New Year’s Trip to Charleston, SC (Part Two)

Although I go to Charleston, South Carolina several times each year, I have never managed to go to see the Angel Oak.  Well, that is really not true.  I have been to the Angel Oak tree, which is located on Johns Island, one time before this visit.  I was not prepared for the tree being “closed”.  The first time I visited the tree, I was not aware that the tree was surrounded by

fencing and closed to the public at certain times of the day.  During that visit, I had to be satisfied with viewing the tree through the metal fencing.  This time, the tree was open.  I enjoyed walking around its spectacular beauty.  If you choose to visit the Angel Oak, be sure to check times of your visit.

If you are going to photograph the Angel Oak, you will have best results if you go on an overcast day.  Harsh, contrasty light would make photographing the tree difficult.  Also know that this is a very popular destination for visitors to Charleston.  If you want a picture without people in it, you will need to be patient.  It is also interesting to keep a person in the shot to add a sense of scale.  Many signs surround the tree.  Once back home, you can use your cloning tools to take those out of the scene.

My family and I always look forward to dining in Charleston.  We went to an old favorite for New Year’s Eve located in downtown.  We were most excited, however, by a restaurant we visited for the first time.  We found our new favorite place, Crave, using Yelp.  Crave was all “dressed up” for the new year.

Whenever I am in Charleston, South Carolina, I always order She Crab Soup.  Although Crave’s claim to fame is its macaroni and cheese dishes, I found the She Crab Soup to be a winner in my book!

We ended our wonderful New Year’s trip with a visit to the beach and pier at the Isle of Palms.  Watching the sun rise was a great way to start 2016.  I cannot wait to see what this new year brings.

 Happy New Year!