When I talked to the locals in Savannah and told them about my trip many of them agreed that I should go to Charleston.  Charleston happened to be my next destination after Savannah so I was excited to see what was in store for me.  I made the 2 hour trip north, found my hotel and was greeted by Curtis.  Curtis was the Bellman, Valet and Concierge all in one.  What a great way to start my Charleston experience.  Once I got settle, I went back to Curtis.  On the paper map, Curtis explained where we were and where I needed to go.  First order of business was food.  If you’ve been following me, you know I’m on this trip for experience, history and food.  Jestine’s Kitchen was the place; and meatloaf, collard greens, baked mac n cheese, cornbread and sweet pickles with an iced tea was the meal.  Let me tell you, don’t go to the South and eat at a chain restaurant.  The caveat is if you want to compare.  (For example I went to Paula Deen’s Lady and Sons to try her Southern food, then I went to Mrs. Wilkes’.  Mrs. Wilkes’ was so much better, but I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t tried Paula Deen’s place.)  With my experience at Paula Deen’s, I didn’t need to compare so I went straight to the place off the main drag and it was everything I was hoping for.  After my delicious Southern meal I went for a stroll around town.  I was surprised and not in a good way with what I saw in “historic” Charleston.  I saw a town and a history being overrun by Kate Spade, H&M, cruise ships and a historic marketplace filled with “homemade” items straight from foreign countries.  I walked King Street and I felt like I was at Disney’s EPCOT.  It wasn’t a mix of old and new or old repurposed for new, it was a sad loss of history for a quick buck.  The history I just immersed myself in while in Savannah was what I was looking for.  I walked frantically looking for any sign of old Charleston.  I went back to Curtis and he told me all the history is in the museums.  My second day was partially rained out by Tropical Storm “Bonnie” but I took some pictures.  I’m still searching for Charleston.

Raleigh is calling…