Come With Me To Charleston ~ part 2

Charleston is loaded with both charm and a sense of mystery.

There were many secret alleyways.  My romantic imagination had fun creating possible scenarios that might have taken place down these quiet corridors.

How many styles of shoes have stepped upon these cobblestones?  

How many full length skirts swished by on their way to the evening's entertainment?

We came upon this church on Sunday evening while strolling down Church Street.  

The wreaths adorning the wrought iron gate caught my eye.  

Upon closer inspection, I was amazed to realize that the flowers were real.

This gorgeous touch was completely foreign to me. 
It was not unheard of to have snow at Easter where I grew up.

The floral cross was also made of fresh, fragrant flowers.  Simply stunning in person.

Behind this church was an old graveyard.  We toured as respectfully as possible while oohing and ahhing at the impossibly old burial dates on the weather-worn headstones.

It was especially moving to hear the steeple bells toll while we were in the cemetery.  If you want to hear them too click here ~ St. Philip's church.

As I stood silently reading the names of these dearly departed souls, I realized that 200 or more years ago, this person's mourning family and friends must have stood exactly where I stood, their tears falling upon this same earth and stone.  

It almost felt like walking upon the set of a Halloween movie scene.

Rather than a ghostly eerieness, there was a prevailing sense of peace and tranquilty here.

Unfortunately, the history of this city is not complete without remembering that slave-based agriculture brought a great deal of wealth to the landowners of the time.

Tomorrow, in part 3, I will take you on a tour of a 65 acre plantation we toured on a particularly steamy southern afternoon in April.  

If you want to see part 1 of my tour through Charleston click here ~ 

Come With Me To Charleston ~ part 1.