getting to know the usa: greenville, south carolina

Courthouse Square in
downtown Greenville.

On my first visit to the Carolinas in the earlier part of Summer, I tagged along on my husband's business trip to Greenville. It was such an ordeal to get there, however. I had to fly in to Charlotte, North Carolina then drive about two hours to Greenville, South Carolina. 

On my way to Charlotte, while connecting through Washington, DC, United Airlines canceled my flight due to "weather." When I finally arrived in Charlotte - a day later and 16 hours after my original arrival time - I was convinced that Greenville would suck.  Well, I was wrong.  The town and the people were so lovely that I would like to think I made some pretty good friends.

Wikipedia states that Greenville in South Carolina has a population of just over 60,000.  Although it is a small city, it definitely had that small town feel.  Sure, the main street had big national brand stores and it appeared to have a robust performing arts scene.  But, when I visited, I met quite a few people who I then randomly met again on its Main Street.  Plus, the folks I met were so friendly -- I didn't get that feeling of distrust, distance and/or cynicism I often felt in other cities.  In fact, I stayed at a very comfortable and nice guesthouse that had an outdoor television on the deck that would have disappeared within 5 minutes of the setting sun in other cities.  When I met the proprietors of two Greenville restaurants - Larkin's (a fine dining steakhouse) and Grill Marks (a casual burger and milk shake joint) - they happily shared the amusing story of how the Grill Marks site used to be a bordello. Greenville was just that kind of place -- lots of friendly and honest people with plenty of amusing stories to tell if you engage them in conversation, a main street where one could find most anything, and a place with enough things to do to fill up a leisurely and stress-free weekend getaway.

So, if you want to get to know Greenville, and I really suggest you should, I recommend the following:

getting to know the usa: charleston, south carolina

Charleston in the Summer.

Getting to know Charleston, South Carolina has been a very educational experience.  After all, it was one of thirteen colonies to declare its independence from Great Britain, the first shots in the American Civil War were fired from an island near this fair city, and it was the largest market for slave traders.  There's also lots of pirate history, including a visit by the infamous Blackbeard.  So, this mini-guide includes my favorite sights where you can learn all sorts of things relating to American history.

Additionally (and perhaps, more importantly), in getting to know Charleston, I learned that Charleston has got some good eating! Hurrah!

Without, further ado, these are the things you need to know when visiting Charles Towne - whoops! I mean Charleston (see what I did there? I engaged in some colonial humour).

restaurant review: husk (charleston, south carolina)

On a recent trip to Charleston, South Carolina, the hubby and I drank and dined at Husk Restaurant.  He's eaten there before but, it was my first time.  He's hyped it to me so much I felt certain it was going to suck.  Well, it didn't. We had an enjoyable evening and, while one dish had a flaw, most everything we ate were tasty.  Husk locally sourced all the ingredients (they proudly listed the farms from which all the food came from on a chalkboard near the entrance), which I think made the quality of food so high. I am convinced I gained five pounds after the meal because we ate so much food.  I listed everything we ate below.  You've been warned.

Bread and butter.

restaurant review: mccrady's (charleston, south carolina)

The McCrady's facade.

When I put it out there on social media that I was planning to go to Charleston, South Carolina, the interwebs said I ought to try McCrady's Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant in the historic old town.  It prides itself in sourcing ingredients from local farmers, and lists those sources on the menu.  That sounded like the food could be fabulous so, I made my reservations and off I went with hubby in tow.


The scene

I loved the building!  Because it was built in the late 1700s, I wasn't surprised that there was so much history inside.  It used to be a tavern and I bet one of the USA's founding fathers used to imbibe there.  Also, when the USA's first president, George Washington, visited the area, Charlestonians hosted a dinner for him at McCrady's. How awesome, was that?

Shrimp in tomato water.