Road Trip!

So Adam’s Fridays off were coming to an end and the school year was drawing nearer, so we decided to make the most of his last 3 day weekend! We ended up deciding to take a mini-road trip to Charleston. We were only going to stay one night, so we left pretty early Friday morning. However, after waking up on Saturday, we decided to stay another night- and we are all so glad we did- we had the best little family trip.



Our first stop on the road trip was the Charleston Tea Plantation. I figured, as much as our family loves tea, well, it would be fun. It’s the only tea plantation in North America. The next closest one is about 5,000 miles away. Its free to walk through the factory and watch a video that shows you how different teas are made and you can pay $10 a person to ride the trolley that takes you through the fields. We ended up doing both, but while we were waiting on the factory tour to begin we were able to sample different teas that had been harvested right there. Including the ‘First Flush’ which is defined as ‘the growth of new leaves on the tea plants in the spring time after a winter of rest. Their "first flush" of new growth is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers deem to be the most unique, fresh, and amazing cup of tea.’ And it was different and good. I actually bought a little tin of it to make at home.

Did you know?: Fun fact of the day, Green, Oolong, and Black teas are all made from the same plant, there aren’t separate plants for separate teas, its all in their post harvesting treatment that makes the difference- really it’s the time of oxidation that differentiates each one from the other. Just thought you would like to know.



Ava was so excited to go on the trolley (and of course it was free for her…and Gracie).



They took us to visit their greenhouse and then through the fields, some had already been harvested. They only harvest the top 6 inches, or the new growth, so it looks like a field of shrubs all the time. Apparently it takes special knowledge to be able to blend the tea plants, even though they are all the same the tea taster has to know what leaves to use from what field. Interesting.



On the way out Adam spotted a Golden Eagle sitting on the rope, it let us get quite close to it and didn’t really pay us much attention- I think it was more interested in looking for food.



After the tea plantation, which is about 30 minutes from Charleston on Johns Island, we headed right up the road and stopped at the Angle Oak tree.

The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be in excess of 400-500 years old, stands 66.5 ft tall, measures 28 ft in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet. From tip to tip Its longest branch distance is 187 ft. The Angel Oak Tree is thought to be one of the oldest living things in the country.

There are signs everywhere warning people not to walk under the tree with heels on, not to stand on the roots, and not to climb over or sit on the branches- they are doing their best to preserve the tree. It really was a sight- a huge canopy of limbs and leaves.



After leaving the Angel Oak we finally made it to our hotel! Ava was so excited about staying in a hotel. We checked in a freshened up a bit before heading to eat a late lunch.



Right down the road was Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ, which Southern Living rated on of the best BBQ eats- next to our favorite- Southern Soul, so we thought we would try it.



It was good, but we both agreed it wasn’t any better than Southern Soul- Adam said we would rate them about the same and Southern Soul is closer- so it wins



With our bellies full we headed to the historic district of Charleston to take a carriage ride tour through the city. Ava was excited since it was a horse and carriage, but…



The excitement was too much to handle. Thank goodness the guy let Ava ride for free since this is what she did the entire length of the tour….



There is so much history in Charleston it was hard to digest everything in the hour long tour. I’m sure Adam remember so much more than I did, but I enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful homes and even if I don’t remember a single thing- I was able to see some pretty houses!



Looking back at these pictures from the tour, I’m certain there was a reason I took them- but I can’t for the life of me, remember what it might be. I’ve asked Adam, maybe he will remember- if not- well, just enjoy some houses in Charleston! haha!



After the tour we walked and walked and walked around Charleston. We eventually made it down to the waterfront and the pineapple fountain.



Apparently in Charleston kids don’t swim in pools, they play in fountains! We walked past one fountain and I think every kid in the city was playing in the water. Ava really wanted to play in the water (of course) so we let her take her shoes off and play for a few minutes.



 



We drove over to Mount Pleasant (across the bridge) that evening to check things out and stopped at Fort Moultrie and watched the sun go down. It was a great family day together and there was still a lot more fun to be had!