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Musical pairing – Again, Secrets In Stereo
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We loved our stay at 24 Pelican Reach on Isle of Palms just across the bridge from Charleston. Our cottage was an absolutely perfect combination of comfort, privacy and convenience. The property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac next to a beautiful lagoon with turtles and various coastal birds, and is surrounded by trees and landscaping that adds to its private and natural feel.
A short walk across the street and we found ourselves on a beautiful, wide, unspoiled beach with fantastic shelling as is evident by the pictures we took and shells we were able to collect. Sidewalks provide plenty of opportunities for both walking and biking and this gated community also provides dining opportunities as well as golfing.
Downtown Charleston is about 25 minutes across one of the prettiest bridges I’ve ever been on – make sure you get a good look at the first frame in the video above which was taken as the sun was setting – captivating! The city has such a great vibe – it’s deep rooted history is prevalent in the architecture and wrought iron scrollwork, musicians perform on the streets and The College of Charleston is smack-dab in the downtown district. There you will find horse drawn carriage rides and vintage bookstores complete with sweet kitties – and if you love food, Charleston is the place for you!
Baked has been on my radar for over a year and this little gem, specializing in quintessential retro desserts, did not disappoint; we got our sugar fix on granola, coffeecake, lemon scones, a cheesecake bar and a brownie over than span of seven days. Four-layer cakes, assorted cookies, marshmallows, pies and tarts and of course, their book, ‘Baked’ are also available. The lines can be long but customers wait patiently and the waitstaff does a great job of keeping everyone moving – all with a friendly smile. I would pack these guys up and take them with me if I could . . . but I can’t so I shall settle for baking their confections at home . . . tough job, but someone’s gotta do it! If you can’t get to Baked in Charleston or New York, never fear – you can also order online!
Caviar & Bananas was a real find; we happened upon this gourmet market and cafe quite by accident one day and boy, are we glad we did – in fact, we went back twice and stocked up with goodies to bring home! Located near the college, Caviar & Bananas is decked out with a full-service deli where The Professor ordered a Duck Confit sandwich that he’s still talking about and I had their day’s special which was a vegetarian sushi roll – out. of. this. world. I cannot even talk about it without my mouth watering. Seriously. The prepared food case was full of items such as grilled asparagus, glazed salmon, falafels with Tzaziki sauce, lamb chops and truffled mac-n-cheese just to name a few. Artisan cheese and locally sourced meats are used in all their sandwiches; greens and salad makings look like they were just picked from the garden and fill a grab-n-go case. Pastries and baked goods are displayed as if they’ve been styled for a magazine shoot, ready for a close-up. This place is extraordinary – a definite must visit if you’re in the area; if not, then you can still experience the best Caviar & Bananas has to offer from their online selections!
The conveniences of Isle of Palms, and its proximity to the great city of Charleston, made for a perfect week. A special thanks to Ginger for her excellent recommendation and special attention to detail – we’re already making plans to go back!
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Lindsey ~ I wish we were going to be there in 2 weeks! You won’t be disappointed in Caviar & Bananas – please come back and tell me what you think!
I will be there in 2 weeks and totally plan to hit Caviar and Bananas now. Thanks for the find!!!
Thanks Barbara ~ We’ve not participated in any of the home tours but I would imagine they’d be pretty spectacular; and yes, the cottage was a gem!
Your photos were beautiful! And what great beach finds!
I adore Charleston! I try to go every year to their home tours in the spring. It has such a charm about it….
Your cottage looks adorable!
Thanks Melissa ~ Finding a whole Sand Dollar was really awesome – wanted to buy a Lottery Tix that day!
Like the new look of Smith Bites! I’m in awe of sand dollars…love the pictures.
Thanks Sweetlife – I have a great love of the beach and finding a sand dollar that day was just the best!
love all the pics..the sandollar lovely…baked oh my!!
Heather, we love Charleston too! And you absolutely MUST go to Baked the next time you’re in Charleston! The Professor (my husband) and I own a audio marketing company so we have lots of editing software we use for our business – the one we used here, is by Animoto.
I love Charleston! It’s one of my most favorite cities. It’s actually where my husband is from and we got married. We haven’t been to Baked yet but I’m really hoping to get the chance to stop there on our next visit.
How did you do the video? Was it a certain system? It was really great!
Thanks Ginger – we really enjoyed our stay – can you tell??!!! That campus makes me want to head back to school!
I love this!! The photos are beautiful and the write-up wonderful – it opened my eyes to “Baked” and I can’t wait to go. I, too, love Caviar and Bananas – fond memories of an evening spent with my daughter there and across the street for a play.
Thanks so much – and if you ever get the chance, Baked is a must!!!
Beautiful beach photos! Jealous that you got to try Baked.