I’ve really been off the radar, haven’t I??

My beautiful mother came to visit me last weekend, and we had the most wonderful time! I can’t believe this was the ONLY photo I have of us together!

I picked her up from the airport on Friday morning and I had her traipsing all over Charleston in 86* heat. We went to lunch at Rue de Jean for a repeat meal of what I had before 🙂 And we talked, laughed, and talked some more, and then strolled King Street. Before we knew it, we were both so exhausted we had to come home and take a nap! I guess from all of the walking and soaring temperatures, it didn’t give us much of an appetite for dinner, but she did request a Southern treat. So, after much research about the best place for macaroni and cheese, we ended up at Cru Cafe. And they did not disappoint. Not only were we seated at the sweetest table in the corner of the outdoor patio, but the mac n cheese was so buttery and a little bit crispy and amazing. That will be a place I’m hitting up again before the end of this month!

Saturday, we were up early and headed to the Farmer’s Market where we got brunch. Then it was off to see Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, the Battery……White Point Gardens, and meander down cobblestone streets to marvel at the window boxes and other cute homes, like The Pink House at 17 Chalmers Street (which happens to be for sale right now!)

Look at this tiny door!  Then we took a late trip out to Middleton Place where we  walked the incredible grounds. The last time I was there, my Dad and I spotted an alligator sunning itself on the lawn. I had a quick thought that I should mention this to my mom as we were walking the narrow path past the Butterfly Lakes. Well, as soon as I opened my mouth, my Mom grabs my arm and says, “Sarah, walk, walk quickly!” So, we held on to each other while laughing and running past the same alligator only a few feet away! This is the stuff dreams are made of. I mean, look at this wedding that was being set up…incredible.

Afterwards, we went to Blossom and ordered the Crab and Avocado Toast, Blue Crab Ravioli and Steak Oscar. All of which were incredible. And for desert? Kaminsky’s Toll House Cookie Pie and Lemon Pie. Yum!

Sunday, we stayed home and just talked for hours before finally venturing out for a late lunch at Hominy Grill. I wanted to come here specifically as a belated birthday brunch for my Mom, because one of her favorite breakfasts is Huevos Rancheros, and I knew they had that on their menu 🙂

Then, we went to Boone Hall Plantation and absorbed that beautifulness…

On the way back, we quickly stopped on the Sullivan’s Island beach and drove past the Old Village Post House Inn, which you may remember from this post. We weren’t too hungry, but the weather was perfect for eating outside, so we decided to stay, and it was a great decision. We were the ONLY people eating outside, the hostess, Amanda, was super-sweet, and our waiter, Andy, was the absolute best. So calming and laid back, he didn’t mind that we lounged for 3 hours just chatting and enjoying our food, which was the Burrata Salad, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Lemon Berry Torte, Chocolate Pie, and Cheesecake to go. Yes. 3 desserts were ordered. It was truly bittersweet when I dropped her back off at the airport on Monday morning. But we really did have a wonderful time talking and enjoying being friends. I missed her so much as soon as she left!

The weather was incredibly beautiful while she visited-as evident in the photos. We really lucked out, because on Tuesday at 3:45, Emily texted me telling me that Charleston was being evacuated for Hurricane Matthew. I quickly showered, not knowing when I might be able to do it again, threw my most valuable things into a bag, and tried to figure out what to do next.

source

Luckily, I have some wonderful relatives (who I haven’t seen in 30 years) that live near Charlotte, NC and were willing to host me (for however many days I needed!) I left my apartment at 7pm and drove around for 45 minutes trying to find a gas station that had gas and didn’t have a line into the next street. I caved and went to the next closest one, and anxiously waited for an hour, hoping that they wouldn’t run out, then FINALLY started my 3 1/2 hour journey, which turned into 4 1/2 hours, and arrived in Charlotte at 2:30am. Not fun.

My relatives are so, so accommodating and are making me feel so welcome. They are Italian after all 🙂 Interestingly, in June, I went to visit the same family of relatives that live in New York, which we rarely get to see. But the NC part of the family couldn’t make it to the gathering. I had no idea that I’d be seeing the NC family now. I’ve been here since Tuesday, and I don’t know when I’ll be able to get back to Charleston, so their kindness is so incredible AND reaffirms that I come from good stock! Again, so many blessings.

It has really been a wonderful family gathering right in the middle of my trip!

❤