Windows and Doors of the South

I went on vacation and all I came back with was a bunch of pictures of windows and doors! Oh - and of course - a few dishes! 

 My husband and I took a small tour of the South last week.  We had a wonderful time visiting Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.  These are two places I have also ways wanted to explore.

I really enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful homes.  Unfortunately it was raining most of the time we were in Savannah.  But this just seemed to add to the romance and kind of mystique that the historical section of Savannah holds.  

Speaking of mystique - this is the Mercer House, home to the famed Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.  Which of course- we have never read and are now anxious to read the book first, then watch the movie.   ( sorry for the blurry spot - I think it was a rain drop,  but with all of the ghost stories in this town- you just never know!)

Did someone say ghosts!! We chose The Gastonian Bed and Breakfast to stay in because it was the only one in the group of highly rated Bed and Breakfast Inn's that was not listed as haunted!

I loved this little telephone booth we came upon while wondering the area. While we did take a trolley tour of the area the first morning,  it was easy to walk to many nice restaurants, gardens and historical sights.

Just stumbling upon some beautiful sights like this is fountain Forsythe Park was fun.

After two pleasant nights at the Bed and Breakfast - we packed our bags and headed for Charleston South Carolina.

I found Charleston so charming and much brighter - of course it  helped that the sun was shining when we got there!  But the pastel colored houses, palm trees and beautiful flower boxes everywhere made it more seem more cheerful and friendly.

 We stayed at the DoubleTree Hotel which was right down by the Historic district and right across the street from all of the horse and buggy tours.  So of course we took a horse and buggy tour!  I enjoyed our tour guide because he was in the process of getting his realtor license and was giving us the low down on how much these beautiful historic mansions were worth years ago and how much they are going for today.

This happens to be the Calhoun Mansion - the largest private residence in Charleston, although they do have parts of the house open for tours.

We enjoyed walking through the charming streets in the Historic district.

Can you tell I am obsessed with widow boxes?!

We also took tours of the Magnolia Plantation and Drayton Hall Plantation.

I was a bit disappointed in Magnolia Plantation, but I have to remember that we were there too late to see everything blooming.  So I took a picture of the peacock!  

I did get a nice photo of Drayton Hall, which is the only plantation house in the area to survive both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

We were able to fit quite a bit in and yet still feel relaxed on this vacation.  Both cities were pleasant to just stroll around and explore at our own pace,  Lots to see and experience.  It was a wonderful and enlightening vacation!

I hope you get a chance to experience something new this summer.

Thanks for stopping by!

I am linking up to:

Oh the Places I've been! @ The Tablescaper