I’ve come down somewhat from yesterday’s Charleston high, and I can say with a clear head that I am not ready to pack up and move here tomorrow. For one thing, I’m not sure where anyone works here, unless it’s a restaurant, store, or art gallery. And as much as I’m loving this winter weather (50 degrees this morning; I ran in shorts and a tank top!), this must mean that the summers are muggy and miserable.

The thing that would bring me back to Charleston, however, is the abundance of delicious restaurants and Southern food.

Today, we had lunch at Hominy Grill, which is pretty famous for its grits. On a Wednesday at 11:55am, we almost had to wait for a table. It’s that popular.

I had some tasty pinto bean cakes with green tomato sauce, sour cream, and chow-chow. This was my first time having chow-chow, and it’s a mound of sweet and tangy pickled deliciousness. If I weren’t deathly afraid of canning, I would try to make it myself.

Meanwhile, Fiancé-friend ate the “Big Nasty Biscuit” with fried chicken and cream gravy. Curse his metabolism.

Later, we walked around the College of Charleston. It was very pretty, though quiet and abandoned without the students. I was surprised to find that on the peninsula, the surroundings go from ritzy/tourist-trap to [apparently] sketchy/dangerous without much warning. The CoC seems to be close to the turning point, though I can’t say anything for certain.

Want to hear about a poor decision we made? At Barbara Jean’s, where we ate dinner, we also ordered the “Chocolate Stuff” dessert. It’s basically chocolate sauce and undercooked brownie mush, topped with a mound of super-rich whipped cream. I’m pretty sure that I never want to look at food again. EVER. AGAIN.

This has been a super-fun little vacation and a great way to see a new city. Tomorrow, we have an early start to get back on the road to head back to Virginia, and then back to the frigid reality of Illinois.

Bye-bye, Charleston, I will miss you and your delicious sweet tea.