Charleston, SC; Red and Blue and So Ae You!

In late April of 2006, we took a trip to Charleston, SC with two other couples in what was originally conceived as a way to enjoy open dialogue among friends with varying viewpoints on life, politics, religion, and the war in Iraq. Oooh, what FUN!! By agreeing in advance to discuss those subjects that are virtually verbotten in social settings, it's amazing we're smiling at all!! (Alcohol really is underrated!)
This is a great place to start your trip as it's fun, lively, and the perfect jumping off point to get your Charleston trip off to a rousing start. However, make sure you get there early in the evening because once the sun sets it's nearly impossible to get a seat and due to crowd issues, entry to this rooftop hotspot are strictly controlled with a line forming on the sidewalk out front.

Atop the Market Pavillion Hotel in Downtown Charleston, the first gathering of the minds gathers to relax, enjoy a few drinks, and determine what our next steps are to be that weekend. From left to right are Brad and Michelle Demsky of Hampton, NJ, Frank and Carolyn Jelnicky of Palm Harbor, FL, and John and Mandy Snow, of W. Columbia, SC..

The rooftop bar at the Market Pavillion has some of the best views of the city and we were able to spot a docking cruise ship in the nearby Charleston Harbor.


Despite the cloudy weather and sporadic rain here and there it was a great weekend.



We felt one of the best ways to see some of the city and learn it's history would be with a walking tour, which we were able to do with the only proviso that the tour end near a PUB! And yes, the mission was accomplished.

Our tour guide was a great lecturer with a southern twng and an effable way about him that gave the morning an historical aire.

Much of the tour focused on the history and architecture of the city, as pictured here.
The photo at left was simply the front door of a home in the heart of one of the downtown side streets and has since become my desktop screensaver image.
Carolyn listens intently to our guide before a statue of George Washington in a park near King St

Continued traipsing afforded us to view more of the city's sights.











Charleston boasts some of the best knockers in the United States!

After a great breakfast of Crocodile Bits and southern style grits and gravy, we left for the final morning at the Lodge Valley Inn. The Lodge Valley Inn is an old style hotel on Market St., close to the water and near just about everything!
The inaugural Red and Blue and So are You Gang heads off to the airport a little more full, quite a bit groggier, but anxious enough to do it again next year. However, Michele Demsky's announced PREGNANCY during our trip was the highlight of the whole weekend!