Glimpses of Charleston

A local's eye view

Classic Charleston

Some beautiful illuminated February blossoms set off by the grand house, a beautiful live oak tree, a wonderful iron fence -- all of which you can find at the corner of Lenwood Boulevard and South Battery.

Some beautiful illuminated February blossoms set off by the grand house, a beautiful live oak tree, a wonderful iron fence — all of which you can find at the corner of Lenwood Boulevard and South Battery.

St. John’s

St. John's Reformed Episcopal Church on Anson Street was built in 1850. In 1991 a garden was created behind it to honor of one of the congregation's members -- Philip Simmons, the renowned ironworker whose incredible gates and other works are found throughout the city. Access to the garden can be had through Simmon's famous "Heart Gate."

St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church on Anson Street was built in 1850. In 1991 a garden was created behind it to honor of one of the congregation’s members — Philip Simmons, the renowned ironworker whose incredible gates and other works are found throughout the city. Access to the garden can be had through Simmon’s famous “Heart Gate.”

Southern Migration

This beautiful house was built in about 1799, but was moved from its original location -- which was about 100 feet north of the current spot -- in 1967. It was moved to make way for the development around what is now the Charleston Gaillard Center. You'd never know that this was not its original home.

This beautiful house was built in about 1799, but was moved from its original location — which was about 100 feet north of the current spot — in 1967. It was moved to make way for the development around what is now the Charleston Gaillard Center. You’d never know that this was not its original home.

Spoleto USA

This grand house on George Street was built in the late 1790's, had a run of over 100 years as the home to the Charleston Commissioners of Public Works and now is the offices of the Spoleto Festival USA arts festival.

This grand house on George Street was built in the late 1790’s, had a run of over 100 years as the home to the Charleston Commissioners of Public Works and now is the offices of the Spoleto Festival USA arts festival.

Door!

This beautiful door leads on to the piazza of the second house the owner built on Limehouse Street. The first was built in 1857 and was sold after his wife died. In 1859 he built this one directly across the street from the first, after marrying his first wife's sister!

This beautiful door leads on to the piazza of the second house the owner built on Limehouse Street. The first was built in 1857 and was sold after his wife died. In 1859 he built this one directly across the street from the first, after marrying his first wife’s sister!

Oh My!

This part of the Charleston Gaillard Center looks a bit surprised. I've always wondered if that was intentional.

This part of the Charleston Gaillard Center looks a bit surprised. I’ve always wondered if that was intentional.

Hospitality Door

This circa 1774 house is a great example of the 18th century Charleston single house. The door, which opens directly on to the porch of the house, is called a "hospitality door." If the door was open, it signaled that you were receiving visitors. If it was closed, you were not receiving. The actual entry into the house is halfway down the porch.

This circa 1774 house is a great example of the 18th century Charleston single house. The door, which opens directly on to the porch of the house, is called a “hospitality door.” If the door was open, it signaled that you were receiving visitors. If it was closed, you were not receiving. The actual entry into the house is halfway down the porch.