On October 28th we finally set out on our trip to South Carolina to see Wes and Page tie the knot! Much planning went into this trip since this would be our first time to be so far away from Addison. Knowing that she was in such specials hands, Marcy’s mother “Honey”, we were very excited about the trip and a little down time.
South Carolina was spectacular and very relaxing. We started our trip by flying into Charleston to meet up with our Amarillo friends Seth and Lindsay Soloman who are great vacation buddies. We were amazed to learn that two more friends were on our plan headed for Charleston. Chet and Dancy Creel were the last ones to board the plane from Houston to Charleston and while everyone was thinking man would these people just sit down so we could take off my lovely wife took her sweet time hugging and setting up dinner plans once we landed.
Once we landed the Solomon’s picked us up in a very stylish midsized SUV. Seth has never been the one to splurge (insert joke about how he is so tight he squeaks when he walks), but we were very thankful that we had (a) transportation and (b) tour guides since they had already spent a day in town. We got to our room and quickly headed for dinner at High Cotton but not before having a pre-dinner cocktail at S.N.O.B. We then met up with our crew of 6 for the night. High Cotton was really a nice meal with outstanding service and even better conversation. After a good long meal we hit the town first stopping at a bar with no name yet referred to as “The Speak Easy”. Clever to say the least, there was no sign but only a red light above a door and someone to lead you up the stairs and secure your seats since it only allowed 20 people in the apartment that was converted into a small bar. With only 1 bartender and no other wait staff they specialized in custom vintage cocktails made to order. Next stop was The Gin Joint which chose not to serve any vodka, yet focus on pre-prohibition drinks. Our last stop of the night would require a makeshift map and a few wrong turns that eventually led us to Club Habana another unique lounge that is located above a cigar shop. The girls sat in the lounge area and chatted while the men sat at the bar and smoked cigars while telling some tall tales.
The next morning the Solomon’s and Chet chose to get up bright and early to visit Fort Sumter while Marcy, Dancey, and I chose to seek out biscuits and grits. While we were at breakfast we noticed that the table next to us sat Susan Sarandon. We later learned that she was in Charleston for her daughter’s wedding, not just to have brunch with us. After we stopped freaking out about being so close to a “famous movie star” we made our way over to East Bay Street and took a nice long walk past the colorful homes of Rainbow Row to gawk at the beauty of the pristine architecture. You just felt like there was history down every alley and around every corner.
We then all met up with our history buffs to have a drink and set our plans for the afternoon. The decision was made that the trip to Charleston would not be complete without an official carriage ride around town.
Who says facebook is a waste of time! As I checked the dreary updates from our friends in the chilly and icy Lubbock I noticed that Amanda “checked in” at downtown Charleston. So the plan was set in motion to have Amanda meet up and join us on our guided carriage ride. Riding through the narrow streets and hearing about the history of the war, architecture, and interesting people who built the town.
After our carriage ride we set out for Litchfield, SC. Once we arrived we headed over to a party. My first oyster roast was really a fun experience. A good family friend of the Hamilton’s family invited people over to the “Roast on the Coast” where there were tons of oyster to shuck, shrimp and grits, crab cakes, shrimp and grits, tiny ham on tiny biscuits, shrimp and grits. Did I mention the shrimp and grits? Well that was the highlight of the night for me along with the ham and biscuit bites.
The next day Chet locked his keys in the trunk of the rental car and Marcy backed the Cooper’s rental car into the garage busting the tail light. The beginning of the day was kinda weird, but things were back on track with an early lunch at The Fish House.
Later in the afternoon we took a dip in the heated pool and did a little jacuzzi time before the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal was nice and then we headed off to yet another great place to eat for the rehearsal dinner at Frank’s Outback which is an extremely nice steak and seafood restaurant. The guests were ushered through the kitchen to a private dining room where we ate and drank. We had more delicious food and we really enjoyed hearing the toasts to the bride and groom.
Saturday began with an early tee time at the Caledonia Golf Course. Tennessee, Chet, Joe and I all played/hacked around. Soon after the golf and a quick lunch we hurried off to get our tuxedos on and be at the church.
Our weekend ended with the big wedding festivities. Their wedding was held at a beautiful church with the reception following at the LItchfield Country Club. We had a great time laughing with friends and dancing to the live band. We are so excited for Wes and Paige and are glad that we were able to be a part of their big day.
Although we were sad that our South Carolina vacation had to come to an end, we were ready come home to this face!
Amen and pass the butter,
Clay
That truck looks like Mater.
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