June 4th - Charleston, SC

​We did a self-guided walking tour of Charleston that tooks us from the Visitor Center all the way to the Customs House and Market and back - about 13,000 steps. We had to stop early because the dogs were so hot and tired! The churches, mansions and rich history from the Revolution through the Civil War were fascinating. The mansions were influenced by Italian and French design and featured beautiful gardens, porches and balconies they call "piazzas" here.

We tried to get a table at a dog friendly restaurant, but were faced with a 30-minute wait. We decided to instead make an early stop at Red's Ice House on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. This was a spot that Angie's sister, Theresa, and friend Kelly had raved about. It did not disappoint.

We got seats at the outdoor bar overlooking the active riverside dock. Pelicans flocked on the river and Dolphins frolicked by. The mid-afternoon crowd was abuzz. Boaters, kayakers and paddleboarders paraded by. Our favorite boat was a a circular floating tiki bar with an in-board engine. The skipper was also the bartender.