24 Oct 2024
We were staying at Myrtle Beach. Charleston is a two hour bus ride south. We were conveniently picked up at 6:30 AM in a small bus in front of our hotel. The bus ride itself wasn't scenic, but our driver, Al, is a good guy. We were first dropped off in Charleston where we were met by our carriage, which holds 15 passengers, the same number as our group. The 1 hour 15 minute guided tour of the old town was interesting and entertaining. I had no idea of the beauty and historical nature of Charleston. It's amazing how they've been able to preserve so much of the city as it was 100 to 300 years ago (aside from the cars). Afterwards, we had about 20 minutes to shop at the famous market. We then met our bus and were taken to tlhe dock where we walked to our boat, the Carolina Belle. Upon boarding we received our lunches, half subs from Jersey Mike's. We then went on a beautiful 1.5 hour tour of Charleston Harbor, where we learned historical and contemporary facts about the area. Afterwards we met our bus and were transported to Boone Plantation, about !5 minutes away. Too many things to see at the plantation to experience in tne 2.5 hours you're alotted. But the grounds are amazing. The history of the plantation is extensive going back to the 18th century and beyond up to 1955 and current times. We had a tour of the mansion, a tractor ride around the grounds, and an amazing Gullah presentation. Would like to have had another hour or two, but there's only so much time in a day. The bus picked us up at a predetermined spot and drove back an hour and forty five minutes to our hotel. We arrived after 6:00 PM. The experience is highly recommended if you're not familiar with Charleston, South Carolina. That could be my next vacation destination.