Friday, February 15, 2013

Holy City

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Charleston, South Carolina, refers to itself as Holy City, as its beautiful old church steeples push above the surrounding quaint architecture, and predominate its skyline when seen from the Atlantic Ocean.
I found wonderful food, beautiful Southern architecture, charming citizens, manners galore, low crime and a clean bustling city. It was a heavenly experience, so maybe it was holy.

Far from a sleepy town, little Charleston has managed to combine the newest food trends with its traditional Low Country fare. Try this on for size: Tilefish upon a bed of fried green tomatoes and caramelized onions. I had never even heard of tilefish. Now I am its biggest fan, having devoured it at Cru Cafe on Andrew Pinckney St. this week. Set in a charming old home, Cru Cafe is owned and operated by a Cordon Bleu chef who just so happened to graduate first in his class. Making my life even sweeter, it was a half block from my hotel, which I adored. I highly recommend Andrew Pinckney Hotel. It is wonderfully situated geographically (see above!) and is one block from the famous Market that runs daily.
My Fave Hotel in Charleston
This hotel is priced right, has lovely clean rooms, and a free breakfast that will make you foodies out there happy. The employees are just as nice as any humans I have ever met. That is saying a lot. If you book with them and not through a travel site, you will get the best treatment, if something goes awry with your plans.
And what does the Market have to offer? Well, try the Charleston Shoe Company for some of the cutest and most comfortable shoes that your tiny hoofie has ever tried. Check out intriguing salad combos at Caviar and Bananas Deli. Or buy a sweetgrass basket, scents, towels, spices or condiments. Reminiscent of New Orleans' famed French Market, Charleston's market has jewelry, pottery, children's clothes and just about anything you can think of.

Your Imaginary Friend,
Patsie

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