Charleston Photo: The Beach at Botany Bay…

Have you been to Botany Bay (near Edisto, SC)? I could not believe that we just made it there a few weeks ago, and I’ve lived here over twenty years! We will be going back!

The beach is so dramatic… you park your car and walk out on a boardwalk to the beach. You cannot take the shells ($470 fine) and you don’t want to take the shells. The unspoiled beach is just too pretty to change a single thing!

So if you’re looking for a road trip… hightail it to Botany Bay!

Back to regular posting tomorrow!

House Plan Thursday… Southern Living – Tideland Haven SL-1375

Southern Living House plan 1375, also known as Tideland Haven… it’s a beauty isn’t it? This is an exclusive design by Historical Concepts for Southern Living. We know someone who built this house, and its a beauty! Nestled along the marsh it truly is the perfect plan for that setting. If you note, there is a fireplace inside as well as outside, and that porch… WHOA! A large unscreened porch and another screened porch. You just can’t beat it! I think if I were building this house I would flip flop the dining room and kitchen… Only because I love my kitchen sink in front of the window for all the times I am eating brownies washing dishes! Although, on second thought maybe I wouldn’t flip flop it, because then I could see the TV, which would be really nice when baking and making dinner! Either way, this is a nice open design, with the perfect amount of porches, both screened and unscreened. Now THIS is living!

Would you like to see more photos of this house? Click HERE, then click on the small photos in the lineup to see the images. I love how they put boards horizontally on the walls.  (Be sure to look at the “real” images… they are amazing)! This post has been updated 6/4/13 to include an image of the porch with wire instead of wooden spindles…

How fabulous is this?? One more thing I would do… friends of ours opted for horizontal wire on the porches so that your view is unobstructed. I like that so much better than spindles which limit your view. I guess if I had small children I might prefer spindles, but Fred, Charlie (dog) and I would go for the wire…

These are the spindles I like… wire… photo below from a friend, Joe H. – thanks Joe!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[Images via Southern Living]

Featured Artist… Jeffrey T. Larson!

Grace & Mercy by Jeffrey T. Larson – [Image]

Isn’t this fabulous? You can just feel that sun beating down, can’t you? The light is fabulous! I love how you can see the shadow of her figure through the sheet. Jeff is a more detail oriented artist with some very nice and unique paintings! I see that Jeff also shows at Helena Fox Fine Art gallery here in Charleston, SC – small world!

Here’s a blip about Jeff from his website:

Jeffrey T. Larson was born in 1962 in Two Harbors, Minnesota and grew up in the Twin Cities. Jeffrey has been trained in the manner of the Old Masters at the prestigious Atelier Lack, a studio/school whose traditions and training methods reach back through impressionism and the 19th centuries French academies. He followed his four-year formal training with museum study in the United States and abroad. 

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Beach at Botany Bay…

Fred and I headed to Botany Bay (Edisto, SC).For those of you who haven’t been… I would add it to my list of places to see… it is preserved land that is full of wildlife, beautiful birds, deer, (snakes, spiders and alligators as well)… It’s like going back in time. I cannot believe we just made our first trip there… it certainly won’t be our last! We opened the back of my car, sat on the bumper and ate sandwiches, listening to the sounds… the birds, the wind blowing the trees… it was heaven!

A peaceful photo from the beach. I could have stayed there all day…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

French Quarter Art Walk tonight – Charleston SC… and a very special birthday!

This is a busy day! Lots to do and to let you know about! Today is the French Quarter Art Walk  from 5-8 PM, visit the local galleries, view the gorgeous art, take in the sights, and maybe even have a snack or two! The art walk is free and open to the public. It’s a great time for both locals and visitors. Peruse the streets of Charleston, walk from gallery to gallery… you might even see a demo! (Click HERE for a map of participating galleries and their locations)! Here is just a small sampling of what you’re in for tonight…

Vineyard II by Gene Costanza

A reminder that M Gallery of Fine Art has moved to 125 Meeting Street, Charleston – a beautiful gallery with so many fabulous artists! I hear Gene Costanza will be giving a demo on Friday night during the art walk. I certainly wouldn’t want to miss it! What an opportunity! I am so grateful to those galleries who take the time to have artists set up and painting, it truly is a thrill, especially when it’s a high caliber artist like Gene! This May Gene Costanza will be conducting a workshop in Charleston. Contact M Gallery for more information.

Oysters al Fresco a collaboration by Mark Kelvin Horton and Shannon Runquist

Be sure to stop by Horton Hayes Fine Art! Besides all the fabulous art to see, check out this painting that is being auctioned off. A beautiful gallery, nice people, what more can you ask for?

From the Horton Hayes website:

Stop in to see the many new works on display including the official Dining with Friends painting, Oysters al Fresco, a collaborative work by Mark Kelvin Horton and Shannon Runquist. This piece is for sale by silent auction at Horton Hayes Fine Art and proceeds from the sale will benefit Lowcountry Aids Services. The auction will be open for bids through Saturday, May 4th.

I Hear The Music by Robert Lange

Robert Lange’s latest show AFFIRMATION will be hanging at Robert Lange Studios, and oh what a show it will be! Stop in and check it out! What an imagination he’s got!

Passing Cold Front by Betty Anglin Smith

Betty Anglin Smith is also having her show, PRESERVATION, at the Smith Killian Fine Art gallery this evening. Be sure to stop in and say hello!

~ ~ ~

On another note… today is a very special someone’s birthday…

H A P P Y  B I R T H D A Y  C A R L I S L E ! (Fred’s dad!)

We hope this is your best birthday ever! Love you so much!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image Credits:

Vineyard II by Gene Costanza – M Gallery of Fine Art

Oysters al Fresco a collaboration by Mark Kelvin Horton and Shannon Runquist -  Horton Hayes Fine Art

I Hear The Music by Robert Lange – Robert Lange Studios

Passing Cold Front by Betty Anglin Smith  - Smith Killian Fine Art

 

Bowens Island Seafood Restaurant Menu – April 2013

Well, I snapped three photos with my phone and for some reason I only got half the menu… Luckily I also snapped a photo of the hanging menu… This is the latest menu, as of April 2013. A group of us headed to Bowens Island awaiting a delicious fried shrimp dinner and that’s exactly what we got. Too. Good. To. Be. True. If you are in Charleston, Bowens Island is a must see… bring your camera if its around sunset. You won’t believe how beautiful it is! Not a dressy place, but the best tasting shrimp on the planet!

*Please note: the restaurant is CLOSED ON SUNDAY and MONDAY! Hours are 5-10PM Tuesday – Saturday!

Oh have I ever gotten myself hungry… sigh!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Why are these snakes on the boat??

We were at Shem Creek, walking around the docks when I spotted this sailboat that had snakes that appeared to be sunbathing… I counted four or five. Eyeeew! One was red, one was blue, the other seemed more realistic. I assume they were fake… why? Keep people away? Keep birds away? Who knows why you put snakes on the boat? Please let us know!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, TOMORROW (Sunday), April 28, 2013!

The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival is happening this coming Sunday (April 28, 2013), so if you’re in the area, you may want to check it out! Admission and parking is free (can’t beat that!), so pop on over. It’s located at the Memorial Waterfront Park at the base of the bridge!

Read about the Blessing of the Fleet from the Town of Mount Pleasant website:

2013 Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival

Sunday, April 28

The Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival began in 1987 to support and honor local shrimpers. Overlooking beautiful Charleston Harbor in the picturesque Memorial Waterfront Park, the festival has evolved into one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for seafood lovers. Participants are treated to a boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, savory seafood samplings sold by some of Mount Pleasant’s favorite restaurants, live music, an arts/crafts show, shag dancing and shrimp-eating contests, and family-friendly activities. Free admission & parking! Food and event memorabilia is available for purchase. Fleet Week includes a host of other events that occur in the week leading up to the Blessing.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Dan Graziano!

There is a great little restaurant in town called Fast and French… they also go by Gaulart & Maliclet French Café (and G&M for those of us who can’t pronounce it). It’s a favorite by locals and tourists alike. It’s tucked away on Broad Street and the food is as fabulous as the atmosphere. If you’ve been there before you will recognize this painting done by artist Dan Graziano. He captured it perfectly! (Something to peruse… Fast & French’s MENU)!

While Dan was in Charleston he painted some fabulous paintings. Dan is represented by the Sylvan Gallery… pop in, say hello and take a look! So many fabulous paintings… I’m just going to tease you with one! If you don’t live in the area (darn it!) check out the SYLVAN GALLERY website!

Here’s a blip about Dan from his website:

Dan Graziano’s artistic vision began taking shape in the 60′s, during America’s explosive political, cultural and artistic awakening.  His first formal training focused on advertising and illustration, but a career opportunity in architecture and urban planning altered his original direction.

When he returned to painting, he was drawn to the rich complexity of the urban landscape – inspired by Edward Hopper and other urbanist painters. As an accomplished blues guitarist (his other great passion), he found the city streets, time worn buildings and multiple layers of decay and repair a visual parallel to the spirit and culture of the music.

During a brief residency on the East Coast, his paintings quickly evolved from inner city streets to expanses of fields, farm houses and other pastoral and “Americana” subjects. It was here that he began showing his work in galleries and juried events while deepening his involvement in plein air painting. He continued his art education through workshops with Ken Auster, Randall Sexton and Tim Horn.

He now makes Castine, Maine his home – capturing rugged coastlines, historic villages and picturesque landscapes from New England to the low country of South Carolina.

“I paint the places and environments I find interesting in my everyday life. I look for unique compositions which involve dramatic contrasts of light, shadow and perspective. I continue to be intrigued by the urban landscapes of inner cities – their active streets, time worn buildings and multiple layers of decay, renewal and adaptation – that proudly display the effects of age and use, which I see as testaments to strength, character and authenticity in contrast with modern society’s demand for newness, imitation, disposability and easy duplication. I am also drawn to the unique natural beauty of New England, encompassing its historic towns, picturesque harbors and enduring maritime legacy.  My work is influenced by the American realists such as Eakins, Sargent, Hopper and the three generations of Wyeths”.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Poe’s Tavern – Sullivan’s Island, SC!

Sullivan’s Island, SC. One of the most beautiful places on earth. It has that “back in time” feeling. I would like to retire and live there (wouldn’t everyone)… beautiful homes, cool businesses, and of course, the ocean! Tucked in the small area of “town” is this wonderful restaurant that’s been around for about ten years now… it’s called POE’S TAVERN. Everything on the menu has an Edgar Allen Poe name to it, it’s so creative. The t-shirts are cool too, so if you make it there, check them out! Fabulous burgers and pretty much everything else! It’s fun to eat outside or in. It’s a happening place!

I know what you’re thinking… WHERE’S THE MENU?? Right HERE my friends… check it out!

Read a bit about Poe’s from their website:

Named in honor of Edgar Allan Poe, we’re best known for great burgers and drinks.

Much like his work, the life of Edgar Allan Poe was short, tragic and shrouded in mystery. Best known as the author of the popular poem “The Raven”, Poe is credited with creating the detective and horror story genres. After a brief stint at the University of Virginia, Poe enlisted in the army under the pseudonym Edgar Allan Perry and was stationed at Fort Moultrie at the western end of Sullivan’s Island for thirteen months beginning November 18,1827. His time on the island inspired “The Gold Bug”, a story about a mystical beetle that led to buried treasure. He died alone, impoverished and inebriated at the age of 40 amid conflicting accounts of his demise,  yet left an indelible legacy on American literature.

Catch you back here tomorrow!