paddling race that navigates the twist and turns of the scenic Tennessee River, all 31 miles of it from downtown Chattanooga to our marina at the old dam on Lake Nickajack. The event was last Saturday. The foliage was not exactly spectacular, thanks to the dry and warm weather. But what a lovely day it was (74 degrees F)! 

 The local Channel 3 captured a spectacular view of the Chattajack paddlers from above.

At the  finish line, courtesy of the mvmaithai crew.

this brilliant color caught my attention at the Arts Bluff's district 

Fall won't be the same without some bright cherry chrysanthemums (from my garden, I might add).

A Trader Joe's opened in Chattanooga last summer. I was in the store last week and was so delighted to find some apple cider donuts! According to their Fearless Flyer, they came from a family-owned bakery in Western Massachusetts. We used to go apple picking in Massachusetts, so we know how yummy those treats are :-) Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

How are the fall colors in your neck of the woods?

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday and Bleubeard and Elizabeth's Altered Book Lover and Slices of Life.

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Apples and Apple Picking

Updated: 11/3/25
Apple picking and leaf peeping are two of our favorite fall traditions, filled with fond memories of crisp air, colorful trees, and laughter with friends and families. Over the years, we've visited quite a few orchards - Hilltop Orchards in the Berkshires and Honey Pot Hill Orchard in Stow are among our favorites. There's just something special about wandering through the rows, picking your own apples, and soaking in the beauty of a perfect fall day. 

Hilltop Orchard in the Berkshires

You can walk or ride the tractor wagon to the trees

Resistance is futile ... on these yummy apple cider donuts

Pick the apples yourself or buy them from the store

At Honey Pot Hill, the cider donuts were even better than Hilltop's, and the farm animals delighted both kids and adults alike. 

This year’s COVID-19 restrictions kept us from heading up north, so I brought fall to us inst.ead. I picked up some Cameo apples at a local farm stand, got a few Pink Ladies from our neighbors. Just a few days later, I spotted a sale at Ingles—our local supermarket—on Honeycrisp apples. What cook could possibly resist? Normally priced at nearly three times the cost of other varieties, these delicate, crunchy gems were a steal at just $1.29 a pound! After diving into an article about them, I finally understand why Honeycrisps are both pricey and wildly popular. You can learn more about the fascinating history of the Honeycrisp apple here.

Honeycrisp apples, cut and in basket
3 Cameo on left, 2 Pink Lady on right

Between the freshly picked ginkgo nuts and a basket of pecans, my kitchen’s looking like a fall buffet. But don’t worry—I’ve got big plans for those apples (looking at you, apple cider and apple turnovers!).

fan-shaped leaves on a Gingko tree on a beautiful fall day

Picking Gingko nuts that had fallen on the ground

Washed and dried gingko nuts, pecans in the back

What are your favorite fall activities?

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday, My Corner of the World, Slices of Life and Art*Journal*Journey.

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Have yard sale, will travel

I admit it. I'm a yard sale junkie. Our first house was furnished with many kitchen tools and knickknacks bought from a flea market in lovely New Hope (Bucks County), Pennsylvania. In the past ten years, we've visited the marché aux puces de Saint-Ouen in Paris, France, the Brimfield Antique Flea Market in Western Massachusetts, and community yard sales from Tennessee to Florida.

So when the annual longest yard sale came around (first weekend of August) I was ready. Driving on Lookout Mountain Parkway through TN, GA and AL is very scenic with vistas of mountain and farmlands in the valley. This year, I went with locals who know the yard sale circuit well. Friday found us on route 28 and 127 in the direction of Dunlap. We stopped in private homes, barns and many vendors along the side of the road. The town of Dunlap is yard sale central. Many vendors lined both sides of the main drag. There were more vendors past route 111; unfortunately, it started to rain, giving us the perfect excuse to close our wallets and stop buying more stuff we don't need :-)

This Louisiana couple found some furniture

A lovely drive through rolling hills to this house in the distance

Estate sale at this house. Teapots, anyone? 

I was on a roll. On Sunday, I rounded up another friend to go to Mentone, Alabama, about 45 minutes away. We had a blast shopping, chatting with the friendly locals and out-of-state vendors.

Many vendors were set up in this campground

A hefty $50 for this license plate!

this Southern gentleman and his wife run a store in Summerville, Ga

We ate at the popular Wildflower Café, which is housed in an 1800s log cabin. You have to be careful walking to your table as there are small uneven steps throughout the restaurant. A strolling guitarist serenaded the diners at their table. The café is famous for its tomato pie, but the polenta shrimp grits was to die for!

Prime rib sandwich, polenta shrimp and grits, tomato pie

How was your weekend?

This post is shared on Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog Altered Book Lover, Slices of Life and Skywatch Friday.

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