A Night [Without Jack] in Charleston

Last Wednesday, we left Jack in the care of his grandparents and aunts and uncle while we headed for a night away in Charleston. We stayed at the Vendue Inn, in the French Quarter, less than a block from the harbor. Our hotel, a former warehouse in pre-war days, was charming and provided lots of luxurious amenities, like bikes for touring the city, citrus water in the afternoon, and cookies and milk at bedtime.

We ate dinner at Cypress Lowcountry Grille, an upscale southern-style restaurant. We shared an appetizer of candied bacon and Brian got the Steak Diane, while I ate the best filet mignon I've ever had.

We enjoyed exploring the historic parts of the city, like streets paved with cobblestones brought over from Europe as ships' ballast in colonial days and the Pink House tavern from the late 1600s. I also loved the private gardens -- houses didn't have yards in front or behind, but many had private courtyards that were beautifully landscaped sanctuaries from the busy streets outside.