Swamp Walking - Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation & Garden, Charleston, SC 

I believe everyone in South Carolina has been inside on this lovely afternoon happily watching basketball. I think I can hear cheering from Columbia all the way in Charleston :).

The recent cold spell damaged the usual dramatic azalea show but something is always blooming at Magnolia Plantation. I walked through with friends this morning and for the first time took the nature boat ride through the old rice paddies. Years ago we used to canoe through that thick gator soup. Yikes.

We walked the floral garden and did a quick stroll through the Audubon swamp walk where the rookery is coming to life and the tree branches are turning into over populated egret and heron nesting apartment complexes full of happy chaos.

My friend Rosie's weekend guest was on break from nursing in a maternity hospital in Uganda joined us and I had a great time listening to all of her stories. My companions were both religious Sisters so I believe I can safely skip church again this week. Heheh.

We capped off the morning by making it to Angel Oak restaurant for a late brunch and polished off hot beignets as an appetizer. It's a tiny place but I have enjoyed every meal I've had there.

Rockville, SC

Rockville, SC

The village of Rockville, SC was peaceful and quiet except for the chirping of so many birds that it could have been a bird sanctuary. We had intended to do a longer road trip but the threat of rain led us to licking powdered beignet sugar off our fingertips at Angel Oak restaurant (crowded! delicious!) and replanning our afternoon. Rockville!

Rockville, one of Charleston County’s oldest surviving summer resorts (ca. 1824), is important architecturally, agriculturally, militarily and in the areas of transportation and recreation. This summer community’s serene, slow-moving, lifestyle is reflected in its architecture and landscape. Although houses vary in size and degree of architectural importance, nearly all have spacious porches, raised foundations, and large central hallways designed for summer comfort and relaxation. The buildings within Rockville’s Historic District have obvious visual unity. All are well ventilated to take full advantage of sea breezes. Several houses appear to have been year-round residences with architecture adapted for cold weather but still well-ventilated for summer use. The district also includes two churches. Live oaks draped with Spanish moss and palmettos dominate the landscape and add to the quaint atmosphere of the community. Listed in the National Register June 13, 1972.

Teeny, tiny houses of the lowcountry

Elloree, S.C.

This teeny, tiny cabin is for sale! Sold "as is" so take your time. This one is in Elloree, S.C.

In other news, I enjoyed nibbling my way through the appetizer menu at Angel Oak Restaurant out on Highway 17 North. It is another tiny little cinderblock building but so charming inside and everything was delicious. 

Angel Oak Restaurant

Angel Oak Restaurant, Charleston, S.C.

It's hard to keep up with the new restaurants opening around Charleston and I've had my eye on Angel Oak for a while. I used to love Mias that was in this same location a few years ago so I was hopping the latest re-incarnation would do the spot justice.

I met friends at the cozy little restaurant out Savannah Highway just beyond Main Road for an early after work dinner and I'm happy to report that we were all pleased with our dinners. The appetizer had a macaroni and cheese mixture baked over barbeque - yum. Our table tried the planked salmon, stuffed ravioli and braised short ribs (me!). I am a sucker for anything braised. Mmmmm. By the time we left the place was packed. I don't think they are going to have any problems.