Re-purposed gas stations

Tiger Lily Florist, 131 Spring St., Charleston, SC 

We have been doing quite well re-purposing vacant gas stations in Charleston lately. This one has been the Tiger Lily florist shop for years. There are articles on new uses for gas stations and lots of google images.

I am taking a break from the sadness of watching television news after this terrible shooting in Orlando. I am so sad for the victims and their families.

Sumter tour & Swan Lake

Sumter, SC   

This weekend's adventure was to Sumter, SC. I had in mind a few weekends ago to get to the annual Iris festival at Swan Lake in Sumter but thinks didn't work out. I believe the entire festival was postponed due to the weather. I thought there might be some blooms left. Sumter was a pleasant surprise with a revitalized downtown area and a lovely opera house. We found an upscale sports bar for lunch and then headed out to Swan Lake.

There were only a few blossoms left on the irises but we did find an impressive number of swans. They boast about having every species of swan represented on the lake and I think we saw them all. The web site lists the different varieties. We also found a Butterfly, Braille and a Chocolate garden representing any plant that had any relation to chocolate. All in all a very successful adventure!

Feeling blue

Hydrangea blossoms, Charleston, SC    

I must plant exactly the number of hydrangeas it will take to have cut flowers all summer. 

They are so beautiful. I need to buy more. 

Charleston fixer-upper

Charleston, SC  

We haven't run out of fixer-uppers yet!

It's Friday, kids. A gentleman told me this afternoon that there were two things that Charlestonian's were never late for - a wake or a cocktail party. Sadly I had the first one, a funeral visitation to go to this evening. One of my our wonderful hospital volunteers passed away. She had nine children and they made the visitation easier for everyone by wearing name tags with their sibling rank clearly marked on it as did their children. They were identified by name and #1, 2, 3 etc. It was brilliant and made it much easier to introduce yourself to the family members. What a grand lady she was and my sympathy is with the large and loving family for their loss this week.

Have a good weekend. I believe I earned mine. My plants are watered, my new air-conditioner is humming along and Netflix and I have settled in for the evening.  My new show is 30 Degrees in February, a Swedish series based in Thailand. 

The end of the road - Ashley Hall Plantation

Ashley Hall Plantation, Charleston, SC   

All I had was my cell phone camera in hand but it didn't turn out too badly. I can't tell you how many times I've driven Ashley Hall Rd. and Ashley Hall Plantation Rd. but I'd never explored to the old gates of the actual plantation. There isn't much to see from the entrance but a fascinating history and possible one of the oldest structures in the lowcountry.

Ashley Hall Plantation, established in the early 1670s, is one of the earliest settlements on the Ashley River. The plantation was established by Stephen Bull, an English settler who arrive in Carolina in 1670. Bull and his descendants (including William Bull and William Bull, Jr.) who lived on the plantation were prominent in such diverse areas as government, science, engineering, agriculture, and military affairs. The Bull family lived at Ashley Hall until 1865, when the plantation house was burned to prevent its destruction by Union forces. The Ashley Hall property contains one of the oldest standing houses in the state (a small ca. 1675 tabby-walled house with a 20th century second story addition), the ruins of the Georgian plantation house (1704) which was burned in 1865, the monument to the second Governor William Bull erected ca. 1791, two prehistoric Indian sites, and two 18th century well sites associated with the plantation. In the 18th century a garden in the Italian style extended from the house to the riverbank. The grounds are much the same as they were originally with open spaces, woods, shrubs, and an unobstructed view of the Ashley River and the city of Charleston beyond. Listed in the National Register June 5, 1975.

There is some discussion by family members on this bulletin board although the links in the entry no longer lead anywhere. Apparently the plantation property is for sale so let's get buying those lottery tickets and bring it back to former glory.

Blank canvas

1st Class Cuts, Spring St., Charleston, SC   

Quick, someone who lives downtown needs to drive/walk down Spring St., take a picture 

and show me what has been done to this tiny barber shop. The murals always made it a 

favorite but the last time I was there it was painted over and a blank canvas. 

I need to know what has been done! 

Changing room on the marsh

Charleston, SC 

What fun to find this bright red British phone booth on a Charleston marsh.

I always think of Superman changing into his outfit in a phone booth. 

Obviously I took the photo yesterday since it is pouring rain today with tropical storm Colin 

passing over. Stay dry kids!

Charleston Farmer's Market

Charleston Farmer's Market, Marion Square, Charleston, SC   

Marion Square is a bustling and vibrant place these days as the Piccolo Spoleto Art show is set up at the same time as the regular Farmer's Market. Singers were singing, dancers were dancing, I bought a white hydrangea and John C. Calhoun took an art walk. I like to take an annual stroll through and drool on all the lovely paintings. It is all timed nicely to coincide with the perfect storm of deliciousness with SC peach season and silver queen corn.

John C. Calhoun goes for an art walk

Charleston Single House - extreme style!

America St., Charleston, SC   

I hope that FedEx delivery isn't too big. It might not fit in the house. 

This tiny, Charleston single house was built in 1991 by David Hammons as part of a Spoleto site specific art project on the East side. The Charleston City Paper has more information on the project. Happily for me the house remains after all these years. 

Porch weather

Old Charleston Jail, Magazine St., Charleston, SC   

Warm and muggy. It's porch weather. 

Is it still called a piazza in Charleston if it is on the back of the old jail? 

The roof even looks like an old witch's hat, doesn't it? 

Boo!

A patriotic show

Belvedere Hotel, Charleston, SC   

I am a day late but loved this picture of the giant flag draped over the porch. The gorgeous building is the Belvedere Hotel on Rutledge Avenue right across from Colonial Lake. The other flags are from the annual Memorial Day tribute on Lockwood Ave. It is a sight to see along the waterfront. 

I have NOT had a relaxing evening after searching for the source of a dripping noise inside my house. Boo hiss. The drip pan from my air-conditioning unit in the attic had overflowed and was dripping through the ceiling. Climbing around hot attics is not my idea of fun. Blah. Charles, my loyal heat and air repairman from Carolina Climate Masters responded to my plea for help and although I still have a wet ceiling I do have air-conditioning again. 

Porgy Houses tour continued.....

Philip Simmons House, 30 Blake St., Charleston, SC   

 I did part two of my tour of the decorated Porgy Houses (part one here) and thought I had them all but I realize I still need to get to 103 Church St. Some of these are in neighborhoods that are outside of my usual walking routes. Tonight is the night they were to live broadcast Porgy & Bess at Marion Square but the weather has been so unpredictable. I hope they are able to hold the event.  

The Porgy Houses are a series of Charleston residencies that have been enhanced by West-African design motifs seen in the final act of the Festival’s Porgy and Bess. The featured homes have been chosen for their significance in African-American history. Each installation is site-specific and seeks to draw attention to their importance in the history of this city.

Phili Simmons House, 30 Blake St., Charleston, SC   

 Philip Simmons Museum & House

30 & 30 ½ Blake Street

built ca. 1890s

193-199 Jackson St., Charleston, SC   

Jackson Street Cottages

193-199 Jackson Street

built ca. 1890

100 Queen St, Charleston, SC

 Home of Nathalie Dupree and Jack Bass

100 Queen St

built ca. 1870

The morning after

Red solo cups, Charleston, SC  

Clear evidence that Charleston is a college town. Red solo cup party!

Teeny, tiny houses of Charleston - Spring St.

Spring St., Charleston, SC   

I had to resist the urge to straighten out this image because this tiny old house on Spring St. isn't straight to begin with. What a fun little cottage.

The rain from tropical storm Bonnie continued today enough to throw off any major long weekend plans. Blah. I actually did some chores, changed my air filter, hung a picture and bought groceries. How boring is that? Luckily the evening ended on a high note with a home cooked Italian dinner with lots of laughter and good friends. 

The Porgy Houses

42 Vanderhorst St., Charleston, SC  

 Dr. Alonzo McClennan House - built ca. 1840 – 1852

The Porgy Houses are a series of Charleston residencies that have been enhanced by West-African design motifs seen in the final act of the Festival’s Porgy and Bess. The featured homes have been chosen for their significance in African-American history. Each installation is site-specific and seeks to draw attention to their importance in the history of this city.

91 Spring St., Charleston, SC   

The DeCosta House - built ca. 1870s

218 St. Philip St., Charleston, SC  

Former Peoples Federation Bank - built ca. 1849

160 Spring St., Charleston, SC   

Thomas Mayhem Pinckney’s Last Residence - built ca. 1840s

Westies are Besties! These are a few of my favorite things.

Murals of Avondale, Charleston, SC   

West Ashley. Is it the name of a place or a description of a location? There has been discussion lately about a meaningful sense of place and management of the rapid growth of the area - west of the Ashley River. I live West Ashley. I walk, I snoop, I revisit favorite spots. I am tickled when I happen upon something new, charming or quirky. This entry visits some of my touchstone spots. I am happy to hear about yours. What do you love about West Ashley?

chART Outdoor Gallery, Avondale, Charleston, SC   

The alley of murals behind the shops of Avondale are on my regular walking route. Lining both sides of the narrow drive the chART Outdoor Gallery & Initiative changes frequently and are worth revisiting often. 

Coburg Cow, Avondale, Charleston, SC   

A rotating cow statue has had a presence on Savannah Highway since the 1920's. We don't even have a Coburg Dairy anymore but the current owners - Borden, agreed to maintain our favorite cow. Our cow has a seasonally updated wardrobe that includes Easter bonnets, festive Spoleto wear, graduation robes and Halloween costumes. When the West Of newsletter awards it's prestigious community award, the trophy is nothing less than a golden cow statue. 

Wood Nymph, Middleton Place, Charleston, SC   

The beloved Wood Nymph statue at Middleton Plantation Gardens was buried in 1865 to save her from marauding Yankee soldiers and survived the Civil War unscathed. She now sits serenely by the Azalea Pool and must be one of the most frequently photographed statues in the country even if that only counts me. I've recently had my eye on this miniature version for sale in their gift shop. 

Birds roosting at Citadel Mall, Charleston, SC  

Every spring flocks of birds swoop in and roost in the wetlands next to Citadel Mall Theater. It is a stunning sight. They don't stay long but make a big impression when they are here. Luckily I go to the movies often enough to usually catch them during their visit. 

The Adventure, Charles Towne Landing, Charleston, SC   

The good ship ADVENTURE is a reproduction of a 17th century coastal trader cargo vessel that would have carried supplies, provisions and livestock between what was then New Amsterdam (now New York) and Barbados in the West Indies. I stop by to say hello every time I visit Charles Towne Landing. 

Ivy covered doors, Meditation Garden, Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital

I may be biased because it is my work location but this is a beautiful and peaceful spot. The doors set under the grand oaks are almost completely overgrown with ivy now. 

Burial spot inside an ancient oak, Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, SC 

When the former owner of Magnolia Gardens John Drayton Hastie passed away he was cremated and his remains were put in a box that was tucked inside the trunk of the ancient oak tree. As the tree grows is it gradually covering the opening and sealing him inside the tree. 

Ms. Rose's Wall of China, Charleston, SC   

I came back to make an addition and may add more! This could turn into a Best of the West entry. When Ms. Rose's restaurant was built they used all the old china and silverware from the previous restaurant to design a wall in the back of the dining area. It is wonderful! I call it Ms. Rose's Fine Wall of China. Order your dinner and then pay a visit to the Wall of China. 

These are some of my favorite West Ashley places and things. What are yours?