Last weekend May 27-28, 2023 was Doors Open Toronto weekend when over 140 buildings and sites opened their doors and invited the public to explore some of Toronto’s most architectural, cultural and socially significant sites for free. This year’s theme is City of Sound.
I chose to explore The Second City Toronto, one of the newer buildings to avoid crowds and lineup, and the sound of laughter is appealing. I made the right choice visiting The Second City. There was no queue. Visitors could explore the front stages, back stages and take pictures. Knowledgeable volunteers and staff were on site to answer questions.
The Second City Toronto
The Second City Toronto is the biggest improv comedy theatre and training centre in Canada. It has nurtured performers whose wit and friendly faces have dominated the comedy landscape on both sides of the border for decades. The list of famous alumni includes John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Joe Flaherty, Dave Thomas, Dan Aykroyd, Andrea Martin, Robin Duke, Gilda Radner, and many others.
This year, The Second City Toronto celebrates 50 Years of Funny in June and invites visitors to explore its rich history and see the original flooring where John Candy made history.
City of Toronto website
Here’s my The Second City Toronto photos. For more door photos, visit Dan’s #ThursdayDoors.
John Candy Box Theatre with the original flooring at the front of the red barn doors
The Main Stage
Theatre ’73
The Second City Bar
Chairs and bench in The Second City Lounge
I had fun exploring The Second City. As I left the building, I saw this attractive sculpture. Ah, how I’d like to have infinite energy!
Infinite Energy II by Mariko Mori
Weekend Coffee Share
Have you heard of The Second City or John Candy? Who is your favourite comedian?
I’d love for you to share what’s been happening, simple joys from your week and/ or favourite public art photos from around the world in the comments or Weekend Coffee Share linkup #121 InLinkz below.
The last weekend of the month is when I do my monthly review. What have you been up to in the past four weeks? Here’s what’s been happening in my corner of the world and what I enjoyed in May.
Family & Fleurs de Villes
My sister visited our Toronto family for ten days. The weather was mainly sunny during her stay. We did family activities together, including multiple outings, BBQs and a Mother’s Day celebration. The ten days flew by. I’m grateful for the quality time we shared.
While my sister was here, we walked the Fleurs de VillesVoyage floral trail on a beautiful sunny day in the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood. We oohed and aahed over more than thirty incredible floral arrangements. It was my sister’s first time to a Fleurs de Villes event and she really enjoyed it.
I include a slideshow of ten of the floral designs below, five outdoors and five indoors. To me they are art and since the event is free, it’s public art. Click on the arrows to move through the slides.
Champagne floral sculpture
Canadian Mountie mannequin
Chinese floral lanterns
English Garden
London Phone Booth
Germany mannequin
Japan Cherry Blossom mannequin
Spring in the Netherlands
Scotland mannequin
Spain mannequin
Fitness & Friendship
It’s been lovely to get outside and enjoy spring. I continue my cycling, walking, strength training and yoga. After having so many beautiful bike rides and walks this month, I feel like a multi-millionaire. Spring is in full swing which means everywhere I look there are newly blooming flowers.
Some of my 8K walks are with friends. We choose a different route for each walk and since we are in a big city called ‘A city within a park‘, we often start and end in a park. I greatly appreciate our friendship and the green space to absorb the peace and natural beauty of the outdoors without leaving the city.
LakeviewAssorted spring flowersFour goslings and their parentsDon Valley ParkBeautiful hikeTurtles in the sunPeoniesAlliumsGallery: Nature walks in May
Travel: Montreal
Last weekend I traveled by train to Montreal for a three-day visit. As I was in Montreal more for family than tourism, most of my time was spent with family. I took walks every day and enjoyed being in this dynamic city.
In the following gallery, top left, clockwise: Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, a National Historic Site of Canada; The Cathedral dome seen from Dorchester Park; Murals in Montreal Central Station designed by Toronto artist Charles F. Comfort and carved by Sebastiano Aiello depict Canadian life, cultures, industry and passages of the national anthem.
Gallery: Buildings and Murals in Montreal
On The Blog
The weekly Weekend Coffee Share and Photographing Public Art Challenge continued to thrive in May. Thank you to all who have shared updates, comments and/ or photos from around the world. I wrote my three ‘Postcards from Portugal‘. Here’s the links for May’s posts in case you missed any and want to catch up:
I’d love for you to share what’s been happening, simple joys from your week and/ or favourite public art photos from around the world in the comments or Weekend Coffee Share linkup #120 InLinkz below.
Today’s post is the third of three in my Postcards from Portugal series. The first post on Lisbon, Cascais & Sintra is here. The second post on Évora, Fátima & Tomar is here. As usual, when you see an image gallery, click on an image to get a better view and use the arrows to move through the gallery.
Coimbra
On Day 6, from Tomar, I headed north to Coimbra, the third-largest city in Portugal. I visited the University of Coimbra, among the oldest universities in Europe, with more than 700 years of history, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival, I met two University of Coimbra students in their uniforms. They were fundraising for their upcoming graduation. The university campus has amazing art and architectural details in all directions. The walkway to the main courtyard has unique star-shaped tile design. I took time to look up, down, left, right and around to appreciate this incredible site.
Students in robes at the University of Coimbra
In the photo below, note the distinct tiles on the roof, the beautiful columns, statues and carvings that frame the entrance. Then there is a small black iron gate at the entrance with some garments. The tradition is that once the students receive their final marks and pass, they throw their gowns as high up on the entrance as possible. Some of the gowns get stuck there.
The university’s Palace Gate
A mosaic of the university’s seal in front of the main gate
The University Tower in the main courtyard
The Minerva Stairs – A popular spot for graduation photography
Doors in Manueline style
The tour at the university is very interesting and shows beautiful art and architecture inside. Most rooms have gorgeous tiles (azulejos) on the walls, paintings on the ceilings and texture-rich furnishings.
The jewel at the University is the stunning Joanine Library with its rich baroque decor. However, no photography is allowed inside. I learned that there are small bats in the library. They eat insects and naturally preserve the books. Each night, all surfaces in the library are covered with fine leather to protect them from bat droppings.
Entrance to Joanine Library (left); St. Michael’s Chapel founded in 1290 (right)
Porto
From Coimbra I continued my journey to Porto (or Oporto), Portugal’s second largest city with a 2000-year history. The Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I visited the Church of St. Francis and and walked the upper part of Porto to get a fantastic view of the city, the Clerigos Tower and the Duoro River.
A palace well worth visiting is the Stock Exchange Palace, renowned for its exquisite neoclassical façade and ornate gilded Arabian Hall.
The Stock Exchange PalaceMain StaircaseA corner at the Hall of NationsHallwayArabian RoomGallery: The Stock Exchange Palace in Porto
On the last afternoon in Porto I enjoyed a Douro River Cruise to view the city from a new perspective. The boat passed by the numerous port wine cellars and under the magnificent bridges crossing the Duoro river valley. I visited a Port Wine Cellar for a tasting. It was a wonderful way to end my trip.
Views of Porto from the Duoro River BridgesPort wine cellarWhite and Ruby port wineGallery: Duoro river cruise and Port wine tasting
Weekend Coffee Share
This post concludes my three-part ‘Postcards from Portugal‘ series. Thank you for following along. For more door photos, visit Dan’s #ThursdayDoors photo challenge.
I’d love for you to share what’s been happening, simple joys from your week and/ or favourite public art photos from around the world in the comments or Weekend Coffee Share linkup #119 InLinkz below.
Today’s post is the second of three in my Postcards from Portugal series. The first post on Lisbon, Cascais & Sintra is here. As usual, when you see an image gallery, click on an image to get a better view and use the arrows to move through the gallery.
Évora
On Day 4, I headed to Évora, 140 km east from Lisbon. Évora is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns and the whole city of Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, I headed to Évora’s main square, the Praça do Giraldo, and walked through the cobbled streets of this former royal town.
Évora’s Praça do GiraldoEvora’s St. Anthony Church since 1557
My first stop was the Roman Temple of Évora, built in the first half of 1st century AD and dedicated to Emperor Augustus, first emperor of Rome. This Roman Temple is Évora’s most iconic monument and is considered one of the best preserved Roman ruins on the Iberian peninsula.
The Roman Temple of Évora
My second stop was the Cathedral of Évora. Its construction, in the Roman-Gothic style, was started around 1280 and finished by 1350. Impressive art and architecture found throughout the Cathedral.
FaçadeInteriorWall, Transept and TowerCloistersAltar with marble columnsPregnant Virgin MaryGallery: Cathedral of Évora
My third stop was the Church of St. Francis that is famous for its Ossuary chapel or Chapel of Bones. Built in the first half of the 17th century by Franciscan monks, the Chapel’s walls are decorated with thousands of human bones and skulls, which came from ordinary people who were buried in Évora’s medieval cemeteries. Above the chapel entrance: “Nos ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos” or “We bones that are here await yours.”
EntranceAltar & OssuaryWall of bones & skullsWall of bones & skullsTwo dessicated corpses in glass casesWindow framed by bones & skullsGallery: Chapel of Bones
Leaving the Chapel of Bones, I took a stroll wandering Évora’s small streets, admiring the art and architecture, and browsing souvenir shops. Évora is located in Portugal’s Alentejo region which is known for its cork cultivation. It’s a good place to buy all kinds of things made from cork.
Fátima
On Day 5, I left Lisbon behind and traveled north through the scenic Portuguese countryside to Fátima, one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its Sanctuary welcomes millions of pilgrims from all over the world. Fátima’s fame is due to the Marian Apparitions that appeared to three shepherd children in 1917.
Here, I visited the Sanctuary of Fátima. It’s a huge U-shaped shrine complex built in neoclassical style, flanked by colonnades linking it with the extensive convent. I happened to be at the shrine complex on Palm Sunday morning. Hundreds if not thousands of people arrived to attend mass.
People carried flowers or local tree branches and candles of different lengths (the long, 5 ft candles are for adults, shorter candles are for children). Some people ‘walked’ on their knees. Some came with folding chairs for a long stay. It was clearly a spiritual experience for the pilgrims to be there. The nearby market sells all sorts of trinkets, souvenirs and candles in the shapes of various body parts.
Gallery: The Sanctuary of Fátima
Tomar
From Fátima I continued my journey to Tomar, one of Portugal’s historic jewels. Upon arrival, I had lunch in a small eatery near Tomar’s main square before visiting the hilltop Convent of Christ, former seat of Knights Templar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Construction of the Convent of Christ in Tomar began in 1160 in Manueline architectural style. Click here for a history summary of this large monumental complex. Once again, impressive art and architecture found throughout the Convent.
ExteriorArchesChurch Central DrumMain DormitoryCourtyardQuartersGallery: Convent of Christ in Tomar
I stayed overnight in Tomar and left for Coimbra the next morning. More to follow.
I’d love for you to share what’s been happening, simple joys from your week and/ or favourite public art photos from around the world in the comments or Weekend Coffee Share linkup #118InLinkz below.
I traveled to Portugal in the last week of March and first week of April this year. It was my second time visiting Portugal. On this trip, I explored eight cities and towns and had a wonderful time with many new experiences.
Today’s post is the first of three in my Postcards from Portugal series. As usual, when you see an image gallery, click on an image to get a better view and use the arrows to move through the gallery.
Lisbon
I began my adventures in captivating Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe, and known as the city of seven hills. Since it was my second time in Lisbon, I chose to revisit a few favourites at a leisurely pace. On Day 1, I took the metro to Rossio Square which is the liveliest area in Lisbon and the meeting place for the people of Lisbon and visitors.
Rossio Square with its Fountain (foreground), Statue of Don Pedro IV, the Soldier King of Portugal (centre) and Doña Maria II National Theatre built in 1842 (background).
On the perimeter of Rossio Square and its surrounding streets, there are many shops, bars and restaurants. I walked past Rossio railway station, to Restorers Square and all the way to the top of Edward VII’s Park to enjoy a magnificent view over the hills of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
Rossio railway station with its impressive façade, built in 1887
St. George Castle in the backgroundCafé Nicola since 1929Tribute to the Pavers by sculptor Sergio StichiniMonument at The Restorers SquareEdward VII ParkEdward VII Park
On Day 2, I headed to Commerce Square and the riverfront to see the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On my first visit to Portugal I had toured the interior of Belém Tower so this time I just admired its Portuguese Gothic (Manueline) exterior and the river views.
Belém Tower, built between 1515 and 1519
Near the Belém Tower is the 52-metre (170 ft) tall Monument to the Discoveries. It’s shaped like a ship, with 32 figures lined up on a stylized prow, representing personalities from the 15th and 16th centuries following Prince Henry, the Navigator. Only one of them is a woman, Queen Phillipa of Lancaster, who was Prince Henry’s mother.
Monument to the Discoveries opened in 1958
My next stop is the Monastery of the Hieronymites or Jerónimos Monastery, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also in Portuguese Gothic (Manueline) style. I toured the monastery’s main church, the Church of Santa Maria. Its unique nave has six columns which are perfectly sculpted. The tombs of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama and poet Luis de Camões are in the church.
Jerónimos Monastery South Portal
Jerónimos Monastery and the Church of Santa Maria
Cascais
On Day 3, from Lisbon, I headed to Cascais, a seaside town located on the Atlantic coast, about 25 km west of Lisbon. Historically, Cascais was the summer retreat of the Portuguese nobility. The trip from Lisbon to Cascais offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, especially from Estoril to Cascais.
I got a good stroll around Cascais, along its palmetto tree-lined main street that leads to the beachfront promenade. There are many eateries and shops on the main street and food and souvenir stalls by the beachfront. The promenade has beautiful cream and black wave design as this is a seaside town. The beach and the main square started filling up with people by mid-day.
Tile mural (azulejos) showing Cascais beachfront promenade and villas
Main streetWavy-tiled promenadeMain squareBeach statueMarinaGallery Cascais
Sintra
From Cascais, I continued north to Sintra, the ancient summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Since I had visited Pena Palace on my first trip to Portugal, on this trip I chose to visit Sintra National Palace, a 15th-century royal residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace contains one of the largest tile collections in Portugal.
Sintra National Palace
Swan RoomTile-framed FireplaceGolden ChamberGorgeous azulejosCeiling in Coat of Arms RoomTiled mural in Heraldic HallCentral Patio & 2 ChimneysGardens with twisted Manueline columnGallery: Sintra National Palace
On Day 4, I headed to Évora, 140 km from Lisbon. More to follow.
Weekend Coffee Share
I’d love for you to share what’s been happening, simple joys from your week and/ or favourite public art photos from around the world in the comments or Weekend Coffee Share linkup #117 InLinkz below.
This week I resumed organizing my digital images. Today’s batch includes five utility boxes designed and painted by three Toronto-based artists. I organized these images under the Outside the Box | People theme and listed them by artist’s last name below.
Gary Taxali’s Designs
Gary Taxali is a Canadian contemporary fine artist and illustrator known for his iconic retro style pop art and illustration. The following two “Good Fun” boxes have subtle differences between them.
Gary Taxali’s design, Box #1 – Front view
Gary Taxali’s Design, Box #1 – Side view
Gary Taxali’s design, Box #2 – Front view
Gary Taxali’s design, Box #2 – Back and side views
Colin Tea’s Design
Colin Tea is a Toronto-based artist who is also known as Colin Turner Bloom. The design is meant to transport those passing by into the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Colin Tea’s design – Front view
Colin Tea’s design – Back and side views
Madeline Yee’s Designs
Madeline Yee is a Canadian illustrator and animator. The designs on two back-to-back boxes feature people activities in the neighbourhood.
Madeline Yee’s design, 2022
Madeline Yee’s design – Box #1
Madeline Yee’s design – Box #2
Weekend Coffee Share
I enjoyed checking out the designs on these boxes and discovering Toronto-based artists. I usually look up the artists after my walk to learn more about their art portfolios.
Did you like any of the above designs? For more door photos, visit Dan’s #ThursdayDoors photo challenge.
I’d love for you to share what’s been happening, simple joys from your week and/ or favourite public art photos from around the world in the comments or Weekend Coffee Share linkup #115 InLinkz below.
It was my first week back from Portugal and back to the familiarity of home. I resumed my exercise routine, chatted with family and friends, booked coffee and walk dates, restocked the refrigerator, did laundry, and caught up on emails and blogs.
It was also a week with plenty of sunshine and unusually warm temperatures. The daytime high temperatures reached 29C (84F) on Wednesday and 31C (88F) on Thursday. I was happy to cycle to some of my favourite places in the city. I also took daily walks, met friends and together we enjoyed spotting spring flowers and watching birds and turtles.
Seven Fun Outings
Here’s a selection of my nature photos from Toronto, taken in the past seven days.
1. Friday bike ride along a string of parks with beautiful views of Lake Ontario2. Saturday walk: Soft pink glory-of-the-snow and grape hyacinths cover the grounds
3. Sunday bike ride and walk: The big trees look like giant hands
4. Monday bike ride and bird watching along the Don river5. Tuesday walk: Purple and butter yellow crocus flowers open up in the sunshine6. Wednesday bike ride and hike with a friend: We saw about 50 turtles sunning on tree logs7. Thursday walk with another friend: We adored these puschkinia, hellebores and white star magnolias
One Mural
To continue my floral theme, for the Photographing Public Art Challenge (PPAC) this week, here’s a mural painted by Alexandra. It was on the side of a flower stall in Rossio Square in Lisbon, Portugal. Obrigado means thank you.
Weekend Coffee Share
How was your week? I’d love for you to share what’s been happening, simple joys from your week and/ or favourite public art photos from around the world in the comments or Weekend Coffee Share linkup #114 InLinkz below.
I’ve been away for about two weeks and have some catching up to do. Reflecting on the month just passed, here’s what’s been happening and what I enjoyed in March.
1. Sisters Time
My sisters and I had a fabulous reunion in the first week of March in Charleston, South Carolina in the United States. We had fun catching up, exploring and discovering Charleston together. I am grateful for the wonderful quality time we shared.
2. Friends Time
Last year I started my Tour of Indie Cafés and enjoyed discovering a dozen cafés with family and friends. I decided to do a second tour with a selection of new-to-me indie cafés this year. A friend joined me for a 8K walk then we kicked off the 2023 tour at Neo Coffee Bar known for their coffee drinks, tea and pastries.
2023 Tour of Indie Cafés: Neo Coffee Bar
3. Winter Stations
I cycled to Woodbine Beach for a beach and art walk on a gorgeous sunny day. I enjoyed viewing the Winter Stations public art exhibition with the theme Radiance. To see the winners of the 2023 Winter Stations competition, use the arrows to move through the following 7 slides.
Delighthouse by Nick Green & Greig Pirrie
the (Home) by Scott Shields Architects
Winter-net by University of Waterloo Department of Architecture
3 Surfaces Pavillion by S-AR
Ripple Hut by Toronto Metropolitan University Department of Architecture Science
In my corner of the world, Spring officially arrived on March 20 with sunny skies and daytime high 6C (43F). I was delighted to spot some pretty crocus flowers, dwarf irises, snowdrops and winter aconites on the first day of Spring. Birds are active and their vocals fill the air. I’ve been enjoying longer bike rides and long walks. Time in nature is always a happy time for me.
Croci on March 20, 2023
Marina on the first day of Spring 2023
Dwarf irises
Snowdrops
Winter aconites
5. Exploring Portugal
I recently returned from Portugal. I had a wonderful time revisiting this beautiful country. On my previous trip, I explored Lisbon, Sintra and the Algarve. On this trip, I revisited Lisbon and Sintra, then continued north with a few stops until reaching Porto. Watch this space for my travel ‘postcards’.
Views of Lisbon from St. George Castle
When the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020, a few of my planned trips were cancelled. I am grateful for the opportunity to travel abroad again. I look forward to enjoying more travel adventures this year.
Weekend Coffee Share
I’d love for you to share what’s been happening, simple joys from your week and/ or favourite public art photos from around the world in the comments or Weekend Coffee Share linkup #113 InLinkz below.
As mentioned in my previous post, my sisters and I had a reunion in Charleston, South Carolina in early March. The Charleston Historic District is a photographer’s dream and anyone interested in architecture and history would enjoy wandering there. During our stay, we walked every day and admired many beautiful and historic homes and buildings.
Since I live a car-free lifestyle, I love that the Charleston Historic District is walkable and the streets are kept clean. Even though the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) operates three routes on the Charleston peninsula and the ride is free, we chose to walk and explore at our own pace.
Today’s galleries include photos of Charleston-style houses, doors and gates in The Battery and King Street neighbourhoods. I love the house architecture and unique black iron gate designs. Click on an image in the gallery for better view and use arrows to move through the gallery.
Charleston-Style Houses
I learned about five distinguishing features of a Charleston single house: 1) A long, narrow shape 2) A wider side 3) A faux front door 4) A porch, and 5) A consistent interior layout.
The Charleston single houses have tall, narrow fronts and are typically only one room wide on the home’s street-facing side. From the side, however, they can be the width of several rooms. Although single houses appear to have a centralized front entryway, this door actually leads to a small piazza or porch.
The piazzas always appear on the side of the house with the front door which, to take best advantage of local winds, will be the south or west side. The true entryway was typically placed along the porch, so the house residents could have more privacy entering and exiting their homes.
The Charleston double house faces the street at its full length—rather than just one room’s width. Charleston double houses are less common than single houses.
Gallery: Charleston-style houses
The Battery
This gallery includes photos of gates at different heights. Some gates are flanked by green plants or lion statues. The gate with the lamp atop is the entrance to the historic Edmonston-Alston House circa 1825. The pink house adds privacy with green plants on two of the three archways. The double wooden doors in the last photo are solidly handsome.
Gallery: Doors and Gates by the Battery
King Street
This gallery includes three narrow single iron gates and three wide double gates. Two of the single gates are slightly ajar. The hanging planters with pretty flowers and the red bricks are lovely to see.
Gallery: Doors and Gates on King Street
Weekend Coffee Share
I spotted this mural near Charleston City Market and thought it was perfect for today’s Weekend Coffee Share and Photographing Public Art Challenge.
Mural by David Boatwright, 2020 in Charleston
What do you think about Charleston-style houses? Did you see any door or gate you like? For more door photos, visit Dan’s #ThursdayDoors photo challenge.
Please note that there will be no linkup on March 31 as I’ll be taking a blogging break next week. I’ll return with a fresh post and resume hosting Weekend Coffee Share on April 7. Thank you.
I’d love for you to share what’s been happening, simple joys from your week and/ or favourite public art photos from around the world in the comments or Weekend Coffee Share linkup #112 InLinkz below.
My sisters and I recently had a reunion in Charleston, South Carolina in the United States. It was the first time we were in one place since the pandemic started. Charleston was new to us and was sort of “half way” for everyone so we decided to meet there and explore the city together.
I lucked out with the weather throughout this trip. My flights (which took place in between two snow storms) were on time including connections. While we were in Charleston, it was sunny or partly sunny with daytime high temperatures ranged from 23C to 27C (73F-81F).
We explored the beautiful Charleston Historic District on foot every day and took a side trip by car to John’s Island one afternoon. We also window shopped, savoured local cuisine and did near non-stop talking and laughing. Our reunion was joyful and I am grateful for the wonderful quality time we shared.
Here are my 7 favourite experiences in Charleston.
1. Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park offers 10 acres of scenic landscapes and water views, along with the beautiful Pineapple fountain that symbolizes hospitality. One length of the park is lined with palmetto trees and the other length is full of blooming pink, red and white azaleas. Within the park, big trees provide beautiful shades over benches and water fountains. On one of our strolls by the Charleston Harbour and Cooper River, we were delighted to spot playful dolphins jumping out of the water.
Pineapple Fountain
Waterfront Park entranceWaterfront ParkWaterfront Park – views from the wharfArthur Ravenel Jr. BridgeGallery: Waterfront Park in Charleston
2. The Battery and White Point Garden
The Battery is a historic seawall and picturesque promenade that hugs the shores of the Charleston peninsula. On this walk, we oohed and aahed at the stunning views, charming homes and iconic buildings. We ‘recharged’ at White Point Garden where several Civil War relics and memorials commemorate the city’s role in the battle.
The Battery
Gallery: Homes across the Battery & White Point Garden
3. Rainbow Row and Historic Buildings
We took an architecture walk to explore gorgeous and historic homes and buildings in downtown Charleston.
Rainbow Row comprises of 13 colourful, Georgian homes
Originally established in the 1790s, Charleston City Market features four blocks of historic buildings, artisan shops, traditional food vendors, and more. We enjoyed shopping and lunch here.
Charleston City Market entrance
Gallery: Charleston City Market since 1807 & Murals by Jonathan Green, 2011
5. King Street
It was fun to wander on King Street and discover antique stores, art galleries, trendy restaurants, and stunning homes and buildings.
Gallery: King Street
6. Southern Cuisine
Our favourite dinner was at Magnolias, a refined Southern eatery. We enjoyed several dishes and agreed the Shellfish over Grits was the best we’ve had.
Down South Egg RollLow Country BouillabaisseShellfish over GritsGallery: Dining at Magnolias
7. The Angel Oak Tree
We drove to John’s Island to visit the majestic Angel Oak tree with its wide-spreading canopy and massive limbs resting on the ground.
The Angel Oak
Gallery: The Angel Oak Tree
Estimated to be between 300-400 years old, the tree towers 65 feet high and has a circumference of 25.5 feet. Its area of shade is 17,000 square feet and its largest limb has a circumference of 11.25 feet, and a length of 89 feet.
The Angel Oak is a Live Oak (scientific name Quercus Virginiana) that is a native species found throughout the Low country (Coastal Carolinas). Live Oaks only grow along the Eastern Coast. It is said to be the largest tree east of the Mississippi.
The naming of the tree was acquired from the tree’s previous owners, Martha and Justin Angel, who owned the property, which dates back to the early 1600-1700’s.
Preserve The Oak information board
Weekend Coffee Share
I’d love for you to share what’s been happening, simple joys from your week and/ or favourite public art photos from around the world in the comments or Weekend Coffee Share linkup #111 InLinkz below.
Natalie the Explorer 