A Journey to the Past (and the Present)
by Paula Gail Benson
Riverview Holiday Inn from Website
Last week, I made a trip to Charleston, S.C., for an appointment scheduled early on Wednesday morning. I live about an hour and a half to two hours away, so I decided to go down the day before to be on time and not have to fight the traffic.
Years ago, on perhaps my first visit to Charleston, I stayed with my family at the Riverview Holiday Inn, an octogonally shaped hotel on the Savannah Highway that overlooks the Ashley River. I made a reservation to stay there. I remembered that the top floor restaurant offered a wonderful view of the marina and the city.
When I arrived, I learned that the stay included breakfast in the restaurant and that a shuttle was available to take me to my appointment, so I didn’t have to figure out directions or navigation. Breakfast was either a buffet or order from the menu. I thoroughly enjoyed the buffet. The phenomenal views were still available, and this time included the Ravenel Bridge in the distance.
Here are a couple of photos I took.
View of the Marina
View of the Bridge
Following my appointment, I called Lamont, the shuttle driver, who came directly to retrieve me. I had been thinking about going somewhere I had never been to in Charleston, the Bowens Island Restaurant, noted for its excellent seafood (particularly the oysters) and its shabby chic atmosphere. A few years ago, the restaurant burned down, but its owners rebuilt, and I had heard plenty of people brag it was the place to go.
After consulting with Lamont, who agreed it was an excellent choice and advised me to go before 3:00 pm to avoid the traffic, I headed to Bowens Island. As you can see from the photos, it is a relaxed setting that focuses on great food and customer comfort and service.
When part of my order was missing, the server brought me a full extra plate, which was absolutely delicious. I definitely will be returning, and Lamont gave excellent advice about the traffic.
Have you ever returned to a place you visited in the past and been delighted to find it still as charming as you remember? If you haven’t been and want to create a new memory, I recommend Charleston, S.C., and Bowens Island Restaurant. I predict you’ll love both.
Paula, you turned an ordinary appointment into a charming vacay! You’re my kind of gal!
Thanks, Saralyn. That’s high praise!
We were supposed to go to Charleston 11 years ago, but the entire city flooded the day before we were set to leave, and all the roads were into the city were closed. At least we didn’t get stuck in the middle of a massive flood event! It’s still on my bucket list of places for someday.
Lois, I do hope you can make the trip. It is well worth it. Come in the late fall or early winter when it’s cooler.
I’m just getting to know Charleston, since my brother moved there a couple of years ago. Haven’t been to the restaurant you mentioned, but it sounds fun. I’ll put it on the list for next visit.
Gay, let me know when you’re visiting. If I can, I’ll meet you there.
Love how you made the appointment into a mini-vacation. Charleston is one of those cities that I’ve been to but would love to return to. … and now I have a new restaurant for me to try.
Road trip! I’ll be glad to join you!
Paula, I’ve not been to Charleston but now I want to go. 🙂 I’ve not returned to a place I’d visited in the past, but I have a few in mind that I hope to get back to and I hope they are just as charming as I remember.
Mary Lee, I hope you get to travel to Charleston. Best wishes on all your journeys.
Lovely , Paula. What an adventure. The South mystery to me as far as history and culture as I’ve lived in only the Southwest and Rocky Mountains. Thanks for making it more familiar. So, I trust you made your appointment on time?