Congaree national park is just south of Columbia SC and a little known national park. It’s a flood-plane (not a swamp, as they were quick to point out!) so the water changes the dynamic almost daily and it’s a haven for birds, plants and scientists. There’s a wonderful boardwalk that loops around the park giving you a nice view of the area. It’s a bit creepy I have to say….dark (ish) on the day we were there, wet, vines everywhere…perfect place for a horror movie! We loved the new birds we heard…Carolina Wren, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Red Headed Woodpecker and the Pileated Woodpecker (again)!
Charmeston….I mean, Charleston!
The next day we headed into Charleston for just a day. We have been listening to Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson (highly recommend!!) about Fort Sumter and the beginnings of the Civil War so had to make a stop at the fort and then spent the day wandering Charleston. It was a FABULOUS day….
The story of Major Anderson, Lincoln, the South’s cessation and the assault on Ft. Sumter is gripping. I’m sure I heard about this somewhere in my public school past, but was probably too busy passing notes about what we were going to wear the next day to have paid attention. It’s wild to hear first person accounts, from diaries and letters, about the wind up to the Civil War and then be right in the place where it started. The fort is only 1/3 of its size now, having been bombarded by the Confederates and then the Union for 3 years, but it is a unique piece of history and reminder of the costs of war and we found the tour very interesting. We saw Major/General Anderson’s grave at West Point when we were there so all our travels and sights are connecting. Tim and our boys (via texting) found the cannons fascinating…one of them could shoot a 400+ lb cannon ball 5 miles (or as Max reminded us a human body if you’re Bugs Bunny!!) That’s pretty impressive for 1863…
The other amazing fact is that there was only one casualty during the 34 hour assault on the Fort by the Confederacy, and that was a young Irishman who was killed during the 100 gun salute that Major Anderson called for as the Union Army evacuated the fort. Horrible. I have to say the glee with which the Confederacy took up arms to start the war and ultimately kill their American brothers (and which apparently the Citadel cadets still claim as an asset!) is terrifying and maddening. Mild apologies to any Citadel alums who might be reading this….doubtful.
After the tour we walked through the Charleston historic district, hit up Saffron (for a scone/croissant to tide us over….) and then Magnolias for amazing crab cakes, pimento cheese ( we had to try it, not bad…but I don’t need it again!) crab bisque and sangria. Magnolias had a great vibe and wonderful service!
Then we walked….and walked…and walked. Market Street marketplace, Bay Street, Rainbow Row, down past the yacht club past the mansions and up to King Street. The mansions were glorious…beautiful, thriving plants in window boxes, detailed shutters, steep but inviting stairs, grand columns, hidden courtyards, carriage garage doors, cobblestone streets….a pure pleasure walk!
King Street…..bring your credit card. Unique, high end shopping! Could have stayed there for quite some time. One highlight was The Preservation Society of Charleston…a general store (ish) collection of wonderful gifts, books, jewelry, etc…I wish I had another wedding to gear up for because the shops were full of marvelous dressy options which were hard to pass up but even harder to justify! 🙂
Bottom line. Go to Charleston.
