Apr 8, 2012

I started the day off with a run around the somewhat abandoned industrial area where the hotel was located. It was a nice run, but it started getting warm quickly. After a bit more working out and a shower we headed downtown in Kate's dad's convertible and saw the sights of Charleston. It seemed like a really nice town.

For lunch we made the long, slow drive to one of the outer islands and met the rest of her family at Rita's, a restaurant and bar right near the water. The chef is part of the family, hence the reason we went. The food was good and it was nice to have a beer and relax for a while.

After we got back from lunch Kate and I went back downtown by ourselves and walked around to check out some of the places we saw. It's a really nice city to walk. There was a street fair going on so we could walk on the street without worrying about traffic.

We were told to check out the market, where I saw the work of some really great photographers, but otherwise it just seemed like a glorified flea market; overcrowded and filled with souvenirs.

We had seen Southend Brewery go by a few times as we were driving so we stopped in while we were nearby and did a sampler. They had some really good stuff, including an unfiltered blonde ale with ginger and lemongrass. I really liked that one.

After a bit more walking around along the shore we headed back to the car. My overall impression of Charleston is much like that of so many other cities I've visited: I wouldn't mind coming back, but I wouldn't want to live there.

When we returned it was late and it was decided to go across the street to Buffalo Wild Wings for a small dinner. I had the fish tacos, which were really great with the Jamaican Jerk sauce, and a Duck Rabbit milk stout. All in all, quite a good day.. don't let my face fool you.

Apr 7, 2012

Kate wasn't feeling well when we packed up to leave at midnight so we put off leaving until the morning. We took 95 South the whole way. The drive was pretty enjoyable overall. It's been quite some time since I've been south of D.C. on 95. Kate slept in the back most of the time trying to feel better.

We made one stop at The Mash House in North Carolina for lunch and to sample their beers. I love the presentation and there was no shortage of delicious beers on this flight. The red and brown were my favorites and the peach blonde ale was amazing.

Once we finally reached Charleston we met Kate's dad at the hotel and put our stuff down before heading out to Red Lobster. It was only somewhat uncomfortable with the hungry family that had been waiting for us to arrive and then Kate dropped her phone in water. After dinner, Jocelyn, who I hadn't seen since high school, picked us up and took us out to Charleston Beer Works downtown. We had a fun time as I sampled beers and we caught up.

After a couple of hours out we had to head back to the hotel. It was a good day and nice catching up with an old friend.