charleston on my mind

My husband and I are trying to figure out our vacation/travel schedule for the upcoming year.  Well, we are in the initial phases of discussion; which means, he's broached the topic.  ;)  I am itching to get back to Charleston, South Carolina.  The heart and soul of all that is classic and southern.
I haven't been to the Holy City in over 13 years, much, much too long. And, since it has been named the most friendly city in the nation by Travel and Leisure Magazine as of yesterday; here is what I am thinking.  Since my wonderful mate has never been, why not take him during the beautiful Historic Charleston Foundation’s 64th Annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens?  Whoo hoo!  And, to make it even better.....Southwest Airlines will begin offering direct flights from my local airport, Long Island Islip Macarthur Airport on March 13th!  How awesome is that for timing! So excited!  Can't wait to show hubby all that Charleston has to offer and see the gardens and homes that I so dearly love.
 

Experience the intimate charm and elegance found only beyond Charleston's private garden gates and historic thresholds during Historic Charleston Foundation’s 64th Annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens. Tickets for the spring 2011 tours go on sale Nov. 1, 2010.  Here are the details:

March 17 - April 16, 2011

Set amid the historic ambience of the city’s Old & Historic District, this series of award-winning tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. These tours provide a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences, dating to the 18th century.

Visit Charleston to see why it has been renowned for three centuries as “a city set in a garden.” The Festival is set during the peak of the city's blooming season. Tours feature seven to 10 properties each day in one of 11 neighborhoods, dating from the American colonial period, through the antebellum and Victorian eras, to early 20th century. Beautiful architecture and lush gardens are woven throughout the historic neighborhoods of Charleston, which has consistently been named among the 10 most courteous and friendly cities in America.  Tours and events vary daily to allow you to enjoy the diversity of this unique port city which traces its origins to 1670.