The World at Your Feet: Oh Rhett! A Southern Belle for a Day in Charming Charleston

I had just one afternoon to spend in Charleston this week so I chose to simply stroll. I did not mind that it was foggy and damp, I was in Charleston, and loving every Southern second.

There are some cities that are meant to be taken in morsels and this certainly is one. Nothing should move quickly here and manners and good taste are found in abundance. Real Gentlemen open doors for you and you are welcomed with warmth wherever you go.

Without the luxury of a lot of time I found myself meandering up and down tree lined streets, peering into glorious gardens and gracious courtyards that even in November invite you to come and sit a spell.

I poked through galleries and shops, all just beginning to be adorned and bedecked with Holiday flair, and was treated to a perfect Charleston lunch.

So much of this historic city has never changed-given some cosmetics and a post-earthquake face lift here and there. Hollywood comes here often when they want an authentic scene without the need to build a set...simply close off to traffic and plant a hoop skirted belle over the fire hydrants to hide any signs of the modern ways and you could easily be in 18th century Charleston.

If you have just have time for a brief encounter with Charleston don't rush through it! Know that you will come back to visit so just wander. Take a carriage ride around the historic district-hokey I know but in an hours time you can get a feel for the neighborhoods, peek over iron gates and pick up some fun info along the way...Visit Palmetto Carriage Works

Do a little antique hunting on perhaps the best street for it Kings Street.

For more history stop in at the Shops of Historic Charleston, the lovely gift shop of the Historic Charleston Society the not for profit organization that works to maintain the historic and cultural integrity of Charleston. Another shop that is filled with Charleston info and history is the Preservation Society Gift Shop on the corner of King and Queen.

Maybe treat yourself to a nice bauble at Nice Ice! or stop by Ben Silver to pick up a tie for the Cary Grant in your life-all of Cary's ties came from there!

Pop into the Old City Market...amidst the T shirts and Made in China souvenirs are some lovely Charleston made treasures to be found including Palmetto baskets and yummy goodies too!

Ready for lunch?? Don't miss 82 Queen featuring Low Country fare served in one of nine dining rooms in buildings from the 18th and 19th century that surround a grand old dame of a magnolia tree -or if the weather cooperates have lunch in the open courtyard under that tree.

...Or maybe like me you just want to House Hunt....